Tag: becky lynch

WWE Evolution live results: IYO Sky vs. Rhea Ripley

Posted on by Steve Khan

WWE wraps up a busy weekend in pro wrestling with Evolution: their second-ever all-women’s premium live event and first since October 2018.

The show is headlined by IYO SKY defending the WWE Women’s World title against the woman she defeated for it: Rhea Ripley.

Tiffany Stratton defends the WWE Women’s title against former champion and legend Trish Stratus in her third match of the year.

Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a three-way while in a no holds barred grudge match, Jade Cargill takes on Naomi.

NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne defends against top contender Jordynne Grace while WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defend against Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, Asuka & Kairi Sane, and Sol Ruca & Zaria.

The card is rounded out by a battle royal for a title shot at August’s Clash in Paris.

The main card starts at 8 PM Eastern.

**********

Show Recap — 

COUNTDOWN SHOW 

Michael Cole welcomed us to the pre-show, wrestlers arrived, and the show intro aired. 

The panel was hosted by three men and one woman: Cole, Big E, Wade Barrett, and Jackie Redmond. Cathy Kelley and Megan Morant (likely in place of Byron Saxton, who usually is in this spot) ran down some matches backstage.

Kelley interviewed Rhea Ripley following a video package for tonight’s main event. Ripley called tonight a must-win because she’s never beaten Iyo Sky, and that’s gone on for too long.

They will be recognizing women’s division “trailblazers” throughout the pre-show, and they started with quite the list: Fabulous Moolah, Lia Maivia, Sensational Sherri, Torrie Wilson, Molly Holly Jazz, Maryse, Michelle McCool, and Stephanie McMahon. 

Cole recalled Stephanie McMahon, in 2015, kicking off the “women’s revolution” by introducing Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch. Big E spoke about Bayley’s influence as well, and the panel spoke about tonight’s IC title three-way. 

********

Torrie Wilson joined the panel and got a nice reaction from the fans who have arrived so far. Wilson recalled crying throughout the first Evolution show, and she’s been emotional all day today. The women have come a long way and are complete badasses. She loved seeing the women rallying behind each other, and the best moments were often not caught on camera. 

She spoke about what it would have meant to her to have something like NXT and to train for a year. When she was around, she would learn new moves and have to perform them later that night. Sometimes the stress was unbearable. She often wondered how things would have been different if she had NXT. 

********

The next group of trailblazers shown were Mae Young, June Byers, Leilani Kai, Chyna, Ivory, Queen Sharmell, Melina, and Lita. They showed clips of Lita beating Trish Stratus for the title, the first time women main evented Raw. 

Morant interviewed Stratus backstage. She wanted to prove something to herself, but it was more about showing something to the young people watching, including her daughter. You didn’t have to fit in the box people put you in. You could evolve, keep going, and chase your dreams a little harder. It wasn’t over until you said so.

They previewed tonight’s NXT Women’s title match. 

Blake Monroe met with Jordynne Grace backstage. After some pleasantries, Grace asked Monroe to be in her corner tonight (to counter Fatal Influence). Monroe didn’t want to step on Grace’s moment, but Grace insisted, so she accepted. 

Shawn Michaels joined the panel to put over NXT. 

*******

Nikki Bella joined Kelley in the crowd for an interview. Bella said tonight was women’s empowerment. That was her passion and her love. It would mean everything to have her son see her earn a title shot and win a title. 

Kelley asked who she had her eye on in tonight’s battle royal, and Bella responded, “Stephanie.” She knew there would be a lot of competition, but she kept going back to Stephanie Vaquer. She repeatedly referred to Vaquer by only “Stephanie.” 

********

Jacqueline joined the panel, and she was pumped to be there. She spoke about how much it meant to be in the Hall of Fame. She paid her dues and hoped her career inspired today’s women. She also talked about beating Chavo Guerrero to become Cruiserweight champ. 

There was a feature on referees Jessika Carr and Daphanie LaShaunn. 

Big E gave shout-outs to a bunch of the women who work off-camera. Redmond was happy to hear Big E do this, and she spoke sincerely about the importance of this show as well. Big E ran down everything he looked forward to tonight, and his excitement was infectious.

The next group of trailblazers shown were Mildred Burke, Cora Combs, Alundra Blayze, Jacqueline, Stacy Keibler, Vickie Guerrero, Victoria, and Trish Stratus. 

The IC title three-way will open tonight’s show. 

********** 

WWE EVOLUTION 2025 

Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Becky Lynch, Tiffany Stratton, Trish Stratus, Iyo Sky, and Rhea Ripley were shown arriving. A video intro played, using Katy Perry’s “Rise,” and there was a big fireworks display. 

Joe Tessitore, hosting from the crowd, welcomed us to the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. He hyped up tonight’s show (while clearly reading off a piece of paper). He brought out his co-host, Stephanie McMahon, and said nights like tonight would not have happened without her. 

McMahon said they had to prove with the first Evolution that they deserved their own show. Now, the women were regularly main-eventing, and the depth through NXT was unbelievable. 

Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are tonight’s announcers. Cole again recalled Stephanie McMahon ushering in the “women’s revolution” in 2015 by bringing in Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch.

Alicia Taylor is tonight’s ring announcer. 

They’re using the same stage setup as last night’s Saturday Night’s Main Event Show, so there is a narrow aisle to the ring.

********

Triple threat match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria 

Match referee: Daphanie LaShaunn 

The bell rang, and the fans gave an ovation before the wrestlers got going. Bayley hyped up the crowd, but used the moment to deck Valkyria, who wasn’t expecting it. 

The first few minutes had everyone trading moves until Lynch suplexed Bayley into the barricade. More than three minutes after getting shoved into the steel steps, Valkyria woke up and wiped out both opponents with a flying crossbody. 

Valkyria hit Lynch with a fisherman’s suplex, but Bayley broke up the cover with a perfectly-timed flying elbow. The crowd popped big for that, and they got a “This is awesome” chant moments later. Bayley hit Lynch with a sunset flip powerbomb into an upside-down Valkyria in the corner for two. 

Lynch hit Bayley with a superplex, but Bayley repeatedly blocked attempts at submissions until Valkyria knocked down both women with a flying leg drop. This got another good pop and “This is awesome” chant. Lynch followed with a combo DDT/reverse DDT on both women and covered Valkyria for two. 

Lynch and Valkyria traded counters until Lynch hit a man-handle slam, but Bayley broke up the cover. (The camera quickly panned away from Bayley moments before, so you couldn’t see her as she hit the ring to break it up.) 

Bayley hit Lynch with a Bayley-to-belly, but Valkyria broke up that cover, and we got our third “This is awesome” chant. Valkyria hit Lynch with Nightwing, but, you guessed it, Bayley broke up the cover. 

Bayley hit Valkyria with a Rose Plant. Instead of breaking up that cover, Lynch flew in and caught Bayley in a backslide for the pinfall win. Lynch retains.

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated Bayley and Lyra Valkyria to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (16:25) 

This was a very fun match with a clever finish, and the eager crowd helped. They could probably do a rematch and have a completely different but equally good match. 

********

Ava and Mark Henry were shown in the crowd. A loud shrieking voice yelled, “Excuse me!” and they cut to Vickie Guerrero elsewhere in the crowd. This was just to give her a chance to say her catchphrase. She smiled and high-fived some fans. 

******* 

They aired a clip from earlier today of Jordynne Grace asking Blake Monroe to be in her corner tonight. 

NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (w/Fallon Henley & Jazmyn Nyx) vs. Jordynne Grace (w/Blake Monroe) 

Match referee: Victoria D’Errico 

Grace had the early edge until Jayne catapulted her into the middle rope. Henley choked Grace while Jayne distracted the referee. Monroe didn’t react, perhaps because she didn’t see it, or perhaps for another reason. 

Jayne was in control until Grace hit a folding powerbomb for two. Jayne regained control and hit a draping neckbreaker for two. Jayne missed a corner cannonball, and they traded cradles until Grace hit a fisherman’s suplex for two. Jayne hit a hurricanrana off the top and a knee strike for a nearfall. 

Henley tossed the title belt in the ring, so Monroe headbutted her. The referee stopped Jayne from using the belt, and Grace rolled her up for two. Grace followed with a back fist. 

Nyx grabbed the belt next, so Monroe decked her. Monroe kept the belt in her hands, so you knew what was coming. 

Henley tried getting in the ring, which distracted the ref for a long time. Jayne whipped Grace into the ropes, and Monroe hit her in the back with the belt. Jayne followed with a discus punch for the pinfall win. 

— Fatal Influence were all surprised by Monroe’s actions. Monroe handed Jayne the belt, smiled at them, and left the ring. Grace (bleeding from the nose) was pissed. 

Match result: Jacy Jayne defeated Jordynne Grace to retain the NXT Women’s Championship (10:28) 

********

Jazz, Ivory, Jacqueline, and Maryse were in the crowd. 

Tessitore and McMahon killed time by discussing the previous match and previewing the upcoming match. 

******** 

Fatal Four-way Tag Team Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria

Match referee: Daphanie LaShaunn 

Asuka and Sane were all over Perez until Rodriguez tagged in and knocked them both down with a clothesline. Rodriguez and Perez were in control briefly as the crowd chanted, “We want Charlotte,” which I’m sure was music to her ears. Bliss got a good reaction when she tagged and went after Perez. 

Zaria tagged and easily blocked Bliss’ offence. She hit an inverted suplex, and Sol Ruca flew in with a springboard facebuster for two. 

The crowd cheered when Charlotte got a hot tag from Bliss, and she ran wild on Judgment Day. Charlotte was visibly happy with her reaction, and she continued on offence. She hit Perez with a spear for a nearfall. Rodriguez booted Charlotte and checked on Perez. Cole thought it was interesting that Rodriguez was checking on Perez (her partner). 

Asuka and Sane got their turn to shine next, but Zaria broke up Sane’s cover of Perez. Zaria tagged herself in and hit both Kabuki Warriors with a vertical suplex. Charlotte broke up a cover, so Sol Ruca hit Charlotte with a Sol Snatcher (which got a good pop). Moments later, Charlotte pulled Bliss from safety, and Zaria speared Sol Ruca by accident. 

Rodriguez powerbombed Bliss over the top rope and into Asuka, Sane and Zaria. Rodriguez instructed Perez to take out Charlotte, so she hit a suicide dive. Rodriguez hit Sol Ruca with a Tejana Bomb for the pinfall win. Judgment Day retains.

Match result: Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez defeated Sol Ruca & Zaria, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and Asuka & Kairi Sane to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships (10:52) 

This match was fine, with some good spots mixed in. The finish was a bit abrupt, but the champs getting a decisive win isn’t the worst thing. The most notable thing was the big babyface reaction for Charlotte Flair (and Alexa Bliss). 

********

Torrie Wilson, Melina, and Molly Holly were in the crowd. 

They cut back to Tessitore and McMahon. Tessitore noted how handsome Paul Levesque (his boss) looked in his promo photo. Stephanie chuckled. 

******** 

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

Match referee: Jessika Carr

Stratus wore white gear with gold lining, Stratton wore all red. Stratus had the early edge, which caught Stratton off guard. Stratus brought Stratton down off the apron with a hurricanrana and hit a tornado DDT in the ring for two. 

Stratton went on offence and hit a vertical suplex into a backstabber (I think) for two. Stratton followed with a senton bomb for two. They traded counters until Stratus hit a Chick Kick for two. Stratton tried a PME, but Stratus got her knees up and hit Stratusfaction for a nearfall. 

Stratus went for a moonsault (tribute to Lita), but Stratton got her knees up. Stratton hit a Chick Kick of her own, followed by the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pinfall win. Stratton retains. 

— After the match, they cut Stratton’s music so Stratus could get an ovation from the crowd. (This wasn’t her retirement match, but we don’t know when the next one will be.) 

Match result: Tiffany Stratton defeated Trish Stratus to retain the WWE Women’s Championship (8:37)

It’s probably not a good sign that Stratus, a part-timer (at most), looked much better than the current champion. Stratton’s stuff was really off early in the match. She did get better once it came time to do the big moves. Because this was a short match, that happened early enough, so the match wound up being fine. Stratus deserves some credit here. 

********

They showed Rey Mysterio throwing out the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game. 

Alundra Blayze and Leilani Kai were in the crowd. This is still a WWE show, so they couldn’t only show the former wrestlers all night. Metro Boomin and Lil Yachty were also shown in the crowd.  

******** 

No Holds Barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi 

Special guest referee: Bianca Belair 

Naomi entered first and tried to attack Cargill during her entrance. Cargill cut her off, and they rang the bell to start the match. 

Cargill took forever to set up a table, and Belair went over to whisper something to her. The camera cut away from Cargill and focused on Naomi, who had to keep selling. Cargill eventually went after Naomi, but Naomi posted her. Cargill speared Naomi moments later, but Naomi gave her a bulldog onto a steel chair in the ring. 

Naomi wrapped a chain around Cargill’s face, but Cargill knocked her off the ropes, wrapped the chain around her fist, and punched Naomi. Cargill yanked a big camera out of the hands of a cameraperson and used it to hit Naomi. She followed by placing a trash can lid over Naomi and kicking it. 

Naomi rolled out of the ring, and Cargill tried to kill her by dropping a toolbox on her head, but Naomi avoided it. Naomi dropkicked Cargill into a random TV screen at ringside, and a smoke effect went off. 

A few minutes later, Naomi used a chair to shove Cargill off the apron, and Cargill crashed through the table she had set up earlier. Naomi followed with an X-factor onto a chair for a nearfall. 

Naomi placed Cargill on a table and went up the ropes, but Cargill hit her with a chair. Cargill grabbed Naomi and hit a Jaded off the middle rope through the table for the pinfall win. Belair raised Cargill’s hand. 

Match result: Jade Cargill defeated Naomi in a no holds barred match (11:15)

This was maybe average at best. Naomi took a lot of the match until Cargill managed to hit her finisher for the win. Also, Belair didn’t get involved at all, so making her the referee was relatively pointless. 

******** 

Tomorrow on Raw, there will be a gauntlet match involving CM Punk, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Penta, and Bron Breakker to determine Gunther’s SummerSlam opponent.

Battle Royal – winner earns a world championship match at Clash in Paris 

Everyone got an entrance, so it took about 10 minutes for everyone to get in. They cut to black at one point, so certain feeds likely got a commercial break in between. Nikki Bella entered first. Stephanie Vaquer was second-last, and Giulia was last. 

Nia Jax eliminated Tatum Paxley 8 seconds into the match, and Izzi Dame 7 seconds later. 

Jax tossed Kelani Jordan into Paxley and Dam, but she didn’t land on her feet, and her momentum carried her to the announce table. Jordan did a handstand walk to get back into the ring. This got a nice reaction, but perhaps not the reaction they expected. 

Ivy Nile went after Vaquer (as Chad Gable instructed), but Giulia eliminated Nile. Giulia and Vaquer had a staredown as the crowd chanted lightly for Nikki Bella. The crowd was quiet until Vaquer set up Nikki for Devil’s Kiss, and they booed when Chelsea Green broke it up. 

There was a silly spot where Maxxine Dupri did her reverse worm, then convinced Natalya to try it too. Natalya did try, and it was bad. That led to Jaida Parker eliminating Natalya (so now Natalya can be annoyed with Dupri). Candice LeRae eliminated Dupri. 

Jordan shoved Parker into LeRae, knocking her out of the ring for the elimination. (Cole referred to Candice LeRae as “Candice Michelle” here and again in the upcoming spot. Barrett called him out on it.) 

Michin and B-Fab eliminated Parker, which got some good heat. Jax tried eliminating Jordan, but she remained on the apron. However, LeRae (already eliminated) yanked Jordan out from behind for the elimination. 

Zelina Vega eliminated Giulia by kicking her into the ring post from the apron. B-Fab went after Piper Niven, but Niven just chucked her out for the elimination. Chelsea Green eliminated Michin, so Michin tried yanking out Green, but Alba Fyre wiped out Michin with a suicide dive. 

Lash Legend eliminated Vega by press slamming her out of the ring. Nikki Bella tossed out Alba Fyre as she posed with her partners. Bella and Lola Vice swivelled their hips together until Niven knocked them down. Niven eliminated Vice, who didn’t do much in this match. Nikki and Vaquer eliminated Niven together. 

Vaquer gave Green the Devil’s Kiss, which probably got the match’s biggest reaction. Nikki eliminated Green. Jax knocked down Nikki and did her own hip swivel. 

Jax placed Nikki on the apron, and Lash Legend flew in with a boot. Jax moved, and Legend booted Nikki out of the ring for the elimination. Legend celebrated like this was a big deal, and she was in the final three with Vaquer and Jax. 

Vaquer and Legend teamed up to knock Jax out of the ring for the elimination. The crowd cheered as the final two faced off. They traded offence, which included Vaquer hitting a 619. 

Legend caught Vaquer off the ropes, and they stumbled over the top and to the apron. Vaquer grabbed Legend with her legs and hit Devil’s Kiss on the apron before knocking her own. Vaquer wins.

— Stephanie McMahon interviewed Vaquer in the ring. Vaquer admitted that doing interviews in English was hard for her because it wasn’t her first language, but wrestling was her first language. Funny enough, she spoke well after that. She thanked McMahon and every woman wrestler before her because now they could make history. She would keep working hard and promised that they would remember her name forever. 

Match result: Stephanie Vaquer won a battle royal and will challenge for the world championship at Clash in Paris (15:32)

This was the definition of a standard battle royal, and the crowd only got into it toward the end. However, the right person won, and the final few minutes made her look like it. The crowd liked Vaquer and her interview. 

********

Quavo and Funny Marco were shown in the crowd. I guess they ran out of former wrestlers. 

Women’s World Championship match: IYO SKY (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Match referee: Jessika Carr 

Iyo Sky got the better of an early exchange and half-heartedly did her face-pointing pose. Ripley got the better of the following exchange and did Sky’s pose, which got some heat. Sky continued to out-wrestle Ripley by hitting a dropkick and an Asai moonsault. 

They wound up on the apron, and Ripley finally got some offence by hitting a knee strike and tossing Sky into the announce table. It didn’t last long because Sky hit a great-looking tornado DDT. Sky couldn’t help but look enthused by hitting the move so smoothly. 

Sky followed with a double foot stomp, suicide dive, and missile dropkick. Sky did her pose full-heartedly before hitting a running double knee strike in the corner for two. Ripley tried a middle rope suplex, but Sky landed on her feet. Ripley went to the top, but Sky yanked her onto the turnbuckle. 

They traded counters until Sky hit a poisonrana for two. Sky went to the top, but Ripley shoved her down, and followed with a Razor’s Edge and sit-out powerbomb for two. Sky reversed a Rip-tide into a sleeper, but Ripley backed her into the corner. 

Sky went for a springboard moonsault, but Ripley ducked, and Sky obliterated referee Jessika Carr by mistake. Ripley hit Sky with a Rip-tide, but the ref was dead. 

Ripley was livid and hit another Razor’s Edge. Sky fell out of the ring, so Ripley booted her over the barricade. Ripley hammered away at Sky and tried powerbombing her off some equipment boxes to her death, but Sky fought her off and kicked her to the floor. Sky climbed up a second equipment box and hit a flying crossbody. The crowd chanted, “Holy sh-t.” 

Back at ringside, Sky charged at Ripley, but Ripley dodged it and Sky went ribs-first into the announce table. Sky recovered, however, and hit Ripley with a sunset flip powerbomb off the apron. The ref reemerged as Sky hit a moonsault, but Ripley kicked out for an amazing nearfall. The crowd chanted for Ripley. They went to the top, and Sky hit an avalanche Spanish Fly. 

With both women down, Naomi ran out with referee Daphanie LaShaunn. She officially cashed in to make this a triple threat. 

Naomi hit Sky in the head with the briefcase and launched Ripley into the steel post. Naomi followed with a split-legged moonsault on Sky for the pinfall win. Naomi is the new champ. 

Naomi and the crowd went nuts. (In fact, Naomi started to get up before the ref actually counted to three because she was so excited to celebrate.) 

After some replays, Naomi posed with the belt on the stage as the show ended. 

Match result: Naomi defeated IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley to win the Women’s World Championship (26:19)

This was an outstanding main event until he finish. I wouldn’t say Naomi’s cash-in ruined it, because it felt like a big moment with Naomi finally winning the title. However, the crowd was going insane for Sky and Ripley, and this would’ve been a match of the year candidate if one of them had won without the cash-in. 

Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch’s Los Angeles beach house burglarized

Posted on by Joseph Currier

While they were across the country for WWE Raw on Monday night, Becky Lynch (Rebecca Quin) & Seth Rollins (Colby Lopez) suffered a home break-in at their beach house in Los Angeles.

TMZ Sports reports that Lynch & Rollins’ house in Playa del Rey was burglarized at around 3 a.m. Pacific time overnight. Thankfully, no one was home at the time the break-in occurred. Lynch and Rollins were in Providence, Rhode Island for Monday’s episode of Raw.

No arrests have been made yet. TMZ’s report says cash was stolen after the perpetrator (or perpetrators) broke through the rear door of the house.

“Law enforcement sources say the suspect(s) busted through the home’s rear slider and took cash from the residence. Rollins, we’re told, was the one who made the 911 call to report it,” TMZ wrote. “So far, no arrests have been made … and an investigation remains ongoing.”

Though there are no signs yet that this is connected to other incidents, there has been a recent increase in pro athletes having their homes broken into with criminals targeting them by knowing their schedules and when they’ll be away.

Lynch and Rollins have been married since 2021 and have a four-year-old daughter named Roux.

This weekend, Rollins is scheduled to face LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Lynch has a title defense set for WWE Evolution the following night, where she’ll put her Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line against Lyra Valkyria and Bayley in a triple threat match.

Becky Lynch books role in FX comedy pilot ‘Movers’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch has booked a role in a new comedy series in the works at FX.

Deadline reported today that FX has greenlit the pilot for a new show called “Movers,” which is from “Reno 911” creator/actor Robert Ben Garant and actress Cathy Shim. The show is set to star Garant and Shim along with Maz Jobrani, Darius Homayoun, Tanael “TJ” Joachim, Manny Montana, and Lynch (Rebecca Quin).

The show is described as “an improvised workplace comedy revolving around the erratic and codependent lives of a crew of movers.”

After being on hiatus for nearly a year, Lynch returned to WWE at WrestleMania this April. She focused on acting projects during her time away from the company, including upcoming appearances in Netflix’s “Happy Gilmore 2” movie and the Paramount+ series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.”

“Should ‘Movers’ get picked up to series, it’s unknown what that will mean for her wrestling career,” Deadline wrote about Lynch.

Lynch has a title defense scheduled for WWE’s Evolution PLE in Atlanta this Sunday (July 13). She’s putting the Women’s Intercontinental Championship on the line in a triple threat match against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.

WWE Raw live results: King & Queen of the Ring semifinals

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: June 23, 2025
Location: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio 

The Big Takeaway —

Cody Rhodes beat Jey Uso to advance in King of the Ring, while Jade Cargill beat Roxanne Perez to advance in Queen of the Ring. The finals will take place on Saturday at Night of Champions. Rhodes faces Randy Orton, and Cargill faces Asuka. 

As the show went on tonight, they repeatedly plugged Night of Champions (and SmackDown) as happening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (It seemed like they avoided mentioning the location when the show began, but it was business as usual as the show continued.) 

Next week’s Raw in Pittsburgh starts at 6 pm ET/3 pm PT. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, Roxanne Perez and Finn Bálor, Jade Cargill, Becky Lynch, and Bayley were shown arriving as Michael Cole ran down tonight’s show. 

Corey Graves is filling in for Pat McAfee once again. 

They announced that LA Knight is out indefinitely due to a bruised sternum and separated rib cartilage, thanks to Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. 

Seth Rollins segment

Rollins entered with Reed, Breakker, and Paul Heyman. He waited as the crowd sang his song (not loudly) and did his usual spiel. He asked what the crowd wanted because he was receiving mixed messages. They chanted for CM Punk. 

Rollins said they chanted for Punk, for Roman Reigns, for him, and they barked for Breakker. They didn’t know what they wanted, so he didn’t care. They needed people like him to tell them what was good for them. 

Even the things they thought they wanted were because of him. Reigns existed because of him. Punk claimed he was back for the fans, but it was really because the company could cash in on how much he hated Punk. There was no second coming of Cody Rhodes without Rollins to put him back on the map. 

Rollins was the first world champion and NXT Champion, and he built those things in his image. He was the prime mover. He was the past, present, and future. He and Heyman knew a thing or two about revolutions. Every revolution had opposition, but he would deal with them. 

Reed dealt with LA Knight, and Breakker was about to deal with Penta. There were a lot of people who thought they could exist at the very top: John Cena, Gunther, Punk, Goldberg, Uso, Rhodes, Randy Orton. But they all failed to understand that they were running a race for second place. He was the end game and always would be. 

Rollins was finally done speaking, so Penta entered for his match. (Rollins and Reed went to the back.) 

Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman) vs. Penta

The match began during a break, but Breakker left the ring to stall so the action could start once they returned. 

Graves claimed that Breakker was still effectively a rookie, which isn’t even close to being true. 

Breakker was in control until Penta hit a dive ahead of a break. Breakker regained control after dropping Penta on top of the ring post and a flying clothesline off the apron over the announce table. They messed up a spot but recovered well enough, and Penta hit a vertical suplex into a pin for two. Breakker recovered and hit a Frankensteiner for two. Penta responded with a Canadian Destroyer for a nearfall. 

Penta went for a springboard move, but Breakker obliterated him with a mid-air spear for the pinfall win. The crowd popped big for that. 

Match result: Bron Breakker defeated Penta (15:00) 

This wasn’t exactly a smooth wrestling match, but the last few minutes were entertaining. 

— After the match, Rollins warned Penta to stay out of his way. 

********

There was a replay of Liv Morgan’s injury. Backstage, Adam Pearce informed AJ Styles that Dominik Mysterio was also injured. Styles didn’t believe it and asked if Dom strained his mustache. Pearce said it was legitimate, so their IC title match at Night of Champions was off. Pearce said Styles will get the match as soon as Dom is ready. 

New Day and Grayson Waller entered Pearce’s office after Styles left. Pearce put New Day in a tag title match against Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh next week. New Day were pissed. As they left, Kofi Kingston yelled, “You’re so bald!” at Pearce. Waller didn’t appreciate this treatment of his new friends. 

******** 

So far, they’re advertising Night of Champions as happening on Saturday, but they’re not mentioning the location. Last week, the graphics included the event’s location, but tonight, they don’t. 

Update: A few minutes later, Cole mentioned Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the special start time.

*******

Goldberg interview 

Cole sat down earlier today with Goldberg. He asked Goldberg why he targeted Gunther. Goldberg said nobody should be surprised. Gunther embarrassed him in front of his wife, his son, his fans, and in his adopted hometown of Atlanta. Goldberg didn’t know when, but knew he would go after Gunther. 

Goldberg was already thinking about his retirement match, so it was serendipitous that Gunther put himself in this position. As long as Goldberg was breathing, he was going to make Gunther pay. 

Goldberg ended with: “Michael, I am going to beat the f—k out of Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event.” 

When they returned from break, Cole confirmed that this would be Goldberg’s final match. 

********

Judgment Day met in the back. They were not in a good mood (because of Morgan’s injury), so Bálor tried to fire everybody up. He gave them all encouraging words, but Raquel Rodriguez was still worried about the status of the tag titles. 

Bálor muttered something under his breath, which pissed off Rodriguez. Bálor was glad to see her pissed off. They wanted Rodriguez to be the enforcer, and she should make Rhea Ripley pay for what she did to her last week. Rodriguez agreed. 

Dom said he missed Morgan (so they don’t speak outside of Raw). Bálor reminded him that Perez had a match, so Dom dismissively wished her luck. 

********

Lyra Valkyria met with Bayley backstage. Valkyria was trying to be friendly, but Bayley seemed offended. Bayley realized she overreacted and settled down, explaining that she’s been focused only on Lynch and the title all week. Bayley told Valkyria she would be first in line if she won tonight. (Lynch could be seen lurking in the background.) 

Queen of the Ring semi-final match: Jade Cargill vs. Roxanne Perez 

Cargill was in control and showed off by doing push-ups. Perez managed to trap Cargill’s leg between the steel steps and the ring. Perez dropkicked the steps and worked over her leg during a break. 

Cargill tried fighting back after the break, but Perez chop-blocked her. The crowd was really quiet until Cargill effortlessly caught Perez out of mid-air as she attempted a crossbody. Cargill hit a spinebuster and chokeslam for two. Perez countered a Jaded and applied a cradle for two, followed by a double knee drop for two. 

Cargill avoided Pop Rox and hit (missed) a pump kick. Cargill hit a powerbomb and, I think, tried deadlifting her up. She couldn’t do it, so she just put Perez down before picking her back up to hit Jaded for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Jade Cargill defeated Roxanne Perez to advance in Queen of the Ring (11:47)

This wasn’t particularly good. Perez did her best, but Cargill was out of place a lot toward the end, and she didn’t come across like someone who should be winning this tournament. 

— After the match, Asuka entered to face off with Cargill on the stage. 

********

They announced that Raw in Pittsburgh next week starts at 6 pm ET/3 pm PT. 

There was a video package for Jey Uso/Cody Rhodes.

******** 

There was a clip of Goldberg’s debut on WCW Nitro (with Tony Schiavone on commentary). 

Cole reiterated that this would be Goldberg’s last match at SNME, but then added, “we’ll see” what happens if he were to win the world title. 

*******

Cole announced SmackDown’s start time in Riyadh on Friday, “the night before Night of Champions. Who knows what’s going to happen on that show?” 

Jackie Redmond tried interviewing Dom during a break, but the fans kept booing. Redmond cut him off because they ran out of time. 

******* 

Sheamus again told Natalya and Maxxine Dupri that they could be tag champs one day. (It’s like they’ve been standing backstage having this same conversation for a week.) Natalya and Dupri were upset he didn’t win last week. Sheamus said he at least put Rusev in his place for a moment. 

Rusev confronted Sheamus. He said this place was full of people like Sheamus: providing smiles to the face, and knives to the back. Sheamus called Rusev the most embarrassing and most egotistical member of the League of Nations. Sheamus was tired of talking and wanted to fight. Rusev smiled and said he would make Sheamus remember this. 

********

Gunther segment 

Gunther entered. He was pissed about Goldberg interrupting what should have been his championship celebration last week. He called Goldberg the most destructive man of his generation, but it wasn’t 1999 anymore. (Some fans cheered.) It was 2025, and Gunther was the guy. He was the best professional wrestler in the company, and the title around his waist proved it. 

Gunther heard Goldberg’s intense comments, but that wouldn’t change Gunther’s perception of him. Goldberg was a 58-year-old one-trick pony who couldn’t lace his boots. Gunther apologized to Goldberg’s wife and son for everything he’s about to do. Gunther would embarrass Goldberg at SNME. 

“It’s my personal responsibility to make sure that the legacy and the myth of Bill Goldberg forever dies.” 

This was a great promo. 

********

Redmond tried interviewing Lynch backstage, but she was flustered after having just seen Valkyria and Bayley conspiring against her. She left. 

Redmond saw Sami Zayn nearby and tried interviewing him, but they were interrupted by Karrion Kross and Scarlett. (Kross did get a good pop this week.) Kross enjoyed Zayn’s fiery speech last week, but he lost to Orton anyway. Kross said Zayn would never be champion. 

Zayn calmly stepped back before knocking him to the ground with a great-looking right hand. Zayn told Kross he already spoke to Pearce and their match was official. Zayn left. Scarlett and Kross laughed. 

********

Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship

Bayley was in control until Lynch yanked her by the arm over the top rope. Lynch targeted the arm through the break, but Bayley mounted her comeback following the break. Lynch cut her off with a back suplex, but Bayley responded with a Bayley-to-belly for a nearfall. Bayley slammed Lynch into the corner and hit a sunset flip powerbomb into the turnbuckles for two. 

Lynch hit a superplex, and they traded counters until Bayley applied a single-leg Boston crab, but Lynch got a rope break. Bayley blocked a Man-handle Slam and hit one of her own, but Lynch rolled out of the ring. 

Bayley went after Lynch, but Lynch chucked her over the announce table. Lynch buried Bayley under a bunch of chairs in an attempt to take a count-out win, but Valkyria showed up right on time to pull the chairs off. 

Lynch hit Valkyria and invited Valkyria to hit her back (to cause a DQ), but Valkyria wouldn’t do it. Lynch tried a baseball slide on Bayley, but nailed Valkyria by mistake. 

Bayley shoved Lynch into the ring post and the barricade. Bayley went to the top, but Valkyria attacked Lynch for the DQ. 

— Bayley argued with Valkyria, who somehow tried to defend herself. Lynch smirked as she backed away up the aisle with her belt. 

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated Bayley via disqualification (13:30)

This was a good match until the finish. It never felt like this would have a conclusive winner when they announced it, but the finishing sequence with Valkyria was still very annoying. She has to be turning heel at this point, because she’s becoming increasingly unlikable. 

*******

Chad Gable told Ivy Nile that she was her favourite student (and didn’t want her to tell that to the Creed Brothers). However, she should have won MITB and QOTR. Stephanie Vaquer got in her way, but she should wipe her out completely like he did to Alpha Academy and others. 

Gable saw Penta nearby and took great pleasure in seeing him lose to Bron. Penta tried being reasonable, but Gable kept yapping and threatened to take his mask off. Penta superkicked Gable and snapped his arm. Officials chased Penta away as the Creeds checked on Gable. 

(Ludwig Kaiser was randomly watching nearby.)

********

Raquel Rodriguez and Rhea Ripley segment 

A pissed-off Rodriguez was in the ring, and she called out Ripley. Ripley stormed out, and they brawled. Ripley was about to give Rodriguez a Rip-tide through a table, but Perez ran out to make the save. Ripley got rid of Perez, but Rodriguez laid out Ripley with a Tejana Bomb through the table. Rodriguez embraced Perez. 

This was a good little segment to get some heat behind Rodriguez (and align her with Perez). 

********

There were photos of the Florida Panthers celebrating with their custom WWE title belt. 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Asuka during a break. Iyo Sky joined and was excited for Asuka, because they may finally get to meet in the ring like they talked about in Damage CTRL. Asuka said they weren’t in Damage CTRL anymore, and she would see her at SummerSlam. Sky said she would be ready. 

Ripley barged into Pearce’s office. He offered a street fight against Rodriguez, and she accepted. (It was hard to hear, but it sounded like he said it would be at Night of Champions.) 

******** 

There was a big-time video package for John Cena vs. CM Punk. They’ve added the location of Night of Champions back on the graphics, and they showed exterior shots of the city as the announcers ran down the card for Saturday. 

********

King of the Ring semi-final match: Jey Uso vs. Cody Rhodes 

They both got big reactions and faced off for about 30 seconds before shaking hands. This was a first-ever singles match, and it felt like a big deal given the stakes. 

Jey blocked a Cross Rhodes just three minutes into the match and went for a superkick, but Rhodes avoided it. Jey missed a running hip attack during a break, and Rhodes applied a figure four until Jey got a rope break. They exchanged strikes until Jey hit a Samoan drop for two. 

Jey hit a running hip attack and went for an Uso Splash. Rhodes got his knees up and caught Jey in a version of the kimura lock. Jey slipped out and applied a sleeper. Rhodes began fading but got to his feet and dumped Jey over the top rope. Jey blocked Rhodes’ suicide dive and went to the top, but Rhodes scaled the ropes and hit a superplex. This led to a second commercial break. 

Jey tossed Rhodes shoulder-first into the ring post, and followed with a flying crossbody for two. They exchanged strikes as we returned from break. Rhodes hit jabs, but Jey avoided a bionic elbow. Rhodes fired up, but Jey hit a Randy Orton-esque powerslam. 

Jey set up for Cross Rhodes, but Rhodes blocked it and hit a Cody Cutter for two. Jey ducked a Disaster Kick and hit a spear for two. Rhodes hit a super Cody Cutter for two. 

Jey countered a Cross Rhodes and hit one of his own for a nearfall. People were on their feet for that. Jey superkicked Rhodes repeatedly, pulled him to his feet, and hit a spear. 

Instead of going for a cover, Jey went up for a splash. Rhodes scaled the ropes again and hit a super cutter/RKO. Rhodes followed with Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. Rhodes advances to the KOTR finals against Orton. 

Rhodes and Jey embraced after the match. 

Match result: Cody Rhodes defeated Jey Uso to advance in King of the Ring (20:05) 

This was a very enjoyable Raw main event, and it helped that there were real stakes on the line.

Bayley challenging Becky Lynch for WWE Women’s IC title

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Becky Lynch will make her first defense of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Bayley.

The Man’s first title defense since capturing the IC title from Lyra Valkyria at Money in the Bank is official for the Monday, June 23 WWE Raw episode as announced during this week’s show.

Bayley and Lynch had an in-ring confrontation on Monday’s Raw in a follow-up to Bayley returning last week seeking vengeance on Lynch for attacking her and taking her out of WrestleMania 41 in storyline.

A King of the Ring tournament semifinals matchup will also take place next week on Raw, with Cody Rhodes going one-on-one with Jey Uso. Rhodes advanced to the semis on Friday’s SmackDown, while Uso advanced on this week’s Raw episode.

A Queen of the Ring semifinals bout is also set for the June 23 Raw, with Roxanne Perez facing Jade Cargill.

The announced card for next Monday’s WWE Raw, the final episode before the June 28 Night of Champions event:

WWE Raw, Monday, June 23 —

  • Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bayley
  • King of the Ring semifinals: Cody Rhodes vs. Jey Uso
  • Queen of the Ring semifinals: Jade Cargill vs. Roxanne Perez

Becky Lynch defeats Lyra Valkyria for WWE Women’s Intercontinental title

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Becky Lynch has added a new championship to her list of career accomplishments.

At Money in the Bank on Saturday night, Lynch defeated Lyra Valkyria to become the new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. The victory marks the first time Lynch has ever defeated her former protege. Valkyria had a 2-0 record against Lynch heading into tonight.

It was an underhanded victory for Lynch with her holding onto Valkyria’s tights for leverage as she got the pin. Despite cheating to win, Lynch tried to embarrass Valkyria by holding her to her word that she would raise Lynch’s hand if Lynch won. She posed to all four sides of the crowd as a dejected Valkyria held her hand up.

Lynch then forced Valkyria to put the IC title belt around her waist. She did so but was able to get the last laugh by laying Lynch out with a German suplex and Nightwing.

The result was the inverse of what happened at Backlash where Valkyria won that meeting but was attacked by Lynch after.

With the victory, Lynch becomes the second-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. Valkyria was crowned the inaugural champ this January.

Lynch spent most of 2024 on hiatus from WWE but made her return at WrestleMania 41 this April, initially teaming with Valkyria to win the Women’s Tag Team titles. But the two Irishwomen began their rivalry the next night as Lynch turned against Valkyria with them dropping the tag belts to Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez.

WWE Money in the Bank live results: Two ladder matches, Cody Rhodes & John Cena in action

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Tonight’s WWE Money in the Bank from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, will feature two ladder matches to determine who will earn future anytime, anywhere title shots for the next year.

In the men’s match, it will be Seth Rollins vs. Solo Sikoa vs. LA Knight vs. Penta vs. Andrade vs. El Grande Americano.

The women’s match will feature Alexa Bliss vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Giulia vs. Naomi vs. Stephanie Vaquer in a blend of the present vs. the future in the division.

WWE Champion John Cena teams with Logan Paul to take on Cody Rhodes & WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso. It will be Rhodes’ first match since losing the title to Cena at WrestleMania 41.

The main card is rounded out by WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria defending against Becky Lynch. If Lynch loses, she cannot challenge Valkyria again for the title while if Lynch wins, Valkyria must acknowledge her as the better woman.

The pre-show kicks off at 5:30 PM Eastern while the main card begins at 7 PM Eastern.

**********

Countdown to Money In The Bank

-WWE was so excited about the Money In The Bank Kickoff Show, they started it 30 minutes early!

-Our panel is Micheal Cole, Pat McAffee, Big E and Wade Barrett. Cole and E have on blue and red ties respectively, Barrett went with no tie and McAffee is wearing the same clothes he’s worn for 36 hours.

-in lieu of a commercial break, the feed switched to Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton watching last year’s Women’s Money In The Bank Match. They thought it was pretty good.

-After a Cody and Cena recap video package, Sam Roberts and Megan Morant debated who the winners might be in the upcoming Cena/Paul vs Cody/Jey match. They threw to the panel for more analysis. Also, Barrett had taken off his jacket.

-An interview with WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Lyra Valkyria, aired next. Cathy Kelley mentioned her accomplishments over the year and Valkyria said that losing Becky Lynch’s friendship cast a shadow over her successes. they discussed the stipulation that if Lynch loses, she will never challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Title again. If Lynch wins, Valkyria will be forced to “raise the bitch’s hand” as Valkyria put it. Valkyria said that she wants Lynch to feel the same embarrassment and pain that she cost Valkyria when she turned on her.

-At 6:14 pm, in the middle of Barrett’s assessment of the Lynch/Valkyria match, the first “We Want Truth!” chant of the night broke out.

-Next, after an acknowledgment of Dream Center, an LA-based charity, LA Knight himself arrived. He presented the team with a WWE Championship Belt and asked who one’s favourite wrestler was. He answered “CM Punk.” Knight offered to put Punk sideplates on the title belt for him.

-Cole, Barrett and McAffee exited to go get ready for the PLE and were replaced by Vic Joseph and Peter Rosenberg. No word on where Big E went. Byron Saxton was also getting crowd predictions. The children he spoke to picked Rhea Ripley to win the women’s Money In The Bank match and Penta or LA Knight to win on the men’s side.

-The Women’s Money In The Bank Briefcase was shown hanging over the ring in the Intuit Dome as the crowd filed in. I presume that means that match will be kicking things off when the show starts.

-Cathy Kelley filled us in on the quality of the ladders being used in tonight’s Money In The Bank matches. She threw back to Joseph and Rosenberg, who were joined by Big E. They made fun of Wade Barrett for taking off his jacket. Good times.

-Predicitons were made and the clock ticked down to the beginning of:

**********

WWE Money In The Bank 2025

Victor Solomon sang a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The crowd was unsurprisingly, quite into it. After that, Cole ran down the card and the traditional Wrestlers entering and hanging out in the arena footage was shown.

During the intro, it was announced that this even marks 28 years to the day the Micheal Cole did his first commentary. Congrats!

Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Rhea Ripley vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Naomi vs. Giulia vs. Alexa Bliss

There’s too much to say about all the participants of the MITB match this year, so while the entrances are happening, how about a quick fun fact for each?

Rhea Ripley – Has never competed in a Ladder Match. Ever. Like, not even once. Just ask her. She’ll tell you.

Stephanie Vaquer –  Held the NXT Women’s and Women’s North American Championship simultaneously. 

Roxanne Perez – NXT Female Superstar of The Year 2024.

Naomi – Blacklight artist and multiple-time Champion. 

Giulia – Her big move is a scissored armbar crossface she calls “Bianca” (no relation to Bel Air).

Alexa Bliss – Doll and early 2000’s heartthrob collector. 

There were some audio issues with the commentary team off the top, but they were back in full force for the explosion of cheers for Rhea Ripley’s entrance.

The bell rang and all six women stared each other down. Quickly, they began punching each other, leading to Vaquer, Giulia and Perez exiting the ring. Naomi introduced the first ladder and Ripley used Bliss as a weapon to take her out.

Everyone traded places and Vaquer, Giulia and Perez ran through a threeway dance until Naomi returned and introduced Perez’ face to the ladder. Bliss snuck up on her though, and laid Naomi and Perez out on a ladder for a flip senton. Giulia returned to ring and set a ladder in the corner. She sent Bliss into it but it fell over and caught her in the back. She shrugged it off as Ripley climbed back into the ring.

Ripley dropkicked Giulia into the corner and tried to set up a ladder. Naomi and Perez tried to stop her, but Ripley dispatched them quickly. Ripley tried to hit a Razor’s Edge on Perez on the ladder, but Perez managed to reverse it and then hit a springboard moonsault onto Ripley on the ladder.

Perez was the first to climb a ladder, but was pulled off by Bliss. Giulia took out Bliss, and she and Perez raced up the ladder. Ripley stirred to life first though, so Giulia and Perez formed a quick alliance and sandwiched her in a ladder, before hitting that ladder with another ladder. Ladder.

Perez and Giulia continued their partnership by stacking half a dozen ladders on Ripley on the outside. While they were doing that, Naomi set up a ladder in the ring, but Vaquer got to her before she could climb it. Vaquer hit a killer dragonscrew on Naomi that looked like it wrenched her knee out of her socket.

Bliss and Perez climbed the ladder and Naomi and Vaquer climbed a second one. Bliss bailed and powerbombed Vaquer off the ladder. She then pushed over both ladders sending everyone flying. Giulia and Perez then dropped Bliss right onto a ladder and turned on each other. That woke up Ripley who threw off the pile of ladders she was under.

Ripley grabbed Perez and threw her into the barricade before confronting Giulia in the ring. Ripley went on a tear, taking out Giulia and Naomi before setting up a ladder on the ring ropes. Ripley threw Giulia into it for good measure and set up a ladder in the ring. She set up another one creating a bridge between the turnbuckle and the ladder. Ripley tried to use it on Vaquer, who countered and dragged her up onto the ladder for some Devil’s Kiss knees.

Vaquer scrambled up the ladder and got her hands on the case, but Perez stopped her from winning the match, much to the crowd’s dismay. Bliss tried to sneak up the other side, but Perez met her at the top and sent her into Naomi. Vaquer grabbed Perez on the ladder bridge, while Naomi set up another bridge opposite to it.

Bliss, Naomi, Vaquer and Perez all climbed up and traded blows, mirroring each other. Suddenly, Bliss and Perez hit dueling Code Reds on the ladder bridges. Giulia leapt in and removed the bridges, trying to take advantage and grab the briefcase. Perez scrambled up and the two traded blows atop the ladder.

Ripley arrived and dragged Giulia off the ladder. Ripley hit a riptide on Giulia and Bliss laid out Perez with a Sister Abigail before the two shared a smile and raced to the top of the ladder. Naomi dashed their hopes by knocking over the ladder though and set herself up to climb the ladder and unhook the briefcase, becoming 2025’s Miss Money In The Bank!

Match Result: Naomi defeated Stephanie Vaquer, Roxanne Perez, Giulia, Rhea Ripley and Alexa Bliss

Wow! Great match and excellent opener. I was surprised by Naomi taking in the win, but the three “newer” talents, Giulia, Vaquer and Perez shone brightly in this match. Bliss looked like she was right in there and Ripley was awesome as always. A good precedent set for the rest of the show!

-Next, highlights were shown from WWE x AAA World’s Collide which happened earlier in the afternoon (Full results here), setting up the upcoming match between Octogon Jr and WWE Intercontinental Champion, Dominik Mysterio.

-After that, a video package recapping the feud between WWE Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso and Gunther was shown. They will face off this Monday on RAW.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio vs Octagon Jr.

A last minute addition to the card, WWE’s “Dirty” Dominik Mystario will defined his title against AAA’s Octagon Jr. For those not familiar with Octagon Jr, his father was an Octagon. Also, he’s one of the premiere Luchadores in Mexico. So this should be an excellent match up. 

Speed was the name of the game in this contest, with Mysterio and Octagon exchanging moves at a lightspeed pace early on in the match. For once, a Mysterio was the larger performer in the ring, and Mysterio sent Octagon to the mat. He then tied Octagon’s mask to the rope so that he could beat him up unimpeded.

Mysterio slowed down the pace trying to keep Octagon on his heels, but Octagon didn’t buy it and took over with an armdrag corkscrew. Mysterio followed up with some 3 Amigos, but only got one in before Octagon broke free. Mysterio hit him with a modified driver, knocking Octagon for a loop and onto the ropes.

Octagon ducked a 619 attempt and hit a swinging neckbreaker before heading up top. Liv Morgan provided a distraction and Mysterio hit a 619 and a frog splash in quick succession. 1-2-3 and Mysterio retained his title, but Octagon looked great doing it.

Match Result: Dominik Mysterio defeated Octagon jr.

Lots of fun and a perfect length for a match that was announced just hours before showtime. Octagon looked great and Mysterio gets to continue the heeling that he does so well as Intercontinental Champion.

-Backstage, Chad Gable implored the Creed Brothers to sneak a Fireball branded ladder under the ring for El Grande Americano to “find” during the Men’s Money In The Bank match. Better than a dancing Cinnamon Toast Crunch, I guess.

Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria vs Becky Lynch

Lynch is doing her best to win the Big Show Award this year by flip flopping all over Valkyira. They been friends, champions, enemies, chenemies and more over the last few months. Valkyria for her part appears as confused as the rest of why Becky Lynch just doesn’t seem to want us to like her. 

Valkyria took the fight to Lynch so hard it popped the neck strap of her top and the ref had to quickly do it up while Lynch recovered on the outside. Valkyria followed her out and was throw into the steps and barricade for her trouble. This is the aggressive and brutal version of Becky Lynch and she went right for it with a Bex-ploder that got a two count. Valkyria countered with a Manhandle slam for a two-count of her own.

Lynch dropped a series of legs, wearing down Valkyria via neck offense. Lynch chopped her into the ring and Cole reminded us that Lynch is 0-5 in her last five matches, which I thought was interesting. In the ring, both women traded punches.

Valkyria picked up the pace and dropped Lynch with a modifed driver. Lynch fought back though, sending Valkyria into the corner. Fro there, Lynch landed a spiked DDT for another near fall. Lynch sent Valkyria to the corner and went up to the top turnbuckle. Valkyria joined her there and hit a superplex followed by a fisherman’s suplex for a two-count.

Valkyria tried a moonsault, but Lynch dodged it. Lynch locked in an Armbar and wrenched on Valkyria until Valkyria reversed it into a half-crab submission, forcing Lynch to grab a rope break. Valkyria splashed her out to the floor and Lynch tried to get away and recover on the Spanish announce table. Valkyria followed her, and laid her out over the barricade.

Valykyria went up on the announce table and dropped a leg on Lynch over the barricade. Tossing her back in the ring, Valkyria went up to the top turn buckle. Lynch caught her in mid air though and powerbombed her into a pin attempt.

It was here, for, some reason, the crowd started chanting “We want Truth.”

Any way, Lynch tried to get the drop on Valkyria with a Manhandle slam from the top rope, but Valkyria kicked out at two, shocking Lynch. Lynch took her to the outside and tossed Valkyria into the ring post, followed up by a Manhandle slam on the concrete. Valkyria wasn’t out though, and hit a Nightwing on Lynch onto the floor, as the ref counted. At 9, they both scrambled back into the ring.

The two traded blows and rollups and Lynch resorted to a handful of tights and somewhat unexpectedly, won the match and the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title.

Match Result: Becky Lynch defeated Lyra Valkyria

After the match, as per the stipulation, Lynch forced Valkyria to raise her hand in victory. Lynch wouldn’t let it go though and made her do it on all four sides of the ring. She then made Valkyria put the belt on her, but Valkyria had enough and hit a German Nightwing, leaving the new champ writhing in the ring.

A really, really good match somewhat sullied, in my opinion, by the finish. Despite Valkyria winning against Lynch with the roll up, It came completely out of nowhere in this match. I blinked and almost missed it.

Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Seth Rollins vs. Penta vs. El Grande Americano vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Andrade vs. LA Knight

I did it for the Women, so how about some fun facts for the Men’s field as well:

Seth Rollins – Multi-Time WWE Champion, best part of Captain America: Brave New World

Penta – Holds the record for most changes of name without actually changing his name. 

El Grande Americano – Delicious. 

Solo Sikoa – Flowered necklace and loose shorts enthusiast. 

Andrade – Was once an Idolo. 

LA Knight – Yeah! Two-time WWE, yeah! United States Champion, yeah! 

After the entrances, of which there were many, everyone seemd to have eyes for Seth Rollins. Rollins got attacked and sent to the outside by Penta, Andrade and Knight, who then turned their attention to Sikoa. They did the same to him and sent him out. Americano was next, and Rollins managed to get back into the ring and take out Penta and Andrade.

Everyone was down on the outside and Americano picked up a ladder a dispersed smacks with it to everyone in the match, while the commentary team debated the merits of researching men’s nipples. I’m not kidding, that’s what they were talking about.

Any way, back in the ring, Penta had Americano in the corner and delivered some stiff chops until Rollins hit him in the stomach with a ladder. Americano threw Rollins onto a ladder in a modified flipping Razor’s Edge and set up a ladder in the ring. It was a very short ladder though, so his chances weren’t great and even less so after Siko punched him in the gut.

Knight then sent Sikoa into the ladder and laid him out with some bit shots. Sikoa fought back though and attempted a Samonan Drop on Knight onto the ladder, but Knight reversed it and knocked Sikoa out with a Knight elbow. He then climbed the same too short ladder and Penta joined him at the top.

Rollins, with a bigger ladder, climbed up and Americano went up the other side. Sikoa then set up a third ladder, which Andrade climbed up. They all battled atop their ladders of various sizes, with Penta, Rollins and Andrade falling.

Rollins dumped over Americano’s ladder and delivered a Pedigree to Penta. Sikoa and Rollins remained as the only two standing in the ring. Sikoa went for a Samoan Spike, but Rollins hit a superkick and knocked him down. Rollins set up a ladder in the corner and launched Sikoa into it with a drop toe, followed by a curb stomp.

Rollins grabbed an appropriate sized ladder and set it up in the middle of the ring. Americano climbed up after him and put an ankle lock (taught to him by Chad Gable) on Rollins atop the ladder. Andrade tried to climb up OVER Rollins and hit a Sunset bomb on Americano off the top of the ladder. Penta and Rollins flew backwards into the corner ladder.

Penta and Andrade went to the top of the ladder and Andrade offered Penta a chance to grab the briefcase, seemingly out of respect. Penta, having never seen wrestling apparently, tried to do it and Andrade immediately punched him in the stomach.

Andrade set up a ladder bridge to the corner and climbed up on top of it with Penta. He tried tho spulex Penta, but Penta blocked it and hit a Mexican Destroyer on the the ladder, wrenching Andrade’s neck. Sikoa leapt into the ring, taking out Penta and mocking him, instead of climbing the ladder. That gave Knight an opening to pull Sikoa out of the ring and into the barricade.

Knight set up a ladder bridge between the ring and barricade and then threw Sikoa into the steps. Knight climbed into the ring, but Penta met him with a Destroyer and started climbling the ladder. Americano suplexed him off the ladder and then did the same to Rollins, and then Knight, and then Andrade.

Rollins charged Americano, but the alleged luchadore dodged and send Rollins into the ladder. Americano then went under the ring and got the Official Fireball Branded Ladder that the Creed Brothers had hidden under there. Sadly, it did not shoot fireballs like I’d hoped, but Americano was able to hit everyone with it.

Americano climbed, and so did Penta. The two fought on top of the Fireball Ladder (TM) and Penta sent him packing, only to be replaced by Rollins. Americano stashed a steel plate in his mask on the outside, while Rollins and Penta fought atop the Fireball Ladder. Rollins fell, and Penta was left alone atop the ladder. Americano scrambled up another ladder, jumped onto a second ladder and then climbed up to headbutt Penta with the steel plate. Americano then went for the briefcase, but Knight pulled him off.

Rollins was left alone in the ring and climbed the Fireball Ladder while Heyman urged him on. Andrade tried to climb up as well but Rollins sent him down. Penta arrived, and Andrade pulled Rollins off. Penta and Andrade fought at the top of the ladder. Siko raced up and Andrade was forced to hang from the briefcase for a moment. Penta then climbed a different ladder, while Rollins called for backup.

Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed came out and cleaned house, taking out Americano, then Knight, then Andrade and Penta. Breakker speared Knight on the outside and Reed hit a Tsunami from the top rope on Andrade. Suddenly, Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo arrived and faced off against Breakker and Reed.

The four beasts brawled on the outside, with Mateo getting speared through the barricade by Breakker. Fatu hit a pop up Samoan Drop followed by a Suicide Dive onto Reed. Fatu put Sikoa back in the ring and set up a ladder for him. Sikoa noticed that the ladder was too short (why do they even have those?) and Fatu grabbed a proper-sized ladder, guarding it as Sikoa tried to get the briefcase.

Just as Sikoa’s hand touched it, Fatu grabbed his ankle and declared “I HATE YOU” pulling him down and superkicking him. He hit a moonsault on Sikoa, getting revenge for Sikoa making fun of him behind his back on Smackdown last night. Fatu slammed Sikoa through that bridge that Knight had set up earlier, removing him from contention and possibly being able to walk again.

Rollins grabbed another Official Fireball Ladder ™ and set it up in the middle of the ring. No one was stirring, not even a mouse. Rollins climbed the ladder and almost had it, but Knight pulled him down and hit a lariat. Knight raced up the ladder, but Rollins recoverd and through him headfirst into the Fireball Ladder and then delivered a Curb Stomp.

Rollins then climbed the ladder, grabbed the briefcase and became Mr Money In The Bank for the second time in his career.

Match Result: Seth Rollins defeated Penta, El Grande Americano, Solo Sikoa, Andrade and LA Knight

That was an absolutely exhausting match to watch, but it was really, really good! I loved the interference from Sikoa’s crew and Rollins’ crew. Rollins showed himself to be the top guy he is, Knight was stellar as always and Penta and Andrade were excellent. Americano did everything he needed to and the tension was there through the whole match. Excellent effort by all!

-Next up, WWE made it official that Wrestlemania will be returning to Las Vegas next year and offered a QR code for early ticket registration.

WWE Champion John Cena and Logan Paul vs. Cody Rhodes and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso

John Cena is hellbent on ruining wrestling. Logan Paul is hellbent on ruining everything else. In response to their call for team names, I’d have just gone with “the worst” in lowercase letters to piss off the grammar police. Tonight they take on Yeeting-enthusiast and World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso and his partner, guy-who-totally-returns-his-cart-to-the-designated-area at Costco, Cody Rhodes. 

After the entrances and introductions, the bell was stuck and after some discussion, Rhodes and Paul kicked things off. Paul immediately tagged in Cena who locked up with Rhodes. Quickly, Paul was tagged back in, as Cena attempted to ruin tagging.

Rhodes got Paul up in a vertical suplex and stalled him for about 30 seconds. From there, Uso asked for a tag and came in to take on Paul. Paul met him with a big right hand, knocking Uso off his feet. He followed it up with two more for good measure.

Uso came back with a pop up neckbreaker and sent the dazed Paul into the corner to yeet all over him. Paul fought back with a blockbuster though and got the first nearfall of the match. Cena then jumped in and rained punches down on Uso. Cena sent Uso into the corner and distracted the Ref so Paul could get a few shots in.

Uso reversed the next whip and sent Cena into the corner. He reached for a tag, but Paul got one first and pulled him back into the center of the ring for a gutwrench slam. Paul dragged Uso to his and Cena’s corner, isolating him from Rhodes. Rhodes paced on the ring apron (the most anxious part of the ring) while Cena delivered a lariat to Uso. Cena then bowed (or curtsied) to the crowd.

Cena slowly picked Uso apart, countering everything Uso could dig up and delivering a begrudging Five-Knuckle Shuffle. Uso popped up and put a sleeper on Cena, with Paul way to far away to make a tag. Cena backed him into the corner though, squashing him and tagging Paul before Uso could get to Rhodes.

Paul hit a big leg drop onto Uso after mugging for the crowd. Paul prevented another tag, again isolating Uso away from Rhodes. Cena tagged in and ran over to give Rhodes a cheap shot before turning back to Uso. While the Ref calmed Rhodes down, Cena and Paul double teamed Uso. Cena went for another cheap shot on Rhodes, but he saw it coming this time and blocked it, sending Cena back to Uso with a punch. Paul tagged himself back in, but Cena didn’t like it, so he tagged HIMSELF back in. The two shoved each other over who should be tagged in, giving Uso a chance to crawl over for a hot tag to Rhodes.

Rhodes jumped in and cleared out Cena and Paul. He hit a Cody Cutter on Cena and dumped Paul to the floor to receive a suicide dive. Rhodes hit Cena with a big missile dropkick, but on the bounce back Paul hit Rhodes in the face, giving Cena a chance to hit an AA and almost get a pin before Uso broke itup.

Rhodes grabbed Cena and landed a CrossRhodes. Paul went up top for a splash, but missed and hit Cena by accident. Then Uso hit a spear on Paul and everyone was laid out in the middle of the ring.

Cena and Uso got to their feet and began exchanging blows. Cena tried for an AA but got a superkick instead. Paul took Cena’s place and he and Uso exchanged punches. Rhodes came to the rescue, hammering Paul with jabs. Paul hit him in the gut before the Bionic Elbow and hit a Paulverizer. Instead of a cover though, Paul went up top, mugging to the drone cameras. That gave Rhodes and chance to superplex him while still holding the camera! Uso hit an Uso splash next and Paul released the drone.

Cena snuck in an AA on Uso and then one on Rhodes, but Rhodes kicked out. Cena took Rhodes to the outside and cleared an announce table. He cleared a second one and put Rhodes on the first one. Cena put Rhodes up for an AA, but Rhodes wiggled free in time for Uso to run across the tables and spear Cena.

Paul then hit a Moonasult from the ring onto Uso on the table, crushing them both! Cena and Rhodes crawled back into the ring, Cena with the Championship belt in hand. Cena clocked Rhodes with the belt and a masked man entered the ring and speared Cena. IT WAS R-TRUTH!!!! Truth is back!!!

He left through the crowd, leaving Cena knocked cold in the middle of the ring. Rhodes staggered up and hit a CrossRhodes on Cena to get the pin and the win for his team!

Match Result: Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso defeated Logan Paul and John Cena

WOW! HOT DAMN! That was an exciting match, but the Truth reveal at then was spectacular! I honestly stood up in my office and exclaimed “TRUTH!!!” to the no one that was in there with me. What a great ending to a really good show!! There is no other outlet or entertainment that can do a surprise like that the way Pro Wrestling can and I am here for it!

Netflix Tudum notes: WWE stars promote ‘WWE Unreal’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

WWE stars attended Saturday’s Netflix Tadum event, promoting Raw and WWE’s upcoming reality show.

Netflix’s special promoting upcoming television and movie shows on the platform featured a segment featuring Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Dominik Mysterio, and The New Day. Punk took time to promote WWE’s upcoming new reality show on the platform “WWE: Unreal,” saying that their world could be stranger than “Stranger Things.”

Morgan then brought up the angle last year involving Mysterio turning on Ripley and aligning himself with Morgan. Ripley and Morgan exchanged words before Punk interjected. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods then introduced fans to the trailer for the next season of “One Piece.”

“WWE: Unreal” is set to premiere on Netflix this summer, with the most recent trailer dropping during WrestleMania weekend.

Later in the show, the trailer was introduced for “Happy Gilmore 2,” which releases on July 25. Both MJF and Becky Lynch appear in the new trailer, with MJF having a major part in the film as Gilmore’s son.

WWE Raw live results: Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One week after Bron Breakker left WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso lying, Breakker will receive a non-title match against the champion tonight on Raw.

Uso is five days away from defending his title against Logan Paul on Saturday Night’s Main Event. Paul, for his part, is also slated to make an appearance tonight.

Two women’s Money In The Bank qualifying matches will take place tonight as well. In one bout, it will be Rhea Ripley vs. Kairi Sane vs. Zoey Stark for a spot in the MITB Ladder match next month. In the other, it will be Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Roxanne Perez.

Also on tap, Grayson Waller will take on Sheamus, who returned last week to defeat Waller’s running mate, Austin Theory.

Plus, in tag action, AJ Styles will team with Penta to face The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh).

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Michael Cole welcomed everyone into the show as an exterior shot of Greenville, South Carolina, was shown.

– A video recap of last week’s Sami Zayn/Jey Uso/CM Punk/Paul Heyman Group developments aired.

– Rollins, Breakker, Heyman, Uso, Styles, Penta and The Judgment Day members were all shown walking in various parts of the venue and outside of it.

The Logan Paul/Gunther segment

Paul entered the ring, was given a microphone and said, “Welcome to Monday Night Raw.” Paul said it is a fact that he will beat Jey Uso on Saturday. Paul said he will be the new World Heavyweight Champion by the time next week’s Raw rolls around. Paul listed a bunch of facts – Jey Uso tapped out Gunther was one. Jey Uso is the World Heavyweight Champion was another. The crowd erupted with Yeets. Paul said Jey Uso has eyes on everyone in the company except Paul. Paul noted how he has knocked out Jey Uso three times and he will do it again on Saturday. Paul reminded everyone he will become the new Heavyweight Champion and in the middle of that, Gunther’s music hit and Gunther walked to the ring.

The crowd chanted “You tapped out!” at Gunther. Paul smiled and kind of joined in the chanting. Gunther said he assumes Paul believes he’s better than Gunther because Paul was saying he was going to beat a guy who beat Gunther. The dialogue turned to confidence and Gunther said the fans should show Paul more respect than they do. Gunther said Paul is a self-made social media megastar. The crowd booed. Gunther said if he’s honest, there are things he could learn from Paul. Gunther said he needs help with social media and marketing and the more he thinks about it, the more he believes Logan Paul as world champion would be best for business.

Paul smiled and kept repeating, “This guy knows business.” Gunther responded by saying to Paul, it’s business, but to Gunther, it’s personal. Beating Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship is personal for Gunther, Gunther said, and if Paul takes that away from Gunther then Gunther will feel disrespected. Gunther said he doesn’t see heart in Paul. Gunther told Paul if Paul squares off with Gunther, all of Paul’s accolades mean nothing and Gunther will eat Paul alive. Gunther slammed down the microphone and left the ring.

As Gunther walked away, Jey Uso appeared out of nowhere and super-kicked Paul inside the ring. Uso picked up the microphone and said he’d see Paul on Saturday. Uso then said he’d see Gunther in Phoenix. Uso’s music hit to end the segment.

Paul is such a caricature these days that his promos have become less and less interesting the more he leans into being that caricature. That said, thank God for Gunther, who carried the segment, even if he gave Paul a few too many flowers for my taste – but that’s just me. The former world champ had to stick the landing because his message was running of steam, but he got there and showed really good fire to wrap things up. The notion that winning the title back from Uso because it’s personal to Gunther is a nice touch and one that makes me mildly more interested in a potential Uso/Gunther rematch and I can’t say I was all that interested in it to begin with. But Gunther kind of/sort of sold me on it here. The surprise Uso appearance leaves me thinking Paul will be involved in Uso business later in the show. Time will tell.

**********

– A recap of last week’s women’s tag team main event aired. Footage of Roxanne Perez signing her Raw contract earlier in the day followed that.

– Jey Uso was walking backstage and he ran into Paul Heyman, who told Uso that to betray someone, you have to stab them in the back, and as such, Heyman wanted to make sure he can’t be portrayed as betraying Uso. That in mind, Heyman told Jey Bron Breakker wasn’t looking for Jey’s title, and instead, he was looking to slow down Uso’s momentum. Heyman said if it’s Uso, Gunther or Paul, it doesn’t matter because they are all short-term. Instead, the long-term plan for a champion, Heyman said, is Seth Rollins.

The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) vs. Penta & AJ Styles

Styles and McDonagh started the match. Styles got the best of McDonagh early until McDonagh worked his way back and thwarted an attempted dropkick. Styles connected with a dropkick after that and tagged Penta into the match. Penta gave McDonagh a backbreaker. Ditto for Balor. Styles and Penta through Balor and McDonagh to the outside and connected with stereo splashes. The show then went to a commercial break for those of us who have Netflix commercials.

The show returned and McDonagh was working over Penta, complete with a snapmare and the obligatory attempt to rip the mask off Penta. Balor tagged in and went for the mask as well. McDonagh tagged back in, but Penta suplexed him. Balor cut Penta off when it initially came to a hot tag. Balor followed that up with a suplex on Penta. Ultimately, Penta got a knee to Balor’s face and hit a Slingblade before tagging in Styles as the crowd erupted.

Styles lifted Balor, but Balor raked Styles’s eyes and McDonagh tagged in. McDonagh went for a splash on Styles, but Styles moved and McDonagh hit Balor instead. Styles took advantage and slammed McDonagh for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. With McDonagh on the outside, Styles hit a reverse DDT on McDonagh and rolled McDonagh back into the ring, but Carlito interfered and ran Styles into the ring post as the referee checked on McDonagh. From there, the show went to a commercial break again.

Back to the action, Balor worked over Styles in the ring. The two clotheslined each other at the same time and the match reset. McDonagh and Penta tagged in and Penta landed a cross-body from the top on McDonagh. With McDonagh in a headstand position, Penta kicked McDonagh in the head. Penta ran at McDonagh and McDonagh hit a standing Spanish Fly. Balor tagged in and went to the top, but missed the Coup De Gras. Penta capitalized on that and hit the Sacrifice on Balor. Balor rolled up Penta for a two-count and followed that up with a Slingblade. Balor ran into a kick from Penta and Penta went to the top. McDonagh distracted the referee and Carlito cut Penta off, so things broke down between everyone at ringside.

Penta hit a Destroyer on McDonagh on the outside of the ring. Penta was leaning on the crowd barricade and El Grande Americano appeared in the crowd to headbutt Penta in the back of the head. Balor too advantage of that, rolled Penta back into the ring and hit the Coup De Gras on Penta for the win.

Match result: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) defeated Penta & AJ Styles (17:05)

This was really pretty good. Plus, it was a pleasant surprise to see it go through two commercial breaks. For a makeshift tag match that only really existed to further the story between Penta and Americano, these four brought a lot of heart to what could have been a throwaway bout (covering SmackDown really acclimates you to “a throwaway bout” after so long these days). I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Penta taking these losses these days because he really came in on fire and still kind of/sort of remains on fire, but that fire can flame out easier and quicker than it should in WWE Land (with the exception of LA Knight), so it’d be nice to give him a win or two, even if this is all just building to him eventually unmasking Americano. Either way, this was a quality television tag team match.

**********

– Cathy Kelley interviewed IYO SKY in the backstage area. Kelley asked SKY about how she might be targeted for her title. SKY said she’d be ready for anyone and Becky Lynch walked into the frame. Lynch said SKY hadn’t been in there with Lynch yet and Lynch said she was going to put SKY down. Lynch’s music hit and Lynch made her way to the ring for the next match.

– Logan Paul was shown talking on his phone backstage and Seth Rollins walked up. Rollins told Paul that Jey Uso will get hurt tonight because Uso stuck his nose in Seth’s business. Seth said come Saturday, Uso won’t be 100% so the odds will be in Paul’s favor. Seth said if Paul can get past Jey Uso and Gunther, Seth will be waiting on the other side for Paul. Seth said Paul will know who to thank if he wins this weekend. Seth said they could run it back from WrestleMania a couple years ago, but this time, with the world title on the line.

Natalya vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Becky Lynch in a Money In The Bank qualifier match

Lynch convinced Perez to attack Natalya, but Lynch quickly turned on Perez, who threw Lynch to the outside. Lynch pulled Natalya out of the ring and a Lynch vs. Perez singles match broke out. Lynch attempted a Dis-Arm-Her, but Perez worked out of it and the two traded pin attempts. Perez had the upper hand and Natalya dropkicked Perez out of the ring before going to work on Lynch with a series of suplexes.

Natayla worked a Surfboard on Lynch. Natalya half-went for a Sharpshooter, but Lynch turned that into a Dis-Arm-Her. Perez reappeared and all three women exchanged offense. Natalya kicked Perez to the outside and before long all three wound up on the outside. This happened after some apparent miscommunication between Lynch and Perez and Lynch waited for Perez to get into place. Regardless. Perez stood tall as the show went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Perez had control back inside the ring, hitting a series of running elbows on both opponents. Natalya landed a discuss clothesline on both women and stacked them up for a double Sharpshooter, but Perez and Lynch kicked out of it. Perez came back with a moonsault on both Lynch and Natalya for a two-count on Natalya. Perez set up for PopRox, but Lynch countered into a Manhandle Slam. Natalya reappeared and took out Lynch and al three women were down.

Perez rolled to the outside and Lynch and Natalya traded blows inside the ring. Lynch and Natalya were struggling in a corner and Perez went to the top to German Suplex (PopRox?) both women at once. Perez covered Natalya but Lynch broke it up with a knee to Perez’s head. On their feet, Perez and Lynch traded slaps and elbows. Perez threw Lynch and went to the top, but Lynch cut off Perez. The two battled on the second rope until Natalya ran in and hit Perez with Lynch. Natalya powerbombed Lynch for a two-count. Natalya super-plexed Perez for a two-count.

Natalya locked in a Sharpshooter until Lynch bulldogged Natalya. Natalya clotheslined Lynch and went back to Perez. Natalya then worked a double Sharpshooter on Lynch and Perez at the same time. Lynch got out of it and rolled to the outside. Lynch came back and hit a Manhandle Slam on Natalya and it looked like Lynch would win, but Lyra Valkyria appeared and attacked Lynch. Perez took advantage and gave Natalya a PopRox to win the match as Becky and Lyra continued to brawl in the entranceway.

Match result: Roxanne Perez defeated Becky Lynch & Natalya to qualify for the women’s Money In The Bank ladder match (14:35)

A very good MITB qualifier match. All women worked really hard and while we don’t see Natalya on TV that much these days, she made the best of her time here. Lynch and Perez were very giving to her, too, which was a nice touch and one that reiterates how liked Natalya seems to be by all her colleagues. I like Perez going over here, even if Becky is leaning into all of the Internet Chatter about her sharing some traits with the Hulkster, among other things. Roxanne was the right choice. A new face to some viewers. She’s finally out of NXT/Main Roster purgatory. Let’s see what she can do with some proper booking attention on Monday nights. I also like the continuation of Becky and Lyra and they had a pretty nice brawl that led to the end of the match. Good stuff all around.

**********

– Jey Uso was shown in the locker room and Sami Zayn showed up. Zayn told Uso that he didn’t need to deal with Heyman and his group because Zayn would take care of it this weekend. Zayn and Uso shared in their secret handshake.

– Adam Pearce was talking to Alpha Academy backstage and asked Tazawa if he really wanted what he asked for. Tozawa said yes and Pearce made the match for next week – Tozawa vs. Rusev. Chad Gable walked into the frame and argued for MITB qualifying matches for himself and Ivy Nile. The New Day showed up and talked about how next week, American Made will be involved in a tag title shot. It will be a triple threat, including the War Raiders.

Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller

Waller had control early. The crowd chanted “Let’s go Sheamus!” The two grappled a bit until Waller kicked Sheamus in the leg. Sheamus blocked a hip-toss and slapped Waller to the ground. Sheamus followed up with a back-breaker and threw Waller across the ring repeatedly. Sheamus clotheslined Waller over the top rope and played to the crowd. Sheamus stepped outside and Austin Theory distracted Sheamus. Waller made the best of it and threw Sheamus into the commentary table before clotheslining Sheamus to the ground. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and the crowd offered loud “Austin Theory!” chants. Inside the ring, Waller slapped, punched and chopped Sheamus, who fired up and returned all of the favors. Waller took back control with a stomp on Shaemus’s back and a rolling Flatliner for a two-count. Waller went to the second rope and jumped into a tough knee from Sheamus. That was followed up weird tilt-a-whirl half-slam? Something happened. Sheamus ran into a spinning elbow from Waller and with Sheamus on the arpon, Waller went for 10 Beats, but Sheamus wasn’t having that. Instead, Sheamus lifted Waller and dropped him from the apron on down. That, of course, led to Sheamus setting up for 10 Beats, but Waller snuck away.

Waller went to walk to the back, but Theory stopped him. As a result, Sheamus actually did execute the 10 Beats. Theory laughed and Sheamus played to the crowd. Sheamus, from there, hit the Brogue Kick and got the win. Theory, meanwhile, kept laughing outside the ring.

Match result: Sheamus defeated Grayson Waller (11:48)

The long, slow, unreasonably stretched out breakup of Grayson Waller and Austin Theory continues. Who knows if the development during this match will actually lead to anything regarding the saga between the two, but time will tell. Meanwhile, Sheamus looked great here, even if there were a couple odd, not-Sheamus-match-like moments. Sheamus has settled into this really good gatekeeper roll – a roll in which he seems both happy and comfortable, which is nice to see. Give him the Grand Slam, WWE Writers. He’s earned it. Company man. Quality matches. Happy to work, no matter the job. Give Sheamus his flowers before he decides to call it a day.

**********

– Michael Cole and Pat McAfee interviewed Tyrese Haliburton and it turns out, Hali is going to be a character in the WWE 2K video game. Cole and McAfee have a bet riding on the upcoming Knicks/Pacers series. Haliburton also has his own WWE merch. So, there’s that. Cole asked Hali for a prediction for Paul vs. Uso on Saturday. He said he’d love to say Paul, but his heart lies with Jey Uso.

– Kelley interviewed Gunther backstage. She asked Gunther if his gameplan was different heading into June 9. Before Gunther could answer, Seth Rollins walked in and said he was there to let Gunther know that the work Gunther did with Seth’s World Heavyweight Championship was “pretty good stuff, man.” Gunther said he heard about the “long-term plan” and said Seth was short-sighted for a visionary, which was funny. Gunther said he was the future. Rollins was annoyed and said he was there as a courtesy. Rollins said if Gunther finds that title around his waist again, he will be treated no different than anyone else and Gunther will be a target. Gunther said he couldn’t wait and in fact, he was eagerly awaiting for all of this to happen.

Rhea Ripley vs. Kairi Sane vs. Zoey Stark in a Money In The Bank Qualifier Match

Sane’s entrance now features her throwing coins into the crowd, which was kind of fun. Sane’ presentation felt far less Damage CTRL and far more NXT Kairi Sane. Either way, things got off to a hot start as the women traded a handful of moves. The opening sequence had Stark stand tall over Ripley briefly. Ripley came back and took Stark out. Sane returned to the action and went for a dropkick, but Stark cut off Sane and hurt herself. Stark was yelling in agony, holding her knee as WWE doctors checked on Stark. The show cut to a commercial while it looked as though the match might be stopped due to Stark’s injury.

The show returned and Stark was gone. Cole announced it as a one-on-one match between Ripley and Sane. Ripley slammed Sane and covered her for a two-count. Ripley stretched Sane until Sane worked out and went to the top rope. Sane leapt at Ripley, but Ripley dropkicked Sane out of midair. That was good enough to earn Ripley a two-count. Ripley set up for RipTide, but Sane worked out of it and gave Ripley a back elbow. Sane went to the top and went for the InSane Elbow, but Ripley got a boot up to counter everything.

The two reset the match and battled while on their knees. Ripley and Sane traded elbows and forearms. Sane went for a spinning elbow, but Ripley avoided it and got Sane up for the RipTide. Ripley connected with it and got the win.

Match result: Rhea Ripley defeated Kairi Sane and Zoey Stark to qualify for the women’s Money In The Bank ladder match (9:53)

How sad can it get for Zoey Stark? Her faction dissolves in front of her because her stablemates were let go. She gets a chance to at least perform in a high stakes match like this and no less than two minutes into the thing, she suffers another knee injury that looks like it’ll take her out for a significant amount of time. Here’s hoping it’s not as serious as it looked and here’s hoping for a quick recovery. As for the match itself, it was fine, though I’ll say what I said about the other MITB qualifier: I would have preferred Sane winning, if only for the freshness of it. This does make me wonder if Ripley will win the ladder match (because why put her in there if she’s not?), but there is always something to be said for star power and Ripley certainly brings star power to whatever she does. Outside of that … what’s next for Sane?

**********

– On next week’s Raw, Tozawa will face Rusev. Cole made the official announcement and then a Rusev vignette aired.

– The Judgment Day were shown celebrating backstage. Balor walked into the picture and introduced Roxanne Perez to the group. Balor noted how Dom said they needed more numbers a few weeks ago. Dom said they needed to talk to Liv before any decisions were made. Balor said Perez wasn’t a member, but she could provide help if they need it. Perez said she got them presents and gave Dom a box of chicken nuggets (I thought he was into tendies? Come on, Rok-C. Be better). Carlito received an apple. Raquel told Perez to leave and sternly told Balor that Liv will hear about what happened. Balor said, “I can’t wait,” while flashing that Finn Balor smile of his.

– Next week, men’s MITB qualifying matches will go down. There’s the aforementioned Tozawa vs. Rusev match. And then War Raiders vs. New Day vs. American Made for the World Tag Team Championship will also happen.

– Jey Uso’s entrance through the crowd began for the main event and when you have a match presumably cut short due to injury, boy, you better be thankful for the Jey Uso gimmick these days, WWE, because you can fill at least 10 minutes with his entrance alone if need be.

Bron Breakker vs. Jey Uso in a non-title match

Breakker had the upper hand to begin things. It was brief because Uso battled back and clotheslined Breakker over the top and to the floor. Uso followed that up with a suicide dive through the ropes. The show then went to a commercial break. The show returned and Breakker had the advantage inside the ring. Breakker ran a million miles an hour and clotheslined Uso. In a brief hope spot, Uso went to the middle rope for a splash, but Breakker caught him and slammed him for a two-count. Breakker went for a belly-to-belly suplex and Uso landed awkwardly.

Breakker pulled Uso up by his goatee. Breakker yelled at the crowd and tried to hit Uso, but Uso blocked it and landed a series of strikes on Breakker. Uso followed that up with a hip attack for a two-count. Uso knocked Breakker to the outside and went for a suicide dive, but Breakker caught Uso and ragdolled Uso into everything. Breaker then jumped from the apron and hit somewhat of a flying bulldog onto Uso onto the commentary table. The show then went to its final commercial break.

The show returned and the two were back inside the ring. Uso slapped Breakker and they traded blows. The sequence ended with a wildly high pop-up Samoan Drop from Uso onto Breaker for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Uso went to the top but Breakker cut him off. The two battled on the second rope and ultimately, Breakker hit is jump-up Breakker-Steiner from the top. That was good enough to earn Breakker a two-count.

Breakker ran the ropes and, well, ran into a super-kick from Uso. The crowd collectively turned to somewhere as Uso struggled to get to his feet. Paul Heyman hopped onto the apron as Breakker obtained a chair from outside the ring. Uso kicked the chair out of Breakker’s hand and ran the ropes, but Heyman grabbed Uso’s foot. Uso left the ring and confronted Heyman, but wouldn’t you know it, Seth Rollins appeared and attacked Uso to end the match.

Match result: Jey Uso defeated Bron Breakker via DQ (15:56)

After the match was officially over, Rollins and Breakker put the boots to Uso inside the ring until Sami Zayn’s music hit. Zayn confronted Rollins and Breakker from the apron as the crowd chanted “CM Punk!” Punk’s music then hit and out walked Punk to join Zayn on the apron. All four wrestlers brawled inside the ring. Punk and Zayn got the better of it at first, but the heels didn’t give up. Breakker and Rollins battled Zayn in the crowd until Punk leapt off the crowd barrier and the four wrestlers brawled into the crowd. As all this was happening, Uso had his hand raised in the ring and Logan Paul appeared out of nowhere to punch Uso out. Paul, for some reason, was bleeding from the mouth. Paul smiled as the show went off the air.

This was a nice way to end what ostensibly could be considered “The SNME Go-Home Show,” with the way they went off the air. And good on WWE for that. The difference between Mondays and Fridays is so pronounced, it’s borderline shocking at this point. Raw has such an energy to it and it’s a pro wrestling show. Yeah, you’ll get a 10-15 minute promo segment, but the spotlight is so clearly on the wrestling while SmackDown feels far too much like Vince McMahon is booking it seven years ago and AEW needs to happen to course correct the state of pro wrestling. I digress. The main event was good. Breakker is settling into his top-of-the-card role nicely and Heyman is doing him all the favors he can do for a young up-and-comer. The show-closing brawl was well done and we all knew Paul would have to get his revenge on Jey to send this thing to Saturday. Overall, this was a solid episode of Raw and a good use of the two-and-a-half-hour time slot. If you didn’t like this, you don’t like the best of current WWE. When it’s good, it’s very good. When it’s not, it’s very not. On to Friday.

Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches official for WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Money in the Bank qualifying will continue with two more triple threat matches on Raw tonight.

Both of the qualifiers that have been announced for tonight are women’s division matches. The returning Kairi Sane will face Rhea Ripley and Zoey Stark in one of the triple threat bouts. The other qualifier will feature Becky Lynch, Roxanne Perez, and Natalya.

Sane is competing for the first time since suffering a torn thumb ligament in December 2024. Earlier this afternoon, WWE posted a social media video teasing that she would be returning tonight.

Tonight’s winners will join Alexa Bliss as the first three names confirmed for the women’s MITB ladder match. Bliss defeated Michin and Chelsea Green on SmackDown last Friday to qualify. Solo Sikoa also became the first wrestler to qualify for the men’s ladder match with a victory over Rey Fenix and Jimmy Uso.

Money in the Bank is taking place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on Saturday, June 7.

Here is everything that’s been announced for tonight’s Raw:

WWE Raw (Monday, May 19) —

  • Non-title match: World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker
  • Money in the Bank qualifying match: Kairi Sane vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Zoey Stark
  • Money in the Bank qualifying match: Becky Lynch vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Natalya
  • Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller
  • AJ Styles & Penta vs. Finn Balor & JD McDonagh
  • Logan Paul appears

WOL: It’s always ‘because of the fans’

Posted on by Jim Valley

Image: WWE

It’s Saturday and that means it’s time for Wrestling Observer Live with Jim Valley.

Jeff Cobb impressed in his WWE SmackDown in-ring debut as JC Mateo Friday, but the Greensboro crowd also thought most everything on the show was awesome even when some things weren’t.

On Monday, Becky Lynch turned heel BECAUSE OF THE FANS. Charlotte is upset BECAUSE OF THE FANS. John Cena turned heel BECAUSE OF THE FANS. The Rock is a heel BECAUSE OF THE FANS. Literally, FOUR top stars are mad BECAUSE OF THE FANS ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

Plus, Jim talks AEW Collision Beach Break from Chicago, NWA Crockett Cup from the 2300 Arena, Best of the Super Juniors, and more.

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Becky Lynch talks WWE return, working with MJF on ‘Happy Gilmore 2’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Becky Lynch almost returned at the Royal Rumble.

In an interview with Variety, Lynch talked about taking time off last year and how she almost returned at the Royal Rumble, but ended up waiting until WrestleMania 41 due to a skin condition.

“I took what I thought was going to be three months off during the summer, when my contract came up,” Lynch said. “I was like, ‘Okay, seems like a good time to take a little break, get some stuff done.’ Then other things came up – I was filming ‘Star Trek,’ and then ‘Happy Gilmore.’ There was talk [of a return] around Rumble time, but then at the last minute, I got a skin condition. The next big event was WrestleMania, so it seemed to make sense, especially if I could take Bayley out of the mix and ruin her dreams. It felt doubly brilliant.”

In addition to Star Wars: Starfleet Academy, Lynch also makes an appareance in ‘Happy Gilmore 2.’ Lynch said she did end up meeting the other pro wrestler on the set: AEW star MJF.

“I did. You know, a very nice boy. Great chats,” she said. “Of course, he knows he’d lose at [a promo battle], but we had great chats. Unfortunately, it was way before this happened, but I feel like he would completely agree with everything that I’m saying about Lyra.”

MJF responded to her comments on social media: “Agree with Becks fully on Lyra, she seems like a horrible person and clearly a gross poor. Enjoyed my time with “the man” on set. A very nice girl and an upstanding citizen. However….. not too sure about her thoughts on a potential promo battle.”

Lynch is set to face Lyra Valkyria for the Women’s Intercontinental title during Saturday’s WWE Backlash event.

WWE Backlash live results: John Cena vs. Randy Orton, Gunther vs. Pat McAfee

Posted on by Marc Quill

WWE Backlash heads to the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, headlined by new WWE Champion John Cena defending against former champion and longtime rival Randy Orton.

This will be Cena’s first title defense since winning the title from Cody Rhodes at last month’s WrestleMania 41 and his first singles match against Orton since February 2017.

After winning it at WrestleMania 41, Jacob Fatu defends the United States title for the first time as he faces former champion LA Knight, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest in a four-way.

New WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio defends for the second time since WrestleMania 41 as he faces Penta in a rematch from April.

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria defends against former partner Becky Lynch after Lynch turned on her on the Raw after WrestleMania.

Following his attack against Pat McAfee at the Raw after WrestleMania, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther takes on the announcer in his first bout since the 2024 Royal Rumble match.

The pre-show begins at 5 PM Eastern with the main card kicking off at 7 PM Eastern on Peacock (U.S.) and Netflix (everywhere else).

**********

Countdown to Backlash

– Michael Cole, Big E, and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the Countdown show as various wrestlers were shown arriving to the arena ahead of tonight’s show.

– An interview Barrett conducted with Randy Orton earlier in the week was teased.

– After a video package on Lyra Valkyria defending her Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Jackie Redmond was shown backstage talking about remarks that both Lynch and Valkyria gave to her ahead of their match. We then went to Byron Saxton interviewing Valkyria herself.

– NXT’s Vic Joseph joined the panel to talk about Valkyria’s career progression. The discussion turned to Penta versus Dominik Mysterio shortly after.

– The panel recapped the events that led up to Gunther facing Pat McAfee tonight. Michael Cole reiterated that he was entitled to share his opinions without having to face any reprisal. He said that McAfee would not go down without a fight, even in defeat, as he wished McAfee the best of luck in his match tonight.

– LA Knight was interviewed backstage about his chances of winning the U.S. Championship Fatal Four-Way match later tonight. Following that, a special look at the history of WWE in video games was shown.

– Peter Rosenberg and Jackie Redmond replaced Cole and Barrett on the panel as the talk turned to the card for tonight’s show. We then went to Barrett’s sitdown interview with Randy Orton.

– Orton said that the John Cena of 2025 is “selfish” when asked to describe him in one word. He then talked about the first time he met Cena in Ohio Valley Wrestling two decades ago, before he discussed how the many battles with Cena were the most fun he had in his career. Now, in Orton’s mind, he believed that Cena was being selfish because he wasn’t thinking of others with his recent change in attitude. Orton promised that if given the chance, he’d punt Cena tonight before going on a retirement run of his own that would last 5-10 years, and he’d have fun going on that run.

– The panel talked about the U.S. Championship Fatal Four Way match, which was confirmed as the opening match for the evening before the focused switched to Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Title.

**********

Backlash 2025

– Following the U.S. Anthem being sung, we were shown footage of various wrestlers arriving at the arena before our commentary team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show proper ahead of our opener.

Fatal-Four Way for the United States Championship: Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest

The bell rang with Knight and Fatu, as well as McIntyre and Priest brawling it out in their own separate skirmishes. The U.S. Champion was sent into the turnbuckle as Knight had control early.

McIntyre was taken down by a Samoan Drop from Fatu, before he got crushed with a running corner hip charge from the U.S Champion. As Fatu went up top, McIntyre raked at the eyes and looked to hit a superplex before Knight intercepted the Scotsman and hit him with repeated stomps. Knight then headed up top to attempt to slam Fatu, but got pushed aside. McIntyre showed impressive core strength and got himself back up to throw Fatu onto Knight, but the U.S. Champion recovered and unleashed a flurry on Priest and Knight. We then got Fatu getting blasted with a BFT from Knight, who then got thrown down with South of Heaven by Priest, followed by McIntyre’s Claymore on his hated rival. Priest fell onto Fatu, but McIntyre pulled him away as the count was made.

Knight’s BFT got countered, as McIntyre nailed him with a Future Shock DDT. This led to a Claymore on Knight, and it appeared we’d have a new U.S. Champion. That was until Priest pulled the referee at the last second before he could make the three count. The two bitter rivals brawled and sent each other crashing over into the timekeepers’ area.

Fatu and Knight were left in the ring as the U.S. Champion had his challenger dead to rights for a jumping moonsault, but Knight dodged at the last minute. A set of dual elbows from Knight nearly had the match won, but Fatu kicked out at two.

In the crowd, Priest and McIntyre fought as their fight escalated to a high platform. Priest dropped McIntyre with a South of Heaven chokeslam through a pair of tables in the ensuing melee. Back at ringside, Knight continued to dominate by throwing Fatu into the ringpost once more, as he then planted him onto the announce table. Knight headed up to the top rope and looked to have Fatu done and dusted with a diving elbow, until Solo Sikoa pulled Fatu out of harm’s way. As Knight stared down Sikoa, a mystery person attacked him before the assailant stepped over the barricade.

The assailant was revealed to be Jeff Cobb, who waylaid Knight before the challenger got thrown into the ring. As Fatu recovered, he stared down Cobb and Sikoa briefly before he entered the ring to continue the attack on Knight. One hip charge and moonsault later, and Fatu made the winning pin to retain his U.S. Championship.

Post-match, Fatu continued to stare down Sikoa and Cobb and appeared to leave on his own without the two.

Jacob Fatu def. LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest to retain the United States Championship (Fatu pinned Knight)

Solid opening bout with lots of big meat being slapped around and Jeff Cobb’s surprise debut spicing things up. The interactions between champion Fatu and Cobb make it clear that there’ll certainly be a feud inevitably coming between these two down the line.

**********

Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Lynch and Valkyria opened with a shoving contest, followed by the challenger keeping Valkyria grounded early on. Valkyria eventually recovered as we got a stalemate between these two.

Valkyria trapped Lynch in a swinging pendulum submission hold, as she then caught her in a surfboard stretch submission to maintain control against the veteran. Lynch got dropped with a dropkick from Valkyria, but she recovered to avoid a top rope attack from the Women’s IC Champion. Lynch continued to punish Valkyria to keep her grounded.

Valkyria stormed back with an impressive superplex, but Lynch kicked out in the nick of time. Lynch responded with a neckbreaker, but Valkyria kicked out. Valkyria got the better of Lynch and connected with a top rope legdrop. One, two, no! In the middle of the ring, a skirmish between champion and challenger turned into a duel of armbars that ended with Lynch seemingly having the Dis-Arm-Her locked in.

Lynch caught Valkyria with the Manhandle Slam, but the plucky Women’s I.C. champion managed to kick out at to, much to Lynch’s shock. Frustrated, Lynch headed to the timekeepers area to take a steel chair, but that was a distraction as she exposed the turnbuckle behind referee Jessika Carr’s back.

Lynch sent Valkyria into the middle turnbuckle as she hit another Manhandle Slam, but Valkyria kicked out yet again. Lynch tried to send Valkyria into the ringpost, but the referee saw it. In the ensuing scuffle, Lynch connected with Night Wing, but Lynch kicked out thanks to the referee taking too long.

After a pinfall exchange, Valkyria scored a flash rollup pin to retain. However, the Women’s I.C. Champion had no time to celebrate as Lynch snapped and locked Valkyria in the Dis-Arm-Her. The usual gaggle of former wrestlers, referees, and Adam Pearce made their way to the ring to stop Lynch’s rampage.

Lyra Valkyria def. Becky Lynch via pinfall to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship

A heck of a title bout that did not miss a step. Would not be against Lynch and Valkyria running back for the third time.

**********

Intercontinental Championship Match: “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio versus Penta

Lots of fast-paced offence to start us off with neither Dominik or Penta getting any sort of clear advantage, at least until Penta landed a Backstabber on his opponent for a two-count. Dominik secured the advantage as he sent Penta for a ride on the ropes, which then led to an impressive suicide dive turned into a DDT at ringside. Dominik sent Penta into the ring and landed a slingshot splash for another near-fall.

Dominik continued to have the command on Penta at this stage in the match. Penta fought out of a chinlock as he connected with a slingblade on the Intercontinental Champion. With Dominik on the outside, Penta headed up top and stepped on the top of the turnbuckle post itself as he connected with a splash on his champion opponent at ringside. In the ring, Dominik caught Penta and looked to connect with the Three Amigos, but Penta fought out of it. A 619 attempt from Dominik was dodged by Penta, who then delivered a crucifix bomb pin for the near-fall.

Dominik channeled his girlfriend Liv Morgan as he hit Penta with ObLIVion, but that was not enough to get the victory. The battle spilled onto the apron with Penta landing the Mexican Destroyer piledriver right on the apron! Carlito made his way down the ring at this point as Finn Balor and JD McDonagh entered. Some miscommunication between Balor and McDonagh led to the referee catching the Judgment Day duo in the act, prompting to a kickout. Penta responded in kind with a dive over the referee to take out Carlito and McDonagh. On the apron, Balor provided a distraction as El Grande Americano (who may or may not be Chad Gable) headbutted Penta, which gave Dominik the opening to connect with the Frog Splash to retain his coveted Intercontinental Championship.

Dominik Mysterio def. Penta via pinfall to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Decent match, but having yet another match conclude with interference after the opener had a similar finish seems rather disappointing and feels more at home on a weekly WWE show rather than a PPV. That said, it’s nice to see Dominik progress as an in-ring talent, and he got some nice moves in during this match, like the suicide dive/DDT combo.

**********

Gunther vs. Pat McAfee

Gunther started things off by pushing McAfee into the corner before the two sized each other up once more. Gunther nonchalantly threw McAfee from a headlock position as he then utilized his technical prowess to trap McAfee with an arm wrench. McAfee escaped and barely avoided a Gunther chop attempt with a dodge. McAfee answered with a headlock of his own as he got sent to the apron. McAfee responded to Gunther mocking him with an attempt at a strike (after slipping off the top rope), but got met with a clothesline from the Austrian.

McAfee tried to hit Gunther with some chops of his own, but got floored by a hard chop by Gunther. With McAfee prone in the corner, Gunther continued to punish him with his patented chops, which began to turn McAfee’s chest red. Gunther absorbed a punt kick to the back from McAfee and once again looked to have the upper hand.

McAfee hyped himself up as he tried once again to hit Gunther with chops, but he got dropped with a fierce boot to the face. Gunther taunted Cole and invited him to get into the ring to witness the brutality firsthand. McAfee recovered, but couldn’t maintain a second win as Gunther connected with a German suplex. Gunther tried to apply his sleeper hold, but McAfee attempted an escape. Another German suplex from Gunther kept McAfee’s comeback a fleeting one.

Gunther continued to play with his food as he put McAfee on the top rope and looked for an avalanche German suplex. McAfee managed to avoid that calamity, and tried for a moonsault. Gunther avoided it, and tried for a German suplex. McAfee landed on his feet and hit a series of punts on Gunther. That, however, wasn’t enough to even get a two-count as Gunther kicked out at one. McAfee and Gunther faced off in the middle of the ring and exchanged strikes until McAfee’s attempt at keeping Gunther floored was met with a powerbomb.

In the middle of the ring, McAfee was trapped in a Boston Crab by Gunther as Michael Cole got off his commentary seat and tried to will McAfee on. Gunther took notice and dragged Cole into the ring as he attempted to hit a powerbomb on the commentator. McAfee intervened with a boot, but was met with a boot from Gunther for his troubles. Cole grabbed onto Gunther’s feet as McAfee tried for a pin, but Gunther kicked out.

McAfee’s sleeper hold attempt was stopped as Gunther destroyed him with a lariat. Gunther caught McAfee with his patented sleeper hold and appeared to have it all wrapped up. McAfee struggled and tried to fight out of it, but simply could not escape as Gunther scored the victory via referee stoppage.

Post-match, Gunther appeared to give McAfee credit for his efforts in the match.

Gunther def. Pat McAfee via submission

I can’t quite put into words how I felt about this match, since this wasn’t really going to be a classic bout. In any case, this match was certainly one of the matches of all time. Gunther did the best he could and certainly played his role, and I can’t really say much about McAfee’s in-ring abilities (or lack thereof). In short, this felt like a match that lasted a bit too longer than it should’ve.

**********

Undisputed WWE Championship Match: John Cena vs. Randy Orton

As expected, Orton got a huge hometown reaction from the crowd inside the Enterprise Center, complete with the now-familiar singalong of “Voices” serenading Orton’s arrival to the ring for this main event.

Following the introductions, the bell rang as Cena and Orton locked up in the middle of the ring with a test of strength that nobody won out in. The two would then stare one another down as Cena offered a handshake, before he poked Orton in the eye. The Viper answered back with a shot of his own to Cena’s eye, which sent the WWE Champion outside to reassess the situation.

In the ring, Orton dropped Cena with a shoulder block as he then applied a headlock. Cena escaped, but got taken down with another shoulder block, which caused him to take a powder and attempt to walk out on the match. Orton ran him down and refused to let Cena escape. In the ring, Cena struck Orton with a surprise clothesline to gain control of this match. Orton fought back and caught Cena with a set of 20 punches in the corner.

Orton began to target the downed Cena with his patented stomps, followed by a knee drop to the face of the Champ. Cena reversed an Irish whip from Orton and trapped him in a sleeper hold. This led to a series of dueling sleepers from both men that ended with Orton delivering a back suplex on Cena as both men were left down and out in the ring. Cena recovered and hit his shoulder charges, spinout Protoplex, followed by the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Orton fought out of an AA attempt from Cena as he answered with a vintage powerslam. Cena countered a draped DDT attempt with a rollup, followed by the STFU locked in. Orton escaped the hold and connected with his trademark DDT to leave Cena out cold.

The Viper sized up his prey as he looked for the RKO, but Cena countered and attempted an Attitude Adjustment. Cena appeared to connect, but Orton countered it into a sort-of RKO as he was being dropped on his back. Once both men got back to their feet, we got an exchange of strikes between Orton and Cena. In the melee, Cena caught Orton with the Attitude Adjustment. One, two… Orton kicked out!

Cena tried for another AA, but Orton used the ropes to escape. Cena’s attempt at hitting the shoulder tackles was met with an RKO out of nowhere. Cena managed to roll out of harms way to avoid Orton pinning him. Orton tried to go for the Punt with Cena in position, but the Undisputed WWE Champion escaped and hit one more AA. However, Orton kicked out at 2.99999999 to keep this match going.

Cena mocked Orton’s pose and tried for a Punt of his own. Orton dodged, and looked for an RKO, but Cena pushed him right into the referee. Cena hit an AA on Orton and grabbed the WWE Championship belt from ringside. As Cena entered the ring, he got met with an RKO from Orton. One, two…. Cena kicked out! As Cena rolled out of the ring, Orton looked towards the commentary table and cleared it away with bad intentions on his mind. Cena once again pushed Orton into the referee, which sent him into the steel steps as a result.

Cena took Orton and put him on his shoulders, as he looked for an AA onto the table, but Orton escaped and turned the tables with an AA of his own to Cena. The table itself fell apart five seconds after after Cena kicked around while sprawled in pain. Orton looked around under the ring and found a table as he set it up next to the ring. Cena took advantage and once again tried the AA, but Orton escaped yet again and threw Cena with an AA through the regular table.

Inside the ring, Cena got himself up and was taken down by an RKO. As a referee ran down to make the count, Cena kicked out at two. Orton argued with the referee as Cena grabbed the WWE Championship belt. Orton hit an RKO on Cena, but there was no referee to make the count. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and several officials ran down to the ring to survey the chaos, much to Orton’s irritation.

Orton snapped and dropped Aldis and the other officials with a barrage of RKOs, to the St. Louis crowd’s delight. Cena was again in position for a Punt, but R-Truth ran in to stop Orton at the last second. He got dropped with an RKO for his troubles. This allowed Cena to hit a low blow on Orton, followed by a shot with the title. As the referee crawled back to the ring, Cena made the pin and that’s it, over. The so-called “Last Real Champion” retains in the Backlash main event.

After the match, Cena took the microphone and had the music cut. He said that he didn’t need music, and he needed competition. Cena said that this is what the “Last Real Champion” looks like and despite the obvious set up for a surprise, the show just ended there.

John Cena def. Randy Orton via pinfall to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship

That got a bit overbooked towards the end, but it was the fun kind of overbooked, which did make the main event a decent way to end an otherwise okay show that felt like “Saturday Night Raw” at times. Of course, the main highlight of the night was the excellent Lynch/Valkyria Women’s I.C. Title match, but other than that, everything just felt like a “kinda there” moment.

It’s clear that the 5-match PLE format that the Paul Levesque-led WWE braintrust have adhered to is a double-edged sword. When the majority of the matches are solid, it elevates the show greatly. On the other hand, when the show is filled with 3-4 mediocre-to-decent matches, it ends up making the show fall a bit flat. Unfortunately, Backlash 2025 falls under that latter category.

Becky Lynch: Age, Return, Movies and TV Shows, Real Name and more

Posted on by Jake Skudder

Becky Lynch, born Rebecca Quin, is one of WWE’s most iconic superstars. Known for her fiery persona and trailblazing career, Lynch has captivated audiences worldwide. This profile goes into her age, recent return to wrestling, ventures into movies and television, her real name and more.

FieldDetails
Full NameRebecca Quin
Ring NameBecky Lynch
NicknamesThe Man, Big Time Becks, The Irish Lass Kicker
Date of BirthJanuary 30, 1987
HometownLimerick, Ireland
Height5’6″ (168 cm)
Weight135 lbs (61 kg)
NationalityIrish (naturalized U.S. citizen in 2024)
LanguagesEnglish, Irish
FamilyMarried to WWE Superstar Seth Rollins; one daughter born in December 2020

Becky Lynch Age

Born on 30 January 1987 in Limerick, Ireland, Becky Lynch is currently 38 years old. She began her wrestling journey at the age of 15, training under Fergal Devitt (known in WWE as Finn Bálor) and Paul Tracey. Her early start laid the foundation for a remarkable career in professional wrestling.

Becky Lynch Return

After nearly a year away from the ring, Becky Lynch made a major return at WrestleMania 41. She stepped in as Lyra Valkyria’s surprise tag team partner, replacing Bayley, and together they won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Lynch would then turn heel the next night on Valkyria.

Becky Lynch Movies and TV Shows

Beyond wrestling, Lynch has expanded her repertoire into film and television. She appeared in “The Marine 6: Close Quarters” (2018) alongside The Miz and Shawn Michaels. Additionally, Lynch lent her voice to the animated film “Rumble” (2021). Her television credits include guest appearances on shows like “Young Rock” and “Billions.”

Becky Lynch Real Name

Becky Lynch’s real name is Rebecca Quin. Before adopting her ring name, she performed under the moniker Rebecca Knox during her early wrestling career in Europe.

Early Life and Background

Born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, Rebecca Quin began wrestling training in 2002 under Fergal Devitt (Finn Bálor) and Paul Tracey. She debuted as “Rebecca Knox” and wrestled internationally, including in Canada and Japan. A head injury in 2006 led to a hiatus, but she returned in 2012 and signed with WWE in 2013, debuting in NXT as Becky Lynch.

Wrestling Career

Debut Information

TypeDate
Pro Wrestling DebutNovember 11, 2002
WWE/NXT DebutJune 26, 2014 (NXT)
WWE Main RosterJuly 13, 2015 (Raw)

Championships & Achievements

Championship/TitleNumber of Reigns
WWE Raw Women’s Championship2
WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship5
NXT Women’s Championship1
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship2 (with Lita and Lyra Valkyria)
Women’s World Championship1
Women’s Royal Rumble Winner2019
Sixth Women’s Triple Crown Champion—
Sixth Women’s Grand Slam Champion—

Promotions Worked With

PromotionYears Active
WWE2013–present
NXT2013–2015
Shimmer Women Athletes2005–2006
Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling2005–2006
Queens of Chaos2005–2006
Various European and North American indies2002–2006

Wrestling Style & Moves

CategoryMoves
Wrestling StyleTechnical, high-energy striker with submission expertise
Signature MovesMissile Dropkick, European Uppercut, Running Bulldog, Clothesline
FinishersDis-arm-her (Fujiwara Armbar), Manhandle Slam (Pumphandle Side Slam)

Entrance Theme

Theme NameArtist
“Celtic Invasion”CFO$

Notable Rivalries

OpponentRivalry Highlights
Charlotte FlairLong-standing feud; multiple title exchanges; co-main event at WrestleMania 35
Ronda RouseyWrestleMania 35 triple-threat match; Lynch pinned Rousey to win both titles
AsukaSeries of matches over Raw Women’s Championship; notable match at Royal Rumble 2020
Bianca BelairFeuded over Raw Women’s Championship; Lynch lost title at WrestleMania 38
Trish StratusFeud in 2023; culminated in a steel cage match at Payback

Personal Life & Fun Facts

DetailInfo
SpouseSeth Rollins (Colby Lopez)
ChildrenOne daughter, born December 2020
CitizenshipNaturalized U.S. citizen as of March 2024
EducationStudied acting at Dublin Institute of Technology
Other PursuitsAppeared in TV shows and commercials; published author

Becky Lynch says Hulk Hogan memes compare her to ‘scummiest person on Earth’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Becky Lynch is not happy that fans have been comparing her to Hulk Hogan.

After Lynch returned to WWE at WrestleMania 41 to replace a storyline-injured Bayley, some fans began posting memes online calling her Becky Hogan. Lynch was asked about the memes during WWE’s Raw Recap show on Monday and complained that she’s paid the physical price for the wrestling industry and doesn’t appreciate being compared to “the scummiest person on Earth.”

Lynch said on the show:

“I wear the scars of what I’ve done on my body. I wear them with pride because of all I’ve given back. And these people go around, they compare me to the scummiest person on Earth after everything I’ve done, after everything that I’ve done for them? I’m supposed to sit here and take it.”

Lynch also complained about fans telling her to move aside and let younger talent have the spotlight and said fans have a different standard when it comes to male wrestlers.

“Look at the men’s (division.) Who you got that’s hot and young over there? No, you’ve got a bunch of old lads. And nobody’s saying nothing. Nobody’s saying, ‘Move over CM Punk, move over Seth Rollins’. Nobody’s saying that but they’ll say it to me. So, who’s the bad guy? Why am I supposed to move over?”

Lynch’s full appearance on the show is available below:

Lynch is scheduled to challenge Lyra Valkyria for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship this Saturday at WWE Backlash in St. Louis. It will be their second singles match, following Valkyria’s win over Lynch in an NXT Women’s Championship bout at Halloween Havoc 2023.