World Wrestling Entertainment has made several creative changes including the elimination of most of the influence of Paul Heyman from the creative process as well as an apparent pulling the trigger on the plans for splitting the PPV shows.
As reported here several weeks ago, the plans, effective at King of the Ring, is to promote eight brand specific PPV shows per year and four dual brand PPV shows. It is expected this announcement will be made officially at the company’s stockholders quarterly investment conference which comes after this issue’s deadline.
King of the Ring, which takes place on 6/15 in Houston, will be an All-Raw show. Vengeance, which takes place on 7/27, will be the first All-Smackdown show. SummerSlam on 8/24 will be a joint show, while Unforgiven (9/21 in Philadelphia) will be a Raw show, No Mercy on 10/19 will be a Smackdown show, Survivor Series will be a joint show, and Armageddon on 12/14 will be a Raw show. Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania next year will also be dual brand shows.
Baron Corbin has joined the ranks of WWE’s King of the Ring winners.
On tonight’s post-Clash of Champions edition of Raw, Corbin defeated Chad Gable in the King of the Ring finals. After getting to the ropes when Gable had him in an ankle lock, Corbin hit the End of Days and pinned Gable to win the tournament.
WWE has announced that a coronation segment with Corbin will take place on tomorrow’s SmackDown.
Corbin defeated The Miz in the first round of the tournament and Cedric Alexander in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Corbin defeated Samoa Joe and Ricochet in a triple threat match.
Gable defeated Shelton Benjamin, Andrade, and Shane McMahon to get to the finals. Shane was a replacement for Elias, who missed his scheduled semifinal match against Gable due to an ankle injury.
Corbin is WWE’s first King of the Ring winner since 2015. Wade Barrett defeated Neville in the finals of that year’s tournament.
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee
The Big Takeaways —
WWE has inadvertently created a new top babyface in The Fiend. The crowd chants his catchphrase, and cheers wildly for him. Of course, he is supposed to be a heel.
The Fiend is playing mind games with Seth Rollins, who could not beat up more than one guy on his own tonight, on a show where Braun Strowman left three of the four tag champs laying, and 52 year-old Kane beat up five men on his own.
Becky Lynch wants to destroy Sasha Banks inside Hell in a Cell. The attention paid to small details is differentiating this feud from the rest of the madness that is WWE storytelling.
Baron Corbin is now King of the Ring.
Rusev returned, and in storyline, impregnated Maria Kanellis. Maybe not in that order.
What a night.
Show Recap —
Seth Rollins started the show with a promo. He said that we have a lot to unpack tonight. He proceeded to recap his evening at Clash of Champions. “I didn’t even have time to celebrate before I was cloaked in darkness. I was taken down by something I can only describe as…”
Before he could finish his thought, the crowd interrupted Rollins with a “yowie wowie” chant.
Rollins said that the last thing he saw before he was choked out was the face of The Fiend. Rollins said he gets to face The Fiend inside Hell in a Cell in three weeks at… Hell in a Cell.
Firefly Funhouse music interrupted Rollins. Bray Wyatt appeared on the Titantron. Ramblin’ Rabbit tried to interrupt Wyatt, but Wyatt bopped him on the head.
Wyatt said that Rollins has made mistakes. Wyatt can forgive mistakes, but he said that The Fiend never forgets, and maybe that’s why The Fiend had something to say to Rollins at Clash of Champions.
Wyatt said that maybe The Fiend will have more to say to Rollins tonight, then bid us adieu with a cheery, “See you in hell!”
Rollins tried to sell fear or concern, but the crowd cheered The Fiend, and Rollins won’t be winning an Emmy any time soon.
**********
They advertised two matches for later tonight, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross vs. Sasha Banks and Bayley, as well as Seth Rollins vs. Robert Roodw.
The match graphics appeared upside down. There might be a Fiend at the controls in the truck.
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Braun Strowman was shown arriving at the building. Charly Caruso stopped him for a word. She said that she was surprised that Braun was here tonight. Braun said that the next person he sees is going to get these hands.
**********
Robert Roode, Dolph Ziggler, and The Revival came to the ring for a “tag team summit”. Roode started to cut a promo. Strowman rumbled down to the ring and beat up Ziggler, Dawson, and Wilder. Roode managed to escape. All WWE tag teams are tackling dummies for the real stars.
**********
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross were shown backstage, pretending to drink coffee out of their new mugs, available on WWE Shop.
Nikki said that they took out the trash last night. Alexa said, “Speaking of trash,” and verbally ran down Bayley and “Sasha Smurf”, and the two promised to beat Banks and Bayley later tonight.
Nikki is a babyface, who then aligned herself with Alexa, who was a heel. Nikki never turned. Now the two are de facto babyfaces, again without the benefit of a turn.
**********
AJ STYLES & THE CLUB DEFEATED CEDRIC ALEXANDER & THE VIKING RAIDERS
Alexander and Styles started off. Alexander hit a knee strike, then a penalty kick. He hit a series of punches in the corner, then tagged Erik. Styles managed a tag to Karl Anderson. Ivar made a blind tag, and Viking Raiders hit tandem offense on Anderson.
Ivar worked over Anderson’s left arm. Gallows and Erik tagged in. Erik missed a meteora in the corner, and The OC took over. On the outside, Styles dropped Erik face-first onto the barricade, as the show went to a commercial break.
Back from break, Erik hit Anderson with a knee strike, then made a hot tag to Ivar. Ivar connected with a senton, then a cartwheel.
The match broke down, and everyone hit a move. Alexander and Anderson were left legal. Alexander hit a handspring kick. Styles blind-tagged his way in, then nailed Alexander with a Phenomenal Forearm for the pin.
After the match, Gallows and Anderson went after Erik on the outside. Ivar hit a flip dive off the post, wiping all three out.
Back in the ring, Alexander crotched Styles on the top rope. He teased a superplex, but Styles blocked it, then hit a Styles Clash off the second rope. Alexander was handed another resounding defeat after his pre-show loss at Clash of Champions.
**********
Renee Young, Michael Cole, and Corey Graves introduced a vignette taped earlier in the day at the Women’s College Basketball Hall of Fame.
R-Truth and Carmella were shown talking about the great basketball teams at the University of Tennessee. Mayor Glen Jacobs entered. R-Truth asked if he was Magic Johnson. Jacobs offered R-Truth a limo tour of Knoxville. R-Truth accepted.
Truth and Jacobs exited the scene, while Carmella looked on… concerned? Suspicious?
The King of the Ring final is up next.
**********
KING OF THE RING FINAL: BARON CORBIN DEFEATED CHAD GABLE
They started the match with some chain wrestling. Corbin forced a rope break, then hit a back elbow. Corbin began working over Gable at a snail’s pace, hitting a series of strikes in the corner, playing to the crowd between each punch.
Gable low-bridged Corbin over the top rope to the apron, then knocked him to the floor with a dropkick. Corbin stumbled to the timekeeper’s area. Gable charged in after him, and Corbin hit a backdrop onto an office chair, as we went to a commercial break.
Back from break, they were teasing a countout. Gable made it back in at 9. Corbin hit a series of elbow strikes, then used a chinlock. Gable took a flip bump off a lariat, and Corbin covered for a two count.
Corbin hit a double sledge to the back. Gable hit a couple of punches and a flying forearm, but Corbin cut him off right away, hitting a big boot. Corbin teased a superplex. Gable slapped on an armbar over the ropes, but Corbin broke the hold with a powerbomb.
Chinlock time. Corbin took a break from the chinlock to yell at the fans. Gable got a single-leg, then used an ankle lock. Corbin escaped, then missed a charge into the corner, posting his own shoulder.
Gable hit a missile dropkick, then three front-flip kicks. He went for a fourth, but Corbin hit a pop-up powerslam for a nearfall. Corbin dragged Gable to the floor, then sent him into the barricade.
Corbin missed a running attack and ran shoulder-first into the ring steps. Gable then posted Corbin’s left leg. Gable hit a dropkick to the leg, then a series of punches.
Gable hit the ropes, but ran right into a Deep Six. Corbin covered, but Gable kicked out.
Gable hit a victory roll into a bridging German for a nearfall. Gable went for a moonsault, but Corbin moved. Gable landed on his feet. Gable avoided End of Days, then applied the ankle lock again. After a long tease, Corbin forced a rope break.
Gable hit a series of strikes in the corner. He went for a tornado DDT, but Corbin reversed it into End of Days for the pin.
The first half of the match was boring. The second half was good. Corey Graves was insufferable on commentary throughout.
**********
They cut to a scene of Sarah Schreiber, Kayla Braxton, Titus O’Neil, Curt Hawkins, The Street Profits, and Maria and Mike Kanellis partying in the back.
The Kanellis Baby’s GENDER REVEAL PARTY is next.
**********
Maria revealed that her baby is a boy. She told Mike that Ricochet was her baby’s father. Ricochet denied it. Mike slapped Ricochet and told him to meet him in the ring.
Titus told Ricochet he better go to the ring and do something about it all of this.
Angelo Dawkins said he was surprised that Maria didn’t say that he was the father. The Street Profits made a stripper joke about Maria.
This led to…
RICOCHET DEFEATED MIKE KANELLIS
Ricochet beat Kanellis with a codebreaker in a quick squash. The announcers played all of this for laughs. Graves made references to divorce and paying child support.
**********
Another Firefly Funhouse segment was up next. Bray Wyatt showed us his wall of friendship, which featured photos of Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, Finn Balor and Jerry Lawler (The Big 4), all with their faces crossed out.
Wyatt said it’s time for him to make some new friends tonight.
**********
Back from break, Mike was still sitting in the ring. Maria stood on the stage. She cut a promo on Mike. She said Ricochet isn’t the baby’s father, she was only trying to motivate Mike to fight for her honor.
Maria then said that it was time to introduce the real father… Rusev.
Rusev made his triumphant return and stomped to the ring. Mike cut a promo. He said he’s having a bad day and a worse night. He congratulated Rusev and Maria and tried to beg off. Rusev beat Mike all around ringside. Michael Cole called Mike a loser on commentary.
RUSEV DEFEATED MIKE KANELLIS
Rusev hit some stomps, then used the Accolade, and Kanellis tapped out right away, losing his second squash in as many segments.
**********
Mayor Jacobs was shown giving Truth a tour of the University of Tennessee’s football stadium. Jacobs put over the local police, and introduced Truth to a police officer. The officer took off his uniform, revealing a referee’s shirt.
Truth tried to run away, but ran into the goalpost. Mayor Jacobs covered, and became the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
**********
REY MYSTERIO DEFEATED CESARO
Cesaro came to the ring in running shoes, a track suit, and sunglasses. He announced that the next time he sees Rey’s son, he’s going to beat the hell out of him.
Rey, the valiant babyface fighting for his son’s honor, was immediately cut off, as Cesaro hit an uppercut forearm for a nearfall. Cesaro took the first several minutes of the match, using Irish whips to send Rey around the ring.
Rey made a comeback, then hit a suicide dive, which led to a commercial break.
Cesaro was in control when we returned from the break. Cesaro used a chinlock. Rey teased a seated seton, but Cesaro countered with an uppercut forearm. Cesaro hit a slingshot senton for a two count.
Cesaro used another chinlock. Rey went for a sprinboard crossbody. Cesaro blocked it, but Rey was able to hit a crucifix bomb, then a springboard DDT. Rey teased La Mistica, but Cesaro blocked it, then hit an uppercut.
Cesaro used a crossface. Rey reversed into a cradle for a nearfall. Rey hit an enziguri. He went for a 619, but Cesaro caught him, then hit a gutbuster for a two count.
Cesaro went for Three Amigos. Before the third Amigo, Rey blocked it, then hit a hurricanrana. He followed up with a 619, then hit a Canadian Destroyer for the pin.
This was a solid match, but I would like to ban chinlocks. Everyone learn some new holds.
**********
Back in the Firefly Funhouse, a cherubic Bray Wyatt was shown hanging a photo of Rollins on his wall.
**********
The announcers plugged the upcoming WWE Draft, and promised an end to the Wild Card Rule, then threw to a hype video for the Authors of Pain. This was an excellent vignette.
**********
Bayley and Sasha Banks, who owns zero bad ring jackets, entered for their match.
Bliss and Bayley started the match. Bliss worked on Bayley’s left arm, then hit her double knees-standing moonsault combo.
Bliss hit a code red out of the corner. Bayley rolled outside, and Banks went to check on her. Bliss took both out with a flip dive off the apron. Bliss sold as though she injured her leg on the landing.
Bliss tagged Cross, and Bayley cut her off with a knee lift right away. Bayley and Banks used quick tags, working over Cross. Banks hit a vertical suplex for a nearfall on Cross, then kicked Bliss for good measure.
Banks missed a knee drop in the corner. Bayley and Bliss fought on the floor, where Bayley sent Bliss’s injured leg into the steps. Banks continued working over Cross inside.
After a commercial, Bayley had Cross in a chinlock. The announcers explained that Bliss was taken to the back for medical attention.
Banks used Bayley as a springboard and hit a splash in the corner. They looked to repeat the move with Bayley delivering the move this time, but Cross used Banks a springboard instead. That was the idea, at least. Cross slipped jumping off of Banks.
Cross made a comeback. She trapped Banks in the ring skirt, then sent Bayley into the barricade. Cross hit a crossbody off the top for a nearfall. Cross hit some forearm strikes, then hit a bulldog.
Cross hit a dropkick to Banks, freeing her from the ring skirt. Cross hit Bayley with a tornado DDT, then hit her draping neckbreaker. She covered, but Banks made the save.
Banks tagged in. Cross used a cradle for a nearfall. Banks hit a backstabber, then used the Bank Statement, and Cross tapped out.
This was sloppy in places, but everyone worked hard, and overall I would call it a good match, but the crowd didn’t care.
After the match, Banks grabbed a chair. She teased using it on Cross. Becky Lynch ran down with a chair for the save.
Banks and Lynch had a sword fight with their chairs. Bayley jumped in with a chair. Charlotte tiptoed to the ring in the highest heels I’ve ever seen. Bayley went after Flair. Flair hit her with a big boot, then used the chair on Bayley.
Back inside, Lynch ducked a chair shot, then sent Banks packing with a chair shot. The crowd came alive and chanted for Lynch.
**********
Banks cut a promo on Lynch in the locker room area. She said that she’s the talk of the division, and she’s cashing the winner’s check. She challenged Lynch to a rematch at Hell in a Cell, “…that is, unless you’re man enough to accept.” Obviously she misspoke and should have said “unless you’re NOT man enough to accept.”
I feel bad pointing out a flubbed line on live TV.
Banks recovered and ended the promo strongly with a “Your move, bitch.”
I don’t make it a secret that Banks is my favorite wrestler. I may be biased, but I liked the promo.
**********
R-TRUTH DEFEATED MAYOR JACOBS TO WIN THE 24/7 CHAMPIONSHIP
Truth rolled up Jacobs as he arrived at the building, and regained the title. Jacobs teased firing up and becoming Kane, as he grabbed Truth by the throat. Truth talked him down, and they walked into the building together.
**********
The announcers threw to a backstage promo by Lynch.
Lynch said she loved going to war with Banks last night. Lynch said that Banks brought Hell in a Cell into their business, just like she brought a chair into their business. Just like she used the chair against Banks, Lynch promised to use the cell against her.
Lynch said she’s not interested in facing Banks at Hell in a cell, but she is interested in destroying Banks in Hell in a Cell.
I don’t make it a secret that Lynch is my second favorite wrestler. I may be biased, but I liked this promo too.
They are doing little things to differentiate this feud from the rest of the gaga on the show, right down to having these two deliver their promos straight to the camera instead of to a backstage interviewer. Good stuff.
**********
LACEY EVANS DEFEATED DANA BROOKE
Evans threw her skirt at Brooke at the opening bell. Brooke overcame the distraction and hit a handspring back elbow in the corner.
Evans rolled outside. Brooke hit chops on the floor. Evans used a leg sweep and a slingshot dropkick. Brooke came back with clotheslines and a bodyslam.
Evans used a hair pull, then hit the Woman’s Right. She then used a Sharpshooter, which sent a message to Natalya. Brooke tapped out.
They kept this short, and it was fine. The crowd was so quiet that you could hear a single heckler yelling.
**********
The announcers plugged NXT on USA on Wednesday. Seth Rollins was shown warming up in the back. The main event is up next.
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SETH ROLLINS DEFEATED ROBERT ROODE BY DQ
This was an above average Raw match.
They started with some basic tackles, dropdowns, leapfrogs and armdrags. Rollins used an armbar, a bodyslam, and a knee drop. Roode cut Rollins off with a knee to the midsection.
Rollins sent Roode outside, but Ziggler distracted him. Rollins overcame the first distraction. Ziggler then distracted him again, and Rollins was not smart enough to pay attention to his opponent. Instead, he focused on Ziggler.
Roode knocked Rollins off the apron, sending him flying into the barricade. Ziggler hit a cheap shot while Roode took the ref. Rollins was on the floor selling as we went to commercial.
Roode used a waistlock, then a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Roode sent Rollins outside. Ziggler tried a superkick, but Rollins ducked it and hit his own superkick.
Rollins sent Roode into the barricade. Back inside, Rollins hit slingblade. They did a couple of teases. Rollins blocked a DDT, while Roode avoided a springboard knee.
Rollins hit a falcon arrow for a nearfall. Cole said that the fans were looking to “will Rollins back into this match” as we was firmly in control and climbing the ropes to deliver an offensive move.
Roode attempted to cut Rollins off. He teased a superplex, but Rollins dropped him face-first to the mat. Rollins hit a superkick, which is the setup for the Curb Stomp.
Rollins hit the Stomp. He covered, but Ziggler broke up the pin for the DQ. So, Braun can make three tag champs look like dweebs, but the champion of the universe can’t pin one of the tag champs? You hate to see it.
Ziggler and Rollins had a back and forth fight in the ring. A.J. Styles and The OC ran down, and it became 4-on1 against Rollins. It would have been 5-on-1, but Roode was still selling the Stomp.
Styles laid out Rollins with a Styles Clash. Roode woke up and it became 5-on-1.
Kane’s music played, and he lumbered to the ring, where the 52 year old mayor then beat up five men by himself.
After clearing the ring, Kane teased shooting fire from the ring posts… but The Fiend’s special effects started.
The Fiend used a Mandible Claw on Kane, sending himm rolling to the floor.
The Fiend then focused on Rollins. Did he attack him? No. Did he stare at him? Yes.
The show ended with a distorted version of the Firefly Funhouse graphics and theme song.
The finals of WWE’s King of the Ring tournament are officially set.
Chad Gable will face Baron Corbin in the finals on next Monday’s episode of Raw. The finals had originally been planned for Clash of Champions.
With Elias unable to wrestle on tonight’s SmackDown due to an ankle injury, Gable faced Shane McMahon in the semifinals instead. In storyline, Shane put himself into the match and made Kevin Owens the special guest referee. Shane suggested that he would rescind Owens’ $100,000 fine if Owens helped him win.
Owens fast counted to three when Gable pinned Shane with a German suplex right after the match started. Shane then made it a two-out-of-three falls match, but he ended up tapping out to an ankle lock after Owens stopped him from using a steel chair.
Shane “fired” Owens after the match.
Corbin advanced to the King of the Ring finals by defeating Ricochet and Samoa Joe in a triple threat match on this week’s Raw. Corbin defeated The Miz and Cedric Alexander in the first two rounds of the tournament, while Gable defeated Shelton Benjamin and Andrade.
Elias won’t be wrestling in the King of the Ring semifinals on tonight’s SmackDown at Madison Square Garden.
WWE.com announced this afternoon: “Due to an injury, Elias will not compete in his scheduled King of the Ring semifinal match against Chad Gable. Stay with WWE Digital platforms and watch SmackDown LIVE tonight on USA Network at 8/7 c for further updates as the situation develops.”
Dave Meltzer notes that it’s an ankle injury that Elias suffered.
Elias was scheduled to face Chad Gable in the semifinals tonight. Elias defeated Kevin Owens and Ali in the first two rounds of the tournament, while Gable defeated Shelton Benjamin and Andrade.
Baron Corbin advanced to the King of the Ring finals by defeating Samoa Joe and Ricochet in a triple threat match on last night’s Raw. The finals are scheduled to take place at Clash of Champions this Sunday. The Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina is hosting the pay-per-view.
Baron Corbin is going to the finals of King of the Ring.
In the semifinals of the tournament, Corbin defeated Samoa Joe and Ricochet in a triple threat match on tonight’s Raw at Madison Square Garden. Ricochet hit a 630 on Joe at the end of the match, but the finish was Corbin pinning Joe after pulling Ricochet out of the ring and throwing him over the barricade.
Raw’s semifinal for King of the Ring became a triple threat after Joe and Ricochet’s quarterfinal match ended in a double pin.
Corbin defeated The Miz in the first round of the tournament and Cedric Alexander in the quarterfinals.
Elias vs. Chad Gable is SmackDown’s semifinal match. It’s taking place at Madison Square Garden tomorrow, with the winner advancing to face Corbin in the finals at Clash of Champions. The Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina is hosting the pay-per-view this Sunday.
Elias defeated Kevin Owens and Ali in his first two King of the Ring matches, while Gable defeated Shelton Benjamin and Andrade.
Both semifinal matches are now set for WWE’s King of the Ring tournament.
Elias will take on Chad Gable in a semifinal match on next Tuesday’s SmackDown. Baron Corbin vs. Ricochet vs. Samoa Joe is the semifinal on the Raw side of the bracket and will take place next Monday.
Elias defeated Ali on tonight’s SmackDown to advance to the semifinals. Gable then advanced by defeating Andrade.
Corbin defeated Cedric Alexander in their quarterfinal match on last night’s Raw. Ricochet vs. Joe ended in a double pin, with it later being announced that both Ricochet and Joe are advancing to the semifinals and will face Corbin in a triple threat match.
Joe also appeared on tonight’s SmackDown. Before Gable’s match against Andrade, Joe insulted Gable and called him mentally weak.
Next week’s Raw and SmackDown are both taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The King of the Ring finals will be held at Clash of Champions. The Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina is hosting the pay-per-view on September 15.
Baron Corbin, Ricochet, and Samoa Joe have all advanced to the King of the Ring semifinals.
WWE has announced that Corbin, Ricochet, and Joe will face off in a triple threat match on Raw next week to determine which wrestler will advance to the finals. Corbin defeated Cedric Alexander in a quarterfinal match on tonight’s Raw, while Ricochet vs. Joe ended in a double pin.
Joe had Ricochet locked in the Coquina Clutch on the top rope near the end of their quarterfinal match. Ricochet then made them both fall down to the mat. They landed with their shoulders down and arms across each other. The referee counted the pin, and it was later announced that next week’s semifinal will be Corbin vs. Ricochet vs. Joe.
Prior to Corbin vs. Alexander, there was an angle where AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson attacked Alexander during a backstage interview.
Elias vs. Ali and Chad Gable vs. Andrade are SmackDown’s quarterfinal matches. Both are taking place on tomorrow’s episode.
The King of the Ring semifinals will be held on Raw and SmackDown at Madison Square Garden next Monday and Tuesday. The finals will then take place at Clash of Champions on September 15.
Date: September 2, 2019 Location: Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD
The Big Takeaway —
Bayley turned heel and appears to have realigned herself with Sasha Banks. Read more below.
Steve Austin will host a contract signing on Raw in MSG next week between Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman. They had a contract signing tonight but it was interrupted by the OC and for some reason, they can’t just sign the paper in private.
The quarterfinal match between Samoa Joe and Ricochet somehow ended in a draw and both men advanced to the semifinals next week. Baron Corbin beat Cedric Alexander to advance and will face both Joe and Ricochet in a triple threat.
Show Recap —
Universal Championship Contract Signing
Michael Cole hosted a contract signing between Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman. Both men received good reactions. They shook hands upon entering the ring. Cole asked how they would function as a team.
Rollins said he was no stranger to defending two titles and would do it again at Clash of Champions. Rollins intended on remaining a double champ after Clash. Strowman said he also intended on beating Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler, then asked Rollins how awkward it would be when his tag partner beat him for the Universal title.
Rollins reminded him that he slayed the beast, something Strowman couldn’t do, and at Clash the would slay the monster. Rollins signed the contract, but before Strowman could sign it, the OC interrupted. The crowd loudly chanted for Styles.
Styles mocked all of this, then wondered why Strowman was getting the title opportunity. It seemed like he only got the shot because he was Rollins’ partner and dumbly stared at the Universal title belt long enough.
Styles said he should get the next shot by proxy because he was US champion. He wondered who his opponent was going to be at Clash and figured it would be whoever looked at his belt long enough. He then advised his buddies not to look at his belt. He also mocked Roode and Ziggler, then threatened the men in the ring.
Cole tried to calm him down, then Styles said, “Shut up Michal Cole! I’ll slap your teeth down your throat.” The crowd cheered. Styles ripped up the contract and tossed it in the air. Strowman threw the table at him, then Rollins and Strowman cleared the ring and they abruptly went to break (about 11 minutes into the show).
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman defeated Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (w/US Champion AJ Styles) in a non-title tag team match
The OC worked over Rollins, then chucked him from the ring before he could tag out. Styles levelled him with a clothesline and they went to break. After the break, Rollins made the hot tag and Strowman ran wild on Anderson. He knocked down both opponents with a shoulder tackle, but missed a charge on Anderson and ran into the post.
Rollins gave Anderson a flying knee, then knocked Styles off the apron. Rollins then countered a schoolboy into a schoolboy of his own for the pinfall win.
Styles attacked Rollins immediately afterwards, but Rollins fought him off and gave him a suicide dive. Strowman then ran over both Anderson and Gallows with shoulder tackles outside the ring. However, Strowman also ran over Rollins by accident.
Ziggler and Roode ran out to attack Strowman. The OC joined in and they drove him into the steel steps. Rollins tried to make the save but Ziggler superkicked him and Roode gave him a Glorious DDT. All of the heels except Styles gave Strowman a Magic Killer, then they picked him up so Styles could finish him off with a Phenomenal forearm.
Charly Caruso interviewed Cedric Alexander, who commented on Baron Corbin playing dress-up last week with the crowd. He was suddenly attacked by the OC who laid him out. Cole and Renee Young wondered why the OC would attack Alexander.
Ziggler superkicked Hawkins, then Roode gave him a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win.
There were commercials for Undertaker on Smackdown next week and Becky Lynch on Steve Austin’s show after Raw.
Lacey Evans defeated Natalya (5:12)
As Evans made her entrance, Natalya’s music hit and she shoved down Evans on her way to the ring. Natalya was amused with herself and the crowd chanted for her.
Evans missed a moonsault, then Natalya came back with clotheslines and a snap suplex. Natalya called Evans a “nasty bitch.” As Natalya attacked Evans in the ropes, the referee pulled her off. Then Evans tossed her handkerchief at Natalya and clocked her with the “women’s right” for the pinfall win.
[Second hour]
Becky Lynch promo
Cole plugged Lynch’s match later (Lynch & Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross), calling it a first-ever women’s championship showcase. Ugh.
Lynch said Banks bumbled her way through all of her excuses last week, calling it a bunch of crap. She said Banks had nothing to complain about, noting that Banks was the centrepiece of NXT and main evented all the time once she was on Raw while Lynch was the afterthought.
Lynch said Banks and Charlotte Flair were paraded around like the frauds that they were, but she showed the Flairs why she was The Man, and it was time to teach Banks that same lesson. The crowd chanted for Becky.
Lynch said Banks left with nothing after WrestleMania, but Bayley has been doing just fine without her. She said it must hurt Banks that Lynch is the face of the company because it really could have been Banks in that position.
Banks came out on the stage. Banks said Lynch was right — she was supposed to be in the Mania main event and be on all the posters, but the only reason Lynch got the spot was that Nia Jax broke her face. Banks reminded her that she left her laying a few weeks ago. Lynch dared her to fight.
Banks said she wasn’t going to fight for free in front of these people. She said the only way she would fight Lynch was for the title at Clash. Lynch said all she had to do was ask and accepted the challenge. Banks said the Man would be the Boss’ bitch.
Backstage, the Street Profits were speechless over the last segment, then sent us to commercial.
King of the Ring Quarterfinal Match: Baron Corbin defeated Cedric Alexander (14:27)
I guess whoever is in charge of this show didn’t think it might be a good idea to switch the order of the KOTR matches to give Alexander some time to recover.
Alexander was in control until he fell upside down over the ropes and Corbin drove him into the post. After a break, Corbin was in control. Alexander ducked a clothesline and came back with a dropkick but Corbin caught him with a spinebuster for two. Alexander tried a slingshot move but Corbin countered into a Deep Six for a nearfall.
Alexander avoided a charge and Corbin went shoulder-first into the post. Alexander sent him into the post three more times, kicked away at his shoulder, then hit a flip dive. Alexander caught him with a kick off the top but Corbin kicked out.
The crowd chanted for Alexander as he reversed an End of Days into a schoolboy for a nearfall. He then hit a Michinoku Driver for another nearfall. Alexander tried a springboard move but Corbin tripped him off the top rope and hit End of Days for the pinfall win.
This was good. Alexander got a chance to shine and the crowd was into him. It should be noted that whatever happened to Alexander in his match with Cesaro last week was completely ignored. They instead focused on his bum shoulder, which was injured at the hands of the OC earlier.
They plugged NXT on USA.
They aired a recap of the Roman Reigns/Daniel Bryan stuff, then showed Bryan’s statement. They also showed Steve Austin’s tweet suggesting that he host a contract signing next week between Rollins and Strowman.
Caruso interviewed Bayley, asking her about Banks’ return. Bayley said nothing. Caruso asked about Banks’ comment about the tag titles. Bayley said Banks was still her best friend and they’ve talked about it, but she’s keeping that to herself.
She said Banks did take her ball and go home, but now she was Smackdown Women’s champion and suggested Caruso ask her about that instead. Caruso wondered if Bayley was being overshadowed by Lynch. Bayley said no, the Smackdown title meant as much as the Raw title, and we’d see who was standing in whose shadow tonight.
The Viking Raiders defeated two jobbers (1:23)
Before the match, Caruso interviewed the two jobbers who drove here all the way from Pittsburgh for this match. The Baltimore crowd booed them. One of the jobbers said they’d make the Viking Raiders look like a couple of Baltimorons. The Viking Raiders won with the Viking Experience.
Backstage, Sarah Schrieber (who appeared to be hiding in a corner) approached Banks and asked her if she was rooting for her friend tonight. Banks yelled at her to get out of her face.
Steve Austin will be on Raw next week at MSG to host a contract signing.
King of the Ring Quarterfinal Match: Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet (15:57)
[Third hour]
Joe was in control until Ricochet sent him to the outside and nailed a moonsault off the barricade. In the ring, Joe hoisted up Ricochet, crossed his legs, then drove him into the mat. Ricochet followed later with a Lionsault for two. Ricochet landed awkwardly on his feet, then Joe caught him with a Uranage before driving him into the barricade.
After a break, Ricochet came back with a forearm, front dropkick, springboard clothesline and standing shooting star press for two. Joe avoided a move off the top and hit a powerslam for two. Ricochet fought back with a superkick and a space flying tiger drop.
Ricochet went to the top but Joe went up and caught him in the Coquina Clutch. Ricochet countered and sent them both off the top. Each man had their shoulders down and had their arms on each other, so the referee counted to three but didn’t announce a winner. The crowd seemed surprised.
The referee went to the timekeeper’s area and asked for a headset to talk with someone in the back. I guess he was willing to count the fall but had no idea who won. After talking with someone in the bank, Ricochet asked him what happened and who won. The referee said a ruling would be made later as he left up the ramp. Joe tried to attack but Ricochet fouth him off. This was weird.
Strowman confronted Rollins about Austin being involved next week. He thought maybe they were in cahoots. Rollins noted how ridiculous this was, and how ridiculous it was that Strowman was worried about that after they got jumped by five guys. Rollins let him know that he’s turned his back on his partners before, and also knows what it’s like to get stabbed in the back by his best friend. But Rollins assured him he doesn’t have anything to worry about and was fine with Austin moderating next week. Strowman said if Austin got in his face, he would get these hands.
Firefly Fun House
Bray Wyatt thought what the Fiend did to Finn Bálor was super duper rude and apologized on behalf of everyone at the Firefly Fun House. The Vince McMahon puppet appeared and asked how he dares to challenge Seth Rollins or Braun Strowman to a title match at Hell in a Cell. Wyatt let Vince know that he was making something and pulled out a wad of cash. Dollar signs appeared in Vince’s eyes, then Bray fed him dollar bills. The Vince puppet was happy and left. Bray said “see you in hell” as the Fiend mask briefly appeared.
Backstage, Corbin told Corey Graves that he’s getting a bye into the KOTR final. The referee told him that wasn’t true, that instead, Corbin would face both Joe and Ricochet in a triple threat match. Corbin was displeased.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio told Caruso that he wasn’t done and he had much more to accomplish. He was doing it for his son Dominick. The crowd applauded.
The Miz defeated Cesaro (5:07)
Cole noted that Miz could tie the Intercontinental title record on Sunday if he beats Shinsuke Nakamura. He didn’t mention who has the record. (It’s Chris Jericho.) The announcers also talked about Cesaro’s match at NXT UK Takeover on the weekend. Graves said the match reinvigorated Cesaro. Miz beat him clean with the Skull Crushing Finale in five minutes.
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch & Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley defeated Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross via DQ in a non-title match (10:44)
Bliss wrestled in a t-shirt. Less than two minutes into the match, Banks came out to her music and they went to break.
Cross and Bliss worked over Bayley. Lynch eventually got a hot tag and attacked Bliss with strikes, a running forearm and diving leg drop but Cross broke up the cover. Lynch gave Cross an Exploder, then kicked her out of the ring. As Lynch booted Bliss, Banks attacked Lynch from behind for the DQ.
Banks attacked Lynch with a chair until Bayley jumped in and pulled the chair away. Bayley then smiled at Banks and attacked Lynch repeatedly with the chair. The crowd popped for the turn, then erupted in Yes chants. They abruptly went off the air as they ran out of time.
All four quarterfinal matches are now set for WWE’s King of the Ring tournament.
The quarterfinals will take place on Raw and SmackDown next week. The matchups are:
Raw —
Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet
Cedric Alexander vs. Baron Corbin
SmackDown —
Elias vs. Ali
Chad Gable vs. Andrade
Ali and Gable both advanced to the quarterfinals by winning their matches on tonight’s SmackDown. Ali defeated Buddy Murphy, while Gable defeated Shelton Benjamin.
Joe defeated Cesaro in the first round, Ricochet defeated Drew McIntyre, Alexander defeated Sami Zayn, Corbin defeated The Miz, Elias defeated Kevin Owens, and Andrade defeated Apollo Crews.
Madison Square Garden will host the semifinals on the September 9 episode of Raw and September 10 episode of SmackDown. The finals will then take place at Clash of Champions in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 15.
The winner of the tournament will be WWE’s first King of the Ring since 2015. Wade Barrett defeated Neville in the finals that year.
The King of the Ring quarterfinal matches are set on Raw’s side of the bracket.
Samoa Joe vs. Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs. Baron Corbin are Raw’s quarterfinal matches for the tournament. Both of those matches will take place on next Monday’s Raw.
Ricochet advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Drew McIntyre on Raw tonight. Corbin also defeated The Miz to advance.
Last week, Joe defeated Cesaro and Alexander defeated Sami Zayn in first-round matches.
Elias and Andrade have already advanced to the quarterfinals on the SmackDown side of the bracket. Ali vs. Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable vs. Shelton Benjamin are taking place this week. The winner of Ali vs. Murphy will face Elias in the next round, while the winner of Gable vs. Benjamin will take on Andrade.
The finals of the tournament will be held at Clash of Champions on September 15.
Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland is hosting next week’s Raw.
Date: August 26, 2019 Location: Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA
The Big Takeaway —
Ricochet and Baron Corbin advanced in the King of the Ring tournament. Drew McIntyre and The Miz are out. Ricochet beat McIntyre in a pretty good match. There was also an excellent match between Cedric Alexander and Cesaro.
Despite the two good matches, Raw was a slog to get through, brought down by an abysmal tag team gauntlet match and a DQ in the U.S. title main event.
Becky Lynch was not on the show. Seth Rollins was in one backstage segment.
Show Recap —
Sasha Banks kicked off the show. Michael Cole let us know that it’s Boss Time. After Banks hit the ring, they aired a video package that was over two and a half minutes long.
Banks said she was gone for four months, minding her own business, but all she heard was people talking about her. The crowd chanted for Becky Lynch. People said she threw a fit, that she cried on the locker room floor after WrestleMania, that she took her ball and went home. She said that was all true.
Banks said she was relegated to a tag team match at Mania, one she didn’t care about or want to be in, while Lynch got to main event the show against Ronda Rousey. Banks left and took a few vacations with her pay, then noted that Lynch received much higher pay for being in the main event.
Banks decided to return, greeted her own friend Natalya and lied to her face, telling her that her dad would be proud of her. Banks called herself the standard of the division and was the talk of the division. She deserved all the glory.
Natalya’s music hit and she sprinted out (with her elbow/arm taped up) and tackled Banks. They brawled outside the ring until officials ran down to break it up. The women continued to brawl until they were finally separated and they went to commercial. A young fan let Banks know that she liked her blue hair. Banks didn’t get much heat at all for her promo.
The Street Profits were excited about Natalya vs. Banks. They ran down tonight’s card. Angelo Dawkins wondered what the hell a tag team turmoil match was. Montez Ford asked for a graphic and explained the rules as they appeared on the screen. They went on for a while running down all the teams that would be involved.
King of the Ring Round 1 Match: Ricochet defeated Drew McIntyre (12:51)
Cole said this was a big opportunity “for the man who believes he’s a superhero.” Ricochet cut a pre-taped promo reading off some unfortunate dialogue. He said some would consider McIntyre an immovable object, but he was willing to move him aside to climb the mountain. McIntyre said he didn’t care about the past winners and would exile all unworthy superstars as the king.
Cole said we’ve learned that McIntyre has some problems with smaller guys as he launched Ricochet all the way across the ring with a suplex (which was noted by Renee Young). McIntyre blocked a headscissors takedown on the outside and drove him into the barricade and ring apron, then they went to break two minutes into the match.
Shortly after the break, Ricochet mounted a comeback and hit a dive to the outside. McIntyre followed later with an inverted Alabama Slam for two. McIntyre tried a running splash in the corner but Ricochet actually caught him and carried him to the middle of the ring, which popped the crowd. McIntyre countered anyway into a suplex.
Ricochet came back with a springboard clothesline and standing shooting star for two. McIntyre blocked an enziguri and knocked Ricochet from the ring. Ricochet leaped over the steel steps and came back with an enziguri. Ricochet tried a move off the steps but McIntyre caught him with a headbutt.
Back in the ring, McIntyre set up for a Claymore Kick but Ricochet caught him with a superkick. Ricochet hit a few more kicks but McIntyre came back with a big clothesline and sit-out powerbomb for a nearfall. McIntyre pushed Ricochet into the turnbuckle, but Ricochet bounced back and hit a Codebreaker. Ricochet then hit the 630 for the pinfall win.
This was good. The crowd liked Ricochet and really got into the finishing sequence when they realized he might actually win.
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman backstage. She mentioned the conundrum of them having the tag titles given that every title will be on the line at Clash of Champions. Rollins was ready to take on any challengers at any time.
Strowman was still distracted by Rollins’ other belt. Strowman asked who he was defending the Universal title against next. Rollins played dumb, then asked if he wanted the next shot. Strowman basically said yes and issued the challenge. Rollins accepted. This was followed with a graphic for the match, which I guess they had ready in case this exact scenario played out.
Cole said they would be defending the titles at the PPV before wrestling each other for the Universal title. Young also noted that Strowman could have a third title if he beats AJ Styles tonight.
King of the Ring Round 1 Match: Baron Corbin defeated The Miz (10:01)
The Miz ran down his accomplishments over his 13 year WWE career (which spans about as long as Bret Hart’s initial WWE run). He said people ask him what he wants and he said he wanted it all. He said he would take the WWE iron throne and become “King Awesome.”
Corbin hit a clothesline and they went to break two minutes into the match. After a break, Miz hit his backbreaker to neckbreaker combo, which looked awful. The crowd chanted for Miz as he followed with It Kicks and running knees in the corner, then an axe handle for two.
Corbin came back with a Deep Six for two. Miz countered a chokeslam into a roll-up for two, then hit a DDT for a nearfall. Corbin used a schoolboy for two, then Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale for a nearfall. Miz missed a springboard move and Corbin hit End of Days for the pinfall win. This wasn’t a good match but the crowd seemed into it. They liked Miz.
After the match, Corbin sat in the big chair and put on the crown. He knew that the fans wanted anyone but him to win the tournament, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t wait to tell them “all hail King Corbin.”
Backstage, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows complained to Kayla Braxton about how unfair it was that Rollins and Strowman got a tag title shot out of nowhere last week, and that they had to go through tag team turmoil tonight. Anderson said they would prove why they were the only club that mattered.
Cole announced NXT to USA as they showed screenshots from various news outlets covering the story. They did this on Smackdown, too. Underwhelming way to announce it.
They aired a clip of the Rey Mysterio and Dominick segment from last week, then announced that Mysterio “returns” next week.
Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley defeated Tag Team Champion Nikki Cross in a non-title match (4:00)
They went back and forth until Bayley hit a vertical suplex and flying elbow drop for the clean pinfall win. They worked well together but this was short. Alexa Bliss was not there.
Backstage, Strowman told Braxton that it would be winner take all after he defends the tag titles, wins the Universal title and wins the US title. He intimated that he would take out the entire OC and nothing would stop him from winning the Universal title.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler won a Tag Team Turmoil Match (Gauntlet Match) to become Number One Contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championships
Match 1: The Viking Raiders defeated The B-Team (1:17)
Viking Raiders won with the Viking Experience on Bo Dallas.
Match 2: The Viking Raiders DDQ Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (1:12)
All four men brawled until the referee could take no more and called for a double DQ. Both teams are done. The crowd booed.
Match 3: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik (w/Kalisto)
Ziggler caught Metalik with a superkick off the ropes for the quick pinfall win.
Match 4: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated The Revival (5:06)
Ziggler tagged out and was still in the ring way longer than a five-count, which is what resulted in a DQ in the last match but didn’t matter here. Roode gave Scott Dawson a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win. Dawson had an unfortunate wedgie, which I guess was bad enough that the screen went black for a second.
Match 5: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins
This started during a break and was over almost immediately after it when Ziggler gave Ryder a superkick for the pinfall win.
Match 6: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated Heavy Machinery (5:29)
The referee rang the bell for the match to start with Ziggler and Roode both outside the ring. There was a cool spot where Tucker had Ziggler up in a vertical suplex position, then handed him off to Otis who finished off the suplex. Roode dropped the rope down on Tucker who fell out of the ring, then Roode proceeded to drive him into the barricade and steel steps (not a DQ).
Tucker ducked a Stinger Splash attempt and tagged Otis. Otis squashed Ziggler in the corner and gave Roode a spinning slam. Otis did the Caterpillar on Ziggler, then slammed Roode for a two count. Otis held up Roode for the Compactor but Ziggler superkicked Tucker, then gave Otis the Zig Zag on top of Tucker. Roode then gave Tucker a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win.
Roode and Ziggler are the number one contenders. The majority of this sucked. The crowd died after the DDQ but woke up a bit for Otis.
They aired a long recap of the Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Rowan and Rowan stuff.
[Third hour]
They announced Ronda Rousey joining Total Divas.
Banks’ music hit and Cole, like a trained parrot, said “it’s boss time” again. He had no enthusiasm in his voice this time and Graves made sure to point that out.
Sasha Banks defeated Natalya (3:59)
Natalya dodged a baseball slide attempt, then drove Banks into the barricade and hit consecutive vertical suplexes on the mats. Back in the ring, Natalya countered Banks again and hit a big German suplex. As Natalya tried to grab at Banks, Banks slid out of the ring and drove Natalya’s injured arm into the post. Banks then tossed her into a leather chair and into the post again.
Natalya avoided a double knee strike and applied a schoolgirl for two. Banks slipped out of a Sharpshooter attempt and hit a back cracker into the crossface. As Natalya crawled toward the rope, Banks grabbed her bad arm and wrapped it around her neck and Natalya tapped out.
Banks put Natalya in the crossface again after the match. She smiled as she did it, as she did when she hit the Bank Statement during the match. The crowd chanted for Lynch who didn’t show.
Backstage, AJ Styles told Kayla Braxton that the OC were screwed out of their tag match earlier, and people were doubting him against Strowman. Styles wasn’t intimated by Strowman. Styles said he would beat Strowman and give him what he deserves: nothing.
Cedric Alexander defeated Cesaro (10:53)
They traded strikes, then Cesaro killed Alexander with an uppercut as he attempted a suicide dive. Cesaro hit a gutwrench slam, then slowed things down with a chinlock. Alexander came back quickly with a slingshot flatliner, flip dive and springboard clothesline for two.
During a break, Cesaro smashed Alexander’s knee against the ring board and apron. After a break, Alexander came back with an enziguri. He hoisted up Cesaro while selling his leg, then hit a Michinoku Driver for two.
Alexander went to the top but Cesaro kicked his leg out of his leg and hit a superplex off the middle rope. Cesaro then applied a half grab but Alexander got a rope break. Cesaro came running off the rope but Alexander caught him with an awesome standing Spanish Fly for two.
Cesaro caught Alexander’s legs and initially applied a Cloverleaf but turned into a half crab again. Alexander countered into a victory roll for two, then hit a back elbow. He tried a handspring move but couldn’t quite do it because of his leg and Cesaro caught him in an ankle lock. Alexander fought him off and caught him with the Lumbar Check for the pinfall win.
This was excellent. They’re playing up Alexander having a bad leg going into his second-round match against Corbin.
WWE congratulated themselves on beating Monday Night Football on social media last week.
They aired clips of the 24/7 title going from Elias to Truth to Rob Stone (a guy on Fox Sports) back to Elias.
Schrieber interviewed Ziggler and Roode. They were excited to be a team. Ziggler also thought that the Universal title match would happen before the tag title match at the PPV, which seems unlikely. He called them the real main event and Roode said they were glorious.
Montez Ford talked about Raw but Angelo Dawkins was distracted thinking about the afterparty on Bourbon Street. The crowd cheered. Ford and Dawkins suddenly stopped talking when they saw Strowman, who began walking toward the ring. This looked so dumb. Strowman was just standing in the corner and only started moving when he got his cue. But the Street Profits had to react as though Strowman wasn’t standing there the whole time.
They aired a Bray Wyatt video package, going back to the beginnings of the Firefly Fun House segments.
I don’t know what the attendance is like for this show, but based on the camera angles and lack of crowd noise, it doesn’t seem good.
U.S. Championship match: AJ Styles defeated Braun Strowman via DQ (10:58)
Strowman immediately sent Styles to the outside and ran him over twice with shoulder tackles. Styles caught him with a kick and forearm back in the ring, but Strowman caught him with a chokeslam for a nearfall after Styles got his foot on the rope. Strowman then booted Styles from the ring and they went to break barely 80 seconds into the match.
After a long break, Strowman had his hands on Styles but Styles slipped into a sleeper hold. There were chants of “AJ Styles” and “Get these hands.” Styles avoided a big boot and chop blocked Strowman. Styles hit a forearm to the back of Strowman’s neck, then hit a Lionsault for two.
Styles followed with another forearm to the neck, then applied the Calf Crusher. Strowman sold it like you’d see everyone else sell this move, and even teased tapping out. Strowman then just got up to his knees and slammed Styles against the mat.
Strowman tried a powerslam but his leg sort of gave out. He tried a charge but Styles moved and he went shoulder-first into the post. Styles then shoved Strowman into the referee, who fell to the outside. Styles raked Strowman’s eyes then kicked him in the nuts (which was missed by the director).
Styles grabbed a chair and hit Strowman in the back. He tried that again but Strowman ducked and hit a powerslam but the referee was still down. Gallows and Anderson ran out to attack but Strowman fought them off with the chair. The chair was still in his hands as Styles began to get up. Styles noticed the referee was getting up, so Styles pulled an Eddie Guerrero and fell down.
The referee saw the chair in Strowman’s hands and Styles on the mat. Strowman pled his case but the referee didn’t believe him and called for the DQ. The crowd booed. Strowman handed out powerslams to all three men and posed as they went off the air.
Both heels won their King of the Ring matches on this week’s SmackDown.
Andrade defeated Apollo Crews to advance to the quarterfinals, while Elias advanced by defeating Kevin Owens.
Both matches involved outside interference. After Zelina Vega got involved, Andrade hit a back elbow and the hammerlock DDT to defeat Crews. Shane McMahon made himself a referee for Elias vs. Owens as the match was going on. Shane did a fast count when Elias rolled up Owens.
Ali vs. Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable vs. Shelton Benjamin are the remaining first-round matches on the SmackDown side of the bracket. The winner of Ali vs. Murphy will face Elias in the quarterfinals. The winner of Gable vs. Benjamin will take on Andrade.
Samoa Joe and Cedric Alexander advanced to the quarterfinals by winning their matches on this Monday’s Raw. Ricochet vs. Drew McIntyre and The Miz vs. Baron Corbin are the two first-round matches left on the Raw side of the bracket.
The rest of the first-round matches will take place next week.
The finals of King of the Ring are being held at Clash of Champions on September 15.
Samoa Joe and Cedric Alexander are the first two wrestlers to advance to the King of the Ring quarterfinals.
Joe defeated Cesaro in their first round match on tonight’s Raw, while Alexander defeated Sami Zayn. Joe submitted Cesaro with the Coquina Clutch. Alexander pinned Zayn after hitting the Lumbar Check.
Ricochet vs. Drew McIntyre and The Miz vs. Baron Corbin will take place on Raw next week. The winner of Ricochet vs. McIntyre will face Joe in the quarterfinals. The winner of Miz vs. Corbin will face Alexander.
Ricochet & Miz defeated McIntyre & Corbin in a tag match on Raw tonight.
The first round of King of the Ring is set to continue on this week’s SmackDown. Kevin Owens vs. Elias and Apollo Crews vs. Andrade will take place on the show.
Ali vs. Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable vs. Shelton Benjamin are the other opening round matches on the SmackDown side of the bracket.
The finals of King of the Ring will be held at Clash of Champions in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 15.
Date: August 19, 2019 Location: Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN
The Big Takeaway —
Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman are the tag team champions.
Samoa Joe and Cedric Alexander advanced in the King of the Ring tournament. Cesaro and Sami Zayn are out.
There was no announcement regarding NXT.
Show Recap —
Renee Young, Michael Cole, and Jerry Lawler are on commentary. Corey Graves is on vacation.
Roman Reigns defeated Dolph Ziggler (10:53)
Reigns came out and they aired a long video recap of his angle with Daniel Bryan and Rowan. Ziggler entered and said he wasn’t a keyboard warrior like the fans and would face Reigns man-to-man.
Ziggler mentioned that a bunch of bad things almost happened to Reigns, like almost having stuff fall on him and almost getting hit by a car, whereas he ate three spears from Goldberg. This led to the embarrassment of Maryse’s husband beating him with Ric Flair’s move. Ziggler repeated “It should be me,” then blindsided Reigns with a superkick.
Once Reigns got to his feet, the match started. Outside the ring, Ziggler sidestepped a superman punch, pushed Reigns into the barricade and hit a Zig-Zag on the floor. Commercial break. Reigns was in the ring at 8:05. The match started at 8:10. They went to break at 8:11.
(The crowd is hot. They loudly booed Ziggler’s promo and chanted “You still suck” after the superkick. There were also chants for Goldberg.)
After the break, Reigns came back with a drive-by, clothesline and big boot. Ziggler came back with a leaping DDT for two. Reigns ran shoulder-first into the post and Ziggler followed with a Zig-Zag for a close nearfall. Reigns avoided a superkick and hit a superman punch for a nearfall. Ziggler then countered a spear into a Fameasser for two.
The crowd chanted for Reigns as Ziggler yelled at him and smacked him around. Ziggler went for a Stinger Splash but Reigns caught him with a spear for the pinfall win. Crowd was happy.
They aired a recap of Sasha Banks’ return. Becky Lynch was shown backstage. Lynch said she challenged the other women because she wanted to fight everyone at their best and at their peak. She said Banks was now at her peak now, and she can thank Lynch for that. Banks was cold as ice a few months ago, but suddenly she’s hot and she did nothing on her own to get there. Lynch said she got to the top while Banks never could. She said when they finally do meet, Banks would actually have something to go home and cry about.
The King’s Court with Jerry Lawler
Lawler put over the King of the Ring tournament and mentioned past winners including Bret Hart, Steve Austin and Brock Lesnar. They were all cheered (Lawler mentioned that Lesnar was from Minneapolis). Lawler picked Cedric Alexander and Ricochet as the Raw finalists. Before he could get to his Smackdown pick, the lights began to drop for Bray Wyatt.
Lawler knew better than to just stand around, so he made his way up the ramp. The spotlight shined on Lawler on the stage and Wyatt appeared behind him. Wyatt put him down with the mandible claw and cackled as he did it. The lights came back on and Wyatt was gone. Lawler was down and officials checked on him as the crowd chanted “yowie wowie.”
Cole introduced Vic Joseph who joined him and Young on commentary. Cole hoped they would hear from Banks later tonight.
Ricochet & The Miz defeated Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin (10:15)
Corbin is back and still wearing dressy clothes. The red spotlights used during Corbin’s entrance remained on in the ring for the first 35 seconds of the match before they finally shut off. Ricochet took out both heels with a moonsault off the turnbuckle to the outside and they went to break 70 seconds into the match.
After a break, Corbin was in control of Miz. Corbin ditched his dress shirt and wrestled in a tank top. Interestingly, Vic Joseph appears to be leading the way as the play-by-play guy on commentary.
Miz caught McIntyre with a DDT then made a hot tag to Ricochet who ran wild on Corbin. Ricochet hit a front dropkick for a one count, then a springboard clothesline and standing shooting star press for two. McIntyre jumped in and took out Miz before suplexing Ricochet. Ricochet caught McIntyre with a superkick, then Miz followed with a Skull Crushing Finale.
Corbin chokeslammed Miz then gave Ricochet a Deep Six for two. Corbin tried a charge but Miz pulled Ricochet out of the corner, then Ricochet gave Corbin a codebreaker for the pinfall win.
[Second hour]
Sasha Banks was shown getting ready for a sit-down interview.
Cole interviewed Booker T via Skype. Cole said it doesn’t pay to be a Hall of Famer right now with Wyatt lurking. Booker called Wyatt a rabid dog and said Lawler was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Cole asked Booker about KOTR and called him King Bookah. Booker put over Harley Race. Cole asked him to pick a winner and Booker picked McIntyre.
U.S. Championship match: Braun Strowman defeated AJ Styles (w/Tag Team Champions Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) via DQ – Styles retained (1:51)
Strowman was all over him. Styles managed to set up for the Phenomenal forearm but Strowman just swatted him out of the air. Strowman set up for a powerslam but Gallows gave him a big boot for the DQ.
Gallows and Anderson continued the attack after the match and posted him twice. They set up for a double team move but Seth Rollins ran out for the save. He handed out superkicks and cleared the ring. Rollins shook Strowman’s hand and jokingly said they were even. Strowman teased tension but it was only for a moment.
Rollins caught up to Strowman backstage. Rollins said they’ve had each others’ backs but wasn’t stupid — he saw how Strowman looked at his Universal title. If it were up to Rollins, Strowman would be his next challenger. However, he wanted to settle the score with the OC. He asked Strowman if he wanted a tag title match against Gallows and Anderson tonight. Strowman grunted in the affirmative. Rollins ran off to find someone to make it official.
King of the Ring Round 1 Match: Samoa Joe defeated Cesaro (10:18)
Cole kicked things off by calling KOTR “the best tournament in the history of sports entertainment.”
Cesaro immediately hit a running uppercut into the corner — which caught Joe and the crowd off-guard — for a nearfall. Joe followed later with a dive which sent Cesaro over the barricade and into the crowd and us to commercial break 90 seconds into the match.
Joe was in control after the break. Cesaro dodged a senton as Cole said the match has taken a toll on both men. With the commercial break, it felt like the match was still just starting.
Cesaro came back with a big boot for two. He went for a vertical suplex but they kind of fell over because Joe is so big. They held onto the hold, so Cesaro got up and successfully hit the suplex and the crowd applauded. Cesaro gave Joe a running uppercut and flying high cross for two. Joe followed with a Uranage and senton for two.
Cesaro then gave Joe the big swing (which didn’t last long), then applied a Sharpshooter before transitioning into a crossface. Joe rolled into a cover for two. Cesaro went for a Neutralizer (which Joseph called a “neuralizer”) but Joe countered and applied the Coquina Clutch. Cesaro tapped out. Joe advances. Nothing outstanding but a good, physical match. Probably would’ve been better with a few more minutes.
Rollins and Strowman will get a tag title match against the OC later.
Elias segment
They showed a replay from over the weekend of Elias fending off an attack by Drake Maverick and beating him up in the studio.
Elias was in the ring. He kept getting bad feedback on his mic. He said this would be his farewell performance. As he began playing, he wasn’t happy with how the guitar was tuned and asked for someone to fix it. Someone in a hood came into help. It was R-Truth. Truth tried a schoolboy and a small package but Elias kicked out of both. Truth also hit a scissors kick but Elias kicked out of that as well. Truth tried to use the guitar but Elias bailed.
Rey Mysterio interview
Charly Caruso interviewed Rey Mysterio backstage. Caruso said Andrade ripped off his mask a few weeks ago and he was never able to avenge that incident. She also wondered why he mentioned his family last week.
Mysterio said he was a fortunate man, with a beautiful family and a wonderful career. His uncle trained him from when he was a little boy and he’s met people across the world who were not just his fans, but his friends. Lately, things have not been clicking for him and what Andrade did was a disgrace. In his culture, ripping off another’s mask with the greatest insult.
Mysterio was upset for not being able to avenge that. When he’s in the ring, he can see his next move, but his body was not keeping up. He’s fought a lot of bigger men his career and fears his injuries are finally catching up to him. He knew this day had to come for everyone, and it would come for him. It was time to hang up the mask. The crowd booed and shrieked.
He said it was time for the new generation. He was about to take off his mask, but Dominick showed up and stopped him. Dominick said Mysterio once told him that when he debuted, it would be as his partner. Dominick wanted to be able to tell his children that he debuted with their grandfather, the great Rey Mysterio. Domnick said he would make him proud. Mysterio said he would do it for him. They hugged. The crowd cheered.
Mysterio was great here. Domnick wasn’t.
Xavier Woods & Big E defeated The Revival via DQ (6:17)
Revival wore snakeskin boots in honour of their snake friend Randy Orton. New Day sent them to the outside and they went to break two minutes into the match.
After the break, Woods gave Scott Dawson a missile dropkick and made the hot tag to Big E. Big E handed out suplexes to both opponents then hit a splash on Dash Wilder. Big E set up for his spear through the ropes but before he could do it, Orton flew hit and hit him with an RKO for the DQ. This got a big reaction.
Kofi Kingston ran down and attacked Orton and Revival. He took out Revival with a double axe handle but Orton then cut him off with an RKO. Orton was about to give him another, but Woods made the save. Revival jumped in and lifted Woods in the air for an assisted RKO, which was very cool.
Dawson held Woods in a leg lock and Wilder came off the ropes with a stomp to the leg as Orton forced Kingston to watch.
[Third hour]
Sasha Banks interview
Cole interviewed Banks, who was on the big screen. Cole asked if she wanted to explain her actions.
Banks wanted to explain from the beginning. Banks seemed like she was going to be sincere, but wasn’t. She said she looked in the mirror last week and told herself… blue is your colour. She said she looked great and felt great and everyone was talking about her hair. Cole told her that nobody was talking about her hair and the crowd laughed.
Cole reminded us what happened last week, including Natalya talking about her dead father. Cole spoke in some weird, over-written verbiage and I have no idea if he wanted an answer from her now or later. Banks thought for a second, said “you’re welcome” and left.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defeated Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville in a non-title match (4:17)
Rose decked Cross with a forearm, then Bliss took her out with a dropkick. Bliss and Cross took turns on Rose until Rose gave Bliss the V-trigger. Deville made a tag and nailed Cross with strikes and a shining wizard. Cross booted Deville and drove Rose into the post. Deville fended off Bliss, then Cross gave Deville a swinging neckbreaker for the pinfall win.
Rollins tried speaking strategy with Strowman, who stared at his belt. Rollins told him to focus. Strowman told him he was focused and advised Rollins to follow his lead so they can win the titles.
King of the Ring Round 1 Match: Cedric Alexander defeated Sami Zayn (3:34)
Zayn was in control and hit a Michinoku Driver early on for two. Alexander came back with chops, a spinning back elbow, running forearm, headscissors takedown, dropkick and suicide dive. Alexander followed with a Neuralyzer and Lumbar Check for the quick pinfall win. This was the first (televised) singles match between these two.
The Street Profits looked over their brackets. Montez Ford was 2-0, but Angelo Dawkins ripped up his bracket because he had Cesaro going to the final. Dawkins wondered why they don’t have a tag team King of the Ring tournament. Ford said they were already the kings of this place. They moved on to talk about tonight’s main event and downed some popcorn.
Backstage, Gallows and Anderson complained about having to face Rollins and Strowman who weren’t even a real team. Styles showed up to psych them up. “They’re no match for the cowboys, they’re no match for these mother lovers!” He called them the only club that matters.
Elsewhere, Natalya cut a promo trying to get sympathy as the crowd shouted “What” at her. She mentioned her dead father again. And probably her arm injury. As she ranted about what Banks did to her, Banks attacked her and called her a baby. Banks added: “Go to hell Nattie, and tell your daddy I said hi.”
Cole misheard something Young said and told her not to take a vacation next week like Graves did this week. Joseph asked Cole when he last took a vacation and Cole said 2001.
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman defeated Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (w/U.S. Champion AJ Styles) to win the Raw Tag Team Championships (12:17)
Rollins still has his ribs taped. He was in control of Gallows and Anderson but tried fighting them both on the outside, so Gallows cut him off and dropped him rib-first twice onto the barricade as Strowman just watched from the apron.
After a break, Rollins got distracted by Gallows so Anderson gave him a spinebuster for two. Rollins fought Anderson off the top rope and hit a blockbuster but Gallows tagged in and stopped him from making a tag. Strowman stalked Styles on the outside so Gallows shoved him into the post.
Rollins made a comeback on both opponents. He hit Gallows with a suicide dive (sort of), then gave Anderson a falcon arrow for a nearfall. Anderson distracted the referee so Styles knocked Rollins off the top. The OC gave Rollins a double team backdrop for a nearfall.
Suddenly, Strowman came alive and ran over both Styles and Gallows on the outside. Rollins made a hot tag and Strowman ran over Anderson with running shoulder tackles. He knocked over Gallows again and gave Anderson a running powerslam. Styles was about to interfere but Rollins stomped him as Strowman pinned Anderson for the win.
Rollins and Strowman are the tag champs. Crowd popped huge for the win. Rollins and Strowman celebrated on the stage. The final shot was Strowman staring at the Universal title and Rollins turned his head to notice.
