A title match is set for the Clash at the Castle fallout edition of WWE Raw.
Bobby Lashley will defend his United States Championship against The Miz in a steel cage match on Raw this Monday. Lashley and Miz also faced off on Raw earlier this week, with Lashley defeating Miz in a non-title match.
The steel cage match between Lashley and Miz was set up by a challenge that Miz issued. Miz posted a video on social media saying that he would have defeated Lashley last Monday if it wasn’t for Dexter Lumis. Miz said he wants to make the United States Championship relevant, wants the title to be represented on every PPV, and wants it to be represented bigger than any other title in WWE.
The fact that the #USChampionship is not represented at #WWECastle is a slap in the face to every legend who has ever held it. Maryse and I may be on vacation, but this Monday it's back to business. #WWERaw Lashley vs. Miz for the US Title inside a steel cage. #NoDistractionspic.twitter.com/BinFUbWeJx
Lashley then responded to Miz and accepted the challenge. Lashley said the way for the US title to gain respect, honor, and credibility is staying out of the hands of people like Miz. Lashley promised to make an example out of Miz in their steel cage match.
Miz lost to Lashley last Monday after being distracted by Lumis appearing in the crowd. The previous week, there was an angle where Miz was kidnapped by Lumis.
Monday’s Raw is being held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
At the end of Friday night’s SmackDown, Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Zayn demolished Drew McIntyre and left him laying. McIntyre is challenging for Reigns’ Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at Clash at the Castle on Saturday, September 3.
Lashley teamed up with AJ Styles in a tag team match against Miz & Ciampa on Raw this past Monday. Miz & Ciampa won by disqualification when Miz was abducted by Dexter Lumis during the match.
“Lashley and The Phenomenal One joined forces to take on their recent tormentors Ciampa and The Miz, but the meddling A-Lister escaped The All Mighty’s wrath when he was dragged away by Dexter Lumis for a disqualification victory,” WWE.com wrote.
“Having seemingly escaped the clutches of his would-be captor, The Miz will walk right back into the lion’s den when he squares off with Lashley.”
Monday’s Raw is taking place at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The updated lineup for the show is listed below
Seth Rollins and Riddle go face-to-face
Kurt Angle appears
WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament finals: Dakota Kai & IYO SKY vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah
Date: August 15, 2022 Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
The Big Takeaway —
Raw was quite good, maybe even great, for the first two-plus hours but like last week the last 40 minutes or so felt completely skippable.
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Show Recap —
The Raw intro and a fireworks display kicked off the show (for the first time in a few weeks I believe).
Judgment Day segment
Rhea Ripley, Finn Bálor and Damian Priest entered. Ripley said Judgment Day runs Monday Night Raw and that’s been a harsh reality to the Mysterios weekly. She even proved to Dominik that she was his Papi.
Bálor didn’t understand everybody’s love for the Mysterios and had sad news for those who did: Rey and Dominik would not be here tonight. Ripley took out Dominik while he destroyed Rey to help solidify his legacy.
Priest was ready for Edge next week (for their match in Toronto) and let the crowd know that he wasn’t there tonight either. The crowd booed. Priest planned on putting the final nail in the coffin of Edge’s career and would do it without Ripley and Bálor at ringside. Toronto would be where Edge goes back into retirement and into a wheelchair.
Rey suddenly attacked from behind and cleared the ring of both Priest and Bálor. Ripley dared him to hit her. Bálor tried to use a chair but Rey kicked it into his face. Rey attacked both men with the chair before Ripley got in his way. Rey wouldn’t use it on her and that allowed Bálor and Priest to finally get the better of him.
Ripley gave Rey a DDT onto the chair as the crowd chanted “we want Edge.” They put on a chair on top of Rey as Bálor nailed a Coup de Grace. Judgment Day stood tall as officials checked on Rey.
********
Bianca Belair entered to watch from ringside in the corner of Asuka and Bliss. Nikki wore her superhero outfit but ditched the cape in favour of a black leather jacket (her gear is black and gold).
Tag Team Championship Tournament Round 1: Asuka & Alexa Bliss (w/Bianca Belair) defeated Doudrop & Nikki ASH (9:01)
They went to break 50 seconds into the match after Asuka and Bliss knocked their opponents off the apron. Doudrop squished Bliss between herself and the ring post during the break but Asuka made a hot tag and gave Nikki a German suplex for two.
Nikki hit a flying crossbody but Bliss broke up the cover so Doudrop knocked her down with a running crossbody. Asuka knocked Doudrop down with a back fist but Doudrop came back moments later with a Michinoku Driver for two.
Bliss tagged herself and hit Doudrop with a DDT before Asuka tagged back in and hit a Codebreaker. Bliss knocked out Nikki as Asuka made Doudrop tap out in an armbar. (The action was good when Asuka was in and the crowd popped for the finish.)
— After the match, Bayley, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai entered to confront Belair, Asuka and Bliss. Officials got between them before anything physical could happen.
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Kevin Patrick interviewed Theory who said he was still Mr. Money in the Bank and was still the hand-picked future of this business despite what happened at SummerSlam. He learned from what happened and he would be even more dangerous now.
Dolph Ziggler approached him. Ziggler said the briefcase wasn’t handed to him — he earned it — and that’s why it meant something when he cashed in.
Theory dismissed him as a has-been and said when he becomes champion, he wouldn’t screw up the rest of his career like Ziggler did. Ziggler headbutted him and they scrapped into a commercial break. (They continued to brawl during the break.)
********
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Ciampa and Miz. Ciampa said he came close to winning the US title last week but they don’t give out participation trophies around here. His goal was to become a champion and planned on doing so the next opportunity he got.
Miz blamed the loss on AJ Styles and thought it was collusion that Styles was suddenly granted a title match. Miz was proud of Ciampa and had a tacky gift for him. It was a picture of the two of them in a bedazzled necklace. Ciampa called it awesome.
Earlier today, Mustafa Ali and Cedric Alexander said they were excited to show what they can do in a new era of Raw.
Ciampa & The Miz defeated Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali (9:33)
The good guys fought back following a break and Alexander gave Miz a Michinoku Driver but Ciampa put Miz’s leg on the rope to break up the cover. Ali wiped out Ciampa with a suicide dive that sent him over the announce desk before Alexander got a nearfall on a rollup after an assist from Ali.
Ciampa tagged himself in but Ali didn’t notice and he went to the top. Ali tried a 450 but Ciampa flew in with a mid-air knee strike. He followed with Fairy Tale Ending for the pinfall win.
(There were some clunky spots with Miz but this was pretty good and the crowd got into it.)
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The announcers claimed that Ezekiel would be out a long time thanks to Kevin Owens. They showed a photoshopped image of Ezekiel in a hospital bed surrounded by various “family members” who all looked like him (Elias included). There was even a short interview with Ezekiel’s dad, Ernie, Jr.
Drew McIntyre was shown walking through the back. He walked by a trash can that was being put out with a fire extinguisher.
[SECOND HOUR]
Wale was shown in the crowd.
Drew McIntyre/Kevin Owens segment
This was really great.
McIntyre entered and cut a fiery promo. He said it might be a surprise to see him on Raw tonight but it would be an even bigger surprise to see the other guy.
McIntyre warned Roman Reigns that their match wasn’t happening on some fictional island of relevancy — it was happening on his island. He planned on winning the titles and bringing them to every live event like the fans deserved and like the titles deserved.
McIntyre admitted that the reports of him having a bad back were true — it was from carrying the men in the back for the past two years. McIntyre wanted to become champion and defend the belt against the likes of Ciampa, AJ Styles, Seth Rollins and Karrion Kross.
Kevin Owens interrupted. Owens wondered why McIntyre, as big and bad as he was, carried on this tough guy act with his comically loud voice. Owens said McIntyre was delusional to think he was carrying anyone, especially him.
Owens wanted to remind everyone who he was. He admitted he spent the last couple of years showing up to work and just having a good time. But he remembered something today. It was in this arena that he and Sami Zayn fought their asses off at Battleground and tried to kill each other.
Owens said it was time to bring back the prizefighter. It’s been five years since he held a belt in WWE. “Enough is enough, and it’s time for a change.” Owens was coming after every title he could and warned McIntyre that he was coming for the winner of his match against Reigns.
McIntyre was tired of hearing people make things up just to get a cheap reaction. He fired up telling Owens that he knew exactly who he was too. He got fired years ago, worked his ass off, came back, beat Brock Lesnar and won the world title.
McIntyre said they were two wrestlers in a wrestling ring and they should fight right now. Owens agreed. They circled each other as they went to break.
(Corey Graves mentioned that if McIntyre won the world title, he could appear on Mondays, Fridays, and maybe even Tuesdays.)
********
Drew McIntyre defeated Kevin Owens via disqualification (14:48)
They had an excellent match until the finish.
They went to break after Owens hit a frog splash off the apron but McIntyre fought back after the break with suplexes and a neckbreaker. Owens came back with a DDT for two.
Owens tried a Swanton but McIntyre got his knees up and hit a Michinoku Driver (our third of the evening) for two. Owens responded with a cannonball and frog splash for two, followed by a Swanton for a nearfall. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.”
Owens went to the top again but McIntyre brought him down with a middle rope White Noise for a nearfall. McIntyre headbutted Owens, Owens hit a superkick, and McIntyre clotheslined him before they both collapsed. They traded fists but McIntyre slipped out of a pop-up powerbomb and hit a Future Shock DDT.
McIntyre set up for a Claymore but the Usos jumped him for the DQ. McIntyre fought them and sent them both from the ring.
McIntyre turned around and Owens dropped him with a stunner. Owens told the Usos, “tell your Tribal Chief he owes me one.”
Owens left so that the Usos could take advantage but McIntyre fought them off again and nailed Jimmy Uso with a Claymore Kick. (Jimmy didn’t sell it long. He got up and grabbed his jaw as he walked off with Jey.) McIntyre warned them that he was coming for Reigns on Friday.
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Seth Rollins/Riddle segment
Rollins entered. He wanted a front-row seat to hear Riddle announce his retirement. He thought maybe Riddle could go back to middle school and finish the seventh grade.
Riddle interrupted on the screen. Riddle announced that he was medically cleared, “and the next time I see you, Seth, it’s on!” Rollins wasn’t worried and reminded him of what happened the last two times they were in the ring together and that was Riddle getting his head stomped in.
Riddle revealed what was fairly obvious from the background — he wasn’t at home, he was at the arena. Riddle removed his mic and sprinted to the ring. Riddle avoided a stomp and attacked with kicks and a suplex.
Rollins fought him off and set up for a stomp on the announce table but Riddle avoided it again and hit a knee strike. Rollins ran away through the crowd. Riddle chased after but Rollins got away. Riddle posed with the crowd who chanted “bro.”
********
There was a video package hyping Bobby Lashley vs. AJ Styles. Styles was shown warming up in the back.
Patrick approached Riddle in the back after a break. Riddle challenged Rollins to a match at Clash of the Castle.
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Veer Mahaan defeated Beaux Keller (1:52)
Mahaan won with a million-dollar clothesline and cervical clutch.
********
Lashley was shown warming up in the back. Adam Pearce could be seen speaking with security/police in the background.
(There’s a Raw commercial on Sportsnet in Canada where the first three people shown are Big E, Randy Orton and Becky Lynch.)
********
Schreiber interviewed Kai, Bayley and Sky. They bragged about the usual before Kai decided to confront Dana Brooke about their upcoming match. Brooke said she was ready to fight anytime and wasn’t intimidated by them. Kai told her that fear was a motivating thing and that maybe Brooke should be afraid.
[THIRD HOUR]
Bobby Lashley defeated AJ Styles to retain the United States Championship (21:47)
A sliding knee and forearm off the apron by Styles led to break. Lashley chucked Styles around ringside after the break. Styles mounted some offence but was selling his back and Lashley dropped him with a spinebuster. Lashley twice whipped Styles hard into the turnbuckles.
Miz and Ciampa sauntered to ringside as Lashley knocked Styles off the apron.
Ciampa distracted Lashley so that Miz could go after Styles but before he could do anything, Dexter Lumis jumped the barricade near the announce table. Lumis was immediately tackled by security and the announcers bailed from the desk. The camera stayed on this for a little while before the screen went back and they cut to break.
During the break, Lashley speared Miz before the ref tossed Miz and Ciampa from ringside. After a break, Jimmy Smith mentioned Lumis by name but Graves wanted to focus on the match.
Styles fought back and hit a forearm (not quite the Phenomenal forearm) but Lashley kicked out and followed with a running powerslam for two. Styles came back with a rack bomb for two, and Lashley hit a modified Dominator for two.
Lashley drove Styles into the post and went for a spear in the ring but Styles countered into the Calf Crusher. Lashley countered that into a Hurt Lock (from the ground) and Styles reversed into a pin attempt for two.
Lashley ducked a Phenomenal forearm and speared Styles for the pinfall win.
(Good match but the stuff with Miz, Ciampa and Lumis detracted from it.)
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Non-title match: Dakota Kai (w/Bayley & IYO SKY) defeated 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke (2:22)
Brooke got some offence but Kai won relatively easily with a running boot in the corner.
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Next week on Raw in Toronto:
Edge vs. Damian Priest
Asuka & Bliss vs. Kai & SKY in a tag tournament match
(I will be there.)
********
Theory defeated Dolph Ziggler (16:12)
This was somehow the main event and it even went through a break. They came back from break with a wide shot of the crowd showing visibly empty seats.
The story of the match, I guess, was that Theory was being more aggressive than usual. Twelve minutes into the match there was a cool spot where Ziggler countered a rolling dropkick attempt into a fameasser for two. They traded cradles until Ziggler hit a Zig-Zag for a nearfall. Theory tried a cover with his feet on the rope but the ref caught him.
Ziggler tried another fameasser but Theory countered into an ATL for the pinfall win.
A United States Championship match has been added to the Monday, August 15 WWE Raw.
In what is being billed as a first-time matchup, Bobby Lashley is set to defend the United States title against AJ Styles in Washington DC on Monday.
Lashley defeated Ciampa in a US title match on the August 8 Raw to retain the Championship, a title he has held since defeating Theory at Money in the Bank on July 2.
Previously announced for Raw, the Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament will continue, as Alexa Bliss and Asuka team against Nikki ASH and Doudrop in a first round match.
Also set for Monday, Riddle will give an interview in his first appearance on WWE programming since being laid out by Seth Rollins at SummerSlam on July 30.
Here is the announced lineup:
WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. AJ Styles
Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament first round: Alexa Bliss & Asuka vs. Nikki ASH & Doudrop
Date: August 8, 2022 Location: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, OH
Show Recap —
There was a video recapping recent events involving Bianca Belair, Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky before the announcers ran down tonight’s card. They showed a bracket for the Women’s tag team title tournament. NXT’s Nikkita Lyons and Zoey Stark are among the teams. (Sasha Banks and Naomi are not.)
Bayley, Sky and Kai entered to start the show. They said the fans needed them and this division needed them. Bayley didn’t think the fans could possibly care about Becky Lynch and said Belair would be nothing without her. Bayley wondered how she was the only one who realized that Sky was a weapon and wondered how she was the only one who saw the benefits of Kai.
The crowd didn’t want to hear more talking and they booed loudly over Bayley until she was interrupted by Alexa Bliss, Asuka and Belair. The crowd chanted for Belair.
Bliss informed Kai and Sky that they were not winning the tag titles because they wouldn’t be able to get through herself and Asuka.
Belair wasn’t through with Bayley’s crew and was ready to fight right now. Bayley didn’t want to wrestle in Cleveland and challenged them to a six-woman tag match at Clash at the Castle.
Belair accepted before she decked Bayley. The six women brawled until Bliss knocked down everyone with a dive off the barricade. Officials tried separating them as they went to commercial break. The crowd was into the brawl.
Corey Graves noted how much training and homework Dawkins did specifically for this match. Dawkins wrestled without a shirt and Graves also mentioned how much he has slimmed down.
Rollins fell to the outside and Ford mocked his selling, which was funny. The distraction allowed Dawkins to tackle Rollins over the announce table which led to break 90 seconds into the match.
Rollins took control after driving Dawkins’ face into the middle rope. Rollins kicked at Ford which enraged Ford to the point that he grabbed a chair and jumped into the ring. The ref had to hold back Ford and eventually ejected him. (The announcers said that Ford’s temper got the best of him and Rollins was smart enough to take advantage.)
Dawkins knocked Rollins out of the ring and followed with a flip dive. Dawkins followed with a suplex, spinning corner splash and Silencer for two. Dawkins twice avoided a stomp before hitting a sit-out spinebuster for a close nearfall. (The crowd wanted the upset there.)
Rollins ducked a charge and Dawkins went shoulder-first into the steel steps. Dawkins avoided a stomp one more time but Rollins yanked him down by the shoulder before hitting a Pedigree for the pinfall win. (The crowd popped for the Pedigree.)
This was a good showing for Dawkins and the crowd was into it.
********
Edge told the Mysterios that he had their backs tonight. Rey believed him but Dominik wasn’t exactly happy to see him. Edge said last week was a mistake and asked Dominik if they were cool.
Dominik shoved Edge so Rey held him back. Rey said he’s known Edge for 20 years and he’s like family. Dominik couldn’t believe Rey was taking Edge’s side so he left. Rey told Edge he’d talk to Dom.
********
Kevin Owens defeated Ezekiel via ref stoppage (approx. 0:45)
(The bell never ran to conclude the match so I don’t know what the official ruling was.)
Ezekiel didn’t get an entrance. Owens received a nice pop on the way out.
Owens was all over Ezekiel as soon as the match started. He powerbombed Ezekiel onto the edge of the ring about 45 seconds into the match and the ref checked on Ezekiel who appeared to be hurt.
Owens laughed as medical staff brought out a stretcher for Ezekiel.
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The Judgment Day promo
Finn Bálor and Damian Priest entered. Bálor thought it was funny that Edge and Rey thought Judgment Day should fear them but they couldn’t even get on the same page and Dom already left them. He said fear wasn’t real but danger was real, “and I am danger.”
Priest said he’d love to take out Edge tonight but noted that Raw was in Toronto in two weeks. It’s been forever since Edge wrestled on Raw in Toronto so Priest challenged him to a match. If Edge had the balls, Priest and Judgment Day would end him in front of whatever friends and family he had left.
— In the back, Rey told Edge that he couldn’t get a hold of Dominik. Edge offered to go to ringside but Rey knew that Dom would come to his senses.
[SECOND HOUR]
They claimed that SummerSlam had 1.3 billion video views on social media.
Finn Bálor (w/Damian Priest) defeated Rey Mysterio (13:56)
Bálor started doing the three amigo suplexes — including doing the worst Eddie Guerrero shimmy ever — but Rey countered into a suplex of his own and hit a low dropkick for two. Rey went for a 619 but Priest got in the way and took the move instead. That allowed Bálor to pop up and drive Rey into the ring post.
Rey fought back after a break and hit a sliding DDT into the barricade. Priest tripped Rey as the ref was distracted so Edge immediately entered to his music and brawled with Priest through the crowd.
Rey hit Bálor with a Code Red for a close nearfall. Rey went for the 619 but Bálor killed him with a clothesline and a shotgun dropkick.
Rey dodged a Coup de Grace and set up for the 619 but was distracted. Rhea Ripley appeared on the stage with Dominik over her shoulder. She dropped his lifeless, beaten body in front of her.
The distraction allowed Bálor to hit 1916 and a Coup de Grace for the pinfall win.
********
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Tamina and 24/7 champion Dana Brooke. Brooke was excited to become a double champion with her former foe. Bayley and her friends showed up and she mocked Brooke. Tamina stood up for Brooke and warned them that she could take them out right now. The heels left, but not before Sky told Brooke that she didn’t like her.
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Tag Team Championship Tournament Round 1: IYO SKY & Dakota Kai (w/Bayley) defeated Tamina & 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke (10:04)
(I believe Byron Saxton mentioned that Kai and Sky had a history working together in Japan years ago.)
They went to break 90 seconds into the match after Brooke wiped out her opponents with a dive off the top. Kai and Sky took control during the break after driving Brooke into the barricade. The crowd was quiet until a random “Bayley sucks” chant broke out.
Tamina made a hot tag but she was cut off by Kai and Sky (after Brooke crashed into the barricade when Bayley saved Kai). Sky hit a moonsault for the pinfall win.
Kai and Sky move on in the tournament and will face the winner of Asuka/Bliss vs. Doudrop/Nikki ASH.
********
Patrick ran toward Owens for an interview as he was leaving the arena. Owens warned him not to do that again or he’d drop him harder than he did Ezekiel. Owens knew that there were more eyes on this show now than there have been for a while and he wanted to remind everyone that this was still the Kevin Owens show.
— In the background, Doudrop, Nikki and a few others were checking on a sedan that appeared to crash into a parking lot wall.
Elsewhere, Rey and a trainer checked on Dominik.
********
They re-aired the US title video from last week.
Ciampa entered wearing the red, white and blue Harley Race robe.
Graves (with a completely serious tone) said that Ciampa had experience being “trained by Harley Race, spending time under the tutelage of Killer Kowalski, and now learning from the Miz.”
Bobby Lashley defeated Ciampa (w/The Miz) to retain the United States Championship (12:56)
They had a strong match, interference aside, and Ciampa got a few nearfalls before Lashley ultimately won.
Ciampa slipped out of a powerslam and hit a chop block but Lashley no-sold a few chops before hitting a back elbow. Lashley wanted to drive Ciampa into the post but Miz got in his way so Lashley just chucked Ciampa into Miz.
[THIRD HOUR]
Ciampa took control during a break with a knee strike but Lashley came back with shoulder tackles and a modified Dominator for two. They traded counters until Lashley hit a spear but Miz put Ciampa’s leg on the rope to break up the cover.
AJ Styles ran in from out of nowhere and chased Miz through the crowd. Lashley hit a flatliner as Styles chased Miz through the ring and to the back.
Ciampa used the distraction and drove Lashley into the exposed turnbuckle before hitting a knee strike for a nearfall. Lashley countered a Fairy Tale Ending but Ciampa applied the Gargano Escape. Lashley fought out of that but Ciampa hit a draping DDT for a nearfall.
Lashley blocked a knee strike and hit a chokeslam before applying the Hurt Lock and Ciampa tapped out. The crowd liked Lashley and popped for the win.
********
Styles continued to brawl with Miz in the back during commercials and a match between the two was announced for tonight.
Patrick interviewed Rollins (whose full name is still Seth Freakin’ Rollins). Patrick informed Rollins that Riddle would have an injury update next week. Rollins was pissed that Patrick brought him in for an interview just to ask about Riddle.
Rollins called himself the gatekeeper of this industry. As great as Riddle could be in the ring, he was great at flushing his own potential down the toilet — just ask Dana White. Rollins thought Riddle should retire or he might just have to Cody Rhodes his ass out the door.
********
Dolph Ziggler defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (6:33)
They did chain wrestling for the first two minutes before Gable hit a Chaos Theory suplex (called the “American Automatic”). Gable worked over the leg briefly before Ziggler dodged a moonsault and hit a DDT for two. Ziggler fought out of an ankle lock for a second time but was too hurt to hit a superkick so Gable powerbombed him.
Ziggler slipped out of another ankle lock, slipped out of an Angle Slam attempt and hit a superkick for the pinfall win in his hometown.
Good, short match that at least felt different than what we’d normally see on this show.
********
Nikki and Doudrop were focused and said they would crush the hopes and dreams of Bliss and Asuka next week.
Elsewhere, Bliss and Asuka said nobody was ready for them. Bayley and chums showed up to mock them.
As this was happening, the crashed car could be seen in the background and officials suddenly jogged passed them.
Bayley and pals left as Styles walked by them on his way to the ring.
********
Main event time.
No disqualification match: AJ Styles defeated The Miz (12:34)
Styles tried to grab a table to the delight of the crowd but Miz dropkicked him. Moments later, Styles tried to set something up on the announce table but Miz chucked him over the barricade which led to break.
Styles was back on his feet following the break setting up a table as the crowd chanted for the table. However, Miz attacked him repeatedly with a kendo stick. Styles fought back with the kendo stick, crotched him with it and used it to hit a side Russian leg sweep for two.
Styles hit a Phenomenal forearm but Ciampa pulled the ref out of the ring. Styles knocked Ciampa off the apron and through a table.
Styles went for the Phenomenal forearm but Miz chucked a chair in his face and hit a Skull Crushing Finale for a nearfall.
Miz attacked Styles’ leg with the kendo stick and went for a figure four but Styles kicked him into a steel chair and hit a Styles Clash for the pinfall win.
— As Styles celebrated, it seemed like a fan was being dealt with by security. It was actually Dexter Lumis but they didn’t focus on him (one announcer did say his name).
Styles continued to celebrate as the show went off the air.
Several WWE Superstars believe it is the “dawning of a new era” with Vince McMahon now gone from the company.
Becky Lynch, The Undertaker, and Bobby Lashley spoke with ESPN recently about the changes in WWE management.
“It is the dawning of a new era,” said Lynch. “For me, it’s crazy and sad because everything I’ve ever known about WWE has always had Vince in charge, and we wouldn’t have WWE the way it is if it wasn’t for Vince. He’s somebody who believed in me and allowed me to do everything that I’ve done.”
Still, Lynch believes that McMahon’s departure opens up the door for changes to be made.
“We have the opportunity to change some things that maybe weren’t so great that we didn’t love,” she continued. “I think everybody’s very excited and optimistic because we know that the people in charge [are] some of the greatest minds in the business, you know. Having Triple H at the helm of the ship is phenomenal. What he’s done with NXT speaks for itself. What he did with the women’s division and how he allowed us to change the business forever speaks for itself.”
“He understands as a talent what we go through and what we need to be more creatively energized,” Lynch continued. “There has been a tendency in the past for creative to change last minute, or we don’t know where we’re going. It’s hard to bring everybody along on this journey if we’re rambling.”
“Triple H has a great eye for storytelling and for treating the women the same way he treats the guys. Just everybody’s equal. How do we tell great stories? And that’s all this is.”
Lynch continued to say that she’s hopeful WWE talent will be able to use words such as “belt” and “fans” again as well.
The Undertaker also spoke with ESPN and said the recent changes in WWE have led to talent being given more freedom.
“They’re loosening the reins a little bit as far as what guys can say and do,” Taker said. “I think the product will probably be a little more aggressive. I think that’s going to come through in the creative.”
“They’ve kind of been in this entertainment mode, so they’re going to have to get some grit and meanness.”
WWE United States Champion Bobby Lashley is optimistic about having Triple H at the helm. He doesn’t believe that Vince McMahon has stepped away completely, however.
“It’s not like Vince isn’t going to be there anymore,” Lashley said. “He’s not going to just let his baby that he’s grown to this level just falter. So, he’s still going to be there. He’s just giving other people opportunities to keep pressing on.”
“Stephanie, she’s been in the business her whole entire life, so it’s not like she doesn’t know. … And look what he did with NXT; that’s a big thing Triple H did. So he’s just going to take that same mentality and same philosophy, building stars, bring it up to the main roster, which is cool. It’s going to be refreshing.”
Brock Lesnar is set to appear on this coming Monday’s Raw.
Along with a Lesnar appearance, Theory is set to face Riddle, and a United States title open challenge featuring Bobby Lashley was also announced.
Lesnar will appear on Raw for the first time since returning to WWE television last month on SmackDown, setting up a last man standing match between himself and Roman Reigns at SummerSlam on July 30 in Nashville. On tonight’s show, Reigns appeared and put over the match. Heyman said that he was scared, as putting Lesnar down for a ten count would mean we would see a violent Reigns.
Although Lashley defeated Theory to win the United States title, Theory ended Money in the Bank with the suitcase after being added to the ladder match. On Raw the following Monday, he told Lashley that he would get a rematch for the United States title at SummerSlam.
Here is the current lineup for Monday’s Raw:
Brock Lesnar appearance
Riddle vs. Theory
Bobby Lashley to defend the United States title in an open challenge match
Theory will get a chance at reclaiming the United States Championship at SummerSlam.
It was announced on tonight’s Raw that a rematch between the two will take place July 30 in Nashville. Theory said that after he won the United States Championship at SummerSlam, then beat whoever was left standing after the Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight title match, he would be the biggest champion in company history.
Theory attempted to jump Lashley after the promo, beating Lashley with the Money in the Bank briefcase. However, Lashley took him out with a spinebuster to end the segment.
Theory lost the United States title at SummerSlam this past Saturday to Lashley, who got the win after reversing the ATL and applying the hurt lock, scoring the submission victory.
Here is the current lineup for SummerSlam:
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a last man standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
Bobby Lashley vs. Theory for the United States title
Bobby Lashley is once again the United States Champion.
Lashley defeated Theory at WWE Money in the Bank tonight to win the championship for a third time. The finish had Theory go for the ATL, but Lashley reversed and hit the hurt lock, eventually causing Theory to tap out. This end’s Theory’s run with the championship after 75 days, defeating Finn Balor back on the April 18 edition of Raw.
The feud between Lashley and Theory started after the two had a pose down on a recent edition of Raw. The posedown ended after Theory squirted baby oil into Lashley’s eyes. On the June 20 edition of Raw, Lashley interrupted Theory’s own posedown by squirting baby oil on Theory.
Later in that show, Theory set up a gauntlet match where if Lashley won, he would get a United States title shot at Money in the Bank. Lashley was able to win the match after pinning the third entrant in the gauntlet match, which was Theory himself.
A new United States title match has been added to Money in the Bank.
Theory will defend the title against Bobby Lashley at the pay-per-view event, which takes place July 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The match was made after Lashley won a gauntlet match on tonight’s Raw, eventually pinning Theory to earn the title match.
Lashley interrupted a Theory posedown on tonight’s show by squirting oil on Theory. Theory later set up a gauntlet match, where if Lashley beat three opponents, he would get a United States title match at Money in the Bank. Lashley beat Chad Gable and Otis in separate matches, but the two attacked Lashley after Otis was beat. Theory came out as the third and final entrant, but ended up losing after Lashley countered the ATL with a small package.
Here is the updated card for Money in the Bank:
Bianca Belair vs. Carmella for the Raw Women’s Championship
Theory vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE United States title
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, and Omos have qualified thus far)
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and Liv Morgan have qualified thus far)
The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
Two new matches have been added to WWE Hell in a Cell on June 5.
Ezekiel will face Kevin Owens, and Omos & MVP will face Bobby Lashley in a handicap match following the events of tonight’s Raw.
Lashley issued a challenge to MVP on tonight’s show, saying that whoever won their match would get to name the stipulation for Hell in a Cell. MVP agreed to the match, which took place later. MVP ended up winning the match by countout after Omos attempted to attack Lashley, who got the better of Omos but was still counted out.
It was later announced on Raw Talk that MVP has chosen a handicap match as the stipulation for the Hell in the Cell bout.
Ezekiel wrestled Chad Gable on tonight’s show, with Owens being sent to the back after he attempted to interfere. The distraction allowed Ezekiel to roll up Gable for the victory, escaping through the crowd before Owens, Gable, or Otis could get to him. Owens then said he wanted a match at Hell in a Cell in Chicago, with Ezekiel accepting.
Here is the current card for Hell in a Cell, which takes place on June 5:
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match
Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship
Bobby Lashley’s “All Mighty Challenge” to MVP and Omos is scheduled for next week’s Raw.
Prior to tonight’s main event, announcers promoted an “All Mighty Challenge” for next week’s show. There were no further details other than the challenge would be for both Omos and MVP.
Tonight’s Raw opened with Lashley facing Omos in a steel cage. The finish came when Omos threw Lashley into the steel cage, with the cage wall breaking and falling to the floor with Lashley on top. This allowed Lashley to easily reach the floor, giving him the win.
Omos and Lashley have been feuding since WrestleMania 38, with Lashley getting the initial win. After MVP turned on Lashley and joined forces with Omos, the two faced off again at WrestleMania Backlash on May 8, this time with Omos getting the win. This led to Lashley challenging Omos to a cage match.
Next week’s Raw will take place at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.
Date: May 16, 2022 Location: Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA
Show Recap —
There was a lengthy video package hyping Bobby Lashley vs. Omos. The announcers stood beside the ring to plug the match, run down tonight’s show and plug the tag title unification match on this Friday’s Smackdown. There was also a literal countdown (down to the second) to when Cody Rhodes will appear tonight, roughly two hours from now.
Omos entered with MVP who cut a promo on Lashley. MVP said we are living in the age of the Nigerian Giant Omos and he would brutalize Lashley.
Cedric Alexander attacked Lashley from behind during his entrance and Omos joined in. Lashley fought back and they had to be separated by a million officials. The fans chanted for Lashley as he entered the ring and awaited Omos. Commercial break.
Steel Cage Match: Bobby Lashley defeated Omos (w/MVP) (7:33)
MVP managed to hit Lashley with his cane through an opening in the cage a couple of times early in the match. He tried it again later but Lashley grabbed his arm through the opening and yanked him into the cage. Lashley immediately speared Omos for a close nearfall three minutes into the match.
Alexander ran back down and climbed to the top of the cage but Lashley slammed him off the top into the ring. Lashley tried a high cross but Omos caught him and chucked him into the side of the cage.
Omos slammed Lashley into the other side of the cage and the panel broke (like the Paul Wight/Steve Austin spot). Lashley fell through the cage, crawled to his feet and was declared the winner because he technically escaped the cage. Lashley was perfectly content to win this way.
The crowd was into Lashley and they popped for the finish.
********
Mustafa Ali and Theory entered for a match. Before that could happen, Theory grabbed a mic. He wondered why Mustafa Ali thought he deserved this match. He said they needed a special referee to call this one down the middle: The Miz.
Theory didn’t think it was fair that Ali was getting a match against the US champ after losing last week so he got Ali a separate match to prove himself first. His opponent was Veer Mahaan.
Veer Mahaan defeated Mustafa Ali [special referee: The Miz] (2:49)
Ali fought back despite a blatant trip by Theory from outside the ring. Ali went for a dive but Miz stood in his way. When Miz finally moved, Mahaan turned Ali inside out with the million-dollar clothesline. Veer put him in the Cervical Clutch for the submission win.
Mahaan put the hold on again after the match while Theory and Miz took a selfie with him.
As Mahaan cleared the announce table, Rey and Dominik Mysterio entered to their music. They knocked Mahaan off the apron but Mahaan caught Dominik who tried a high cross. Rey then brought Mahaan down with a seated senton. The Mysterios posed in the ring as Mahaan looked on in frustration.
********
At the beginning of the show, they announced a 6-pack challenge to determine Bianca Belair’s next title challenger (with Asuka, Becky Lynch, Naomi, Sasha Banks, Nikki ASH, and Doudrop).
About 40 minutes into the show, Becky Lynch approached Adam Pearce. She claimed she saw Naomi and Banks leave the building with their bags and therefore the six-pack challenge shouldn’t happen. She wanted to be named number one contender by default because she never received a title rematch.
Pearce told her that she would face Asuka in the main event and the winner would be the number one contender.
********
Raw Tag Team Champion Riddle defeated Smackdown Tag Team Champion Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) (10:55)
Jimmy drove Riddle into the steel steps before a break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Riddle fought back with a Pelé kick, running forearms, and exploder suplex but Jimmy got his knees up on a dive. Jimmy followed with a pop-up Samoan Drop for a nearfall. Jimmy blocked an RKO attempt off the top before Riddle got his knees up on a splash.
Jimmy distracted the referee which allowed Jey to knock Riddle off the top. Jey tried to assist Jimmy in making the cover but the referee caught him and tossed him from ringside. Riddle then rolled up Jimmy for the pinfall win.
(I believeCorey Graves said Randy Orton wasn’t there tonight because of a family commitment.)
********
Earlier today, Liv Morgan told Kevin Patrick that Rhea Ripley wasn’t going to get away with what she did because Morgan never gives up on a fight. Angel and Humberto jumped in. They wanted to feature her on the kiss cam. AJ Styles and Finn Bálor jumped in next. Styles called them creepy and told them to leave. Styles and Bálor asked Morgan to join them at ringside tonight. She seemed unsure and said she’d think about it.
********
The Judgment Day segment
Edge sat on his throne with Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest standing by his side. Priest told us that all our favourites would receive punishment. Ripley said, “I will not be the figure of my mistakes, there is nothing holding me back. Now, it’s time for complete and utter eradication.”
Edge sees that the fans are angry and he can understand why considering the state of the world. He advised everyone to stop being sheep. We’ve already seen what they can do to the likes of Morgan, Styles and Bálor. He basically said anyone could join them and offered an opening to the aforementioned trio (specifically focusing on Styles).
********
(Graves reiterated that Banks and Naomi left the arena and called it unprofessional. He acknowledged that there could be more going on.)
AJ Styles & Finn Bálor (w/Liv Morgan) defeated Los Lotharios (9:19)
Angel and Humberto controlled through a break and Bálor made a hot tag after they returned. Bálor went for a shotgun dropkick but Angel caught him with a superkick. Humberto tried something off the top but Bálor got his legs up and Humberto took a great bump.
Styles took out Angel with a Phenomenal forearm while Bálor hit Humberto with a Coup de Grace for the pinfall win. Morgan did the too sweet thing with Bálor and Styles after the match.
Bálor and Styles work well as a team, obviously. The crowd was into them.
********
Chad Gable (and Otis) approached Kevin Owens with the results of the DNA test. They compared the DNA from Ezekiel’s red cup to DNA from Elias’ old guitar. Owens was getting impatient as Gable explained the process so he grabbed the envelope. The test results were inconclusive because the sample was contaminated by barbecue sauce.
Otis theorized that Elias must’ve eaten some pulled pork and smoked ribs. Owens screamed at him. He also yelled at Gable for screwing this up because he’s supposed to be the smartest man in the world. Gable said he beat the truth out of Elias tonight. Owens told him to go do that. (Owens and Gable continue to be great together.)
(Owens wore a “Sami Zayn forever” t-shirt.)
********
Alexa Bliss defeated Sonya Deville (4:00)
Bliss has new music.
Deville had control of the match and decided to untie the turnbuckle cover. The ref caught her and started tying it back up as Deville hit a spinebuster. She made a cover but the ref wasn’t paying attention. He finally made the cover but Bliss kicked out and followed with a DDT for the pinfall win.
Deville slapped the ref post-match.
[THIRD HOUR]
Cody Rhodes promo
Rhodes entered to a strong reaction.
Rhodes said he was told that Seth Rollins wasn’t here tonight but hoped that he was listening. Rhodes tried to move forward last week but Rollins dumped gasoline on the flame and stomped his head into the table. Rollins told Rhodes that he would never take anything away from him again.
Rhodes wondered what he took from Rollins. Rhodes beat him twice but he didn’t cross any personal lines. Rhodes accused Rollins of being stuck in a purgatory of his own creation and Rollins was trying to pull him into it.
Rhodes recalled Rollins debuting in 2012 with the Shield and Rhodes was among a few of the bitter boys in the back. Rollins was tag champ within months and shattered the glass ceiling soon after. Rhodes’ story was much different. He painted his face with a smile while he was dead inside. But he endured.
Rhodes knew he would never be the American Dream, “so why not embrace the nightmare.” Rhodes said Rollins was embarrassed over two losses but that wouldn’t overcome his own desire to reach the top. Rhodes would not be denied his second chance because Rollins would have to kill him. “And I’m going to give him the chance.”
Rhodes challenged Rollins to a rematch inside Hell in a Cell. The crowd cheered.
Rollins’ laugh could be heard through the speakers and he suddenly appeared on the screen. Rollins said it wasn’t enough for Rhodes to steal his spotlight at WrestleMania or for him to cheat at Backlash. Rollins said Rhodes must be stupid to challenge him to a HIAC match because anyone who has entered the cell with him has changed forever.
Rollins threatened to expose Rhodes for the fraud that he was. Rollins accepted. Rhodes responded, “I’ll see you in hell.”
(The match was made official after a break.)
********
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Asuka. Asuka again mocked Becky Lynch by calling her a baby and said she’d give her something to cry about.
(Graves again stated that Banks and Naomi unprofessionally left the arena.)
********
Owens joined commentary and he was great. They showed the picture you may have seen online of Ezekiel and Elias standing together. Owens called it an obvious photoshop from when Elias was at a concert. He also mentioned that he met Elias’ parents when they all lived close together in Orlando and they never mentioned having another kid.
Ezekiel defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (11:01)
Ezekiel was on offense when Otis levelled him outside the ring as Gable distracted the ref. Elias made his comeback shortly after the break and hit a lifting knee strike for two. Gable followed with a moonsault for two. Elias hit a Stinger splash before knocking Otis off the apron. Gable tried a cradle but Ezekiel countered into a cradle of his own for the pinfall win.
********
There was a backstage segment with Tamina, Truth, Akira Tozawa, Dana Brooke and Carmella. Some stuff happened before Brooke bumped into Carmella. They argued and Brooke told Carmella that she hasn’t been relevant since the chinless guy (James Ellsworth) worked there. Brooke ran off because Truth was chasing her.
********
Lacey Evans promo
Lacy Evans entered and was introduced to the crowd as a “mother, wife, daughter, United States marine, and WWE superstar.” She mentioned how much she loved the servicemen and servicewomen of the United States and implored the crowd to give them an ovation. The crowd chanted “USA.”
Evans said finding the courage to fight and change the circumstances of your life was hard, but we had what it took to do so. She was ready to show everyone, especially her girls, that you can break the cycle. We have what it takes to make it.
Evans ended with: “I may not be better than any of these other WWE superstars in the Raw women’s locker room, but they damn sure are no better than me.”
********
In a smoky hallway in the back, Riddle warned the Usos that RK-Bro 4:20 would smoke their asses. Elsewhere, the Usos said they’d have all the gold come Friday.
The Lashley/Omos feud isn’t over because Lashley has some sort of challenge set for Omos next week.
********
10:40pm: Bianca Belair enters. Commercial break. 10:45pm: Recap of Lashley winning the cage match. 10:47pm: Asuka enters. Lynch enters. 10:49pm: Match begins. 10:50pm: Commercial break.
********
Asuka defeated Becky Lynch (9:56)
They went to break a minute into the match and came back with about six minutes left in the show.
They exchanged cradles before Asuka kicked Lynch in the head. Asuka followed up with a few more kicks, a German suplex and a sliding knee for two. Asuka reversed a Man-handle Slam into an arm drag but Lynch caught her in between the ropes and hit a diving leg drop for two.
After a few more counters and cradles, Asuka caught Lynch in an Asuka Lock. Lynch flipped over into a cover for two. Another counter sequence led to Asuka applying an armbar but Lynch got a rope break.
Lynch rolled outside and dared Belair to hit her (trying to get Asuka disqualified) but Belair didn’t bite. Asuka went outside but Lynch pushed her into Belair.
Belair jumped on the apron and Lynch used the distraction to grab Asuka’s umbrella. Lynch tried to hit Asuka with it but Asuka sprayed mist in her face and followed with a kick to the head for the pinfall win. Asuka is the number one contender. Lynch was freaking out after the match.
Good match, even with the time they got, and I liked the finish.
A steel cage match has been announced for next week’s WWE Raw episode.
Bobby Lashley will face Omos in a cage match. Lashley issued the challenge to Omos in a backstage promo on this week’s Raw, and the match was made official later in the show.
Omos defeated Lashley at Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash event in a rematch from their WrestleMania 38 bout, which Lashley won.
On the Raw after WrestleMania, Lashley’s manager MVP turned on him and aligned himself with Omos.
Omos made his WWE in-ring debut at WrestleMania 37 in 2021, teaming with AJ Styles to capture the Raw Tag Team titles from Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day.
Lashley vs. Omos is the only match announced for next week’s Raw to this point. The Monday, May 16 episode will air live from the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
Date: May 2, 2022 Location: Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC
Show Recap —
Roman Reigns, the Usos, and Paul Heyman entered to start the show. (There was a Smackdown recap and a plug for Backlash. By the time they spoke it was 8:07pm.)
Heyman put over what a treat it was for us to be able to witness Roman Reigns. Reigns told North Carolina to acknowledge him and that drew a loud mixed reaction.
Out of nowhere, Randy Orton and Riddle popped in the ring and dropped both Usos with RKOs. (The timing of this was great.)
Drew McIntyre then entered with his sword as a concerned Reigns looked on. McIntyre dropped the sword before entering the ring. Orton and Riddle left him to it.
McIntyre and Reigns brawled and McIntyre was getting the better of it until the Usos attacked him. Orton and Riddle jumped back in and everyone brawled. Officials jumped in and tried to break things up as they cut to break (at 8:12pm).
After a break, there was a replay of what we just saw. The replay was almost as long as the angle itself. Byron Saxton made it clear that we’d see more of this on Friday’s Smackdown.
********
Earlier today, Ezekiel approached the Street Profits in the back. They gave him a drink and made a toast to him. Chad Gable and Otis interrupted before Kevin Owens quickly barged in to call Ezekiel a liar. Gable said he learned that lie detector tests can be tricked by the biggest frauds.
Owens couldn’t wait to expose Ezekiel as a liar. Angelo Dawkins said they were gonna beat them in a six-man tag tonight. Owens chucked a drink in Ezekiel’s face before he bailed with his buddies.
Six-man tag team match: Kevin Owens, Chad Gable & Otis defeated The Street Profits & Ezekiel (9:28)
The good guys were in control before a break but the bad guys were in control after the break. There was a nice spot where Montez Ford seemed to be going for a sunset flip but Gable countered into a Northern Lights suplex. Owens followed with a moonsault for two. The crowd chanted “we want Zek” and he did get the hot tag.
Ezekiel gave Gable a spinebuster, chops, a Stinger splash, and a delayed vertical suplex but Otis broke up the cover. Everyone traded moves until Ezekiel tackled Owens and hammered away at him. As Gable distracted the referee, Owens tripped Ezekiel and Gable rolled him up for the pinfall win.
(The Street Profits were acting a bit heelish in recent weeks but they were full-fledged babyfaces here. Corey Graves acknowledged that they’ve had more of an edge recently, so that seems to be the extent of it.)
********
AJ Styles told Kevin Patrick that he had Edge beat at WrestleMania until his new friend distracted him. That’s why if Styles can beat Damian Priest tonight, he’ll be banned from ringside for his rematch against Edge at Backlash.
********
Adam Pearce told Sonya Deville that the higher-ups want to see her compete but not while she’s in an authority role. Pearce said she was put in a six-woman tag match tonight, teaming with Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley against Bianca Belair, Asuka and Liv Morgan. Deville wanted to add a stipulation but Pearce told her that she doesn’t have power tonight, she’s only a performer.
(So she doesn’t have authority on nights that she’s wrestling.)
********
Saxton interviewed ‘Bert Hansen’ in the ring before the upcoming match. Hansen said Mahaan terrified him but he’s competing tonight because it’s always been his dream to wrestle on Raw in his hometown after years working at Stamey’s Barbecue down the road.
Veer Mahann defeated Bert Hansen (1:34)
Mahaan won with the million dollar clothesline and Cervical Clutch.
After the match, Mahaan put the guy in the Cervical Clutch in between the ropes until he passed out.
********
Edge and Priest entered.
[SECOND HOUR]
Edge promo
Edge said, “we are Judgment Day.” He said the fans probably can’t stand to look at themselves in the mirror and they probably don’t like him very much anymore. That was only because they despised themselves. They can’t look at themselves in the mirror because it would make them sick, or at least it should.
He said the people in Greensboro couldn’t even count high enough to find their seat numbers. If Greensboro had a sports team it should be named the Lemmings because they were a small, dumb rodent that rushed into danger — just like AJ Styles was doing this Sunday.
The crowd chanted “what” at Edge who made fun of them for not having teeth. Edge continued to rant until Styles interrupted.
AJ Styles defeated Damian Priest (w/Edge) (11:02)
They were playing it up that Styles had an injured shoulder. He was in control until Priest drove him shoulder-first into the ring post. After a break, Styles fought back and gave Priest a rack bomb for a nearfall. Priest followed later with a backbreaker for two. Styles slipped out of a Razor’s Edge attempt and hit a Pelé Kick.
Styles went for a Phenomenal forearm but Priest countered into a chokeslam for a nearfall. Styles ducked a kick and went for the Calf Crusher but let go when he was distracted by Edge. Styles used a rollup moments later anyway for the pinfall win.
— Edge attacked Styles immediately after the match and Priest gave him a flatliner.
They were about to give him a con-chair-to when Finn Bálor ran down and made the save. Edge backed away as Styles clotheslined Priest out of the ring.
Bálor and Styles did the too-sweet thing after the match.
The crowd was into Styles and they popped for Bálor’s save.
********
Cedric Alexander approached MVP and Omos. Alexander wanted to join them and he got a match against Bobby Lashley to prove himself. MVP liked the idea. Alexander was about to explain in more detail but Omos abruptly told him, “it’s time for you to leave” (which was amusing).
********
They wished a happy birthday to The Rock.
Miz TV with guest Mustafa Ali
Miz said “welcome to Miz TV” and they piped in fan noise saying it along with him. Miz introduced Mustafa Ali.
Ali entered but his music was cut short and Miz claimed it was a rare technical mishap. Ali’s microphone also wasn’t working. Miz mocked him and kept calling him “Moost.” Miz advised him not to go to Twitter to complain.
Ali grabbed Miz’s mic. He said the only thing they have to complain about was the fact that Miz still worked there. Ali said Miz always complained to officials when things didn’t go his way but Ali could always rely on the fans. Miz grabbed the mic but quickly realized it was the one that wasn’t working and Ali mocked him for it. Miz got it to work and told Ali that he would live to regret that.
Theory entered. He informed them that Ali’s win over Miz was stricken from the record, per Mr. McMahon. Miz appreciated it. Theory told Ali that he’s done nothing.
Ali told them that they talk too much. He wanted a US title match and was willing to fight for it. Theory used WWE-speak to tell Ali that he has a non-title match tonight. Theory didn’t think Ali could handle the heat. Ali said if there was anyone around here who could handle heat, it was him.
Theory informed Ali that his match tonight was actually a handicap match against him and Miz.
********
2-on-1 handicap match: US Champion Theory & The Miz defeated Mustafa Ali (approx. 2:48)
Theory tried grabbing Ali’s leg from outside the ring but Ali kicked him down. The distraction allowed Miz to hit Skull Crushing Finale for the pinfall win. There wasn’t much to this.
(The match started during a break and went 2:48 on TV.)
********
Earlier today, Dana Brooke, Reggie, R-Truth, Tamina and Akira Tozawa bickered about whatever until Nikki ASH attacked Brooke and pinned her to win the 24/7 title. Nikki ran away. Brooke was irrationally upset over losing this title and blamed it on Reggie. She demanded he get her a rematch tonight.
Dana Brooke (w/Reggie) defeated Nikki A.S.H. to win the 24/7 Championship (1:30)
Brooke won her title back with a somersault neckbreaker.
Various people, Reggie included, tried pinning Brooke afterwards but she escaped. Brooke told Reggie that she wanted a divorce.
********
Patrick interviewed Becky Lynch. He tried recapping what happened last week but she cut him off and said, “you don’t have to tell me what happened, I was there.” Lynch said she handed Asuka the championship and told her to be a warrior while she went to be a mother. Lynch held up her end of the bargain but Asuka didn’t hold up to hers. As soon as Lynch returned, Asuka vanished. Now it was time for her to put an end to Asuka.
********
(The Canadian broadcast plugged Raw in Toronto on August 22, which I imagine will do quite well.)
[THIRD HOUR]
Seth Rollins entered at 9:49pm and they went to break. They came back with a commercial for Doctor Strange before replaying tonight’s opening angle. They plugged two Backlash matches before Rollins finally began his segment at 9:58pm.
Seth Rollins Appreciation Night
Rollins said they spent all night last Monday celebrating Randy Orton but thought it was time they celebrated someone underappreciated like him. A spotlight shined on Rollins as the crowd sang his music. Rollins soaked it in before the crowd started chanting for Cody Rhodes.
Rollins said Rhodes tried to steal his spotlight at WrestleMania but he won’t be able to do that at Backlash because Seth Freakin’ Rollins was the damn spotlight. The crowd chanted “we want Cody.” Rollins told them to shut up. Rollins called himself the standard-bearer and the fans have forgotten how great he was so he had a video package made.
Rollins pointed at the screen but Rhodes entered instead. The crowd chanted for Rhodes. Rollins wanted to know why he was out there if he wasn’t there to give him his flowers. Rhodes said if he wanted his flowers he would give it to him. Rhodes congratulated Rollins. However, Rhodes also wanted to know why Rollins seemed to be unravelling at the seams.
Rhodes said he has been nothing but professional since returning, even after Rollins shoved him off the top rope, but he had a feeling that Rollins was about to cross a line he shouldn’t cross. Rhodes admitted that Rollins was one of the best “superstars” over the past 20 years but he was also delusional.
Rollins mentioned how great Dusty Rhodes was (which drew a “Dusty” chant) but Dusty was delusional, just like Cody. Dusty wanted to be WWE Champion but he just wasn’t good enough, and as long as Rollins was here, Cody wasn’t good enough, either.
Before Rhodes could maybe take a swing at Rollins, Rollins attacked him first. Rhodes fought back and dropped him with a Cody cutter. Rollins backed off as the fans chanted for Rhodes. (Rhodes chucked Rollins’ expensive coat into the crowd.)
********
They wished The Rock a happy birthday again and plugged Young Rock.
Bobby Lashley defeated Cedric Alexander (2:37)
Omos’ music hit as the match started which distracted Lashley, so Alexander attacked him from behind. MVP mocked Lashley as Alexander continued the attack. Alexander tried a dive but Lashley blocked it before driving him into the barricade and the post. Lashley hit a spear and applied the Hurt Lock for the submission win.
********
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Liv Morgan. Morgan thought she and Rhea Ripley were a great tag team but Ripley thought she was a disappointment. Morgan figured that Ripley was really just disappointed in herself. Morgan wasn’t going to take the blame for Ripley’s problems and wasn’t going to take another beating from her.
They ran down the Backlash card.
********
10:29pm: Becky Lynch enters. Commercial break. 10:34pm: 24/7 title segment recap. R-Truth offers to be Reggie’s divorce attorney. Doudrop asks Nikki ASH if she’s ready to start taking things more seriously. 10:37pm: Rhea Ripley and Sonya Deville enter. Liv Morgan, Asuka, and Bianca Belair enter. 10:40pm: Commercial break. 10:44pm: Match begins.
Six-woman tag team match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair, Asuka & Liv Morgan defeated Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley & Sonya Deville (15:15)
They had a pretty good match and Morgan picked up the win over Deville.
Lynch and Asuka started. Lynch ducked a bunch of strikes and quickly tagged out to Deville. Asuka tagged Belair but Deville quickly tagged out to Ripley. The crowd chanted “E.S.T.” Ripley countered a suplex by yanking Belair down by the hair. Deville tagged in but Belair fought her off.
Morgan and Lynch had an exchange until Morgan wiped out Ripley with a dive. Morgan had her back to the ring which allowed Lynch to hit a dropkick and diving leg drop for two.
After a break, the heels worked over Morgan until she gave Lynch a DDT and made the tag to Belair. Ripley gave her a headbutt but Belair responded with a shoulder tackle and delayed vertical suplex for two. The heels teamed up on Belair which led to Deville and Ripley giving her a double superplex but the cover was broken up.
Asuka made the hot tag and hit Deville with a shoulder tackle, running hip attack, German suplex, and a sliding knee for two. There was a cool combo move where Asuka knocked Deville off the apron with a running hip attack right into a Codebreaker by Morgan.
Morgan tried a pinfall but Lynch broke it up. Everyone traded moves until Deville clocked Morgan with a running knee strike for two.
Deville tried a cover with feet on the rope but the ref caught her. Belair shoved Deville off the ropes and Morgan followed with Oblivion for the pinfall win. The babyfaces celebrated together as the show ended.
