At WrestleMania 38 this April, Belair will challenge Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship. Belair getting the title shot was confirmed when she won a number one contender’s Elimination Chamber match at today’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia.
Belair got the win after eliminating both Alexa Bliss and Rhea Ripley with KODs. Belair earned the right to enter the Chamber last by winning a gauntlet match on Raw earlier this week.
Liv Morgan, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H. were also participants in the Elimination Chamber match.
This will be the second straight year that Belair has entered WrestleMania as the challenger for one of WWE’s women’s titles. In the main event of WrestleMania 37 night one in 2021, Belair defeated Sasha Banks to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Belair lost the SmackDown Women’s Championship when Lynch made her return at SummerSlam last August and defeated Belair in under 30 seconds.
Lynch became Raw Women’s Champion when she swapped title belts with Charlotte Flair after both changed brands in last year’s WWE Draft.
Lynch retained the Raw Women’s title against Lita at Elimination Chamber.
WrestleMania 38 is a two-night event that’s taking place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3.
A second Elimination Chamber match has been added to this month’s pay-per-view.
WWE has announced that Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H. will compete in an Elimination Chamber match at the Saturday, February 19 Elimination Chamber PPV. There’s also a silhouetted sixth participant included on the graphic for the match whose identity has yet to be revealed.
The winner of the Chamber match will challenge for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 38 this April. Becky Lynch currently holds the title and is defending it against Lita at the Elimination Chamber.
Morgan and Doudrop have both unsuccessfully challenged for Lynch’s title in recent weeks. Doudrop got her title shot at the Royal Rumble by defeating Morgan and Belair in a number one contender’s match. During that triple threat match, Lynch interfered to prevent Belair from winning.
This year’s Elimination Chamber PPV is taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Elimination Chamber match: WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Austin Theory, Riddle, and AJ Styles
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Goldberg
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Lita
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) defend against The Viking Raiders (Ivar & Erik)
Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss
Elimination Chamber match: Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan vs. Doudrop vs. Nikki A.S.H. vs. ? (winner will challenge for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania)
This year’s women’s Royal Rumble match has a couple of new confirmed participants.
It was announced on Raw tonight that Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan will be taking part in the women’s Royal Rumble. Belair was the winner of last year’s women’s Rumble match, lasting for nearly an hour after entering at number three.
Belair and Morgan were both in contention to challenge for Becky Lynch’s Raw Women’s Championship at the Royal Rumble, but Doudrop defeated them in a triple threat number one contender’s match last week. The story of the match was that Belair was about to get the win, but Lynch interfered and stopped her. Doudrop pinned Morgan after hitting a Banzai Drop.
On tonight’s Raw, Lynch & Doudrop defeated Belair & Morgan in a tag team match. Doudrop again pinned Morgan to get the win. When Lynch was going for a cover prior to that, Doudrop gave her own partner a splash to break it up. Doudrop then hit a Banzai Drop on Lynch after the match.
There have now been 21 participants confirmed for this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match. The pay-per-view is taking place at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on Saturday, January 29.
Here’s the updated list of entrants for both Royal Rumble matches:
Royal Rumble challengers are set to face off against each other on tonight’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins will take place on Raw tonight. Lashley is challenging for Brock Lesnar’s WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, while Rollins is challenging for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship.
The Royal Rumble is being held at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on Saturday, January 29. The pay-per-view will also feature Becky Lynch defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Doudrop. Tonight, Lynch & Doudrop will team together against Bianca Belair & Liv Morgan.
Doudrop became the number one contender to Lynch’s title by defeating Belair and Morgan in a triple threat match in the main event of Raw last week. Leading into the finish of the match, Lynch interfered and prevented Belair from winning. Doudrop then hit a Banzai Drop on Morgan and pinned her to get the victory.
Lynch acted like she was going to shake Doudrop’s hand after the number one contender’s match, but she slapped Doudrop in the face instead. Lynch then went to hit the Manhandle Slam, but Doudrop powered out of it.
The BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is hosting tonight’s Raw. Here’s the updated lineup for the episode:
Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins
Becky Lynch & Doudrop vs. Bianca Belair & Liv Morgan
Bobby Lashley responds to Brock Lesnar after last week’s face-to-face
Becky Lynch reacts to Doudrop being her next challenger
Can RK-Bro bounce back after losing the Raw Tag Team titles to Alpha Academy?
Date: January 10, 2022 Location: Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
The Big Takeaway —
Doudrop beat Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair to earn a title shot against Becky Lynch at the Royal Rumble. Belair had the match won before that but Lynch broke up the cover.
Chad Gable and Otis beat Randy Orton and Riddle to win the Raw tag team titles, Nikki ASH turned on Rhea Ripley, and Seth Rollins beat Big E clean.
Show Recap —
Brock Lesnar entered with Paul Heyman to a big reaction.
Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin approached Lashley in the back as he watched a monitor. Alexander was excited for Lashley but Lashley reminded him that they were no longer part of the Hurt Business and told them to hit the bricks.
Lesnar was excited to be back in Philadelphia but before he could say any more, Lashley and MVP interrupted. Lashley called them both super-athletes and said it was an honour to share the ring with Lesnar.
Lashley also stated that Lesnar has been running from him for 20 years. Lesnar said he’s been busy over the years winning championships in this ring and other rings. He didn’t even know who Lashley was until they met at Day 1. Lesnar said it wasn’t his fault that Lashley didn’t climb the ladder enough to reach him at the top.
Lesnar was doing some comedy here and Lashley mocked him for it. Lesnar wanted to tell a knock-knock joke and Heyman couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The setup was “Bobby who?” and Lesnar’s punchline was, “Exactly.” The crowd laughed. Lesnar called Lashley a Brock Lesnar-wanna and walked off.
Benjamin and Alexander attacked Lashley from behind but Lashley laid them both out.
********
Randy Orton approached Riddle in the back. Orton blamed Riddle for the loss last week because he never tagged him in. Orton used a marker to write “tag in Randy” on Riddle’s hands. Riddle asked Orton if they could go out for Philly cheesesteaks after they win and asked if he was a Pat’s guy or a Geno’s guy. Orton said Geno’s.
They showed a Chad Gable tweet where he posted pictures of himself and Otis training their necks to prevent being victims of an RKO.
Alpha Academy defeated Randy Orton & Riddle to win the Raw Tag Team Championships (9:13)
They went to break two minutes into the match after Riddle wiped out Gable with a dive. Gable took control during the break using a dragon screw off the ropes.
Riddle knocked down Otis with a floating bro and made the hot tag to Orton who nailed Gable with clotheslines and a power slam. Orton knocked Otis off the apron before giving Gable a superplex. Riddle tried taking out Otis on the outside but Otis knocked him down.
Orton tried fighting off both opponents but Otis caught him with a World’s Strongest Slam for the pinfall win (Riddle couldn’t get back in the ring on time). Gable and Otis are the new champions. The crowd was red-hot for Orton and seemed surprised by the result. I liked it.
********
Damian Priest declared for the Royal Rumble match. Priest also met with the Street Profits in the back. They were all on the same page and they were ready to give a beating to Apollo Crews, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.
Bianca Belair cut a promo on Becky Lynch, warning her that her time on top was coming to an end.
There was a replay of Johnny Knoxville tossing Sami Zayn over the top rope on Smackdown to qualify for the Rumble match.
********
Six-man tag team match: Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode & Apollo Crews (w/Commander Azeez) defeated United States Champion Damian Priest & The Street Profits (9:13)
This also went to break two minutes in with the babyfaces on top and like the previous match, the heels were in control following the break (but they didn’t show how it happened this time).
Montez Ford tagged in Angelo Dawkins who handed out suplexes to Ziggler and Roode. Dawkins gave Roode a bulldog and Silencer but Crews broke up the cover. Priest went after Crews but became distracted by Azeez. Ford wiped out Crews and Azeez with a dive as Dawkins gave Roode a spinebuster in the ring.
However, Ziggler was the legal man and he gave Dawkins a Zig-Zag for the pinfall win.
That’s two straight surprise wins by the heels. This match was completely flat and this was not the result I’d have gone with.
[Second Hour]
Seth Rollins promo
Rollins said he was excited for the Royal Rumble, not because of Lesnar vs. Lashley or because of the Rumble matches, but because he would become Universal Champion. Rollins said he didn’t get the match because of a Penguin-looking advocate, he got it because he’s Seth freakin’ Rollins. He planned on beating Roman Reigns yet again.
Big E interrupted. He claimed to be as excited as Rollins and as excited as Gritty after a (rare) Philadelphia Flyers victory. Rollins didn’t know what Gritty was. Big E said he put $10 on Rollins and announced that he was entering the Rumble match. He had one goal: to beat Rollins at WrestleMania for the world championship.
Rollins laughed and claimed Big E had no chance. Big E offered to test that theory tonight. Rollins hesitated but Big E goaded him into it. A referee entered the ring and the match started abruptly.
Seth Rollins defeated Big E (17:55)
Big E splashed Rollins on the apron and they went to break 80 seconds into the match. Big E smashed Rollins’ face off the announce table as they returned from break. Jimmy Smith said he was covered in “Seth freakin’ Rollins’ sweat.”
Rollins slipped out of a Big Ending attempt and chop-blocked Big E before hitting a flying knee strike for two. Big E came back with an STO, a clothesline, and a spear through the ropes to the outside.
Despite what we just saw, Rollins was back in control following a break. Big E came back with three consecutive overhead suplexes and a splash but Rollins responded with a rolling forearm. They traded counters until Rollins hit an enziguri for two, followed by a superkick for two, and a frog splash for two.
Rollins went for a curb stomp but Big E countered into a powerbomb for two. Big E applied a stretch muffler but Rollins got a rope break. Big E tried a spear through the ropes again but Rollins got his knee up. They traded counters again until Rollins hit consecutive forearm strikes and a curb stomp for the clean pinfall win.
Good match. Another heel win, however. And that’s after Big E issued a challenge that Rollins didn’t really even want to accept.
*********
There was a video announcing 19 entrants for the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Nikki A.S.H./Rhea Ripley segment
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Nikki ASH and Rhea Ripley in the ring because they had an announcement to make. Nikki issued a challenge to Queen Zelina and Carmella for the tag team titles. Ripley told Nikki (off the mic) that this wasn’t what they agreed to discuss. Ripley thought they were out there to talk about the Rumble.
Schreiber asked them about the rumours surrounding their team. Ripley didn’t want to talk about this in the ring but Nikki did. Nikki grabbed a mic and told Ripley that they’d be able to get the titles again. Ripley thought it would be best if they went their separate ways. Nikki thought they brought out the best in each other.
Nikki knew that Ripley blamed her for their loss. Nikki also made a comment about one of them feeling like they were the better wrestler. Ripley said she never claimed to be better than her. Nikki clarified that she was better than Ripley.
Ripley had enough and was about to leave but offered a handshake before they went their separate ways. Ripley still believed in Nikki and hoped they could still be friends. Nikki asked if she was being sincere so Ripley hugged her.
Nikki turned her back which seemed like a setup for Ripley to attack her. However, Ripley offered a fist bump and Nikki decked her. Nikki hammered away on Ripley before leaving the ring. As she posed on the ramp, Nikki said, “Almost Super Heroes don’t need any friends.”
********
In the back, Reggie gave Dana Brooke a cheesesteak. This led to a 24/7 segment where various things happened and Tamina (who is celebrating her birthday today) wound up covered in cheesesteaks.
Reggie ran into Omos so Omos was about to kill him but Brooke talked him out of it. Omos issued a warning to Reggie.
********
Doudrop cut a backstage promo stating her case for the title. She said 2022 would be the year we finally get Dou-dropped.
********
Omos defeated Nick Sanders (1:36)
Omos won quickly with a tree slam. They piped in booing for the result.
********
Edge entered for the Cutting Edge.
[Third Hour]
The Cutting Edge with guest Beth Phoenix
Edge spoke glowingly of Beth Phoenix before introducing her. Edge reminded the fans of how much ass she kicked in her career.
He said she would’ve been in the Broad Street Bullies if they were in the 1970s and said they’ve collected championships the way the Flyers collected Stanley Cups (they only have two). Edge said they’ve won 35 titles as a couple, more than any other couple in WWE — and they were the only couple in the Hall of Fame. (Edge has 31 title wins, Phoenix has 4.)
Edge had a video package played for Phoenix. The crowd cheered the video. Phoenix wondered if he was just trying to butter her up for later and the crowd popped for that remark. Phoenix was sick of Maryse and Miz and was looking forward to shutting their mouths for good.
Miz and Maryse interrupted. Miz sided with Ben Simmons to get heat here in Philly before repeating material from last week’s promo. Miz heard that Edge had a video ready for Phoenix so he also had one played for Maryse. The crowd booed.
Miz said they were all lucky to be in Maryse’s presence. Edge put over Maryse’s career and work ethic but said Phoenix could deadlift a Buick. He’d be as worried as they were if he had to fight her. Phoenix thought it was funny that Maryse was suddenly quiet.
Phoenix planned on having the crowd chanting “au revoir” when she was done with Maryse and she’d be happy to knock out Miz’s teeth as well. The Miz boldly put over Maryse as a look of worry washed over her face. Maryse scampered to the back as Miz continued to ramble. The crowd laughed at Miz who finally realized Maryse left.
********
Kevin Patrick interviewed Austin Theory about his upcoming match against AJ Styles. Theory said Mr. McMahon warned him about how good Styles was but Theory was ready to prove to McMahon why he should continue to invest in him. Patrick asked if McMahon gave him any other advice and Theory said yes: “Don’t screw this up.”
AJ Styles defeated Austin Theory via DQ (7:00)
Styles outsmarted Theory early on but Theory dropkicked him off the apron which led to break 90 seconds into the match. They wrestled for a bit after the break but the match ended in a disqualification after Grayson Waller attacked Styles as he set up for a Phenomenal forearm. Theory took a selfie over Styles before leaving.
Styles attacked Waller but he bailed before Styles could do any worse.
In the back, Waller told Patrick that he was simply giving Styles a preview of their match tomorrow on NXT. (Waller was looking over his shoulder to make sure Styles didn’t come after him.)
********
Liv Morgan cut a promo saying she wouldn’t come close to winning the title at the Rumble — she would finally win it.
********
Alexa Bliss segment
There was a pre-taped segment with Bliss (dressed in her evil overalls and evil makeup) meeting with a psychiatrist. His office had a Newton’s Cradle and Bliss stopped its movement just by looking at it. After the psychiatrist showed her a clip from her past, Bliss flipped out and destroyed his office. Bliss chucked something at him as he ran away. She shrieked.
********
Becky Lynch promo
They piped in some booing as the live crowd chanted “Becky.” She gave backhanded compliments to Morgan and Belair before putting over Doudrop. She said tonight’s winner would have the pleasure of telling their grandkids that they lost to Big Time Becks.
Lynch joined commentary for the match.
Triple threat match: Doudrop defeated Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair (14:41)
They had a fun match and Doudrop picked up the win to earn a title shot against Lynch.
Morgan and Belair shined early on until Doudrop nailed them both with a running crossbody. Doudrop gave Belair a Michinoku driver before slamming Morgan on top of her. Morgan avoided a cannonball and tried repeated double foot stomps but it had no effect and Doudrop chucked her out of the ring.
After a break, Belair avoided a charge by Doudrop and went to the top but Morgan actually flipped over Doudrop to bring Belair down with a hurricanrana. Doudrop kicked Morgan into the buckle and Belair speared Doudrop.
Morgan put Belair in Rings of Saturn and held the move for a while until Belair got to her feet with Morgan on her shoulders. However, Morgan countered into a Codebreaker before giving one to Doudrop as well.
Doudrop powerbombed Morgan and covered her but Belair broke it up with a 450 splash. Lynch couldn’t help but be impressed. Belair gave Doudrop a spinebuster before giving Morgan a Glam Slam on top of her.
Belair hit a moonsault on both women before giving Morgan the KOD but Lynch broke up the cover. (This wasn’t a DQ because it’s a triple threat.) Belair chased after Lynch but Lynch wound up tossing her over the announce table.
In the ring, Doudrop gave Morgan a Banzai Drop for the pinfall win.
After the match, Lynch offered Doudrop a handshake before smacking her. Lynch tried to give her a Man-handle Slam but that didn’t work. Doudrop shoved Lynch from the ring and the show ended as the two women exchanged words.
Major changes have taken place to both of today’s WWE Holiday Tour house shows in New York City and Tampa, Florida.
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will not take part in the advertised main event in Tampa as he, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre, Sir Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods had been the advertised main event. McIntyre and Sheamus are now challenging The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles on that show.
At Madison Square Garden in New York, Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins, WWE Champion Big E and Bianca Belair are off that show. Big E vs. Rollins vs. Kevin Owens, and Lynch vs. Belair in steel cage matches had been the advertised main events. Edge was brought in for MSG and will now be facing Owens in a cage match in a first-time matchup. Natalya was also reportedly brought in to New York for the show.
There is no word from WWE as to the reason for the changes to the lineups, but earlier in the week, it was reported that a number of both WWE talents and staff had tested positive for COVID-19 following last weekend’s house shows. Sunday marked the beginning of a five-day stretch in which WWE is running two shows a day. On Saturday, WWE holds their Day 1 pay-per-view in Atlanta, GA.
Dave Meltzer noted on Twitter that “there are people being kept off the shows who haven’t tested positive to minimize risk so the PPV headliners are at less risk of having to miss the event on Saturday.”
While not directly admitting he has the virus, Rollins did tweeted the following on Sunday indicating he was home:
Merry Covid Christmas to me!!!! I LOVE FOOTBALL!!!
We talked about Halloween and put a specific Halloween costume under a microscope. I created a game called “Yes or No” and we hit six major topics in wrestling. Some of those included:
Should Bianca Belair have beaten Becky Lynch on Raw?
Should Bron Breakker have won the NXT title at Halloween Havoc?
Should Hangman Page win the AEW title at Full Gear?
Plus more. Enjoy the latest We’re Live, Pal by clicking below or watching on YouTube.
A Raw Women’s Championship match kicked off last night’s Raw, while the WWE Champion was in non-title action in the main event.
Becky Lynch retained her Raw Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair after cheating to get the win. When Belair was going for the KOD, Lynch held onto the top turnbuckle and ripped the turnbuckle pad off. Lynch then sent Belair into the exposed buckle and rolled her up to get the win while holding onto her tights.
Later in the night, Liv Morgan appeared to emerge as Lynch’s next challenger when she confronted Lynch during a backstage interview.
Big E and Kevin Owens faced off in their first-ever one-on-one singles match in the main event. After becoming the number one contender to Big E’s WWE Championship last week, Seth Rollins wanted Owens to take out Big E. Rollins interfered in the match and struck Big E while the referee wasn’t looking, but Big E kicked out when Owens went for the pin. Big E then reversed the pin into a crucifix to get the win.
Owens apologized to Big E after the match and claimed that he didn’t know that Rollins interfered. Big E didn’t believe Owens and dropped him with the Big Ending.
Owens also issued a challenge to Rollins for next week’s Raw.
Date: November 1, 2021 Location: Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI
The Big Takeaway —
It still dragged at times but Raw was much better than usual thanks to some strong wrestling.
Becky Lynch cheated to retain her title over Bianca Belair, while Big E beat Kevin Owens in a non-title main event.
AJ Styles was absent once again despite an appearance by Omos.
Show Recap —
There was a big video package hyping Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair.
In the back, Belair admitted to Sarah Schreiber that she wasn’t ready for Lynch at SummerSlam after preparing for Sasha Banks. She was excited to face Lynch until she was suddenly without her title 26 seconds later. The experience made her stronger, while Lynch has lost sight of what it takes to be champion. Lynch couldn’t stand that Belair rose to the top while she was out. Belair put over the magnitude of this match.
After Belair entered the ring, Lynch told Schreiber that Belair only rose to the top because she wasn’t around to stop her. She was doing push-ups the day after she gave birth and nobody understood how hard it was to be her. People didn’t appreciate her and that motivated her to beat Belair again.
Becky Lynch defeated Bianca Belair to retain the Raw Women’s Championship (18:38)
Belair was in full control for the first two minutes before they went to break. Lynch tried using Belair’s braid against her but Belair yanked Lynch into the post before giving her a vertical suplex outside the ring. Lynch posted Belair during the break (they finally showed something that happened during the break) and used a reverse DDT for two.
Belair dodged a leg drop and came back with dropkicks, vertical suplex and delayed vertical suplex for two, followed later by a gutbuster for two. There were dueling chants as they traded counters. Belair countered a Disarmer by hoisting Lynch up and knocking them both over the top to the outside which led to break. (Second commercial break in the match’s first 11 minutes.)
Lynch countered a vertical suplex and tried an armbar but as Belair tried to reverse it, Lynch sat down into a cover for two (the referee initially didn’t count because Belair’s shoulder was up, even though you couldn’t really tell, and Lynch basically told the referee to count). Belair slammed Lynch for a two count of her own.
Belair used a press slam and tried a moonsault but Lynch got her knees up. Lynch followed with the Man-handle Slam but Belair got a rope break at two. Lynch went after Belair on the outside but Belair dropped her on the announce table which drew a two count in the ring. Belair followed with a Glam Slam for another two count.
Belair got Lynch on her shoulders for the KOD but Lynch yanked off the top turnbuckle cover before slipping out. Lynch pushed Belair into the exposed buckle and rolled her up for the pinfall win.
Very good match. The crowd liked both women and were into it throughout.
********
Kevin Patrick interviewed Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Rey thought Austin Theory was talented but he was also disrespectful. Rey was proud of how Dominik stepped up to him last week.
Theory showed up and threatened to take a selfie with Rey after he beat him, just like he beat his son. Dominik told him to show some respect. Rey said Theory wasn’t the first person to try making a name for himself at his expense, but he would show why those other names have faded away while the Mysterio name remains.
Austin Theory defeated Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) via DQ (10:29)
There was a spot before a break where Theory had Rey on his shoulders but Dominik spun Rey around right into a tornado DDT. The ref yelled at Dominik but didn’t kick him out or disqualify Rey.
Theory was randomly in control following the break until Rey dropped him on a turnbuckle before hitting a crossbody for two. Theory gave Rey a backdrop before dropkicking Dominik, which is only fair.
Rey dropped Theory on the middle rope and Dominik punched Theory in the face before Rey hit a 619. The ref apparently noticed what happened and called for a DQ. (The replay made it seem like he missed it.)
They were having a pretty good match until the finish. The crowd got into this as well. The obvious story was that Dominik inadvertently cost Rey the match. Rey was disappointed but embraced him after the match.
********
[Second Hour]
Seth Rollins / Big E / Kevin Owens segment
Rollins entered proudly holding his contract for a title match. He bragged about winning the ladder match and said it just feels right given that Raw was his show. The only thing he was missing was the title belt and the contract pretty much guaranteed he would be the next champion.
Big E interrupted. He said he came out last week to congratulate Rollins, but instead of getting a handshake, Rollins laughed in his face and slinked off like the Pink Panther. Big E’s aunt told him not to let that strange man bother him.
Rollins put over his wins over Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre but said Big E was still not on his level. Rollins suggested Big E give him the title so he can go back to his loser friends and be a joke like King Woods and KofiMania. Big E told him to respect the king and respect one of the greatest moments in WWE history — Kofi Kingston winning the title at WrestleMania.
Big E suggested they wrestle for the title tonight and the crowd popped big. Rollins asked the crowd if they really wanted to see that and they did the ‘Yes’ chants. Rollins said he wasn’t 100% after competing recently in both a ladder match and Hell in a Cell match.
Kevin Owens interrupted. Owens said that everyone wants to call themselves the face of Raw including Rollins and Big E. He called Big E a great champion while Rollins was a delusional dumbass. Belair and Lynch also made that claim, but everyone was forgetting about his handsome face.
Owens said Rollins might have won last week but all anyone was talking about was Owens’ performance. Owens said he would always keep fighting and would also always give the fans something to remember.
Owens suggested he face Big E for the first time ever tonight. Rollins tried to give his opinion but Owens told him to shut up because nobody ever wants to hear from him. Big E accepted Owens’ challenge.
********
Earlier today, Queen Zelina and Carmella were getting along swimmingly in the back. They bumped into Rhea Ripley and Nikki ASH. Zelina gave Nikki a backhanded compliment about her mask. Ripley and Nikki didn’t appreciate that and this led to a match being set up. (Zelina spoke in an English accent again.)
Queen Zelina & Carmella defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley & Nikki ASH in a non-title match (8:13)
Nikki wiped out the heels before a break but Carmella was randomly in control of Ripley when they returned. Nikki made a hot tag but Carmella posted Ripley and distracted Nikki allowing Zelina to hit a Code Red for the pinfall win. This was not good.
********
Chad Gable and Otis approached Big E in the back. Gable agreed with Rollins that Big E wasn’t championship material but he could be if he joined them. Big E didn’t want to wind up being a walking thumb like Otis. Gable said Big E was going to let Raw become Monday Night Rollins again. Gable suggested Big E watch him turn Finn Bálor from a prince to a peasant.
Veer Mahaan is coming (back) to Raw.
Finn Bálor defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (5:42)
They had a really strong match for the time they had. Bálor was limping thanks to Gable’s ankle lock and he took too long getting to the top rope. Gable climbed to the top and hit a superplex but Bálor transitioned into a cradle for the pinfall win.
*******
There was a video showing Titus O’Neil getting a Tampa, Florida school named after him. It’s now known as Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet School.
(The Street Profits were shown applauding this video in the ring.)
********
There was a backstage segment with Riddle and Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. There wasn’t much to this.
Riddle and Randy Orton joined commentary for the next match. They have new team music.
Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defeated The Street Profits (11:00)
There wasn’t much to this either outside of one big spot by Montez Ford. The crowd chanted for Orton and Riddle and didn’t seem to care about the match itself.
For the third time tonight, the babyfaces had the advantage before a break but the heels were in control with no explanation when they returned. The big spot of the match was Ford wiping out Roode and Ziggler with a dive from the ring, over the turnbuckle, to the outside. The crowd did pop for that.
Omos entered to his music and the distraction cost Ford the match. I didn’t see what happened but Ziggler pinned him. It was probably a superkick.
Omos laid out Ford, Dawkins and Riddle after the match. The crowd chanted for Orton who was pissed off. Orton ripped off his sweater and it seemed like he was about to go after Omos but they suddenly cut away to a replay from last week.
(They crossed into the third hour during this match.)
********
Patrick interviewed Damian Priest and asked about showing a different side last week. Priest said he tries to keep that side of him at bay but T-Bar forced him to go to a dark place. He warned T-Bar that he would see the Damian inside of him tonight.
No DQ non-title match: US Champion Damian Priest defeated T-Bar (12:59)
They went to break after T-Bar hit a Samoan drop off the top. T-Bar trapped Priest in the ropes and hammered away at him with a kendo stick. Priest freed himself and nailed a clothesline before smashing T-Bar repeatedly with a chair. Priest chokeslammed T-Bar out of the ring through a table which popped the crowd. Priest hit Reckoning for the pinfall win.
Apollo Crews entered with Commander Azeez following the match. Crews said he would soon beat Priest for the US title.
********
Reginald approached John Morrison as he meditated in the back. Truth and Tozawa tried and failed to attack Reginald. They blamed Drake Maverick’s plan.
********
Schreiber asked Lynch about using nefarious tactics to win. Lynch dismissed the accusation and pointed out that half the crowd was booing her (which wasn’t the case) because they were fickle. Lynch said she was in a league of her own and Belair should step aside for someone new to step up. Liv Morgan appeared at that exact moment but Lynch just walked away from her.
Elsewhere, Rollins offered to help Owens win tonight and offered him the first title shot when he beat Big E for the title. Owens acted flattered before threatening Rollins. Rollins told Owens to keep fighting while Rollins kept winning.
********
WWE Champion Big E defeated Kevin Owens in a non-title match (12:46)
This was a pretty fun and hard-hitting match.
Owens knocked down Big E with a senton off the apron and hit another senton. Rollins decided to enter to his music which led to break. (They showed a replay of the second senton and Owens absolutely crushed Big E, who should be thankful for his large frame.)
Owens hit a superplex after the break but Big E no-sold as Owens attempted clotheslines. They traded strikes and collided with clothesline attempts. Big E blocked a stunner and hit a belly-to-belly but Owens avoided a splash, hit a superkick, cannonball and flying senton — crushing Big E again.
Big E fought back and hit an STO for two. Owens tried a splash but Big E got his knees up and hit a running dive through the ropes. They bonked heads and Owens appeared to get the worst of it so the ref checked on him. Rollins attacked Big E as the ref was busy.
Owens may or may not have seen what happened and went for the cover. Big E kicked out and countered into a crucifix pin for the win.
After the match, Big E noticed on the replay that Owens saw what Rollins did. Owens grabbed a mic and swore he didn’t see what happened. Owens blamed Rollins and called him a stupid son-of-a-bitch. Owens challenged Rollins to a match next week.
Owens pleaded with Big E and apologized. Big E wasn’t buying it. Owens put his hand on Big E’s shoulder and apologized again. Big E grabbed him and gave him a Big Ending.
(This wasn’t presented as a heel turn but Big E did come across like a dick considering how apologetic Owens was being. Byron Saxton said Big E was in DTA mode.)
The Raw Women’s Championship will be on the line to kick off tonight’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship will be opening tonight’s Raw. The show is taking place at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
When a WWE Championship match between Big E and Bobby Lashley kicked off an episode of Raw in September, it ended in a no contest and built to them facing off in a steel cage match for the title later in the show.
This will be the third time Belair has challenged Lynch for a title since Lynch defeated her in less than 30 seconds to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam. Their SmackDown Women’s Championship match at September’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view was declared a no contest when Sasha Banks got involved. Lynch then defeated Belair and Banks in a triple threat match to retain the title at Crown Jewel in October.
Lynch got the win at Crown Jewel by rolling up Banks and holding onto the ropes for leverage. Belair had hit the KOD on Lynch leading into the finish, but Banks stopped Belair from going for the pin.
Lynch became Raw Women’s Champion when she and Charlotte Flair exchanged titles after they changed brands in the WWE Draft.
Lynch cut a promo on last week’s Raw saying that she was moving on from Belair, but Belair interrupted her and wanted another title shot. A brawl between Lynch and Belair led to their Raw Women’s Championship match being announced for tonight’s show.
Also on tonight’s Raw, WWE will follow up on Seth Rollins becoming the number one contender to Big E’s WWE Championship. Rollins was set up as Big E’s next challenger when he defeated Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, and Rey Mysterio in a fatal four-way ladder match last Monday. WWE hasn’t announced when Rollins will be getting his title shot.
WWE finished building to Crown Jewel on last night’s go-home edition of Raw.
A 21-minute Raw Women’s Championship main event between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair ended in a disqualification when Charlotte hit Belair with a steel chair. After the match, Belair dropkicked Charlotte and hit her with the chair.
Belair and Sasha Banks are challenging for Becky Lynch’s SmackDown Women’s Championship in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel this Thursday.
The finals of WWE’s King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments are both set following last night’s show. Xavier Woods defeated Jinder Mahal to advance to the King of the Ring finals, while Doudrop picked up a surprise win over Shayna Baszler to reach the Queen’s Crown finals. It will be Finn Balor vs. Woods and Zelina Vega vs. Doudrop at Crown Jewel.
Plus, WWE Champion Big E & Drew McIntyre teamed up against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, Goldberg and Bobby Lashley took part in a side-by-side interview, and more.
Date: October 18, 2021 Location: Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA
The Big Takeaway —
The main event title match between Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair went 22 minutes and ended in a DQ.
Xavier Woods and Doudrop advanced to the finals in their respective tournaments.
Show Recap —
Charlotte Flair entered. She wondered why there was no celebration for her last night on Raw and why she’d instead have to defend her title against some rookie like Bianca Belair. She thought there was a conspiracy against her considering Belair isn’t technically part of Raw yet. People thought she was entitled when Belair was the one with two title shots this week.
Charlotte said Belair can’t beat her and told her to get to the back of the line. She went on for a little while longer until Belair interrupted. Belair got a good reaction.
Belair said this wasn’t a conspiracy or favouritism, this was deserved. Belair would have beaten Charlotte a few weeks ago if Becky Lynch didn’t get involved. Belair said she won’t be a problem for Charlotte soon because, after tonight, she doesn’t even go here anymore. Belair planned on having both belts in her arms the next time she’s on Raw.
Belair asked Charlotte how that sounded so Charlotte attacked her but Belair ended up knocking her off the apron.
********
Xavier Woods told Kevin Patrick how important tonight was because he wanted to follow in the footsteps of such men as King Mabel, King Ken Shamrock and King Booker.
Kofi Kingston planned on being ringside tonight because they didn’t want Veer and Shanky to get involved as they did in his match last week. Kingston said it was Woods’ dream to be king. Woods said he planned on wearing the crown on Thursday. Kingston chanted “Hail King Woods” in the tune of “New Day Rocks.”
********
There was a Seth Rollins video package.
Members of the Sacramento Kings were shown at ringside.
King of the Ring semifinal: Xavier Woods (w/Kofi Kingston) defeated Jinder Mahal (w/Veer & Shanky) (9:57)
Mahal took control before a break after dropping Woods on the steel steps. Mahal hit a gutbuster for two and maintained control until Woods hit a thrust kick before dropkicking Shanky off the apron.
Woods came off the top but Mahal caught him and hit a strange-looking Khallas. (Woods was trying to ensure he was close to the ropes upon landing.) Mahal made the cover but Woods grabbed the bottom rope.
Woods fought off Mahal and hit an impressive flying elbow drop for the pinfall win. The crowd was happy. Woods moves on to the final against Finn Bálor. Woods put on the robe after the match (but not the crown).
********
Sarah Schreiber was interviewing Austin Theory when they were quickly interrupted by Reginald running away from Akira Tozawa, Drew Gulak and Drake Maverick. Reginald circled back around toward Theory where R-Truth was waiting for him. Before anything could happen, Theory split them because he was annoyed. Truth did some comedy which led to a match being made.
There was a video package for Bobby Lashley vs. Goldberg. There will be some sort of “no holds barred interview” between the two men tonight.
Austin Theory defeated Jeff Hardy (7:06)
It was supposed to be Theory against Truth, but Truth entered and informed Theory that he didn’t accept the match for himself, he accepted it for his friend Jeff Hardy.
Theory hit a neckbreaker off the apron to the outside which led to break. Hardy mounted a comeback until Theory knocked him off and hit his finisher for the pinfall win. (The crowd seemed caught off guard because his finisher isn’t over.)
Theory took a selfie over Hardy’s body and continued to celebrate until Hardy popped to his feet and laid out Theory with a Twist of Fate. Hardy used Theory’s phone to take a selfie.
********
Drew McIntyre approached Big E at Gorilla position. They basically tried reasoning with each other after getting into it last week. Big E suggested they tried coexisting before beating each other up on Thursday. Big E said, “may the best man win,” and McIntyre responded, “I will.” Big E did his big introduction on the microphone while staring at McIntyre.
Elsewhere, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville were talking in their office until Charlotte interrupted. Charlotte complained about having to defend her title and again suggested there was a conspiracy. Deville assured her that was not the case.
(It was odd seeing Deville just having a normal meeting with Pearce after what she did to Naomi on Smackdown a few days ago. It’s like it didn’t happen.)
[Second Hour]
WWE Champion Big E & Drew McIntyre defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode (12:50)
Ziggler tried a Fameasser on the outside but Big E hoisted him over the barricade into the timekeeper’s area. The distraction allowed Roode to chuck Big E into the steel steps. McIntyre tried encouraging Big E as they went to break.
The heels continued to work over Big E as Corey Graves suggested that McIntyre wasn’t helping because he wanted Big E softened up for Thursday. Big E finally did fight off Ziggler and tagged in McIntyre who suplexed Roode and Ziggler. McIntyre gave Roode a neckbreaker before giving Ziggler a reverse Alabama Slam on top of Roode.
Ziggler yanked Big E off the apron and the distraction allowed Roode to give McIntyre a spinebuster. Roode hoisted Ziggler in the air for an elevated Fameasser for two. Ziggler missed a Stinger splash and McIntyre headbutted Roode.
Big E hopped back on the apron, McIntyre tagged him in and he hit a Big Ending for the pinfall win.
Big E couldn’t celebrate for long because McIntyre grabbed him and offered a handshake. Big E shook his hand as they spoke about Thursday. McIntyre was about to leave but Big E grabbed him and they continued to talk trash.
********
The Street Profits did a backstage promo. They spoke about being back on Raw and the match between RK-Bro and AJ Styles and Omos. They claimed Omos was the one doing all the work for their team.
Styles and Omos happened to be nearby and they interrupted. Styles said they would be the new champs after Thursday and if the Street Profits gave RK-Bro enough of a beating tonight, maybe they would be at the top of the list of new challengers. The Street Profits laughed in Styles’ face.
********
There was a Kevin Owens video package.
Mansoor defeated Cedric Alexander (w/Shelton Benjamin) (3:44)
They had a nice match for the time they had and Mansoor won with a slingshot neckbreaker.
Mustafa Ali entered and issued a warning to Mansoor for Thursday. Mansoor told him to shut up and cut a passionate promo saying he would prove Ali was a pathetic excuse of a man. Ali acted like he was caught off guard by Mansoor’s sudden confidence.
********
Naomi, The Miz, Maryse, and Drew McIntyre will be guests on Top Chef: Family Style on Peacock.
Bobby Lashley/Goldberg interview
The interview took place with each man appearing on video in separate rooms. Goldberg threatened Lashley who pointed out that his threats were criminal and he was doing it on live TV. Lashley was going to let Goldberg talk because Lashley was untouchable in the ring. Lashley wondered what Goldberg’s son would tell his friends.
Goldberg warned him that the more he says about his family, the more he’ll make him suffer. Lashley said Goldberg can only hope to survive and he would be begging him for forgiveness. Goldberg wondered if Lashley even believed what he was saying. Lashley took off his mic and left. Goldberg’s last line was “Safe travels. Kill ya Thursday, Bobby.”
********
Riddle spoke to Randy Orton in the back. He was impressed that Orton pretended not to have a plan last week and was worried for a moment that Orton wouldn’t save him. Orton assured him that he did not have a plan. Riddle didn’t believe him. Riddle said the Street Profits saying they want the smoke gave him a lot of ideas. Orton cut him off and said he did have a plan: to win tonight and win on Thursday. Riddle was pumped.
There was a video package for Keith Bearcat Lee. The graphic said “Bearcat Lee” but Graves still called him Keith. (They added a roaring noise to the end of the video package. I think it was a bear.)
Non-title match: Raw Tag Team Champions Randy Orton & Riddle defeated The Street Profits via DQ (10:23)
Riddle wiped out Angelo Dawkins with a dive before Montez Ford wiped out both Riddle and Orton with a big flip dive. This led to break.
Orton knocked down Ford with a clothesline and Riddle followed with a spinning gutwrench slam (which could become a new regular spot for Riddle — even Orton was impressed). Dawkins tagged in and ran wild on Riddle, hitting a double underhook neckbreaker for two. Orton made a hot tag and gave Ford a draping DDT.
Orton set up for an RKO but was distracted by Styles’ music. Orton looked to the stage to see Omos but turned around and ate a Phenomenal forearm by Styles for the DQ. Styles and Omos laid out both teams as the crowd booed. Orton got back to his feet so Omos knocked him down with his infamous roundhouse kick.
They were having a fun match before the finish.
(They crossed into the third hour during this match.)
********
There was a Becky Lynch video package.
Doudrop did another cringy pre-taped promo. Zelina Vega entered to watch from the stage. She put on the crown.
Baszler used kicks until Doudrop nailed a back suplex and followed with a cannonball. Baszler applied the Kirifuda Clutch but Doudrop managed to escape. She tried a running crossbody but Baszler avoided it and applied the submission again. The move was in for a while until Doudrop fell back into a cover for the pinfall win. Baszler was stunned.
********
Nikki ASH and Rhea Ripley approached Belair in the back to welcome her to Raw. Nikki gave her a red Raw-branded baseball hat.
********
Finn Bálor defeated Mace (2:45)
Bálor won a nothing match with the Coup de Grace.
Xavier Woods was watching from the platform on the stage and mocked Bálor’s entrance as his music played after the match. Bálor was unamused. Woods pointed the scepter at him so Bálor yanked it away which caused him to trip off the platform (he landed on his feet). They got in each others’ faces as Kingston came out to make sure nothing happened. They talked about Thursday. (Woods did most of the talking.) This bit was good.
********
John Morrison was meditating backstage when he was once again rudely interrupted, this time by the Viking Raiders. They did some comedy until the Raiders left and Morrison returned to meditating.
********
The announcers ran down Thursday’s card.
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair defeated Charlotte Flair via DQ (21:45)
Belair had the early edge until Charlotte yanked her out of the ring and chucked her over the announce table which led to break two minutes into the match.
Belair was actually on offense after the break until Charlotte cut her off and hit a back suplex. Charlotte tried to do Belair’s handspring moonsault but Belair got her knees up and did the move herself. Belair followed with a delayed vertical suplex for two. Belair tried a splash but Charlotte got her knees up and followed with a deadlift powerbomb for two.
Charlotte (who was bleeding from the mouth) hit a moonsault for two. A series of counters led to Belair hitting a spinebuster but Charlotte rolled out of the ring. Charlotte wouldn’t get back in the ring so Belair went after her and chucked her over the announce table which led to break.
During the break, Charlotte hit a slingshot dive and a series of counters after the break led to Charlotte hitting (missing) a boot. Charlotte knocked Belair out of the ring and hit a moonsault off the top. She tried Natural Selection but Belair countered into a backslide for two.
They exchanged counters again until Charlotte hit a spear for a nearfall. Charlotte yanked Belair to the corner using her braid. Charlotte missed a moonsault and Belair hit a release German suplex for a nearfall. They battled on the top turnbuckle until Belair hit a sunset flip powerbomb.
Charlotte suddenly hit Belair with a chair for the DQ, bringing this match to a screeching halt. Belair grabbed the chair and hit Charlotte.
This was a pretty good match until the finish. The crowd was really into it but it was hard to tell how they liked the finish because they abruptly went off the air.
A Women’s Championship match will headline the final Raw before Crown Jewel.
During SmackDown tonight, a commercial aired announcing that Charlotte Flair will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair on Monday’s episode of Raw. The show is taking place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
The title match comes just three days before Crown Jewel. At that event, Belair and Sasha Banks will challenge for Becky Lynch’s SmackDown Women’s Championship in a triple threat match. Charlotte doesn’t have a match announced for Crown Jewel.
Charlotte and Belair both switched brands in the WWE Draft earlier this month. Despite being Raw Women’s Champion, Charlotte was drafted by SmackDown. Belair was drafted by Raw.
Lynch also moved to Raw in the draft. The post-draft rosters don’t officially go into effect until the day after Crown Jewel.
Charlotte has held the Raw Women’s Championship since defeating Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match at SummerSlam this August.
In addition to Charlotte vs. Belair, Monday’s Raw will feature Raw’s semifinal matches in the King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments. Xavier Woods is facing off with Jinder Mahal in the King of the Ring semifinals. Shayna Baszler is taking on Doudrop in the Queen’s Crown tournament semifinals.
Date: October 11, 2021 Location: Chase Center in San Francisco, CA
The Big Takeaway —
Raw was awful.
Show Recap —
Drew McIntyre entered to start the show. He wore street clothes while also carrying his sword. They advertised that Crown Jewel was “one week from Thursday” instead of telling us the date.
McIntyre thought it was appropriate to be a warrior kicking off Raw in the home of the Warriors. McIntyre mentioned the top matches for Crown Jewel, including his match against Big E where he would once again become WWE Champion. He knew his time on Raw was counting down but was ready to go to Smackdown as the champion.
Big E interrupted. Corey Graves mentioned that Big E did the intros for the Fury-Wilder fight.
Big E understood McIntyre’s desire to be champion because Big E himself felt the sweet nectar of the championship drip down his chin down betwixt his nipples. (McIntyre looked befuddled.) Big E informed McIntyre that he would never win the title from him. He can either get off the train tracks or get run right over.
McIntyre recalled how excited the fans were when Big E won the title. McIntyre himself was the champion for a long time but never got that reaction because of the time he won the title. McIntyre’s time would come at Crown Jewel because he planned on running right through him.
The Usos interrupted. They were excited to see Big E and McIntyre fight. Jey thought Big E would win, Jimmy thought McIntyre would win. Jey said we all knew that Roman Reigns would beat Brock Lesnar to retain the Universal Championship, but they wanted to know who would be next for Reigns at Survivor Series — Big E or McIntyre.
McIntyre and Big E weren’t really getting along but they agreed to the Usos challenge for a match tonight. The slight dissension allowed the Usos to knock them down with superkicks before leaving.
********
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods came out for the next segment. (They seemed unconcerned by their friend getting laid out by their long-time rivals. This had more to do with poor production/timing than storytelling.)
(During commercial break in Canada, they announced a house show in Montreal on December 30, which would be the first show in Canada in a long while.)
********
King of the Ring Round 1: Xavier Woods defeated Ricochet (10:55)
Ricochet hit an impressive superplex which led to break about three minutes into the match.
Ricochet was in control until Woods dropped him over the top rope, hit a double foot stomp and diving leg drop for two, followed by a gutbuster for two. Woods rolled to the outside after Ricochet hit a Death Valley Driver, so Ricochet followed with consecutive dives. Ricochet tried another dive but Woods drove him into the barricade.
Woods followed with a diving elbow drop for the pinfall win. Woods will face either Kingston or Jinder Mahal in the next round.
********
Backstage, Riddle wanted Randy Orton to guess who challenged Omos to a match tonight. Orton didn’t take long to figure out it was Riddle himself, but Riddle acted like Orton didn’t know. Riddle had a plan for tonight but Orton basically let him know that the plan last week wouldn’t work a second time. Orton told him that he was on his own tonight. Riddle didn’t believe him.
********
Jimmy Smith said Raw has been quieter than usual tonight. I thought he was referring to the dead crowd but he was actually referencing the Miz being absent. They plugged Dancing With The Stars. (The crowds have been pretty good lately but not so far tonight.)
********
Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin defeated Mustafa Ali & Mansoor (1:25)
Alexander won quickly with a Michinoku Driver on Ali. I’m just happy someone won with the Michinoku Driver.
Ali was not happy, however. He shoved Mansoor to the ground after the match. He’s tired of this.
********
Queen’s Crown Round 1: Shayna Baszler defeated Dana Brooke (1:24)
Baszler won quickly with a knee strike. Nothing to this.
Baszler attacked Brooke after the match as they were showing a replay but the referee quickly broke it up.
********
Charlotte Flair did a backstage promo. She wanted to win both title belts and meld them together.
[Second Hour]
They gave Omos his own music a few weeks ago but they still came to AJ Styles’ music here.
Riddle tried distracting Omos and Styles before the match with his ramblings before trying to summon Orton to attack but he never showed. The crowd did laugh when Riddle sang Orton theme, thinking that would bring him out. Styles said even the dumb people of San Fran knew that Orton wouldn’t show. Styles told the ref to start the match.
Omos (w/AJ Styles) defeated Riddle (2:32)
Omos had the match won in under a minute after a chokeslam but Styles told him not to make the cover. Styles encouraged Omos to try some karate on Riddle, specifically a roundhouse kick. Omos kicked Riddle in the head and Styles had them show a replay. The crowd chanted “we want Randy.” Omos finally hit a tree slam for the pinfall win. (They played Omos’ music.)
Styles was going to give Riddle a Styles Clash but he stopped upon hearing Orton’s music. Orton didn’t appear so Styles told Omos to watch his back. Orton still appeared out of nowhere and laid out Styles with an RKO.
********
McIntyre confronted Big E in the back and blamed what happened earlier on him. Big E said they’d beat each other up at Crown Jewel but they needed to worry about the Usos tonight. McIntyre agreed they should work together. He figured Reigns must be worried about them because the Usos can’t wipe their own asses without his permission. Big E and McIntyre mimicked the Mega Powers handshake before laughing about it.
********
Bobby Lashley promo
Lashley noted that Goldberg literally threatened to kill him and that behaviour was not befitting of a WWE superstar, hall of famer, or father. Lashley mentioned that he was a well-dressed champion who defended his title all year while Goldberg showed up in cut-off sleeves, frothing at the mouth and making death threats.
Lashley said Goldberg was a dog that needed to be put down and he planned on ending Goldberg’s career. “You can’t kill the All Mighty.”
********
Sasha Banks did a backstage promo. She wasn’t worried about anyone and planned on winning the Smackdown title next week.
(There was a commercial for Chucky where he actually complained about how often they go to commercial during Raw. Maybe he should be doing the Raw report.)
********
Austin Theory defeated Jeff Hardy (2:04)
Theory had a rest hold on Hardy as Reginald ran into the ring while trying to escape the 24/7 crew. Reginald did a flip over Theory even though he could have easily walked around him. The 24/7 shenanigans distracted Theory, so Hardy gave him a Twist of Fate.
None of that mattered at all though, because Theory avoided a Swanton Bomb and applied a schoolboy holding the tights for the pinfall win.
********
Bianca Belair did a backstage promo. Belair said she didn’t have to cheat to win and planned on knocking Lynch down to Becky No-Belts.
********
Kevin Patrick asked New Day who would win if Kingston and Woods had to face off next week. Kingston said “who” over and over as he backed away through the curtain to head to the ring.
King of the Ring Round 1: Jinder Mahal (w/Veer & Shanky) defeated Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) (8:55)
After a commercial break and some outside distractions that meant nothing, Mahal gave Kinston a Khallas for the pinfall win. Mahal posed with the crown post-match.
********
Becky Lynch did a backstage promo. She said she didn’t have much more to say despite being someone who talks a lot. She has already beaten them all and was five steps ahead of everyone. Lynch compared Charlotte to the smell of stale piss and said Banks went home and cried every time she lost.
********
(A Toronto house show was announced for December 29 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.)
They plugged John Cena’s appearance on SNL.
[Third Hour]
Belair and Banks got into what was basically a fight trying to determine who would start the match. That bled into a brawl with their opponents as officials tried to get things under control. Charlotte also attacked Lynch and as the two of them fought, Belair grabbed Banks and chucked her on top of them.
As they continued to brawl, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville demanded they get back in the ring to restart the match. (Pearce called them four of the greatest of all time.)
Even though Belair is the only clearly defined babyface of the four, it was Lynch and Charlotte who were in the usual “babyface” corner of the ring.
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair & Smackdown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair & Sasha Banks ended via ??? (4:33)
This sucked.
Neither team got along and they kept tagging each other in and out. It randomly ended via referee stoppage/disqualification/no contest/referee boredom when Belair attacked Banks. They attacked each other until Lynch was left standing after knocking out Banks.
This was bad.
********
The Usos discussed strategy for tonight.
The announcers congratulated Stephanie McMahon on winning some award.
Doudrop is a caricature who said the words “yas queen” in a pre-match promo.
Natalya controlled the match until Doudrop used a rollup for the win. Doudrop faces Baszler next week. Another short women’s match.
********
John Morrison was peacefully meditating in the back when he was rudely interrupted by Rhea Ripley and Nikki ASH. He explained what he was doing and Nikki said she was glad he was following his dreams. Nikki admitted to Ripley that she didn’t know what he was talking about.
Elsewhere, Austin Theory took a selfie with Big E as he prepared for his match. Big E was annoyed but didn’t kill him.
********
Patrick asked Mansoor about Ali. Ali happened to be nearby and he called Mansoor a giant waste of time. Ali, who loses every week, told Mansoor that he was his only lifeline. Ali called Mansoor a worthless loser. Mansoor didn’t react or respond. Ali attacked him and laid him out.
********
WWE Champion Big E & Drew McIntyre vs. Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos ended via ??? (15:13)
The Usos took control and did the New Day spot where they tag in and out and stomp their opponent (Big E) repeatedly in the corner. The crowd briefly chanted for their hometown Usos. The Usos drove Big E into the steps as they went to break.
The Usos remained in control until Jey missed a hip attack and Big E suplexed him before tagging in McIntyre. McIntyre gave Jimmy overhead suplexes and a spinebuster for two. Jey tagged himself in and the Usos hit double superkicks which got a two count.
McIntyre gave them both neckbreakers and set up for a Claymore but Big E tagged himself in. Big E told McIntyre to get out of the ring until Jey gave him two consecutive superkicks for two. Big E countered a move by Jey and incidentally knocked McIntyre off the apron.
Big E gave Jey an STO but McIntyre was being a pissy baby so he pulled Big E out of the ring (and broke up the cover). The two men brawled until the ref called for another boredom stoppage.
The Usos wiped out both men with dives. Big E and McIntyre fought them off but the crowd didn’t care. McIntyre wiped out Big E with a Claymore as the show ended.
Four top stars are set to face off in a tag team match on Monday’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch & Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will team up as they face Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair on Monday’s Raw. The show is taking place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
A non-title match between Lynch and Banks has also been announced for next Friday’s “Supersized” edition of SmackDown. Lynch will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Banks and Belair in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 21.
In the WWE Draft, Lynch was drafted to Raw and Charlotte was selected by SmackDown. The post-draft rosters don’t take effect until the day after Crown Jewel.
A face-to-face segment with WWE Champion Big E and Drew McIntyre has also been announced for Monday’s Raw. Big E will defend his WWE Championship against McIntyre at Crown Jewel.
Plus, Raw’s first matches in the King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments will take place on Monday’s show. Kofi Kingston vs. Jinder Mahal and Xavier Woods vs. Ricochet are Raw’s first-round matches in King of the Ring. Doudrop vs. Natalya and Dana Brooke vs. Shayna Baszler are Raw’s Queen’s Crown first-round matches.
