WWE announced the following on their website: “WWE has come to terms on the release of William Morrissey (Big Cass)”. No further explanation was given regarding his departure from the company.
Dave Meltzer notes that Vince McMahon called a private meeting at SmackDown in Toledo today and fired Cass.
Pro Wrestling Sheet reported last month that Big Cass got heat after going off script in a segment where he was to beat up a little person who was dressed up like Daniel Bryan. According to the report, officials only wanted to have the performer laid out with a big boot. Cass wanted to do something more physical, and despite Vince McMahon telling him otherwise, Cass pummeled the performer with punches. The footage was later edited off social media sites.
Despite the reported heat, he had continued his feud with Bryan over the last month, culminating with their match at Money in the Bank where Bryan submitted Cass.
Cass first signed with the WWE in 2011, working both in Florida Championship Wrestling and NXT. He was paired with Enzo Amore while in NXT and was called up to the main roster in 2016. After splitting with Enzo last year, he had been working as a singles wrestler. He had just returned to in-ring action in April following a torn ACL back in August.
Submitted by Ryan Carolan from Saturday night’s house show in Dubuque, Iowa
– Like with the Raw house shows this weekend, there were no women’s matches on the card. That was presumably due to preparations for Money in the Bank.
– The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) w/ Kofi Kingston defeated Cesaro & Sheamus
Woods pinned Cesaro with the Midnight Hour.
– Shelton Benjamin defeated Tye Dillinger
Benjamin used a jumping flatliner to pick up the win.
– A taped promo by SAnitY aired.
– Rusev & Aiden English defeated SAnitY (Eric Young & Alexander Wolfe) w/ Killian Dain by DQ
English introduced Rusev, with the Rusev Day gimmick being over here. English was in for the whole match until a late Rusev hot tag. For the disqualification, Dain saved Wolfe from the Accolade.
SAnitY tried a post-match beatdown, but Rusev and English ended up standing tall.
– United States Champion Jeff Hardy defeated The Miz, Samoa Joe, and Shinsuke Nakamura to retain his title
Hardy was the most over person on the show so far and pinned Miz after hitting the Twist of Fate. Hardy took some time to give out hugs and sign autographs following the match.
– Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/ Zelina Vega) defeated Sin Cara
After a distraction from Vega, Almas won by hitting his double knees in the corner.
– The Bludgeon Brothers defeated The Usos and Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson to retain their titles
Harper pinned one of the Usos after a discus clothesline.
– Daniel Bryan defeated Big Cass
This had more heat than anything else on the card, with the crowd loving Bryan and getting behind him. They had a decent match. It ended when Bryan hit the running knee and pinned Cass.
Heading into next week’s go-home show, SmackDown started to wrap up their build for Money in the Bank last night.
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura had their contract signing for the pay-per-view, with Nakamura goading Styles into slapping him. Becky Lynch tapped out Charlotte Flair ahead of the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. And The New Day got a win over The Miz, Samoa Joe & Rusev when Miz accidentally threw pancakes at his partners and they laid him out and left him behind.
Big Cass and Carmella also targeted their respective Money in the Bank opponents. Cass continued to mock Daniel Bryan, saying that a good big man will always beat a good little man. A fired-up Bryan later responded in a post-show promo.
Carmella tried to “unmask” Asuka by showing her defeats and calling her a shell of herself. Asuka then defeated Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville in a handicap match, but Carmella left her laying due to a distraction from Rose.
Submitted by Daniel Peshoff from Raw’s Sunday night house show in Lake Charles, Louisiana
– Finn Balor defeated Jinder Mahal (w/ Sunil Singh)
The night started off with Singh coming out to introduce Mahal, who entered to roaring boos. Balor then interrupted Mahal’s promo.
They had a short match, ending with Balor hitting the Coup de Grace.
– No Way Jose, Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews defeated The Ascension & Curt Hawkins
Jose got the biggest pop out of everyone in the match. After some back and forth involving everyone, he got the win by hitting Viktor with the fastball punch.
– WWE Cruiserweight Champion Cedric Alexander defeated Buddy Murphy to retain his title
The crowd was nearly silent for the whole match. There were a lot of near falls, but Alexander won it with the Lumbar Check in the end.
– Sasha Banks, Bayley & Dana Brooke defeated The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan)
The crowd reacted for Banks bigger than the other faces, with The Riott Squad getting boos. The match was a lot of back and forth with The Riott Squad controlling most of it and Dana Brooke getting the majority of ring time.
Logan was very involved with fans but not in the match much until she tapped out to the Banks Statement for the finish. Banks and Bayley continued to show attention to the fans after.
– Bobby Roode defeated Mojo Rawley
Roode entered to a big pop. Rawley controlled most of the match, but it ended with Roode hitting a surprise Glorious DDT out of nowhere.
– Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Strowman got a really large pop — and this got the biggest response from the crowd so far due to him. Owens wasn’t in the match much at first, with Zayn and Lashley wrestling most of it. After some back and forth and Zayn and Owens beating up on Lashley, Strowman finally entered and delivered the running powerslam to Owens for the win.
Strowman and Lashley stuck around the ring for a little bit to mingle with fans.
– Raw Tag Team Champions Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt defeated The B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) by DQ
Hardy and Wyatt came out to a big reaction, but the B-Team got some cheers as well. Before the match started, Hardy labeled Axel and Dallas as “monkeys.”
This ended in a disqualification as the B-Team kept attacking Wyatt against the referee’s orders. Axel and Dallas tried to keep attacking Wyatt after, but Hardy hit a Twist of Fate on Dallas and Wyatt gave the Sister Abigail to Axel. Hardy and Wyatt interacted with fans before leaving.
– Raw Women’s Champion Nia Jax defeated Alexa Bliss to retain her title
Jax got a big pop and Bliss was booed. They had a short match, mostly taking place outside of the ring with Bliss running from Jax. Jax hit Bliss with the Samoan drop to retain.
– Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins defeated Elias to retain his title
Elias tried to perform but couldn’t get a word in as he was booed. As he was about to finally start, Rollins entered to by far the largest pop of anyone.
They had easily the best match of the night. Elias controlled a lot of it, but Rollins retained with the Curb Stomp and stuck around to interact with fans to close the show.
Submitted by Devin Axtman from SmackDown’s show in Arlington, Texas
– This was a pretty basic show — there was nothing blow away or even really good. I wouldn’t classify anything as bad by any means either, but Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair was still pretty rough.
– The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defeated Cesaro, Sheamus & Shelton Benjamin
Woods hit a leg drop and Big E hit the Big Ending for the finish. The crowd liked this.
– Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson defeated SAnitY (Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain) w/ Eric Young
Anderson and Gallows hit the Magic Killer, but Young broke up the pin at two.
– Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/ Zelina Vega) defeated Sin Cara
Almas won with the hammerlock DDT. This was the best match on the show to me — and easily the best Sin Cara match I can remember. They have good chemistry. Sin Cara hit a lot of ranas and had the match won at one point, but Vega distracted the referee.
– Asuka, Becky Lynch & Naomi defeated Peyton Royce, Billie Kay & Lana
Asuka won it for her team with the Asuka Lock. The IIconics cut a promo on Texas BBQ and came out line dancing. It was very funny. Lana’s offense was very basic and, notably, she was in for a long time.
– United States Champion Jeff Hardy defeated The Miz, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Samoa Joe to retain his title
They had a good match. Hardy retained after hitting the Swanton Bomb. Nakamura largely worked face here, probably due to Miz and Joe being in the match
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers defeated The Usos and Rusev & Aiden English to retain their titles
This was pretty good, especially when The Usos were in. The Bludgeon Brothers won with a discus clothesline. Unsurprisingly, Rusev was the most over person in the match.
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella defeated Charlotte Flair to retain her title
Carmella pinned Charlotte with a cradle after kicking her into a corner post. This was better than their match at Backlash, but it was still pretty bad. Carmella used a lot of basic offense like grabbing hair.
– Daniel Bryan defeated Big Cass
Bryan picked up the win with the running knee. He was super over with the crowd. Cass’ offense mostly consisted of a punch and a slam, followed by holding his fist in the air. Bryan took most of the punishment until firing up in the end.
Daniel Bryan and Big Cass are set for another match on pay-per-view.
After the direction was made clear on Tuesday’s SmackDown, Bryan vs. Cass has been confirmed for Money in the Bank. Their first PPV match was at Backlash in May, where Bryan submitted Cass but was laid out by him after.
Their feud has continued since Backlash, with Bryan attacking Cass and refusing to let go of a heel hook on the May 15th episode of SmackDown. A Samoa Joe vs. Cass Money in the Bank qualifying match was then canceled as part of a storyline where WWE said Bryan injured Cass’ knee in the attack.
Bryan defeated Jeff Hardy to advance to a Money in the Bank qualifier against Joe, but Cass ended up being added this week to make it a triple threat. Bryan hit the running knee on Cass and was going for the pin when Joe choked him out with the Coquina Clutch. Cass then hit Bryan with the big boot.
There are two more weeks of television before Money in the Bank takes place on June 17th. Here’s the updated card:
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, The Miz, Rusev, Bobby Roode, Kevin Owens, a member of The New Day, and Samoa Joe)
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Ember Moon, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch, Natalya, Lana, Naomi, and Sasha Banks)
Raw Women’s Champion Nia Jax defending against Ronda Rousey
WWE Champion AJ Styles defending against Shinsuke Nakamura in a last man standing match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella defending against Asuka
Roman Reigns vs. Jinder Mahal
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass
Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins defending against Elias
Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers defending against Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
While Daniel Bryan and Samoa Joe did share the ring on last night’s SmackDown, there was another person added to the mix.
What was advertised to be Bryan and Joe’s first match in WWE and their first time facing each other since 2006 turned into a triple threat as Big Cass was added. Cass interrupted them during the opening segment and laid them out before Paige made the triple threat main event official.
Bryan hit the running knee on Cass and was going for the pin when Joe put on the Coquina Clutch and Bryan passed out. Cass then hit a big boot on Bryan after the match. With Joe winning, he joins Braun Strowman, Finn Balor, The Miz, Rusev, Bobby Roode, Kevin Owens, and a member of The New Day in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Also on SmackDown, Shinsuke Nakamura took on Tye Dillinger, Asuka faced Mandy Rose, Naomi and Lana had a dance-off, and The New Day teamed against The Miz, Cesaro & Sheamus.
Despite being pulled from last week’s Money in the Bank qualifier, Big Cass wrestled at SmackDown’s house show in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Monday night.
Cass teamed with The Miz and was pinned in a tag team match against Daniel Bryan & Tye Dillinger. PWInsider first reported yesterday that Cass would be traveling with the SmackDown roster this week.
Whether or not Cass had legitimately reinjured his knee became a question as he continued selling Bryan’s attack from the May 15th episode of SmackDown on WWE’s subsequent European tour house shows. WWE posted video of him being helped to the back after a match in Munich, Germany on May 20th and then announced that he had been removed from his scheduled Money in the Bank qualifier against Samoa Joe.
Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy instead took place, with Bryan advancing to a qualifying match against Joe tonight. Cass was also shown walking with crutches backstage during last week’s SmackDown.
Big Cass has been removed from his Money in the Bank qualifying match for storyline reasons, changing the way the last entrant in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match will be determined.
SmackDown GM Paige made the announcement on Twitter this morning. She wrote that due to a (storyline) injury, Big Cass was out of his match with Samoa Joe for this Tuesday’s SmackDown that would have determined the final entrant. Instead, Daniel Bryan and Jeff Hardy will get a second chance match tomorrow on SmackDown. The winner of that match will face Samoa Joe in two weeks to determine who will advance to the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Cass was attacked last week by Daniel Bryan after repeatedly mocking him and provoking him. Bryan focused on Cass’ leg during the attack and sent Cass packing. Since then, Cass has been selling the injury throughout the course of the European tour, usually being helped to the back by officials to sell the injury.
Money in the Bank will take place at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois on June 17.
The final spot in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, along with another women’s spot, will be decided on next week’s SmackDown.
Samoa Joe will compete for the first time on SmackDown since the Superstar Shakeup as he will battle Big Cass in a qualifying match to fill the last spot in the men’s match. Joe hasn’t been seen since Backlash when he lost to Roman Reigns. Cass was attacked tonight by Daniel Bryan after harassing him repeatedly. Since Bryan targeted Cass’ leg, that may be a factor heading into the match.
Meanwhile, Lana is set to face Billie Kay in another qualifying match. Kay’s IIconics partner Peyton Royce had an opportunity to compete in a qualifying match last week, but was defeated by Charlotte Flair. This would also mark Lana’s first match on SmackDown since October, when she teamed up with Tamina and Natalya in a losing effort against Becky Lynch, Charlotte and Naomi.
SmackDown next week will be at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts
SmackDown followed up from last week’s Superstar Shakeup and built to the Greatest Royal Rumble and Backlash last night.
Daniel Bryan was supposed to appear on Miz TV, but Big Cass took his spot instead. He explained his issues with Bryan, saying that Bryan being cleared overshadowed his own return from injury. Cass also said he despises Bryan for reminding him of himself when he was a “little guy” and was getting pushed around. After the segment, it was revealed that Bryan had been attacked backstage.
Bryan did an interview later in the show and announced that he’ll be facing Cass at Backlash.
Shinsuke Nakamura teamed with Rusev & Aiden English to face AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in the main event. And after he got the win for the heels, it was Nakamura who stood tall heading into the Greatest Royal Rumble.
Carmella and Charlotte Flair also had a contract signing for their title match at Backlash, and Peyton Royce & Billie Kay picked up a win over Becky Lynch & Asuka.
The Big Takeaway: Only two weeks before WrestleMania, not that newsworthy of a show. There was no Undertaker in the main event, where John Cena pinned Kane in a no-DQ match. Cena cut another promo on Undertaker to conclude the show. Brock Lesnar beat up Roman Reigns again in the opening segment. Main news item was Bayley and Sasha Banks brawled in the back after an exchange of hostilities.
Show Recap:
Lesnar and Paul Heyman came out to mainly cheers. Heyman showed highlights of Reigns getting beat up by Lesnar last week. Heyman said Reigns suspension has been lifted, which means for everyone who’s waiting for Reigns to come out, Heyman said Reigns isn’t here this evening. Heyman said Reigns was raised by WWE Hall of Famers, like his father Sika and his uncle Afa, and the rest of his family to be a badass, to wrestle and to win. But its was a shame they didn’t raise Reigns to be a man. Because a man would be in Cleveland tonight. Heyman said it was Reigns who claimed to be at Raw week in and week out, whether he was advertised or not. Heyman said Reigns was advertised tonight but he wasn’t here two weeks before WrestleMania. And for the record, if Lesnar was the one who was beaten up last week like Reigns was last week, Lesnar would come down that ramp like King Kong on his knuckle, propel himself into the ring, put the Universal Championship on the line and dare Reigns to take it from him.
Heyman said Reigns isn’t man enough to take another beating from Lesnar, which is why at WrestleMania Reigns isn’t man enough to take the Universal Title away from Lesnar. As Heyman was about to do his catchphrase, Reigns walked out through the crowd slowly. Reigns picked up a chair, but Lesnar clobbered Reigns with a clothesline at ringside. Reigns pushed Lesnar into the ringpost and slammed the chair to his back three times. Reigns jumped off the ring steps in an attempt to hit Lesnar with the Superman Punch, but Lesnar caught him with a belly-to-belly suplex. Lesnar picked up a set of ring steps and rammed Reigns in the head with them hard. Lesnar took the steps and whacked Reigns again, this time in the ring. Lesnar picked up the chair that Reigns hit him with, which was already dented, and slammed it over Reigns’ back repeatedly.
Just like last week, Lesnar started to leave but went back to the ring for more. Lesnar gave Reigns the F-5 on the ring steps, then climbed the steps and posed with the belt.
After a commercial, Reigns staggered up the ramp without any help.
Nia Jax defeated Mickie James (with Alexa Bliss) (7:05)
Mickie James pounded on Jax’s right knee, using a chop block after Bliss tried to interfere on the floor. Finish came when James went to the top rope, but Jax picker her off the top rope, pressed her and pinned her with a Samoan Drop.
Postmatch, Bliss came in the ring and forearmed Jax on the back. Jax looked stunned and chased Bliss from the ring. Jax screamed and Bliss and called her a bitch, which they tried and failed to bleep out.
There was a profile package with HHH and Stephanie McMahon building up their match with Rousey and Angle. HHH said Angle was an idiot and this was all hiis fault. HHH said this wasn’t judo or MMA, this was “their world.” HHH said people can look at them and everything they have and think it was just handed to them, that Stephanie has was she has because she’s Vince McMahon’s daughter. But it has nothing to do with that. Joe DeFranco, a strength and conditioning coach, was interviewed and said HHH and Stephanie train year around, commonly doing midnight workouts. We got HHH doing box jumps and tossing around a medicine ball. Stephane was training like Dana White getting ready to box Tito Ortiz for three rounds in 2006. Stephanie said Rousey looked vulnerable last week and she doesn’t have any clue what she’s in for. Stephanie said she’s ready to exploit Rousey’s arrogance.
They showed HHH beating Angle several times during Angle’s original WWE run from 1999-2005. Stephanie said Rousey doesn’t scare her because she’s a McMahon, which means she will work for her. Stephanie said they will humble Rousy just the way they’ve humbled every superstar in the WWE.
Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali defeated TJP and Drew Gulak (4:04)
Drake Maverick was on commentary. The storyline was Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali will face each other for the Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania and they were teaming tonight. Alexander hit a springboard clothesline on TJP, but Drew Gulak made the save. Ali completely overshot Gulak on a somersault tope. Finish was Alexander gave TJP a handspring kick, but Ali made the blind tag. Alexander gave TJP the Lumbar Check, but couldn’t get the pin because Ali had already tagged in. Ali pinned TJP with the 054. Alexander and Ali smiled at each other but was there some tension over Alexander not getting the pin.
The Miz, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas were out for MizTV. Miz got welcome home chants since they were in Cleveland, but he said “I live in L.A.” Before Miz got to Finn Balor and Seth Rollins, Miz acccused Axel and Dallas of failing him. Miz said the past two weeks, he has been left laying because they let him down. Dallas said they are doing the best they can. Miz said maybe should Bo-Lieve himself back to catering because Dallas would be nothing without him.
Rollins came out and said this was great to see the MizTourage hash out their problems. Miz said this was an issue he needed to sort out with Dallas and Axel. Rollins said the MizTourage was feeling unappreciated. He asked Miz when was the last time Miz thanked Dallas and Axel. Miz wondered if Rollins was kidding. Rollins said he wasn’t because if it wasn’t for the MizTourage, then the Miz wouldn’t be Intercontinental Champion. Rollins started a “MizTourage” chant. Miz said the MizTourage knows he is grateful for them, and they should be thankful for him because he elevated their careers. Miz said even without the MizTourage, he would still be the Intercontinental Champion, be a huge star. Dallas shot up and said Miz would be a phony A-lister who can’t fight. Rollins asked Dallas to repeat that. Miz asked Dallas to repeat that, too.
Before he could, Finn Balor came out and said it looks like Miz needs his help and he wanted to hear what Dallas said. Balor claimed that Dallas said the Miz was the biggest jerk he had ever met. Dallas said that’s not what he said, he said Miz was a phony A-lister who can’t fight. Miz looked stunned as the crowd chanted “yes.” Miz looked Dallas in the eye and muttered “say that again.” Dallas started to repeat himself but Miz slapped him. Dallas wanted a piece of Miz, but Axel held him back. Miz said he was trying to motivate Dallas because he was 34 days away from becoming the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, meaning he would be better than Randy Savage, better than Shawn Michaels, better than Mr. Perfect.
When Miz said that, Axel got mad. Crowd didn’t seem to pick up on the fact that Axel was Curt Henning’s son. Miz was remorseful and told Axel that one slipped. Miz tried to calm everyone down with breathing techniques and said MizTV was now canceled for tonight. Miz wanted to leave, but Dallas and Axel got in his face and wouldn’t leave. Rollins annd Balor laughed. Miz said no one wanted to see this. Crowd cheered and chanted some more. Miz backed up, right into Rollins and Balor. Then Axel and Dallas jumped Balor and Rollins, showing it was all a ruse that Miz had set up. Dallas and Axel tried to set up Balor for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows came out to save Balor. Dallas and Axel brawled to the back with MizTourage. Miz was left alone with Balor, who recovered and gave him a Sling Blade. Rollins tried to give Miz the Curb Stomp, but Miz got out of the ring and left the Intercontinental belt in the ring. Balor and Rollins looked at the belt, and Rollins took it while looking at Balor and held it over his head. Balor pushed Rollins out of the way as Miz tried to jump Rollins and decked Miz. Rollins clotheslined Miz out of the ring. Balor gave Rollins a forearm to the nose and picked up the Intercontinental belt.
Kane did an interview from the back telling Cena there are demons you should never call out, demons that should Rest In Peace. Kane said Cena wasn’t going to WrestleMania because tonight he was going straight to hell.
Charlie Caruso did an interview with Jamie Frost, the opponent for Asuka, who said that Asuka likes to say no one is ready for Asuka, but Asuka wasn’t ready for her.
Asuka defeated Jamie Frost (:30)
Frost slapped Asuka, who responded with a knockout roundhouse kick for the pin.
Michael Cole reviewed the Ultimate Deletion last week, something that he looked like he didn’t want to do. Corey Graves was more than happy to review what happened. Matt Hardy did a promo saying that Bray Wyatt has been deleted and he was entering the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania, the field of which now includes Scott Dawson, Dash Wilder and Baron Corbin.
Bayley was in the back when Sasha Banks approached her. Banks said she got Bayley’s text. Bayley started to walk off, and Banks asked if that was it? Bayley said she was entering the WrestleMania women’s battle royal and that was it. Banks wondered if they were going to talk about last week. Bayley said there was nothing to talk about because Banks knows what she did. Banks raised her voice and said she was sick of Bayley’s passive-aggressive nonsense. Bayley said she thought Banks liked Bayley being passive because that was the type of friendship they wanted to have. The one where Banks gets to do whatever she wants because Bayley gets to be right by her side going along with it. Bayley says Banks loves it that Bayley puts Banks first, that Banks loves that she allows Banks to walk around like Banks is the legit boss. Banks says she is the boss and she does for herself for her career and makes no apologizes for it. Maybe Bayley should do that so that everyone around here doesn’t think Bayley is a complete loser. Bayley said the truth is Banks can’t beat her. Banks said she’s a four-time Raw Women’s Champion. Bayley asked how long did Banks keep it. Bayley started to walk away but Banks grabbed her from behind and rammed her into a locker. They brawled with Bayley making a brief comeback and Banks ramming Bayley into a table. They were pulled apart by Banks broke free. Bayley kicked her back and they were finally separated.
Sheamus and Cesaro came out to face Braun Strowman. Sheamus wanted to know who Strowman’s partner was. Strowman said he would reveal his partner if Sheamus could beat him. Sheamus got mad and demanded to know who was Strowman’s partner. Strowman said maybe Sheamus would get to find out, but he guaranteed Sheamus would get these hands.
Jonathan Coachman compared not knowing who Strowman was teaming with to not knowing who LeBron James was going to team with. Graves called that a terrible analogy because James has a professional basketball team around him. After Strowman threw Sheamus around early, Sheamus made a comeback working on Strowman’s left arm. Strowman would ram his shoulder into the post after missing a charge. Sheamus missed a Brogue Kick and Strowman pinned Sheamus with the running powerslam.
Angle came out and introduced Rousey. Angle said WrestleMania was the most intimidating stage for anyone to compete in for the first time, but after watching Rousey train the last few weeks, he knows she’s ready. Angle brought up HHH and Stephanie’s interview from earlier and said they write the rules and make the rules. Angle said this wasn’t going to be easy.
Rousey, who had blood red under the bottom of her eyes, said it was fine that it wasn’t going to be easy because she wasn’t looking for easy. Rousey said she was there to earn everything that she gets. Rousey said Stephanie talks tough, but she’s trust-fund talk, she’s limousine tough and personal trainer tough. Rousey said Stephanie is going to get everything she deserves, which is her ripping Stephanie’s arm out of her socket.
Absolution walked out. Paige said the one thing that will absolutely destroy Rousey is not having friends. Paige said this is our show and this is her house. Paige said she understands Rousey grew up watching the WWE, but people will take advantage of Rousey and Paige offered to have Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville as her background. Rousey politely declined saying that Angle had her back. Paige said Rousey could become the fourth member of Absolution. Rousey thanked Paige for the offer but turned it down. Paige said she understands that Rousey made her choice, but it wasn’t a good one because Rousey made some enemies. Rose jumped toward Rousey, but Angle held her back. Then Deville grabbed Rousey by the shoulder, but after some hesitation Rousey decked her with a clothesline. Rousey backed Rose into a corner. Rose tried to kick Rousey, but Rousey caught her leg. Rose could be heard giving Rousey instructions as Rousey gave Rose a suplex into Deville, which was mistimed.
Angle raised Rousey’s arm, but then Rousey sensed Rose coming from behind and gave her a perfectly timed sword throw. Rousey held Rose in an armbar, threatening to break it like she was Pentagon Jr. In Lucha Underground, but Angle asked her to let Rose off free. Rousey agreed.
The Good Brothers defeated The MizTourage (5:03)
Anderson gave Axel the Boot of Doom, but Dallas made the save. Axel went for the Perfect Plex, but Anderson escaped with a flying neckbreaker off the top rope. Gallows pinned Axel after the Magic Killer.
Elias was back with a performance. Elias said in this kingdom of madness, there are those who walk and those who don’t walk yet, but in 13 days at WrestleMania he will give the greatest performance of his lifetime. Elias claimed he sold out Madison Square Garden last week, so coming to Cleveland is a huge disappointment. He was embarrassed to be here tonight, but he friend LeBron James told him the same thing when he returned to Cleveland. Elias claimed James would be leaving Cleveland soon, just like he would. Elias sang a song about how WrestleMania was on the horizon, but he’s stuck in this town. The only thing that would be more embarrassing is being a member of the Cleveland Browns. Rhyno and Heath Slater were the ones who interrupted him this time.
Elias pinned Rhyno (with Heath Slater) (2:24)
Elias blocked a Rhyno charge with a knee, followed with a clothesline and got the pin with Drift Away. Postmatch, Elias jumped Slater and gave him Draft Away, as well.
They’re having another Rollins/Balor match next week in Atlanta. Also next week, Angle & Rousey will have a faceoff with Stephanie & HHH.
John Cena defeated Kane in a No DQ match (14:01)
Cena came out holding a towel with Ellen DeGeneres with a quote reading “Be kind to one other.” About 60% of the crowd responded by chanting “Cena sucks.” Cena tried to lift Kane for the AA, but collapsed under Kane’s weight. They fought on the floor, where Kane threw Cena into the ring steps. That led to a big brawl around the arena floor where Cena rammed a barricade into Kane’s midsection near the commentator’s table. Kane responded by suplexing Cena onto the barricade, which was posted against the table. They returned to the ring, where Kane unloosened a turnbuckle. Then Cena sat up just like the Undertaker, triggering his comeback, which included a Blue Thunder Bomb where Cena failed to get Kane four feet off the ground. Cena threw Kane into the exposed turnbuckle, then made a throat-slashing gesture like the Undertaker before he actually hit a choke slam. Cena went under the ring for a table and set it up in the ring, but Kane sat up this time. Kane tried to lift Cena, but Cena reversed and attempted the AA through the table. But Kane pushed the table over and knocked Cena down. Kane put the table into the corner, where he threw Cena but got only two. Kane pulled out another table and teased a choke slam, but Cena got behind Kane and hit the AA through the table for the pin.
Postmatch, Cena waited for some sign of the Undertaker. There was no lightning, no bells of terror and no Undertaker. Cena said this was a match with no rules, anything can happen and anyone could be here. He screamed for the Undertaker. Crowd started chanting for Undertaker. Cena said Undertaker wasn’t deaf, he was just a coward. Night after night, city after city, the fans chant Undertaker’s name. Cena said you don’t get to be mysterious here, silence is not an answer, it’s either yes or no. Crowd chanted yes. Cena said he’s fine with no because he will go to WrestleMania as a fan, but he told the Undertaker to get his eyes out of the back of his head when the fans chant his name. Cena said do something, because now Undertaker only has one week left, one week that sums up his entire career. Cena said Undertaker can do something, or he can do nothing. And if Undertaker does nothing, Undertaker will let him down, let Kane down and let everyone down who ever believed in the Undertaker. Cena said he hopes for the sake of everything that is good inside this ring that he sees Undertaker next week. Cena just left thee ring and that was it.
It appears that the severity of Big Cass’ knee injury is as bad as was initially feared.
WWE posted an update on Cass last night, with it saying that he will have to undergo surgery. Dr. Chris Robinson noted that it looks like Cass suffered a torn ACL and possibly a medial meniscus tear. Robinson said that they would have to wait for a radiologist to evaluate Cass’ MRI before making any final determinations.
If Cass did tear his ACL, the injury would keep him out of action for several months. Robinson said that the typical recovery time from the injury is nine months.
Cass hurt his left knee on Monday’s episode of Raw when going for a big boot in a match against Enzo Amore. Amore held the ropes down to send him to the floor, but Cass ended up landing awkwardly. Cass tried to finish the match, though it was stopped after he went for the Empire Elbow and his leg buckled when trying to hit the move.
Big Cass suffered a legit injury to his knee during a street fight against former partner Enzo Amore on WWE Raw Monday.
Amore was on the ropes when Cass went for a big boot. Amore held the ropes down, sending Cass to the floor. Cass’ left leg landed awkwardly upon impact.
Cass got back in the ring and was favoring the knee. After some light offense, his leg buckled while trying to deliver the Empire elbow. He rolled out of the ring, visibly upset and yelling out expletives while slapping the ropes. The match was called and Enzo was declared the winner due to injury.
Amore and Cass have been feuding over the last several months, splitting as a team following the big reveal that Cass had been attacking Amore backstage. Cass has been dominant as a singles competitor as the loss was his first since mid-June.
The card for SummerSlam continued to fill up on tonight’s episode of Raw.
It was officially announced that Finn Balor would be facing Bray Wyatt at the pay-per-view. Their feud has kicked into gear over the last few weeks, with Wyatt again trying to play mind games with Balor tonight. Balor fought him off when Wyatt first tried to surprise him in the ring, but Wyatt vanished before appearing on the video screen and delivering a warning ahead of the PPV.
The feud between Big Cass and Big Show is also set to lead to a match at SummerSlam, and Enzo Amore will be suspended above the ring in a shark cage during it. Kurt Angle approved that stipulation at the request of Cass during a backstage segment tonight.
Alexa Bliss’ SummerSlam challenger will be decided when Sasha Banks faces off with Nia Jax in a number one contender’s match on next week’s go-home show. Both Banks and Jax won triple threat matches on Raw to advance to next week after it was announced that Bayley wouldn’t be able to wrestle at the PPV due to a separated shoulder.
SummerSlam will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on August 20th. The updated card is:
WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, and Samoa Joe in a fatal four-way match (Lesnar and Paul Heyman have vowed to leave WWE if Lesnar loses)
WWE Champion Jinder Mahal defending against Shinsuke Nakamura
United States Champion AJ Styles defending against Kevin Owens (with Shane McMahon as the special guest referee)
Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss defending against Sasha Banks or Nia Jax
SmackDown Women’s Champion Naomi defending against Natalya
Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
Randy Orton vs. Rusev
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against The Usos
Big Cass vs. Big Show (with Enzo Amore suspended above the ring in a shark cage)
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defending against Akira Tozawa
Big Cass betraying Enzo Amore will officially lead to a match between the two at Great Balls of Fire.
It was announced that Cass would be facing Amore at the pay-per-view prior to Raw going on the air tonight. Amore then opened the show with a promo, calling his former tag team partner a “seven-foot catchphrase.” Cass got a chance to respond in a backstage interview until Amore jumped him and they were pulled apart.
Two weeks ago, Cass was revealed as the person responsible for multiple backstage attacks on Amore. There was also a segment last week where Amore wanted to forgive Cass after Cass had apologized to him, but it was all a ruse as Cass then attacked him again.
WWE will round out the card for Great Balls of Fire on Raw later tonight before the PPV takes place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Sunday. The current lineup is:
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Samoa Joe
Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman in an ambulance match
Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss defending against Sasha Banks
Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defending against Akira Tozawa
