Despite WWE announcing Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for tonight’s Raw, the match isn’t taking place on the show. Rollins instead teamed with The Usos to defeat Big E & RK-Bro. Balor is facing Kevin Owens later in the episode.
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Two members of Raw’s Survivor Series men’s team are set to face off tonight.
WWE has announced that Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor will take place on Raw tonight. At Survivor Series this Sunday, Rollins, Balor, Kevin Owens, Rey Mysterio & Bobby Lashley will face SmackDown’s Drew McIntyre, Jeff Hardy, Xavier Woods, Baron Corbin, and a partner to be announced.
Rollins defeated Owens by countout in the main event of last week’s Raw. Big E was at ringside for the match, and Owens couldn’t get past him in time to beat the count after fighting with Rollins on the outside. Following the match, Owens snapped and attacked Big E.
Rollins is the number one contender to Big E’s WWE Championship. WWE hasn’t revealed when he’ll be getting his title shot.
Balor defeated Chad Gable on Raw two weeks ago. Balor wasn’t on last week’s Raw due to being on WWE’s United Kingdom house show tour. Balor was held off one show of the tour as an injury precaution, but he returned to action the next night.
Big E responding to Owens’ attack from last Monday is also set for tonight’s Raw. The show is being held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Finn Balor returned to action at today’s WWE live event in Manchester, England.
Balor was pulled from Tuesday’s event in Nottingham for precautionary reasons related to what is believed to be a minor injury. Balor worked an opening tag match in Manchester, teaming with Cesaro against WALTER and Sheamus.
“Finn Balor’s injury from Monday wasn’t serious as he worked today’s show in Manchester, but worked a tag instead of a singles match, but did most of the match.”
Although drafted to the Raw brand last month, Balor was booked for this week’s SmackDown tour of the United Kingdom, defeating Sheamus on Sunday in Liverpool and Monday in Leeds before missing Tuesday’s show in Nottingham. Balor also worked the Raw tour of the UK last week in four-way matches with Damian Priest, Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens for Priest’s United States Championship.
Today’s show marked the end of an eight-day tour of England for WWE.
Finn Balor missed today’s WWE live event in Nottingham, England, reportedly for precautionary reasons related to an injury.
PWInsider reports that the Balor injury “is believed to be a minor issue.” Wrestle Zone reports that it was announced at the show that Balor was injured and would be unable to compete.
Although drafted to the Raw brand last month, Balor had been part of this week’s SmackDown tour of the United Kingdom, defeating Sheamus on Sunday in Liverpool and Monday in Leeds.
Balor also worked the Raw tour of the UK last week, competing in four-way matches with Damian Priest, Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens for Priest’s United States Championship.
Balor last appeared on WWE TV on the November 1 edition of Raw, defeating Chad Gable. The prior week on Raw, he competed in a four-way ladder match to determine the number one contender to Big E’s WWE Championship, a match won by Rollins.
A fatal four-way ladder match to determine Big E’s next challenger headlined the season premiere edition of Raw.
Seth Rollins defeated Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, and Rey Mysterio to become the number one contender to Big E’s WWE Championship. Rollins sent Owens through a ladder bridge and gave Balor a stomp before climbing a ladder to retrieve the contract for a future WWE Championship match. Mysterio had been laid out when Owens gave him a powerbomb through a table.
WWE hasn’t announced when Rollins will be getting his title shot. He had a confrontation with Big E on the entrance ramp after last night’s main event.
Rollins was then interviewed backstage and said he’s back on Raw and better than ever. Rollins said he’ll be the next WWE Champion.
Last night’s Raw was the first time that the show’s post-draft rosters were in effect. A promo segment with Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair set up a Raw Women’s Championship match between them for next Monday.
Finn Balor is headed to the King of the Ring finals.
Balor advanced to the finals of WWE’s King of the Ring tournament by defeating Sami Zayn on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. He pinned Zayn after hitting the Coup de Grace.
In the first round of the tournament last week, Balor defeated Cesaro.
Balor’s opponent in the finals will either be Xavier Woods or Jinder Mahal. Woods and Mahal’s semifinal match is taking place on Monday’s episode of Raw.
The finals of both the King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments are being held at Crown Jewel next Thursday (October 21). The show is taking place at Mohammed Abdu Arena in Riyadh and will begin at noon Eastern time.
Here’s the updated card for Crown Jewel:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Brock Lesnar
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks in a triple threat match
WWE Champion Big E defends against Drew McIntyre
No holds barred match: Goldberg vs. Bobby Lashley
Hell in a Cell match: Edge vs. Seth Rollins
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) defend against AJ Styles & Omos
Mansoor vs. Mustafa Ali
King of the Ring tournament finals: Finn Balor vs. Xavier Woods or Jinder Mahal
Queen’s Crown tournament finals: Zelina Vega vs. Shayna Baszler or Doudrop
The bracket for King of the Ring 2021 was revealed as the tournament kicked off on SmackDown tonight.
The eight-man tournament began with Sami Zayn defeating Rey Mysterio and Finn Balor defeating Cesaro on SmackDown. Zayn and Balor will face off in a semifinal match on next Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
Here’s the full bracket for the tournament:
Sami Zayn defeated Rey Mysterio
Finn Balor defeated Cesaro
Kofi Kingston vs. Jinder Mahal
Xavier Woods vs. Ricochet
Raw’s side of the bracket will get underway on Monday. If Kingston and Woods both win their first-round matches, it will be a New Day vs. New Day matchup in the semifinals.
The finals of WWE’s King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments will both be taking place at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 21.
This is WWE’s first King of the Ring tournament since 2019. In the finals of that tournament, Baron Corbin defeated Chad Gable.
Corbin lost his King of the Ring crown to Shinsuke Nakamura earlier this year. WWE uploaded a video today with Nakamura abdicating the crown ahead of the start of this year’s tournament.
Roman Reigns faces off with “The Demon” Finn Balor in the main event of tonight’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
The Universal Championship will be on the line in Reigns and Balor’s Extreme Rules match. If Reigns wins, he’ll defend the title against Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia next month. Reigns vs. Lesnar at Crown Jewel will be a non-title match if Balor wins the Universal Championship tonight.
Becky Lynch made her surprise return at SummerSlam last month, defeating Bianca Belair in 26 seconds to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. The two will have a rematch for the title tonight.
Three other title matches are also set for Extreme Rules. Charlotte Flair will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss, Damian Priest will face Sheamus and Jeff Hardy in a triple threat match for the United States title, and The Street Profits will challenge for The Usos’ SmackDown Tag Team titles.
Plus, Liv Morgan goes one-on-one with Carmella.
Tonight’s pre-show begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time. The main card will then start at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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Pre-Show
Kayla Braxton started the kick-off show by introducing her panel members JBL, Pete Rosenberg, Kevin Patrick, and Booker T. They ran down the lineup for tonight’s card and announced Liv Morgan vs. Carmella for the pre-show.
They recapped the Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair feud. Sonya Deville joined the panel to discuss the matches tonight. Braxton pointed out that Deville seems to have a problem with Naomi. Deville said she’s an authority figure, and Naomi needs to respect her.
The panel discussed the SmackDown Women’s title match. Rosenberg wondered if Belair could gain an advantage after losing in 26 seconds, and Booker bluntly said no. JBL agreed and felt Belair should have turned Lynch down at SummerSlam.
They recapped Big E defeating Bobby Lashley to win the WWE Championship two weeks ago. The recap included Bloodline against New Day and Roman Reigns winning the triple threat match.
In the back, Sarah Schreiber was waiting for the New Day when AJ Styles and Omos approached. Styles began talking when The New Day showed up. They pointed out that Styles and Omos don’t have a match tonight. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley jumped Big E, and a brawl broke out.
The panel turned their attention to the triple threat match between Sheamus, Damian Priest, and Jeff Hardy. They announced New Day vs. Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles & Omos in a six-man tag team match for the pay-per-view.
Booker thinks Big E needs to stop helping out his friends and should focus on his career. During the segment, the fans broke into a brief “JBL” chant.
They recapped Roman Reigns defeating Montez Ford and the post-match beat down from SmackDown. Earlier today, Street Profits arrived at the building. Angelo Dawkins didn’t like that Reigns, and The Usos jumped Ford. They promised to win the titles tonight.
They recapped the Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair feud. They then showed Flair arriving at the building in a limo. Deville joined the panel again to discuss the Raw Women’s title match.
Liv Morgan defeated Carmella (7:51)
Morgan and Carmella had a fine pre-show match. This was better than their recent encounters on SmackDown partly because of the crowd.
They recapped Carmella claiming Morgan broke her nose two weeks ago. Morgan got a good reaction from the crowd.
Before the match, Carmella grabbed the mic, and the fans erupted in boos. Carmella bragged that her pretty face is her greatest asset, which separates her from people like Morgan. Carmella added that she’s hot and Morgan’s not.
Morgan jumped Carmella and had the early advantage. She tried to send Carmella face-first into the turnbuckle, but she avoided it. Morgan then sent Carmella to the floor with a dropkick.
Carmella dropped Morgan on the apron and hit a superkick to take over. She followed up with a suplex for a near fall. Carmella slowed the pace down with a chin lock, but Morgan broke free to loud cheers. Carmella then dropped Morgan on her head for another near fall. Morgan fought back with a Thez Press to more loud cheers. She followed up with an enziguri and a stomp for a two-count. The fans broke into a loud “Let’s go, Liv” chant.
Carmella hit a superkick for another two-count. Morgan fought back and hit the double knees for a close near fall. Carmella then trash-talked Morgan and dragged her to the floor. The fans broke into a loud “Let’s go, Morgan” chant. Morgan fought back and dropped Carmella face-first on the announce table. Morgan then hit the oblivion for the win. The fans popped for the finish.
They recapped the Roman Reigns and Demon Finn Balor feud. Sarah Schreiber interviewed Paul Heyman in the back.
She wondered if they overlooked the Demon Finn Balor. Heyman mocked her and said, that’s the stupidest question. He believes Braxton probably requested not to interview him tonight. Heyman promised that Reigns would retain the title and said that’s not a prediction but a spoiler.
Main Show
The New Day defeated Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles & Omos (18:10)
This was a good six-man tag opener.
They recapped Big E winning the WWE Championship two weeks ago.
Fans broke into a loud “New Day Rocks” chant at the ring of the bell. Woods had the early advantage, but Styles fought back with the calf crusher. Woods made it to the ropes and tagged in Kofi Kingston. The fans erupted in a loud “Kofi” chant.
Kingston missed the trouble in paradise, and Styles went for a back suplex. Kingston landed on his feet and went for a back suplex, but Styles slipped out and went for a chop block.
Big E tagged in and got a big pop. Big E threw Styles into his corner and demanded Lashley tag in the match. Big E backed Lashley into his corner, and New Day stomped down Lashley.
Kingston attempted a dive on the floor, but Lashley caught him. Woods then hit a dropkick, knocking them both down. Lashley took over after tossing Kingston across the ring. The heels isolated Kingston on their side of the ring. The fans reacted big when Omos entered the match and rocked Kingston with forearms and an uppercut.
Omos lifted Kingston with a vertical suplex but dropped him face-first. Styles tagged in and slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Styles went after the New Day, but that gave Kingston the chance to fight back. Lashley tagged in, but Kingston sent him to the floor. Lashley then pulled Big E off the apron and dropped Kingston face-first for a near fall.
Kingston regained control but had nobody to tag. Lashley took back over and went for a power slam, but Kingston slipped out the back. Woods got the hot tag and ran wild on Lashley. He caught Lashley with a shotgun dropkick and DDT for a near fall. Lashley fought back and hit a power slam on Woods.
Woods hit a missile dropkick and tagged in Big E. Big E caught Styles with a belly-to-belly suplex and knocked Omos off the apron. Big E followed up with a big splash. He went for the Big Ending, but Styles avoided the move. Styles charged at Big E, but he caught him with a uranage. They almost messed up the move, but Big E recovered and planted Styles for a two-count.
Big E went for the spear off the apron, but Styles counted with a leg drop. Big E and Kingston hit a powerbomb/double foot stomp for a near fall, but Lashley broke up the pin.
Kingston avoided a spear with a leapfrog and sent Styles to the floor. Big E sent Kingston over the top rope, but Omos rocked him with a big chop.
In the ring, Lashley dropped Big E face-first for a two count. Lashley set up for the hurt lock, but Styles tagged himself in and went for the Phenomenal Forearm. Lashley tagged himself back in and accidentally hit the spear on Styles. Big E then hit the big ending on Lashley for the win.
They showed Becky Lynch in the back getting ready for her match. The fans popped for Lynch.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated The Street Profits to retain the titles (13:43)
The Street Profits and Usos had a really good match and had the fans going crazy by the end.
They recapped Roman Reigns and The Usos attacking Montez Ford last Friday.
Ford heavily taped up his ribs because of the attack. The Street Profits had the early advantage after a pair of dropkicks.
The fans broke into a loud “We want the smoke” chant. The Usos took over after Jimmy targeted Ford’s ribs. Jimmy and Jey then dropped Ford on the top rope. Jey then gave Ford a back suplex on the floor and pulled off the tape.
Jey slowed the pace down by working over the ribs. Ford tried to make the tag, but Jey pulled him back and hit a forearm. Jey then missed a splash, and Dawkins got the hot tag.
Dawkins ran wild and hit a flying elbow on Jey. He followed up with twisting splashes on Jey and then Jimmy. Jimmy recovered and sent Dawkins to the floor.
Jimmy attempted a suicide dive, but Dawkins caught him and hit a suplex. Jey attempted a suicide dive, but Dawkins cut him off. Dawkins hit a superplex into a twisting neck breaker on Jey for a close near fall. The fans broke into a loud “We want tables” chant.
The Street Profits hit a doomsday blockbuster for a close two-count. Jey hit a splash on Dawkins, but Ford made a blind tag. Dawkins then hit a spine buster, and Ford went for the frog splash, but Jey got his knees up. Jey rolled up Ford for a near fall.
Jey rocked Dawkins with a superkick, and Jimmy hit a splash for a near fall. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant. The Usos dragged Dawkins to the floor and threw him into the barricade. Ford then hit a huge flip dive over the ring post onto the Usos to a huge pop. Ford followed up with a frog splash for a close near fall, but Jimmy broke up the pin. The fans broke into another loud “This is awesome” chant.
Jimmy went for a superkick, but Dawkins took the bullet for Ford. The Usos took back over and hit a double superkick on Ford and followed up with a double splash for the win.
In the back, Bobby Lashley called Big E a coward and chicken and demanded a title match to win his title back.
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Alexa Bliss to retain the title (11:25)
Flair and Bliss had a fine match, but the finish was a bit sudden. The finish felt flat, and the post-match angle went on too long.
They did the special ring introduction, and Bliss got a huge pop from the hometown crowd.
The fans immediately broke into a loud “Let’s go Bliss” chant. Bliss caught Flair with a dropkick for the early advantage. Flair avoided a DDT, but Bliss sent her to the floor and hit a cannonball off the apron.
Flair caught Bliss and slammed her down. Bliss tried to fight back, but Flair hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall. Flair slowed the pace down with a submission, but Bliss broke free with a hurricanrana into the bottom turnbuckle.
Flair quickly regained control after dropping Bliss on the middle turnbuckle.
Bliss sent Flair to the floor with a dropkick and went for a sliding dropkick. Flair caught her and swung Bliss into the barricade.
Flair went for a moonsault, but Bliss rolled out of the way. Flair landed on her feet and hit a standing moonsault for a close near fall. Bliss avoided natural selection and rocked Flair with a right hand. Flair recovered and went for another moonsault but Bliss got her feet up. She followed up with a sunset bomb for a close near fall.
Flair avoided twisted Bliss. Bliss then hit a DDT for a near fall, but Flair got her foot on the bottom rope. The finish came when Flair threw Lilly at Bliss and hit a big boot. She followed up with natural selection for the win.
After the match, Flair threw Bliss out of the ring and ripped up Lilly to pieces. The fans booed the finish, and Flair tearing up Lilly. Bliss jumped back in the ring and beat down Flair. They fought around ringside, and the fans broke into a loud “table” chant. Flair gained control and tossed Bliss over the announce table. Flair possed with the title and walked off.
The fans applauded Bliss as she got back to her feet. Bliss started screaming and held the pieces of Lilly in her hands. The fans broke into a loud “Thank you Lilly” chant. Bliss screamed some more as she held Lilly.
In the back, Kayla Braxton snuck up on Paul Heyman on the phone. He was talking about the draft when Braxton approached. Heyman mocked Braxton and wondered if she was jealous that he was on the phone with another journalist. He said it didn’t matter if he’s on the phone with Brock Lesnar. He walked off when the Usos came by.
Triple Threat Match: United States Champion Damian Priest defeated Jeff Hardy and Sheamus to retain the title (13:18)
They had a good match that picked up towards the end. The fans were firmly behind Hardy and wanted him to win the title.
Sheamus jumped Hardy at the ring of the bell. Priest and Sheamus then brawled around ringside. Priest was firmly in control when Hardy hit a dive off the steps. Hardy took over and hit a dive off the apron on Sheamus.
Priest regained control and hit a series of splashes on Hardy and Sheamus. He followed up with the falcon arrow on Hardy for a near fall, but Sheamus made the save. The fans broke into a “Hardy” and then a “table” chant.
Sheamus took over and isolated Hardy. Sheamus tried to hit the forearms to the chest, but Priest fought back. Priest seemed to slip off the apron, but he recovered. Sheamus knocked him back down, but Hardy hit a crossbody on Sheamus to gain control.
Hardy rolled up Sheamus, but Priest broke up the pin attempt. Hardy then hit whisper in the wind on both Sheamus and Priest for a near fall. Sheamus hit the Alabama Slam on Hardy for a near fall, but his mask fell off. Sheamus locked on the cloverleaf, but Priest attacked Sheamus.
Priest kicked Sheamus in the face. Sheamus recovered and hit White Noise for a close near fall.
Hardy caught Sheamus with a twist of fate. Priest went for his finisher, but Hardy tried countering with a twist of fate. They messed up the move and ended up in a dragon sleeper accidentally.
Hardy hit the twist of fate and climbed to the top. Sheamus knocked off Hardy and mocked him.
Sheamus hit a knee drop on Preist for a near fall. Priest fought back and went for the pin, but Hardy hit a Swanton bomb to a huge pop to break it up. The fans broke into a loud “Hardy” chant. Hardy and Preist traded shots in the middle of the ring.
The fans booed Priest and cheered Hardy. Preist went for a springboard off the middle rope, but Sheamus caught him with a knee. Hardy knocked Sheamus out and scored a very close near fall on Preist.
The finish came when Sheamus hit the brogue kick on Hardy, but Priest rolled up Sheamus to retain the title. Priest celebrated his win and showed Hardy respect after the match.
In the back, Big E accepted Bobby Lashley’s challenge and said he’ll be in the ring at 8 p.m. Monday for his title defense.
Lynch and Belair had a good match until the disqualification finish. Sasha Banks made her surprise return and attacked Belair and then Lynch.
They did the special ring introduction. The fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant and an “EST” chant.
Lynch went for the manhandle slam early, but Belair countered with a KOD. Lynch avoided the KOD and rolled to the floor. Michael Cole pushed that Belair almost beat Lynch in 26 seconds. The fans broke into dueling “Let’s go Becky” and “EST” chants.
Belair used a slam and hit a splash for a near fall. Lynch was briefly in control, but Belair avoided her with a moonsault and hit a dropkick. Lynch hung Belair on the top rope using Belair’s ponytail.
Lynch took over and slowed the pace down. The fans continued with the dueling chants of “Let’s go Becky” and “EST.” Lynch followed up with a sliding leg drop and an elbow drop.
Belair avoided the dis-arm-her, but Lynch hit a suplex. Lynch slowed the pace down again with a chin lock. The fans broke into another “Let’s go Becky” and “EST” chant.
Belair powered out of the chin lock and hit a suplex. She followed up with forearms and dropkicks. Belair then hit a suplex, rolled through, and hit a delayed vertical suplex. Lynch and Belair had a tug-o-war over Belair’s hair. Belair pulled Lynch in and hit a spine buster for a close two-count.
Lynch hit a crossbody, but Belair caught her and hit a fallaway slam for a near fall. Lynch recovered and climbed to the top rope, but Belair cut her off.
Belair picked up Lynch in a press slam, but Lynch escaped. Lynch went for the dis-arm-her, but Belair made it to the ropes.
Belair sent Lynch to the floor and went for the double arm chicken wing. Lynch countered and sent Belair into the steps. She followed up with a leg drop off the middle turnbuckle for a near fall. Lynch hit a second leg drop on Belair hanging over the middle rope for a two-count.
Lynch went for the manhandle slam, but Belair countered with a suplex. Lynch rolled through and went for an armbar. Belair countered with a powerbomb for another near fall. They traded shots and pinfall attempts. Lynch rolled through and went for the dis-arm-her, but Belair powered out. Belair went for the KOD when Sasha Banks ran out for disqualification.
After the match, Banks attacked Belair and brawled with Lynch. Banks gained the upper hand and beat down both Lynch and Belair. She promised to be on SmackDown for the Draft.
Extreme Rules: Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated The Demon Finn Balor to retain the title (19:38)
Reigns and Balor had a really good match, although the finish had a ton of smoke and mirrors. They told a good story and had the fans going crazy by the end.
They recapped Brock Lesnar returning at SummerSlam and Reigns’ feud with The Demon. Michael Cole pointed out that Reigns has been Universal Champion for 391 days and wondered if he’d be champion at Crown Jewel. Cole also pointed out that Balor is undefeated as The Demon.
Balor and Reigns traded shots to start the match. Reigns went for a slam, but Balor attacked the eyes. Reigns fought back and hit a Samoan Drop for a near fall. He rolled out of the ring and grabbed a kendo stick. The fans booed that it wasn’t a table.
Reigns looked around, and Balor appeared on the other side of the ring with a bundle of kendo sticks. Balor used the kendo sticks to beat down Reigns but Reigns fought back.
The fans broke into a “We want tables” chant. Balor trapped Reigns in the ring curtain and beat him down. He started to pull out a table from under the ring to a massive pop. Reigns cut Balor off and put the table back to thunderous boos. The fans erupted in a loud “We want tables” chant.
Reigns grabbed a chair and beat down Balor. Balor fought back and hit a double foot stomp with the chair. The fans broke into a loud “table” chant.
Balor brought in the table to a huge pop. Reigns suddenly hit the drive-by out of nowhere. He then threw Balor over the barricade into the crowd. Reigns put on a mask and brawled with Balor through the crowd.
They fought near the kick-off panel’s table. Balor hit a crossbody off the panel’s table onto Reigns through a second table.
In the ring, Balor set up the first table but Reigns recovered. He slammed Balor through the table for a close near fall. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant. Reigns missed the superman punch, and Balor hit a Pele kick. Reigns recovered and hit a superman punch for a two-count.
Reigns went for a spear, but Balor countered with a kick to the face. He followed up with the sling blade. Balor went for the shotgun dropkick, but Reigns hit a spear for a near fall. When Balor kicked out, he gave Reigns a low blow, which Reigns did a few weeks ago to Balor.
Balor took over and hit a dive to the floor. He followed up with the coup de grace, but The Usos ran out and broke up the pin. The Usos beat him down and hit a double superkick. They set up a table at ringside.
Balor fought back and took out Jimmy. Balor then gave Jey a powerbomb through the announce table to a huge pop. The fans were going crazy when Reigns speared Balor through the barricade to a massive pop. The fans went crazy and broke into a loud “Holy s***” chant.
Suddenly, the lights turned red, and a heartbeat played in the arena. Balor suddenly jumped to his feet, and his music started playing. He ran wild and beat down Reigns with a chair around ringside. Balor then put Reigns through a table.
Balor sent Reigns back in the ring and climbed to the top rope. Suddenly, the top rope broke, and Balor fell in the ring. The lights turned back on, and Reigns hit the spear for the win. There was no explanation why the top rope suddenly broke and the red light made it difficult to watch the last few minutes.
Reigns and The Usos celebrated his win to end a fun pay-per-view. WWE Champion Big E vs. Bobby Lashley is official for tomorrow night on Raw.
A stipulation is set for Roman Reigns and “The Demon” Finn Balor’s Universal Championship match at Extreme Rules.
On tonight’s Raw, it was revealed that Reigns vs. Balor at Sunday’s pay-per-view will be an extreme rules match. The PPV is taking place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
SmackDown’s Reigns was in action twice on Raw tonight. Reigns & SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated The New Day (WWE Champion Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) in the opening match of the show. Bobby Lashley’s involvement in the six-man tag set up a triple threat match where Reigns defeated Lashley and Big E in the main event.
After Lashley attacked Big E with a steel chair during the triple threat match, Reigns hit a spear on Lashley and pinned him to get the win.
Reigns defeated Balor to retain the Universal Championship on SmackDown earlier this month. But a pre-match attack by The Usos, along with Reigns using a low blow to get the win, led to a rematch being announced for Extreme Rules. Balor’s Demon character made its return as he confronted Reigns on SmackDown two weeks ago.
Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar will take place at WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 21. If Reigns is still champion, the Universal title will be on the line in that match.
Here’s the updated card for Extreme Rules:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against “The Demon” Finn Balor in an extreme rules match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
United States Champion Damian Priest defends against Sheamus and Jeff Hardy in a triple threat match
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Alexa Bliss
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against The Street Profits
It will be Roman Reigns vs. The Demon at Extreme Rules.
Finn Balor’s Demon character made its return as Balor confronted Reigns at the end of tonight’s SmackDown at Madison Square Garden. Following the main event, Balor entered wearing his Demon King face and body paint. He went face-to-face with Reigns, The Usos, and Paul Heyman to close the episode.
The main event of tonight’s show was The Usos defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against The Street Profits. As Montez Ford went to pin Jimmy Uso after hitting a frog splash, Reigns broke up the pin and caused the match to end in a disqualification.
Reigns put Ford in a guillotine, then cut a promo responding to a challenge that Brock Lesnar had issued to him earlier in the show. Reigns said he’ll smash Lesnar as soon as he’s done smashing Balor. Balor then made his way out as The Demon to have a staredown with Reigns.
The return of The Demon was teased after Reigns and Balor’s Universal Championship match on last week’s SmackDown. Balor chose to continue with the match despite an angle where he was attacked by The Usos before the match started. There was a point near the end of the match where Balor hit a Coup de Grace and went to pin Reigns, but Reigns hit a low blow to kick out. Reigns retained the title when Balor passed out in a guillotine.
The lights briefly turned red and a heartbeat played after last week’s Reigns vs. Balor match.
Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Balor at Extreme Rules on Sunday, September 26.
This is the first time Balor has used the Demon character since 2019.
Lesnar’s appearance on tonight’s SmackDown was the follow-up to him returning and confronting Reigns at SummerSlam. Lesnar said he wants a shot at the Universal Championship. WWE hasn’t announced when Lesnar will be getting his title shot.
Finn Balor is getting another shot at Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship.
Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Balor at WWE’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view on Sunday, September 26. The announcement comes after Reigns retained the title against Balor on SmackDown last week.
Before that Reigns vs. Balor title match on SmackDown, there was an angle where The Usos attacked Balor with the steel steps. Balor chose to continue with the match despite the attack. Balor looked to be on the verge of winning after hitting the Coup de Grace, but Reigns hit a low blow to kick out. The finish of the match was Balor passing out in a guillotine.
WWE appeared to tease the return of Balor’s Demon character when the lights briefly turned red and a heartbeat played after the Reigns vs. Balor match.
WWE is also building to an eventual Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar match. After confronting Reigns at SummerSlam last month, Lesnar will appear on this Friday’s episode of SmackDown at Madison Square Garden.
Reigns has been Universal Champion for more than a year. He defeated “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match to win the title at Payback in August 2020.
Extreme Rules is taking place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Finn Balor
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Randy Orton
United States Champion Damian Priest defends against Sheamus
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Alexa Bliss
Roman Reigns retained his Universal Championship against Finn Balor on last night’s SmackDown, but a tease after the match indicated that things between them may not be over.
Balor chose to continue with last night’s main event despite The Usos attacking him with the steel steps before the match started. Balor came close to winning the title after hitting a Coup de Grace, but Reigns hit a low blow to kick out. Balor then passed out in a guillotine as Reigns retained the Universal Championship.
Reigns was paranoid that Brock Lesnar might be in the building after Paul Heyman informed him that Lesnar will be at next Friday’s SmackDown at Madison Square Garden. As Reigns was heading up the ramp after defeating Balor, the lights briefly turned red and a heartbeat played, potentially teasing the return of Balor’s Demon character.
Tonight’s SmackDown takes place from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends his title against Finn Balor in tonight’s main event. Balor confronted Reigns at the end of last week’s episode during Reigns and The Usos’ championship celebration. Balor demanded his title shot for tonight after John Cena stole his SummerSlam match. The heels beat down Balor until The Street Profits made the save.
The Usos will face off with The Street Profits on tonight’s show. The Usos’ SmackDown Tag Team titles won’t be on the line, but WWE is hyping that a win would put The Street Profits in title contention.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch returned to SmackDown last week. Bianca Belair confronted her and demanded a rematch that night, but Lynch refused. Instead, Belair defeated Liv Morgan, Carmella, and Zelina Vega in a four-way elimination match to receive a future title shot.
Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro has also been announced for tonight’s show. Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped Finn Balor returning last week and challenging Roman Reigns to a title match tonight.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves are the commentators. Cole noted Pat McAfee’s doing better and returns next week at Madison Square Garden.
The Usos And Street Profits Segment
This was a fine opening segment. They didn’t get much time to talk, but the fans were into the short segment.
SmackDown tag team champions The Usos made their way to the ring. Jimmy wondered why The Street Profits got involved in their family business last week. Jey noted they disrespected the family and the head of the table.
The Street Profits interrupted to a big reaction. They mocked The Usos and noted they embarrassed them in front of the head of the table. Angelo Dawkins wondered if The Usos got a permission slip from Reigns.
They showed Reigns watching in the back, and the fans erupted in boos.
Championship Contender match: The Street Profits defeated SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos via DQ (7:55)
The Usos and Street Profits were having a good match until the weak DQ finish. The fans booed the finish.
Jimmy had the early advantage, but Dawkins hit a dropkick and twisting splash in the corner. Ford followed up with a standing dropkick and sent the heels to the floor. Ford went from a cross body off the apron, but The Usos caught him and slammed Ford into the barricade.
Back from the break, The Usos were firmly in control until Ford hit an enziguri on Jey. Ford went for the tag, but Jimmy knocked Dawkins off the apron. Jimmy then missed a charge and went shoulder-first into the ring post.
Dawkins and Jey got the double tag. Dawkins was briefly in control, but Jey took over. The Usos climbed to the top rope, but Dawkins fought them off. Ford got the tag, and Dawkins hit the spinebuster on Jey. Ford then hit the frog splash, but Jimmy broke up the pin. Jimmy then threw Ford into the ring post twice. Suddenly, the referee called for disqualification. Cole claimed the referee lost control of the match.
After the match, The Usos jumped Dawkins at ringside and beat him down. Ford then hit a scary-looking dive onto The Usos and wiped them out. Ford seemed to almost land on his head but got back to his feet.
Dawkins and Ford jumped onto the announce table and celebrated.
In the back, Roman Reigns told Paul Heyman to bring him his cousins. Heyman left the locker room and ran into Kayla Braxton. Braxton started asking him questions when his phone started ringing. The ring tone was Brock Lesnar’s entrance music. Heyman ignored the first call, but Braxton pointed out his phone was ringing again.
Heyman finally answered the phone and promised to deliver a message. Heyman then ran into Big E dressed as a janitor. He was holding his Money in the Bank Briefcase as he laughed at Heyman.
They announced matches for Raw on Monday, including Charlotte Flair defending against Nia Jax and a tag team turmoil match.
Becky Lynch And Bianca Belair Segment
Lynch and Belair were good in the segment. Lynch was more of a heel but the fans cheered for both of them at various points.
Becky Lynch made her way to the ring. They recapped Bianca Belair winning the four-way elimination match last week to earn the next title shot.
Lynch got a huge reaction, and the fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant. Lynch noted she returned last week but didn’t get any you deserve it chants. The fans broke into a brief “You deserve it” chant, which made her happy.
Lynch noted the entire locker room interrupted her last week, but she didn’t get a chance to address Belair. The fans gave Belair a mixed reaction. Lynch noted the higher-ups called her when Sasha Banks went down, and she saved Belair’s SummerSlam match. She claimed that Belair doesn’t get to complain about Lynch beating her so fast. The fans cheered.
Belair’s music hit, and she made her way to the ring to a good reaction. On commentary, Cole pointed out that Belair’s hasn’t complained about losing the title quickly. The fans broke into a loud “EST” chant. Belair noted she still thinks about losing the title in 26 seconds. She admits it was embarrassing, and she’s still hurt. Belair’s not making excuses and noted she wouldn’t tear down another person to build herself up.
Belair promised to win the title back, and she’ll be the greatest. Belair pointed out Lynch wouldn’t give her a rematch, so she went out and earned a title shot. She noted that Roman Reigns is defending his title tonight, so she challenged Lynch to a match tonight too.
The fans broke into a loud “EST” chant. Lynch thought about it for a minute but turned down Belair’s challenge. The fans booed as Lynch walked off.
In the back, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode were walking to the ring. Ziggler saw Toni Storm randomly standing by a table. Ziggler welcomed Storm to SmackDown and wondered if she’s going to watch his match. Storm admitted she plans on watching, but she’s rooting for Rick Boogs.
Rick Boogs (w/King Nakamura) defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Robert Roode) (1:30)
This wasn’t much of a match since they kept it so short. They didn’t get time to build a match and only did few moves.
Ziggler tried taking Boogs to the ground, but he fought back. Boogs took over after giving Ziggler an impressive press slam. Boogs went from the pump handle slam, but Ziggler slipped out and hit a DDT.
Ziggler went for a superkick, but Boogs caught the leg and hit the pump handle slam for the win.
In the back, Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce approached Becky Lynch. Deville announced that Lynch defends against Bianca Belair at Extreme Rules. Pearce then informed Lynch that their contract signing is next week in Madison Square Garden.
Cesaro defeated Seth Rollins via DQ (9:35)
Cesaro and Rollins were having a good match until the weak finish. The fans hated the finish and erupted in boos until Edge made the save.
Before the match, Kayla Braxton interviewed Seth Rollins backstage. Rollins claimed tonight is a new beginning, and he’s moving on from Edge. He watched his SummerSlam match several times and learned from Edge. He’s going to use everything he learned and promises to beat his old nemesis, Cesaro.
Cesaro caught Rollins in mid-air and hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for the early advantage. Cesaro followed up with an uppercut at ringside. Rollins recovered and caught Cesaro with a dropkick. Cesaro fought back and hit a dropkick as well.
Cesaro went for the giant swing, but Rollins grabbed the ropes. Rollins then hit Edge’s impaler DDT for a near fall.
Back from the break, Cesaro rocked Rollins with right hands, but Rollins dropped him on the middle turnbuckle. Rollins climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro cut him off and went for a superplex. Rollins slipped out and hit a buckle bomb for a close near fall.
Cesaro rocked Rollins with an uppercut. Rollins fired back and hit the Edge-O-Matic for a two-count. Cesaro recovered and rocked Rollins with another uppercut in the corner. Cesaro went for the giant swing, but Rollins rolled him up for a near fall.
Rollins went for a sling blade, but Cesaro caught Rollins in the giant swing. Cesaro transitioned into the sharpshooter, but Rollins made it to the ropes. Rollins rolled to the floor. Cesaro went for an uppercut on the floor, but Rollins blocked it with a chair for the disqualification.
After the match, Rollins attacked Cesaro with the chair and broke a piece of it off. Rollins locked Cesaro in a cross face with the chair leg. He released the hold and then hit the stomp.
Rollins grabbed another chair and set up for the conchairto. Edge’s music hit, and he ran out for the save. Edge got a massive reaction, and the fans broke into a loud “Edge” chant. Rollins escaped through the crowd.
In the back, Roman Reigns and The Usos went over their game plan. Paul Heyman approached and informed Reigns they have a problem. Reigns isn’t worried about Finn Balor. Heyman said they have a Brock Lesnar problem. He told Reigns that Lesnar called him and is going to be in New York next week. Heyman mentioned that Lesnar’s watching FOX in Saskatchewan.
Reigns wondered how Heyman would know Lesnar’s in Saskatchewan. Heyman said he doesn’t, and he could be in Minnesota. Reigns wondered if Lesnar’s here at the arena tonight.
Happy Corbin arrived at the arena and mistook Mckenzie Mitchell for the valet.
Back from the break, Kayla Braxton approached Edge. Edge knows the game Seth Rollins is playing, but it’s got to stop. Edge then challenged Rollins to a match next week in Madison Square Garden.
The KO Show
This was a fun segment. Logan Paul made a surprise appearance and was a total heel.
Kevin Owens wasted no time and introduced his guest Happy Corbin. Corbin thanked Owens for his recent string of good luck. Corbin announced he has a special guest and introduced Logan Paul to thunderous boos.
Paul thanked Owens for having him as a guest. Corbin claimed they have a lot in common. Paul agreed and noted they hung out after his brother Jake Paul beat Tyron Woodley. The fans erupted in boos again.
Owens mocked Paul and Corbin. Paul then offered Owens money and made fun of his appearance. Owens didn’t want his money and told Paul to leave and never come back.
Paul got in Owens’s face and shoved him. Owens pushed back, and they squared off. Owens charged at Paul, but Corbin hit him with the microphone. Paul laughed as Corbin gave Owens a chokeslam.
They showed Carmella backstage and introduced her as the most beautiful woman in the WWE. She was posing in the back as Liv Morgan watched in the background.
Sami Zayn defeated Dominik Mysterio (2:01)
Zayn and Dominik had a fun match while it lasted.
Zayn was firmly in control, but Mysterio made a brief comeback. Zayn took back over, but Dominik caught him with a boot to the face. Zayn rolled out of the ring and walked to the back.
Rey Mysterio came out and chased Zayn to ringside. The referee leaned out between the ropes and tried to get Zayn back in the ring. Dominik then hit a dive jumping over the referee onto Zayn.
Dominik threw Zayn back in the ring, but Zayn hit the helluva kick for the win.
Naomi approached Sonya Deville backstage. Naomi wants a match, but Deville told her to ask next week.
In the back, Finn Balor discussed being the first-ever Universal Champion and promised to win the title back tonight.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Finn Balor to retain the title (11:40)
Reigns and Balor worked hard and had a good match.
As Finn Balor made his entrance, Michael Cole wondered if Brock Lesnar’s in the arena tonight. Suddenly, The Usos jumped Balor and beat him down. They hit Balor with the stairs in the ribs. Jimmy went for the splash off the top, but The Street Profits ran out for the save.
The Street Profits chased The Usos through the crowd to the back. Cole and Graves doubt Balor’s physically able to compete after the attack. Reigns then made his entrance.
Back from the break, Reigns posed in the ring as the referees checked on Balor. They decided Balor’s good to compete and did the special ring introductions. The fans booed Reigns during the introduction.
Reigns backed Balor in the corner and threw him across the ring. He rocked Balor with a series of clotheslines in the corner, but Balor fought back. He hit the sling blade but Reigns quickly recovered.
Back from the break, Balor avoided the superman punch, but Reigns was still in control. Reigns rocked Balor with a right hand, but Balor responded with a kick to the head. Balor ran wild on Reigns and hit the double foot stomp.
Balor trapped Reigns in the ring apron skirt and stomped on him. He followed up with a huge dive. Reigns avoided the coup de grace and hit the superman punch for a close near fall.
Reigns went for the spear, but Balor countered into a small package for a very close near fall. Balor hit the shotgun dropkick, and the coup de grace for another very close near fall. Reigns gave Balor a low blow when he kicked out. He attacked Balor and locked on the guillotine for the win.
As Reigns walked off, the lights quickly turned red, and a heartbeat played, which might be a tease for Balor’s Demon showing up.
Next Week: SmackDown takes place from Madison Square Garden and features Brock Lesnar’s return. Plus, Edge goes one-on-one with Seth Rollins. Also, SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair’s contracting signing for Extreme Rules.
The Universal Championship will be on the line on next week’s SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Roman Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Finn Balor on SmackDown next Friday. The match was made official after a challenge that was issued by Balor tonight.
Roman Reigns retained the Universal Championship by defeating John Cena at SummerSlam this past Saturday. Brock Lesnar then confronted Reigns after the match.
In the main event segment of tonight’s SmackDown, Reigns and The Usos hosted a family celebration. Balor interrupted them and challenged Reigns to a Universal Championship match next Friday.
Balor mentioned that Lesnar is back and brought up a promo from earlier in the show where Edge talked about going after the Universal Championship. Balor said he planned on challenging Reigns to a title match at next month’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view, but he doesn’t trust anyone around here and isn’t going to wait in line. Balor instead challenged Reigns to a title match on SmackDown next week.
A brawl broke out before Reigns could give Balor his answer. Balor threw the microphone at Reigns and then began brawling with him and The Usos. After The Street Profits made their way out to even the odds, the show ended with Balor and The Street Profits taking out The Usos as Reigns got away.
Roman Reigns and The Usos laid out Finn Balor to close last night’s episode of SmackDown.
Last night’s main event saw Balor defeat Baron Corbin. The previous week, Corbin had ruined Balor’s SummerSlam contract signing. WWE teased that it would be Reigns vs. Balor for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam, but Corbin attacked Balor and tried to sign the contract instead. John Cena then took out Corbin, signed the contract, and Reigns vs. Cena was made official for SummerSlam.
Balor got on the microphone after defeating Corbin last night. He said he wanted to face Reigns for the Universal Championship — even if that means that he has to go through Cena to do it.
Reigns said he could understand why Balor’s upset and why he was running his mouth about Cena, but Balor had to understand that Reigns tried to give him an opportunity. Reigns warned Balor to keep his name out of his mouth.
Reigns then threw the microphone at Balor. In response, Balor pushed Reigns out of the ring. The Usos attacked Balor from behind, but he was able to fight them off until Reigns returned to the ring. Balor was getting the better of a brawl with Reigns, but The Usos recovered and got back involved. Reigns and The Usos laid out Balor and Reigns put him in a guillotine choke.
As the show went off the air, Reigns posed over Balor with the Universal Championship.
The build to SummerSlam continues on tonight’s SmackDown from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Last week, John Cena signed the SummerSlam contract to face Universal Champion Roman Reigns in Las Vegas. Initially, the contract signing was between Reigns and Finn Balor after Reigns turned down Cena’s challenge. But Baron Corbin attacked Balor before he could sign the contract. Corbin tried to sign the contract himself, but Cena ran out and signed the contract instead.
Moments later, Paul Heyman pointed out that Cena couldn’t legally sign the deal since Balor’s name was on it. Adam Pearce noted Cena and Reigns signed, and that was good enough for him.
Tonight, Balor goes one-on-one with Corbin.
Sasha Banks made her return to WWE television last week and attacked SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. At first, Banks saved Belair from a beatdown at the hands of Carmella and Zelina Vega. Banks hugged a confused Belair and teamed with her in the main event.
After defeating Carmella and Vega, Banks jumped Belair and put her in the Bank Statement. Belair will respond to the attack tonight.
WWE has announced that The Usos will defend their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Rey & Dominik Mysterio at SummerSlam. Dominik will face Jey Uso in singles action tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Sasha Banks Segment
Sasha Banks made her way to the ring to start SmackDown. The fans gave her a positive reaction and cheered at first. Banks noted she returned to take her spotlight back, and the fans booed. They recapped Banks attacking Belair last week. The video included fans reacting in slow motion, which was kind of funny.
Banks bragged about attacking Belair. She saved Belair to prove that she needs her. Banks talked about Belair crying before their WrestleMania match. She returned last week to make Belair pay for beating her for the title.
Belair interrupted and walked down to the ring. She pointed out that Banks demanded to face her at WrestleMania. Belair noted she doesn’t need Banks and knows Banks doesn’t want her to shine.
Belair rolled into the ring, so Banks jumped out. She stood on top of the announce table. Belair asked Banks if she needs to take four months off again. Belair and Banks agreed to a title match.
Zelina Vega interrupted and made her way to the ring. Vega pointed out that Belair accepted her challenge last week and demanded a title shot. Belair agreed to face Banks at SummerSlam and accepted Vega’s challenge for tonight. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee confirmed Belair vs. Vega for later tonight.
They recapped Rey Mysterio against Jimmy Uso from last week. In the back, Rey wasn’t happy that Dominik challenged Jey to a match for tonight. He talked about Dominik being a rookie and doesn’t want to jeopardize their title shot at SummerSlam. Rey thanked Dominik for helping him win last week but noted he didn’t his help.
Dominik promised to listen to his father but doesn’t need his help either. Rey was impressed and wants to see what Dominik can do.
Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso) defeated Dominik Mysterio (w/Rey Mysterio) (8:34)
Dominik and Jey worked hard and had a good match. Dominik looked good but probably needs a win at some point.
Dominik hit a standing dropkick and arm drag off the top rope to gain control. Jey bounced back with a shoulder tackle to take over. Dominik tried fighting back, but Jey rocked him with a right hand.
They fought on the floor briefly. Dominik avoided Jey and hit a dropkick through the ropes. He followed up with a sliding sunset powerbomb into the barricade.
During the break, Jey took over after Jimmy interfered. Back from the break, Jey hit a jumping neck breaker for a close near fall. Dominik avoided a Samoan Drop and hit a neck breaker for a two-count.
Dominik hit a springboard moonsault for another near fall. He avoided an enziguri and sent Jey into the corner. Dominik then hit the 619 and climbed to the top rope. Jimmy ran at Dominik, but Rey hit a senton off the steps.
Dominik took too long, and Jey got back to his feet. Jey avoided Dominik and hit a superkick. He followed up with the splash for the win.
They recapped Seth Rollins attacking Edge last week during the commercial break. In the back, Megan Morant interviewed Edge. He challenged Seth Rollins to meet him in the ring later.
Rick Boogs introduced King Nakamura to a good reaction.
They discussed The Rock’s success with Jungle Crusie and John Cena’s success with Suicide Squad. Michael Cole announced that Cena returns to SmackDown next week.
Championship Contender Match: Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Rick Boogs) defeated Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews (w/Commander Azeez) via DQ (2:10)
Nakamura and Crews only got two minutes and had a weak finish.
They recapped Nakamura pinning Crews in the six-man tag match last week. Pat McAfee confirmed that Nakamura would be in contention for a title shot if he wins.
Crews had the early advantage until Nakamura fought back. Nakamura hit a knee of the second turnbuckle for a near fall. Crews attempted the Olympic slam, but Nakamura slipped out the back.
Nakamura hit a series of knees and attempted a pin. Azeez then pulled Nakamura out of the ring for a disqualification. Crews tried to attack Nakamura, but he fought back and sent Crews into Azeez.
In the back, Kayla Braxton spoke with Paul Heyman. Heyman noted Cena stole the contract since Finn Balor’s name was on it. He called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay “schmuck-aneers,” and the fans erupted in boos.
Heyman told Braxton that Reigns has nothing to say about Cena or to her. Heyman walked off but ran into Big E. He was holding the Money in the Bank briefcase and laughed at Heyman.
Tegan Nox (w/Shotzi) defeated Tamina (1:44)
Tegan Nox now has a first name. The crowd didn’t react much to this match or the previous one. Nox and Tamina went just under two minutes with a weak distraction finish.
Tamina was firmly in control, but Nox fought back. She hit two cannonballs in the corner for a close near fall. Tamina avoided the shining wizard and rocked Nox with a superkick.
Tamina put Nox in a Samoan Drop, but Shotzi shot her missile at Tamina. It missed Tamina but distracted her, and Nox rolled her up for the win.
In the back, Zelina Vega approached Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. She demanded to have her match with Bianca Belair next. Pearce noted they couldn’t have the match without proper promotion. Deville then clarified that Vega takes on Belair in a non-title match. Deville told Vega to prove herself, and she might get a future title shot.
Edge Segment
Edge was good in the segment, and the fans loved him.
Edge made his way to the ring before the commercial break. He got a massive pop as he made his entrance. Back from the break, Edge noted Seth Rollins isn’t there tonight. The fans erupted in boos. Edge feels they’re similar but admitted he would end the feud if Rollins was there.
Rollins appeared on the big screen via satellite. He mocked Edge and noted he always has a plan B. Edge said he has a plan B and challenged Rollins to a match at SummerSlam. Rollins needs time to think about it but told Edge to think about it too.
Rollins talked about ending Edge’s career and his neck surgeries. Rollins mentioned Edge’s wife and family.
Edge heard enough and mocked Rollins. He called Rollins Edge-lite and said he couldn’t fill his shoes. Rollins became furious and finally accepted Edge’s challenge for SummerSlam.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Finn Balor. He was furious that Baron Corbin attacked him last week, and John Cena stole his title shot. Balor promised to teach Corbin honor and integrity tonight the hard way. After he beats Corbin, he’s going to address Cena.
The Street Profits defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode (3:37)
They had a good match while it lasted. The fans gave The Street Profits a big reaction.
They recapped Ziggler & Roode defeating The Street Profits for the titles last January.
Montez Ford attempted a backflip but slipped, and Roode took over. Ford briefly recovered and hit a standing dropkick. Roode hit a huge suplex to regain control. The heels isolated Ford in their corner.
Angelo Dawkins got the hot tag and ran wild with a twisting splash in the corner. He followed up with a twisting neck breaker for a near fall.
Ziggler fought back and hit the famouser for a two-count. Ziggler attempted a DDT, but Dawkins pushed him back and hit a huge spinebuster. Ford then hit the frog splash for the win.
Belair and Vega had a solid match that picked up towards the end.
The commentators explained that if Vega proves herself, she might get a future title shot.
Belair was briefly in control until Vega locked on a submission in the ropes. Belair fought back and sent Vega to the floor. Belair gave Vega a press slam, but Sasha Banks walked out.
Banks distracted Belair, which allowed Vega to escape. She followed up with a hurricanrana off the apron.
Back from the break, Vega was firmly in control with a chin lock. Belair escaped and hit a shoulder tackle. Vega went for an armbar, but Belair picked her up. Belair slammed Vega and hit a headspring splash for a near fall.
Vega attempted a sleeper, but Belair countered into a suplex. Belair rolled through and attempted a delayed suplex, but Vega reversed into her own suplex. Vega attempted a hurricanrana off the apron, but Belair held on and slammed her against the barricade. Belair then hit the KOD for the win.
In the back, Paul Heyman informed Roman Reigns that Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin is next. Reigns said he’s interested.
Finn Balor defeated Baron Corbin (2:47)
Balor dominated Corbin and easily beat him in a short match. The fans gave Balor a good reaction.
Apparently, Corbin doesn’t have entrance music anymore because he can’t afford it.
The bell rang, and Corbin yelled for the mic. He apologized for what he did last week, but Balor didn’t accept.
Balor rocked Corbin with a forearm and hard chops. Corbin sent Balor into the ring post and hit a suplex to take over. The fans broke into a brief “Let’s Go Balor” chant. Balor hit a double foot stomp and the sling blade. He followed up with the shotgun dropkick and the coup de grace for the win.
After the match, Balor grabbed the mic and noted he still wants his title shot. Three years ago, he would have let it go, but that Finn’s dead. Balor doesn’t care if he has to go through John Cena to get that match.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman interrupted.
Roman Reigns-Finn Balor Segment
This angle didn’t do Balor any favors. He looked strong easily beating Corbin but then got beat down in this segment. He got in a brief flurry of offense, but the heels overwhelmed him. Not only did Reigns make Balor tap out, but the fans were chanting for Cena the entire time. The fans were into the segment, and it had the most heat of the night.
Back from the break, the fans erupted in boos for Reigns and broke into a loud “Cena” chant. Balor looked at Reigns and shook his head. Reigns heard Balor ranting about Cena and mentioned his name. Reigns told Balor not to mention his name again. The fans chanted “What?” but Reigns didn’t let it bother him. Reigns threw the mic at Balor and turned around. Balor then pushed Reigns to the floor.
The fans erupted in another “Cena’ chant. Reigns had a brief staredown with Balor. The Usos jumped Balor from behind and beat him down. The fans chanted for Cena again. The Usos tried to give Balor a splash, but he moved out of the way.
Balor fought back and sent The Usos to the floor. He followed up with a huge dive. Balor jumped back in the ring and challenged Reigns. Reigns and Balor brawled, with Balor getting the advantage.
The Usos jumped Balor again, and Reigns hit the superman punch. Reigns locked on the guillotine submission, and Balor tapped. The fans broke into another loud “Cena” chant to end SmackDown.
