Tag: liv morgan

WWE Raw live results: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Ilja Dragunov

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: July 1, 2024
Location: TD Garden in Boston, MA

********** 

Show Recap — 

Drew McIntyre, Ilja Dragunov, and Sheamus were shown arriving at the arena. Sheamus, the babyface, arrived in a Tesla Cybertruck. 

A bunch of fans were shown on the concourse. The live audience popped when they saw Jey Uso emerge through the fans for his entrance. Jey slapped hands with Michael Cole and Corey Graves (filling in for Pat McAfee). Cole looked like the biggest dork. 

Jey welcomed us to Raw and said he would win Money in the Bank as the crowd chanted, “Yeet.” 

Chad Gable interrupted. Gable no longer has a scar on his head. He informed the Boston “idiots” that “Yeet” was not a real word. He said “miracle” was a real word and if you looked it up in the dictionary, you would see a picture of him. 

He recovered from an attack by the Wyatts, his family leaving him, and he beat two monsters to qualify for MITB. He planned on becoming Master in the Bank. The crowd booed and told him that he sucked. 

Jey wondered what Gable was doing there after he was taken out by the Wyatts. Gable said Jey was the one who took the fireflies and turned his back on his family. Jey said he got out from manipulative scumbags like Gable. Gable decked Jey but Jey fought him off and dropped him with a superkick. Jey was about to hit an Uso Splash but Gable bailed. 

As the camera focused on Gable, the lights dimmed and the single piano key played for the Wyatt family. The crowd chanted “holy sh*t.” Gable left through the crowd but saw Wyatt shadows along the way as he looked for a way out through the dark arena. Gable eventually found the stairs and raced up to escape. 

The camera cut back to ringside where the zombie woman (Nikki Cross) left a package at the announce desk. After a break, Cole revealed that it was another VHS tape. 

(Again, the actual presentation of this was well done. The “holy sh*t” chants were apparently censored on USA but they could be heard clearly on Sportsnet in Canada.) 

********

Xavier Woods (w/Kofi Kingston) defeated Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett & Final Testament) (7:24) 

Kross offered a handshake but Woods ignored it and started with chops. Woods hit a dive but Kross slammed him into the ring post which led to a break two minutes into the match. Woods fought back after a break but distracted himself by looking at Final Testament at ringside and Kross knocked him down with a forearm. 

Kross took too long to capitalize and Woods caught him in a small package for the pinfall win. This wasn’t much. 

— AOP attacked New Day from behind as they celebrated. New Day fought back but Kross leveled Kingston with a forearm and AOP drove Woods into the barricade. Kross targeted Kinston’s arm and placed him in a submission long enough that the announcers speculated on the damage to his arm. Woods checked on Kingston and he stared down Kross. 

********

Judgment Day backstage segment

As he has for weeks, Damian Priest asked Dominik Mysterio if everything was good with Rhea Ripley. As usual, Dom said everything was good. However, this time, Priest let Dom know that he actually spoke to Ripley and she was pissed. 

Dom said he would handle the Liv Morgan situation but Priest didn’t believe him. Dom said this situation wasn’t his fault. Under his breath, Dom said Priest was just like his dad. Priest wanted him to repeat that but Dom brushed it off. 

They entered the Judgment Day locker room to find Morgan hanging out with the rest of the group. They were playing the WWE video game again. Morgan left and wished Dom luck on his match. 

Finn Bálor pulled Priest aside. Priest wasn’t happy with Morgan being there. Bálor said she helped them regain the tag titles. Bálor said the real issue was Priest. Bálor didn’t like Priest’s implication that he didn’t need them as much as they needed him. Bálor was offended at the idea that they were his sidekicks. 

Priest said he spoke the truth. He was the champion and they needed him. They were all there for Ripley the same way when she was the champion. Priest said they needed each other. Bálor said they were brothers and he would always tell him the truth. Bálor told Priest that he’s changed since winning the title. Bálor left. 

*******

There was a tribute video for Sika Anoa’i. 

********

Zelina Vega told Cathy Kelley she would show Morgan and everyone who ever doubted her what a real champion looked like. 

They showed a clip of Morgan throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park ahead of a Boston Red Sox game. 

Liv Morgan defeated Zelina Vega to retain the Women’s World Championship (11:34) 

The crowd was quiet for the first 90 seconds until Dom sauntered out to watch at ringside. Rey entered moments later and they went to break. 

[SECOND HOUR]

Morgan did the three amigos suplexes and did Eddie Guerrero’s shimmy Dom’s direction. She applied Ripley’s standing cloverleaf but Vega fought out and hit a moonsault for two. Vega tried a Code Red but Morgan blocked and dropped down into a cover for two. (The crowd chanted “Shave your mustache,” at Dom.) They battled on the ropes and Vega hit a Code Red off the middle rope but Morgan rolled outside before she could make a cover. 

Dom and Rey argued so Rey shoved his son to the mat. Morgan knocked down Rey with a baseball slide but Vega followed with a 619 and tornado DDT for a nearfall. 

Dom slid a chair into the ring toward Vega but she tossed it in his face. Morgan used the distraction to hit Oblivion for the pinfall win. This match was fine and the crowd got into it. 

— Dom walked off and Morgan left with him as if they were together. Kelley walked out to interview Morgan on the stage (which allowed Dom to leave on his own). Morgan told Kelley she was the luckiest girl in the world and her revenge tour was going exactly as she planned it. She dedicated her victory tonight and all future victories to the most gorgeous man in WWE, Daddy Dominik. 

********

They aired a preview of the WrestleMania XL documentary. 

******** 

Seth Rollins and Judgment Day segment 

Rollins entered and the crowd was into him. Confetti dropped for his entrance and he called it a sign because this time next week, he would be world champion. 

Rollins had a secret for Boston. He wanted to share it with them because this was a championship city. They had the Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots and 2024 NBA Champion Celtics. The crowd loudly chanted for the Celtics. (Funny timing given the chants at AEW Forbidden Door.) 

Rollins’ secret was that he needed to win back the world championship. If he didn’t win the title, he wouldn’t get another shot as long as Priest was champion and Rollins would have to re-evaluate who he was. But Rollins was at his best when the pressure was on and he would take the title that Priest was keeping warm. 

Rollins would also take Priest away from Judgment Day. It wasn’t Rollins’ intention to break up the Judgment Day but he thought Priest could be the best version of himself without them. Before Rollins could finish this thought, Bálor interrupted. 

Bálor said he should be in a good mood tonight after winning the tag titles last week but he wasn’t. He was in a bad mood because everything seemed to be changing. Judgment Day was changing and Priest was changing and it was all Rollins’ fault. 

Rollins called Priest a grown man who made his own decision. Rollins said Bálor was mad because Priest got the world title while Bálor couldn’t. 

Rollins wanted to fight Bálor and Bálor seemed into it but Priest interrupted. Rollins thought this might be a trap (and Bálor was ready to pounce) but Priest looked at Bálor and said nobody was getting involved in his business. Bálor stepped aside. 

Priest told Rollins he was wrong when he said his days as champion were numbered. Rollins wanted to fight Priest now and Priest seemed ready. 

Bálor decked Rollins but Priest pulled him off. Rollins knocked them both down with a superkick. Rollins gave Bálor a curb stomp so Priest gave Rollins a chokeslam. Priest helped Bálor to his feet. 

******** 

There was a Ludwig Kaiser video. 

********

Priest told Bálor he needed to beat Rollins on his own at MITB. Bálor dismissively said, “Yep.” Priest left to get him ice. 

******** 

Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier: Zoey Stark defeated Dakota Kai and Ivy Nile (8:45) 

Nile was given the most in the match and Stark picked up the win to qualify for MITB. 

They went to break a minute into the match. Nile dropped both opponents with a double bulldog off the top after the break. Nile hit each opponent with separate German suplexes before dropping them both with a German suplex at once. Stark hit Nile with a superkick and tornado DDT. Kai gave Stark a Kai-ropractor but Nile broke up the cover. 

Kairi Sane ran out to cause a distraction but Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre ran down to take her out. Stark used the distraction to give Kai a Z-360 for the pinfall win. 

********

They aired the Wyatt VHS tape. It was a continuation of Bo Dallas’ conversation with Uncle Howdy. Bo Dallas spoke about false prophets belittling their own family for their gain and said they must pay. Dallas called himself the voice of the reckoning. The video ended with him disappearing, leaving Uncle Howdy as the lone figure. 

******** 

Gable met with Otis in catering. Gable worried that the Wyatt video was about him. He needed help and didn’t know who else to go to. Gable admitted to calling Otis stupid, a disappointment and a blubbering idiot. Gable knew Otis must hate him. 

Otis said he didn’t hate Gable but this wasn’t his problem, it was Gable’s. Gable said the Wyatts could go after Akira Tozawa or Maxxine Dupri next and he would be there for them. Dupri showed up and asked if everything was ok. Gable said everything was great. 

******** 

Rey Mysterio defeated Dominik Mysterio (10:59) 

They went to break a minute into the match. 

[THIRD HOUR] 

Dom took control after the break and the crowd again told him to shave his mustache. Rey fought back and repeatedly shoved his son’s face against the middle turnbuckle. Rey followed with a seated senton and springboard crossbody. 

Morgan ran down as Rey set up for something on the ropes. Dom countered his move into a single-leg crab but Rey got a rope break. Dom tried three amigos but Rey countered the last one. Rey set up for 619 but Morgan pulled Dom out of the ring — right in front of the referee. 

Rey dropkicked Dom who fell on top of Morgan. Morgan was delighted that Dom was on top of her and wouldn’t let him get up (as the referee watched). Rey tossed Dom into the ring and told Morgan to leave. Dom used the distraction to hit a vertical suplex for two. 

Vega ran out and attacked Morgan. Dom dropped Rey and hit a 619. Dom went to the top but the brawl between Vega and Morgan resulted in Dom inadvertently getting crotched on the top rope by Morgan. Again, the referee watched this all transpire. Rey dropped Dom with a 619 and hit a springboard splash for the pinfall win. 

— Morgan apologized to Dom and said she would fix it. She didn’t want him to be mad. He left as she pleaded with him. 

******** 

There was a Sheamus video package hyping tonight’s match and focusing on his past with Drew McIntyre.

They showed a quick clip of Shinsuke Nakamura with Rei Tsuruya at UFC 303. 

******** 

Sami Zayn and Bron Breakker segment

Zayn spoke about his upcoming title defence in Toronto against Bron Breakker. Zayn said he wasn’t stupid and knew people thought Bron would run right through him to win the title. Zayn understood it but wanted to make something clear: “I am going to beat Bron Breakker at Money in the Bank.” 

Bron interrupted. Bron said Zayn earned a little bit of his respect last week. Everyone else in the back was afraid of him but Zayn offered him a title match. Bron said Zayn has guts but he also had no idea what he was in for. Bron said respect was out the window on Saturday. Bron would break him and decimate him to become Intercontinental Champion. 

Zayn told Bron he has heard that before. He’s been beaten down and broken but he got back up and put himself back together every single time. The proof was in his hand (the IC title belt). If he had to tell Bron who he was, maybe Bron hadn’t done his homework and wasn’t as smart as he thought he was. Maybe Bron wasn’t as good as he thought he was. 

Zayn told Bron he’d see him on Saturday. Bron was about to leave but he turned around and speared Zayn. 

Bron’s music hit and he left the ring but stopped upon seeing Zayn hunched over at ringside. Bron ran around the ring for a spear attempt but Zayn leaped right over him. Zayn hammered away at Bron and hit him with an exploder in the ring. 

Zayn went for a Helluva Kick but Bron popped out of the corner and speared him again. Bron held up the IC title belt. 

This was good. 

******** 

Kelley interviewed Damage CTRL about MITB. Kai said they were still focused on Iyo Sky winning the ladder match. Kai was also sick of everyone getting involved in their business. 

Lyra Valkyria barged in and told Kai they couldn’t climb the ladder for Sky. Lyra said she would win the briefcase. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance busted in and attacked Damage CTRL. They all brawled and a bunch of officials appeared out of thin air to intervene. 

********

There was a recap of the Bloodline angle from Smackdown. The live crowd chanted for Roman Reigns. 

The announcers ran down Saturday’s Money in the Bank card. 

There was a video for Ilja Dragunov. He said he would win tonight and win MITB, “or die trying.” 

********

Next week on Raw in Ottawa, Ontario (post-MITB): 

  • Jey Uso vs. Chad Gable 
  • Six-woman tag match: Lyra Valkyria, Katana Chance & Kayden Carter vs. Damage CTRL 

******** 

Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier: Drew McIntyre defeated Sheamus and Ilja Dragunov (17:16) 

McIntyre faced off with Sheamus and dismissively shoved Dragunov aside so Dragunov booted McIntyre from the ring. Sheamus hit McIntyre with ten beats of the Bodhrán from behind the barricade. A sweaty Sheamus embraced some fans ahead of a break. 

All three men were down shortly following the break and it was Dragunov who knocked down his opponents when they all arose. Dragunov hit Sheamus with an H-Bomb off the apron. He hit McIntyre with a flying senton and H-Bomb for two. Sheamus drove Dragunov into the barricade ahead of another break. 

They did a tower of doom immediately following the break which saw Dragunov bring down both men with a suplex. The crowd chanted “Holy sh*t” and “This is awesome” as Dragunov got two counts on both men. 

McIntyre headbutted Dragunov and went for a Claymore Kick but Dragunov cut him off with Torpedo Moscow. McIntyre rolled out of the ring before Dragunov could go for a cover. 

Dragunov went for a coast-to-coast dropkick on Sheamus but Sheamus caught him with a mid-air knee strike. Sheamus followed with a Brogue Kick but McIntyre pulled Dragunov out of the ring to break up the cover. McIntyre chucked Dragunov into the timekeeper’s area (and that was it for Ilja.) 

Sheamus and McIntyre traded blows until Sheamus hit a powerslam. McIntyre dodged a Brogue Kick and applied a schoolboy for two. Sheamus hit a knee strike but McIntyre came right back with a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win. 

— Kelley interviewed McIntyre in the ring post-match. McIntyre grabbed the mic and said, “I told you I was gonna win this war and that’s exactly what I did. You ready for some more truth? I’m walking into Money in the Bank this Saturday and I am leaving Toronto World Heavyweight Champion.” 

McIntyre put on CM Punk’s bracelet and posed as the show ended.

(This was a fun match from what we saw but it was almost certainly way better for the live crowd who didn’t have to watch the commercial breaks. They came back from the first break with all three men exhausted even though we hadn’t seen them do much yet and they didn’t show any replays of what we missed. About 40% of the match took place during breaks.) 

Liv Morgan says she’s entering her prime, ‘no longer happy just to be here’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Liv Morgan says she’s just getting started.

Morgan defends her Women’s World Championship tonight against Zelina Vega on WWE Raw. Viewers may also see the latest development in her ongoing storyline with Dominik Mysterio.

She sat down with SI.com before tonight’s show and told them that the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour of 2024 is exactly what she envisioned during the six months she was out of action with a shoulder injury.

“I really used that time off to focus on what I wanted, what I wanted to do, and what I wanted my career to look like,” said Morgan. “I feel different. I’m no longer just happy to be here. I know I belong.”

Morgan was written off WWE programming on the July 29, 2023 episode of Raw when Ripley wrapped her shoulder in a chair and stomped on it. She wouldn’t return until the women’s Royal Rumble match earlier this year.

“I channeled that for the six months I was out,” said Morgan. “I focused on what I wanted my revenge to look like, and I have executed every step of the way. Before, I thought it was going to be my time–but it wasn’t.”

“I believe in divine timing and I trust the universe. Coming out of the injury on the other side, this is how and when it is supposed to be. This is how my revenge and redemption were intended to take place.”

Morgan’s revenge tour led to her winning the Women’s World Championship from Becky Lynch at King & Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia. She’s also got her sights on winning Dominik away from Ripley.

“This is something I created–that I didn’t feel always had a lot of support behind it–but I stuck it out because I really believed in it,” she continued. “I believed in myself. And when I got this opportunity, because of the time and attention to my craft, I ran with it.”

Morgan’s angle with Dominik produced the highest quarter-hour ratings on last week’s episode of Raw, which averaged 1.8 million viewers with a 0.61 in 18-49.

“It’s been 10 years to get here, and we haven’t even scratched the surface yet,” said Morgan. “This is what I always hoped and dreamed for–and that’s why the time off when I was injured was so significant. It was important for my self-esteem and to re-fall in love with wrestling to come back in my best form.

“I’m just entering my prime. If you don’t believe me, just watch.”

Fight Game: Will Bron Breakker or Trick Williams be the bigger WWE star in five years?

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and I are back to talk about the latest major topics in the world of professional wrestling on this week’s Fight Game.

We kicked off the show with our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down winners and losers of the week. Then, we went through our Top Five topics of the week which included discussions on the following:

  • WWE Clash at the Castle preview
  • Ricochet’s future
  • Bron Breakker vs. Trick Williams and who could be the bigger WWE star in five years
  • Will Ospreay’s AEW matches becoming normalized
  • Thoughts on episode 2 of Who Killed WCW?

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Daily Update: Pat McAfee, Liv Morgan, John Cena

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This is a huge issue covering all of the latest news in-depth:

  • Why the Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon is on hold including reaction from lawyers on both sides and an independent lawyer looks at what the breaking news means.
  • AEW negotiations with WBD and how they are going. The most detailed look at the state of the negotiations, what is and isn’t involved in the talks, how streaming fits in, opening it up for other companies to bid and much more. Plus we detail how the international wrestling marketplace changes that are relevant to AEW’s bottom line.
  • Full coverage of Double or Nothing, key angles, storylines, direction, Forbidden Door, business numbers, Adam Copeland injury, Owen Hart tournament, history of repeating stadium shows, and world title at All In.
  • More business notes from WrestleMania weekend.
  • Full King and Queen of the Ring coverage, business notes, PPV, other interest level measurements and crossover purchasers with other events.
  • A look at the life and career of  David “Silento” Rodriguez, a deaf wrestler who had a long career.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings from the past week, including rankings, comparisons with a year ago, demo numbers, competition and how segments did individually.
  • FantasticaMania Mexico
  • Big AAA main feud
  • Update on TripleMania
  • Great Triple Crown match
  • New Japan business note
  • Super Juniors tournament
  • Giulia update
  • Hawaiian wrestling history
  • Progress Strong Style 16 tournament
  • MLW strategy change this week
  • Changes in TNA
  • Notes on AEW departures
  • Notes on AEW injuries
  • Young Bucks shoe business
  • Advance ticket sales for upcoming AEW & WWE events
  • Major UFC show coming to ABC
  • Rousey says why she doesn’t go to UFC events
  • Lots of WWE contract updates
  • WWE firings
  • WrestleMania documentary updates
  • International TV ratings

This week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter back issue

Tuesday Update

WWE

  • WWE has uploaded the end of Monday’s Raw, which featured Rey Mysterio vs. Damian Priest and an ambush from Drew McIntyre.
  • Continuing their storyline, Dominik Mysterio on Instagram showed Liv Morgan liking many of his Instagram posts. Morgan responded to his post by writing “I like it when u show me off.”
  • Pat McAfee apologized on his X account Monday after he referred to WNBA star Caitlin Clark as a “white b****”: “I shouldn’t have used “white b****” as a descriptor of Caitlin Clark. No matter the context.. even if we’re talking about race being a reason for some of the stuff happening,” he wrote. “I have way too much respect for her and women to put that into the universe. My intentions when saying it were complimentary just like the entire segment but, a lot of folks are saying that it certainly wasn’t at all. That’s 100% on me and for that I apologize… I have sent an apology to Caitlin as well. Everything else I said… still alllllll facts.”
  • However, during Raw on Monday, McAfee used the same term to describe Braun Strowman.
  • Drew McIntyre continues to troll CM Punk, this time at WWE’s new headquarters.
  • John Cena was nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award for his role in Fast X.
  • The No Quarter Catch Crew theme is now on YouTube.

AEW & Other Wrestling

WWE Raw live results: Damian Priest vs. Rey Mysterio

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: June 3, 2024
Location: GIANT Center in Hershey, PA

********** 

Show Recap — 

The show opened with a camera shot following some fans to their seats. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill, Bron Breakker, and Judgment Day were shown arriving at the arena. Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre could be seen watching Belair and Cargill in the background. Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh wore dark shades and McDonagh whispered something to Bálor. 

Michael Cole said he was joined by the “always controversial” Pat McAfee (which is one way to brush over what happened today). 

There was a recap of Liv Morgan beating Becky Lynch last week thanks to Dominik Mysterio. 

Liv Morgan/Dominik Mysterio segment 

Morgan entered to open the show. She welcomed us to the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour. She said she took out Rhea Ripley, something no one else could do, became Women’s World Champion, and put Becky Lynch into early retirement. 

The cherry on top was kissing Dominik. She boasted about how many social media views the video received. 

Dom entered and the crowd booed as he spoke. Dom didn’t know what game Morgan was playing and warned her that Ripley would kill her when she returned. Morgan said Ripley would kill Dom too. 

Morgan told Dom she could make it all worth it. Morgan stepped close to Dom as he backed into the corner. Morgan wanted to take everything from Ripley and that included Dom. 

Morgan put her hands on Dom as he resisted until Finn Bálor ran out to get between them. Bálor said Dom and the Judgment Day wanted nothing to do with her. Morgan wasn’t sure about that but she agreed to depart. She tousled Dom’s hair as she left.  

********

Sheamus told Jackie Redmond he was pumped to get into the ring with Ludwig Kaiser. He used to think Kaiser was simply Gunther’s announcer and coat rack but he realized that maybe he was holding Kaiser back. Maybe there was more to Kaiser’s bark. 

Sheamus was on the cusp of 15 years in WWE and has faced the best of the best. There was only one way to gain his respect: to put on banger after banger. 

Sheamus entered through Gorilla but he was chop-blocked from behind by Kaiser. Kaiser attacked Sheamus until officials broke it up. 

Ludwig Kaiser defeated Sheamus (13:44) 

Kaiser targeted Sheamus’ leg and spat on him while he was down. The crowd booed that but Sheamus actually smiled. Kaiser cut off Sheamus’ comeback attempt and drove him into the ring post. Sheamus wound up seated on the steel steps so Kaiser round around ringside and dropkicked his leg into the steps. 

After a break, Kaiser went for ten beats of the Bodhrán but Sheamus blocked it and came back with clotheslines and a powerslam. Sheamus missed a knee strike and Kaiser drove his injured knee into the mat. The referee checked on Sheamus and was about to call the match over but Sheamus stopped him. 

Sheamus screamed at Kaiser, “Is that all ya got?” Kaiser hammered away at him in the corner so Sheamus responded with chops. Sheamus hit a knee strike (his knee was exposed because Kaiser dropped his kneepad) and went for a Brogue Kick but his leg gave out and Kaiser tried a schoolboy for two. Sheamus responded with ten beats of the Bodhrán. 

Sheamus went for a White Noise off the middle rope but Kaiser slipped away and kicked his leg out of his leg. Kaiser rolled him up near the ropes for the somewhat abrupt pinfall win. 

This was a good, physical match. They put this over as a big win for Kaiser. 

— A QR code appeared post-match with the word “Prepare.”  

********

Damian Priest approached Dom and Judgment Day in the back. Bálor assured him the situation was already taken care of. Priest asked about Ripley and Dom said everything was fine. Priest suggested they settle some scores tonight and remind everyone that they run Raw. 

********

A trainer checked on Ricochet and Ilja Dragunov approached him. Dragunov could tell Ricochet was not 100% but Ricochet didn’t care. Dragunov wasn’t there to stop him because he knew guys like them needed to live unhealthily close to the limit. 

Ricochet told him that if he could walk, he could fight. Dragunov warned him to be cautious because Bron Breakker was wired differently. Ricochet told him that he was wired differently, as was Ilja. That’s why they were there. Ricochet said he would smack the fake tan off of Bron. (Cole dismissively wished him luck.) 

******** 

There was a quick Dragon Lee video promo. 

Finn Bálor (w/JD McDonagh) defeated Dragon Lee (8:34) 

The opening match started after a break and they gave it time before going to commercial. This match started with the usual pattern. Dragon Lee hit a suicide dive and they went to break two minutes in. Bálor was in control after a break and Cole said it was due to a McDonagh distraction. 

Dragon Lee fought back and chased McDonagh off the apron (1). Bálor went for a slingblade but Lee used a great reversal into a sit-out powerbomb. Lee once again chased McDonagh off the apron (2). If that wasn’t enough, McDonagh went back on the apron (3) and instead of tossing him from ringside, the referee just yelled at him while Carlito crotched Lee. 

Lee fought off Bálor anyway before wiping out Carlito with a dive. Lee hammered away on Carlito and McDonagh tried to blindside him but Lee superkicked him. The stupid referee just stood by and watched. 

Lee re-entered the ring but Bálor dropkicked him into the corner and hit a Coup de Grace for the pinfall win. 

— Bálor and Carlito attacked Lee after the match until Braun Strowman and Rey Mysterio entered (to Strowman’s music). Strowman knocked the heels out of the ring but they escaped through the crowd before he could run them over. 

********

Sami Zayn walked through the back. (Sonya Deville spoke to Natalya in the background.) 

******** 

Priest had an idea for Carlito if he wanted to run with Judgment Day. He told Carlito to ask Adam Pearce for a match against Strowman — tonight. Bálor and McDonagh were amused with this idea. Carlito didn’t think this was cool. 

R-Truth appeared and told Carlito that being part of Judgment Day was tough. When you were down, they kicked you, and when you were up, they still kicked you. Truth said those were the best days of his life. 

The camera panned out to reveal Miz who was baffled. He reminded Truth that they were currently the tag champs and that Judgment Day stole his TV. Truth told Miz he was obsessed with Judgment Day and to move on. 

******** 

[SECOND HOUR]

Sami Zayn/Alpha Academy segment 

Zayn entered to a strong reaction. He was happy to be back in Pennsylvania where he won the Intercontinental title. He hasn’t really been able to enjoy it because he’s had a thorn in his side in Chad Gable. It’s gone on for too long and he invited Gable to the ring alone so they could end it right now. 

The Alpha Academy music hit but it was Maxxine Dupri, Otis and Akira Tozawa. Dupri apologized to Zayn because Gable wanted him to know he didn’t deserve his time tonight. Dupri had a message from Gable. Zayn told her that she didn’t have to do this. 

Dupri read the prepared statement from Gable. The statement referred to Tozawa as a failure who pretended to be a ninja, Otis as a child who lost his MITB briefcase, and Dupri as a knockoff Barbie nobody wanted. The only way this ended was for Gable to get an IC title shot. The crowd chanted for Otis. 

Zayn agreed to defend his title against Gable at Clash at the Castle if that meant ending this. 

Zayn dropped his belt because he wanted to speak to them directly. He told Dupri, Otis and Tozawa that they didn’t have to take Gable’s crap and they were better than that. Zayn had been in their shoes before and knew they needed to separate themselves from Gable. 

Gable attacked Zayn from behind. Gable hammered away at Zayn as the crowd chanted for Otis, who paced around. Gable held up Zayn and told Otis to hit him. Otis didn’t budge so Gable smacked him in the face. 

Tozawa got between them so Gable shoved him. Dupri pulled Gable away and Gable mocked her. He demanded she get on her knees and beg him to stop, so she did. Gable told them to get out of the ring. Tozawa and Dupri got on the apron and Gable loudly admonished them. 

Otis stepped up to Gable and got in his face. The crowd popped big for Otis. Zayn attacked Gable and inadvertently tossed him into Otis — knocking Dupri and Gable off the apron. 

Otis was unsure what to do but he dropped Zayn with a World Strongest Slam. Otis left the ring and Gable posed with the IC title belt. 

Otis hoisted Tozawa onto his shoulders and placed Dupri in his arms and easily carried them both to the back. The crowd told Gable that he sucked. 

(I still think this is being stretched out too long but this was a strong segment and the crowd ate it up.) 

********

Bron Breakker approached Pearce as he watched the previous segment on his TV. Bron laughed at Zayn and said he would break him in half. Pearce wanted to know what he wanted. 

Bron congratulated Pearce on finally putting him in a match with real competition. Pearce said he didn’t deserve it and the only reason he got it was because Ricochet asked for it. Ricochet, unlike Bron, knew about respect. Bron planned on teaching Pearce about “respect.” Pearce didn’t put him in the King of the Ring tournament and nobody was holding him back now. 

********

Gable approached Alpha Academy in the back. Gable was thrilled over Dupri’s performance and gave her credit for faking an injury. Dupri said she was really hurt. Gable loved that she stayed in character and didn’t care that Tozawa might be hurt too. Gable was proud of Otis and looked forward to them winning the IC title as a team. 

********

Bron Breakker defeated Ricochet (8:00) 

Ricochet initially caught Bron off guard until Bron ran him over with a clothesline. (Cole said Bron ran the ropes at 23 mph.) Bron dropped Ricochet over the barricade ahead of a break. 

Bron whipped Ricochet into the corner and looked over at Samantha Irvin, who was unamused. Ricochet came back with a springboard clothesline and Lionsault for two. Ricochet avoided Bron’s running attack and hit a superkick and Recoil. 

Ricochet went to the top but Bron easily scaled the ropes and brought him down with a Frankensteiner. Bron followed with a spear for the pinfall win. (The crowd was into Bron’s offence.)

— Bron was going to kill Ricochet with the steel steps but officials ran down to stop him. Bron was going to smash him anyway but Dragunov ran down and knocked him into the crowd. Dragunov checked on Ricochet and Bron said he wasn’t done with them. 

********

Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega approached Dragon Lee. Rey said Lee would have won if not for Carlito. Lee would get his payback soon but they needed to take out his protection first, that’s why Rey was going straight for the head in Damian Priest. Judgment Day might think they ran Raw but that didn’t include LWO. Rey would personally deliver that message to Priest tonight. 

********

Redmond interviewed Kiana James who was making her Raw debut against Natalya. James called Natalya one of the most accomplished stars in WWE history. James took some time to get acclimated under Pearce but she was ready to compete and specifically asked for a match against Natalya. She called tonight step one on her way to the top. 

Kiana James defeated Natalya (2:56) 

Natalya hit a German suplex and went for the Sharpshooter but James blocked it and hit her finisher the 401k (some sort of reverse STO or flatliner variation) for the pinfall win. Not only is her move named the 401k but Cole said she represents the 1%. 

This wasn’t good and they quickly moved on. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed New Day about AOP and Karrion Kross. Xavier Woods said Kross’ plan wasn’t going to work. Kofi Kingston said they were the best to ever do it. A lot of teams have tried to get between them but they all failed and AOP would be next. 

They were about to yell “New Day rocks” but Kross cut them off. Kross said the power of positivity was dead. Kingston warned Kross they still hit hard and AOP would find that out tonight. As they left, Kross told Woods he wouldn’t have to follow Kingston around anymore. Woods did listen to him before leaving. 

********

Deville approached a disappointed Natalya, who was open to speaking with her. Natalya used the Owen Hart line, “Enough is enough, it’s time for a change.” Deville was happy to hear it but went to speak with Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler who she saw nearby. 

Stark didn’t want to hear from her. They planned on showing Belair and Cargill why they were the best team in WWE. Baszler told Deville to leave them alone. 

********

Braun Strowman defeated Carlito (1:25) 

This was another nothing match. Bálor and McDonagh tried to get involved but it didn’t work. Carlito tried to use the distraction to hit a backstabber but Strowman brushed him off and slammed him face-first for the pinfall win. 

— The heels attacked Strowman after the match. Strowman fought them off until he was chop-blocked by Dom. Dom grabbed a chair but Strowman punched it out of his hand. 

Strowman lurched after Dom as he crawled away backward up the aisle but Liv Morgan entered to act as Dom’s shield. 

Strowman turned his attention back to the other heels but they overwhelmed him and attacked him repeatedly with chairs. 

Morgan tried to get close to Dom again but Bálor again got between them. 

********

Belair and Cargill walked through the back (in their gear). 

(Gable spoke with the Creed Brothers in the background.) 

[THIRD HOUR]

Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill entered to a good reaction. Stark acted surprised they accepted their invitation and suggested the champs were avoiding them. Belair and Cargill mocked this so Baszler said they would prove they were the top team in WWE. Cargill invited them to do it right now. 

Pearce entered. He asked everyone if they wanted the tag title match now. The teams agreed and the fans cheered so he made the match. 

Tag Team Championship match: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defeated Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark via disqualification (9:10) 

Two nothing matches followed by a title match ending in a DQ. 

Belair and Cargill each hit delayed vertical suplexes ahead of a break. Baszler and Stark gained control during the break (there was no explanation or replay) but Cargill gave Baszler a fallaway slam and made the hot tag to Belair. 

Belair gave Stark a spinebuster and standing moonsault but Baszler broke up the cover. They tried to double-team Belair but Cargill yanked Baszler out of the ring. Baszler avoided a charge and Cargill crashed into the steel steps. 

Belair hit Stark with a KOD but Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn attacked Belair for the DQ. 

Cargill tried to make the save but she was overwhelmed. Baszler, Stark, Fyre and Dawn teamed up and laid out the champs. Baszler and Stark stared down Fyre and Dawn for a moment before leaving the ring. 

********

Kelley interviewed Priest. He said Judgment Day has had success tonight and it felt good. He said Rey has been a thorn in their side for a long time and while he respected his fight, Priest would close the door on Dom’s father. 

Drew McIntyre approached Priest. (The crowd chanted for CM Punk.) McIntyre said Priest looked happy. Priest was happy because he was the champion. McIntyre told him to enjoy it. This was as high as he would be in his career. McIntyre always believed in Priest but he made things personal. McIntyre would be seeing him soon. 

********

Jey Uso promo 

After a decent stretch of not much happening, Jey Uso’s music hit and the crowd exploded. Jey entered through the crowd and cut his promo while in the stands. 

Jey had big plans this year. Last year’s Money in the Bank had the Bloodline Civil War. That was tough on him. He lost his brothers and his cousins. He stayed in the fight, though, because he knew one day he would fight on his own. He wasn’t a right-hand man. He knew he could be Main Event Jey Uso. Jey thanked the fans for Yeeting with him on his journey. 

The crowd yelled “Yeet” as Jey announced his intention to win MITB. 

********

Kelley interviewed Lyra Valkyria. Kelley asked how Becky Lynch was coping with last week’s loss. Lyra said Lynch was disappointed but knew she would come back around and make herself better. That’s how real winning was done. That was something Morgan knew nothing about. Lyra said we wouldn’t have to watch Morgan as champion very long. 

Kelley asked how she would do without Lynch by her side. Lyra said she has shown she can stand on her two feet. She heard what Jey Uso said and spoke about MITB when she was suddenly attacked by Iyo Sky. 

Sky shoved Lyra into some equipment boxes and stormed off. 

(I didn’t expect them to ignore Lynch’s existence at all but it’s notable they openly spoke about her and acknowledged that she was away.) 

********

Authors of Pain (w/Karrion Kross, Scarlett & Paul Ellering) defeated The New Day (2:28) 

AOP worked over Woods. Scarlett distracted the ref and it seemed like Kross would go after Kingston but Kingston left the apron to get in his face. Woods tried to make a tag but Kingston wasn’t there. Kingston did try to get back on the apron but Akam knocked him off. AOP hit Woods with “What a Rush” (combo neckbreaker/sit-out powerbomb) for the pinfall win. 

********

Long-time wrestling fan Jackie Redmond asked Fyre and Dawn why they would attack the tag team champions. Fyre said they haven’t gotten the same opportunities as everyone else. Dawn didn’t like the sound of Clash at the Castle in Scotland without them. Dawn said Belair and Cargill looked pretty with their title belts but those good looks were about to fade. 

******** 

Next week on Raw in Toledo, OH:  

  • Lyra Valkyria vs. Iyo Sky 
  • Sami Zayn vs. Otis – non-title 
  • Ilja Dragunov vs. Bron Breakker (the crowd cheered this announcement)

******** 

World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest defeated Rey Mysterio in a non-title match (13:25) 

Rey hit an Asai moonsault and tried a springboard move in the ring but Priest caught him and hit a big flatliner. Priest remained in control through a break. Priest knocked Rey out of the ring and implored him to stay there but he crawled back in. Rey hit a spinning heel kick and enziguri. Priest tried a Stinger splash but Rey ducked and Priest’s face hit the post. 

Rey tried going up but Priest kicked him off the ropes. Rey hit a seated senton and springboard crossbody for two. Priest tossed Rey into the corner (and he landed awkwardly) but Rey fought back with a tornado DDT for two. Priest caught Rey off the ropes and hit snake eyes and a clothesline for two. 

Priest set up for a Razor’s Edge off the middle rope but Rey blocked it and brought Priest down with a hurricanrana. Rey followed with 619 and a springboard splash for a nearfall. 

Carlito entered and got on the apron but Dragon Lee fought him off until he was attacked from behind by McDonagh and Bálor. 

Rey wiped out Judgment Day with a corkscrew dive. He went to the top but Priest hit a South of Heaven chokeslam for the pinfall win. 

— McIntyre attacked Priest from behind as soon as he got to his feet. The crowd chanted for Punk as McIntyre hit a Future Shock DDT. McIntyre set up for Claymore but Bálor hit the ring. McIntyre chucked aside Bálor, Carlito and McDonagh. 

McIntyre cleared the announce table before getting in Cole’s face for calling him a hypocrite. Priest got up and chokeslammed McIntyre through the table. 

Priest stood tall with Bálor, McDonagh and Carlito as the show ended. (No Dom.)

Liv Morgan appearance announced for WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

On WWE Raw this Monday, we’ll get the follow-up to Liv Morgan kissing Dominik Mysterio.

Morgan won the Women’s World Championship from Becky Lynch at King & Queen of the Ring last weekend and then defeated Lynch again in a steel cage match on Raw. Both matches involved Dominik, apparently inadvertently, interfering to help Morgan win.

After his interference caused Morgan to become champion, Dominik claimed he was going to make things right to Rhea Ripley and ensure that Morgan lost the title. But he accidentally slammed the cage door into Lynch’s face, allowing Morgan to escape with her championship. Following the match, there was an angle where Morgan planted a kiss on the confused Dominik.

WWE has announced that Morgan will be appearing on Raw this Monday:

“Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan will make her first appearance since her unforgettable kiss with ‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio on last week’s episode of Raw.

“Morgan retained her title in epic fashion by defeating Becky Lynch inside of a steel cage thanks to an inadvertent assist from Mysterio, but it’s what happened following the match that has the world buzzing.

“As she went up the ramp, Morgan planted a kiss on ‘Dirty’ Dom, leading to what should be a must-see episode of Monday Night Raw live at 8/7 C on USA!“

Morgan and Zelina Vega had a social media back and forth on Friday. During the exchange, Morgan tweeted that she thinks she liked her kiss with Dominik.

Monday’s Raw is being held at the GIANT Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Here’s what’s been announced for the show so far:

WWE Raw (Monday, June 3) —

  • Damian Priest vs. Rey Mysterio
  • Ludwig Kaiser vs. Sheamus
  • The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar)
  • Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan appears

WWE Raw video highlights: Liv Morgan kisses Dominik Mysterio

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Liv Morgan’s first Women’s World Championship defense was a successful one — thanks to Dominik Mysterio.

Two days after losing the title to Morgan, Becky Lynch got her rematch inside of a steel cage in the main event of Raw last night. Seemingly inadvertent interference by Dominik again led to Morgan defeating Lynch. Dominik said he was going to make things right to Rhea Ripley by ensuring that Morgan lost the title. But after being pushed by Braun Strowman, Dominik accidentally slammed the cage door into Lynch’s face. That allowed Morgan to escape the cage and remain Women’s World Champion.

The dynamic between Morgan and Dominik continued to get more complicated after the match. In a moment that happened after the USA Network feed went off the air, Morgan planted a kiss on Dominik. He seemed confused by the kiss.

With Lynch’s future in question and her WWE contract scheduled to expire soon, she made the following post on social media after Raw ended:

There was also a moment earlier in the episode where, when giving a pep talk to Lyra Valkyria, Lynch said that you keep learning “until it’s time to walk away.”

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

Video package recaps King & Queen of the Ring

Damian Priest interrupts Gunther’s King of the Ring victory celebration

Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest try to get under each other’s skin

Braun Strowman vs. JD McDonagh

Ricochet vs. Ilja Dragunov, Bron Breakker demolishes both with spears

Karrion Kross tries to convince Xavier Woods that Kofi Kingston is holding him back

Authors of Pain vs. The Creed Brothers

WWE honors the United States Armed Forces on Memorial Day

Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser brawl backstage

Lyra Valkyria vs. Kairi Sane

Rey Mysterio vs. Carlito

Otis vs. Bronson Reed

Chad Gable holds an Alpha Academy meeting

Sami Zayn attempts to talk sense into Otis

Steel cage match: Liv Morgan vs. Becky Lynch for the Women’s World Championship

Liv Morgan plants a kiss on Dominik Mysterio

Raw fallout: The Savannah Bananas had a blast attending Raw

Raw Talk: The Final Testament, Ludwig Kaiser, Lyra Valkyria appear

Liv Morgan kisses Dominik Mysterio on WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Liv Morgan’s Women’s World title reign is off and running thanks to an assist from Dominik Mysterio.

Morgan retained the Women’s title on Monday’s WWE Raw in a steel cage match against Becky Lynch, then kissed Mysterio, whose assist provided her the opportunity to retain.

A show-long storyline on Monday’s Raw episode involved Braun Strowman chasing down JD McDonagh, which played into Morgan’s cage match against Lynch.

Strowman defeated McDonagh in a match, then Carlito, Finn Balor, and McDonagh attacked Strowman after the bout. Strowman then chased McDonagh through the arena throughout the show. In one scene, McDonagh was seen talking to Morgan in the back of the arena before Strowman ran in and chased them off.

As Morgan wrestled Lynch, Dominik made his way to the ring and opened the cage door as Balor and McDonagh tried to keep Mysterio from interfering on Morgan’s behalf.

Strowman ran in and inadvertently slammed the cage door on Lynch’s head, allowing Morgan to escape the cage and retain.

Morgan approached Mysterio in the aisle after the match, but the USA Network feed cut off before the eventual kiss. The kiss was shown on the international feed, and WWE posted the clip on their social media channels:

Mysterio sold the kiss as though he was surprised and uninterested.

Mysterio also interfered in Morgan’s title win over Lynch at Satuday’s King & Queen of the Ring event, and a storyline alliance between the two is continuing to develop following the events on Raw.

Our full Raw report is here.

WWE Raw live results: Liv Morgan vs. Becky Lynch steel cage title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 27, 2024
Location: Enmarket Arena in Savannah, GA

********** 

Show Recap —

There was a video recap of King and Queen of the Ring. The camera shot used for Gunther’s win over Randy Orton made sure not to show the botched pinfall. However, the announcers did acknowledge that Orton’s shoulder was up and that Triple H said the decision was final. 

Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch were shown arriving at the arena. 

Opening segment 

Ludwig Kaiser introduced the new King of the Ring, Gunther. Gunther entered in a blue suit and he held the crown in his hands. The crowd chanted, “You suck,” and “We want Randy.” 

Gunther said he beat Orton and was the rightful KOTR. He earned the opportunity to wrestle for the World Championship at SummerSlam. 

Gunther admired that Damian Priest stepped up in the absence of Rhea Ripley. Gunther himself stepped up to raise the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship by becoming the greatest champion of all time. He also raised the prestige of KOTR. The world title also lacked prestige because the champion won it by taking a shortcut (MITB). 

Damian Priest interrupted, flanked by Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh. Priest called Gunther’s crown “adorable.” Priest said Gunther proved nothing because we all saw that he did not beat Orton. 

Priest admitted he cashed in to win the title but he was able to do that because he earned the briefcase by winning a ladder match. That’s how that works and has worked for years. Priest offered to teach Gunther a lesson about the business if he was confused. 

Gunther said he’s been waiting for someone to teach him anything in the ring since he debuted. Gunther said Priest could lecture him before SummerSlam while he was the King, or after SummerSlam as the champion. Priest wasn’t sure what Gunther could teach him that he didn’t already know. 

Drew McIntyre interrupted. The crowd chanted for CM Punk. McIntyre told Gunther that he would be the champion in less than three weeks. Gunther smiled and left the ring. 

Priest told McIntyre that he wasn’t looking past him. McIntyre warned him that he was spreading himself too thin. Judgment Day has been screwing up a lot and they’ve gone to hell since Ripley left. 

McIntyre said he would become a four-time champion. Priest was walking into a war zone in Scotland. The fans would break him mentally and McIntyre would take his title. 

Priest laughed at his game plan. He wasn’t worried that the fans would boo him. He made a career of proving people wrong. He asked McIntyre if his wife would be there and asked her name. McIntyre was pissed and Priest laughed because he so easily got under his skin. Priest wondered if McIntyre would do something about it. 

Braun Strowman interrupted. Strowman decided to do us a favour and enter for his match and finally end this segment. (We were past the 20-minute mark when Strowman entered.) McIntyre left.

******** 

Braun Strowman defeated JD McDonagh (w/Finn Bálor) (9:31+)

Strowman dominated for the first few minutes until McDonagh clipped his knee and he fell into the ringpost. McDonagh chop-blocked him ahead of a break and continued to target the knee after the break. Strowman responded with a back body drop and running shoulder tackle outside the ring. 

Bálor tried to attack Strowman right in front of the referee but Strowman blocked it and yanked Bálor into the ring. As the referee tried getting rid of Bálor, Carlito ran down to interfere but Strowman got rid of him too. 

McDonagh headbutted Strowman but Strowman came right back with a powerslam for the pinfall win. 

— Carlito and Bálor attacked Strowman after the match but he easily disposed of them. McDonagh hit Strowman in the back with a chair but it had no effect. The crowd chanted, “You f**ked up.” McDonagh, Bálor and Carlito bailed before Strowman could kill them. 

********

Liv Morgan told Cathy Kelley she had no remorse over how she beat Becky Lynch to win the title and she did not know Dominik would be there. Lynch wanted to remind people that she had never beaten her one-on-one and that was still true thanks to Dom. Morgan said she would beat Lynch straight-up in her first-ever steel cage match. Her revenge tour was just getting started. 

******** 

Priest approached Bálor and Carlito. He told Bálor that Strowman should have been handled tonight. He told them to go find McDonagh so they could regroup. (Carlito and Bálor hesitated to leave because they figured Strowman was chasing him down.) 

********

There was a video recap of Bron Breakker’s destruction last week. 

Earlier today, medical staff cleared Ricochet. Adam Pearce wasn’t convinced but acknowledged that Ricochet was cleared. Ricochet wanted Bron in a match tonight. Pearce said Bron was at home suspended and Ricochet would have to be patient. Ricochet wasn’t happy. 

Ilja Dragunov thanked Ricochet for pushing him out of the way last week. Dragunov offered a rematch once Ricochet was ready. Ricochet wanted it tonight. Dragunov said he fights people and breaks them, but he doesn’t fight broken people. Ricochet responded, “Ricochet ain’t nothing but money, I ain’t never been broke.” Ricochet told Pearce to make the match and he did. 

******** 

As Dragunov entered, Cole asked, “Why did Bron Breakker attack Ricochet?” At that moment, a QR Code appeared on the screen with the words “Because We Believed.” Cole acknowledged the QR Code and quickly moved on.

Ricochet defeated Ilja Dragunov via disqualification (10:32) 

Dragunov was all over Ricochet and kneed him out of the ring which led to break two minutes into the match. 

[SECOND HOUR] 

Ricochet came back with a knee strike and suicide dive. Dragunov caught a second dive attempt and drove him into the side of the ring but Ricochet stepped off the turnbuckle moments later and hit a moonsault. 

They traded strikes in the ring until Dragunov dropped Ricochet with a clothesline and a Constantine Special. Dragunov followed with chops and a powerbomb. Dragunov came off the middle rope with an H-Bomb attempt but Ricochet caught him with a superkick. Ricochet followed with a Recoil for a nearfall. 

Ricochet hit a shooting star press but was too hurt to make a cover. As Ricochet got up, Bron Breakker appeared and speared him to death. Dragunov chopped Bron but he cut down Dragunov with a spear too. 

— Officials checked on the two men in the ring while Pearce admonished Breakker. Bron smiled and walked off without acknowledging him. Pearce followed Bron and continued screaming until Bron shot him a look. 

The crowd really got up for Breakker who certainly comes across as something special. 

After a break, Pearce and Breakker argued backstage as Kelley tried to provide us with an update. Bron left. Kelley wanted to interview Pearce but he was approached by Kiana James. Pearce told James they could speak in his office because he needed a drink. 

********

Miz and R-Truth were shown at an ice cream truck earlier today. Truth worked inside the truck and handed Miz a Drumstick. Miz wondered why Truth wanted him to wear white. Truth wanted Miz to represent his flavour. Truth said Miz was vanilla while Truth was strawberry. 

Miz was surprised Truth chose strawberry for himself and stopped short of guessing chocolate. New Day showed up and Xavier Woods (wearing a Savannah Bananas hoodie) asked Miz what flavour he was about to say. Miz insisted he was thinking strawberry. 

New Day wanted a title shot and Truth was willing to give it to them but Miz wasn’t as willing. Truth hid inside the truck and Miz left. 

Karrion Kross happened to be nearby and he approached New Day. Kross wasn’t there to challenge them to a match, he wanted to help Woods. He wondered when Woods would finally cut Kofi Kingston loose. He also wondered if Kingston was waiting until he retired to let Woods shine. 

Kross invited Woods to watch AOP in action tonight. Woods said they would take on AOP next week. Kross was happy to do this the hard way. 

********

Authors of Pain (w/Scarlett, Karrion Kross & Paul Ellering) defeated The Creed Brothers (w/Ivy Nile) (3:00) 

Julius Creed got a chance to shine by handing out suplexes to his large opponents. However, Scarlett drove Ivy Nile into the ring steps which distracted the Creeds. This allowed AOP to hit Julius with a combo powerbomb/neckbreaker for the pinfall win. (Cole said the double team finisher was named “What a Rush” by Ellering.) 

********

Rey Mysterio cut a backstage promo. He said Carlito was welcomed into LWO with open arms but his jealousy over Dragon Lee made him bitter and his attack of Cruz Del Toro was a huge mistake. 

Carlito could run to Judgment Day if he wanted but their friendship was over. When they stepped in the ring, Carlito would find out what happens when you cross the LWO and when you cross Rey Mysterio. 

********

Sheamus promo 

Sheamus said Saturday’s show featured banger after banger. He was sad not to be part of it because that Ken Doll Ludwig Kaiser smashed his knee and took him out. Sheamus wasn’t bitter and understood that was part of the game but what made him salty was Kaiser talking trash about him while he waited to get cleared. Sheamus announced that he was back and he couldn’t wait to get his hands on Kaiser’s scrawny neck. 

Kaiser interrupted on the screen and made comments about Sheamus being old. Kaiser rambled until Sheamus cut him off. Sheamus marched to the back to find Kaiser but Kaiser decked him from behind. They brawled into the arena until officials broke it up. 

********

Lynch approached Lyra Valkyria in the locker room. Lyra was sore and had bruised knees. 

Lynch told her, “Saturday didn’t go our way but it’s not about winning all the time, it’s about getting better every time. So we’ll win or learn and keep winning or learning… until it’s time to walk away.” 

Lynch gave her a fist bump and told to to consider getting knee pads. Lyra chuckled. 

********

Lyra Valkyria defeated Kairi Sane (w/Dakota Kai) (3:42) 

Lyra was sore and taped up after getting hit with Nia Jax’s Annihilator on Saturday. Sane worked her over and hit a double foot stomp on the apron. As Lyra was upside down in the corner holding onto the bottom rope, Sane hit another foot stomp off the top for two. 

Sane tried an Insane Elbow but Lyra got her knees up and applied a crucifix cover for the pinfall win. (They cut to the back seconds later.) 

********

Bálor and Carlito approached Priest. Priest wondered where McDonagh was and why Carlito was there. Carlito said Priest told them to meet him there but Priest said he wanted Judgment Day to meet him. Priest told him to get ready for his match. Carlito asked if they would be out there with him but Priest didn’t answer. 

McDonagh entered as Carlito left. Priest wondered if he had to deal with Strowman and noted McDonagh was busy speaking with Morgan earlier. McDonagh admitted he spoke with Morgan but only to tell her she wouldn’t be champion long. 

Dom entered and Priest wanted to speak with him alone. Dom admitted he messed up. He spoke to Ripley and told her that he would fix it. Priest was glad he wasn’t in Dom’s shoes and said he better fix it. 

********

Sane and Kai approached Iyo Sky in the back but Sky freaked out and began chucking furniture around the room. She stormed off. 

********

Members of the Savannah Bananas baseball team were shown in the front row. 

Rey Mysterio (w/Dragon Lee & Zelina Vega) defeated Carlito (10:23) 

Cole said this was the first time in 20 years that these two have had a singles match, which isn’t true. Also, Samantha Irvin announced that Mysterio was accompanied to the ring by Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro but Wilde and Del Toro (who is injured) weren’t there. Dragon Lee was. 

Carlito hit a superplex after a break. Rey came back with a Lionsault for two. Carlito followed with a fireman’s carry into a cutter for two. 

Bálor entered through the crowd and attacked Dragon Lee from behind. Mysterio wiped out Bálor with a seated senton off the apron. Carlito was unable to utilize this distraction and Mysterio hit him with a 619 and springboard splash for the pinfall win. 

[THIRD HOUR] 

— Mysterio attacked Bálor after the match and chucked him onto the announce table. Dragon Lee went to the top but Priest attacked Mysterio from behind while Carlito spit apple in Dragon Lee’s face. Priest nailed Dragon Lee with a Razor’s Edge. 

Mysterio kicked Priest into the ropes and set up for 619 but Bálor got in his way and Priest booted him. Priest laid out Mysterio with a South of Heaven chokeslam. The crowd booed. 

Bálor and Carlito were happy momentarily until Priest shot them a look (annoyed he had to deal with this himself). 

********

Chad Gable was annoyed with Akira Tozawa because he didn’t make the trip to Saturday’s show. Gable could have used Tozawa’s help and said he must’ve had a really good reason for not going. Tozawa apologized but Gable said he wasn’t mad, just disappointed. 

Strowman marched by looking for McDonagh. 

Otis and Maxxine Dupri showed up. Gable referred to Dupri as “Goldilocks and her three brain cells.” Gable didn’t want her at ringside tonight because it wasn’t a fashion show. 

Gable said he would be the IC champion if not for Otis. Gable was giving Otis a second chance out of the kindness of his heart to redeem himself against Bronson Reed. Gable wanted to hear Otis say the words and, as usual, he said, “No matter what.” 

********

Bronson Reed defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable) (3:36) 

Otis fought back and set up for Caterpillar but Gable demanded he stop. Otis was about to do the move anyway so Gable got in his face. All this time allowed Reed to recover and hit Otis with a thrust kick, senton and Tsunami for the pinfall win. (Gable didn’t bother trying to help.) 

— Gable called Otis back into the ring. He also called out Dupri because he wanted them to have a meeting right now. Dupri and Tozawa entered as they went to break.

******** 

Alpha Academy meeting

Gable wondered what it would take to get through to Otis. Gable said Otis lacked discipline so he would show him discipline in front of everyone. Gable removed his belt and told Otis to grab the rope. Otis slowly made his way to the ropes with his back turned to Gable. Gable told Dupri and Tozawa to watch. 

Gable was about to whip Otis but Dupri stopped him. Gable mocked her and told her to leave. 

Sami Zayn interrupted. He checked on Dupri on his way out. 

Zayn told Gable he wasn’t tough. He was a weak little man. He manipulated his way into several opportunities for the IC title but he came up short every time. He blamed everyone but himself for losing. Gable couldn’t get the job done. 

Gable said it was time for Otis’ discipline and was about to whip him but Zayn yanked the belt away. Otis stood between Zayn and Gable. Zayn wondered how much more crap Otis was going to take. Zayn told Otis to listen to the fans. 

As Zayn gave Otis words of encouragement, Gable decked Zayn. Zayn fought back but Otis pulled him off of Gable. Zayn tried talking sense into Otis but Gable suplexed Zayn. 

The crowd chanted, “Let’s go Otis” as Gable stood over Zayn but Otis didn’t do anything. Gable and Tozawa left the ring. Otis waited back with Zayn for a moment until Gable called him away. 

(Gable is great in this role but they’re in danger of stretching this out too long. Otis, Dupri and Tozawa are all grown adults and there doesn’t appear to be any specific reason why they’re so loyal to Gable.) 

******** 

There was a video of Morgan’s win over Lynch. They were shown warming up ahead of the main event. 

******** 

Kelley interviewed Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark. Baszler didn’t care that Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair were the champs, they had the same limbs as everyone else. Stark thought they should invite them to Raw. 

Sonya Deville showed up and wondered why they were talking like champions already. Deville said they could become champions with her help. They blew her off. Baszler told her to walk away before she put her on the shelf again. Deville respected her accomplishments but the locker room didn’t. 

Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre showed up to issue a warning. Deville reiterated to Baszler and Stark that the locker room didn’t respect them. 

******** 

Raw next week in Hershey, PA: 

  • Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser 
  • New Day vs. AOP 
  • Damian Priest vs. Rey Mysterio – non-title 

********

Cage Match: Liv Morgan defeated Becky Lynch to retain the Women’s World Championship (13:12+)

The match started during a break and Morgan was in control. Morgan drove Lynch into the cage and used her boot to rub Lynch’s face against it. Morgan used three consecutive dropkicks into the cage and multiple shoulder tackles. 

Lynch dodged another attack and Morgan went head-first into the cage. Lynch rammed Morgan’s head repeatedly against the cage. Lynch followed with a missile dropkick for two. Lynch used basement dropkicks to drive Morgan into the cage but Morgan fought her off and bounced her against the cage again. 

After another break, Morgan tried scaling the cage but Lynch brought her down with a superplex off the middle rope. Morgan drove her into the cage again and followed with a Codebreaker for two. 

They briefly traded right hands on top of the cage moments before Morgan brought down Lynch and hit a powerbomb. Lynch applied a Disarmer over the top rope but Morgan once again shoved her into the cage. Morgan began climbing the ropes but Lynch brought her down with a Russian leg sweep. 

Dom jogged to ringside and simply opened the cage door (as the ref yelled at him). Bálor and McDonagh ran down and told him to stop getting involved. They gave up on Dom and were about to leave when Strowman entered to his music. 

Strowman ran around ringside and knocked Dom into the door which flew into Lynch’s face, knocking her down too. 

With Lynch down, Morgan crawled out of the cage to win the match. This was a dumb finish. 

— Morgan walked up the ramp with her belt and went face-to-face with Dominik. 

Morgan grabbed Dom and kissed him. Morgan smiled. Dom was nonplussed. 

(I don’t know what they did or did not do to the crowd during this match or postmatch. They were quiet for the match itself and barely reacted to Liv kissing Dom. It didn’t help that her music was still playing but you still couldn’t hear any sort of reaction to what should have been a big angle.)

Liv Morgan wins Women’s World title at WWE King & Queen of the Ring

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After botched interference by Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan is the new Women’s World Champion.

Morgan won the title on Saturday by defeating Becky Lynch at WWE King & Queen of the Ring. Morgan hit a DDT onto a steel chair, followed that up with Oblivion, and then pinned Lynch to get the win.

On the pre-show, Dominik told Morgan that he flew all the way to Saudi Arabia to make sure she doesn’t win the Women’s World Championship. He got involved in the match, but his interference only helped Morgan. Lynch got distracted when Dominik appeared. He then threw a steel chair in the ring seemingly hoping Lynch would use it as a weapon. But Morgan used it instead, giving Lynch a DDT onto the chair while the referee was focused on Dominik.

In storyline, Morgan has been attempting to woo Dominik so that she can take him away from Rhea Ripley. Dominik’s interference benefitting Morgan was presented as being an accident, not like he was actually trying to help Morgan.

Ripley had to vacate the Women’s World Championship this April due to a shoulder injury. Lynch then won the vacant title in a battle royal on the April 22 episode of Raw.

A feud between Ripley and Morgan was taking place when Ripley suffered her injury. It should resume once Ripley is able to return. Ripley is expected to be out of action for “quite a few months.”

This is the second Women’s Championship reign of Morgan’s career. Her first reign took place in 2022, lasting three months.

Footage emerges from Liv Morgan’s December 2023 marijuana possession arrest

Posted on by Joseph Currier

While the case has already been resolved, footage has emerged from Liv Morgan’s December 2023 marijuana possession arrest.

Morgan (real name Gionna Daddio) was arrested in Florida on December 14 on charges of possession of a synthetic cannabinoid and possession of marijuana (20 grams or less). The synthetic cannabinoid charge was dropped this January because there are no labs in the state of Florida that perform a test that could prove it came from synthetic sources and not plant sources. After that, the case was fully resolved in February with Morgan submitting a plea of nolo contendere. She was not formally convicted and only had to pay a fine and court costs.

Law & Crime Network obtained police bodycam footage from the arrest. Their full 26-minute video was uploaded on Wednesday and can be seen below:

Morgan was pulled over when a police officer claimed he observed her struggling to stay in her lane, swerving, and going 20 miles per hour below the speed limit. When the officer approached her vehicle, he smelled marijuana. Morgan said she had not been smoking marijuana but admitted that she had marijuana in the vehicle.

A vape was also found in Morgan’s jeep. Morgan said she did not know whose vape it was.

The officers were not initially aware that Morgan was a WWE wrestler but found that out through the items she had in her jeep. One of the items was a planner the officers read where Morgan listed some of her life goals. Morgan wrote that she wants to buy many houses, break into Hollywood, become an Oscar winner, make the WWE Hall of Fame, become a multi-time WWE champion, have a successful podcast, have a home in another country, do voiceover work, and she wants to be happy and stay healthy.

In the video, Morgan makes a call to her boyfriend Taylor (WWE’s Bo Dallas).

Morgan did not face any negative repercussions from WWE for the arrest. At WWE King & Queen of the Ring this month, Morgan is challenging Becky Lynch for the Women’s World Championship. The PLE is taking place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 25.

Morgan responded to the attention the bodycam video received by sharing the link to a Make-A-Wish charity sweepstakes she’s involved with.

Three wrestlers qualify for WWE Elimination Chamber

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three more wrestlers have qualified for the Elimination Chamber.

Bobby Lashley and LA Knight won matches to advance to the men’s Elimination Chamber match on Monday’s Raw, while Liv Morgan advanced to the women’s Chamber match ahead of the February 24 premium live event in Perth, Australia.

Lashley was the first to qualify, defeating Bronson Reed. Morgan made her Raw in-ring return by defeating Zoey Stark. Knight followed up with a victory over Ivar.

Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton qualified on SmackDown Friday to enter the men’s chamber. Becky Lynch qualified on last week’s Raw, while Bianca Belair qualified on SmackDown. The winner of the men’s Chamber match will square off against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40, while the women’s Chamber winner will face Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley.

This coming Friday’s SmackDown will feature Shotzi vs. Tiffany Stratton and Naomi vs. Zelina Vega to fill in two more Elimination Chamber spots, with the final spot being determined in a battle royal on next week’s Raw. For the men, The Miz will face Logan Paul and Dominik Mysterio will square off against Kevin Owens on SmackDown to fill the final two spots.

Liv Morgan’s case resolved following December marijuana possession arrest

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Liv Morgan’s December arrest for marijuana possession has officially been resolved.

Court records show that the case against Morgan (real name Gionna Daddio) has been closed. Morgan was arrested in Florida in December 2023 on charges of possession of a synthetic cannabinoid and possession of marijuana (20 grams or less). Only the latter charge was remaining after the possession of a synthetic cannabinoid charge was dropped last month.

Morgan’s possession of marijuana charge had been transferred to a misdemeanor court after the more serious synthetic cannabinoid charge was dropped.

On January 31, the case was closed with Morgan submitting a plea of nolo contendere to the possession of marijuana charge. The case is listed as “adjudication withheld,” which means that Morgan was not formally convicted. It’s listed that she needs to pay an assessment of $543.

The arrest happened when Morgan was pulled over by a Sumter County sherriff’s deputy on December 14. The deputy claimed that Morgan’s vehicle crossed over the yellow and white lines on the roadway “several times.” The deputy detected the odor of marijuana after approaching Morgan’s vehicle. A vape pen and a small plastic bag containing marijuana were then found.

Morgan did not face any heat within WWE for the arrest. She was out of action with a shoulder injury at the time but made her return in the women’s Royal Rumble last month. In the Rumble, Morgan was one of the final two wrestlers left at the end of the match. Bayley eliminated her to get the victory. 

Morgan is facing Zoey Stark in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match on Raw next Monday. Becky Lynch has already qualified for the Elimination Chamber bout. The winner earns a title shot against Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 40.

Elimination Chamber qualifier announced for next week’s WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The second in a series of qualifying matches for Elimination Chamber is set for the Monday, February 12 edition of WWE Raw. 

Liv Morgan will have her first match on Raw since last July on next week’s episode as she faces Zoey Stark in an Elimination Chamber qualifier. Morgan returned to WWE at last month’s Royal Rumble event and was the final wrestler eliminated from the women’s Rumble match. 

Morgan vs. Stark is the second Elimination Chamber qualifier after Becky Lynch defeated Shayna Baszler in the first on this week’s Raw. 

The winner of the Elimination Chamber match on February 24 will determine the challenger for the Women’s World title at WrestleMania 40. 

Two more matches are also set for the February 12 Raw. 

After an in-ring confrontation on this week’s show during a celebration for Gunther’s 600-day Intercontinental Championship reign, Jey Uso & The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods will face Imperium’s Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, & Giovanni Vinci in a trios match on next week’s episode. Uso was positioned as Gunther’s next title challenger in the Raw angle, while The New Day and the other members of Imperium continue their weeks-long feud. 

JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day will also face R-Truth on next week’s Raw. 

The lineup for the Monday, February 12 episode: 

  • Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Liv Morgan vs. Zoey Stark
  • Jey Uso & The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci)
  • R-Truth vs. JD McDonagh

Naomi returns, Jordynne Grace & Jade Cargill debut in WWE Royal Rumble

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Naomi made her return, plus TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace & Jade Cargill made their in-ring WWE debuts in Saturday’s women’s Royal Rumble match. 

After walking out of the company in May 2022 over creative issues, Naomi made her return as a surprise third entrant in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match on Saturday, lasting until the final six competitors of the match ultimately won by Bayley. 

WWE posted a link on social media to new Naomi merchandise available on WWE Shop, indicating that she has returned on a full-time basis. 

TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace entered fifth for the women’s Rumble, wearing the TNA title belt to the ring just as Mickie James did while Knockouts Champion at the 2022 Royal Rumble. Commentary mentioned TNA by name several times. Grace was eliminated before the 15th entrant to the match. 

Jade Cargill made her in-ring WWE debut in the Rumble as the 28th entrant. Cargill lasted until the final three of the contest and eliminated Becky Lynch and Nia Jax before being eliminated in a tussle on the apron with the final two competitors, Liv Morgan & Bayley. Cargill is a former TBS Champion in AEW and was a heralded free agent acquisition by WWE in September 2023. 

Morgan made her return from injury in the Rumble as the 30th entrant, and was the final elimination.  Morgan had been sidelined since July with a shoulder injury. 

NXT’s Roxanne Perez & Tiffany Stratton were the only other Rumble entries of note not part of WWE’s main roster.

Steve Khan’s Royal Rumble live play-by-play post is here.