Elijah said in a recent interview that he’s hoping to be cleared to return soon.
The former Elias tore his left triceps attempting The Undertaker’s rope-walk spot during a six-man tag on the June 17 edition of NXT. The following week the promotion confirmed he had undergone surgery as a result.
In a recent interview with WrestleZone, Elijah shared an update on his recovery:
“I was on NXT TV a little over three months ago, wrestling against Trick Williams. I jumped off of the top rope, I landed in a bad way and I tore my tricep right off the bone. So I’ve got myself a nice little scar here now and a screw in my arm. Which, it is what it is in wrestling, but yeah, the rehab is coming along well.”
Elijah did get involved in the closing moments of TNA Bound For Glory on October 12, giving Nic Nemeth a guitar shot when he appeared as though he was going to cash in his Call Your Shot Gauntlet contract on Mike Santana. Elijah says he was cleared enough to hit someone with a guitar, but is hoping to return in time for upcoming TNA TV tapings and the Turning Point pay-per-view at Full Sail University from November 13–15. If he’s not cleared by then, he’s hoping to be back for TNA’s tapings in El Paso, Texas, from December 5–7.
“I’m feeling pretty good right now. But ultimately, it’s a surgeon and doctor call for me,” he continued. “I am supposed to see them relatively soon. I’ve told them I want to be good to go by Orlando in, what do we got here, about three weeks? But again, it’s not ultimately my call.”
“If that was the case, if they gave me the go-ahead, I’m by in the mix and I’m good to go. And if not by Orlando, I’d love to do it by El Paso. And I think I’m at least healthy enough to play a song or smash somebody with a guitar if I have to.”
Former WWE wrestler Elias is officially the newest addition to the TNA Wrestling roster.
After making his surprise debut last week, TNA announced today that the former Elias has signed a contract with the promotion. He is now using Elijah as his in-ring name. Details regarding the length of his TNA contract were not included in the announcement.
Elijah debuted on last week’s live episode of Impact, helping TNA World Champion Joe Hendry even the odds when he was about to be attacked by Primo & Epico Colon. Elijah & Hendry then defeated The Colons in a tag match later in the night.
Elijah and Hendry will be teaming up again in a 10-man tag match at TNA’s Sacrifice special in El Paso, Texas on Friday, March 14. It will be Hendry, Elijah, Matt Hardy, and two partners to be announced vs. The Colons, Eddie Edwards, Brian Myers & JDC (Johnny Dango Curtis).
TNA is Elijah’s new pro wrestling home after being released by WWE in September 2023. Playing a drifter and rockstar, he was a heavily featured character during his WWE career.
The wrestler formerly known as Elias in WWE has made his TNA debut and reportedly signed with the company.
Elias, now known as Elijah, made his surprise debut on Thursday’s live TNA Impact, saving World Champion Joe Hendry from an attack at the hands of the former Primo and Epico Colon, also making their debuts in TNA.
Fightful reports that Elijah has signed with TNA.
Both known for their wrestling concerts, Hendry and Elijah then teamed against The Colons in the Impact main event, scoring the victory.
Elijah was released by WWE in September 2023 after a nine-year run with the company both on the NXT brand and on the main roster. He has wrestled regularly on the independent scene since reaching free agency in January 2024 and adopting the moniker.
Prior to his Impact appearance, Elijah had posted a video to social media hinting at an alliance with the AEW/ROH tag team The Righteous leading some to speculate that he was AEW/ROH-bound.
Our full report from Thursday’s live TNA Impact from Matt Boone is available here.
Elijah, formerly WWE’s Elias, has aligned with AEW/ROH tag team, The Righteous.
On Monday, Elijah posted a video to social media featuring him alongside Vincent and Dutch. In the video, the trio is seen wearing all white and walking through a field as Elijah plays guitar. It concludes with the narrator asking, “Who wants to run with The Righteous Ones?”
The video’s narrator says:
“And so he became the Righteous One. A new journey begins, a search, a calling, a destiny. He would encounter a gang of righteous men, and they were of one mind and of one spirit. And they walked amongst the dead, spreading their message of truth in a world full of wicked lies. And to those who responded to the call, the chance to be made righteous. The grave is the door to your rebirth through the flames of perdition to be reborn a righteous man. Do you see what I’m saying, man? And so I ask, who wants to run with the Righteous Ones?”
All three members of this new group, Elijah, Vincent, & Dutch, were on the Jericho Cruise this weekend. Before that, The Righteous are coming off having lost a double bullrope match to Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes at ROH Final Battle. They haven’t wrestled on AEW programming since being in the tag team Casino Gauntlet match in September.
Following his WWE release in 2023, Elijah has wrestled for promotions such as REVOLVER, IWC, The Crash in Mexico, and a tour with World Series Wrestling in Australia.
Now wrestling under the name Elijah, he participated in his first match on Saturday since being released by WWE in September. Elijah was defeated by “Speedball” Mike Bailey at Wrestling Revolver Whatashow.
Highlights of his performance were posted to X by Dark Puroresu Flowsion:
The 36-year-old was released from WWE in September and is now officially a free agent. He posted a video to social media today announcing his post-WWE ring name.
The video features Elias walking through a valley and arriving at what appears to be his own grave.
The video’s narrator says:
A man adorned with the trappings of fame, fortune, and glory found himself descending into the shadow valley. The resonance of his former triumphs echoed like a grand spectacle that once defined his journey. Yet, in the quiet humility of the valley’s embrace, he discovered a path less traveled. A modern day prodigal earnestly seeking a redemption from his mortal divide that transcended the fleeting acolades of earthly acclaim. The holy scriptures say that it is appointed once for man to die and then the judgment but this man needed to enter into death in order to be made righteous, renewed, and regenerated. The holy scriptures say that all of their lifetime through the fear of death men are subjected to bondage and need delivered.
But death could not hold him. Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory? He himself shall be saved as though through fire.
Elias then emerges from a fiery grave as the name “Elijah” flashes on the screen.
Before signing with WWE in 2014, Elijah wrestled for the International Wrestling Cartel out of Pennsylvania. Shortly after he released his video today, IWC Wrestling announced Elijah will be on their February 24 show.
Elias was one of several wrestlers released from WWE in September. Other talents cut from the company at the same time as him include Emma, Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Mace & Mansoor, Dana Brooke, Dolph Ziggler, Dabba Kato, Shanky, Quincy Ellito, and Yulisa Leon,
Date: December 5, 2022 Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
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Show Recap —
The Bloodline entered to start the show.
They showed footage from earlier today of Bloodline arriving at the arena. Byron Saxton tried interviewing them but Matt Riddle blew past them on his scooter. The Bloodline didn’t appreciate that and said they’d take out Riddle tonight.
Elias happened to be nearby and asked what the commotion was about. Sikoa attacked him from behind and Bloodline laid him out. Zayn chucked upon realizing Elias was hurt.
Back in the ring, the Usos announced that the tag title match was cancelled — but they were still happy to defend their titles any time.
Riddle interrupted. He said it wasn’t very “Ucey” to run from a fight. Zayn told him, “hold up my dog” and the crowd was amused. Zayn called himself an Uce-ologist and he would decide what was Ucey and what wasn’t. Zayn said Sikoa and the Usos were both Ucey and the crowd said it along with him. Zayn suggested Riddle go home.
Riddle said he found himself another partner and there will be a title match tonight.
Kevin Owens entered.
The Usos (w/Solo Sikoa & Sami Zayn) defeated Matt Riddle & Kevin Owens to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (14:06)
Owens was in control through an early commercial break but the Usos used a referee distraction to take control over Riddle through a second commercial break (eight minutes into the match).
Owens made a hot tag immediately after the break and hit Jimmy Uso with a Swanton Bomb for two. Jimmy blocked both a stunner and pop-up powerbomb and hit a superkick. Jey and Riddle tagged in and exchanged strikes until Riddle sent Jey out of the ring. Owens was about to go after him but Sikoa stood in his way so Riddle wiped out Sikoa with a dive.
Jimmy made a blind tag while Riddle was distracted by Zayn and the Usos gave him a 1-D for the pinfall win. Usos retain.
— The Usos put the boots to Riddle after the match. Owens attacked the Usos with a chair before chasing them and Zayn to the back.
Riddle was alone in the ring so Sikoa attacked him, hitting him with the Samoan spike and running hip attack. Sikoa put Riddle’s head and neck through a steel chair and hit another running hip attack.
Medical staff put Riddle on a stretcher as Sikoa calmly walked away like nothing happened.
(Either the crowd was pissed or they piped in a ton of fake booing.)
The announcers said that Drew McIntyre was medically disqualified from wrestling on Friday’s Smackdown so the Usos will defend instead against Sheamus and Butch.
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There will be two triple threat matches tonight and the winners of those matches will face next week to determine Bianca Belair’s next challenger.
Rhea Ripley cut a promo saying she would win her matches and beat Belair, then the whole locker room would be calling her “Mami.”
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JBL hosted his invitational poker tournament backstage. There were two tables and those participating (or just watching) were: Baron Corbin, Chad Gable, Otis, Dominik Mysterio, Mia Yim, Shelton Benjamin, Akira Tozawa, Dana Brooke, Tamina, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and AJ Styles.
Dexter Lumis and Johnny Gargano showed up and Lumis plopped his bag of money on the table. JBL didn’t know what was in the bag and said Lumis and Gargano weren’t invited. Lumis dumped all the money from the bag on the table and JBL happily invited him to play.
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Bayley entered but before she could say or do anything, Becky Lynch interrupted and entered through the crowd.
Lynch mentioned that it’s been three years since they’ve had a singles match together and also gave Bayley credit for carrying the company through the Thunderdome era. Bayley told the crowd to cheer that but they didn’t.
Bayley told her to stop reminiscing. She was annoyed that the spotlight was always on Lynch when she was around and complained because the fans don’t respect her. The crowd chanted for Becky.
Lynch said two-thirds of Damage CTRL was successful because they had two champions and one loser. Lynch said if Bayley won her match tonight, maybe she’d finally be able to go one-on-one with The Man.
As Lynch left, Ripley entered for the match and they had a staredown in the aisle.
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Triple Threat Match: Bayley defeated Rhea Ripley and Asuka (15:17)
Ripley wiped out Bayley and Asuka with a dive off the apron ahead of a break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Ripley and Bayley worked together on Asuka but Asuka chucked Bayley from the ring before hitting Ripley with strikes and a Codebreaker for two. Asuka hit both women with Yes Kicks but Bayley caught her in a cradle for two. Ripley headbutted Bayley before Asuka gave Bayley a German suplex.
Asuka knocked down Ripley with a kick but Bayley yanked Asuka out of the ring before she could follow up. Bayley wanted to work with Ripley again but Ripley didn’t trust her so they exchanged strikes until Asuka knocked them both down with a nice-looking double Codebreaker. Asuka tried to pin each woman but they both kicked out.
Asuka hit Bayley with a missile dropkick and applied the Asuka Lock but Ripley broke it up. Asuka put Ripley in an armbar but Bayley nailed Asuka with a diving elbow drop for two. Bayley gave Asuka Bayley-to-belly but Ripley broke up the cover.
Ripley repeatedly headbutted Bayley and hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Ripley went after Bayley outside the ring but Bayley dodged and Ripley splatted hard on the mat.
Asuka and Bayley had a back-and-forth exchange that led to Bayley hitting Rose Plant for the pinfall win. (Asuka got the most offence in the match but took the pin.)
— Ripley attacked Asuka after the match and laid her out with Riptide.
There was a messy exchange early on but this was pretty good for the most part. The crowd was fairly quiet for it.
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Bobby Lashley will face Seth Rollins next week in a US title number one contender’s match.
Seth Rollins / Bobby Lashley segment
Rollins entered. He cut a short promo and twice led the crowd in signing his song before Lashey entered. The crowd chanted for Bobby.
Lashley wanted to hear what Rollins had to say but told him to choose his words wisely. Rollins thought Lashley hasn’t been the same since losing to Brock Lesnar. Rollins knew what that was like but wondered why Lashley was so obsessed with Lesnar.
Rollins thought maybe Lashley was scared of Lesnar but figured he was actually jealous of Lesnar. Rollins said Lesnar had the career that Lashley wanted. Lashley grabbed him by the collar and basically warned him to watch it. Rollins didn’t listen and said Lashley can’t beat Lesnar.
Lashley attacked Rollins and they got into a brawl. Officials ran down to break it up but they kept breaking apart.
Eventually, Lashley went for a spear but Rollins dodged it and Lashley speared producer Petey Williams by mistake. (The announcers mentioned Williams by name. They also said Lashley would likely get fined.)
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Austin Theory did an interview with Saxton before Mustafa Ali appeared to mock him. Theory basically called Ali a loser and told him to just quit. Ali said he wasn’t a quitter like Theory and said he had to fight for every opportunity. Theory had enough of him and challenged him to a match to end this once and for all.
They aired a trailer for the upcoming Ric Flair documentary.
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At the poker tournament, Gallows called Gable a nerd for folding. They yelled “nerd” and “shoosh” at each other until Corbin told them to stop because he was trying to win but couldn’t get a read on Lumis.
Corbin called with a straight but Lumis won the hand with a full house (aces and jacks). Corbin accused Lumis of cheating and threatened him so Lumis put an axe on the table. Corbin backed down.
At the other table, Tozawa won a big hand and was taking his chips but Dominik tried to take some. Tozawa called him out on it but Dom told him this was his show so he could have whatever he wanted and if Tozawa had a problem with that, he’d have to deal with Judgment Day.
Tozawa didn’t care and told Dom he was the problem. They got in each other’s faces and Dom mocked him for being short like his deadbeat dad. JBL suggested they take their fight outside. Tozawa told Dom he’d see him in the ring.
********
United States Championship match: Austin Theory defeated Mustafa Ali by disqualification (8:01)
This went through a break and ended in a DQ. They messed up a spot where Ali set up for a hurricanrana off the ropes but they fell over and landed awkwardly. The result could have been much worse. Ali followed right up with a tornado DDT that spiked Theory.
Theory fought back and hammered away at Ali in the ropes as the referee told him to stop. Theory didn’t listen so she pulled him off Ali when Dolph Ziggler suddenly superkicked Theory for the DQ.
— Ali confronted Ziggler for ruining his opportunity. As they argued, Theory decked Ziggler from behind before driving Ali into the ring post. Theory laid out Ziggler with A-Town Down as the crowd booed.
(So far, every match has been followed by a post-match beat-down.)
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Miz approached JBL outside the locker room because he wanted to play in the tournament. JBL didn’t know he played cards but invited him in as long as he paid the buy-in. Miz didn’t have it because he was cash short at the moment but claimed he’d be good for it. JBL didn’t believe him and politely turned him down. Miz offered up his Rolex but JBL told him it was fake.
Corbin appeared to win a hand with four kings but he had extra cards. AJ Styles called him out on it and they got into an argument. JBL yelled at him for ruining his tournament. Styles told Corbin to get his gear on so they could fight in the ring.
Everyone left so I guess the tournament was over. Gargano figured they won and had Lumis collect all the money. Lumis chucked a handful of cash at the dealer who took it and ran off.
********
Cathy Kelley interviewed Bianca Belair who said she’d be ready for any challenger.
[THIRD HOUR]
They showed footage of Riddle being loaded into an ambulance to be taken to a local hospital.
Six-man tag team match: AJ Styles, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows (w/Mia Yim) defeated Alpha Academy & Baron Corbin (w/JBL) (14:30)
The heels gained control ahead of a break and worked over Styles after the break. A distraction allowed Corbin, the illegal man, to hit Styles with Deep Six but Gable only got a two count. Styles dropped Otis with a Pelé Kick and tagged in Anderson who ran wild on Gable. Anderson hit a spinebuster but Corbin broke up the cover and gave Styles a backbreaker.
Styles decked Corbin moments later and Gallows dropped him with a boot. Otis gave Gallows an impressive overhead suplex before Styles hit Otis with a Phenomenal Forearm. Gable suplexed Styles and rolled up Anderson for two. Anderson hit an uppercut and tagged in Gallows.
Gallows saved Anderson from Gable’s Chaos Theory and they gave him a Magic Killer for the pinfall win. Fun match, particularly the last few minutes.
(JBL missed the tag and was screaming about the illegal man getting the pin, even though that’s not what happened. He accused them of cheating like they cheated at poker.)
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Alexa Bliss was shown warming up backstage. Lilly the doll was with her. (Bray Wyatt’s logo flashed on the screen behind her for a brief moment.)
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Saxton interviewed Candice LeRae who spoke about her issues with Damage CTRL. LeRae said she was a new mom and has so much more to fight for now.
Gargano and Lumis showed up. Gargano bragged about their winnings in the poker tournament (LaRae was surprised they won). Gargano showed her how much money Lumis won and he had to stop her short of saying “what the f**k” when she saw the money. LaRae left the interview so they could deal with the giant bag of money.
Tozawa took most of the match but he missed a diving senton (landing hard as a result) and Dominik followed with a frog splash for the pinfall win.
— Judgment Day was going to attack Tozawa afterwards but the Street Profits ran out and Judgment Day bailed.
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Adam Pearce approached Lashley as he was leaving the arena. Pearce wanted to address what happened earlier (spearing Petey Williams) and Lashley couldn’t believe he was serious. Pearce didn’t want to punish him but warned him that it can’t happen again.
Lashley said he was punishing the lion for one of his guys jumping in the lion’s den. Lashley understood Pearce’s request but warned him to keep his guys out of his way.
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Next week on Raw:
Lashley vs. Rollins – US title number one contender’s match
A small portion of the crowd buzzed when Bliss’ face turned serious and she set up for Sister Abigail but Lynch blocked it. (She never went for it again.) The first few minutes were mostly between Lynch and Bliss with Cross getting involved in spurts until they got rid of her. Cross eventually drove Lynch into the steps and gave Bliss a neckbreaker outside the ring.
Cross had Bliss in a rest hold after a break but Lynch jumped in and hit Cross with strikes, a bulldog, and a leg drop off the middle rope for two. Bliss wiped out Lynch and Cross with a dive off the apron (the same thing Ripley did in her match earlier) and covered Cross for two.
They did a tower of doom spot where Lynch powerbombed both opponents out of the ropes and covered Cross for two. Cross gave Lynch a high cross but Bliss broke up the cover. Cross shoved Bliss into the side of the ring and squished her with a crossbody against the ring.
Cross set up for a swinging neckbreaker off the middle rope but Lynch brought them both down with a diving leg drop. (Cross had to wait a long time for Lynch to set up so this didn’t look good.) Lynch covered Bliss for two.
Lynch gave Cross a Man-handle slam on the apron but Dakota Kai and IYO SKY yanked Lynch out of the ring before she could make a cover. Lynch tried fighting them off but they powerbombed her through the announce table.
With Cross still down, Bliss hit Twisted Bliss for the pinfall win.
Bliss faces Bayley next week and the winner earns a title shot against Belair.
(There was some good stuff in the match but they seemed off for a lot of it. The crowd cheered for Lynch at the beginning but were dead silent for the match itself until the finish.)
Matt Riddle will get his wish as he teams up with Elias on Monday’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that Riddle & Elias will take on Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis) in tag team action on Raw this Monday. In recent weeks, Riddle has been attempting to get Elias to form a band with him.
Riddle first approached Elias about wanting to form a band on the October 17 episode of Raw. Elias was initially dismissive of the idea. But after losing to Otis on Raw last Monday, Elias was interviewed on Raw Talk and said that it might be time for him and Riddle to collaborate.
Monday’s Raw is being held in Louisville, Kentucky. Here’s the updated card for the show:
United States Champion Seth Rollins defends against Finn Balor
Matt Riddle & Elias vs. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)
The Miz to address Dexter Lumis controversy on Miz TV
The return of Elias has been announced for the October 17 WWE Raw.
Elias last appeared as the Elias character on the June 20 Raw in a series of segments playing on his “brother” Ezekiel’s feud with Kevin Owens. Owens went on to defeat Ezekiel on the August 8 Raw, and Ezekiel was written out of the show after taking a powerbomb on the apron from Owens.
Elias was last a regular WWE character in the Summer of 2021. After feuding with Jaxson Ryker, Elias lost a Symphony of Destruction match to Ryker on the July 19, 2021 Raw. The next month, a series of videos aired where Elias burned his guitar, seemingly killing off the character.
Elias returned as Ezekiel, Elias’s younger brother, on the April 4, 2022 Raw.
Another potential segment for next week’s Raw will involve Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley.
Lesnar returned to WWE television for the first time since SummerSlam on Monday’s Raw, attacking Lashley. Later in the show, Lashley challenged Lesnar to appear on next week’s Raw to answer for his actions, but Lesnar was not officially announced for the show.
PWInsider reported Friday afternoon that Ezekiel is no longer listed internally on WWE’s roster. The character has instead been replaced by Elias.
Ezekiel has not been seen on television since August. He was attacked by Kevin Owens and stretchered out after being powerbombed on the apron. WWE later gave an update saying that Ezekiel would be out for a long time.
After being absent from WWE television for months, Elias returned to WWE TV after WrestleMania 38, shaving his beard and wearing new ring gear. He claimed that he was Ezekiel, the younger brother of Elias. Owens became upset and spent the next several months attempting to prove that Elias and Ezekiel were one in the same. Shortly before Vince McMahon resigned from WWE in July, the character started to bring up another brother, Elrod.
Once Triple H was named head of WWE creative following McMahon’s resignation, the character was phased out, losing to Omos on an episode of Main Event before being attacked by Owens on Raw.
It appears that a new men’s Money in the Bank ladder match participant will be confirmed on tonight’s episode of Raw.
Kevin Owens is set to face Ezekiel (or his older brother Elias or younger brother Elrod) on Raw tonight. On Twitter this morning, WWE indicated that it will now be a Money in the Bank qualifying match.
“TONIGHT: @FightOwensFight will get his chance to qualify for the Men’s #MITB Ladder Match! His opponent could be either Ezekiel, Elias or Elrod (the younger brother of @IAmNotEliasWWE). Will we be meeting a new member of the family? #WWERaw”
TONIGHT: @FightOwensFight will get his chance to qualify for the Men's #MITB Ladder Match!
His opponent could be either Ezekiel, Elias or Elrod (the younger brother of @IAmNotEliasWWE).
Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Omos, Sheamus, and Sami Zayn have already qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas is hosting Money in the Bank this Saturday (July 2).
On WWE television, Owens has been attempting to prove that Ezekiel and Elias are the same person ever since Ezekiel started appearing on Raw this April. Following Elias’ return to Raw last week, Owens challenged Ezekiel, Elias, or “their even younger brother that we haven’t met yet” Elrod to face him on tonight’s show. Ezekiel accepted Owens’ challenge.
Tonight’s Raw will also feature John Cena’s return to WWE TV. Cena is returning to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut.
Last night’s Raw featured Vince McMahon’s second straight appearance on WWE television.
After a highly publicized appearance on SmackDown last Friday, McMahon showed up on Raw last night as a surprise. He again didn’t address the WWE Board of Directors investigation into him or temporarily stepping away from his CEO and chairman positions.
McMahon instead hyped up John Cena’s return to Raw next Monday, calling Cena the “greatest WWE Superstar of all time.” McMahon also thanked the audience for continuing to make Raw the longest episodic show in history.
Plus, Elias returned to Raw last night for a concert (and to reunite with his brother Ezekiel), the build to Money in the Bank continued, and more.
One match has been announced for the June 27 WWE Raw episode.
Kevin Owens will face Ezekiel in a singles match on next week’s Raw.
After a backstage vignette on this week’s episode where Ezekiel was seen speaking to his brother Elias, Elias held a concert in the ring. Owens interrupted the concert, but was then interrupted himself by a promo by Ezekiel appearing on the video wall. Elias then hit Owens with a guitar.
Later in the show in a backstage promo, Owens challenged Ezekiel, Elias, or their yet to be introduced younger brother Elrod, to a match next week. Ezekiel then appeared and accepted the challenge.
The Elrod mention appeared to be a throwaway comedy line in a promo by Owens, but Elrod was included on a graphic promoting the match for next week’s episode.
Date: June 20, 2022 Location: Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE
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Show Recap —
There was a memorial graphic for Tim White (1954 – 2022). RIP.
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The announcers mentioned that Riddle’s quest to win the championship wasn’t over because he faces Omos in a Money in the Bank qualifier tonight.
Opening segment
Bianca Belair entered. She announced that Rhea Ripley would not be cleared in time for MITB so, unfortunately, that match wasn’t happening yet. Belair looked forward to every challenge and looked forward to facing Rhea Ripley eventually.
Belair announced a fatal five-way match tonight between Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Carmella, Asuka, and Becky Lynch with the winner earning a title shot at MITB.
Lynch interrupted. She complained about recent events before stating that she would the match tonight and get her title shot.
Asuka interrupted. She mocked Lynch for crying again and called her a big-time baby. Lynch said Asuka should spend less time making Simpsons memes and more time worrying about her because it was Asuka’s shoulders down on the mat each of the last two times they’ve wrestled.
Morgan interrupted. She noted that she already qualified for MITB, unlike Lynch, but was willing to trade that for a title match against Belair.
Carmella interrupted. She said Morgan didn’t belong in the match because she’s never been a champion.
Bliss interrupted. She said Carmella has never accomplished anything on her own and threatened to beat her face right now.
Belair was (finally) tired of all the talk and suggested they start the match now.
********
There was a John Cena video package. He returns next week.
Fatal 5-way match: Carmella defeated Liv Morgan, Asuka, Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss (12:28)
Carmella won and will face Belair for the title at MITB. The match started slow but was good once they returned from the commercial break.
Byron Saxton mentioned that Carmella’s mask was gone. Corey Graves said he took out an expensive insurance policy for her.
Bliss and Morgan worked together briefly before shaking hands and facing off. And by facing off I mean they rolled around the ring trading cradles. They went to a commercial after Carmella pushed Morgan off the top rope to the outside into everyone else.
After the break, Carmella brought Lynch down from the top with a hurricanrana and Lynch landed right on top of Morgan but Asuka broke up Carmella’s cover. Asuka put Carmella in the Asuka Lock but Bliss broke it up.
Asuka tried the Asuka Lock on Lynch but Morgan brought her down with a missile dropkick. Lynch did the Man-handle slam but Bliss broke it up with a Twisted Bliss and her cover was broken up by both Morgan and Carmella. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.”
Asuka wiped out Bliss with a kick to the head but Lynch chucked Asuka from the ring. Lynch blocked an Oblivion and hit a Man-handle slam but Asuka yanked her out of the ring. Asuka kicked her in the head too but Bliss knocked out Asuka. Bliss tried Twisted Bliss but Morgan got her knees up.
Carmella dropped Morgan with a superkick for the pinfall win.
— After the match, Lynch marched to the back and ranted at Adam Pearce. She was still complaining after a break. Pearce said she was originally scheduled to face Asuka tonight in a qualifier so he decided to make that match again. Lynch was happy to hear it until she was informed that it was happening tonight.
********
Vince McMahon entered. The crowd cheered. He called John Cena the greatest of all time and plugged his return. He left.
********
There was a recap of Roman Reigns retaining his title over Riddle and Brock Lesnar’s return.
Riddle entered. He mentioned that the Bloodline may have ended Randy Orton’s career and he made a promise to himself that he would get revenge. He came close on Friday but Roman was Roman in the end and he came up short. Riddle let the fans down, let down himself, and he let down Randy.
Riddle wasn’t finished yet and wanted to win MITB so he could cash in on Roman and end his reign of terror. Riddle mentioned the other MITB competitors but specifically focused on Seth Rollins. He wasn’t happy that Rollins attacked his boy Cody Rhodes with a sledgehammer and planned on hitting him with a ladder in response.
MVP and Omos interrupted. MVP wondered what kind of stuff Riddle was on if he thought he was winning tonight. Riddle said he would get high — when his hand was raised high in victory and he moves on to win MITB.
[SECOND HOUR]
Money in the Bank qualifying match: Omos (w/MVP) defeated Riddle (3:54)
Riddle had tape around his midsection. Omos had him in a long bearhug but Riddle fought back with a knee strike and floating bro. Riddle tried an RKO but Omos blocked it and hit a tree slam for the pinfall win.
Omos gave him another tree slam after the match.
— Seth Rollins entered. He decked Riddle and chucked him from the ring. He said he didn’t share airspace with losers and called Riddle the ultimate loser for losing his buddy, losing to Reigns, and losing his shot at MITB. He said it didn’t matter who else was in MITB anyway because he was the only man on the planet who had Reigns’ number.
Riddle attacked Rollins as he did his catchphrase but Rollins knocked him down and gave him a curb stomp.
********
Theory segment
Theory stood on the platform from last week’s pose-down. He tried to get through his promo while also telling the crowd to shut up about five different times. He dismissed Cena’s return because Cena’s time was up and his time was now.
Theory decided to do a pose-down for us again. Lashley appeared from behind and the crowd cheered. Theory assumed they were cheering for him. He took a selfie but upon opening his camera phone he realized that Lashley was behind him.
Lashley sprayed him in the face with baby oil (or water) and speared him off the platform. Lashley demanded a US title match.
— After a break, Theory told Kevin Patrick that he spoke to Pearce and they made a match: Lashley must win a gauntlet match tonight against three opponents of his choosing to earn a US title shot.
********
The Usos said Reigns would smash Lesnar just like he smashed Riddle. They planned on smashing the Street Profits at MITB.
The Street Profits entered. Montez Ford said the only thing better than money in the bank was gold around their waists. Angelo Dawkins was ready to beat up Jey Uso right now.
Angelo Dawkins (w/Montez Ford) defeated Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso) (7:20)
Dawkins got a nearfall with a Silencer but Jey came back with a superkick. Jey went to the top for a splash but Dawkins caught him and hit a sit-out spinebuster for the pinfall win. (Graves noted that Jimmy had his back to the ring because he was so confident that Jey would win.)
********
Ezekiel met with Elias in the back. They sat on opposite ends of the couch. (There was also a complicated painting in the background which I assume was meant to make this split-screen look more convincing.)
Ezekiel wondered if Elias was looking forward to playing in Nebraska considering some of the things he’s said about it in the past. Elias called himself a changed man. The crowd sang along when they said “walk with Elias.”
********
Elias concert
Elias said his catchphrase and the crowd sang along again. Elias was happy to hear it. He was about to perform but Kevin Owens marched out. Owens said nobody wanted to see this and nobody was buying that video they just showed. Owens knew it had to be special effects. After all, he just saw a movie with dinosaurs and a T-Rex flying a helicopter.
Ezekiel appeared on the screen to prove once more that they were different people. Owens was annoyed and Elias sang “Kevin Owens is a liar.” Owens was pissed so he chucked the guitar from the ring. Elias nailed him with a knee strike and smashed a guitar over his back.
— Owens was accosted by Patrick in the back. Patrick asked if he was convinced yet. Owens said they must have pre-taped the Ezekiel tron video and he must have worn a fake beard. Owens challenged Elias or Ezekiel or whoever to a match next week. Ezekiel showed up (no beard) and accepted the match. Owens freaked out.
[THIRD HOUR]
They played the Cena video for a third time.
Bobby Lashley won a gauntlet match over Chad Gable, Otis and Theory
Bobby Lashley defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (5:48)
Lashley was completely dominating and hit a delayed vertical suplex but Gable countered a spear with a drop toe hold and applied an ankle lock. Lashley was in the ankle lock for a long time before pushing off Gable. Gable actually knocked Lashley down with a shoulder tackle before hitting a moonsault for two.
Lashley hit an overhead suplex, blocked a roll-up and applied the Hurt Lock for the submission win.
Otis immediately attacked Lashley after the match.
Bobby Lashley defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable) via disqualification (8:29)
Otis continued to toss Lashley around ringside and could have won by count-out but he broke up the count. Otis splashed Lashley on the outside which led to break. Otis remained in control until he missed a Vader Bomb and Lashley followed with a flatliner. Lashley avoided a corner charge and hit a spear. He had it won but Gable broke up the cover for the DQ.
After the match, Gable gave Lashley a German suplex and Otis splashed him.
Non-title: Bobby Lashley defeated US Champion Theory (1-2 minutes)
Theory tried to take advantage and went for the ATL but Lashley used a nice counter into a cradle for the pinfall win.
Lashley will face Theory for the US title at MITB. The crowd liked Lashley.
********
Belair told Sarah Schreiber that she was ready for Ripley so she was ready for Carmella. Carmella decked her from behind.
(Belair popped to her feet after Carmella left but just stood there because Carmella was out of the frame even though she was probably only ten feet away.)
********
Miz TV with guest AJ Styles
Miz was trying to egg on Styles by recapping recent events but Styles wasn’t playing along. Miz took a shot at Nebraska students so Styles let him know this was Cornhusker country. The crowd loudly chanted for their team. Styles also mentioned Miz’s popcorn-sized balls and Miz said we were not making this a thing. Styles asked the crowd if this was a thing and the crowd cheered.
Styles blamed himself for not qualifying for MITB. He’s been through adversity before but that’s how he became phenomenal. When he gets disrespected, he doesn’t run his mouth like Miz.
Styles punched Miz but Ciampa suddenly decked Styles from behind.
AJ Styles defeated Ciampa (4:30)
They had a competitive match that Styles won clean with the Phenomenal forearm.
After the match, Miz tried to attack from behind but Styles dodged and hit a Styles Clash.
********
Patrick interviewed Veer Mahaan on the stage. Patrick asked about his decisive win over Rey Mysterio last week. Mahaan said he would not stop until there was nothing left. He loves carnage. “Fear Veer.”
(In the past, they’ve had Mahaan try to sound like a ‘monster’ but here he seemed to speak in something closer to his regular voice.)
********
Money in the Bank qualifying match: Asuka defeated Becky Lynch (12:08)
Asuka pinned Lynch clean to qualify for MITB.
Lynch attacked Asuka during her entrance but that just pissed her off and she tackled Lynch when the bell rang. Asuka hit a codebreaker for two but Lynch knocked her off the top rope and she fell to the outside. (As Asuka lay there motionless two seconds after getting knocked down, the ref yelled at her to get back in the ring — “Let’s go! Inside!”)
Lynch missed a leg drop after a break and Asuka followed with a sliding kick, strikes and a cradle for two. Asuka followed with more strikes, a German suplex and a running hip attack for two. They traded submissions until Lynch drove Asuka face-first into the turnbuckle for two. Asuka came back with a missile dropkick for two.
Lynch tried something off the apron but Asuka caught her with a knee strike. They both just barely got back in the ring before a ten count.
They traded counters and rollups until Asuka kicked Lynch in the head for the pinfall win.
The return of Elias, along with a Money in the Bank qualifying match is set for next week’s Raw in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Becky Lynch will face Asuka for a qualifying spot in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, which will take place on July 2 in Las Vegas. Elias will also be making a return to Raw next week to hold a concert.
On tonight’s Raw, Lynch destroyed her scheduled opponent, Dana Brooke, saying Brooke could keep the 24/7 Championship. Lynch promised to win the Money in the Bank match and went to attack Brooke again when Asuka came out for the save. The two have continued to feud in the weeks since WrestleMania Backlash, where the two lost a three-way match for the Raw Women’s Championship to champion Bianca Belair.
Also on tonight’s show, Ezekiel defeated Kevin Owens by count out after Owens threw a fit outside of the ring, yelling at the announcers that Elias and Ezekiel were the same person. After the match, Ezekiel said he had contacted Elias and he would be coming to Raw next week. Owens wasn’t happy and called Ezekiel a liar.
