A mixed tag team match has been set for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on January 29.
Edge and wife Beth Phoenix will team together to take on The Miz and his wife, Maryse. The match was made following a segment on tonight’s Raw that had Miz confront Edge over the events of Day 1 this past Saturday.
Miz accused Edge of hiding behind his wife Phoenix, who made her WWE TV return at Day 1 as Maryse was on the apron distracting the referee. That allowed Edge to spear a distracted Miz for the win. Phoenix, on Raw, said that it was all her idea. Edge then suggested the tag match for the Royal Rumble. Miz didn’t seem too enthused about taking the match, but Phoenix eventually pressured him into accepting, which Maryse didn’t like.
Edge and Miz have been feuding following Edge’s arrival to Raw following the Royal Rumble. Since returning from Dancing with the Stars, Maryse has been at Miz’s side. After attempting to fool Edge by teasing a split, Miz and Maryse renewed their vows last week on Raw. However, Edge interrupted the proceedings, leading to a “Brood bath”, where some sort of colored liquid fell from the ceiling landed on the two.
Beth Phoenix made her WWE return tonight at Day 1, aiding husband Edge during his match with The Miz.
Miz throughout the match had plenty of help with wife Maryse at ringside. Towards the end of the match, Maryse hit Edge with a bag that allowed Miz to score a close pinfall following a skull crushing finale. As Maryse was arguing with the referee on the apron, Phoenix appeared on the entrance ramp and headed toward the ring, driving Maryse away. Miz and Phoenix exchanged words as Edge recovered. When Miz turned around, Edge hit the spear and pinned Miz to win the match.
Phoenix had been an NXT commentator from 2019 until last month, when she announced that she would be stepping away from announcer duties. Her last appearance was at NXT War Games.
Edge has been feuding with Miz since he was traded to Raw as part of the 2021 WWE Draft. When The Miz returned to WWE television, Maryse returned as well, with the current feud revolving around Miz & Maryse’s relationship.
Edge ruined The Miz & Maryse’s wedding vow renewal on Raw’s go-home show for Day 1.
The wedding vow renewal segment took place in the main event of last night’s show. It featured an appearance by the returning Eric Bischoff, who served as the officiant for the ceremony..
At the end of the ceremony, Bischoff asked if anyone had any objections. Bischoff said we all knew how this was going to turn out — and Edge’s music hit. Edge came out to the ring and claimed that he wasn’t there to ruin anything. Edge said he could talk about how obnoxious Miz and Maryse are, but he won’t do that. Edge said he wasn’t going to talk about what kind of man Miz was for using Maryse as a shield. Edge said he won’t do those things because he has a match against Miz at Day 1 and is going to kick his ass.
Miz said he knew Edge was going to try and ruin the ceremony — and he wanted Edge to have a front row seat to see what true love looks like. Edge told Miz and Maryse to get a room when they started to kiss.
Edge admitted that Miz and Maryse had embarrassed him over the last few weeks. Edge said he was going to embarrass Miz before Day 1. When Miz got paranoid after that, Edge claimed that he was just messing with Miz and playing mind games.
But Edge then asked Miz and Maryse if they wanted this to be a white wedding. The lights went out and The Brood’s theme music hit. Black liquid rained on Miz and Maryse as the show ended.
With COVID-related changes disrupting the card for Sunday night’s house show at Madison Square Garden, WWE brought Edge to New York City for a first-time match.
Edge defeated Kevin Owens in a steel cage match in the main event of the Madison Square Garden house show. WWE Champion Big E was originally supposed to defend his title against Owens and Seth Rollins in a triple threat steel cage match, but Big E and Rollins weren’t at the show. Rollins indicated on Twitter that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
On Instagram, Edge wrote about wrestling Owens for the first time. Edge noted that facing Owens was on his short list of things to do when he was told that he’d be able to wrestle again:
Funny thing happened on my way to Detroit. I ended up in Madison Square Garden in a cage match against Kevin Owens. When I first got word I could wrestle again, this match was on my short list of things to do before I retire(for the last time). Have a feelin we’ll see each other again.
An NXT Championship match with Tommaso Ciampa retaining against Pete Dunne was also added to the Madison Square Garden house show.
Edge will be in Detroit for tonight’s Raw, which is set to feature a segment where The Miz and Maryse will “renew their wedding vows.” Edge vs. Miz is set for this Saturday’s WWE Day 1 pay-per-view.
WWE returned to Madison Square Garden tonight for a house show featuring Raw talent.
The card had to be changed due to some wrestlers being unable to appear. The original main events had Big E defending the WWE Championship against Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat match and Becky Lynch defending the Raw Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair, both inside steel cages. Only Owens ended up appearing on tonight’s show.
The results are as follows.
It was announced prior to the show starting that some talent would be unable to appear due to COVID reasons. It wasn’t specified who.
Edge opened the show saying he got a call on Christmas Eve to make tonight’s show. Kevin Owens then came out, setting the stage for the main event.
Finn Balor defeated T-BAR with the coup de grace.
Alpha Academy defeated The Dirty Dawgs after Otis pinned Roode with a splash off the ropes.
Tommaso Ciampa defeated Pete Dunne to retain the NXT Championship
Natalya defeated Nikki A.S.H. Prior to the match, Natalya had said she would make history by defeating two superstars back-to-back in the fastest time possible.
Rhea Ripley defeated Natalya by submission.
Randy Orton and Riddle defeated The Mysterios and The Street Profits to retain the Raw Tag Team titles. Orton won the match after hitting an RKO on Mysterio.
Damian Priest defeated The Miz to retain the WWE United States title.
AJ Styles defeated Omos by DQ. Styles had attempted to use a chair on Omos as the referee was repairing a turnbuckle. Omos grabbed the chair, and Styles pretended that he had been hit, leading to the DQ in his favor.
Edge defeated Kevin Owens in a Steel Cage match. The finish had Miz entering the cage and attacking Edge. Damian Priest came out for the save. Edge then hit the spear on Owens for the win.
Date: December 20, 2021 Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI
The Big Takeaway —
Omos split from AJ Styles and the two are scheduled to wrestle next week. (Styles is also set to appear on NXT tomorrow.)
Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins laid out Big E and Bobby Lashley to end the show. Lashley was treated as the real threat and they focused most of their attention on him.
Riddle and The Street Profits were not on the show.
Show Recap —
Bobby Lashley & MVP promo
Lashley and MVP entered to start the show. MVP recapped what Lashley accomplished last week and said the fans couldn’t understand what it took to do that. He compared it to winning the Boston Marathon and getting a triple-double in an NBA game before knocking out Francis Ngannou in a fight.
Big E interrupted. He congratulated Lashley on getting his way into the title match. There was something bothering him, though. The Lashley he knew was a fighter with a lot of sisters (he paused when he heard a few people laughing) but this Lashley relied on Iceberg Slim (MVP) to win. Lashley said MVP acted on his own but he also wasn’t pretending to be a saint.
Lashley remembered MVP saying that if he couldn’t beat Big E, MVP would do it himself. Lashley thought that would be a great thing to see so he left the ring to let MVP go after Big E. MVP obviously wasn’t too interested in doing this but he held up his cane as Big E waited for him to make a move.
Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens suddenly attacked Lashley from behind before going after Big E. Lashley and Big E wound up fighting off Rollins and Owens who bailed. Big E and Lashley stood in the ring together as the segment ended.
********
Sarah Schrieber interviewed Bianca Belair. Schreiber claimed that people were calling her upcoming match against Doudrop “the final chapter.” Belair figured Doudrop was the only one calling it that. Belair issued a warning to Doudrop.
********
Owens and Rollins argued in the back. Owens said Lashley didn’t seem to be getting older and was like a super-jacked Benjamin Button. Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville showed up to make a tag match. Owens immediately knew where this was going but Rollins didn’t. They announced Owens and Rollins against Big E and Lashley later tonight.
********
Bianca Belair defeated Doudrop (11:23)
Doudrop was mostly in control until Belair gave her a spinebuster outside the ring which led to break three minutes into the match. After the break, Doudrop missed a Banzai Drop but hit a cannonball for two. Belair fought back with shoulder tackles, flying crossbody, and handspring moonsault for two. Doudrop responded with a sit-out powerbomb but didn’t make a cover.
Doudrop dragged Belair to the corner but missed a Vader Bomb and Belair nailed a KOD for the pinfall win.
This wasn’t a good match but this was all about the finish. The crowd popped big for the spot.
********
Kevin Patrick asked Austin Theory about Vince McMahon taking an interest in him. Theory figured McMahon sees promise in him and sees him as the future WWE Champion. After an excited Theory walked away, Patrick said, “you better hope you don’t lose.”
Finn Bálor defeated Austin Theory (9:07)
Bálor was aggressive early but Theory took over after wrenching him over the top rope. After a long chinlock, Bálor fought back with a low dropkick and clothesline. Theory blocked a kick and dropped Bálor on the apron before hitting a draping neckbreaker to the outside.
After a break, Bálor was back in a rest hold until he came back with a back elbow, forearm, and double foot stomp. Theory hit a rolling dropkick but Bálor dropped him with an enziguri.
Bálor went to the top but Theory hit a very cool-looking springboard Spanish Fly. Theory grabbed his phone so he could take a selfie while making the cover but the extra time allowed Bálor to kick out.
After a few counters, Bálor hit a shotgun dropkick and Coup de Grace for the pinfall win.
********
Miz spoke with Omos in the back but left after AJ Styles showed up. Styles told Omos he was ready to get back in the title picture. Omos feigned excitement.
[Second Hour]
Miz TV with AJ Styles & Omos
Miz started by saying he loved Maryse and implored her not to speak about their personal lives on the Cutting Edge tonight.
Miz introduced Styles and Omos by saying they were more combustible than Urban Meyer and his coaching staff.
Miz said Styles and Omos have been out of sync lately and Styles immediately quipped, “kind of like you and your wife, right?” Styles said he took Omos under his wing and he’s come a long way — he’s good enough to be tag team champions on his own. He admitted they had some problems but they were on the same page. Styles wanted them to take all of the titles in WWE.
Miz heard from Omos himself that he doesn’t agree with that. Styles said Miz was just deflecting like he always does and asked what kind of man puts his wife in harm’s way. Miz accused Styles of deflecting. Miz claimed Omos told him that he was tired of carrying Styles.
Miz said it took 15 years for Styles to get to WWE but WWE begged Omos to sign with them. Miz went on until Styles cut him off. Styles wanted to hear a response from Omos.
Before Omos could respond, Rey and Dominik Mysterio’s music went off and they entered for their match and Miz TV just ended.
********
Dominik & Rey Mysterio defeated AJ Styles & Omos (2:26)
Rey hit a 619 but Styles got his knees up on a frog splash. Styles wanted a tag but Omos turned his shoulder before Rey applied a schoolboy for the pinfall win.
After the match, Styles called Omos a piece of trash. Omos shoved Styles away so Styles attacked him. Styles tried a Phenomenal Forearm but Omos blocked it and hit a press slam. Omos told Styles that the next time he saw him it would be in a match.
It wasn’t really clear who the babyface was supposed to be here. They both still seem like heels.
(They randomly mentioned on commentary that Styles would be on NXT tomorrow, presumably to address Grayson Waller.)
********
In the back, Theory wanted to knock on Vince McMahon’s door but he decided against it.
Tag Team Champion Randy Orton defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (2:58)
Gable outwrestled Orton for a bit and even countered a draping DDT. However, after Gable tried one too many arm drags, Orton saw it coming and hit a great-looking RKO for the pinfall win.
Otis went after Orton after the match and Orton tried the RKO three different times but Otis blocked it each time.
********
MVP approached Lashley in the back. Lashley said he couldn’t trust Big E and would beat him up if he even looked at him wrong in their match. MVP asked if Lashley’s idea earlier was a trap. Lashley said he was thirsty and asked MVP to get him a drink. MVP went to get him one.
There was footage from earlier today of Dana Brooke and Reggie at some sort of indoor Christmas park. Truth dressed as Santa, Akira Tozawa dressed as an elf, and Tamina failed to capture the 24/7 title from Brooke.
********
Non-title match: Dolph Ziggler (w/Robert Roode) defeated US Champion Damian Priest via countout (8:59)
They were off a lot in this match. Ziggler kicked Priest in the knee at one point before just falling onto the bottle rope.
A few moments later, Ziggler hit a superplex which led to break two minutes into the match. Priest came back with strikes, a clothesline and a Broken Arrow for two. As the referee checked on Ziggler, Roode wiped out Priest which caused him to transform into a cartoon. Priest wildly attacked Roode and the ref called for the bell.
They announced that Ziggler won by countout and the commentators figured he just earned a title match. Priest chased off Ziggler before giving Roode a Reckoning outside the ring.
Nothing about this made me want to see a rematch.
********
Bálor told Patrick that he beat Theory’s ass and it was time for more important things. Theory attacked Bálor and dropped him on an equipment box before taking a selfie.
[Third Hour]
Theory approached Vince in his office. He apologized for losing but said he made up for it by attacking Bálor again. Vince responded but I didn’t understand much outside of him saying he enjoyed firing people right before the holidays.
Vince also gave Theory a rematch against Bálor next week. Vince erased something from his page and blew the eraser shavings in Theory’s face. Vince then chuckled like Santa Claus. (Yes, this was strange.)
********
The Cutting Edge with Maryse
Maryse made it clear she wasn’t here to be Edge’s friend. She said she did love Miz but wanted a thank you. She mentioned everything she does for him and their family, but she was tired and exhausted. Maryse said Edge could have hurt her last week and she wondered who would take care of her kids if something happened to her. The crowd was dead silent for this.
Maryse asked Edge if he would do this to Beth. Edge said he wasn’t buying this and the crowd wasn’t either. Edge wondered where Miz was because he figured this was their plan. Edge said he would never do this to Beth because he actually respected her. Edge called out Miz.
Miz’s music hit and he tried attacking from behind but Edge saw him coming. Edge fought Miz off but Maryse attacked Edge from behind. This allowed Miz to give Edge a Skull Crushing Finale (like he did last week). Miz and Maryse celebrated together.
This was lame. Edge was smart enough to see this coming but still got beat up.
********
Veer Mahaan is coming.
********
Rhea Ripley defeated Tag Team Champion Queen Zelina (2:10)
Zelina got some offense but Ripley won fairly quickly with the Rip-tide.
The story was that Ripley managed to win without Nikki ASH in her way. (Nikki and Carmella were barred from ringside.)
********
Big E told Sarah Schreiber what he planned on doing to Rollins and Owens tonight. Lashley interrupted. Lashley planned on taking the title at Day 1 and wondered if he can trust Big E tonight. Big E told him to leave MVP in the back. Lashley told him not to worry about MVP. “I’ll take care of him.”
********
Liv Morgan promo
Morgan entered with a kendo stick. She said “Rebecca” tried injuring her before accepting her challenge last week. She couldn’t let Lynch get the upper hand. Once Lynch said she would go home to train, she knew that Lynch was going to the gym that belonged to her and her try-hard husband in Iowa.
Morgan aired the footage you may have seen online where she attacked Lynch at the gym. Morgan said Lynch had an innocent woman disguised as her because that was the kind of person she was. Morgan called her disgusting for sacrificing one of her students. Morgan threatened to break Lynch’s face before getting her hand raised at Day 1.
Lynch interrupted. She informed Morgan that she may have broken that student’s arm. Lynch said it would take more to keep her down but at least Morgan taught her students a lesson that anyone can get lucky once. Lynch warned her it gets hot under the lights and Morgan can’t handle the heat.
Morgan told Lynch that she wasn’t going to scare her out of this match and she planned on starting the new year as champion. Morgan dared her to get in the ring but Lynch said she wasn’t an idiot — she wasn’t getting in the ring as long as Morgan had the kendo stick.
Morgan chucked the stick at Lynch for her to use. Lynch told Morgan not to mock her and she was lucky that she had a private jet to catch. Lynch left.
********
Next week on Raw:
AJ Styles vs. Omos
Randy Orton vs. Otis
Finn Bálor vs. Austin Theory
Damian Priest vs. Dolph Ziggler — US Title
********
WWE Champion Big E & Bobby Lashley defeated Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens (14:02)
They went to break 45 seconds into the match after Lashley tackled Rollins outside the ring. Lashley was still after Rollins when they returned four minutes later. Rollins tried fighting back but Lashley hit a delayed vertical suplex, which got applause from the crowd.
Rollins dodged a charge and tagged in Owens who hit a senton outside the ring and another one in the ring for a one count. Owens and Rollins gave Lashley a double vertical suplex but Lashley tagged in Big E moments later.
Big E suplexed Owens and hit an STO for two. A Rollins distraction allowed Owens to hit a superkick. Rollins followed with a frog splash for two. Rollins gave Lashley a suicide dive as Owens gave Big E a senton off the top for two.
After a break, Owens missed a moonsault and Big E tagged in Lashley who gave Rollins a neckbreaker, overhead suplex, running clothesline and running powerslam but Owens broke up the cover.
Rollins leaped over a spear attempt and Lashley speared Big E by accident. Lashley followed immediately with a spear on Owens for the pinfall win.
Rollins had tried to break up the cover with a stomp but he was too late. Regardless, Rollins and Owens continued to attack Lashley after the match as they piped in fake booing. They hit Lashley with the steel steps before Owens laid out Big E.
Owens held Lashley’s head down on top of the steel step and Rollins stomped him into the steel.
Monday’s Raw will feature the return of Edge’s Cutting Edge talk show.
WWE has announced that a Cutting Edge talk show with Maryse appearing as Edge’s guest will take place on Raw this Monday. Edge is set to face Maryse’s husband The Miz at WWE’s Day 1 pay-per-view on Saturday, January 1.
During a Miz TV segment on Raw earlier this week, The Miz pulled Maryse in front of him when Edge was going for a spear. Edge held up to avoid hitting Maryse, and Miz laid him out with the Skull Crushing Finale.
Maryse slapped Miz and walked out of the ring after not being happy that Miz put her in harm’s way.
Monday’s Raw is being held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Also set for the show is a segment where Bobby Lashley and MVP will demand respect following Lashley’s wins against Big E, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens this past Monday. Lashley was added to the WWE Championship match at Day 1 by defeating Big E, Rollins, and Owens in one night.
Big E will defend his WWE championship against Rollins, Owens, and Lashley in a fatal four-way match at Day 1.
Edge vs. The Miz has been made official for the WWE Day 1 pay-per-view on January 1.
The match was announced during a Miz TV segment on tonight’s episode of WWE Raw. Miz said that Edge had been busy trying to protect his spot rather than help Miz when he was kicked out of the locker room years ago.
Edge responded by saying that in that very arena he had given Miz words of encouragement, but Miz was too busy acting like a bigger star than he was to listen to him. Edge then said that if Miz was challenging him, he was officially accepting the Day 1 match.
Four matches are now set for the Day 1 pay-per-view.
Also on the Raw brand, Big E will defend the WWE Championship at Day 1 in a triple threat match against Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins. Big E defeated Owens in a cage match on tonight’s Raw, then was attacked by Rollins after the contest.
On the SmackDown side, Brock Lesnar will challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at Day 1, plus The Usos will defend the SmackDown Tag Team titles against Kofi Kingston and King Woods of The New Day.
A steel cage match will be taking place on Monday’s episode of Raw.
During SmackDown tonight, it was announced that Big E and Kevin Owens will face off in a steel cage match on Monday’s Raw. Big E’s WWE Championship won’t be on the line.
Big E is set to defend the WWE Championship against Seth Rollins and Owens in a triple threat match at WWE’s Day 1 pay-per-view on New Year’s Day.
Owens was added to the WWE Championship match at Day 1 when he defeated Big E by disqualification on Raw earlier this week. Owens provoked Rollins into attacking him and causing the disqualification.
WWE has also announced that Monday’s Raw will feature a Miz TV segment with Edge appearing as the guest. Edge, Miz, and Maryse all returned to WWE television on Raw earlier this week. Their returns kicked off a feud between Edge and Miz.
Monday’s Raw is being held at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Here’s the updated lineup for the show:
Non-title steel cage match: Big E vs. Kevin Owens
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Liv Morgan
Both The Miz and Maryse returned to WWE television tonight, confronting Edge.
Edge was in the ring talking about being back on Raw when The Miz, with Maryse, made their return. The two exchanged words with Edge eventually challenging The Miz to fight. Miz acted like he was about to engage, but instead said no and exited the ring.
The Miz returned talking about how he was on Dancing with the Stars. Edge mocked Miz for dressing like a genie and placing 9th on the show, and also started a ‘Miz sucks’ chant. Miz told Edge that he has surpassed him and should have stayed at home for good.
Edge admitted he didn’t have much time left but did credit Miz going from Tough Enough to headlining WrestleMania, and also brought up the reference from AEW Dynamite last week in a promo between MJF and CM Punk, saying that other people from other places use him for cheap heat. Edge said hat he worked hard to get back here, while Miz used his career for his next endeavor while his tag team partner (John Morrison) got fired. That eventually led to Edge challenging Miz, with the Miz bailing.
Miz had been off television since August to participate on Dancing with the Stars, placing ninth on the show. Maryse has made sporadic appearances on WWE television since 2018.
Date: November 29, 2021 Location: UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The Big Takeaway —
Raw’s main event ended in a DQ and Edge returned to begin a feud with The Miz.
Liv Morgan faces Becky Lynch for the title next week.
Show Recap —
Seth Rollins entered to start the show as the announcers ran down tonight’s card.
Rollins said people might expect him to be in a bad mood after what happened last week but he was in a great mood because he had some breaking news: he would be facing Big E for the WWE title at Day 1 in Atlanta. It would be day one of the new year and day one of a new era.
Finn Bálor interrupted. He did his usual entrance before charging to the ring to attack Rollins. Bálor clotheslined Rollins (and himself) over the barricade into the timekeeper’s area and tossed him around ringside. Rollins fought back briefly but Bálor gave him a slingblade on the outside before hitting him with the steel steps.
Rollins, who just got hit with the steel steps, told the referee to go ahead and start the match.
Seth Rollins defeated Finn Bálor (8:41)
Bálor hit a flip dive and they went to break a few seconds into the match, and less than 10 minutes into the show.
Bálor was in control until Rollins stopped him from attempting the Coup de Grace and hit a superplex into a falcon arrow for two. Rollins tried a frog splash but Bálor got his knees up and used a cradle for two. Bálor followed with a foot stomp for two and Rollins responded with a slingblade and superkick for two.
Bálor avoided a stomp and followed with another slingblade and a shotgun dropkick. Rollins avoided a Coup de Grace again and they traded strikes. Bálor set up for a reverse DDT but Rollins poked him in the eye, which the ref didn’t see.
Rollins followed with a back elbow and curb stomp for the pinfall win.
Good match for the time they had. Unfortunately, like last week, I don’t think this did Bálor any favours. He beat up Rollins before the match and still lost. Rollins did cheat but it wasn’t much. (Also, the slow-motion replay showed that Rollins didn’t actually get him in the eye.)
********
Austin Theory approached Vince McMahon in his office backstage. They shook hands and Theory asked how he was doing. Vince hated that question because he knew that nobody actually wanted to hear the answer.
Vince invited Theory to stay in his office tonight so they can watch the show together. Theory was nervous initially but seemed excited to hear that. His excitement didn’t last long when Vince said, “If you steal from me again, I’ll kill you.”
********
Raw Women’s Championship contract signing
Becky Lynch took credit for Liv Morgan getting her first contract signing and for firing her up last week. Lynch warned her that one punch wasn’t going to be enough to beat her. Lynch wondered what Morgan would do when she finally gets the shot. Lynch already signed the contract and invited Morgan to do the same.
Sonya Deville announced that the match would happen next week. They piped in fake cheering for that announcement, which was silly because Lynch made fun of the Long Island crowd for being upset that they don’t get the match this week. She also made a dig at the New York Islanders for not having a win yet in their new arena.
Morgan told her to shut up. Morgan played a clip of an emotional Lynch interview following Survivor Series where she spoke about her win and how great it felt being able to share these moments with someone she cared about (Rollins) and mentioned that they almost died in a car crash.
Morgan mocked her for crying after all the times that Lynch mocked her for the same. Morgan said Lynch must hate what she’s become. Morgan threatened to attack her right now but Deville got in her way.
Lynch told her that the interview showed her emotion following a big win, something Morgan would know nothing about. Lynch requested a 10-woman tag match earlier tonight and Deville showed the teams they came up with. Morgan accepted the challenge.
Lynch was the heel here, obviously, but they unintentionally made her way more sympathetic than Morgan, who was being kind of a jerk.
********
Riddle approached Randy Orton, surprised that Orton wasn’t dressed like him. Riddle said they Freaky Friday’d last week and thought it would be awesome if they remade that movie with them. Riddle was ready to let him ride his scooter. Orton said Riddle was even more braindead than he thought if he expected him to ride a scooter barefoot to the ring.
Orton appreciated what Riddle was doing but they needed to be ruthless and stay ten steps ahead of everyone. Riddle asked Orton to close his eyes and he obliged. Riddle put a wig on his head. Orton saw himself in the mirror and told Riddle to remove the wig immediately. He did.
These two continue to be very good together.
Randy Orton & Riddle defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships (10:27)
Roode and Ziggler took control before a break by attacking RK-Bro on the outside. Orton hit a back suplex and made the hot tag to Riddle who hit strikes and suplexes and sentons on both men. Riddle also gave Roode a draping DDT which Orton enjoyed.
Riddle tagged Orton and they both set up for RKOs but they both got countered. Ziggler gave Orton a Zig-Zag for a nearfall. Orton dodged a superkick and gave Ziggler an RKO for the pinfall win.
This match was fine. The crowd popped for the win.
********
Kevin Owens approached Rollins in the back. Owens informed him that if he beat Big E tonight, he would be added to their title match at Day 1 (per Adam Pearce). Rollins laughed because he didn’t believe him. Owens told him to go ask Pearce.
********
Edge entered for the top-of-the-hour segment.
[Second Hour]
Rollins approached Pearce and told him what Owens just said. Pearce said Owens was, in fact, lying. Rollins was relieved. After Rollins left, Deville admitted that Owens’ idea was a good one.
Edge promo/return of Miz and Maryse
Edge said he was glad to be back. The last time we saw him he beat Rollins inside Hell in a Cell and now Rollins was the number one contender. He admitted that Rollins deserved it because he was operating on a whole other level right now. Edge was ready to fight someone new and there was a long list of candidates: AJ Styles, Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, Damian Priest and Big E.
The Miz and Maryse interrupted. They showed clips of Miz on Dancing With The Stars. Miz was annoyed that Edge received the big return announcement and press release. Miz wondered if that’s all Edge’s career was now — returning for the big moment after injuries and retirements.
Miz was happy to announce that Maryse was back. However, Miz was annoyed that Edge didn’t mention his name on his list of potential opponents. Edge mocked him for dressing as a genie on DWTS and, after Maryse talked about how great he was, Edge also mocked him for not coming close to winning. Miz yelled at the fans for not voting for him.
Edge knew that Miz was targeting him because it put him in the main event picture. He prompted the crowd to chant “Miz sucks.” Miz said he didn’t need Edge’s help to be in the main event. He was WWE Champion eight months ago while Edge hasn’t been champion in a long time. Miz said he surpassed Edge and suggested that Edge should have stayed home.
Edge admitted that he can’t fight for much longer but there was a reason that everyone in the back wanted to be across the ring from him. Edge said Miz spends too much time complaining. He credited Miz for getting very far coming from Tough Enough and did, in fact, beat John Cena at WrestleMania.
He said Miz was even used to get cheap heat on the other show (AEW). (That got a slight buzz from the crowd.) Edge spoke about how hard he worked just to get back here while Miz was just using this as a launching point for his next endeavour while his tag partner got fired.
Miz was getting upset so he took off his shades and Edge challenged him to a fight. Miz acted like he might fight but he left.
********
Sarah Schreiber asked AJ Styles and Omos about the Street Profits using a fire extinguisher last week. Styles wore shades because he claimed he couldn’t see after getting sprayed in the face. He warned the Street Profits that they were going to get burned. (Styles acted like he couldn’t see throughout the interview and Omos had to stop him from bumping into stuff.)
The Street Profits defeated Alpha Academy (3:15)
Styles joined commentary for the match. He tried to interfere but Montez Ford easily knocked him aside. Ford gave Chad Gable a frog splash and the Street Profits came up with a quick win.
Styles remained on the ground after the match and looked up at Omos, wondering what just happened. Styles came across like a comedy loser between this and the earlier segment.
********
Rollins approached Owens. Rollins acted like a child and said, “liar, liar, pants on fire.” Owens said he wasn’t lying. If he beats Big E tonight, he’s added to their match. Rollins laughed as Owens walked away.
(There’s a new bumper ad for SmackDown in Canada that includes Hit Row.)
********
Damian Priest defeated Apollo Crews (w/Commander Azeez) to retain the United States Championship (8:27)
They went to break a minute into the match after Commander Azeez distracted Priest and Crews wiped him out with a flying knee strike. Azeez got involved again after the break so the ref kicked him out. Priest’s face changed like a cartoon and he fired up before hitting a chokeslam and Reckoning for the pinfall win.
This was not a good match and they cut away from this quickly.
********
Rollins approached Pearce and Deville seeking clarification. Pearce said Deville liked Owens’ idea so they made it official. If Owens wins tonight, he’s added to the title match. Rollins was pissed.
********
Dominik & Rey Mysterio defeated Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin (3:02)
The Mysterios hit a double 619 and Dominik pinned Alexander after a frog splash.
Rey and Dominik needed a win so this served its purpose. Alexander and Benjamin used the Hurt Business music but their association with the group seems to end there.
[Third Hour]
There was a long Smackdown recap.
10-woman tag match: Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Nikki ASH, & 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke defeated Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, Tag Team Champions Carmella & Queen Zelina, Tamina & Doudrop (19:36)
A few minutes in, Belair got Tamina up for the KOD but Tamina’s teammates pulled her out of the ring and all ten women just stood around as they waited for the commercial break to start. Doudrop was randomly in control over Nikki following the break.
Nikki dodged a leg drop by Lynch and quickly scampered to her corner but she got there too quickly and had to stop abruptly because it wasn’t time to make a tag yet. Carmella cut her off but Nikki made a tag to Ripley.
Ripley hit Carmella in the face before knocking a few opponents off the apron. This led to everyone trading moves (the highlight being Belair giving Tamina a Glam Slam). Carmella escaped a Rip-tide and hit a superkick for two.
After a second break, Brooke made a tag to Morgan who hit Tamina with strikes and a Codebreaker but Lynch broke up the cover. Nikki wiped out Lynch with a crossbody to the outside before Doudrop knocked down Nikki with a clothesline.
Zelina and Carmella shoved Brooke off the top to the outside into a group of bodies, which didn’t look fun for anyone considering how fast Brooke came down.
Tamina gave Morgan a superkick for a nearfall and Morgan followed with an Oblivion for the pinfall win.
Lynch immediately attacked Morgan after the match. A few others brawled, and once the ring was clear, Morgan laid out Lynch with an Oblivion.
This match was rough and the crowd didn’t seem to care. There was also no explanation for why nobody attacked Brooke for her 24/7 title before or after the match.
********
There was another segment with Vince and Austin. Vince explained to him the element of surprise. I think.
Veer Mahaan is coming.
There was a big video package for Bobby Lashley.
*******
Kevin Patrick asked Big E if the Owens’ stipulation added any pressure. Big E said “no” and walked off. He came back because he knew Patrick wanted more. Big E said he feared no man and he feared no Kevins (he gave Kevin Patrick a look). Big E planned on finally ridding himself of that “duplicitous scourge” Kevin Owens and would face Rollins one-on-one for the title.
Big E was good here.
********
Theory told Vince he had a great time tonight. Vince asked what he learned. Theory said to expect the unexpected. Vince seemed happy and was going to show him out but slapped him in the face instead. Vince said Theory had a lot to learn.
*******
Rollins joined commentary for the main event.
Kevin Owens defeated WWE Champion Big E in a non-title match via DQ (16:26)
Owens fell to the outside and Rollins was being annoying so Owens slapped him, which was funny. Big E gave Owens a splash on the apron but Owens followed by giving him a DDT on the steel steps.
After a break, Owens hit a superplex for two. Big E came back with three belly-to-belly suplexes but Owens got his knees up on a splash. Owens tried a senton but Big E got his knees up too and followed with a splash for two.
Big E tried a spear through the ropes but Owens got his knee up and followed with a cannonball for two. They traded right hands until Owens hit a superkick for two. Big E responded with an STO for two. Owens came back with a pop-up powerbomb for a nearfall.
Owens started making his way to the top but decided to attack Rollins. He attempted a stunner on Big E but it was blocked. Owens hit a superkick but Big E came right back with a clothesline.
Rollins took the bait and attacked Owens for the DQ. The crowd lightly groaned as Rollins gave Big E a curb stomp.
They announced that Owens was the winner by DQ which meant he’s being added to the title match. Owens laughed as Rollins freaked out.
Two main event-level matches and a return have been announced for Monday’s episode of Raw.
During a commercial that aired on SmackDown tonight, it was announced that WWE Champion Big E will face Kevin Owens in a non-title match on Monday’s Raw. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor is also set for the show, along with the return of Edge.
Big E and Owens have been feuding since Big E defeated Owens on Raw three weeks ago. Rollins, who is the number one contender to Big E’s WWE Championship, wanted Owens to take out Big E in that match. Big E didn’t believe Owens when he said that he didn’t know Rollins interfered.
On Raw earlier this week, Big E retained his WWE Championship against Austin Theory after Theory was distracted by Owens and Rollins arguing on the outside. Big E threw Rollins over the announce table after the match and then went after Owens, but Owens got away. Rollins attempted to attack Big E, but Big E gave him the Big Ending.
Rollins laid out Balor in an angle on Raw earlier this week. There was then an incident where Rollins was attacked by a fan as he was heading up the ramp.
Edge’s appearance on Monday’s Raw will be the first time he’s been on WWE programming since defeating Rollins in their Hell in a Cell match at Crown Jewel. It will also be the first time Edge has been on Raw since being drafted to the brand last month.
The UBS Arena in Long Island, New York is hosting Monday’s Raw. It will be WWE’s debut at the venue, which just opened this month.
Edge closed this week’s SmackDown by challenging Seth Rollins to a Hell in a Cell match for Crown Jewel.
At the end of tonight’s show, Rollins entered the ring and demanded Edge come out and accept his challenge, bringing up his family and children. Edge emerged from a car backstage and stormed to the ring, taking out Rollins with a spear. He grabbed a piece of chair and went to apply a crossface, but Rollins escaped before he could. Edge then challenged Seth to the Hell in a Cell match.
After the show ended, WWE confirmed that the match would take place at Crown Jewel on October 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Although Rollins defeated Edge at WWE’s SmackDown show at Madison Square Garden last month, he has continued to challenge Edge, refuting the label of being “Edge-lite”. On last week’s episode of SmackDown, Rollins entered Edge’s home in North Carolina while his wife Beth Phoenix and their children were out of the house, going through their items and eating their food.
This would be the third match in the Edge vs. Rollins feud. Edge won the first match at SummerSlam in August. Rollins won the second match the following month at Madison Square Garden, with Edge being stretchered out after Rollins pinned him following the curb stomp.
After being threatened by Seth Rollins, Edge will make his return to SmackDown next week.
Edge posted a tweet tonight announcing that he’ll be appearing on next Friday’s SmackDown. It will be the first time Edge has appeared since the angle where he was stretchered out after losing to Rollins two weeks ago.
Rollins cut a promo on last week’s SmackDown saying that he actually felt sorry for Edge after he got stretchered out. Rollins said he can’t live with himself feeling sorry for someone like Edge. Rollins said he needs to move on, but that can’t happen until he finishes Edge for good. Rollins told Edge to come crawling back to the ring or he’d go find him.
On tonight’s SmackDown, Rollins said he doesn’t want to wait for Edge anymore. Rollins said Edge will show up to SmackDown next week and tell the entire world that Rollins is superior to him in every way and is the man responsible for ending Edge’s career. Rollins said that if Edge doesn’t do that, he’ll find Edge where he sleeps and beat those words out of Edge in front of his wife and children.
Edge responded to Rollins by tweeting: “I’ll see you at #SmackDown next week”
Edge and Rollins have a 1-1 record against each other in singles matches. Edge defeated Rollins at SummerSlam, but Rollins won when they faced off on SmackDown at Madison Square Garden earlier this month. Edge was stretchered out after Rollins hit a stomp to get the win. Leading into the finish, Rollins gave Edge a low blow and hit several superkicks to the face.
Next week’s SmackDown is taking place at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore. It will be the first night of this year’s WWE Draft. The draft will then conclude on the following Monday’s episode of Raw.
Brock Lesnar will be in the building when SmackDown comes to Madison Square Garden next week.
WWE has announced that Lesnar will appear on next Friday’s SmackDown episode at MSG. It will be Lesnar’s first appearance on WWE programming since returning at SummerSlam last month and confronting Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
Lesnar made his return after Reigns retained the Universal Championship against John Cena in the main event of SummerSlam. Lesnar and Reigns went face-to-face before Reigns backed off and left the ring.
There was a segment on tonight’s SmackDown where Paul Heyman, who was Lesnar’s advocate before managing Reigns, received a phone call from Lesnar. Heyman later told Reigns that Lesnar will be at SmackDown next Friday.
Prior to SummerSlam, WrestleMania 36 was the last time that Lesnar had appeared in WWE.
It’s also been announced that next Friday’s SmackDown will feature Edge and Seth Rollins facing off in a SummerSlam rematch. Edge defeated Rollins in their first meeting.
Here’s the full list of what’s been announced for next Friday’s show:
Brock Lesnar appears
Edge vs. Seth Rollins
A contract signing for Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship match at Extreme Rules
