Event: WWE Monday Night RAW
Airdate: Monday, May 18th, 2015 (USA Network)
Location: The Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, VA
Results by Matt Boone
“Yes, sir, we promised you a great main event…”
The Authority, Sheamus & Ryback Kick Off RAW
The post-Payback edition of WWE RAW opens up with the usual video package. We then shoot inside the arena in Richmond, Virginia and Eden introduces The Authority — Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
Michael Cole informs us that for the first time since WrestleMania 31, here is Triple H and Stephanie McMahon coming out to the ring together on Monday Night Raw.
The two talk about how good of a champion Seth Rollins is before introducing the Intercontinental title under a red carpet on a podium in the ring. They talk about Daniel Bryan vacating the title last night and the fans break out into a loud “Yes!” chant.
Triple H ensures us that the new I-C champ will be crowned in two weeks inside an Elimination Chamber match. A video package airs to talk about the history of the violence inside the Elimination Chamber.
Before HHH and Stephanie can continue, they are interrupted by Sheamus’ theme song and out he comes. The WWE fans immediately get on his case with “You Look Stupid” chants. Sheamus sucks up to The Authority and then tries to convince them to just hand over the I-C title to him. He says he’s responsible for putting an end to the “Yes!” movement and Daniel Bryan’s career. They show a video package of Sheamus attacking D-Bry on TV since making his heel return.
As Sheamus continues to suck up to The Authority, Ryback’s music hits to cut him off and out he comes. Ryback trashes Sheamus and puts over Daniel Bryan. Steph says they’re both in the I-C Chamber match in two weeks. HHH then says tonight, actually right now, Ryback and Sheamus can go at it in a match. “King of Kings” plays again as The Authority heads to the back. We head to commercial. Ryback vs. Sheamus is up next.
Ryback vs. Sheamus
When we return from the commercial break, the bell immediately sounds and this match is official. Ryback instantly takes control of the offense in the match, with Sheamus quickly on the retreat. Ryback follows after him and continues to deliver punishment here in the early goings.
Sheamus finally starts taking over control of the offense as we head to a mid-match commercial. When we return, Sheamus is still in control, but Ryback quickly takes back over. Ryback hits a number of high-offensive moves on “The Celtic Warrior” inside the ring before taking him out to the floor.
Ryback continues the assault on the floor, slamming Sheamus in the announce table and smashing him into the ring post before getting him back in the ring.
The finish saw Ryback have some issues with his eye. The ref was stopping the action to check on Ryback’s eye, but Sheamus took advantage and blastes him with a Brogue Kick for the 1-2-3.
Winner: Sheamus
Neville vs. Bad News Barrett
Renee Young briefly interviews Neville in the ring until he is interupted by Bo Dallas. Neville and Dallas go back-and-forth verbally until finally “King” Bad News Barrett makes his way down to the ring.
It turns out, Neville vs. Barrett is scheduled for now. So, the bell rings and Dallas joins the gang on commentary for this one. Barrett dominates the action early on, as we head to a mid-match commercial.
When we return from commercial, Neville is fighting back, but his knee buckles. He continues to sell his knee so Barrett goes after it. Barrett then hits him with the “King Bull Hammer Elbow” for the 1-2-3
Winner: Bad News Barrett
After The Match: Bo Dallas Attacks
After the match, Bo Dallas leaves the announce table, hits the ring and attacks Neville. Dallas attacks the injured knee of Neville, wrapping it around the ring post several times.
Rusev & Lana Segment
When we return from the commercial break, Rusev comes to the ring with a big giant Russian flag by himself. Fans chant for Lana and Rusev says there will be no Lana tonight. Fans boo. Rusev says there is no Lana and she needs to learn her place. Rusev says Lana does not speak for him, only he speaks for himself. Rusev says he knows how to speak our stupid American language and can say he quits for himself. Fans chant louder for Lana and Rusev yells that there is no Lana. Rusev says he did not quit last night and John Cena did not beat him. Rusev brags about making Cena pass out in the ring. Rusev says Lana quit because she’s weak. Rusev tells Cena to come out so they can restart the match. Lana comes out instead and fans cheer.
Rusev yells at her for defying him and coming out. Lana says she just wants to explain to everyone that Rusev isn’t like he seems to be. He’s not just The Bulgarian Brute, he’s misunderstood. She says something in Russian and then says she believes in him. She’s believed in him since the beginning and more than anyone else. Lana says she’s been with Rusev every step of the way and she was positive he would be the first man to make John Cena quit but that didn’t happen.
Lana says that’s life and she was just trying to protect Rusev because she cares for him. Rusev says she’s in her feelings, pathetic and disgusting. Lana yells that’s enough and asks what did he expect her to do. She says she did the right thing for him and for them.
She says he was screaming in Bulgarian that he quit. A “you quit” chant breaks out. He calls her a liar and says there is no us, just him. He says he doesn’t need Lana, he doesn’t need anyone. He says Lana is weak and she makes him weak. He tells her to get out of the ring and go back to where she came from. Rusev yells at Lana as she walks to the back. He throws his arms up and fans boo. The music hits and he continues talking trash.
Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt
Dean Ambrose makes his way to the ring. He is in singles action next on Monday Night Raw. On that note, we head to another commercial break.
When we return from commercial, we see Ambrose in the ring awaiting his opponent. Bray Wyatt’s theme music hits and out he comes. Ambrose vs. Wyatt is live as the bell sounds to make this one official.
The finish saw J&J Security get involved at the end, leading Ambrose to get distracted and fall right into a Sister Abigail from Wyatt for the 1-2-3. Wyatt wins as J&J Security run to the back. After the match, we head to a commercial break.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
The New Day vs. Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
When we return from the break, after some Tough Enough audition videos, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd, accompanied by Natalya, make their way to the ring for tag-team action.
Out next is The New Day. Kofi Kingston and Big E. will be representing The New Day in this two-on-two match, as Xavier Woods is banned from the ring. Kingston and Big E. cut a promo on their way to the ring.
The bell sounds and here we go. Big E. and Cesaro start things off for their respective teams. Big E. takes control of the offense on Cesaro early on.
Back from the break and Big E has Cesaro in an abdominal stretch. Cesaro fights out but Big E hits a belly to belly. Kidd and Kofi go at it now. Kidd gets the Sharpshooter locked in but Big E breaks it up. Cesaro and Big E brawl. Big E sends Cesaro to the floor. Kofi stomps on Kofi in the corner. The referee calls for the bell when Kofi won’t let up and things fall apart.
Winners via DQ: Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
After The Match: The Action Continues:
After the match is over, Cesaro comes in and takes out Big E. He goes to do the Cesaro Swing on Kofi but Xavier Woods runs down and makes the save. The New Day beats them down until Sin Cara and Kalisto run down to make the save to a big pop. Los Matadores run down and dive out onto Big E. The Ascension are out next to join in on the brawl. The Prime Time Players are out next and they clear the ring. Cara and Kalisto leap out onto everyone. Titus brings Woods in the ring and double teams him with Darren Young. PTP stand tall to end the segment.
John Cena and Kevin Owens Talk Things Out
When we return from the break, the U.S. Champion — John Cena — makes his way to the ring for this week’s “U.S. Open Challenge.”
Cena raises the US Title and gets a USA chant going. Cena says “never give up” helped him keep the title where it belongs last night. He talk about defeating Rusev at Payback and gets another USA chant going. Cena goes on about how everyone gets a shot and says this is our championship. He kicks off the challenge and out comes WWE NXT Champion Kevin Owens for the shocker. Owens takes his time walking to the ring with the NXT Title in hand. He stands in the ring and stares Cena down. Owens takes the mic and says hello to Cena. Owens congratulates Cena on his win at Payback and says it was impressive. Owens says he would introduce himself but Cena knows exactly who he is. The crowd pops.
Owens says if anyone doesn’t know who he is, then those people aren’t worth his time in the first place. Cena cuts him off and introduces Owens, which gets a pop. Owens thanks him and says that was nice. Owens knows Cena feels guilty about the injury Sami Zayn suffered on RAW a few weeks back. Owens says Sami was injured before that because he’s the one who injured him. Owens says he’s going to finish what he started with Sami at Takeover: Unstoppable on Wednesday. Cena says that was a fine speech but Owens has a lot to learn. Cena tells Owens to listen up. He says no fan is to be told they’re not worth time because without the fans, there is no Owens and there is no WWE. Cena says we’re here because of the fans and they pop. Cena offers some veteran advice but Owens cuts him off. Owens says he’s been doing this for 15 years and has been doing it longer than Cena. Owens says he just didn’t get a break until now. Owens says Cena doesn’t get to give him advice ever.
Cena says fine, he will give Owens a warning. Cena say she doesn’t see fire in Owens’ eyes like he saw with Sami. Cena says he sees a scared kid that tried to rattle the cage of John Cena but now he’s crapping his pants because he realizes he bit off more than he can chew. Cena warns Owens that Sami might take him out at Takeover. Cena asks Owens if he wants the shot. Owens says he’s a prizefighter but already has a prize – the NXT Title. Fans boo. Owens turns down the challenge and fans boo. Owens promises they will fight one day but says it will be on his terms.
Out of nowhere Owens nails a low kick on Cena. Owens nails the powerbomb and a “fight Owens fight” chant starts. Owens stomps on the US Title and does the “you can’t see me” taunt over Cena before walking out as his music hits.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Stardust
We go to the ring and out comes Dolph Ziggler. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Stardust is out. They go at it and Stardust takes control early on. He stomps away and wastes some time. Stardust with a big clothesline for a 2 count as the “Cody” chants start up. Stardust with more offense until Ziggler nails the Zig Zag out of nowhere for the quick win.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After The Match: Michael Cole Interviews Dolph Ziggler
– Cole interviews Ziggler in the ring and asks him how he feels after the match with Sheamus at Payback. Ziggler says the stitches hurt but not nearly as bad as losing to Sheamus. Ziggler says chicks dig scars anyway. Cole reveals that Ziggler gets the final spot in the Intercontinental Title Elimination Chamber.
Ziggler talks about being open to any challenge or competitor when Lana makes her way out. Fans chant for Lana. She waits a minute before grabbing Ziggler and kissing him. Fan chant for another kiss and she gives it to him. Rusev makes his way out and he’s furious. He yells at Lana and she slaps him. Ziggler comes from behind and lays Rusev out. He leaves with Lana as Rusev throws a fit in the ring. We head to a break.
Luke Harper & Erick Rowan vs. Zack Ryder & Fandango
Back from the break and both teams are in the ring. Harper starts off with Fandango. Fandango takes it to the corner and unloads with chops. Harper with a headlock and a shoulder to drop Fandango. Fandango comes back and sends Harper to the floor. Fandango jumps out and Harper shoves him into the barrier. Harper brings it back in and tags Rowan. Rowan splashes Fandango and mounts him with right hands.
Harper comes back in and does the gator roll. Harper with a headlock now. Fandango nails a tornado DDT as Ryder waits for the tag. Fandango with a 2 count. Ryder finally gets the tag and unloads on Harper. Ryder with a missile dropkick. Harper catches him with a big sideslam and tags in Rowan. Harper knocks Fandango off the apron and they double team Ryder and Rowan hits a chokeslam for the win.
Winners: Luke Harper & Erick Rowan
Backstage: The Bella Twins & Stephanie McMahon
We see The Bella Twins waling backstage when Stephanie McMahon stops them. Stephanie congratulates them on their win and says what she said about Bryan can come off the right way but she offers her sincere sympathies. She says she’s the wife of a WWE Superstar also.
Stephanie says she’s scheduled some counseling sessions for Brie but she doesn’t think Brie is fit to accompany Nikki to the ring tonight. We go to commercial after Stephanie walks off.
WWE Divas Championship
– Naomi vs. Nikki Bella (c)
We go to the ring and WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella comes out. Naomi is out next with Tamina Snuka and we get a sidebar video from earlier with Naomi dissing The Bella Twins.
We get formal ring introductions from Eden. We get some stalling to start but they go at it. Naomi connects with a big kick to the shoulder but Nikki fires back and clotheslines her over the top rope. Nikki runs the ropes and leaps out onto Tamina and Naomi. We go to commercial.
Back from the break and they’re going at it as a trainer checks on Tamina at ringside. Nikki drops Naomi but they both go down. Nikki comes back with clotheslines and a dropkick. Nikki with a back drop as fans pop. Nikki tackles Naomi for a 2 count.
Nikki goes for the Rack Attack but Tamina runs in with a superkick for the DQ.
Winner by DQ: Nikki Bella
After The Match: The Action Continues
Once the match is over, Naomi and Tamina double team Nikki until Paige runs down to a big pop. Paige clears the ring and raises the Divas Title before yelling “my house” at Tamina and Naomi, who are retreating. Nikki gets up and goes to get her title off the mat but Paige grabs her and hits the Ram-Paige. Paige skips around the ring with the title as her music plays.
Backstage: Triple H & Kevin Owens
Backstage, we see Triple H backstage congratulating Owens. They talk off and Renee Young walks up for comments from Owens, asking what he was talking to Triple H about. Owens reveals he will face John Cena at WWE Elimination Chamber. Owens says Cena should pay attention to what he does to Sami Zayn at Takeover.
Main Event Segment
Once we return from the commercial break, we see the full Authority members in the ring with red carpet laid out.
Stephanie praises Seth Rollins and introduces The Architect for the big celebration. Out comes the WWE World Heavyweight Champion with Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble. Triple H praises Rollins and talks about everything he’s done. He says Rollins has lived up to every claim he’s ever made. Triple H says he sees the reflection of himself in Rollins. Triple H says he felt goosebumps when he saw Rollins use the Pedigree to win at Payback. Triple H says The Authority and the WWE Universe are here to celebrate Rollins.
He tells fans to give it up but most of them boo. A “you sold out” chant breaks out. Triple H says members of The Authority want to say some words about Rollins. Kane is first. A “Justin Bieber” chant breaks out at Rollins. Kane acts like he wants to say something else and jokes about Rollins’ height. Kane says he’s glad Rollins is still champion and says he is truly best for business. Rollins asks if that’s all Kane has to say. Kane thanks Rollins for saving his job and says he had something put together to show how sincere he is about that.
We get a video package with highlights on Rollins. The Authority applauds the video package. Noble talks about how it’s been a privilege being at Rollins’ side. Mercury is next but he gets choked up and out comes Dean Ambrose to interrupt things. Ambrose enters the ring and gets fan to chant Justin Bieber at Rollins some more. Ambrose brings up a title shot again but Rollins reminds him he’s at the back of the line with Reigns and Orton. Ambrose says he’s a notorious line jumper and wants his title shot, or else. Stephanie asks Ambrose who he thinks he is and agrees with Rollins that Ambrose doesn’t deserve a shot. Stephanie says Rollins is a fighting champion and won’t be intimidated by Ambrose’s threats.
She tells Rollins to get Ambrose but he looks unsure. The Authority backs off and Rollins swings but Ambrose takes him to the corner. J&J jump in but Rollins and Ambrose tumble to the floor. Ambrose drops Rollins and sends Mercury into the barrier. Rollins comes back but gets backdropped over the announce table. Ambrose reveals a stack of cinderblocks, just like Rollins used on him months ago. Ambrose goes to hit Rollins with a steel chair but Stephanie tells him to stop. She says he will get the title shot if he lets Rollins go.
Ambrose does but The Authority attacks. He fights them off and ends up in the ring with Kane, who runs him over. The numbers game catches up and they beat Ambrose down in the ring.
The finish of the segment sees Rollins catch Ambrose and blast him with the Pedigree, the same move he used to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at last night’s WWE Payback pay-per-view. RAW goes off the air on that note.
