A new six-man tag team match has been added to Backlash.
New Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will team with Matt Riddle to take on The Usos and Solo Sikoa.
The Usos, Owens, and Zayn have continued their feud following WrestleMania, with Paul Heyman indicating to The Usos that Roman Reigns hasn’t been happy with them following their loss. Riddle made his return to WWE on the Raw following WrestleMania, and since then has set his sights on getting revenge against Solo Sikoa, who put him out of action late last year.
On Friday’s SmackDown, Riddle had the chance to take on Solo Sikoa in a singles match. Sikoa was able to put away Riddle with the samoan spike. After the match, Sikoa continued the attack on Riddle as The Usos and Zayn & Owens brawled around ringside. Sikoa delivered a uranage to Riddle on top of the table then pushed the table on top of him before Owens & Zayn could make the save.
Here is the card so far for Backlash in Puerto Rico on May 6:
The Usos & Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle
The originally scheduled return match for Matt Riddle on Monday’s WWE Raw was pulled from the lineup well before the show even happened.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said he wasn’t sure why the match was canceled other than it was pulled before he had even heard about the flight problems that saw a large percentage of the roster flying out of Orlando, Florida, to Seattle not make it in time due to delays.
The Miz wasn’t in attendance at Raw and even if he had been, Meltzer speculated the match would have likely been pulled due to the delays as Riddle was one of the wrestlers affected.
Meltzer also said Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, Sami Zayn, and the Street Profits were part of the delayed travel group.
Riddle and Zayn did appear in the show-closing segment, running from outside the arena inside the building to help Kevin Owens from a beatdown from The Bloodline.
The Miz match was to be Riddle’s first televised match since early-December 2022.
Last night’s SmackDown ended with Matt Riddle saving Sami Zayn from a Bloodline beatdown.
After making his return on Raw, Riddle came to SmackDown with a score to settle with Solo Sikoa. In storyline, an attack by Sikoa was the reason for Riddle’s recent absence from WWE television.
Jey Uso defeated Sami Zayn in last night’s main event after getting help from a Samoan Spike by Sikoa. Sikoa started to beat down Zayn after the match until Jey stepped in. It seemed like Jey was going to put a stop to the attack, but he instead laid out Zayn with a superkick. When Sikoa went to get a steel chair, Riddle’s music hit. Riddle ran out and took out both Jey and Sikoa.
Despite Kevin Owens telling him it was a bad idea, Zayn had tried to talk sense into Jey before their match and convince him that The Bloodline was a sinking ship. Sikoa attacked Owens as that conversation was happening.
Jimmy Uso wasn’t at SmackDown last night, with Paul Heyman saying that Roman Reigns wanted Jimmy to stay home and watch Jey take out Zayn by himself. When Jey left the conversation, Heyman seemed to indicate that — if Jey didn’t solve their Sami Zayn problem — Sikoa would have to handle their Jey Uso problem.
Riddle returned on Monday’s Raw, confronting The Miz. Miz had been complaining that he had to face surprise after surprise during WrestleMania weekend, such as Shane McMahon appearing and Snoop Dogg attacking and pinning him, and was tired of surprises. Miz immediately attacked Riddle, but Riddle made a comeback and laid out Miz to end the segment. Later, it was announced that Riddle will return to action on next week’s show against Miz.
Back in December, it was reported that Riddle had been suspended 60 days for violating WWE’s wellness policy and had been sent to rehab. At the time, it was reported that if Riddle refused to enter rehab, he would be released from WWE.
“I’ve been working a lot on myself lately and have been saying no and setting boundaries for the first time ever and certain people aren’t happy about it, but I couldn’t be healthier or happier. Thank you for all the support,” he wrote on social media later in December.
Riddle was written out of WWE storylines after Solo Sikoa laid him out on an episode of Raw. At the time, announcers said that Riddle would be out six weeks as a result of the attack.
Matt Riddle has posted to social media for the first time since reports surfaced that he was in rehab.
WWE announced on Friday, December 9 that Riddle will be out of action for six weeks following an attack by Solo Sikoa on Raw. A report from BodySlam.net would later state that Riddle was actually written off WWE programming due to him being sent to rehab following a second failed drug test.
While he did not confirm or deny those reports, Riddle posted to social media on Wednesday:
“I’ve been working a lot on myself lately and have been saying no and setting boundaries for the first time ever and certain people aren’t happy about it, but I couldn’t be healthier or happier. Thank you for all the support,” he wrote on Twitter.
I’ve been working a lot on myself lately and have been saying no and setting boundaries for the first time ever and certain people aren’t happy about it, but I couldn’t be healthier or happier. Thank you for all the support 🤙 pic.twitter.com/2DC2zBskup
Adult film star Jordan Maxx recently made public statements that she was dating Riddle for six months when he cheated on her with Misha Montana, who also works in the adult film industry. Social media influencer and OnlyFans content creator, Daniella Petrow, also released allegations against Riddle, stating that the 36-year-old sexually assaulted her. She tagged WWE, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon in her posts asking for Riddle to be fired.
According to a report, Matt Riddle is currently in rehab following a second failed drug test.
Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net reported Monday that Riddle was written off last week’s Raw due to failing his second drug test since earlier this summer, when a proposed match against Seth Rollins for SummerSlam was moved to WWE Clash at the Castle after Riddle failed the first test. At the time of the first drug test failure, the report said that Riddle was told that a second failed test would result in a “rehab or fired” situation, similar to the one Jeff Hardy was given prior to his WWE departure last year.
“The belief going around is that he has already entered treatment, or will be going in soon as most programs run for 30 days and he would need to be finished in time for his return in six weeks,” Haynes wrote. What came up in the failed test isn’t currently known.
Riddle was written off television last week after Solo Sikoa attacked him following a match on Raw. Riddle was stretchered out after Sikoa gave him the Samoan spike, then landed a running hip ross to the corner, with Riddle neck wrapped in a steel chair. WWE later announced that Riddle would be out of action six weeks due to the attack.
WWE announced on Friday that Matt Riddle will be out of action for six weeks.
During the Undisputed Tag Team title match that opened Friday’s SmackDown, announcer Michael Cole noted that as a result of Solo Sikoa attacking Riddle on Raw, Riddle would be out of action for the next six weeks.
On Monday’s show, Kevin Owens and Riddle teamed up to take on The Usos in a Undisputed Tag Team title match. After The Usos retained the titles, Sikoa attacked Riddle, giving him the Samoan Spike. Following that, he continued to pay tribute to Umaga by wrapping Riddle’s neck around a chair and delivered a running hip attack on Riddle, who was propped up against the ring post in the corner. Riddle was stretchered out following the assault.
Elias, who has been aligned with Riddle in recent weeks, was originally set to team with Riddle. However, a vignette was shown prior to the Raw match showing The Bloodline attacking Elias backstage, rendering him unable to compete.
Date: December 5, 2022 Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
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Show Recap —
The Bloodline entered to start the show.
They showed footage from earlier today of Bloodline arriving at the arena. Byron Saxton tried interviewing them but Matt Riddle blew past them on his scooter. The Bloodline didn’t appreciate that and said they’d take out Riddle tonight.
Elias happened to be nearby and asked what the commotion was about. Sikoa attacked him from behind and Bloodline laid him out. Zayn chucked upon realizing Elias was hurt.
Back in the ring, the Usos announced that the tag title match was cancelled — but they were still happy to defend their titles any time.
Riddle interrupted. He said it wasn’t very “Ucey” to run from a fight. Zayn told him, “hold up my dog” and the crowd was amused. Zayn called himself an Uce-ologist and he would decide what was Ucey and what wasn’t. Zayn said Sikoa and the Usos were both Ucey and the crowd said it along with him. Zayn suggested Riddle go home.
Riddle said he found himself another partner and there will be a title match tonight.
Kevin Owens entered.
The Usos (w/Solo Sikoa & Sami Zayn) defeated Matt Riddle & Kevin Owens to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (14:06)
Owens was in control through an early commercial break but the Usos used a referee distraction to take control over Riddle through a second commercial break (eight minutes into the match).
Owens made a hot tag immediately after the break and hit Jimmy Uso with a Swanton Bomb for two. Jimmy blocked both a stunner and pop-up powerbomb and hit a superkick. Jey and Riddle tagged in and exchanged strikes until Riddle sent Jey out of the ring. Owens was about to go after him but Sikoa stood in his way so Riddle wiped out Sikoa with a dive.
Jimmy made a blind tag while Riddle was distracted by Zayn and the Usos gave him a 1-D for the pinfall win. Usos retain.
— The Usos put the boots to Riddle after the match. Owens attacked the Usos with a chair before chasing them and Zayn to the back.
Riddle was alone in the ring so Sikoa attacked him, hitting him with the Samoan spike and running hip attack. Sikoa put Riddle’s head and neck through a steel chair and hit another running hip attack.
Medical staff put Riddle on a stretcher as Sikoa calmly walked away like nothing happened.
(Either the crowd was pissed or they piped in a ton of fake booing.)
The announcers said that Drew McIntyre was medically disqualified from wrestling on Friday’s Smackdown so the Usos will defend instead against Sheamus and Butch.
********
There will be two triple threat matches tonight and the winners of those matches will face next week to determine Bianca Belair’s next challenger.
Rhea Ripley cut a promo saying she would win her matches and beat Belair, then the whole locker room would be calling her “Mami.”
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JBL hosted his invitational poker tournament backstage. There were two tables and those participating (or just watching) were: Baron Corbin, Chad Gable, Otis, Dominik Mysterio, Mia Yim, Shelton Benjamin, Akira Tozawa, Dana Brooke, Tamina, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and AJ Styles.
Dexter Lumis and Johnny Gargano showed up and Lumis plopped his bag of money on the table. JBL didn’t know what was in the bag and said Lumis and Gargano weren’t invited. Lumis dumped all the money from the bag on the table and JBL happily invited him to play.
********
Bayley entered but before she could say or do anything, Becky Lynch interrupted and entered through the crowd.
Lynch mentioned that it’s been three years since they’ve had a singles match together and also gave Bayley credit for carrying the company through the Thunderdome era. Bayley told the crowd to cheer that but they didn’t.
Bayley told her to stop reminiscing. She was annoyed that the spotlight was always on Lynch when she was around and complained because the fans don’t respect her. The crowd chanted for Becky.
Lynch said two-thirds of Damage CTRL was successful because they had two champions and one loser. Lynch said if Bayley won her match tonight, maybe she’d finally be able to go one-on-one with The Man.
As Lynch left, Ripley entered for the match and they had a staredown in the aisle.
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Triple Threat Match: Bayley defeated Rhea Ripley and Asuka (15:17)
Ripley wiped out Bayley and Asuka with a dive off the apron ahead of a break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Ripley and Bayley worked together on Asuka but Asuka chucked Bayley from the ring before hitting Ripley with strikes and a Codebreaker for two. Asuka hit both women with Yes Kicks but Bayley caught her in a cradle for two. Ripley headbutted Bayley before Asuka gave Bayley a German suplex.
Asuka knocked down Ripley with a kick but Bayley yanked Asuka out of the ring before she could follow up. Bayley wanted to work with Ripley again but Ripley didn’t trust her so they exchanged strikes until Asuka knocked them both down with a nice-looking double Codebreaker. Asuka tried to pin each woman but they both kicked out.
Asuka hit Bayley with a missile dropkick and applied the Asuka Lock but Ripley broke it up. Asuka put Ripley in an armbar but Bayley nailed Asuka with a diving elbow drop for two. Bayley gave Asuka Bayley-to-belly but Ripley broke up the cover.
Ripley repeatedly headbutted Bayley and hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Ripley went after Bayley outside the ring but Bayley dodged and Ripley splatted hard on the mat.
Asuka and Bayley had a back-and-forth exchange that led to Bayley hitting Rose Plant for the pinfall win. (Asuka got the most offence in the match but took the pin.)
— Ripley attacked Asuka after the match and laid her out with Riptide.
There was a messy exchange early on but this was pretty good for the most part. The crowd was fairly quiet for it.
********
Bobby Lashley will face Seth Rollins next week in a US title number one contender’s match.
Seth Rollins / Bobby Lashley segment
Rollins entered. He cut a short promo and twice led the crowd in signing his song before Lashey entered. The crowd chanted for Bobby.
Lashley wanted to hear what Rollins had to say but told him to choose his words wisely. Rollins thought Lashley hasn’t been the same since losing to Brock Lesnar. Rollins knew what that was like but wondered why Lashley was so obsessed with Lesnar.
Rollins thought maybe Lashley was scared of Lesnar but figured he was actually jealous of Lesnar. Rollins said Lesnar had the career that Lashley wanted. Lashley grabbed him by the collar and basically warned him to watch it. Rollins didn’t listen and said Lashley can’t beat Lesnar.
Lashley attacked Rollins and they got into a brawl. Officials ran down to break it up but they kept breaking apart.
Eventually, Lashley went for a spear but Rollins dodged it and Lashley speared producer Petey Williams by mistake. (The announcers mentioned Williams by name. They also said Lashley would likely get fined.)
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Austin Theory did an interview with Saxton before Mustafa Ali appeared to mock him. Theory basically called Ali a loser and told him to just quit. Ali said he wasn’t a quitter like Theory and said he had to fight for every opportunity. Theory had enough of him and challenged him to a match to end this once and for all.
They aired a trailer for the upcoming Ric Flair documentary.
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At the poker tournament, Gallows called Gable a nerd for folding. They yelled “nerd” and “shoosh” at each other until Corbin told them to stop because he was trying to win but couldn’t get a read on Lumis.
Corbin called with a straight but Lumis won the hand with a full house (aces and jacks). Corbin accused Lumis of cheating and threatened him so Lumis put an axe on the table. Corbin backed down.
At the other table, Tozawa won a big hand and was taking his chips but Dominik tried to take some. Tozawa called him out on it but Dom told him this was his show so he could have whatever he wanted and if Tozawa had a problem with that, he’d have to deal with Judgment Day.
Tozawa didn’t care and told Dom he was the problem. They got in each other’s faces and Dom mocked him for being short like his deadbeat dad. JBL suggested they take their fight outside. Tozawa told Dom he’d see him in the ring.
********
United States Championship match: Austin Theory defeated Mustafa Ali by disqualification (8:01)
This went through a break and ended in a DQ. They messed up a spot where Ali set up for a hurricanrana off the ropes but they fell over and landed awkwardly. The result could have been much worse. Ali followed right up with a tornado DDT that spiked Theory.
Theory fought back and hammered away at Ali in the ropes as the referee told him to stop. Theory didn’t listen so she pulled him off Ali when Dolph Ziggler suddenly superkicked Theory for the DQ.
— Ali confronted Ziggler for ruining his opportunity. As they argued, Theory decked Ziggler from behind before driving Ali into the ring post. Theory laid out Ziggler with A-Town Down as the crowd booed.
(So far, every match has been followed by a post-match beat-down.)
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Miz approached JBL outside the locker room because he wanted to play in the tournament. JBL didn’t know he played cards but invited him in as long as he paid the buy-in. Miz didn’t have it because he was cash short at the moment but claimed he’d be good for it. JBL didn’t believe him and politely turned him down. Miz offered up his Rolex but JBL told him it was fake.
Corbin appeared to win a hand with four kings but he had extra cards. AJ Styles called him out on it and they got into an argument. JBL yelled at him for ruining his tournament. Styles told Corbin to get his gear on so they could fight in the ring.
Everyone left so I guess the tournament was over. Gargano figured they won and had Lumis collect all the money. Lumis chucked a handful of cash at the dealer who took it and ran off.
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Cathy Kelley interviewed Bianca Belair who said she’d be ready for any challenger.
[THIRD HOUR]
They showed footage of Riddle being loaded into an ambulance to be taken to a local hospital.
Six-man tag team match: AJ Styles, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows (w/Mia Yim) defeated Alpha Academy & Baron Corbin (w/JBL) (14:30)
The heels gained control ahead of a break and worked over Styles after the break. A distraction allowed Corbin, the illegal man, to hit Styles with Deep Six but Gable only got a two count. Styles dropped Otis with a Pelé Kick and tagged in Anderson who ran wild on Gable. Anderson hit a spinebuster but Corbin broke up the cover and gave Styles a backbreaker.
Styles decked Corbin moments later and Gallows dropped him with a boot. Otis gave Gallows an impressive overhead suplex before Styles hit Otis with a Phenomenal Forearm. Gable suplexed Styles and rolled up Anderson for two. Anderson hit an uppercut and tagged in Gallows.
Gallows saved Anderson from Gable’s Chaos Theory and they gave him a Magic Killer for the pinfall win. Fun match, particularly the last few minutes.
(JBL missed the tag and was screaming about the illegal man getting the pin, even though that’s not what happened. He accused them of cheating like they cheated at poker.)
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Alexa Bliss was shown warming up backstage. Lilly the doll was with her. (Bray Wyatt’s logo flashed on the screen behind her for a brief moment.)
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Saxton interviewed Candice LeRae who spoke about her issues with Damage CTRL. LeRae said she was a new mom and has so much more to fight for now.
Gargano and Lumis showed up. Gargano bragged about their winnings in the poker tournament (LaRae was surprised they won). Gargano showed her how much money Lumis won and he had to stop her short of saying “what the f**k” when she saw the money. LaRae left the interview so they could deal with the giant bag of money.
Tozawa took most of the match but he missed a diving senton (landing hard as a result) and Dominik followed with a frog splash for the pinfall win.
— Judgment Day was going to attack Tozawa afterwards but the Street Profits ran out and Judgment Day bailed.
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Adam Pearce approached Lashley as he was leaving the arena. Pearce wanted to address what happened earlier (spearing Petey Williams) and Lashley couldn’t believe he was serious. Pearce didn’t want to punish him but warned him that it can’t happen again.
Lashley said he was punishing the lion for one of his guys jumping in the lion’s den. Lashley understood Pearce’s request but warned him to keep his guys out of his way.
********
Next week on Raw:
Lashley vs. Rollins – US title number one contender’s match
A small portion of the crowd buzzed when Bliss’ face turned serious and she set up for Sister Abigail but Lynch blocked it. (She never went for it again.) The first few minutes were mostly between Lynch and Bliss with Cross getting involved in spurts until they got rid of her. Cross eventually drove Lynch into the steps and gave Bliss a neckbreaker outside the ring.
Cross had Bliss in a rest hold after a break but Lynch jumped in and hit Cross with strikes, a bulldog, and a leg drop off the middle rope for two. Bliss wiped out Lynch and Cross with a dive off the apron (the same thing Ripley did in her match earlier) and covered Cross for two.
They did a tower of doom spot where Lynch powerbombed both opponents out of the ropes and covered Cross for two. Cross gave Lynch a high cross but Bliss broke up the cover. Cross shoved Bliss into the side of the ring and squished her with a crossbody against the ring.
Cross set up for a swinging neckbreaker off the middle rope but Lynch brought them both down with a diving leg drop. (Cross had to wait a long time for Lynch to set up so this didn’t look good.) Lynch covered Bliss for two.
Lynch gave Cross a Man-handle slam on the apron but Dakota Kai and IYO SKY yanked Lynch out of the ring before she could make a cover. Lynch tried fighting them off but they powerbombed her through the announce table.
With Cross still down, Bliss hit Twisted Bliss for the pinfall win.
Bliss faces Bayley next week and the winner earns a title shot against Belair.
(There was some good stuff in the match but they seemed off for a lot of it. The crowd cheered for Lynch at the beginning but were dead silent for the match itself until the finish.)
WWE has announced a change to the lineup for tonight’s episode of Raw.
A singles match between Matt Riddle and Chad Gable is now set for Raw tonight. It had originally been announced that the show would feature a tag team match with Riddle & Elias facing Alpha Academy (Gable & Otis).
A reason for the change wasn’t announced. WWE.com wrote:
Chad Gable and Otis have been a thorn in the side of Matt Riddle for many weeks and now The Original Bro will take on the leader of Alpha Academy.
Behind the scenes Riddle has been trying to form a band with his idol, Elias, but this week he will go at it alone against a tough competitor in Gable.
Can Riddle put away Gable as well as he rips his bongos? Find out tonight on Raw at 8/7C on USA!
In recent weeks, Elias has been reluctant to form a band with Riddle. But after losing to Otis on Raw last Monday, Elias said during an interview on Raw Talk that it might be time for him and Riddle to collaborate.
Tonight’s Raw is being held at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Here’s what’s been announced for the show:
United States Champion Seth Rollins defends against Finn Balor
Matt Riddle vs. Chad Gable
The Miz to address Dexter Lumis controversy on Miz TV
Matt Riddle will get his wish as he teams up with Elias on Monday’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that Riddle & Elias will take on Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis) in tag team action on Raw this Monday. In recent weeks, Riddle has been attempting to get Elias to form a band with him.
Riddle first approached Elias about wanting to form a band on the October 17 episode of Raw. Elias was initially dismissive of the idea. But after losing to Otis on Raw last Monday, Elias was interviewed on Raw Talk and said that it might be time for him and Riddle to collaborate.
Monday’s Raw is being held in Louisville, Kentucky. Here’s the updated card for the show:
United States Champion Seth Rollins defends against Finn Balor
Matt Riddle & Elias vs. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)
The Miz to address Dexter Lumis controversy on Miz TV
Date: October 17, 2022 Location: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OK
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Show Recap —
Bobby Lashley was in the ring mid-promo as soon as the show started and he called out Brock Lesnar.
Lesnar entered (wearing jeans, a black vest over his t-shirt, and a black cowboy hat). Lesnar took the fight to Lashley and drove him hard into the ring post. Lashley responded by shoving Lesnar into the post before spearing him through the barricade.
Officials, security and a bunch of wrestlers ran out to pull Lashley away (Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander, Chad Gable, Otis, Akira Tozawa, and Mustafa Ali were among them). Lashley got around them and tackled Lesnar before giving him a spinebuster through the announce desk. The crowd chanted for Bobby.
(They went to break six minutes into the show and aired replays when they returned.)
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The announcers ran down tonight’s card.
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (w/AJ Styles) defeated Alpha Academy (8:19)
(The team name for Gallows and Anderson is “The O.C.” and their entrance video refers to them as the only club that matters.)
Gable and Otis got the heat on Anderson through a break until he made the hot tag to Gallows. Gallows eventually took out Otis outside the ring as Gable put Anderson in an ankle lock in the ring. Anderson slipped out and hit a spinebuster before OC hit Magic Killer for the pinfall win.
— Judgment Day entered after the match. Finn Bálor mocked the OC by repeatedly saying “too sweet” over and over again before calling it played out. Bálor reminded them he was the one who started that “stupid little club.” Bálor said he could end them and challenged them to a match at Crown Jewel. (Bálor motioned to his crotch when he said “jewel.”)
Styles didn’t understand why people did this. They were already in the ring so they should wrestle right now — unless they needed their mother’s (Rhea Ripley’s) permission.
Dominik told them to shut up and suggested they go to Smackdown like Rey. Styles called Dominik a punk and challenged him to a match tonight. Ripley accepted on his behalf. Dominik initially looked surprised but acted tough and issued a warning to Styles.
Styles wanted to fight now but Dom needed time to get prepared and said he’d be ready “in an hour or so” (which was funny). Styles said he would beat the piss out of him like Rey should have.
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Seth Rollins promo
Rollins told all the haters to his ass and encouraged his supporters to sing his song. (People did sing but it didn’t seem that loud.)
Rollins wanted to correct a wrong from Extreme Rules when he defends his US title against Matt Riddle tonight. The crowd chanted “you tapped out.” Rollins admitted that he tapped out but it was strategic because he wanted to be ready to beat Lashley for the US title and he did that for all of us.
Mustafa Ali interrupted. Ali congratulated him on winning the title but wondered why he didn’t shout out Lesnar for the assist. Ali told Rollins that Lashley promised him that he was next in line for a championship opportunity. Ali challenged him to a match.
Rollins annoyingly told Ali that he didn’t belong in the ring with him but Ali didn’t back down.
Rollins admitted that he liked Ali in the ring and especially admired him outside the ring. As Rollins handed out compliments, he suddenly decked Ali. Ali fought back but Rollins launched him into the ring post. (The fourth time in 44 minutes that somebody has gone into the post.) Rollins left.
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A limo with longhorns and a ‘JBL’ license plate pulled up to the arena.
Bayley joined commentary for the next match.
Non-title match: Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai & IYO SKY (w/Bayley) defeated Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair & Candice LeRae (12:11)
LeRae took out SKY with a dive and Belair had Kai in position for a Glam Slam but instead of hitting the move, she dumped Kai out of the ring, perhaps because she knew it was time for a commercial break.
[SECOND HOUR]
SKY hit Belair with a springboard dropkick during the break to take control. Kai held Belair’s braid preventing her from making a tag but Belair fought her off and tagged LeRae. LeRae hammered away on both opponents and stepped off Kai’s back to give SKY a senton. The heels used the numbers advantage to take control until Belair made a hot tag.
Belair and LeRae gave SKY a combo vertical suplex/missile dropkick and SKY landed awkwardly. The teams traded moves until Bayley decided to get a kendo stick. Belair tacked her over the announce desk but that left LeRae alone in the ring so Kai and SKY gave her a double-team back suplex for the pinfall win.
********
Cathy Kelley interviewed Riddle who planned on beating Rollins’ ass and becoming the US champion. Riddle saw Ali out of frame and offered him a title match if he won tonight. Ali appreciated the gesture.
They walked over to Miz when they heard him screaming a few feet away. Miz claimed he was looking over his shoulder for Dexter Lumis when he slipped and fell because a janitor didn’t clean up a spill. He claimed his foot/ankle was shattered and asked them to get help. They sarcastically said they’d get help and left.
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They plugged NXT.
Cora Jade approached Rhea Ripley in the back. Jade wanted Ripley to be Roxanne Perez’s opponent tomorrow on NXT because she was the most ruthless woman there. Ripley briefly contemplated the scenario before she accepted. Ripley said she would gladly put Perez down for her.
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JBL segment
JBL said it took a momentous occasion to break back the “Wrestling God” and he had a huge announcement to make. Before he got to the announcement he wanted to apologize for doing this in Oklahoma. He ran down the people of Oklahoma before bragging about the Texas Longhorns putting up 49 points against the Sooners recently.
JBL said that Rey Mysterio was gone and proved what JBL always knew and that was Rey was a deadbeat dad. It was a great trade that Raw made in moving Rey — as big as the New York Yankees acquiring Babe Ruth.
JBL introduced Raw’s newest addition: Baron Corbin. JBL put over Corbin while also insulting Dolph Ziggler. JBL claimed Ziggler didn’t “steal the show,” but has been stealing money from WWE for 15 years. He said Corbin would succeed in any era and called him the current Wrestling God.
Ziggler interrupted and the bell rang so I guess they have a match.
JBL was good here.
********
JBL joined commentary.
Baron Corbin defeated Dolph Ziggler (13:38)
Moments after Kevin Patrick (the new play-by-play announcer) ran down Ziggler’s accolades, Ziggler got a nearfall and Patrick said that would’ve been a big upset. Corbin came back with a big clothesline, which impressed JBL, and chucked Ziggler into the steps which led to break.
The crowd chanted “bum-ass Corbin” moments before Ziggler came back with clotheslines, punches in the corner, a neckbreaker and an elbow drop for two. Corbin followed with a fallaway slam for two. Ziggler countered an End of Days into a fameasser for a nearfall and Corbin hit a Deep Six moments later for two. Ziggler hit a dropkick and a Zig-Zag for a nearfall.
Corbin blocked a superkick and hit End of Days for the pinfall win. JBL raised Corbin’s hand.
(The crowd got was relatively quiet when this started but they got into it.)
********
Miz was in the trainer’s room but didn’t want anyone to touch his leg because it was too painful. Byron Saxton approached and asked Miz for an update. Saxton informed him that they spoke with the custodian staff who said they saw Miz pour water on the ground before sitting in it. Miz was also the one who put the ‘wet floor’ sign there.
Miz was offended that they thought he staged this just to get out of a match. Johnny Gargano was passing by and yelled out for Dexter Lumis which caused Miz to pop to his feet — showing that he was fine. Saxton said he could wrestle tonight after all. Miz begrudgingly agreed.
********
MVP and Omos did a backstage promo on Braun Strowman. MVP put over Strowman but no one compared to Omos. MVP said they would be at Smackdown on Friday and Omos would look down on Strowman to prove that Omos feared no man. Monsters weren’t real, but giants were.
********
Cameron Grimes approached Styles and the OC. Grimes said he was having trouble with the Schism and wanted them to be his tag partners on NXT. Gallows knew that Grimes had money and got excited but Styles warned him that it was all crypto. Basically, Gallows and Anderson accepted as long as he had cash. Grimes was happy.
********
They replayed the Bray Wyatt segment from Smackdown.
They plugged Crown Jewel. (Vince McMahon might be gone but they’re still doing the thing where they’ll say it’s “two weeks from Saturday” instead of just giving us the damn date.)
[THIRD HOUR]
Dominik Mysterio (Judgment Day) defeated AJ Styles (w/The OC) (14:27)
Styles beat up Dom until Ripley dared Styles to hit her. Styles wanted to do it and told the referee, “this chick needs to be blasted.” The distraction allowed Dom to hit a dive and take over but Styles came back with a springboard forearm outside the ring which led to break.
A referee distraction allowed Ripley to trip Styles off the top turnbuckle and Dom followed later with the three amigos for two. Styles came back with a pump-handle gutbuster for two before Dom hit a tornado DDT for two. Styles ducked a 619 and applied a calf crusher but Dom got a rope break.
An argument between the two teams broke out and the ref was distracted again allowing Ripley to hold Styles by the leg. Dom then caught Styles in a schoolboy for the pinfall win. Styles was shocked and Judgment Day celebrated big.
********
Gargano offered advice to fellow Cleveland-native Miz. Gargano suggested he just tell the truth tonight. Miz said the truth was that he’s been victimized by a crazed stalker and he’d be banned after tonight. Miz said he might go after Gargano next. Gargano was fine with that and told Miz that he warned him.
Dexter Lumis vs. The Miz
The match didn’t happen. Miz attacked Lumis from behind with a chair during his entrance and laid him out with a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz left as officials checked on Lumis.
********
Damage CTRL did a backstage interview. They said Alexa Bliss and Asuka were gone because of them and they would successfully defend the tag titles on Smackdown over Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi. Bayley warned Belair that she would take back control next week.
(They announced Belair against Bayley in a non-title match next week.)
********
Gargano warned Miz that he made a mistake and that Lumis wouldn’t stop. Gargano said Miz should just do what Lumis asks. I think Gargano intimated that Miz has a secret that could get him cancelled and Miz & Mrs would get taken over by him and Candice. Miz blew him off.
********
Elias return
Elias said his younger brother’s career was tragically cut short but the show must go on. Elias wanted to do something different and play something on the keyboard but he was interrupted by Riddle.
Riddle entered with bongos. Riddle was a huge fan of Elias and also got really Zeke’d up when Ezekiel was around. Riddle asked Elias if he wanted to hit his bong and had the crowd sing “walk with Elias.”
Elias appreciated the kindness but suggested Riddle just take a seat for this one because Riddle had a big match coming up and Elias had a special song ready for Oklahoma. He promised Riddle that they would play together one day. Riddle was happy.
Elias began playing the keyboard but Rollins interrupted.
********
Seth Rollins defeated Matt Riddle to retain the United States Championship (14:47)
Rollins shoved Elias, who was still at ringside, so Elias hit him with a knee strike as the ref was checking on Riddle. Riddle was amused by that but Rollins took control during a break anyway and hit a double foot stop for two.
Riddle made a comeback and hit a Floating Bro for two. Rollins applied a cradle for two and Riddle responded with a knee strike and Bro Derek for two.
Rollins hit a reverse superplex into a reverse DDT for a nearfall. Rollins came off the top but Riddle caught him in the triangle choke he won with at Extreme Rules. Rollins powerbombed Riddle but he held on. Rollins tried a bucklebomb but Riddle still held on. Rollins hit a sit-out powerbomb but Riddle kicked out of the pin and cinched in the hold until Rollins finally got a rope break.
Rollins rolled out of the ring to regroup and told Elias to hit him (to force a DQ). Elias didn’t do it so Rollins superkicked him. Riddle gave Rollins a PK and a draping DDT.
Riddle went for an RKO but Rollins pushed him into Elias who entered the ring at that moment. Riddle fell and Rollins hit him with a curb stomp for the pinfall win. Rollins retains.
Rollins stomped Elias after the match as well.
(This was a really good match until the finish. It’s a wonder why Elias was even there.)
— Rollins was about to stomp Riddle again but Mustafa Ali ran in and tackled him. Ali attacked him around ringside but Rollins bailed through the crowd. Ali warned Rollins, “I’m a problem. I’m your problem.” Rollins held up his title belt as the show ended.
****
[For those in Canada, Raw will not air on Sportsnet 360 next week. Instead, it will be on OLN and online on SN Now.
Sportsnet has a handful of channels but it looks like Raw is being preempted by a combination of Padres/Phillies, Raptors/Heat, and Penguins/Oilers.]
Six stipulation matches are set for tonight’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view in Philadelphia.
Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins’ personal rivalry will culminate as they step inside the Fight Pit tonight. The MMA-inspired cage match can only be won by knocking out your opponent or submitting them. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier will be the special guest referee.
Two Women’s title matches are set for the PPV. Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey will collide in an extreme rules match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, while Bianca Belair puts her Raw Women’s Championship on the line against Bayley in a ladder match.
Drew McIntyre will take on Karrion Kross in a strap match, Edge and Finn Balor face off an in “I Quit” match, and there will be a six-man Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook between Imperium and The Brawling Brutes.
After weeks of teasers, tonight appears to be where we’ll get some answers about WWE’s “White Rabbit” QR codes. The teasers look to be hyping the return of Bray Wyatt.
Extreme Rules airs live on Peacock/WWE Network starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern.
**********
Kickoff show —
Kevin Patrick replaced Kayla Braxton as the kickoff show host, as the latter was feeling under the weather. Patrick, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Booker T, and Peter Rosenberg were the full panel. It’s mostly the typical assortment of promos, packages, and analysis.
At one point, the pre-show panel was interrupted by a White Rabbit video. The panel just kept talking as if nothing happened.
**********
WWE Extreme Rules report —
The show started with a really fun hype package surrounding a kid trying to spell “extreme” in a spelling bee.
Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, & Butch) defeated Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, & Giovanni Vinci) in a Good Old-Fashioned Donnybrook [17:50]
This was an awesome physical spotfest. This Sheamus-Gunther feud has been maybe the highlight of WWE programming in 2022.
Sheamus was so over in this match. There were barrels and bar tops set up at ringside. The two teams went right after each other at the bell, with the Brutes eventually landing a running dropkick on Kaiser before being leveled with a Gunther chop. Imperium gained control, using three-on-one attacks against their individual opponents. They sent Sheamus into the steel steps.
Gunther just killed Sheamus with repeated chops, then Imperium tried to take him out of the equation by dropping him hard onto the wooden bar top. With Sheamus incapacitated, it was a three-on-two advantage for Imperium, who hit the Imperial Bomb on Holland on the outside.
Imperium then beat down Butch for a good while until Sheamus fired up. The Irishman took out Kaiser and Vinci on the outside, leading to the big heavyweight face-off with Gunther in the ring. Gunther hit a German, but Sheamus fired back with lariats and a powerslam.
Sheamus hit the 10 Beats of the Bodhran, with his Brutes getting involved for good measure. White Noise followed. Sheamus nailed the Brogue Kick, but Vinci broke up the pin on a springboard. There was a parade of big moves, ending with Sheamus hitting the Irish Curse backbreaker and locking on the cloverleaf. Kaiser broke it up with a shillelagh shot.
The two teams brought themselves to their feet as the subordinates went after each other. Gunther and Sheamus, forehead to forehead, traded hard strikes. Kaiser took out Butch, Vinci took out Holland, but then Sheamus landed a rising knee for a near fall.
Imperium cleared off the announce table and set Sheamus up for the Imperial Bomb. Holland broke it up before Butch took them out with a moonsault off a barrel. Gunther smashed Sheamus with a shillelagh shot to the face for a good near fall. Gunther set up for the powerbomb, but Butch and Holland snapped his fingers and Sheamus whacked him with the shillelagh.
Holland and Butch laid in shillelagh shots on Vinci and Kaiser, then Sheamus hit the Celtic Cross on Gunther through the announce table. With the Brutes restraining him, Sheamus crushed Vinci with the Brogue Kick for the win.
**********
The Miz was backstage. An interviewer asked why he was at Extreme Rules, and Miz said he wanted to talk to Triple H in person about his birthday celebration this Monday. He was distracted by Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot, who presented Miz with a T-shirt. Miz threw the shirt down, stomped on it, and walked off.
**********
WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey defeated Liv Morgan (c) in an Extreme Rules match [12:48]
There were moments that this could’ve been really good — the layout was solid and Ronda comes across like a killer — but Liv was absolutely atrocious here. Her selling was, like, day one community theatre fake fighting, and she really struggled with some of the props/weapons. And then she smiles as Ronda’s putting her in a blood choke for the finish? Terrible.
Early on, Liv produced a bat, which Ronda effortlessly disarmed and tossed away. Ronda landed a knee to the midsection and went for an ankle lock, but Liv escaped. Ronda intercepted a dive, trapped Liv in the ring skirt, and slapped her straight across the face. Liv came back by letting a fire extinguisher loose in Ronda’s face, but Ronda took her down with an Olympic slam and baseball bat shots.
Liv avoided a swing and landed an enzuigiri. Ronda came back with whipping shots from her black belt, then bat shots, having tied her up. Liv got a brief moment of reprieve and propped up a table in the corner, but she took too long, allowing Ronda to smash her into the table and stretch her through the ropes.
Back in the ring, Liv tried to prop up a chair, but it fell out of the ring. She sent Ronda through the ropes anyway. Liv laid in chair shots and hit a something of a facebuster through the chair for two. She set up a table, propped Ronda on it, and landed a top-rope senton through the table for a good near fall.
On the kickout, Ronda immediately locked Liv in a triangle. Liv kind of powered out of it, but Ronda didn’t relinquish the hold. Ronda turned it into a key lock, then a leg sleeper, leading to Liv passing out and Ronda winning the title.
**********
Karrion Kross defeated Drew McIntyre (w/ Scarlett) in a Strap Match [10:03]
The pre-match brawl was pretty good. The match itself was barely anything, with 80% of it just being Kross heat on McIntyre’s arm/shoulder alongside a screwy interference finish.
Before the match, Kross played some mind games by taking a long time to put the strap on. He threw the strap to Scarlett, which distracted McIntyre and allowed Kross to attack. Kross sent McIntyre into the ring post and over the barricade. They fought up into the crowd — the match hadn’t even officially started — before eventually returning to the ringside area. McIntyre reversed a suplex on the floor into one of his own before planting Kross on the apron with a sidewalk slam.
Finally, back inside the ring, McIntyre put the strap on Kross, and the match was under way. McIntyre dominated until another Scarlett distraction allowed Kross to pull McIntyre repeatedly into the ring post. McIntyre sold his left arm and shoulder hard.
Kross attacked at McIntyre’s arm for a long time, driving him into the announce table at one point. He eventually started whipping McIntyre, with Scarlett cheering him on. Inside the ring, Kross hit the Doomsday Saito for two.
After a long beatdown — I’m talking 6-7 minutes — McIntyre started a comeback with lariats. He wanted the Future Shock DDT, but Kross fought out, forcing McIntyre to re-position and land a spinebuster for two. They laid into each other with strikes before whipping each other. McIntyre got the advantage, hitting the Future Shock DDT and kipping up.
McIntyre counted down to the Claymore Kick, but Scarlett entered the ring and got in between them. She blasted McIntyre with pepper spray, then Kross hit the Kross Hammer for the win.
**********
The Miz was backstage again, trying to find Triple H. He was interrupted by Gritty for a second time.
**********
WWE RAW Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) defeated Bayley in a Ladder Match [16:11]
This was pretty good overall. The creativity of some of the spots was really cool, especially Bianca pressing out of being trapped and hitting the double KOD on Damage CTRL. However, there were also multiple minutes-long stretches where nothing really happened due to indecision or the props not cooperating.
No Damage CTRL out with Bayley. Both women went for ladders right away and jockeyed for position. After an extended exchange of climbing and pulling each other off, Bianca slammed Bayley onto a ladder and followed it up with a springboard moonsault. Bayley returned fire by driving Bianca into the corner with a ladder. She then landed a sunset flip into the ladder in a cool spot.
There was a long period of time where it seemed like Bayley couldn’t decide what she wanted to do next. She eventually set up a ladder bridge between the steps and the barricade, propped Bianca onto it, and landed a running elbow drop.
Back in the ring, they both traded climb attempts, with Bayley dumping Bianca out of the ring on one. Bayley altered her knee brace, but Bianca avoided a knee strike in the corner and hit the KOD. She made it to the top of the ladder, but Damage CTRL ran out and pushed the ladder over.
Bianca made a comeback and was able to hit a double KOD on Dakota and IYO. However, her strength was sapped, and Bayley took advantage with a ladder shot. Bayley then hit the Rose Plant and set up a ladder, trapping Bianca underneath. Bianca bench pressed herself out of the ladder, sending Bayley crashing into the ropes.
Once they both recovered, they raced to the top of the ladder. Bayley grabbed Bianca’s hair and used it to send her down, but Bianca recovered and whipped Bayley with her hair. She hit Bayley with a KOD onto a ladder, then climbed and retrieved the championship to retain.
**********
WWE Monday Night RAW Season Premiere lineup —
Johnny Gargano vs. Austin Theory
WWE United States Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Seth Rollins
D-Generation X Reunion
**********
Finn Bálor defeated Edge in an “I Quit” Match [29:39]
This ended up being so much fun. Classic WWE hokey melodrama, in a good way. The early portions of the match were nothing special — the crowd brawling was just okay — but I was so entertained by the Judgment Day, Rey, and Beth run-ins. Turning Bálor and Judgment Day into a legitimate heel stable is miracle work after how dead they were just a couple months ago.
The official had a microphone in hand to hear the loser say “I quit” as is tradition. Edge went right after Bálor at the start, but Bálor was able to come back and target Edge’s left knee. He locked on a figure four, but Edge wouldn’t quit. Bálor continued to dominate for a really long extended period, but Edge was defiant.
Edge finally started a comeback by driving Bálor through the barricade. They brawled into a floor area near the pre-show set and Edge hit a vertical suplex on the floor. Edge found a hockey stick (we are in the Flyers’ arena, after all) and choked Bálor with it.
They climbed up towards the concourse, where Bálor repeatedly sent Edge into the wall. Edge countered a running attack by sending Bálor into a concrete overhang. They made their way back towards the ring, with Bálor regaining control as Edge sold his midsection.
Back inside the ring, Bálor attacked with repeated chair shots. “Screw you, Finn,” was Edge’s response. “I don’t quit.” Bálor locked Edge in a crossface, but Edge still wouldn’t quit. Edge regained control by sending Bálor into a chair that had been propped up in the corner.
Edge laid in chair shots on Bálor’s left leg. He locked on an inverted crab, but Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio ran out to break it up. Edge fought them off and Speared Bálor through the ropes onto Priest and Dominik. He set up for another Spear, but Rhea Ripley appeared and handcuffed Edge to the ropes.
Judgement Day surrounded Edge, who fought valiantly but was eventually overwhelmed. Bálor attacked with a kendo stick until Rey Mysterio ran out to make the save. Rey took out Bálor and hit a 619 on Priest but was attacked by his son. Dominik beat Rey down.
Bálor resumed attacking Edge with the kendo stick until Beth Phoenix, Edge’s wife, showed up and dispatched everyone — except Rhea, leading to the two women brawling. Beth took out Rhea with a Spear and freed Edge from the handcuffs, allowing him to Spear Priest.
Edge and Dominik were alone in the ring. Dominik pleaded his case, but Edge low-blowed him; however, the distraction was enough to allow Bálor to hit a Sling Blade. Edge fired back with a Spear out of nowhere, then a second, then a third. Edge was about to try and win with a crossface, but Rhea took out Beth with brass knuckles and Priest and Dominik leveled Edge.
Bálor landed three Coups de Grâce. He demanded Edge say it, but Edge told him to “go to hell.” The three Judgment Day men restrained Edge as Rhea was about to con-chair-to Beth, leading to Edge quitting to save his wife.
– After the match, Rhea hit Beth with the con-chair-to anyway.
**********
Backstage, Miz had had it with Gritty, attacking him (it?). Dexter Lumis appeared behind him and choked him out. Lumis helped Gritty up, and Gritty got a shot in before they walked off.
**********
Matt Riddle defeated Seth “FREAKIN” Rollins in the Fight Pit (special guest referee: Daniel Cormier) [16:54]
This was a strong main event with some major high spots and cool sequences, but I can’t help but feel they left a big on the table. Some of the Cormier stuff was oddly paced too.
Riddle quickly used the cage structure to his advantage with a step-up enzuigiri. He laid in palm strikes, leading to Cormier pulling him off, and the momentary distraction allowed Rollins to attack and gain the upper hand. Cormier had to lay the law down on Rollins as well. Riddle attacked with overhand chops, but Rollins sent him into the cage.
Cormier made it to an eight count before Riddle got up. Rollins attacked with superkicks and laid in rabbit punches to the back of Riddle’s head. He then suplexed Riddle into the cage. Rollins took too long to capitalize, allowing Riddle to surprise him with an RKO out of nowhere.
Rollins reversed a second RKO attempt and hit the Stomp. He went for a Stomp from the top of the cage, but Riddle avoided it; however, Rollins was able to climb up to the top of the pit. Riddle pursued him and locked on a jumping rear naked choke around a one of the structure’s chains. Rollins escaped and repeatedly drove Riddle into the cage before hitting a powerbomb into the cage wall. He followed it up with a Pedigree on the platform.
Cormier wouldn’t count Riddle out, as he wasn’t in the ring. Rollins continued to plead his case with Cormier, allowing Riddle to hit an RKO on the platform, which sent Rollins back down to the mat. Riddle then hit a Bro-ton from the top of the pit.
Riddle went for a flying triangle, maintaining the hold even after Rollins tried to send him into the cage walls. Riddle eventually forced Rollins to tap for the win.
Bray Wyatt return
– After the match, as the end-of-show logo came on the screen, the lights in the arena went out. A recording of “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” played. Various people in creepy costumes were shown around the building. A Fiend mask was on the announcer’s table, then The Fiend showed up at ringside briefly before a door appeared on the entrance ramp.
The broadcast cut to a video, presumably at the Firefly Funhouse. A broadcast played on a TV with someone in a creepy mask talking and laughing (a different mask than the Fiend one). The door on the entrance ramp opened, a light shined, and the new-masked man emerged with a lantern. He unmasked as Bray Wyatt, blew out his lantern, and the show ended.
**********
Final Thoughts —
Extreme Rules 2022 was a middling show with six matches: a stellar opener, three good-to-very good showcases, and two absolute duds. The live crowd adored the Bray Wyatt return; I’ll wait and see if it translates to entertaining wrestling matches.
Daniel Cormier says his deal with WWE for Extreme Rules is a ‘one-time thing’ but could perhaps lead to something bigger.
Cormier will serve as the special guest referee in the Fight Pit match between Seth Rollins and Matt Riddle at Extreme Rules on Saturday. He spoke to Mark Raimondi recently and was asked about how the deal came together.
“It’s crazy, right, because for years we’ve spoken about this,” Cormier said. “How many times have I been at post-fight press conferences going ‘I’ve talked to Triple H, I’ve talked to these guys’? We never really could find a role that worked but this made sense.”
Cormier continued to say Rollins texted him about possibly refereeing his match with Riddle in Philadelphia.
“It wasn’t really from the people in charge, it was Seth Rollins who texted me, he goes, ‘Hey, real-life fighting in the Fight Pit and we may be in the market for a special guest referee, would you have an interest in it?'”
Cormier continued to say that he put WWE in contact with his agent, who just so happens to also be Becky Lynch’s agent.
“I have always wanted to do something with the WWE,” Cormier continued. “But it can be intimidating with all the people, the fans, but now my career has now groomed me for this moment.”
Cormier was asked about the potential of reaching a longer-term agreement with WWE in the future.
“As of right now, it’s a one-time thing,” Cormier responded. “We’ll see how it goes this weekend and we’ll kind of go forward from there.”
“Maybe it does lead to something bigger but right now, all eyes are on Extreme Rules.”
He would continue to say that he contacted UFC President Dana White and was granted permission to take part in Extreme Rules.
Cormier was also asked about the possibility of facing Brock Lesnar in WWE.
“No, I haven’t heard anything about that,” Cormier responded.
“It seems to make a lot of sense but, as you know, just because something makes sense doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen. So, no, there is no talk of me fighting Brock Lesnar.”
Ahead of Extreme Rules, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier appeared via video on last night’s Raw.
Cormier will be the special guest referee for Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins’ Fight Pit match at Extreme Rules. Last night, Cormier interrupted a face-to-face segment with Riddle and Rollins so that he could lay down the law before they enter the Fight Pit on Saturday.
Cormier said he respects Riddle and has always admired Rollins, but he’s fed up with their behavior in recent months. Cormier said a match like the Fight Pit needs a stern third man as referee, so WWE called him to make sure Riddle and Rollins put an end to their rivalry at Extreme Rules.
Cormier told Riddle and Rollins that it’s time to stop yapping, train hard and train smart, and he’ll see them both on Saturday.
Though he’s facing Riddle at Extreme Rules, Rollins also has his eyes on the United States Championship. After Rollins ambushed Bobby Lashley last night, it was announced that Lashley will defend his US title against Rollins on Raw’s season premiere episode next Monday.
Also on last nights’ Raw, Bayley and Damage CTRL stood tall heading into Extreme Rules, AJ Styles & Rey Mysterio took on The Judgment Day, and more.
The build to Extreme Rules picked up on last night’s episode of Raw.
One new match was confirmed for the October 8 pay-per-view while another was all but made official. Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins will face off in a Fight Pit match at the PPV, and Bayley has challenged Bianca Belair to a Raw Women’s Championship match.
Bobby Lashley defended his United States Championship against Rollins last night. It appeared that Rollins was about to win the title after hitting a low blow, but a distraction by Riddle led to Lashley hitting a spear and pinning Rollins to retain.
Rollins returned the favor by later attacking Riddle while Riddle was teaming with Rey Mysterio against The Judgment Day. As they brawled backstage, Rollins agreed to give Riddle a rematch, telling him to name the time and place. Riddle challenged Rollins to face him inside of the Fight Pit.
The Fight Pit match made its debut on NXT in 2020. Riddle lost to Timothy Thatcher in that match.
Bayley was in action in last night’s main event, defeating Alexa Bliss. Belair, Bliss, and Asuka had interrupted a Damage CTRL celebration earlier in the show.
Damage CTRL beat down Bliss, Asuka, and Belair following last night’s main event. Bayley said she’s in control now and gets what she wants — and what she wants is the Raw Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules.
