New Raw tag team champions were crowned tonight on Raw.
AOP defeated Seth Rollins in what was essentially a handicap match to win the titles for the first time tonight during a taping of Monday Night Raw in Manchester, England. Acting Raw General Manager Baron Corbin ordered Rollins and Dean Ambrose to defend the titles tonight, but Ambrose never appeared. Rollins lost after a neckbreaker/powerbomb combination.
After the match, Ambrose walked in through the crowd and asked Rollins if he wanted to know why he attacked him two weeks ago. His response was another dirty deeds DDT.
Rollins and Ambrose held the titles for two weeks, beating Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre in the main event of the 10/22 episode of Raw. Immediately after they won the titles, Ambrose turned on Rollins, laying him out with a dirty deeds DDT on concrete.
With most champions battling their counterparts on the opposite brand, it is possible the AOP may be facing current SmackDown tag team champions The Bar at Survivor Series.
WWE held a dual-brand house show at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville, North Carolina on Sunday night.
– Rusev defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas
For obvious reasons, Lana and Zelina Vega weren’t at the show. The crowd was pretty into the “Rusev Day” chant. They had a basic house show opener, with Rusev winning with the Accolade.
– Baron Corbin defeated Tyler Breeze
Corbin looked good, drew decent heel heat, and got the pin with the End of Days. Breeze was wearing a New Day shirt.
– The B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) defeated The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
There wasn’t much to the match. Axel got the pin for his team with a sunset flip.
– Elias came out to a loud, mixed reaction. He played some blues for a minute before saying he was going to sing a song about Asheville, which brought out Corbin again to shut him down.
Corbin agreed to do a duet version of “Freebird,” and Corbin was predictably terrible. It led to a scuffle and Elias hitting Drift Away on Corbin.
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defeated The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) and Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson in a triple threat match to retain their titles
All three teams were well-received by the audience, especially New Day. Xavier Woods wasn’t at the show. The match was decent, with Cesaro and Sheamus isolating Gallows and catching him in a roll-up to retain.
This was good for a handicap match, but there wasn’t a lot to it. Strowman knocked McIntyre to the outside after 10 minutes of action, then hit Ziggler with the powerslam to get the win.
Strowman and McIntyre teased a confrontation after the match, but McIntyre eventually declined and carried Ziggler to the back. Strowman posed with fans at ringside, signed autographs, and took selfies for several minutes.
– Bobby Lashley (w/ Lio Rush) defeated Zack Ryder
Rush drew lots of boos with his shtick. Lashley beat Ryder with a spear.
– WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defeated Cedric Alexander to retain his title.
Very good match. It was easily the best of the night. Alexander was announced as being from Charlotte, so the crowd was into everything he did. Murphy feigned a knee injury, then surprised Alexander with a knee strike and pumphandle Death Valley Driver to retain.
– Seth Rollins entered and called out Dean Ambrose, demanding answers for Ambrose betraying him on Raw. Suddenly, Ambrose came out from under the ring and laid out Rollins with Dirty Deeds.
Ambrose walked to the back to a chorus of boos.
– WWE Champion AJ Styles defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and Jeff Hardy in a triple threat match to retain his title
A fun, well-worked house show main event. The North Carolina crowd loved all three, especially Hardy.
Hardy hit Styles with the Twist of Fate, which led to Nakamura tossing Hardy to the floor. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa on Styles, but Styles impressively reversed it and ended up getting the win.
What was supposed to cap off Raw on a high note ended instead in confusion as Dean Ambrose ambused Seth Rollins right after they won the Raw tag team titles.
The Shield had announced before the match that they were dedicating the match to Roman Reigns, who announced earlier in the show that he would be taking a leave of absence to battle leukemia. After Braun Strowman chased Drew McIntyre out of the arena, Rollins picked up the win for his team after hitting the curb stomp on Ziggler.
Rollins and Ambrose were celebrating their title win when suddenly Ambrose laid out Rollins with the dirty deeds DDT. Ambrose continued to beat on Rollins, sending him out of the ring. After throwing the tag titles at Rollins, he then uncovered the mats outside the ring, revealing concrete. Ambrose gave Rollins another dirty deeds on the exposed concrete as he exited through the crowd to close out the show.
Ziggler and McIntyre held the titles for 49 days, winning them back on the September 3 edition of Raw
It’s been confirmed that Triple H and Shawn Michaels will be appearing on tonight’s show to further the build to their tag match against The Undertaker & Kane at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2. A pre-recorded video with Undertaker and Kane aired on Raw last week, and Undertaker then appeared on SmackDown 1000 to send a message to Triple H & Michaels.
This week’s Raw is the go-home show for Evolution, and the show will include a contract signing segment for Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella’s Raw Women’s Championship match at the pay-per-view. Sasha Banks will also face Ruby Riott tonight. That comes in advance of Banks, Bayley & Natalya taking on The Riott Squad (Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) in a six-woman tag at Evolution.
A Tag Team Championship match is set for tonight, with Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre defending their titles against Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose. Last week’s Raw continued to tease the storyline of dissension between Ambrose and The Shield, but the episode ended with The Shield defeating Braun Strowman, Ziggler & McIntyre. Strowman laid out Ziggler after the match, then McIntyre hit the Claymore Kick on Strowman.
UPDATE: Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley is also official for tonight.
Date: October 15, 2018 Location: Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA
The Big Takeaway —
It seemed like Dean Ambrose reached his breaking point with the Shield (particularly Seth Rollins) but ultimately, the Shield prevailed in the main event, and all three appear back on the same page.
The Shield defeated the team of Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. Strowman laid out Ziggler after the match, then McIntyre took out Strowman with a Claymore kick.
The highlight of the show was a Ronda Rousey promo, where she tore down Nikki and Brie Bella. The Bellas were portrayed as “divas” and relics from the previous era, and Rousey said they need to be eviscerated. See below for more.
Also, they continued to plug Crown Jewel, but did not mention the location of the show.
Show Recap —
Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre came out as Michael Cole plugged Strowman’s title match at Crown Jewel. The location of that show was not mentioned.
Ziggler called them the best three-man group in WWE history and they bragged about beating The Shield last week. They showed a replay, plus a post-show interview by Dean Ambrose where he told Kayla Braxton, “I don’t get it. I don’t get it. Maybe I just don’t fit in anywhere anymore.” McIntyre said Ambrose has finally seen the truth and the Shield has been shattered.
Strowman said Roman Reigns’ buddies wouldn’t be there to help him at Crown Jewel. McIntyre said he would beat Rollins to qualify for the World Cup and prove he’s the best in the world. Ziggler said he had a qualifying match too, and they could end up facing each other. McIntyre said he was good, “but buddy, you’re no Drew McIntyre.”
Strowman interrupted before they could argue and said Reigns and Brock Lesnar would get these hands at Crown Jewel (again, no mention of the location). The Shield’s music hit but only Reigns and Rollins came out on the stage. Rollins said the Shield was alive and well.
Rollins said he would prove would the world already knows, that he was the best in the world. Ziggler welcomed two-thirds of the Shield and said he would gladly take a forfeit win tonight if Ambrose doesn’t show. Rollins told him to shut up–Ambrose runs on Ambrose time and would be there tonight.
Reigns talked and people booed. I think Ziggler booed too. Rollins said he loves Philly because of the cheesesteaks and because it’s a fighting town. He challenged McIntyre to fight right now and he agreed.
Seth Rollins defeated Drew McIntyre via countout to qualify for the World Cup Tournament (13:30)
Renee Young said she didn’t know where Ambrose was and reiterated that “Ambrose time” was a real thing. Ziggler ran down a few minutes into the match, which of course distracted Rollins, allowing McIntyre to yank him into the ring apron.
After a break, Rollins came back with a superkick and slingblade, then later hit a blockbuster for two. McIntyre was on the top so Rollins ran up and hit a superplex, then it was McIntyre who floated over into a falcon arrow for two. Rollins hit an enziguri and superkick but was distracted by Ziggler before he could go for the stomp.
Rollins nailed both Ziggler and McIntyre with separate dives, but moments later, Ziggler pulled the rope down on Rollins who fell out of the ring. Ambrose ran down and attacked Ziggler, then McIntyre laid out Ambrose. Rollins gave McIntyre a stomp and slid back in the ring for the countout win. Ambrose posed with Rollins afterwards.
I’m tired of all the distractions, but they needed a way for McIntyre to lose without getting pinned, and having Ambrose save the day played into the story.
Nikki and Brie Bella were shown skulking around backstage before entering their locker room. They were booed. Bayley found Trish Stratus and Lita backstage and gave them a hug.
They showed a graphic for DX with the words “Up Next” on the screen, so the crowd cheered, but all they’re getting is a replay.
Ambrose, Rollins and Reigns walked backstage as Rollins made a remark about Ambrose being on “Lunatic Time.” Ambrose was offended and wondered if that’s all he was to them, a “lunatic” who was good for a few laughs until they needed bailing out. Rollins and Reigns were taken aback. They tried to calm him down, but Ambrose said he had his own match to worry about and left.
There was a pre-taped segment with Undertaker and Kane. Kane said the DX reunion was built on a bed of lies, and Undertaker said respect wasn’t keeping Shawn Michaels away–it was fear. They said when the match is over at Crown Jewel, Triple H can slink back into a boardroom and Michaels can find safety in retirement. They ended with “rest in peace.”
There will be a battle royal at Evolution. Announced for the match so far are Tamina, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Ember Moon, Alicia Fox, Nia Jax, Dana Brooke, Asuka, Mandy Rose, Carmella, Lana, Sonya DeVille, Naomi, and Torrie Wilson.
Ember Moon & Nia Jax defeated Tamina & Dana Brooke (4:47)
With Jax and Tamina in the ring, Young said, “this is what the women’s evolution’s about right here.” Tamina gave Jax a Samoan drop, which got a modest reaction. Moon eventually tagged in and gave Brooke an Eclipse for the win. Not a good match.
Tamina confronted Jax afterwards. Moon tried to stop them, but they both shoved her down. Tamina knocked down Jax, then gestured to Moon like they should throw her out of the ring. Moon obliged and they tossed her out. The crowd booed thinking this might be a heel turn, then Moon went after Tamina. Moon tried tossing her out of the ring too for some reason but actually failed. As they struggled for position, Brooke tossed them both out. This was so dumb.
Ronda Rousey/Bellas segment
Ronda Rousey came out. She smiled on her way out but got serious upon entering the ring. She couldn’t help but smile when a “Ronda” chant broke out. Rousey said the Bellas betrayed her in front of the world. Rousey just wanted an explanation and asked them to come out.
Nikki and Brie came out on the stage. The crowd booed as Nikki began talking. Nikki said the crowd didn’t pay to see Rousey, they paid to see them. Nikki said they don’t owe her an explanation. Brie explained that Rousey disrespected them by disregarding what they have done for the business. Nikki said Rousey was the reason they came back to compete.
Nikki wondered why she was even there and called her a loser who didn’t deserve it. She said Rousey didn’t deserve a title shot and Nikki should be the champion. Nikki said they made “diva” mean something, that they were strong and powerful, their reality show put more women and girls in the crowd, and they made people want to see women’s wrestling even more.
Nikki said Rousey walked into an evolution that the Bellas started and the title she wore wouldn’t exist without them. (Well, that’s true.) The crowd chanted, “break her arm.” Rousey said she tried to be respectful. She knew that WWE was their territory first. She also knew that the “diva” era made her sick to her stomach, but they made the most of what they had.
Rousey was happy they congratulated her a few weeks ago when they barely ever said hello to her before that. She thought maybe they could be in this together but realized she was wrong, and that the Bellas were the embodiment of a stereotype. She called them D.M.B.s–Do Nothin’ Bellas.
Rousey said they were starved for attention and was amazed at how far they went with a minimal amount of talent. She said they leached off the names of their men and the crowd chanted “Yes.” She said they stole their guys’ move sets, they were a relic and need to be eviscerated like smallpox. Rousey said she could rip out both their arms and beat them with it. She added, “I will ruin you.”
Brie called Rousey jealous and Nikki said they knocked down doors. Rousey got fired up saying she knocked down doors in judo, Strikeforce, UFC and now WWE. Rousey added, “the only door you knocked down was the door to John Cena’s bedroom.” The crowd went nuts. Rousey said Cena threw her out of the door, then dared them to come to the ring.
The Bellas feigned like they would go to the ring, but they didn’t. Nikki did her pose, then a security team marched out to protect them. Rousey left the ring and tossed security aside. She gave one guy a Samona drop as the Bellas bailed. The crowd chanted for Rousey. Rousey was very good here.
Kurt Angle was backstage dressed like he was on vacation in a tropical location. Bobby Roode and Chad Gable were impressed with the outfit. Gable called it glorious and Roode was slightly annoyed he didn’t get to say it. No Way Jose danced by and Angle joined in.
Baron Corbin approached Angle and asked him when he last had a singles match in WWE. Angle said, “about twelve years.” Corbin put Angle in a match tonight to prepare–a handicap match against AOP. The crowd popped when they heard Angle would wrestle tonight.
Dolph Ziggler defeated Dean Ambrose to qualify for the World Cup Tournament (9:41)
As Ziggler distracted the referee, McIntyre ran down. Ambrose managed to fend him off, then Rollins ran down to attack McIntyre. Ambrose gave McIntyre an elbow drop off the top to the outside (avoiding hitting Rollins). Rollins tried to help up Ambrose, but Ambrose shoved him and went back in the ring where he ate a superkick. Ziggler wins. Lame finish and not much of a match.
Afterwards, Ambrose shoved Rollins aside and marched up the ramp. Rollins went after him and they got into a shoving match. Reigns came out to separate them, then Corbin entered. Corbin didn’t want the Shield to dissolve on his watch, so he gave them a chance tonight to team against Strowman, Ziggler and McIntyre in a rematch from last week (which was a rematch from days earlier).
McIntyre, Ziggler and Strowman had a meeting backstage. Ziggler and McIntyre were excited to take out the Shield. McIntyre was about to give Strowman a pep talk, but he basically told him to shut up. He said if they don’t do their jobs tonight, they’ll get these hands.
Balor won quickly with the Coup de Grace. Samir Singh has returned, though he didn’t get involved. Corey Graves was excited to announce the return of Samir, to which Cole responded, “Who?” Why would Cole not know who that is?
After the match, Balor’s music didn’t play. Instead, Bobby Lashley came out with Lio Rush. Lashley had a staredown with Balor as Rush put over Lashley’s physique. Balor and Bayley eventually left the ring as Lashley posed.
Bobby Lashley (w/Lio Rush) defeated Tyler Breeze (3:24)
The bell rang to start, then Lashley posed around the ring as Rush continued to put him over. Lashley hit a delayed vertical suplex, then posed as Rush chanted for him. Breeze attempted a comeback but Lashley cut him off with a powerslam. Lashley posed again, then hit a modified Dominator for the pinfall win.
Trish Stratus and Lita came to the ring. They were quickly interrupted by Alexa Bliss and Mickie James, who came out on the stage. Bliss did an impression of Lita, and James did an impression of Stratus. They continued mocking Stratus and mentioned how long it’s been since either of them wrestled. James suggested they practice first.
Stratus stopped them, then her and Lita did the Allen Iverson “practice” bit here in Philadelphia. They got a smattering of cheers. Stratus and Lita suggested that maybe they do need practice and dared Bliss and James to fight. Bliss and James feigned like they would fight, but turned around and left. Yes, just like the Bellas earlier. This was lame.
Backstage, the Riott Squad mocked Bayley, cackled and left.
AOP won quickly. “Angle” was in the ring dressed as the Conquistador (including mask) and didn’t get an entrance. Obviously, it wasn’t him and Graves even acknowledged it probably wasn’t him even before the match was over.
After AOP won, Maverick realized the Conquistador wasn’t Angle. Angle showed up on stage and gave Corbin an Angle Slam, then did a little dance. I’m enjoying Angle continuously outsmarting Corbin.
The Riott Squad sprayed ketchup and mustard on Natalya’s locker room door signage, creating a mess she won’t actually have to deal with.
Natalya (w/Bayley & Sasha Banks) defeated Ruby Riott (w/Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan) via DQ (2:56)
Natalya seemed to have it won with the Sharpshooter, but Logan jumped in the break it up and the referee called for the bell, presumably a DQ. The teams brawled, which the Riott Squad briefly got the better of, but Bayley and Banks worked together to take out Logan and Morgan. Natalya finished off Ruby with a German suplex.
Elias performed on his guitar. Elias said he can see into the future and knows what John Cena knows, what the crowd knows, and that’s that WWE stands for “walk with Elias.” Elias claimed he had lunch with Carson Wentz and asked about his injuries. Wentz told him that true pain was pretending to care about the shameful city of Philadephia. The crowd booed.
Elias also took a shot at Gritty, the Flyers mascot, calling it a splitting image of every person in this city–a fat, ugly, googly-eyed slob. Elias was about to perform but was interrupted by Apollo Crews.
Crews said so many people interrupt Elias, he wanted to do it too. Crews said he can’t play guitar, he can’t sing, he’s not even funny, but none of that matters when he steps in the ring. Elias heard that Crews was talented, he’s just never seen it. Just like he’s never seen Big Foot, or the Flyers win the Stanley Cup.
Crews said he has kept his mouth shut for too long and is sick of staying the back. Elias went to attack him, but Crews caught him with an enziguri and held him up in a press slam for a while before dropping him. This was a fine segment.
There was a commercial for Smackdown 1000 plugging appearances by Edge, Evolution, Undertaker, plus the match between Rey Mysterio and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Ambrose and Rollins were getting along fine until Ziggler pushed Rollins into Ambrose. They argued, so Reigns tagged himself in and tried to settle things down. They were knocked down by Strowman, then Ziggler gave Reigns a jumping DDT for two.
Strowman worked over Reigns and told McIntyre this is how it’s done. McIntyre tagged himself in, then put the boots to Reigns. Strowman tagged himself back in, then McIntyre told him to just get the job done. Strowman missed a charge, then Reigns gave him a Samoan drop.
Reigns was close to a tag, so McIntyre and Ziggler knocked his teammates off the apron. They gave Reigns the Claymore/Zig-Zag combo, but Ambrose and Rollins broke up the cover. Reigns made the hot tag to Rollins, who then tagged Ambrose.
Ambrose and Rollins did suicide dives to McIntyre and Ziggler. They tried it on Strowman, but he caught them both, then Reigns took out Strowman with a superman punch. Ambrose used a jackknife cover on McIntyre, but Ziggler broke it up. Rollins fought him off and Ambrose gave McIntyre the Dirty Deeds. Ambrose made the cover, but Ziggler shoved Rollins into Ambrose.
Ambrose got in Rollins’ face. Ambrose was about to back off, then Rollins grabbed him by the arm. Ambrose kicked him and was about to hit Dirty Deeds, but Ziggler got in the way and gave Ambrose the Zig-Zag for a close nearfall.
Reigns came in and handed out superman punches. He avoided a charge from Strowman, then McIntyre gave Strowman a Claymore kick by mistake. Reigns speared McIntyre, then the Shield gave Ziggler the triple powerbomb for the win. The Shield celebrated and left together, all on the same page again.
After the Shield left, Strowman towered over Ziggler as the crowd chanted “get these hands.” Strowman gave Ziggler a powerslam, then McIntyre flew in and gave Strowman a Claymore kick. McIntyre marched off as his music played. McIntyre looked back to see Strowman get back to his feet. They stared at each other as the show ended.
Two World Cup qualifiers have been announced for tomorrow’s episode of Raw.
The updated preview for tomorrow’s show lists Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre and Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler in World Cup qualifying matches. There will be eight entrants in the tournament, with four left to be decided. John Cena, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, and Randy Orton were confirmed for the World Cup on last week’s television.
A World Cup qualifying match is also set for SmackDown 1000 this Tuesday. In his return match, Rey Mysterio will face Shinsuke Nakamura for a spot in the tournament.
The WWE World Cup is scheduled to take place at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2.
Ronda Rousey responding to The Bellas is also advertised for tomorrow’s Raw. There was an angle last week where Nikki and Brie attacked Rousey after their six-woman tag match against The Riott Squad, and Rousey defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Nikki was officially announced for Evolution.
The B-Team were very over with the Syracuse crowd, especially their chant.
– No Way Jose defeated Mojo Rawley
Jose was decently over. There was lots of back and forth with a boo/cheer dynamic.
– AOP defeated Heath Slater & Rhyno
– Ember Moon defeated Alicia Fox
They had a short match, with Moon getting the win with The Eclipse. Fox got some cheers. Moon’s finisher also got a pop.
– Titus O’Neil, Apollo Crews & Tyler Breeze defeated The Ascension & Mike Kanellis
It was surprising that Kanellis was included in this match after debuting on 205 Live. Breeze got a good reaction.
– Finn Balor defeated Bobby Lashley by DQ
Lio Rush worked the mic brilliantly during the match and interfered for the disqualification. Balor was extremely over when he fought back after, and Lashley’s heat is growing.
– Nia Jax, Natalya & Dana Brooke defeated The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan)
Jax got a loud pop when she came in on a hot tag. This was a decent match, with Jax getting the win for her team with a Samoan drop.
– Baron Corbin & Jinder Mahal defeated Bobby Roode & Chad Gable
They had a decent match. Corbin felt like a main eventer and got the pin after hitting the End of Days. There was tension teased between Roode and Gable.
– Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Dean Ambrose defeated Drew McIntyre & Elias
Ambrose got the pin on Elias after hitting Dirty Deeds. There was huge heat for Elias’ pre-match song. Reigns got a huge pop and was mostly cheered.
The faces posed and signed autographs to send the fans home happy.
Two rematches from Super Show-Down are scheduled for tonight’s Raw.
The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre and Ronda Rousey & The Bellas vs. The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) have been announced for tonight’s show. When the six-person tags took place in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, The Shield and Rousey & The Bellas won their respective matches.
Ambrose pinned Ziggler at Super Show-Down, with The Shield staying united after the storyline where dissension between Ambrose and Reigns & Rollins was teased.
Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Strowman and Brock Lesnar in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel on November 2.
Rousey submitted Morgan and Logan with a double armbar at Super Show-Down. There was a moment where Rousey and Nikki Bella both wanted to start for their teams, seemingly teasing Rousey vs. Nikki for this month’s Evolution pay-per-view.
Tonight’s Raw is taking place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Trish Stratus are all advertised for the show.
Dean Ambrose has opened up about his recovery from a torn triceps, saying an infection following the initial surgery nearly killed him.
Ambrose talked to Greg Luca of The Monitor ahead of a WWE house show in Edinburg, Texas tonight. During the interview, he talked about a check-up following his first surgery to repair a torn triceps. Doctors initially told Ambrose that there traces of an infection during the surgery, but were able to clean things up. During a check-up a few weeks later, problems started to emerge.
“I thought I was just going to turn right back around and get on a plane and go home, and they were like, ‘No, you have to go in again for surgery like right now.’” he recalled. “I was like, ‘Oh, no.’ I had just kind of got through all of the stitches and all of that stuff. It was a giant mess.”
Ambrose ended up having MRSA, a serious staph infection. What was initially diagnosed as a six month recovery period turned into eight as he went in for a second surgery to remove the infection.
“As soon as I got out of the second [surgery], I was flying home, grabbing my dog, turned right back around, got in the truck and drove to Birmingham” he said. “I just stayed there for two and a half or three months until they felt like I was pretty good. Once the MRSA really got out of my system, I was working out twice a day. Rehabbing twice a day on top of that in Birmingham. Doing everything possible to try to get my arm working again, and once I started to come back, I started to make a lot of progress over the summer. So I’m feeling good now.”
Since returning to WWE last month, Ambrose was reunited himself with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns as the Shield. He, along with Seth Rollins, will challenge Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre for the Raw tag team titles this Sunday at Hell in a Cell.
Another match is official for Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.
Tonight’s go-home edition of Raw saw one more match get added to the card, with WWE announcing that Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre will defend their titles against Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose. The AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, which will host Hell in a Cell on Sunday, had been advertising the match before it was officially confirmed tonight.
After winning the titles last week, Ziggler & McIntyre retained against The B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) in a rematch tonight. Rollins and Ambrose attacked Ziggler and McIntyre after the match.
There was a storyline where Baron Corbin said he would strip Roman Reigns of his Universal Championship and Rollins of his Intercontinental title if The Shield returned after being kicked out for attacking the heel roster in tonight’s opening segment. Rollins threatened to get Corbin in trouble for falsifying a police report, and Corbin made the Tag Team title match for Sunday’s PPV.
Here’s the updated card for Hell in a Cell:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defending against Braun Strowman in a Hell in a Cell match
WWE Champion AJ Styles defending against Samoa Joe
Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Alexa Bliss
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defending against Becky Lynch
Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy in a Hell in a Cell match
Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella vs. The Miz & Maryse
Raw Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre defending against Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defending against the winners of tomorrow’s number one contender’s match (Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Rusev & Aiden English)
The Shield reunited in last night’s show-closing angle as Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose stopped Braun Strowman from cashing in on Roman Reigns.
A Universal Championship match between Reigns and Finn Balor headlined the post-SummerSlam episode of Raw. Strowman came out near the end of the match, Reigns retained, and Strowman tried to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase.
But Strowman cashing in never became official. The Shield’s music hit, Rollins and Ambrose came to the ring, and The Shield ended up hitting Strowman with a triple powerbomb to close the show.
Also on Raw, Triple H returned to hype up his October 6 match against The Undertaker at WWE Super Show-Down, Stephanie McMahon also came back and was put in an armbar by Ronda Rousey, and Stephanie made Baron Corbin the acting general manager of Raw after sending Kurt Angle “on vacation.”
WWE has made a few announcements for tonight’s episode of Raw.
WWE uploaded a video with Renee Young today where she revealed that Triple H will be appearing on tonight’s show. Young said that he’ll be addressing the audience tonight as we get closer to WWE’s Super Show-Down pay-per-view in Melbourne, Australia on October 6. Triple H vs. The Undertaker is set for Super Show-Down, with it being billed as the final time they’ll face each other.
Ronda Rousey won her first professional wrestling title at SummerSlam last night, defeating Alexa Bliss in a one-sided match to become Raw Women’s Champion. WWE is hyping that Rousey will be celebrating her title win on Raw.
Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler is also scheduled for tonight. This will be Ambrose’s first televised match since he returned from injury last week after being out of action for nearly eight months. At SummerSlam, Ambrose was in Seth Rollins’ corner as Rollins defeated Ziggler (with Drew McIntyre in his corner) to win the Intercontinental title.
Ambrose also took part in a dark match after Raw went off the air last week.
WWE is back at the Barclays Center for tonight’s Raw. Brock Lesnar is advertised to appear after dropping the Universal Championship to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.
A big return closed last night’s go-home edition of Raw.
Eight months after undergoing surgery for a torn triceps, Dean Ambrose returned on the last Raw before SummerSlam. The storyline was that Seth Rollins could have someone in his corner at the pay-per-view. And after Dolph Ziggler signed the contract for the match, Rollins appeared and brought Ambrose out. They laid out Ziggler and Drew McIntyre to close the show.
Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar also set up Roman Reigns heading into Sunday. Heyman faked that he wanted to align with Reigns and, despite Reigns saying he didn’t need Heyman’s help, gave him an “agreement in principle” to look over. Heyman then sprayed Reigns in the eyes with pepper spray, leading to an attack by Lesnar.
Also on Raw, WWE aired a video paying tribute to Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Ronda Rousey attacked Alexa Bliss’ personal security and was in Ember Moon’s corner during a non-title match against Bliss, and The B-Team defended their Tag Team titles against Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt and The Revival.
Raw’s biggest remaining stop on the road to WrestleMania takes place tonight as the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts Elimination Chamber.
We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
The show, which is the final Raw-exclusive pay-per-view, will feature two Elimination Chamber matches. The men’s match has Braun Strowman, Elias, John Cena, Roman Reigns, The Miz, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor facing off for the right to challenge Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. And the women’s match has Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss defending her title against Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mickie James, Mandy Rose, and Sonya Deville.
A contract signing with Ronda Rousey is also scheduled. It will be Rousey’s second appearance since joining WWE.
Asuka vs. Nia Jax is set as well (with Jax getting added to the Raw Women’s title match at WrestleMania if she wins), Matt Hardy will face Bray Wyatt, and Titus O’Neil & Apollo will challenge for Cesaro & Sheamus’ Tag Team titles.
The pre-show has Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson taking on Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas. Our coverage begins with that match before the main card kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
By Dave Meltzer
LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON VS. CURTIS AXEL & BO DALLAS
Typical preshow match. So-so match ending when Axel was pinned by Anderson after the magic killer.
They cut right to The Revival after the match so it looks like they are back working with Gallows & Anderson.
WOMEN’S ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH FOR WOMEN’S TITLE: ALEXA BLISS VS. SASHA BANKS VS. BAYLEY VS. SONYA DEVILLE VS. MANDY ROSE VS. MICKIE JAMES
Bliss retained the title. They went almost 30:00 and it was fine, just a normal match but really long. It definitely dragged early on but got better toward the end. The biggest spot was James coming off the top of a pod with a Thesz press on Deville to pin her. Banks probalby looked the best of anyone. It opened with Bayley and Deville. The eliminations were Banks beating Rose with the bank statement. James pinned Deville with the Thesz press off the pod. Bayley pinned James with the Bayley-to-belly. Bliss pinned Bayley after La Magistral cradle. And then Bliss pinned Banks after a draping DDT.
Renee Young interviewed Bliss. Fans are chanting “You deserve it” and she said thiank you. Heels in 2018. Bliss said this was for every little girl or woman in the audience who ever dreamed big, this is for all of you. This proves you can be whatever you want to be. Dare to dream and dream big. Then she said the reality is none of you will ever accomplish any of your dreams. And then the fans cheered that. She said the odds were against me and I still won.
Braun Strowman did an interview saying he was going to win and make Brock Lesnar his pet beastie boy and win the chamber.
SHEAMUS & CESARO VS. TITUS O’NEIL & APOLLO FOR THE TAG TEAM TITLE
Sheamus & Cesaro won with a double-team white noise on Apollo after Cesaro chop blocked him. Decent match.
Andre the Giant HBO documentary trailer was shown.
ASUKA VS. NIA JAX
Jax played monster most of the match. Asuka won but hardly was put over. Kind of kills the streak gimmick. Jax threw her around the entire match and Asuka reversed a power bomb into a front rolling cradle.
Jax attacked her after the match and threw her out of the ring. Ja totally no sold her offesne after the mtach and therw her intothe post. She tackled her through the barricade. That spot always gets over.
Bliss did an interview and said “No one is ready for Alexa.” The gimmick is that Jax hurt Asuka so Bliss will have an easier time with her.
Roman Reigns interview. He said Paul Heyman works ten days a year and then waddles out. Reigns said he’s going to Mania and beating Lesnar and winning the champoinship.
MATT HARDY VS. BRAY WYATT
This is the night of okay matches. It was pretty much what you’d expect it to be. Hardy got out of the Sister Abigail and Hardy hit the twist of fate for the pin. The crowd was into the match at the end after crapping on it the entire way, paying no attention to a beach ball in the crowd and doing “Rusev Day” chants.
RONDA ROUSEY SEGMENT
It started with Kurt Angle, Stephanie and HHH coming out. HHH looked tired. HHH said he has scoured the world to get the elite athletes. He said this was the best athlete signing since Kurt Angle. HHH put her over like crazy. He said she paved the way for young women athletes all over the globe and called her the baddest woman on the planet. Rousey came out all smiles. She didn’t get a big initial reaction but nobody booed. Michael Cole put it over like it was a standing ovation. She put over Angle winning an Olympic title. Some fans booed her talking and they were drowned out by a big chant for her. She seemed pretty relieved because you could see she was nervous. She almost cried. Then they showed Cain and DC chanting for her. She tried to endear herself to the crowd by mentioning Roddy Piper. She said he was the inspiration for her MMA career and coming here and said he wants to do him proud and I want to earn the fans’ respect. HHH said she didn’t want anything special in the contract. HHH said she wanted no special travel and no private cars. They said she will be competing at Mania. That got cheers. HHH said she wouildn’t be in a championship match. Rousey said she didn’t want to be given a title match. She wanted to earn it. She was about to sign when HHH and Angle were arguing in the background. She noticed it. She asked if Kurt wanted to say soemthing. Kurt said he’s in awe of HHH and Stephanie, saying they’re brilliant. Kurt said thehy’ve been talking about you as long as he’s been back. Angle said they couldn’t wait to have you because they wanted to manipulate you for them what you did at WrestleMania 21, and then said 31. He said HHH told himn this is three years in the making and now we own the bitch. HHH told Kurt to shut up. Said this isn’t about us. Rousey started with her death stare at this point. HHH said Kurt isn’t feeling well, he was hosptialized with the flu and is having a relapse and he’s going to get Kurt to the doctor. Stephanie did a great job of carrying this. Stephanie said they have been talking about her since WM 31, you did embarrass us but you also impressed us. Stephanie said you are one of the greatest fighters in the world and we’ve been wanting you. Kurt said didn’t you tell me Ronda was a has-been and even you could take her. Stephanie looked stunned. Ronda had the death stare and went after Stephanie. HHH came in and got in between them. Ronda got in HHH’s face. Rousey suplexed HHH through a table. The crowd popped for that. Stephanie freaked out and slapped her. Stephanie got in her face. Crowd was really hot for Ronda’s stare at Stephanie but Stephanie bailed out. That was smart. They shouldn’t touch now. Rousey then signed the contract.
MEN’S CHAMBER MATCH: THE MIZ VS. BRAUN STROWMAN VS. JOHN CENA VS. ROMAN REIGNS VS. SETH ROLLINS VS. FINN BALOR VS. ELIAS
Elias came out and did his routine.
Roman Reigns won the match pinning Strowman after two spears. The story of the match was Strowman was a monster and actually pinned everyone with a powerslam. He pinned Miz first, then Elias, then Cena, then Balor and finally Rollins. After the match, Strowman came back and powerslammed Reigns. He gave him a second powerslam. Then he threw him through a gimmicked pod. Obviously this was the best match on the show, because it ws pretty much a one match and one angle show.
While it remains to be seen if their timetable is exaggerated, WWE is claiming that Dean Ambrose will be out of action for approximately nine months.
Michael Cole announced the news on Raw last night, with WWE.com then updating their post on Ambrose’s injury to include the timetable. Ambrose underwent surgery last Tuesday for a partially torn distal triceps tendon on his right arm. Dr. Jeffrey Dugas, who performed the surgery, told WWE’s website that Ambrose “basically tore about 50 percent of the triceps tendon away” from a forearm bone called the olecranon.
Ambrose had already begun physical therapy with light range-of-motion exercises as of last week.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed WWE’s timetable for Ambrose’s absence on Wrestling Observer Radio last night. Meltzer noted that WWE often exaggerates how long wrestlers will be out for, though he said he doesn’t know if that will be the case here and the recovery time for a torn triceps with surgery is usually 6-8 months. Meltzer said Ambrose was very much in WWE’s plans for WrestleMania and the fallout from the show.
The most recent example of WWE exaggerating an injury was with Braun Strowman’s elbow surgery in May. The article on their website claimed that Strowman had “shattered” his elbow and was expected to miss up to six months. In reality, Strowman had minor surgery that was supposed to keep him sidelined for 6-8 weeks.
With Ambrose not on the episode, Roman Reigns was seeking retribution on Samoa Joe (who had given Ambrose the injury in storyline) on Raw last night. Jason Jordan also teamed with Seth Rollins, with them winning the Tag Team titles from Cesaro & Sheamus.
