Tag: wwe raw live results

WWE Raw live results: Cody Rhodes vs. LA Knight

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Date: March 13, 2023

Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island

The Big Takeaway —

Kevin Owens told Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes to stay out of his business. They did, and he got destroyed by The Bloodline.

**********

Show Recap —

Edge challenges Finn Balor to a Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania —

This was exactly what it should have been. Edge is a level above almost everyone on the show in terms of his charisma.

Edge kicked off the show and called out Finn Balor, who entered with The Judgment Day.

Edge said he’s here to put an end to his issues with The Judgment Day. He said he’s running out of time on his career and he’s wasted the last year of his comeback against Balor and his crew.

Edge said there’s only one way to end this, and it’s Edge vs. Balor Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania.

Balor said he’s been to hell, and hell spit him out because it couldn’t handle his demons. Balor accepted the challenge, then ordered Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio, and Damian Priest to attack.

Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Dexter Lumis ran in to save Edge as a brawl broke out before a commercial break.

Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley) defeated Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis (w/Candice LeRae)

This started during a commercial break, then ran through another break. The match was constructed well, and Judgment Day looked strong in victory.

Lumis outwrestled Priest, then tagged Gargano. Priest cut Gargano off with a snake eyes.

Dominik used Three Amigos, but missed a 619 to allow Gargano to make a lukewarm tag to Lumis. Dominik tried to pin Lumis with his feet on the ropes, but Candice pushed Priest off. Candice and Rhea had a fight on the floor, and Rhea dropped Candice head-first onto the barricade. Lumis and Ripley had a staredown.

Dom used a frog splash for a two count, with Gargano saving for Lumis.

Lumis used a head and arm choke, but Priest blind tagged himself in and hit South of Heaven to pin Lumis.

Trish Stratus, Damage CTRL, The Miz, Chad Gable backstage segment —

Earlier in the day, Cathy Kelley interviewed Miz as he arrived at the building. 

Chad Gable interrupted and asked if Miz had seen Otis, who was missing. 

Kelley asked Miz if he had considered a co-host for WrestleMania.

The interview was interrupted as Damage CTRL attacked Trish Stratus nearby and left her laying. 

Brock Lesnar & Omos face-to-face —

This a 1995 WWF matchup that is not going to be any good, but everyone in the building went nuts for the face-to-face, and I can’t wait to see the WrestleMania match.

MVP said that Brock is a talented wrestler but a terrible tactician and had made a mistake in agreeing to fight the 7-foot-3, 416 pound Omos.

Lesnar’s music interrupted the promo and Brock made his way to the ring.

Brock got in the ring and the crowd chanted “holy sh*t.”

Omos held a fist in Lesnar’s face. Lesnar said “That’s a big hand, man.”

Omos offered a handshake. Lesnar accepted, then Omos refused to break the handshake. Lesnar stomped on Omos’s foot, then went for a suplex. Omos fought out and tried to clothesline Lesnar over the top rope, but they botched it. 

Lesnar eventually went head over heels to the floor and backed up the ramp as Omos’s music played.

Cody Rhodes defeated LA Knight

A fine little showcase match for the WrestleMania title challenger, and a very good promo afterwards.

Rhodes took the first minute or so, then got cut off with a right hand as he went for a dive. They had a good brawl on the floor, then Cody went to the top rope. Knight hit an awkward superplex after jumping to the top rope, and Cody landed badly on his right shoulder before an ad break.

Cody was back in control after the break, going for a delayed vertical suplex. Knight escaped and landed a DDT.

Cody made his comeback, hitting the Goldust punch from the mat and a disaster kick. Cody avoided Blunt Force Trauma and hit a top rope springboard Cody Cutter, then his Cross Rhodes for the pin.

Cody Rhodes promo —

Cody cut a promo after the match. He said Mr. Heyman keeps warning him to stay out of Bloodline business, but that he doesn’t work for The Bloodline or Mr. Heyman, and he’ll fight alongside Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens if he so chooses.

Cody said Heyman tells him not to make this issue with The Bloodline personal, but that this has been personal since he debuted at 21 years old. He said he puts his suit on as a suit of armor not because he thinks he’s somebody, but because he wants to be somebody.

Cody said on April 2, he ends Roman Reigns’ generational run. He grew up thinking he was a prince in this business, but he has no crown. He said that he acknowledges Roman Reigns, but Roman better start acknowledging him. 

He said he becomes the first Rhodes to be Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at WrestleMania. 

Seth Rollins backstage promo —

A video recapped last week’s angle with Rollins and Logan Paul.

Rollins said if there’s one thing we’ve learned in the last two years, it’s that you can’t keep Rollins down.

Miz interrupted and said next week Logan Paul will host IMPAULSIVE TV live on Raw.

Baron Corbin interrupted and asked to be Miz’s co-host at Mania. Miz declined.

Corbin offered Rollins boxing lessons ahead of his match with Paul. Rollins said he’d just as soon take boxing lessons from his daughter.

Corbin said if he faced Rollins, he’d knock him out quicker than Paul did last week. Rollins said he was in a fighting mood and challenged Corbin for later in the show.

Miz told Corbin that if he beats Rollins, he’ll put a good word in with Paul for him.

Bronson Reed defeated Elias

Reed won a quick squash with a Tsunami splash off the top rope.

Cathy Kelley backstage —

Kelley was outside the trainer’s room waiting for an update on Trish Stratus after the attack from Damage CTRL earlier.

Gable approached Kelley with MISSING flyers for Otis.

Becky Lynch and Lita pushed past Kelley into the trainer’s room to check on Stratus.

Kevin Owens promo —

Kelley interviewed Owens. Owens said he needed Sami Zayn’s help against The Bloodline, and now Zayn is the one asking for his help. Owens said that given their history, he doesn’t want to fight alongside Sami but he wishes him the best.

Owens then addressed Cody Rhodes. He told him to stay out of his business tonight and to concentrate on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.

Austin Theory & The Street Profits backstage —

There was a mild tease here of Ford going solo, possibly as a heel. He’s overdo for a singles push. Dawkins has been working hard on his own time to improve in the ring, but I worry for his future if Ford goes on his own.

A video recapped last week’s Theory segment with John Cena.

An interaction with Theory and The Street Profits from earlier today was shown. Montez Ford cut a promo on Theory with great delivery.

Theory said of course Cena was talking about him beause he’s the most important thing in WWE. Theory said the Profits were probably going to be unemployed in a couple of months. He asked which of Angelo Dawkins and Ford had more fire and wanted to face him. He said he would bet it was Dawkins because Ford is just a bag of jokes.

Dawkins stepped up and challenged Theory for tonight. Dawkins and Theory walked off as Ford pondered these developments.

That match is up next.

Austin Theory defeated Angelo Dawkins

The piped-in crowd noise was notably not here for Theory’s match. Dawkins looked good and Theory has good fundamentals.

This went through a commercial break so we didn’t see much of the action.

Theory was in control after the break. They traded pinning combinations, then Theory won after hitting A-Town Down.

Theory put Dawkins in the STF after the match to taunt Cena. Ford ran in and chased Theory off, so The Street Profits remain united for now.

Paul Heyman promo —

A great promo that added some more heat on the road to the WrestleMania main event.

Kelley interviewed Heyman, who announced that The Bloodline has a problem and it’s Cody Rhodes.

Heyman said that if Rhodes wants to acknowledge Reigns, he will give him the chance next week on Raw when Reigns is there live. He said Rhodes will get the chance to show if he’s a challenger, or a problem. If he’s a problem, Reigns would love to solve the problem personally.

Dominik Mysterio challenges Rey Mysterio to a WrestleMania match —

Dominik got the “What?” treatment from the crowd, but handled it well.

Rey entered for a promo and said it feels great to be back on Raw. He said he was grateful for the honor, and that the honor was not just for him but for all of us.

Dominik interrupted and said Rey deserves the Hall of Fame, because he put his career ahead of his family and a bunch of strangers ahead of his own kids. Dominik said that Rey ditched his son’s 8th grade promotion for WrestleMania.

Dominik said when all his friends got Mercedes cars for their 16th birthdays, Rey got Dom a BMW that wasn’t even an M Series.

Dominik said that Rey was a sad, sorry excuse for a father and a man.

Dominik said he was going to let Rey enjoy his Hall of Fame weekend, and would let him enjoy it more by challenging him to a WrestleMania match.

Rey said there would be no match and he won’t fight his own son.

Dom taunted Rey for walking away, and that the ony thing Rey taught him was what not to be.

Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch & Lita backstage promo —

A very short but effective segment.

Kelley interviewed the Women’s Tag Team Champions and Stratus.

Kelley asked for a Stratus injury update. Lynch said “Damage CTRL is going to get their head kicked in. That’s the update.”

Lita said that if Damage CTRL wants to try to divide them and conquer them, they’ve got another thing coming.

Stratus said she’s been hit a lot harder than Damage CTRL hit her, and all they’ve managed to do is piss her off.

Seth Rollins defeated Baron Corbin

A quick squash to further the Rollins-Paul angle with The Miz serving as a stand-in for Paul.

The Miz was on commentary for the match.

Corbin attacked Rollins as he danced around the ring during his entrance.

Rollins made a quick comeback and sent Corbin to the floor. Rollins hit a dive and sent Corbin over the announce table.

Rollins threw Corbin into Miz. Miz tried to climb into the ring for revenge, but Rollins dropped him. Rollins used Miz as a springboard to hit the stomp on Corbin for the pin.

Chad Gable & Otis backstage with Maximum Male Models —

There have been hundreds of worse WWE comedy gimmicks than Maximum Male Models I enjoy the act. This was amusing.

Gable asked Mustafa Ali if he had seen Otis. Ali spoke in hashtags and told Gable to smile more and be positive.

Gabe found Otis posing for a photoshoot with MMM and Maxine Dupri. Mansoor said that he broke a fingernail scrolling Instagram today and that MMM were “not cosmetically cleared to compete” tonight, so their match against Gallows & Anderson was postponed until next week.

Gable and MMM verbally went back and forth. Gable broke Mansoor’s camera. Mace said Gable broke it with his “ick.”

Gable tried to get Otis to follow him, but Dupri called for Otis and he followed her. Gable looked sad.

Bianca Belair defeated Chelsea Green (w/Carmella)

Another quick match with a puzzling angle after. Green looked the best here that she has on this WWE run. Belair has made it a habit of being the best match for her opponents.

Belair dominated the early-going with signature offense, including a perfect standing moonsault.

Carmella used a cheap shot with the referee distracted to allow Green to take over before a commercial break.

Belair made a comeback with clotheslines, a dropkick, and a stalling vertical suplex. Carmella got bumped off the apron as Bianca went for her backflip press off the ropes.

Green used an inside cradle for a near fall. Belair rebounded and hit the KOD for the pin.

Carmella and Green attacked Belair after the bell, but Asuka ran in for the save. Asuka hit a high kick to Carmella and a backfist to Green, as she and Belair cleared the ring.

Asuka took Belair’s title belt and teased handing it to her, then pulled it away. Asuka danced around with the belt and continued to tease Belair with it.

Asuka coughed up blue mist, but did not spit it on Belair. She dropped the title, then danced away.

A bizarre “mind games” angle.

Next week —

  • Roman Reigns appears
  • IMPAULSIVE TV with Logan Paul & The Miz
  • Austin Theory vs. Montez Ford
  • Bianca Belair & Asuka vs. Chelsea Green & Carmella
  • Maximum Male Models (Mace & Mansoor) vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

Kevin Owens vs. Solo Sikoa in a Street Fight is the main event, up next.

Solo Sikoa defeated Kevin Owens in a Street Fight

This was a fun brawl that we didn’t get to see much of because of commercial breaks.

They quickly brawled to the floor. Sikoa sent Owens into the announce table, Owens sent Sikoa into the steps. The brawl continued before a commercial break.

After the ad break, Owens set up a chair structure in the ring. Sikoa slammed Owens off the top rop through the chairs.

Owens regained control and they fought through the crowd into the backstage area. The Usos were lying in wait, hitting Owens with double superkicks.

The Bloodline dragged Owens back to the ring, where Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike for the pin.

Owens was left laying in the ring as The Bloodline celebrated on the ramp to close the show.

WWE Raw live results: Elimination Chamber fallout

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: February 20, 2023
Location: Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

******** 

Show Recap —

There was a long recap of the Elimination Chamber main event and aftermath.

Sami Zayn kicked off Raw. The crowd sang his song and gave him a long ovation that went on for a few minutes. Zayn could only say, “wow” to the reaction and they kept going.

Zayn said the one feeling that’s been most prevalent the past few days was gratitude and the fans had no idea how much their reaction meant to him. The crowd chanted “you deserve it” and Zayn soaked it in.

Zayn came so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his friends and family but he felt a lot of guilt like he let a lot of people down. The crowd seemed genuinely upset to hear that. Zayn let them know that the story wasn’t over but we were entering the final chapter.

The final chapter wasn’t just about him. He called out Kevin Owens.

Owens entered. Zayn wanted to say ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ but he knew that they were beyond the point of words. He knew how much they put Owens through but he also knew how much Owens wanted to take down the Bloodline. Zayn would stop at nothing to make sure that Roman Reigns and the Bloodline came crumbling down.

Owens couldn’t do it alone and Zayn couldn’t do it alone. There was one way they could get it done and that was if they did it together. The crowd chanted “Yes.”

Owens said he didn’t want an apology or his gratitude. He didn’t attack the Bloodline on Saturday for Zayn — he did it for himself and his family. Owens’ family was in the front row but they weren’t there at the Royal Rumble when the Bloodline beat the hell out of him while Zayn just stood by and watched.

Owens also did it for Zayn’s family so they didn’t have to watch Zayn get beaten down too. Owens has been fighting the Bloodline alone for months and would continue alone. Owens said if Zayn wanted help against the Bloodline he should just ask his buddy Jey.

Owens walked off and the crowd booed.

— After the announcers ran down tonight’s card, Zayn saluted the crowd one last time when he was suddenly attacked from behind by Baron Corbin. They abruptly went to break.

******** 

After a break, Corbin was cutting a promo on Zayn as officials helped him to his feet. Corbin said he called it when he said Reigns would embarrass Zayn in front of his friends and family. Zayn was pissed and had to be held back by officials. Corbin called Zayn a failure whose story was over after he let down all of Canada.

Even Adam Pearce thought that was too much so he stepped aside and let Zayn go after Corbin. Zayn decked Corbin and they made a match official.

Sami Zayn defeated Baron Corbin (9:01)

Corbin worked over Zayn’s bruised back through a break. Zayn came back with a tornado DDT for two followed by a flip dive. Zayn went for the Helluva Kick but Corbin turned him inside out with a clothesline and hit Deep Six for a nearfall. Corbin charged at Zayn in the corner but Zayn came right back with a Helluva Kick for the pinfall win. 

******** 

Rhea Ripley/Dominik Mysterio interview

Byron Saxton did a sit-down interview with Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Ripley said she had unfinished business with Beth Phoenix but she was focused on WrestleMania and didn’t want to talk about Phoenix anymore. Saxton was going to press her on Phoenix but Dom told him to move on or else he’d show him what he did to people in prison who talked too much.

Saxton asked about Charlotte Flair. Ripley said Charlotte kept talking about three years ago because she knew that Ripely was the best woman in the company. Ripley said Charlotte’s empire would come crumbling down when she becomes champion at Mania.

They mentioned that Ripley would have a face-to-face with Charlotte on Smackdown. Dom said his deadbeat dad had a match scheduled and decided he would join Ripley on Friday.

******** 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Austin Theory. Theory admitted he was banged up from the Chamber but he was here as always because he was the champ. He beat five of the best in WWE including Seth Rollins who everyone thought would win.

Theory was annoyed that John Cena was getting headlines over him for his upcoming appearance in two weeks. Theory looked forward to beating a legend like Edge in “crappy Canada.”

********

Mustafa Ali defeated Dolph Ziggler (2:16)

Ali did a cool counter to the Fameasser where he basically did a handstand to block it and followed with a crucifix cover for the pinfall win.

(Ali was being a phoney babyface, glad-handing fans on the way to the ring, and he celebrated the win like it was a huge deal.)

********

Kelley interviewed Miz and Maryse who were making out backstage. Maryse had an anniversary gift (in an envelope) for Miz. Whatever it was seemed to be a big deal to Miz but he won’t reveal what it is until next week. Kelley kept trying to ask him about facing Rollins tonight. Miz was annoyed by Kelley but was glad to see Rollins get bested by his former protegee Logan Paul.

[SECOND HOUR]

Cody Rhodes/Paul Heyman segment

Rhodes only said one word before Paul Heyman interrupted on the big screen. Heyman wore a neck brace and had both WWE title belts. Rhodes invited Heyman to the ring. Heyman declined because he was attacked by a maniac and took a dig at the Canadian healthcare system.

Heyman had a simple statement for Rhodes: “You can’t beat Roman Reigns.” However, Heyman wanted Rhodes to imagine what his life would be like if he did beat Reigns.

Heyman basically said Reigns had him doing his business but Rhodes didn’t. Heyman spoke about Reigns’ busy schedule as champion and all the time spent away from home defending the title, doing promotional work, etc. The crowd booed as he droned on.

Heyman mentioned Dustin once saying that Dusty was never at home and when he was at home, it didn’t feel like he was. Heyman said Reigns was a happily married man and seemed to suggest that Rhodes (and his wife) wouldn’t be if he won the title at Mania.

Rhodes looked into the camera and told Reigns not to send Heyman again. Rhodes said they haven’t come face to face yet but they will soon. Rhodes called Reigns the best Universal Champion in history and the best current champion in the business but Rhodes had to finish the story. Rhodes had to beat Reigns at WrestleMania.

******** 

Asuka defeated Nikki Cross (9:29)

Bianca Belair’s music hit as soon as the match started and she marched down to ringside to watch.

They had a competitive match which probably wasn’t for the best. Asuka kicked the ring post after Cross ducked and Cross followed with a reverse DDT on the apron. After a break, Asuka fought back with strikes and three straight German suplexes for a two count. Cross got some more offence in but Asuka won by submission with her new finisher.

— Belair entered the ring for a staredown after the match. It seemed to be a friendly exchange until Asuka began spitting up a blue substance. Asuka laughed and Belair looked weirded out.

******** 

Kelley asked Carmella if she had a new game plan for making it to Mania. Carmella said no because it’s only been 48 hours since Elimination Chamber. Carmella did want to give Asuka a receipt. After Carmella left, Kelly caught up to Seth Rollins who was nearby.

Rollins warned Logan Paul that there was another side to him. “I’m going to find Logan Paul and I’m going to hurt Logan Paul.” Paul wasn’t there tonight so Rollins looked forward to making Miz suffer in his place.

******** 

MVP called Brock Lesnar a coward. Lesnar knew he couldn’t escape the Hurt Lock so he got himself disqualified. MVP said Omos was issuing Lesnar a challenge to face him at WrestleMania. He invited Lesnar to show up next week to accept.

Seth Rollins defeated The Miz via referee stoppage (11:07)

As with the Zayn/Corbin and Asuka/Cross matches, the heel took control ahead of an early commercial break. Rollins made a comeback but Miz kicked his leg out of his leg and hit a Codebreaker for two. They traded counters until Miz hit Bryan Danielson’s running knee strike for two. Miz hit Yes kicks but Rollins came back with strikes and curb stomp.

The crowd chanted “one more time” so Rollins stomped him again. The crowd chanted it again and the referee told him not to do it but Rollins stomped him again anyway. Rollins was declared the winner via ref stoppage.

******** 

Adam Pearce agreed to give Carmella a match against Asuka. Pearce received a phone call from Chelsea Green who said their travel department sent her to Ottawa, Illinois, not Ottawa, Canada. Pearce smirked and claimed he didn’t know how that happened. She complained until he hung up on her.

Chad Gable was practicing his modelling in front of a mirror with Otis. Bronson Reed asked him if that’s how he prepared for a match. Gable said he was on the verge of a big modelling gig. Reed threatened to put him in a full-body cask so Otis got in his face. Reed chuckled and left.

[THIRD HOUR]

Ding Dong, Hello (Bayley’s talk show) 

Bayley said it was Family Day in Canada (well, most of Canada) so she wanted to spend it with her family — Dakota Kai and IYO SKY. Kai bragged about all of the people they’ve beaten to retain the tag titles.

Becky Lynch interrupted. She said it’s been so long since they’ve defended the titles that they were getting dusty. Lynch said they weren’t going to coast into WrestleMania without defending the titles first and Lynch wanted the titles. Bayley said Lynch didn’t have any friends to team with.

Lita entered and joined Lynch. Bayley said they didn’t do anything to deserve a title match. Lynch said she and Lita were two of the best ever and that was enough.

They argued with Bayley until they persuaded her into accepting the match on behalf of Kai and SKY, which they didn’t seem to appreciate. Lynch and Lita grabbed the title belts and posed with them before forcefully handing them back.

******** 

Saxton tried interviewing Candice LeRae about Johnny Gargano but before she could say much, she approached Nikki Cross who was nearby. LeRae wanted answers from her. Cross whispered something to LeRae and scampered off. LeRae informed Saxton that Cross said all her friends were gone and she was lonely.

LeRae also let Saxton know that Gargano would be back soon.

********

Bronson Reed defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (3:15)

They gave Gable moments to shine, notably when he gave Reed a German suplex. However, Gable was distracted because Otis was busy talking to Maxxine Dupri. Reed gave Gable a power slam and Tsunami for the pinfall win.

******** 

Elias was in the ring and had a message for Rick Boogs. This was the time of year when stars were made and there was no bigger star than Elias. He wanted to know who wanted to talk with Elias.

Bobby Lashley entered, attacked Elias, hit a spear and made him tap out to the Hurt Lock.

Lashley said everyone had a plan until they get put in the Hurt Lock. Lesnar panicked when he got put in the Hurt Lock and he had to use a low blow. Lashley said nobody could break the Hurt Lock — not Lesnar, not Bray Wyatt, not Elias. Lashley issued a warning to everyone in the back.

********

Next week on Raw:

  • Dakota Kai & IYO SKY vs. Becky Lynch & Lita – Women’s Tag Titles
  • Candice LeRae vs. Piper Niven
  • Asuka vs. Carmella
  • Brock Lesnar responds to Omos’ challenge
  • Miz TV

******** 

Edge interview

Saxton interviewed Edge. Edge was happy that Judgment Day was behind him and said Beth Phoenix was back at home with their girls. Edge could now focus on the goals that he set when he first returned.

Edge mentioned Theory’s “forever reign” but he warned Theory that nothing was forever and he knew firsthand how quickly things could be taken away. Edge couldn’t wait to knock the duckface off of Theory’s overly manscaped head.

Edge said his second WWE match was in Ottawa in 1997 and he hasn’t wrestled there in 18 years. He said it would feel pretty damn good to win the title in Ottawa and walk into WrestleMania as the United States Champion. “Never say never.”

********

Kevin Patrick mentioned that Edge beat Kurt Angle for the US title back in 2001 when Austin Theory was 4 years old. 

Austin Theory defeated Edge to retain the United States Championship (18:17)

Edge outwrestled and outsmarted Theory early on and held control through an early commercial break. Theory hit a clothesline to take over and applied a chin lock. The crowd chanted “let’s go Edge” as Theory cut off a comeback attempt and applied a chin lock again. Theory hit a rolling dropkick for two which led to another break.

Theory tried a superplex but Edge dropped him and hit a flying crossbody. Edge followed with clotheslines, a flapjack and an Edge-o-matic for two. Theory tried the rolling dropkick again but Edge countered into a powerbomb for two.

Theory leaped over a spear attempt but Edge landed on his feet when Theory tried a monkey flip. Edge applied a crossface but Theory got a rope break. Theory tried a cover with his feet on the middle rope but the ref caught him.

Theory tried an A-Town Down but Edge reversed into an Edgecution DDT for a nearfall.

Edge set up for a spear but stopped to fend off Finn Bálor who ran to ringside. Theory tried to catch Edge off guard with the distraction but Edge countered into a schoolboy for a nearfall.

With the ref’s back turned, Bálor caught Edge with a kick to the head and Theory hit A-Town Down for the pinfall win. Theory retains. The crowd was deflated by the finish.

— After the match, Bálor attacked Edge and hit him with the Coup de Grace three straight times. The crowd booed as the show went off the air. 

WWE Raw live results: The build to Roadblock continues

Posted on by Josh Hamlin

The Big Takeaway: A night of breakups and heels getting heat. Sasha Banks will face Charlotte for the Raw Women’s Championship at Roadblock in a 30-minute Ironman match. In the main event segment, Charlotte called out her father under the guise of apologizing to him, but Charlotte slapped Ric Flair, then left Banks for dead when she tried to make the save. The New Day’s last obstacle to becoming the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions of all time will be next Monday when they face Luke Gallows/Karl Anderson & Sheamus/Cesaro in a three way. Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho continued their break-up when Owens interferred in Jericho’s U.S. title match against Roman Reigns against Jericho’s wishes. The Jericho/Reigns match was the highlight of the show. Enzo Amore was beaten half to death in a hotel room by Rusev when Lana played him for a total fool. 

The show started with Rollins coming out saying he wants HHH. He took credit for putting together the Shield, and when the time was right it was time to dismantle the Shield. He learned about the consequences your choices can create. HHH chose Owens, and when he gave Jericho a pedigree last week, that was a message to HHH. Rollins said he wanted to call out HHH, but that’s not how things work. So he had to send a message to HHH, and the best way to send a message to HHH is to beat Owens. 

Owens interrupted him. Rollins asked about Jericho, then asked about Owens’ friendship with Jericho. Owens admitted to having a fight with Jericho, which Rollins snickered over. Owens said sometimes friends fight, but Rollins wouldn’t know that because Rollins doesn’t know that because he stabbed his brothers in the Shield in the back. Rollins asked if Jericho had returned Owens’ text messages during the week.

Owens said they were both busy and he got Jericho three Christmas gifts. Rollins said that may be enough times to compensate the amount of times that Jericho has saved Owens from losing the Universal championship. That set Owens off, saying he was a fighting champion and the only reason he lost to Reigns last week was because of what Rollins did to Jericho. 

Rollins challenged Owens to a championship bout tonight, but Owens said he beat Rollins in a title bout two weeks ago and he’s already slated to wrestle Zayn. Owens said he talked to Stephanie McMahon tonight and arranged for Jericho to face Reigns tonight for the U.S. Championship, which was his first present to Jericho. The second gift was that Jericho was going to face Rollins at Roadblock. And the third present was Rollins having to face a surprise opponent tonight. Out walked the Big Show, down about 80 pounds from his last Raw appearance. 

Seth Rollins defeated The Big Show by countout (4:35)

Owens was at ringside screaming orders to Show, who looked irritated at him Rollins hit two springboard knees, then came off the top rope with another. Then Rollins attempted the pedigree, but Owens distracted him. Show backdropped Rollins, then Owens jumped on the apron ordering Show to finish him. Instead, Show grabbed Owens and choke slammed him. Show told Rollins to do what he wanted to Owens and walked out. Rollins gave Owens a pedigree.  

They aired a personality profile on Jack Gallagher, who will debut tonight.  

They promoted this week’s Saturday Night Live with John Cena as host. 

Jack Gallagher defeated Ariya Daivari (2:42)

Gallagher used a head butt against Ariva Daivari’s chest, then pinned him with a running dropkick. Gallagher offered to shake Daivari’s hand, which he did. But Daivari kick Gallagher’s left knee, gave him a chop block, then stomped on it for good measure.  

Titus O’Neal handed out flyers to various people promoting the “Tussle in Texas.” 

A preview for Total Divas showed Paige with Summer Rae murmuring that Paige has missed several “live events” lately. 

Owens walked up to Mick Foley upset about having a match with Zayn after taking a Pedigree from Rollins. Owens said if Stephanie was here, it wouldn’t be happening. Foley said Stephanie wasn’t here and his match with Zayn was taking place tonight. Then Owens saw Jericho, who looked disinterested in Owens’ plight. Owens told him about the gifts he got Jericho, including the U.S. title match with Reigns and his match against Rollins at Roadblock. Owens wanted to see if they were good. Jericho said “We aren’t good.” 

Enzo Amore and Big Cass talked backstage when he saw Rusev talking down to Lana. Enzo wanted to intervene, though Cass tried to stop him. Enzo went anyway, but Lana said he was just trying to help. Rusev called her pathetic and maybe she deserved Enzo. Lana took off her wedding ring and asked if Rusev knew what this means. He said “It means your my wife.” She threw the ring down. Enzo told Cass to go on home and put the plate on the stove, he would be home later. Enzo tried to sweet talk Lana. 

Later, Lana said she felt Rusev took her for granted. Lana said Rusev should be taught for lesson and invited Enzo to her hotel room and muttered soemthing in Russian that Enzo didn’t understand. 

WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn in a nontitle match (11:58) 

Owens did a flip tope on Zayn, but within 30 seconds Zayn had recovered and delivered his own somersault tope onto Owens. Then Zayn pulled off a tornado DDT on the apron. Owens rolled out of the ring, but Zayn stepped outside, as well, and jumped through the ropes for another Tornado DDT. Zayn did the Kenta Kobashi half-nelson German suplex for a near fall. Zayn attempted a superplex, but Owens caught the swinging fisherman’s buster off the top rope. Owens came back with two cannonball and attempted the package piledriver, but Zayn stopped him for another tornado DDT, followed by the exploder suplex into the corner and a Blue Thunder driver for a near fall. Zayn delivered another exploder suplex onto the floor, rolled Owens into the ring. Zayn ran at Owens, who caught him for the Pop-Up Power Bomb for the pin. 

Reigns walked into Jericho’s locker room. Reigns thought he saw car paint on Jericho’s forehead, which Jericho denied. Reigns told Jericho to get focused because they have a match tonight. Jericho said Reigns had gotten lucky lately, but tonight Jericho might be the lucky one. Reigns said maybe Jericho was doing Owens’ dirty work again. Jericho pondered that one. 

The Rock was shown on the cover of Sports Illusrated. Interestingly, they didn’t mentioned that “Moana,” the latest Disney film where Rock voices the lead male character, was the #1 movie at the box office for the 2nd straight weekend. 

Charly Caruso did an interview with Banks backstage. Banks, who sounded hoarse, said the match took everything out of her. She walked into Charlotte’s kingdom and walked out with the crown. Banks said Charlotte doesn’t deserve to live under Ric Flair’s legacy, she said Flair deserves better. She admitted that Charlotte brings out the best in her so she can’t wait to do it again. Caruso brought up Charlotte’s tweet for a rematch. Banks challenged Charlotte to an Ironman match because there’s only one Ironwoman on Raw, and it’s her. 

Very good profile piece on Swann. He talked about his father dying when he was 12 years old, his mother passing at 16. He felt like he was never supposed to make it to the top, but he did. His voice played over highlights of his title victory against Kendrick. His postmatch interview included Swann thanking his mother. Kendrick faces Swann for the cruiserweight championship tomorrow on the 2nd episode of 205 Live. 

WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann defeated T.J. Perkins in a nontitle match (5:52) 

T.J. Perkins and Swann exchaned dabs after hot moves. Swann used Rolling Thunder for a near fall. Perkins dropkicked the legs out from underneath Swann, then tied him up to the tree of woe for a baseball slide. Perkins went for the Kneebar, but Swann turned it into a pinning combination for another two count. Perkins ran off the ropes for a drop kick, then bounced to the top rope and jumped, but Swann caught him with the Spin Kick to finish him off. 

Bayley defeated Alicia Fox (2:23) 

The background of this match is Bayley has a new gimmick where she throws out “Bayley Bears.” The announcers explained that Bayley tried to give a Bayley Bear to Cedric Alexander, who Alicia Fox has a crush on. So Fox thought Bayley was trying to move in on Alexander when Bayley was really just trying to be friendly.  Bayley blocked a clothesline and pinned Fox with a Bayley-to-belly suplex. 

Enzo walked up to Cass elated about Lana inviting him to her room. Cass tried to warn him, but Enzo received a text message from Lana showing her nude from the neck up. Enzo took off running. At that point, Rusev walked up to Cass and demanded to know where his wife was. Enzo said he didn’t know and turned his back on him. Rusev got mad and challenged Cass to face him in the ring tonight. 

Mark Henry defeated Titus O’Neal (:25) 

The announcers built this up like it was a battle of titans, including a tale of the tape graphic. So Mark Henry pinned O’Neal with the World’s Strongest Slam. As a clear dig at Jim Ross, Michael Cole said “that’s usually what happens when Texas meets OU on the gridiron.”

Enzo was on his cell phone with an Uber driver who got lost. Then a limo pulled up and Flair got out. Enzo explained his situation and let Enzo use his limo to meet Lana. 

Jericho was on his way to the ring when Owens stopped him. Owens told him he was there to make sure there was no injustice when Jericho told him to stop. He told Owens he didn’t need him to win, to stay out of his business and to stay away from him. 

U.S. Champion Roman Reigns defeated Chris Jericho to retain the title (12:51) 

Jericho escaped an early attempt at Reigns’ Superman punch and later did a plancha. Jericho barked at the fans, but there were clear babyface spots during the match. Jericho nailed his running springboard dropkick, but missed another dropkick dive through the ropes, and Reigns responded with the Drive By. He went for the Superman’s Punch, but Jericho caught him with an elbow followed by the Lionsault for two. Reigns caught Jericho with a Samoan Drop, followed by the Superman’s Punch for a good near fall. Regins attempted the Spear, but Jericho kicked him. Jericho went for the Code Breaker, but Reigns caught him for a Liger bomb for another two count. Reigns missed a shoulder block and hit the post, and jericho followed with a schoolboy cradle for a two count.

Great series where Jericho went for the Walls of Jericho, but Reigns countered it into a small package for a two count. Jericho scored a double leg and sinched in the Walls of Jericho to a big pop. Reigns made the ropes, but Owens ran out to give Reigns a superkick. Reigns walked right into Jericho’s codebreaker for a great near fall. Jericho started arguing with Owens about coming out and ordered him to leave. Owens walked out looking withdrawn. Reigns went for a spear but Jericho leap frogged him. Jericho bounced off the ropes but Reigns hit the spear for the pin to end a great match.  

Cass came out for his match with Rusev. Of course, there was no Rusev to be found in the building. As Rusev’s music played, it dawned on Cass that Enzo had been set up for a trap. Cass grabbed the timekeeper’s cell phone.

The scene shifted to the hotel room, where Enzo’s phone rang, but he hit ignore because he was ready to get busy. Lana met him in lingere, but Enzo said it wasn’t a good idea. Enzo went inside the room and Lana hugged him, but Enzo said he was really uncomfortable. Lana leaned over to pick up a napkin that she intentionally dropped, then tried to seduce Enzo further by stipping off his tank top. Enzo said he had to go, but she started to remove her lingere. Enzo asked her to stop, but she asked him to take off his pants. He complied. She told him something in Russian. He asked what she said. She said “You’re a fool.”

Rusev walked into the room. Enzo said he wasn’t into this type of thing and tried to leave. He was outsmarted AND then tried to run away. Of course, Rusev rag dolled him, throwing him onto a sofa, then tossing him through a table. Rusev threw a lightstand on Enzo and knocked him out by throwing him into a wall. Rusev wasn’t done, tossing him into the bar and smashed a flower vase over his head. Rusev dragged Enzo out of the room and left him for dad, then walked back into the room with Lana, who hung the “Do not disturb” sign on the doorknob. Enzo sold like it like he had been beaten to death. Oddly, the announcers never mentioned Enzo nearly getting killed for the rest of the show, even though a worldwide audience had just seen a man get assaulted in a hotel room. It was like 1999 Nitro and Flair had just been left for dead in a field by the NWO, only for a farmer to pick him up and bring him back to the building so Flair could get beaten up by the NWO some more. And Tony Schivaone was forced to wonder what happened to Flair.  

Survivor Series 2017 will be in Houston. 

The New Day was at ringside for the number one contender’s tag team match. As Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out, Kofi Kingston lip-synched their entrance song. The story is the New Day will become the longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions in history at midnight next Monday and the winner of the Gallows-Anderson/Cesaro-Sheamus match would get the title shot. 

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson went to a no contest with Sheamus and Cesaro (10:01)

Gallows and Anderson went for the Magic Killer on Cesaro, but Sheamus broke it up and Cesaro spun Anderson into a DDT. Sheamus gave Anderson the Rolling Senton while landing on top of Gallows. Sheamus teased White Noise, but Anderson kicked him off. Cesaro tagged in for a crossbody block on Anderson, followed by a springboad uppercut. Anderson clotheslined Cesaro to the floor, where they landed at the feet of the New Day. It wound up with all three teams brawling with each other. Kingston tried to give Cesaro and Sheamus a flip tope, but Sheamus and Cesaro caught him and threw him onto Xavier Woods and Big E. 

It was announced that New Day will defend the tag team titles against Anderson & Gallows and Sheamus & Cesao in a three-way next week. 

The Charlotte-Banks Ironman match for Roadblock is official. It’s a 30-minute Ironman match for the Raw Women’s Championship. 

Charlotte came out for the apology to her father. Charlotte, looking stonefaced, apologized for what she said to her father last May. They replayed the scene for a third time. Charlotte said when she lost her championship last Monday, it was hard. The WWE means everything to her and the title means everything to her. Crowd chanted “What” to her. She said it was harder to watch her father raise Banks’ hand. It was like Flair was saying “Sasha is the competitor he wishes his daughter to be like.” Charlotte said all she ever wanted was for him to be proud of her and no one knew what it was like to be Flair’s daughter. 

She watched from the crowd and watched Flair raise Banks’ hand and it felt like she had failed as her daughter. She claimed not to have seen her father in six months and asked him to come out so she could apologize. Flair looked like he was on the verge of tears walking to the ring. Charlotte smiled as he walked in, but he didn’t hug her. She said she was sorry. Crowd chanted “Who’s your daddy?” The two hugged. 

Then Charlotte slapped him and called him a son of a bitch. She screamed she was his daughter and who was Banks to dedicate her victory to Charlotte’s father. Banks ran out, but Charlotte kicked her going under the ropes. Charlotte kneed Banks to the head and threw her into the barricade. Charlotte lifted Banks in a power bomb position, then hoised her into the post. Charlotte screamed to her father that she was the woman. Charlotte dragged a lifeless Banks in front of Flair and told him that was his trophy. Flair was in tears as Charlotte taunted Banks.

WWE Raw live results: The build to Survivor Series continues

Posted on by Josh Hamlin

The Big Takeaway: Seth Rollins is the 5th member of the Raw 5-on-5 Survivor Series team. The Raw women’s team is comprised of Charlotte, Nia Jax, Bayley, Alicia Fox and Sasha Banks. A show filled with scripted dialogue that teams that argue and fight which ended with Sami Zayn earning an Intercontinental Championship match against Dolph Ziggler, along with Kevin Owens accidentally pinning Chris Jericho to win a five-way match. 

Stephanie McMahon started things with an interview saying this is a tumultuous time across the world that has divided households, has created heated rhetoric, and pitted red vs. blue. Of course, she was playing off Trump vs. Clinton, but said she was really talking about SmackDown vs. Raw. No reaction at all. Stephanie brought out the four known members of Team Raw: Owens, Jericho (who got a superstar reaction), Reigns (all boos, which Cory Graves brought up), and Strowman. Stephanie introduced the fifth member of the team, Seth Rollins. 

Owens thought Stephanie was joking putting Rollins on the team. Rollins said Stephanie knows if she wants to guarantee a win over SmackDown Live at the Survivor Series, she needs the man on her team. He said he’s been given certain assurances about being on the team. Stephanie said the SmackDown live team is comprised of A.J. Styles, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Baron Corbin. Stephanie gave her team a pep talk and said they would have to fight at Survivor Series like their jobs depended on it because they do. She threw down the microphone and left.

Owens said Stephanie was right. He said he and Jericho have made a few mistakes along the way. Jericho said he and Kevin “were the WWE Universal Champion” and said even though Rollins and Reigns were stupid idiots, they were their “stupid idiots.” Kevin proclaimed he and Jericho co-captains of the team and they needed to be a well oiled machine, unlike the Shield, which imploded because everyone kept turning on each other. Jericho ordered them to keep their mouths shut, their eyes open and they would win at Survivor Series.

Rollins punched Jericho in the mouth. Reigns went after Owens. As Rollins took Jericho in the corner, Strowman threw down Rollins and gave Jericho a Reverse Chokeslam. Strowman and Reigns had a staredown. Stephanie came back out and said they were going to settle their difference tonight. She ordered a Fatal Five-way match with Jericho vs. Owens vs. Rollins vs. Reigns vs. Strowman. 

Rich Swann and Sin Cara defeated Brian Kendrick and Noam Dar (7:22)

Rich Swann pinned Brian Kendrick after a victory roll. That’s two wins for Swann over Kendrick in two weeks and the announcers played up Swann getting a title shot. Noam Dar was over big as the home country guy and was really the only person fans had any interest in. Michael Cole said Dar grew up idolizing Johnny Saint, Mark “Rollerball” Rocco and Eddie Guerrero. 

Postmatch, Kendrick blamed Dar for the loss and called him a loser. Kendrick said Dar lost in the Cruiserweight Classic because he doesn’t have any talent. He lost in his home country because he has no heart. Kendrick said Dar was just like T.J. Perkins, you always fail when it matters most. Kendrick punched Dar, who made his own comeback and sent Kedrick out of the ring with an enzuigiri.

There was a package previewing Goldberg vs. Lesnar showing his days in WCW. He did a sit-down interview saying the reason why he returned to the WWE was because his wife and his son had never seen wrestle. They showed highlights from their WrestleMania XX match. Goldberg said he thought it was fair, as a competitor, was to give him another shot. Lesnar did a promo telling Goldberg’s wife and son not to watch. Goldberg said the ass kicking he gave Lesnar at WrestleMania will be trumped by the ass kicking he’ll give him at Survivor Series. He said the fans have been clamoring to see someone kick Lesnar’s ass and he’s the man to do it.  

Stephanie was backstage declining an invitation to appear on SmackDown Live, but invited Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan to appear on Raw next week. Sami Zayn walked in. Stephanie told him she finds his presence irritating. She couldn’t believe that Mick Foley allowed Zayn to face Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series because she thought it should go to Rusev. So she ordered Zayn vs. Rusev tonight with the winner facing Ziggler for the championship. Zayn barely said anything and left. 

The Raw side for the Tag Team Elimination match at Survivor Series will be The New Day (team captains), Enzo Amore and Big Cass, Sheamus and Cesaro, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows and The Golden Truth. All of those team came out so the New Day could address them. But the New Day were late, so Sheamus did a pro-Ireland, anti-Scotland promo which got heat. Sheamus proclaimed himself the captain of the team. Amore said Sheamus should be scared of the Sun, all of the kids yelling “Lucky Charms,” dying alone and looking in the mirror. 

Gallows chuckled at that and Sheamus wondered why since Amore beat Gallows last week. Gallows called Cesar “Eurotrash.” Cesaro said Gallows could have called Sheamus “the Red Roster,” which has to be a rib. Sheamus got tired of being insulted and started to leave before the New Day came out dressed as characters from Braveheart. 

Kofi Kingston noticed Xavier Woods had bagpipes but was singing into them instead of blowing on them. Woods said the bagpipes were Francesca’s cousin “Agnes” and said they were too hard to play. Kingston wondered where Sheamus was going. Crowd chanted “shame” at him. Woods said they were a group of teams that would fight for the love and pride of Team Raw. Anderson and Gallows said they were opting out because with captains like the New Day, they were going to lose. 

Big E., in his best Mel Gibson impression, said “fight and you may lose. Run and you’ll live.” Kingston wondered what type of Scottish accent that was and thought he sounded more like a pirate. Crowd chanted for Wallace and recited the Braveheart speech word for word with Big E. Amore stepped in and said he didn’t know what they were smoking in those bagpipes, but they liked it. Amore said SmackDown Live was going down like a hole in the ground. Goldust said Big E. had such a Brave Heart. Cesaro said he and Sheamus were ready. Sheamus got mad and said when does Cesaro speak for him? Sheamus said they were in, but only because they were about to get a shot at the tag team titles. 

Woods wondered if Anderson and Gallows would fight for Scotland. Anderson said the New Day could wear their costumes, but no one was in charge of them. Anderson said the first chance they got, they were going to stab each and every one of them in the back and broke Kingston’s toy sword. Gallows said they were going to finish off the SmackDown teams (he mentioned American Alpha and the Hype Bros, but couldn’t remember the other two, including Rhyno and Heath Slater, who are merely the tag team champions) because they were just like the New Day, a big joke.

Woods said if they were jokes and beaten Anderson & Gallows, what does that make them? Kingston said they knew Anderson and Gallows would be reluctant to join Team Raw, so they asked Stephanie for a special tag team match tonight against Anderson and Gallows. 

They had Reigns do a PSA encouraging people to vote. OK. 

Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson defeated Raw Tag Team Champions the New Day in a nontitle match (6:38) 

Gallows pinned Big E after a Magic Killer. Kingston went for the Midnight Hour on Anderson, but Gallows stopped it and the match briefly fell apart until the finish. There were moments of dead silence in this match.  

R-Truth talked with Goldust backstage. Truth said they traded their spot in the Survivor Series to the Shining Stars in exchange for a time share in Puerto Rico. Turned out Truth gave a house where they had a great view of the sunset, but Goldust pointed out the house doesn’t have a roof. Truth said they could enjoy an All You Can Buffett. Goldust said the brochure said it was “All you could eat off Jimmy Buffett.” 

Lesnar did his own taped interview package wondering why Goldberg would go on SportsCenter and issue himself a death sentence. Lesnar said he didn’t give two craps (he didn’t say craps) about wrestling at WrestleMania XX because he had other athletic endeavors on his mind. He said Goldberg can play himself in the video game, but he was the ass kicker. Paul Heyman said everyone wanted the Rock to be the man to beat Lesnar at SummerSlam in 2003, but Lesnar sent him back to Hollywood. Lesnar said Goldberg has been out of wrestling for 12 years and it wasn’t going to happen. He repeated that Goldberg’s son and wife shouldn’t watch the show and hope that their father will return. Hopefully. 

Goldberg and Lesnar will have a faceoff next week in Buffalo. 

Owens and Jericho talked backstage discussing if they should get Strowman on their side. Jericho barged into Strowman’s dressing room and started to put him on the list for throwing him around earlier. Owens tried to be more diplomatic. Jericho started to call him a stupid idiot, but Owens said they could add Braun to Team Chris and Kevin. Jericho was reluctant to agree but did, calling Braun “Ron.” Strowman got up and said he was on Team Braun. Jericho then added Strowman to the list to a big pop. 

The Makeover of Emma to Emmalina is still coming soon. 

The Shining Stars defeated The Golden Truth to earn a spot in the 10-team tag match at Survivor Series (5:18) 

Primo pinned Goldust with a schoolboy cradle with his feet on the ropes. Goldust got distracted by Epico, who showed him a brochure of their Puerto Rico Time Shares. Goldust tore it up and threw Epico out of the ring. Again, no heat. 

Shane McMahon and Bryan will appear on Raw next week in Buffalo. 

Cole did a stand-up in the ring. There were noticeable boos for him. He introduced the Raw women’s team, starting with the captain, Charlotte. She did a promo calling the SmackDown Live team “peasants.” Next was Nia Jax. Cole started to interview Jax, but Charlotte interrupted her saying Jax dominated Bayley last week. Jax told Charlotte off saying whatever she does, she does for herself. The next team member was Alicia Fox. Cole asked if she could be civil at Survivor Series with Jax. Fox said if Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie could be civil during a divorce, then she could be civil with Jax. 

Bayley was next out. She told Charlotte she will prove she isn’t the weak link. Fans in Glasgow sang to Bayley “Hey, will you be our girl?” Bayley had to continue with her scripted interview instead of letting what could be a memorable moment breathe. Bayley said it could come down to her and Charlotte vs Nikki Bella and Carmella, but she and Charlotte would have to work together. Crowd didn’t feel like sitting through another boring Survivor Series interview segment and kept singing to Bayley. Charlotte tried to introduce the final team member saying it made her a better champion…Dana Brooke. 

Cole stepped in and said Brooke wasn’t the fifth member of the Survivor Series team. Crowd continued to sing. Cole said the real 5th member was Sasha Banks. Crowd was still singing. 

Charlotte said she made Brooke an alternate in case Banks couldn’t recover. Banks gave in to the crowd and completed a verse with her arm around Bayley. Charlotte said she has proven she was the best and Sasha wasn’t the boss after she beat her at Hell in a Cell. Charlotte told Banks to ask Jax if she thought Banks was the best. Banks and Jax briefly had a staredown before Cole abruptly threw it to a break.

Bayley, Alicia Fox and Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte, Dana Brooke and Nia Jax (11:36) 

Bayley, Banks and Fox did a triple baseball slide on Jax outside the ring, but Jax didn’t sell it. Jax did monster spots with Banks for the heat. Bayley got the hot tag after Charlotte kicked out of a schoolgirl cradle. Bayley took a rough bump after Brooke threw her into the turnbuckle breaking up a pin.Charlotte accidentally kicked Jax, allowing Bayley to pin Charlotte after a Bayley-to-Belly.

Rollins was asked by Charly Caruso why he joined Team Raw after all the animosity he has with Reigns, Jericho, Owens, Stephanie etc. Rollins said he was promised some future opportunities if he joined the team. Strowman walked in and said Rollins shouldn’t worry about future opporuntities because he was going to snap Rollins like a twig. Rollins said there’s one more person who doesn’t like him.  

Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs was displayed as the latest member of a major professional sports team to pose with a WWE Championship Belt on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. 

Sami Zayn defeated Rusev to earn the Intercontinental Championship title shot at Suvivor Series (8:37) 

Zayn did a flip tope and a crossbody block for a two count to trigger his comeback. He went for a back suplex, but Rusev nailed a roundhouse kick for two. Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, but Rusev hit a Superkick for another near fall. Finish came out of nowhere. Rusev climbed the top rope, but Zayn hit a running kick. Rusev crashed to the mat and Zayn pinned him. Best match thus far.

Kevin Owens pinned Chris Jericho to win a Fatal Fiveway that also included Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman (14:53)  

Most of the match was geared toward getting Strowman over as the new giant. Jericho and Owens jumped Rollins at the bell and fought to the floor. Strowman and Reigns teased going at it. Jericho ran in the ring to encourage Strowman, who elbowed Jericho in the straw. Reigns and Strowman continued their faceoff, where Strowman clotheslined him to cheers. Rollins pulled out a kendo stick and beat Strowman with it repeatedly. Rollins tried to pull out a table, but Strowman clotheslined him. After a commercial, Strowman gave Reigns a reverse chokeslam. Owens tried to placate Strowman, only to punch him. Strowman decked Owens. All four men ganged up on Strowman, who threw all of them off. Strowman was knocked out of the ring after Rollins gave him a springboard knee and Reigns gave him a Superman Punch. Crowd chanted for Jericho. 

Rollins and Reigns teased going at it, but Strowman tried to get back in the ring. Reigns knocked him to the floor with a Superman Punch. Then Rollins called for Reigns to give Strowman the old Shield spot of power bombing their foe through a table, but Jericho and Owens attacked Reigns before they could. Jericho and Owens rammed Reigns into the dasherboards, then threw him into the ring steps. In the process, Owens tore up a fan’s “I Love Reigns” sign to a big babyface pop. Owens hit the cannonball on Reigns on the floor. Owens tried to give Rollins a cannonball, but he gave him a downward spiral into the railing. Jericho tried to give Rollins a codebreaker, but Rollins caught him and power bombed Jericho onto Strowman through the table. 

Rollins missed a frog splash and Owens went for the Pop-Up Power Bomb, but Rollins escaped and hit a Pedigree. Jericho pulled the referee out of the ring. Jericho tried the Walls of Jericho, but Rollins gave him a spin kick, then the Pedigree. Owens ran in and gave Rollins a superkick, then Reigns delivered a Superman Punch to Owens. But Owens fell on top of an unconscious Jericho and accidentally pinned him. Once Owens recovered, he had a huge smile on his face after getting the win despite pinning his best friend.