The Montreal Screwjob is as famous (or infamous) a story as there has ever been in pro wrestling. It has also turned into one of the more exhausting stories in pro wrestling to keep talking about.
In the nearly 22 years since it happened, we has seen nearly every rock uncovered, nearly every question asked, rehashed, and asked again, and every participant/non-participant interviewed about what happened that cold Canadian November night. If you know the story, you have a take on it.
That meant the Viceland ‘Dark Side of the Ring’ filmmakers had a hell of a task on their hands with “The Montreal Screwjob” which debuted Wednesday night. While the documentary talks to many of the key players and has its moments in its near-50 minute runtime, it still struggles to overcome a fatal flaw: this story has been talked to death.
What’s In This Thing?
If you enjoy hearing from lots of wrestling luminaries, you get them here and then some. Several players from the Randy Savage/Elizabeth doc (Eric Bischoff, Scott Hall, Bruce Prichard) are back for “Screwjob” although Prichard and Bischoff come off as less charming and less trustworthy as in the Savage doc. Yes, I realize the ridiculousness of that statement as I type it.
But they are offset by the appearances of Bret Hart himself and Jim Cornette, a creative team member at the time. And then, there’s two surprise appearances but we’ll get to them in a few paragraphs.
After a breeze through Hart’s background and how he got to the WWF, we focus on the time after Hart defeated Ric Flair for his first WWF world title. Cornette and Prichard are strong here in explaining about what becoming a world champion means and help get over the significance of that honor historically. Prichard adds a foreboding quote about Hart: “You’ve got to remember that someone made you champion. You didn’t really beat anybody.” The look on his face and the manner in which he says this beg for a follow-up, but that is best saved for a deeper dive on a podcast.
We eventually get into the meat of “Screwjob”: the real-life feud between Hart and Shawn Michaels. Hart, Cornette, and Prichard recall their backstage brawl in Hartford that saw Hart rip out clumps of Michaels’ hair (“We were like two prostitutes fighting downtown or something,” Hart jokes), the backstory of Michaels’ “sunny days” comment, and the eventual financial decision McMahon has to make to let Hart out of his contract.
Likely the most talked about portion of the doc will be the discussion on how Hart was going to lose the title before leaving. We hear Hart explain how he didn’t want to drop the belt to Michaels, but we don’t get to hear his explanation of an alternate plan on how he wanted to go out.
Hart tells a story of how Michaels brushed him off when Hart said he would be professional in their Survivor Series match and to not worry about anything. I really wanted to hear Michaels’ side of the story as it makes him look terrible, But, it’s understandable why he didn’t participate in talking about all of this again.
Hart grows suspicious of how McMahon is going to screw him over at SS despite his creative control in the last 60 days of his contract. We then get our first interview with Earl Hebner, a sympathetic figure who calls the last 15 years post-Montreal “the sh*ts”. His inclusion is welcome and a key part of rounding out the tale sans Michaels.
Then, the screwjob happens with plenty of supporting footage from “Wrestling With Shadows” and WWE (listen to my interview with series co-creator Evan Husney for an interesting/serendipitous story on the sound man they used for the project).
But we need to move on because there’s some Vince Russo to get to.
Yep, the former WWF creative lead and lightning rod for controversy gives his side of the story, especially important and to where the idea to doublecross Hart came from. Cornette takes credit (if you can call it that), citing creative frustration and a challenge from McMahon to come up with an idea after they had exhausted all options. He used the original Montreal screwjob as an example, “The Battle of The Bite” that involved Ed ‘Strangler’ Lewis. Russo said he suggested the doublecross and didn’t hear it come from Cornette “unless I was in the bathroom when he said it.”
The final act focuses on what happened after the bell rang. Again, this is pretty much everything any wrestling fan knows about from Hart punching Vince to Michaels denying he had any involvement (no one believes it) to the controversy eventually creating the Mr. McMahon character which, strangely, might have been the biggest positive out of any of this, especially financially.
Perhaps the most head-scratching theory is from Hall who thinks the whole thing was a work, pointing to how the directors didn’t pull away from either Hart spitting on McMahon to Hart spelling out WCW with his hands. Like Michaels’ non-involvement, it’s an opinion not shared by anyone else with Cornette questioning how Hall claims he never talked to Michaels about what happened.
What’s Missing and What Should Be Missing?
Sit-downs with Michaels and McMahon would have been tremendous icing on the Montreal cake, but given they are beholden to the WWE Universe, I’m not surprised at their omission. Although, Michaels did talk to ESPN for a 20th anniversary story about Montreal. This is where it would have been great to see a pull quote or something from that interview given they have a narrator in Dutch Mantell that could have read it.
While the Cornette-Russo discussion is interesting, the doc focuses on their mutual hatred a little too much, especially considering they close the documentary with it. It does provide a memorable Cornette quote vowing he would “live to piss on (Russo’s) grave. Hate is a hell of a motivator.” But to close with that in a documentary focused on Hart vs. Michaels was a misfire.
There’s also several minutes committed to the infamous curtain call jammed in that doesn’t really fit in the context of the story and trends toward being a little too insider for a general audience.
Is It Worth Watching?
Even though I don’t need to hear about the Montreal screwjob ever again which includes the afterlife, I can live with this being the last longform content I watch, read, or listen to on the subject. Having Hart, Cornette, Russo, and Prichard walk us through the various stages of Montreal is a plus while Bischoff’s inclusion felt unnecessary.
Compared to the Savage and Bruiser Brody documentaries in the series, “The Montreal Screwjob” is a bit dense in spots without a lot of space to take in the ridiculousness of the situation being laid out. I would be interested to hear what non-wrestling fans think of it, especially with some of the perceived insider focus I mentioned above.
At the end of the day, though, even the most burned out wrestling fans will enjoy “The Montreal Screwjob” but plenty of those fans can and will find ways to pick some of the lack of details and specifics apart.
WWE has finally made their first official announcement for this year’s Hall of Fame class.
After an advertisement about the news went around overnight, WWE announced via ESPN today that D-Generation X will be inducted into their Hall of Fame over WrestleMania 35 weekend. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and X-Pac will be the six D-X members going into the Hall of Fame.
“I think it’s the most meaningful for us all to go in together and to be recognized together,” Triple H told ESPN about both versions of D-X going into the Hall of Fame. “Because I think both groups were [just] as impactful.”
This will be Michaels’ second induction and the first for Triple H, Chyna, Road Dogg, Gunn, and X-Pac.
Chyna is being posthumously inducted nearly three years after her death. Triple H spoke to ESPN about her joining the Hall of Fame: “It’d be tough to pick a female that was more impactful on the business. She did something that was completely so out of left field that it wasn’t even being considered when we first brought it up for her to come in. It wasn’t even a consideration… it wasn’t an easy thing, and against all odds she did all of that. She earned everybody’s trust. She won over the fans. She won over the boys. She did all of it.”
“From that standpoint, absolutely 100 percent deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, and should probably be more than once — as a group, but individually as well,” Triple H said. “There’s more complexity to that than meets the eye, but here we are. I’m just happy that it’s here. I’m happy for her family, the people that she was close to, that hopefully this is super meaningful to them. I know it would be to her. It’s a great thing — very deserving.”
It was announced last month that Gunn is working as a producer for All Elite Wrestling.
Rick Rude, who was part of WWE’s Hall of Fame class of 2017, isn’t going in again with D-X.
The D-X name was most recently used on WWE television when Triple H & Michaels teamed against The Undertaker & Kane at Crown Jewel in November 2018.
This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony is taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, April 6. Tickets will go on sale this Friday (February 22) at noon Eastern time.
Amid controversy, the second show in WWE’s 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority takes place at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh today.
Shawn Michaels will make his return to the ring as he teams with Triple H against The Undertaker & Kane. A new Universal Champion will also be crowned, with Braun Strowman facing Brock Lesnar for the vacant title.
With Daniel Bryan not wrestling in Saudi Arabia, AJ Styles will instead defend his WWE Championship against Samoa Joe. John Cena also pulled out of WWE’s World Cup tournament and was replaced by Bobby Lashley. Lashley vs. Seth Rollins and Kurt Angle vs. Dolph Ziggler are set for Raw’s side of the bracket, and Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz and Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton are SmackDown’s first round matches.
A stipulation for the World Cup was set up this week as Shane McMahon said he would fire the SmackDown wrestler who makes it to the finals if they lose to Raw.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defend their titles against The New Day. And on the pre-show, Rusev challenges for Shinsuke Nakamura’s United States title.
Hulk Hogan will also make his return to WWE as the host of Crown Jewel. The pre-show begins on the WWE Network at 11 a.m. Eastern time, with the main card starting at noon Eastern.
**********
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rusev to retain the WWE United States title
The crowd was still filing in as this match was going on, but they were hot for this match. Rusev fired back with some lariats after Nakamura had control for part of the match. Nakamura cuts him off and lands a running knee. Rusev connected with a machka kick and went for the accolade but Nakamura went to the apron and connected with a knee to the head.
Nakamura went for the kinshasa but Rusev tripped him and applied the accolade. Nakamura went for the ropes, Rusev dragged him back in the middle but in the process Nakamura managed to headbutt Rusev right in the netheregions. That allowed Nakamura to recover and pin Rusev after the kinshasa. Not much of a match, but a clever finish at least.
Hulk Hogan came out to start the show, got a pyrotechnic show and everything. Said it was awesome to be back in the WWE and to be hosting Crown Jewel. And that was it, another pyrotechnic show followed. Judging by Hogan’s promo and the graphics showing they’re in “Riyadh”, WWE is going out of their way not to mention the words “Saudi Arabia” on their broadcast.
World Cup: Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton
Mysterio went for a springboard early but Orton cut him off with a big dropkick. He took Mysterio to the top rope and tried to rip off his mask. Mysterio followed with a senton and a springboard crossbody.
Mysterio went for the 619 but Orton grabbed Mysterio and planted him with the draping DDT. He motioned for the RKO but Mysterio countered with a roll up and got the win. This was short and not much of anything.
Orton planted Mysterio with an RKO after the match. He motioned like he was going to leave, but instead slid him out of the ring and planted him face first on the Arabic announcer’s table, apparently landing on a monitor.
Miz was asked about potentially facing an injured Rey Mysterio. He said with the way this tournament is lining up, he feels awesome.
World Cup: The Miz defeated Jeff Hardy
Miz was asked about potentially facing an injured Rey Mysterio. He said with the way this tournament is lining up, he feels awesome.
Miz gained control early, grinding down Hardy. Miz hit a couple of dropkicks in the corner, but Hardy responded with a clothesline and made his comeback. Hary went for a twist of fate but Miz escaped.
Hardy hit whisper in the wind, but got cut off by Miz on the apron. Miz went for the figure four but Hardy cradled him for a near fall.Hardy sends Miz out of the ring, runs on the barricade and jumps off, hitting Miz with a clothesline. Hardy goes for a swanton bomb, but Miz rolls out of the way.
Miz posts Hardy and uses the ropes, but the referee sees it. Hardy goes for a twist of fate, but Miz countered with the skull crushing finale for the win. Kind of clunky overall and the finish was anti-climatic.
World Cup: Seth Rollins defeated Bobby Lashley
Lashley dominated the match early until Rollins escaped from a vertical suplex. Rollins hit two suicide dives to the floor. Lashley cut him off and went for a superplex. Rollins went for a sunset flip, but couldn’t get it. Lashley escaped from a powerbomb attempt, but then Rollins landed the stomp out of nowhere for the win. Another nothing match.
Kurt Angle backstage said most people doubt he can win. But people also doubted him when he won the Olympic gold medal with a broken friggin’ neck. He’ll prove tonight that he’s still the best in the world.
World Cup: Dolph Ziggler defeated Kurt Angle
They start off with some mat wrestling. Angle landed a belly to belly and a couple of German suplexes. They meet on the apron where Angle tried to German Ziggler to the floor, but Ziggler laid him out and threw him into the stairs.
Angle drives Ziggler into the turnbuckle and started a comeback until Ziggler laid him out with a DDT. Angle hit the Angle Slam for a near fall. He went for the Angle lock, but Ziggler escaped and hit a famouser.
Angle rolled through Ziggler and applied the Angle lock. Ziggler tried to escape, eventually doing do. He then posted Angle and planted him with the zig zag for the win. This was pretty decent.
The Bar defeated The New Day to retain the SmackDown tag team titles
The New Day came out on what I guess would be a magic carpet, throwing out pancakes.
Things started off with some good back and forth until Cesaro managed to cut off Kofi Kingston. They worked on him forever until Kofi escaped and tagged in Big E, who made a big comeback. Big E planted Sheamus with a uranage and went for the spear to the floor but Sheamus cut him off. Big E tagged in Kofi, who hit a double foot stomp as Big E planted Sheamus with a powerbomb for a near fall.
Kofi took out Cesaro on the outside as Big Show on the apron. Big E avoided the brogue kick but was shoved into the referee. Big Show punched Big E, allowing Sheamus to connect with the brogue kick for the win. A total paint by numbers match.
The Miz was interviewed. Tonight isn’t about happy endings, it’s about beating Rey Mysterio and proving he’s the best in the world. His voice seemed off and mentioned that he injured his throat during the first match. Rey Mysterio said he’s been underestimated by bigger and better.
World Cup semi finals: The Miz defeated Rey Mysterio
Rey controlled early, sliding himself to the floor with a splash. Mysterio started to sell his ribs after the splash. Mysterio went to leap on Miz’s shoulders but Miz instead fell, causing Mysterio to land face first on the mat.
Miz started to work him over, but Mysterio fought back, only to be laid out. In a callback from earlier, Miz slid Rey out of the ring, landing on his ribs.
Mysterio started to mount a comeback, landing a crossbody. Miz is sent into the second turnbuckle as Mysterio goes for the 619. Miz grabs him, smashes his head on the nearby top turnbuckle and lands the skull crushing finale…but Mysterio kicks out.
Miz pelts him with kicks, but Mysterio fights back, hitting the 619. Mysterio takes his time getting to the top rope, and when he goes for the frog splash Miz gets the knees up and cradles him for the win. This was okay overall, nothing special but the finish was pretty good.
World Cup semi finals: Dolph Ziggler defeated Seth Rollins
Dolph got the heat on Rollins after Rollins got distracted by McIntyre on the outside, working on his neck. Rollins came back and they exchanged a number of near falls before Rollins hit the ripchord knee for another near fall.
Rollins hit a suicide dive on the outside, taking out both Ziggler and McIntyre. Back in the ring, Ziggler hit the famouser. Rollins met Ziggler on the top rope and hit the superplex. Rollins tried for the Falcon Arrow, but Ziggler countered with the zig zag.
Rollins goes to the top rope, but McIntyre grabbed his leg. Ziggler connects with a superkick and picks up the win. So it’s heel Dolph vs. heel Miz in the finals. Match was pretty good.
Saxton interviewed Ziggler, saying it wasn’t fair how he got the win and it was an upset. Ziggler dismissed that and said the next time you see him, he’ll be holding his trophy because he’s the best in the world.
AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe to retain the WWE title
Styles was in control early, taking him to the outside and posting him. Joe lifted him up, however, and drove him head first into the barricade, getting the heat. Joe blasted AJ with a suicide dive, sending ribs first into the announcer’s table.
AJ connects with a kick and hits the reverse DDT. He looks for the phenomenal forearm, but Joe escapes and hits a big powerslam and lariat. Styles goes for an O’Connor roll but Joe catches him in the coquina clutch. Styles grabs him and goes for the calf crusher but Joe quickly gets to the ropes. AJ connects with a pele kick then scores the phenomenal forearm for the win. This was good while it lasted, but they’ve had better matches.
Brock Lesnar defeated Braun Strowman to win the WWE Universal title
Baron Corbin, who came out with the Universal title, hit Strowman in the back with the title before the match started. Lesnar then destroyed Braun Strowman, hitting him with four F5’s, one to the floor. Strowman mounted a brief comeback, but Lesnar laid him out with a fifth for the win. No, it makes no sense to bury someone like this, nor does it make sense for Lesnar to win the title. But this is what they do.
McIntyre was sent to the back before the World Cup finals started. They fought before the bell rang, with Miz sending Ziggler into the steps. Miz favored his knee heavily. They sold like this was about to be called a forfeit in favor of Ziggler because Miz couldn’t continue. Shane McMahon said no, he would take his place. So after hyping this tournament for weeks, Shane just inserts himself in, everyone seems fine with it and the match starts. Even the announcers couldn’t sell this as making a lick of sense.
Shane McMahon defeated Dolph Ziggler to win the World Cup
Well, duh.
So Ziggler cut Shane and hit the zig zag. Shane fired back with a DDT and slingshotted Ziggler into the turnbuckle. Shane hit the coast to coast. And yes, in case you were wondering who the best in the world is, it is Shane McMahon, who wrestles maybe twice a year and just beat Dolph Ziggler clean in minutes. Raw announcers sold this like it was a heel move. Whatever. These last two matches couldn’t be more destructive towards people that need a boost the most.
Shane celebrated with the trophy as a huge pyrotechnic show followed. A McMahon winning this tournament, which was to crown the best in the world, feels like an allegory for something.
Triple H and Shawn Michaels defeated The Undertaker and Kane
Triple H and Kane start things off. Shawn was tagged in and looked fine. He hit a neckbreaker but Kane came up. After teasing a superkick, Undertaker was tagged in. All four got in the ring as HBK was put in the tree of woe position. Kane threw Triple H into Shawn as both DX members tumbled to the floor.
Back in the ring, Undertaker hit old school on Shawn. He avoided a boot in the corner and tagged in Triple H. Kane was tagged in and they exchanged chops. Shawn came in and took down Kane, then did the kip up. Double suplex spot by DX. Shawn connected with the elbow.
Shawn motions for the sweet chin music but Kane grabs him and lands the chokeslam instead. Undertaker comes back in and gets the heat, looking for his own chokeslam. He takes out Triple H, which allows Shawn to strike with the sweet chin music. Undertaker gets back to his feet and clears out the Arabic announcer’s table.
Triple H grabs Shawn from his doom as he takes out Kane and Undertaker by throwing them into the steps and guardrail, respectively. Well, I think he threw himself and Undertaker into the barricade, but whatever. Kane grabs Hunter by the throat, however, and sends him through the announce table. Undertaker takes out Shawn with a legdrop on the apron.
Undertaker taunts Triple H as he takes Shawn and puts him back in the ring. They work him over some more. Undertaker went for a tombstone on the floor, but Shawn escaped and threw him into the post. Kane’s mask came off at some point as Shawn went to the top rope and hit a moonsault.
Triple H is tagged in as he makes a comeback. He may have hurt his arm at some point during this match. Undertaker reversed a pedigree with the back body drop. Triple H reversed a tombstone and hit a pedigree. Hunter dispatched Kane as Undertaker locked in the hell’s gate. Kane grabbed Shawn but he escaped and hit a superkick, landing on Undertaker and breaking that submission.
Brothers of Destruction go for stereo tombstones but both DX members escape. Shawn superkicks Undertaker, then superkicks Kane, who walks into a pedigree. Triple H pins Kane for the win. This was better than last month’s match. Shawn looked great but honestly this was still a very plodding, long match.
Pyrotechnics display to close out the show. To quote Jim Ross after that Jackie Gayda match, mercifully, Crown Jewel is over.
Raw’s final build to Crown Jewel took place in Charlotte, North Carolina last night.
The Undertaker & Kane and Triple H & Shawn Michaels appeared in the main event segment, with Triple H and Michaels setting a trap and Michaels hitting Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music. The show ended with Undertaker sitting up and the teams having a staredown.
Brock Lesnar was also on the go-home show for Crown Jewel. He gave Braun Strowman an F5 and stood tall heading into their Universal Championship match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday.
John Cena was officially replaced by Bobby Lashley in Friday’s World Cup tournament. The storyline explanation was Baron Corbin saying that Cena didn’t qualify for the tournament and giving Lashley his spot after Lashley beat down Finn Balor.
Also on Raw, Dean Ambrose refused to give Seth Rollins an explanation for why he attaced him last week, WWE announced Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch for Survivor Series, and Sasha Banks, Bayley, Natalya, Trish Stratus & Lita teamed against The Riott Squad, Mickie James & Alicia Fox.
It’s been confirmed that Triple H and Shawn Michaels will be appearing on tonight’s show to further the build to their tag match against The Undertaker & Kane at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2. A pre-recorded video with Undertaker and Kane aired on Raw last week, and Undertaker then appeared on SmackDown 1000 to send a message to Triple H & Michaels.
This week’s Raw is the go-home show for Evolution, and the show will include a contract signing segment for Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella’s Raw Women’s Championship match at the pay-per-view. Sasha Banks will also face Ruby Riott tonight. That comes in advance of Banks, Bayley & Natalya taking on The Riott Squad (Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan) in a six-woman tag at Evolution.
A Tag Team Championship match is set for tonight, with Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre defending their titles against Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose. Last week’s Raw continued to tease the storyline of dissension between Ambrose and The Shield, but the episode ended with The Shield defeating Braun Strowman, Ziggler & McIntyre. Strowman laid out Ziggler after the match, then McIntyre hit the Claymore Kick on Strowman.
UPDATE: Finn Balor vs. Bobby Lashley is also official for tonight.
WWE moved on from Super Show-Down and ramped up the build to Crown Jewel and Evolution on last night’s Raw.
After the post-match angle from Super Show-Down where Undertaker and Kane attacked Triple H and Shawn Michaels, their tag match was officially announced for Crown Jewel. Triple H and Michaels appeared as D-Generation X during the opening segment and issued the challenge to Undertaker and Kane.
It was also confirmed that Ronda Rousey will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Nikki Bella at Evolution. Rousey & The Bellas defeated The Riott Squad in a Super Show-Down rematch last night, with Nikki & Brie then turning against Rousey and laying her out.
Another Super Show-Down rematch closed last night’s episode. Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre defeated The Shield, and the storyline of dissension between Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins continued as Ambrose walked out on them after the main event.
Kurt Angle returned to WWE television for the first time since the angle where he was sent “on vacation” by Stephanie McMahon. He dressed up as “The Conquistador” and won Baron Corbin’s Global Battle Royal, which featured Corbin and enhancement wrestlers. Angle qualified for the World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel, and it was also announced that John Cena will be one of the eight entrants in the tournament.
Elsewhere on Raw, Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James was set up for Evolution, Bobby Lashley turned heel during a match against Kevin Owens, and Paul Heyman made an appearance to hype up the triple threat Universal Championship match at Crown Jewel.
Triple H and Shawn Michaels reunited as D-Generation X tonight and are set to face The Undertaker and Kane next month at Crown Jewel.
It started at this weekend’s Super Show-Down event when both Undertaker and Kane jumped Triple H and Shawn Michaels after Triple H defeated The Undertaker. Tonight on Raw, both Triple H and HBK came out looking for retribution. Michaels said that for the last eight years, he had been keeping a promise (his retirement) out of mutual respect between he and The Undertaker. But now he realizes that respect may have never existed.
Triple H then said he asked Michaels three words he never thought he would ask him again: are you ready? He then directed that question to Undertaker and Kane for Crown Jewel. Both men took off their shirts revealing new D-Generation X t-shirts as they posed for the crowd, their old music playing.
Crown Jewel will take place on November 2 at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Date: October 8, 2018 Location: Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL
The Big Takeaway —
Kurt Angle returned tonight and technically had his first Raw match in over 12 years, Shawn Michaels is returning at Crown Jewel to team with Triple H as DX, Lita returned and will team with Trish Stratus at Evolution, Nikki and Brie Bella turned on Ronda Rousey, Bobby Lashley (and Lio Rush) turned heel on Kevin Owens (who is probably still a heel), and Dean Ambrose left Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins alone in the ring after the Shield lost in the main event.
Show Recap —
Triple H and Shawn Michaels came out to start the show. Triple H used his King of Kings theme and wore jeans and a leather jacket. They were both cheered.
Triple H said 25 years was a long time to climb a mountain and he and Michaels should feel like they’re on top of the world, but an avalanche fell on them on Saturday making them wonder if the whole thing was a lie. The crowd didn’t react to this verbiage. They cut to a recap of the Undertaker match.
Triple H said the word ‘respect’ has lost its meaning lately, then explained the respect he and Michaels had for each other. Michaels said he had a long time to think on his flight from Melbourne to Chicago. He thought about the last eight and a half years he spent honouring the word he kept based on a respect that apparently never existed.
Michaels said Triple H had three words for him that he never thought he’d hear again, and Triple H asked, “are you ready?” Triple H said the question was for Undertaker and Kane at Crown Jewel. Michaels said D-Generation X was ready.
Michaels added, “we got to words for you,” then they took off their shirts to reveal DX shirts underneath. Michael Cole acted excited about the return of D-X as they posed in the ring. The crowd cheered, though I wouldn’t call it a crazy reaction or anything.
Bobby Lashley (w/Lio Rush) defeated Kevin Owens (12:58)
Owens did the spot where he feigned a suicide dive attempt, then just stepped out of the ring to throw a punch instead. The crowd cheered, so Rush, who was on the mic during the match, questioned them cheering for Owens. He tried to start a “Lashley” chant but the crowd booed instead. Owens responded with a damn flip dive to the outside and the crowd popped huge.
After a break, Lashley had Owens in a headlock and looked somewhat confused as the crowd rallied behind Owens. Rush continued cheering on Lashley on the mic and the crowd booed him. The crowd also booed Lashley when he saved Rush from Owens. Owens came back with forearms but Lashley killed him with a spinebuster.
Lashley followed with a delayed vertical suplex but Owens kicked out. Owens fought out of a full nelson and hit a superkick and stunner for a nearfall. Owens went up for a moonsault but Rush distracted him and Lashley knocked him down. Lashley then kicked his leg out of his leg and used a modified Dominator for the win.
Lashley attacked Owens after the match. He chop-blocked him and slammed his knee against the post. Lashley slammed Owens’ legs against the post several more times before posing to a chorus of boos. Lashley smirked as he walked off with Rush.
They announced the WWE World Cup at Crown Jewel featuring four members from Raw and four from Smackdown to crown “the best in the world.” Cole said John Cena did not have to qualify because of his accomplishments and called him the best ever.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Finn Balor and Bayley. They said they were like peanut butter and jelly or like Batman and Robin. Balor asked which one was Batman and Bayley said they both were. Rush and Lashley showed up to brag about what he just did. Rush called Lashley “too sweet,” which Balor didn’t appreciate.
Elias was introduced to a big reaction. He said when people spoke about legends they were really speaking about him. Elias wrote a song to explain his loss in Australia. He said he was distracted by John Cena’s hair and all the Australian accents. He didn’t think it could get worse, but then he wound up in Chicago. He felt better knowing the Cubs won’t be in the World Series.
He stopped playing for a moment so we could hear the crowd booing. He was about to continue but was interrupted by Ronda Rousey. Rousey went to the ring for her match, Elias vanished, and they went to commercial.
6-Woman Tag Match: Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, Nikki & Brie Bella defeated The Riott Squad (10:24)
Liv Morgan and Brie started with a staredown. Morgan slapped Brie, then Brie kicked Morgan in the knee. Brie went for a Yes Kick but Morgan ducked. They brawled to the outside until it was broken up by their partners.
After a break, Ruby Riott gave Brie an STO on the outside and heels took over. Brie came back with a missile dropkick and made the hot tag to Rousey. Riott got a nearfall with a small package, but Rousey came back with strikes and spinning Samoan drop. The Bellas stopped Logan and Morgan from interfering, then Rousey put Riott in an armbar for the submission win.
Nikki attacked Rousey after the match. Both Bellas put the boots to her as the crowd booed pretty loudly. Rousey tossed Brie aside and stared down Nikki. Nikki tried to attack but Rousey fought her off too. Rousey went after Nikki outside the ring, then Brie pushed her from behind into the post. They continued the attack until referees ran down.
For some reason, the refs just let them continue so Nikki shoved her into the steel steps and barricade. The Bellas dragged Rousey in the ring so they could pose over her body. The crowd chanted “you suck” as they left. The action wasn’t exactly smooth but this got a lot of heat.
Bayley & Finn Balor defeated Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal (w/Sunil Singh) (7:21)
Balor won with the Coup de Grace after Bayley knocked Sunil off the apron and took out Fox. The crowd was happy. Balor and Bayley face Braun Strowman and Ember Moon tomorrow.
This was a rematch from last week’s Mixed Match Challenge. Lashley/Owens earlier was a rematch from Raw last week, and the six-woman tag match was a rematch from Australia. The Shield match later is also a rematch from Australia.
In the locker room, Dolph Ziggler tried to hype up Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman. McIntyre cut him off because he was sick of Ziggler acting like he was in charge and reminded him who took the loss on Saturday. McIntyre told him to start pulling his own weight.
They started arguing but Strowman told them to stop bickering. He told them that they’re there to make sure he wins the Universal title, which would be good for all of them. Strowman said they would put down the Shield for good tonight.
Heath Slater caught up with Baron Corbin because wanted to be in tonight’s global battle royal so he could represent West Virginia. Corbin said no, because “you’re just not any good.” The crowd booed.
DX vs. Brothers of Destruction was made official for Crown Jewel.
Nine jobbers were in the ring, apparently representing different countries, for the battle royal. Corbin came out and said he would win the battle royal, which would be a tough feat against these men. Corbin introduced every single one of them.
Kurt Angle won the Global Battle Royal (3:06)
All of the jobbers surrounded and attacked Corbin. Conquistador, who was all covered up, was notably waiting outside the ring as Corbin began eliminating a few of the jobbers. Corbin eliminated the last guy, but of course, he forgot about Conquistador. Corbin realized he was never eliminated and he popped in the ring.
Corin tried to attack, then Conquistador gave him three German suplexes, followed by an Angle Slam. The crowd popped huge. Conquistador then eliminated Corbin for the win. He danced around the ring and as a stunned Corbin looked on.
Conquistador eventually took off his mask to reveal it was Kurt Angle and the crowd cheered. Angle was quite pleased with himself. This was fun. Angle will be in the tournament at Crown Jewel.
This was technically a match, and therefore Angle’s first WWE TV match (excluding PPVs) since he wrestled Sabu on ECW TV in August 2006. He last match on Raw was against Shawn Michaels in January 2006. (Assuming I checked this correctly.)
Charly Caruso welcomed back Angle. He told her he was still technically on vacation, winked at her and left.
Ember Moon defeated Nia Jax via countout (2:59)
Moon attempted a suicide dive but basically bounced off Jax. Jax tried a charge, but Moon moved and Jax crashed into the ring’s video board. Moon slipped back in the ring to win by countout. The crowd booed the finish. It seemed like Jax might attack Moon, but hugged her and raised her hand instead.
Trish Stratus came to the ring. She called the “Moment of Bliss” segment last week a moment of B.S. She was going to give us a “Moment of Stratusfaction” but was interrupted by Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. Bliss said nobody cared, except maybe the dullards in the crowd.
Stratus thought it was funny she would call them dullards given that she came up short in the math department last week when telling her story. Stratus also called her short. Bliss wasn’t impressed. Bliss started ranting and I think the crowd chanted “boring” at her.
Bliss realized that Stratus actually sucked, and if she was around during her time, Stratus would’ve been in her shadow. Stratus challenged her to a match right now. Bliss and James marched to the ring, but James stopped Bliss from fighting. Stratus said Bliss would get a Hall of Fame beat down at Evolution. James saw that as a challenge and wanted to team with Bliss at Evolution.
Stratus liked the idea of a tag match and introduced her partner–Lita, who was conveniently waiting backstage in case this exact scenario played out. Lita and Stratus sent the heels packing. The crowd popped big for Lita. I suppose it’s notable that Bliss did not take any bumps. She bailed from the ring when Lita attacked.
Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose did an old school Shield promo. Ambrose said they were the bad guys, Reigns said it doesn’t matter where they fight, whether it was Melbourne or Chicago, and Rollins said they were the one true constant.
Bobby Roode & Chad Gable defeated The Ascension (4:17)
This was the sixth straight week these four have been involved in a singles or tag match together. Konnor cut a promo before the match and a light “CM Punk” chant started, but it didn’t last. The chant started again during the match but then people started booing to drown it out.
They did the same finish they did a month ago. Roode was making a comeback and seemed to have the match won, but Gable blind-tagged in and gave Viktor the Chaos Theory suplex for the win. Roode was confused, but before they could really celebrate, AOP ran down and beat down both teams as Drake Maverick looked on.
Rousey defending her title against Nikki Bella was made official for Evolution, as was Trish Stratus and Lita vs. Alexa Bliss and Mickie James. They aired a DX video package, with most of the clips coming from their most recent run. The announcers also plugged the WWE and Universal title matches at Crown Jewel.
Paul Heyman came out on the stage. Heyman said he was here to see a fight, but found it ironic that Reigns and Strowman beat each other up 72 hours ago, then had to fly 20 hours to Chicago just to do it again, all to put smiles on the faces of the WWE Universe.
Meanwhile, in Suplex City, Brock Lesnar was not watching Raw, but sleeping in his bed so he could wake up in the morning and run a mile to his own gym where he could train to become a duel WWE and UFC champion. Heyman went on about how Reigns and Strowman each of a team of men to watch their backs.
As Heyman ranted, Corey Graves randomly piped in on commentary asking, “is Lesnar here tonight?” Cole reminded him that Heyman just said he was at home. Heyman said Lesnar would win at Crown Jewel.
After a break, the Shield ran wild, which led to Rollins and Ambrose hitting suicide dives (as Cole yelled, “brothers to the bone!”). Strowman grabbed them, then Reigns did a big dive onto the pile leading to another commercial.
Back from break, Strowman was in control (which also happened after the previous break) and the crowd chanted “we want Ambrose.” Rollins gave McIntyre an enziguri, but before he could go for a tag, Strowman attacked Reigns and Ambrose, launching them into the barricade.
Strowman yelled at his teammates to get their crap together. Strowman grabbed Ziggler, so McIntyre stepped in and got in Strowman’s face. Rollins bumped McIntyre into Stromwna and used a schoolboy for a two count. Ambrose made the hot tag and immediately did a suicide dive to McIntyre and Strowman.
Ambrose gave McIntyre clotheslines and swinging neckbreaker for two. McIntyre came back with a spinebuster but Reigns broke up the cover. Ziggler superkicked Reigns and was about to superkick Rollins but Ambrose saved him, then Rollins suplexed himself and Ziggler out of the ring. Ambrose and McIntyre collided with clotheslines.
Strowman pushed Reigns into the post, Ambrose gave Strowman a DDT on the outside and Reigns followed with a spear. Rollins took out Ziggler again, then McIntyre caught Ambrose with the Claymore kick for the win. The Shield lost. Really good match.
After the match, Ambrose abruptly left and went to the back as Reigns and Rollins looked on.
With Michaels and Kane getting involved throughout the match, Triple H defeated The Undertaker in the main event of Super Show-Down. There was then a post-match angle where Undertaker and Kane attacked Triple H and Michaels as all four wrestlers were showing each other respect. Undertaker gave Triple H a Tombstone piledriver and Michaels was chokeslammed through a table.
Triple H and Michaels appearing on tonight’s Raw should further the build to their tag match against Undertaker & Kane that’s expected to take place at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2.
The build to Evolution will also pick up with Stratus appearing tonight. She’ll likely respond to the “Moment of Bliss” segment from last week where Alexa Bliss accused Stratus of being rude to her when she met Stratus and asked for an autograph when she was a child. Stratus vs. Bliss is set for Evolution in Long Island, New York on October 28.
Date: October 1, 2018 Location: KeyArena in Seattle, WA
The Big Takeaway —
Undertaker and Kane both appeared and chokeslammed Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Undertaker also gave Triple H a tombstone. The crowd was hot for the segment. Also, Michaels specifically mentioned that Undertaker and Triple H were wrestling one last time “one-on-one.”
Speaking of hot crowds, the Seattle crowd was furious over Elias reminding them that they don’t have an NBA team. The crowd booed he and Kevin Owens the rest of the segment and was the loudest heel heat for a segment in a long time.
Also, the tease of Dean Ambrose breaking up with the Shield continued. He was offered title matches against either Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns but turned it down. He made sure to let them know how lucky they were that he did. Ambrose did run out to help them later in the show, but the Shield were left laid out by Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.
Show Recap —
Ambrose kicks off the show for an interview with Charly Caruso, who ran down last week’s angle. The crowd booed the idea of Ambrose joining Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre.
Ambrose admitted there was truth to what they said last week. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins were champions, while he had nothing. Rollins replaced him quickly with Jason Jordan when he got injured. Caruso asked if he ever thought about leaving the Shield and the crowd cheered.
Ambrose said yeah, sure, he thinks about a lot of things. Maybe he already handed back his black uniform. Maybe he also ran Roman’s car off the road. Caruso wondered if he was being sarcastic.
Ambrose knew people were wondering why he stayed so long in the Shield, that people were expecting him to explode and slip the knife in their backs. Caruso played the replay of Ambrose hesitating before getting back in the ring with the Shield last week.
Ambrose said people can stop trying to analyze him and just judge his actions–he stepped up and stood by his brothers. He said the Shield wasn’t a brand or a business, they were a brotherhood, and they would always ride into battle together. He bowed to Caruso and was about to leave, but Baron Corbin came out.
Corbin mocked him, so Ambrose said he was salty for failing to put down the Shield. Corbin had three options for Ambrose tonight: face Rollins for the IC title, face Reigns for the Universal title, or face Braun Strowman one-on-one. Ambrose said he wasn’t going to play this game and challenged Corbin. Corbin put him in a match against Strowman instead.
Dean Ambrose defeated Braun Strowman via DQ (13:48)
Corey Graves asked Renee Young what Ambrose’s mindset was like after last week. Young said that Ambrose was a hard person to read, even for her, and she had to leave him on his own to think about things, but he did let his actions speak.
After a break, Ambrose slipped out of a powerslam, appearing to rake Strowman’s eyes, then avoided a charge and hit a forearm and dropkick. Strowman cut him off by clubbing him in the chest. Ambrose managed to hit Dirty Deeds somewhat out of nowhere but only got a nearfall.
Strowman rolled outside, so Ambrose nailed him with a suicide dive. Ambrose avoided another charge and Strowman went into the steel steps. Ambrose broke the ten count, but Strowman caught him with a powerslam in the ring. Strowman couldn’t make a cover, so Ambrose rolled outside. Strowman tackled him on the outside and tossed him into the barricade.
Strowman tossed him back in the ring and hit a powerslam. He was about to hit another but Reigns came out (to his music). Reigns gave him a superman punch so the referee called for the bell. Rollins joined and caught Strowman with a knee off the top, then Strowman bailed.
McIntyre and Ziggler came out on the stage, then Corbin stopped them from going any further. He put Rollins in a match against McIntyre, and Reigns in a match against Ziggler.
This was fine. The crowd liked Ambrose. They mostly cheered Reigns and Rollins coming out, but some people were booing too.
Ambrose was in the trainer’s room with ice on his shoulder and Rollins checked on him. Ambrose was livid and tossed the ice against the wall. Rollins said Reigns came out when he had to. Ambrose wasn’t impressed, and told Rollins he could be IC champion right now. Ambrose left.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defeated Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match (12:36)
Before the match, it seemed like this would randomly be a title match because the referee held up the title belt. This even caught Graves by surprise. Corbin rushed out and told Reigns he can’t put the title on the line anytime he wanted, and he won’t be defending the belt until Saudi Arabia. He also said Rollins’ match was non-title.
After a break, Ziggler applied a sleeper but Reigns fought out and hit clotheslines, a jumping clothesline, ten clotheslines in the corner and a big boot. Ziggler avoided a superman punch and used a schoolboy holding the tights for two, then raked Reigns in the eyes and hit a Zig-Zag for a nearfall.
Reigns avoided a superkick and hit a superman punch for a nearfall. Ziggler flipped over a spear and used a rollup for two, then Reigns caught him with a spear for the pinfall win. The last few minutes were good and the crowd was into it.
The Bellas and Natalya were shown hanging out backstage next to Ronda Rousey, who was warming up for her match.
Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey (w/Nikki & Brie Bella) defeated Ruby Riott (w/Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan) in a non-title match (6:49)
The Riott Squad did a selfie promo earlier where they said most people find beauty in roses or sunsets, but they find beauty in broken glass, hearing their opponents scream, and giving Rousey her first loss tonight.
Riott took control after yanking Rousey into the post and pushing her into the barricade. After a while, Ruby went for the Riott Kick but Rousey caught her and tossed her across the ring. She ripped off her t-shirt and slammed Ruby, then knocked down Logan. Ruby used the distraction to get a nearfall on a roll-up, then Rousey used a Samoan drop and applied an armbar for the submission win. Rousey posed with the Bellas afterwards.
The crowd liked Rousey, but this was another case of her selling for the entire match until the end and the crowd got quiet in the middle. They popped for the armbar and the win.
There was no acknowledgement of Liv Morgan’s injury or what happened last week. Logan took a bump during the match, but Morgan didn’t.
Konnor (w/Viktor) defeated Bobby Roode (w/Chad Gable) (4:15)
Roode seemed to have the match won as he set up for the Glorious DDT, but Gable was on the ring steps doing the glorious pose when Viktor ran over and clobbered him. This distracted Roode allowing Konnor to hit a weak-looking Dominator for the win.
The crowd was dead for this, as they were for the Gable/Konnor match last week. Of course, this was the fifth straight week with some combination of these four men having a match.
There was “A Moment of Bliss” segment where Alexa Bliss talked about meeting her hero. She said people had heroes like Wonder Woman, Nelson Mandela, and herself. Her hero growing up was Trish Stratus.
Bliss met Stratus when she was 7 years old while shivering in the cold outside of the arena. She remembered staring into Stratus’ “wrinkly eyes” and asking for an autograph. Bliss said Stratus burped in her face and asked for 50 bucks, then ripped up her autograph book. Bliss said Stratusfaction was not guaranteed when it came to meeting your heroes.
B-Team defeated The Revival
They followed up on Revival’s impressive performance last week by having them lose to B-Team in a nothing match. Revival tried a rocket launcher, but Bo Dallas got his knees up and rolled up Dash Wilder for the win.
As B-Team celebrated up the ramp, they were wiped out by AOP. They dragged B-Team to the ring and hit them with a Super Collider. Drake Maverick wore black jeans and leather jacket over a black tank top.
Reigns approached Ambrose backstage, who was still selling. Reigns said last week was funny, but this week they’re actually wondering about him. Ambrose said he was fine. Reigns wanted to make sure he was ready for Australia. Ambrose said if he wasn’t such a nice guy, he would be Universal champion right now. Ambrose left.
Backstage, Corbin told AOP and Maverick that he was impressed and to keep it up.
They did a relatively quick breast cancer awareness segment.
Backstage, Ziggler told Strowman and McIntyre that he could feel Ambrose on the verge of leaving the Shield. Strowman welcomed the idea, because even though he beat Ambrose tonight, Ambrose was a “tough bastard.” Strowman added, “when he’s not facing me, he’s a winner.” He told McIntyre to beat Rollins tonight and said they don’t need any weak links. He stared right at Ziggler when he said that. Strowman left and Ziggler appeared concerned.
Drew McIntyre defeated IC Title Seth Rollins in a non-title match (11:10)
Rollins used a suicide dive 65 seconds into the match. McIntyre took control, then after a break, Rollins came back with a slingblade, blockbuster, enzuigiri and springboard clothesline for two. McIntyre set up for a reverse Alabama Slam but Rollins rolled through into a roll-up for a two count, then followed with a Falcon Arrow for two.
Rollins hit a buckle bomb and superkick, then Ziggler ran out to his music. Ziggler quickly slid in and out of the ring, avoiding a curb stomp attempt by Rollins. The distraction allowed McIntyre to hit the Claymore kick for the win.
Ziggler and McIntyre attacked Rollins afterwards. Reigns ran down, but they cut him off. Strowman marched out, then Ambrose followed and attacked with an axe handle. Strowman cut him off anyway, then Ziggler superkicked Rollins. They gave Ambrose the Claymore/Zig-Zag combo, then Strowman power-slammed Reigns.
Strowman, Ziggler and McIntyre did the Shield pose as they stood over Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose.
The Raw announcers plugged the Smackdown title match for Super Show-Down. They plugged the Smackdown Women’s title match earlier.
Kevin Owens approached Elias backstage, who had his personal spread of bottled water, mints and spinach. There was also a bowl of cashews, but Owens noted that Elias doesn’t like cashews. Elias said he doesn’t and told the stagehand he asked for almonds. He chucked the bowl of cashews in his face. Owens was amused and continued snacking on the spinach.
They plugged Smackdown 1000 in two weeks.
Elias/Kevin Owens segment
Elias was introduced to a big reaction. He played his guitar as the crowd held up their cell phone lights. He introduced Owens who received a mixed reaction. Owens looked forward to teaming with Elias and called them both great guys. He didn’t understand John Cena teaming with Bobby Lashley.
Elias said it didn’t make any sense, just like a basketball team playing in Seattle. That got a huge reaction. The crowd booing didn’t stop. Owens tried to continue but the crowd kept booing loudly. Owens didn’t seem to understand the reaction and admitted he wasn’t a sports fan. He tried again to continue and had to yell into the microphone so Elias could hear him.
Owens talked about Cena as the crowd booing continued. Owens said Cena ruins everything, just like Seattle, which is why their basketball team left. The production team turned on a few lights and now we can see people booing. Elias told them to turn the lights back down.
Owens talked about Cena barely being around, and Elias said he was coming back to face them to stay relevant. Owens said Cena wanted to face the best, and they were the best. Owens was yelling as he said he would powerbomb Cena on the apron one more time.
Lio Rush interrupted. Rush called Cena legend but told Owens not to overlook his match tonight. The crowd is chanting “SuperSonics.” Rush eventually introduced Lashley.
This was an incredible segment.
Kevin Owens (w/Elias) defeated Bobby Lashley (w/Lio Rush) (10:56)
Owens won with a schoolboy. Lashley seemed to have it won after a spinebuster but before he could finish it, Elias chased Rush around and eventually caught him. Lashley was distracted by this, allowing Owens to apply the schoolboy. Third distraction finish on tonight’s show.
Owens and Elias beat up Lashley afterwards. Rush came off the top rope but Elias just swatted him out of the air. The crowd booed as Elias assisted Owens in hitting a pop-up powerbomb. Elias went for a handshake but Owens hugged him instead.
Michael Cole explained to us how to open Facebook on our phones and find Mixed Match Challenge as they displayed example graphics on the screen.
Mahal tried to trip Bayley from the outside, so she kicked him, then Balor gave him a slingblade. Fox failed to use the distraction and Bayley gave her Bayley-to-belly for the pinfall win.
They aired a commercial for WWE Evolution.
Shawn Michaels came out for the main event segment.
Main Event segment
Shawn Michaels came out to a good reaction. He talked about the intense feelings around the upcoming match and has felt every emotion the fans have the last few weeks. Michaels said it was Undertaker vs. Triple for the last time ever (he specifically said “one-on-one”).
Michaels bought a ticket to Australia, despite being notoriously cheap, because he wanted to watch as a fan. He was only going to watch it as a fan, until Taker made it personal a few weeks ago. There were some brief “one more match” chants. Michaels said he would’ve picked Triple H to win over anyone on the planet.
He confirmed he would be in Triple H’s corner and told Kane he better not try to interfere or he would hit him with Sweet Chin Music. Kane’s music hit and Michaels faced the stage. Kane showed up behind him, and when Michaels turned around, Kane knocked him down with a punch.
The lights went out and Taker appeared on the ring. Michaels looked up and saw Taker staring down at him. Taker was about to give him a tombstone but Triple H’s music hit and ran down. Triple H punched away at Taker but Kane stopped him. Michaels tried to help, but Kane cut him off. Kane chokeslammed Michaels and Undertaker chokeslammed Triple H.
The crowd chanted for Taker, who was about to leave, but returned to the ring to tombstone Triple H. Taker and Kane left as the crowd cheered. They posed on the ramp as the show ended.
This was a simple angle, but all they needed to do given the star power involved.
Shawn Michaels will be making an appearance as WWE finishes building to Triple H vs. The Undertaker at Super Show-Down.
WWE confirmed tonight that Michaels will be appearing on next week’s go-home edition of Raw. It will be the first time Michaels has been on WWE television since his segment with The Undertaker from three weeks ago where it was teased that Michaels would be returning for his first match in over eight years.
Michaels will be in Triple H’s corner and Kane will be in Undertaker’s corner at Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, October 6. Dave Meltzer reported in the most recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Michaels will be coming out of retirement to team with Triple H against Undertaker & Kane at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday, November 2.
WWE has revealed Shawn Michaels’ role for Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia.
As was advertised in advance, The Undertaker made an appearance on Raw tonight to continue promoting his match against Triple H at Super Show-Down. During his promo, it was announced that Michaels will be in Triple H’s corner for the match and that Kane will be in Undertaker’s corner.
Michaels was on Raw two weeks ago as part of the build to Triple H vs. Undertaker, and WWE teased Michaels potentially coming out of retirement for his first match in over eight years. Dave Meltzer then reported that Michaels wrestling was “targeted, if not scheduled” for WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia on November 2. Meltzer wrote that it wasn’t planned to be a singles match.
Kane (real name Glenn Jacobs) hasn’t appeared on WWE television since winning his election to become mayor of Knox County, Tennessee last month. He’s noted that he wouldn’t rule out still making special appearances for WWE after becoming mayor.
Undertaker vs. Triple H at Super Show-Down is being billed as the final time they’ll ever face each other. The event will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 6 and will air live on the WWE Network.
While retirements in professional wrestling are almost always temporary, the direction that WWE went in on last Monday’s episode of Raw was still genuinely surprising.
What seemed like it would be a by-the-numbers segment with Shawn Michaels promoting Triple H and The Undertaker’s match at WWE Super Show-Down, which is being billed as the last time they’ll ever face each other, turned into a full-blown tease of Michaels coming out of retirement.
Michaels’ segment started as everyone would have expected, with him picking Triple H to defeat The Undertaker and saying Triple H has more left in the tank than Undertaker at this point in their careers.
Undertaker then interrupted him. Undertaker said him ending Michaels’ career was the reason that Michaels was picking Triple H.
Michaels asked if Undertaker thinks that’s what this is about and said he’s a man of his word and has stayed retired out of respect for the system, the fans, and The Undertaker.
The biggest question coming out of All In on 9/1 in Chicago is the same question as going in. What does this all mean?
The event has to be considered an overall huge success, with the immediate sellout, a convention, a first hour broadcast on national cable and a PPV deal.
As far as business numbers go, the total attendance at the show was 11,263 (and a few days after the show they had already released an 11,263 T-shirt), which was, with the set up, was the fire department maximum they could put in. That figure is a combination of the 10,541 tickets sold in the first 30 minutes they were put on sale back in May, any late production seats that were opened up, and people in the suites. The suites were packed and it was 100 percent utilization of the building, which is rare even for what can be legitimately called a sold out show.
The Undertaker returned to WWE television and confronted Shawn Michaels on last night’s episode of Raw.
Michaels was making an appearance on the show to promote Triple H and Undertaker’s match at Super Show-Down in Melbourne, Australia next month. Michaels picked Triple H to win before being interrupted by Undertaker. The story of the segment was Undertaker saying he’s put both Triple H and Michaels down and questioning whether Michaels has stayed retired out of respect or fear.
Undertaker said he’d put Michaels down again if he were to ever come out of retirement and vowed to defeat Triple H at Super Show-Down.
The Shield were involved in a show-long storyline where they were arrested after starting a brawl with Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre in the opening segment. They got out of jail at the end of the show — only to be attacked by the heel roster.
Also on Raw, Nikki & Brie Bella faced The Riott Squad and later offered to give Ronda Rousey advice, Ziggler & McIntyre attacked The Revival and replaced them in their Tag Team title match against The B-Team, and Drake Maverick became The Authors of Pain’s new manager.
