Nikki & Brie Bella are officially being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this April.
The official announcement of The Bellas going into the Hall of Fame was made during their appearance on tonight’s SmackDown. They’re the third act WWE has announced for this year’s class, joining Batista and the nWo (Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall & Sean “X-Pac” Waltman).
The Bellas appeared on A Moment of Bliss on SmackDown tonight and spoke about how they wouldn’t be where they are now without the support of their Bella Army.
Last month, Nikki & Brie revealed that they’re both pregnant and expecting babies later this year. Their due dates are a week and a half apart.
Dave Meltzer confirmed last week that The Bellas and Jushin Thunder Liger are scheduled to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Meltzer has also reported that “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith will be one of this year’s inductees.
With SmackDown now on Friday nights, this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 2. It’s being held at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Total Bellas season five will premiere on E! on Thursday, April 9 at 10 p.m. Eastern time.
The final SmackDown before Super Showdown takes place from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Ahead of challenging Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in Saudi Arabia, Goldberg returns to SmackDown tonight. He made an appearance live via satellite a few weeks ago to challenge Wyatt. WWE.com is teasing an appearance by Wyatt and the Firefly Funhouse as well.
The Bellas will also return to WWE television tonight as the guests on A Moment of Bliss. Nikki & Brie are expected to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
Naomi takes on Carmella in a number one contender’s match. The winner challenges SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at Super ShowDown. Bayley defeated Carmella last week to retain the title. After the match, Bayley jumped Carmella until Naomi made the save.
The New Day & The Usos take on The Miz, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in an eight-man tag match. The match comes in advance of New Day defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Miz & Morrison in Saudi Arabia next Thursday.
Plus, Lacey Evans sits down for an exclusive interview with Renee Young.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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A Goldberg video package aired before the opening theme song. It noted that Goldberg appears live on FOX for the first time.
They announced Braun Strowman & Elias vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro in a Symphony Of Destruction match.
SmackDown started with The Usos making their way to the ring. They noted they weren’t on the show last week, but Miz and John Morrison wouldn’t stop talking about them.
Jimmy promised Miz and Morrison a superkick party. Jey pointed out that they’re not taking on Miz, Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode alone. New Day’s music hit, and they made their way to the ring. The Usos thanked The New Day for keeping the belts warm for them. Big E called The Usos one of the greatest tag teams of all time. Kofi Kingston called them future Hall of Famers and pointed out The Usos are six-time tag team champions.
The New Day got in The Usos’ faces. Big E pointed out that that’s one less then the seven-time tag team champions The New Day. The Miz and John Morrison interrupted. They tried to get people to chant their names, but it didn’t catch on. They promised to win the tag titles at Super Showdown. They then introduced Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. Morrison pointed out that Ziggler had a great Valentin’s Day date. The heels surrounded the ring.
The New Day & The Usos defeated The Miz, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
The faces isolated Ziggler for the early advantage. The heels jumped Kingston from behind and pulled him to the floor. Miz rocked Kingston with a boot on the floor to take over.
The heels isolated Kingston in their corner and cut him off from his partners. On commentary, Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed Ziggler stealing Otis’ date Mandy Rose last week. Kingston and Morrison fought on the top turnbuckle. Kingston knocked Morrison off and nailed all three heels with boots knocking them off the apron too. Morrison recovered and rocked Kingston with a kick to the head.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control and continued to beat down Kingston. Kingston backdropped Ziggler to the floor and hit a double foot stomp on Roode.
Big E got the tag and ran wild. He hit a big splash on Miz and set up for the Big Ending. Miz slipped out the back and tagged Morrison. Big E attempted the running spear off the apron, but Morrison hit a knee. Morrison hit the shining wizard and shooting star press, but Kingston broke up the pin attempt.
Jimmy rocked Morrison and Miz with superkicks, but Roode hit the Glorious DDT. Roode attempted to hit the DDT on Jey, but he fought out and hit a superkick for the win.
In the back, Drew Gulak approached Daniel Bryan. Gulak made a PowerPoint presentation for Bryan to point out the holes in his game. Gulak mentioned Bryan’s match with Heath Slater a few weeks ago.
Slater approached and demanded a match against Bryan tonight. Bryan agreed and told Gulak to help Slater out since Bryan has so many holes in his game. Bryan walked off. Gulak turned to Slater and told him they have a lot of work to do.
They recapped Otis and Mandy Rose’s romance and the failed date from last week when Dolph Ziggler showed up.
In the back, Tucker approached Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. He was mad that she broke Otis’ heart last week. Tucker pointed out that Otis combed his hair and got new underwear for the date last week. He said Otis is devastated and won’t even leave his hotel room. Deville told Tucker it wasn’t the right time.
Rose pointed out that she went out with Ziggler because Otis didn’t show up. Tucker noted she texted Otis that she was running late, but Rose didn’t know what he was talking about. Deville acted confused too. Tucker left, and the fans broke into an “Otis” chant.
Rose said she was looking forward to her date with Otis and would have instead gone out with him. Deville told her not to worry about it, and Ziggler’s more of Rose’s type of guy anyway. The fans booed intensely.
Renee Young interviewed Lacey Evans. Young pointed out that Evans was a bully, just like Bayley and Sasha Banks. Evans tried to claim that calling people “Nasties” is a term of endearment. She then admitted to being a bully but learned from dealing with Banks and Bayley. Evans’s next goal is to recover from her loss to Bayley and became champion.
Symphony of Destruction: Braun Strowman & Elias defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro (w/Sami Zayn)
Various musical instruments surround the ringside area. They recapped Sami Zayn’s protest concert last week.
Before the match, Elias sang a song going over the rules of the match and introduced his partner Storwman. Zayn was holding a ukelele, but Strowman came out with a stand-up bass.
They started as a standard tag team match despite being no holds barred. Zayn handed a Tamborine to Nakamura, but Elias used it instead. Elias rolled out to bring a drum in the ring, but Cesaro cut him off. Strowman took the drum and smashed it over Cesaro’s head.
Zayn hit Strowman with the ukelele and ran off. Strowman chased him, but Nakamura nailed him with a guitar. Back from the break, Cesaro tried to use the cowbell, but Elias used it instead. Elias attempted a suplex off the apron, but Zayn grabbed Elias’ legs. Cesaro knocked Elias off the apron through the table.
Strowman took over and threw Cesaro over the announce table. Cesaro tried to hit Strowman with a guitar, but Strowman choke slammed him on the apron instead. Strowman went to pick up the stand-up bass, but Zayn hit him with a keyboard. Cesaro and Nakamura then gave Strowman a double suplex onto the stand-up bass. The bass shattered into pieces.
Nakamura attempted the Kinsasha on the floor, but Elias moved, and Nakamura crashed into a gong. Elias placed Cesaro on a table and climbed to the top, but Nakamura stopped him. Strowman tossed Nakamura onto the announce table.
Elias hit an elbow off the top on Cesaro through the table. Strowman than gave Nakamura a power slam off the announce table onto a piano for the win. The spot looked brutal because the piano didn’t break. The medical staff checked on Nakamura.
They recapped King Corbin and Roman Reigns feud.
Kayla Braxton interviewed King Corbin in the back. Corbin noted Reigns never beat him in a one-on-one match. He has to hide behind his cousins, but he’s going to be alone with Corbin in the cage. He promised to replace Reigns on the posters and as the face of the WWE.
A Moment Of Bliss with The Bellas Twins
Alexa Bliss came out and called this a special Hall of Fame edition of A Moment of Bliss. She recapped the current names already announced Batista and the NWO.
Bliss then announced the next inductees The Bella Twins and introduced Nikki and Brie. They’re both excited to go into the Hall of Fame. They’re grateful for all the fans in their hometown. Nikki noted they wouldn’t be able to break barriers without the Bella Army. Brie said speaking of breaking barriers and pointed out that Bliss is the first female talk show host in WWE history.
The Bellas discussed their pregnancy and Nikki’s engagement. Daniel Bryan’s music hit, and he ran out with his daughter. He hugged Brie and Bryan made his way to the ring.
Daniel Bryan defeated Heath Slater
Drew Gulak joined the commentary team for the match. Michael Cole confused Gulak and Slater. Gulak was offended Cole would make that mistake. Graves said Slater is the one in the ring about to lose.
Bryan dominated the match, but Slater briefly took over. Slater climbed to the top, but Gulak yelled at him to get down. Slater ignored and missed a diving headbutt. Bryan made a comeback and rocked Slater with yes kicks.
Bryan went from the running knee, but Slater rolled up Bryan for a near fall. Bryan recovered and hit the running knee for the win.
In the back, Mandy Rose was about to leave when Dolph Ziggler approached. Ziggler and Rose left together. Of course, Otis was hiding in the background watching.
For the second time tonight, there was a weird glitch during the broadcast. There seemed to be some type of symbol, but maybe it’s just a glitch.
Sheamus talked about defeating Shorty G and Apollo Crews last week. Now it’s time for him to go after bigger targets. He announced he’s entering the elimination chamber.
In the locker room, Shorty G talked with Crews. Shorty G said that bullying is becoming a significant problem. Crews told Shorty G that he’s going to deal with Sheamus his way.
Number One Contender’s Match: Naomi defeated Carmella
SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley was at ringside for the match.
Naomi and Carmella shook hands, but Naomi pulled her into a side headlock. Carmella countered into a side headlock. Naomi recovered and hit a back elbow.
They traded pin attempts. Carmella caught Naomi with spinning head scissors. She attempted a dive, but Naomi cut her off.
Naomi climbed to the top turnbuckle, but Bayley distracted her. Carmella used a hurricanrana on Naomi and followed up with a suicide dive. The referee threw Bayley out from ringside.
Back from the break, Naomi hit a series of kicks, but Carmella recovered. Naomi hit a springboard kick but clearly missed. Graves tried to cover up by pointing out that Naomi didn’t get all of it. Naomi followed up with a corkscrew plancha to the floor. Carmella fought back and scored a very close near fall.
Carmella locked on the code of silence, but Naomi made it to the ropes. Naomi hit the rearview for another near fall. The finish came when Naomi hit a kick and blockbuster. She followed up with the split-legged moonsault for the win. Naomi challenges SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at Super Showdown.
Goldberg Promo
The fans broke into a huge “Goldberg” chant when his music started to play. The crowd gave him an enormous reaction when he made his way to the ring. The fans broke into another loud “Goldberg” chant. It’s been a long time since he’s been in a SmackDown ring, so he’s going to take his sweet time. He turned his attention to Bray Wyatt and said he’s ready for Super Showdown.
Bray Wyatt and The Firefly Funhouse interrupted. Goldberg said he’s not playing Wyatt’s stupid games. Wyatt introduced some of his friends. Ramblin Rabbit said he loves Goldberg, so Wyatt squashed him with a mallet. He said one more person is dying to meet Goldberg.
The lights went out, but Goldberg wasn’t concerned. He had a big smile on his face. The lights came back on, but Goldberg knew the Fiend was behind him. Goldberg calmly turned around to face The Fiend. They had a brief staredown.
Goldberg hit a spear on The Fiend. The Fiend was hurt and backed into the corner. Goldberg teased a second spear, but the lights went out. When the lights came back on, The Fiend was gone.
Next Week: John Cena returns to Friday Night SmackDown.
Nikki & Brie Bella are returning to WWE television on this week’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that The Bellas will be Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross’ guests for a Moment of Bliss segment on this Friday’s SmackDown. Dave Meltzer confirmed last week that The Bellas are scheduled to be part of this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, though the official announcement of that has yet to be made.
Nikki & Brie revealed last month that they’re both pregnant and expecting babies later this year.
Season five of Total Bellas will premiere on E! at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, April 9.
An eight-man tag match has also been added to this week’s SmackDown. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) will team with The Usos against The Miz, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode.
New Day are defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Miz & Morrison at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia next Thursday (February 27).
This week’s SmackDown is taking place at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Goldberg will appear on the episode to continue the build to him challenging “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship at Super ShowDown.
Carmella and Naomi will face off on SmackDown to determine who will challenge for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Super ShowDown. There will also be a sit-down interview with Lacey Evans on the episode.
It was revealed today that season five of Total Bellas will premiere on E! at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, April 9. Thursdays is a new night for the show. It aired on Sundays for the past two seasons and aired on Wednesdays prior to that.
E! wrote about the new season:
Nikki and Brie finally act on an ever growing need to reconnect with their father while working on their memoir. While they want to learn more about him, his family and their Mexican American roots, the sisters worry about how it will affect their mother.
When Artem is surprised and confused to find out he won’t be returning to ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ Nikki helps him explore new career goals.
After nearly six years of matrimony, Brie and Bryan are working hard to find compromise in their relationship as they nurture their daughter Birdie, their careers, and find out they’re expecting their second child.
Despite the relatable, real life challenges in their lives, Nikki and Artem’s love only grows stronger. Artem proposes during a romantic getaway to Paris, and soon after the couple experiences another life changing moment when Nikki finds out she’s pregnant.
While the sisters are excited to embark on their childbearing journey together, Brie is initially shocked to realize they are pregnant at the same time.
Total Bellas season four finished airing in March 2019, and it was announced in June that the show had been renewed for a fifth season. The series is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions and WWE. Nikki and Brie Bella are two of the executive producers for the show.
The trailer for season five is available to watch below:
Both Bella Twins are expecting babies later this year.
It was revealed via People Magazine today that Nikki Bella (Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace) & BrIe Bella (Brianna Danielson) are both pregnant. Their due dates are a week and a half apart.
This will be Brie and Daniel Bryan’s (Bryan Danielson) second child.
Nikki revealed at the start of the year that she and Artem Chigvintsev had gotten engaged in France back in November. This will be their first child.
Chigvintsev was Nikki’s partner on Dancing with the Stars.
“My husband and I were trying for seven or eight months, but then I felt in my heart it was a sign from God, like, ‘You guys are good with one,’ so we stopped trying,” Brie told People. “When we were in France meeting Artem’s family, I felt a little off. I was irritated and uncomfortable in my body. When we got home, I took a test two days before Thanksgiving, and when I saw the positive sign, I was like, ‘Oh, sh*t!’ “
“I was in yoga, and I kept getting this feeling that you need to take a pregnancy test, but I wasn’t even late yet,” Nikki said. “And so I’m like, ‘Why do I keep having this feeling? Am I getting twin vibes from her? Because she just told me she’s pregnant?’ “
“I didn’t tell Artem at this point,” Nikki said. “I just want to do this by myself. When I came back in, and it said pregnant, I had to sit down for a second.”
It was announced during season four of Total Bellas that both Nikki & Brie are retired from in-ring competition. Season five of Total Bellas will premiere on E! this spring.
While appearing on last night’s episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Nikki Bella discussed the injuries that forced her to retire from professional wrestling.
“I really wanted to go back and fight for the [Women’s] tag titles,” Nikki said. “You know, I’ve always had my neck issues. And after neck surgery, like, it hasn’t been okay.
“I felt like I needed to get that check-up before we went back for the tag titles. And then it came back — I herniated the disc above where I had surgery. I have all this inflammation around the metal, and then I have a cyst on my brain. So they were like, ‘You’re done, no more, you’re out.’ So, I didn’t get a choice.”
Nikki & Brie Bella both announced their retirements from in-ring competition on season four of Total Bellas. They confirmed on The Tonight Show that Total Bellas will be returning for season five.
Video from Nikki & Brie’s Tonight Show appearance is available to watch below:
A combination of timing, fan support, and strong performances have come together to make Kofi Kingston the unlikely star of WrestleMania season.
It was only a few weeks ago where this seemed completely implausible. Kingston wasn’t even originally supposed to be in the WWE Championship match at Elimination Chamber. He was on the outside looking in, with Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Mustafa Ali, and Jeff Hardy set to take part in the match.
A look at the details and ramifications of the new UFC PPV deal with ESPN+ is the lead story in the new double issue of the Observer. Look at the winners and loses of the deal, the economics of the deal, how it affects fans, what fans are going to be left behind, the role of Dana White, and the negotiations that led to UFC looking outside of TV for PPV.
This issue has a complete rundown of the WrestleMania card as it stands, as well as notes on matches not yet announced. Also look at the secondary market for the big shows over Mania weekend, as well as All In.
Also look at the details of WWE’s planned move, update on Gallows & Anderson, Dana Warrior, a planned WWE match that fell through, why WWE stock is up, Sue Aitchison in the Hall of Fame, update on WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Matt Hardy future, and several new WWE signings.
Read a major feature on the career of The Destroyer. Look at Dick Beyer’s transition from Syracuse line coach to The Destroyer, who came up with the gimmick, how it transpired, and the role of Fred Blassie and Jules Strongbow in the story.
Read full coverage of ROH’s 17th anniversary show, the ROH/NJPW Madison Square Garden show, and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Also look at the suspension of T.J. Dillashaw and his vacating the UFC welterweight title, update the New Japan Cup, cover AAA Rey de Reyes and CMLL El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
by Bryan Rose and Joseph Currier
WWE
Per Dave Meltzer, tonight’s SmackDown show is expected to feature changes to the WrestleMania card, including the main event. The three-way aspect of the main event is not changing.
SmackDown tonight will be at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The highlight will be Kurt Angle facing AJ Styles in what is being billed as Angle’s final match on SmackDown.
205 Live has a six-man tag team match, with the Lucha House Party taking on Drew Gulak, Jack Gallagher and Humberto Carrillo.
Despite her saying she’s retired on Total Bellas, TMZ reported that Nikki Bella is “definitely open to returning to the ring” and making cameos in the future if the timing is right.
After advertising inadvertently confirmed Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for WrestleMania, Kingston offered a storyline explanation by tweeting “Last week the gauntlet match was also advertised to kick off the show. It did not. Vince has been messing with us for a while now. Wouldn’t be surprised if this was just more of the same.”
Mustafa Ali responded to his in-ring name being shortened to Ali: “Mustafa means the ‘chosen one’ with an emphasis on being chosen from amongst the people. Name or not, nothing has changed. I fight for the people. I am one of them.”
Matt Hardy vs. Rey Mysterio from WrestleMania XIX has been uploaded in full on WWE’s YouTube page.
Pro Wrestling
Joey Ryan commented on becoming a free agent, writing on Twitter: “It’s Official. I am now a free agent. Free from any contracts. Free from any bosses. Free from any restrictions. The last few years of my career haven’t been without highlights (being featured in many major media outlets, becoming a top seller on Pro Wrestling Tees, shocking the world at All In, Main Eventing the Cow Palace, a role on GLOW, the growth of Bar Wrestling) but now it honestly feels like I have a new lease on my direction and where I’m going in pro wrestling. Most of my accomplishments have been fan driven due to the overwhelming support I have received so I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the fans who have accompanied me on this journey so far and hope you will continue on the adventure.”
Tomohiro Ishii vs. David Starr and Rocky Romero vs. Ryusuke Taguchi have been added to Revolution Pro Wrestling’s show in New York City on Friday, April 5.
Jonathan Gresham will face Masashi Takeda at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport in Jersey City, New Jersey on Thursday, April 4.
Impact World Champion Johnny Impact says that he is refusing to compete on Team Impact at United We Stand in Rahway, New Jersey on April 4. Instead, he will compete in the Ultimate X match. A future X Division title shot is on the line during the match.
Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Event:
Saturday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
WWE’s first all-women’s pay-per-view takes place tonight as the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York hosts Evolution.
We’re looking for your thoughts on this historic show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the mddle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Ronda Rousey will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Nikki Bella. The SmackDown Women’s title match has a last woman standing stipulation, with Becky Lynch facing Charlotte Flair.
The NXT Women’s Championship will also be on the line as Kairi Sane defends against Shayna Baszler. In the finals of this year’s Mae Young Classic, Toni Storm takes on Io Shirai.
With Alexa Bliss unable to wrestle due to injury, Mickie James & Alicia Fox will team against Trish Stratus & Lita. Bliss will be in James & Fox’s corner.
Sasha Banks, Bayley & Natalya are set to face The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) in a six-woman tag match, and there will be a battle royal for a future title shot. The announced participants are: Ember Moon, Nia Jax, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Asuka, Carmella, Naomi, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Lana, Torrie Wilson, Madusa, Ivory, Molly Holly, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Maria Kanellis, and Zelina Vega.
The pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time before the main card starts at 7 p.m.
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by Dave Meltzer
On the pregame show, they had an interview where they said Biiss would be wrestling. It wasn’t corrected, so either she was cleared or they made a mistake.
Nia Strauss and Lizzy Hale were out with Strauss in the ring playing her guitar and Hale sang an “Evolution” song. Strauss is quite incredible at playing the guitar.
TRISH STRATUS & LITA VS. MICKIE JAMES & ALICIA FOX
Bliss came out to be in their corner. This crowd was super hot. The match was normal, a little sloppy in spots, but overall fun. Stratus used Stratusfaction on James and Fox was supposed to save but she was late so the ref had to hold up the count. Lita used a twist of fate on Fox and then Lita did a moonsault on both at the same time. Stratus then pinned James with the chick kick. At the very beginning the crowd was just on fire. It looks like this is more of an NXT crowd than a WWE crowd, which is really good for the show.
They also turned the house lights off for the match.
The Bellas said they were going to dedicate their match to Ronda’s mom and said they were inviting Ronda’s mom to the Bella Army.
20 WOMAN BATTLE ROYAL, WINNER GETS THEIR BRAND TITLE SHOT
Naomi, Michelle McCool, Sonya Deville, Alundra Blayze, Carmella, Zelina Vega, Kelly Kelly, Tamina, Ember,Moon, Lana, Maria Kanellis, (showed Mike and her baby at ringside), Mandy Rose, Molly Holly, Dana Brooke, Nia Jax, Ivory, Asuka, Torrie Wilson, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce. The Iconics got to do a promo. They ripped on Long Island. Peyton Royce said said we see our childhood heroes that paved the way and said they’ll pave the way by throwing them over the top rope back to obscurity.
Nia Jax won by throwing out Ember Moon. Crowd was hot. Most of the retired women were out early but Michelle McCool and Ivory lasted a long time. Ths is very much an NXT crowd as they went crazy for Moon vs, Asuka when they squared off. The Iconics were thrown out immdately. Rose & Deville were throwing people out together until Rose double-crossed Deville. The crowd went crazy when Moon threw out Asuka. Then Moon used the eclipse and threw out Tamina. It looked like Moon and Jax were the last two. But Vega had been hiding and they teased the spot where she snuck up on both of them, but it didn’t work. Jax pressed Vega and threw her over the top to the floor (onto Tamina who was still there to catch her). Moon kept clotheslining Jax, but Jax caught Moon, power bombed her and threw Moon out.
Jax said she didn’t care who won between Rousey or Bella beause whoever wins won’t keep the title long.
IO SHIRAI VS. TONI STORM IN THE MAE YOUNG CLASSIC FINAL
Good match. There were some big moves like Io doing a moonsault off the top rope to the floor and Storm using a German suplex on the floor. The crowd wasn’t as hot as the prior match but they were fine. They kept it short. Storm seemed to get over. The finish saw Shirai go for a moonsault, Storm got her knees up and Storm hit Strong zero for the pin. Earlier Shirai had kicked out of Storm zero.
The rest of tonight’s live coverage is written by Bryan Rose:
BAYLEY & SASHA BANKS & NATALYA VS. THE RIOT SQUAD
This ended up being a fast paced, really good match. Lots of great action near the end and the crowd got into it for the final few moments of the match. Banks picked up the win with a frog splash on Liv Morgan after Bayley hit the Randy Savage elbow and suicide dived into the rest of the Riott Squad.
KAIRI SANE VS. SHAYNA BASZLER FOR THE NXT WOMEN’S TITLE
Things started off slow early. After some back and forth on the outside, Baszler stomped on Sane’s hand and started working over the arm. Sane tried to fight back and was eventually successful, taking down Baszler with a spinning backfist. Sane locked in a modified Boston crab but Baszler managed to escape thanks to the bum arm.
Sane took Baszler down with a spear as she started to gain momentum. She took down Baszler with an Alabama Slam but Baszler met her as she went to the top rope and grabbed her arm, using her strength to dangle her over the ropes. She then let her go as she fell to the floor.
Sane fired back with a DDT and went to the top rope, but Baszler rolled out of the way. Sane leaped forward with a gigantic crossbody from the top rope to the floor in a really cool spot. Sane back body dropped Baszler over the guardrail onto a number of NXT women’s wrestlers. Jessamyn Duke responded by grabbing Sane, but she took out Due with a spinning backfist. She went to enter the ring, but Marina Shafir ran in to interfere. Sane took her out with a backfist as well.
Sane countered the kirifuda clutch with a bridge as Baszler kicked out. After Baszler kicked out of another near fall, Sane went to the ropes. Duke punched her, which allowed Baszler to go for the kirifuda clutch for a second time. With nowhere to go, Sane passed out, giving the win and the title to Baszler. Very good title match, Sane is great and Baszler held her own very well.
BECKY LYNCH VS. CHARLOTTE IN A LAST WOMAN STANDING MATCH FOR THE SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S TITLE
They started off exchanging some counts in the ring. Lynch took Charlotte out of the ring as she took out a kendo stick and started wailing on Charlotte. They both introduced steel chairs…a lot of them. Charlotte took out a table but Lynch jumped her as she was setting it up. Charlotte responded with a belly to belly suplex.
Lynch took Charlotte out with a chair as she began assembling chairs in the middle of the ring. Lynch went for an exploder, but Charlotte countered and planted her onto the chairs with a back suplex. Lynch recovered and suplexed Charlotte into the chairs. She set up the table, but Charlotte countered and wound up putting her on the table. Charlotte went for a moonsault and connected, though the table did not break. It eventually did break after Charlotte landed a swanton bomb.
Both women got up before 10 as Charlotte introduced a ladder. Lynch cut her off and slammed her on top of the ladder. Charlotte countered by grabbing Lynch and applying the figure out with Lynch’s legs wrapped around the ladder. Lynch grabbed a nearby ladder and smashed it into Charlotte’s shin, freeing her.
They went to the outside as Lynch shoved Charlotte into the steel steps, then threw her hard into the post when she got back up. Lynch grabbed the title and started to walk away through the crowd. Charlotte jumped her as she was trying to leave, brawling inside the crowd. They go back to ringside as Lynch cut off Charlotte and put her through an announce table with a legdrop on the ladder. She then buried her in a mountain of office chairs that the announcers were sitting on.
Charlotte beat the ten count, attacking a stunned Lynch with a kendo stick. She took out another table on the outside and put Lynch on top of it as she went for a moonsault…but Lynch caught her on the apron and powerbombed her through the table. Charlotte tried valiantly to get up by 10, but couldn’t, allowing Lynch to retain the title. This was also very good, both worked hard and got a ton of time. I don’t know if it’s an all time classic like they announcers were trying to sell it as, though.
They are running down the Crown Jewel card. That got some boos.
RONDA ROUSEY VS. NIKKI BELLA FOR THE RAW WOMEN’S TITLE
Ronda toyed with Nikki early, taking her down and grabbing the arm, but didn’t apply the armbar. As they went to the outside, Ronda was shoved into the post after Brie distracted her. As Nikki was distracting the ref back in the ring, Brie posted her a second time.
Nikki remained on offense, throwing Ronda into the barricade. Brie continued to interfere as well, striking her as she tried to recover. Nikki posted her a third time as she was laying in the corner. Nikki went for a superplex but Ronda took her down. She went for a crossbody, but Nikki dodged as she crashed to the floor.
Ronda finds and opening as catches Nikki’s leg and goes for a samoan drop. Brie tries to get involved, but finds herself on Ronda’s shoulders as well as both Bella Twins are dropped to the floor. Ronda strikes with punches, then arm drags her twice. An overhead suplex sends Nikki out of the ring.
Ronda threw Nikki in as Brie attempted to interfere again. Ronda threw her over the announcer’s table, but as she got back into the ring Nikki connected with an Alabama Slam, posted her a second time and hit the rack attack 2.0. Ronda kicked out, which stunned Nikki. Ronda cut her off the top rope with a small package powerbomb, then applied the armbar for the submission. Thought this was fine; I’m not a fan of Ronda selling constantly but they found a good way to make that believable and the comeback was strong. Very well worked.
Ronda posed with the title as Nia Jax looked on backstage. The rest of the women’s locker room came out to celebrate with Ronda as they closed out the show. The final image was both women’s champions clinking their titles together.
Date: October 22, 2018 Location: Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI
Show Recap —
Roman Reigns came out to start the show. He was booed. Reigns wore a black t-shirt and gold chain, instead of his own merch or Shield gear.
Reigns said he owed everyone an apology. He said for months he would be a fighting champion and a workhorse, but that was all a lie. He said he real name was Joe, and he’s been living with leukemia for eleven years. He can’t fulfill his role, he can’t defend his title, and he’ll have to relinquish his championship. He doesn’t want the fans to feel bad for him, because he has faith.
When he was 22 years old, he was diagnosed with this. It was the hardest part of his life. He didn’t have a home, his football career was over, and he had a kid on the way. The team that gave him a chance was the WWE. Reigns said the fans have made his dreams come true. Despite how the crowd reacted, they always did react, and he thanked them for that.
The crowd cheered and chanted, “thank you, Roman.”
Reigns said the right thing to do was go home and focus on his family and health. He said this was by no means a retirement speech, because once he was done whoopin’ leukemia’s ass, he would be back here to show everyone that when life throws a curveball, he’ll swing for the fences every single time.
“I will beat this, and I will be back, so you will see me very, very soon.”
Reigns wished the crowd well as they chanted “thank you, Roman” again. He placed the title belt in the ring and left. He shook hands with some fans as he left up the ramp. He was greeted by Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, and they all hugged on the stage. Rollins was in tears as they did the Shield pose.
They went straight to a break after that. After the break, Michael Cole, Renee Young, and Corey Graves were choked up as they spoke about Reigns. The crowd could be heard chanting, “cancer sucks” in the background. Best of luck to Roman Reigns.
Finn Balor defeated Bobby Lashley (w/Lio Rush) (8:39)
Rush introduced Lashley and chanted for him on the mic throughout his entrance and during the match. Balor slipped out of a delayed vertical suplex, hit a slingblade, but missed Coup de Grace. Lashley nailed him with a clothesline, but Balor countered a Dominator into a schoolboy for the pinfall win.
The announcers said that Baron Corbin has been on the phone with Stephanie McMahon regarding how to address the vacant Universal title.
Backstage, Dolph Ziggler thanked Drew McIntyre for having his back. McIntyre saw the writing on the wall and knew once Braun Strowman went after Ziggler, he would be next. Ziggler said that at Crown Jewel, he can prove what he’s always said, that he’s the best in the world. He was worried about Strowman roaming around, but McIntyre told him he had nothing to fear. As he left, Ziggler asked where was going, so McIntyre said, “monster hunting.”
A brawl broke out on the outside as Banks had the crossface applied. Banks left the ring to knock down Logan and Morgan, then Ruby used the distraction to hit the Riott Kick for the win. The action in this was good, but too much of the match happened during commercial.
Nia Jax cut a promo backstage on Evolution. She said winning the battle royal was her road back to the title and she wouldn’t squander the opportunity.
D-X promo
Triple H and Shawn Michaels came out to their DX entrance and got a good reaction. Triple H said they weren’t afraid and mocked the promo Undertaker and Kane did last week. They made quips about Kane being the mayor that didn’t get much of a reaction. Michaels said maybe ‘nostalgia’ was another way of saying ‘old.’
Triple H said, then again, Halloween is number one in theatres, and they just packed 70,000 into a stadium in Australia to see them, so maybe nostalgia was another way of saying, “we’re better.” Triple H said the “X” on their t-shirts represented how strong they always were, and today, the “X” stands for something new.
Michaels said “we’re running that too,” and the crowd lightly chanted for NXT. Triple H said they weren’t coming to Crown Jewel for nostalgia, they were coming to kick ass. They were about to sign off, but the Undertaker’s dong went off and the lights turned off.
A video of Taker and Kane in a graveyard was shown. Kane said you can’t turn back the clock and you can’t survive the Brothers of Destruction. Tombstones for Michaels and Triple H were shown, and Undertaker said they would own their souls for eternity. They poured dirt into the empty graves for some reason and said DX would rest in peace.
This was all very silly, including Triple H’s promo.
They replayed Reigns’ promo.
Strowman will face Brock Lesnar for the vacant Universal title at Crown Jewel.
Dana Brooke said she would win the battle royal at Evolution and the world will finally see what she can do.
Paul Heyman promo
Heyman said his thoughts and prayers were with a champion of a man we know was Roman Reigns. He said it was humbling to be among the people in the locker room tonight, among such courage and greatness.
Heyman said he wants his children to understand that we witnessed sacrifice tonight. Reigns sacrificed his obligations tonight because, to everyone there, the title deserves the best the champion has to offer it. He said the fans had the right to be able to point at the champion and know that person was the very best.
Heyman said that only one man between Strowman and Lesnar would be worthy of being the champion and that sure as hell wasn’t Strowman. He said only Lesnar was worthy of being your champion. This was mostly booed. Heyman said Strowman can call himself a monster, but Lesnar doesn’t bill himself a beast, he actually is a beast.
Heyman said Strowman wasn’t in Lesnar’s league and wasn’t even in the same species. Strowman interrupted. Strowman told Heyman that he should warn Lesnar that he was going to get his ass beat. Strowman said he was bringing the title to Raw and when Reigns’ beats leukemia, he would be first in line.
Strowman said Lesnar would get these hands, then McIntyre flew in out of nowhere and nailed him with a Claymore kick. This was good.
Backstage, Charly Caruso asked if McIntyre was afraid of what Strowman would do. McIntyre said no. He said the roster wasn’t willing to do what it takes, but he was. He doesn’t believe in monsters and Strowman just received a swift kick of reality. McIntyre said Strowman would realize that he needed them.
Elias defeated Apollo Crews (7:58)
Elias won after a high knee and Drift Away.
Kurt Angle did a pre-taped promo. He said he used to be the best in the world, and now years later, he finds himself in position to prove he is still the best. He ran down the others in the tournament. This felt very scripted.
After a break, JoJo introduced us to Elias again. Before he could perform, Corbin interrupted. The crowd booed as he tried to move on with the rest of the show. Corbin mentioned Stephanie and was about to call her the commissioner, to which Elias responded, “I know who Stephanie McMahon is,” which was funny.
Elias said she was a fan and wanted him to perform, but Corbin cut him off and said if Stephanie didn’t like him, he’d fire Elias right now. He told Elias to get off the stage. Elias claimed he didn’t hear Corbin and told him to shut his damn mouth so he could perform a song he just wrote in his head.
He called Corbin a puppet with Stephanie’s hand up his ass, then Corbin cut his mic and demanded he get off the stage. Elias hesitated, then left. Corbin began speaking, then Elias walked back out and smashed the guitar across his back.
Women’s Championship Contract Signing
They showed a tale of the tape for Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella, including their win-loss records. Rousey’s record was 24-0, Nikki’s was 337-222-4.
Cole introduced Nikki and Brie Bella, who left the ring when Rousey entered. Nikki said they weren’t here to fight now, especially here in Providence. Rousey said she wasn’t going to beat them up now and gave them her word. She asked them to get in the ring so Nikki could sign.
The Bellas hit the ring. Nikki mocked Rousey for giving them her word. Nikki recalled Rousey telling her mother that she would win at the Olympics and telling her that she wouldn’t lose in the octagon. Nikki said Rousey’s mother was already ashamed of her, and imagine what she’ll think when a “diva” beats her for the title.
Nikki signed the contract, then slapped Rousey in the face. Rousey laughed it off, then signed the contract. Rousey grabbed the mic and said, “Come Sunday, I will end you. I give you my word.” Rousey grabbed her belt and left.
They showed tweets from different wrestlers sending well wishes to Roman Reigns.
Caruso asked Ambrose and Rollins for words on Reigns. Ambrose said there were no words to describe the ride they’ve been on, and when there were no words, they had to do the only thing they knew how to do and that’s win. Rollins said there were no words, but there were plenty of emotions, and they would channel those emotions to win the tag team championships. Rollins ended with, “We’re going to do it for you, Roman. We love you. Believe that.”
Fatal 4-Way: Ember Moon defeated Tamina, Dana Brooke and Nia Jax (1:50)
Moon won via pinfall over Tamina after an Eclipse.
The announcers ran down the card for Evolution. Renee Young and Beth Phoenix will call the show on Sunday. (Presumably alongside Cole, though they didn’t say that.)
Titus O’Neil hosted a breast cancer awareness segment and introduced six survivors.
Caruso interviewed Lita and Trish Stratus backstage, but they were interrupted by Alicia Fox, who appeared to be 8 feet tall. She was there as a distraction, allowing Mickie James to attack them from behind. James and Fox teamed up, but it was eventually broken up by officials. Stratus and Lita jumped back in to lay out Fox and James. (Alexa Bliss was not there.)
Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins defeated Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre to win the Tag Team Championships (19:17)
The heels worked over Rollins forever, and just as he was about to make the hot tag, Ziggler yanked Ambrose off the apron. Ambrose chased after Ziggler but ran into McIntyre who knocked him down. McIntyre then gave Rollins a reverse Alabama Slam, leading to commercial.
After a break, Ambrose was the legal man, then Rollins tagged in and hit a frog splash on McIntyre for two while Ambrose took out Ziggler with a suicide dive. Rollins followed later with a superplex and Falcon Arrow on Ziggler for a nearfall.
Rollins tried a buckle bomb but McIntyre caught Ziggler, then he kicked Ambrose out of the ring. Ziggler gave Rollins a Zig-Zag for a nearfall.
Strowman’s music hit and he began marching to the ring. As this happened, Rollins took out the referee by accident. Strowman went after McIntyre and they brawled through the crowd. Strowman eventually chased him to the back.
Ziggler grabbed his belt to use it as a weapon, but Ambrose snatched it away. Rollins gave him a curb stomp, then Ambrose tossed the referee back in the ring and he counted to three. Rollins and Ambrose are the tag champs.
As they celebrated, Ambrose tossed his belt aside and gave Rollins a Dirty Deeds. The crowd was stunned.
Rollins slowly regained his composure and told Ambrose, “it’s okay,” then Ambrose jumped him and hammered away. Ambrose continued the beating as the crowd booed. Ambrose whipped the belts at Rollins. Ambrose then exposed the concrete and gave Rollins the Dirty Deeds. People were swearing at Ambrose, who left through the crowd.
It’s been confirmed that Triple H and Shawn Michaels will be appearing on tonight’s show to further the build to their tag match against The Undertaker & Kane at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2. A pre-recorded video with Undertaker and Kane aired on Raw last week, and Undertaker then appeared on SmackDown 1000 to send a message to Triple H & Michaels.
This week’s Raw is the go-home show for Evolution, and the show will include a contract signing segment for Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella’s Raw Women’s Championship match at the pay-per-view. Sasha Banks will also face Ruby Riott tonight. That comes in advance of Banks, Bayley & Natalya taking on The Riott Squad (Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) in a six-woman tag at Evolution.
A Tag Team Championship match is set for tonight, with Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre defending their titles against Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose. Last week’s Raw continued to tease the storyline of dissension between Ambrose and The Shield, but the episode ended with The Shield defeating Braun Strowman, Ziggler & McIntyre. Strowman laid out Ziggler after the match, then McIntyre hit the Claymore Kick on Strowman.
UPDATE: Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley is also official for tonight.
On last night’s Raw, WWE followed up on the angle where The Bellas attacked Ronda Rousey.
Rousey demanded an explanation from Nikki & Brie, and they said that Rousey disrespected them and everything they’ve done for the business. Rousey told them that everything the diva’s era stood for made her sick to her stomach, called them “do nothing Bellas,” and referenced Nikki’s relationship with John Cena. She said the only door Nikki has broken down is the door to Cena’s bedroom — and Cena eventually threw her out of it.
The segment ended with Rousey attacking The Bellas’ personal security team.
Last night’s episode ended with Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre’s team imploding. After more dissension between Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns was teased, The Shield stayed united and defeated Strowman, Ziggler & McIntyre in the main event. Strowman laid out Ziggler after the match, then McIntyre gave Strowman a Claymore Kick.
Also on Raw, Rollins and Ziggler qualified for WWE’s World Cup tournament, Baron Corbin tried to put Kurt Angle in a handicap match against AOP, and Sasha Banks, Tamina, and Samir Singh returned.
With The Bellas turning against Ronda Rousey tonight, the Raw Women’s Championship match for Evolution is now official.
Ronda Rousey will defend her title against Nikki Bella at the October 28 pay-per-view in Long Island, New York. Dave Meltzer first reported that the match was planned for Evolution on the August 19 edition of Wrestling Observer Radio.
On Raw tonight, Rousey teamed with The Bellas against The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) in a rematch from Super Show-Down. Rousey submitted Riott with an armbar, and Nikki and Brie Bella both attacked Rousey in a post-match angle. Rousey tried to fight back but was laid out by being thrown into the post, steel steps, and barricade,
WWE then uploaded a video where Brie said Rousey was taking their spotlight. Nikki said they’re here to remind everyone that this is a “Bellalution.”
As the build to Evolution picked up on Raw, it was also revealed that Alexa Bliss would be teaming with Mickie James against Trish Stratus & Lita at the PPV. Bliss vs. Stratus and James vs. Lita were originally announced as singles matches.
Two rematches from Super Show-Down are scheduled for tonight’s Raw.
The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) vs. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre and Ronda Rousey & The Bellas vs. The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) have been announced for tonight’s show. When the six-person tags took place in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, The Shield and Rousey & The Bellas won their respective matches.
Ambrose pinned Ziggler at Super Show-Down, with The Shield staying united after the storyline where dissension between Ambrose and Reigns & Rollins was teased.
Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Strowman and Brock Lesnar in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel on November 2.
Rousey submitted Morgan and Logan with a double armbar at Super Show-Down. There was a moment where Rousey and Nikki Bella both wanted to start for their teams, seemingly teasing Rousey vs. Nikki for this month’s Evolution pay-per-view.
Tonight’s Raw is taking place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Trish Stratus are all advertised for the show.
After a rough week of travel for the roster, the Labor Day edition of Raw takes place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio tonight.
Since the August 26 house show in Rochester, New York, the Raw wrestlers have been in Toronto, London, Osaka, and Shanghai for events over the past week before flying home for TV. Tonight’s show will feature Nikki & Brie Bella’s return to televised in-ring action, a Tag Team title match, and an appearance by Shawn Michaels.
Nikki & Brie will be teaming up against two members of The Riott Squad. In the Raw Tag Team Championship match, The B-Team will defend against The Revival after Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder defeated them in non-title action last week.
Michaels’ appearance will be to build up Triple H vs. The Undertaker at Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia on October 6.
Plus, the build to Hell in a Cell will continue after Braun Strowman aligned with Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre last week.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Cole welcomes us to Raw on Labor Day before Braun Strowman comes down with Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler. Renee Young returns to commentary with Corey and Cole. Bruan is mid-ring with a big grin on his face and demands that they air a replay of his beating of Roman last week. We see that alongside the proper context of it being a response to the Shield powerbomb Braun through the announce table two weeks ago.
Braun tells us that he gave Roman a chance to just face him for the title, but he had to get his friends involved – and that just showed him how weak Roman was. Dolph and Drew are his pack and this is now his yard.
Drew talks about how great they are before Dolph says this group will be more dominant than the Nation of Domination, DX, and especially The Shield. The Shield comes down, but Corbin sends mid-carders down to stop them. The Shield topple them before surrounding the ring, so Baron calls out more goons who get beaten up, so even more come down and then with several dozen folks out, they separate them. The fans chant “let them fight” and Seth breaks out and he and Roman run backstage.
The return of Shawn Michaels and the Bella Twins are hyped, before we get a recap of the opening segment.
Backstage, Baron has the Shield arrested.
The Bella Twins defeat The Riott Squad
The Riott Squad gets a jobber intro. The Bellas come back with Jojo essentially giving them a press release as a ring introduction. After that, the announcers talk about how they’re two of the busiest people in all of Hollywood. Renee is non-plussed at her husband’s recent arrest, but is excited to see the Bellas return. Liv runs from Nikki before Sarah overpowers her. Nikki is trying to gain the advantage with her chain wrestling skill. I sense a flaw in her plan. Logan grinds away on the arm of Nikki, but Nikki gets a tornado divorce court for 2.
Brie tags in and hammerlocks her mid-ring. Sarah reaches out for a tag and gets it, leading to a long Liv chinlock. Logan comes in while Cole talks about her being a viking and Corey talking about Logan actually making her own belt. Brie hits the yes kicks before nailing two Brie Mode knees. Sarah attacks Brie on the floor. After a break, Logan armlocks her. Nikki comes in and sends Logan out, leading to Brie faceplanting off a tope and Nikki beating Liv with the Rack Attack 2.0.
Nikki and Brie team with Ronda to face the Riott Squad at Super Show-Down.
The B-Team vs. The Revival is hyped up alongside HBK’s return. Corbin tells Stephanie that Raw is back on track. Finn Balor meets with him and demands a rematch. Baron gets his manhood insulted, so he grants him his rematch in the main event spot. .
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable defeat The Ascension
Chad shines more than he has in two years on the main roster by German suplexing everyone and looking impressive while doing so. Roode comes in for chops and gets 2 off a suplex. Viktor gets a long chinlock on Roode and a slick Hawk-esque fistdrop for 2 before Konnor gets a long chinlock and then tags Viktor in for a long modified chinlock.
Gable blind tags in and runs wild with crossbodies and hits a cannonball off the apron before landing a missile dropkick. He hits Chaos Theory and wins it. Elias is backstage with a guy showing his album off on iTunes.
Elias comes out and says he’s done dealing with crazy chicks and if Christopher Columbus knew his name would be used for his city, he’d have turned his ship around. He also can’t stand the buckeye, and it’s far inferior to Michigan’s wolverines.
Alexa, Mickie, and Alicia come down while Alexa gets a ton of cheers being in her hometown. Alexa says she graduated high school in the very building they’re in and does her high school chant before insulting the fans for doing it and being overjoyed that she got out of this place when she did. Alexa gets in a fantastic “hi zombies!” line at the crowd. Alexa hits on Elias before Ronda Rousey’s theme hits and Nattie comes out to face Alexa.
Alexa Bliss defeats Natalya
Alexa stalls to start before Nattie flips around and outwrestles her on the mat. Basement dropkick gets 2 for Nattie. Alexa slugs her before she distracts the ref so Foxy and Mickie can choke Nattie on the rope. Alexa DDTs her and gets an armbar and Nattie taps out. After the match, Ronda goes for a Karalen lift to Alexa, but Foxy jumps in and gets thrown around before Alexa chopblocks Ronda and throws her into the steps. Ronda slugs away and sends Alexa packing. Ronda helps Nattie up and helps her out of the ring.
A recap airs of the Shield being arrested earlier. Renee strangely says that the Shield’s arrest was justified, even with that involving her husband. We get an update that the Shield has been fingerpinted. Corbin tells a stagehand to get his Rolex cleaned. Braun tells Baron to find he and his friends some competition.
Drew and Dolph want a tag title match and threaten that the Revival will be taken out. Braun tells Baron he wants competitoin tonight too. The Revival are interviewed by Charly about The B-Team and they call them a mockery. Drew and Dolph attack them. The Revival could’ve prevented this beating if they just watched the show at a 90 degree angle like everyone else.
The B-Team comes out, but The Revival doesn’t. Instead, Drew and Dolph take their place.
Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre defeat The B-Team
Axel gets a backslide for 2 after Bo low-bridges Drew. The heels regroup on the floor for an ad break. Drew dominates Axel for a while, but Bo gets a desperation tornado DDT. Axel comes in with Dolph, who eats 2 off a Perfectplex. Dolph superkicks him before they win with the Claymore/Zig Zag combo.
After the loss, Cole talks about how good the B-Team were while Drew and Dolph celebrate with their belts amid blue lighting. They did a good job presenting both men as bigger stars with the revamped lighting.
The Authors of Pain walk backstage with Drake Maverick in AOP garb.
Authors of Pain defeat Jobbers
AOP walks out with Drake Maverick, who Cole and Corey talk about as the 205 Live GM. Drake talks about being the GM of 205 Live and now being the manager of AOP and he’ll make them the tag team champions. Rezar hits the corner death valley bomb before they hit the super collider and win.
Corey says that with AOP, Drake Maverick may just be the most dangerous person in all of WWE. There’s putting people over and there’s saying ridiculous stuff like that. HHH vs. Taker is hyped up. Last week’s hall of famer-filled video airs for their match at Super Show-Down.
Ronda and Nattie chat backstage before the Bellas come in and Nattie leaves because she doesn’t feel good. The Bellas call Ronda the greatest women’s champion ever and the only reason they came back was for her. In a comedy highlight for the ages, they offer to train Ronda Rousey, and the Olympic medalist and former UFC World Champion accepts the offer.
HBK comes out and says that HHH has more in the tank than Undertaker does and still picks him to win. Undertaker comes down and says that over the last 20 years, he’s taken the best both HHH and HBK had and put them both down. He took a part of them, but their egos can’t accept and he chose HHH because he took his career from him
HBK says that he stayed retired to keep his integrity and out of respect for Undertaker. He always hears the chant for one more match, but can’t do it. He hears the fans want it, and half the roster wants it – and it’s been nearly a decade with him turning down millions of dollars for one match.
Taker asks if it’s respect or fear that keeps him retired. Taker tells him that if he came back, it would be for a match against him – and HBK knows just like the fans do, that he would put HBK down again. He’ll put HHH down in Melbourne too, and they did an outstanding job building up both the HHH vs. Taker match and especially a Taker vs. HBK match if they ever do one.
Sasha Banks and Bayley defeat Dana Brooke and Ember Moon
Mike Rome sends a tweet out on The Shield – they have been charged with inciting a riot and already met with a judge. Sasha Banks comes down with Bayley for a tag match. Dana Brooke comes out with Titus and Apollo to team with Ember Moon. Odd to have two babyface agaisnt a babyface and a heel. Sasha and Bayley dominate Dana in the corner before an ad break.
Ember tags in and hits a springboard crossbody on the face before tagging Dana in. She goes for a kick, but Sasha catches her foot and boots her in the face. Take 2 works better for Dana and she lands an enzuiguri. Sasha gets a victory roll out of hte corner to win. Dana is tired of losing and leaves Titus Worldwide.
Jinder comes down to medidate with Bobby Lashley, but before things can truly begin, Kevin Owens jumps Lashley. He hits the apron powerbomb while the fans chant “one more time!”
The Purge presents a recap of John Cena defeating Batista at Extreme Rules with a roll of duct tape.
A recap of the HBK-Taker segment airs and we’re told that HHH will be on Raw live next week as will Mick Foley. Corey updates us on The Shield being released from jail. Finn Balor comes down before Braun does with his guys. Drew and Dolph do Braun’s roar now – which is great.
Braun Strowman defeats Finn Balor
Braun headbutts and boots Balor, but Finn gets a brief edge off a sleeper. He stomps Braun and sends him to the floor for an ad break. Braun cranks the neck before clubbing his chest. Braun goes to steamroll him on the floor, but Balor counters with a slingblade. Braun goes for a corner charge, but eats a boot before landing it the second time.
Braun eats a shotgun dropkick and is locked in another sleeper before Bruan throws him in the corner. Braun misses his corner charge and his shoulder hits the post, sending Braun outside. Balor hits a flip dive onto everyone. Finn Balor locks on a triangle choke, but Braun hits a Rampage bomb and the powerslam to win.
Dolph and Drew send Balor in for another powerslam. They go to keep beating up Balor, but the Shield returns in the police van. We get a staredown between these groups before KO and more mid-carders come down to attack the Shield. Braun hits Roman with the steps twice. Dean is set up for a big boot by Drew on the ramp while Dolph superkicks Seth after he goes into glass and comes up bloody – covering one of the Ascension guys in blood.
Braun powerslams Roman on the floor before the heels roar to close the show.
A Tag Team title match and Nikki & Brie Bella’s return to televised in-ring action are set for next week’s Raw.
After Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder defeated them in a non-title match tonight, The B -Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) will defend their Raw Tag Team titles against The Revival next week. Nikki & Brie facing The Riott Squad in a tag match has also been announced for the episode.
The B-Team retained against The Revival on the SummerSlam pre-show when Dawson tried to pin Axel with a cradle and Dallas getting knocked backwards reversed it. The Revival got the better of them on Raw the past two weeks, with Dawson defeating Dallas and Wilder defeating Axel last Monday and The Revival winning tonight’s non-title match.
The Bellas were in action at Sunday night’s Raw-brand house show in Rochester, New York and made an appearance during a backstage segment where they celebrated with Ronda Rousey, Natalya, and Trish Stratus on tonight’s show. They teamed with Ember Moon to defeat The Riott Squad in Rochester. Brie is set to team with Daniel Bryan against Maryse & The Miz at Hell in a Cell next month, and Dave Meltzer reported last week that Rousey vs. Nikki is the working idea for October’s Evolution pay-per-view.
The Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio is hosting next Monday’s Raw. Shawn Michaels is also set to appear on the episode to promote Triple H vs. The Undertaker at WWE Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia.
