The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship will be on the line on the December 5 episode of WWE Raw.
In a match announced during Monday’s Raw, The Usos are set to defend the Undisputed Tag titles against Matt Riddle and Elias on next week’s show.
WWE continued to tease dissension between Riddle and Elias during this week’s show in a backstage interview with the duo. Elias stated that he sees himself as more of “a solo artist,” while Riddle was enthusiastic about their pairing.
Riddle and Elias’s only match as a team came on the November 21 Raw show, as they defeated Alpha Academy’s Chad Gable and Otis.
The Tag title bout is the only match or segment announced for the December 5 Raw, set to take place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Here is the announced card:
WWE Raw, Monday, December 5 —
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Matt Riddle & Elias
After being known simply as “Riddle” for nearly two years in WWE, Matt Riddle was referred to as “Matt Riddle” during Monday’s Raw episode.
During an interview segment with Riddle and Seth Rollins to hype their Clash at the Castle match this coming Saturday, Raw commentator Corey Graves introduced Riddle with the full Matt Riddle moniker.
WWE.com has yet to adjust Riddle’s profile page, which still lists him as Riddle.
Riddle made his WWE debut as a member of the NXT roster in August 2018, and was known as “Matt Riddle” for the entirety of his run on that brand. He was called up to WWE’s main roster in June 2020, again known as Matt Riddle. His name was adjusted to “Riddle” in October 2020.
Under former WWE chairman Vince McMahon’s regime, wrestlers frequently had their names adjusted to remove their first or last names for various reasons, with Tommaso Ciampa, Mustafa Ali, Apollo Crews, Elias Samson, and Austin Theory a few prominent examples.
Riddle and Seth Rollins will meet at Clash at the Castle.
On Monday’s Raw, Riddle revealed in a sit-down interview that he was “medically cleared” to return to in-ring action. After an altercation with Rollins in the ring, he challenged Rollins to a match at Clash at the Castle, which takes place September 3 in Wales. WWE’s social media later confirmed the match.
Riddle, who was scheduled for a sit-down interview on Monday’s show revealed to Rollins, who was in the ring, that he wasn’t in his mom’s basement but rather he was in Washington D.C., the home of tonight’s Raw. Riddle came to the ring and the two brawled. Rollins cut him off and put Riddle’s head on the announcers table for a stomp, but Riddle reversed and connected with a knee strike. Rollins ended up fleeing into the crowd, with Riddle chasing after him.
Here’s the lineup for Clash at the Castle:
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship
Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler for the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship
Seth Rollins vs. Riddle
Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY
A Women’s Tag Team title tournament match, plus a Riddle interview segment have been announced for the August 15 WWE Raw.
In the Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament, Alexa Bliss and Asuka will team against Nikki ASH and Doudrop in a first round matchup. The winners will advance to face Dakota Kai and IYO SKY in round two, as SKY and Kai defeated Tamina and Dana Brooke in a first round bout on this week’s Raw.
Also set for next week is an “exclusive interview” with Riddle. Riddle last appeared on WWE programming in a segment with Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. The two had been set to wrestle at SummerSlam, but Riddle was taken out of the match with a storyline injury inflicted by Rollins the week of the show. Rollins then laid out Riddle at the event itself.
The August 15 Raw will take place in Washington DC at the Capital One Arena. The announced lineup:
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament first round: Asuka & Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki ASH & Doudrop
Wrestling Observer Live with Mike Sempervive is back to span the globe of professional wrestling, and delve into such topics as Philadelphia being named the home of 2024’s WrestleMania 40, and Matt Riddle being knocked off SummerSlam with a BRACHIAL PLEXUS injury.
Plus, reports on McMahon’s McManagement, Freddie Prinze Jr’s comments on Kevin Dunn, a strong Raw rating, and – of course – the world-renown NXT 2.0 on USA Network report, and much more. It’s a fun show as always so check it out~!
One of the matches that was scheduled for this weekend’s SummerSlam pay-per-view will no longer be taking place.
During this afternoon’s episode of WWE’s The Bump, it was announced that the Seth Rollins vs. Riddle match that was set for SummerSlam has been postponed. WWE stated that Riddle suffered a “brachial plexus injury” when he was attacked by Rollins on Raw this Monday.
WWE said Riddle’s injury is a “really bad stinger,” and he’s experienced some significant weakness. Riddle is medically unable to compete until he regains full strength.
According to a report from Fightful, however, the injury is not legitimate and is being used as a way to postpone the match. The current plan is for Riddle vs. Rollins to take place at Clash at the Castle in September.
BREAKING: @WWERollins injured @SuperKingofBros with a vicious attack on #WWERaw that resulted in a brachial plexus injury (a stinger). Riddle is medically disqualified until full strength returns.
The show-closing angle of this Monday’s Raw saw Rollins attack Riddle and stomp his head into the steel steps. The attack came after Riddle & The Street Profits lost to Roman Reigns & The Usos.
SummerSlam is being held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee this Saturday. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
Last Man Standing match: Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Brock Lesnar
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Becky Lynch
SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan defends against Ronda Rousey
Undisputed WWE Tag team Champions The Usos defend against The Street Profits (Jeff Jarrett will be the special guest referee)
Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin
Logan Paul vs. The Miz
United States Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Theory
No DQ match: Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor)
Date: July 25, 2022 Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City
The Big Takeaway —
There were some very minor differences but this was essentially the same Raw show as usual.
********
Show Recap —
No intro or recaps to start Raw. The show opened immediately with Miz and Logan Paul brawling in the middle of the ring until officials ran down to break them up.
Things quickly settled and they showed a clip of Miz charging out to the ring before they went on the air because Paul had called him out.
(Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton are on commentary as usual.)
*********
Roman Reigns, the Usos and Paul Heyman entered to officially kick things off at Madison Square Garden. They received a big mixed reaction including chants for Roman.
Reigns told MSG to acknowledge him. They did. Reigns said he didn’t feel like talking anymore so he handed the microphone over to Heyman.
The mic cut out as Reigns spoke and again as Heyman spoke. Heyman said they must have a sound guy from New Jersey. Heyman said, “We want your name written down, you’re the next one out the door.”
Heyman said Sunday would mark 700 days of Reigns as the champion but he knew that Brock Lesnar wanted to end Reigns’ party. Heyman noted that Lesnar ended Randy Couture when he was on top, ended Undertaker’s streak, and took John Cena to Suplex City when he was at his peak.
Heyman mentioned notable streaks in sports, whether it be the Red Sox vs. Yankees or The Rock vs. Stone Cold. However, you wouldn’t think about Lesnar alongside Reigns’ name anymore after Saturday. It was time for Lesnar to go back to Saskatchewan to slaughter hogs. In their final match against each other, Reigns would finally rid himself of Lesnar. The crowd chanted “Suplex City.”
Theory interrupted. He repeated his plan for SummerSlam again. Reigns told him to step in the ring and acknowledge his Tribal Chief. Theory was defensive as he entered the ring.
Reigns told Theory that he had no idea what to do with the briefcase so he offered him some advice. Reigns told Theory to analyze the situation. “Your daddy’s not here anymore.” This got a big pop from the crowd followed by chants of “daddy’s boy” and “who’s your daddy.” Reigns told him that the Garden belonged to him.
As the Bloodline left, Jey Uso smacked Theory in the back of the head. Theory responded by hitting him with the briefcase. Reigns held Jey back before he could go after Theory. Reigns settled things down and they left.
********
Theory was still in the ring after a break and was introduced to the live crowd. Before he could say much, he was interrupted by Drew McIntyre. I guess they’re having a match.
Drew McIntyre defeated Theory via disqualification (9:37)
This match featured your usual number of rapid camera cuts and it ended in a DQ.
McIntyre hit a Future Shock DDT and set up for the Claymore Kick but Theory rolled outside the ring. McIntyre went after him and dropped him onto the announce table which led to break. Theory briefly took the advantage after driving McIntyre into the steel steps but McIntyre came back with a vertical suplex and spinebuster for two.
As McIntyre set up for the Claymore again, Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch ran in for the DQ.
As they attacked McIntyre, Bobby Lashley ran down to make the save and they cleared the ring. Theory tried attacking from behind with the briefcase but they chased him away.
US Champion Bobby Lashley & Drew McIntyre defeated Theory & Sheamus (approx. 12:20)
This match featured interference and a distraction finish.
The match started during a break. Sheamus was amused by McIntyre chopping Theory but he used a distraction to knock down McIntyre and take control. The crowd chanted “we want Bobby” as Sheamus faked a tag to Theory. McIntyre headbutted Sheamus before tagging in Lashley.
Lashley gave Sheamus a delayed vertical suplex before giving Theory a flatliner. Lashley went to spear Theory through the barricade but Sheamus clocked him with a knee strike. Butch and Holland tried to attack McIntyre but McIntyre caught Butch and suplexed him onto Holland. The referee kicked them out and they went to another break.
They briefly had the heat on Lashley until he made the hot tag to McIntyre who hit Theory with a sit-out spinebuster for two. Lashley made a blind tag and gave Theory a chokeslam but Sheamus broke up the cover with a flying knee strike. McIntyre wiped out Sheamus but Sheamus poked him in the eye and gave him White Noise on the outside.
Theory set up for his finisher but got distracted by Dolph Ziggler who suddenly appeared at ringside so Lashley applied the Hurt Lock for the submission win.
— The Usos superkicked Theory after the match. Reigns placed the briefcase on Theory’s chest and sarcastically reminded him to bring it on Saturday.
********
There was a Rey Mysterio video package featuring words from JBL, Kurt Angle, Kofi Kingston, Batista, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and John Cena. There was a clip of Rey early in his Smackdown run where he wiped out Lance Storm and Christian with a dive off the top of the steel cage as well as clips of Rey winning the 2006 Royal Rumble and winning the world title at WrestleMania 22. They also showed Rey and Dominik winning the tag titles.
Rey, Dominik, Aalyah and Angie were shown arriving at the building.
[SECOND HOUR]
The cryptic video aired.
Ziggler told Kevin Patrick that Theory has risen fast but hasn’t done anything to earn it. AJ Styles approached him and basically agreed with him. Alpha Academy showed up to mock them and challenge them to a match. Styles and Ziggler accepted.
********
Rey Mysterio’s 20th-anniversary celebration
Rey and Dominik entered. The crowd chanted “thank you, Rey.”
Rey mentioned having his first match at 14 years old in Tijuana and never imagined back then that he would perform in a WWE ring, travel the world, make money, and create legendary rivalries for the crowd to enjoy.
Rey said guys his size were not part of the business back then but he broke the blueprint of what a superstar should look like. He was a smaller guy and a proud Latino who went on to win the world title.
Rey thanked Dean Malenko, Konnan (“K-Dog”), Batista, Kurt Angle, Edge, and of course, Eddie Guerrero. The crowd chanted for Eddie. Rey choked up as he told Eddie how much he missed him. He thanked Eddie for always watching over him.
Rey was humble and appreciated the love and support the fans have given him over the years. Rey said it meant that much more to be able to celebrate it with his family. The crowd chanted “you deserve it.”
Rey thanked Angie and Aalyah for always being there. He told Dominik that he was proud of him. Rey knew that Dominik would represent the Mysterio legacy to the fullest when he no longer could.
Rey thanked the fans for always accepting him and for the most awesome 20 years. Rey especially wanted to thank the fans at the Garden. Rey spoke in Spanish and said, “Viva mi Raza!”
Finn Bálor and Damian Priest approached through the crowd and sarcastically applauded as they went to break.
********
Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Finn Bálor & Damian Priest (approx. 10:30)
Dominik tried a dive but Priest caught him and chucked him into the barricade. Rey made a hot tag after a break and hit Priest with a springboard crossbody, kicks and a seated senton for two. Priest responded with a thrust kick for two.
Priest tried a Razor’s Edge but Rey brought him down with a hurricanrana. As Rey set up for a 619, Bálor made a blind tag and killed Rey with a clothesline. Bálor followed with a shotgun dropkick and Coup de Grace but Dominik broke up the cover.
Bálor tried the Eddie Guerrero trick by chucking a chair at Rey before taking a bump. Dominik had the ref distracted though so Rey chucked it back at Bálor and took a bump himself. As Bálor pleaded with the ref, Rey dropped both members of Judgment Day on the ropes and the Mysterios followed with 619s.
Rey gave Bálor a frog splash for the pinfall win. The crowd popped big for the win.
The celebration and match finish was a big thumbs up.
********
They aired clips of Titus O’Neil and Cody Rhodes (with Brandi Rhodes) at the ESPYs.
********
Mysterios/Judgment Day angle
Rey’s extended family was shown celebrating in the back. Rey and Dominik entered to celebrate with them and Rey took a shot of tequila. Aalyah had a gift for him: his original gear from Halloween Havoc 1997. Rey was surprised to see it and said he’s been looking everywhere for it.
Rhea Ripley entered the room. Aalyah told her to back off. It was a distraction and the Mysterios were attacked by Bálor and Priest. They put Rey through a table.
(During the ambush, Bálor yelled, “it’s not your anniversary, it’s my birthday!” which was pretty damn funny.)
********
Bianca Belair/Becky Lynch segment
This was supposed to be a promo by Bianca Belair but she was immediately interrupted by Becky Lynch. Belair was in the middle of her catchphrase when Lynch decked her. Belair fought back and they brawled until officials broke it up.
********
Sarah Schrieber asked Alexa Bliss about having Doudrop again. Bliss couldn’t blame Doudrop for asking for this match again but what she didn’t understand was her relationship with Nikki ASH. Bliss didn’t think they seemed to be gaining anything from it, unlike her and Lily. She claimed Lily was independent and made her own money — she was even number one on WWE Shop.
Bliss got serious and informed Belair and Lynch that she was coming for the winner of their match at SummerSlam.
********
Medical staff checked on Rey in the back when Bálor and Priest showed up to mock him so Dominik chased them away. Ripley booted Rey and wished him a happy anniversary. Dominik returned to check on Rey.
Alexa Bliss defeated Doudrop (w/Nikki ASH) (4:22)
Bliss set up for Twisted Bliss but Nikki knocked her off the ropes. It didn’t matter though because Bliss countered a Doudrop powerslam into a DDT for the pinfall win.
The crowd was silent for this.
********
AJ Styles told Logan Paul that he liked what he did to Miz earlier. Styles told Paul that he didn’t really like him that much (“I don’t know you that well”), but he liked Miz even less. He told Paul to do us all a favour and shut the Miz’s mouth at SummerSlam. They bumped fists.
[THIRD HOUR]
impaulsive TV with host Logan Paul
Logan Paul noted that his brother would be fighting in MSG next week which drew a smattering of boos. He said that was next week but tonight was the debut of “impaulsive TV.” He called out Miz.
Miz didn’t show but Maryse did. She plugged her show before warning Paul to never talk about her kids again. She didn’t appreciate Paul’s comments about Miz’s “package.” (Maryse had a purse or something shaped like silver balls.) She said Miz had average-sized testicles and Paul wondered who measured their testicles.
Miz entered to his music and said he measures his testicles. He warned Paul that he was getting big-match Miz at SummerSlam. Paul told him to shut up. Paul mentioned his balls again so Maryse tried smacking the mic out of his hand. Paul said she had bigger balls than Miz.
Ciampa tried attacking from behind but Paul fought him off. Paul tackled Miz so Ciampa pulled him off and they double-teamed him until Miz gave him a Skull Crushing Finale. There was a modest “one more time” chant as Miz and Ciampa stood tall.
This was quite bad.
********
Patrick interviewed the Street Profits and the Usos. Jeff Jarrett (wearing a referee shirt five days early) stood between them. The teams exchanged words before Jarrett told them to shut up. He warned them to keep the peace or else.
********
Chad Gable told New York not to boo an Olympian and not to boo a man with a Master’s degree who did it with a 4.0 GPA. He warned them that the island they live on would collapse to the bottom of the ocean under the weight of human garbage and that was just science speaking. He said Ziggler and Styles weren’t a real team and would fail just like the Knicks.
AJ Styles & Dolph Ziggler defeated Alpha Academy (7:29)
They went to break a minute into the match and Alpha Academy took control during the break after Otis dropped Styles onto the barricade. Ziggler made a tag but was quickly cut off by Otis. Gable followed with the Chaos Theory suplex (he used this recently as a finisher but didn’t go for a cover here). Gable tried a moonsault but Ziggler dodged and hit a superkick. Otis broke up the cover so Ziggler and Styles worked together to take him out.
Styles blocked a Gable suplex attempt and Ziggler gave him a Zig-Zag for the pinfall win.
********
The announcers ran down the SummerSlam card. A no disqualification match between the Mysterios and Judgment Day was added to the show.
********
I feel obligated to do this before the main event every week, so here goes:
10:28pm – Bloodline enter 10:31pm – Commercial break 10:35pm – Street Profits enter 10:36pm – Riddle enters 10:37pm – Main event begins 10:40pm – Commercial break 10:44pm – Main event resumes, heat on the babyfaces 10:49pm – Commercial break 10:53pm – Main event resumes 10:57pm – Main event concludes
Six-man tag team match: Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Riddle & The Street Profits (19:23)
This opened with the usual sequence. Ford wiped out the Usos with a flip dive which led to break less than three minutes into the match and the heels were randomly in control after the break.
Ford (who earlier yelled, “acknowledge me” at Reigns) briefly ran wild before Reigns cut him off with a Uranage. Ford got busted open at some point here (possibly after getting driven into the turnbuckle).
The Bloodline continued to work over Ford after another break. Reigns knocked Angelo Dawkins off the apron as he set up for a spear and the distraction allowed Ford to hit a blockbuster.
Riddle tagged in and handed out suplexes and sentons to Jimmy and Jey Uso before wiping them out with a dive. Riddle gave Jimmy a powerslam but Reigns had tagged himself in and hit a superman punch.
Ford broke up the cover and took out Jey with a dive. Jimmy knocked down Ford with a suicide dive before Dawkins tackled the Usos into the barricade. Reigns then drove Dawkins into the steel steps.
The crowd popped for Riddle who gave Reigns a draping DDT. However, Reigns blocked an RKO and hit a spear for the pinfall win.
— Seth Rollins entered after the match as the Bloodline was leaving. Rollins and Reigns exchanged looks before Rollins attacked Riddle. He hit Riddle with the steel steps and stomped him. Rollins hit one more stomp onto the steel steps.
Roman Reigns will be in action when Raw comes to Madison Square Garden this Monday (July 25).
WWE has announced that The Bloodline (Reigns & The Usos) will face Riddle & The Street Profits in a six-man tag team match on Monday’s episode of Raw. It will be the first time Reigns has wrestled on television since retaining his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Riddle on SmackDown five weeks ago.
Monday’s episode is Raw’s go-home show for SummerSlam. Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing match at the Saturday, July 30 pay-per-view in Nashville, Tennessee.
Though Lesnar walked out before tonight’s SmackDown when it was announced that Vince McMahon is retiring from WWE, Lesnar ended up returning and appearing on the show. Lesnar was involved in an angle where he laid out Theory.
Theory currently holds the Money in the Bank briefcase and has said that he’s going to cash in after Reigns and Lesnar’s match at SummerSlam.
The Usos vs. The Street Profits for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles is also set for SummerSlam. Jeff Jarrett will be the special guest referee for that match.
Here’s the updated lineup for Monday’s Raw:
Roman Reigns & The Usos vs. Riddle & The Street Profits
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor)
Rey Mysterio celebrates the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut
Seth Rollins will face Riddle in a match set for July 30 in Nashville. The two have been feuding in recent weeks, with Riddle laying out Rollins with an RKO two weeks ago on Raw. On last week’s Raw, Riddle and Bobby Lashley defeated Seth Rollins and Theory in a tag match.
On tonight’s show, Riddle was on the KO Show with Kevin Owens when Rollins attacked him from behind, giving Riddle two stomps.
Here is the latest card for SummerSlam:
Last Man Standing match: Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Brock Lesnar
SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Becky Lynch
Seth Rollins vs. Riddle
Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin
United States Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Theory
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) defend against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
Brock Lesnar is set to appear on this coming Monday’s Raw.
Along with a Lesnar appearance, Theory is set to face Riddle, and a United States title open challenge featuring Bobby Lashley was also announced.
Lesnar will appear on Raw for the first time since returning to WWE television last month on SmackDown, setting up a last man standing match between himself and Roman Reigns at SummerSlam on July 30 in Nashville. On tonight’s show, Reigns appeared and put over the match. Heyman said that he was scared, as putting Lesnar down for a ten count would mean we would see a violent Reigns.
Although Lashley defeated Theory to win the United States title, Theory ended Money in the Bank with the suitcase after being added to the ladder match. On Raw the following Monday, he told Lashley that he would get a rematch for the United States title at SummerSlam.
Here is the current lineup for Monday’s Raw:
Brock Lesnar appearance
Riddle vs. Theory
Bobby Lashley to defend the United States title in an open challenge match
Two more wrestlers have qualified for Saturday’s WWE Money in the Bank ladder matches.
Becky Lynch and Riddle claimed spots in the ladder bouts with wins on this week’s WWE Raw. Riddle won a 20-man battle royal to earn a spot in the men’s Money in the Bank match, while Lynch won a six-way elimination match in Raw’s main event to secure the last spot in the women’s Money in the Bank bout.
The women’s field is now set at seven competitors, while it appears as though there will be one more men’s qualifying match on this week’s SmackDown to bring that lineup to seven.
Here is the lineup for Money in the Bank:
WWE Money in the Bank, Saturday, July 2, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Omos vs. Sami Zayn vs. Riddle vs. TBD
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match: Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Lacey Evans vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Shotzi vs. Becky Lynch
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Carmella
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Natalya
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. The Street Profits
United States Championship: Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley
SmackDown takes place from the Target Center in Minneapolis tonight and features an appearance by Vince McMahon.
After it was announced this morning that McMahon is stepping away from his role as chairman and CEO until the investigation into his alleged misconduct is completed, McMahon will likely address the situation tonight. McMahon is still in charge of WWE creative, while Stephanie McMahon is serving as interim CEO and interim chairwoman.
“WWE today announced that Mr. McMahon will appear on SmackDown tonight at 8 pm ET live on FOX,” WWE wrote.
Tonight’s SmackDown will also feature Roman Reigns’ first televised defense of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. If Riddle doesn’t defeat Reigns tonight, Riddle can’t challenge for the title again while Reigns is champion.
Plus, Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin will clash in a “Last Laugh” match. The first client of Max Dupri’s Maximum Male Models agency will also be revealed.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Mr. McMahon Segment
This probably wasn’t what people were expecting. McMahon spoke briefly but never discussed the allegations, stepping down as CEO, or Stephanie McMahon becoming interim CEO.
Vince McMahon’s music hit to start SmackDown. He got a positive reaction from the fans as they sang his theme music.
McMahon’s happy to be at the Target Center in Minneapolis. He mentioned the signature at the beginning, “Now. Then. Forever.” He then welcomed everyone to SmackDown and left. The fans gave him a positive reaction as he walked to the back.
They cut to the SmackDown opening intro video.
***********
Riddle Segment
The crowd’s been hot for the first two segments. Riddle was good in the segment. The fans loved him and treated him like a star.
Riddle got a big pop when his music hit. Before Riddle kicks off Roman Reigns’ head, he wants to discuss his feud with Reigns.
They showed a lengthy video package recapping the Riddle vs. Reigns feud
After the video, the fans gave Riddle a massive reaction and applause. Riddle mentioned Orton having a big operation coming up. The fans broke into a loud “Randy” chant.
Riddle added that he misses Orton and loves him. He thanked Orton for everything he did for him. The fans broke into a “Thank you, Randy” chant. Riddle turned his attention to his title match tonight. He dedicated the match to Orton and left to Orton’s music.
*********
They recapped the Madcap Moss vs. Happy Corbin feud.
Moss and Corbin had an okay match. It dragged when Corbin was in control. Moss was good in the match and got a good reaction from his hometown fans.
Nobody explained the rules of a “Last Laugh” match. It’s just a regular match.
Corbin was briefly in control until Moss caught him with a boot to the face. Moss hit a second rope shoulder block. Corbin regained control and slowed the pace down with a chin lock. The fans broke into a “Corbin sucks” chant.
Moss fired back and hit a shoulder tackle in the corner. He followed up with a fall-away slam. Corbin took over after sending Moss shoulder-first into the ring post. They briefly brawled at ringside. Corbin rocked Moss with a clothesline over the barricade.
Back from the break, Corbin and Moss fought on the apron. Corbin caught Moss with a deep six for a near fall.
Corbin caught Moss with a chokeslam for a near fall. They brawled around ringside again. Moss sent Corbin into the announce table, and they teased a countout win. Instead, Corbin jumped back in, but Moss hit the Punchline. Moss then hit a second Punchline for the win.
After the match, Moss laughed at Corbin.
***********
In the back, Street Profits were excited to be at SmackDown tonight. They discussed the Riddle vs. Reigns main event. They picked Riddle to win. They’re targeting The Usos and promised to win the titles.
***********
They went back to ringside to Cole and McAfee. Corbin was still at ringside.
Corbin confronted Pat McAfee for his negative comments. He yelled at McAfee for criticizing him, mocking his talk show, and thinking he didn’t deserve pyro. He warned McAfee that he’d beat up him in the ring.
McAfee grabbed the mic and made fun of Corbin. The crowd chanted along with him as he told Corbin to leave. McAfee got the entire crowd to laugh at him. McAfee was great in the segment. They appear to be setting up McAfee vs. Corbin.
New Day made their way to the ring for their match. They laughed at Corbin too.
***********
The SmackDown moment of the week was Edge & Hulk Hogan winning the tag team titles.
They recapped Natalya attacking Ronda Rousey and injuring her with the sharpshooter.
Megan Morant interviewed Natalya. She bragged about attacking Rousey last week. Natalya claimed she proved the sharpshooter is more dangerous than Rousey’s armbar. She promised to be the first person to force Rousey to tap out.
********
New Day defeated Jinder Mahal & Shanky (3:02)
This was a fine match. They didn’t get a lot of time, but it was all about Shanky’s dancing anyway.
Before the match, Mahal told Shanky to stop dancing on the apron.
Mahal had the brief advantage until Woods hit a springboard dropkick. New Day isolated Mahal, but he broke free. Mahal tagged in Shanky. Shanky rocked Kingston with a chop and clothesline.
Shanky backed Kingston in the corner and threw him across the ring. Suddenly, Woods started playing the trombone. The music distracted Shanky and caused him to dance. Mahal was furious at Shanky and tagged in the ring. He yelled at Shanky. Kingston then hit Mahal with trouble in paradise for the win.
Shanky danced after the match.
*********
They showed a Viking Raiders video package.
Drew McIntyre-Sheamus Money In the Bank Segment
This was a basic WWE segment. Pearce announced that both guys are in the Money in the Bank ladder match. The crowd was into the segment and gave McIntyre a good reaction.
McIntrye made his way to the ring.
Cole explained that Adam Pearce must decide if McIntrye or Sheamus will be in this year’s men’s ladder match.
In the back, Sheamus ordered Butch and Ridge Holland to stay in the back. Butch didn’t care, but Holland promised to hold him back.
In the ring, Pearce noted that both McIntrye and Sheamus failed to qualify but demanded to be in the match. McIntyre doesn’t care about statistics and demands a spot in the ladder match. Sheamus noted he successfully cashed in before. He added that McIntyre got cashed in on and lost the title.
They recapped McIntyre vs. Sheamus from last week.
Pearce noted he spoke with management and announced Sheamus is in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Sheamus gloated and laughed at McIntrye. McIntyre snapped and beat down Sheamus.
Pearce stopped McIntyre and announced that he’s also in the ladder match. McIntyre smiled and then took out Sheamus with the Claymore.
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Sami Zayn approached Roman Reigns’ locker room door but didn’t knock. Kayla Braxton approached Zayn. She wondered if there was any ill will from the Bloodline since he’s the reason Riddle has a title match. Zayn assured Braxton that everything was fine.
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Earlier today, Rodriguez noted she was close to winning the SmackDown Women’s title. She promised to win Money in the Bank.
Baszler guaranteed to ruin Rodriguez’s dreams.
Lacey Evans joined the commentators for the match.
Money In The Bank qualifying match: Raquel Rodriguez defeated Shayna Baszler (3:15)
This was an okay match. The crowd seemed dead for most of it, and the finish was flat.
Rodriguez backed Baszler in the corner at the bell. She whipped Baszler hard into the turnbuckle. Baszler fought back and worked over Rodrguez’s leg.
They showed Aliyah and Shotzi watching in the back. Aliyah takes on Shotzi next week in a MITB qualifying match.
Rodriguez tried fighting back with a powerslam. Baszler slipped out and hit a chop block. Rodriguez regained control and suddenly pinned Baszler to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match.
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Shinsuke Nakamura wished Riddle luck as he was warming up.
The lights dimmed in the arena, and they placed a spotlight in the ring.
In the back, Max Dupri was in Pearce’s office. He was furious about the lighting. He decided that his new clients won’t debut until the issues get resolved.
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They recapped Gunther defeating Ricochet to win the Intercontinental title.
Kayla Braxton tried to interview Gunther, but Ludwig Kaiser took it over. The fans broke into a faint “Walter” chant. Kaiser spoke about the heritage of the title. He added that the first Intercontinental champion was French Canadian. He promised that no American would disgrace the title again.
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WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Riddle (16:56)
Riddle and Reigns had an awesome match. They worked hard and told a good story. The fans were solidly behind Riddle. There was even a near fall where the fans thought he might win the title.
The stipulations were If Riddle lost, he could never challenge Reigns for the title again.
Riddle got a huge reaction during the special ring introductions.
Riddle attacked Reigns at the bell with kicks in the corner. Reigns fired back with a right hand, but Riddle recovered. Riddle hit a fisherman suplex and followed up with a floating bro to the floor.
Back from the break, Reigns rocked Riddle with a right hand to regain control. He destroyed Riddle with a series of forearm shots. Reigns choked Riddle on the bottom rope and hit the drive-by for a near fall.
Reigns slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Riddle broke free, and they traded shots. Riddle fired up and hit a running forearm in the corner. He hit a suplex and went for the bro-ton, but Reigns got his knees up. Riddle then hit the floating bro for a very close near fall.
Reigns hit the rock bottom to take back over. He then gave Riddle a back suplex on the announce table like Randy Orton. Reigns looked into the camera and cut a promo on Orton. He mocked Orton’s back injury and promised to see him when he returns.
Back from the break, Reigns posed over Riddle’s body to loud boos. Riddle blocked a Superman punch with a jumping knee. He followed up with a power slam and set up for the draping DDT. Reigns broke free. Riddle then gave Reigns the back suplex on the announce table. The fans broke into a “Randy” chant.
Back in the ring, Riddle hit the draping DDT and set up for the RKO. Reigns avoided it and hit the Superman Punch for a close near fall. The fans thought that was the finish and popped for Riddle kicking out.
Reigns went for the spear, but Riddle hit the RKO out of nowhere for a close near fall. The fans were certain that was the finish. Riddle hit the floating bro and went for the RKO again. Reigns pushed him off. Riddle avoided Reigns and leaped off the second rope, but Reigns hit a massive spear for the win.
The Usos ran out to celebrate with Reigns.
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Roman Reigns Promo
Brock Lesnar returned to confront Reigns. Lesnar appears to be Orton’s replacement. The fans were shocked and gave him a huge reaction.
After the match, Reigns grabbed the mic to boos. He yelled that there was nobody left. He noted two years ago that he promised they’d wreck everyone and leave. That’s what he just did. He wrecked Riddle, and now they’re leaving. He added that there’s just one more thing. He demanded that Minnesota acknowledge him. The fans erupted in boos. Reigns posed, and the Bloodline started to leave.
Suddenly, Brock Lesnar’s music hit to a gigantic pop. Reigns told the Usos to leave the ring as Lesnar entered. Lesnar and Reigns faced off for a moment. Lesnar cracked a smile and offered a handshake. Reigns hesitated but eventually went to shake his hand. Of course, Lesnar grabbed Reigns and hit the F-5. The Usos jumped in, but Lesnar gave them each an F-5 to end a good SmackDown.
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Next Week: Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against Ricochet. In a men’s Money In the Bank qualifying match, Shinsuke Nakamura takes on Sami Zayn. Plus, Aliyah goes one-on-one with Shotzi in a women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match.
A new stipulation has been added to Friday’s WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Riddle.
Tonight’s episode of Raw opened with Riddle coming out to confront Reigns’ special counsel Paul Heyman, who was a guest on Miz TV. Heyman told Riddle that if he were to lose the match on Friday against Reigns, he could never receive another title shot as long as Reigns is the champion.
Riddle earned a championship match on last week’s SmackDown after defeating Sami Zayn. The stipulations for that match had been if Riddle were to win, he would get a championship match against Reigns, but if he lost, he would be barred from SmackDown.
Reigns has not defended the WWE Universal Championship on television since unifying the WWE and Universal titles at WrestleMania 38, defeating Brock Lesnar. His last on-air match was a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania Backlash, where he and The Usos defeated Drew McIntyre, Riddle, and Randy Orton.
Riddle will face Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship on next week’s SmackDown.
Riddle defeated Sami Zayn in the main event of this week’s SmackDown episode, with the stipulation that he would earn the shot at Reigns with a win, but would be banned from SmackDown with a loss. Riddle pinned Zayn with an RKO, then fought off an attack from The Usos after the match.
Next week’s title defense will be the first for Reigns on television since he unified the WWE and Universal Championships at WrestleMania 38.
Also announced for next week, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss in a “Last Laugh” match, plus Max Dupri will unveil his first Maximum Male Models client. Dupri’s reveal was originally announced for this week, but a storyline reason of “travel difficulties in Europe” was given for the postponement.
Here is next week’s lineup:
WWE SmackDown, Friday, June 17 —
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Riddle
Last Laugh match: Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss
Max Dupri debuts his first Maximum Male Models client
Riddle has issued a challenge to Roman Reigns for an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match.
Appearing on Miz TV on this week’s Raw episode, Riddle vowed to take the Universal title from Reigns at an unspecified future date.
It was reported last month that Reigns vs. Riddle for the Universal title was planned for Money in the Bank on July 2, but WWE has yet to officially announce the bout.
Dave Meltzer mentioned Riddle, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre as potential planned challengers for Reigns this summer, with Riddle tentatively scheduled for Money in the Bank, Orton possibly slated for SummerSlam on July 30, and McIntyre the potential challenger for Clash at the Castle on September 3.
McIntyre issued a challenge to Reigns for Clash at the Castle on last week’s SmackDown, but that match has yet to be confirmed.
Clash at the Castle and SummerSlam are stadium shows, while Money in the Bank was originally slated as a stadium event before it was moved to the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
