Rhea Ripley says she was sad when the original Judgment Day broke up but also enjoys “absolutely brutalizing” this new version of the group.
Ripley was a guest on The Wrestling Classic recently and was asked about her time in the faction coming to an end.
“The Judgment Day was really family to me, like it really was,” Ripley said. “It has helped my career so much more than I can actually put into words cause I feel like that was when I started opening up and feeling comfortable going out there in front of the crowd because I had the boys that I could fall back on. So it was really emotional for me.”
David Shoemaker of the Ringer noted on his podcast recently that one member of Judgment Day was “breaking up” and shedding tears backstage due to the group’s breakup. Ripley says that was her.
“I’m not ashamed of it, that was me, I was upset,” Ripley continued. “I was like, the last two and a half years of my life is going to be… like it’s changed now. I can’t go back to that. They were my boys, they were my family, and it was really sad but at the same time, when something so good comes to an end, the other side of it is that something amazing is about to start as well. And I wasn’t really thinking about that because I was just so emotional. Yeah, that was the most fun that I’ve had in my career in a long time. I felt invincible. I felt like I could go out there and just be a cheeky little menace and get away with it, for real, and have fun with my friends.”
Ripley has only wrestled once since Dominik Mysterio turned on her and aligned with Liv Morgan at SummerSlam. Her and Damian Priest defeated Morgan and Dominik at Bash in Berlin and now Ripley will get a rematch with Morgan on October 5 at Bad Blood.
“I loved my time with the Judgment Day, but I feel like now I’m loving my time absolutely brutalizing the Judgment Day. They’re not the real Judgment Day, they’re street trash,” Ripley concluded.
Ripley’s full appearance on The Wrestling Classic is available below:
After not appearing tonight, CM Punk will be back on WWE Raw next week.
Punk was off tonight’s Raw selling the effects of the beatdown he took from Drew McIntyre last week. WWE has announced that Punk will return to the show next Monday, appearing for the first time since it was confirmed that Punk vs. McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match will take place at Bad Blood 2024.
Their Hell in a Cell match was announced tonight by Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, who told McIntyre that the feud between him and Punk needs to end. Upset over losing to Punk in a strap match at Bash in Berlin, McIntyre attacked Punk in an angle on Raw last week — causing Punk to get taken out in an ambulance. McIntyre also destroyed Punk’s bracelet that had the names of his wife and dog on it.
Bad Blood is taking place on Saturday, October 5. Punk and McIntyre have a 1-1 record against each other heading into the PLE.
The Moda Center in Portland, Oregon is the venue for next Monday’s Raw. A World Tag Team title match between Finn Balor & JD McDonagh and The New Day is also set. It will be the first televised title defense Balor & McDonagh have made since becoming champions in June.
John LaRocca and I are back to talk about the major topics in the world of wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast. Jeremy Finestone from Speaking of Strong Style joined us in the last half of the show to go over the fallout from this year’s NJPW G1 and preview Sunday’s AEW All In.
I am back with another Sunday edition of Wrestling Observer Live with much to discuss after Saturday’s WWE SummerSlam.
Let’s talk about what appears to be the dismantling of Judgment Day as we know it as both Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio cost Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley their matches, respectively.
I have a lot to say about the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre match and the use of a friendship bracelet as the main story.
Plus, we got the return of Roman Reigns at the end of the night to cost Solo Sikoa the match against WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. Also, LA Knight, Nia Jax, Bron Breakker, and Gunther were all crowned new champions.
I also give my thoughts on the meeting that took place last week between Tony Khan and Shane McMahon and whether it means anything at all.
Additionally, I talk about Britt Baker’s suspension, the new WWE Raw announce team, and more.
No Bryan, no other people, just Vincent Verhei reviewing WWE’s Elimination Chamber show from Perth, Australia.
The show had few surprises but lots of good wrestling, especially with the help of fast-forwarding. WrestleMania matches are set for Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and Rhea Ripley, with clear plans for Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, Logan Paul, and LA Knight as well.
We also have reviews of the brilliant Will Ospreay-Michael Oku match from Revolution Pro, one of the best matches you’ll see in all of 2024, and Bryan Danielson’s Dream Match of the Week, this time against Jun Akiyama on Collision. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Date: December 18, 2023 Location: Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
Show Recap —
The entire Judgment Day entered to start the show. There was a funny moment on commentary right away as Wade Barrett mistakenly referred to Micahel Cole as “Saxton.” Barrett had to stop himself from laughing, and Cole told him he was fired.
Finn Bálor congratulated the Creed Brothers on getting this far and said tonight might be the biggest night of their lives, but it was just another day at the office for him and his man Damian Priest.
Rhea Ripley warned Ivy Nile not to talk about her again and said Judgment Day would make 2024 their year, just like 2023. Dominik Mysterio said they ran all of WWE (as the crowd booed).
R-Truth entered. He said they forgot to tell him that they were opening the show. Truth figured the beatdown they gave him was just his initiation but they went a little too far because they hurt him physically and emotionally. Truth knew Priest really liked him.
Truth thought they should squash their beef by having a Miracle on 34th Street Fight and JD McDonagh told him that the match had already been signed and advertised. Truth thought they should make it a loser-leave-Judgment Day match and not only was Priest amused, but he thought it was a good idea. The crowd cheered it too. Ripley wasn’t having it.
(They let Truth go on for a bit with his usual comedy but none of it really stuck until that last bit.)
Miracle on 34th Street fight: R-Truth defeated JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio) (9:49)
(Cole tried to convince Barrett all match that the loser-leave-Judgment Day stip was legit.)
Truth was in control until Dom posted him. Truth grabbed a table after a break to the delight of the crowd but McDonagh cut him off before he could use it. Dom tripped Truth as he came off the ropes but Truth’s head landed in McDonagh’s crotch.
Truth launched Dom into the steel steps and sprayed a fire extinguisher in McDonagh’s face. Truth did John Cena’s comeback spots before hitting McDonagh with a Christmas tree.
They battled on the top with a table behind them in the ring. McDonagh headbutted Truth and yanked Truth towards him but they just sort of collided and fell through the table. Truth happened to be on top of McDonagh so the ref counted the fall and Truth picked up the win.
(I’m not sure what the spot was supposed to be, but either way, it was a fluke win for Truth. They didn’t bother showing a replay.)
********
Kayden Carter and Katana Chance cut a backstage promo on Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. They planned on winning the tag titles and partying.
Nia Jax/Becky Lynch segment
Nia Jax entered ahead of a commercial break. After returning from break, Jax had a microphone but before she could speak, Becky Lynch interrupted. Lynch marched into the ring but Jax bailed. Lynch invited her to speak to her face. Jax said she’d love to break Lynch’s face again but she had more important things to deal with.
Jax announced she was entering the Royal Rumble. Lynch said the fans didn’t care (the fans agreed with Lynch). The crowd was happy to see Lynch who was looking for a fight. Jax said they’ve never fought because “they” (she pointed to the back) were afraid of what she would do to Lynch because Lynch was the money-maker. Jax said she would break Lynch.
Lynch said she was indeed their money-maker because she was willing to fight anyone, anytime. It wasn’t “them” who was afraid, it was Jax. Lynch said Jax’s entire existence there was based on someone else’s name: first it was her cousin’s and now it was Lynch’s.
Jax’s only claim to fame was being the one who broke the nose of the greatest to ever do it. That’s why Jax doesn’t want the fight because losing to Lynch would negate that. Lynch invited her to a fight right now and Jax called out a ref. Jax teased entering the ring but backed off again.
Jax saw how badly Lynch wanted this so she said this would only happen on her terms. Jax announced the match would happen in her hometown of San Diego on January 1. Jax said Lynch would end up in the hospital with her daughter asking her why she was uglier than usual.
Jax turned her back on Lynch while saying she would break her face over and over. Lynch went after her but officials quickly separated them. That allowed Jax to knock down Lynch from behind by hitting her in the back of the head.
********
Kofi Claus approached Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa in the back. They said they wanted the tag titles for Christmas. Kingston gave Gargano a Yeet shirt instead. Gargano was happy because his son loved Jey Uso.
DIY found Miz nearby. Gargano said they’ve had their issues but last week’s match was great. They shook hands. Ciampa said it wasn’t great — it was awesome.
Jackie Redmond approached Miz for an interview. Miz said Imperium was cracking and he’s the one who rattled Gunther. Miz planned on finishing what he started by becoming a nine-time Intercontinental Champion.
********
Gunther defeated The Miz to retain the Intercontinental Championship (21:22)
Gunther swatted Miz down with a chop but he was being too cocky and Miz caught him in an Indian Deathlock. Gunther got a rope break, chopped Miz outside the ring and powerbombed him onto the apron. (Miz didn’t go up properly so Gunther had to readjust before hitting the powerbomb.)
Miz fired back after a break but Gunther booted him. Gunther mocked Miz before cutting off another comeback attempt with a chop. Miz fought back and tried a springboard crossbody but Gunther caught him. Gunther placed Miz on the top rope, drove his boot into his face and chopped him. Miz ducked a chop outside the ring and Gunther chopped the ring post which led to a second break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Gunther sold his hand but managed to apply a cravat. Miz fought out and hit a low DDT, regular DDT and a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a nearfall. Miz ran out of the corner but Gunther nailed a dropkick and hit a powerbomb for two. Gunther applied a Boston Crab but Miz got a rope break, thanks in part to Gunther’s injured hand giving out.
Gunther chopped Miz so Miz invited him to hit him again. Gunther applied a sleeper but Miz transitioned into a cradle for a close nearfall. Miz booted Gunther’s injured hand and hit a Skull Crushing Finale for another nearfall. The crowd chanted “One more time.”
Miz tried a few kicks but Gunther clobbered him with a clothesline. Gunther went to the top but Miz kicked the rope into his hand and hit a Skull Crushing Finale off the middle rope. Miz went for a cover but Gunther rolled out of the ring and the crowd booed.
Miz rolled Gunther back into the ring but when Miz entered the ring, Gunther immediately hit him with a powerbomb. Gunther followed with a clothesline and another powerbomb for the pinfall win.
(This was really good, particularly the stuff after the final break, and the crowd was really into the nearfalls.)
********
There was a Creed Brothers video package that focused heavily on how hard they train. Funny enough, the video was sponsored by Modelo.
********
Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci congratulated Gunther on his win. Gunther said they had no reason to be jolly and celebrating. Gunther was the only one contributing to their group because the last year had been a write-off for them. Gunther said he would step away for a couple of weeks to recharge but they had to stay behind to grind, work hard and finally impress him. Gunther left.
Kofi Claus approached Kaiser and Vinci. Ludwig told him to leave. Kingston gave him a gift. It was coal. Kingston laughed and said, “It’s coal!” (which was funny). Kingston said they should’ve expected that because they’ve been naughty all year.
********
Shinsuke Nakamura read to us, “The American Nightmare Before Christmas.” And here it is:
‘Twas the week before Christmas, and out from my mouth came a warning to Cody that Shinsuke would pounce. While your daughter is nestled all snug in her bed, And visions of championships dance through your head. Shinsuke is plotting to live out your story To ruin your plans and extinguish your glory The Nightmare is over, The Nightmare is through. The mist burns its eyes, For the Nightmare is You! You Bastard, you Cancer, you Prancer, you Nitwit You’re Vomit, you’re Stupid, you’re Father was Inbred! My goal is to see that you’re living in fright. Merry Christmas to you, I will be your last fight.
— Cody Rhodes barged in and attacked Nakamura. At least he let him finish. Rhodes attacked Nakamura through the crowd toward ringside.
Rhodes setup Nakamura for something on the announce table but a security guard ran in and pulled Nakamura away. (Security normally just gets between them but this guy flat-out saved Nakamura.) As more security arrived, Nakamura backed off and the crowd chanted “Let them fight.”
********
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven tried to weasel their way out of their title defence but Adam Pearce said no.
Bronson Reed approached Pearce because he wanted to talk about Gunther.
********
The announcers wished Trish Stratus a happy birthday.
Kayden Carter & Kananta Chance defeated Chelsea Green & Piper Niven to become Women’s Tag Team Champions (9:43)
Niven hit both opponents with a Vader Bomb ahead of a break. Carter fought back after a break and made a cover on Green. Piper tried to break it up with a splash but Carter moved and Green got splashed instead. Carter followed with a springboard leg drop for two. Green hit Carter with a Codebreaker and held her in place on her knees as Niven hit a senton but Katana broke up the cover.
Carter and Chance teamed up and hit Niven with “the Keg Stand” but Green (barely) broke up the cover. Chance reversed an Unprettier into a Codebreaker before Carter and Chance hit Green with Afterparty (combo neckbreaker/450 splash) for the pinfall win. New champs. The crowd gave them a round of applause.
********
Alpha Academy was with Ivy Nile as she trained in the back. Nile said she asked Pearce for a match against Ripley after hearing what she said earlier. Nile said her goal was to become champion in 2024. Akira Tozawa showed up and announced he also got himself a match — against Ivar. Ivar and Valhalla showed up right on cue. Chad Gable and Otis didn’t like this idea.
(Chad Gable has only had two singles matches on Raw since losing to Gunther and has lost them both. The most recent was a month ago. He hasn’t won a match on Raw since September.)
********
Various women on the roster applauded Katanta and Kayden in the back. Kofi Claus congratulated them and asked what they wanted for Christmas. They said they got exactly what they wanted. Kayden and Katana dragged Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell to go party with them. Natalya (with Tegan Nox) told Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark that they’d need new challengers and the teams faced off.
********
Ivar (w/Valhalla) defeated Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri) (4:08)
Tozawa got some stuff in before Ivar won with a World’s Strongest Slam off the middle rope.
********
[THIRD HOUR]
The announcers wished Steve Austin a happy birthday.
Seth Rollins/Drew McIntyre segment
Rollins got a good reaction in his home state. He said he was more motivated than ever to be the best champion in the entire industry. He was excited for 2024 and it started with Day 1 when he defends his world title against Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre interrupted. Rollins said he hadn’t forgotten about McIntyre headbutting him a few weeks ago and warned him to tread lightly. McIntyre said he wasn’t there to fight because they had a match scheduled already. McIntyre wanted to tell Rollins he was proud of him. Everyone was kissing CM Punk’s ass but Rollins told him the truth to his face because he was a true leader.
McIntyre said Rollins was on top of the world and it must feel good knowing he’d get to spend some time with his family. McIntyre went home recently and began to feel guilt. He saw his dad getting older and for the first time in 16 years, he began to wonder if it was all worth it.
McIntyre knew Rollins could relate. Rollins’ wife was in the same boat as McIntyre, sacrificing every day away from their family. They’ve had plenty of difficult conversations about missing family moments for the benefit of the business. Their families would tell them not to come home and to keep chasing their dreams but suddenly those family members weren’t around anymore.
McIntyre didn’t want Rollins’ title — he needed it. He needed to know the sacrifices were worth it and he was willing to hurt Rollins to take it.
Rollins wanted to believe McIntyre but his actions lately don’t align with his words. Rollins did respect McIntyre for earning another shot but wondered why he thought the outcome would be different this time.
Rollins saw that McIntyre was willing to lie and cheat and take shortcuts but he wasn’t willing to do the one thing he needed to and that was take responsibility for his actions. McIntyre had to look himself in the mirror and face the reality that the only person keeping him from being champion was himself.
Rollins told another man last week that he hated him and he meant what he said. He didn’t hate McIntyre though, he pitied him. Rollins wished him a Merry Christmas and he’d see him in a few weeks.
McIntyre tried to attack Rollins as he left but Rollins saw it coming. Rollins went after him outside the ring but McIntyre shoved him into the barricade and gave him a reverse Alabama Slam onto the steel steps. (Rollins really sold his arm.)
********
Rhodes thanked the Creed Brothers for their help last week. He wanted them to beat Judgment Day for the titles. Julius and Brutus marked out for Rhodes after he left.
*******
Kofi Claus tossed WWE merch into the crowd but he was attacked by Kaiser and Vinci.
Jey Uso ran out to his music to make the save. The crowd said Yeet as he handed out right hands. Jey wiped out Imperium with a dive before helping Kingston to his feet. Jey challenged Kaiser to a match (which was made official during a break).
(Jey wore a new “Yeet” shirt that was purposely blurred out.)
Jey Uso defeated Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci) (10:19)
Vinci got involved a couple of times so Kingston reappeared to take him out with Trouble in Paradise. Jey hit Kaiser with a spear and Uso Splash for the pinfall win.
— Kingston (in his Santa outfit) and Jey celebrated together.
********
Priest mocked McDonagh for losing to Truth (two hours after the conclusion of his match). Ripley wasn’t happy with that because his loss was a reflection on all of them. Priest said McDonagh was out of the Judgment Day as per the stip but McDonagh protested. Priest didn’t appreciate that McDonagh thought he could decide stipulations so McDonagh pleaded and asked not to kick him out of Judgment Day. Priest said he was not out of Judgment Day — yet.
Ripley wanted them to get serious and said she would defend her title against Ivy Nile on Day 1. Bálor said they would deal with the Creed Brothers tonight. (McDonagh was about to go with them but Ripley shoved him back into his seat.)
********
Raw Day 1 on January 1, 2024:
Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax
Natalya & Tegan Nox vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark
Rhea Ripley vs. Ivy Nile – Women’s World Title match
Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre – World Heavyweight Title match
********
Finn Bálor & Damian Priest (w/Rhea Ripley) defeated The Creed Brothers (w/Ivy Nile) to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (16:13)
They had an entertaining match but the talk of this match will likely be the finish.
They went to break a minute into the match and the Creed Brothers worked over Bálor after the break. Priest made a blind tag, knocked Julius out of the ring and hit a clothesline. Brutus tagged in, ran wild on Bálor and hit a gutwrench slam. Priest tagged himself in again and used a running charge to send Brutus over the announce table.
Brutus fought back after a break and made the tag to Julius to hit Bálor and Priest with overhead belly-to-belly suplexes. Julius fired up the crowd (which was dead before the break) and hit a standing shooting star for two.
Ripley attacked Nile but Nile got Ripley on her shoulders and slammed her on the apron.
The Creeds hit Bálor with Brutus Ball but Priest broke up the cover. Julius countered a Priest chokeslam with a dropkick and hit a flip dive. Bálor set up Brutus for a Coup de Grace but Julius broke it up. The Creeds gave Priest a Brutus Ball but Bálor broke up the cover by hitting a Coup de Grace. Brutus wiped out Bálor with a dive.
Priest gave Julius a South of Heaven chokeslam for the pinfall win.
Julius seemed to kick out at three and Priest acted annoyed after the match.
Priest chucked Julius out of the ring. Ripley was happy they retained but Priest looked angry. (Priest might have also been pissed that Brutus landed right on his head on the Brutus Ball earlier.)
Two matches have been added to the lineup for this week’s WWE Raw.
Katana Chance & Kayden Carter vs. Tegan Nox & Natalya, and The Creed Brothers vs. Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh are now scheduled for the show.
WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced the news via Instagram on Saturday.
WarGames returns to the main roster for tonight’s WWE Survivor Series from Chicago (8 PM EST on Peacock/WWE Network).
The WarGames match itself has gone through many different eras with some being far better-reviewed than others. Only time will tell how this stage in WarGames history will compare with others, but last year felt like a good start.
You can break up the match’s history into the following five periods:
Crockett era
Early-90s WCW
Late-90s WCW
NXT
WWE main roster
Crockett-era WarGames matches are typically the best-reviewed with the first two on the 1987 Great American Bash tour both receiving five stars from Dave Meltzer. It continued to be hugely popular for JCP and then WCW in the early 90s, but things took a considerable dip in the Attitude Era.
By the time the Ultimate Warrior ran in during the 1998 edition, it was safe to say the event’s aura was not what it once was. I once heard reports another WarGames match was held in Vince Russo-era WCW, but I am either unable or unwilling to confirm.
The NXT era of WarGames that followed is tough to beat in terms of match quality. Meltzer never did give five stars for any of them, but several came close and very few were rated under four with the 2021 women’s edition arguably being the only one to disappoint.
The new era of WarGames on the WWE main roster started strong last year. That Survivor Series currently holds a 7.51 rating on Cagematch, making it the fourth highest-rated show (out of 37) in the event’s history.
The WarGames matches provide a new way for WWE to shape storylines heading into the Royal Rumble and ultimately WrestleMania season. It’s already going way better than the “brand supremacy” format we had for years, although that is not a high bar.
This year’s WarGames matches are all about shaky alliances and pending double crosses. Someone is turning on someone — it’s just not clear who those people are just yet.
Betting odds were obtained from Betonline on the week of the show.
Men’s WarGames match: Drew McIntyre and Judgment Day (JD McDonagh, Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor & Damian Priest) vs. Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso & Randy Orton (-450 favorites)
One thing to keep an eye on here is Priest and the Money in the Bank briefcase. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Priest leave Saturday with the WWE World Heavyweight title belt. Rollins could be in a particularly vulnerable spot after the match, although Priest could be too badly beat up himself to cash in as well.
The drama in this year’s men’s WarGames match is kind of interesting. It all comes down to who is willing to forgive Uso for the Bloodline costing them matches against Roman Reigns with McIntyre being the only holdout.
In McIntyre’s mind, he’s right and the babyfaces are wrong. He thus feels justified joining up with a gang of similarly disenfranchised rapscallions in Judgment Day. It creates an interesting dynamic, but I’m not expecting him to remain with Judgment Day after Saturday. He could do something during the WarGames match to show he has no alliances with anyone which could factor into the finish, too.
In terms of match quality, this should be very good. It will be a special match for Rhodes, so expect him to try and make it memorable.
The babyfaces will likely win with McDonagh taking the fall for Judgment Day. What comes after that could be very interesting, however.
Prediction: Rhodes, Uso, Zayn, Rollins & Orton (with Priest possibly cashing in his MITB and defeating Rollins afterward)
This match has the closest odds of any on the card. It’s basically a pick ’em and there are several different ways it could end.
They have teased that the other members of Damage CTRL are gearing up to kick Bayley out of the group, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen. That feels like it could be a red herring or possibly even a red rooster.
One of the first things Paul “Triple H” Levesque did when he got the creative reins after Vince McMahon’s “retirement” last summer was to have Bayley form this group. She has talked openly about wanting to create the first real big female faction in WWE. I don’t know why either of them would decide to abandon the plan now. It seems more likely to me that the big turn in the match could come from the babyface side.
The alliances on the babyface team are possibly even shakier than with Damage CTRL. Flair strikes me as someone who could turn back heel at any time and it wouldn’t surprise me if she does it in WarGames, maybe setting up another feud with she and Lynch.
If I had to make a prediction, and for this article I do, I think the finish of this match involves Flair and Lynch not being on the same page somehow and it costing the babyfaces. Damage CTRL then leaves Chicago a more unified group moving forward.
Prediction: Damage CTRL
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther (-5000 favorite) defends against The Miz
Miz is not going to dethrone Gunther, but WWE has crafted an interesting little angle for the two.
The story that was set up in Gunther and Miz’s promo battle on Raw is that Gunther does not respect Miz as a wrestler. This lined up with his recent comments about Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, and other “showmen.”
The segment brought back memories of the Miz and Daniel Bryan having a similar debate on Talking Smack with Gunther taking Bryan’s role criticizing Miz for his soft style while Miz defends the WWE approach.
In a sense, it is Miz is representing WWE and “sports entertainment” against Gunther who is representing professional wrestling. Since the match is taking place in WWE, Miz is the babyface. To further the babyface/heel divide here, Gunther also commented on Miz being bullied in school for having WWE Superstars as his heroes. I suppose this would be in contrast to the professional wrestling fans at Miz’s school who must have been considered the cool kids.
WWE has attempted to turn Miz babyface only a small amount of times in his very lengthy career. Up until last Monday, none of them had gone very well at all. However, he did manage to get some sympathy from the crowd on Raw — something I don’t believe he’s ever received before in his 17-year WWE run.
Prediction: Gunther retains
WWE World Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley (-3000 favorite) defends against Zoey Stark
The betting world is not giving the challenger much of a chance in this one. She is listed as the second-largest underdog on the card after Miz and I can’t say I disagree.
Ripley is basically the most valuable player on Raw right now. She’s all over the show, taking part in Judgement Day’s business in addition to fending off challengers to her title. I don’t see her championship reign ending anytime soon.
Prediction: Ripley retains
Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar
This was made on Friday’s SmackDown when Carlito was “seriously injured” during a brawl on the show where Escobar jumped Carlito from behind. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis later pulled Carlito from the match and inserted Lee instead.
Whether it’s against Carlito or Lee, the purpose of this match is to establish Escobar as a top star and rival for Rey Mysterio. I’m expecting their feud to run through to WrestleMania, so it would be quite the choice to have Escobar lose here.
It’s now or never for Escobar. The 39-year-old has been with the company since 2019, having spent most of it in NXT. However, Levesque has confidence in the guy and is putting him in the most important, and likely lucrative, angle of his career. He seemingly checks all the boxes and this is his chance to get to the next level.
Ahead of Survivor Series: WarGames, The Judgment Day has found a new ally.
Drew McIntyre aligned with Judgment Day on last night’s Raw, helping Damian Priest & Finn Balor retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles against Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso. McIntyre dropped Uso with a Claymore on the floor while the referee wasn’t looking. McIntyre then threw Uso back into the ring so that Balor could pin him.
It was revealed that this was part of a deal between McIntyre and Rhea Ripley. As McIntyre headed back up the ramp, he met Ripley on the stage. The two shook hands before Raw went off the air.
Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, Seth Rollins, and Sami Zayn had all been banned from the arena before the main event. Adam Pearce banned them after a brawl that took place earlier in the show.
The men’s WarGames match at Survivor Series is currently set to be Rhodes, Uso, Rollins & Zayn vs. Priest, Balor, Dominik & McDonagh. Last week, Dave Meltzer reported that McIntyre being added to Judgment Day’s team was under consideration. That would mean that the babyfaces need to find a partner before Survivor Series. The premium live event is taking place on Saturday, November 25.
It was also announced last night that McDonagh is now an official member of Judgment Day. After months of denying McDonagh entry, Priest finally agreed to let McDonagh into the group.
There was a moment during Raw’s opening segment where Priest called himself the leader of Judgment Day. Ripley later agreed that Priest should be in charge of Judgment Day’s team for WarGames.
JD McDonagh is officially a member of Judgment Day.
McDonagh was made a member on Monday’s Raw when McDonagh took a spear from Jey Uso for Damian Priest after The Judgment Day and their opponents for WarGames got into a brawl. In a backstage segment later in the show, Rhea Ripley convinced Priest that it was time for McDonagh to become a full-fledged member of the group. Priest agreed, and in another segment gave McDonagh a jacket, officially putting him in the group.
After being drafted to the Raw brand back in May, McDonagh had been seen in backstage segments with Finn Balor. Eventually, this grew into interfering on behalf of Judgment Day in an attempt to gain favor with the group. Despite repeatedly interfering on their behalf, until Monday McDonagh was only an associate, not a full-fledged member.
McDonagh will team with the rest of Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio) at Survivor Series in the men’s WarGames match where they will take on Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, and Sami Zayn.
Two matches have been added to the lineup for tonight’s WWE Raw.
Adam Pearce announced via social media on Monday that New Day will wrestle Judgment Day in tag team action on the show.
Pearce also revealed a new number-one contender to Rhea Ripley’s World Women’s Championship will be determined tonight in a battle royal.
“Two huge announcements. First, in a tag team encounter, New Day, Judgment Day settling their score. And, for an opportunity to face Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World title, a women’s battle royal,” Pearce says in the video.
Tonight’s Raw will take place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
WWE Raw November 6 lineup:
The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. The Judgment Day
Battle royal to determine number one contender to World Women’s Championship
Intercontinental Championship number one contender’s match: Ricochet vs. The Miz vs. “Big” Bronson Reed vs. Ivar
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Akira Tozawa
🚨 🚨 🚨 @ScrapDaddyAP announces a MASSIVE Tag Team Match PLUS a No. 1 Contenders Women's Battle Royal for TONIGHT on #WWERaw!
Thanks to Jimmy Uso, the Judgment Day are once again Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
Finn Balor & Damian Priest regained the titles by defeating Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso in the main event of Raw’s season premiere. Jimmy interfered to cost his twin brother the match, ending Cody & Jey’s title reign at just nine days. They had won the titles from Balor & Priest at Fastlane.
Rhodes got taken out near the end of last night’s match when Priest gave him a Razor’s Edge through the announce table. Jey fought the remainder of the match on his own and was trying to get the win with a splash on Balor, but Jimmy dropped Jey with a superkick while the referee was distracted. Balor then hit a Coup de Grace to win the titles.
With every member of Judgment Day again holding gold, they celebrated with their title belts to close last night’s show.
This is the second time that Jimmy has cost Jey a title match in recent months. He stopped Jey from being able to defeat Roman Reigns at SummerSlam this August.
The unlikely duo of Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso are now tag team champions.
The Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles changed hands with Rhodes & Uso defeating Finn Balor & Damian Priest at Fastlane. A miscommunication between Priest and JD McDonagh led to Judgment Day losing the match.
McDonagh attempted to hit Rhodes with Priest’s Money in the Bank briefcase, but Rhodes moved out of the way and McDonagh accidentally struck Priest in the knee. Rhodes laid McDonagh out, then capitalized on the situation by giving Priest a Cross Rhodes onto the announce table.
Uso gave Balor a superkick and held him in position so Rhodes could hit a Cody Cutter. Rhodes followed that up with a Cross Rhodes before pinning Balor to win the match.
This is the first championship Rhodes has held since returning to WWE. For Jey, it’s the only title reign he’s ever had with someone other than his twin brother Jimmy.
McDonagh, who is friends with Balor, has been trying to get a spot in The Judgment Day in recent months. Priest hasn’t wanted McDonagh to join the group.
On the eve of Fastlane, SmackDown takes place tonight from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Judgment Day are set to make an appearance on the episode. Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso, who are challenging Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Finn Balor & Damian Priest at Fastlane, have also announced that they’ll be appearing tonight.
Also on tap is a tag team match with Asuka & Charlotte Flair joining forces against Damage CTRL’s IYO SKY & Bayley. SKY is defending her title against Asuka and Charlotte in a triple threat match on Saturday. The match was made after Bayley accepted a challenge on Sky’s behalf.
United States Champion Rey Mysterio is set to take on Bobby Lashley in non-title action. The Street Profits attacked the LWO last week in an attempt to get back on Lashley’s good side. At Fastlane, it will be the LWO vs. Lashley & The Street Profits in a six-man tag match.
Plus, after a confrontation last week, Austin Theory will battle Dragon Lee. Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
The show kicked off with a video package chronicling all of the John Cena/LA Knight/Bloodline stuff from last week. The opening video then aired before fireworks shot off in the arena and Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Knight’s music hit and the crowd went wild.
The LA Knight segment
Pretty standard “This is how WWE television shows open these days” stuff – but it was entertaining, nonetheless. That’s what happens when you have the company’s best talker and its most organically popular star in the segment. Heyman was a little more fun than usual here, showing his ornery side in a subtle-yet-effective way. Jimmy vs. Knight should be fun, especially considering how Heyman seemed annoyed that Jimmy accepted the challenge for a singles match with Knight almost instantly. Heyman calling Knight the next big megastar is notable, if only because I continue to wonder how things will pan out for Knight once he cools down a bit.
Knight started with his “Let me talk to ya” catchphrase but was instantly cut off by Paul Heyman, who walked out with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. Heyman said he has a reputation for spotting the next big thing in the pro wrestling industry. Heyman said the next big megastar in this business will be LA Knight. The crowd responded with “Yeah!” and Heyman said he hates when the crowd does that, which was funny. “LA Knight!” chants broke out.
Heyman said the chants really piss him off. Heyman said he was offering Knight his condolences because now the Bloodline is going to have to do something about the attention Knight has garnered. Knight asked Heyman if he was done running his mouth. Knight said it was a wise move to put respect on his name. Knight pulled out a “reciept” and said he didn’t buy any of Heyman’s B.S. As Knight went on, Jimmy Uso chimed in and said Knight won’t make it to Fastlane. Sikoa and Jimmy got on the apron and wouldn’t you know it – John Cena’s music hit.
Cena ran to the ring. Heyman talked Uso and Sikoa out of stepping in the ring and the Bloodline trio started toward the back. Knight grabbed a microphone and said while everyone is thinking about tomorrow night, he’s thinking about tonight. Knight said what he was thinking for tonight is that Knight and Jimmy can face off tonight. Knight had the crowd do the “LA Knight, Yeah!” bit to close the segment as Jimmy accepted the challenge while walking up the entrance area.
**********
– The Judgment Day was shown walking backstage and they even had JD McDonagh with them. Charlotte Flair & Asuka then made their entrance.
This was pretty good. I tend to believe Charlotte is hit or miss when it comes to TV matches (PLEs, however, are a different story), but she showed up here and it helped the match a lot. The accidental kick to Asuka sets up the triple threat for Fastline nicely, and the loss for Damage CTRL, with Bayley taking the pin, means dissension is still always present in that group, which is intriguing if nothing else. You had to know the babyfaces would get the win, considering how tomorrow night is the PLE, but they had me guessing toward the end, so I can’t complain about that. A very solid television match.
Charlotte and SKY started the match. SKY went for an early rollup and got a one-count. SKY posed, but Charlotte came back with a slam and a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two-count. Asuka tagged in and chopped SKY repeatedly. Asuka went for a kick and SKY avoided it to hit a roll-up for a two-count. SKY reached for a tag, but Bayley was jawing at the crowd. As a result, Asuka took back control with a kick. Asuka ran at SKY, but Bayley shoved SKY out of the way and Asuka hit Bayley. Asuka went to the top and landed a double dropkick on Bayley and SKY as the show went to a commercial break.
Back from the commercial break, Bayley was working a chinlock on Asuka. Bayley hit a vertical suplex for a two-count. SKY tagged in and worked on Asuka’s arm. SKY worked a body-scissors and then bit Asuka’s face. Bayley tagged in and ran Asuka into a corner. Bayley knocked Charlotte off the apron and ran Asuka unto a turnbuckle. SKY tagged in and the two face-planted Asuka. Asuka fired up and landed some elbows to SKY. Asuka went for a cover, but SKY’s shoulders weren’t down, so the ref didn’t count. Ultimately, Asuka got the hot tag to Charlotte as Bayley tagged in as well.
Charlotte went to the top and hit a high cross-body on Bayley. Charlotte landed some signature chops. SKY entered the ring and Charlotte hit a fallaway slam. Charlotte followed that up with a neck-breaker on Bayley and went for her flip-clothesline, but Bayley cut her off. Within seconds, Charlotte went for it again and landed it for a good near-fall. Asuka tagged in and put Bayley on the top rope. Charlotte tagged in and Asuka and Charlotte set up for a super-plex, but SKY cut it off and threw Charlotte and Asuka – along with Bayley – down to the canvas. All four women were down.
Bayley kicked Charlotte and Charlotte kicked Bayley. SKY ran in to hit a meteora on Charlotte. Asuka held Bayley, but Bayley moved and Charlotte kicked Asuka off the apron. Bayley woooo-ed in Charlotte’s face. SKY hit the apron, which got Bayley off track and as a result, Charlotte landed the Natural Selection for the win.
**********
– The Bloodline were walking backstage and entered a locker room … where they found the Judgment Day sitting in said locker room. The show went to break. When it returned, the factions were staring each other down. Rhea Ripley told everyone to leave because she and Heyman needed to have a chat. Sikoa and Priest continued to have a stare down regardless of the orders. Eventually, Ripley and Heyman were left alone to talk.
– Kevin Patrick threw to a video recapping the Bobby Lashley/Street Profits stuff from last week.
Bobby Lashley defeated Rey Mysterio [12:46]
Maybe I’m grumpy, maybe I’m tired and maybe I’m just annoyed, but I’ve had enough of seeing Rey Mysterio set up for a 619 one hundred thousand times in a match and barely land the first part of it … half the time. Anyway, it would have been hard to buy into Mysterio winning, if only because this was Lashley’s first WWE television match since May – not to mention their respective factions are going to face each other tomorrow night – but both guys told a good story, complete with size advantage in mind. Lashley is a little underrated for being a big guy and Mysterio is a legend, so in some ways, I might end up preferring this one-on-one matchup over the six-man that’s slated for Fastlane. We’ll see how tomorrow goes. As for this, it was solid TV.
Lashley backed Mysterio into a corner and the size difference between the two was nuts. Lashley hit a shoulder-block to take Mysterio down. Lashley hit some elbows and choked Mysterio over the middle rope. Mysterio ran the ropes and it looked like there was a tiny bit of miscommunication, but Mysterio ultimately got control and hit a springboard moonsault, but only got a one-count out of it. Lashley was on the outside and Mysterio teased a 619, but held onto the ropes, swung back into the ring, and the show went to a commercial break.
When the show returned, Lashley was working a bearhug. Mysterio fought his way out of it, but Lashley cut him off and went back to the bearhug. Mysterio head-butted his way out of it, but Lashley responded another whip to a corner and another go at a bearhug. Again, Mysterio fought out of it and kicked Lashley in the head. Mysterio went to the top, but Lashley cut him off and draped Mysterio from the top turnbuckle. Lashley landed a series of strikes before Lashley ran at Mysterio and Mysterio moved. From there, Mysterio landed a sitting senton. Mysterio ran at Lashley, but Lashley caught him. Even so, Mysterio turned that into a tornado DDT for a good near-fall.
Mysterio pounded on Lashley, but Lashley caught Mysterio and lifted Mysterio for a vertical suplex, but Mysterio got out of it and set up for a 619, but Lashley caught Mysterio and hit an axe-handle to land Mysterio on the outside of the ring. Lashley ran Mysterio into the crowd barrier and then rolled Mysterio back into the ring. Lashley then threw Santos Escobar around. Mysterio tried to hit a splash, but Lashley caught him. Mysterio countered by throwing Lashley into a ring post. Back inside the ring, Mysterio set up for a 619 and this time hit the first part of it. The Street Profits and LWO brawled on the outside. The scene stopped Mysterio from following up on the 619. When Mysterio finally got back to it, Lashley speared Mysterio for the win.
**********
– Ripley and Heyman were shown talking in the locker room. Ripley told Heyman to make a wise decision. Ripley said the Judgment Day and Bloodline are stronger together. Heyman said he liked the idea. Heyman said it was a really good idea, and he was going to remove himself to make a phone call and authorize things, but Ripley stopped him. Ripley said the deal is authorized. Ripley looked at Heyman and said, “Acknowledge me.” Heyman told Ripley she was in the wrong locker room to say something like that. Ripley said Jey Uso acknowledges her and if Heyman doesn’t, they will find out who’s stronger – Judgment Day or the Bloodline. Ripley closed it by saying Heyman was authorized to go make his “little phone call.”
**********
– A video profiling Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn aired. Hey, dudes. Where ya been?! Let’s hope WWE isn’t just bringing you around because Halloween is on on tap and the aesthetic makes sense. Really, though. You’re better than that. Anyway, back to the action.
Dragon Lee defeated Austin Theory [9:19]
Wow, if you would have told me Cameron Grimes was still a thing in WWE, I would have said, “Please define ‘A Thing,'” before asking “What, again, is a ‘Cameron Grimes?'” Regardless, this was fun, and Lee looked good here (but not as good as he did against Dirty Dom a few weeks ago which says way more about Theory than it does Dom). I’m all for keeping Lee on the main roster, and I’m even more for giving Grimes a true, honest-to-goodness push (or at least real attention), so I have no problem with the way this worked out. Theory, meanwhile, continues to be a salad with no dressing, no matter how many times the waiter tries to tell me the flavor was included in the plate. At some point, someone is going to have to figure out something.
Theory grabbed a mic before the match started and told everyone they were in the presence of greatness. Theory said he was such a ncie guy, he allowed The Rock to share a ring with him. Theory said he’s the 150 million hit man. The bell rang and Theory backed Lee up. Lee fired up and landed a fury of moves to get himself a two-count. As a result, Grayson Waller’s music hit and Waller walked down to the ring. Theory took advantage and attacked Lee. Lee came back and dropkicked Theory for a two-count. Lee hit a snap German Suplex. Waller got on the apron and Theory responded with a rolling dropkick to take back control. The show then went to another commercial break.
Back from that break, Theory went for another rolling move, but Lee cut him off with a super-kick. Lee landed a series of axe-handles and a kick to Theory’s face. Lee hit a running dropkick. Theory worked his way back and hit a nice spinning back-breaker for a two-count. Corey Graves made a comment about people being mad about wearing masks that didn’t quite land. Lee countered Theory with a Liger Bomb for a two-count. Waller distracted Lee, but Theory couldn’t put Lee away. Lee was perched on the top rope, but Lee worked out of hit and hit a double-stomp on Theory. Waller pulled Theory to the outside and Lee landed a flip dive before rolling Theory back into the ring.
Waller slammed Lee’s head off the apron and rolled Lee into the ring. Out of nowhere, Cameron Grimes showed up and attacked Waller. That was enough to distract Theory and Lee rolled up Theory for the win.
**********
– Backstage, it was determined there was no way the LWO can fully compete in the six-man tag match at Fastlane due to injuries sustained earlier. Mysterio said he was going to make a phone call to remedy the issue.
– A video package chronicling the Seth Rollins/Shinuske Nakamura program aired.
– The commentary team ran down the Fastlane card.
– Next week, Roman Reigns will return to SmackDown. In addition to that, Pretty Deadly will return and face off against Ridge Holland and Butch. Triple H will make an appearance as well, which I guess means WWE is determined to make sure SmackDown gets more viewers than AEW’s Rampage. I kid. To the main event, we go.
LA Knight defeated Jimmy Uso via DQ [7:47]
An Angle Alert if there ever was one. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. But this match was never supposed to have a pure finish. The babyfaces standing tall makes me wonder if Fastlane will be the Night Of The Heels (and, perhaps, a Roman Reigns appearance). For what this was supposed to be, it was fine enough. Knight had one of his better in-ring outings while it lasted and Jimmy has really become an entertaining “I will never believe in you” heel. What this means for tomorrow night, only time will tell. For now, this was a very good way to end the show and the live crowd was there for it. Can’t ask for much more than that.
The two jawed at each other to start the match. They then locked up and Uso got the better of Knight, until Knight worked a side head-lock. Knight shoulder-blocked Uso to the mat and said “Yeah!” Uso kicked Knight and worked a side head-lock of his own. Uso then hit a shoulder-block of his own, too, which took Knight down. Knight came back with a back-elbow. Knight then hit a power-slam for a two-count. Both guys went for their respective finishers, but both missed. Action spilled to the outside, where Knight hit a dropkick and threw Uso back into the ring, where Uso landed a spinning kick, thus taking the action back to the outside. Uso hit a super-kick and the show went to a commercial break.
Back from that commercial break, Knight slammed Uso onto his knees after a sunset flip in a spot that felt unnatural. Knight hit a Russian Leg Sweep and a DDT before stomping on him repeatedly. Knight landed a running knee for a two-count. Knight went to lift Uso, but Uso got out of it … until Knight caught him and hit a powerslam. Knight hit his jumping elbow, but Solo Sikoa quickly entered the ring and the match ended.
John Cena’s music ended and Cena threw Sikoa out of the ring. The Judgment Day’s music then hit and the entire faction walked to the ring. Outside the ring, Ripley and Heyman shook hands and Heyman yelled “authorized.” The two factions surrounded the ring with Knight and Cena standing in the ring. Jey Uso’s music hit and out came Jey to help even things up. Cody’s music hit and Cody came out to do the same. The crowd was very happy about all of this.
Heyman grabbed Sikoa and in the meantime, the rest of the wrestlers brawled. Sikoa and Cena eventually squared off inside the ring. Cena got the best of it first, but Sikoa came back and then Knight entered the ring and clotheslined Sikoa to the outside. McDonough entered the ring and the babyfaces worked him over. Cena, especially, got all his spots in. Cody threw his weight belt into the crowd and hit the CrossRhodes on JD. Cody’s music hit to close out the segment and the show.
