In his hometown of Laval, Quebec, Canada, Zayn teamed with his best friend Kevin Owens to defeat Judgment Day’s Finn Balor & Dominik Mysterio. It started as a singles match between Zayn and Balor before ending in a disqualification. Owens then made a surprise appearance at the show and helped Zayn even the odds.
But that wasn’t what made the show so special for Zayn. What truly made it an unforgettable experience is that Zayn’s son got to see him wrestle for the first time.
While speaking to the crowd after the tag match, Zayn said this was even more special than Elimination Chamber in Montreal, where he challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Last night was the first time @SamiZayn ‘s son watch him wrestle a truly touching moment. At the end of the day they are just parents who also want to make their kids proud. #WWEMontrealpic.twitter.com/nzL7hX3pdf
— Laurence Cartier | @LoveWrestlingCA (@CartierNDG) December 29, 2023
Zayn said:
You know, I’ve been coming to Montreal as a part of WWE for over 10 years now. And every single time I come I think, ‘Man, that was special. There’s no way next time will be quite as special.’ And guess what, next time is even more special. And I’ve said this over and over and over for 10 years. And after Elimination Chamber in Montreal, with all of you in my corner, I felt there’s no way it could get more special than that. But again I was wrong. Because tonight is somehow more special again.
Kevin might have mentioned, he’s got his wonderful family who supported him all these years sitting right here. You see them every time we’re in Montreal. For those of you that come to the show, you’ll see these guys right here who have been supporting me all these years, my family in the front row right here. But tonight is even more special, because you may know this about me by now, I’m a little bit of a private person, I keep some of this stuff to myself. Some of you might not know this, but I have a little boy. And he’s this cutie patootie right here in the red shirt.
When I’m at home, I’m not a WWE Superstar, I’m not Sami Zayn, I’m just Baba. And this young man right here has never seen me wrestle. He knows nothing about what I do. Tonight is the first time ever that he sees me in this ring.
Owens was originally advertised for WWE’s house show in Houston on Thursday night but appeared on the Laval/Montreal show instead.
Zayn made his return on this week’s WWE Holiday Tour events, appearing for the first time since an angle where he was attacked by Drew McIntyre on the December 4 episode of Raw. Zayn had requested and been granted time off by WWE.
After a few weeks off, Sami Zayn is returning for WWE’s holiday week house shows.
Zayn made a social media post on Tuesday confirming that he’ll be wrestling at five WWE house shows this week. They will be his first matches since the December 4 episode of Raw, which included an injury angle where Zayn was attacked by Drew McIntyre.
Zayn wrote:
I WILL be performing on WWE’s Holiday Tour. 5 great cities in 5 nights to end 2023, the wildest year of my career.
Tonight – MSG. New York City
Tomorrow – Boston
Dec 28 – Montreal
Dec 29 – Toronto
Dec 30 – Los Angeles
Crazy times. Lots of love. Thanks for letting me play x
Haven’t been very active on here [X/Twitter] lately. It’s been a crazy and in some ways difficult time for me, but I’m so grateful to be in such great cities, with such great fans, to end such a remarkable year. This life has been too good to me. Just know I’m very happy to be here with you.
Dave Meltzer reported after the Zayn/McIntyre attack angle that Zayn had asked for time off recently and had been granted it. Zayn wasn’t scheduled for the December 28 house show in his hometown of Montreal/Laval at that time, though Meltzer noted that it was possible Zayn would be added.
Zayn & Jey Uso vs. Finn Balor & Damian Priest is advertised for tonight’s Madison Square Garden house show.
Sami Zayn may be taking some time off from WWE events.
In the new edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update on Zayn after an injury angle from this Monday’s Raw. Meltzer noted that he doesn’t have it confirmed that Zayn will be off for a while following the angle, but he does know that Zayn had asked for time off recently and was granted it. Meltzer wasn’t told when Zayn’s time off would begin.
It looked like they were doing an injury angle with McIntyre and Zayn when McIntyre stomped on Zayn’s bad knee. I don’t have it confirmed Zayn will be off for a while due to that, but do know that he had asked for time off recently and was granted it but wasn’t told when that would begin past he was not scheduled for 12/28 show in Laval, Quebec that would normally be built around him as that was during the scheduled break although it is possible they could have him do that show.
Drew McIntyre defeated Zayn on Raw after taking advantage of a supposed leg injury that Zayn suffered. After the match, McIntyre attacked Zayn backstage.
The December 28 event in Laval is a WWE Holiday Tour house show.
McIntyre also laid out Jey Uso and Seth Rollins on Monday’s Raw. McIntyre attacked Uso after Rollins retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Uso in the main event.
Drew McIntyre was on a warpath last night, leaving Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, and Sami Zayn all laid out.
The main event of last night’s Raw was Rollins vs. Jey for the World Heavyweight Championship. With the match taking place on the 14th anniversary of Umaga’s death, Jey dedicated the match to his late uncle. Jey put up a great fight and came close to winning the title but ultimately lost after Rollins was able to counter a spear attempt and hit a Pedigree. Rollins followed up with a stomp for the victory.
Rollins and Jey showed respect to each other and shook hands after the match. When Jey left the ring, he was dropped with a Claymore by McIntyre. Rollins tried to help Jey, but McIntyre caught Rollins on a dive and gave him a suplex on the floor.
McIntyre them slammed Jey through the announce table to end the show.
McIntyre’s demolition of Zayn happened near the beginning of the night. During a promo segment, Zayn mentioned McIntyre’s family by saying that, when Zayn lost in front of his family, he stayed driven and used that motivation to win in the main event of WrestleMania. Zayn got redemption and made his family proud. But Zayn questioned if McIntyre was making his own family proud with his delusions and excuse-making.
Furious at Zayn, McIntyre demanded that his match against Zayn start immediately. McIntyre got the win after taking advantage of a leg injury when Zayn tweaked his leg during the match. Getting the win wasn’t enough for McIntyre, who then attacked Zayn backstage after the match was over.
Seth Rollins will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on next week’s Raw.
It was revealed during this week’s show that Rollins vs. Jey Uso for the WWE World Heavyweight title is set for the Monday, December 4 edition of Raw. Rollins announced the title match during an in-ring promo segment with Drew McIntyre on this week’s show.
McIntyre asked Rollins for a World Heavyweight title rematch on Raw, noting that he had fallen short against Rollins at Crown Jewel in his title challenge earlier this month in part thanks to Uso. Rollins stated that he thought that McIntyre did deserve a rematch, but that there were other stars who deserved a title shot more, including Uso.
McIntyre then attacked Rollins with a headbutt, and a cut opened up on McIntyre’s forehead.
Later in a backstage segment, Sami Zayn confronted McIntyre and said that he was better than he was acting, which McIntyre responded to by saying he was going to ask Adam Pearce for a match against Zayn next week. That match was officially announced later in the program.
The announced lineup for the Monday, December 4 WWE Raw:
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Jey Uso
The yearly tradition of the JNPO pro wrestling year in review series has returned: a month-by-month look at nearly everything that happened in 2023.
This episode covers February which was dominated by the run-up to WWE Elimination Chamber in Montreal and the discussion of whether Sami Zayn could leave his home country with the undisputed WWE Universal title. Spoiler: he didn’t.
Joining me to discuss is F4WOnline writer and proud Canadian Ian Carey.
Along with all EC talk, we discuss how Vince McMahon was continuing to embed himself within WWE after forcing his way back in January, in addition to the build to WrestleMania 39 as several new matches were made.
While it was mainly a month of transition for AEW, Jay White was making news in NJPW by losing both a loser leaves Japan and loser leaves NJPW match during the course of the month.
It was also a good month for Mercedes Mone who followed up her debut at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom with a victory over KAIRI for the IWGP Women’s title.
Ian and I talk about all that plus hundreds more topics over the course of an hour. Come relive wrestling history with us, won’t you?
Date: November 13, 2023 Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
Show Recap —
Cody Rhodes entered (wearing a suit) to start the show as the announcers ran down tonight’s card. Rhodes said he had a lot of wonderful memories in this arena and would give the fans another when he and Jey Uso won the tag team championships tonight. The crowd chanted for Cody.
Rhodes introduced his teammates for War Games. Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins all entered separately. (Wade Barrett noted how loudly the crowd reacted to each of their entrances and, of course, they sang Rollins’ song.) Rhodes said they were all there because of Judgment Day. Rhodes looked at each man and there was obviously tension between him and Rollins.
Judgment Day interrupted (minus Rhea Ripley). Finn Bálor and Damian Priest said the men in the ring weren’t a real team, while Judgment Day were a family. Priest said they’d finally be done with them after Survivor Series.
Bálor asked Rollins what it felt like being the champion but standing with Rhodes — a man he could never beat. Priest asked Rhodes what it felt like knowing he could beat all of his teammates but the one thing he can’t be is champion. Bálor told Zayn that everyone knew he was just a loser. Priest asked if they thought they could trust Jey Uso after he screwed all of them.
Dominik Mysterio tried to chime in but the crowd booed over him. Zayn said nobody wanted to hear from him. Zayn said they would put their histories aside to take down Judgment Day. Zayn warned Judgment Day that they didn’t know what they were in for and said it would be the most brutal match of their lives. When it was over, the power would lie with the men in the ring.
Rhodes was surprised that Judgment Day found their way to the ring without Rhea Ripley. Rhodes egged them on about not having a leader and Priest interrupted him to proclaim himself as the leader. The crowd buzzed and Bálor gave him a look.
Rollins was sick of the talking and wanted a match with Zayn as his partner. Priest accepted on behalf of Dom and JD McDonagh.
********
Sami Zayn & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defeated JD McDonagh & NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio via disqualification (10:34)
Dom did the three amigos and Michael Cole referenced Eddie Guerrero and said he was thinking of Eddie today. (Today is the anniversary of Guerrero’s death.)
Zayn and Rollins hit stereo dives ahead of a break but Cole let us know that Judgment Day took over during the break. Rollins made a hot tag and was all over Dom. McDonagh tried to interfere so Zayn took him out. Dom went for a 619 but Rollins hit him off with a superkick and buckle bomb.
Rollins set up for the curb stomp but Priest and Bálor interfered for the DQ. Priest and Bálor attacked as Ripley directed traffic. Jey and Rhodes ran out to make the save. Everyone brawled as officials and a dozen security guards ran down to separate them. Jey went to spear Priest but McDonagh took the bullet.
— Adam Pearce grabbed a mic and was pissed that another match was ruined. Pearce announced that everyone not involved in the tag title match was banned from the arena. Ripley argued with him as they went to break.
********
After a commercial break, they were somehow still arguing. Ripley said Raw needed Judgment Day. Pearce said, “Frankly my dear, I do not give a damn.” (Cole chuckled and referenced Clark Gable.) Pearce said he ran Raw, not Judgment Day. Pearce was about to announce that Ripley was banned too but Zoey Stark interrupted.
Stark said Ripley wasn’t as dumb as she looked and said she must know why she was out there. Ripley wanted to hear this so Pearce let it continue. Stark said Ripley had too much on her plate: War Games, the tag titles, Dom and her own title. Stark warned Ripley about overlooking her.
Ripley said she wasn’t overlooking her. Ripley has been following her since NXT and knew they would end up in the ring together. Ripley said Stark sent Trish Stratus packing and she beat Becky Lynch. Ripley said Stark reminded her of herself but the only way she would win a title is if she was on another brand.
The crowd was quiet for this until they sang along when Ripely said, “Mami is always on top.” Ripley said she was not spreading herself too thin. She could handle it all because she was Rhea bloody Ripley. She told Stark to leave.
Stark said she would win the title at Survivor Series. Ripley tried to attack but Stark ducked and dumped her from the ring. Stark teased a dive but Ripley backed away.
(The crowd liked Ripley so they weren’t into Stark at all.)
********
There was a Shinsuke Nakamura promo video. His promo was directed at someone specific but he didn’t mention who. Cole wondered who it could be. Nakamura started with: “You are blessed with so much privilege so I am taking away your choice. The opportunity is mine now.” He ended the promo with: “I will wait for now because I know it all ends by my hands.”
********
Zayn and Rollins spoke in the back when they were approached by Rhodes. Rhodes asked Zayn if he could speak to Rollins. Zayn let them be.
Rhodes told Rollins that they could hate each other 364 days of the year but at War Games, he needed Rollins and the team needed Rollins. Rollins said he didn’t like Rhodes and probably never would but he did respect him. Rollins promised Rhodes that they’d be all good at Survivor Series. Rollins patted him on the back and told him to win the tag titles. Rhodes was content.
Otis ran over Nakamura outside the ring ahead of a break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Otis continued on offence following the break, hitting a powerbomb, back elbows, a clothesline and Caterpillar elbow drop for two. (The referee checked on Nakamura after the powerbomb.) Nakamura responded with an enziguri but Otis countered a Kinshasa into a World’s Strongest Slam for a nearfall.
Nakamura hit a diving knee strike off the top but Otis didn’t go down. Nakamura kicked his leg out of his leg and hit a Kinshasa to the back of the head. Otis still didn’t go all the way down so Nakamura hit him with another Kinshasa, this time to the face, for the pinfall win.
The crowd liked Otis and was into the nearfalls.
— Nakamura shoved Gable as he checked on Otis. Gable wanted to go after him but Tozawa and Dupri held him back. Nakamura taunted Gable as he backed away.
********
There was a War Games video package and they explained the match rules.
Drew McIntyre approached Rollins in the back. McIntyre said Rollins was right. He lost at Crown Jewel and he had no one to blame but himself. Maybe it’ll be the best thing that could have happened to him.
McIntyre said he’s been wanting to give Rollins something since last week. Rollins got his guard up but McIntyre offered a handshake. Rollins shook his hand. McIntyre congratulated him and told him to represent the title. He planned on working his ass off and getting a rematch. Rollins was sure of it.
(They left the camera on Rollins long enough to show him gingerly walking away. It was long enough to make you think McIntyre might attack, but he didn’t.)
********
There was a Tegan Nox video package.
Tegan Nox (w/Natalya) defeated Tag Team Champion Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green) (4:48)
Natalya did her best to get the crowd behind Nox but they didn’t bite. Nox started to get some offence until Green jumped on the apron right in front of the ref. The distraction allowed Niven to knock down Nox. Natalya decked Green so Niven decked Natalya. That allowed Nox to hit NIven with the Shiniest Wizard but Niven got her leg on the rope. Niven tried to sit down on Nox but Nox moved and applied a crucifix pin for the win.
********
Jackie Redmond interviewed The Miz. Redmond asked what was driving Miz and he responded, “A bus. Took me a long time, but I finally got myself a bus.” Miz knew she meant the match against Gunther and talked about the Intercontinental title. Miz then mocked Gunther by doing an impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Ivar interrupted and called him a clown. Bronson Reed interrupted and got into an argument with Ivar. Miz backed away without them noticing. Ivar took a swipe at Reed who was about to go after him but Valhalla stepped between them.
********
Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci) defeated Tommaso Ciampa (w/Johnny Gargano) (9:59)
Cole and Barrett got into a discussion about the Louvre after Barrett called Kaiser a work of art. Cole eagerly told him that the Louvre wasn’t all that impressive. (It’s possible he meant the Mona Lisa, not the museum itself, but that’s what he said.)
Vinci tripped Ciampa as he came off the ropes. The ref wasn’t totally sure he did something but Gargano let him know what happened so he tossed Vinci from ringside.
They had a back-and-forth match and Ciampa seemed to be setting up for Fairy Tale Ending but Vinci suddenly reappeared through the crowd and he booted Gargano at ringside. Ciampa was distracted by this so Kaiser rolled him up while holding the tights for the pinfall win. (The ref saw that Vinci was back but still counted the pin anyway.)
********
Judgment Day had a meeting backstage. Ripley and Dom made a remark about Priest calling himself their leader. Priest tried to downplay it and said he was just hot in the moment. Ripley did think that Priest should be the one in charge at Survivor Series as long as the rest of Judgment Day were okay with it. Dom and Bálor were on board.
Bálor said they had something else to take care of too. Ripley grabbed a duffle bag and said it was time to make McDonagh an official member of Judgment Day. Priest wasn’t ready for this but Ripley said JD was in medical right now after taking another bullet for Priest. Bálor said it was time. Priest took the duffle bag and said he would take care of it himself.
********
Xi Li defeated Indi Hartwell (w/Candice LeRae) via ref stoppage (2:33)
Li hit a roundhouse kick (the same one that knocked out LeRae) and Hartwell collapsed — despite the fact that the kick hit her in the shoulder. The ref checked on Hartwell and some fans booed because they could tell how phony this was. The ref quickly determined that Hartwell couldn’t continue and they announced Li as the winner.
— Becky Lynch entered and said she was looking for a fight. She tried to hit Li with the Man-handle Slam but Li escaped. Lynch said Li only had seven more days to run because they had a singles match next week on Raw.
********
Gunther approached Miz in the back and congratulated “Mike” on the surprise win last week. It wasn’t a decisive win but Miz was now the rightful challenger.
Miz fired up and told Gunther to watch his match tonight because he didn’t know who he was dealing with. Miz said he would do whatever it took to win and do what others would not. He’s been doing it for 20 years and that’s why he was an 8-time champion. Miz would show him the difference between the longest-reigning champion and the greatest champion of all time.
Gunther said he knew exactly who he was dealing with. Gunther warned him that he would get the beating of a lifetime at Survivor Series.
********
[THIRD HOUR]
Stark spoke with Shayna Baszler backstage. Baszler thought she could just as easily be champion right now, or at least be in Stark’s position, but also admitted Stark was on a roll and looked forward to seeing her beat Ripley. Stark was happy to hear it.
Raquel Rodriguez approached them. She wasn’t thrilled that they eliminated her last week but wished her luck against Ripley.
Nia Jax appeared next and mocked them for handing out well wishes. Jax said they teamed up to eliminate her but none of them could beat her one-on-one. Rodriguez got in her face and asked her why she wasn’t the champion if she was so tough. Rodriguez knew she could beat her if given the opportunity. Jax left.
********
The Miz defeated Ivar (w/Valhalla) (11:12)
Miz “showed off” with some flashy offence but Ivar cut him off with a spinning powerslam. Ivar became distracted as Bronson Reed marched out so Miz hit him with a bulldog off the ropes. (Cole called it a tornado DDT. Miz did a tornado DDT earlier in the match.) Miz charged at Ivar but Ivar sat down on him. Reed sat down on a steel chair to watch the match at ringside.
After a break, Ivar hit a backbreaker and sitout powerbomb for two. Miz hit a DDT for two and followed with It Kicks and the crowd actually chanted “Yes” as he did them. Ivar distracted the ref as Valhalla gave Miz a cheap shot. Ivar hit with a roundhouse kick for two. Ivar followed with a World’s Strongest Slam off the middle rope for a nearfall.
Ivar set up for a moonsault but became distracted again by Reed who wasn’t doing anything. Miz slipped underneath and stacked him up for a cover with his feet on the ropes for the pinfall win.
— After the match, Reed ran over Ivar and hit a Tsunami.
********
Priest approached McDonagh backstage. Priest admitted he still gets annoyed by McDonagh but also knew that he took one for the team. McDonagh was someone he could stand with and welcomed him to Judgment Day. Priest gave him a new jacket. They shook hands and McDonagh thanked him. Priest said he earned it.
Bálor showed up and was thrilled to see it. Bálor said they’d have to cut the celebration short because McDonagh had to leave before their match started or else Pearce would go nuts. Bálor turned to Priest and said they would show everyone why they were the champs.
********
Gunther met with Vinci and Kaiser. He said, “Good job tonight” and Kaiser arrogantly boasted about the win. Gunther said he wasn’t talking to him. Gunther was happy with Vinci’s effort and Kaiser won thanks to him. (Vinci was very happy to be back in Gunther’s good books.) Gunther shot Kaiser a look before leaving.
Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher approached Kaiser. Mahal told him to choose his next move wisely.
********
Gable told Otis not to worry about the loss and that he would take care of Nakamura next week. The Creed Brothers suggested they needed new training partners. Gable told them, “No thank you” because they wouldn’t abandon the Gable method. Brutus said they were undefeated and maybe they would go after the tag titles. That brought in the New Day and they all talked over each other.
Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri had a friendly exchange and they walked off together. Tozawa held up a Washington Commanders title belt and said he wanted to be tag team champion and did his little dance.
********
Finn Bálor & Damian Priest defeated Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (22:39)
Drew McIntyre turned.
Rhodes and Jey were mounting offence after a break but Bálor raked Rhodes’ eyes as Priest distracted the ref and Judgment Day took over. Jey eventually made the hot tag and the crowd yelled “Yeet” with each strike he hit. Bálor made a blind tag and knocked down Jey with a clothesline outside the ring. Bálor chucked Jey over the announce table and they went to a second break.
Rhodes made a hot tag after the break and hit Bálor with a powerslam and Disaster Kick. Rhodes jabbed Priest and hit a bionic elbow. Rhodes superkicked Bálor but Bálor blocked a Cody Cutter. Rhodes set up for Cross Rhodes but Bálor blocked that too and tagged Priest.
Jey tagged in and hit Priest with a flying crossbody for two. Jey superkicked Priest and Bálor and hit Priest with an Uso Splash for two. Jey avoided a chokeslam and superkicked Priest (who was not the legal man). Rhodes hit Priest with a Cross Rhodes.
Jey speared Bálor (who was the legal man) and they hit their 1D/Cody Cutter combo but Priest broke up the cover. Rhodes hit Priest with a suicide dive but Priest shoved him into the ring post and a piece of the post’s covering broke off. Priest chokeslammed Rhodes onto the apron. Jey wiped out both opponents with a flip dive and chucked Bálor back into the ring.
Drew McIntyre suddenly appeared at ringside and laid out Jey with a Claymore Kick.
Bálor covered Jey in the ring for the pinfall win. Judgment Day retains.
— As McIntyre stood on the stage, Rhea Ripley appeared. They shook hands.
Sami Zayn is currently in possession of Damian Priest’s Money in the Bank briefcase.
At Saturday’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia, Zayn stopped Priest from cashing in on World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. Zayn then made off through the crowd with Priest’s briefcase.
Rollins retained his World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Drew McIntyre at Crown Jewel. Immediately after the match, Priest ran down and wanted to cash in his MITB contract. As he handed the briefcase to a referee, a hooded figure attacked Priest and threw him into the ring post. Zayn then took off his hood to reveal his identity.
Zayn took the briefcase from the referee and jumped over the barricade, leaving through the crowd. Priest chased after Zayn.
Zayn is currently on a mission to dismantle The Judgment Day. On the pre-show for Crown Jewel, Zayn defeated Judgment Day associate JD McDonagh.
Priest never officially cashed in his briefcase during the angle. Despite not having possession of the briefcase right now, he remains Mr. Money in the Bank. Priest has held the briefcase since July.
McIntyre was shown backstage sulking after his loss to Rollins. Rhea Ripley, who had been unsuccessfully trying to recruit either McIntyre or Rollins to Judgment Day, walked by McIntyre and shrugged.
A match has been added to WWE Crown Jewel’s kickoff show.
It was announced on Monday’s Raw that JD McDonagh will face Sami Zayn during the kickoff pre-show that will take place one hour prior to the start of Saturday’s Crown Jewel at noon ET.
Monday saw Zayn confront Rhea Ripley and the rest of the Judgment Day at the start of the show, saying he fought people like the Judgment Day his entire life. He promised that he would fight them until they were no more. The end of the show saw Zayn lay out McDonagh with a helluva kick after he and the rest of the Judgment Day got involved in the main event. Cody Rhodes gave McDonagh two crossroads on top of the announce table to end the show.
McDonagh in recent months has been attempting to win the favor of the Judgment Day in order to become a full-fledged member of the group. On Monday’s show, he lost to Seth Rollins despite Damian Priest coming to the ring and teasing that he would cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins confronted Priest after the match, daring him to make a move.
Here is the updated lineup for Saturday’s Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia:
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against LA Knight
World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Drew McIntyre
Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, and Zoey Stark in a fatal five-way match
Women’s Champion IYO SKY defends against Bianca Belair
United States Champion Rey Mysterio defends against Logan Paul
Date: October 23, 2023 Location: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX
Show Recap —
Damian Priest and Finn Bálor entered following a recap of their tag title win over Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. Bálor was pumped up to be champs again. Priest said the rest of Judgment Day was taking care of business in the back. Priest was about to say Judgment Day was back to running WWE but was interrupted by Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes got a big response. Rhodes had some choice words for the leader of Judgment Day but he noticed Rhea Ripley wasn’t there. He knew they thought there was no leader in Judgment Day and said it wasn’t just Dom Dom — Ripley was their Mami too. She pulled the strings, called the shots, and cut the deals — including one with the Bloodline.
Rhodes turned his attention to Priest who gave him a low blow last week. Rhodes warned him that would not be the final shot in this fight. Priest reminded Rhodes that he also put him through a table.
Priest said people talk of Rhodes’ story but he didn’t know what it was. All he could see was that Rhodes’ story was one of him failing. Rhodes threatened to fight him now but Priest said he had a scheduled match against Jey. Priest challenged him to a match at Crown Jewel instead and Rhodes accepted.
Rhodes still wanted a fight tonight. Priest was fine with that because Ripley and Dominik Mysterio made their way down. Jey ran out to assist as Rhodes went after Priest. (Jey took out Dom but Bálor took out Jey.)
Rhodes set up the announce table but JD McDonagh chop-blocked him from behind. They Pillmanized Rhodes’ leg before officials ran down to back them off. The crowd booed as Priest proudly walked away (and McDonagh followed).
********
The announcers ran down tonight’s card. (Kevin Patrick is not on commentary.)
Michael Cole said Wade Barrett had some big moments at American Airlines Center over his career. Barrett mentioned that he won season one of NXT here and beat John Cena at Hell in Cell in 2010. Cole reminded him that the New Day also retired him in his building.
Cole said Tozawa was Alpha Academy’s latest recruit.
Gable and Otis gave Woods a Steinerizer but Kingston broke up the cover. Kingston kicked Gable out of the ring and Otis hit Kingston with the Caterpillar. Woods fought back and tried a reverse Caterpillar/Worm but Gable (who tagged himself in) grabbed him and applied an ankle lock. Woods slipped out as Otis tagged himself in.
New Day worked together on Otis. Kingston hit him with Trouble in Paradise before wiping out Gable with a flip dive. Woods hit Otis with a flying elbow drop for the pinfall win.
********
Jackie Redmond interviewed Becky Lynch. Redmond asked why she would defend her title on back-to-back nights. Lynch acknowledged that Hartwell never got a chance to regain her title and that’s what this title was all about — a chance for people to show what they’re made of. Lynch knew that Lyra Valkyria was here tonight but she couldn’t look past Hartwell. Lynch told Hartwell, “Welcome to the big time.”
(Someone, likely Xia Li, could be seen watching this in the background.)
********
There was a video package for Ivar (with Valhalla). No Erik.
********
Rhea Ripley/Seth Rollins segment
Rhea Ripley approached Seth Rollins in the back. She offered Judgment Day as insurance against Drew McIntyre. Rollins laughed and said Ripley must’ve lost faith in Priest, that’s why she’s been making deals. Rollins knew why Judgment Day would want the world champion but wondered why he would want them.
Ripley said alliances could change. If Rollins joined them, maybe Priest would cash in on someone else and they’d have all the titles. Without Judgment Day, Rollins could never have a title reign like Roman Reigns, especially with the condition of his back. Judgment Day could have his back and make people acknowledge him.
Rollins removed his shades and told her he didn’t want to be anything like Reigns. Ripley said “That wasn’t a no,” and told him to think about it.
********
Natalya met with Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae. She offered advice and wished her luck.
Lyra Valkyria was at ringside for the next match.
Becky Lynch defeated Indi Hartwell to retain the NXT Women’s Championship (9:16)
Lynch gave Hartwell a lot but retained with the Disarmer.
The announcers said Hartwell had the strength advantage and she drove Lynch into the barricade ahead of a break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Hartwell hit a diving elbow to the back for a two count. Hartwell cut off Lynch’s comeback with a big boot for two. Hartwell went to the top but Lynch brought her down with a superplex. Lynch immediately went for an armbar but Hartwell hoisted her up and hit a powerbomb for two. Hartwell followed with a spinebuster for two.
They traded cradles before Lynch countered a boot and applied the Disarmer for the submission win.
— Lynch shook Hartwell’s hand after the match. Lynch also faced off with Valkyria at ringside.
LeRae was shown watching in the back. Xia Li decked her and said that was a warning to both her and Hartwell.
********
Pearce told security to be ready for tonight’s contract signing. Nick Aldis approached and asked for a word. Pearce was annoyed but Aldis tried to smooth things over. Aldis said they got off on the wrong foot and he made a rookie error by escorting Pearce out of the building on Friday. He just wanted friendly competition and asked Pearce to accept his apology.
Pearce knew what it felt like to be the new guy and called it water under the bridge. Pearce welcomed him to stay for the rest of Raw and watch how it’s done. They shook hands. After Aldis left, Pearce asked a referee to double their number of security guards for tonight.
********
Women’s World Championship Contract Signing
Security surrounded the ring. Pearce said the women’s division has been chaotic lately and normally wouldn’t reward that type of behaviour but also said they settle things in the ring.
Pearce introduced the title challengers one at a time: Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark and Nia Jax. They each signed as they entered the ring. Jax hesitated because Ripley wasn’t there. Pearce said he would get Ripley to sign later. Jax signed. (Barrett noted that they didn’t even bother setting up a table.)
The crowd chanted “We want Mami” and Ripley entered moments later. Ripley was pissed at Pearce. She thought she was being set up and threatened to make Pearce’s life a living hell. All Pearce was doing was ensuring that his women’s division would have four fewer women in it. Ripley would prove she was the most dominant woman in WWE because Mami was always on top.
Jax took the mic from Pearce and the crowd booed. Jax said Ripley was smart. Ripley remained on the apron and Jax figured she wanted her to squash the rest of the women. Jax was insulting to the other women, particularly Rodriguez because she was from Texas. Jax spoke slowly to Rodriguez so Rodriguez punched her.
Security immediately hit the ring to separate the four women. They all chucked the security guards aside and got into a brawl as Ripley watched in amusement. Rodriguez and Jax stood tall so even more guards hit the ring to separate them. Rodriguez broke through and clotheslined Jax but Jax bounced off the ropes and laid her out with a Samoan Drop.
Ripley smiled and waved at Jax.
********
Ludwig Kaiser told Giovanni Vinci that he needed him to take out Johnny Gargano tonight. Vinci understood.
Bronson Reed showed up and said he was ready for round two against their boss. Kaiser invited Reed to go tell Gunther himself. Imperium left.
Tozawa showed up and challenged Reed to a match tonight. Reed politely declined because he was feeling merciful. Tozawa chopped him and screamed and challenged him again. Reed accepted and said, “It’s your funeral.” Reed left.
Maxxine Dupri ran in and told Tozawa, “Not him!” She was worried and figured Gable wouldn’t be happy. (According to Cole, Tozawa said on social media that he was ready to try out what he’s learned from Alpha Academy.)
*******
Johnny Gargano defeated Giovanni Vinci (w/Ludwig Kaiser) (2:42)
Kaiser was on the apron threatening to get in the ring so Tommaso Ciampa suddenly appeared to take him out. Gargano hit Vinci with One Final Beat for the pinfall win.
(They aired a 20-second movie ad during the middle of this match.)
********
There was a Shinsuke Nakamura video promo. Nakamura said a brutal beating from him was a beautiful thing and he was so happy to give Ricochet this experience. Nakamura was looking for a new opponent who would inspire the yet-to-be-seen self within him. “Who is worthy enough to set me free?”
********
Logan Paul segment
The crowd booed Logan Paul who responded, “Dallas, Texas, wow! So much love.” Paul said the boxer he beat was dropped by his fight league and said it sucked to be that guy.
Paul said he was a free agent too. When he beat Rey Mysterio for the United States title, he would give everyone something to talk about. Maybe he would show up to Raw to defend his title.
Dominik entered to a big ovation (from Paul). The crowd booed. Dom’s promo was drowned out by the volume of the crowd. Paul put over Dom and said he overcame his deadbeat dad to become the champion of an entire continent.
Paul remembered that being on Raw meant his favourite ring announcer was here. He invited Samantha Irvin into the ring. She shook her head. Paul said she deserved her flowers for everything she did for this organization.
Irvin reluctantly entered the ring. Paul said he knew it was hard for her to announce him as the winner at SummerSlam over her fiancé Ricochet. But she did it because she was a professional. Paul wanted a preview of Crown Jewel and asked her to announce him as the new United States champion.
Ricochet ran in and tackled Paul. Dom tried to help Paul so Ricochet decked him. Ricochet went for a dive on Paul but Dom got in his way again. Ricochet was about to hit Dom with a move off the top but Paul pulled Dom out of the ring.
Ricochet checked on Samantha.
********
Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green & Piper Niven defeated Natalya & Nikki Cross in a non-title match (3:12)
The story here was that Nikki Cross wasn’t her usual frenzied self. (She hasn’t been on Raw in a while so the announcers used every adjective they could to remind us what she’s normally like.) Cross slowly and stoically entered for the match and took so long that they started the match without her. When she finally did get on the apron, she stared blankly at nothing and left during the match.
Natalya tried fighting valiantly on her own but the numbers caught up to her. As Natalya tried putting Niven in a Sharpshooter, Green hit her with an Unprettier. Niven followed with a running crossbody for the pinfall win.
********
Drew McIntyre approached Jey Uso in the back. Jey wasn’t happy to see him. McIntyre sarcastically said he was sorry for what happened last week because he couldn’t possibly imagine what it felt like to lose a title because of the Bloodline. He told Jey to just get over it.
McIntyre also said that his match tonight against Sami Zayn wouldn’t be happening without Jey, so whatever happened to Zayn was on him.
*******
[THIRD HOUR]
Miz confronted Pearce and complained about something before Ripley appeared with the contract. She signed it and gave it to Pearce. She told him she was keeping the pen. As she left, the camera followed her and Miz asked, “Where’s the camera going?” Ripley bumped into Dom who acted like he was hurt (thanks to Ricochet).
Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn (14:50)
McIntyre had the early edge until Zayn hit a moonsault off the barricade. Zayn tried a crossbody but McIntyre caught him and hit a vertical suplex. Zayn tried a dive but McIntyre caught him again and easily chucked him across the announce table.
After a break, Zayn avoided a charge and McIntyre went shoulder-first into the post. Zayn followed with a vertical suplex and flip dive. The crowd got into it as they battled on the ropes. McIntyre set up for a middle rope White Noise but Zayn countered into a sunset flip powerbomb for two. The crowd popped and chanted, “This is awesome.”
McIntyre went for a Claymore Kick but Zayn booted him and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a good nearfall. Zayn tried an exploder into the corner but McIntyre hit him with consecutive overhead suplexes and a neckbreaker.
McIntyre set up for Claymore when Ripley entered to her music (and lighting effects). Zayn applied a schoolboy but McIntyre kicked out. Zayn hit an exploder into the corner and set up for a Helluva Kick.
Ripley leaped on the apron and distracted Zayn in full view of the referee. McIntyre used the distraction to hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win. (Fun match until the finish.)
— Ripley smiled as McIntyre stormed by her to the back.
********
Aldis spoke to Katana Chance and Kayden Carter in the back when he was approached by Pearce. Pearce said he offered to let him watch Raw, not chat with his superstars. Aldis said he was just having a friendly conversation. Aldis could see Pearce was having a tough night so he decided to leave now. Pearce was glad. They shook hands.
An expressionless Nikki Cross walked by so Pearce said, “I need a drink.”
There were chants of “Let’s go Rangers” and “Astros suck” during this match. The Texas Rangers are currently beating the Houston Astros 10-2 in the 6th inning of game 7 in the ALCS.
Reed won via pinfall after a DVD, senton and Tsunami.
********
Gable gave Tozawa some words of encouragement in the back. New Day were there too and DIY joined them. Otis gave Tozawa a Dallas Cowboys title belt and he tried to do the same dance he did last week.
********
Rollins approached McIntyre and congratulated him on his first win as a member of Judgment Day. McIntyre said Ripley almost cost him the match and it was Rollins who spoke to her earlier. Rollins got serious and said he didn’t need Judgment Day to beat McIntyre. Rollins said, “May the best man win,” and McIntyre responded, “He will.”
********
Next week on Raw in Greenville, SC:
Seth Rollins vs. JD McDonagh (non-title)
Candice LeRae vs. Xia Li
Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci
Dominik Mysterio vs. Ricochet (non-title)
Barrett said DIY were teaming for the first time in three years.
********
Tag Team Champion Damian Priest defeated Jey Uso (12:17)
Jey hit a dive ahead of a break but Priest was in control following the break. Barrett told us Priest has been dominating for the past five minutes but we have no idea how.
Priest hit a falcon arrow before the two men exchanged strikes. Jey got the better of that exchange and hit a flying crossbody for two. Priest responded with a back elbow and clothesline for two. Jey blocked a chokeslam and hit a Samoan drop for two.
Priest blocked a suicide dive and gave Jey a flatliner into the announce table. Jey tried to fire up but Priest hit him with a flatliner in the ring for two. Jey slipped out of a Razor’s Edge attempt and hit a spear and Uso Splash.
The ref never counted Jey’s pin attempt because Finn Bálor ran out and the ref decided he had to stop him from entering the ring. However, it seemed like Bálor was late and too much time passed so it looked stupid that the ref didn’t count.
Jey took out Bálor with a dive, but as Jey went back into the ring, the ref distracted himself by pulling Priest away, and Bálor managed to yank Jey into the ropes by the leg (effectively crotching him on the middle rope). Priest followed with a chokeslam for the pinfall win.
(This match was fine, I guess, but the crowd was quiet and the ending was no good.)
— Bálor gave Jey a Coup de Grace after the match. Bálor and Priest grabbed chairs but Rhodes limped out (to his music). Rhodes chucked Bálor into the barricade and hit Priest with a chair.
Rhodes was about to Pillmanize Priest’s leg but Bálor saved him. Rhodes was about to go after them but officials ran down to get between them. Jey and Cody embraced as the show ended.
Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso didn’t wait long to make their first Undisputed WWE Tag Team title defense.
Just two days after becoming champions, Rhodes & Uso defended their Undisputed Tag Team titles against Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on Raw last night. Rhodes & Uso hit their 1D Cody Cutter on Owens before pinning him to retain.
The Tag Team title match was set up when Owens & Zayn interrupted an interview with Rhodes & Uso. Zayn had mixed emotions about Rhodes & Uso winning the titles. He was happy for them, but Zayn felt like he and Owens should be champions. On the other hand, Owens didn’t have mixed emotions. He wasn’t happy to see Rhodes & Uso with the tag title belts. Owens wanted a match against Rhodes & Uso. The champions accepted his challenge.
The two teams were back on the same page after their title match. Zayn shook hands with both Rhodes and Uso. Though Owens was initially hesitant to embrace Uso, he followed suit by shaking both of their hands as well.
In a Fastlane rematch, Rhodes & Uso are defending their Tag Team titles against The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) on Raw next Monday.
The next challengers for World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins and Intercontinental Champion Gunther emerged last night. Rollins is defending against Drew McIntyre at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia next month. Gunther will defend his Intercontinental title against Bronson Reed on Raw next Monday.
Plus, Becky Lynch defended her NXT Women’s Championship against Tegan Nox last night.
Every member of The Judgment Day now holds championship gold.
After months of dissension, Finn Balor & Damian Priest worked together to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles from Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn at Payback. Because the match was a Steel City Street Fight, interference was legal. Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, and JD McDonagh all got involved.
Balor pinned Zayn to win the titles after Dominik struck Zayn with Priest’s Money in the Bank briefcase. There was a point leading into the finish where Zayn had the match won after giving Priest a Helluva Kick, but McDonagh pulled Zayn out of the ring before the referee could count to three. Ripley then took out Owens with a spear through the barricade.
Balor’s friendship with McDonagh has caused much of the distrust between Balor and Priest in recent weeks. On Raw this past Monday, Priest told McDonagh to stay out of his business. McDonagh isn’t an official member of Judgment Day.
Ripley told Balor & Priest on Raw that changes would be coming to Judgment Day if they didn’t defeat Owens & Zayn.
The Steel City Street Fight included a spot where Owens gave Dominik a Swanton through a table after jumping off of a stairwell.
Following Balor & Priest’s victory, The Judgment Day stood united on the stage with all of their title belts. Ripley currently holds the Women’s World Championship and Dominik holds the NXT North American title. Priest is also still in possession of the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Sami Zayn’s loss to WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns still doesn’t sit right with the former Bloodline member.
Zayn opened up to Ryan Satin on the latest edition of the “Out Of Character” podcast, saying that while he’s grateful to have had the chance to step in the ring with Reigns, it continues to be hard to know that he’s not “the chosen one.”
“I forced their hand as much as humanly possible, but still just a buck short, you know, and it was a hard pill to swallow … even though you kind of know what the plan is or where things are headed,” Zayn said.
“There’s kind of this hope that you hold on to like, ‘Yeah, but if the crowd is loud enough, and the story is good enough, it’s kind of right there,’ and it kind of felt like we got right there, about as close as any human being on Earth can get without actually getting there,” he added. “But it’s fine because getting there on its own is an amazing feat. What I mean by getting there is not beating Roman, but getting to that match, everyone wants you to beat Roman and getting an audience in that frenzy and experiencing an audience like that, again, being a part of a story like that, very few people on Earth can say they’ve ever done that.
“I don’t have bad things to say about anything involving that story, but if you’re asking me was it a tough pill to swallow to come that close and not quite make it? I’d be lying if I said no, it didn’t bother me at all,” Zayn concluded. “For sure, there was a part of me that had problems digesting that.”
Zayn also acknowledged in the interview how hard it is to get to the level he climbed to during his run with Reigns, saying only a handful of people have achieved that over the last decade, citing Becky Lynch, Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston as others who felt that success.
He went on to note how unsure the future is when it comes to getting to the the top again, adding that he knows he got a lot out of his story with Reigns and he continues to be grateful for it.
“It’s like a lightning in the bottle type of thing,” he said. “You don’t get it very often, and then you kind of get it, and you’re like, the story, the audience, your performance, all of it … it’s just gotten you to the exact right place that you dreamed you’d be. Then when you get there, it’s like, you just kind of fall short and you don’t know if you’ll ever get it back. So, for sure that’s hard and you don’t know if you can do it again.
“I got a lot out of that story,” he later added. “Don’t get me wrong. It goes without saying.”
Zayn appeared Monday night on this week’s Raw in a winning effort against JD McDonagh. He is currently one half of the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions with Kevin Owens.
A tag team match has been made official for Raw’s SummerSlam go-home show.
Seth Rollins will team up with Sami Zayn as they take on Judgment Day’s Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio on Raw this Monday night. The match comes after Rollins and Zayn were laid out by Judgment Day on Raw last Monday.
Zayn’s tag team partner Kevin Owens was also attacked by Judgment Day earlier in the episode. Owens has been wrestling with a legitimately fractured rib. In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Owens & Zayn won’t be defending their Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles at SummerSlam because Owens is getting time off due to his rib.
Judgment Day’s Finn Balor is challenging Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam next Saturday (August 5).
Priest holds the men’s Money in the Bank briefcase and could potentially cash it in for a shot at the World Heavyweight title.
Raw is being held at the Toyota Center in Houston on Monday. Here’s what’s been announced for the episode:
Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn vs. Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio
A new match has been added to the lineup for Monday’s Raw.
WWE announced Saturday evening that tag champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens will wrestle Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest in a non-title match on the show.
As The Judgment Day recently got back on the same page, they have continued to provoke the rest of the locker room, running into Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn on more than one occasion.
On Raw, the two sides will meet again with The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio and Señor Money in the Bank Damian Priest battling Owens and Zayn.
Other matches previously announced for Raw include Matt Riddle vs. Gunther, Alpha Academy vs. Viking Raiders, and Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez defending the women’s tag titles against Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green.
Monday’s show takes place from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 11,000 tickets have been distributed for it, according to WrestleTix.
WWE Raw on 7/17 lineup:
Brock Lesnar returns
Viking Rules match: The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)
Women’s Tag Team Championship: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez defend against Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green
Matt Riddle vs. Gunther (Imperium’s Giovanni Vinci & Ludwig Kaiser banned from ringside)
WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs. Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest in a non-title match
