Baron Corbin, Ricochet, and Samoa Joe have all advanced to the King of the Ring semifinals.
WWE has announced that Corbin, Ricochet, and Joe will face off in a triple threat match on Raw next week to determine which wrestler will advance to the finals. Corbin defeated Cedric Alexander in a quarterfinal match on tonight’s Raw, while Ricochet vs. Joe ended in a double pin.
Joe had Ricochet locked in the Coquina Clutch on the top rope near the end of their quarterfinal match. Ricochet then made them both fall down to the mat. They landed with their shoulders down and arms across each other. The referee counted the pin, and it was later announced that next week’s semifinal will be Corbin vs. Ricochet vs. Joe.
Prior to Corbin vs. Alexander, there was an angle where AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson attacked Alexander during a backstage interview.
Elias vs. Ali and Chad Gable vs. Andrade are SmackDown’s quarterfinal matches. Both are taking place on tomorrow’s episode.
The King of the Ring semifinals will be held on Raw and SmackDown at Madison Square Garden next Monday and Tuesday. The finals will then take place at Clash of Champions on September 15.
Date: September 2, 2019 Location: Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD
The Big Takeaway —
Bayley turned heel and appears to have realigned herself with Sasha Banks. Read more below.
Steve Austin will host a contract signing on Raw in MSG next week between Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman. They had a contract signing tonight but it was interrupted by the OC and for some reason, they can’t just sign the paper in private.
The quarterfinal match between Samoa Joe and Ricochet somehow ended in a draw and both men advanced to the semifinals next week. Baron Corbin beat Cedric Alexander to advance and will face both Joe and Ricochet in a triple threat.
Show Recap —
Universal Championship Contract Signing
Michael Cole hosted a contract signing between Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman. Both men received good reactions. They shook hands upon entering the ring. Cole asked how they would function as a team.
Rollins said he was no stranger to defending two titles and would do it again at Clash of Champions. Rollins intended on remaining a double champ after Clash. Strowman said he also intended on beating Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler, then asked Rollins how awkward it would be when his tag partner beat him for the Universal title.
Rollins reminded him that he slayed the beast, something Strowman couldn’t do, and at Clash the would slay the monster. Rollins signed the contract, but before Strowman could sign it, the OC interrupted. The crowd loudly chanted for Styles.
Styles mocked all of this, then wondered why Strowman was getting the title opportunity. It seemed like he only got the shot because he was Rollins’ partner and dumbly stared at the Universal title belt long enough.
Styles said he should get the next shot by proxy because he was US champion. He wondered who his opponent was going to be at Clash and figured it would be whoever looked at his belt long enough. He then advised his buddies not to look at his belt. He also mocked Roode and Ziggler, then threatened the men in the ring.
Cole tried to calm him down, then Styles said, “Shut up Michal Cole! I’ll slap your teeth down your throat.” The crowd cheered. Styles ripped up the contract and tossed it in the air. Strowman threw the table at him, then Rollins and Strowman cleared the ring and they abruptly went to break (about 11 minutes into the show).
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman defeated Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (w/US Champion AJ Styles) in a non-title tag team match
The OC worked over Rollins, then chucked him from the ring before he could tag out. Styles levelled him with a clothesline and they went to break. After the break, Rollins made the hot tag and Strowman ran wild on Anderson. He knocked down both opponents with a shoulder tackle, but missed a charge on Anderson and ran into the post.
Rollins gave Anderson a flying knee, then knocked Styles off the apron. Rollins then countered a schoolboy into a schoolboy of his own for the pinfall win.
Styles attacked Rollins immediately afterwards, but Rollins fought him off and gave him a suicide dive. Strowman then ran over both Anderson and Gallows with shoulder tackles outside the ring. However, Strowman also ran over Rollins by accident.
Ziggler and Roode ran out to attack Strowman. The OC joined in and they drove him into the steel steps. Rollins tried to make the save but Ziggler superkicked him and Roode gave him a Glorious DDT. All of the heels except Styles gave Strowman a Magic Killer, then they picked him up so Styles could finish him off with a Phenomenal forearm.
Charly Caruso interviewed Cedric Alexander, who commented on Baron Corbin playing dress-up last week with the crowd. He was suddenly attacked by the OC who laid him out. Cole and Renee Young wondered why the OC would attack Alexander.
Ziggler superkicked Hawkins, then Roode gave him a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win.
There were commercials for Undertaker on Smackdown next week and Becky Lynch on Steve Austin’s show after Raw.
Lacey Evans defeated Natalya (5:12)
As Evans made her entrance, Natalya’s music hit and she shoved down Evans on her way to the ring. Natalya was amused with herself and the crowd chanted for her.
Evans missed a moonsault, then Natalya came back with clotheslines and a snap suplex. Natalya called Evans a “nasty bitch.” As Natalya attacked Evans in the ropes, the referee pulled her off. Then Evans tossed her handkerchief at Natalya and clocked her with the “women’s right” for the pinfall win.
[Second hour]
Becky Lynch promo
Cole plugged Lynch’s match later (Lynch & Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross), calling it a first-ever women’s championship showcase. Ugh.
Lynch said Banks bumbled her way through all of her excuses last week, calling it a bunch of crap. She said Banks had nothing to complain about, noting that Banks was the centrepiece of NXT and main evented all the time once she was on Raw while Lynch was the afterthought.
Lynch said Banks and Charlotte Flair were paraded around like the frauds that they were, but she showed the Flairs why she was The Man, and it was time to teach Banks that same lesson. The crowd chanted for Becky.
Lynch said Banks left with nothing after WrestleMania, but Bayley has been doing just fine without her. She said it must hurt Banks that Lynch is the face of the company because it really could have been Banks in that position.
Banks came out on the stage. Banks said Lynch was right — she was supposed to be in the Mania main event and be on all the posters, but the only reason Lynch got the spot was that Nia Jax broke her face. Banks reminded her that she left her laying a few weeks ago. Lynch dared her to fight.
Banks said she wasn’t going to fight for free in front of these people. She said the only way she would fight Lynch was for the title at Clash. Lynch said all she had to do was ask and accepted the challenge. Banks said the Man would be the Boss’ bitch.
Backstage, the Street Profits were speechless over the last segment, then sent us to commercial.
King of the Ring Quarterfinal Match: Baron Corbin defeated Cedric Alexander (14:27)
I guess whoever is in charge of this show didn’t think it might be a good idea to switch the order of the KOTR matches to give Alexander some time to recover.
Alexander was in control until he fell upside down over the ropes and Corbin drove him into the post. After a break, Corbin was in control. Alexander ducked a clothesline and came back with a dropkick but Corbin caught him with a spinebuster for two. Alexander tried a slingshot move but Corbin countered into a Deep Six for a nearfall.
Alexander avoided a charge and Corbin went shoulder-first into the post. Alexander sent him into the post three more times, kicked away at his shoulder, then hit a flip dive. Alexander caught him with a kick off the top but Corbin kicked out.
The crowd chanted for Alexander as he reversed an End of Days into a schoolboy for a nearfall. He then hit a Michinoku Driver for another nearfall. Alexander tried a springboard move but Corbin tripped him off the top rope and hit End of Days for the pinfall win.
This was good. Alexander got a chance to shine and the crowd was into him. It should be noted that whatever happened to Alexander in his match with Cesaro last week was completely ignored. They instead focused on his bum shoulder, which was injured at the hands of the OC earlier.
They plugged NXT on USA.
They aired a recap of the Roman Reigns/Daniel Bryan stuff, then showed Bryan’s statement. They also showed Steve Austin’s tweet suggesting that he host a contract signing next week between Rollins and Strowman.
Caruso interviewed Bayley, asking her about Banks’ return. Bayley said nothing. Caruso asked about Banks’ comment about the tag titles. Bayley said Banks was still her best friend and they’ve talked about it, but she’s keeping that to herself.
She said Banks did take her ball and go home, but now she was Smackdown Women’s champion and suggested Caruso ask her about that instead. Caruso wondered if Bayley was being overshadowed by Lynch. Bayley said no, the Smackdown title meant as much as the Raw title, and we’d see who was standing in whose shadow tonight.
The Viking Raiders defeated two jobbers (1:23)
Before the match, Caruso interviewed the two jobbers who drove here all the way from Pittsburgh for this match. The Baltimore crowd booed them. One of the jobbers said they’d make the Viking Raiders look like a couple of Baltimorons. The Viking Raiders won with the Viking Experience.
Backstage, Sarah Schrieber (who appeared to be hiding in a corner) approached Banks and asked her if she was rooting for her friend tonight. Banks yelled at her to get out of her face.
Steve Austin will be on Raw next week at MSG to host a contract signing.
King of the Ring Quarterfinal Match: Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet (15:57)
[Third hour]
Joe was in control until Ricochet sent him to the outside and nailed a moonsault off the barricade. In the ring, Joe hoisted up Ricochet, crossed his legs, then drove him into the mat. Ricochet followed later with a Lionsault for two. Ricochet landed awkwardly on his feet, then Joe caught him with a Uranage before driving him into the barricade.
After a break, Ricochet came back with a forearm, front dropkick, springboard clothesline and standing shooting star press for two. Joe avoided a move off the top and hit a powerslam for two. Ricochet fought back with a superkick and a space flying tiger drop.
Ricochet went to the top but Joe went up and caught him in the Coquina Clutch. Ricochet countered and sent them both off the top. Each man had their shoulders down and had their arms on each other, so the referee counted to three but didn’t announce a winner. The crowd seemed surprised.
The referee went to the timekeeper’s area and asked for a headset to talk with someone in the back. I guess he was willing to count the fall but had no idea who won. After talking with someone in the bank, Ricochet asked him what happened and who won. The referee said a ruling would be made later as he left up the ramp. Joe tried to attack but Ricochet fouth him off. This was weird.
Strowman confronted Rollins about Austin being involved next week. He thought maybe they were in cahoots. Rollins noted how ridiculous this was, and how ridiculous it was that Strowman was worried about that after they got jumped by five guys. Rollins let him know that he’s turned his back on his partners before, and also knows what it’s like to get stabbed in the back by his best friend. But Rollins assured him he doesn’t have anything to worry about and was fine with Austin moderating next week. Strowman said if Austin got in his face, he would get these hands.
Firefly Fun House
Bray Wyatt thought what the Fiend did to Finn Bálor was super duper rude and apologized on behalf of everyone at the Firefly Fun House. The Vince McMahon puppet appeared and asked how he dares to challenge Seth Rollins or Braun Strowman to a title match at Hell in a Cell. Wyatt let Vince know that he was making something and pulled out a wad of cash. Dollar signs appeared in Vince’s eyes, then Bray fed him dollar bills. The Vince puppet was happy and left. Bray said “see you in hell” as the Fiend mask briefly appeared.
Backstage, Corbin told Corey Graves that he’s getting a bye into the KOTR final. The referee told him that wasn’t true, that instead, Corbin would face both Joe and Ricochet in a triple threat match. Corbin was displeased.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio told Caruso that he wasn’t done and he had much more to accomplish. He was doing it for his son Dominick. The crowd applauded.
The Miz defeated Cesaro (5:07)
Cole noted that Miz could tie the Intercontinental title record on Sunday if he beats Shinsuke Nakamura. He didn’t mention who has the record. (It’s Chris Jericho.) The announcers also talked about Cesaro’s match at NXT UK Takeover on the weekend. Graves said the match reinvigorated Cesaro. Miz beat him clean with the Skull Crushing Finale in five minutes.
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch & Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley defeated Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross via DQ in a non-title match (10:44)
Bliss wrestled in a t-shirt. Less than two minutes into the match, Banks came out to her music and they went to break.
Cross and Bliss worked over Bayley. Lynch eventually got a hot tag and attacked Bliss with strikes, a running forearm and diving leg drop but Cross broke up the cover. Lynch gave Cross an Exploder, then kicked her out of the ring. As Lynch booted Bliss, Banks attacked Lynch from behind for the DQ.
Banks attacked Lynch with a chair until Bayley jumped in and pulled the chair away. Bayley then smiled at Banks and attacked Lynch repeatedly with the chair. The crowd popped for the turn, then erupted in Yes chants. They abruptly went off the air as they ran out of time.
Date: August 26, 2019 Location: Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA
The Big Takeaway —
Ricochet and Baron Corbin advanced in the King of the Ring tournament. Drew McIntyre and The Miz are out. Ricochet beat McIntyre in a pretty good match. There was also an excellent match between Cedric Alexander and Cesaro.
Despite the two good matches, Raw was a slog to get through, brought down by an abysmal tag team gauntlet match and a DQ in the U.S. title main event.
Becky Lynch was not on the show. Seth Rollins was in one backstage segment.
Show Recap —
Sasha Banks kicked off the show. Michael Cole let us know that it’s Boss Time. After Banks hit the ring, they aired a video package that was over two and a half minutes long.
Banks said she was gone for four months, minding her own business, but all she heard was people talking about her. The crowd chanted for Becky Lynch. People said she threw a fit, that she cried on the locker room floor after WrestleMania, that she took her ball and went home. She said that was all true.
Banks said she was relegated to a tag team match at Mania, one she didn’t care about or want to be in, while Lynch got to main event the show against Ronda Rousey. Banks left and took a few vacations with her pay, then noted that Lynch received much higher pay for being in the main event.
Banks decided to return, greeted her own friend Natalya and lied to her face, telling her that her dad would be proud of her. Banks called herself the standard of the division and was the talk of the division. She deserved all the glory.
Natalya’s music hit and she sprinted out (with her elbow/arm taped up) and tackled Banks. They brawled outside the ring until officials ran down to break it up. The women continued to brawl until they were finally separated and they went to commercial. A young fan let Banks know that she liked her blue hair. Banks didn’t get much heat at all for her promo.
The Street Profits were excited about Natalya vs. Banks. They ran down tonight’s card. Angelo Dawkins wondered what the hell a tag team turmoil match was. Montez Ford asked for a graphic and explained the rules as they appeared on the screen. They went on for a while running down all the teams that would be involved.
King of the Ring Round 1 Match: Ricochet defeated Drew McIntyre (12:51)
Cole said this was a big opportunity “for the man who believes he’s a superhero.” Ricochet cut a pre-taped promo reading off some unfortunate dialogue. He said some would consider McIntyre an immovable object, but he was willing to move him aside to climb the mountain. McIntyre said he didn’t care about the past winners and would exile all unworthy superstars as the king.
Cole said we’ve learned that McIntyre has some problems with smaller guys as he launched Ricochet all the way across the ring with a suplex (which was noted by Renee Young). McIntyre blocked a headscissors takedown on the outside and drove him into the barricade and ring apron, then they went to break two minutes into the match.
Shortly after the break, Ricochet mounted a comeback and hit a dive to the outside. McIntyre followed later with an inverted Alabama Slam for two. McIntyre tried a running splash in the corner but Ricochet actually caught him and carried him to the middle of the ring, which popped the crowd. McIntyre countered anyway into a suplex.
Ricochet came back with a springboard clothesline and standing shooting star for two. McIntyre blocked an enziguri and knocked Ricochet from the ring. Ricochet leaped over the steel steps and came back with an enziguri. Ricochet tried a move off the steps but McIntyre caught him with a headbutt.
Back in the ring, McIntyre set up for a Claymore Kick but Ricochet caught him with a superkick. Ricochet hit a few more kicks but McIntyre came back with a big clothesline and sit-out powerbomb for a nearfall. McIntyre pushed Ricochet into the turnbuckle, but Ricochet bounced back and hit a Codebreaker. Ricochet then hit the 630 for the pinfall win.
This was good. The crowd liked Ricochet and really got into the finishing sequence when they realized he might actually win.
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman backstage. She mentioned the conundrum of them having the tag titles given that every title will be on the line at Clash of Champions. Rollins was ready to take on any challengers at any time.
Strowman was still distracted by Rollins’ other belt. Strowman asked who he was defending the Universal title against next. Rollins played dumb, then asked if he wanted the next shot. Strowman basically said yes and issued the challenge. Rollins accepted. This was followed with a graphic for the match, which I guess they had ready in case this exact scenario played out.
Cole said they would be defending the titles at the PPV before wrestling each other for the Universal title. Young also noted that Strowman could have a third title if he beats AJ Styles tonight.
King of the Ring Round 1 Match: Baron Corbin defeated The Miz (10:01)
The Miz ran down his accomplishments over his 13 year WWE career (which spans about as long as Bret Hart’s initial WWE run). He said people ask him what he wants and he said he wanted it all. He said he would take the WWE iron throne and become “King Awesome.”
Corbin hit a clothesline and they went to break two minutes into the match. After a break, Miz hit his backbreaker to neckbreaker combo, which looked awful. The crowd chanted for Miz as he followed with It Kicks and running knees in the corner, then an axe handle for two.
Corbin came back with a Deep Six for two. Miz countered a chokeslam into a roll-up for two, then hit a DDT for a nearfall. Corbin used a schoolboy for two, then Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale for a nearfall. Miz missed a springboard move and Corbin hit End of Days for the pinfall win. This wasn’t a good match but the crowd seemed into it. They liked Miz.
After the match, Corbin sat in the big chair and put on the crown. He knew that the fans wanted anyone but him to win the tournament, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t wait to tell them “all hail King Corbin.”
Backstage, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows complained to Kayla Braxton about how unfair it was that Rollins and Strowman got a tag title shot out of nowhere last week, and that they had to go through tag team turmoil tonight. Anderson said they would prove why they were the only club that mattered.
Cole announced NXT to USA as they showed screenshots from various news outlets covering the story. They did this on Smackdown, too. Underwhelming way to announce it.
They aired a clip of the Rey Mysterio and Dominick segment from last week, then announced that Mysterio “returns” next week.
Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley defeated Tag Team Champion Nikki Cross in a non-title match (4:00)
They went back and forth until Bayley hit a vertical suplex and flying elbow drop for the clean pinfall win. They worked well together but this was short. Alexa Bliss was not there.
Backstage, Strowman told Braxton that it would be winner take all after he defends the tag titles, wins the Universal title and wins the US title. He intimated that he would take out the entire OC and nothing would stop him from winning the Universal title.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler won a Tag Team Turmoil Match (Gauntlet Match) to become Number One Contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championships
Match 1: The Viking Raiders defeated The B-Team (1:17)
Viking Raiders won with the Viking Experience on Bo Dallas.
Match 2: The Viking Raiders DDQ Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (1:12)
All four men brawled until the referee could take no more and called for a double DQ. Both teams are done. The crowd booed.
Match 3: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik (w/Kalisto)
Ziggler caught Metalik with a superkick off the ropes for the quick pinfall win.
Match 4: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated The Revival (5:06)
Ziggler tagged out and was still in the ring way longer than a five-count, which is what resulted in a DQ in the last match but didn’t matter here. Roode gave Scott Dawson a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win. Dawson had an unfortunate wedgie, which I guess was bad enough that the screen went black for a second.
Match 5: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins
This started during a break and was over almost immediately after it when Ziggler gave Ryder a superkick for the pinfall win.
Match 6: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated Heavy Machinery (5:29)
The referee rang the bell for the match to start with Ziggler and Roode both outside the ring. There was a cool spot where Tucker had Ziggler up in a vertical suplex position, then handed him off to Otis who finished off the suplex. Roode dropped the rope down on Tucker who fell out of the ring, then Roode proceeded to drive him into the barricade and steel steps (not a DQ).
Tucker ducked a Stinger Splash attempt and tagged Otis. Otis squashed Ziggler in the corner and gave Roode a spinning slam. Otis did the Caterpillar on Ziggler, then slammed Roode for a two count. Otis held up Roode for the Compactor but Ziggler superkicked Tucker, then gave Otis the Zig Zag on top of Tucker. Roode then gave Tucker a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win.
Roode and Ziggler are the number one contenders. The majority of this sucked. The crowd died after the DDQ but woke up a bit for Otis.
They aired a long recap of the Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Rowan and Rowan stuff.
[Third hour]
They announced Ronda Rousey joining Total Divas.
Banks’ music hit and Cole, like a trained parrot, said “it’s boss time” again. He had no enthusiasm in his voice this time and Graves made sure to point that out.
Sasha Banks defeated Natalya (3:59)
Natalya dodged a baseball slide attempt, then drove Banks into the barricade and hit consecutive vertical suplexes on the mats. Back in the ring, Natalya countered Banks again and hit a big German suplex. As Natalya tried to grab at Banks, Banks slid out of the ring and drove Natalya’s injured arm into the post. Banks then tossed her into a leather chair and into the post again.
Natalya avoided a double knee strike and applied a schoolgirl for two. Banks slipped out of a Sharpshooter attempt and hit a back cracker into the crossface. As Natalya crawled toward the rope, Banks grabbed her bad arm and wrapped it around her neck and Natalya tapped out.
Banks put Natalya in the crossface again after the match. She smiled as she did it, as she did when she hit the Bank Statement during the match. The crowd chanted for Lynch who didn’t show.
Backstage, AJ Styles told Kayla Braxton that the OC were screwed out of their tag match earlier, and people were doubting him against Strowman. Styles wasn’t intimated by Strowman. Styles said he would beat Strowman and give him what he deserves: nothing.
Cedric Alexander defeated Cesaro (10:53)
They traded strikes, then Cesaro killed Alexander with an uppercut as he attempted a suicide dive. Cesaro hit a gutwrench slam, then slowed things down with a chinlock. Alexander came back quickly with a slingshot flatliner, flip dive and springboard clothesline for two.
During a break, Cesaro smashed Alexander’s knee against the ring board and apron. After a break, Alexander came back with an enziguri. He hoisted up Cesaro while selling his leg, then hit a Michinoku Driver for two.
Alexander went to the top but Cesaro kicked his leg out of his leg and hit a superplex off the middle rope. Cesaro then applied a half grab but Alexander got a rope break. Cesaro came running off the rope but Alexander caught him with an awesome standing Spanish Fly for two.
Cesaro caught Alexander’s legs and initially applied a Cloverleaf but turned into a half crab again. Alexander countered into a victory roll for two, then hit a back elbow. He tried a handspring move but couldn’t quite do it because of his leg and Cesaro caught him in an ankle lock. Alexander fought him off and caught him with the Lumbar Check for the pinfall win.
This was excellent. They’re playing up Alexander having a bad leg going into his second-round match against Corbin.
WWE congratulated themselves on beating Monday Night Football on social media last week.
They aired clips of the 24/7 title going from Elias to Truth to Rob Stone (a guy on Fox Sports) back to Elias.
Schrieber interviewed Ziggler and Roode. They were excited to be a team. Ziggler also thought that the Universal title match would happen before the tag title match at the PPV, which seems unlikely. He called them the real main event and Roode said they were glorious.
Montez Ford talked about Raw but Angelo Dawkins was distracted thinking about the afterparty on Bourbon Street. The crowd cheered. Ford and Dawkins suddenly stopped talking when they saw Strowman, who began walking toward the ring. This looked so dumb. Strowman was just standing in the corner and only started moving when he got his cue. But the Street Profits had to react as though Strowman wasn’t standing there the whole time.
They aired a Bray Wyatt video package, going back to the beginnings of the Firefly Fun House segments.
I don’t know what the attendance is like for this show, but based on the camera angles and lack of crowd noise, it doesn’t seem good.
U.S. Championship match: AJ Styles defeated Braun Strowman via DQ (10:58)
Strowman immediately sent Styles to the outside and ran him over twice with shoulder tackles. Styles caught him with a kick and forearm back in the ring, but Strowman caught him with a chokeslam for a nearfall after Styles got his foot on the rope. Strowman then booted Styles from the ring and they went to break barely 80 seconds into the match.
After a long break, Strowman had his hands on Styles but Styles slipped into a sleeper hold. There were chants of “AJ Styles” and “Get these hands.” Styles avoided a big boot and chop blocked Strowman. Styles hit a forearm to the back of Strowman’s neck, then hit a Lionsault for two.
Styles followed with another forearm to the neck, then applied the Calf Crusher. Strowman sold it like you’d see everyone else sell this move, and even teased tapping out. Strowman then just got up to his knees and slammed Styles against the mat.
Strowman tried a powerslam but his leg sort of gave out. He tried a charge but Styles moved and he went shoulder-first into the post. Styles then shoved Strowman into the referee, who fell to the outside. Styles raked Strowman’s eyes then kicked him in the nuts (which was missed by the director).
Styles grabbed a chair and hit Strowman in the back. He tried that again but Strowman ducked and hit a powerslam but the referee was still down. Gallows and Anderson ran out to attack but Strowman fought them off with the chair. The chair was still in his hands as Styles began to get up. Styles noticed the referee was getting up, so Styles pulled an Eddie Guerrero and fell down.
The referee saw the chair in Strowman’s hands and Styles on the mat. Strowman pled his case but the referee didn’t believe him and called for the DQ. The crowd booed. Strowman handed out powerslams to all three men and posed as they went off the air.
– United States Champion AJ Styles (w/ Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) defeated Ricochet to retain his title
– Becky Lynch vs. Lacey Evans was supposed to be next, but Evans jumped Lynch on the ramp and down to the ring. They both went to the back.
– Dana Brooke defeated Sarah Logan
– Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins defeated The Revival
A hugfest started the match, with the two teams trying to show who hugs their tag team partner the best.
– Evans came out to inform the crowd that Lynch was too injured to wrestle and the referee should count Lynch out. The ref got to five before Lynch’s music hit and she came out for their match. They fought on the stage before heading to the ring to start the match.
– Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defeated Lacey Evans to retain her title
Lynch submitted Evans with the Dis-Arm-Her.
– No Way Jose defeated Robert Roode
After the match, Roode was upset, demanded another opponent, and wouldn’t leave the ring until he got one.
Braun Strowman then entered to one of the best pops of the night. Strowman beat on Roode until Roode escaped to the back. Strowman got on the mic and said he didn’t come to Fort Wayne just to beat up Roode — he wants a fight. Cesaro answered the challenge.
– Braun Strowman defeated Cesaro
Strowman won with a powerslam after a good back-and-forth match.
– Seth Rollins defeated Baron Corbin in a no holds barred match
Corbin came out first and demanded the ring announcer mention all of his accomplishments. The crowd booed each time she began. Corbin said “I can wait all night.” The ring announcer finally got them all out and finished with “Fort Wayne’s favorite son,” which prompted a deluge of boos.
Rollins then entered, struggling to walk and looking to be in serious pain after the angle where he was attacked by Brock Lesnar on Raw this Monday. Rollins got to the ring and revealed that his ribs were taped up.
The match began with Corbin attacking Rollins’ ribs. He hit Rollins with a kendo stick multiple times. A chair was brought in and Corbin hit Rollins as Rollins was going to dive outside the ring. Rollins teased a table spot, but Corbin put the table back under the ring.
Corbin berated the referee multiple times until the ref got tired of it and fought back. He laid in some shots on Corbin in the corner. The momentum shifted to Rollins, and after some crowd prompting, he brought out the table again.
Lacey Evans ran out to push Rollins off the top rope. She laid in some stomps to Rollins in the corner. Corbin propped up the table in the corner, but Becky Lynch ran in with a kendo stick of her own and took out Evans.
Corbin got in Lynch’s face to get her out of the ring. She started to, then came back in and blasted Corbin with the kendo stick. Lynch and Rollins tossed Corbin into the table and Rollins hit the curb stomp for the win.
The Universal and Raw Women’s titles will be on the line in a mixed tag match at Extreme Rules in Philadelphia tonight.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch will face Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans in an extreme rules match. Both Corbin and Evans will win their respective titles if either of them gets the pin.
In the WWE Championship match, Kofi Kingston is defending his title against Samoa Joe.
The Undertaker will also be in action at tonight’s PPV. He’ll team with Roman Reigns in a no holds barred match against Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre.
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show as well as the other major shows over the weekend, which are New Japan’s second and third day of G-1, AEW Fight for the Fallen and Evolve’s 10th anniversary show. You can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to all of the shows to [email protected]
Also set for tonight’s main card: Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross in a handicap match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Ricochet vs. AJ Styles for the United States Championship, Bobby Lashley vs. Braun Strowman in a last man standing match, Daniel Bryan & Rowan vs. Big E & Xavier Woods vs. Heavy Machinery in a triple threat match for the SmackDown Tag Team titles, The Revival vs. The Usos for the Raw Tag Team titles, Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler, and Aleister Black vs. Cesaro.
The pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time and will feature two title matches. Finn Balor will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura, while Tony Nese is set to challenge for Drew Gulak’s Cruiserweight Championship.
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By Dave Meltzer
FINN BALOR VS. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA FOR IC TITLE
Nakamura won the title in a short match when Balor missed the coup de graceE, and Nakamura did the Kinshasa to the back of the head and a second traditional one led to the pin. Balor did a flip dive early and the matfch was fine but they simply didn’t have time to do much, The TV match was much better.
DREW GULAK VS. TONY NESE FOR CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
Another short match that didn’t have time to bulid much. Some fans were into Gulak because he’s from Philadelphia but mainly quiet and very well wrestled. Gulak retained cleanly with two power bombs and the cyclone crash, which is a neckbreaker like move.
ROMAN REIGNS & THE UNDERTAKER VS. SHANE MCMAHON & DREW MCINTYRE IN A NO RULES MATCH
Really good match ending when Undertaker pinned Shane with a tombstone piledriver. Elias interfered and laid out Undertaker with a guitar shot. McIntyre laid out both Reigns and Undertaker with Claymore kicks. Shane did an elbow off the top rope onto Taker through the announcing table far away. Shane did the Coast-to-Coast dropkick into a garbage an on Undertaker. It looked like it was over but Reings came back. McIntyre took out Reigns with a Russian leg sweep on the floor. But Undertaker sat up. He choke slammed Shane and Elias. McIntyre went for the Claymore kick on Undertaker but Reigns jumped in and speared him to save Undertaker. Undertaker then hit Shane with the tombstone. They left the ring to Undertaker. It was definitely a strong comeback for Undertaker after the match in Saudi Arabia. They talked of Undertaker as being near the end of his career.
Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch promo. They talked about stuff in Philadelphia. Lynch said if they made a statue of Lacey Evans pidgeons would poop all over it.
They announced a Raw reunion show with all stars on deck. for the 22nd. It’s not an anniversary or anything. They’re just looking to pop a rating bringing in Steve Austin, Ric Flair, Booker T and tons of others.
THE REVIVAL VS. USOS FOR RAW TAG TITLES
Good match. As far as quality of work, it was really high. Lots of near falls. About what you’d expect from these teams. They had a hard time early following the previous match but in the end the crowd was with them. The Revival won clean with the shatter machine.
ALEISTER BLACK VS. CESARO
This was a hell of match. This was a different style tan you ever see in WWE. Just lots of strikes low kicks, forearms, knees and good mat wrestling. Black did a moonsault to the floor. At one point Black had a kneebar that Cesaro turned into a sharpshooter. They were exchanging all kinds of strikes until Black used the black mass to win. There were fans chanting “This is awesome” but a lot of fans didn’t see them as stars, but a lot of people conversely really liked it.
R-Truth and Carmella are looking for Drkae Maverick. Alexa Bliss gvae Nikki Cross a gift, a Bliss t-shirt, when The Street Profits showed up. They asked if they win the title where’s the part out. Bliss said if they win they are co-champions. The Street Profits laughed at them. Cross said they would do anything for each other and tonight they’ll become the first Smackdown women’s co-champions.
BAYLEY VS. NIKKI CROSS & ALEXA BLISS FOR THE SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S TITLE
Most of the match saw them working on Bayley but they kept Bayley strong including at one point she had an Indian deathlock on Cross and crossface on Bliss. Bliss bit her hand to break it and then broke it up. Bliss went for twisted Bliss but Bayley got the knees up. Cross tagged in and came off the top rope into a knee by Bayley and Bayley used the Randy Savage elbow for the pin.
BRAUN STROWMAN VS. BOBBY LASHLEY LAST MAN STANDING
This was a brawl all over the building including in the mezannine. At one point Lashley turned the German table over on Strowman but Strowman called out. Strowman suplexed him in a gimmick table wall. Lashley speared Strowman through a barricade. Strowman hip tossed him in the row of international announcers. They were in the rises and Strowman broke the railing and powerslammed Lashley off the risers into a gimmicked floor and they fell through the ground. Stromwan climbed out of the rubbish and was awarded the match. The crowd loved this chanting “ECW” when it was over.
DANIEL BRYAN & ROWAN VS. BIG E & XAVIER WOODS VS. HEAVY MACHINERY FOR SMACKDOWN TAG TITLES
This was great. The New Day won the bbelts when Woods pinned Bryan after the Midnight hour after a great echange with E and Bryan. Bryan was kicking like it was Japan to E chest and slapping him. Bryan did a backflip off the top rope but E caught him and carried him over to Woods for the Midnight hour. Bryan and Woods did a great opening spot with leapfrogs. Machinery did the compactor on Woods but E saved. E did his tackle on Bryan to the floor. Tucker even did a crossbody to the floor on E and Rowan.
Paul Heyman came out. He said “I am Philadelphia.” “I am the entire concept of extreme.” He said your spoiler is that Lesnar will be cashing in the Money in the Bank contract tongiht. Heyman said hje would leave with either the WWE title or Universal champion. Then he said “Am I telling you the truth or am I Paul Heyman?”
RICOCHET VS. A.J. STYLES FOR U.S. TITLE
Styles won the tilte with a reverse Styles clash off the middle rope. Basically it was the Styles clash except A.J. was facing the corner off the middle rope instead of facing away. This was very good and smooth but not great. It was more about the story that Ricochet kept having to deal with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson. They jumped him before and stayed out. Ricochet did a shooting star press but Karl Anderson told the ref that Styles’ foot was under the ropes. Ricochet went back to the top with the ref distracted by Anderson, Gallows pulled his leg and he was crotched on the top rope to set up the Styles clash.
DOLPH ZIGGLER VS. KEVIN OWENS
.Owens won with a stunner in 15 seconds.
Owens did a promo wanting Shane McMahon. He said he expected to get suspended or fired but since Shane was in with the Undertaker so he lived another day. Said Shane McMahon can kiss his ass and go straight to hell.
KOFI KINGSTON VS. SAMOA JOE FOR WWE TITLE
Crowd was kind of quiet as the show is now at the four hour mark. Joe controlled most of the match, which was short and didn’t build much, but was fine. The crowd was chanting “We Want Lesnar, No We Don’t” and out of nowhere Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise for the pin.
SETH ROLLINS & BECKY LYNCH VS. BARON CORBIN & LACEY EVANS FOR UNIVERSAL & WOMEN’S TITLE IN AN EXTREME RULES MATCH
Brock Lesnar cashed in and pinned Seth Rollins to win the title after Rollins had pinned Corbin in the tag match after three curb stops. The tag match dragged at points, but Rollins looked really good the entire match. It got really intense at the end. Rollins did a cross body onto Corbin off the top rope to the floor while Lynch did a senton off the middle rope onto the floor putting Lynch through a table. The match picked up when Corbin used the End of Days. Rollins went crazy on Corbin, nailing him with kendo stick and chair shots until pinning him after three curb stomps. Immediately, Lesnar came out, and hit two German suplexes. Paul Heyman cashed in the briefcase and Lesnar used an F-5 and pinned Rollins in seconds to win the title.
A stipulation has been added to Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans at Extreme Rules.
WWE announced this afternoon that Rollins & Lynch vs. Corbin & Evans will now be an extreme rules match. The match also has a winners-take-all stipulation, with Rollins’ Universal Championship and Lynch’s Raw Women’s Championship both on the line.
The mixed tag match was announced for the pay-per-view on last week’s episode of Raw. The announcement came the night after Rollins retained his title against Corbin and Lynch retained her title against Evans at Stomping Grounds. Evans was the special guest referee for Rollins vs. Corbin but was taken out by Lynch near the end of the match.
Extreme Rules is taking place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 14. The updated card for the PPV is listed below:
The Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans in an extreme rules match (winners-take-all stipulation with both titles on the line)
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Samoa Joe
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Alexa Bliss
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak defending against Tony Nese
After it was set up at Stomping Grounds, WWE has made a mixed tag match official for Extreme Rules.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch will team against Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans at Extreme Rules. Rollins and Lynch’s titles will both be on the line in the match, with the winning team getting the respective titles.
Rollins & Lynch kicked off tonight’s post-Stomping Grounds episode of Raw. They were interrupted by Corbin’s music, with Evans then ambushing Lynch. Rollins & Lynch fought Corbin & Evans off, then Corbin & Evans proposed the mixed tag match for Extreme Rules.
Lynch accepted under the condition that Corbin & Evans couldn’t get another shot against Rollins & Lynch if they lost. Corbin & Evans wanted another stipulation, and Rollins accepted without hearing what it was. Corbin then said Rollins and Lynch’s titles would both be on the line in the match.
Rollins retained the Universal Championship against Corbin in the main event of Stomping Grounds, while Lynch retained her Raw Women’s title against Evans in the opening match of the main card. Evans was the special guest referee for Rollins vs. Corbin but was taken out by Lynch at the end of the match.
Extreme Rules is taking place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 14.
Going into Stomping Grounds, WWE had yet to announce the special guest referee for Seth Rollins vs. Baron Corbin.
The reveal was left until right before the main event started, with Corbin choosing Lacey Evans to referee the Universal title match. Evans being the referee played into Rollins and Becky Lynch’s real-life relationship being part of their on-screen characters. After Evans slapped Rollins and low blowed him near the end of the match, Lynch came down and took out Evans.
Referee John Cone then counted the pin for Rollins as he retained the Universal title after hitting a Curb Stomp on Corbin.
Evans had added no countout and no disqualification stipulations during the match to help Corbin. She also refused to count to three for Rollins.
In storyline, Corbin got to pick his own referee for the match. The stipulation stemmed from Corbin losing to Rollins at Super ShowDown after Corbin got into an argument with Cone.
Lynch retained the Raw Women’s Championship by submitting Evans with the Dis-Arm-Her in the opening match of the Stomping Grounds main card.
The Universal Championship will be on the line as Seth Rollins and Baron Corbin face off at Stomping Grounds in Tacoma, Washington tonight.
There will be a special guest referee for the Universal title match, with Corbin getting to pick the ref in storyline. WWE has yet to reveal who the ref will be. Rollins retained against Corbin at Super ShowDown earlier this month after Corbin argued with referee John Cone.
In another rematch from Super ShowDown, WWE Champion Kofi Kingston will defend his title against Dolph Ziggler. This time, it will be a steel cage match.
Becky Lynch will again defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Lacey Evans, and the SmackDown Women’s title will be up for grabs as Bayley takes on Alexa Bliss.
The other matches set for tonight are: Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre, Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet for the United States Championship, Daniel Bryan & Rowan vs. Heavy Machinery for the SmackDown Tag Team titles, Big E & Xavier Woods vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, and a triple threat match between Tony Nese, Akira Tozawa, and Drew Gulak for the Cruiserweight title.
The pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time, with the main card starting an hour later.
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Pre-Show
The panel ran down the card for tonight. At one point, Xavier Woods and Big E joined the panel. Later, Ricochet joined the panel as well. Samoa Joe interrupted him on a split screen.
In the back, SmackDown tag team champions Daniel Bryan and Rowan were about to have an interview when referee Charles Robinson walked into the shot. Bryan freaked out and yelled at Robinson to leave.
Bryan complained about the tag teams being a joke. He said they’re saving the division and everyone should be thanking them. Bryan & Rowan promised to defeat Heavy Machinery later. Bryan demanded they keep all referees out of his shot. This was another great Bryan interview.
Drew Gulak defeated Tony Nese and Akira Tozawa to win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
This was a good match. Gulak nailed Nese with a dropkick to start it off. Nese tried a backflip, but Tozawa moved. Nese landed on his feet. Nese rolled up Tozawa and caught Gulak in a German suplex for a double pin near fall.
Nese cartwheeled off the apron and nailed Gulak with a superkick. Tozawa nailed a suicide dive on Nese. He then took out Gulak with a dive off the apron. Tozawa hit a dropkick for a near fall on Nese, but Gulak broke up the pin.
Gulak hung Nese on the middle rope and then gave Tozawa a suplex onto Nese. Gulak applied the Gulak Lock on Nese. Tozawa broke up the move with a huge senton.
Nese hit a springboard moonsault onto Gulak’s knees, but Tozawa broke up the pin. In an excellent sequence, Nese attempted a superplex, but Tozawa fought back. Nese ended up in the tree of woe. Gulak jumped up and gave Tozawa a superplex. Nese pulled himself up and missed a 450 Splash. Nese rolled up Gulak, but Tozawa hit a shining wizard for a close two count. The fans reacted big to this near fall.
Nese hit the running Nese on Gulak, but Tozawa rolled him up for a two count. Nese fought back and gave Tozawa a buckle bomb. The finish came when Nese ended up on the apron. Tozawa rocked Nese with a dropkick, which sent him into the barricade. Gulak then hit the Torture Rack into the neck breaker to win the Cruiserweight championship.
Main Show
Raw Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch defeated Lacey Evans to keep the title
On commentary, Michael Cole pushed the idea that Lynch and her boyfriend Universal Champion Seth Rollins have significant title defenses tonight. Corey Graves noted Lynch shouldn’t worry about Rollins title defense later.
The fans popped big for Lynch and chanted “Becky.” Evans rolled to the floor, but Lynch threw her back in. Evans attempted a kick, but Lynch caught the leg. Lynch was firmly in control and sent Evans into the turnbuckles.
Evans whipped Lynch into the corner. Lynch attempted a back kick off the second turnbuckle, but Evans was too far and missed. They re-did the spot and got it on the second try.
Evans dragged Lynch by her hair and wrapped her around the ring post. Evans worked over the ribs and arm. Lynch was selling the ribs but did the Matrix out of a pin attempt. Lynch locked on an armbar, but Evans made the ropes.
Evans pulled out a cloth, wiped herself and, then dropped it on Lynch. Lynch made a comeback and shoved the cloth in Evan’s mouth. She missed a leg drop off the second turnbuckle.
Evans hit a modified stunner and nailed Lynch with a boot for a two count. The finish came when Evans missed a moonsault and Lynch locked on the Dis-arm-her for the win. Evans tapped out immediately. The commentators highlighted the quick tap out in the replay. Graves said it was a good idea to tap out immediately.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman as he walked out of Baron Corbin’s locker room. Braxton wondered if Heyman would be the special referee for later. Heyman pointed out that the WWE Champion Kofi Kingston and Universal Champion Seth Rollins are here as well. Heyman walked off
Corbin stepped out of his locker room. He announced that he had chosen his special referee and picked an unbiased referee that will call it down the middle. After, he’ll deal with Brock Lesnar.
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated The New Day
The bell rang, and Owens superkicked Big E off the apron. He rocked Woods with a superkick and hit a frog splash for a near fall. Big E made it back up on the apron. The heels isolated Woods and cut him off from Big E.
Woods almost made the tag, but Zayn knocked Big E off the apron again. Woods fought back, and Big E got the hot tag. He ran wild on the heels and hit a big splash on Zayn for a near fall.
Woods lifted Big E on his shoulders and dropped him on Zayn. New Day set up for Up Up Down Down, but Zayn shoved Big E into the ring post. Woods landed on his feet, but Zayn caught Woods with a kick.
Zayn hit the Helluva kick, and Owens followed up with the pop-up powerbomb for a very close two count. Big E speared Zayn through the ropes. Woods climbed up, but Owens tripped him up. Owens hit the stunner on Woods for the win.
Nikki Cross approached Alexa Bliss in the back. Cross can’t wait for the world to know the real Bayley like they do. Bliss said it’s them against Bayley and the world.
Ricochet defeated Samoa Joe to win the United States Championship.
This was a good match with lots of good back and forth action. Ricochet used a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and dropkick to send Joe to the floor. Joe moved out of the way of a sliding dropkick. He took over and sent Ricochet back first into the apron.
Ricochet fought back, but Joe quickly regained control. Joe slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Ricochet fought back and rocked Joe with a kick to the head. He followed up with a hurricanrana and a springboard clothesline. Ricochet hit a dive to the floor.
Ricochet hit a missile dropkick and moonsault for a two count. Joe caught Ricochet with a power slam for a near fall. Ricochet attempted a handspring elbow, but Joe caught him with a German suplex. Joe then hit a huge clothesline for a very close near fall.
Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch, but Ricochet made it to the apron. Ricochet went for the 630, but Joe moved.
Ricochet rolled through, and Joe hit a clothesline. Ricochet landed on his feet and caught Joe with the code breaker. Ricochet hit the 630 splash on Joe to win the U.S. title.
In the back, Seth Rollins, Heavy Machinery, Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Curt Hawkins, and Zack Ryder congratulated Ricochet on his win. Triple H also congratulated him.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan defeated Heavy Machinery to keep the titles
Bryan got a massive reaction from the hometown fans. They broke into a gigantic “Daniel Bryan” chant. Rowan was about to start the match, but the fans chanted for Bryan. Otis and Bryan went back and forth. The fans booed Otis anytime he had the advantage.
Bryan fought back with kicks, but Otis slammed him down. Rowan made the blind tag and took out Tucker. He slowed the pace down and worked over Tucker’s neck.
Bryan hit the running dropkick in the corner, and Rowan followed up with a big splash. Bryan worked over Tucker’s leg. At one point, the fans broke into a “Drive A Prius” chant.
Bryan hit the running dropkicks in the corner on Otis but, Otis countered the third kick with a powerbomb for a near fall. The fans booed Otis and broke into a “Daniel Bryan” chant. Otis missed the Vader Bomb.
Bryan rocked Otis with the Yes Kicks, but he absorbed them. He fought back and hit the Caterpillar. Tucker missed a moonsault, but his legs still caught Bryan. Otis and Rowan traded clotheslines in the middle of the ring.
Bryan made the blind tag and took out Otis. He attempted a suicide dive, but Tucker nailed him. Tucker hit a crossbody to the floor on Rowan. In the ring, Tucker went after Bryan, but Bryan used a small package for the win.
Bliss had the early advantage. She slowed the pace down and applied a chin lock. Bayley briefly fought back, but Bliss took back over. Bliss slapped Bayley, but Bayley fought back with a clothesline. Bayley caught Bliss with a big knee that sent her to the floor.
Bayley missed the dropkick through ring post, and Bliss sent Bayley shoulder first into the ring post. Bliss worked over Bayley’s shoulder and arm. Bliss attempted a tilt-a-whirl, but Bayley countered with a back suplex.
Bayley gave Bliss the sunset flip bomb into the turnbuckle. Bliss rolled to the floor and Cross checked on her. Bayley attempted a suicide dive on Bliss, but she pushed Cross in the way. Bliss took over with a sunset flip bomb on the floor.
Bliss went up for Twisted Bliss, but Cross came in the ring. She was mad at Bayley for hitting her with the suicide dive. The referee made Cross leave the ring. Bayley went up after Bliss, but she pushed her off. Bliss went for Twisted Bliss, but Bayley got her knees and hit the Bayley-to-Belly for the win.
They recapped Drake Maverick defeating R-Truth to win the 24/7 Championship last week on SmackDown. R-Truth regained the title at Maverick’s wedding. Maverick’s wife posted a tweet that she wants a divorce, and the fans booed.
In the back, new U.S. champion Ricochet was taking pictures when Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows approached. They joined in on the photo shoot. AJ Styles approached and told Ricochet he’ll see him tomorrow.
Roman Reigns defeated Drew McIntyre (w/Shane McMahon)
McIntyre and Reigns brawled in the aisle way before the bell rang. Reigns hit a huge dive over the top rope to the floor. Reigns chased McMahon through the crowd. This gave McIntyre the chance to gain control.
Reigns made a brief comeback, but McIntyre used a suplex for a near fall. He slowed the pace down and worked over the arm. They traded stiff shots in the middle of the ring. Reigns set up for the Superman Punch, but McMahon jumped up on the apron. Reigns hit the Superman Punch on McMahon instead.
McIntyre and Reigns brawled on the floor. Reigns missed the Drive-by and McIntyre dropped him face first on the announce table. McIntyre then gave Reigns a superplex for a two count. McIntyre set up for the Claymore kick but Reigns countered with backslide for a near fall.
McIntyre hit the Glasgow Kiss and climbed to the top. Reigns caught him with the Superman Punch for a near fall. Reigns hit the spear, but McMahon attacked the referee. The referee might have injured his knee during the attack.
McMahon dragged Reigns to the corner and hit coast-to-coast. McMahon threw the referee back in the ring, but McIntyre only scored a two count.
The finish came when McIntyre went for the Claymore Kick, but Reigns hit the Superman Punch. He tossed McMahon out of the ring and hit the spear on McIntyre for the win.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defeated Dolph Ziggler in a Steel Cage to keep the title
At the start of the match, Ziggler teased a superkick and Kingston teased the trouble in paradise. Ziggler tried to climb out, but Kingston pulled him back in. Ziggler attempted to slingshot Kingston into the cage, but Kingston held on. He tried to climb out, but Ziggler stopped him.
Kingston fought back and caught Ziggler with a dropkick off the second turnbuckle. Kingston shoved Ziggler into the cage and rolled him up for a near fall.
Kingston tried to climb out, but Ziggler pulled him back in. They fought on the top turnbuckle. Kingston shoved Ziggler off. Instead of escaping, Kingston hit a cross body. Kingston tried climbing out again, but Ziggler stopped him.
Ziggler and Kingston ended up on the very top of the cage. Ziggler tried to wiggle out, but they fell back in the ring. Kingston hit the SOS for a close two count. Ziggler attempted a suplex, but Kingston landed on his leg. Kingston injured his leg on the landing. Ziggler used a kneebar to work the leg.
Ziggler caught Kingston with a superkick, and Kingston almost fell out the door. Ziggler pulled him back in, but Kingston grabbed onto the steps. Kingston went for trouble in paradise and Ziggler locked on another submission.
Ziggler hit the Zig Zag for a two count. Kingston applied a front face lock, and Ziggler tried to escape out the door. Kingston dragged Ziggler back in, but Ziggler poked Kingston in the eyes. The finish came when Ziggler slowly crawled out of the cage door. Suddenly, Kingston leaped through the second rope over Ziggler for the win.
In the back, Drew McIntyre was furious about losing to Roman Reigns. Shane McMahon announced Reigns vs. McIntyre & McMahon in a handicap match tomorrow night on Raw.
WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins defeated Baron Corbin with Special Guest Referee Lacey Evans
On commentary, Michael Cole noted Rollins’ girlfriend Becky Lynch retained her title earlier tonight when she defeated Lacey Evans. Rollins came down to the ring with a steel chair. He promised to attack anyone that wants to be referee with the chair.
Corbin then introduced special guest referee Lacey Evans. The commentators pointed out that Rollins wouldn’t attack Evans. The fans broke into a huge “Becky” chant. Before the bell rang, Corbin attacked Rollins with the chair.
Corbin had the early advantage. The fans broke into a “This is Stupid” chant, and Renee Young agreed with the fans. The fans also broke into “CM Punk” and “Boring” chants. Corbin missed a clothesline, and Rollins rocked him with an enziguri. Rollins fired back with hard chops against the ropes.
Rollins hit the sling blade and blockbuster. He sent Corbin to the floor and followed up with a suicide dive. Rollins hit a knee and superkick, but Evans made a slow count. Corbin easily kicked out. The fans broke into another “Becky” chant. Rollins fought back and gave Corbin a powerbomb through the announce table.
Rollins demanded Evans count out Corbin, but she counted very slowly. Evans then changed the rules and made it a no count out match. Corbin regained control and hit a chokeslam for a near fall. Rollins made a comeback and hit a huge frog splash. Evans faked a shoulder injury so she couldn’t make the count. Corbin brought in a chair and beat down Rollins. Evans made the match no disqualification, and the fans broke into a massive “Becky” chant.
Rollins used the Falcon Arrow on the chair, but Evans wouldn’t make the count. Rollins got in Evans’ face, so she slapped him twice and kicked him. She then gave him a low blow. Corbin hit the End of Days, but Becky Lynch ran out and attacked Evans. Cole pointed out it’s no disqualification so Lynch can attack Evans.
John Cone is now the referee for the match. Corbin was unhappy because he’s the same referee from Super Showdown. Rollins made a comeback and hit the Curb Stomp for the win.
After the match, Lynch and Rollins hugged and celebrated. Lynch slapped Rollins on his butt and held the ropes open for him. They sat on the apron.
– United States Champion Samoa Joe defeated Ricochet to retain his title
Fairly basic match with Ricochet doing some acrobatics but nothing too out of the house show norm. Crowd was really into it — they loved Ricochet. Joe won with the Coquina Clutch.
– Becky Lynch came out and was attacked by Lacey Evans on the ramp. They both then went to the back.
– Heath Slater defeated Mojo Rawley
Rawley was good at working the crowd. Slater won with a neckbreaker.
After the match, The Revival beat down Slater and cut a promo saying that Shane McMahon said they could have the night off but they still wanted to fight.
– Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival defeated The Usos, Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins, and Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in a fatal four-way match to retain their titles
The Revival won by rolling up one of The Usos. Pretty basic with The Revival getting a lot of cheap heat spots. The crowd loved The Usos.
– Sami Zayn came out afterwards to cut a promo. He threatened to leave if he wasn’t shown respect. Braun Strowman then came out and chased him around, which led to Cesaro coming down.
– Braun Strowman defeated Cesaro
Pretty solid match. Cesaro did an impressive powerslam on Strowman. Zayn stuck around to run interference, but Strowman won after a nice sequence of reversing the Neutralizer and catching Cesaro with a powerslam. Zayn tried to attack Strowman after but got a powerslam of his own.
– Naomi, Dana Brooke & No Way Jose defeated Sarah Logan, Tamina & EC3
There was some fun dance stuff in the match, but there wasn’t much to it other than that. Naomi got the pin on Logan after hitting a split-legged moonsault.
– Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defeated Lacey Evans to retain her title
Evans was cutting a promo about her attack from earlier, then Lynch ran through the crowd to attack her and start the match.
They had a pretty solid match, which hopefully is a good sign for Stomping Grounds. Lynch won with her new Rock Bottom like maneuver.
– Universal Champion Seth Rollins defeated Baron Corbin to retain his title
The first half was a lot of Corbin getting heat and jawing at the referee and fans. The match got pretty good near the end, but the ending was a repeat of Super ShowDown. The ref got in Corbin’s face, Corbin kicked out of a Rollins roll-up, and Rollins then hit a Curb Stomp to end it.
Lynch and Rollins by far had the biggest reactions. The area is hungry for a TV taping, so hopefully we get one. The crowd was very responsive and Byron Saxton did a great job warming up the fans.
There will be a special guest referee for Seth Rollins and Baron Corbin’s Universal Championship match at Stomping Grounds.
That stipulation was announced on Raw tonight, though WWE has yet to reveal who the referee will be. In storyline, Corbin gets to pick the special guest referee.
Hoping that Corbin would repay the favor if he becomes champion, Sami Zayn wanted to be the referee. Zayn was the outside referee for Rollins vs. Kevin Owens in the main event of this week’s Raw. Rollins was about to defeat Owens, but Zayn disqualified Rollins for hitting Zayn when he hit a suicide dive on Owens.
Rollins attacked Zayn at the end of this week’s Raw. Corbin came out and attacked Rollins, but Rollins countered when Corbin went to hit him with a chair. Rollins then laid out Zayn with chair shots and a stomp as Corbin watched from the ramp.
Paul Heyman cut a promo on Raw and said he and Brock Lesnar will no longer announce when Lesnar is going to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Heyman teased that Lesnar could be the referee at Stomping Grounds.
Rollins retained the Universal title against Corbin at Super ShowDown last Friday. Corbin tried to bring a steel chair into the ring at the end of the match. Corbin and referee John Cone argued, and Rollins rolled up Corbin to get the win.
Stomping Grounds is taking place at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington on June 23. Here’s the current lineup for the show:
Universal Champion Seth Rollins defending against Baron Corbin (special guest referee to be announced)
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Dolph Ziggler in a steel cage match
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Lacey Evans
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Alexa Bliss
Three title matches have been added to the card for Stomping Grounds.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins will defend his title against Baron Corbin, Kofi Kingston will defend the WWE Championship against Dolph Ziggler in a steel cage match, and Becky Lynch will defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Lacey Evans. All three of those matches were announced during today’s Super ShowDown broadcast.
Rollins vs. Corbin and Kingston vs. Ziggler are both rematches from Super ShowDown.
Rollins retained against Corbin at Super ShowDown after Corbin argued with the referee. Corbin tried to bring a steel chair into the ring, Corbin and referee John Cone argued, and Rollins rolled up Corbin to get the win.
Corbin gave Rollins the End of Days after the match. Brock Lesnar came out with a steel chair and his Money in the Bank briefcase, but he never cashed in. Rollins low blowed Lesnar, repeatedly hit him with chair shots, and gave him a curb stomp on the MITB briefcase.
The steel cage stipulation for Kingston vs. Ziggler at Stomping Grounds was set up by their match today. After Ziggler superkicked Xavier Woods on the outside, Woods kicked Ziggler when the referee wasn’t looking. Kingston then hit Trouble in Paradise on Ziggler to win.
Ziggler did a post-match interview backstage, calling Kingston a coward and demanding the steel cage match.
Lynch and Evans’ storyline has continued since Lynch defeated Evans at Money in the Bank last month. On this week’s Raw, Lynch caused Evans vs. Charlotte Flair to end in a disqualification.
Stomping Grounds is taking place at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington on June 23. Bayley will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss at the pay-per-view, and Roman Reigns will face Drew McIntyre.
Baron Corbin is now the number one contender to the Universal Championship.
Corbin defeated The Miz, Bobby Lashley, and Braun Strowman in a number one contender’s fatal four-way match on tonight’s Raw and will challenge for Seth Rollins’ Universal title at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia.
Corbin pinned The Miz to win the fatal four-way, which was announced as an elimination match. Lashley and Strowman brawled through the crowd and to the back and never returned.
Lashley vs. Strowman had already been confirmed for Super ShowDown before tonight.
The number one contender’s match was originally announced as Miz vs. Lashley vs. Strowman vs. AJ Styles, but it was revealed that Corbin was replacing Styles due to Styles being injured. Corbin also attacked Styles during a backstage segment tonight.
Brock Lesnar still has his Money in the Bank briefcase coming out of tonight’s Raw. He’s advertised for Super ShowDown but doesn’t have a match announced yet.
Super ShowDown is the third show in WWE’s 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority. It’s taking place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Friday, June 7 and will air live on the WWE Network.
Here’s the updated card for the event:
Goldberg vs. The Undertaker
Triple H vs. Randy Orton
Universal Champion Seth Rollins defending against Baron Corbin
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Dolph Ziggler
Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon
Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor (as his Demon character) defending against Andrade
Raw’s Money in the Bank participants will be facing off on the episode, which is the go-home show for the pay-per-view. The men’s Money in the Bank ladder match wrestlers will be in singles matches, with Braun Strowman vs. Drew McIntyre and Ricochet vs. Baron Corbin set.
Naomi, Natalya, Alexa Bliss, and Dana Brooke are Raw’s women’s Money in the Bank ladder match participants. They’ll be facing each other in a fatal four-way match on Raw.
Two segments have also been announced for Monday’s episode. Becky Lynch and both of her Money in the Bank challengers will take part in a double contract signing ahead of the PPV. Lynch has two matches at Money in the Bank, defending the Raw Women’s Championship against Lacey Evans and defending the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair.
SmackDown’s Roman Reigns appearing on Miz TV is set for Monday. Reigns will face Elias at Money in the Bank, while Miz will take on Shane McMahon in a steel cage match. Shane and Elias have been aligned during the build to Money in the Bank.
Monday’s Raw and Tuesday’s SmackDown are both being taped at the O2 Arena in London.
WWE has revealed Raw’s participants for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
During the opening segment of tonight’s Raw, Alexa Bliss hosted A Moment of Bliss and announced that Braun Strowman, Ricochet, Drew McIntyre, and Baron Corbin will be in the men’s ladder match at Money in the Bank. Those four wrestlers then faced off in a tag match, with Ricochet & Strowman getting the win after McIntyre punched Corbin when Corbin tagged himself in.
Strowman and Corbin won the Money in the Bank briefcase over the past two years, though WWE didn’t have either go on to successfully cash in.
Raw’s participants for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match will be revealed later tonight. SmackDown’s wrestlers for the matches will be confirmed tomorrow.
Money in the Bank is taking place at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut on May 19: Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
Universal Champion Seth Rollins defending against AJ Styles
Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending the SmackDown title against Charlotte Flair
Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending the Raw title against Lacey Evans
Roman Reigns vs. Elias
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Braun Strowman, Ricochet, Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin, TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA)
