Tag: damian priest

WWE Backlash live results: Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest street fight

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 6, 2023
Location: Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, PR

********** 

Show Recap —

KICKOFF SHOW — 

The pre-show hosts Jackie Redmond, Peter Rosenberg and Matt Camp aren’t hosting live in Puerto Rico but rather in-studio. 

They aired various video packages and called the Bad Bunny/Damian Priest match the co-main event.

I admittedly watched most of this on mute but I turned the sound on in time to hear Rosenberg gleefully celebrate the internet being wrong about the World Title tournament inevitably coming down to Seth Rollins against Cody Rhodes which can’t happen now that it’s been announced that the finals will come down to Raw vs. Smackdown. 

Wade Barrett was shown drinking at the beach.

This was quite literally the most pointless preshow ever. Even the usual pointless preshow has a few new interviews and appearances. This had none of that. 

**********

BACKLASH 2023 — 

Michael Cole announced a sold-out crowd of 17,944. Cole and Corey Graves are on English commentary, while Marcelo Rodriguez and Jerry Soto handle Spanish commentary.

Bianca Belair defeated IYO SKY to retain the Raw Women’s Championship (18:00)

SKY was the crowd favourite. Belair got a big reaction on the way out but the crowd booed her offense like she was John Cena and wildly cheered SKY’s offence.

SKY was in control until Belair came back with a backbreaker, dropkicks, and delayed vertical suplex. Belair held SKY up with a one-arm press slam and dropped her but they mistimed it and SKY landed on her face. Belair followed with a moonsault for two. SKY missed a charge and Belair went into the buckle with her previously hurt arm. SKY followed with a springboard dropkick.

Belair shoved SKY off the top but SKY got her knees up on Belair’s 450 splash attempt. SKY applied a crossface but Belair countered out of it. Belair tried a powerbomb but SKY countered into a facebuster for two. SKY followed with double knees in the corner and they traded counters until SKY blocked a second KOD attempt and chucked Belair out of the ring.

SKY hit Belair with a moonsault off the top to the outside which drew a two count in the ring. SKY tried a hurricanrana off the top but Belair held on and hit an avalanche powerbomb for a nearfall.

Bayley and Dakota Kai marched out to distract Belair and SKY grabbed her by the braid. Belair used SKY’s body to knock Kai off the apron and SKY rolled her up for a very close nearfall. (The way the ref countered made it look like it was three but it wasn’t. The crowd was going nuts.)

Bayley got in the way so Belair tossed her aside. As the ref checked on Bayley, Kai kicked Belair in the head. SKY went to the top for the moonsault as Bayley held Belair down by the braid. The ref caught Bayley and a slight hesitation from SKY allowed Belair to avoid the moonsault.

Belair followed with KOD for the pinfall win.

This was great and the crowd made it even better. They should turn SKY babyface as soon as possible.

******** 

Rey Mysterio approached Bad Bunny as he got ready in the back. Savio Vega popped in and the crowd went nuts. He presented Bad Bunny with a Puerto Rico flag kendo stick.

Seth Rollins defeated Omos (w/MVP) (10:31)

Before the match started, Omos dropped Rollins with a boot as Rollins basked in the crowd singing his song. The ref checked on Rollins before starting the match and Omos immediately dropped him with a shoulder tackle when it began.

Rollins posted Omos and hit a suicide dive but Omos barely budged. Rollins tried another but Omos caught him and slammed him on the apron.

Rollins came back with a flying knee, kicks to the leg, and a dropkick to the leg, bringing Omos to one knee. Rollins hit a thrust kick but Omos countered a Pedigree with a back body drop. Rollins managed to hit Omos with a tornado DDT and he followed with a frog splash but only got a one count.

Rollins followed with strikes but he couldn’t hit a curb stomp because Omos no-sold it by not budging (like Bobby Lashley has done previously). Omos followed with a chokeslam for two.

Rollins hit a stomp as MVP distracted the ref so Rollins superkicked MVP off the apron. Rollins stomped Omos again for a nearfall. Rollins acted shocked as the crowd sang his song.

Rollins climbed the ropes and hit a stomp off the top for the pinfall win. The crowd was very happy.

(This match was fine and Rollins did well but they could have cut a few minutes out of it.)

******** 

Triple Threat Match: Austin Theory defeated Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley to retain the United States Championship (6:51) 

An AI studied every heel win in a WWE triple threat and generated this match. 

Lashley was working over Theory until Theory and Reed worked together to take down Lashley. That unit didn’t last long because Reed dropped Theory with a body block. Lashley held Theory in the Hurt Lock until Theory was able to use the ropes to escape. With Lashley down, Reed hit Tsunami but Theory broke up the cover.

Theory gave Reed a rolling blockbuster and got the big man on his shoulders but Reed slipped out before he could hit A-Town down. Reed hit a powerslam and tried a moonsault but Theory moved and Lashley speared Reed. Theory chucked Lashley from the ring and rolled up Reed for the pinfall win.

******** 

Rhea Ripley defeated Zelina Vega to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship (7:10)

Vega received a huge ovation during her in-ring introduction and she was practically in tears. Vega wore Puerto Rican flag-themed gear with a huge flag cape. Ripley wore white with purple lining.

Vega’s mother Monique gave her a chancla and she chucked it at Ripley. It didn’t matter because Ripley took control anyway. Vega fought back with forearms as the crowd cheered her on but Ripley cut her off with a headbutt. Ripley tried Rip-tide but Vega spiked her with a DDT.

Vega followed with a 619 and Meteora for two. Ripley kicked Vega in the head and hit a Rip-tide for the decisive pinfall win.

— The crowd gave Vega a big ovation post-match.

******** 

Damian Priest wore the same vest he wore when he teamed with Bad Bunny two years ago at WrestleMania. Like Ripley earlier tonight, Priest also wore white. Corey Graves said it was because Priest considers himself the good guy in this story.

Bad Bunny received a massive reaction.

San Juan Street Fight: Bad Bunny defeated Damian Priest (25:04)

This was a genuinely great WWE street fight.

Priest tried toying with him early but Bad Bunny responded with a damn Michinoku Driver a minute into the match for a two count. Bad Bunny grabbed a kendo stick but Priest cut him off, ripped the stick in half and slammed him.

Bad Bunny tried fighting back a few times but Priest worked him over easily and hit his South of Heaven finisher. Priest pinned him had it won less than five minutes in but he pulled Bad Bunny up at two.

Priest wasted too much time before trying a dive and Bad Bunny chucked a chair at his face. Bad Bunny followed with kendo stick shots and a tornado DDT. Bad Bunny went to the top and hit a flying crossbody to the outside. Bad Bunny smacked Priest with trash can lids and hit a falcon arrow for two.

Priest realized he was bleeding as Bad Bunny invited him back into the ring. Priest acted like he would leave but as Bad Bunny came after him with a trash can, Priest turned around and booted it into his face. Priest hit Bad Bunny with the kendo stick that Savio Vega gave him as the crowd chanted “Benito” (his name).

They fought into the crowd which led to Priest giving Bad Bunny a falcon arrow off some high equipment boxes through tables. Adam Pearce and other officials ran out to check on Bad Bunny but Priest brushed them off and carried him back to ringside.

Priest tried a roundhouse kick but Bad Bunny ducked and Priest kicked the ring post. Bad Bunny attacked Priest’s injured leg with the kendo stick and drove it into the post. Priest pleaded with the ref as Bad Bunny smacked his knee against the post with a steel chair.

Bad Bunny was about to finish the job with one final chair shot but Priest begged him off. Bad Bunny hesitated so Priest kicked him in the face. Priest grabbed the chair so Bad Bunny gave him a low blow.

Dominik Mysterio and Finn Bálor ran out to ambush Bad Bunny. (Dom wore white, Bálor was still in black. Bálor did have on a white bandana.) Rey Mysterio ran out to make the save but they knocked him down.

Carlito ran out to his music and the place went absolutely nuts. He assisted Rey and gave Bálor a backstabber. Carlito took a bite out of an apple but Dom tried attacking from behind. Rey gave Dom a 619 and Carlito spat the apple in Dom’s face.

Dom and Bálor backed away up the ramp when they were cut off by Savio Vega who also got an insane reaction. Vega brought out LWO who went to town on Bálor and Dom. Actually, they put the boots to Dom as Bálor left but Vega beat up Bálor and dropped him with a roundhouse kick. Vega also decked Dom. Dom and Bálor ran for their lives and were chased to the back.

Back in the ring, Bad Bunny put Priest in a figure four. Priest grabbed him by the throat and tried a chokeslam but Bad Bunny countered into a cradle for two. Priest tried a charge but crashed into a steel chair and Bad Bunny followed with a sliced bread #2 for two.

Bad Bunny beat the crap out of Priest with a steel chair and hit a Canadian Destroyer for the pinfall win. Crowd exploded.

Rey, LWO, Vega and Carlito came out to celebrate with Bad Bunny. 

********

Six-man tag team match: Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso & Jey Uso defeated Matt Riddle & Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (22:05)

(This was a good match but the main thing coming out of this was Sikoa almost going for the Samoan Spike on Jey Uso.)

The babyfaces worked over the Usos until Sikoa tagged himself in to get the better of Zayn and the Bloodline took over from there. There was a brief “we want Roman” chant and Jimmy Uso told them, “he’s not here.” Zayn fought back but his partners were taken out.

Zayn dropped Sikoa with a tornado DDT and made the tag to Riddle who went to town on the Usos before wiping out the Bloodline with a dive. Jimmy nailed him with a superkick back in the ring for two. Riddle suplexed Jimmy off the top and Owens followed with a senton bomb for two.

Owens avoided a superkick which resulted in Jimmy superkicking Jey by accident. Owens took out Sikoa and hit Jey with a pop-up powerbomb for two. (Graves noted that we almost never see miscommunication like that from the Usos.) Owens tried a senton but Jey got his knees up. Owens and Jey traded superkicks until Owens dropped him with a clothesline.

They tagged out and Zayn gave Jimmy a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Zayn fought off both Usos but they caught him mid-air with superkicks for two.

Jey yelled at Zayn for trying to destroy their family. Jey set up for a running hip attack but Sikoa tagged himself in. Before Sikoa could do the move, Jey tagged himself in by smacking Sikoa in the chest (which got a reaction from the crowd).

Zayn gave Sikoa a Helluva Kick after Jey ducked. Zayn caught Jey with a Helluva Kick anyway but Sikoa broke up the cover.

The crowd buzzed as Sikoa seemed to turn his attention to Jey but Riddle cut him off with a knee strike. Jimmy chucked Riddle from the ring, Owens superkicked Jimmy, and Sikoa turned Owens inside out with a Samoan spike.

Sikoa felt someone touch him and he grabbed them to set up for the Samoan Spike. It was Jey Uso. Jey didn’t fight out but instead asked Sikoa if he would hit him. This was broken up by Zayn.

Riddle tagged in and gave Jey the Bro Derek. Sikoa had tagged himself in and he gave Riddle a Samoan Spike for the pinfall win.

— Jimmy was all smiles after the match because of the win, perhaps not realizing what happened with his brothers. Jey and Sikoa gave each other looks as they individually celebrated the win. 

********

Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar (9:41)

Rhodes attacked Lesnar during his entrance and hit him with the steel steps and a steel chair.

The ref started the match and Rhodes hit a Disaster Kick but Lesnar caught a Cody Cutter and hit a big German suplex. Rhodes tried fighting back but Lesnar hit a fallaway slam. Lesnar easily hit Rhodes with suplex after suplex after suplex.

As Lesnar hit another German suplex, Rhodes accidentally ripped off a turnbuckle cover. There were chants of “Suplex city” and “let’s go Cody.”

Rhodes dodged a charged and Lesnar went face-first into the exposed buckle. Lesnar immediately came up bleeding and his entire face was quickly covered in blood. Rhodes hit a cutter and Disaster Kick.

Rhodes hammered away at Lesnar, whose blood was all over Rhodes’ midsection. Rhodes followed with a Cody Cutter and consecutive Cross Rhodes for a nearfall.

Lesnar blocked another Cross Rhodes and hit an F5 for a nearfall. The ref had a handful of towels but perhaps someone in his ear told him to put them away because he kicked them aside before using them.

A bloody Lesnar put Rhodes in a Kimura Lock but Rhodes countered into a cradle for the pinfall win.

(They went off the air pretty quickly after this ended at about 11:05 pm ET.) 

Mat Men: AEW Wembley Stadium sales stunner, WWE Draft fallout

Posted on by Mat Men

Andrew and Rich are back with another packed episode of Mat Men, talking about the latest in professional wrestling.

Tickets went on sale for AEW All In at Wembley Stadium in London, and the early numbers are leading to some records for a non-WWE event.

WWE held their Draft this past week. We talk about the new rosters and who might do well on their new brand.

WWE Backlash is this Saturday so we run through the card and wonder if Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest might actually main event since they are in Puerto Rico.

On AEW Dynamite this week, the main event was set for Double or Nothing, but will MJF vs. Darby Allin vs. Jungle Boy vs. Sammy Guevara be the big draw for the show?

Plus, we talk changes to AEW programming, WWE financials, your questions, and a special appearance by everyone’s friend, “French Tony Khan.” 

Click Here To Listen for free or watch on YouTube above.

WWE’s Damian Priest says Dominik Mysterio brings ‘new level of heat’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Damian Priest says he is “extremely proud” of Dominik Mysterio and is happy to have the best seat in the house to watch him perform. 

Priest was a guest on After the Bell with Corey Graves on Friday and spoke about the evolution of Judgment Day over the past year. He said that Dominik has brought something special to the group as well as a whole new level of heat. 

Priest said: 

[Dominik] was in his dad’s shadow when they were together. And then when he first joined the Judgment Day was still, kind of… He was in his shadow. Not anymore. He’s his own star on his own where he doesn’t need anybody’s help.

He brings a whole different level of – well, level of heat, for sure – but his style, his demeanor, it gives us the opportunity to feed off of something that’s different and create something special. He’s helped us just as much as we’ve helped him. He’s very important to the Judgment Day now. I don’t know what the Judgement Day is like without him now. Without Dom, I say we’re not as strong, I don’t think we’re as popular.  

Our own Dave Meltzer wrote in Friday’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Dominik “has more heat than anyone in wrestling in a long, long time.” In particular, Dominik was said to be booed out of the building at WWE’s live event in Paris on 4/29. 

Priest continued:

As a friend, a brother, as a co-worker, I am extremely proud of him. I have the best seat in the house to watch him do his thing. It’s special, I love it. 

At one point, Dominik was to team with Priest against Bad Bunny and Rey Mysterio at Backlash. The match being changed was also addressed in today’s newsletter. 

Meltzer wrote: 

It has been confirmed that this match was a change and the match that had been teased for weeks with Bunny & Rey Mysterio over Dominik Mysterio & Priest had been planned all along, with Dominik set to lose. There’s no word on why they made that change.

Dominik and the rest of Judgment Day will likely still play a role in Priest’s match at Backlash on Saturday. Priest would also tell Graves he believes it will be the biggest and most high-profile match of his career. 

We’re not just performing for WWE fans, it’s crazy the amount of attention that’s on this match. So, it has to be the biggest match [of my career] because of that reason alone. 

Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest street fight added to WWE Backlash

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Bad Bunny will return to the ring at WWE Backlash. 

As announced on Monday’s Raw episode, Bad Bunny is set to take on Damian Priest of The Judgment Day in a street fight at the Saturday, May 6 Backlash pay-per-view in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will be the third career match for Bad Bunny.

Bunny appeared on Monday’s Raw, saving Rey Mysterio from a Priest attack. Bunny hit Priest with a kendo stick, then announced that he was no longer hosting Backlash, but instead would be facing Priest in a street fight at the event. 

Bunny last wrestled in the 2022 Royal Rumble match. Prior to that, he teamed with Priest to defeat John Morrison and The Miz on night one of WrestleMania 37 in April 2021.

A Raw Women’s Championship match has also been added to the Backlash card. 

Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s title against number one contender IYO SKY at Backlash. SKY won a number one contender’s match on the April 10 Raw, defeating Michin and Piper Niven to set up the title bout. 

The updated Backlash lineup: 

WWE Backlash, Saturday, May 6, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens & Matt Riddle vs. The Usos & Solo Sikoa
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Street fight: Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair defends against IYO SKY
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley defends against Zelina Vega
  • Triple threat match for the United States Championship: Austin Theory defends against Bobby Lashley & Bronson Reed
  • Seth Rollins vs. Omos

Rey Mysterio vs. Damian Priest announced for WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Rey Mysterio will face Damian Priest on the April 24 WWE Raw. 

Mysterio vs. Priest was added to Monday’s lineup in an announcement during Friday’s WWE SmackDown episode. In the SmackDown opener, Mysterio and Santos Escobar dropped a tag team bout to Priest and Finn Balor of The Judgment Day. 

After the contest, Priest cut a promo on Backlash host Bad Bunny, whose return is the only other item advertised for Monday’s Raw. 

In Bad Bunny’s most recent WWE appearance on the Raw after WrestleMania, Priest put Bunny through a table at ringside. 

Bunny has not been advertised as wrestling at the May 6 Backlash event in Puerto Rico, but his in-ring involvement has been heavily teased. 

Mysterio and Priest last squared off in a singles match on the March 27 Raw, a bout that Mysterio won by disqualification. 

After defeating his son Dominik at WrestleMania 39, Mysterio has dropped his last five matches, including singles losses to Austin Theory, Finn Balor, and Solo Sikoa.

Monday’s lineup: 

WWE Raw, Monday, April 24 —

  • Bad Bunny returns 
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Damian Priest

Cody Rhodes hopes to ‘speak about my future with WWE’ on Raw

Posted on by Josh Nason

After an all-out assault by Brock Lesnar on this past Monday’s WWE Raw, Cody Rhodes will appear on this Monday’s show to “speak about my future with WWE and what may be next for me.”

In an Instagram post Saturday, Rhodes said that his loss to Roman Reigns at last Sunday’s WrestleMania 39 “was not the result I’d hoped for, and I know many fans were disappointed as well.

He then went onto thank a slew of people from the McMahon family to Brandi Rhodes to Kevin Dunn to Nick Khan to John Cena and the fans who attended last weekend’s events.

“I want to be your champion. This Monday, I hope to speak about my future with WWE and what may be next for me,” he wrote.

After interference in the match by Solo Sikoa cost Rhodes both the match and undisputed Universal title against Reigns, Rhodes and Brock Lesnar were to take on Reigns and Sikoa in an impromptu main event made during Monday’s opening segment. Lesnar then double-crossed Rhodes before the match event started and delivered a ten-minute beatdown to him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:Cqx_O5OusS2

Also announced for Monday, Damian Priest said on SmackDown Lowdown that he will address Bad Bunny following Priest pulling him over the ringside barricade and putting him through a table on this week’s Raw.

After Adam Pearce went off on Priest Monday, he told Pearce that Bunny was his friend and if he wasn’t, he’d really have something to be upset about. Bunny and Priest teamed up at 2021’s WrestleMania 38, picking up a win over The Miz and John Morrison.

Here’s the current lineup for Monday:

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Becky Lynch & Lita defend against Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez
  • Matt Riddle vs. The Miz
  • Cody Rhodes promo
  • Damian Priest Promo

Bad Bunny put through a table on WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Raw after WrestleMania 39 saw music superstar Bad Bunny get put through a table by Damian Priest.

After getting involved at WrestleMania, Bad Bunny made another appearance on WWE programming as he was ringside for Rey Mysterio’s match against Austin Theory on Monday night. The match ended with Theory winning after interference by Dominik Mysterio.

Dominik attacked Rey after the match and then got in Bad Bunny’s face. He went to sucker punch Bad Bunny, but Bad Bunny blocked it and decked Dominik.

Priest responded by pulling Bad Bunny over the barricade. Priest told him that he shouldn’t have gotten involved. When Bad Bunny punched Dominik again, Priest attacked Bad Bunny, including chokeslamming him through the announce table.

Adam Pearce confronted Priest backstage after the attack. Priest said that, if Bad Bunny wasn’t his friend, he would have really given Pearce a reason to be angry.

Priest was Bad Bunny’s tag team partner when Bad Bunny made his in-ring debut at WrestleMania 37. They defeated The Miz & John Morrison.

Bad Bunny helped Rey defeat Dominik at WrestleMania 39 night one. He took a chain away from Dominik when Dominik tried to use it as a weapon.

The story appears to be leading to Bad Bunny competing in the ring at Backlash next month. Bad Bunny has been announced as the host of the event, which is taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Saturday, May 6.

Three qualify for WWE Elimination Chamber matches

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Montez Ford, Damian Priest, and Carmella are all set to enter the Elimination Chamber later this month.

The final three spots in the men’s and women’s matches were filled during Monday’s Raw. Priest pinned Angelo Dawkins to advance, while Montez Ford pinned Elias. Both now advance to the February 18 event, where they will meet Seth Rollins, Bronson Reed, Johnny Gargno, and Austin Theory in a match for the WWE United States Championship.

Carmella pinned Candice LeRae in a match that also featured Michin and Piper Niven. With the win, Carmella will now face Asuka, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Nikki Cross, and Natalya. The winner of the women’s Elimination Chamber match will meet Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 39 in April.

Here is the updated lineup for Elimination Chamber:

WWE Elimination Chamber, Saturday, February 18, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Sami Zayn
  • Edge & Beth Phoenix vs. Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley
  • Elimination Chamber match for the United States Championship: Austin Theory (c) vs. Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Damian Priest vs. Montez Ford
  • Elimination Chamber match, winner challenges Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania: Asuka vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Nikki Cross vs. Natalya vs. Carmella

WWE Raw live results: Edge vs. Damian Priest

Posted on by Dave Bath

WWE Raw heads north of the border tonight as Raw is held at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.

In his hometown of Toronto, Edge will be in action tonight as he faces his former Judgment Day stablemate Damian Priest. WWE has been building to the match for multiple weeks.

There will also be a homecoming for Trish Stratus as she returns to WWE television for an appearance on tonight’s show.

Plus, the semifinals of the WWE Women’s Tag Team title tournament will begin with Dakota Kai & IYO SKY facing Asuka & Alexa Bliss. Kai & Sky defeated Dana Brooke & Tamina in the first round of the tournament, while Asuka & Bliss defeated Doudrop & Nikki A.S.H.

The other semifinal bout in the tournament was supposed to be Raquel Rodriguez & Aliyah vs. Toxic Attraction’s Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne, but Toxic Attraction are out of the tournament due to Dolin suffering an injury. A second chance four-way match will take place on SmackDown this Friday.

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

**********

Seth Rollins-Riddle Brawl

This was a good short opening brawl. 

They opened up with a crowd shot. Suddenly, the cameraman ran backstage. Seth Rollins and Riddle were brawling behind the curtain.

Rollins and Riddle brawled into the arena to a big pop. They brawled into the crowd and up the steps. Riddle tried to dump Rollins over the balcony, but Rollins fought back. 

Referees and officials ran out to break up the brawl. The fans broke into a “Let them fight” chant. Riddle dove off the barricade onto Rollins and a bunch of referees. They finally broke up the brawl and separated them. 

********

Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton ran down the lineup for tonight. 

Trish Stratus Segment 

This was a good opening segment. The fans loved Stratus and were happy to see her. Stratus teased coming out of retirement for a match with Bayley. 

Trish Stratus returned to a massive pop from the hometown fans. They broke into a “Welcome back” chant. Stratus noted she’s happy to be back home. Not just Toronto but the WWE. 

The fans broke into another “Welcome back” chant. Bayley, IYO SKY, and Dakota Kai interrupted. Stratus started to say that she’s been thinking about something but didn’t get to finish her sentence because the heels interrupted. 

Back from the break, Bayley, Sky, and Kai pretended to be happy to see Stratus. They told Stratus that they’re her number one fans. Bayley dropped the nice act and asked her what she was doing on Raw. 

Stratus said she’s there to support Edge for his match later. Bayley, Sky, and Kai cut her off and told her they hated her. Bayley added that she’s in the past, and they’re the now.

Bianca Belair’s music hit, and she jumped in the ring. Belair praised Stratus and added Bayley’s not even in the same Stratusphere. Belair told them to stop being disrespectful to Status in her city. The fans popped and broke into an “EST” chant. Belair noted that she doesn’t need to fight for Stratus. 

Status took off her jacket and got in Bayley’s face. She teased coming out of retirement. Bayley took off her jacket and pointed out it was three on two. Alexa Bliss and Asuka come out to get the numbers advantage. Bayley backed off. 

***********

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: IYO SKY & Dakota Kai defeated Asuka & Alexa Bliss (18:37)

This was a good match. It dragged at times but picked up towards the end.

They went about a minute and quickly went to a break. The faces were firmly in control and dumped the heels out of the ring. 

Back from the break, Asuka and Sky faced off. Sky and Asuka had a fun back and forth. Sky avoided a kick Matrix-style and rocked Asuka with a kick of her own. The faces took over and isolated Kai on their side of the ring. 

Bliss ran wild and hit a cannonball off the apron onto the heels. Kai and Sky took over as they went to break. They showed Dana Brooke and Tamina watching backstage. 

Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. Bliss fought back, and Asuka got the hot tag to a big pop. Asuka caught Sky with a German suplex and hit a running knee for a near fall.

They showed Aliyah, Nikki A.S.H., and Doudrop watching backstage. Back in the ring, Sky rocked Asuka with an awesome dropkick. Bliss broke up the pin, but Kai dumped her out of the ring. Asuka missed a hip attack, and Kai hit a running kick for a two-count. 

Bliss and Asuka regained control with a side Russian leg sweep/neck breaker combo. Asuka locked on submission, but Sky made the save. Bliss went for Twisted Bliss, but Kai got her knees up. 

The finish came when Kai missed a boot in the corner. Sky made a blind tag, but Asuka applied the Asuka lock on Kai. Sky sneaked in and rolled up Asuka for the win.

Sky and Kai advance to the finals of the title tournament. 

Later, they announced a fatal four-way second chance match for SmackDown Friday. It’s Dana Brooke & Tamina vs. Nikki A.S.H. & Doudrop vs. Natalya & Sonya Deville vs. Xia Li & Shotzi. The winner advances to the semi-finals to take on Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez. 

**********

In the back, Kevin Patrick interviewed Dolph Ziggler. Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley interrupted. Balor got in Ziggler’s face and called him a kid. Ziggler slapped Balor and walked to the ring for their match.

They recapped the Roman Reigns-Drew McIntyre angle from last Friday’s SmackDown. 

Finn Balor (w/Rhea Ripley) defeated Dolph Ziggler (13:05)

Balor and Ziggler had a good match. The fans were into it and popped for a bunch of near falls. 

Ziggler had the early advantage with a standing dropkick. Balor fought back and repeatedly sent Ziggler into the turnbuckle. He then slowed the pace down with a side headlock. Ziggler tried fighting back. Balor recovered and sent Ziggler chest first into the turnbuckle. 

Back from the break, Balor was in control with a chin lock. Ziggler escaped and hit a flying clothesline. He followed up with a standing elbow drop for two-count. The fans broke into a “Let’s go, Ziggler” chant. Ziggler rolled up Balor for a near fall. He went for the Famouser, but Balor countered into a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall.

Balor went for the shotgun dropkick, but Ziggler responded with a standing dropkick. He followed up with a DDT for another near fall. The fans broke into a brief “Let’s go, Ziggler” chant. Ziggler hit the Famouser for a very close two-count. The fans thought that was the finish. 

Balor hit the shotgun dropkick but missed the coup de grace. Ziggler jumped to his feet and hit the Zig Zag for a very close near fall. The fans popped big for the sequence and near fall. 

Balor and Ziggler traded shots in the middle of the ring. Balor grabbed the referee’s attention, and Ripley rocked Ziggler with a forearm. Balor then hit the 1916 and hit the coup de grace for the win. 

********

In the back, Sara Schreiber interviewed SmackDown’s Aliyah. She got a good reaction since she’s from Toronto. Bayley, IYO SKY & Dakota Kai interrupted. They mocked Aliyah and wondered about Raquel Rodriguez. They made fun of her for coming to Raw alone.

Trish Stratus approached and noted she wasn’t alone. Aliyah challenged Bayley to a match later. She agreed, and the fans popped. 

As Bayley, Sky, and Kai walked off, Adam Pearce walked by with security and showed them a photo. Presumably, this had to do with Dexter Lumis. 

********

Alpha Academy made to way to the ring. 

Alpha Academy Open Challenge 

Back from the break, Chad Gable told the crowd to shoosh, and they erupted in boos. Gable’s looking for new students but could only find toothless hockey players. He mocked Toronto and the Maple Leafs for losing to Tampa. He heard a lot about Auston Matthews, but he’s American. The fans broke into a “Go Leafs Go” chant. 

Gable issued an open challenge to anyone. He doesn’t care if it’s a wash-up athlete or a fan.

Kevin Owens’s music hit to a massive pop.

Kevin Owens  defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (11:09)

Owens and Gable had a great match. Owens got a great reaction from the Canadian fans. 

Owens was firmly in control. He rocked Gable with a clothesline and followed up with a senton. He went for the cannonball, but Gable slipped out. Gable briefly took over, but Owens regained control. The fans broke into a “KO” chant. 

Owens went for a piledriver on the apron, but Gable countered with a backdrop. Gable then gave Owens a release German suplex on the apron. 

Back from the break, Gable hit a series of German suplexes. Owens broke free and hit a German suplex. He followed up with the cannonball in the corner. Gable briefly took over and targeted Owen’s knee. 

Owens recovered and hit an awesome frog splash halfway across the ring for a near fall. Gable avoided the pop-up powerbomb. Owens went for the Stunner, but Gable countered with a German suplex for a two-count. Owens landed right on the back of his head and neck. 

Gable hit a diving headbutt for a near fall. He went for a superplex, but Owens reversed into a fishermen buster for a very close two-count. The fans popped big for the sequence. Owens went for a Swanton, but Gable got his knees up. Gable missed a moonsault, and Owens hit a superkick. He then hit the Stunner for the win. 

After the match, Otis jumped Owens from behind. He fought back, but the heels took over. The fans broke into a loud but brief “Sami” chant. Owens didn’t need Sami’s help as he recovered. He hit a Stunner on Otis. He then gave Gable a powerbomb onto Otis. 

***********

In the back, Judgment Day mocked Dolph Ziggler and Rey Mysterio. Damien Priest assumed there would be loud cheers for Edge since it’s his first time wrestling in Toronto in over ten years. Priest promised to beat him later tonight. 

**********

Bayley defeated Aliyah (6:33)

Bayley and Aliyah had an okay match. They seemed on different pages at times. The fans were dead since nobody believed Aliyah was beating Bayley in her first match back. 

Aliyah got a good reaction from the hometown fans. Back from the break, Aliyah was emotional from the crowd’s response.

Aliyah had the early advantage and scored a series of near falls. Bayley took over and beat down Aliyah in the corner. She hit a snap suplex and followed up with a chin lock. 

Bayley hit a sliding clothesline for a two-count. She went back to the chin lock. Aliyah broke free, but Bayley caught her. She placed her in the corner and hit double knees, similar to Sasha Banks. 

Aliyah fought back and hit a bulldog at ringside. Aliyah caught Bayley in a half-crab, which actually got a pop. Bayley broke free and hit the rose plant for the win.

**********

AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley were heading to the ring. They passed by Adam Pearce with security and the riot police. It was hard to tell what was happening. There seemed to be a fire or something. Presumably, Dexter Lumis set the fire.

********

The Miz & Ciampa defeated AJ Styles & Bobby Lashley via Disqualification (13:37)

They had a good match until the finish. Dexter Lumis showed up and dragged Miz out of the arena for the finish. The fans popped for Lumis, but it felt anti-climactic. 

Styles rocked Ciampa with a dropkick for the early advantage. Lashley followed with a delayed vertical suplex. Ciampa fought back and caught Lashley with a chop block. 

The heels briefly took over. Lashley went for the Hurt Lock, but Miz escaped. Styles sent Miz to the floor. Lashley then press slammed Ciampa onto Miz. 

Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. They isolated Styles on their side of the ring. Styles tried to make the tag, but Miz backed him into their corner. Miz rocked Styles with a sliding dropkick, and Ciampa threw Styles into the barricade. 

Ciampa slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Miz prevented the tag and caught Styles with a DDT for a near fall. Ciampa went back to the chin lock. Styles broke free with a jawbreaker. Miz tried to prevent the tag again, but Styles hit the Pele Kick. 

Lashley got the hot tag and ran wild. The fans popped for Lashley’s comeback. He set up for the spear, but Ciampa slipped out of the ring. The fans erupted in boos. Lashley went after Ciampa and sent him into the ring post.

The fans broke into a loud “Bobby” chant. He went for the spear again, but Miz pulled him out. Lashley took out Miz with a clothesline. Ciampa caught Lashley with a draping DDT for a two-count. Lashley rocked Ciampa with a spear, but Miz broke up the pin.

Styles and Miz fought around ringside. Suddenly, a guy in a hood in the crowd grabbed Styles. Security dragged the guy out of the arena. Miz caught Styles with a boot on the floor.

Suddenly, a guy in riot police gear appeared and took off his helmet to reveal Dexter Lumis. He actually got a big pop. Lumis caught Miz in a sleeper and dragged him out of the arena for a disqualification. 

In the ring, Lashley and Styles beat down Ciampa. Styles hit a phenomenal forearm, and Lashley followed up with the spear. Styles and Lashley posed to end the segment. 

**********

They showed a Edge vs. Damien Priest video package.

Johnny Gargano Segment  

This was a good segment. The fans popped big for Johnny Gargano’s surprise appearance. 

Back from the break, Johnny Gargano’s music hit to a massive pop. The fans gave him a great reaction and broke into a loud “Johnny Wrestling” chant. They gave him a superstar reaction. 

Gargano thanked the fans for reminding him who he was. He noted he was kind of a big deal in NXT. He ran down his accomplishments and noted winning the NXT Tag Team titles in that very building. 

Gargano admitted he wasn’t sure if he wanted to do this anymore. He noted he was with his brand new baby, Baby Wrestling. The fans broke into a “Baby Wrestling” chant. 

He remembered he dreamed of becoming the Intercontinental Champion, the United States Champion, and the WWE World Champion. The fans popped big for the last one. He still wanted to wrestle at WrestleMania. 

Gargano noted he’s betting on himself. He’s proud to say that Johnny Wrestling’s back in the WWE.

Austin Theory’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. Gargano was happy to see Theory. Theory got in the ring, and the fans broke into a “Who’s your daddy” chant. Gargano wondered if they were talking about him. 

Theory noted a lot changed in the last nine months. Gargano agreed. He changed a lot of diapers. Theory ran down his accomplishment and stated he did everything Gargano wanted. 

The fans gave Theory the “What” treatment. Theory noted Gargano mentored him in NXT. Theory claimed he’s the veteran now, and he could mentor Gargano. He added that Gargano could carry his bags and hand him the briefcase when he’s ready to cash-in. Theory wants to show Gargano the way. 

Theory wanted to do their old high five. Gargano pretended he was going to do it. Instead, he rocked Theory with a superkick to end the segment. 

********

They recapped Seth Rollins and Riddle’s brawl from earlier. Smith, Graves, and Saxton ran down the lineup for next week. 

Edge defeated Damien Priest (19:38)

Edge and Priest had a good match with a hot crowd. The fans loved Edge.

They showed Beth Phoenix sitting in the audience. 

The fans broke into a loud “Let’s go Edge” chant. Edge had the early advantage with a side headlock. Priest broke free, but Edge pushed him down and sent him out of the ring. The fans broke into a loud “Edge” chant. 

Priest took over with a cheap shot. He sent Edge into the corner, but Edge slipped out. He tricked Priest and caught him with a clothesline at ringside. He followed up with a powerbomb on the barricade. 

During the break, Edge sent Priest into the apron and ring steps. Back in the ring, Priest tried fighting back, but Edge went for the cross-face. Priest escaped and rolled out of the ring. Edge hit a sliding dropkick. 

Priest pushed Edge into the ring post and threw him into the barricade. Priest then hit the falcon arrow for a two-count. 

Back from the break, Priest missed a move off the top rope. Edge recovered and caught Priest with a swinging neck breaker in the ropes. Edge followed up with a flying crossbody to the floor. The fans broke into a “We want tables” chant. 

Priest recovered and hit a choke slam into the ropes. He followed up with the Razor’s edge onto the commentator’s table. 

During the break, Priest was firmly in control as he beat down Edge. He rocked Edge with a series of kicks. Edge avoided the last kick and scored a near fall. Priest regained control. 

Back from the break, Edge gave Priest a hurricanrana off the second turnbuckle. He went for the spear, but Priest countered with a kick to the face. He followed up with the un-prettier for a close two-count. The commentators made a big deal out of Priest using the un-prettier but never mentioned Christian. 

They traded hard shots back and forth. Edge caught Priest with the impaler DDT for a near fall. Priest recovered and hit the Reckoning. 

Priest set up for the spear, but Edge countered with the south of heaven choke slam for a two-count. The referee got knocked out of the ring, and Priest grabbed two chairs. Priest went for the conchairto, but Edge rolled out of the way. Edge broke off a piece of the chair for the cross face.  

Edge released the cross face, but Priest ended up with the metal piece. Edge went for the spear. Instead, Priest hit him with the metal chair piece for a near fall. The fans erupted in boos because they thought that was the finish. Edge recovered and hit the Canadian Destroyer to a massive pop. He then hit the spear for the win to another big pop.

After the match, Edge grabbed the two chairs, but Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor ran out. They beat down Edge, but Beth Phoneix ran in for the save. She grabbed the chair, and Judgement Day backed off to end Raw. The fans popped big for Phoneix making the save. 

********

Next Week: Kurt Angle returns next week in Pittsburgh. Plus, Seth Rollins and Riddle meet in a face-to-face segment. Also, the finals of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament. 

Edge vs. Damian Priest set for August 22 WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Edge and Damian Priest will meet in two weeks.

Priest laid out a challenge to Edge on Raw Monday, pointing out that Edge hasn’t wrestled on Raw in Toronto in years. He said that if Edge “had a set”, he would accept the challenge so that Priest and Judgment Day would end him in front of his friends and family.

Edge and the rest of Judgment Day have been feuding since after Hell in a Cell, when Finn Balor joined the group. Priest, Balor, and Rhea Ripley then turned on Edge, laying him out. Edge returned at SummerSlam and took out Balor and Priest, leading to their loss against The Mysterios on the show.

On Monday’s Raw, Edge drove Priest away from the ring during a Rey Mysterio/Finn Balor match. However, Balor picked up the win after Rhea Ripley emerged from the stage with a bloodied Dominik, distracting Rey and allowing Balor to get the win with the coup de grace.

Edge returns at WWE SummerSlam, attacks The Judgment Day

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Edge returned to WWE television at Saturday’s SummerSlam.

Towards the end of the Mysterios vs. Judgment Day match, Finn Balor and Damian Priest had Rey and Dominik Mysterio laid out when the lights went out. Edge then emerged on top of flaming stairs in a manner similar to the entrance of The Brood. He then came down to the ring and speared both members of the Judgement Day, allowing the Mysterios to eventually pick up the win.

Edge, who had founded the Judgment Day following WrestleMania 38, was kicked out of the group following Hell in a Cell in June when Balor, Priest, and Rhea Ripley attacked Edge, with Priest declaring that Edge was the weak link in the group.

Since Money in the Bank, vignettes have aired with a mysterious figure walking around. The vignettes featured imagery of WWE names from the past, including Eddie Guerrero, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Mick Foley. During tonight’s pre-show, another vignette aired, with the figure writing in what appeared to be blood on a mirror that he was arriving tonight.

Judgment Day escalated their feud with The Mysterios on this past Monday’s Raw, when after Rey Mysterio celebrated his 20th anniversary in the company, was confronted by Rhea Ripley in a backstage gathering. Ripley led Rey and Dominik to a trap, where the Mysterios were attacked by Balor and Priest. Rey Mysterio ended up being put through a table.

WWE Raw video highlights: WrestleMania Backlash go-home show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Raw’s final build to WrestleMania Backlash took place on last night’s go-home show.

The episode featured a match with WrestleMania Backlash implications. AJ Styles defeated Damian Priest, meaning that Priest will now be banned from ringside for Styles vs. Edge at Sunday’s pay-per-view.

Edge attempted to distract Styles during last night’s match, but Styles was able to roll up Priest to get the win. Edge and Priest immediately attacked Styles after the match, but Finn Balor ran out to make the save and helped send Edge and Priest packing.

Ahead of their six-man tag match against Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro on Sunday, Roman Reigns & The Usos stopped by Raw last night. RK-Bro surprised The Usos with RKOs out of nowhere, leading to a brawl between the two six-man teams.

A six-woman tag match took place in last night’s main event, with Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Asuka defeating Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley & Sonya Deville. Morgan pinned Deville to get the win.

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

The Bloodline appear, brawl with Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro

Kevin Owens & Alpha Academy crash Ezekiel & The Street Profits’ toast

Ezekiel & The Street Profits vs. Kevin Owens & Alpha Academy

Video package recaps last week’s Belair vs. Deville Raw Women’s title match

Sonya Deville is stripped of her executive power for the night

Veer Mahaan vs. Bart Hansen

AJ Styles is rushing into pain and judgment at WrestleMania Backlash

AJ Styles vs. Damian Priest

Cedric Alexander wants to impress MVP and Omos

Miz TV with Mustafa Ali

Mustafa Ali vs. The Miz & Theory

Nikki A.S.H. wins the 24/7 title from Dana Brooke

Dana Brooke wants a divorce from Reggie following 24/7 title match

Cody Rhodes interrupts Seth Rollins Appreciation Night

Bobby Lashley vs. Cedric Alexander

Doudrop approaches Nikki A.S.H. with a partnership offer

Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Asuka vs. Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley & Sonya Deville

Raw fallout: Liv Morgan sends a message to Rhea Ripley

Raw fallout: AJ Styles vows to knock Edge’s teeth down his throat on Sunday

Raw Talk: Cody Rhodes, Alpha Academy, MVP & Omos interviews

New stipulation set for Edge vs. AJ Styles at WWE WrestleMania Backlash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new stipulation has been added to the Edge vs. AJ Styles match set for WrestleMania Backlash this Sunday.

AJ Styles faced Damian Priest on tonight’s episode of Raw, where if Styles won, Priest would be barred from ringside for Styles’ upcoming match against Edge on Sunday. Styles won the match after an Edge distraction failed, instead rolling up Priest for the victory.

After the match, Edge immediately attacked Styles as Priest recovered. The two were about to give the con-chair-to to Styles when Finn Balor hit the ring and attacked both Edge and Priest, sending them out of the ring.

Edge defeated Styles at WrestleMania 38 after Styles was distracted by Priest, who appeared at ringside. In the weeks after WrestleMania, Edge and Priest have formed a new stable called Judgement Day. 

Here is the card for WrestleMania Backlash:

  • Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match for the SmackDown Women’s title
  • Omos vs. Bobby Lashley
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
  • Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) vs. Roman Reigns and The Usos
  • AJ Styles vs. Edge (Damian Priest banned from ringside)
  • Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss

AJ Styles vs. Damian Priest announced for next week’s WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Three matches have been announced for the April 11 edition of WWE Raw. 

After losing to Edge at WrestleMania and being laid out by Edge and Damian Priest on this week’s Raw, AJ Styles will face Priest in a singles match next week. 

Also announced, Sasha Banks and Naomi will defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan. Banks and Naomi defeated Ripley and Morgan in a championship contenders match on this week’s episode. After the match, Ripley teased turning on Morgan, but smoothed things over in a backstage segment afterwards, explaining to Morgan that she had secured them a title match for next week. 

Following his re-debut on this week’s show, Veer Mahaan will take on Rey Mysterio on next week’s show. Mahaan laid out Rey and Dominik Mysterio in his return to Raw, following Dominik losing to The Miz in less than a minute. 

The Monday, April 11 Raw will be held in Detroit, Michigan at Little Caesars Arena. 

The announced lineup: 

  • AJ Styles vs. Damian Priest
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Sasha Banks & Naomi (c) vs. Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Veer Mahaan

Damian Priest aligns with Edge at WWE WrestleMania 38

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new ally helped Edge defeat AJ Styles at WrestleMania 38 night two.

Near the end of the Edge vs. Styles match, Damian Priest appeared at ringside as Styles looked to be on the verge of winning. Styles was distracted by Priest being there, which led to a Phenomenal Forearm attempt by Styles being delayed. When Styles did go for the Phenomenal Forearm, Edge hit a spear in mid-air and pinned Styles to get the victory.

Before Priest appeared, there was a near fall where Edge kicked out of the Styles Clash.

Priest got into the ring after the match — and he and Edge both laughed. Edge and Priest posed and raised their arms in celebration.

Edge turned heel leading into the WrestleMania match with Styles. After Styles answered his open challenge for the WrestleMania match on the February 28 episode of Raw, Edge laid out Styles with two con-chair-tos.

Priest lost the United States title to Finn Balor on that February 28 Raw episode. Priest snapped after losing the title. He said the fans never respected him during his entire title reign.