Tag: raw results

Date: July 29, 2024
Location: Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN

********** 

Show Recap — 

Gunther (in a Chevy Suburban), Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh, Maxxine Dupri, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers were all shown arriving at the arena. 

Seth Rollins delivers his referee instructions

Seth Rollins entered wearing a black and white striped shirt with puffy sleeves and zebra-print shoes. Rollins called out the two “morons” facing at SummerSlam. 

CM Punk entered first (and deliberately came face-to-face with Rollins upon hitting the ring), McIntyre entered second. Rollins reminded us that they could not touch each other or else their SummerSlam match was off. They also couldn’t lay a finger on him. 

Punk rolled out of the ring upon hearing this. McIntyre told him he could wait until Saturday and invited him back in the ring. Punk said he wasn’t worried about what McIntyre or Rollins might do, he was worried about what he might do if he stayed in the ring. 

Rollins threatened to return his shirt to Adam Pearce and call the whole thing off but he knew everyone wanted the match. He demanded Punk get back in the ring. Punk got back in the ring while calling Rollins a boot-licking office boy. 

McIntyre told Rollins that Punk was a cancer, poisoning the minds of everyone including the young talent in NXT. McIntyre called Punk the real enemy. Rollins wanted them to shut up so he could give his instructions for their violent masterpiece on Saturday. 

There was only one rule at SummerSlam: Rollins was in charge. Rollins was the law. He would count to three when he wanted to. They could only tap out when he said so. A countout could be a count of ten or twenty or a million. Disqualifications would be at his discretion. If they didn’t listen to him, he would put their head in the dirt. 

Punk hoped Rollins would referee better than he dressed. He called Rollins a liar for claiming he would call it down the middle. Punk didn’t want to get screwed and didn’t want anyone’s help. 

McIntyre reminded Punk that he was the one he should be worried about. McIntyre compared him to Charles Manson, poisoning everyone’s minds. McIntyre can’t even go to the store without people chanting Punk’s name at him. 

McIntyre said he injured Punk at Royal Rumble and he wasn’t even trying to. McIntyre would violently assault Punk on Saturday. McIntyre said Rollins might hate them but he had compassion in his soul. McIntyre wouldn’t stop until Punk’s heart stopped. McIntyre looked forward to getting paid a large sum for doing something he’d gladly do for free. 

Punk said he was gone for ten years and they chanted his name. They chanted his name and sang Rollins’ song, which made McIntyre the third wheel. Punk said the one positive of PDS, Punk Derangement Syndrome, was that they get to be in his orbit. They get to breathe the rare air he produces. Punk hoped McIntyre enjoyed the last six months because hurting him was the best and worst thing to happen to him. 

Punk called McIntyre tall, big and mean but he was also stupid. He dumbed himself out of the title at WrestleMania. Punk may be his enemy but he wasn’t his worst one. Punk was the best in the world. He wasn’t as big, strong or even as fast as McIntyre but he had heart. He also had the people chanting his name. Punk wondered what McIntyre had. 

McIntyre pulled out Punk’s family bracelet. Punk got in his face but, of course, couldn’t touch him. They exchanged a few words as Punk’s music played and the segment ended.

(I didn’t really like this. It wasn’t bad but it mostly felt like more of the same. It felt like they were really building to Punk’s response at the end and it fell kinda flat. He also seemed to place an odd amount of emphasis on the crowd chanting his name.) 

********

Judgment Day’s clubhouse was torn apart and Carltio was particularly upset about the PS5 being destroyed. Dominik Mysterio played dumb and wondered who could have done it. Rhea Ripley said it was obviously Liv Morgan but she would get hers. 

Damian Priest joined them after a commercial break. He offered to be in Bálor’s corner tonight but Bálor declined. He wanted Priest to focus on SummerSlam and he would deal with Gunther tonight. Bálor trusted them to take care of Sami Zayn and Jey Uso. Dom volunteered Carlito to face Zayn. Judgment Day were surprised when Carlito willingly left to get the match made. 

********

Michael Cole mentioned Julis Creed and Brutus Creed participating at Bloodsport over the weekend. 

The Creed Brothers (w/Chad Gable) defeated Otis & Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri) (7:48) 

Otis made a hot tag after a break and gave Julius the Caterpillar. He punched Gable off the apron but the distraction allowed the Creeds to give Otis a double back suplex off the middle rope for the pinfall win. The crowd liked Otis so they went quiet after that. 

— Gable and the Creeds attacked Otis post-match. Gable put him in an ankle lock until Dupri leaped on his back. Gable got her off but she slapped him. Dupri put her hands up ready to defend herself when the lights went off and the Wyatt Sicks music started. 

Wyatt Sicks angle 

Three male members of the Wyatts entered and unmasked themselves upon hitting the ring. It was Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy. The crowd chanted, “Holy shit.” 

Gable turned around to leave but was taken out by a Nikki Cross Thesz press off the top (she was referred to as Sister Abigail by Cole). Lumis and Gacy dropped the Creeds with uranages, and Rowan followed with a running crossbody. 

Gable left up the aisle but ran away upon seeing Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas. 

********

Dom and Ripley were annoyed to learn that Carlito actually got Dom booked in a match against Zayn. Ripley said Carlito could take out Jey in a match instead. Carlito said he would need to get his baby oil first. Ripley told him that he’d be facing Jey alone. 

********

Bronson Reed defeated Sheamus (10:00) 

Sheamus hit a flying clothesline to the outside but Reed gave him a back body drop onto the announce table. They went to break after 90 seconds and Sheamus fought back with clotheslines and a running knee for two. Sheamus missed a flying clothesline and Reed hit a DVD for two. 

Sheamus hit a White Noise off the middle rope for a nearfall. The crowd got up for that. Sheamus hit ten sixteen beats of the Bodhrán until the referee yanked him off. Reed was “stuck” in the ropes and the referee tried to help as Sheamus set up for a Brogue Kick. 

With the ref conveniently distracted, Pete Dunne hit Sheamus with a shillelagh. Reed followed with Tsunami for the pinfall win. 

********

Damian Priest promo 

They aired a pre-taped Priest promo. He said Gunther didn’t understand his upbringing. Gunther was brought up with Here you gos. If he needed the best training facility and training team? “Here you go.” A group of people to tell him how great he is? “Here you go.” Gunther didn’t have what couldn’t be given to him. He didn’t have heart. 

Gunther may call him “street trash” but to Priest that translated to Puerto Rican badass. Gunther was a product of European ingenuity and that translated to “you’re an asshole.” The ring would become the street at SummerSlam and Gunther was getting mugged. He was robbing Gunther of the idea that he could take the title for him. 

Priest fought for everything he got and he was willing to die for everything he had. “Welcome to my neighbourhood.” 

********

The SummerSlam pre-show is three hours long. The kick-off show is at 5pm ET and the countdown show is at 4pm ET. The main show starts at 7pm ET. 

******** 

Bron Breakker promo 

They aired a pre-taped Breakker promo. He said Zayn was at the top of his profession: stand-up comedy. Bron admitted to taking him lightly at MITB because he didn’t want to put his hands on a comic. 

The difference between them was that Zayn has already accepted he would lose at SummerSlam. There was nowhere to run and Zayn was already preparing for a life after WWE. They even promote his comedy show on Raw. 

While Zayn did that, Bron was training in the gym like a dog. That would be on full display on Saturday when the joke would be on Zayn and the Intercontinental Championship would be on him. 

********

Jey Uso defeated Carlito (7:50) 

Carlito got the heat through an early commercial break after shoving Jey into the ring post. Jey fought back with strikes to the sound of “Yeet.” Carlito hit a spinebuster for two and decided to eat an apple in the middle of this wrestling match for no reason. He even argued with the referee over it. Jey applied a schoolboy for two and followed with a spear for the pinfall win. 

Jey should have just won a quick squash but this match followed the usual TV match pattern. 

********

Jackie Redmond interviewed Zelina Vega and asked about her arm (which was in a sling). Vega felt good but was lucky to have Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance at her side last week. She picked up the win and reminded everyone she was a threat. 

Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark showed up and mocked her for thinking she was a threat. They teamed up on her and Baszler stomped her arm against a door. Officials appeared to check on Vega. (Valkyria, Carter and Chance checked on her after a break.) 

*******

NXT will be on Syfy tomorrow (and next week) and Joe Hendry was among the acts they plugged. 

They showed clips from the Japan tour. 

******** 

Cathy Kelley interviewed The Miz who announced that he would be the host of SummerSlam in his house of Cleveland. R-Truth showed up and was excited to hear they brought back ‘In Your House.’ Miz tried to explain the situation as clearly as possible but Truth was too stupid to understand. He even said Gary Coleman’s line, “Whatcha talkin’ about, Willis?”  

They really have to drop this Truth act. 

********

Karrion Kross cut a pre-match promo. He heard Kofi Kingston wasn’t there because he re-injured himself on the Japan tour. He didn’t believe that and thought Kingston didn’t show up because he wasn’t in the spotlight. He also figured Kingston didn’t want to be in his hellhole of Minnesota. 

Kross offered Xavier Woods a spot in Final Testament. Kross wanted Woods to tell the kids at home that the power of positivity was always a lie. He also wanted Woods to tell “that one-armed bastard” Kingston that he should have retired after he lost the WWE Championship in six seconds. Woods decked Kross and the ref thought this was a good time to start the match. 

Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett & Final Testament) defeated Xavier Woods (6:22) 

Kross took control during an early break by tripping Woods off the ropes. Woods was making his comeback but Akam gave him a cheap shot behind the ref’s back. Woods fought back anyway and took out Akam with a dive. He avoided a charge by Rezar who ran into the ring post. 

However, Kross dodged Woods’ diving elbow drop attempt and hit Final Prayer for the pinfall win. 

This was another flat match with a flat finish. 

********

They showed Triple H meeting with Jesse Ventura earlier today. Cole put over Ventura and welcomed him home. 

******** 

Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn. Zayn thought Bron’s logic was funny. Bron thought Zayn would lose because he had a comedy show before SummerSlam but Zayn had a comedy show before their match at MITB in Toronto and he still won. 

Zayn knew Bron was no longer underestimating him. He knew that because Bron was taking every opportunity to jump him from behind. He finally got to reunite with Jey Uso last week and Bron still attacked him from behind. Saturday would not be about teaching any lessons, it would be about beating someone’s ass. 

********

Liv Morgan segment 

A teary-eyed Liv Morgan was shown dumping pictures of Dom into a burning dumpster. She said Dom wasn’t a man, he was just Ripley’s bitch. Morgan regretted every tear she shed over him. She would complete her revenge tour when she beats Ripley and leaves Dom with whatever is left of her. 

******** 

Non-title match: Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defeated Dominik Mysterio via disqualification (8:05) 

Zayn crunched Dom with a dive and, as usual, they went to break after 90 seconds. Dom took control by shoving Zayn into the ring post, just as Carlito did earlier. Zayn fought back until Dom cut him off and hit three amigos. Zayn avoided a splash and hit an exploder into the corner. 

Carlito and McDonagh ran out and Dom used the distraction to apply a schoolboy for two. Zayn knocked Carlito and McDonagh off the apron but Dom used that distraction to dropkick him into the ropes. Zayn popped up before Dom could go for 619. He hit a clothesline and Blue Thunder Bomb but Judgment Day attacked him for the DQ. 

— Judgment Day put the boots to Zayn until Jey ran out to make the save. Jey wiped them all out with a dive. 

Breakker decked Zayn from behind in the ring. He went for a spear but Zayn booted him, which looked great. Zayn went for Helluva Kick but Bron bailed. Zayn turned his back so Bron tried to go after him again but Zayn saw it coming and shoved him out of the ring. 

********

Wyatt Sicks tape 

They didn’t bother going through the VHS tape ordeal and just aired another Wyatt Sicks video. This one focused on Dexter Lumis and, like the Nikki Cross video, this one was meant to be creepy. 

********

Gable informed Pearce of the identities of the other three male Wyatt members: Lumis, Gacy and Rowan. Pearce said he knew that already because they’re under WWE contracts. Gable said that must mean they can compete. He challenged them to a six-man tag. Pearce asked the Creeds if that’s what they wanted and Julius said, “Of course.” Pearce made it official. 

********

Rhea Ripley promo 

Ripley said Morgan wanted so badly to be the victim in her revenge tour fantasy because that’s all it was. A fantasy. It came to an end on Saturday. There was no more hiding or manipulating. Morgan took three months of her career, took her title, and tried to take her Latino Heat. Ripley would get her revenge at SummerSlam. 

********

Cole referenced Baszler “dominating” at Bloodsport. 

Six-woman tag team match: Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark defeated Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance (8:34) 

The babyfaces controlled before an early break and the heels controlled after it. Valkyria tagged in Carter who fought off Baszler and Stark before the babyfaces triple-teamed Stark. Valkyria hit a sit-out powerbomb but Baszler broke up the cover. 

Stark killed Chance with a knee strike and hit Z-360 for the pinfall win. Another flat match in front of a particularly quiet crowd. 

— Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai) marched out wearing all black (Deville, Baszler and Stark were also wearing mostly black). Damage CTRL attacked the heels and Sky dropped them with a moonsault to the outside. They appeared to be babyfaces now. 

********

Gunther promo 

Gunther called Priest a man with no control over his emotions. Gunther exposed him as an emotional wannabe who abused this business as a cure for his childhood trauma. 

Gunther used to look up to Finn Bálor. Bálor used to be one of the greatest wrestlers in the world and was currently one-half of the tag champions. Bálor was destined for greatness but he aligned himself with those Judgment Day weirdos and became street trash just like them. 

Gunther would never forgive Priest for using the business to cover up his pathetic existence. After SummerSlam, the world would remember the day Gunther saved this great sport and the world championship. 

******** 

Kelley interviewed Damage CTRL in the back. Sky and Sane responded in Japanese. Kai said Damage CTRL was back to reestablish some order. Kai challenged Deville to a match next week so she could cut the head off the snake. 

The announcers ran down the SummerSlam card. 

********

A dismayed Judgment Day met in the back. Bálor said they got in this mess together and they would get out of it together after SummerSlam. Ripley agreed and said they needed to focus on SummerSlam. She offered their help to Bálor tonight once again. 

Bálor wanted to make things clear. Ripley and Priest were both handling their business alone at SummerSlam and Bálor wanted to do the same tonight — unless they thought he wasn’t good enough. They assured him that was not the case. Priest didn’t trust Gunther but he knew Bálor could handle his business. 

Bálor said he would soften up Gunther so Priest could finish him at SummerSlam. They bumped fists. 

********

Raw next week on Syfy in Baltimore, MD: 

• Six-man tag match: Wyatt Sicks (Rowan, Lumis & Gacy) vs. Gable & Creed Brothers 
• Dakota Kai vs. Sonya Deville 

******** 

Gunther defeated Tag Team Champion Finn Bálor (12:08) 

This was a first-time-ever match. 

Bálor hit Gunther with three chops but Gunther basically no sold them and dropped Bálor with a chop. Bálor fought back but Gunther booted him leading to break 90 seconds in. Bálor tried fighting back with chops but Gunther chopped him down again and hit a backdrop for two. Gunther applied a Boston Crab (which he’s won several matches with) but Bálor got a rope break. 

Gunther tried an avalanche back suplex but Bálor countered into a crossbody. Bálor followed with strikes and a headlock elbow drop for two. Gunther applied a sleeper hold but let go to try a powerbomb. Bálor reversed that into a DDT and hit a clothesline but Gunther barely budged and he dropped Bálor with a clothesline of his own for two. 

They exchanged chops and strikes until Bálor hit a slingblade, consecutive double foot stomps, a double foot stomp to the back and a running dropkick. Gunther avoided Coup de Grace and applied another sleeper. Bálor wouldn’t go out so Gunther hit a powerbomb for two. 

Gunther again applied a sleeper and Bálor fought out momentarily but Gunther locked it in and Bálor passed out. Gunther wins. 

(This was a pretty good match in front of the wrong crowd. I also liked the finish.) 

— As Gunther was announced the winner, he reapplied the sleeper as the ref tried pulling him off. 

Priest ran out for the save. He swung wildly at Gunther and tossed him onto the announce table. Priest chucked Gunther around ringside as the show went off the air.

Date: July 22, 2024
Location: Resch Center in Green Bay, WI

**********

Show Recap — 

CM Punk (who received a loud pop), Ilja Dragunov, Bron Breakker (shirtless) and Judgment Day were shown arriving at the building. Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley were all buddy-buddy, while Carlito trailed in the back carrying luggage. 

Michael Cole announced that Raw would be on Syfy for the following two weeks. 

Opening segment 

Gunther entered. He wanted to explain himself after reflecting on what he said to Priest last week. The crowd booed and chanted “You suck.” After it seemed like he might take back what he said, he doubled down instead. 

Gunther got angry and said he meant every word he said last week. Priest and everyone in the building was a bum. Everyone knew Priest did not live up to the prestige and honour of the world title. Priest’s sob story of growing up on the streets didn’t make up for the fact that he was a pretender and a wannabe. 

Gunther said there was a saying where he came from: show me your friends and I’ll show you who you are. Gunther knew the Judgment Day and knew they were all street trash. Gunther called out Priest and offered to take the weight of the world title off his shoulder again. 

Priest marched out and decked Gunther. They brawled as referees tried breaking it up. That wasn’t enough so security and officials ran out too. Priest managed to break away a few times and attacked Gunther before they cut to break. (He also chucked a guard over the ropes onto a bunch of others.) 

— After a break, Jackie Redmond was about to approach Gunther for an interview as he paced near the exit but Priest attacked him again. Officials decided to show up again and separate them. 

(This was a good, simple angle. The segments last week and today are clearly trying to make sure you know Priest is at least on Gunther’s level.) 

********

Pat McAfee mentioned that Breakker spearing Dragunov last week made the SportsCenter Top 10.

Bron Breakker defeated Ilja Dragunov via referee stoppage (13:05) 

Breakker won a really good match to earn an Intercontinental Championship match against Sami Zayn at SummerSlam. 

There was a great spot early in the match. Each guy stood on the apron and Breakker got Dragunov up in a vertical suplex position before dropping him gut-first on top of the ring post. 

After a break, Breakker cut off Dragunov’s comeback attempt with a big gut buster. Dragunov responded with a DDT. Dragunov got the better of a strike exchange and hit a Constantine Special. Dragunov heavily sold the earlier post spot but still managed to hit a powerbomb for two. 

Breakker came back with his step-up Frankensteiner for a nearfall. The crowd popped big for that. Dragunov responded with a superplex and H-bomb but Breakker rolled to the apron before he could make a cover. Dragunov followed with a DVD onto the apron. The crowd chanted, “This is awesome” for the second time. 

Dragunov tried a strike off the apron but Breakker cut him down with a mid-air spear. The ref began counting out Dragunov but after checking on him, she called for the bell instead. Breakker won. 

The crowd booed the ref stoppage but they cheered the announcement of Breakker as the winner. 

********

Ripley approached Judgment Day (minus Priest) and told them to stop playing the video game. She wanted them to focus and said it wouldn’t be long until they all held gold again. 

Dominik Mysterio approached Ripley. He was insecure about her interactions with Jey Uso last week. Ripley was just messing around — unlike what Dom has been doing with Liv Morgan. 

Finn Bálor popped out of his seat and said they needed to take out Jey. Ripley said Jey didn’t matter. Bálor wondered why she was defending him. Ripley wasn’t defending Jey, she just didn’t want to start a war with him. She told Dom to use his brain. After Ripley left, Bálor told Dom he knew what to do. 

********

Adam Pearce was in the back with Drew McIntyre and the two referees he refused to apologize to last week. They appeared to reach some sort of agreement. McIntyre shook Pearce’s hand and left. 

*******

Xavier Woods, Maxxine Dupri and Otis celebrated Akira Tozawa’s birthday with cake. 

Cole announced that Priest and Gunther have been ejected from the building. 

******** 

Sonya Deville (w/Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark) defeated Lyra Valkyria (w/Kayden Carter & Katana Chance) (8:08)

Valkyria tried a dropkick but fell through the ropes and Deville chucked her into the barricade. Valkyria hit a middle rope superplex after a break, followed by strikes and a Northern Lights suplex for two. 

Valkyria blocked Deville’s finisher and hit a gutwrench powerbomb for two. (The move took a long time to execute because Deville was holding Lyra’s body for too long and you could hear Lyra yelling, “Let go! Let go!”) 

Baszler distracted the ref, allowing Stark to push Valkyria off the top rope. The teams on the outside brawled but the distraction allowed Deville to hit her weak finisher, Deville’s Advocate, for the pinfall win. 

*******

Wyatt Sicks video 

This week’s video focused on Nikki Cross. This was not at all grounded like Erick Rowan’s promo. This was a quick video and made Cross look like a horror movie monster. 

******** 

CM Punk walked through the back. He’s up next. 

[SECOND HOUR]

CM Punk and Drew McIntyre segment 

Punk entered and took time to high-five fans along the front row and also shook hands with Samantha Irvin. The crowd chanted for Punk. 

He said it was great to be in Green Bay. He wore pink shoes and was ready to stain them with McIntyre’s blood. Punk announced that he was cleared and he called out McIntyre. He taped up his hands as he waited. 

McIntyre entered. McIntyre said he’s been waiting forever for this and nothing was stopping him from getting in the ring and tearing Punk apart — “except the fact that I don’t want to.” Punk responded, “Well, I do.” Punk ran out of the ring but was cut off by officials. (McIntyre wasn’t worried and seemed to know officials would be there.) 

McIntyre told Punk to relax because their match was much bigger than Green Bay. He told Punk to learn how to control his emotions like him. When McIntyre wanted to calm down, he turned to family. McIntyre pulled out Punk’s bracelet (with the names of AJ Lee and Larry on them) to egg him on. 

Pearce entered to make things clear: McIntyre was reinstated and Punk was cleared. McIntyre vs. Punk was official for SummerSlam. 

Punk wanted to do it now. Pearce said they had to keep their hands off of each other or else their match would be cancelled. Whoever threw the first punch would be suspended indefinitely. 

Pearce said he also had a referee problem which brought out Seth Rollins. Neither McIntyre nor Punk seemed thrilled about this. 

Rollins said these two morons have scared away everyone from getting between them (he said this as officials stood between Punk and the ring). Rollins said he thrived on chaos and would love to put them in their place. Rollins announced that he was the special referee for their match and the crowd popped. 

McIntyre and Punk hit the ring (Punk was held on the apron) and stared each other down as Rollins pranced around between them. 

********

Judgment Day split up in the back to look for Jey Uso. (Carlito went with JD McDonagh.) Dom, of course, ran into Liv Morgan seconds later. Dom tried to ignore her but she followed him. 

Morgan tried to assure Dom everything would be ok. Dom said everything was ok, he and Ripley were good. Morgan seemed pleased to hear him say that. Bálor ran back in so Morgan left. Bálor was annoyed and told Dom to go look for Jey in the opposite direction that Morgan went. 

******** 

Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio will be playable characters in season 5 of whatever version of Call of Duty is out now. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Zayn and asked if he was concerned at all after seeing what Breakker did to Dragunov. Zayn wasn’t concerned but was taking him very seriously. Zayn warned Breakker not to make the same mistake at Money in the Bank and said Breakker better take him very seriously. 

There was a commotion nearby so Zayn went to see what it was. Carlito and McDonagh were attacking Jey Uso so Zayn made the save. Zayn was killing McDonagh so Carlito grabbed JD and dragged him away. 

*******

They showed Otis and Braun Strowman hanging out with the Green Bay Packers at their training camp. 

Six-man tag match: Karrion Kross & AOP (w/Scarlett & Paul Ellering) defeated Xavier Woods, Otis & Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri) (8:35) 

Tozawa hit Rezar with a suicide dive and ripped off his shirt like Hulk Hogan which led to McAfee saying, “Brother!” McAfee also gave Aaron Rodgers a shout-out during the match. 

The crowd popped when Otis made a hot tag and ran wild. Tozawa also wiped out Rezar with a dive. Woods hammered away on Kross but made a dumb mistake by superkicking Akam off the apron. Kross used the distraction to hit Woods with Final Prayer (a modified F5) for the pinfall win. This was a lacklustre finish.

Alpha Academy / Wyatt Sicks segment 

— Chad Gable entered with Julius and Brutus Creed as Otis, Tozawa and Dupri checked on Woods. (They went to break before the segment continued and Woods was gone.) 

Gable addressed the former Alpha Academy members in the ring. Gable wanted to help his former pupils because that’s the kind of guy he was. Gable noted that Otis has taken on a leadership role but that led to them losing. 

Gable said Otis’ brain wasn’t his strongest attribute but it was his, and that’s why he recruited the Creeds. Gable offered them one final opportunity to rejoin his team. Gable said they’d get extra protection from the Wyatt Sicks who were out for everyone. 

Otis noted that Gable left the Creeds on their own last week (when the Wyatt Sicks entered). Otis told him: “My answer is still ‘no.’” Gable wondered if Tozawa and Dupri would let Otis speak for them. They embraced Otis. Gable commanded the Creeds to attack and they did. 

Otis dropped both Creeds with a double clothesline. He grabbed Gable and set up for a World’s Strongest Slam but the Creeds attacked from behind. They put the boots to Otis and drove him into the ring post. 

Gable gave chairs to the Creeds but the lights went down and the Wyatt Sicks music started. The Creeds stood in front of the ring with chairs in hand to protect Gable. 

Four Wyatt members entered on the stage but Gable turned around to see Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas. (He wore a sleeveless shirt instead of the big trench coat.) Bo dropped Gable with Sister Abigail and posed like Bray Wyatt. The crowd popped big for Sister Abigail. 

********

Bronson Reed vs. Pete Dunne 

The match didn’t happen. Dunne entered the ring for the match but was clobbered by a Sheamus running knee. Reed tried to go after Sheamus but Sheamus knocked him down with a knee strike too. 

Sheamus hit Dunne with ten beats of the Bodhrán but Dunne escaped before Sheamus could go for a Brogue Kick. Sheamus knocked Reed out of the ring with a knee strike instead. Sheamus stared down Dunne as the segment ended. 

********

Ripley approached Judgment Day. Carlito admitted their plan didn’t go so well. Bálor was tired of being disrespected and said he got a tag match made with him and McDonagh against Jey and Zayn tonight. Bálor also got Pearce to give him a match against Gunther next week. 

Ripley didn’t want them going after Jey and also wasn’t happy that Zayn was now involved. Ripley wondered where Bálor and Dom were when everything went down and Carlito said, “Ask Liv.” Ripley grabbed Dom and told him they were going to the ring. 

********

Redmond interviewed Sheamus. He knew Reed wanted to be the man who took down the Celtic Warrior but was still scratching his head over Dunne’s issue. He said they could go to the pub and have a pint while they sort things out, or they could get in the ring and find out who the real Bruiserweight was. 

[THIRD HOUR] 

Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan segment

Ripley dragged Dom to the ring and called out Morgan. Morgan’s music hit but she appeared in the stands and cut her promo from there. Morgan said she had self-control and could wait until SummerSlam. 

Morgan had feelings for Dom and he had feelings for her too. Morgan said Ripley couldn’t deny it because gorgeous men like Dom didn’t go after women who looked like Ripley — “they go for girls who look like me.” Morgan did a little spin to show her butt. 

Ripley tried to leave the ring to go after Morgan but Dom held her back and pleaded with her. Morgan invited Dom to say those three little words. 

Dom responded, “You want those three words?” Dom fired up and continued: “I hate you, Liv! Are you stupid? Are you deaf? I don’t like you! You’ve ruined my life over and over again.” 

Dom cut part of his promo in Spanish and said he couldn’t stand Morgan. Morgan was sobbing and Ripley wore a big smile. Dom slammed the mic down as Morgan walked into the concourse in tears. Ripley whispered something to Dom and licked his face. They were happy. 

*******

Kelley interviewed Zelina Vega on the stage before her match and asked about her arm injury (caused by Baszler and Stark last week). Vega had a slipper in her hand. Her arm was in some sort of brace, heavily taped from her elbow down to her hand. Vega said nobody could keep her down. It was time to prove people wrong and shut people up. 

Vega could barely move her arm and it certainly didn’t look like she should be cleared for a match. 

******** 

The announcers wished Shawn Michaels a happy birthday and literally sang the birthday song. 

Zelina Vega defeated Zoey Stark (w/Sonya Deville & Shayna Baszler) (8:49) 

Stark worked over Vega’s arm before and after a break. Vega came back with an enziguri, DDT and moonsault for two. Stark blocked a Code Red and hit a superkick for two. 

Vega set up for 619 but Deville distracted the ref and Baszler tripped Vega. Valkyria, Carter and Chance ran out to take out Deville and Baszler. 

Stark set up for a powerbomb but Vega used her hard arm brace to hit her repeatedly in the head. Vega followed with a Code Red for the pinfall win. 

********

Woods asked Pearce for a match against Kross next week. Pearce accepted. 

McIntyre approached Pearce to complain about Rollins being the referee. McIntyre wondered how this was fair, especially after McIntyre took Rollins’ title at WrestleMania. 

Pearce told McIntyre that all three men would be in the ring next week to hear Rollins give them his “official referee instructions.” (Pearce left because he needed a drink even though the show still has 40 minutes left.) 

McIntyre said what we were all thinking: What the hell does that even mean? 

********

Redmond interviewed Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn. They’ll be on Smackdown to address Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. They were quickly interrupted by Baszler, Deville and Stark (appearing for the third time). They argued about the tag titles. 

********

There was a new Gunther video. He spoke about past champions who were all weighed down by fragile egos. They were simple men who shrank in front of the title. That’s why the WWE and the world title desperately needed him — to create a new mountaintop. 

The burden of being the workhorse drove Rollins into the ground. McIntyre was consumed by an afterthought like Punk and barely held on to the title for five minutes. Priest’s foundation was cracking and his dream was slipping away. 

Gunther didn’t respect the entertainers. The ring was sacred and he was the only one who could bring prestige to the title. The future of the sport was on the line at SummerSlam. The sport desperately needed him and he would become the world champion. 

********

Next week on Raw: 

• Rollins gives Punk and McIntyre his referee instructions 
• Bálor vs. Gunther 
• Six-woman tag: Deville, Baszler & Stark vs. Valkyria, Carter & Chance 
• Woods vs. Kross

******** 

Current SummerSlam card: 

• Damian Priest vs. Gunther – World Championship 
• Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa – WWE Championship 
• Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley – Women’s World Championship 
• Bayley vs. Nia Jax – WWE Women’s Championship 
• Logan Paul vs. LA Knight – US Championship 
• Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk – Seth Rollins as special referee 
• Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker – Intercontinental Championship 

********

Jey and Sami made their entrance through a concourse full of rowdy fans. 

Non-title match: IC Champion Sami Zayn & Jey Uso defeated Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor & JD McDonagh (w/Dominik & Carlito) (16:50) 

Zayn wiped out his opponents with a dive but Dom distracted the ref and Carlito posted Zayn. Judgment Day worked over Zayn after a break. McDonagh chopped Zayn but Zayn chopped him right back and hit Blue Thunder Bomb. 

Jey made the hot tag and hit Bálor with strikes, a thrust kick, an uppercut and an enziguri. Jey gave McDonagh a running hip attack and hit Bálor with a flying crossbody for two. Jey tried a Samoan drop but Bálor raked his face and hit a headlock elbow drop. Jey fought off McDonagh and superkicked Bálor as he came off the top rope. 

Zayn tagged in but Carlito distracted the ref as Dom prevented him from trying a Helluva Kick. McDonagh followed with a Spanish Fly for two. Jey made a blind tag and they gave McDonagh a 1-D but Bálor broke up the cover. 

Bálor tagged himself in and hit Jey with a slingblade. Jey came back with a superkick and knocked Carlito and Dom off the apron. McDonagh wrenched Jey over the rope and Bálor followed with a running dropkick. Bálor hit Coup de Grace and McDonagh hit a moonsault but Zayn just barely broke up the cover. 

Zayn tossed Bálor from the ring and hit McDonagh with a Helluva Kick. Zayn wiped out Judgment Day with a dive and Jey hit McDonagh with an Uso Splash for the pinfall win. 

— As Jey celebrated on the ropes, Breakker speared Zayn. Jey turned around but Breakker left the ring. Jey checked on Zayn as Breakker looked on and the show ended.

Date: June 17, 2024
Location: American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX

********** 

Show Recap — 

The opening signature video “glitched.”

There was a Clash at the Castle video recap. They didn’t try to downplay the booing of CM Punk. 

A stern Drew McIntyre was shown walking through the arena. 

Opening segment 

Seth Rollins entered to start the show. He wore an all-white outfit including a white hat and shoes. (He still has long hair, in case you were wondering.) He received a big ovation and “Welcome back” chants. He welcomed us back to Monday Night Rollins and said he missed the fans too. 

Rollins said he was back for one reason. He wanted to be the very best of all time but couldn’t do that without getting back the championship that he made. He looked up at the Money in the Bank contracts (suspended above the ring). He was very familiar with MITB and figured it was the fastest way back to a title opportunity. 

Damian Priest interrupted. He was booed. He said it was good to have Rollins back. He wanted to tell Rollins straight-up that he wanted to cash MITB in on him. He wanted to do it out of respect because he wanted to be the world champion by beating Rollins. Priest was doing just fine as champion, though, and this was no longer Monday Night Rollins. 

Rollins respected Priest’s sentiment. Rollins said they had similar paths. They both made their names in groups and both cashed in at WrestleMania. The difference between them was that Rollins actually grew a set. Rollins realized he had to stand on his own two feet. Rollins asked Priest what kind of champion he wanted to be. Does he want to be the greatest or be a footnote in Judgment Day? 

Priest recalled Rollins beating him when he first became world champion. Rollins was better than him at the time but times have changed. Priest wanted to make it clear that Rollins was not better than him now. Priest told him not to worry about the ladder match and offered him a title match at MITB. 

Rollins thought this might be a trap and his boys were about to jump him. Priest said it wasn’t a trap and Judgment Day didn’t know anything. Priest fired up and asked him if he wanted a shot. Rollins accepted. Rollins said this would always be Monday Night Rollins as long as he was around. 

********

Chad Gable and Alpha Academy met with Adam Pearce earlier today. Gable was pissed at Alpha Academy and said it was their fault he wasn’t the Intercontinental Champion. He wanted another shot at Sami Zayn. Pearce understood his frustration but suggested he go to the back of the line. Gable asked for a match against anybody to prove himself and Pearce accepted. 

Braun Strowman defeated Chad Gable (w/Alpha Academy) (6:34) 

Michael Cole sarcastically wished Gable luck against Strowman as if he had no chance. The same Chad Gable who was almost the IC champion. Cole also snickered at how small Gable looked compared to Strowman. 

I guess Cole was right because this was a squash. 

Strowman was in full control before and after an early break. He tried running over Gable but he used Akira Tozawa as a shield. Strowman picked up Tozawa and tossed him at Gable (which was not a DQ). Strowman hit a powerslam moments later for the pinfall win.

— Gable called Alpha Academy into the ring after the match. He put his hands on Tozawa so Maxxine Dupri (using a crutch) stood between them. Gable grabbed her crutch and chucked it out of the ring. As Otis helped Dupri out of the ring, Gable smacked Tozawa down to the mat. 

Otis heard what happened and turned around. Otis shoved Gable across the ring and the crowd popped. Otis did not kill Gable but instead assisted Tozawa and Dupri to the back. The crowd chanted for Otis and chanted “You suck” at Gable. 

(This felt kind of underwhelming after all these weeks of build. The crowd didn’t pop as loud as they might have a week or two ago. It’s also odd this was the thing that finally set Otis off. It is possible Otis hasn’t completely turned on Gable yet and they’re still building to a bigger moment.) 

********

They had Pat McAfee analyze some replays from last week to reveal that Finn Bálor was the one who took Liv Morgan’s hotel room key. McAfee also called Judgment Day “assholes” which was not censored. 

Judgment Day met in the back. Bálor told Priest he had his back with Rollins if he needed it. Priest brushed that aside and asked about the room key. Bálor was offended and said he took the key to protect Dominik. The key was in the trash. 

Priest didn’t mean anything by it but did think Bálor has been distracted lately. He wanted to know what Bálor was planning if he won MITB. Bálor told him he planned on cashing in on the champ… Cody Rhodes. They laughed. 

Dom was frantically looking for his purple cow vest but couldn’t find it. Carlito laughed and said he must’ve left it in Morgan’s hotel room. The rest of Judgment Day didn’t like that joke. 

********

Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifier: IYO SKY defeated Kiana James and Zelina Vega (8:33)

They went to break 80 seconds into the match after some dives. 

[SECOND HOUR] 

Sky made her way to the top but Vega used a 619 to knock her off the middle rope. Vega hit a Code Red but James broke up the cover. 

Liv Morgan sauntered out wearing Dom’s purple cow vest and this distracted Vega for some reason. James knocked Vega off the apron and Sky hit James with a moonsault for the pinfall win. Sky qualifies for MITB. 

This wasn’t much of a match and, like the opener, about half of it took place during a break. (Three people in the crowd did give it a “This is awesome” chant, though.) 

******** 

There was a video package of Bron Breakker taking out Ricochet.

Alicia Taylor was the ring announcer this week and they said Samantha Irvin would be back next week.

******** 

They plugged Sami Zayn’s comedy show at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on July 4th. (As a Toronto local, I can’t say I ever expected to see them plug Danforth on Monday Night Raw.) 

Sami Zayn segment 

Zayn entered to a good reaction. He was proud to still be the IC champion. He admitted it wasn’t easy beating Gable. All their personal stuff started because Zayn simply beat him in a wrestling match. It was appropriate that it ended with him beating Gable in a wrestling match. 

Zayn was moving on from Gable but he admitted it might be hard moving on from Alpha Academy. He felt bad for them because he knew what it was like. Zayn left Bloodline when he knew he was ready and Jey Uso did the same. After what happened earlier tonight, it was evident to Zayn that the Academy would leave Gable. 

With that said, it was time for Zayn to look forward and do his job which was to defend his title. 

Bron Breakker interrupted. Breakker didn’t have to say much because Zayn knew why he was there. He has left plenty of bodies behind him and Zayn was next. Breakker was taking the IC title. Zayn held the title up and the crowd chanted his name. 

Sheamus interrupted. Sheamus told Zayn he’s been chasing the IC title for five years and he would do anything to get his hands on it. 

Breakker was offended that Sheamus acted like he wasn’t there and asked, “Are you outta your mind?” (Which was funny.) Breakker didn’t care about Sheamus’ sob story and threatened to kick his ass. Sheamus called Breakker the new hot kid but he had no skin in the game as far as the IC title was concerned. Sheamus told him to go to the back of the line or else.  

Zayn was amused and planned on getting Pearce to put Sheamus and Breakker in a match tonight. 

******** 

There was a Dragon Lee video promo. 

Jackie Redmond interviewed Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn. Fyre said it was a dream come true to win the titles in front of their friends and family. Dawn said the time for celebration was over and they were ready to take on anyone. 

Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark interrupted. Baszler noted they beat Fyre and Dawn last week — and Baszler made Jade Cargill tap out on Saturday even if the referee missed it. Zoey Stark said Fyre and Dawn were just keeping the belts warm for them. They were focused on MITB for now but would be coming for the tag belts soon. Dawn and Fyre were ready anytime.

******** 

Carlito (w/Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) defeated Dragon Lee (w/Rey Mysterio & Joaquin Wilde) (8:00) 

This was yet another uneventful match that was cut in half by a commercial break. 

Morgan walked out again in Dom’s vest. Dom wanted it back and asked where she got it. Vega ran in and attacked Morgan from behind. Dom took a cheap shot at Rey as Wilde broke up the fight between Morgan and Vega. Dom shoved Wilde into the ring steps so Rey hammered away on Dom. 

The ref was distracted so McDonagh tripped Dragon Lee off the ropes and Carlito followed with a backstabber for the pinfall win. 

********

They replayed Priest almost getting injured at Clash and Punk costing McIntyre. They also showed the video of Punk getting a referee shirt from Jessika Carr. 

Drew McIntyre is up next. (The screen glitched as he was shown walking through the back.) 

********

Gable berated Otis and Dupri in the back. Otis put his Alpha Academy gear away and told Gable, “We’re done.” Otis, Dupri and Tozawa walked off. 

Gable screamed as they left and said they weren’t done until he said so. Gable then announced they were expelled. Gable said he would win MITB and do what Otis couldn’t and that was become world champion. 

(The crowd did pop pretty big for Otis saying they were done.) 

******** 

Drew McIntyre segment 

McIntyre entered as they showed footage of him throwing a Bret Hart-level tantrum after Clash went off the air. The crowd chanted for Punk. McIntyre said Punk’s name and it was mostly cheered. McIntyre said Punk’s name again but couldn’t muster up anything else. 

McIntyre was distraught. He said: “I can’t do this anymore. Screw this company. I quit.” 

Pearce approached McIntyre and pleaded with him as he stormed off. They abruptly cut to break. 

********

Triple H spoke to McIntyre briefly during the break but McIntyre walked off. Pearce followed him but McIntyre kept walking. 

(It was hard to hear but I think McIntyre said this was Hunter’s fault too.) 

******** 

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance defeated Dakota Kai & Kairi Sane (2:26) 

Another nothing match. At least this was over quickly. 

Sane hit Carter with the Insane Elbow but Katana broke up the cover. They knocked Katana out of the ring and Lyra Valkyria came out for support as Damage CTRL set up Carter for a double-team move. 

Kai stopped what she was doing for some reason and turned her attention completely to Lyra. Carter used the opportunity to give Sane a DDT. She kicked Kai and Carter/Chance hit Afterparty for the pinfall win. Lyra celebrated with them. 

[THIRD HOUR] 

Sky was pissed at her teammates. She told them: “Damage CTRL has to change or I will change this myself.” 

********

Zayn entered to watch this match from ringside. 

When discussing what Bron did to Ricochet, Cole said, “Who knows if we’ll ever see him again.”

Sheamus defeated Bron Breakker via disqualification (12:13) 

Just as they started giving us a good match it ended in a DQ. 

Bron hit a running clothesline but Sheamus responded with a backbreaker and rolling senton. Sheamus knocked Bron out of the ring and hit a clothesline off the apron. Bron knocked Sheamus off the apron moments later. With Sheamus leaning against the announce table, Bron hit a leaping clothesline off the apron, sending both men over the table. 

Sheamus fought out of a rest hold after a break but Bron dropped him with a gut buster for two. Sheamus fought back with strikes, a clothesline, and a swinging side slam for two. 

With Smeaus sitting on the top, Bron leaped on the ropes and presumably wanted to do a Frankensteiner but he slipped and they both just fell over. 

Sheamus responded with White Noise for two. Bron hit a clothesline but Sheamus caught him with a lifting knee strike for two. Sheamus did ten beats of the Bodhrán. 

Sheamus set up for a Brogue Kick but Ludwig Kaiser tripped him and slammed his knee against the post for the DQ. 

— Sheamus went after Kaiser until Bron nailed Sheamus with a spear. Officials followed Bron to the aisle as he crossed paths with Zayn. 

Kaiser placed Sheamus’ leg on the ring steps. He was going to run around the ring and hit a dropkick into the steps but Bron (perhaps realizing Kaiser technically cost him the match) ran around the other side of the ring and crushed him with a spear. That was cool. 

Officials surrounded Bron who shoved down Zayn. Officials got between them before they could fight. 

(The DQ was disappointing but the post-match was great. Although it sorta seemed like Zayn was just going to stand there and watch as Kaiser tried to break Sheamus’ leg.) 

*******

Dom walked around the back asking everyone if they’d seen his real gorilla vest purple cow vest. Morgan was nearby wearing the vest. Dom wanted it back. She said he could have it if he took it off of her himself. 

She lowered the zipper a bit and waited for him to do the rest. Dom began lowering the zipper but stopped when Priest caught them. Dom said he was just getting his vest. Priest told him to take it and go back to the clubhouse. Dom took the vest and left. 

Morgan was quite proud of herself. Priest told her to leave the poor guy alone because he wanted nothing to do with her. Morgan laughed and said Dom wanted everything to do with her. She left. Priest called her “loca.”  

********

Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) cut a backstage promo on New Day. He challenged either man to a singles match with no one at ringside. He hoped it was Kofi Kingston and figured Kingston would want Xavier Woods to stay in the back anyway. 

Woods and Kingston cut a promo in response. Kingston said Kross hasn’t done anything since winning the NXT title while New Day were the greatest tag team of all time. Woods mentioned Kross’ challenge but Kingston stepped in front of him and accepted the challenge. 

Woods looked slightly perturbed only for a moment but smiled and shook Kingston’s hand.  

********

They plugged Punk’s appearance on Friday’s Smackdown in Chicago. 

Next week on Raw in Indianapolis: 

• Triple threat MITB qualifier: Braun Strowman vs. Chad Gable vs. Bronson Reed 
• Triple threat MITB qualifier: Lyra Valkyria vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane 

(Yes, Gable is in a qualifier with Strowman after getting squashed by him earlier.) 

********

Jey Uso cut a promo in the back alongside some fans. He planned on winning tonight and winning the Yeet-case (briefcase). 

Cole said McIntyre has deactivated his social media accounts. 

******** 

Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifier: Jey Uso defeated Finn Bálor and Rey Mysterio (15:42) 

Bálor immediately left the ring. Jey and Mysterio shook hands and had a brief exchange. Rey wiped out Bálor with a dive and they went to break 90 seconds into the match. 

Rey hit Bálor with a seated senton and springboard crossbody for two. Rey used a crucifix pin on Jey for two. Bálor tried a schoolboy on Rey for two. Rey went for 619 but Bálor knocked him down with a clothesline. Jey hit Bálor with an enziguri but Bálor connected with a Pelé Kick. They went to break again. It’s only been three minutes since the last break. 

Rey brought Bálor off the top with a hurricanrana. Jey speared Mysterio for two. Bálor shoved Jey off the top and Rey hit Bálor with a 619 to the gut. Rey followed with a sliding splash to the outside and a 619. Mysterio also gave Jey a 619. Rey then gave both men a 619 simultaneously. 

Rey went to the top but Dom ran out to stop him. Rey knocked him down but McDonagh dropped Rey. McDonagh and Carlito attacked Rey but Strowman ran out (to his music) to chase Judgment Day away. 

Jey superkicked Bálor for two. Bálor hit a slingblade for two. Rey got back in but Bálor caught him and drove him into the turnbuckle. Bálor hit Rey with Coup de Grace but Jey followed immediately with a splash on Bálor for the pinfall win. Jey qualifies for MITB. 

Jey celebrated with the crowd as they did his pose. 

Closing angle

As Jey celebrated, the lights went out as they once did for Bray Wyatt/The Fiend. 

A zombie creature crawled out of a door toward a lantern. She (presumably Nikki Cross) pointed toward the back and the camera followed her command. The back area was dark and filled with smoke. A few guys were knocked out and a large man (Erik Rowan) stood over them in a mask. The camera continued to Gorilla position which was torn apart. Lights flickered and another masked man sat nearby (Dexter Lumis). Another masked person (perhaps Joe Gacy)  was near a fallen Chad Gable. (They made it look like he was hot in the head.) 

A final masked man, Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas) led his crew to the stage. 

The firefly lights filled the arena as the new faction posed on the stage with the lantern. The leader said “We’re here,” and blew out the lantern.

(This is exactly what you’d expect. High-level WWE production, goofy over-the-top violent imagery, and the crowd eating it all up.)