Tag: Braun Strowman

WWE Raw live results: McIntyre & Strowman vs. T-Bar & Mace

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 26, 2021
Location: Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL 

The Big Takeaway — 

Braun Strowman pinned Drew McIntyre and as a result, Bobby Lashley will defend his WWE title against both men at Backlash in a triple threat. Randy Orton and Riddle teamed up and picked up a win, and Charlotte Flair’s suspension is already over. 

For the third straight week, AJ Styles and Omos were not on the show.  

Also, Raw went almost an hour without any wrestling during the middle portion of the show.

Show Recap — 

T-Bar and Mace did a pre-match promo making it clear they were not affiliated with anyone. They’re only interested in extinction. (They aren’t wearing masks but are still going by “Mace” and “T-Bar.”) 

Braun Strowman confronted Drew McIntyre in Gorilla position asking where his thank you was for saving him last week. McIntyre said he didn’t ask for any help. Strowman called him “kid” which offended him. Strowman said he could beat both guys alone. 

Braun Strowman defeated Mace & T-Bar via DQ (2:55)

This was supposed to be a tag match but Strowman entered and demanded they start the match without McIntyre. Strowman fought off both guys as long for as he could but they double-teamed him in the corner which led to a disqualification (because one guy wasn’t legal). 

McIntyre ran out to make the save and they cleared the ring. McIntyre sarcastically asked for a thank you and Strowman called him a funny guy. 

Mace & T-Bar defeated Braun Strowman & Drew McIntyre via countout 

Strowman made a hot tag but his offense was cut off quickly after he sent himself shoulder-first into the post. McIntyre tagged himself in and gave T-Bar a Future Shock DDT but Mace broke up the cover. Strowman charged around the ring but T-Bar ducked a McIntyre clothesline and McIntyre knocked down Strowman by mistake. 

T-Bar slipped in the ring before a ten count and his team won by countout. McIntyre just barely missed getting back in the ring on time. A weak win to say the least. (The match started during a break. The TV portion went about five minutes.) 

Strowman laid out McIntyre with a powerslam afterwards. (McIntyre got to his feet by the time Strowman got to the ramp.)  

(I think Adnan Virk was told to increase his excitement level by 200% because he was freaking out when Strowman ran around the ring and when he did the powerslam.) 

McIntyre approached Adam Pearce in his office. He wanted a match with Strowman tonight. Pearce accepted. 

MizTV 

John Morrison was back with Miz. They were joined by Elias and Jaxson Ryker. Miz plugged his feature on the Network and his reality show before once again taking credit for Bad Bunny’s success. 

Miz said the four of them had a concert for us. The four men (including Ryker) performed very poorly until the lights went out and Damian Priest interrupted. Priest said he wanted to witness this in person, just like he was able to witness Bad Bunny beat the Miz at WrestleMania. 

Priest had a surprise for them. The New Day entered. Xavier Woods carried an instrument box to the ring, but there was no instrument inside. Instead, it was filled with “rotten” tomatoes. 

Priest, Woods and Kofi Kingston chucked the tomatoes at the heels who took bumps for the tomatoes instead of simply leaving the ring. They had to sell this like they were getting doused with a hose filled with beer. 

6-man tag match: Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods & Damian Priest defeated The Miz, Elias & Jaxson Ryker (w/John Morrison) (16:48) 

The good guys were in control until Elias pulled Kingston down from the top rope to the outside. Miz booted him and they went to break. Back from break, Miz distracted the referee so that Morrison could rub a tomato in Kingston’s face (which is only fair). 

They worked over Kingston for a long time until he ducked an It Kick and hit an SOS. Priest made the hot tag and used a series of kicks on Ryker before taking down Elias with a clothesline for two. Priest hit a spinning kick off the top but Miz broke up the cover. Priest gave him a Broken Arrow before tagging in Woods. 

Woods came off the top but was immediately knocked down with a jumping knee by Elias for a nearfall. Woods and Priest held Ryker as Kingston nailed Ryker with a missile dropkick. Priest wiped out Miz and Morrison with a dive and Kingston yanked Elias out of the ring (returning the favour from earlier). Woods then rolled up Ryker for the pinfall win. 

Sonya Deville was shown walking through the arena. She held a door open and Charlotte Flair entered. The announcers acknowledged that Charlotte had been suspended. (Charlotte and Deville walked as slowly as possible for the camera, which looked completely unnatural.) 

[Second hour] 

Sonya Deville and Charlotte Flair segment 

Deville introduced Charlotte Flair, as well as Eddie Orengo, the WWE referee that Charlotte attacked last week. They showed a replay of what happened. Deville thought Pearce’s punishment was a bit harsh. 

Charlotte said she wanted to sincerely apologize to WWE management, the fans, and to Orengo for her childish ways. She said instinct took over last week. Charlotte apologized for “manhandling” Orengo. He accepted the apology. He said he didn’t see Rhea Ripley’s interference and said Charlotte would have won the match if not for him. 

Deville lifted Charlotte’s suspension. She announced that Charlotte would compete tonight and Orengo would be the referee. 

Charlotte wanted an apology from Orengo because he admitted it was his mistake. He hesitated but did apologize. Charlotte said, “good boy.” He held the ropes open for her so that she could exit the ring. Charlotte and Deville left together. 

Pearce was waiting for them in Gorilla. He was annoyed and asked Deville when the hell she planned on telling him about this. She said she was sorry. He didn’t accept the apology because he didn’t believe her. 

After a break, Pearce was on the phone with someone complaining about Deville until he was interrupted by Strowman. Strowman was fine with wrestling McIntyre and loudly reminded Pearce that Randy Orton was the one who got pinned in their number one contender’s match. 

Strowman said he wanted to be added to the WWE title match at “WrestleMania Backlash” if he beat McIntyre tonight. Strowman mockingly asked if Pearce had to check with Deville first to make it official. Pearce agreed to the stip. If Strowman wins tonight, it’ll be a triple threat match at Backlash. 

Sheamus segment 

Sheamus (in street clothes) entered for his open challenge. He said he attacked Humberto Carrillo before a match could start last week because Carrillo didn’t belong in the ring with him. He asked who wanted to be next, while also making it clear that the US title was not on the line. 

Carrillo entered. Sheamus mocked him before hitting him with a cheap shot. Sheamus turned his back on Carrillo who attacked Sheamus and sent him out of the ring. Carrillo dropkicked Sheamus off the apron twice before nailing a suicide dive. An angry Carrillo marched to the back. Sheamus was pissed and chucked aside a leather chair. 

Kevin Patrick approached Bobby Lashley and MVP in the back. He asked about Strowman. MVP blew him off. MVP said he had a scoop but wouldn’t tell Patrick what it was. They left. 

They plugged the next A&E biography which will be on Randy Savage. 

Sarah Schreiber interviewed Ripley. Ripley didn’t believe any apology from Charlotte but was happy to know she got fined $100,000. Ripley knew her path would cross with Charlotte again one day but she was focused on her match tonight. 

Time for another talking segment. 

Bobby Lashley & MVP segment 

Lashley said he did exactly what he said he was going to do: walk in and out of WrestleMania as champion. He made McIntyre pass out, held his belt high, and commanded respect from the fans that were in attendance for the first time in over a year. He tossed McIntyre aside, but McIntyre was like a piece of gum stuck to his shoe. He planned on beating McIntyre again. 

Lashley noted that the match could suddenly become a triple threat. MVP couldn’t understand why the company would treat their champion that way. MVP said any decision involving Lashley should go through the champ first. Lashley called the decision disrespectful. 

MVP noted the ways that Lashley could lose the title without getting pinned. Lashley said he could beat both men and nobody was taking the title from him after it took him 16 years to get it. Lashley planned on walking out of Backlash as champion. Lashley was good in this segment. 

Time for more talking. Patrick interviewed Riddle in the back. He made some bad jokes before being interrupted by Randy Orton. Orton wasn’t sure what planet he was from. Riddle quickly stated that he was from earth. Orton told him not to interrupt. He said they have nothing in common and Riddle interrupted to say they were both from earth. 

Orton admitted that he underestimated Riddle last week. He also admitted that “R-K-Bro” was a catchy name. He got them a tag match tonight if Riddle wanted. Riddle was excited. He wanted them to get matching snakeskin speedos. Orton motioned for him to stop talking. Orton said tonight was just an audition. They could talk again after the match if it went well. 

Riddle acted like a child in his excitement to be tagging with Orton. 

Reginald, Nia Jax, and Shayna Baszler stood shoulder-to-shoulder-to-shoulder in the back for another talking segment. Baszler didn’t want any more distractions tonight. Baszler left. 

Some guy handed Jax a bouquet of flowers. She thought it was sweet and thanked Reginald, but Reginald didn’t buy them. Angel Garza entered the frame. He wished her luck tonight and kissed her hand. Jax was flattered. As she and Reginald walked through the back, she clobbered Mandy Rose with the flowers and called her a bitch. Rose and Dana Brooke just stood there. 

MVP approached Strowman in the back. Strowman said if Lashley had something to say to him, he should say it to his face. Strowman said after he beats McIntyre tonight, there was nothing that could stop him from becoming champion at “WrestleMania Backlash.” 

Randy Orton & Riddle defeated Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin (5:31) 

The first match of the second hour started at 9:47pm. It’s been 54 minutes since the previous match ended. 

Alexander and Benjamin worked over Riddle for a few minutes until Riddle hit a knee strike and tagged Orton. Orton gave Benjamin a powerslam. As he set up for an RKO, Riddle warned him about Alexander who was on the top rope, so Orton gave Alexander an RKO. 

As Orton set up Benjamin for a draping DDT, Riddle excitedly asked for a tag. Orton tagged him before hitting the DDT. Riddle followed with a Floating Bro for the pinfall win. 

Riddle wanted a hug from Orton but, obviously, didn’t get one. Orton left as Riddle celebrated in the ring. Orton smirked on his way up the ramp. Corey Graves thought for sure Orton would give Riddle an RKO at some point but that didn’t happen. 

We’ll see how long this lasts, but I do like this duo. 

[Third hour] 

6-woman tag match: Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley & Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (w/Reginald) defeated Asuka, Naomi & Lana (11:33) 

Asuka was down for a moment so Ripley tagged herself in but Asuka quickly responded with a knee strike. Naomi and Lana each tagged in to team up on Ripley. Lana used a rollup for two but Ripley cut her off with a headbutt and followed with a vertical suplex. 

As Ripley worked over Lana, Rose and Brooke sauntered out. Baszler marched toward them but they chucked a bucket of water at her. Jax attempted to go after them but she slipped and fell on the water. Jax rolled around on the mats as Reginald tried helping her up. Commercial break. 

Baszler worked over Lana until Lana tagged in Asuka who hit Baszler with a running hip attack and kicks. Baszler came right back with a knee to the face. Jax followed with a scoop slam and elbow drop for two. Jax hit a Samoan drop but Asuka came back with strikes before tagging in Naomi. 

Naomi used a disaster kick but Baszler broke up a cover. Reginald distracted Naomi allowing Jax to attack her. Ripley tagged in and slammed Naomi. Asuka broke up a cover but Ripley managed to get rid of her. Ripley gave Naomi the Riptide but Lana had made a blind tag. 

Lana hit a flying crossbody for two. She also got a two on a crucifix pin but Ripley gave her a Riptide. Instead of going for the cover, Ripley tagged in Jax who gave Lana a leg drop for the pinfall win. The three champions posed with their belts. 

In the back, Rose and Brooke bragged about their prank. Deville approached them and called them unprofessional. Deville wasn’t surprised by Rose’s actions considering her laughable taste. Deville said Rose would be Charlotte’s opponent tonight. (This was basically meant as punishment like Teddy Long forcing people to wrestle the Undertaker.) 

Alexa’s Playground 

Bliss had a video played that was meant to be serene and peaceful. She spoke softly over the video when Lilly the doll suddenly popped and screamed for the purpose of a jump scare. (It didn’t work on me because I wasn’t really paying attention.) Bliss laughed and said Lilly made her do it. She giggled and swung on her swing set. 

Charlotte Flair defeated Mandy Rose (w/Dana Brooke) (4:19) 

Corey Graves no longer thinks Mandy Rose is god’s greatest creation because she slipped and fell at WrestleMania. 

Rose got some offense after Charlotte was distracted by Brooke. Rose whipped Charlotte into the corner and she almost collided with referee Orengo but they avoided it. Charlotte booted Rose for a two count and Charlotte admonished Orengo for a slow count. 

Rose used a schoolboy for two, followed by a knee strike for two. Charlotte came back with Natural Selection for the pinfall win. Charlotte made Orengo hold the ropes open for her again. 

McIntyre told Patrick that Strowman was not going to screw things up for him. Tonight was ending with a Claymore. 

Braun Strowman defeated Drew McIntyre (13:19) 

Strowman was going to do the thing where he runs around the ring about two minutes into the match but Lashley’s music hit so he stopped for some reason. They went to break as Lashley and MVP entered the stage while Strowman and McIntyre looked on. 

Strowman was in control but McIntyre fought back and hit an impressive overhead belly-to-belly suplex. McIntyre followed with a neckbreaker for two. He went for a Claymore but Strowman caught him and hit a powerbomb for two. McIntyre headbutted Strowman and hit a spinebuster for two. 

They battled on the ropes until Strowman hit a superplex for a nearfall. Strowman grabbed McIntyre by the head and I’m pretty sure he yelled, “I’m a monster!” before clubbing him on the chest. 

Strowman set up for a powerslam but Lashley distracted the referee and MVP pulled McIntyre off of Strowman’s shoulders. McIntyre followed with a Future Shock DDT. 

McIntyre set up for a Claymore kick but had to fend off T-Bar and Mace. The distraction allowed Strowman to hit a powerslam for the pinfall win. 

So it’s Lashley vs. McIntyre vs. Strowman at Backlash. 

(This was the second time they’ve done this stip with Strowman in the past two months. He fought Lashley in February for a chance to be added to Lashley’s title match against the Miz, but he lost that one.)

Tag team rematch, Lashley appearance set for WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A tag team rematch is set for Monday’s episode of Raw.

A commercial that aired during SmackDown on Friday night announced that Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman will team up against T-Bar & Mace on Monday’s Raw. Their match on Raw earlier this week ended in a disqualification after McIntyre ripped off Mace’s mask and wouldn’t stop attacking him with it. Strowman then also ripped off T-Bar’s mask and hit him with it.

Before the tag team match, McIntyre had at first faced T-Bar & Mace in a handicap match on Raw this week. McIntyre won by DQ after T-Bar & Mace were both in the ring at the same time and wouldn’t stop attacking him in the corner. Strowman then came out to the ring to make the save ,

On the post-WrestleMania 37 episode of Raw, McIntyre defeated Randy Orton and Strowman in a triple threat match to become the number one contender to Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship. As McIntyre’s attention was turned to MVP following the match, T-Bar and Mace ambushed McIntyre and laid him out with a double chokeslam. T-Bar & Mace then attacked McIntyre again in this week’s opening segment.

T-Bar & Mace were formerly members of RETRIBUTION. In storyline, MVP has claimed that there’s no affiliation between The Hurt Business and T-Bar & Mace.

WWE has also announced that Lashley will appear on Monday’s Raw and address McIntyre. Lashley wasn’t on Raw this past Monday.

Lashley retained his WWE Championship against McIntyre at WrestleMania 37 night one. He then defeated Riddle in a non-title match on Raw two nights later.

Lashley is defending his WWE Championship against McIntyre at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 16.

WWE Raw live results: Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 19, 2021
Location: Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL 

The Big Takeaway — 

Not much happened on another weak Raw show. 

Riddle beat Randy Orton in a good match, while T-Bar and Mace were unmasked by Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre. 

Bobby Lashley was not on the show. AJ Styles and Omos were absent for the second straight week as well.

Show Recap — 

Drew McIntyre entered. He spoke about the opportunity he earned last week by beating Braun Strowman and Randy Orton. (He claimed Strowman and Orton were “triggered” by his comment that he would get a title rematch, and made a random remark that people are too easily triggered these days.) 

He also spoke about the opportunity that T-Bar and Mace took last week, trying to make a name at his expense. He knew that the mastermind was MVP. He wondered if they would take off their stupid masks and start wearing suits. McIntyre planned on getting himself some retribution. 

MVP interrupted. He said he didn’t recruit T-Bar and Mace. In fact, Bobby Lashley tried to downsize the Hurt Business and already beat McIntyre on his own. McIntyre reminded him that Lashley tried sending the entire locker room at him before WrestleMania. 

McIntyre left the ring to confront MVP when he was attacked by T-Bar and Mace. They gave him a double chokeslam in the ring. They left up the ramp without acknowledging MVP. MVP was amused. 

T-Bar and Mace were interviewed by Kevin Patrick when they got to the back. Using incredibly convoluted dialogue, they said that they would make McIntyre extinct. 

After a break, McIntyre confronted Adam Pearce and demanded a match against T-Bar and Mace. Pearce told him to find a tag partner. McIntyre didn’t want a partner and told Pearce to make the match happen. 

The Viking Raiders defeated Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin (5:12) 

Benjamin and Alexander controlled a lot of the match but the Raiders won with the Viking Experience, pinning Alexander for the second straight week. 

(Adnan Virk called the Viking Experience move the “Viking Express.” It could have been a mistake, but he said it a second time after the match as well.) 

In the back, Randy Orton told Patrick that nobody could have done what he did to the Fiend at WrestleMania. He admitted McIntyre won last week but he’d be waiting for the winner of the WWE title match at Backlash. 

Riddle scooted in to interrupt Orton’s interview. Riddle always wanted to meet an apex predator and wondered what an apex predator even was. Riddle said neither of them had titles so they should form a team named R-K-Bro. As Riddle continued to speak, Orton simply walked away. 

Orton approached Pearce after a break. He didn’t know what Riddle’s name was but told Pearce he wanted a match against the guy who rides around in a scooter tonight. 

(Orton vs. Strowman was advertised earlier today, but they didn’t acknowledge that here.) 

Charlotte Flair promo 

(They aired Charlotte’s promo from last week, she entered, they went to break, and she came out for another promo.) 

Charlotte said she didn’t plan on hurting anybody’s feelings last week, she was just telling the truth. She claimed that all the women in the back hate each other as much as they hate her, but they pretended to like each other. She said none of them had any reason to complain, because unlike her, they didn’t have a scheduled Mania match taken away from them. 

She said she could beat both Rhea Ripley and Asuka. She didn’t mean to disrespect Asuka, because Asuka is one of the best, but she doesn’t have to like her. Charlotte said she would show Asuka why she’s the queen. 

Asuka interrupted. Before she could say a word, Ripley interrupted. Charlotte invited Ripley to sit at ringside for her match later so she could take notes. Ripley agreed to take her up on that offer but already figured Asuka would win tonight. 

Asuka tried saying something but Charlotte kept interrupting. Charlotte spoke very slowly at Asuka and told her that she didn’t understand her. Asuka told Charlotte, “I will beat you, bitch.” 

This was awful. 

Riddle rode past Orton on the back. 

They aired a replay of T-Bar and Mace attacking McIntyre for about the fourth time even though the show is not an hour old yet. A handicap match was made official for tonight. 

Riddle defeated Randy Orton (13:31) 

They had a good match that Riddle won clean. 

Riddle kept locking in a sleeper despite Orton’s attempts to counter. Orton finally got enough separation to drop Riddle on the apron before giving him a back suplex on the announce table. 

[Second hour] 

After a break, Orton stomped away at Riddle, particularly targeting Riddle’s bare feet. Riddle fired back until Orton cut him off with a powerslam, followed by a vertical suplex. (Orton might’ve landed awkwardly on his arm/shoulder on the powerslam because he seemed to be favouring it after that.)  

Riddle fired back again until Orton poked him in the eye. Orton applied a chinlock as they piped in “bro” chants. Riddle dodged a charge and Orton went shoulder-first into the post. Riddle fought back and hit a Pelé kick, running forearms, and a senton for two. They fought on the ropes which led to Orton hitting a superplex for two. 

Riddle applied a choke in the ropes but after he let go, Orton hit a draping DDT. Orton went for an RKO but Riddle countered into a crucifix pin for the win. Riddle celebrated big. 

Pearce congratulated Sheamus on winning the US title. Sheamus asked him why he invited him into his office. Pearce recalled the great US champs of the past and noted how some of them did open challenges. John Cena even did it weekly. Pearce said Sheamus was not Cena, and Sheamus agreed. Sheamus also agreed to do an open challenge — just not for the title. 

Naomi & Lana defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler in a non-title match (4:14) 

Naomi and Lana worked over Jax and used frequent tags to stay in control. However, Jax took them both down with a double suplex before tagging in Baszler. 

Baszler stomped Lana’s arm when Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke interrupted to their music. In the middle of this match, Rose and Brooke cut to multiple replays of the two of them attacking Jax and a replay of Jax tripping on the apron. 

Jax left and marched up the apron after Rose and Brooke who went to the back. Naomi and Lana used the opportunity to give Baszler a double facebuster and Naomi pinned her for the win. 

This was very dumb. 

They aired a post-Mania interview with Bad Bunny and Damian Priest. Bad Bunny spoke about how happy he was and put over Priest. Priest talked about how hard Bad Bunny worked and said he deserved the moment. Bad Bunny said it was incredible to be able to work with everyone. He thanked the Latin community and Priest. This was nice. 

MizTV 

John Morrison wasn’t there. Maryse hosted with Miz, who claimed to make Bad Bunny a household name. Maryse called him the greatest superstar of his generation. They gushed over each other and kissed, which set off fireworks. They poured champagne and toasted each other but were interrupted by Damian Priest. 

Priest said Miz was as delusional as Jake Paul thinking he was a real fighter. Priest said Miz was boasting about his win last week but didn’t mention how he won the match. Priest showed a replay of what actually happened. Priest wondered what kind of man would brag about a win like that. 

Priest said Miz lost his pants and the whole world saw that he had no cajones. Maryse said if Priest wanted a rematch he could have one (which caught Miz off guard). Priest thanked her. He took a sip of the champagne but spit it out because he thought it was trash. Maryse chucked her drink in his face and left with Miz. 

New Day spoke with Riddle in the back. Kofi Kingston congratulated him on beating Orton, who he hates. They spoke for a bit and they all got excited about pancakes. (After Riddle left, Kingston asked Woods if he ever understood what Riddle was talking about.) 

Elias (w/Jaxson Ryker) defeated Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) (4:42) 

Elias tried playing his guitar before the match but was once again interrupted by Xavier Woods who played something on an electric guitar instead of his trombone. 

During the match, Woods played Steve Austin’s theme on his guitar which distracted Elias long enough for Kingston to attack. Elias cut him off anyway and dropped him over the top rope before hitting a vertical suplex. 

Kingston came back with a flying crossbody for two and an SOS (which took some time to execute because Elias didn’t budge on Kingston’s first attempt) for two. Kingston tried a hurricanrana off the top but Elias blocked it and hit a flying elbow drop for the surprising pinfall win. 

Alexa’s Playground 

Alexa Bliss told us all about her doll Lilly. She claimed Lily wasn’t new, she has been in Alexa’s life. They showed photoshopped images of Bliss as a child with the doll. She told a story about pushing another girl off the swing because Lilly told her to do it. She warned us that Lilly didn’t like “him” and didn’t like any of us. The CGI version of Lilly giggled at us before snarling. 

Sarah Schreiber asked Rose and Brooke if they thought their behaviour tonight was appropriate. Rose sounded like a child justifying her actions by basically saying that Jax started it. Jax approached them so they bailed. Baszler then entered the frame and warned her to focus or else. Jax responded, “or else what?” Angel Garza entered the frame next to ask Jax what she saw in that circus clown Reginald. Another dumb segment. 

[Third hour] 

2-on-1 handicap match: Drew McIntyre defeated T-Bar & Mace via DQ (5:57) 

T-Bar and Mace attacked McIntyre in the corner and wouldn’t stop so the referee disqualified them. Braun Strowman entered to his music so T-Bar and Mace left the ring. 

T-Bar & Mace defeated Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman via DQ (6:24) 

Strowman was in full control pretty much over both guys until T-Bar took him down with a chop block. Strowman came back with a back body drop before tagging in McIntyre who hit Mace with an overhead suplex and neckbreaker. 

McIntyre ripped Mace’s mask off and told him that he did him a favour. Mace slapped him in response. McIntyre smacked him with the mask and attacked repeatedly with it until the ref called for another DQ. Strowman ripped off T-Bar’s mask too and hit him with it. 

T-Bar and Mace posed on the ramp as they were announced the winners by DQ. 

Damian Priest defeated The Miz (w/Maryse) (5:03) 

Miz took over after Maryse grabbed Priest’s leg to distract him. As Miz hit It Kicks, Virk noted that he stole those kicks from Daniel Bryan, and Corey Graves congratulated him on doing his homework. 

As Priest mounted a comeback, Maryse jumped on the apron. Priest told her, “we’re not doing this again” but was still distracted enough for Miz to use a schoolboy with his feet on the rope like last week. Priest kicked out and used Hit the Lights for the pinfall win. 

Asuka was shown warming up. 

Sheamus segment 

Sheamus was in the ring wearing his street clothes. He boasted about becoming US champion and (sarcastically) claimed he would be a fighting champion. 

Humberto Carrillo came out, presumably to answer his challenge. Sheamus attacked him from behind and chucked him to the outside. Sheamus repeatedly drove Carrillo into the barricade and clubbed away at him. Sheamus posted him before giving him a Brogue Kick in the ring. Sheamus posed with his title. 

This was a good segment for Sheamus, who was openly mocking the open challenge gimmick. (Bad news for Carrillo, though.) 

Charlotte was shown getting ready. 

Asuka defeated Charlotte Flair (9:15) 

Ripley entered last to watch the match from ringside. 

The match started with just over ten minutes left in the show. The fight spilled to the outside after just a minute, conveniently right in front of where Ripley was sitting. This led to a break and they returned with seven minutes left in the show. 

Asuka hit a German suplex and sliding kick for two. Charlotte hit a facebuster but this was followed by Asuka using a Codebreaker, which didn’t look good. Charlotte came right back with a spear for a nearfall. 

Charlotte targeted Asuka’s leg and applied a Figure Eight but Ripley yanked Charlotte down from outside the ring (which the ref somehow didn’t see) which allowed Asuka to escape the hold. Charlotte grabbed Ripley by the head and they struggled until Asuka kicked Charlotte and used a crucifix pin for the win. 

Charlotte attacked the ref after the match and beat the crap out of him until two other referees jumped in and told her to leave. She attacked the ref twice before the show ended. (Asuka and Ripley disappeared.) 

Randy Orton to face Braun Strowman on WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After being on the losing end of a number one contender’s triple threat match, Randy Orton and Braun Strowman are set to face off in singles action.

Orton vs. Strowman has been announced for Monday’s episode of Raw. It will be the first time they’ve ever faced each other in a one-on-one match.

In the main event of this week’s Raw, Drew McIntyre defeated Orton and Strowman in a triple threat match to become the number one contender to Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship. Lashley will defend his WWE Championship against McIntyre at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 16.

Orton hit an RKO on Strowman near the end of the number one contender’s match and went for the pin, but McIntyre flew in with a Claymore on Orton. McIntyre then pinned Orton to get the win. After the match, Lashley’s associate MVP came out to the stage. While McIntyre’s attention was turned to him, former RETRIBUTION members T-Bar and Mace ambushed McIntyre and laid him out with a double chokeslam.

Orton and Strowman both got wins at WrestleMania 37. Orton defeated “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt on night two of WrestleMania, while Strowman defeated Shane McMahon in a steel cage match on night one.

Here’s the updated lineup for Monday’s Raw:

  • Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka
  • Drew McIntyre’s on the hunt for answers after being attacked by T-Bar and Mace
  • Randy Orton vs. Braun Strowman

Stipulation set for Strowman vs. Shane at WWE WrestleMania 37

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has revealed the stipulation for Braun Strowman and Shane McMahon’s match at WrestleMania 37.

Strowman vs. Shane at WrestleMania 37 will now be a steel cage match. The match will be part of the card for WrestleMania 37 night one on Saturday, April 10. WrestleMania 37 is a two-night event that’s taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

When Shane accepted Strowman’s WrestleMania challenged last week, he told Strowman that he’d give him any match that he wanted. Strowman then announced on tonight’s Raw that he’ll be facing Shane in a steel cage match at WrestleMania. Strowman said he chose the steel cage stipulation so that Shane’s lackeys Elias and Jaxson Ryker won’t be able to get involved in the match.

A match between Strowman and Shane had originally been set for Fastlane earlier this month, but Shane got out of facing Strowman by claiming that he suffered a knee injury in training. Strowman instead defeated Elias at Fastlane. He also defeated Elias on Raw last week.

Strowman and Shane’s storyline has been built around Shane calling Strowman stupid. That continued on Raw tonight, with Shane revealing Strowman’s fifth grade report card with all D grades. Strowman then defeated Ryker on tonight’s show. After the match, Shane ran away when Strowman went after him. Elias hit a knee strike on Strowman, then Shane and Elias double-teamed Strowman until he fought them off.

Here are the updated cards for WrestleMania 37:

WrestleMania 37 night one (Saturday, April 10) —

  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Bianca Belair
  • WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre
  • Bad Bunny vs. The Miz
  • Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defend against AJ Styles & Omos
  • Steel cage match: Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon
  • Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro

WrestleMania 37 night two (Sunday, April 11) —

  • Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match
  • Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley
  • “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
  • Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
  • Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
  • United States Champion Riddle defends against Sheamus

Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon added to WWE WrestleMania 37

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After not happening at Fastlane, a new date has been set for Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon.

WWE has announced that Strowman vs. Shane will take place at WrestleMania 37. The match was confirmed after a challenge that was issued on Raw tonight.

Strowman defeated Elias on tonight’s Raw. Shane tried to hit Strowman with a crutch after the match, but it didn’t faze Strowman. Despite claiming to have a knee injury, Shane then ran away from Strowman. Strowman got on the microphone and challenged Shane to face him one-on-one at WrestleMania. Shane accepted the challenge and said he’ll give Strowman any match that he wants. Shane said he’s going to win — because Strowman is stupid.

A stipulation for Strowman vs. Shane has yet to be announced.

Strowman also defeated Elias at Fastlane on Sunday night. Strowman vs. Shane had originally been announced for the pay-per-view, but there was an angle where Shane got out of the match by claiming that he suffered a knee injury in training. Shane had also agreed to face Strowman on Raw last week, but Shane stalled and the match never got started. Shane hit Strowman with a cameraman’s camera, gave Strowman an elbow drop through the announce table, and poured buckets of slime on him.

Throughout their feud, Shane has mocked Strowman for being stupid. Their feud began after Strowman wasn’t included in last month’s Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship.

WrestleMania 37 is a two-night event that’s taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. WWE hasn’t revealed which night Strowman vs. Shane will be taking place on. Here’s the updated lineup for the event:

WrestleMania 37 night one —

  • WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Bianca Belair
  • Bad Bunny vs. The Miz

WrestleMania 37 night two —

  • Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge (Dave Meltzer has reported that Daniel Bryan will be added to this match, making it Reigns vs. Edge vs. Bryan in a triple threat match for the Universal Championship)
  • Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley
  • “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton

Night yet to be announced —

  • Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defend against AJ Styles & Omos
  • Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon

Hulk Hogan and Titus O’Neil will be the hosts of WrestleMania 37.

Elias replaces Shane McMahon, faces Strowman at WWE Fastlane

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Elias replaced Shane McMahon for his match against Braun Strowman tonight at Fastlane.

During the pre-show, it was announced that Shane McMahon had suffered a leg injury while training for tonight’s match. After he left the trainer’s room in a backstage segment on pay-per-view, he ran into Elias and Jaxson Ryker. Elias told Shane that he wanted to hold a concert at WrestleMania. This led to a situation later in the pay-per-view where Elias started to perform in front of Shane McMahon. Shane then told Elias he would be facing Strowman in his place. Strowman then arrived as Shane left.

The match didn’t last long, as Strowman pinned Elias with a running powerslam. 

Shane McMahon and Elias have been feuding for the last month, with the story being that Shane is bullying Strowman by calling him stupid. In a confrontation during Raw last week, Shane attacked Strowman with a television camera, then took out two buckets of slime and poured it on Strowman.

Strowman vs. Shane set for WWE Fastlane, Bliss challenges Orton

Posted on by Joseph Currier

At Fastlane this Sunday, Shane McMahon will have his first official match since 2019.

WWE has announced that Braun Strowman vs. Shane will take place at this Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view. Strowman wasn’t included in last month’s WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match and has been feuding with Shane since then. Shane has mocked Strowman and called him stupid in recent weeks.

On Raw last week, Strowman demanded an apology from Shane. Strowman and WWE authority figure Adam Pearce had lost a Raw Tag Team title match the previous week after Shane urged Strowman to tag Pearce in. Shane initially apologized to Strowman but said nothing else. Later in the show, Strowman went looking for Shane after Shane mocked him. Strowman thought that Shane sped away in a car, but it was revealed that Shane never got into it.

Strowman then challenged Shane to a match on tonight’s Raw. Shane continued to make fun of Strowman and accepted the challenge. But the match never got underway after Shane stalled and Strowman went after him. Strowman went to hit a charge on Shane, but Shane grabbed a cameraman’s camera and used it to hit Strowman. Shane gave Strowman an elbow drop from the top rope through the announce table. Shane then poured buckets of green slime on Strowman.

WWE is also promoting that Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton will take place at Fastlane. Bliss said on Raw tonight that if Orton wants Bliss out of his life so badly, he’s going to have to take her out of it. Bliss said Orton will have the chance at Fastlane. Bliss asked him if he’s going to take it. Orton responded later on tonight’s Raw and said kicking Bliss out of his life is exactly what he’s going to do at Fastlane.

Bliss has been tormenting Orton since he defeated “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in their Firefly Inferno match at December’s TLC PPV.

Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:

  • Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge and Jey Uso are facing each other on SmackDown this Friday to determine the special guest enforcer for the match)
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
  • Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
  • Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
  • Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon
  • Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton

WWE Raw video highlights: Chamber fallout, Lashley vs. Strowman

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

Last night’s Elimination Chamber fallout edition of Raw set the stage for The Miz’s first title defense.

One night after cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase to win the WWE Championship, The Miz opened Raw with a championship celebration edition of Miz TV. Bobby Lashley and MVP interrupted the segment, with it being revealed that Miz and Lashley had made a deal with each other. Lashley attacked Drew McIntyre at Elimination Chamber in exchange for being first in line for a shot at Miz’s WWE Championship.

After The Miz hesitated and said he had no time to give Lashley a title shot right now, Lashley said Miz had an hour to make things right.

But Braun Strowman inserted himself into the picture and demanded a WWE Championship match as well. A match between Lashley and Strowman was made for last night’s main event. If Strowman won, he would’ve been added to next week’s Miz vs. Lashley WWE Championship match.

Lashley defeated Strowman last night and then put him in The Hurt Lock after the match. The show-closing angle saw Miz try to attack Lashley with the WWE Championship belt, but Lashley laid out Miz and posed with the title.

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

New WWE Champion The Miz kicks off the show, gets interrupted by Lashley and MVP

Riddle vs. John Morrison

Rhea Ripley is coming to Raw

Bad Bunny and Damian Priest catch R-Truth trying to win the 24/7 title

The New Day vs. Mace & T-Bar

Braun Strowman demands a WWE Championship match

Tornado tag match: Lucha House Party vs. The Hurt Business

Damian Priest vs. Angel Garza

Randy Orton vomits black liquid

Charlotte Flair & Asuka vs. Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler

Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus

Charlotte Flair tells her father to go home

Naomi & Lana vs. Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke

Ricochet vs. AJ Styles

Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley

Raw Talk: AJ Styles and Omos appear

Raw fallout: Bobby Lashley promises to tear The Miz apart next week

Raw fallout: The Hurt Business got back to basics against Lucha House Party

Raw fallout: Sheamus will be satisfied when he gets his one-on-one match against McIntyre

Braun Strowman returns to WWE Raw after battling infection

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After recovering from an infection, Braun Strowman returned to WWE television on Raw tonight.

Strowman appeared in a backstage segment with WWE authority figure Adam Pearce on tonight’s Raw. Strowman said Pearce better have a good reason why he isn’t in Sunday’s WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match. After Pearce responded by saying that the idea was to fill the match with former WWE Champions, Strowman pointed out that he’s a former Universal Champion.

Pearce said he knew this wasn’t the answer Strowman wanted and said he didn’t want to be the messenger giving Strowman the news. Strowman said he had a message for Pearce to relay to Shane McMahon: Shane has to make this right or it won’t be pretty around here.

Strowman made a post on Instagram Stories last Thursday noting that he was recovering from an infection that got into his blood system. “So a little update, I’ve been gone off here for a bit. I got really sick over the weekend,” Strowman said. “I got an infection that got into my blood system, had to get put on antibiotics for that. It was awful, I’ve dropped like 15 pounds in five days, couldn’t eat and stuff like that, but it looks like I’ve gained 50 pounds of water weight. All my joints and everything are all swollen and inflamed. But the antibiotics are working, I’m feeling better. We’re gonna nip this thing in the bud, get back to training, put that mask back on, and I’ll be back to seeing you guys very soon.”

This was Strowman’s first appearance on Raw since attacking Pearce during an angle in November. Strowman, who had a legitimate knee injury at that time, was given a storyline indefinite suspension after attacking Pearce. He returned to WWE TV on SmackDown’s Royal Rumble go-home show last month and then took part in the men’s Royal Rumble match.

WWE’s Braun Strowman recovering from infection in blood system

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

WWE’s Braun Strowman is recovering from an infection that got into his blood system.

“So a little update, I’ve been gone off here for a bit. I got really sick over the weekend,” Strowman said in a video posted to his Instagram Stories on Thursday. “I got an infection that got into my blood system, had to get put on antibiotics for that. It was awful, I’ve dropped like 15 pounds in five days, couldn’t eat and stuff like that, but it looks like I’ve gained 50 pounds of water weight. All my joints and everything are all swollen and inflamed. But the antibiotics are working, I’m feeling better. We’re gonna nip this thing in the bud, get back to training, put that mask back on, and I’ll be back to seeing you guys very soon.”

After being off WWE television since November following a knee injury, Strowman returned to WWE TV on SmackDown’s Royal Rumble go-home show on January 29. He entered the men’s Royal Rumble match at number 30 and was one of the final five wrestlers in the match. Strowman was eliminated by Seth Rollins, Edge, and Christian.

Strowman eliminated Cesaro, Sheamus, and AJ Styles during the Royal Rumble.

Strowman is a member of the Raw roster. He hasn’t appeared on WWE TV since the Royal Rumble.

Updated list of entrants for WWE Royal Rumble matches

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

A few more entrants were confirmed for the 2021 Royal Rumble on last night’s go-home episode of SmackDown.

It was announced that Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, and Baron Corbin will be taking part in this Sunday’s men’s Royal Rumble match. Braun Strowman made his return to WWE television at the end of last night’s show and also looks to be set for the men’s Royal Rumble match.

Natalya appears to be the latest entrant announced for Sunday’s women’s Royal Rumble. On WWE Backstage’s Royal Rumble preview special, there will be a match between Natalya and Tamina to determine who will enter the women’s Royal Rumble match last at number 30. The WWE Backstage preview special premieres on FS1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time tonight (Saturday, January 30). The preview special will also reveal which wrestlers will be entering the men’s Royal Rumble match at numbers one and two.

The Royal Rumble main card will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. The pre-show is starting at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Here’s the updated list of Royal Rumble entrants (assuming Strowman and Natalya are officially set for their respective matches):

Men’s Royal Rumble entrants —

  • Daniel Bryan
  • United States Champion Bobby Lashley
  • AJ Styles
  • Randy Orton
  • Otis
  • The Miz
  • Jey Uso
  • Cesaro
  • Jeff Hardy
  • Intercontinental Champion Big E
  • Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Sami Zayn
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champion Dolph Ziggler
  • John Morrison
  • Sheamus
  • Mustafa Ali
  • Edge
  • Rey Mysterio
  • Dominik Mysterio
  • Baron Corbin
  • Braun Strowman

Women’s Royal Rumble entrants —

  • Nia Jax
  • Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair
  • Bianca Belair
  • Bayley
  • Mandy Rose
  • Dana Brooke
  • Peyton Royce
  • Alexa Bliss
  • Shayna Baszler
  • Ruby Riott
  • Liv Morgan
  • Tamina
  • Natalya

WWE Raw live results: Number one contender’s match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: December 28, 2020
Location: Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL 

The Big Takeaway — 

RIP Jon Huber / Brodie Lee.

Show Recap — 

The show opened with a memorial graphic for “Luke Harper” Jon Huber. 

Tom Phillips welcomed us with a version of Huber’s famous phrase: “It’s Monday and you know what that means.” 

Drew McIntyre entered. He started with, “It’s Monday. You know what that means. Yeah, yeah, yeah.” 

McIntyre spoke about his year and thanked the fans for actually making him the chosen one. He noted that he would be defending the title next week on Legends Night against either Sheamus or Keith Lee. 

Sheamus entered. Sheamus said he technically kept his word last week when he said he wouldn’t touch Lee during the match. He didn’t do it until after the match. Sheamus said they were so close to getting the dream match they always wanted. 

McIntyre said they’d make everyone uncomfortable with how physical it would get. Sheamus said he would kick Lee’s head off again and they would kick the year off the right way. 

Lee interrupted. Lee thought McIntyre looked proud of Sheamus for what he did. Lee no longer trusted either of them. Lee said he would force an apology out of Sheamus during their match and warned McIntyre that Sheamus would just stab him in the back. Sheamus was sick of Lee accusing him of planning on turning on McIntyre. 

McIntyre was sick of them talking and called out a referee to start this match now. A ref entered. McIntyre told them that he would be champion after next week no matter what. 

Lee confronted McIntyre but Sheamus quickly Brogue kicked him twice. A ref checked on Lee as they went to break. 

Keith Lee defeated Sheamus (12:54) 

McIntyre joined commentary. He said both he and Lee should have seen that attack coming. 

Sheamus worked over Lee until Lee grabbed him and suplexed him over the top to the outside. Lee tossed him around ringside before chucking him back in the ring. Sheamus caught Lee with a knee strike before he could re-enter the ring. Sheamus followed with a double axe handle off the top rope to the outside (which led to a break less than 5 minutes into the match). 

They fought back-and-forth after the break. Lee took the advantage after tackling Sheamus as he came off the top. They seemed to mess up a spot where Lee hit a tackle but it’s possible Lee thought Sheamus was going to counter. Sheamus did fight back for a moment but Lee came back with a much more emphatic crossbody for two. 

Sheamus managed to hit White Noise for a nearfall. Sheamus smacked Lee in the face before Lee no-sold getting headbutted. Lee followed with a big Spirit Bomb for the pinfall win. 

McIntyre vs. Lee for the WWE title next week. They had a staredown after the match. 

Elias played guitar in the back with Jaxson Ryker by his side. Someone knocked on the door but Elias told Ryker to ignore it. 

Gran Metalik (w/Lince Dorado) defeated The Miz (w/John Morrison) (3:24) 

This match happened because Lucha House Party thought it was dumb that Miz thought he should get his MITB contract returned to him. 

Miz was ranting during the match about the contract. Metalik made a comeback and used a sunset flip pin for the win. The story is that Miz is pissed about losing the contract and despondent after losing here. 

Someone was still knocking on Elias’ door so Ryker opened it. Omos and AJ Styles barged in. Styles said Omos was trying to listen to Mozart while Styles himself was on the phone with WWE management trying to right the wrong of him unfairly losing his WWE title match. Styles couldn’t concentrate because of Elias’ guitar playing. 

Styles said Elias was no Johnny Cash — he was more like Johnny Trash. Elias told Ryker that Styles was just upset about losing what might be one of the final chances that he has left at this stage of his career. Styles said they should fight tonight so he could break Elias’ fingers and no one would have to listen to him again. 

Shayna Baszler defeated Dana Brooke (w/Mandy Rose) (4:20) 

Baszler put down Brooke outside the ring with the Kirifuda Clutch. Instead of taking a sure countout win, Baszler went after Rose. Brooke made the save and hit a swinging neckbreaker for two. Baszler dodged a splash, hit a knee strike, and still got the win with the Kirifuda Clutch. 

As Rose checked on Brooke after the match, the ref began freaking out because Baszler made her way back into the ring. Rose somehow didn’t notice this and Baszler put her down with the Kirifuda Clutch as well. 

[Second hour] 

Alexa’s Playground with guest Randy Orton 

This segment was done in the ring which had a swingset and a slide. Bliss spoke like a child as she swung on the swingset. Bliss was happy that “he” built this set but she hasn’t seen him since the inferno match. (Bliss dropped a “yeah, yeah, yeah” in here as well.) 

Bliss called out Randy Orton. Orton’s music played but he didn’t show. She had his music played again but he still didn’t show. 

The Firefly Fun House music played and Orton emerged inside the Fun House set. Orton tossed around the puppets as he yelled at Bliss. He thought it was funny that she thought that the Fiend was coming back. But, if he was returning, Orton wanted to ensure that the Fiend had nothing left. Bliss panicked as Orton continued to destroy parts of the set. 

Bliss begged him to stop as he ripped the head off the rabbit. Bliss challenged him to be in the ring with her tonight. Orton figured this was a ploy for the Fiend to return — so he accepted. 

(I was trying not to be negative tonight but this was quite bad.) 

They played a clip of Nia Jax attacking Charlotte Flair months ago. Charly Caruso interviewed Charlotte. Charlotte was ready for Jax but knew how dangerous she was. “If there’s one person I’m willing to bet on, it’s me.” Charlotte said her new year’s resolution was to climb to the top and stay there. Asuka entered and said Jax was not ready for Charlotte.  

AJ Styles (w/Omos) defeated Elias (w/Jaxson Ryker) (14:02) 

This went through a break. A few minutes after the break, Ryker walked toward Styles outside the ring but backed up and fell down upon seeing Omos. Styles kicked out of Elias’ finisher and knocked Elias off the top with a Pelé kick but Elias came back with a TKO for a nearfall. 

Styles fought back with kicks and hit a Phenomenal forearm for the pinfall win. 

They replayed Ricochet’s promo from last week’s Raw Talk. 

Mustafa Ali (w/Retribution) defeated Ricochet (11:49) 

About three minutes into the match, Slapjack and Mia Yim distracted the referee which allowed T-Bar and Mase to drop Ricochet outside the ring. The ref didn’t think anything of this, I guess. Ali followed with a damn frog splash off the top to the outside… which led to a break. 

Ali hit a backstabber for two. Ricochet came back with a backflip into a German suplex. Ricochet turned Ali inside out with a clothesline and hit a Benadryller but Mase pulled Ali out of the ring, which was not a DQ. Ricochet fought off every male member of Retribution as the referee just watched. 

Ricochet tried a shooting star press but Ali got his knees up and applied a Koji Clutch for the submission win. (Ricochet looked great but there was way too much outside interference.) 

Ali asked Ricochet to join Retribution. Ricochet responded, “I will… not.” Ali was about to go after him but Ricochet hit Recoil and bailed from the ring. 

Caruso interviewed Jax (with Baszler) about Charlotte. Jax had resolutions of her own: end Charlotte’s journey to the top before it starts, win back the tag titles, and enter the Rumble before going on to WrestleMania to win the title. Baszler was initially caught off guard by the Rumble announcement but told Caruso she liked the idea too. 

[Third hour] 

Caruso interviewed McIntyre. He wanted to give the legends a championship match that they would be proud of. He was also happy to see Lee step up his game. He knew Lee could beat anyone in WWE when motivated — except Drew McIntyre. 

Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair (w/Asuka) defeated Nia Jax (w/Shayna Baszler) via DQ (10:55) 

I deleted my match recap when I saw the finish. Charlotte applied the Figure Four but Baszler put her in a Kirifuda Clutch for the DQ. Asuka chased off Baszler and Jax. 

(There was a spot before a commercial break where Jax blocked a Figure Four attempt by yanking Charlotte into the corner which caused the back of her head to hit the turnbuckle.) 

The Hurt Business bullied some guy in the back. 

Angel Garza walked through the back with a rose. He stopped upon seeing a poster on the wall with the headline “Great Garza” (referring to former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Garza). Caruso approached him for an interview and said it was great to see him again. Garza said he had a great year which included meeting Caruso. She asked about 2021. 

Garza looked forward to the new year and thought he might introduce himself to the legendary women next week. She asked who the rose was for tonight. Truth ran into him because he was running away from Akira Tozawa, Erik and Drew Gulak. The rose was destroyed but Garza gave it to her anyway and said, “it’s the thought that counts.” She seemed disappointed. 

They recapped Big E winning the Intercontinental title. 

Jeff Hardy congratulated Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods on Big E winning the IC title. Riddle had ideas for their four-man team name including the “Positivity Hard Bros.” New Day backed away without answering and made their way to the ring. Hardy suggested “Rain-bros” to Riddle and he loved it. (I’d go with Non-Threatening Bros.) 

Eight-man tag match: The Hurt Business defeated Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Jeff Hardy & Riddle (13:45) 

Before the match, Bobby Lashley announced he was entering the Rumble match. 

The good guys were in complete control but Hurt Business were in control (over Riddle) after a break. Kingston made a hot tag and ran wild on Cedric Alexander. Woods tagged in and Kingston took out Shelton Benjamin with a dive. Hardy wiped out MVP with a dive as Woods hit Alexander with a discus clothesline (which Phillips called a Harper clothesline). 

Hardy seemed to have it won after a Swanton but Lashley broke up the cover. This led to everyone trading moves, leaving Lashley and Hardy alone in the ring. Hardy avoided a spear but Lashley got him in the Hurt Lock and Hardy tapped out again. 

After the match, Hurt Business went after New Day but New Day fought back before escaping. Riddle hit Lashley with a knee strike before leaving with his partners. 

Morrison tried consoling Miz by reminding him that even John Cena once lost to Kevin Federline. That didn’t make Miz feel any better. Adam Pearce showed up holding the MITB briefcase. Miz thought he was going to rub it in his face. Pearce said he would love to throw it in his face. Really hard. Instead, he was there to return it to Miz. 

Pearce said they were right: Miz was not the one who technically cashed in, so it still belonged to him. So, Miz is still Mr. Money in the Bank. Miz and Morrison celebrated like they just won the championship. 

Alexa Bliss / Randy Orton main event segment 

Orton asked Bliss where the Fiend was. Bliss said this wasn’t about him, this was about her. She brought a Christmas present into the ring and opened it. It was gasoline and a box of matches. She placed them by Orton’s feet and challenged him to do to her what he did to the Fiend. 

Orton didn’t bite so she created a trail with the gas to make it easier for him. She laid down in the ring and begged him to do it. He just stared at her. 

Bliss said Orton didn’t have the guts to do it because he wasn’t as sick and demented as he says he is. She called him a little bitch. She dumped the gas over her body. Orton smirked. 

Orton said, “you think I won’t do it?” Orton said he wanted to do it but also knew she wanted him to. He liked seeing people suffer. 

The lights turned off. When they came back on, Orton lit a match. The announcers begged Orton not to do it (while remaining seated at their desk). 

Orton smiled. He motioned as if he’d drop the match as they went off the air.

WWE’s Braun Strowman suffered knee injury

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Additional notes by Bryan Rose

Braun Strowman is confirmed as having a knee injury.

Strowman was written out of the show Monday, attacking official Adam Pearce and being indefinitely suspended as a result. Tomorrow’s A.J. Styles vs. Keith Lee vs. Riddle match is likely to determine who Drew McIntyre faces at TLC on 12/20. McIntyre vs. Strowman was the original plan for the show and the angle to take him out of it was to cover for the injury. 

Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens is the other main event. Their feud started on SmackDown on Friday after Owens attacked Jey Uso in the main event, calling out Reigns after.  

There are several other matches that have been built on TV recently, such as Street Profits vs. Dolph Ziggler & Bobby Roode, Sami Zayn vs. Big E, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka & Lana, and Randy Orton vs. The Fiend Bray Wyatt.  

All of the bouts are scheduled, but it’s not a lock which ones past the top two are on the PPV and which ones will be for TV.

WWE announces storyline ‘indefinite suspension’ for Braun Strowman

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has announced a storyline update on Braun Strowman following last night’s episode of Raw.

There was an angle on last night’s show where Strowman snapped and struck Adam Pearce during the opening segment. The members of Raw’s Survivor Series men’s team were stating their case for a shot at Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship. When he got to Strowman, Pearce said Strowman was “last but certainly not least.” Strowman took offense to that, told Pearce to pick him for the title shot, and struck Pearce.

It was said that Strowman was escorted out of the building after striking Pearce. In their storyline update today, WWE announced that Strowman has been “suspended indefinitely”:

WWE Digital has learned that Braun Strowman has been suspended indefinitely for putting his hands on WWE official Adam Pearce.

Strowman took exception with Pearce’s plan for awarding a WWE Championship opportunity and lashed out at the WWE official. Stay tuned to WWE digital and social platforms for [updates], as the situation continues to develop.

Dave Meltzer reported in yesterday’s Daily Update that the current plan was for Strowman to challenge for Drew McIntyre’s WWE Championship at TLC on Sunday, December 20. Last night’s Raw featured three qualifying matches to decide the participants for a triple threat number one contender’s match on next Monday’s show. Strowman wasn’t included after the angle where he was escorted out of the building. In the qualifying matches, Riddle defeated Sheamus, Keith Lee defeated Bobby Lashley, and AJ Styles defeated Randy Orton.