Ahead of his WWE World Heavyweight Championship match with Seth Rollins at Saturday’s SummerSlam, Finn Balor opened up about his initial reluctance to lead a faction after having gained notoriety leading the Bullet Club in NJPW.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso, Balor noted how he had to think hard about jumping into the Judgment Day role before fully committing to it. However, knowing he would be working with Damian Priest helped make his decision easier.
“Having success with Bullet Club, I knew there was going to be comparisons made had I been involved in another group, so I was always reluctant to go that direction,” Balor said. “However, when the chance to work with Damian was presented, I didn’t hesitate for a second. Damian and I have always had a very good relationship since we met at NXT, and I felt that this group could be something completely different.”
Another factor that played into Balor’s decision to take the Judgment Day role was his displeasure with where his career stood in WWE at the time the group formed. Feeling like he was in need of a change, Balor explained that the decision came together in the wake of a perfect storm.
“For me personally, I was at a point in my career where I knew that something had to change,” Balor said. “So the time of this was perfect and very similar to my NJPW turn. Finally, I could channel my real frustrations I was feeling into the character, and I had no doubt that this was the right move.”
Balor also noted how he doesn’t feel like Saturday’s match with Rollins will be the end of his story. Instead, he argued, it will be “the beginning of a new chapter.”
Balor came up short in his most recent attempt to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as he lost to Rollins at Money In The Bank in July. Balor’s stablemate, Damian Priest, currently holds the Money In The Bank briefcase, which promises him a shot a title of his choosing at any time.
On a special edition of Wrestling Weekly, my co-host Les Thatcher shares some details from his induction this past weekend into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame as the first recipient of the Jack Brisco Spotlight Award.
The Judgment Day are quickly becoming one of the hottest acts in WWE.
Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the opening promo on Raw featuring the group, where Dominik Mysterio got incredible heat. Both agreed that while the crowd do boo Mysterio, it’s because they love to boo him.
“I watch him, and I just think when they turn him babyface, which at some point they will…they actually got somebody. They’re looking for that hispanic superstar so bad for so long,” Meltzer said.
One star that is quickly becoming one of the top acts in the entire company in Rhea Ripley. Both Meltzer and Alvarez agreed that she’s one of the hottest acts in the company right now.
“They’re the hottest act on Raw,” Alvarez said. “ and Rhea is the hottest woman in the company.”
“By far,” Meltzer agreed. “She’s the hottest woman in wrestling. Since the peak of Becky Lynch, there’s been nobody…they’ve got something in Rhea now…I think long term, she’s going to be the biggest woman’s star in a long time, like ten years. They’ve got something in this group.”
In recent weeks, there have been teases that Finn Balor and Damian Priest may turn on one another. Given recent developments, Meltzer suggested they hold off on a split.
“I wouldn’t be so quick to pull the trigger on that because that act is so hot right now,” he said.
The Judgment Day wreaked havoc throughout last night’s Raw, laying out Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and Liv Morgan.
A contract signing for Rollins and Finn Balor’s World Heavyweight Championship match at SummerSlam headlined the episode. In an attempt to get under Balor’s skin, Rollins said there’s no way Balor can actually leave SummerSlam as champion. Rollins said the most obvious scenario is that he’ll defeat Balor. But even if Balor wins, Damian Priest will just cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase to take the title from Balor.
Rollins said SummerSlam isn’t going to be the coronation of The Judgment Day — it will be the end of Judgment Day.
Balor blamed Rollins for his last seven years of losing and promised to get revenge at SummerSlam. The rest of Judgment Day then surrounded the ring. Rollins tried to fight them off, but the numbers advantage was too much. Sami Zayn attempted to make the save, but he was laid out too. The show ended with Rollins being given a Razor’s Edge by Priest, a frog splash by Dominik Mysterio, and a Coup de Grace by Balor.
Zayn’s tag team partner Owens was also attacked by Judgment Day earlier in the night. It happened during a match between Dominik and Zayn. Owens thought his rib was broken in the attack.
Rhea Ripley vs. Morgan was supposed to take place on the episode, but Ripley blindsided Morgan as she made her entrance. Ripley targeted Morgan’s shoulder, including wrapping a steel chair around her arm and stomping on it.
After a successful night on Raw, The Judgment Day will look to build on their momentum as they appear on NXT tonight.
All four members of Judgment Day — Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley — will be on tonight’s episode of NXT. They were challenged to appear by NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams.
Judgment Day overcame their recent dissension to defeat Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on Raw last night. Priest holds the Money in the Bank briefcase and could potentially cash it in for a shot at Hayes’ title.
Hayes’ Great American Bash challenger will be determined by a number one contender’s match between Bron Breakker and Ilja Dragunov on tonight’s show. The special is set for Sunday, July 30.
NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is set for non-title action against Ivy Nile tonight. Stacks faces off with Joe Coffey in an attempt to free Tony D’Angelo. Andre Chase & Duke Hudson take on Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey. And Bronco Nima & Lucien Price will debut.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
NXT opens with the entrance of Judgment Day — Finn Balor, Money In the Bank holder Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. They enter the soundstage at the Performance Center in Orlando, and they collectively make their way to the ring.
The live studio audience chants “mami” for Ripley, as Finn Balor grabs a microphone. The crowd is chanting “welcome home” just before Balor says, “Daddy’s home.” Balor adds this is the house he built, and Balor is here to “lay down some house rules with The Judgment Day.”
Balor has an introduction for the members of Judgment Day. Priest and Ripley gets pops from the live audience, but Dominik gets heavily booed by the crowd. Priest instructs them to all rise for Judgment Day. Priest then addresses NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams.
Priest says Hayes and Williams called thought they were getting a divided Judgment Day. Instead, Priest says they getting The Judgment Day that is running WWE and NXT.
Dominik goes to talk, but he is drowned out by booing and an interruption. Hayes and Williams enter, and Ripley objects to them interrupting “Dirty Dom” as Dom is trying to speak.
Hayes and Williams gets into the ring to confront Judgment Day. Hayes sarcastically thanks them for coming tonight. Hayes addresses Balor, and Hayes at first says he is on the Mount Rushmore of NXT. But now it was Hayes and Williams influence all over NXT.
Hayes goes on to acknowledge Balor beating him in a match on Raw a few weeks ago, but Hayes tells Balor he is now in his arena. Ripley laughs out loud and tells Hayes this was never about Hayes and Williams. There is more banter as Priest begins to speak again to boast about Judgment Day.
Williams tells Priest he is “writing a check his ass can’t cash.” Priest took great exception to this, leading to some posturing between them. This all leads to Hayes challenging Judgment Day to a tag team match tonight.
Balor responds by cautioning Hayes, “If you come at The Prince,’ you best not mess.” Hayes says let’s do it, setting up the main event for later on.
McKenzie Mitchell interviews Tony D’Angelo on Skype about the stipulation match tonight. Not much of note except Tony D pondering whether he knows Stacks anymore.
Gigi Dolan in a pre-tape promo has words for Kiana James. Dolan basically says Dolan is authentic, and James is living a lie. Old photos show James at a younger age. Dolan tries to paint James as a hypocrite, after James previously dumped paint on Dolan. Cut to the locker room, and James is quickly seen trying to delete the photos of her younger self.
Chase U (Andre Chase & Duke Hudson with Thea Hail) defeated Drew Gulak & Charlie Dempsey
Hudson pinned Dempsey to win the match. Hail gets involved during the finish, as she traps Gulak in an armbar.
Chase & Hudson jump Dempsey & Gulak in the aisle before the bell. Chase runs wild at the start of the match, and Hudson tags in. Hudson is cut off after a double tea,, but he comes back with a hurricanrana. That popped everyone, including the announce team om commentary.
Hudson bodyslams Gulak from the middle rope. Moments later, the live studio audience does the wave while Chase U is in control. Double flip-flop-fly by Chase and Hudson just before the show cuts to a commercial break.
When the show returns from commercials, Hudson is being worked over by Dempsey. Hudson is having his arm worked over after selling his wrist earlier in the match. Hudson creates separation and he makes a hot tag.
Chase is a house of fire. He gets into a slugfest with Dempsey. Chase with a leg sweep to set up a Garvin Stomp. High cross off the top by Chase for a two count, when the pin is broken up. The trade near falls as Chase is double-teamed with suplexes.
Hail fires up the crowd from ringside. Gulak yells at her, and Hail springs off the ring steps to bounce on Gulak. In a bit of poetic justice, Hail locks Gulak in a kimura. The irony is Gulak taught Hail the submission hold. Meanwhile in the ring, Hudson & Chase execute The Fratliner on Dempsey. Hudson then covers Dempsey for a three count, and Chase U celebrates.
Bron Breakker is sitting in the locker room, where he cuts a promo on Ilja Dragunov ahead of their match later on tonight.
Mr. Stone and Von Wagner in a vignette have a heart-to-heart talk.
Cora Jade defeated Kelani Jordan (with Dana Brooke)
Jade pinned Jordan after delivering a Cactus Jack DDT. As they went home, Jordan goes for a springboard, and Jade trips her up. Jordan takes an ugly bump onto the mat. Jade then delivers the DDT, and she covers Jordan for a pinfall.
Jade retrieves her kendo stick after the match and attacks Jordan. Brooke jumps in to make a save, and Brooke dropkicks Jade. The heel flees, and the babyface mentor checks on Jordan.
Dragunov cuts a promo on Breakker ahead of their match, which is up next after a commercial break.
A video package highlights the Underground match from last week, where Eddy Thorpe defeated Damon Kemp. Footage from after the match, Thorpe and Gable Steveson are interviewed exiting the building. Steveson talks about having to make a decision between national, the Olympics, and WWE.
Ilja Dragunov defeated Bron Breakker in a number one contender’s match
Dragunov pinned Breakker in a helluva hard-hitting match. Dragunov in winning becomes the number one contender, getting a title shot against the NXT Champion at The Great American Bash.
An intense Breakker pummels like he is The Terminator. Dragunov attempts to chop him down, but Breakker rises again. Breakker is cut off. They look to be throwing some stiff shots at each other.
Just before a commercial break, Breakker lifts Dragunov for a suplex. They both go over the top rope and land on the floor in a heap. They did some high spots during picture-in-picture, including Breakker leaping off the top rope only to be cut off by Dragunov. They are slugging it out when the show returns from the break.
They trade German suplexes. Dragunov signals for his finisher. Instead, he is hit with a boot from Breakker. After climbing the turnbuckles, Breakker goes for what seems like a flying bulldog off the top rope. Dragunov sells it like he was clubbed in the back of the head.
Dragunov fights back, and he gives Breakker an exploder in a corner. Dragunov goes coast-to-coast with a RVD springbaord across the ring. Dragunov delivers a Torpedo Moscow, but Breakker kicks out for a near fall. Dragunov climbs the turnbuckles and leaps off into a spear out of nowhere by Breakker. Dragunov kicks out for a great near fall.
Breakker pummels Dragunov, and Breakker goes for a finisher. Breakker lifts Dragunov into a military press, but Drahunov counters into a tornado DDT. Dragunov with a powerbomb for a two count. A flying forearm by Dragunov, and another two. Breakker attempts a spear, and Dragunov counters with flying knee strike. Dragunov runs the ropes and delivers Torpedo Moscow. Dragunov then covers Breakker for a three count.
NXT North American Champion Wes Lee is being interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell when they are interrupted by Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley. Dominik tells Lee is accepts Lee’s open challenge. Lee responds by saying he stopped doing that, but Lee remarks he can the match booked. Lee goes to leave to do just that, but Dom stops him to say that maybe he can face Lee next week instead of this week. Looks like a title match is set up for next Tuesday.
Baron Corbin is the focus of another vignette where he has dropped all of his old gimmicks. He is searching for who he is. Good luck with that.
NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defeated Ivy Nile in a non-title match
Stratton pinned Nile after the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Nile got to look strong as he catches Stratton in a Dragon sleeper just before the finish. Stratton escapes, levels Nile, and Stratton executes her moonsault finisher.
Nile wore a Creed Brother shirt during the match, and she did some spots paying homage to the Creeds.
Stratton cuts a promo after the match, while the studio audience chants “you tapped out” at her. That upsets her.
Meanwhile, Thea Hail is in the locker room demonstrating to Andre Chase how she tapped out Stratton. In walks Duke Hudson, and he remarks about Stratton getting booed out of the building. Chase hypes up Hail for a rematch with Stratton.
Blair Davenport cuts a promo on Roxanne Perez, threatening to leave Perez “on the shelf for good.”
Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo defeated Joe Coffey (with NXT Tag Team Champions Mark Coffey & Wolfgang) to free Tony D’Angelo from custody
Stacks pinned Joe Coffey to win the freedom of Tony D. Stacks proves his loyalty to The Family, as he secures Tony D’s release from jail.
The story leading into the match was Stacks supposedly made a deal with Gallus to betray D’Angelo. Stacks was supposed to throw the match, but Stacks swerves them. Stacks takes a finisher from Coffey, but Stacks kicks out at two.
Coffey yells at Stacks, hollering about them having a deal. Stacks responds by saying he “ain’t no snitch.” The show cuts to commercial break, and Stacks is getting worked over when the show return from commercials. Tony D phones into the show with a collect call from jail to boast about how they swerved Gallus.
Mark Coffey distracts Stacks, allowing Joe Coffey to level Stacks. Bronco Nima and Lucien Price come down during the match to confront the tag champs at ringside.
Stacks with a comeback, and he runs wild. Stacks slides out of the ring to hit Wolfgang. Mark Coffey jumps on the apron again, but Stacks is prepared for him this time. Stacks flips Mark into the ring. The referee is trying to get Mark out of the ring while Stacks retrieves a crowbar he hid.
Wolfgang jumps in, and Stacks does an Eddie Guerrero trick. Stacks tosses the crowbar to Wolfgang, and Stacks takes a phantom bump. Stacks sells like he was hit with the crowbar as the ref turns around to see Wolfgang holding the weapon. The ref ejects Wolfgang and Mark Coffey from ringside. Stacks hits Joe Coffey with a big boot and a stomp. Stacks then covers Coffey for a three count. Tony D is a free man.
The Schism courts Ivy Nile in a backstage skit.
Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz are interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell. They are asked about Noam Dar being unable to do his talk show gimmick.
Leon & Feroz were speaking when they are interrupted by Los Lotharios — Angel Garza & Humberto. They hit on Feroz & Leon, but Feroz & Leon are not impressed. In comes Dragon Lee & Nathan Frazier to stand up for the women. This would seem to set up a tag bout.
Announced for next Tuesday on NXT:
Homecoming celebration for Tony D’Angelo
Dominik Mysterio challenging Wes Lee for the NXT North American Championship
Dragon Lee & Nathan Frazier against Los Lotharios in a tag match
Gigi Dolan vs. Kiana James
Finn Balor & Damien Priest (with Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley) defeated NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams
Balor pinned Hayes to win the match, as Judgment Day get the win. The champion of the NXT brand is beaten again by Balor.
Judgment Day cut the ring in half as they worked over Williams during the match. Hot tag to Hayes, and he is a house of fire. Judgment Day powders as the show cuts to its final commercial break. Balor is working over Hayes as the show returns from the break.
Hot tag to Williams, and Priest bumps and feeds for him. Near fall, but Priest kicks out. Priest and Williams clothesline each other for a double down. Balor and Hayes tag in, and they run through some spots. Good stuff with these two.
Priest gets a near fall on Hayes, but Williams breaks up the count. At ringside, Priest gives Williams a Razor’s Edge on the announce desk. Hayes cuts off Willaims when Williams jumps back into the ring. Dominik distracts Hayes, and Priest tries to capitalize. Hayes counters Priest with La Mistica.
Ripley instructs Dom to get a metal folding chair. Dom tries to get into the ring with the chair, which is a red herring. The ref is distracted by having to stop Dom that he does not see Ripley pass the MITB briefcase to Priest. Dragunov suddenly runs down looking to make a save.
Dragunov takes the briefcase from Priest. Hayes charges in and collides with Dragunov and the case. Priest then chokeslams Hayes with South of Heaven. Balor tags in and climbs the turnbuckles. Coup de Grace by Balor, and he covers Hayes for a pinfall.
Balor has now twice pinned Hayes. Once in a singles bout a few weeks ago, and now tonight in a tag match. Judgment Day stands over a fallen Hayes, and they pose.
As Judgment leave, Hayes glares at Dragunov. Hayes’ next challenger as inadvertently cost Hayes a match, and Hayes is visibly upset.
Bryan Alvarez notes that, the way the situation was described to him, there was an issue in the match and a discussion afterwards, but you couldn’t even really classify it as an argument.
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A backstage argument reportedly took place after the conclusion of Monday night’s episode of Raw.
PWInsider reports that an argument involving members of the Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio) main event took place backstage after Raw. The report states that the argument was “borne out of the frustration over how the match went but was never in danger of getting physical.”
Judgment Day defeated Rollins, Owens & Zayn in their six-man tag match last night. The finish of the match was Balor pinning Zayn.
The report notes that there were apparently spots in the match that didn’t go as planned and were clunky. Two sources that PWInsider spoke to placed the blame on the fact that aspects of the match were changed at the last second. Another source that PWInsider spoke to placed the blame on one wrestler who the source didn’t want to name to “not make the internet go insane.”
PWInsider wrote that it was seen as “one of those nights” where things just didn’t click and emotions ran high.
It was originally announced that a singles match between Rollins and Dominik would take place on Raw last night. There was an angle during the show where Judgment Day attacked Rollins before the match could get started. Owens and Zayn made the save for Rollins, leading to the six-man tag being announced for the main event.
After recent dissension, Judgment Day were back on the same page following their victory. All four Judgment Day members (Balor, Priest, Dominik & Rhea Ripley) will be appearing on NXT tonight.
At least for now, The Judgment Day are back on the same page.
The group stood united to close last night’s Raw after winning a six-man tag team main event. Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio were able to defeat Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn. Interference by Rhea Ripley, a South of Heaven chokeslam from Priest, and a Coup de Grace from Balor led to Zayn being pinned.
While the night ended with Judgment Day as a cohesive unit, it didn’t start that way. Balor still blamed Priest for his loss to Rollins at Money in the Bank. They were only able to get back on the same page when Priest agreed that Balor could have the first shot at another match with Rollins. Priest said he knows Balor can defeat Rollins and become champion. But if Balor doesn’t, they’re still covered because Priest has the Money in the Bank briefcase.
The six-man tag was originally supposed to be a singles match between Rollins and Dominik. It was changed to a six-man tag match after Judgment Day launched an attack on Rollins. Owens and Zayn ran out to make the save for Rollins and even the odds.
Also on Raw: Cody Rhodes issued a SummerSlam challenge to Brock Lesnar, Logan Paul and Ricochet went face-to-face, and Trish Stratus helped Zoey Stark pick up a victory over Becky Lynch.
This will be the first time Gallows & Anderson have wrestled on Raw since January. They’ve wrestled house show matches and dark matches since then, along with appearing on a couple episodes of WWE Main Event.
“Since AJ Styles was taken out with an injury, it has been a minute since we have seen The O.C., but they look to make their triumphant return by dehydrating the always thirsty Maximum Male Models,” WWE wrote.
Gallows & Anderson defeated Maximum Male Models on the most recent episode of Main Event.
Maximum Male Models are currently involved in a storyline where they’re trying to recruit Otis.
Gargano defeated Judgment Day’s Finn Balor on Raw earlier this week. Gargano was able to get the win after Edge interfered to cost Balor the match.
A face-to-face between Balor and Edge will take place on this Monday’s Raw. Balor has challenged Edge to face him at WrestleMania 39.
The updated lineup for Monday’s Raw is listed below:
Brock Lesnar & Omos face-to-face
Edge & Finn Balor face-to-face
Non-title match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green
Elias vs. Bronson Reed
The OC (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. Maximum Male Models (Mace & Mansoor)
Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio)
The Judgment Day are set to battle Legado del Fantasma on SmackDown tonight.
A six-man tag match with Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio facing Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde has been added to the lineup for tonight’s SmackDown. The show is taking place at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
Escobar has recently been feuding with Dominik over Dominik’s disrespect of Rey Mysterio. Last week, Dominik defeated Escobar in a singles match after involvement by Rhea Ripley. Ripley interfered in the match and hit Rip Tide on Escobar while the referee was distracted. After the match, Dominik tore up a mask that Rey had given to Escobar.
Despite Dominik tearing up the mask, Rey still refused to attack his son. Dominik pushed Rey over when Rey went to pick up the mask.
Here’s the updated card for tonight’s SmackDown:
Jey Uso appears
Number one contender’s fatal five-way match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Xavier Woods vs. LA Knight vs. Karrion Kross (winner challenges for Gunther’s Intercontinental title at WrestleMania 39)
Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio) vs. Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde)
Date: January 16, 2023 Location: Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, OH
Show Recap —
There will be a six-way elimination match tonight to determine Austin Theory’s next challenger for the US title between Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Finn Bálor, Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz. The winner gets the shot on the 30th-anniversary show next week.
Opening segment
The Usos and Solo Sikoa entered to start the show. The Usos talked about the message they sent to Kevin Owens on Smackdown.
They also announced that every generation of the Bloodline will be on Raw next week to have a special acknowledgement ceremony for Roman Reigns. Jey Uso said they would also beat Judgment Day to retain the tag titles.
Judgment Day interrupted. Rhea Ripley told the Bloodline that they run Raw. Bálor thanked the “ex-con Dom” for taking care of business last week. (Bálor was still selling his ribs.) Damian Priest said they would take the Raw tag titles back to their show — permanently.
Priest wondered why the Bloodline never stepped to Judgment Day whenever they invaded Raw. Dominik Mysterio said they must be scared. The Usos laughed. Jimmy Uso mocked him and called him little machismo.
The Usos ran down every team they’ve beaten — including Dom and his daddy Rey Mysterio to begin their historic reign. Dom said they talked tough but they wouldn’t last a minute in the cell that he spent time in. Dom called them wannabes and the biggest wannabe was Sikoa who just stood in the background doing nothing.
Sikoa got in Dom’s face so Ripley stepped in and got in his face instead. Sikoa wouldn’t back down so Dom punched him. Sikoa took one step back before dropping Dom.
This led to a brawl and Ripley dared Sikoa to hit her. It seemed like he was about to but Mustafa Ali flew in and wiped out Sikoa. They have a match next.
Solo Sikoa defeated Mustafa Ali (5:30)
Sikoa was in firm control when the Usos decided to reappear and pose on the apron. This brought out Kevin Owens who fought off Jimmy and Jey. The distraction allowed Ali to hit a tornado DDT for a nearfall (pretty much the only offence he got). Sikoa avoided a 450 splash and hit a Samoan Spike for the pinfall win.
— Owens immediately dropped Sikoa with a stunner after the match. Owens put Sikoa on the announce table and was going to put him through it (to return the favour from Smackdown) but the Usos attacked.
Owens fought them off but Adam Pearce and a bunch of officials held him back allowing the Bloodline to back away. The crowd cheered as Owens posed on the table.
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Bobby Lashley said he would put down five others tonight with the Hurt Lock and would end Austin Theory’s reign next week.
Cody Rhodes video
There was a new Cody Rhodes video package focusing on his recovery and rehab. They showed him at the Nightmare Factory training four months after surgery.
“At the Royal Rumble: I’m back.”
The announcers put this over as a big deal.
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Elias spoke to Byron Saxton about the Royal Rumble. MVP appeared and warned Elias not to enter the Rumble because the winner was already determined. Elias thought MVP was talking about himself and told him he hasn’t been relevant in years. MVP offered Elias a match against the eventual Rumble winner and Elias accepted.
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Angelo Dawkins entered wearing a Ja’Marr Chase Cincinnati Bengals jersey.
The Street Profits defeated Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander (9:16)
MVP sauntered out before a break.
Dawkins gave Benjamin a spinebuster and Montez Ford hit a frog splash but Alexander broke up the cover. Benjamin suplexed Ford off the top but Dawkins broke up that cover. Ford wiped out Benjamin with a dive before Alexander wiped out Ford with a suicide dive. That led to Dawkins taking out everyone with a flip dive.
Dawkins hit a spinning Stinger splash in the corner (MVP was supposed to yank Alexander out of the way but he was too late and Dawkins had to sell it anyway). MVP still distracted the referee which allowed Benjamin and Alexander to double-team Dawkins.
Alexander hit a knee strike and seemed to have it won but Dawkins countered his cover into a cradle for the pinfall win.
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Alpha Academy approached Judgment Day in the back. Chad Gable said they should have been medically disqualified last week.
Dom bragged about prison and lifting weights. Gable told Dom it was no surprise he wound up on the wrong end of the criminal justice system and told him that you need a strong mind to go with a strong body but it appeared Dom had neither of those things.
Gable told Dom that if he wound up in prison again he should take an online Alpha Academy course. Dom told Gable, “you don’t even want to know what they do to guys like you (in prison).” Priest advised them to leave.
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[SECOND HOUR]
Becky Lynch/Bayley segment
Lynch entered through the crowd and called out Bayley. Bayley was taking too long so Lynch wondered if “Karen” was yelling at a manager in the back.
Bayley (wearing a San Francisco 49ers jersey) entered with Dakota Kai and IYO SKY. The crowd booed so Bayley told them to “shoosh please.” She also didn’t understand what a Karen was.
Bayley claimed Lynch didn’t have any friends. Lynch called Bayley a sour dopey-looking goof who peaked in 2015. Bayley whined about Lynch repeatedly taking her spot.
Lynch said she wasn’t called up before Bayley (years ago) because WWE saw more in her. They wanted Bayley in NXT because she was the focal point and had the spotlight. Lynch was just another body on the roster.
Lynch said she wasn’t supposed to be The Man, she wasn’t supposed to change the game and she wasn’t supposed to be the first woman to main event WrestleMania. But she did all of those things because she worked for it. All Bayley did was whine and moan.
Bayley said Lynch only became “The Man” because she got punched in the face by another woman. (She didn’t name who it was.) Lynch thought that was a lazy comeback and threatened to punch her right now. Bayley had no issue with that because she already beat Lynch once.
Lynch challenged her to a match next week and Bayley accepted. Lynch then goaded Bayley into reluctantly accepting a cage match.
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Ali approached Dolph Ziggler in the back to complain. Ziggler told him that he didn’t have time for him today. Ali decked him and asked, “do I have your attention now?”
Omos (w/MVP) defeated Elias (2:34)
Elias tried attacking Omos outside the ring but MVP got in his way. MVP also threatened to hit Elias with his cane as the referee just stood around and watched. Elias was going to hit him with his guitar but Omos knocked him down with a headbutt and smashed the guitar. Elias tried fighting back in the ring but Omos hit him with a tree slam for the pinfall win.
(Officially, Omos is in the Rumble match.)
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Saxton asked Pearce for a preview of Raw 30. Pearce wouldn’t give any specifics but did say it would be big. Akira Tozawa appeared and told Pearce he wanted in the Rumble. Pearce put him in a match. Winning wouldn’t guarantee a spot but would help his case. Tozawa psyched himself up.
Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley & Finn Bálor) defeated Alpha Academy (11:01)
Corey Graves said Priest was in the ring for over an hour last week. Moments later, Kevin Patrick said Priest was in the ring for 56 minutes. (The match was not longer than 50 minutes.)
Gable gave Dom a diving headbutt halfway across the ring and made the hot tag to Otis (who the crowd was very into for the third straight week). Priest booted Otis but Otis came back with the World Strongest Slam for a nearfall. Otis also gave Priest the caterpillar (sort of — he actually just fell over on top of Priest).
Dom tried (and failed) to attack Gable but the distraction allowed Priest to chokeslam Otis off the middle rope before Gable gave Priest a Chaos Theory suplex. Dom tried to catch Gable with a surprise schoolboy but Gable countered into an ankle lock.
The crowd cheered because they wanted Dom to tap but a distraction by Ripley and Bálor allowed Priest to chokeslam Gable. Dom rolled on top of Gable to get the pinfall win.
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There was a Martin Luther King Jr. tribute video set to “Never Break” by John Legend.
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“Michin” Mia Yim (w/Candice LeRae) defeated Tag Team Champion IYO SKY (w/Dakota Kai) (4:35)
They had a back-and-forth match. Yim went for Eat Defeat but stopped what she was doing when Kai jumped on the apron. LeRae yanked her down so SKY dropkicked LeRae. This allowed Yim to hit Eat Defeat for the pinfall win.
(Yim was announced as “Michin Mia Yim” but the graphics and commentators only referred to her simply as “Michin.”)
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There was an Alexa Bliss/Uncle Howdy video package.
[THIRD HOUR]
They ran down the Royal Rumble card.
Bianca Belair/Alexa Bliss segment
Belair entered to a good reaction. Belair said she’s only been out a couple of weeks but she really missed the crowd. She knew this job had risks, like getting her face smashed against the steel steps. Despite that, Belair would happily face Bliss again and again and again and again — because with any risk came the reward of being Raw Women’s Champion.
Belair called out Bliss. Bliss entered and said, “You fear me because you don’t know what to expect from me. No one does.” Bliss was about to speak about the Rumble but Belair cut her off.
Belair basically told her that she didn’t need to enter the Rumble match because she could face her for the title on the show instead. Bliss wondered what the catch was. Belair said Bliss wanted to be in control so she was giving her the choice. Bliss accepted.
Belair didn’t want to wait to fight so she went after Bliss. Belair tossed her around ringside and beat her up in the crowd.
Belair was going to give Bliss a KOD through two chairs but froze upon seeing Uncle Howdy appear in the arena vomitorium. Bliss slipped out of Belair’s grasp and gave her a DDT.
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Bronson Reed defeated Akira Tozwa (4:20)
This was a showcase for Reed. Tozawa had a flash of offence which included a suicide dive. He tried a senton off the apron but Reed caught him and powerbombed him on the edge of the barricade, which looked brutal. Reed hit a running shoulder tackle off the apron and Tozawa took a big bump for that too. Reed finished him off with a Tsunami for the pinfall win.
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Saxton interviewed Seth Rollins who cut a very Seth Rollins promo. Rollins was focused on the Rumble but WWE officials called him and begged him to be in the Raw main event. Rollins was happy to be in Cincinnati — a town that loves to party and sing his song. He said he would win tonight, win the US title, win the Rumble, and beat Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
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Raw XXX next week in Philadelphia:
Steel Cage match: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley
The Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony with Roman Reigns
Raw Tag Team Title match: The Usos vs. Judgment Day
US Title match: Austin Theory vs. Bobby Lashley
WWE Legends appear — Undertaker, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Teddy Long, Jerry Lawler, Ron Simmons, Sean Waltman and Road Dogg
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Theory entered to join commentary. He had a funny comment saying he felt like he grew up watching all of these six guys.
Six-way Elimination Match: Bobby Lashley defeated Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin (w/JBL) (26:46)
Seth Rollins eliminated The Miz (8:43)
Seth Rollins eliminated Dolph Ziggler (16:36)
Seth Rollins eliminated Finn Bálor (24:20)
Bobby Lashley eliminated Baron Corbin (25:36)
Bobby Lashley eliminated Seth Rollins (26:46)
The bell rang to start the match and they went to break 12 seconds later.
There was a tower of doom spot fairly early on which saw Lashley convincingly powerbomb Bálor, Corbin and Rollins. Ziggler gave Lashley a fameasser and Miz hit Skull Crushing Finale but Lashley kicked out. Miz put Ziggler in the figure four but Ziggler turned it over and Rollins gave Miz a curbstomp for the first elimination at 8:43.
Rollins took out Corbin and Lashley with a suicide dive, Bálor took out all three men with a flip dive, and Ziggler took out all four men with a dive off the top. Ziggler superkicked Corbin, gave Lashley a Zig-Zag and superkicked Bálor out of mid-air. However, Rollins jumped in and gave Ziggler a Pedigree for the second elimination at 16:36.
Lashley beat up everyone and gave Rollins a Dominator for two. Lashley gave Bálor a delayed vertical suplex and set up for the Hurt Lock but stopped for some reason upon seeing Omos and MVP enter. Corbin and Rollins took each other out while Bálor gave Lashley a dropkick and Coup de Grace.
Before Bálor could go for a cover, Rollins flew in and stomped him for the third elimination at 24:20.
Omos chucked Rollins over the announce table. Corbin was distracted by Omos so Lashley speared him for the fourth elimination at 25:36.
Theory hit Lashley with the title belt and tried to brag to Omos but Omos grabbed him for a chokeslam. Before he could do it, Rollins stomped Omos before knocking down Theory.
Rollins superkicked MVP off the apron and went for a stomp but Lashley speared him for the final elimination. Fun match.
Lashley faces Theory for the title next week. The announcers ran down the Raw XXX card one more time.
The Judgment Day are set for action on tonight’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that tonight’s Raw will feature a tag team match with Judgment Day taking on Alpha Academy’s Chad Gable & Otis. Both teams were involved in a tag team turmoil match on Raw last Monday, with Judgment Day winning to become the number one contenders to The Usos’ Raw Tag Team titles.
Judgment Day defeated The Street Profits, Alpha Academy, Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander, and Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows to win the tag team turmoil match.
When Judgment Day were facing Alpha Academy during tag team turmoil, there was an injury angle where Balor’s ribs were hurt from a Vader Bomb from Otis. Dominik Mysterio replaced Balor for the remainder of the match, teaming with Damian Priest to defeat The Street Profits.
Raw is taking place at the Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio tonight. The build to the Royal Rumble will continue on the episode. WWE will also follow up on Bobby Lashley’s return from last Monday.
Dominik Mysterio came through last night to earn The Judgment Day a future Raw Tag Team title shot.
A number one contender’s tag team turmoil match headlined last night’s episode of Raw. It came down to The Judgment Day and The Street Profits, with Dominik using a schoolboy to pin Montez Ford while having his feet on the ropes for extra leverage.
Finn Balor & Damian Priest represented Judgment Day to start the tag team turmoil match, but there was an angle where Dominik replaced Balor when he wasn’t able to continue due to injury.
Adam Pearce booked the number one contender’s match as a punishment for The Usos invading Raw. It was said that only the Raw Tag Team titles will be on the line when The Usos face Judgment Day.
Also last night, Dominik recounted his experience in prison, Alexa Bliss came face-to-face with Uncle Howdy, and the build to the Royal Rumble continued.
The Judgment Day are next in line for a Raw Tag Team title match.
Dominik Mysterio and Damian Priest won a tag team turmoil match that headlined Monday’s Raw. After surviving multiple tag team opponents, they last defeated The Street Profits to earn a future Raw Tag Team title match against The Usos, who carry both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles. It was not mentioned when the title match would take place.
Mysterio was giving an interview with The Miz about his recent stint in jail and was about to corner Miz after he revealed Dominik only spent a few hours inside when Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out to start the match. Priest and Finn Balor originally started the match, defeating Gallows & Anderson. The reformed team of Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin then followed, but were also defeated by Balor & Priest. Alpha Academy followed, with Balor & Priest getting another win after Balor held down Gable, leaving Otis to accidentally splashing Gable and walked into a lariat by Priest.
Balor was injured after the splash and was taken out of the match when medial offiicals determined he had injured his ribs. WWE official Adam Pearce gave Dominik the option to either take Balor’s place or The Judgment Day would forfeit. Dominik eventually agreed, setting up the final match in the tag team turmoil series.
Raw ended with The Judgment Day being confronted by The Usos, the two teams staring each other down as the show closed.
Mia Yim is the answer to The OC’s Rhea Ripley problem.
Yim made her return to WWE on Monday night’s episode of Raw, aligning with The OC (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) in their feud against The Judgment Day (Ripley, Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio). Yim blindsided Ripley and then attacked her with a kendo stick.
The OC and Yim got the better of a brawl with Judgment Day after Styles laid out Dominik with a Styles Clash.
At Saturday’s Crown Jewel pay-per-view, The OC lost a six-man tag match to The Judgment Day after Ripley interfered.
The OC confronted The Judgment Day on Raw tonight and said the issues between the two factions are far from over. Styles said it’s always been the three of them versus the four members of Judgment Day. Styles said they still hadn’t found someone to take care of their Ripley problem — but someone found them. A person wearing a hoodie then attacked Ripley at ringside, with Yim pulling down the hood to reveal that it was her.
Yim was released by WWE during a round of roster cuts in November 2021. She’s the latest wrestler to be brought back to the company in the Paul “Triple H” Levesque era.
Yim was a member of Retribution during her last run with WWE, using the name “Reckoning” on the main roster.
WWE has announced a storyline injury update on Edge after the attack he suffered on this week’s episode of Raw.
Monday’s Raw ended with Edge having his leg destroyed by The Judgment Day. Dominik Mysterio repeatedly hit Edge’s leg with a steel chair, then Damian Priest held Edge’s leg inside of a chair so Finn Balor could hit it with a Coup de Grace.
WWE addressed the attack on WWE’s The Bump this afternoon. The storyline update claimed that Edge had an MRI done today and was diagnosed with a grade two MCL sprain.
If the knee injury were legitimate, it would be expected to keep someone out of action for several weeks.
Following Dominik Mysterio’s heel turn, Edge faced Dominik in the main event of Raw this Monday. Edge had Dominik wrapped in the ropes and was going for a spear when Rey Mysterio ran into the ring and pleaded with him to stop. Dominik’s Judgment Day stablemates then attacked Edge and Rey and caused the match to end in a disqualification.
