Finn Balor attacks Seth Rollins on WWE NXT

Finn Balor made a surprise appearance on NXT, attacking Seth Rollins.

After Rollins had successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker, the show’s credits started to roll as Rollins posed on the ramp with the championship. However, Balor appeared through the crowd and jumped Rollins, continuing an assault that took place on Monday’s Raw. Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams then came out for the save, causing Balor to to retreat as the show ended.

On Monday’s Raw, Rollins was in the ring preparing for an open challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship when Balor attacked him, targeting his ribs after two coup de gras. Rollins later on Raw said that even though he wouldn’t be 100%, he would still defend the championship on NXT Tuesday.

Tuesday’s show showed Rollins interacting with Hayes and Williams, with everyone showing mutual respect for one another. Rollins ended up defeating Bron Breakker in the main event of night one of NXT Gold Rush after hitting the stomp.

World Heavyweight title match set for WWE Money in the Bank

Two new matches have been made official for Money in the Bank on July 1 in London.

Seth Rollins will put the World Heavyweight title on the line against Finn Balor. Another match will have Cody Rhodes take on Dominik Mysterio.

On Raw Monday, Balor confronted Rollins, blaming him for having to vacate the Universal title back in 2016 and having to take a year off due to injury. He issued the challenge for London. Rollins accepted, telling Balor that while the bitter shell of a former champion Balor didn’t have any chance against him, the Balor that beat him with one arm in 2016 did.

After Rhea Ripley was given the new Women’s World Heavyweight title at the start of Monday’s raw, Mysterio came out to celebrate with Ripley, putting the championship around her waist. Rhodes came out and confronted Mysterio after he sucker punched Rhodes last week. Rhodes issued the challenge to Mysterio, with Ripley accepting on Mysterio’s behalf. After Rhodes’ opponent for the night The Miz came in to attack Rhodes, Mysterio sucker punched Rhodes again before bailing.

Here is the updated lineup for Money in the Bank:

WWE Money in the Bank, Saturday, July 1, 3 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ricochet vs. LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar vs. Butch vs. Damian Priest
  • Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley vs. IYO SKY vs. Zoey Stark vs. Zelina Vega vs. TBD
  • World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins defends against Finn Balor
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Dominik Mysterio

Wrestling Weekly: Seth & Statlander

It’s time for a new edition of Wrestling Weekly with myself and Les Thatcher.

We have a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from Seth Rollins first title challenger for the WWE World title to Kris Statlander’s return to AEW to wrestlers from the early 2000s whose fate might have been vastly different had they come along today.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click Here To Listen for free

Finn Balor reveals he suffered calf tear prior to WWE WrestleMania 39

Finn Balor suffered an injury before WrestleMania 39 but was able to make it back in time for the event.

Balor revealed in an Instagram post on Friday that he suffered a grade two calf tear on the March 10 episode of SmackDown. Though the normal recovery time for the injury is 6-8 weeks, Balor was able to rehab the injury and return to the ring for WrestleMania.

The injury happened in a six-man tag match where the Judgment Day faced Legado del Fantasma on SmackDown.

Balor wrote:

On March 10th Ep of Smackdown I sustained a grade 2 calf tear.

Normal recovery time is estimated at 6-8 weeks.

Hold my beer!

With just 3 weeks & 2 days to Wrestlemania WWE medical team ‘threw the kitchen sink at it’ & with some careful planning, long days of rehab and a lot of swear words we made it back in time with a day or two spare!

My wife said it best. ‘This injury has been the Demon of your career, and you need to over come this Demon to Release YOUR DEMON at Wrestlemania’ @verolaguera

Special thanks to CJ for his incredible work ( and not taking a day off for 3 weeks)

Extra mention to @docholmes & @athleanx for all their support.

Balor lost a Hell in a Cell match to Edge on night two of WrestleMania 39. The match was briefly paused due to a nasty head cut that Balor suffered when he was hit in the head by a ladder. Balor received 14 staples in his head after the match.

Finn Balor reveals nasty head cut suffered at WWE WrestleMania 39

Finn Balor has shared a look at the injury that caused his WrestleMania 39 match against Edge to be momentarily paused.

Balor and Edge’s Hell in a Cell match took place in the semi-main event of WrestleMania Sunday. During a spot where Edge threw a ladder at Balor, it hit Balor in the head and busted him open. The referee checked on Balor and held Edge off from going after him. Doctors then entered the cell to tend to Balor.

After Balor received medical attention, the match continued. It ended with Edge pinning Balor after giving him a spear and a con-chair-to. Leading into the finish, Balor went for a Coup de Grace from the wall of the cell. Edge moved out of the way and Balor went crashing through a table.

https://twitter.com/uwublonded/status/1642713830676475909

On social media after the match, Balor posted a picture showing how bad the cut was:

https://twitter.com/FinnBalor/status/1642753664661196800

Balor and Edge’s match was the culmination of Edge’s feud with the Judgment Day, which began when Edge was kicked out of the group last June.

Edge vs. Finn Balor Hell in a Cell match set for  WWE WrestleMania 39

Edge and Finn Balor are going to Hell in a Cell.

The two agreed to the match on Monday’s Raw. Edge told Balor that he had made his life a living hell in the past year, and therefore there was only one way to settle things at WrestleMania: Hell in a Cell. Balor agreed, but then had the rest of Judgment Day come to the ring to attack Edge. Dexter Lumis and Johnny Gargano then came to the ring to make the save.

Edge has been feuding with Judgment Day for most of the last year, dating back to Balor joining the group and immediately dumping Edge. In recent weeks, Balor cost Edge the United States title in a match against champion Austin Theory, while Edge cost Balor a match against Gargano. On last week’s Raw, Edge told Balor to meet him on next week’s show.

Here is the updated lineup for WrestleMania 39 on April 1 and 2:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
  • WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
  • WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Asuka
  • WWE US Champion Austin Theory defends against John Cena
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against TBD
  • Hell in a Cell: Edge vs. Finn Balor
  • Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
  • Seth Rollins vs. Logan Paul
  • Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch & Lita vs. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY)

Edge, Finn Balor confrontation set for next week’s WWE Raw

A confrontation between Edge and Finn Balor is set for next week’s Raw.

Edge called out Balor for next week’s show on Monday, saying that he cost Balor a match against Gargano because he cost him the match against Austin Theory. Edge told Balor that he would be alone in the ring next week, and he invited Balor to join him.

Earlier in the show, Edge had cost Balor a match against Johnny Gargano after he pushed Balor off the top rope. Edge took out Balor with a spear after the match, telling him it wasn’t over.

Also set for next week’s Raw is a match between Chelsea Green and Bianca Belair. Green interfered during Belair’s match against Carmella, then helped Carmella attack Belair after the match. Asuka came down to the ring for the save.

Elias and Bronson Reed will also have a match. Elias had instructed Rick Boogs backstage to challenge Reed to a match. However, Boogs ended up telling Reed that Elias had issued the challenge, with Reed coming up to Elias and accepting.

Here’s the lineup for next week’s Raw:

  • Edge, Finn Balor face-to-face
  • Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green
  • Elias vs. Bronson Reed

Finn Balor challenges Edge for WWE WrestleMania 39

Finn Balor has thrown out the challenge to Edge ahead of WrestleMania 39.

On Monday’s Raw, Balor issued a challenge to Edge for WrestleMania in Los Angeles on April 1 and 2, telling him that he and he only will decide when it’s over between the two. Announcers wondered how Edge would respond to the challenge.

Later in the show, Balor challenged Johnny Gargano to a match for next week’s Raw. Gargano accepted.

Balor interfered in last week’s United States title match between Edge and Austin Theory on Raw. Balor got involved in the finish, costing Edge the championship. After the match, Balor gave Edge multiple coup de gras off the top rope.

Edge and Balor have been feuding for most of the last year, dating back to the group turning on Edge immediately after Balor joined the group. Edge and his wife, Beth Phoenix, met Balor and Rhea Ripley at Elimination Chamber earlier this month, with Edge and Phoenix emerging victorious.

Edge & Beth Phoenix vs. Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley set for WWE Elimination Chamber

A mixed tag match has been added to Elimination Chamber.

Edge and Beth Phoenix will face Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley in Montreal on February 18. This follows an in-ring promo that took place on Monday’s Raw between Edge, Beth Phoenix, and members of the Judgement Day.

Raw opened on Monday with Edge and Beth Phoenix coming out to talk about their return at the Royal Rumble. This brought out Judgment Day, minus Rhea Ripley who was not at Monday’s show. After some back and forth, Phoenix issued the challenge for Elimination Chamber, with Judgement Day accepting. Judgement Day went for the attack on Edge and Phoenix, but were ultimately stopped by The Street Profits.

Edge and Phoenix were taken out of action back at last year’s Extreme Rules event, after members of The Judgment Day gave both conchairtos. They returned last weekend, with Edge throwing out Finn Balor and Damian Priest from the men’s Rumble match. Ripley went to attack Edge, but was met by Phoenix, who gave Ripley a spear.

Here is the updated lineup for the Elimination Chamber:

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

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

WWE NXT video highlights: New Year’s Evil

WWE began setting the stage for Vengeance Day on last night’s special New Year’s Evil edition of NXT.

An NXT Championship match between Bron Breakker and Grayson Waller took place last night, but it ended with Breakker retaining by countout after the ropes broke twice. Waller wasn’t able to beat the count after the second break.

Later in the show, it was announced that Waller will get a rematch against Breakker for the NXT Championship at Vengeance Day on Saturday, February 4. This time, the match will be inside of a steel cage.

Both members of Toxic Attraction will challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship in a triple threat match at Vengeance Day. That was made official after Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne simultaneously won a number one contender’s battle royal last night.

New Year’s Evil was also a night of returns with Jinder Mahal, Tiffany Stratton, and Gallus all appearing.

More coverage from last night —

WWE NXT video highlights —

Tony D’Angelo vs. Dijak

Jinder Mahal returns to NXT

Pretty Deadly tag team gauntlet

Carmelo Hayes wants the NXT Championship

The center of the universe is back in NXT 

Bron Breakker vs. Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship

Hank Walker vs. Charlie Dempsey

Tyler Bate is returning to NXT for good

Julius Creed vs. Jinder Mahal

20-woman number one contender’s battle royal

Bron Breakker vs. Grayson Waller steel cage match announced for Vengeance Day

NXT fallout: Roxanne Perez is ready to take down Toxic Attraction

NXT fallout: Wes Lee will face hard justice from Dijak at Vengeance Day 

NXT fallout: Gallus are tired of The New Day and Pretty Deadly

NXT fallout: Jinder Mahal will teach Indus Sher how to win

WWE Raw video highlights: Rollins vs. Balor US title match

AJ Styles cost Finn Balor a chance to become United States Champion on last night’s episode of Raw.

In the main event of last night’s show, Balor was about to beat Seth Rollins after getting help from The Judgment Day. But The OC and Mia Yim made their way out to counter Judgment Day’s interference. As Balor was going for a Coup de Grace, Styles pushed him off the top rope. That led to Rollins hitting a stomp to remain United States Champion.

Austin Theory, who failed in his Money in the Bank cash-in against Rollins last week, then hit the ring to attack Rollins. Theory laid out Rollins and posed with the US title belt.

Styles will face Balor at Survivor Series on Saturday, November 26.

The women’s teams for WarGames also continued to take shape on last night’s Raw. It was confirmed that Yim will be a member of Team Belair, while Rhea Ripley will be teaming with Damage CTRL & Nikki Cross.

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

Bobby Lashley and Mustafa Ali both want Seth Rollins’ attention

Bobby Lashley vs. Mustafa Ali

AJ Styles challenges Finn Balor for Survivor Series

Mia Yim vs. Tamina

Mia Yim turns down Damage CTRL’s WarGames offer

Matt Riddle vs. Chad Gable

Akira Tozawa ruins JBL and Baron Corbin’s poker game

The Miz addresses Dexter Lumis controversy on Miz TV

Shelton Benjamin vs. Dominik Mysterio

Austin Theory explains why he cashed in last week

Dana Brooke’s hard work was thrown in the trash by Nikki Cross

Mia Yim and Rhea Ripley pick their sides for WarGames

Dolph Ziggler vs. Austin Theory

Akira Tozawa vs. Baron Corbin

Team Belair react to Rhea Ripley’s announcement

Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the United States title

Raw Talk: Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin & JBL, The Miz interviews

Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles added to WWE Survivor Series WarGames

A match between Finn Balor and Seth Rollins has been made for Survivor Series WarGames.

In a backstage segment during Monday’s Raw, Styles said that he has had enough of Judgment Day, challenging Balor to a singles match. The two have been feuding for the last few months over Styles’ refusal to join The Judgment Day, leading to the returns of Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Mia Yim to counter other members of Judgment Day.

Later in the show, the rest of the OC and Judgment Day got involved in the main event, which had Balor challenge Seth Rollins for the United States Championship. Styles shoved Balor off the top rope as he was going for his coup de grace finish, leading to Rollins picking up the win following a stomp.

WWE Survivor Series WarGames, Saturday, November 26, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Women’s WarGames match: Bianca Belair, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Mia Yim & TBA vs. Bayley, IYO SKY, Dakota Kai, Nikki Cross & Rhea Ripley
  • Men’s WarGames match: TBA vs. TBA
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Shotzi
  • AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor

WWE Raw live results: Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor

Date: November 14, 2022
Location: KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY 

******** 

Show Recap —

Seth Rollins entered as a video package aired recapping his night last week. Rollins said he barely escaped with the United States title and ran down all the guys who wanted a shot at his belt.

Rollins mentioned Austin Theory’s failed cash-in attempt and the crowd chanted, “that was stupid.” He encouraged them to chant that later when Theory was there.

Rollins said the US title was the most sought-after belt and the top prize on Raw because he was the champion. He plugged his main event title defence tonight against Finn Bálor.

Bobby Lashley interrupted. He warned Rollins that the beatings would continue until he got the title back. Rollins reminded Lashley that he lost to Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel. (Lashley still has a large gash on his chest from last week.)

Mustafa Ali interrupted and a referee followed him out, encouraging him to return to the back. (This never happens but I guess the officials think Ali is too weak to confront anyone alone.)

Lashley also warned him to leave. Ali went into the ring but Lashley easily chucked him out of it. Ali jumped Lashley when he turned his attention to Rollins but Lashley dumped him out of the ring again. Lashley wondered if Ali was stupid but offered to fight.

********

Bobby Lashley defeated Mustafa Ali (4:20)

Ali took a Dominator and the referee offered to stop the match — two minutes into it. Ali said no. Lashley hit consecutive chokeslams but Ali wouldn’t stay down. Ali came back with a tornado DDT but Lashley turned him inside out with a spear. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock and Ali passed out.

******** 

Cathy Kelley interviewed AJ Styles, Mia Yim and the OC. Styles said he’s had enough of Judgment Day and challenged Finn Bálor to a match at Survivor Series so he can put an end to this.

Luke Gallows thought he should get credit for bringing in Yim because he was so good with the ladies. Karl Anderson called Yim the toughest woman in the room and called her “michin.” Kelley didn’t know what that meant so Yim told her it was “crazy” in Korean. She told OC to have beers ready on ice after her match. They all did the “too sweet” thing.

******** 

Mia Yim defeated Tamina (1:57)

Tamina decked Yim as the match started because she was distracted by Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio sauntering down the aisle. Yim dodged a splash, hit a few strikes and hit Eat Defeat for the pinfall win.

Yim invited Ripley into the ring and Ripley teased getting in before backing off. (The crowd was quiet for the match but woke up when they thought Ripley might face off with Yim.)

******** 

Kelley asked Riddle about Elias’ whereabouts. Riddle claimed Elias was out trying to get a gig booked for them. Alpha Academy interrupted. Chad Gable thought the idea of Riddle and Elias as a team was even more ridiculous than them as a band. Otis called them a clown show. (Riddle was unbothered by Gable but was hurt that Otis insulted him.) Gable said he’d see Riddle in the ring. Riddle played his bongos.

******** 

Damage CTRL approached Yim in the back. They were impressed by her win and offered her a spot on their team at Survivor Series. Yim turned them down. IYO SKY seemed to threaten her before OC showed up. Damage CTRL backed off. 

Chad Gable (w/Otis) defeated Riddle (9:47)

Riddle went to the top but Otis distracted him so Gable brought him down with a release German suplex which led to break. Riddle fought back after the break hitting an exploder, senton, powerbomb and knee strike for two.

Gable reversed a Bro Derek attempt and applied an ankle lock but Riddle got out of that and applied a triangle choke. Gable hit a Cliffhanger DDT for two and Riddle came back with a draping DDT.

Riddle set up for an RKO but was distracted by Otis. After a couple of counters, Gable applied a backslide with his feet on the ropes (with Otis holding Gable’s feet down) and picked up the pinfall win. Riddle was stunned.

******** 

JBL and Baron Corbin played poker in the back. Corbin was smoking a cigar (indoors). Some guy offered Kentucky whisky to JBL but he didn’t want anything from Kentucky and proceeded to mock the state. JBL had his own expensive whisky from Uganda.

Akira Tozawa suddenly showed up at the table and wanted to play. He said he’s never played poker and didn’t know the rules. Corbin wanted him to leave but JBL laughed and told him to stay.

********

[SECOND HOUR]

Miz TV 

Miz had Byron Saxton host the segment. Saxton had questions but Miz read from a prepared statement. Miz regretted paying Dexter Lumis. He asked for empathy because he never asked for time off in his 18 years there. He never got cheered or got a pat on the back. He offered to get Lumis back on his feet and asked for very little in return.

Saxton asked Miz why he told the private investigator a different story. Miz was just telling her what she wanted to hear so Hollywood would pick up his movie rights.

Johnny Gargano interrupted. Gargano claimed that Miz stopped paying Lumis because he got caught up in the lie. Miz wanted to know why Gargano was involved at all and claimed he just wanted to hear people chant “Johnny Wrestling.” The crowd chanted it and Gargano was happy to hear it.

Gargano called Miz a compulsive liar. They bickered about Miz’s sweater for a bit before Miz eventually said “I’m sorry” so they could finally move on. Gargano wanted Miz to pay Lumis.

Gargano spoke to WWE officials and announced that Miz would face Lumis in two weeks (presumably at Survivor Series). If Lumis wins, Miz has to pay him everything he’s owed and he’ll earn a WWE contract. Miz wanted Gargano to tell Lumis that it would be lights out for him.

Gargano said Miz could tell Lumis himself. Lumis was in disguise as a cameraman. Lumis was about to go after Miz but Miz bailed. They played Lumis’ music as the segment ended (despite Lumis not being under contract).

******** 

Earlier today, Kelley tried interviewing Shelton Benjamin but they were quickly interrupted by Dominik and Damian Priest. Dom said Benjamin has been a disappointment since his deadbeat dad and Eddie Guerrero were a team. Benjamin warned him to leave or he’d give him a beating. Priest stepped in for Dom. Priest challenged him to a match but Benjamin said he’d see Dominik in the ring. Dom was worried. 

Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest) defeated Shelton Benjamin (4:57)

Dom went for a 619 but Benjamin caught him and hit a powerslam followed by a knee strike and exploder. Priest got in Benjamin’s face and Dom used the distraction to apply a schoolboy but only got a two count.

Benjamin applied an ankle lock but Ripley distracted the referee and Priest pulled Dom into a rope break. Benjamin, who has been wrestling for 22 years, turned his back on Dom to argue with Priest. Dom shoved him into the ring post before hitting a DDT and frog splash for the pinfall win.

******** 

Kelley interviewed Austin Theory about his failed cash-in. Theory said nobody understood him or the pressure he was under. He was touted to be the next big thing and he exceeded those expectations to become the face of the franchise. They hated him because they can’t relate and they wanted him to fail — but he didn’t fail last week. He felt more alive than ever.

Theory said Roman Reigns has been unstoppable and knew the Bloodline would be there if he tried to cash in. Even in his two previous cash-in attempts, he was foiled. He decided instead to go against one of the greatest champions of the past decade but Lashley stopped him.

Theory kept going until Dolph Ziggler interrupted to say, “Worst. Cash-in. Ever.” Ziggler claimed he had the best cash-in ever and said Theory was full of excuses. Theory challenged him to a match and would prove there were no excuses.

********

There was a War Games video and they explained the rules of the match.  

Dana Brooke did an interview earlier today voicing her displeasure over Nikki Cross tossing the 24/7 title belt in the trash.

Tag Team Champion IYO SKY (w/Dakota Kai, Bayley & Nikki Cross) defeated Dana Brooke (3:18)

Brooke hit a DDT for two and tried a handspring elbow but SKY caught her and hit a German suplex. SKY followed with a running double knee strike and moonsault for the pinfall win.

— After the match, Yim entered. He informed Damage CTRL that she was joining Bianca Belair’s team at Survivor Series. Belair, Asuka and Alexa Bliss entered to pose with Yim.

********

Back at the poker game, Tozawa had most of the chips after winning 12 hands in a row. Corbin went all-in and claimed he had three aces but he was lying. Tozawa challenged him to a match before running off with the chips.

******** 

Theory entered without his cell phone and the announcers made a note of it. They’re trying to tell the story that the MITB briefcase was an anchor and Theory could be more dangerous now without it.

Dolph Ziggler defeated Austin Theory via disqualification (14:38)

[THIRD HOUR] 

The crowd was quiet for the first portion but got into it after a break. Ziggler applied a sleeper but Theory powered out of it before Ziggler caught him with a knee strike and fameasser for a nearfall. Theory twice drove Ziggler shoulder-first into the ring post but Ziggler returned the favour after Theory tried it again. Ziggler followed with a Zig-Zag for a close nearfall.

Ziggler set up for a superkick but Theory clocked him with a right hand and hit A-Town Down. Theory had the match won but he hit his finisher again before hammering away at Ziggler.

The ref implored Theory to stop as he launched Ziggler into the steel steps. Theory rammed Ziggler’s head into the announce table and the ref called for the bell. Theory chucked chairs at a helpless Ziggler until officials ran down to stop him. Theory walked off and acted pissed.

******** 

Damage CTRL seemed concerned in the back when they were approached by Ripley. Ripley added herself to their Survivor Series team now that Yim was on the other side and wasn’t going to take any objections. Ripley left. Damage CTRL was thrilled. (Cross was off in her own world in the background.)

********

Baron Corbin (w/JBL) defeated Akira Tozawa (3:34)

Tozawa was all over Corbin and hit a suicide dive but he tried another one and Corbin launched him into the barricade. Tozawa fired back and hit a shining wizard but Corbin caught him off the top rope and hit End of Days for the pinfall win.

******** 

Kelley interviewed Belair and her team. Belair said they were dangerous now but just wait until we see who their last partner was. Kelley asked who would represent their team in the singles match to determine who would have the War Games advantage. Belair wouldn’t reveal that just yet.

Gable and Otis approached Kelley as Belair and friends left. Gable bragged until Rollins appeared. Rollins was just there to sing his theme song.

Elsewhere, Saxton asked Bálor if he would accept Styles’ challenge. Bálor said “of course” he accepted. Everyone should know who he is by now and if they didn’t, just ask Edge and Rey Mysterio. He planned on becoming the US champion right now.

********

Seth Rollins defeated Finn Bálor to retain the United States Championship (21:12)

They went to break two minutes in after Rollins hit a dive but Bálor took control after the break when he shoved Rollins into the corner of the announce table.

Rollins fought out of an abdominal stretch and hit a suicide dive followed by a flying knee strike and clothesline for two. Bálor avoided a stomp and hit a slingblade but ran right into a Rollins superkick. Rollins went for a frog splash but Bálor countered into a cradle for a two count.

After a second commercial break, Rollins tried a powerbomb into the barricade (the move that injured Bálor in their Universal title match years back) but Bálor slipped out and dropkicked him into the barricade.

Rollins hit a sit-out powerbomb in the ring for two. Bálor hit a dropkick but Rollins cut him off and hit a superplex. Before Rollins could transition into something else, Bálor hit 1916 for two. They traded counters until Rollins hit a falcon arrow for two.

Judgment Day ran out for a distraction and Bálor used a schoolboy for two. Rollins was distracted again allowing Bálor to hit a double foot stomp.

The OC and Yim ran out to brawl with Judgment Day. Anderson and Dom ended up in the ring. Anderson wiped out Dom so Bálor clotheslined Anderson out of the ring.

As the brawl continued, Bálor hit a dropkick and went to the top. The ref was distracted by Dom so Styles tripped Bálor off the top rope.

The two teams brawled through the crowd and Rollins hit Bálor with the curb stomp for the pinfall win. Rollins retains.

— Theory attacked Rollins immediately after the match. Theory gave him A-Town Down, tossed him around ringside, hit A-Town Down again and hit him with the title belt. Theory held up the US title belt as the show ended. 

(This match was really going along well until all of the interference. Styles vs. Bálor is happening at Survivor Series and it’s hard not to think about how much interference there will be, assuming it remains a singles match.) 

Karl Anderson vs. Finn Balor added to WWE Raw

Karl Anderson is set to go one-on-one with a former Bullet Club stablemate on tonight’s episode of Raw.

WWE has announced that Anderson vs. Finn Balor will take place on Raw tonight. It will be Anderson’s first singles match since returning to WWE.

Anderson & Luke Gallows made their WWE return two weeks ago, reuniting with AJ Styles and helping him even the odds against The Judgment Day. On last week’s Raw, Anderson & Gallows defeated Alpha Academy’s Chad Gable & Otis in tag team action.

A six-man tag match with Styles, Anderson & Gallows facing The Judgment Day (Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio) has been announced for WWE’s Crown Jewel pay-per-view, which is taking place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 5.

Despite Anderson being announced for Crown Jewel, NJPW has stated that it’s doing everything it can to make sure Anderson’s NEVER Openweight Championship defense that’s scheduled for November 5 still happens. Anderson, who is supposed to defend the NEVER Openweight title against Hikuleo on that date, put out a video last week saying he’s “double booked’ and won’t be appearing at NJPW Battle Autumn in Osaka.

Tonight’s Raw is being held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here’s the updated lineup for the episode:

  • Non-title match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Bayley
  • Karl Anderson vs. Finn Balor

Edge returns on WWE Raw, challenges Finn Balor to ‘I Quit’ match at Extreme Rules

Edge returned to WWE TV on Raw, attacking The Judgment Day and issuing a challenge to Finn Balor for Extreme Rules.

After Matt Riddle scored a win over Damian Priest on Monday, the rest of Judgment Day joined in with Priest and attacked Riddle after the bell rang. That brought out Edge, who speared Priest and Balor. He said that even if it took nine years, he never quit and always came back. He then challenged Balor to an I Quit match for Extreme Rules on October 8.

On the September 12 edition of Raw, a match between Edge and Dominik Mysterio ended after members of the Judgment Day interfered. The show ended with Finn Balor giving Edge’s knee the coup de grace on a sitting chair.

Here’s the lineup for Extreme Rules, which will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Bayley in a ladder match
  • SmackDown Women’s Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Ronda Rousey in an Extreme Rules match
  • Strap match: Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross
  • Edge vs. Finn Balor in an I Quit match