Tag: Wwe Raw Results

WWE Raw live results: Seth Rollins vs. Jey Uso World title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: December 4, 2023
Location: MVP Arena in Albany, New York 

Show Recap —

Drew McIntyre entered. He welcomed everyone to Raw — the land of liars, hypocrites, cowards, and idiots. You can get fired, get released, leave, and do whatever you want just to come back and be instantly forgiven. That led to a CM Punk chant but McIntyre said he could be talking about anybody.

He spoke about Seth Rollins gifting Jey Uso a title opportunity and spoke about Jey actually apologizing to Randy Orton. McIntyre mocked Jey for tucking his tail between his legs and warned him that his time was coming.

Sami Zayn interrupted. Zayn saw that McIntyre had a lot to say and if he had something to say about him, he wanted to hear it face-to-face. McIntyre said Zayn was the one person in the world who deserved to get screwed by the Bloodline. Zayn was part of the Bloodline and joined them to get away from McIntyre himself. Zayn screwed them in the end, so what did he expect would happen?

Zayn said he thought he had a lot in common with McIntyre but he has realized they were nothing alike. McIntyre was pointing the fingers at everyone else. But when Zayn lost in front of his friends and family, he stayed hungry and that led him to victory in the main event of WrestleMania.

Zayn got redemption and got to make his family proud. Zayn asked McIntyre if he thought he was making his family proud. McIntyre didn’t like that comment and called out a referee to get their match started right now.

Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn (20:00)

The babyface hit a dive ahead of an early break, the big heel missed a charge and went into the ring post, and the smaller babyface followed with a show of strength by hitting a vertical suplex.

Zayn followed with a tilt-a-whirl DDT for two. McIntyre responded with consecutive suplexes and a neckbreaker. Zayn tried a slingshot dive but McIntyre caught him and flung him over the announce desk leading to a second break.

McIntyre hit a spinebuster for two and followed immediately with an impressive sit-out powerbomb for two. McIntyre set up for an avalanche White Noise but Zayn countered into a sit-out powerbomb for two.

McIntyre blocked a Blue Thunder Bomb and headbutted Zayn. McIntyre went for Claymore but Zayn booted him first and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a nearfall. The crowd chanted “This is awesome.”

Zayn tried a leapfrog but he landed awkwardly on his leg (which he “tweaked” earlier). McIntyre noticed the injury so he chop-blocked him which Michael Cole called a compassionless move. As the referee checked on Zayn, McIntyre hit Claymore Kick for the pinfall win. 

(This was a good match but the Zayn injury felt kind of weak. It did play into the story of McIntyre ditching his sympathies.)

******** 

Byron Saxton interviewed Shayna Baszler (who was with Zoey Stark) about facing her former partner Nia Jax. Baszler said she put Jax on the shelf two years ago by breaking her arm and she would remind her of that tonight. (Nikki Cross could be seen standing still in the background.)

******** 

There was a strong Jey Uso video package. He spoke about Jimmy Uso, the man he loved the most, costing him the Universal title. After that, he had to walk away from the business and he convinced himself that he was done — until he got a call from Cody Rhodes. Rhodes told him he couldn’t quit and it was time to start fresh and create his own legacy.

Jey has been fighting for others his entire life but from now on, he was fighting for his legacy. Jey knew what Seth Rollins was all about but Rollins was about to find out just how hungry he was. He would prove to the world, to his family, and to himself why they call him Main Event Jey Uso.

(The word “Yeet” was blurred from Jey’s shirt in the video.)

******** 

McIntyre attacked Zayn as he was being checked on by a trainer. He stomped Zayn’s injured leg before officials jumped in. (In his opening promo, McIntyre said only one of them was walking out of the arena tonight.)

Jey checked on Zayn after a break.

******** 

Saxton tried interviewing Becky Lynch but Jax interrupted. Jax wondered who Lynch was talking about in her promo last week. Lynch said that, in fact, she still owed Jax a receipt. Jax said she would be all hers once she was done squashing Baszler.

Nia Jax defeated Shayna Baszler (12:09)

Baszler targeted Jax’s arm but Jax tripped her on the apron and hit a leg drop. Baszler fought out of a rest hold after a break (as a very large graphic let us know Rhodes would be on later) but Jax squished her head into the ring post with a hip attack. Jax cut off Baszler’s comeback attempt and hit a Samoan Drop.

Baszler avoided a hip attack, drove Jax into the bottom turnbuckle and hit a running knee strike for two. Jax cut her off again and hit a senton for a nearfall. With Jax perched on the second rope, Baszler brought her down with a German suplex (which didn’t get the reaction you’d expect).

[SECOND HOUR]

Baszler applied the Kirifuda Clutch but Jax got to her feet and fell backwards onto Baszler. Jax dragged her to the corner and hit Annihilator for the pinfall win.

(The crowd was really quiet for this and it sounded like they added some booing after the pinfall.)

— Lynch entered post-match but Jax bailed.

******** 

They played clips of CM Punk’s return promo. Triumphant music played over Punk’s words about being a changed man and how much he loved the fans. (They didn’t include the last line he said off-mic as he looked into the camera.)

They said Punk was a free agent and announced that he’d be on Friday’s Smackdown (in Providence, RI).

******** 

Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell wished Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa luck in their match. Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser showed up and called them a lovely couple — of losers. LeRae and Hartwell mocked them and said they better impress Gunther.

After DIY left, Kaiser stressed the importance of this match to Vinci and told him to bring his best. Vinchi slapped him on the back and said he hoped Kaiser did the same.

2-out-of-3 falls match: Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa defeated Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci (15:17)

DIY set up Kaiser for Meet in the Middle but Vinci saved him by yanking Gargano out of the ring. Kaiser schoolboyed Ciampa while holding the tights to win the first fall (4:38 into the match).

Gargano and Ciampa wiped out Vinci and Kaiser with dives moments later. DIY did the thing where they sit on the announce table and give themselves a hand despite having just lost the first fall.

Their celebration ran short because Imperium was back in control following a break. Imperium went for a double-team move but Ciampa blocked Kaiser and the distraction allowed Gargano to roll up Vinci to win the second fall (10:12 into the match).

Kaiser hit Gargano with a Finlay roll and Vinci followed with an impressive double springboard moonsault for two. This led to everyone trading strikes until Gargano planted Vinci with a DDT. The crowd gave them a round of applause.

Ciampa hit Kaiser with an air raid crash and DIY set up for Meet in the Middle again but again Vinci saved Kaiser. Kaiser tried rolling up Gargano while holding the tights again but Gargano kicked out. DIY took turns kicking Kaiser before hitting Meet in the Middle for the pinfall win.

(The crowd got into this towards the end and they were a bit more into DIY this week.)

******** 

Julius and Brutus Creed warmed up by doing squats with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods on their shoulders. The Creed Brothers told New Day they were feeling good about their coming match against Judgment Day.

Alpha Academy showed up and Chad Gable offered to show them some tips. The Creeds politely declined and said they’d stick to their methods. Akira Tozawa was about to do his dance but Maxxine Dupri placed him on her shoulders and she did squats (like Kris Statlander).

******** 

R-Truth was once again in Judgment Day’s locker room. Damian Priest was annoyed and wanted him to leave. Truth thought he was talking to JD McDonagh so he told McDonagh to leave. McDonagh was pissed and demanded Truth leave. (McDonagh was slightly insecure and double-checked with Priest first.) Truth said they should tighten up security and he left.

Priest was sick of McIntyre but Dominik reminded him that Rhea Ripley told them not to touch Drew. Priest didn’t care and noted that Ripley and Finn Bálor weren’t even there tonight. (The crowd loudly groaned when he said Ripley wasn’t there.) Priest said he was in charge tonight and told them to handle the Creed Brothers tonight.

********

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance defeated Natalya & Tegan Nox (4:49)

Natalya tagged and tried a discus clothesline but Chance ducked and hit a Codebreaker. Chance and Carter tried a double-team move but Natalya powerbombed them both off the ropes. Carter blocked a suplex and hit a superkick. Carter and Chance hit their double team “Keg Stand” move for the pinfall win. (Carter cut off Nox before she could break up the cover.)

— Green was irate when Carter and Chance won. Cole was understandably confused and noted that somebody had to win the match. Carter and Chance knocked Green off the apron.

********

[THIRD HOUR]

Cody Rhodes/Shinsuke Nakamura segment

A very focused Cody Rhodes entered (in his gear). He didn’t start with his usual line.

Rhodes said the first time he encountered poison mist was as a child and he was terrified of the man who did it — The Great Muta. After having seen it up close last week, he realized his fears as a child were justified.

However, it was his own fault for not paying attention to the clues being dropped by Shinsuke Nakamura. He was focused on his greater aspirations including the Royal Rumble. Nakamura had his attention and he was ready. Rhodes invited Nakamura to emerge from the shadows and explain himself — or he could march to the ring and they could fight right now.

Nakamura appeared on the screen. Nakamura said he made Rhodes’ eyes burn last week but tonight he would open them. He would show Rhodes what he wasn’t seeing: the path they’ve taken is the same story. Clips aired of both men winning the Rumble match only to fall short at WrestleMania. (Nakamura against AJ Styles, Rhodes against Roman Reigns.)

Nakamura said they suffered the same humiliation and were left with pages unwritten. The devil in Rhodes’ mind was that he would never make it back. Rhodes has awoken Nakamura who would unburden him and take the story off his hands. Nakamura never got to finish his story, so now he would finish Cody’s.

They cut back to Rhodes who said their stories were not the same even if they shared a similar path. Rhodes wouldn’t respect Nakamura unless he faced him in the ring. If Nakamura thought they were the same — he should prove it.

********

Jey Uso asked Adam Pearce for an update on Zayn. Pearce said he was still being evaluated. Jey threatened to go after McIntyre but Pearce reminded him that he had bigger things to focus on tonight. Jey was well aware and was pumped up for his match. Jey left.

Gunther approached Pearce and they agreed to talk over some ideas.

******** 

The Creed Brothers (w/Ivy Nile) defeated JD McDonagh & NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio (10:48)

Brutus did squats with Dom up in a delayed vertical suplex and the crowd began cheering but the cheers were for Truth who made his way down to join Judgment Day at ringside (while holding a Buffalo Bills WWE title belt). Dom shoved Julius off the apron and McDonagh wiped out both Creeds with a dive ahead of a break. (Dom and JD posed while sitting on the apron, not unlike DIY.)

Dom tried three amigos but Brutus countered and hit a suplex of his own. Julius tagged in and handed out several overhead suplexes to both men, kipping up after each one. The crowd got into that. Dom yanked Brutus off the apron as McDonagh dropped Julius on his head with a poisonrana. Dom hit Julius with a 619 for two.

Brutus pounced Dom over the announce table moments before the Creeds hit the combo Brutus Ball on McDonagh for the pinfall win.

(This was pretty good and they brought more life out of the crowd than some third-hour matches we’ve seen lately.)

******** 

Adam Pearce informed Seth Rollins that he has invited CM Punk to Raw next week and planned on signing him to an exclusive Raw contract. Rollins laughed and said he didn’t care. Rollins said Pearce had to do his own business but when this blew up in his face, to stay out of his (Rollins’) business.

Jey approached Rollins. Jey said he’s been waiting 15 years for this and he was looking at the next world champion. Rollins said he would stomp Jey’s head in the first chance he got. Jey said he’d kick his face off the first chance he got. They bumped fists.

******** 

Priest asked McDonagh and Dom what happened in their match. McDonagh blamed it on Truth being out there in a Ripley shirt. Dom warned Priest that the Creeds were legit. McDonagh was confident in Priest and Bálor but agreed with Dom’s sentiment. Priest understood.

(Gunther could be seen admonishing Kaiser in the background.)

******** 

Raw next week in Cleveland:

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
  • CM Punk appears

******** 

Cole said tonight was an emotional one for Jey because it was 14 years ago today since the passing of Umaga and Jey has dedicated the match to him.

Seth Rollins defeated Jey Uso to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (22:55)

This was an excellent WWE-style main event.

After a break, Rollins hit a running knee strike, springboard senton and lionsault for two. Jey came back with a pop-up neckbreaker for two and a backbreaker for two. Rollins set up for a powerbomb into the barricade but Jey blocked it and hit a DDT on the outside.

They exchanged strikes after a break. Rollins hit a suicide dive but Jey fought back and hit one of his own. They both went down after colliding with crossbody attempts. Jey hammered away at Rollins (as the crowd yelled “Yeet”) but Rollins dropped him with a clothesline. There was a modest “CM Punk” chant directed at Rollins.

Jey followed with an enziguri and a running hip attack but Rollins followed with a slingblade and frog splash for two. Rollins hit a superkick but Jey hit two superkicks and hit an Uso splash for a nearfall. Rollins followed with a superplex into a falcon arrow for two. Rollins followed immediately with a Pedigree for a nearfall. Jey followed with a spear for a nearfall.

Jey went for another spear but Rollins kicked him and hit a buckle bomb. Rollins seemed to be going for the stomp but Jey speared him and hit another Uso splash for a very close nearfall. The crowd chanted “Holy shit.”

Jey hit a superkick and tried another spear but Rollins countered that into a Pedigree. Rollins followed with a curb stomp for the pinfall win.

— Jey shook hands with Rollins after the match.

As Jey was hunched over outside the ring, McIntyre (wearing a hood) flew in and dropped him with a Claymore Kick. Rollins tried a dive but McIntyre caught him and suplexed him. McIntyre slammed Jey through the table as the crowd booed. McIntyre grabbed Jey by the head and told him that the truth would set him free.

(This was a good closing angle that Cole tried to ruin by stating, “Drew McIntyre is a bad dude with issues.”) 

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk returns

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: November 27, 2023
Location: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN 

******** 

Show Recap —

There was a recap of the Survivor Series main event and the return of CM Punk.

There’s a new Raw theme song. Michael Cole said this may be the most anticipated episode of Raw ever. Wade Barrett announced that the first hour tonight is commercial-free. Cole said the polarizing and controversial CM Punk will have a live mic tonight.

********

Randy Orton entered to start the show. (He wore a black t-shirt and black pants.)

Orton posed around the ring and really soaked in the moment. He even signed a toy figurine of himself for a young fan in the front row as he entered.

Orton said it sounded like a few people missed him and there was a loud “Welcome back” chant. Orton had plenty of time to think about his accomplishments while he was gone, but he had never done one particular thing and that was to compete at WarGames. When his dear friend Cody Rhodes called him, he said “of course” he was in.

Orton said WarGames was invented by Dusty Rhodes (the crowd cheered) and to be part of that match was to be part of “professional wrestling” history.

Orton also came back because he had unfinished business with the Bloodline. Orton admitted he made a name for himself by putting people on the shelf so he could forgive — but he could not forget. He had receipts for every single member of the Bloodline. And he meant every member. Orton said the receipts would come in the form of an RKO.

Rhea Ripley entered. (She wore all black with a black trench coat.) She noted Orton teamed with someone who tried to end his career and had his big return upstaged. She did think Orton looked more dangerous than ever and that shouldn’t be wasted. The Bloodline has fallen and Judgment Day has risen.

She called WarGames a bump in the road because they were all dripping in gold. That included Damian Priest and Finn Bálor holding the same tag titles that Orton almost gave his career to. If it wasn’t for Orton, Priest would also be the world champion. They could make life hell for Orton and put him out permanently. The crowd chanted “RKO.”

Orton said he’s been paying attention to the show while he was gone and there was a lot of talk about Mami, but guess what — “Daddy’s back.” The crowd enjoyed that. Orton knew things had changed while he was gone but one thing that would never change is that nobody told him what to do.

Ripley laughed. She said she tried to give him an out but he was their enemy now. Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh (wearing a soft neck brace) attacked him from behind. Orton fought them off and planted McDonagh with an RKO.

Orton told Dom not to go too far because he was going to find Adam Pearce and get Dom in a match tonight.

******** 

There was a segment backstage with Alpha Academy, New Day and Creed Brothers. Chad Gable said Otis and Akira Tozawa would represent Alpha Academy tonight. Maxxine Dupri and Ivy Nile showed up and introduced musician Jelly Roll who was excited to be there. R-Truth showed up because he was hungry upon hearing “Jelly Roll.” Tozawa did his dance.

The Creed Brothers won Tag Team Turmoil (25:56)

This was a fairly typical WWE gauntlet match where the individual matches were short so everyone was losing easier/quicker than usual. That said, the Creed Brothers came across very well beating the three top teams in the match in a row. 

Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa defeated Otis & Akira Tozawa (w/Chad Gable & Maxxine Dupri) (3:12)

Tozawa set up for a dive off of Otis’ shoulders but Gargano kicked Otis’ leg out of his leg and Ciampa caught Tozawa with a knee strike. DIY hit Tozawa with Meet in the Middle for the pinfall elimination. 

(The remaining turmoil match times include brief entrances.) 

Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa defeated Indus Sher (2:24)

Indus Sher attacked DIY outside the ring and dominated for a bit but Gargano stacked up Veer in a cradle for the pinfall elimination. The crowd was dead for this portion.

The Creed Brothers defeated Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa (4:44)

The crowd woke up a bit and there were light chants for DIY. They tried Meet in the Middle but Brutus tackled Ciampa. Julius powerbombed Garagno and the Creeds hit the Brutus Bomb for the pinfall elimination.

The Creed Brothers (w/Ivy Nile) vs. Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods (7:15)

New Day entered wearing Nashville Predators jerseys. This was a back-and-forth match and the Creed Brothers came out on top. Julius rolled through on a Kingston high cross and hit a fallaway slam before Brutus wiped out Woods with a moonsault off the apron. The Creeds hit Brutus Bomb for the pinfall elimination.

The Creed Brothers (w/Ivy Nile) defeated Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci (8:21)

The crowd was quiet for this until Julius hit both members of Imperium with a double Northern Lights suplex. They set up for Brutus Bomb but Kaiser raked the eyes of Julius while Vinci shoved Brutus off the top. Imperium set up for something but Julius leaped over Vinci and hit Kaiser with a superplex. (This was technically a botched spot because Julius tried to leap off of Vinci’s back and he slipped, but he recovered and was able to hit a nice superplex anyway.)

The Creeds hit Vinci with the Brutus Bomb for the final elimination. Julius and Brutus earn a title shot.

******** 

Bálor approached Priest in Judgment Day’s clubhouse. Bálor put over the Creed Brothers and said they needed to be ready. Priest was feeling insecure and for sure thought that they were all going to blame him for their loss at Survivor Series.

Bálor, Ripley and Dom assured him everything was fine and they were all family. Priest was relieved. He asked how McDonagh was doing. Bálor said he was in medical and they should go check on him. (Ripley smirked in Priest’s direction after he left.)

They went to break for the first time about 54 minutes into the show.

[SECOND HOUR]

Cody Rhodes promo 

Rhodes came out to a big reception. He wanted to thank his teammates after their win at WarGames and he mentioned each one individually. (The crowd yelled “Yeet” for Jey Uso and sang Seth Rollins’ song.)

Rhodes said Orton was a mentor to him early in his career and is still a mentor now. Orton gave him a lot of memories and gave him another one in WarGames. Orton handed Priest to him so he could hit Cross Rhodes and get the win, not just in any match, but his dad’s match. The crowd chanted for Dusty.

The other story Rhodes wanted to talk about was the return of CM Punk. The crowd chanted for Punk. Nobody knew that was going to happen and nobody knew what was going to happen next. That’s why everyone would tune in to see him speak tonight. Rhodes just wanted to say to Punk: “Welcome back.”

Rhodes said one fisherman always spots the other fisherman from afar and there were a lot of stories happening right now, so Rhodes had an announcement. The fans knew him by now and knew there was only one destination for him. Rhodes announced that he would be the first to declare himself for the 2024 Royal Rumble match.

The lights dimmed and Shinsuke Nakamura appeared on the screen. Nakamura said Rhodes needed to continue his story but Nakamura needed Rhodes to awaken him and set him free. Nakamura was patient for weeks but he was tired of waiting. “I will bring chaos to you.”

Fans started shrieking because Nakamura appeared behind Rhodes. Rhodes turned around and Nakamura sprayed red mist in his face.

******** 

The announcers thanked Living Colour for “Cult of Personality.” Cole called Punk’s return “the most-watched social moment in WWE history.”

Bronson Reed vs. Ivar (w/Valhalla) went to a double count-out (8:41)

Reed hit a vertical suplex early on but Ivar caught him with a spin kick outside the ring (thanks to a Valhalla distraction) and squished him into the ring’s video board. Reed was back on offence after a break and hit machine gun chops in the corner. Ivar responded with repeated back elbows but Reed followed with a senton. Ivar came back with a powerslam for two.

Valhalla told Ivar to go to the top so he tried a moonsault but Reed moved. Reed went to the top and the crowd buzzed but he stopped what he was doing because Valhalla jumped on the apron and threatened to hit him. The ref tossed her out.

They battled in the timekeeper’s area which led to Reed giving Ivar a DVD into the side of the barricade — and they were counted out. This could’ve been better.

— Ivar popped up quickly and hit Reed with a chair. They battled through the crowd which led to a WWE employee getting squished by Reed. Reed also used a security guard as a lawn dart. Ivar hit a cannonball off an equipment box and the crowd chanted “Holy sh*t.” Officials and security finally separated them.

******** 

Nia Jax approached Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler in the back (earlier tonight). Jax sarcastically congratulated Stark on her effort against Ripley. Baszler told Jax to shut up or else. Stark stood up for herself and challenged Jax to a match tonight. Jax agreed.

They showed a bunch of social media videos of people reacting to Punk’s return.

Priest, Bálor and McDonagh returned to their clubhouse only to find Truth with a plate full of desserts on their couch and sugar spilled everywhere. They were pissed and asked what he was doing there. Truth offered to be their partner at WarGames. Priest said the match already happened and Truth asked how they did. They kicked him out. McDonagh said he would take care of Truth.

********

Nia Jax defeated Zoey Stark (9:04)

Stark hit a springboard clothesline off the top to the outside but Jax was in control after a break. Stark avoided a charge and Jax went into the ring post. Stark hit a corkscrew senton onto the leg of Jax. Jax set up for Annihilator but Stark kicked her leg and tried a cradle for two. Stark followed with a springboard dropkick for two.

Stark went to the top but Jax tripped her and followed with a Samoan Drop, senton and Annihilator for the pinfall win.

******** 

Gunther approached Imperium in the back. He wanted them to go to Pearce and sort out the DIY issue. Vinci was about to make a promise but Kaiser cut him off and said he promised to get it done.

Miz approached Gunther. Miz saw Gunther’s press conference and noted Gunther wanted his next opponent to challenge him to his face. Miz challenged him. Gunther asked if he was sure about that. Miz knew he could take the title off his shoulder and said Gunther knew it too. Gunther said Miz was no threat to his legendary title reign. He did give Miz credit for bringing the fight and said he did belong in the ring, just not with him.

********

Seth Rollins entered. 

[THIRD HOUR]

The announcers said Saturday was the most watched Survivor Series ever.

Seth Rollins/Drew McIntyre segment

This started like every Rollins promo where he did his catchphrases and the crowd sang until he held up the mic and a portion of the crowd chanted for CM Punk instead of singing his song. Rollins removed his shades and invited the Punk fans to keep going. He didn’t want to spend one more ounce of energy on that hypocrite.

Rollins instead wanted to talk about the championship he’s made the most important in the industry. Rollins admitted he wasn’t feeling too good days removed from WarGames but he was starting to get the itch to be a fighting champion again.

Drew McIntyre interrupted. McIntyre said it’s been a crazy 48 hours. People were talking about the two of them and things that happened outside the ring. McIntyre wanted to shake Rollins’ hand and congratulate him on the victory. Rollins shook his hand.

McIntyre said Judgment Day had a grand plan but it appears their plan was to lose. He also thought he needed to put Jey Uso on the back burner and focus on the world title. McIntyre admitted that Rollins was right when he said he could only blame himself for losing at Crown Jewel.

McIntyre had a moment of hesitation while feeling sympathy when he saw Rollins down during the match. McIntyre thought about Rollins’ daughter in the moment and told him to stay down but Rollins slapped him in the face. McIntyre said Rollins was right so slap him in the face. McIntyre was done with sympathy and he wanted a damn rematch.

Rollins thought McIntyre did deserve a rematch but there were a couple of people who deserved it a bit more. Rollins announced that he would be defending the title on Raw next week. McIntyre asked who the opponent was.

Rollins said it was Jey Uso. The crowd said Yeet. Rollins was about to reason with McIntyre but McIntyre immediately headbutted him (which drew a splash of blood on McIntyre’s forehead). McIntyre suplexed Rollins and told him he just beat Jey two weeks ago.

Jey Uso entered and hammered away at McIntyre as the crowd said Yeet. Jey and Rollins superkicked him out of the ring.

Jey picked up the belt and deliberately handed it to Rollins.

******** 

Sami Zayn confronted McIntyre in the back about headbutting Rollins. McIntyre said Zayn couldn’t understand what he was going through but Zayn said he knew exactly what he was going through. Every disappointment McIntyre has had in his career, Zayn has had it ten times over. But he kept moving forward because he knew the end game for him was to win the world title.

Zayn said McIntyre was already a two-time champion, 6’6” and full of muscle but he was acting like a spoiled brat. Zayn said, “You’re better than that.” McIntyre acted sincere for a moment before telling Zayn he’d go to Pearce and request a match next week against him.

********

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven defeated Natalya & Tegan Nox to retain the Tag Team Championships (8:42)

After an early commercial, Natalya hit Green with a sit-out powerbomb for two. Nox tagged in and hit Green with a Molly-go-round but Niven broke up the cover. Natalya and Nox suplexed Green into the barricade but Niven knocked them both down with a cannonball off the apron. Niven hit Nox with a running crossbody in the ring for the pinfall win. Green was ecstatic to learn they retained the titles. The crowd was quiet for this too.

******** 

Jey approached Orton in the back. He wanted to find Orton before Orton found him. Jey thanked him for having his back at WarGames. He heard what Orton said earlier about receipts but what happened back in the day was in the past. Rhodes trusted him and brought him and was trying to do what was right. Orton was good with Jey — as long as he was out of the Bloodline. Jey said he was out. They shook hands.

********

Next week on Raw:

  • Seth Rollins vs. Jey Uso for the World Championship
  • Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre

******** 

Jackie Redmond (whose outfit looked like Rollins’ outfit) interviewed Becky Lynch. Lynch felt like she went to war in an epic battle on Saturday — and looked like it (she pointed at scars on her face). It also felt like a night of making amends but there was a thin line between love and hate. Lynch said she had a couple of fights on the horizon and one was more pressing than the other.

********

Cole said Orton has been training differently since his surgery and is focusing on cardio and reps using lighter weights and feels better than he has in years. Cole also suggested Dom get in the gym with Orton (which is certainly an interesting comment).

Randy Orton defeated NXT North American Championship Dominik Mysterio (w/JD McDonagh) in a non-title match (9:23)

After a break, Orton tried a backdrop onto the announce table but Dom landed on his feet and shoved him into the steel steps. Orton sold this great before fighting back with clotheslines, a powerslam and draping DDT.

Orton set up for an RKO but McDonagh pulled Dom out of the ring. Jelly Roll (the musician from earlier) shoved McDonagh. Dom got in his face so Jelly Roll shoved him too. Orton grabbed Dom and launched him way up in the air to hit a backdrop onto the announce desk. The crowd chanted “one more time” so Orton hit another. (All of these things should have been disqualifications.)

Orton dropped McDonagh with a draping DDT but that allowed Dom to hit a dropkick and 619. Dom missed a frog splash and Orton hit an RKO for the pinfall win.

********

CM Punk’s locker room door was shown as they went to break. There will be about 8 minutes left in the show when they come back for the final segment.

******** 

CM Punk promo 

Punk entered wearing his new black WWE-issued t-shirt and black jeans. The crowd chanted his name as he entered.

Punk started with “looks like hell froze over” (which is how Bret Hart started his return promo). Punk said hell froze over because he was standing in a WWE ring with a live mic, not because he was a Blackhawks fan being cheered in the Predators building. He laughed and said he had to be himself.

He’s been thinking of the language to express how he feels. He thought of two words and was afraid of how corny it would sound. Punk said he’s changed and an American Dream once taught him that as long as you speak from the heart you cannot go wrong because it was the truth. The truth was: “I’m home.” The crowd cheered.

Punk didn’t know how he’d react but he knew this was home. He’s been gone for 10 years but in that time, the fans never forgot him even when he maybe wanted to forget himself. People all over the world never stopped chanting his name. The crowd chanted his name.

The voiceless found their voice and he couldn’t be more proud of them. He was back because he loved the fans. He wished he could say that he never had to leave. Once upon a time, a wise man said he’d have to leave and come back. He hated to admit the wise man was right.

Saturday night was an amazing moment. Monday night was an amazing moment. Everybody in the back was happy to see him. It’s been all hugs and even a few kisses on the cheek. People have been asking about AJ and he said she’s doing great. The crowd cheered.

It’s been open arms from everyone. Well, almost everyone. He knew that everyone here competed to be the best in the world but the best in the world hasn’t been there in 10 years.

Punk understood being afraid. They’re afraid that he set the bar too high and the brass ring was in his back pocket. They’re afraid because the most dangerous man just walked into the front door and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Some people will wake up and realize their efforts to be the best in the world in the ring, on this microphone and even commentary was false. Because the best in the world was back in the middle of the ring and his name was CM Punk. Punk dropped the mic as the fans said his name.

Punk looked into the camera and, off mic, said he wasn’t here to make friends and was here to make money.

(They quickly went off the air about 2 minutes after the top of the hour.) 

WWE Raw live results: Undisputed Tag Team Title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: November 13, 2023
Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, DC 

Show Recap — 

Cody Rhodes entered (wearing a suit) to start the show as the announcers ran down tonight’s card. Rhodes said he had a lot of wonderful memories in this arena and would give the fans another when he and Jey Uso won the tag team championships tonight. The crowd chanted for Cody.

Rhodes introduced his teammates for War Games. Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Seth Rollins all entered separately. (Wade Barrett noted how loudly the crowd reacted to each of their entrances and, of course, they sang Rollins’ song.) Rhodes said they were all there because of Judgment Day. Rhodes looked at each man and there was obviously tension between him and Rollins.

Judgment Day interrupted (minus Rhea Ripley). Finn Bálor and Damian Priest said the men in the ring weren’t a real team, while Judgment Day were a family. Priest said they’d finally be done with them after Survivor Series.

Bálor asked Rollins what it felt like being the champion but standing with Rhodes — a man he could never beat. Priest asked Rhodes what it felt like knowing he could beat all of his teammates but the one thing he can’t be is champion. Bálor told Zayn that everyone knew he was just a loser. Priest asked if they thought they could trust Jey Uso after he screwed all of them.

Dominik Mysterio tried to chime in but the crowd booed over him. Zayn said nobody wanted to hear from him. Zayn said they would put their histories aside to take down Judgment Day. Zayn warned Judgment Day that they didn’t know what they were in for and said it would be the most brutal match of their lives. When it was over, the power would lie with the men in the ring.

Rhodes was surprised that Judgment Day found their way to the ring without Rhea Ripley. Rhodes egged them on about not having a leader and Priest interrupted him to proclaim himself as the leader. The crowd buzzed and Bálor gave him a look.

Rollins was sick of the talking and wanted a match with Zayn as his partner. Priest accepted on behalf of Dom and JD McDonagh.

******** 

Sami Zayn & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defeated JD McDonagh & NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio via disqualification (10:34)

Dom did the three amigos and Michael Cole referenced Eddie Guerrero and said he was thinking of Eddie today. (Today is the anniversary of Guerrero’s death.)

Zayn and Rollins hit stereo dives ahead of a break but Cole let us know that Judgment Day took over during the break. Rollins made a hot tag and was all over Dom. McDonagh tried to interfere so Zayn took him out. Dom went for a 619 but Rollins hit him off with a superkick and buckle bomb.

Rollins set up for the curb stomp but Priest and Bálor interfered for the DQ. Priest and Bálor attacked as Ripley directed traffic. Jey and Rhodes ran out to make the save. Everyone brawled as officials and a dozen security guards ran down to separate them. Jey went to spear Priest but McDonagh took the bullet.

— Adam Pearce grabbed a mic and was pissed that another match was ruined. Pearce announced that everyone not involved in the tag title match was banned from the arena. Ripley argued with him as they went to break.

******** 

After a commercial break, they were somehow still arguing. Ripley said Raw needed Judgment Day. Pearce said, “Frankly my dear, I do not give a damn.” (Cole chuckled and referenced Clark Gable.) Pearce said he ran Raw, not Judgment Day. Pearce was about to announce that Ripley was banned too but Zoey Stark interrupted.

Stark said Ripley wasn’t as dumb as she looked and said she must know why she was out there. Ripley wanted to hear this so Pearce let it continue. Stark said Ripley had too much on her plate: War Games, the tag titles, Dom and her own title. Stark warned Ripley about overlooking her.

Ripley said she wasn’t overlooking her. Ripley has been following her since NXT and knew they would end up in the ring together. Ripley said Stark sent Trish Stratus packing and she beat Becky Lynch. Ripley said Stark reminded her of herself but the only way she would win a title is if she was on another brand.

The crowd was quiet for this until they sang along when Ripely said, “Mami is always on top.” Ripley said she was not spreading herself too thin. She could handle it all because she was Rhea bloody Ripley. She told Stark to leave.

Stark said she would win the title at Survivor Series. Ripley tried to attack but Stark ducked and dumped her from the ring. Stark teased a dive but Ripley backed away.

(The crowd liked Ripley so they weren’t into Stark at all.)

******** 

There was a Shinsuke Nakamura promo video. His promo was directed at someone specific but he didn’t mention who. Cole wondered who it could be. Nakamura started with: “You are blessed with so much privilege so I am taking away your choice. The opportunity is mine now.” He ended the promo with: “I will wait for now because I know it all ends by my hands.”

******** 

Zayn and Rollins spoke in the back when they were approached by Rhodes. Rhodes asked Zayn if he could speak to Rollins. Zayn let them be.

Rhodes told Rollins that they could hate each other 364 days of the year but at War Games, he needed Rollins and the team needed Rollins. Rollins said he didn’t like Rhodes and probably never would but he did respect him. Rollins promised Rhodes that they’d be all good at Survivor Series. Rollins patted him on the back and told him to win the tag titles. Rhodes was content.

********

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa) (9:10)

Otis ran over Nakamura outside the ring ahead of a break.

[SECOND HOUR]

Otis continued on offence following the break, hitting a powerbomb, back elbows, a clothesline and Caterpillar elbow drop for two. (The referee checked on Nakamura after the powerbomb.) Nakamura responded with an enziguri but Otis countered a Kinshasa into a World’s Strongest Slam for a nearfall.

Nakamura hit a diving knee strike off the top but Otis didn’t go down. Nakamura kicked his leg out of his leg and hit a Kinshasa to the back of the head. Otis still didn’t go all the way down so Nakamura hit him with another Kinshasa, this time to the face, for the pinfall win.

The crowd liked Otis and was into the nearfalls.

— Nakamura shoved Gable as he checked on Otis. Gable wanted to go after him but Tozawa and Dupri held him back. Nakamura taunted Gable as he backed away.

******** 

There was a War Games video package and they explained the match rules.

Drew McIntyre approached Rollins in the back. McIntyre said Rollins was right. He lost at Crown Jewel and he had no one to blame but himself. Maybe it’ll be the best thing that could have happened to him.

McIntyre said he’s been wanting to give Rollins something since last week. Rollins got his guard up but McIntyre offered a handshake. Rollins shook his hand. McIntyre congratulated him and told him to represent the title. He planned on working his ass off and getting a rematch. Rollins was sure of it.

(They left the camera on Rollins long enough to show him gingerly walking away. It was long enough to make you think McIntyre might attack, but he didn’t.)

******** 

There was a Tegan Nox video package.

Tegan Nox (w/Natalya) defeated Tag Team Champion Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green) (4:48)

Natalya did her best to get the crowd behind Nox but they didn’t bite. Nox started to get some offence until Green jumped on the apron right in front of the ref. The distraction allowed Niven to knock down Nox. Natalya decked Green so Niven decked Natalya. That allowed Nox to hit NIven with the Shiniest Wizard but Niven got her leg on the rope. Niven tried to sit down on Nox but Nox moved and applied a crucifix pin for the win.

******** 

Jackie Redmond interviewed The Miz. Redmond asked what was driving Miz and he responded, “A bus. Took me a long time, but I finally got myself a bus.” Miz knew she meant the match against Gunther and talked about the Intercontinental title. Miz then mocked Gunther by doing an impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ivar interrupted and called him a clown. Bronson Reed interrupted and got into an argument with Ivar. Miz backed away without them noticing. Ivar took a swipe at Reed who was about to go after him but Valhalla stepped between them.

******** 

Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci) defeated Tommaso Ciampa (w/Johnny Gargano) (9:59)

Cole and Barrett got into a discussion about the Louvre after Barrett called Kaiser a work of art. Cole eagerly told him that the Louvre wasn’t all that impressive. (It’s possible he meant the Mona Lisa, not the museum itself, but that’s what he said.)

Vinci tripped Ciampa as he came off the ropes. The ref wasn’t totally sure he did something but Gargano let him know what happened so he tossed Vinci from ringside.

They had a back-and-forth match and Ciampa seemed to be setting up for Fairy Tale Ending but Vinci suddenly reappeared through the crowd and he booted Gargano at ringside. Ciampa was distracted by this so Kaiser rolled him up while holding the tights for the pinfall win. (The ref saw that Vinci was back but still counted the pin anyway.)

******** 

Judgment Day had a meeting backstage. Ripley and Dom made a remark about Priest calling himself their leader. Priest tried to downplay it and said he was just hot in the moment. Ripley did think that Priest should be the one in charge at Survivor Series as long as the rest of Judgment Day were okay with it. Dom and Bálor were on board.

Bálor said they had something else to take care of too. Ripley grabbed a duffle bag and said it was time to make McDonagh an official member of Judgment Day. Priest wasn’t ready for this but Ripley said JD was in medical right now after taking another bullet for Priest. Bálor said it was time. Priest took the duffle bag and said he would take care of it himself.

******** 

Xi Li defeated Indi Hartwell (w/Candice LeRae) via ref stoppage (2:33)

Li hit a roundhouse kick (the same one that knocked out LeRae) and Hartwell collapsed — despite the fact that the kick hit her in the shoulder. The ref checked on Hartwell and some fans booed because they could tell how phony this was. The ref quickly determined that Hartwell couldn’t continue and they announced Li as the winner.

— Becky Lynch entered and said she was looking for a fight. She tried to hit Li with the Man-handle Slam but Li escaped. Lynch said Li only had seven more days to run because they had a singles match next week on Raw.

******** 

Gunther approached Miz in the back and congratulated “Mike” on the surprise win last week. It wasn’t a decisive win but Miz was now the rightful challenger.

Miz fired up and told Gunther to watch his match tonight because he didn’t know who he was dealing with. Miz said he would do whatever it took to win and do what others would not. He’s been doing it for 20 years and that’s why he was an 8-time champion. Miz would show him the difference between the longest-reigning champion and the greatest champion of all time.

Gunther said he knew exactly who he was dealing with. Gunther warned him that he would get the beating of a lifetime at Survivor Series.

********

[THIRD HOUR] 

Stark spoke with Shayna Baszler backstage. Baszler thought she could just as easily be champion right now, or at least be in Stark’s position, but also admitted Stark was on a roll and looked forward to seeing her beat Ripley. Stark was happy to hear it.

Raquel Rodriguez approached them. She wasn’t thrilled that they eliminated her last week but wished her luck against Ripley.

Nia Jax appeared next and mocked them for handing out well wishes. Jax said they teamed up to eliminate her but none of them could beat her one-on-one. Rodriguez got in her face and asked her why she wasn’t the champion if she was so tough. Rodriguez knew she could beat her if given the opportunity. Jax left.

********

The Miz defeated Ivar (w/Valhalla) (11:12)

Miz “showed off” with some flashy offence but Ivar cut him off with a spinning powerslam. Ivar became distracted as Bronson Reed marched out so Miz hit him with a bulldog off the ropes. (Cole called it a tornado DDT. Miz did a tornado DDT earlier in the match.) Miz charged at Ivar but Ivar sat down on him. Reed sat down on a steel chair to watch the match at ringside.

After a break, Ivar hit a backbreaker and sitout powerbomb for two. Miz hit a DDT for two and followed with It Kicks and the crowd actually chanted “Yes” as he did them. Ivar distracted the ref as Valhalla gave Miz a cheap shot. Ivar hit with a roundhouse kick for two. Ivar followed with a World’s Strongest Slam off the middle rope for a nearfall.

Ivar set up for a moonsault but became distracted again by Reed who wasn’t doing anything. Miz slipped underneath and stacked him up for a cover with his feet on the ropes for the pinfall win.

— After the match, Reed ran over Ivar and hit a Tsunami.

******** 

Priest approached McDonagh backstage. Priest admitted he still gets annoyed by McDonagh but also knew that he took one for the team. McDonagh was someone he could stand with and welcomed him to Judgment Day. Priest gave him a new jacket. They shook hands and McDonagh thanked him. Priest said he earned it.

Bálor showed up and was thrilled to see it. Bálor said they’d have to cut the celebration short because McDonagh had to leave before their match started or else Pearce would go nuts. Bálor turned to Priest and said they would show everyone why they were the champs.

******** 

Gunther met with Vinci and Kaiser. He said, “Good job tonight” and Kaiser arrogantly boasted about the win. Gunther said he wasn’t talking to him. Gunther was happy with Vinci’s effort and Kaiser won thanks to him. (Vinci was very happy to be back in Gunther’s good books.) Gunther shot Kaiser a look before leaving.

Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher approached Kaiser. Mahal told him to choose his next move wisely.

******** 

Gable told Otis not to worry about the loss and that he would take care of Nakamura next week. The Creed Brothers suggested they needed new training partners. Gable told them, “No thank you” because they wouldn’t abandon the Gable method. Brutus said they were undefeated and maybe they would go after the tag titles. That brought in the New Day and they all talked over each other.

Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri had a friendly exchange and they walked off together. Tozawa held up a Washington Commanders title belt and said he wanted to be tag team champion and did his little dance.

******** 

Finn Bálor & Damian Priest defeated Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (22:39)

Drew McIntyre turned.

Rhodes and Jey were mounting offence after a break but Bálor raked Rhodes’ eyes as Priest distracted the ref and Judgment Day took over. Jey eventually made the hot tag and the crowd yelled “Yeet” with each strike he hit. Bálor made a blind tag and knocked down Jey with a clothesline outside the ring. Bálor chucked Jey over the announce table and they went to a second break.

Rhodes made a hot tag after the break and hit Bálor with a powerslam and Disaster Kick. Rhodes jabbed Priest and hit a bionic elbow. Rhodes superkicked Bálor but Bálor blocked a Cody Cutter. Rhodes set up for Cross Rhodes but Bálor blocked that too and tagged Priest.

Jey tagged in and hit Priest with a flying crossbody for two. Jey superkicked Priest and Bálor and hit Priest with an Uso Splash for two. Jey avoided a chokeslam and superkicked Priest (who was not the legal man). Rhodes hit Priest with a Cross Rhodes.

Jey speared Bálor (who was the legal man) and they hit their 1D/Cody Cutter combo but Priest broke up the cover. Rhodes hit Priest with a suicide dive but Priest shoved him into the ring post and a piece of the post’s covering broke off. Priest chokeslammed Rhodes onto the apron. Jey wiped out both opponents with a flip dive and chucked Bálor back into the ring.

Drew McIntyre suddenly appeared at ringside and laid out Jey with a Claymore Kick.

Bálor covered Jey in the ring for the pinfall win. Judgment Day retains.

— As McIntyre stood on the stage, Rhea Ripley appeared. They shook hands. 

WWE Raw live results: Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: October 23, 2023
Location: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX 

Show Recap —

Damian Priest and Finn Bálor entered following a recap of their tag title win over Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. Bálor was pumped up to be champs again. Priest said the rest of Judgment Day was taking care of business in the back. Priest was about to say Judgment Day was back to running WWE but was interrupted by Cody Rhodes.

Rhodes got a big response. Rhodes had some choice words for the leader of Judgment Day but he noticed Rhea Ripley wasn’t there. He knew they thought there was no leader in Judgment Day and said it wasn’t just Dom Dom — Ripley was their Mami too. She pulled the strings, called the shots, and cut the deals — including one with the Bloodline.

Rhodes turned his attention to Priest who gave him a low blow last week. Rhodes warned him that would not be the final shot in this fight. Priest reminded Rhodes that he also put him through a table.

Priest said people talk of Rhodes’ story but he didn’t know what it was. All he could see was that Rhodes’ story was one of him failing. Rhodes threatened to fight him now but Priest said he had a scheduled match against Jey. Priest challenged him to a match at Crown Jewel instead and Rhodes accepted.

Rhodes still wanted a fight tonight. Priest was fine with that because Ripley and Dominik Mysterio made their way down. Jey ran out to assist as Rhodes went after Priest. (Jey took out Dom but Bálor took out Jey.)

Rhodes set up the announce table but JD McDonagh chop-blocked him from behind. They Pillmanized Rhodes’ leg before officials ran down to back them off. The crowd booed as Priest proudly walked away (and McDonagh followed). 

********

The announcers ran down tonight’s card. (Kevin Patrick is not on commentary.)

Michael Cole said Wade Barrett had some big moments at American Airlines Center over his career. Barrett mentioned that he won season one of NXT here and beat John Cena at Hell in Cell in 2010. Cole reminded him that the New Day also retired him in his building.

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Chad Gable & Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa) (10:16)

Cole said Tozawa was Alpha Academy’s latest recruit.

Gable and Otis gave Woods a Steinerizer but Kingston broke up the cover. Kingston kicked Gable out of the ring and Otis hit Kingston with the Caterpillar. Woods fought back and tried a reverse Caterpillar/Worm but Gable (who tagged himself in) grabbed him and applied an ankle lock. Woods slipped out as Otis tagged himself in.

New Day worked together on Otis. Kingston hit him with Trouble in Paradise before wiping out Gable with a flip dive. Woods hit Otis with a flying elbow drop for the pinfall win.

******** 

Jackie Redmond interviewed Becky Lynch. Redmond asked why she would defend her title on back-to-back nights. Lynch acknowledged that Hartwell never got a chance to regain her title and that’s what this title was all about — a chance for people to show what they’re made of. Lynch knew that Lyra Valkyria was here tonight but she couldn’t look past Hartwell. Lynch told Hartwell, “Welcome to the big time.”

(Someone, likely Xia Li, could be seen watching this in the background.)

******** 

There was a video package for Ivar (with Valhalla). No Erik.

********

Rhea Ripley/Seth Rollins segment

Rhea Ripley approached Seth Rollins in the back. She offered Judgment Day as insurance against Drew McIntyre. Rollins laughed and said Ripley must’ve lost faith in Priest, that’s why she’s been making deals. Rollins knew why Judgment Day would want the world champion but wondered why he would want them.

Ripley said alliances could change. If Rollins joined them, maybe Priest would cash in on someone else and they’d have all the titles. Without Judgment Day, Rollins could never have a title reign like Roman Reigns, especially with the condition of his back. Judgment Day could have his back and make people acknowledge him.

Rollins removed his shades and told her he didn’t want to be anything like Reigns. Ripley said “That wasn’t a no,” and told him to think about it.

********

Natalya met with Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae. She offered advice and wished her luck. 

Lyra Valkyria was at ringside for the next match.

Becky Lynch defeated Indi Hartwell to retain the NXT Women’s Championship (9:16)

Lynch gave Hartwell a lot but retained with the Disarmer.

The announcers said Hartwell had the strength advantage and she drove Lynch into the barricade ahead of a break.

[SECOND HOUR]

Hartwell hit a diving elbow to the back for a two count. Hartwell cut off Lynch’s comeback with a big boot for two. Hartwell went to the top but Lynch brought her down with a superplex. Lynch immediately went for an armbar but Hartwell hoisted her up and hit a powerbomb for two. Hartwell followed with a spinebuster for two.

They traded cradles before Lynch countered a boot and applied the Disarmer for the submission win.

— Lynch shook Hartwell’s hand after the match. Lynch also faced off with Valkyria at ringside.

LeRae was shown watching in the back. Xia Li decked her and said that was a warning to both her and Hartwell.

******** 

Pearce told security to be ready for tonight’s contract signing. Nick Aldis approached and asked for a word. Pearce was annoyed but Aldis tried to smooth things over. Aldis said they got off on the wrong foot and he made a rookie error by escorting Pearce out of the building on Friday. He just wanted friendly competition and asked Pearce to accept his apology.

Pearce knew what it felt like to be the new guy and called it water under the bridge. Pearce welcomed him to stay for the rest of Raw and watch how it’s done. They shook hands. After Aldis left, Pearce asked a referee to double their number of security guards for tonight.

********

Women’s World Championship Contract Signing 

Security surrounded the ring. Pearce said the women’s division has been chaotic lately and normally wouldn’t reward that type of behaviour but also said they settle things in the ring.

Pearce introduced the title challengers one at a time: Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark and Nia Jax. They each signed as they entered the ring. Jax hesitated because Ripley wasn’t there. Pearce said he would get Ripley to sign later. Jax signed. (Barrett noted that they didn’t even bother setting up a table.)

The crowd chanted “We want Mami” and Ripley entered moments later. Ripley was pissed at Pearce. She thought she was being set up and threatened to make Pearce’s life a living hell. All Pearce was doing was ensuring that his women’s division would have four fewer women in it. Ripley would prove she was the most dominant woman in WWE because Mami was always on top.

Jax took the mic from Pearce and the crowd booed. Jax said Ripley was smart. Ripley remained on the apron and Jax figured she wanted her to squash the rest of the women. Jax was insulting to the other women, particularly Rodriguez because she was from Texas. Jax spoke slowly to Rodriguez so Rodriguez punched her.

Security immediately hit the ring to separate the four women. They all chucked the security guards aside and got into a brawl as Ripley watched in amusement. Rodriguez and Jax stood tall so even more guards hit the ring to separate them. Rodriguez broke through and clotheslined Jax but Jax bounced off the ropes and laid her out with a Samoan Drop.

Ripley smiled and waved at Jax.

******** 

Ludwig Kaiser told Giovanni Vinci that he needed him to take out Johnny Gargano tonight. Vinci understood.

Bronson Reed showed up and said he was ready for round two against their boss. Kaiser invited Reed to go tell Gunther himself. Imperium left.

Tozawa showed up and challenged Reed to a match tonight. Reed politely declined because he was feeling merciful. Tozawa chopped him and screamed and challenged him again. Reed accepted and said, “It’s your funeral.” Reed left.

Maxxine Dupri ran in and told Tozawa, “Not him!” She was worried and figured Gable wouldn’t be happy. (According to Cole, Tozawa said on social media that he was ready to try out what he’s learned from Alpha Academy.)

******* 

Johnny Gargano defeated Giovanni Vinci (w/Ludwig Kaiser) (2:42)

Kaiser was on the apron threatening to get in the ring so Tommaso Ciampa suddenly appeared to take him out. Gargano hit Vinci with One Final Beat for the pinfall win.

(They aired a 20-second movie ad during the middle of this match.)

********

There was a Shinsuke Nakamura video promo. Nakamura said a brutal beating from him was a beautiful thing and he was so happy to give Ricochet this experience. Nakamura was looking for a new opponent who would inspire the yet-to-be-seen self within him. “Who is worthy enough to set me free?”

******** 

Logan Paul segment 

The crowd booed Logan Paul who responded, “Dallas, Texas, wow! So much love.” Paul said the boxer he beat was dropped by his fight league and said it sucked to be that guy.

Paul said he was a free agent too. When he beat Rey Mysterio for the United States title, he would give everyone something to talk about. Maybe he would show up to Raw to defend his title.

Dominik entered to a big ovation (from Paul). The crowd booed. Dom’s promo was drowned out by the volume of the crowd. Paul put over Dom and said he overcame his deadbeat dad to become the champion of an entire continent.

Paul remembered that being on Raw meant his favourite ring announcer was here. He invited Samantha Irvin into the ring. She shook her head. Paul said she deserved her flowers for everything she did for this organization.

Irvin reluctantly entered the ring. Paul said he knew it was hard for her to announce him as the winner at SummerSlam over her fiancé Ricochet. But she did it because she was a professional. Paul wanted a preview of Crown Jewel and asked her to announce him as the new United States champion.

Ricochet ran in and tackled Paul. Dom tried to help Paul so Ricochet decked him. Ricochet went for a dive on Paul but Dom got in his way again. Ricochet was about to hit Dom with a move off the top but Paul pulled Dom out of the ring.

Ricochet checked on Samantha.

******** 

Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green & Piper Niven defeated Natalya & Nikki Cross in a non-title match (3:12)

The story here was that Nikki Cross wasn’t her usual frenzied self. (She hasn’t been on Raw in a while so the announcers used every adjective they could to remind us what she’s normally like.) Cross slowly and stoically entered for the match and took so long that they started the match without her. When she finally did get on the apron, she stared blankly at nothing and left during the match.

Natalya tried fighting valiantly on her own but the numbers caught up to her. As Natalya tried putting Niven in a Sharpshooter, Green hit her with an Unprettier. Niven followed with a running crossbody for the pinfall win.

******** 

Drew McIntyre approached Jey Uso in the back. Jey wasn’t happy to see him. McIntyre sarcastically said he was sorry for what happened last week because he couldn’t possibly imagine what it felt like to lose a title because of the Bloodline. He told Jey to just get over it.

McIntyre also said that his match tonight against Sami Zayn wouldn’t be happening without Jey, so whatever happened to Zayn was on him.

*******

[THIRD HOUR]

Miz confronted Pearce and complained about something before Ripley appeared with the contract. She signed it and gave it to Pearce. She told him she was keeping the pen. As she left, the camera followed her and Miz asked, “Where’s the camera going?” Ripley bumped into Dom who acted like he was hurt (thanks to Ricochet).

Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn (14:50)

McIntyre had the early edge until Zayn hit a moonsault off the barricade. Zayn tried a crossbody but McIntyre caught him and hit a vertical suplex. Zayn tried a dive but McIntyre caught him again and easily chucked him across the announce table.

After a break, Zayn avoided a charge and McIntyre went shoulder-first into the post. Zayn followed with a vertical suplex and flip dive. The crowd got into it as they battled on the ropes. McIntyre set up for a middle rope White Noise but Zayn countered into a sunset flip powerbomb for two. The crowd popped and chanted, “This is awesome.”

McIntyre went for a Claymore Kick but Zayn booted him and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a good nearfall. Zayn tried an exploder into the corner but McIntyre hit him with consecutive overhead suplexes and a neckbreaker.

McIntyre set up for Claymore when Ripley entered to her music (and lighting effects). Zayn applied a schoolboy but McIntyre kicked out. Zayn hit an exploder into the corner and set up for a Helluva Kick.

Ripley leaped on the apron and distracted Zayn in full view of the referee. McIntyre used the distraction to hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win. (Fun match until the finish.)

— Ripley smiled as McIntyre stormed by her to the back.

******** 

Aldis spoke to Katana Chance and Kayden Carter in the back when he was approached by Pearce. Pearce said he offered to let him watch Raw, not chat with his superstars. Aldis said he was just having a friendly conversation. Aldis could see Pearce was having a tough night so he decided to leave now. Pearce was glad. They shook hands.

An expressionless Nikki Cross walked by so Pearce said, “I need a drink.”

*******

Bronson Reed defeated Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri) (2:32)

There were chants of “Let’s go Rangers” and “Astros suck” during this match. The Texas Rangers are currently beating the Houston Astros 10-2 in the 6th inning of game 7 in the ALCS.

Reed won via pinfall after a DVD, senton and Tsunami.

******** 

Gable gave Tozawa some words of encouragement in the back. New Day were there too and DIY joined them. Otis gave Tozawa a Dallas Cowboys title belt and he tried to do the same dance he did last week.

********

Rollins approached McIntyre and congratulated him on his first win as a member of Judgment Day. McIntyre said Ripley almost cost him the match and it was Rollins who spoke to her earlier. Rollins got serious and said he didn’t need Judgment Day to beat McIntyre. Rollins said, “May the best man win,” and McIntyre responded, “He will.”

********

Next week on Raw in Greenville, SC:

  • Seth Rollins vs. JD McDonagh (non-title)
  • Candice LeRae vs. Xia Li
  • Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci
  • Dominik Mysterio vs. Ricochet (non-title)

Barrett said DIY were teaming for the first time in three years. 

******** 

Tag Team Champion Damian Priest defeated Jey Uso (12:17)

Jey hit a dive ahead of a break but Priest was in control following the break. Barrett told us Priest has been dominating for the past five minutes but we have no idea how.

Priest hit a falcon arrow before the two men exchanged strikes. Jey got the better of that exchange and hit a flying crossbody for two. Priest responded with a back elbow and clothesline for two. Jey blocked a chokeslam and hit a Samoan drop for two.

Priest blocked a suicide dive and gave Jey a flatliner into the announce table. Jey tried to fire up but Priest hit him with a flatliner in the ring for two. Jey slipped out of a Razor’s Edge attempt and hit a spear and Uso Splash.

The ref never counted Jey’s pin attempt because Finn Bálor ran out and the ref decided he had to stop him from entering the ring. However, it seemed like Bálor was late and too much time passed so it looked stupid that the ref didn’t count.

Jey took out Bálor with a dive, but as Jey went back into the ring, the ref distracted himself by pulling Priest away, and Bálor managed to yank Jey into the ropes by the leg (effectively crotching him on the middle rope). Priest followed with a chokeslam for the pinfall win.

(This match was fine, I guess, but the crowd was quiet and the ending was no good.)

— Bálor gave Jey a Coup de Grace after the match. Bálor and Priest grabbed chairs but Rhodes limped out (to his music). Rhodes chucked Bálor into the barricade and hit Priest with a chair.

Rhodes was about to Pillmanize Priest’s leg but Bálor saved him. Rhodes was about to go after them but officials ran down to get between them. Jey and Cody embraced as the show ended. 

WWE Raw season premiere live results: Two title matches

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: October 16, 2023
Location: Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, OK 

**********

Show Recap —

(Kevin Owens, recently traded to Smackdown, is gone from the Raw intro. All clips of Sami Zayn are of him alone.)

Sami Zayn entered to a big reaction. He wore a Kevin Owens shirt. He admitted it was weird entering alone. He had a lot of mixed emotions about Owens moving to Smackdown. He was upset their partnership ended this way but also excited for Owens because he knew Owens would do huge things on Smackdown.

Zayn was excited for himself, too. Zayn had a chance to stand on his own two feet and show everyone he was a World Heavyweight Championship-level superstar. The crowd chanted for Sami.

Zayn was initially excited that Jey Uso got moved to Raw but he was struggling with it now. After Zayn and Owens reached the highest of highs at WrestleMania, it was all tainted by Judgment Day. Now, after all of that hard work, Judgment Day was receiving a tag title shot tonight.

Zayn didn’t know what was next for him but said the past year of his career was by far the best year of his career and he reached those heights because of the fans.

Judgment Day interrupted. Finn Bálor mocked Zayn for being alone. Damian Priest said a thorn (Owens) in their sides has finally been removed. It would feel even better if they could remove Zayn, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Drew McIntyre. Rhea Ripley told him to forget about McIntyre for now so they could focus on the tag titles.

Dominik Mysterio said Ripley would put the Women’s division on notice tonight. Ripley said Bálor and Priest would bring the tag titles home.

Ripley thought Zayn looked lost. Judgment Day used to recruit the lost but they had a different plan for Zayn: get rid of him permanently.

Judgment Day surrounded the ring but (conveniently) left one side open. Jey Uso ran out with steel chairs and slid into the open side of the ring to back up Zayn. Judgment Day backed off.

********

Kevin Patrick, not Michael Cole, is on commentary with Wade Barrett tonight. 

Shinsuke Nakamura cut a quick pre-taped promo on Ricochet.

********

Jey Uso approached Zayn in the back. Zayn said he needed space and asked for a minute but Jey wanted to hear from him. Zayn appreciated that he had his back but he saw Jey in the ring and said it should be Kevin out there.

Zayn said he should be happy for Jey because he has everything going for him — a team with a friend and the tag titles. Zayn had none of those things. Jey said he still had him. Jey left.

Zayn was frustrated and pushed a ladder over. Zayn caught up with Jey and apologized. Zayn said he’s had a bad week but he was happy for Jey. He offered his hand and asked if they were good. Jey was serious but he smiled and yelled “Yeet!” Jey hugged Zayn and Zayn was happy.

********

Falls count anywhere match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Ricochet (approx. 15 minutes)

The fight spilled out of the ring and into Gorilla position. As they returned through the stage, Ricochet looked at Shane Helms and said, “Stand back, Hurricane, there’s a Ricochet coming through.” Ricochet showed off his athleticism by running up and off the stage before hitting a standing SSP.

They fought in the crowd after a break and there was a pretty spectacular spot. Ricochet climbed to the top of a railing above a vomitorium entrance (with the assistance of a fan) and hit Nakamura (and a few security guards) with an SSP.

Nakamura fought back once they got to ringside. He grabbed nunchucks and hit Ricochet with them (as Ricochet made sure to cover his head). Ricochet fought back and placed Nakamura on a table but Nakamura moved away. Nakamura hit his version of a GTS for two.

Ricochet blocked a Kinshasa and hit an enziguri followed by a springboard 450 splash (which got no reaction from PBP guy Kevin Patrick) for two.

Nakamura kicked Ricochet off the top rope and he crashed through the table that was set up outside the ring. Nakamura followed with Kinshasa for the pinfall win.

This was a very good match. I thought Ricochet might win but he got a ton of offence which should have telegraphed the finish. 

******** 

Chelsea Green and Tegan Nox got into a spat backstage. Green tried to act tough but Nox wasn’t worried about her and wondered how quickly she would hide behind Piper Niven. Green was offended and left with Niven. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance were with Nox and they were amused by all of this. (Nikki Cross was there too being Nikki Cross.)

Nox came across well here.

********

There was a Gunther video package.

Tag Team Champion Piper Niven (w/Chelsea Green) defeated Natalya (6:16)

Natalya fought back after a break but a distraction by Green allowed Niven to hit a running crossbody for the pinfall win.

— Green and Niven put the boots to Natalya after the match but Nox ran out to make the save.

******** 

Priest told Bálor he kind of wanted to see JD McDonagh get beat up last week but also felt bad seeing him get beat by McIntyre. Priest wanted to go after McIntyre and Bálor agreed. Dom interjected and reminded them that Ripley said to leave McIntyre alone.

Ripley showed up and said she was on a phone call. Priest noted she’s had a lot of calls lately. Ripley said she’s been handling business. Dom asked if she needed him at ringside. She said no. She would remind the rest of the division why Mami was always on top and Judgment Day would remind the rest of Raw who runs it.

********

[SECOND HOUR]

Seth Rollins/Drew McIntyre segment

Rollins entered. He recapped the events of last week and called out Drew McIntyre for answers.

McIntyre entered. He said he wasn’t going to babysit Rollins for the next few weeks. Rollins said he could handle his own business but he wondered if McIntyre could handle his own business or if he had enlisted help.

McIntyre told him to elaborate. Rollins had footage played from last week where McIntyre could be seen speaking to Ripley in the back.

Rollins asked him to elaborate. McIntyre said he wasn’t a thirsty creep like Jey Uso. Ripley came to him and what they discussed was none of Rollins’ business — he just needed to worry about defending his title. Rollins said nobody was taking the title from him, especially not McIntyre.

Rollins said the last few years have really messed with McIntyre. McIntyre has had big matches that have ended with failures and he was afraid of failing again, so he enlisted the help of Judgment Day. McIntyre said Rollins sounded rattled and he should. The last time they had a world title match, McIntyre beat his ass.

McIntyre reminded Rollins of the reasons why he’s come up short lately, including the Bloodline, but Rollins told him to get over it.

McIntyre said Rollins was living his dream as the champion with the fans singing his song. There was a time when McIntyre wanted that too but when he achieved that dream and he beat Brock Lesnar in five minutes to win the title — nobody was there.

It was a tough time for the company during a worldwide pandemic and they needed someone to step up — and he stepped up. (Fans applauded.)

McIntyre thought the moment passed but he got a second chance against Roman Reigns in the UK, but the Bloodline screwed him over so Rollins could forgive him if he wasn’t over it. McIntyre has a third chance now and Rollins will have to reinvent himself for the 53rd time after McIntyre beats him to win the title at Crown Jewel.

Rollins knew what McIntyre was going through and knew how hard it was to get back to the top of the mountain. It took Rollins four years of scratching and clawing to get back to the top but all he was hearing from McIntyre was excuses.

Rollins would beat McIntyre at Crown Jewel and it would be the best thing to ever happen to him because, for the first time in a long time, McIntyrte would have no one to blame but himself.

******** 

There was a Bronson Reed video package.

The announcers congratulated Logan Paul on his win over Dillon Danis and aired the clip of him challenging Rey Mysterio for the United States title. There was also a clip of Rey Mysterio on the Michael Kay Show where he said he looked forward to hearing what Paul had to say on Friday’s Smackdown.

********

Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci) defeated Johnny Gargano (approx. 10 minutes)

Vinci almost inadvertently cost Kaiser the match after he got in Kaiser’s way, leading to Gargano hitting him with a draping DDT and One Final Beat DDT. However, Vinci poked Gargano in the eye which caused him to let go of the cover.

Gargano attacked Vinci who actually escaped by running right through the ring. The ref was fine with all of this and the distraction allowed Kaiser to hit Gargano with an enziguri and reverse STO into a DDT for the pinfall win.

******** 

Becky Lynch bumped into Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae. Hartwell was instantly heated and confrontational upon seeing Lynch. Hartwell said Lynch was giving everyone opportunities but wondered when she would get a shot at the title she never lost. Lynch said she would talk to Pearce and make it happen. Hartwell quickly became happy and impressed.

As Lynch walked away, she came face-to-face with Rhea Ripley. Ripley left.

******** 

McIntyre approached Zayn in the back. McIntyre couldn’t believe he forgave Jey so easily. Zayn agreed with Rollins that he needed to put the Bloodline in the past. Jey has done everything he can to make people believe in him and McIntyre was the only one who didn’t buy it. Mcintyre said Zayn can’t understand because he’s never been a world champion. Zayn said McIntyre could find out what level he was at in a match next week. McIntyre accepted.

********

Ripley cut a promo ahead of her match. She basically said what she already said earlier, that this was her division and, “Mami will always be on top.”

Non-title match: Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defeated Shayna Baszler via disqualification (5:37)

I erased my match recap because of the very dumb finishing sequence.

Nia Jax marched out so Raquel Rodriguez followed and went after her. Jax knocked her down anyway. Zoey Stark appeared through the crowd and knocked Jax down with a cannonball. Rodriguez chucked Starks in the ring and tried charging at Jax but Jax moved and she crashed into the steel steps. (So Rodriguez tried and failed twice in going after Jax.)

Starks kicked Ripley in the head for the DQ. Ripley chucked Starks into Baszler.

— Ripley called Jax into the ring and Jax obliged. Ripley ducked a clothesline and Starks superkicked Jax. Starks knocked Jax into Ripley before kicking Jax out of the ring.

This was a waste of time.

******** 

Adam Pearce told Lynch he would speak to Shawn Michaels and make her title match against Hartwell official. Xia Li showed up again and wondered when she would get a shot. Lynch said she already had a contender but Li could be next, she just needed to say the word. Xia was suddenly in no rush and responded, “On my time.”

Jade Cargill showed up and told Lynch, “Nice title.” Lynch told her to get in line and left. Cargill chucked. (Cargill wore blue and Pearce suggested she get some red.)

********

[THIRD HOUR]

Jackie Redmond interviewed Rhodes and Jey. They said some stuff before Rhodes told Jey to say the word. Jey said Yeet.

Gunther defeated Bronson Reed to retain the Intercontinental Championship (12:39)

Reed went up for the Tsunami but Gunther stopped him. Reed gave Gunther a back body drop onto the apron before knocking him over with a shoulder tackle.

They exchanged chops after a break. Reed blocked a chop and hit a headbutt and Gunther responded with a clothesline. Reed followed with a thrust kick and powerslam for two. Gunther chopped and clubbed away at Reed but Reed grabbed him and hit a DVD for two. Reed went for a senton but Gunther got his knees up and hit a running clothesline for two.

They battled on the top until Reed hit a superplex for a nearfall. Reed missed a Tsunami and Gunther followed with a dropkick, clothesline and splash off the top for a nearfall.

Gunther didn’t waste time and planted Reed with a powerbomb for the pinfall win.

This was great. The crowd was quiet when it started but was very much into it at the end.

******** 

Redmond interviewed The Miz. Miz was offended that Pearce waited until the third hour to get him on the show. They should’ve started the show with him and not Zayn. He mocked Zayn for missing Owens and also suggested Nick Aldis take over for Pearce on Raw.

Jax showed up and grabbed the mic. She said everybody had hit her with their best shot but she was still standing there looking pretty. When she hit people with her best shot, they stayed down. On Raw, she did the squashing. She left.

Miz tried to continue the interview but Redmond said they were out of time.

******** 

Ripley confronted Pearce. She was pissed people kept interrupting her matches. Pearce, who’s in charge of the show, said Ripley had the chance to control her division but he only got chaos. Pearce said she would defend her title at Crown Jewel in a fatal five-way against Jax, Rodriguez, Starks and Baszler. Ripley was pissed but said she would eradicate them all.

Jinder Mahal showed up with Indus Sher to talk to Pearce.

******** 

Alpha Academy was training with Akira Tozawa in the back. Chad Gable had Otis chop him as a signal to Gunther. Gable also announced that they intended to go after the tag titles.

New Day showed up because the mere mention of the tag titles was their signal. Xavier Woods swivelled his hips so Otis did the same. Kofi Kingston joined them until Gable told them to shoosh. Gable said we’d get Alpha Academy against New Day for the first time ever next week. Tozawa did a little exercise dance for comedy.

********

Next week on Raw in Dallas:

  • Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Becky Lynch vs. Indi Hartwell for the NXT Women’s Title
  • Logan Paul appears
  • New Day vs. Alpha Academy (unofficial)

********

They showed Kofi Kingston opening a library and computer centre in Ghana.

******** 

Imperium applauded Gunther on his win. Gunther congratulated Kaiser on beating Gargano. But he wasn’t impressed with Vinci. Vinci tried to defend himself by saying he helped Kaiser win.

Gunther said he saw Gargano walking around backstage. He looked at Kaiser and said Vinci had a match with Gargano next week and expected to see him stretchered out afterward — and the responsibility was Kaiser’s. Kaiser looked at Vinci and calmly said, “No pressure.”

********

Finn Bálor & Damian Priest defeated Jey Uso & Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (14:09)

This was a typical WWE TV main event but it also felt like they sprinted right through it.

Jey got in some early trouble so Rhodes tagged in and handed out powerslams to both opponents before hitting Priest with a Disaster Kick for two. Dom ran out but Rhodes chased him off the apron. Bálor tried to attack but Jey superkicked him.

Rhodes hit Priest with Cross Rhodes but the match was only three minutes old so you knew it wouldn’t be the finish. In fact, Dom placed Priest’s leg on the rope to get a rope break. Rhodes knew what happened because he isn’t as stupid as the referee. He chased after Dom but Bálor dropped him with a clothesline.

Rhodes and Priest traded blows after a break. Priest took too much time so Rhodes dropped him with a Pedigree. (It looked like the ref was telling them how much time they had left.)

They each tagged out and Jey hit Bálor with a Samoan Drop, enziguri, and flying crossbody for two. Bálor raked Jey’s eyes and dropped him with a headlock elbow drop. Jey responded with a superkick.

Jey and Rhodes hit Bálor with their 1D/Cody Cutter finisher but Bálor actually kicked out. (Rhodes didn’t land awkwardly this time.)

Rhodes went for a dive but Priest caught him and chokeslammed him onto the apron.

Jey went to the top and Dom tried to stop him (as Priest distracted the ref) but Jey shoved him aside. The delay allowed Bálor to get his knees up and apply a rollup for two.

Zayn ran out to beat up Dom but Priest posted Zayn. Rhodes chucked Priest into the crowd and called for a tag but Bálor knocked him off the apron. Priest gave Rhodes a low blow outside the ring.

Priest gave Rhodes a Razor’s Edge through the announce desk so Jey wiped out Priest with a suicide dive.

Jey checked on Rhodes before hitting the ring where Bálor hit him with a slingblade and dropkick. Jey avoided a Coup de Grace and hit a spear. Jey went for a splash but Priest hit the ring so Jey speared Priest.

Jey went toward the corner again for a splash but Jimmy Uso suddenly appeared and superkicked Jey. (The ref didn’t see this, either.)

Bálor hit Jey with Coup de Grace for the pinfall win. Judgment Day regain the tag titles.

— All four members of Judgment Day posed with belts in the aisle as fireworks went off. 

WWE Raw live results: The fallout from Fastlane

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: October 9, 2023
Location: CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha, NE 

********** 

Show Recap —

There was a Fastlane recap video which paid particular attention to Seth Rollins’ world title defence over Shinsuke Nakamura. The Raw intro aired and they announced two matches for tonight. In addition to the Becky Lynch vs. Tegan Nox match, there will be a triple threat to determine Gunther’s next challenger for the Intercontinental title between Chad Gable, Bronson Reed and Ricochet.

Seth Rollins/Drew McIntyre segment

Rollins entered. He said Nakamura gave him the fight of his life at Fastlane and there were times when he thought he wouldn’t get up — but he did.

After the match, he went to the back and it settled in that his back was still broken. His tone became serious and he said being the World Champion for the fans was one of the great honours of his career. It was a fake-out, though, because he fired up and said he was just getting started.

Rollins said he would fight anyone, anytime — but did want just one night where he wasn’t fighting for his life. The crowd actually booed (because they wanted him to fight). Rollins thought they could sing his song and drink a few cold ones instead.

Drew McIntyre interrupted. Rollins asked, “You’re not out here to party, are ya?” McIntyre shook his head. Rollins asked, “You want a world heavyweight title match, don’t you?” McIntyre nodded. Rollins said he wanted just one night but fired up and said he was a fighting champion and would get ready.

McIntyre told him the party was still on. He wasn’t going to attack Rollins from behind to get a title match — he would ask to his face. He challenged Rollins to a title match at Crown Jewel.

Rollins was confused that McIntyre was asking nicely instead of jumping him from behind. Rollins polled the fans and they applauded the idea. Rollins accepted McIntyre’s challenge for Crown Jewel.

Rollins invited McIntyre to stay in the ring but he politely declined. McIntyre said he had business to take care of but if anyone saw him around town after the show they could buy him a beer and a shot.

After McIntyre left, Damian Priest attacked Rollins from behind. Priest laid him out with a chokeslam as McIntyre watched on the ramp.

Priest motioned to the back and Dominik Mysterio ran out with a briefcase (and a referee). McIntyre dropped Dom with a headbutt and whipped the briefcase into the video screen. Rollins dumped Priest from the ring.

******** 

They plugged the pre-order for Becky Lynch’s book.

Viking Rules Match: Ivar defeated Kofi Kingston (11:15)

They changed the voiceover for the opening of New Day’s/Kingston’s theme song. It used to be Big E’s voice and now it might not be.

After a break, Kingston (who wrestled in basketball shorts instead of his usual gear) used a flag pole to bring Ivar down with a Russian leg sweep off the ropes. Kingston hit an SOS for two. Ivar hit a spinning slam for two and a sit-out powerbomb for two.

With Ivar sitting on the top rope, Kingston yanked him off by his beard through a table outside the ring. This got a big reaction.

Valhalla ran in through the crowd and leaped on Kingston. Xavier Woods ran out but of course, he couldn’t attack her. Woods ducked a charge and she fell over the barricade. Ivar squished Woods into the barricade.

Kingston tried Trouble in Paradise but Ivar caught him and gave him a powerslam through a corner table. Ivar followed with a moonsault for a pinfall win.

(The action here was pretty good. If Ivar is going to be on his own for a while, then this finish made sense.)

******** 

Byron Saxton asked Shinsuke Nakamura to comment on his performance at Fastlane. Nakamura didn’t answer. Ricochet busted in and attacked Nakamura and they were separated by officials. 

********

After a break, we’re greeted with a shot of Priest holding JD McDonagh up against a wall by his throat. Finn Bálor and Rhea Ripley ran in to save McDonagh’s life. McDonagh was about to plead his case but Bálor told him to shut it. Bálor said McDonagh had caused enough trouble this week and he’s had enough of him.

Priest wondered where Bálor and Ripley were during the opening segment. Ripley said they were with Adam Pearce and they got Judgment Day a rematch for the tag titles.

Priest was cool with this but still wanted to deal with McDonagh and McIntyre. Ripley told him not to worry about McIntyre because he didn’t need to as long as he had the contract. Ripley got in McDonagh’s face and told him to deal with McIntyre tonight. (A few fans laughed at this idea.)

Priest admitted he felt like finishing off McDonagh after McIntyre broke him in half, but he encouraged McDonagh to get the job done tonight and wished him luck.

********

Nia Jax defeated Raquel Rodriguez via disqualification (7:19)

Jax went up to the middle rope for the Annihilator but Rodriguez slipped under and hit a powerbomb which popped the crowd.

Ripley ran down and chucked Rodriguez out for the ring for the DQ. Ripley was there for Jax and attacked her as the crowd cheered. Rodriguez went after Ripley but Ripley dropped her with a headbutt.

Shayna Baszler ran out next to attack Jax. Baszler and Ripley got face-to-face. After Ripley turned her back, Baszler gave her a German suplex and a knee strike. Jax backed away up the ramp as Baszler stood tall.

******** 

Rollins confronted McIntyre in the back. Rollins wondered what kind of games he was playing. (Because McIntyre ignored Priest’s attack but stopped the MITB cash-in.)

McIntyre said he wasn’t playing any games. He already said he wasn’t getting involved in anyone else’s business, but Judgment Day trying to cash in affected him and the entire roster. He compared it to Bloodline holding the Universal title for three years and didn’t want to see a sequel on Raw.

Rollins told McIntyre that he didn’t have to worry about Judgment Day. They couldn’t take the title from him and neither could Drew.

[SECOND HOUR]

Jackie Redmond interviewed Baszler. Baszler said she was the baddest woman in the ring no matter who else was standing in there. No one would sneak attack her and get away with it.

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso/Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn segment

Michael Cole introduced the new tag team champions Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes and they entered separately. Jey was pumped to be champion and pumped that his partner was Cody Rhodes.

Cole asked Rhodes about his original goal of “finishing the story” and asked if he was content with defending the tag titles. Cole wondered if Rhodes didn’t want to take another shot at the WWE Championship because he failed the first time around.

Rhodes said he was as excited as everyone else that he was one-half of the undisputed tag team champions. Cole repeated his question about coming so close to winning the WWE Championship — just like his dad did.

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens interrupted. (They entered to Zayn’s heel theme song, which may have been a mistake. Zayn even mentioned that he hadn’t heard that song in a while.)

Zayn said Jey and Jimmy Uso were the longest-reigning tag champions in history until they were defeated by himself and Owens at WrestleMania. Judgment Day were red hot and Jey and Rhodes beat them — and that should be the story that they were talking about. Zayn was happy for both of them.

However, Zayn had mixed emotions. He couldn’t help but feel that he and Owens should be the ones holding the titles. Owens said, “Uh, I don’t have mixed emotions. I’m not happy at all to see you guys with those tag titles.” Owens said he wanted the titles back and wanted to challenge them to a title match tonight.

Owens also knew that they wouldn’t accept because Jey Uso couldn’t handle the idea of losing the titles to them twice.

Jey was pissed at the comment but Rhodes settled them down. Rhodes said, “We’re all friends here — at least I think we are.” Rhodes said Owens was wrong because they do accept and they could do it tonight on Raw. The crowd cheered. Zayn shook hands with Rhodes.

(The match was made official after a break.)

******** 

Otis helped Chad Gable get ready in the back by chopping his chest. Gable said he needed to be ready for Gunther. Bronson Reed was amused and suggested Gable tell his daughter not to watch tonight because it would be another heartbreaking loss for her dad. Gable told Otis to hit him again. Otis chopped him and Gable yelled, “Thank you!”

********

Ricochet was about to make his entrance for his match but was attacked from behind by Nakamura. He gave Ricochet a GTS and set up for Kinshasa but officials ran out to stop him.

After a break, Ricochet sold the attack in the ring while he awaited his opponents. Wade Barrett said his condition was his own fault for attacking Nakamura earlier and called it terrible match preparation.

Triple Threat Match: Bronson Reed defeated Ricochet and Chad Gable (w/Maxxine Dupri) (9:27)

Gable suplexed Ricochet onto Reed outside the ring. After a break, Reed hoisted up both men and dropped them with a Samoan drop. Ricochet gave Gable a springboard crossbody and standing SSP for two.

Ricochet superkicked Reed and Gable gave Reed an impressive German suplex. Gable put Ricochet in an ankle lock but Ricochet slipped out and hit a knee strike. Gable tried a release German suplex off the top but RIcochet landed on his feet. Ricochet landed awkwardly so Gable hit a Chaos Theory.

Reed grabbed Ricochet and dropped him on Gable. Reed hit both men with a senton and gave Ricochet the Tsunami for the pinfall win. This was fun.

Gunther vs. Bronson Reed next week for the IC title.

******** 

Redmond interviewed Becky Lynch. Lynch admitted she wasn’t 100% and had 11 stitches in her arm. She said when you were a fighting champion and you were doing it right you were never 100%. She plugged her book before saying she would give Tegan Nox everything she’s got.

Xia Li popped in and asked Lynch when she was getting a shot. Lynch said she wasn’t hard to find.

********

Drew McIntyre defeated JD McDonagh (w/NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio) (4:04)

McIntyre no-sold a few chops by McDonagh before launching him high in the air with a back body drop. (Barrett was very impressed.) A distraction by Dom allowed McDonagh to chop-block McIntyre and take over momentarily. McDonagh distracted the referee so Dom posted McIntyre. Dom tried to interfere again so McIntyre shoved him into the announce table. (Cole said, “We just got the monitors working and now they don’t again.)

McIntyre then gave McDonagh a Future Shock DDT and Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.

— Priest was shown watching in the back and he was displeased at this result. Ripley told him that she had an idea.

******** 

Barrett interviewed Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano earlier today. Ciampa said DIY was always bigger than them. The fans made them and they even main-evented Takeover as a tag team. Gargano thought everything happened for a reason and this was finally their moment.

The interview abruptly ended when Giovanni Vinci booted Gargano right in the face. Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser laid them out.

******** 

There was a Tegan Nox video package. She recalled tearing her ACL days after signing with WWE and tearing it again one year later. She was lucky to be there and would never stop fighting. She was here to win.

Redmond interviewed Nox. She said Lynch would be fighting the best version of Tegan Nox and she would show the world who she was. Natalya showed up and encouraged Nox to show Lynch what she was made of.

********

[THIRD HOUR]

Ricochet marched around backstage looking for Nakamura. Pearce informed him that they had Nakamura escorted from the building but Ricochet would get his hands on him next week in a falls count anywhere match. Ricochet was satisfied.

(Ripley and McIntyre could be seen talking in the background.)

********

Becky Lynch defeated Tegan Nox to retain the NXT Women’s Championship (14:28)

(Lynch wore gear with long sleeves which had the benefit of covering up her injured arm.)

Lynch missed a dive off the apron and collided with the barricade. Nox followed with a cannonball off the apron for two. After a break, Lynch fired back with strikes and an exploder for two. Nox came back with a flying crossbody for two. Nox was surprised she didn’t win with this move and tried a shining wizard but Lynch ducked and went for an armbar.

Nox blocked it and drove Lynch into the turnbuckle. Nox dropped Lynch off the top and hit another cannonball. Nox applied an armbar to the injured arm but Lynch escaped and responded with kicks and a missile dropkick for two. Nox caught Lynch off the ropes and hit a fallaway slam into a cover for two.

Nox tried a crucifix pin for two but Lynch kicked out and applied the Disarmer for the submission win. Lynch bumped fists with Nox after the match.

The match was fine but the crowd was really quiet for it.

(As Lynch left, she knew the camera was in her face so she repeatedly said, “Buy my book.”)

******** 

Pearce informed Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell that Gargano was banged up but not seriously injured. He was still awaiting word on Ciampa.

Ripley showed up and told LeRae and Hartwell to get out. They weren’t about to listen to her but Pearce asked them nicely to leave. Ripley demanded a match against Baszler next week.

******** 

Natalya approached Nox and told her that she did amazing. Nox was pissed that she lost. Katana Chance and Kayden Carter approached to offer some positive words as well. Carter wanted them to go for a drink.

Chelsea Green and Piper Niven showed up and Green mocked them for having a pity party. Green told Natalya not to get involved in her business. Natalya got in her face so Niven stepped in for her. Niven challenged Natalya to a match next week and she accepted.

********

Next week on the “season premiere” of Raw:

  • Priest & Bálor vs. Rhodes & Jey Uso or Owens & Zayn for the tag team titles
  • Gunther vs. Bronson Reed for the Intercontinental title
  • Rhea Ripley vs. Shayna Baszler (non-title)
  • Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – falls count anywhere
  • Natalya vs. Piper Niven

******** 

There was a random Ludwig Kaiser video package (which included some terrible AI art). You could see Owens asking Zayn, “What the hell was that?”

Zayn entered to his regular babyface music this time.

(I didn’t time it but I think it’s been more than 20 minutes since the previous match ended.)

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn to retain the Undisputed Tag Team Championships (21:22)

Rhodes and Zayn started with a normal exchange until they exchanged chops. Zayn was annoyed and shoved Rhodes so Rhodes shoved him back. Jey and Owens hit the ring and they all argued as they went to break (less than two minutes into the match).

Jey tagged himself in after a break and he circled Zayn until they went at it. Jey got the better of a brief exchange so Owens tagged in. Owens and Jey hammered away at each other and they spilled outside the ring. Rhodes tried to get involved so Zayn went after him. They aggressively brawled and it seemed like things settled down but Owens tackled Jey over the announce desk. Rhodes and Zayn went at it again as they went to break.

Owens hit Jey with a senton bomb for two. Owens and Jey exchanged superkicks. Jey hit consecutive superkicks but Owens dropped him with a clothesline.

Rhodes and Zayn tagged in and it was Rhodes doing the babyface hot tag. Rhodes hit a powerslam and a Cody Cutter for two. They countered each other’s signature moves until Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Zayn hit an exploder into the corner and went for the Helluva Kick but Rhodes popped out of the corner and hit a Cross Rhodes. Owens broke up the cover.

Rhodes set up for a Pedigree but Zayn hit a back body drop and they both tagged out. Owens and Jey exchanged strikes and didn’t initially seem to be on the same page but they got it together and Jey hit a superkick for two. Owens avoided an Uso Splash and hit a stunner but Rhodes broke up the cover.

Zayn wiped out both opponents with a flip dive and Owens tried another senton bomb but Jey got his knees up. Jey hit both Owens and Zayn with superkicks. Rhodes laid out Zayn with another Cross Rhodes.

Jey and Rhodes gave Owens their combo 1D/Cody Cutter and Jey pinned him for the win. Jey and Rhodes retain.

— After the match, Zayn shook hands with Rhodes and Zayn. Owens shook hands with Rhodes and hesitated before embracing Jey. Owens held up Jey’s hand in victory. 

WWE Raw live results: Gunther & Tommaso Ciampa contract signing

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: October 2, 2023
Location: The Shark Tank in San Jose, CA 

**********

Show Recap —

Raw kicked off differently than usual. As soon as the show started, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler were mid-brawl on the stage as officials tried separating them. Jax was getting the better of it so the crowd booed.

Raquel Rodriguez ran out and attacked Jax. Rodriguez booted Baszler by mistake allowing Jax to get the better of Rodriguez.

Rhea Ripley ran out next and hammered away on Jax as the crowd cheered. A big brawl broke out and a million security guards ran out to break it up. Ripley gave one of them a Rip-tide and the crowd chanted, “Mami.”

Things eventually settled down and they cut to the announcers but Ripley interrupted them by calling out the rest of Judgment Day. The announcers ran down tonight’s card before Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio entered. (Michael Cole said Finn Bálor wasn’t there tonight.) Commercial break. 

******** 

Judgment Day segment 

Back from break, Ripley was mid-sentence. Ripley said there was no leader in Judgment Day but they each needed to handle their business. She said she was gone for two weeks and everything fell apart. She left responsibility to someone in her absence and they let her down. That person was Priest.

Ripley said the brawl last week led to an injury to Bálor, while Priest himself couldn’t compete in his scheduled match against Jey Uso tonight because he wasn’t cleared.

On top of that, Dom lost his NXT North American title to Trick Williams (the crowd cheered) because Priest wasn’t there to help like she asked him to. Ripley also said Priest and Bálor’s tag team titles were in danger because Jey and Cody Rhodes were coming for them.

Priest told Ripley, with all due respect, he knew all of that already. Priest said he was taking care of his own business because he still had his title and his briefcase. She asked Ripley where Dom’s title was. (She already addressed this.)

The crowd chanted, “Where’s your title?” at Dom. Ripley told Dom he had a rematch against Williams tomorrow on NXT thanks to her. If he didn’t win the championship, he shouldn’t bother coming home.

Jey Uso interrupted. Jey wanted everyone to welcome back Miss Rhea Ripley and said, “Hey, we missed you. We all missed you.” He looked at her and said we have a new Tribal Chief on Raw and she had bigger balls than Roman Reigns ever did.

Priest was tired of hearing Jey talk. Priest was about to step to Jey but Dom held him back. The crowd loudly booed as Dom said he would take care of Jey. Jey was amused by all of this. The crowd chanted, “Whoop his ass.”

Jey superkicked Dom but was decked from behind by JD McDonagh. Jey started to fight back but was knocked down by Dom.

Rhodes ran out to make the save. Jey handed out superkicks and Rhodes gave Dom a Cross Rhodes.

Adam Pearce appeared and announced that Priest and Bálor would defend the titles at Fastlane (on Saturday) against Jey and Rhodes.

********

They announced the signing of Jade Cargill. 

********

The first match of the evening began at 8:29 pm. 

Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci defeated Chad Gable & Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri) (10:39)

The story was Vinci trying but failing to do his part for Imperium — until he finally came through in the end.

Gable was in complete control for the first few minutes. Otis tried assisting Gable on a dive over the top but they didn’t connect properly. Gable just sort of fell straight down and Vinci did his best to catch him.

Imperium were in control over Gable after a break with no explanation or replay. Gable fought back and made the hot tag to Otis. Kaiser wanted a tag but was displeased to find that Vinci was absent from the apron (Gable knocked him off).

Otis went to town on Kaiser and Vinci tried to make the save but Otis easily press-slammed him. Otis hit a Caterpillar and tried a middle rope fallaway slam but Vinci grabbed Otis by the leg. This allowed Kaiser to fall over onto Otis.

Gable wiped out Vinci with a cannonball as Kaiser hit Otis with a running enziguri for the pinfall win. (Gable chased Kaiser out of the ring after the match.)

******** 

There was a recap of Becky Lynch retaining her title over Tiffany Stratton.

Cole warned the viewers before they showed the nasty laceration to Lynch’s arm.

Pearce informed Tegan Nox that Lynch wasn’t cleared to wrestle tonight so their title match had to be postponed. Nox was upset but understood. Chelsea Green barged in and acted like Nox wasn’t there. She eventually told Nox she should hope that the match gets cancelled so she doesn’t lose. Green said some people weren’t championship material (as she showed off her belt). Nox suggested they have a match tonight and Pearce made it official.

(Lynch will appear on tomorrow’s NXT.)

******** 

Bronson Reed defeated Cedric Alexander (2:18)

Alexander caught Reed off guard and hit a suicide dive and flip dive just a minute into the match. Alexander also hit a Neuralyzer for two. Reed ran him over with a crossbody and hit a senton and Tsunami for the pinfall win.

******** 

Drew McIntyre let Pearce know that he was not going to be on Miz TV. He did it last week because the fans deserved it but wasn’t feeling it this week. Pearce said Miz requested it but McIntyre didn’t care. McIntyre said he did plan on addressing the fans in the ring but didn’t want to see Miz. If he did, Miz would regret it.

Pearce asked if McIntyre was doing alright because he seemed off. McIntyre wondered if Pearce thought he wasn’t doing the “right thing” the last few weeks. McIntyre didn’t recall anyone doing the “right thing” when he was being beaten down by the Bloodline.

[SECOND HOUR] 

George Kittle (wearing a Shawn Michaels t-shirt and Christian McCaffrey hat) was shown at ringside with two other members of the San Francisco 49ers. I believe the two others were Elijah Mitchell and Talanoa Hufanga.

Gunther and Tommaso Ciampa contract signing 

Gunther wore a suit. Ciampa wore his usual attire.

Ciampa complained to Gunther about not being given the same opportunities as him. Guys like him are served roadkill and are expected to turn it into filet. (Ciampa demanded Gunther look at him. Gunther was amused.)

Ciampa said he planned on winning the title he’s dreamed of winning since he was five years old. His entire family would be there at ringside but he wouldn’t be fighting for them. He would be fighting for that five-year-old boy and would fight with his entire heart and at the end of the night, he would be the Intercontinental Champion. Ciampa signed the contract and demanded Gunther sign.

Gunther said this was a contract signing for the most important title in the business but Ciampa showed up underdressed. Gunther respected Ciampa’s noble motives. Gunther also fought for what was near and dear to him. What meant most to him was the Intercontinental title and he was the greatest IC champion of all time.

Ciampa said Gunther was confident for someone whose whole world was about to crumble. Gunther warned Ciampa to never interrupt him again so Ciampa interrupted him. Gunther told him that he could go home after their match, hug his family and keep dreaming because he would never get this close to the title again.

Ciampa said Gunther still hadn’t signed so it wasn’t too late for them to do the match tonight in San Jose. Gunther wanted to see Ciampa prove it so he signed the contract. Pearce made it official for tonight.

Gunther shoved Ciampa so Ciampa leaped off the table and attacked him. Gunther fought him off and chuckled the table out of the ring. Ciampa put him in the Sicilian Stretch until Gunther was able to escape the ring.

This was good.

******** 

Kofi Kingston joined commentary for the next match. He swivelled his hips in Wade Barrett’s direction because he’s been talking trash about fantasy football, among other things.

Xavier Woods defeated Ivar (8:03)

Woods dropkicked Ivar into the side of the ring ahead of a break. Woods was on offence after the break and got Ivar on his shoulders. The crowd popped as Woods dropped him with what was effectively a sitout DVD. Woods tried powerbombing Ivar off the top rope but Ivar fell on him. Ivar tried a splash but Woods avoided it. Woods followed soon after with a rollup for the pinfall win.

— Kingston loudly gloated to Barrett but he quickly hit the ring upon seeing Ivar attack Woods. Ivar fought him off and laid out both New Day members with spinning kicks. Ivar also powerbombed Kingston onto Woods.

This led to a very impressive spot. With the two men stacked up, Ivar hit them with a moonsault off the top. The crowd chanted, “Holy shit.”

This was all good stuff (except for Cole solemnly saying, “Suddenly, a bad day, for Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.)

******** 

There was a video package for Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. 

Seth Rollins interview 

Cole interviewed Rollins in the ring. Rollins was happy to see Cole and put him over as the voice of WWE. Cole mentioned being the one who came up with some of Rollins’ nicknames — including manipulator and puppeteer. Cole wondered if Rollins was now the puppet thanks to Nakamura.

Rollins couldn’t believe he said that and was confident about his match against Nakamura. Cole wondered if Rollins knew what he was doing. He mentioned the dangers of a last man standing match and the poor condition of Rollins’ back. He said Rollins’ back was hanging on by a thread and asked him why he was putting himself through this.

Rollins asked Cole how long he’d been doing commentary. Cole said 26 years. The crowd cheered. Rollins asked how many shows he’s missed and Cole said two.

Rollins said Cole must get it. He was addicted to it. He loved it. That’s what it was like for him to be in the ring and for him to be in front of the people. Rollins had an honour, responsibility and duty. The ring has given him everything — a roof over his head and food on his table. It was the reason he met his wife and why he had a beautiful baby girl.

Now that he was the champion, the responsibilities got amplified. If Fastlane was his last ride, that didn’t matter. What mattered was that he left it all in the ring so he could be an example for his daughter. He didn’t have the words to explain it. It was a feeling, and it felt right.

Nakamura appeared on the screen with a pre-taped promo in Japanese (with English subtitles). Rollins was watching the screen so Nakamura attacked him from behind and laid him out with a Kinshasa to the back of the head.

(I guess Cole saw this coming and decided not to warn Rollins, because he disappeared from the ring and was already back on commentary calling the action. I don’t know why they did this.)

The video of Nakamura began counting to ten but Rollins got up at seven. The real-life Nakamura attacked Rollins repeatedly with a chair.

The video of Nakamura counting played again. Real-life Nakamura watched as Rollins got back to his feet at nine. Nakamura attacked again and gave him a backbreaker onto a chair before hitting another Kinshasa.

Real-life Nakamura quickly counted to ten with Rollins down and held up the world title belt.

This was a strong segment.

******** 

Lynch (with her arm in a sling) approached Nox. She told Nox to be ready to go when the time came for their fight.

Natalya showed up as Lynch left. Natalya acted impressed with Nox and said she was proud of her. Natalya was confident she would nail her opportunity against Lynch when it came. Nox thanked her.

********

Tegan Nox defeated Tag Team Champion Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven) (2:05)

Natalya ran out to her music to back off Piper Niven. Nox knocked Green off the top, hit a Molly-go-round and the Shiniest Wizard for the pinfall win. Natalya held up Nox’s arm post-match.

********

Drew McIntyre entered.

[THIRD HOUR] 

Byron Saxton interviewed Jey Uso. Jey was happy to team with Rhodes if it meant fighting Judgment Day and fighting for the tag titles.

Drew McIntyre promo

McIntyre said he didn’t owe an explanation to anyone in the back — he only answered to his fans. The fans have been with him through his ups and downs, the firings and the titles.

The truth was that he was going to stop being the saviour and stop getting involved in fights he didn’t start. He’s been doing it for years and was now showing up to fights at less than 100% so he was done with it.

McIntyre hasn’t been making the save but neither has anyone else and called them all hypocrites. Rhodes did make the save but he was just cleaning up his own messes. Rhodes forgiving Jey was a weakness, not a strength.

Miz interrupted. Miz didn’t forgive McIntyre for what he did to him last week or for cancelling Miz TV this week. McIntyre told him to shut up. Miz said he was looking out for McIntyre but he told him to shut up. McIntyre told him to shut up again and the crowd chanted “Shut up, Miz.”

McIntyre knew that Miz wanted him to be the bad guy — maybe attack Rollins and take his belt, or screw Jey Uso at Fastlane. McIntyre wasn’t that kind of guy. He racked up wins and earned title shots. McIntyre felt like getting another win right now with Miz in the ring — unless his balls were still tiny. The crowd chanted “Tiny balls.”

Miz said he wasn’t dressed for a match. Miz said he was wrong about McIntyre. He wasn’t the Batman of WWE, he was Two-Face. Miz acted like a child and said, “I don’t shut up, I grow up, and when I look at you I throw up.” McIntyre called him an idiot. Miz said his mom told him that the bigger man would walk away from a fight, so he left.

When McIntyre turned his back, Miz went back in the ring and hit McIntyre with the mic. McIntyre hammered away at Miz until officials stepped in to stop Drew from killing him.

******** 

Drew McIntyre defeated The Miz (3:55)

McIntyre set up for Claymore Kick but stopped and instead grabbed his sword. The ref grabbed it and went to remove it from the ring and as he did this, McIntyre removed the turnbuckle cover. McIntyre drove Miz’s head into the exposed buckle and hit a Future Shock DDT for the pinfall win.

— McIntyre cut a sarcastic promo after the match, taking a shot at Rhodes/Jey. McIntyre said: “I’ve done some serious thinking and I’m not the same guy I was 30 seconds ago. I’m sorry for my actions. And now that I’ve said ‘sorry,’ I’m automatically forgiven! Yeah!” He dropped the mic and stormed off.

******** 

Jackie Redmond interviewed Trick Williams. Williams said it was a pleasure to meet her and he introduced himself to the world. He was 6’4”, 240 pounds of muscle, had gold around his ears, gold around his wrist — and around his waist. He was the North American Champion and would defend his title tomorrow against Dirty Dom.

Dom approached Williams with Ripley and McDonagh. Williams said he was acting tough now that he had Mami by his side. Ripley told Williams that Dom wouldn’t be coming to NXT alone tomorrow.

********

Cody Rhodes interview 

Redmond interviewed Rhodes near the stage. She asked if Rhodes felt like he had been backed into this tag match against Judgment Day. Rhodes never imagined he’d be tagging with Jey but it was Judgment Day who backed themselves into this situation.

Rhodes heard that Judgment Day will be at Friday’s Smackdown so he planned on being there too, as would Jey Uso. Rhodes said they would win the tag titles at Fastlane and come back to what would be a very different Monday Night Raw.

********

The announcers ran down the Fastlane card.

Otis apologized to Chad Gable for losing. Gable said he didn’t have to apologize because he could never be disappointed in his number one guy. The only thing he was disappointed in was the clowns who kept cheating against them. Gable said Gunther has peaked around but when he peaks — everyone is gonna know.

********

Raw next week:

  • Becky Lynch vs. Tegan Nox for the NXT Women’s title
  • Ivar vs. Kofi Kingston in a Viking Rules match
  • Raquel Rodriguez vs. Nia Jax

******** 

Gunther defeated Tommaso Ciampa to retain the Intercontinental Championship (22:54)

They got plenty of time and had a great match.

Ciampa took the fight to Gunther early on and applied the Silicilan Stretch less than two minutes into the match but Gunther got a rope break and they went to commercial.

Believe it or not, Gunther was in control after the break. Ciampa fought out of a sleeper and applied the Silicilan Stretch but Gunther escaped. Gunter chopped Ciampa and slammed him on the ring apron ahead of a second break.

They exchanged chops until Gunther placed Ciampa on the top rope, chopped him and booted him to the floor. Ciampa avoided a chop outside the ring and Gunther chopped the announce desk (and sold his arm). Ciampa dropped him with a flying knee and attacked the arm. Gunther used his other arm to hit a chop but Ciampa caught him with a draping DDT for two.

Ciampa kicked at Gunther’s hurt arm and stomped his head. Ciampa went for a running knee but Gunther hit a dropkick for two. Gunther couldn’t hit a powerbomb because of his injured arm so Ciampa hit a reverse DDT and a running knee strike for a nearfall. Gunther blocked a Fairy Tale Ending before chopping Ciampa and dropping him on his head with a suplex.

Ciampa applied the Sicilian Stretch again but Gunther eventually got a rope break. Ciampa fired up with chops but Gunther chopped him in response. Ciampa blocked a chop but Gunther caught him and hit two consecutive powerbombs.

Gunther applied a sleeper as the crowd rose to get behind Ciampa but Ciampa passed out and the ref called it. Gunther retains.

— Vinci and Kaiser put the boots to Ciampa after the match as Gunther walked to the back.

Johnny Gargano ran out (to his music) to make the save. He speared Kaiser and superkicked both men. Ciampa smiled upon seeing Gargano and they laid out Vinci with Meeting in the Middle. 

WWE Raw live results: Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: September 18, 2023
Location: Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT

**********

Show Recap —

(The announcers ran down tonight’s card. Becky Lynch has issued an open challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship.)

Raw kicked off immediately with the entrance of Cody Rhodes. He gave his belt to a young fan in the front row.

Rhodes wanted to talk about Jey Uso last week but he was interrupted by Dominik Mysterio. Dom interrupted again before Rhodes could get to Jey. Dom was loudly booed as he explained that Jey would join Judgment Day and they would continue to be the most dominant faction in WWE.

Dom said Rhea Ripley wasn’t here because she was injured by Nia Jax but he was dedicating his victory tonight to Mami.

Rhodes asked the crowd, “Did you guys hear him?” and they collectively responded, “No!”

Rhodes was getting a Steve Urkel and Laura Winslow vibe from Dom and Ripley because he was much more into her than she was into him. (Rhodes admitted that the reference was probably before Dom’s time.) Rhodes noticed last week that Ripley seemed more interested in Jey Uso.

Dom was offended and reminded Rhodes that his family always had his back. Finn Bálor and Damian Priest entered to join Dom ringside. 

— Dragon Lee was shown watching in the front row. 

Cody Rhodes defeated NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio (w/Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor & Damian Priest) in a non-title match (2:09)

Dom momentarily went on offence after interference from Bálor but Rhodes came back quickly with a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. (They messed up a vertical suplex counter spot moments before the finish.)

— After the match, Bálor and Priest were about to get in the ring but Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn sprinted out to join Rhodes. Judgment Day bailed.

Rhodes’ music played and he was about to leave but Owens asked him to return to the ring because they needed to discuss something (after a commercial break).

******** 

Owens wanted to understand something from Rhodes — Jey Uso was back on Raw because of him. Rhodes confirmed this was true. Owens wondered why Rhodes thought it was a good idea to bring Jey into their locker room. Owens wanted to know and so did a lot of guys in the back.

Rhodes said he’s had a lot of duties in the past and his job was to make the people happy. Rhodes asked the crowd if they liked Jey and they cheered. Rhodes has had many second chances himself and Jey deserved a second chance as well. Jey deserved a chance to show that he’s changed. Rhodes said the Bloodline was down a member and he asked Owens what was bad about that.

Zayn said it has always taken Owens a long time to trust someone. Zayn acknowledged that he may be too forgiving himself but he thought Owens should give Jey a second chance. Zayn said Owens gave him a second chance and that led to them winning the tag titles at WrestleMania. (The crowd cheered.)

Owens wasn’t buying it. Owens noted that Jey was a big reason why Zayn and Rhodes didn’t win the Universal title against Roman Reigns and why Owens himself didn’t beat Reigns several times. He also noted that Jey was one shade of eyeliner away from joining Judgment Day.

Owens said he can’t trust Jey but he does trust them and he hoped they were right. Owens walked away.

********

They replayed Nia Jax’s return last week. Michael Cole said Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez were both day-to-day due to Jax’s attacks. Ripley had bruised ribs, while Rodriguez suffered whiplash.

******** 

Cole acknowledged that there was supposed to be a 2-out-of-3 falls match between New Day and Viking Raiders but the match was changed.

They aired a clip of Adam Pearce earlier today explaining to Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods that Erik wasn’t medically cleared to compete. Pearce changed it to a singles match and New Day played Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who would have the match. Kingston won (with scissors).

(When Ivar entered for the match, Samantha Irvin announced that he was being accompanied to the ring by Erik but that wasn’t the case.)

Kofi Kingston defeated Ivar (w/Valhalla) (13:05)

Ivar splashed Kingston outside the ring. After a break, Kingston avoided a diving splash in the ring and came back with a splash of his own for two, followed by a crossbody for two and an SOS for two. Ivar ducked a Trouble in Paradise and hit a double underhook sit-out powerbomb for a close nearfall. The crowd chanted for Kofi before Ivar hit a spinning leg lariat for two.

Ivar went to the middle rope but Valhalla encouraged him to go to the top. I thought the delay would result in Kingston moving away but Ivar hit a moonsault for a nearfall.

Kingston responded with a sunset flip powerbomb and Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall win.

This wound up being a fun match and the crowd helped.

******** 

Jackie Redmond interviewed “The Highlight of the Night” Ricochet. Ricochet warned Shinsuke Nakamura not to look past him. Nakamura made it personal by attacking him with a chair. Ricochet stated, “If it’s games you want to play, let’s go ahead and play them. Because I’m a cheat code and tonight, it’s game over.”

********

Nakamura entered for the match but as he stood on the apron, Seth Rollins entered. Pearce tried to reason with him as security ran out. Rollins ran past them and after Nakamura who managed to avoid him and hide behind security. Security held Rollins back as Nakamura taunted him.

[SECOND HOUR] 

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Ricochet via disqualification (13:00)

Nakamura was in control until Ricochet came back with a dive ahead of a break. Nakamura was in control anyway after the break but Ricochet quickly fought back with a handspring elbow and standing SSP for two, followed by a springboard crossbody for two.

Nakamura tried to attack Ricochet with a chair but Ricochet ducked and hit a superkick. Ricochet hit Nakamura with the chair for the DQ.

— Ricochet argued with the referee until Nakamura kicked his ankle from behind. Nakamura followed with a Kinshasa to the back of the head. Nakamura wrapped Ricochet’s leg around the ring post and hit it repeatedly with the chair.

Rollins ran down and attacked Nakamura. Rollins tried a Pedigree but Nakamura back-dropped him onto the chair.

Security ran out to get between them but Nakamura managed to drive Rollins back-first into the announce desk. Pearce and security checked on Rollins.

Nakamura grabbed a cardboard cutout of Rollins’ face and put it over his own face as he backed away up the ramp.

(Rollins limped into the trainer’s room following a break. He tried to refuse help but collapsed so a referee assisted him.)

******** 

Byron Saxton interviewed Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Green told “Bryan” that Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark weren’t a real team or best friends like her and Niven. Niven asked Green what her home country was and Green didn’t know. She guessed “Florida” and Niven walked off. Saxton told her it was Scotland.

Non-title match: Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green & Piper Niven defeated Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark via disqualification (3:44)

Two disqualifications in a row.

Nia Jax attacked Niven outside the ring for the DQ. Jax drove Niven into the ring post, gave Stark a Samoan drop, hit Green with a running hip attack, and gave Baszler a Banzai Drop (which they’re calling an Annihilator).

******** 

Chad Gable approached Pearce and asked him when he could get a rematch against Gunther for the Incontinent title. Pearce said Gunther won so Gable would have to work his way back to the top.

Bronson Reed showed up and told Gable to go to the back of the line. Gable told him to shoosh and said he’s made a name suplexing big men like him. Reed didn’t think he could suplex him so Pearce put them in a match.

********

They aired a clip of The Rock’s surprise appearance on Smackdown and boasted about the number of views the video has received online.

******** 

Redmond interviewed Jey Uso. She asked about his not-so-warm welcome back to Raw. Jey talked about his history with Drew McIntyre until he was interrupted by Damian Priest.

Priest said the rest of Judgment Day wanted Jimmy Uso to join but he wanted Jey to join. Priest told Jey they were a family. Jey said he knew all about family. Priest told him the Bloodline were his relatives but Judgment Day could be the family he’s been looking for his whole life. Priest didn’t want Jey to make him look bad to the rest of Judgment Day and asked him for an answer by the end of the night.

********

Bronson Reed defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) (8:43)

Gable lost clean and put up much less of a fight than he ever did against Gunther.

Reed dominated most of the match but Gable fought back after a break and hit a diving headbutt for two. Reed tried a senton but Gable got his knees up. Gable sold his knee as he tried but failed to suplex Reed. Reed dropped Gable and hit a Tsunami for the somewhat surprising pinfall win.

******** 

Tommaso Ciampa cut a backstage promo. He told himself that when he came to Raw, he should play the long game and be patient because his number would get called. But he’s waited long enough. Ciampa went after Imperium last week because Gunther had what he wanted.

********

They recapped Lynch winning the NXT Women’s title over Tiffany Stratton. 

Lynch was shown walking through the back and she bumped fists with Akira Tozawa.

[THIRD HOUR] 

Jey approached Owens. Jey was hot and told Owens to speak to his face. Owens was hot too and figured it was a matter of time before Jey joined Judgment Day. (Owens wore a Razor Ramon “Bad Guys Last Forever” shirt).

Zayn calmed them down. Owens said he didn’t care if Jey joined Judgment Day because he didn’t trust him either way. Owens said they didn’t have a match so he was leaving and would see Zayn in the car.

Zayn told Jey that he had a big decision to make tonight and wished him luck. Jey said thanks.

******** 

Becky Lynch promo

Becky Lynch said she didn’t have it on her bingo card that she would win the NXT Women’s Championship this year but she has learned she has to take the opportunities when she can. She didn’t go after it for the sake of winning it and calling herself a grand slam champion — although that was pretty nice.

Lynch wanted to defend the title and elevate it to new heights. NXT represented the future and represented hope, hunger, passion and progress. She wanted to test herself against the best the future has to offer which is why she’ll be at NXT tomorrow. But tonight she was in Utah and it was time for somebody new to accept her open challenge.

That brought out Natalya. Natalya said nobody has worked their ass off as much as her. She took Ripley to her limit weeks ago and has been patiently waiting for her chance. She accepted the open challenge.

Lynch said she respected Natalya and they’ve known each other a long time but she offered the open challenge because she wanted somebody new to get an opportunity. Natalya said Lynch went to NXT and stepped over everyone there. Natalya called her a hypocritical, ginger witch. Natalya shoved Lynch so Lynch accepted.

Becky Lynch defeated Natalya to retain the NXT Women’s Championship (7:06)

Natalya quickly shoved Lynch into the ring post ahead of an early break. They had a back-and-forth match following the break and traded cradles until Lynch won with a schoolboy.

Natalya looked dejected in the corner while Lynch celebrated.

******** 

Dom busted into Pearce’s office as he spoke with Dragon Lee. Dom blamed Pearce for his loss to Rhodes. He claimed he was distracted because Ripley wasn’t by his side and she wasn’t by his side because Pearce didn’t punish Nia Jax.

Dom told Dragon Lee that he didn’t like guys with masks because they reminded him of his deadbeat dad. Dragon Lee said he would beat him to win the NXT North American Championship next week on Raw.

******** 

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Giovanni Vinci (w/Ludwig Kaiser) (3:28)

Vinci was in control until Ciampa hit a Thesz Press and reverse DDT. Kaiser tried a distraction but it didn’t work. Vinci tried a springboard move but Ciampa caught him with a mid-air knee strike. Ciampa applied the Sicilian Stretch/Gargano Escape for the submission win.

******** 

Saxton approached Rollins in the back as he limped around wearing stupid sunglasses. Rollins said he was trying to keep it together but he was losing his mind. He chucked his dumb glasses aside and said he would do anything to get Nakamura in the ring.

Rollins looked into the camera and told Nakamura to just name the time, place and stipulation. Rollins said their destinies were intertwined and told Nakamura to ask himself: “Will you be the one to define your legacy, or will it be me?”

******** 

Next week on Raw in Ontario, California:

  • Finn Bálor & Damian Priest vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn for the tag team titles
  • Bronson Reed vs. Otis
  • Shinsuke Nakamura responds to Seth Rollins

******** 

Drew McIntyre defeated Jey Uso (14:07)

McIntyre effectively used his strength to take the early advantage but Jey came back with consecutive suicide dives. Judgment Day marched out ahead of a break.

McIntyre gave Jey a superplex following the break. They got to their feet and exchanged right hands before Jey hit a Samoan drop for two. Jey tried another dive but McIntyre punched him and hit a spinebuster.

McIntyre set up for a Claymore Kick but Dom distracted the referee and Priest grabbed McIntyre’s foot. The distraction allowed Jey to hit a superkick for a nearfall.

Judgment Day tried getting Jey on their side and Jey bumped fists with Priest. Jey then superkicked Priest, Bálor and Dom off the apron as the crowd cheered.

However, Jey turned around and McIntyre nailed him with a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.

— Judgment Day put the boots to Jey after the match. McIntyre looked on from the aisle but turned his back and left as the crowd booed.

McIntyre stopped at the stage and looked back, perhaps having second thoughts. Before he could act, Rhodes’ music hit and he sprinted out to make the save.

Rhodes dumped Priest from the ring while Jey superkicked Bálor and Dom. Rhodes gave Dom a Cross Rhodes and Priest pulled Dom out of the ring.

Rhodes helped Jey to his feet and they shook hands. The crowd cheered. 

WWE Raw live results: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: September 11, 2023
Location: Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA 

********** 

Show Recap — 

Raw kicked off with fireworks before the announcers ran down tonight’s show.

Jey Uso entered to start the show and received a very big reaction. Jey said it felt good to be out of the Bloodline and on his own on Monday Night Raw.

Kevin Owens interrupted. Owens said Jey must’ve meant to say that he was on the Kevin Owens Show. Owens said he has been in Jey’s same situation and knew what he was going through. Owens did a lot of bad things to a lot of people. When he tried to make a change, it took a long time to earn the trust of others. In fact, many in the locker room still didn’t trust or respect him.

Owens said Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle were only two of the people who didn’t want Jey there. People who never spoke to Owens approached him recently to tell him they didn’t want Jey there.

Owens noted that Cody Rhodes seemed fine with it and Sami Zayn welcomed him with open arms. But that was it. Jey still had a long way to go to earn Owens’ respect and trust and to prove he wasn’t the same scumbag that hung with the Bloodline.

Judgment Day (minus Rhea Ripley) interrupted. Finn Bálor said Jey didn’t have to prove himself to Owens. “Grand Slam Finn” and the Judgment Day respected Jey.

Damian Priest told Owens that he doesn’t speak for the locker room because they ran the show. Priest told Jey that their door was always open. Priest said Dominik Mysterio turned them down a thousand times but now he’s the best version of himself — and a champion.

The mere mention of Dom got boos and they booed even louder when he tried to speak. I’m not sure if they increased the crowd volume or what but it was legitimately difficult to hear what he was saying.

Priest said they were supposed to have a match against Owens and Zayn but he wondered where Zayn was. Owens said Zayn wasn’t there tonight but he was willing to fight all three on his own.

Jey said he would have Owens’ back and offered to be his partner tonight. The crowd cheered. Dom yelled at Jey (off the mic) because he felt excluded.

Owens said, “Let’s do it” and Jey superkicked Dom. Owens and Jey cleared Judgment Day from the ring together.

******** 

Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor & Damian Priest (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Kevin Owens & Jey Uso in a non-title match (12:25)

Jey wiped out Priest and Bálor with a dive but Dom took the opportunity to chop-block Owens’ leg while he was on the apron. (Judgment Day had been working over Owens’ knee.)

After a break, Judgment Day had control over Owens. They didn’t explain how Owens was suddenly the legal man after he was attacked on the apron while Jey was the legal man.

Jey made a hot tag pretty quickly anyway. He ran wild on Bálor and hit a superkick but Bálor got his knees up on a splash. Owens tagged in and hammered away at Priest and hit a tornado DDT for two.

Owens went to the top but Priest cut him off. Bálor tagged in but Owens gave him an avalanche fisherman’s buster and Priest broke up the cover.

Jey went for a superkick but Priest dodged it and Jey superkicked Owens by mistake. Priest knocked Jey out of the ring while Bálor hit Owens with a Coup de Grace for the pinfall win.

— Jey tried reasoning with Owens who just walked (limped) to the back.

******** 

Raquel Rodriguez was shown warming up in the back and was approached by Natalya. Michael Cole said Natalya has been giving Rodriguez advice on facing Rhea Ripley.

After a break, Jey approached Owens in the back and apologized. Jey called it a miscue. Owens wasn’t buying it. He angrily told Jey to go join Judgment Day and dye his hair purple while he was at it.  

There was a video package of Gunther’s win over Chad Gable last week, cementing his record reign. Imperium, all dressed in black suits, were shown arriving at the arena in a Mercedes-Benz. (Giovanni Vinci drove.)

******** 

There was a 9/11 memorial video.

******** 

The Miz defeated Akira Tozawa (3:11)

Tozawa started with kick strikes but Miz turned him inside out with a boot. Miz did his usual offence and won after three consecutive Skull Crushing Finales.

Miz faces LA Knight on Friday’s Smackdown.

******** 

Byron Saxton interviewed Rodriguez. She said Ripley has taken over the women’s division because everyone loses to fear before they even step in the ring. Rodriguez said she wasn’t like everyone else and Ripley knew it. Dom wouldn’t be at ringside, either, and Ripley would learn a lesson that would feel like a nightmare. Ripley wouldn’t be the tallest, strongest or angriest woman to step into the ring tonight and she would get a taste of her own medicine.

********

[SECOND HOUR] 

Jackie Redmond interviewed Shayna Baszler. Baszler said Zoey Stark surprised her last week with her effort. Before she could continue, Chelsea Green interrupted to let Baszler know she was looking for a new partner because hers wasn’t cleared. Baszler said they weren’t peers and challenged her to match to show her how large the gap was between them.

After Baszler left, Piper Niven appeared to let Green know she was medically cleared. Niven took her title back from Green.

********

Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship Celebration 

Ludwig Kaiser introduced Gunther. Gunther smiled as he stood on top of a platform with his Intercontinental title. Gunther said he rewrote history to the surprise of no one. He announced himself as the longest-reigning and greatest Intercontinental champion in history.

Gunther said it meant a lot to him. All of the legends who held the title before him meant absolutely nothing. He has elevated the title to heights never seen before and he was running out of competition.

Chad Gable interrupted. Gable said they had a main event for the ages last week and he was still feeling it this morning when he woke up. Gable congratulated Gunther.

Gunther invited Gable into the ring. Gable said he saw the look in Gunther’s eyes after their match. Gable knew that Gunther knew that Gable gave him a better fight than anyone else during his title reign.

But he also saw the look of his entire family sitting in the front row. He saw the tears on the face of his oldest daughter and that was because of Gunther. Gunther wouldn’t know what that felt like because you had to be a parent to understand. Gable said it lit a fire under him that won’t burn out until he made this right.

Gable said he beat Gunther once and would do it again. Gable didn’t know when or how he would get the opportunity but when he did, “I swear to God, I’m winning that championship. And I swear to God, my daughter is walking out with a smile on her face.”

Gunther wondered if Gable really wanted to drag his family around just to watch him lose again. He also accused Gable of using them just to gain sympathy. Gunther called him a terrible father.

Gable attacked Gunther so Imperium swarmed him. They put the boots to him until Otis rumbled out. Otis chucked Vinci and Kaiser from the ring but he was cut down by Gunther. Gable tried saving Otis but Gunther knocked him down too.

Imperium continued the beating until Tommaso Ciampa ran down with a chair. Imperium bailed.

******** 

Earlier today, Xavier Woods approached Drew McIntyre. Woods wondered why he spoke trash about Kofi Kingston last week. McIntyre said that maybe Kingston should be a man and speak to him himself.

Woods wondered if McIntyre was jealous that Kingston won his world title at WrestleMania in front of 82,000 fans (yes, he said 82,000 — that was not the attendance of that show) while McIntyre won his in an empty arena.

McIntyre stepped to Woods who was not intimidated. McIntyre agreed to a match and said whatever happened to Woods would not be an accident.

******** 

Redmond interviewed Ciampa and Alpha Academy. Ciampa said Adam Pearce advised him to make the most of his opportunities so he did. Gable and Otis said this was far from over. Otis suggested a six-man tag team carnage match. Gable asked Ciampa if he was in but he just walked off. Gable assumed that was a yes.

********

Drew McIntyre defeated Xavier Woods (9:41)

After a break, Woods powerbombed McIntyre (who was perched on the top turnbuckle) and hit a diving leg drop for two. McIntyre blocked a clothesline and hit consecutive overhead suplexes and a neckbreaker.

McIntyre went for Claymore Kick but Woods intercepted with a superkick for two. McIntyre tried a reverse Alabama Slam but Woods countered into a victory roll for two. Woods followed with a thrust kick, senton and shining wizard for two. The crowd chanted “This is awesome.”

They traded counters but as Woods set up for a rolling forearm, McIntyre suddenly hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.

(As McIntyre backed away up the ramp, he told Woods, “It didn’t have to be this way.”)

******** 

Cody Rhodes segment 

Rhodes entered to a big reaction. Rhodes wanted to talk about Main Event Jey Uso but was quickly interrupted by Dominik and JD McDonagh. The crowd loudly booed Dom again.

Dom was happy Rhodes brought Jey to Raw because he would join Judgment Day and when he did, Rhodes would look like a fool. Dom said there was nothing Rhodes could do about it (Dom flicked at Rhodes’ necktie as he said this).

Rhodes decked Dom to the delight of the crowd. McDonagh attacked Rhodes but Rhodes dealt with him easily and gave him a Cross Rhodes. Cody also gave Dom a Cross Rhodes. Dom and McDonagh backed away.

The crowd was hot for this. 

(This was a rare Rhodes in-ring segment that wasn’t at the top of the hour.)

******** 

McIntyre approached Jey in the back and told him he didn’t trust him one bit. Jey dismissively said, “Cool.” McIntyre didn’t think Jey could stand on his own two feet and said Judgment Day was probably looking good to him. Jey challenged him to a match next week and McIntyre accepted.

******** 

NXT tomorrow: Tiffany Stratton defends her Women’s title against Becky Lynch.

Shayna Baszler defeated Tag Team Champion Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven) (1:48)

Baszler had a confrontation with Niven outside the ring but it didn’t really lead to anything in the match. Baszler blocked Green’s Unprettier and hit a spinning Samoan Drop (Ronda Rousey’s Piper’s Pit) for the pinfall win.

— Baszler and Niven got into a brawl post-match. Niven was getting the better of it but Zoey Stark ran out and superkicked Niven. After Baszler took out Green, Niven stood up and faced off with Baszler and Stark before ultimately leaving the ring.

******** 

Shinsuke Nakamura video promo

Nakamura wondered if Seth Rollins felt like a champion after he stood over Rollins’ broken body. He said Rollins was not honourable and wondered if the fans would still sing his song if they remembered the things he’s done.

Nakamura said the road to Rollins’ success was lined with the bodies of those who trusted him (as a clip played of Rollins turning on the Shield). Rollins believed that the weak exist to be consumed by the strong. Rollins was a manipulator, a deceiver, and a liar. He brought shame to his family and had no remorse.

Nakamura would strip him of the title and expose the lies he claimed to stand for. Rollins’ words meant nothing. “I will challenge you when I feel like it.”

*********

[THIRD HOUR] 

Seth Rollins/Shinsuke Nakamura segment

Rollins entered. He called himself a visionary and revolutionary but also admitted to being a manipulator, a deceiver and a lair — just as Nakamura said. But he was also a father, a fighter, and your World Heavyweight Champion.

For a long time, Rollins didn’t know who he was. He surrounded himself in the Authority with people who lied to his face. Then he tried to be who everyone wanted to be, but that didn’t work out.

Rollins finally figured out what everyone wanted him to be — himself. (He said this while wearing a big, fuzzy, aqua blue coat and oversized, oddly shaped shades.) That’s why the fans loved him. Not because he was a good guy or a bad guy, but because he was Seth freakin’ Rollins — and that’s why they sang his song.

Rollins said it was because of the fans that he could look his daughter in the eyes and be at peace with his past and proud of his future.

Rollins said he didn’t come to Virginia to talk, he came to fight. Management wanted him to slow down and told him he’d burn himself out but he was a workhorse. He called out Nakamura for a title match last week but he said no.

Rollins said Nakamura wanted to do it on his own time and figured their Payback match took out more from Nakamura than he was letting on. Rollins said there was no better time than right now in Norfolk so he called out Nakamura.

Nakamura’s music hit but he didn’t show. Instead, Nakamura was shown beating up Ricochet in the back. Nakamura said he wanted to fight Rollins but he thought Rollins wasn’t medically cleared, “So I fought already, right, Ricochet?” Ricochet shoved him so Nakamura kneed him repeatedly. Nakamura apologized to Rollins and said, “I will take your title, but not today.”

******** 

Bálor approached Jey in the back. Bálor was impressed with what Jey did to Owens and winked at him. Bálor said McIntyre might not be a fan of Jey but he was, as was the rest of Judgment Day. Jey said, “For real?” and Bálor assured him their door was open. (Jey was watching over his shoulder during this exchange.)

********

They congratulated Coco Gauff on winning the US Open and showed a picture of her celebrating with a WWE title belt.

Six-man tag team match: Tomasso Ciampa, Chad Gable & Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri) defeated IC Champion Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci (13:06)

Imperium worked over Gable through a break and Gunther chopped away at him following the break. Gable broke free and tagged in Ciampa who hit Vinci with clotheslines and an inverted DDT for two. A distraction allowed Vinci to clothesline Ciampa. Otis made the hot tag, slammed Kaiser and hit a Caterpillar. However, Otis ran shoulder-first into the post.

Gunther tagged in. Gable tagged in. The crowd was into their exchange. Gunther hit a German suplex but Gable applied an ankle lock moments later. Vinci tagged himself in and hit a flying crossbody to break up the ankle lock. Gable hit a Chaos Theory but Gunther broke up the cover.

Ciampa kneed Gunther out of the ring, Kaiser took out Ciampa, Otis dropped Kaiser, and Gunther dropped Otis.

Gable put Vinci in the ankle lock again. Gunther was about to break it up but Ciampa cut him off and put him in the Gargano Escape. Vinci tapped out and the crowd popped big for Gable’s win.

******** 

Judgment Day had a meeting backstage. They were pretty confident Jey Uso would join them. Dom was upset he couldn’t be ringside for Ripley’s match tonight. Ripley wasn’t worried because Mami’s always on top.

********

Nakamura faces Ricochet next week on Raw.

******** 

Tiffany Stratton/Becky Lynch segment

Tiffany Stratton met with Pearce in his office. She was annoyed that Becky Lynch wasn’t there and annoyed that Pearce didn’t roll out the red carpet for her.

Lynch entered the room. Pearce said he spoke with Shawn Michaels and they agreed to have them sign a contract tonight ahead of their match tomorrow.

Stratton said she’s been nothing but respectful to Lynch and even apologized for calling her a former NXT Women’s Champion. She wondered why Lynch was coming after her and her title.

Lynch admitted that she wasn’t paying much attention to Stratton before she showed up on Raw and used her name in vain, then she had no choice but to pay attention to her. Lynch put over Stratton’s athletic ability before calling her as dumb as a box of rocks.

Lynch said Stratton could be the future but she wouldn’t be if she was only focused on being famous. Lynch threatened to make her famous tomorrow when she takes the title. Lynch signed the contract.

Stratton had no problem making her name at Lynch’s expense and called herself the greatest NXT Women’s Champion in history. Stratton signed.

******** 

Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez to retain the Women’s World Championship (15:16)

Rodriguez immediately dropped Ripley with a clothesline and powerslam for two. Ripley responded with a missile dropkick, a cannonball off the steel steps, and a running knee strike for two (Ripley flexed as she made the cover). Rodriguez chucked Ripley out of the ring and booted her into the barricade.

During a break, Rodriguez drove Ripley into the barricade. With no explanation, Ripley was in control following the break.

Ripley had Rodriguez in a leg lock but Rodriguez got out by slamming Ripley’s head onto the mat. Ripley dropped Rodriguez face-first onto the top turnbuckle moments later. Ripley wrapped her legs around Rodriguez’s head so Rodriguez stood up and dropped Ripley face-first onto the top turnbuckle.

They exchange strikes before dropping each other at the same time with running boots. They exchanged right hands until Ripley kicked her and hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Rodriguez blocked a Rip-tide and hit snake eyes, a backbody drop, and a big boot for two. Rodriguez went for a corkscrew elbow drop but Ripley got her feet up.

Ripley went to the top, did Eddie Guerrero’s shimmy, and hit a frog splash for two.

Ripley tried a cannonball off the apron but Rodriguez caught her and drove her into the announce table. Rodriguez also powerbombed her onto the edge of the ring.

As the referee checked on Ripley, Nia Jax appeared and gave Rodriguez a Samoan Drop outside the ring. (The referee somehow didn’t notice or care that Rodriguez was suddenly hurt or that Jax was at ringside.)

Rodriguez made it back in the ring but Ripley gave her a Rip-tide for the pinfall win.

— After the match, Ripley celebrated with her belt but seemed surprised to see Jax.

Jax headbutted Ripley. Jax also gave her a leg drop and a Banzai drop. The crowd booed as Jax blew them kisses. 

WWE Raw live results: Gunther vs. Chad Gable IC title rematch

Posted on by Bryan Rose

On Raw tonight, Chad Gable gets another chance to dethrone Gunther for the Intercontinental title.

Gunther and Gable faced off with the IC title on the line two weeks ago. The match ended with Gable winning by countout — but Gunther remained champion. That was the first one-on-one loss that Gunther has suffered on the WWE main roster.

Tonight’s show will also feature Raw’s fallout from Payback. A new challenger for World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins may emerge after Rollins defeated Shinsuke Nakamura this past Saturday.

At least for one night, the Judgment Day got back on the same page as Finn Balor & Damian Priest defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles at Payback. Rhea Ripley also defeated Raquel Rodriguez to retain the Women’s World Championship.

It was revealed at Payback that Jey Uso is the newest member of the Raw roster. We will see Jey’s first appearance tonight.

Plus, there will be a tornado tag match with Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle facing The Viking Raiders.

Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

*****

Jey Uso came out to start the show. Michael Cole noted on commentary that Cody Rhodes was the one that brought Uso to Raw, and that “as a former EVP”, knows how to get things done.

Uso talked about how he had reached a breaking point fighting with his family every week. He said Cody Rhodes called him, and that’s why he’s on main event Mondays by himself. He says Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city.

Sami Zayn came out. He told Uso that there were a lot of people backstage that will have a problem with him due to his past association with the Bloodline, mentioning that Kevin Owens wasn’t there tonight. Zayn said he wanted to be the first person to say that he’s happy that Uso is here. Zayn said that Uso broke free from the Bloodline and is all here by himself, saying he really is Main Event Jey Uso. Zayn said he was really proud of him.

Zayn extended his hand for a handshake. Uso put his hands behind his back and didn’t oblige. Zayn said that was fine, and exited the ring. Uso told Sami that wasn’t very Ucey of him, was it. The two then hugged to a big pop.

As they made their exit, Drew McIntyre came out and had a staredown with Uso, with announcers pushing that McIntyre wasn’t happy he was on Raw. Riddle gave Uso the same reaction when he came out.

A Nakamura video aired said he may have underestimated Seth Rollins’ grip on the World Heavyweight Championship, but he was the last one standing. He said he would prevail and will be the World Heavyweight Champion.

Ricochet was talking to Adam Pearce backstage when Seth Rollins showed up. Pearce didn’t like that Rollins was here despite the beatdown Nakamura gave him after their match at Payback. Rollins told Pearce he was fine. Ricochet told Rollins that he didn’t have to carry the whole show by himself. Rollins reiterated he was fine.

The Viking Raiders defeated Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre in a no disqualification match

This was fine. It’s obvious they’re teasing a McIntyre turn at this point and that seemed to be the real story coming off of this.

The Vikings jumped McIntyre early but ended up dumping both to the floor. McIntyre hugged Riddle, then gave him a belly to belly to the floor, wiping out the Vikings. Riddle re-entered the ring and told McIntyre to get the tables. McIntyre told him to do it himself, so Riddle obliged.

Back from commercial, The Vikings avoided a superplex attempt by dragging the table away from McIntyre. Hee quickly regained control and tried to finish Ivar with the claymore but Erik dragged Ivar out of the ring. Both Vikings jumped McIntyre outside but McIntyre easily regained control and threw Ivar over the announce table as Erik was given an overhead belly to belly. Erik came back and splashed McIntyre as they attempted to drive McIntyre into the table, but Riddle re-entered the match to make the save.

Riddle set up Erik on the table and went to the top rope but Valhalla distracted Riddle long enough for the Vikings to recover. Kofi Kingston came out for the save but accidentally laid out Riddle with the Trouble in Paradise. They then pinned Riddle after a Rangnarock through the table.

McIntyre was not happy about the loss, staring down Kingston after the match.

They aired a video package highlighting former Intercontinental champions including Booker T, Roman Reigns, Shawn Micheals, Steve Austin, and The Honky Tonk Man ahead of tonight’s title match.

Seth Rollins came down to the ring. He said that Nakamura did everything he said he was going to do, and there were points in the match at Payback where he didn’t know if he would be able to continue fighting. But last time he checked, he was World Heavyweight Champion.

Rollins said that even though he won, Nakamura was able to walk out of the building that night while he to be wheeled out in a wheelchair by his wife. He called out Nakamura, who did in fact come out. Rollins said he had a proposition for Nakamura, and offered him a World Heavyweight title match if he came to the ring right now.

Nakamura contemplated the move, then spoke in Japanese. Rollins said he assumed he accepted. Nakamura said no at least three times. Rollins then left the ring and charged after Nakamura as the two brawled. Pearce came out and sent security to break things up. Nakamura targeted Rollins’ back as Ricochet came out to Rollins’ aid. Nakamura was eventually taken away by security.

Back from commercial, Adam Pearce and Seth Rollins were YELLING AT ONE ANOTHER. Pearce wanted to protect Rollins from running himself into the ground. Rollins didn’t want to hear it.

Ricochet defeated Shinsuke Nakamura by DQ

An average TV match with a dumb finish. I guess they did it so they could do the angle after, but yuck.

They wrestled for a few minutes before Nakamura gained control with a suplex off the turnbuckle. After a commercial break, Ricochet gained control as Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley looked on backstage. Ricochet hit a standing shooting star press then went to the top rope for a 450 but Nakamura dodged. Ricochet hit the recoil for a nearfall.

Nakamura cut off Ricochet with a knee but Ricochet cut Nakamura off quickly and hit a running senton off the apron to the floor, but Nakamura dodged it. They fought near the barricade where Nakamura hit Ricochet with a steel chair for the DQ in a marvelous finish.

AFter the match, Nakamura wrapped a steel chair around Ricochet’s neck but Rollins ran to the ring for the save, throwing out security who attempted to stop him. Rollins launched out of the ring with a big tope, knocking down Nakamura. However, Nakamura quickly recovered and drove Rollins’ back into the steel steps, with Ricochet using a chair to drive away Nakamura.

Backstage, Priest and Ripley were watching the developments. “Not tonight,” Ripley told Priest, who was clutching his Money in the Bank briefcase.

They showed footage of Zoey Stark turning on Trish Stratus after Stratus berated her following the steel cage match at Payback. In a promo backstage, Stark said she has a lot of respect for Stratus, but nobody pushes Zoey Stark. Shayna Baszler confronted Stark and the two agreed to a match for tonight.

The Judgment Day came out to talk. Dominik Mysterio started to talk and was drowned out by the boos. He put over everyone had titles now. Balor congratulated Mysterio on it being one year since joining The Judgment Day. He thanked Ripley for being a voice of reason, and put over Priest for their title win. He also paid respects to JD McDonagh, as well as himself for becoming Grand Slam Finn.

Ripley said Sunday proved that Finn and Priest really were brothers and they, together, were a family. Ripley said she was upset, however, that everyone’s talking about Jey Uso jumping to Raw. She said as far as she’s concerned. The Bloodline has fallen and The Judgment Day are the most dominant faction in WWE.

Priest started to talk when McDonagh came out. Priest didn’t like this. JD said changes needed to be made in the Judgment Day, and that Priest’s briefcase had to go. He presented Priest with a new purple briefcase that said Señor Money in the Bank.

Sami Zayn came out. He said he knows Kevin Owens isn’t here, but did you really think we were just going to let it slide that they lost the titles on Saturday? He said he doesn’t see five champions in the ring, he says he sees five championship stealing turds. He called Mysterio the biggest turd of them all. Zayn challenged Mysterio to a match. McDonagh said he wasn’t fighting Mysterio and issued a challenge to Zayn, who accepted.

More Intercontinental champions were highlighted, including Pedro Morales, The Ultimate Warrior, Razor Ramon, The Rock, Rey Mysterio, Wade Barrett, and Seth Rollins.

Gunther cut a promo. He asked Gable who did he think he was. Someone like Gable does not belong in the history books, he does. His legacy will be forever and after the final bell rings tonight, Gunther said that he will stand tall as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in history.

Raquel Rodriguez was leaving Adam Pearce’s office when Chelsea Green walked in. Pearce noted that Piper Niven “was not medically cleared”. Green was talking about how much of a loser Rodriguez was when Rodriguez walked back in. Pearce made a match between the two for tonight.

Shayna Bazler defeated Zoey Stark

Probably didn’t need to beat Stark right after her angle with Stratus, but they seem to be going in some sort of direction with her and Baszler based on the finish. The crowd was very dead for this.

Baszler targeted Stark’s right arm and started to work it over. Baszler went for the kirifuda clutch but Stark escaped. The two ended up on the outside where Baszler went for the clutch again, but Stark shoved Baszler’s back into the announce table and leaped off with a plancha to the floor.

Following a commercial, Stark came back with a German suplex. Stark went for what looked like the Z360 but couldn’t get it done due to her hand. The crowd doesn’t seem interested in this at all. Baszler ended up catching Stark in the kirifuda clutch. Stark attempted to fight off the submission, getting back on her feet at one point, but after about a minute finally succumbed to it.

Stark got back up on her feet after the match. Baszler seemed to respect Stark and told her that she put up more of a fight than Ronda ever did. The two fist bumped in a show of respect.

Finn Balor said backstage maybe it was time for JD to join The Judgment Day. Priest said he needed to prove himself. Balor agreed. Mysterio said he was fine with whatever they decided. Ripley said to wait and see how JD does tonight against Zayn. As Priest and Balor left, Ripley told Mysterio to make sure everything goes to plan during JD’s match. 

Raquel Rodriguez defeated Chelsea Green

This was short. Green attempted to run away but Rodriguez attacked her and ragdolled her. Rodriguez connected with a boot and a fallaway slam. Green cut her off briefly and went for a crossbody but Raquel grabbed her, gave her a clothesline, then pinned her with the Tejana bomb.

Rodriguez said she talked to Adam Pence and said not only is she getting her Payback rematch, but Dominik Mysterio will be barred from ringside. She told Rhea Ripley she’d see her next week for the Women’s World Championship.

More Intercontinental Champions: Don Muraco, Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Kofi Kingston, and Cody Rhodes.

Chad Gable said he’s already in the history books, being a former Olympian with a masters degree. Tonight he’ll prove to him, his crew, and his family in the front row that he’s more than a tag team specialist, the world’s going to see your desire to hang on to that championship is nothing compared to my desire to take it from you.

Drew McIntyre was storming around backstage when Matt Riddle approached him and told McIntyre to calm down. McIntyre said if Jey Uso gets in his way, McIntyre will deal with the person who brought him in, Cody Rhodes. Kofi Kingston came in and apologized. McIntyre didn’t seem to accept the apology and told Kingston he was going to keep his eyes open in case of any other ‘accidents’ in the future.

Miz in the ring for Miz TV. He said he didn’t lose to LA Knight at Payback, he was victimized. He brought in John Cena, who we could not see. He was invisible tonight, with the cameraman doing all of the camera cuts of Cena’s entrance, including running to the ring. After talking to invisible Cena for a while Miz asked if we could see Cena. Everyone in the crowd responded no. Miz said he has been able to see through John Cena for eighteen years.

He asked the invisible chair next to him if he screwed him over and if LA Knight paid him. I guess the chair said yes. Miz then asked invisible Cena to leave. Miz slapped invisible Cena then gave him the skull crushing finale. After mentioning the time that he and John Cena headlined a WrestleMania 13 years ago he ended the segment by challenging LA Knight to a one-on-one match.

The Miz has been on this show for a very, very long time with the same character for years, and years, and years.

Jey Uso was walking backstage and after briefly encountering Akira Tozawa, met with Adam Pearce, who said that as a result of his trade to Raw, SmackDown would be getting a trade in the future and people may not be happy with the result. After Uso left, Tommaso Ciampa walked up to Pearce. The two went into Pearce’s office to talk.

JD McDonagh defeated Sami Zayn

This probably would have been a better match if more time was given, but this was fine for what they were given.

The two wrestled for a few minutes before McDonagh on the outside posted Zayn before going to commercial. Back from it, Zayn fought out of a rest hold and laid out McDonagh with a clothesline. Zayn hit a Michinoku driver for a nearfall.

Zayn gave McDonagh an exploder into the ring post as he went for the Helluva kick but Dominik Mysterio dragged JD out of the ring. Zayn beat up Mysterio but the numbers game soon came into play, as Mysterio distracted Zayn briefly on the outside, allowing McDonagh to roll up Zayn for the win.

Zayn attacked Mysterio after the match. He went for the Helluva kick, but McDonagh dragged Zayn out of the ring and told Mysterio to escape. Zayn then targeted McDonagh, giving him the Helluva kick instead. Commentators put over that Mysterio didn’t return the favor after McDonagh saved him.

They showed a replay of the interaction between Tiffany Stratton and Becky Lynch from Payback. They plugged Stratton’s title defense against Kiana James tomorrow.

More Intercontinental Champions: Randy Savage, Tito Santana, Triple H, Edge, The Miz, and Bobby Lashley.

Mysterio came across Uso backstage and tried to relate to him, saying they were from broken families. He attempted to recruit Uso into the Judgment Day. Mysterio told him to think about it, and that Judgment Day would welcome him with open arms.

Gunther defeated Chad Gable to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship

The last few minutes of this match were awesome, the crowd was really into it. Two commercial breaks during this match, however, meant we only really saw the last five minutes uninterrupted. This should have been on the pay-per-view, premium live event, whatever. If I were booking this company, I think a third match is in order and Gable should win the title at Fastlane next month.

After a few minutes, and of course a commercial break, we see Gable holding onto Gunther’s leg outside the ring, working on the leg until Gunther cut him off. Gunther took Gable down with a huge chop. Gable attempted some of his own, but Gunther mowed him down with another big chop.

After ANOTHER COMMERCIAL, Gable attempted to go after Gunther’s leg again but Gunther lifted him up for a powerbomb. Both end up tumbling to the floor. Gable planted Gunther with a German suplex. He threw Gunther back into the ring, but when Gable gets in, Gunther struck him with a powerbomb for a nearfall.

Gable hit a superplex then followed it with a flying headbutt for another nearfall. Gable went for an ankle lock but Gunther escaped. Gable tried for Chaos Theory but Gunther escaped again. Gable hit a back suplex and connected with the Chaos Theory suplex this time, but Gunther kicked out again.

Gable went for a moonsault, but Gunther lifted his leg. Gable saw this and went for an ankle lock. After struggling briefly, Gunther caught Gable in a sleeper. Gable shifted his weight and planted his feet on the floor, pinning Gunther’s shoulders for another two count. Gunther hit a sleeper suplex, a powerbomb, then blasted Gable with a clothesline for the win.

A child was shown crying at ringside as Gunther was given the championship. Michael Cole on commentary noted that after 35 years, Gunther will now break The Honky Tonk Man’s record as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time. The show closed with Gunther standing at the entrance, with Gable looking dejected inside the ring.

WWE Raw live results: Payback go-home show

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: August 28, 2023
Location: FedExForum in Memphis, TN 

********** 

Show Recap —

They aired memorial graphics for Terry Funk and Windham “Bray Wyatt” Rotunda. RIP.

******** 

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens will defend the tag team titles against Damian Priest and Finn Bálor at Payback. 

Damian Priest defeated Tag Team Champion Sami Zayn (11:41)

Zayn was doing well until Priest dropped him with a clothesline and followed with a falcon arrow for two. Zayn tried a dive but Priest caught him and dropped him onto the announce table.

After a break, Zayn hit a sunset flip sit-out powerbomb for two, followed by a flip dive and Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Zayn slipped out of a Razor’s Edge attempt and hit an exploder into the corner.

As Zayn set up for Helluva Kick, he was tripped by JD McDonagh. Zayn turned his attention to McDonagh so Priest hit him with a chokeslam for the pinfall win.

(Zayn was getting a lot of offence compared to Priest so you kind of knew where this was going.)

— After the match, Priest shoved McDonagh to the ground and told him to stay out of his business. As Priest left, the crowd began cheering because Kevin Owens appeared in the ring.

Owens dropped McDonagh with a stunner and Zayn laid him out with a Helluva Kick.

******** 

Drew McIntyre was in the back looking at a picture that Matt Riddle gave him. The picture was a photoshop of McIntre wearing gear to match Riddle’s. Akira Tozawa was there and told McIntyre he looked good. McIntyre told Riddle not to get ahead of himself.

Riddle did some comedy before suggesting that they sit at ringside for the Viking Raiders/New Day match. McIntyre liked that idea because he wanted to see those “two idiots” get beat up. Riddle thought he was talking about New Day but McIntyre corrected him before storming off.

********

There was a Raquel Rodriguez promo video package hyping her title match against Rhea Ripley. Rodriguez was bigger and stronger than Ripley and was out for revenge.

Becky Lynch was shown warming up.

(The McIntyre/Riddle segment and the Rodriguez video were the only things that happened between commercial breaks.) 

******** 

Miz segment

LA Knight’s music hit and the crowd popped but it was actually Miz dressed as Knight. The crowd booed Miz who did an impression of Knight.

Miz deepened his voice which he claimed Knight did to sound like a tough guy and repeatedly said “Yeah.” Some of the crowd still sang along and Miz called them sheep to which they responded, “Yeah!” (which was funny). Miz also mixed in some Steve Austin catchphrases as a way to mock Knight.

Miz returned to his regular voice and said being LA Knight was easy and anyone could do it. Miz said Knight was all about catchphrases but when Miz called himself “awesome,” that wasn’t a catchphrase. Miz said the crowd would cheer anything including losers which Knight would be at Payback.

(Miz was pretty good here.)

******** 

Seth Rollins was shown seething in the back (over Shinsuke Nakamura). Ricochet walked by and nodded at him. (Rollins wore an armband for Bray Wyatt.)

******** 

McIntyre and Riddle entered to watch the next match from ringside.  

The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) defeated Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods (17:02)

All four men wore “BRAY” armbands.

Kingston hit a dive but the Viking Raiders were in control anyway after a break.

[SECOND HOUR]

Valhalla distracted Woods which allowed Ivar to prevent a hot tag. The crowd chanted “Let’s go Kofi” whose attempt for a hot tag got cut off again.

Kingston finally made the hot tag to Woods who hit Ivar with a forearm and Honour Roll clothesline for two. Woods avoided a double team and Kingston tagged back in and splashed Ivar but Erik broke up the cover.

The fight spilled to the outside which led to Ivar driving Kinston into both McIntyre and Riddle. McIntyre was pissed and chucked a big leather chair into the ring (trying to hit Ivar). With the ref distracted, McIntyre also chucked one at Erik but he ducked and Woods was knocked out instead.

The Vikings used the opportunity to hit Kingston with Ragnarok for the pinfall win.

— McIntyre checked on Woods and apologized to Kingston who wasn’t pleased. McIntyre was still upset and chucked a leather chair again.

******** 

Bálor told Priest that they needed to get on the same page. Priest was hot and said they do need to focus but focus on people who matter — not JD McDonagh. Priest yelled at Bálor until Ripley cut him off. She said the only members of Judgment Day who were handling business were herself and Dirty Dom.

Ripley said that if they don’t all walk out of Payback as champions, there will be some changes. Priest held up his briefcase and said he’d have no problem winning gold.

(There were Bray Wyatt t-shirts hanging up in the background.)

******** 

They aired the Bray Wyatt tribute video. The crowd held up their cell phone lights and chanted “Thank you, Bray.” A spotlight shined on Bray’s empty rocking chair.

******** 

Riddle and McIntyre approached Kingston as he left the trainer’s room. Kingston said Woods wasn’t doing great but that he’d be fine. McIntyre told Kingston what happened was an accident. Kingston said he knew McIntyre wouldn’t do something like that on purpose and they were all good. They bumped fists.

McIntyre was pissed about the Viking Raiders and said he would take them out last week and wouldn’t wait to tag in. McIntyre left. Kingston wasn’t sure what he meant by that. Riddle was excited because he assumed they were teaming up next week.

******** 

Gunther cut a promo while standing on the announce table. The crowd booed him. Gunther said Chad Gable made history last week when he became the first person to beat him in over 500 days. Gunther said Gable won on a technicality but in reality, he has won nothing. Gunther said Gable did accomplish one thing and that was piss him off.

Gunther fired up and said Gable had his attention and focus. He announced that Gable would get a title rematch next week on Raw. But Gable would not win next week and would not win tonight against his best man, Ludwig Kaiser.

Gable interrupted with Otis and Maxxine Dupri. Gable said Gunther has been on the main roster for almost two years but no one was able to defeat him — until last week. Gable said he won in ten seconds (count out) last week and next week would win the title with a three-count. Gable told Kaiser to get in the ring so he could cook him up Memphis style.

Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) defeated Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci) via disqualification (18:18)

They went to break 45 seconds into the match after Gable hit a cannonball. Gunther left ringside during the break. (Cole called him arrogant for doing so.) They went to a second break after Kaiser knocked Gable off the top and followed with a running uppercut outside the ring.

Kaiser maintained control after the break while cutting off Gable’s comeback attempts. Kaiser hit a rolling fireman’s carry and PK for two. Gable came back with a neckbreaker and suplex before wiping out both Kaiser and Vinci with a moonsault to the outside.

After 18 minutes, Gable hit a Chaos Theory suplex but Vinci broke up the cover for the DQ.

— Otis suplexed Vinci but Kaiser attacked him and the two Imperium members double-teamed him before putting the boots to Gable.

Gunther marched back out and was going to powerbomb Gable but Gable countered into an ankle lock. Kaiser and Vinci decked Gable and stomped away at him until Gunther shoved them aside and powerbombed Gable.

(They’ve been protecting Kaiser but this is obviously not the match Gable should’ve had a week before facing Gunther again.)

******** 

They paid tribute to Bob Barker by showing clips of his guest hosting gig on Raw in 2009. (They didn’t show his interaction with Chris Jericho.)

********

[THIRD HOUR]

Seth Rollins segment 

Rollins kicked off by saying “Yowie wowie” and welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins.

Rollins got straight to the point and called out Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura didn’t show so Rollins thought he should head to Beale Street, order a stiff drink, and listen to the fans sing his song all night long.

A Nakamura video played on the screen. It included clips of Nakamura training while stating his desire to break Rollins and destroy his back. Nakamura said Rollins wouldn’t be able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding and said that Rollins had no future.

Rollins wasn’t impressed that all we got from the great Nakamura was a video package. Rollins wanted to know where the Nakamura was that headlined the Tokyo Dome and set NXT on fire.

A month ago, Rollins would’ve given Nakamura the shirt off his back. The same back that was broken in two places. But his back didn’t stop him from winning the world title and wouldn’t stop him from beating Nakamura’s ass on Saturday. Rollins wouldn’t stop until someone pulled him off Nakamura.

Rollins said Nakamura would never take anything from him — not his title, not his future, not his family.

Nakamura suddenly attacked Rollins from behind. Nakamura dropped him with a kick and took a look at the title belt before leaving.

******** 

Zayn and Owens cut a backstage promo. Zayn was tired of dealing with Judgment Day for all these months. No matter how many times they beat them, Judgment Day found a way to come back and get a cheap victory and now they’ve themselves got a title match. Zayn was ready to face them one more time.

Owens said they went to Adam Pearce and had their match made into a Steel City Street Fight. Owens said a lot of crazy things have happened in Pittsburgh including Owens himself being thrown off a cage through the announce table. He said that was nothing compared to what they would do to Judgment Day and they would end this once and for all.

******** 

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Bronson Reed (4:30)

Ciampa hit an air raid crash early on for a nearfall and Reed followed with a running sit-out powerbomb for a nearfall. Reed knocked Ciampa out of the ring but Ciampa came back with a Widow’s Bell and a running knee strike for two.

Ciampa followed moments later with a crucifix bomb into a pin for the win. (Reed over-rotated in the crucifix pin so the pinfall didn’t look good at all.)

******** 

Jackie Redmond asked Becky Lynch if she had any second thoughts about having a falls count anywhere match against Zoey Stark just days away from facing Trish Stratus in a cage match.

Lynch said she’s had second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth thoughts and they’ve all been about whipping Stark all over the arena. This wasn’t the easy way but she didn’t want the easy way. Lynch planned on bringing the chaos to Memphis.

******** 

Tiffany Stratton was shown in the crowd.

Rhea Ripley/Raquel Rodriguez segment

Ripley entered with Dom for a promo. Ripley said Rodriguez only got one up on her last week because she feigned an injury. Ripley said she could run down her list of accomplishments but that would take too long. The title around her waist was enough to prove everything and Rodriguez was an idiot if she thought she was taking it on Saturday.

Ripley agreed with Rodriguez that she was big and a bit tough — but she was not Rhea bloody Ripley. Mami was walking out as champion at Payback.

Rodriguez marched out. They brawled until Rodriguez sent Ripley out of the ring with a fallaway slam. Dom distracted Rodriguez and Ripley tried to take advantage with a Rip-tide but Rodriguez countered with a clothesline. Ripley backed away with Dom while telling Rodriguez she just made a big mistake.

******** 

Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark cut a quick promo on Lynch. Stratus called Lynch an idiot for taking this match tonight.

The announcers ran down the Payback card.

******** 

They aired the Terry Funk tribute video. The crowd gave a big ovation and “Terry” chants.

********

Next week on Raw:

  • Gunther vs. Gable for the Intercontinental Title
  • McIntyre & Riddle vs. Viking Raiders in a tornado tag team match

********

Stratton was once again shown at ringside.

Falls count anywhere match: Becky Lynch defeated Zoey Stark (w/Trish Stratus) (16:19)

Stratus got involved a minute in by attacking Lynch with a kendo stick. Lynch fought them off and hit both women with a flying crossbody outside the ring. Stark shoved Lynch into the steel steps and hit a springboard dropkick in the ring for two.

Stratus threw a chair into the ring but it hit Stark right in the face — which very much looked like an accident. (Stratus tossed the chair in while Stark had her back turned but she turned around at exactly the wrong time.) They both played it off well. Stark brushed it off as Stratus chucked about six more chairs into the ring.

Stark tried a superplex onto the chairs but Lynch blocked it and hit a diving leg drop for two. Lynch countered Stark’s finisher into a Man-handle Slam but Stratus broke up the cover.

Lynch ran after Stratus and hit her repeatedly with a kendo stick. Stratus scampered up the ramp as Lynch continued to hit her with the stick but Stark attacked Lynch with a chair and hit a thrust kick for two.

Lynch was back in control after a break and gave Stark an exploder into the barricade for two. Lynch grabbed a table and the crowd popped but Stark dropkicked her. Stark hit Lynch repeatedly with a chair. She placed the chair on Lynch and hit a twisting senton.

Lynch chucked a chair at Stark and hit a superplex onto a chair for two. Lynch set up for a Man-handle Slam on the announce table but Stratus reappeared to stop it. Lynch fought them off momentarily but Stratus attacked her again and hit a Stratusfaction bulldog through a table. Stark made a cover for a nearfall.

They fought into an excited crowd and Lynch began fighting them off. Stark accidentally knocked Stratus off a platform and through a table. Lynch and Stark both looked shocked.

Lynch took advantage and gave Stark a Man-handle Slam off the platform through a table for the pinfall win. This wound up being pretty fun and the crowd popped big for the finish.

— Lynch was in tears as she held up a Bray Wyatt armband. 

WWE Raw live results: Gunther vs. Chad Gable IC title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: August 21, 2023
Location: Centre Vidéotron in Québec City

Show Recap —

Sami Zayn kicked off Raw in Quebec and his home province gave him a thunderous ovation. This went on for a good five minutes or so and probably would’ve gone longer if he let them. Zayn welcomed us to Raw while speaking French but he was abruptly interrupted by Judgment Day.

Judgment Day surrounded the ring like the Shield as the crowd booed. Zayn asked them if they really thought he came to Quebec alone.

Kevin Owens marched out. Owens took out Dominik Mysterio and Finn Bálor, chucking them both into the barricade. Zayn avoided a Damian Priest chokeslam and Owens gave Priest a stunner. Owens got a massive ovation. (Seriously, crowds rarely get this loud.)

Owens said it’s been far too long since he’s had a match on Raw so he challenged any two members of Judgment Day to a tag match. Judgment Day seemed on board. Owens swore at them in French and the crowd cheered.

******** 

The announcers thanked the fans for already breaking the WrestleMania gate record for WrestleMania 40.

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle (9:29)

McIntyre tossed Kingston and Woods around and they fell from the ring. Riddle was pumped and gave McIntyre a big hug. McIntyre grabbed him in response and suplexed him over the top onto New Day. McIntyre smiled and Riddle was excited (that McIntryre didn’t turn on him).

New Day were in control over Riddle anyway after a break. Kingston came off the top but Riddle nailed him in the face with a lifting knee strike. Riddle then gave Woods an avalanche fisherman’s suplex.

Before Riddle could even attempt a hot tag, Erik of the Viking Raiders yanked McIntyre off the apron. Kingston then gave Riddle a Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall win.

— Erik and Ivar laid out New Day and Riddle after the match but McIntyre fought them off by himself.

(The crowd was into McIntyre and Riddle as a team and seemed to particularly like McIntyre. They probably would’ve gotten a big pop if they won.)

******** 

Jackie Redmond interviewed JD McDonagh and Finn Bálor. She asked if McDonagh’s involvement was creating more tension within Judgment Day. McDonagh said he’s known Bálor his own life and he was like an older brother. He hoped his involvement would make Judgment Day even stronger.

Bálor was offended by Redmond’s question and reminded her that they laid out Zayn and Cody Rhodes last week thanks to McDonagh. Ripley (with Dom) interrupted the interview because she wanted to discuss tonight’s tag match with Bálor — but not with McDonagh. Bálor was ok with this and he left with Ripley.

******** 

There was a Shayna Baszler video with clips showcasing the damage of her strikes. “I’m not here to be your hero, I’m here to set it all on fire.”

Gunther cut a backstage promo. He said he was building his lifelong legacy and Chad Gable wouldn’t make a name at his expense. Gable’s fairytale story would end tonight.

Byron Saxton was about to interview Gable but Otis and Maxxine Dupri both stepped in and spoke highly of Gable. He said they were making him blush and yelled, “Thank you!”

********

They announced the return of John Cena on the September 1st edition of Smackdown.

Intercontinental Championship match: Chad Gable defeated Gunther via countout — Gunther retains the title (13:10)

They did some mat wrestling until Gunther chopped Gable down ahead of a break.

[SECOND HOUR]

Gunther dropped Gable back-first onto the top of the barricade and Gable just barely got back in the ring at a nine count. Gunther used a double underhook suplex for two and whipped him hard into the corner. Gable was so beaten up that Gunther tried another Irish whip and Gable collapsed.

Gunther mockingly kicked him so Gable fired back with kicks of his own before applying an armbar between the ropes. Gable came off the top but Gunther chopped him and hit a clothesline for two. Gunther hit another clothesline for two.

Gable countered another clothesline attempt into a crucifix pin for two. Gunther applied a sleeper but Gable got to his feet with Gunther on his back. Gable fought back with running forearms and a back suplex.

Gable blocked a knee strike and applied an ankle lock but Gunther kicked his way out of it. Gable tackled Gunther and hammered away at him. Gable hit a few chops and a German suplex for two. The crowd chanted, “This is awesome.”

Gable set up for a moonsault but Gunther shoved him off the top to the outside. Gable ducked a chop and Gunther chopped the ring post. Gable then gave Gunther a German suplex over the barricade into the timekeeper’s area — which looked awesome.

Gable slipped back into the ring at a nine count and Gunther was counted out.

— Gable celebrated big as they announced him the winner by countout. Gable said he was coming back for more. Gunther was pissed and his Imperium teammates demanded Samantha Irvin announce that Gunther was still the champion.

Cole said Gable was the first person to beat Gunther in a singles match since he debuted in WWE.

******** 

Judgment Day discussed who should team up tonight. Bálor thought it should be him and Dom. Priest thought it should be him and Dom since he was Mr. Money in the Bank and Dom was the NXT North American Champion. Bálor was offended.

Priest asked for Dom’s opinion but Dom sheepishly asked Ripley what she thought instead. Ripley had enough. She left to get ready for her match and told them they better make a decision by the time she was back or else she will.

*******

Gunther screamed at Imperium backstage before leaving. Ludwig Kaiser said he was going to make things right and asked Giovanni Vinci what he planned on doing. Vinci looked around confused.

******** 

Cody Rhodes segment

Saxton interviewed Rhodes backstage. Rhodes said Bálor sat on him like he was furniture last week. Rhodes wondered what McDonagh’s problem was and said he looked like a Funko Pop (because of his big head and small body).

Rhodes didn’t want to continue this backstage and had Saxton follow him through the back and out to the stage. Rhodes greeted the fans in French. Rhodes also gave Cole and Wade Barrett a shout-out.

Rhodes said Judgment Day had the numbers advantage but they wouldn’t here in Quebec City. Rhodes said tonight was about Owens and Zayn. He would have their backs and we would see Judgment Day fall.

(So Rhodes won’t be at ringside but will appear if he must.) 

******** 

Shinsuke Nakamura video

Nakamura did a video promo in Japanese and English (with English subtitles). Nakamura said Seth Rollins acted like he had it all but Nakamura knew Rollins and his weaknesses. The words Nakamura whispered to Rollins were, “I know about your back.”

Nakamura said Rollins’ back has been broken for many years. “He lives in pain and this pain creates a void inside of him that nothing can fill. No matter how successful he is, he is still in pain.” He’s in pain when he hugs his wife and holds his child. Rollins’ worst fears were coming true because he knows Nakamura can break him once and for all.

Nakamura said he had a void too. They live by a code that others do not. That code is displayed on Rollins’ back (his back tattoo) — the same back that was failing him. Rollins tried to live by that code but his body is crumbling under the pressure of his own vanity.

“Are you satisfied, Seth, with what you have done with your life?” Nakamura said he would not be satisfied until he takes this burden from Rollins and breaks him once and for all. “Watch your back.”

The title match was officially announced for Payback.

(I thought this was really well put together.)

******** 

Non-title match: Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley (w/NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio) defeated Candice LeRae (w/Indi Hartwell) (1:20)

LeRae got some offence in but Ripley won quickly by submission with a standing cloverleaf.

— Raquel Rodriguez limped out on a crutch after the match. Ripley mocked her but Rodriguez chucked to crutch at Ripley, revealing that her leg was fine. Rodriguez laid out Ripley who rolled out of the ring and backed off with Dom.

Rodriguez announced that she’s been cleared — and she’s got a title shot at Payback.

******** 

Tommaso Ciampa cut a backstage promo. He spoke about being this close against Gable, who got the IC title shot, and against Nakamura, who got a world title shot. 

Ciampa didn’t want to complain about being this close because he didn’t want to be that guy, he came back to be the guy. He’s been that guy before and was dying to buy that guy again. Ciampa dropped a “do it yourself” line before saying he was here to “take over.”

******** 

Miz said he was a trendsetter while LA Knight would be remembered as a blip on the radar. Miz rambled about the same things he always does before saying he hand-picked his opponent tonight.

Akira Tozawa entered. Miz called Tozawa a former 24/7 Champion and it was unfortunate that the title didn’t exist anymore because it was a throwback to the Attitude Era — just like LA Knight. Miz asked Tozawa some questions and Tozawa kept responding, “Yeah!” which pissed off Miz. Miz booted Tozawa.

Akira Tozawa defeated The Miz (7:19)

Knight entered as the match started. The distraction allowed Tozawa to dropkick Miz out of the ring and hit a suicide dive. Knight tossed some tissues on Miz. (Knight joined commentary as they went to break.)

Miz was in control after a break. Tozawa fought back but Miz got his knees up on a diving senton attempt. Miz kept yelling at Knight so Tozawa rolled him up for the pinfall win.

— As Miz argued with the referee, Knight laid him out with Blunt Force Trauma. The crowd liked Knight.

******** 

McIntyre told Riddle that they weren’t working out as a team. New Day chimed in. Woods said the crowd loved them and they had a good thing going. Kingston agreed and said they had potential. Woods suggested their team name be “McRiddle.”

Woods offered them a rematch after they beat the Viking Raiders next week. Riddle asked McIntyre to team up again and McIntyre left without answering. Riddle was happy he didn’t say no.

******** 

[THIRD HOUR]

Ripley asked Priest if they made a decision. Priest said no because Bálor didn’t trust him and wanted him to talk to McDonagh. Priest didn’t really trust Bálor either. Ripley was annoyed and said they were going to do things her way. She left without explaining.

Becky Lynch/Trish Stratus segment

Lynch entered. She said the person who is considered the best ever comes down to legacy. Lynch said her legacy wouldn’t be defined by wins or losses or by championships, it would be defined by survival. You can break her bones and put her on the shelf but she would always come back. She was unstoppable — not because she always won because she would always fight.

Lynch said she had Trish Stratus in a cage match at Payback but still had an issue to settle with Zoey Stark.

Stratus and Stark interrupted. Stratus was happy to be north of the border instead of with the “U.S.A-holes.” Stratus then turned on Quebec City because she said they meant nothing. They booed and she let them know that the Maple Leafs at least made the playoffs. Stratus said she should make like Justin Trudeau and split. (Trudeau and his wife recently separated.)

The crowd chanted something in French at Stratus who claimed she didn’t understand. Stratus said she would prove she was the greatest of her generation and of the current one.

Stratus said Payback would be her first cage match and she admitted that she was scared. But she was scared when she debuted at 24 years old with no experience — and she killed it. She was scared when she was the first woman to main event Raw — and she killed it.

Stratus once again found herself in a position where she had to prove herself. She was sick of having to prove herself and Lynch would see a side of her she hasn’t seen before. Stratus said Lynch should be scared because, “you’re not gonna survive this one, bitch.”

Lynch pretended to be scared and announced that she was facing Stark next week in a falls count anywhere match.

******** 

Saxton interviewed Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Green called him “Bryan.” She rambled for a bit before Niven cut her off.

Non-title match: Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green & Piper Niven defeated Kayden Carter & Katana Chance (1:36)

Carter and Chance hit a nice double-team move on Green but she wasn’t the legal woman. Niven took out Carter and pinned Katana with a running crossbody.

******** 

Seth Rollins interview

Redmond interviewed Seth Rollins. He wanted to hear the crowd sing his song before moving on to Nakamura.

Rollins said Nakamura caught him off guard last week when he brought up his back injury. It wasn’t something he wanted to talk about publicly but he admitted to having two fractures in his lumbar spine.

Rollins has been living with it for four years and it doesn’t get better on its own — it gets worse. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep going at this level. But it was part of the gig. It was also part of the gig if Nakamura wanted to play mind games and take shots at him.

But if Nakamura wanted to bring his wife and daughter into this then he better be prepared to face him man-to-man. Rollins questioned if Nakamura wanted this because he wasn’t even there tonight. Rollins invited Nakamura to play mind games again next week. Rollins would be in the centre of the ring with the world singing his song.

******** 

Next week on Raw in Memphis:

  • Becky Lynch vs. Zoey Stark – falls count anywhere
  • Chad Gable vs. Ludwig Kaiser

********

Priest entered moments before Ripley dragged out Bálor. She demanded that the two of them team up tonight. They marched down together to attack Owens and Zayn who got the better of the exchange before the match officially began.

Non-title match: Damian Priest & Finn Bálor (w/Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio) defeated Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn via disqualification (2:37)

Owens was all over Bálor to the delight of the crowd. Priest grabbed his briefcase but Zayn decked him. McDonagh tried sliding the briefcase in to Bálor but Owens grabbed it and hit Bálor with it for the DQ.

Judgment Day swarmed Owens and Zayn until Rhodes ran out to even the odds. Rhodes challenged them to a six-man match and the crowd cheered. Adam Pearce made it official.

********

Six-man tag team match: Cody Rhodes & Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated Damian Priest, Finn Bálor & NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley) (14:22)

The match was underway following a break.

Judgment Day took turns hitting moves on Owens — including Ripley who bodyslammed him. After a break, Owens dropped Bálor onto the announce desk but Priest tagged in and prevented a tag. The crowd chanted for Owens who superkicked Bálor. Bálor fell into Rhodes who fell off the apron. Zayn made the tag and he hammered away at Priest and knocked his partners off the apron.

Zayn gave Priest a tornado DDT for two. Bálor distracted the ref allowing Ripley to yank Zayn off the top. Priest followed with a chokeslam but Owens broke up the cover. Owens chucked Bálor out of the ring but Priest clotheslined Owens. Dom tagged in but Zayn got his knees up on a frog splash.

Rhodes reappeared on the apron and Zayn made the hot tag. Rhodes hit Dom with a Disaster Kick before hitting both Dom and Priest with a double Cody Cutter. Rhodes gave Bálor a Cross Rhodes before Dom tried a schoolboy for two.

Rhodes gave Dom a Cross Rhodes, Zayn gave Dom a Helluva Kick, and Owens finished him off with a stunner for the pinfall win.

— After the match, Zayn grabbed the mic and said, “Hey Judgment Day — better luck next time, eh bud?” Zayn thanked Quebec and posed with the title belts. The babyfaces embraced as the show ended. 

WWE Raw live results: Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: August 14, 2023
Location: Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB 

********** 

Show Recap —

Michael Cole said tonight was a night of massive matches and they proceeded to announce two matches. Cody Rhodes faces Finn Bálor, Becky Lynch faces Trish Stratus (with Zoey Stark banned from ringside), plus an interview with Shinsuke Nakamura.

Opening segment

Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio entered without Bálor. Ripley said they ran Raw but admitted things haven’t been going their way lately. Priest said Bálor should have won the world title at SummerSlam and Judgment Day should have won their six-man tag match last week. Priest said Judgment Day would still dictate what happens on Raw as long as he had the briefcase.

Priest said Bálor would beat Rhodes tonight and Bálor should be out there telling us this himself. He assured us that Judgment Day was not breaking up but proceeded to rant about Bálor’s absence (as Ripley tried to calm him down).

JD McDonagh interrupted. Priest warned him to choose his words wisely. McDonagh said he wasn’t there to disrespect the most dominant faction in WWE. McDonagh relayed a message from Bálor — worry about the real targets: Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Ripley told him they don’t take orders from anyone.

Dom told McDonagh they had things locked down (while the crowd drowned him out). Dom said he was the NXT North American Champion and added: “I just found out that Canada is a part of North America so I guess I’m the champion of this dump.” Ripley told McDonagh to tell Bálor that they needed to talk.

Zayn interrupted. Fortunately, he was not there to talk. Zayn attacked McDonagh (who took him out last week). However, Zayn took his attention away from McDonagh to look at Judgment Day so McDonagh slammed his injured arm into the ring post. 

********

The following match was made official during a commercial break. Zayn’s left arm was taped up and he wore an elbow pad.

Sami Zayn defeated JD McDonagh (11:43)

McDonagh worked over Zayn’s arm and removed the coverings. Zayn tried fighting back but McDonagh went after the arm and hit a knee drop on the arm over the announce desk.

After a break, McDonagh caught Zayn mid-air with a dropkick as Zayn came off the top. Zayn fought back with a clothesline, punches, and a one-armed Michinoku Driver (which looked great) for two.

McDonagh responded with a Spanish Fly for two and transitioned into a crossface (trapping the injured arm) but Zayn got the ropes. McDonagh kicked the bad arm repeatedly but Zayn gave him an exploder into the corner.

Bálor sauntered out and ran down the aisle but stopped short of the ring. The distraction allowed McDonagh to apply a cradle for two. McDonagh hit a headbutt and tried a moonsault but Zayn got his feet up.

Zayn knocked Bálor off the apron before hitting McDonagh with Helluva Kick for the pinfall win.

(Pretty good match thanks in part to Zayn doing a great job selling his arm.)

******** 

Chelsea Green met with Adam Pearce. Pearce was about to announce that he was stripping her of the tag titles but Green cut him off. She called him predictable and threatened to call human resources. Pearce asked what she would do if she were in his position. Green suggested they hold auditions for her new partner.

Kayden Carter and Katana Chance entered and said they wanted the next shot as soon as she found a partner.

Piper Niven busted in and dropped Katana. Niven told Green that she was her new partner. Green tried to explain that she wanted to hold auditions but Niven made it clear that she was her new partner. Niven grabbed one of the title belts and they left together. (Pearce and Carter checked on Katana.)

******** 

Byron Saxton interviewed Cody Rhodes backstage. Saxton asked Rhodes about Bálor being a loose cannon lately. Rhodes said you have to be a bit of a loose cannon to do this gig.

Rhodes admired Bálor to a degree and said he was a leader in Ireland, Japan, and now with Judgment Day. However, Priest and Ripley were both leaders too. Rhodes said Dom was there too and figured he was the submissive one.

Rhodes said the group have taken out Liv Morgan and Kevin Owens but he was excited to wrestle in Winnipeg for the first time in many years and he would be ready for Judgment Day.

********

Gunther/Chad Gable segment 

Gunther entered with Imperium and cut a promo standing on the announce table. Gunther said he was building his legacy as the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. As a European, he looked forward to visiting Canada. But after walking around Winnipeg, he realized why they called it the armpit of Canada.

Gunther spoke about his next opponent, Chad Gable. Gunther was impressed by Gable who has worked hard for years and might be the best athlete in the company but Gunther has already accomplished more in his career than Gable.

Gable interrupted by yelling “shoosh” and entered with Otis and Maxxine Dupri. Gable said he successfully lasted over five minutes with Gunther a few weeks ago but now Gunther was the one on the clock as he got close to the IC title record.

Gable said there was one thing in Gunther’s way: a guy who has been waiting and working for an opportunity for ten years. Gable was chasing him down and was ready to take the IC title. Gable said he would first deal with Giovanni Vinci tonight and told him to bring his beautiful, bald head into the ring.

Ludwig Kaiser said Vinci would embarrass Gable just like Kaiser embarrassed Otis last week. Ludwig flirted with Dupri. He said Alpha Academy was a sinking ship and offered his hand to save her before she became what they already were: an absolute embarrassment. Dupri slapped him.

******** 

Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) defeated Giovanni Vinci (w/Ludwig Kaiser & IC Champion Gunther) (5:06)

Vinci hit a series of hard chops but Gable came back with a release German suplex. Vinci blocked Gable’s moonsault attempt and hit one of his own for two. Gable responded with a Chaos Theory suplex for the pinfall win.

— Gunther was pissed and said this isn’t how things end tonight. Gunther said if Winnipeg was the armpit of Canada then Otis was the armpit of humanity. Gunther ran down Otis while Otis swivelled his hips. Gunther demanded a match right now.

[SECOND HOUR] 

Non-title match: Intercontinental Champion Gunther (w/Imperium) defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable & Maxxine Dupri) (5:10)

Gunther was in control but Otis fought back with wild fists and dropped him with a back elbow. They traded strikes until Otis hit a fallaway slam. Otis tried a Caterpillar but Gunther stomped him. This didn’t look good so Gunther stomped him again. Gunther powerbombed the big man (which did look good) for the pinfall win.

— Gable hit the ring afterwards and immediately dropped Gunther with a German suplex. Gunther left with Imperium. (Kaiser had a slight look of concern on his face and Gunther yelled at him.)

******** 

Priest confronted Bálor in the back but Ripley cut them off and said they were starting to lose their killer instincts. McDonagh tried to intervene but Priest told him to back off. Bálor told McDonagh he’d speak to him later. Bálor agreed with Ripley and said they should make things right tonight. They were all on the same page and Priest was pumped.

******** 

There was a video package hyping Edge vs. Sheamus for Friday’s Smackdown in Toronto. (I’ll be there.)

There was a video package recapping the Bloodline angle.

********

Jackie Redmond interviewed Drew McIntyre (earlier today). Redmond said it was great to have McIntyre back on Raw and asked him what was next. Matt Riddle interrupted before McIntyre could answer.

Riddle offered to be his tag partner and already accepted a match against the Viking Raiders. Riddle ran down potential team names until McIntyre cut him off. McIntyre said he would be Riddle’s partner if he couldn’t find anyone else.

******** 

There was an Indi Hartwell video package. She faces Ripley tonight.

Cole plugged WrestleMania tickets going on sale. Because they’re allergic to saying dates, Cole said, “WrestleMania comes to Philadelphia the first Saturday and Sunday of April. Tickets are available this coming Friday!” You could tell he was doing his best not to screw this up.

********

Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre defeated The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) (9:28)

The Raiders beat up Riddle through a break until he suplexed Erik and made the hot tag to McIntyre who hit both opponents with suplexes and neckbreakers before giving Ivar a Michinoku Driver for two. Riddle tagged in but had to fight off a double team before McIntyre tagged back in.

Riddle wiped out Ivar with a dive and McIntyre hit Erik with a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.

******** 

Raquel Rodriguez approached Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae in the back. Rodriguez was itching to get after Ripley but she still couldn’t get cleared. LeRae told her not to worry and that she just had to be patient. Rodriguez wished Hartwell luck. 

********

Riddle was excited about his new team and wanted to go after the tag titles but McIntyre told him to pump the breaks.

New Day approached them and they were offended that Riddle thought he could win the tag titles considering they weren’t a real team. They were also offended that he made these comments on Kofi Kingston’s birthday. Xavier Woods and Kingston challenged them to a tag match next week to see who would be going after the titles next and Riddle accepted.

********

Non-title match: Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley (w/NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio) defeated Indi Hartwell (w/Candice LeRae) (3:00)

Hartwell got some offence but Ripley won fairly easily via pinfall after a headbutt and Rip-tide. (Ripley also took out LeRae mid-match for the hell of it.)

— LeRae attacked Ripley after the match but Ripley started beating her up anyway. The babyfaces only got the edge over Ripley when they teamed up on her and they quickly bailed (once Dom hit the ring).

******** 

[THIRD HOUR]

Shinsuke Nakamura/Seth Rollins segment

Cole interviewed Nakamura in the ring. Nakamura wore an all-black suit. Cole said Nakamura has known Seth Rollins his entire career and asked why he attacked him last week.

Nakamura initially responded in Japanese before stating, “I want the world title.” Cole asked if he had to kick Rollins in the head. Nakamura again responded in Japanese before stating, “I win the world title.”

Rollins interrupted. He wore a lacy, all-white outfit and glasses (which was certainly in stark contrast to Nakamura’s outfit). Rollins thought it was odd Nakamura would attack him just to get a title shot when he wasn’t a hard man to find.

Rollins called himself a fighting champion who had the utmost respect for Nakamura — until last week. If Nakamura wanted a title shot, all he had to do was ask. Rollins said everyone was asking “why” Nakamura did it but all Rollins was wondering was “how” he could get even.

Rollins said Nakamura got his wish because in order for Rollins to get what he wanted, Nakamura would get what he wanted. Rollins announced a title match between them. Nakamura was happy. Rollins said Nakamura just needed to name the time and place so Rollins could kick his ass. Rollins told Nakamura to shake his hand (to make it official).

Nakamura shook Rollins’ hand before whispering something in his ear. Rollins seemed taken aback by the comment.

As Rollins looked around in confusion, Nakamura dropped him with a Kinshasa.

******* 

Saxton interviewed Miz who claimed he was better than LA Knight in the ring and on the mic. Miz asked Saxton if he thought Knight was a somebody and Saxton said, “Yeah.” Miz yelled at him and said he would beat somebody next week who was better than anyone Knight has faced. Miz also said he might just show up on Smackdown on Friday.

********

Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch ended in a double countout (11:38)

Stratus headbutted Lynch with her facemask but Lynch fought her off and hit an exploder. Stratus’ facemask fell off at one point and the referee gave her a moment to put it back on. Stratus tried bringing Lynch down with a handstand headscissors but she stumbled and had to try it again.

Stratus took off the mask and tried using it as a weapon but Lynch yanked it away. Lynch was distracted as the ref wrestled the mask away from her and Stratus knocked her down.

After a break, Lynch fought back with strikes and a leg drop for two. Stratus came back with a spear for two. Stratus tried a tornado DDT but Lynch blocked it and hit a superplex for two.

Stratus tried running away into the crowd so Lynch went after her. The bell suddenly rang and the match was… over. The ref called for a double countout.

— Lynch and Stratus fought up the stairs and into the concourse area where the fans were conveniently parted away from the action.

They fought near a merchandise table until Zoey Stark (in a hood) attacked Lynch. Stratus dropped Lynch with a Chick Kick.

(This was no good at all. The first half of the match was rough and got only slightly better once they got rid of the mask.)

******** 

Gunther told Vinci and Kaiser that tonight was an absolute embarrassment. Gunther wondered what he should do with Vinci who has been disappointing him since they came to Raw, and Kaiser wasn’t taking care of his responsibilities because he was focused on “that girl.”

Kaiser apologized. He offered to go to Pearce and fix this but Gunther told him no. Gunther said he would sort this out himself like usual and said he would defend the IC title against Gable next week.

********

Pearce accosted Stratus and Stark in the back. He was pissed and said Stratus and Lynch would have a rematch in a steel cage.

******** 

Next week on Raw:

  • Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle
  • Gunther vs. Chad Gable for the Intercontinental title

********

Cody Rhodes defeated Finn Bálor (14:05)

With Rhodes outside the ring, Dom ran down in a hilariously cartoonish manner with the intent to attack but Rhodes booted him. The distraction allowed Bálor to hit a baseball slide and take over ahead of a break.

Dom and Ripley were still at ringside after the break despite Dom obviously trying to interfere in front of the referee.

Rhodes fought back with a powerslam and Disaster Kick for two. Priest made his way down as Bálor hit Rhodes with a slingblade and headlock elbow drop for two. Rhodes dodged a Coup de Grace and hit a Cody Cutter.

Priest tripped Rhodes as the ref was distracted but Rhodes fended him off and wiped out both Priest and Bálor with a dive. Ripley distracted the ref as Dom crotched Rhodes on the top. Bálor followed with a superplex for two.

Dom slid a chair into the ring but the ref took it away. As Ripley distracted the ref again, Priest slid the briefcase in the ring but it went right under Bálor’s hands and into the hands of Rhodes.

Rhodes hit Bálor with the briefcase (with the ref’s back still turned), knocked down Priest, and hit Bálor with Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. (The crowd was quiet for the bulk of the match but popped for the finishing sequence.)

— Dom and Bálor attacked Rhodes after the match but Zayn ran out to make the save with a chair. Zayn also fought off Priest but was decked from behind by McDonagh. Judgment Day worked together to beat up Zayn and Rhodes as McDonagh looked on. Bálor hit Rhodes with a Coup de Grace in the ring and hit Zayn with one outside the ring.

They cleared the table and Priest put Zayn through it with a Razor’s Edge. Bálor gave Rhodes another Coup de Grace.

Judgment Day embraced each other and stood tall as the show ended. 

WWE Raw live results: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Imperium

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: June 12, 2023
Location: Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, KS

********** 

Show Recap —

Rhea Ripley entered alone to start the show. Adam Pearce wasted no time in introducing her as the new Women’s World Champion. He unveiled a new title belt and its design is similar to the men’s world title belt but with a white strap. Ripley was pumped to raise the new belt and the crowd applauded her.

Dominik Mysterio excitedly jogged out to place the belt around Ripley’s waist. The crowd booed as Dom put over Ripley.

Cody Rhodes interrupted. Rhodes had nothing but respect for Ripley but what he actually wanted to talk about was Dom. He showed a replay of Dom slapping him last week.

Rhodes wished we were hearing Brock Lesnar accept his challenge but Lesnar didn’t have the balls to do that. Instead, Rhodes challenged Dom to a match at Money in the Bank.

Dom said he wasn’t afraid of anyone in the world. He embarrassed Rhodes just like he would anyone else. The crowd chanted “You suck” and Rhodes encouraged them to continue. Rhodes wanted an answer.

Ripley said her Latino Heat was more of a man than anyone in the arena and certainly more than Rhodes. Rhodes again asked for an answer.

Miz tried to attack Rhodes from behind but Rhodes saw it coming and knocked him out of the ring. This allowed Dom to get in another cheapshot before he bailed from the ring. Ripley laughed and accepted Rhodes’ challenge on Dom’s behalf. 

Cody Rhodes defeated The Miz (10:43)

Rhodes wrestled with his arm in a cast and Miz took control by driving him arm-first into the steel steps. Rhodes fought back after a break and hit a Side Effect, clothesline, powerslam, and Disaster Kick for two. Miz kicked his leg out of his leg, hit It Kicks and a DDT for two.

Rhodes blocked a Skull Crushing Finale for a second time and hit a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. Rhodes signed an autograph for a young fan as he left.

(Not sure where it happened but Rhodes had blood on the back of his head.)

******** 

Becky Lynch walked through the back past Alpha Academy as Chad Gable and Otis appeared to be showing Maxxine Dupri some holds.

Lynch entered to cut a promo before her match. Lynch said she was lucky to do a lot of things in her career but winning the MITB ladder match has alluded her. She had a good feeling about this year.

She said we’ve all been conditioned to believe that the best person is the person who holds the championship. The irony of it was that the number one person was the person who held the power and that was the person who held the briefcase.

They had a power to make the champion scared and that scared people did dangerous things. She liked it when people did dangerous things because it made her better. You didn’t have to look any further than Trish Stratus as an example. Stratus was so scared that she got herself an insurance policy in Zoey Stark.

Stark interrupted. Stark said Lynch had a lot of accomplishments but she’ll never be able to say that she beat Trish Stratus. Losing to Stark at MITB would be her next failure.

Lynch knew that Stark was a pit bull but she had no personality. Stark told Lynch to look in the mirror because the only reason she only got popular was because someone else broke her face. Lynch was desperately holding onto her fame and was now using Stratus to stay relevant. Stark threatened to break her face at MITB and make her famous.

Stratus invited her to the ring but Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville entered. (Stark tried to psych them out by stepping toward them but they didn’t flinch. They told her to relax and moved on.) They made excuses for Deville’s loss last week before Lynch cut them off and told Green to get in the ring.

Becky Lynch defeated Chelsea Green (w/Sonya Deville) (7:17)

A distraction from Deville allowed Green to take control during a break but Lynch fought back and repeatedly drove her into the barricade. Lynch applied a Disarmer moments later and Green tapped out. 

******** 

There was a recap of Seth Rollins beating Damian Priest to retain the world title.

In the back, Priest, Ripley and Dom were all in a good mood but Finn Bálor was not. Ripley asked if Bálor was alright and he said he had a lot on his mind. Priest said he would beat Matt Riddle in his MITB qualifier and would go to the ring alone. Bálor didn’t look pleased.

[SECOND HOUR]

Money in the Bank qualifier: Damian Priest defeated Matt Riddle (14:20)

There was a spot where Riddle ducked a charge and Priest flew onto the announce desk. Riddle grabbed him and yelled “Stupid!” which was perhaps a reference to Randy Orton.

Riddle held control for the first part of the match. After a Riddle German suplex, they traded strikes until Priest cut him off with a falcon arrow.

Riddle applied an ankle lock following a break and transitioned into a sleeper hold. Priest countered it and dropped him with a clothesline. Priest charged at Riddle in the corner but Riddle grabbed him in a triangle between the ropes. Priest came back with a headlock driver for two.

Priest set up for a top rope Razor’s Edge but Riddle slipped out and hit an avalanche fisherman suplex for a nearfall. Priest grabbed Riddle off the middle rope and hit a Razor’s Edge for the (somewhat abrupt) pinfall win. Priest qualifies for the final men’s MITB slot.

This was really good and Riddle looked particularly impressive.

— Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser marched out after the match. Priest faced off with Gunther before telling him to go pick the bones. Gunther smacked around Riddle and dropped him with a chop. (This was payback for Riddle beating up Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci last week.)

******** 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Rhodes. Rhodes said Dom was getting gassed up by Ripley and Judgment Day and that would eventually get Dom hurt. He spoke passionately about finishing the story and said Lesnar and Dom were not knocking him off the path. He wished “Dom-Dom” luck at MITB.  

********

Byron Saxton interviewed Natalya. Saxton said people are suggesting that Natalya hasn’t been the same since losing to Ripley. Natalya said maybe that wasn’t a bad thing considering being her hasn’t worked out well lately. She said she may not even know how to be herself anymore. She marched off.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn walked by so Saxton interviewed them too. Owens (who wore a Gene Okerlund t-shirt) looked forward to getting payback after coming so close against Gunther last week. Saxton left as Imperium approached.

Kaiser reminded Owens that he lost to Gunther. Zayn asked Owens to calm down before he could freak out again. Zayn said it took three of them to beat Owens last week and he wondered where their bald friend was this week.

Pearce showed up and wanted everyone to settle down. Kaiser challenged them to put the tag titles on the line tonight. Owens freaked out and accepted. He said he needed to change his t-shirt and shorts into a different t-shirt and shorts. He left.

Kaiser and Gunther were amused by Owens’ antics so Zayn confidently reminded them that they were the undisputed tag champs. Gunther told Pearce to make the title match official. Pearce said he’d think about it.

******** 

Jinder Mahal said Indus Sher were not satisfied because Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander were still standing so the job was not done. He offered them a proper match.

Bronson Reed defeated Ricochet via disqualification (7:39)

Shinsuke Nakamura sauntered out to watch at ringside.

Ricochet fought back after a break with a dropkick, suicide dive, springboard crossbody and lionsault for two. Reed caught Ricochet and lawn-darted him into Nakamura, so Nakamura attacked Reed for the DQ. (Samantha Irvin, Ricochet’s partner, very excitedly announced Reed as the winner via DQ.)

— Ricochet argued with Nakamura until Reed ran them both over. Ricochet saved Nakamura from a Reed Tsunami and they worked together to bring Reed down with a superplex. Ricochet and Nakamura stared each other down as the segment ended.

******** 

Zayn asked Owens about his constant blow-ups lately. Owens admitted there’s been months of stress dealing with the Bloodline and now Imperium were constantly showing up around them. Owens spoke frantically until Zayn asked if he’d be ok in the ring. Owens settled down and said he’d be just fine.

Elsewhere, Pearce was on the phone with someone and made the tag title match official for tonight. Ricochet approached him and requested a rematch against Reed next week. Pearce said Reed already had a match scheduled against Nakamura next week.

Nakamura showed up and Ricochet wanted to know what his problem was. Ricochet warned him not to get involved again. Nakamura said he would succeed where Ricochet failed and Ricochet could have Reed when he was done with him.

********

Finn Bálor / Seth Rollins segment

Bálor entered and called out Seth Rollins. He didn’t want any jokes or singalongs. He wanted Rollins now.

Rollins entered. Despite Bálor’s request, the crowd sang Rollins’ theme. Bálor said, “I’ve been waiting seven years to say this and I’m not waiting another second so you people better shut up.” The crowd kept singing.

Bálor recalled being the first draft pick on Raw seven years ago, beating Roman Reigns on his first night and beating Rollins to become the first ever Universal Champion. The crowd kept singing. Rollins spoke which stopped the crowd’s singing for a moment but they started again once Bálor spoke again. Rollins wanted to hear what Bálor had to say after seven years.

Bálor said it should have been the highest of highs for him seven years ago but it was the lowest of lows because of Rollins. Bálor ran down the list of injuries he suffered because of him.

Bálor wouldn’t complain about the injuries because that happens in this industry. The crowd was still singing. The injuries didn’t bother him and said the fans can sing along all they want but they didn’t really know Seth Rollins.

Bálor said Rollins took everything from him. Rollins took his momentum, his title, and a year of his career. “You took everything.” Bálor said it was his turn — he would take Rollins’ momentum, title and a year from his career. Bálor would take it all at Money in the Bank.

Rollins laughed. He said this was the Finn Bálor he’s been waiting to see for the past seven years. Rollins said they went on different paths after that SummerSlam match because one of them got bitter while the other got better.

Rollins admitted he’s done some bad things over those seven years but he’s also made history, memories and moments that the fans will never forget. Rollins did that because he adapted and got better every day and now he was the best version of Seth freakin’ Rollins. The proof was in the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins accepted Bálor’s challenge at MITB.

Rollins wondered which version of Bálor would show up in London. The bitter shell of a former champion didn’t stand a chance but the Bálor that beat him with one arm had a shot. Rollins wondered if we’d get that Bálor or the one that’s been walking around for seven years acting like a little bitch.

(The match was made official after a break.)

********

Tag Team Champion Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) defeated Raquel Rodriguez (2:12)

Rodriguez fought off Baszler’s attack and set up for her finisher but she stopped what she was doing to go after Rousey on the apron. Rodriguez grabbed Rousey which allowed Baszler to roll her up for the pinfall win — with Rousey assisting on the cover. This was silly.

********

They aired the Iron Sheik tribute video and the crowd gave a big ovation.

******** 

Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) defeated Erik (w/Ivar & Valhalla) (1:49)

Gable hit a diving headbutt and Otis was happy to see “coach” using his head.

Valhalla sprinted at Dupri who sidestepped her and brought her down with a hip toss. (This is what Gable was teaching her earlier tonight.) Gable used a sunset flip into a cradle moments later for the pinfall win. The crowd liked Gable.

******** 

Bálor spoke with JD McDonagh in the back. McDonagh left after Priest approached. Priest said Bálor seemed to be in a better mood now that he had his championship opportunity. Bálor congratulated Priest on qualifying for MITB and asked if he would cash the briefcase in on him.

Priest said of course not and seemed surprised that Bálor would ask him that. Priest said there was tension between them and blamed it on Rollins. Priest told Bálor to make it worth it and end it at MITB.

******** 

Kelley interviewed Rollins. She asked if he was prepared for a bitter Finn Bálor. Rollins was as prepared and confident as someone can be. He wondered if Bálor was prepared for him. If Bálor lost, not only would he lose his mind, it seemed like he might lose Priest as well.

Rollins was feeling good so he issued an open challenge for his world title next week on Raw.

(He didn’t acknowledge Bron Breakker or NXT here but there was a commercial teasing that Rollins would appear on NXT tomorrow.)

********

Next week on Raw in Cleveland:

  • Logan Paul returns
  • Seth Rollins world title open challenge
  • Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed

********

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated Intercontinental Champion Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser to retain the Tag Team Championships (18:17)

Zayn fought off both opponents but Gunther had tagged himself in and leveled Zayn with a boot before also booting Owens off the apron. Gunther dropped Zayn onto the apron which led to the match’s second commercial break.

Zayn hit a sunset flip sitout powerbomb immediately after the break. (The crowd was red hot now.) Owens made the hot tag and he hammered away on Gunther. Owens dropped him after a few clotheslines and followed with a senton, exploder suplex, superkick, cannonball, and senton bomb for two. Gunther blocked a stunner and hit a big boot.

Each man tagged out and Zayn gave Kaiser an exploder in the corner. Zayn ducked a chop from Gunther outside the ring and Gunther chopped the ring post.

Kaiser blocked a Blue Thunder Bomb and hit a rolling fireman’s carry. Kaiser also wiped out Owens with a suicide dive.

Gunther killed Zayn with a clothesline for a close nearfall. Gunther hit another big clothesline for another nearfall. Imperium hit the Imperial Bomb but Owens broke up the cover by pushing Gunther into Kaiser.

Kaiser posted Owens which led to Riddle marching out. Gunther knocked out Riddle before Owens took out Gunther with a DDT on the ramp.

Zayn nailed Kaiser with Blue Thunder Bomb for the pinfall win. Zayn and Owens retained. They celebrated as the show ended.

The crowd was super into the final moments and popped big for the win.

(The Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship about a minute or two after Raw went off the air.) 

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.