Raw heads for Money in the Bank!
Drew McIntyre is WWE World Champion. Becky Lynch is Raw Women’s Champion. But who steps up for golden opportunities before Money in the Bank?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Asuka VS Ruby Riott; Asuka wins and advances to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
- Aleister Black VS Oney Lorcan; Aleister wins.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Shayna Baszler VS Sarah Logan; Baszler wins and advances to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
- Akira Tozawa VS Austin Theory; Theory wins.
- Angel Garza VS Tehuti Miles; Garza wins.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Kairi Sane VS Nia Jax; Jax wins and advances to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match.
- Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS No Way Jose; Lashley wins.
- The Viking Raiders VS Ricochet & Cedric Alexander; The Viking Raiders win.
- Champion VS Champion: Drew McIntyre VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre opens Raw!
The Scottish Stud has the cameraman get in the ring with him so he can speak directly to the WWE Universe. “Thank you for the privilege of allowing me into your living room.” For himself and all the WWE superstars, this is an honor. McIntyre also thanks fans for their outpouring of support. If you didn’t know, the internet can be pretty negative. But ever since he won the title, everyone has been so positive. It is surreal. McIntyre lives his life long dream. He beat The Beast in under five minutes, and then 20 minutes later, he had to face The Big Show. McIntyre watches the match back, and remembers all the hard hits and body slams. But even after a Choke Slam, McIntyre kept going. And Show made the mistake of telegraphing. McIntyre hits his Claymore and gets the win!
Back to the present, McIntyre makes a point of beating two big men back to back. That sets the tone for his reign. He will be a champion that shows up and defends the title. To all the superstars, if you deserve a shot, you get a shot. McIntyre can’t say how much this title means to him. But here comes Andrade Almas! El Idolo is back and with Zelina Vega again by his side. Vega pretends to tear up but then gets immediately serious. She stops McIntyre here to introduce Raw’s real top champion, the WWE United States Champion, Andrade~! McIntyre remembers Andrade. Right, of course! Vega feels bad for ruining the speech. It sounded great, like out of Braveheart. But really, they’re here to congratulate him in person. Because who else can say they had TWO WrestleMania Moments in one night?
But while McIntyre had two, Almas had an injury that robbed him of even one. So it’d be such a shame if someone injured McIntyre and took his title. McIntyre stops Vega there and gets to Vega’s point for her. He remembers when they were both in NXT, and Almas hurt McIntyre to take the NXT Championship. McIntyre lost six months from a torn bicep. But Almas doesn’t do a lot of talking, so he should listen. If he wants Champion VS Champion tonight, “you’ve got it!” Almas does speak for himself, and says that last time, Almas took the title and took McIntyre out. And that was him being nice. No more Mr. Nice Guy tonight! What does Almas have in store for McIntyre tonight? Or can McIntyre keep history from repeating itself?
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Asuka VS Ruby Riott!
The Empress of Tomorrow may not have gotten the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships back, but there’s always another title to go after! Will Asuka stop the Riott before it starts? Or is Ruby going to take a step closer to cashing in?
The bell rings, Asuka laughs and applauds at Ruby but says, “Mudi mudi mudi!” It is impossible to beat Asuka! Ruby gives the trash talk back but offers a handshake. Asuka laughs more, and rushes Ruby instead! Ruby headlocks but Asuka tries to power out. Ruby holds on and rams shoulder. Asuka eggs Ruby on and Ruby runs. They collide but it doesn’t make Asuka budge. Ruby throws haymakers instead then runs, but Asuka follows. Ruby dodges and keeps moving to run Asuka over! Cover, ONE! Ruby pushes Asuka around and wants to see “The Real Asuka.” Asuka grabs Ruby’s arm! Asuka yanks on it and clamps onto the shoulder again. She stomps away on the arm then grinds the shoulder into the mat.
Ruby fights her way around and gets a ropebreak with a leg. The ref counts, Asuka lets up, but she stomps Ruby down in a corner. Asuka pushes Ruby around and grinds her forearms in. The ref counts but Ruby pushes Asuka away. Ruby elbows, goes up, but no Deadly Nightshade as Asuka KICKS her down! Cover, TWO! Asuka keeps her cool as she brings Ruby up to ram her shoulder first into buckles! Asuka digs her heel into Ruby but stops at the count of 4. She argues with the ref while Ruby crawls along the ropes. Asuka stomps Ruby back down then thrashes her about. The ref counts but Asuka lets up at 4 again. Asuka drags Ruby up from the apron but Ruby hits back. But Asuka comes back with the hip attack! Asuka blasts Ruby down, then sliding KNEES from the apron!
Asuka brings Ruby up but Ruby throws her over barriers! Ruby walks into a ROUNDHOUSE! The ring count climbs to 5 as Asuka talks trash. Asuka dances around while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Asuka grinds Ruby down again. Ruby fights up and fights back but Asuka throws her down by her hair! The ref reprimands but Asuka just kicks Ruby over and over on the ropes. Asuka runs but Ruby dodges the hip attack to SUPERKICK! Asuka is stuck and Ruby BOOTS her down! Ruby shakes out her bad arm while Asuka is on the outside. Ruby fetches Asuka back in then covers, TWO! Asuka checks her teeth while Ruby looks up at the MITB briefcase. Ruby kicks Asuka around then drags her up. She makes Asuka look at the briefcase, then whips her to a corner. Ruby runs in to forearm then whip her corner to corner. Asuka comes back to forearm Ruby down! Asuka crawls towards Ruby and grabs her by the hair. She brings Ruby in for a forearm, but Ruby gives it back.
Asuka and Ruby brawl up to their feet, but Asuka gets the edge. Asuka kicks but Ruby blocks! Ruby back kicks then runs, for a rolling bulldog! Cover, TWO! Ruby grows frustrated but then she gets caught into an armbar! Ruby endures, moves up and wants a cover. TWO and Asuka lets Ruby go. Ruby wrenches but the Riott Kick is blocked! Asuka has an ANKLE LOCK! Ruby gets up but Asuka reels her in, trapped leg German! Asuka runs to SHINING WIZARD Ruby down! Cover, TWO!! Ruby still lives and Asuka is furious! Asuka drags Ruby up and into the chicken wing, but Ruby backs her into buckles! Ruby cravats and knees Asuka into the corner! Ruby runs side to side to BOOT Asuka down! Then she goes the other way, for another BOOT! Ruby brings Asuka out and aims from behind, RABBIT LARIAT! Cover, TWO!!
Asuka survives and Ruby grows frustrated now. Ruby drags Asuka to a drop zone and climbs up the corner. Ruby STAGE DIVE SENTONS BUT FLOPS! Into the ASUKA LOCK! But Ruby rolls around to cover, TWO!! Both women back off as they catch their breath. Asuka is furious and she goes after Ruby. Ruby holds the ropes then elbows Asuka away. Asuka runs into a COMPLETE SHOT! Ghost pin, TWO!!, into a RINGS OF SATURN! Ruby has her on hold, and stomps away! Asuka endures, moves around, makes it a cover, TWO back to Ruby’s cover! TWO and Asuka gets around, to the ASUKA LOCK!! Ruby taps, Asuka wins!!
Winner: Asuka, by submission (advances to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)
The Empress is in her very first MITB Ladder match! Charly Caruso interviews Asuka in the ring. Charly notes Asuka’s new aggression. Asuka says in Japanese that she is still Asuka! And when it comes to MITB, NO ONE is ready!
Raw returns with MVP’s VIP Lounge.
“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, I offer you a very special edition.” He has exclusive breaking news for Raw next week. Next week, three Men’s MITB qualifying matches will happen. If you win the MITB Ladder match, you have a 365 day window to cash in on the WWE World Championship, “anytime, any place.” First, Rey Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy! Then, Aleister Black VS Austin Theory! And last but not least, Apollo Crews VS “one of the most decorated WWE superstars of all time,” and a ladder specialist, MVP! MVP isn’t trying to sway anyone, but if you’re putting money on anyone, put it on the guaranteed winner. Ya boy, MVP is #BALLIN! But out of these three first-time-ever match-ups, who come out with tickets punched to MITB?
Aleister Black VS Oney Lorcan!
As MVP just said, The Embodiment of the End is going to compete for a spot in the MITB Ladder Match. Will he sharpen his edge on the back of the Boston Brawler?
The bell rings and the two approach. They circle and tie up, and Aleister gets an arm. Oney moves towards a waistlock but Aleister wrenches and trips him back. Aleister facelocks but Oney fights his way up. Oney slips out, chinbars Aleister, then gets the waistlock. Aleister fights up and wriggles free but Oney headlocks. Aleister powers his way out and around back to a facelock. Oney pries free to wrench and headlock back. Aleister rolls Oney to a cover, ONE! Aleister waistlocks then facelocks and they end up on ropes. The two separate clean and circle again. They tie up, Oney headlocks and holds tight as Aleister tries to get out. Aleister rolls Oney again, ONE! Aleister arm-drags Oney down hard and clamps onto the arm! Oney gets up and arm-drags free, but Aleister arm-drags again!
Aleister grinds but Oney gets up. Oney powers Aleister to ropes then puts him on the apron to European Uppercut! Aleister is down and Oney builds speed! But Aleister gets in, dodges Oney, and QUEBRADAS! Oney is right up but Aleister snapmares him to a cover. TWO and Aleister BOOTS Oney out! The two catch their breath while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Oney fires off on Aleister in a corner! The ref backs him off but Aleister elbows Oney away. Aleister swings into a half nelson! He fights free and throws EuroUppers. Oney gives them back then knees low. Oney whips and elbows Aleister down! Cover, TWO! Oney wants the half nelson but Aleister grabs a leg. The two struggle against each other and Oney goes for a full nelson. Aleister endures as Oney leans on him. Aleister pries against the hold then breaks free. But Oney trips Aleister to a BOSTON CRAB! Half Crab, even! Aleister endures and reaches back to get around. Aleister boots Oney over and over until he’s free! Oney comes back but gets another elbow. Aleister hits a flying takedown, to the HEEL HOOK! Oney flails and gets the ropebreak!
Aleister lets Oney free but starts kicking away. Oney clinches and swings, into an armlock! Oney stays up but Aleister cranks on the arm! ROPEBREAK! Aleister lets Oney go and Oney CHOPS! Aleister BOOTS back then throws more EuroUppers. Oney shoves but Aleister rallies with forearms and elbows. Aleister unleashes the strike fest! KNEE THRUST! Aleister kips up and runs, but Oney gets under the springboard to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Aleister lives but the Fury of 205 Live fires up! Oney half nelsons but Aleister wheelbarrows to a victory roll! TWO and Oney CHOPS again! Oney CHOPS again and fires up. He dares Aleister to stand, and Aleister KNEES back! Aleister brings Oney back up with a foot, to BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister wins!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
Another week, another fight, and another incredible display of fortitude! Aleister wins and Sarah interviews him in the ring. Surely Aleister sees Oney as a tough competitor, but what is his game plan for Austin Theory? “Game plan? My game plan is to win.” Will #AllDay come to an end and #FadeToBlack?
The Man comes back around to Raw!
Becky Lynch’s reign as Raw Women’s Champion surpasses one YEAR! She grabs a mic to say, “It’s only been a couple of weeks since I stood here last.” WrestleMania gave her a short time to beat the “human bone breaker,” but she did it. Becky wants to clear up some confusion as to what happened. She told Shayna Baszler that it would be heart versus skill. But it was even more than that. A lot has been said about Becky lately. Maybe she’s arrogant. Or maybe she lets us think that. Maybe things are going to her head. Or maybe she uses that to get into others. Because the more Shayna destroyed opponents, the sillier Becky became. Why is that? Because the only person that can get close enough to The Queen to destroy her, is the jester, “who she sees as posing no threat.” That’s why Becky’s still champ.
Someone born to bully everyone will never beat someone born to survive everything. That brings Becky to the MITB Ladder match. Becky wants whoever wants it the most to get the contract to then name a time and a place. That is where you will find The Man waiting for them. Becky always has a plan. But she promises the winner that thinks they can beat her, she will shock the world all over again. Bold words from Becky, but will she be the one shocked instead?
Backstage interview with Andrade and Zelina.
Tonight, the Champion VS Champion match is happening. McIntyre is coming off one of the most impressive WrestleMania performances in history. Is this going to be a cause for concern? Vega speaks up, first correcting Charly on how she says “Andrade.” Secondly, Vega asks who comes up with these questions? Because it can’t be Charly. Not even she’s that ridiculous. But if we’re talking dominant champions, look no further than Almas. McIntyre won, that was great, but that was one night. Almas has defended his title month after month after month against the best. So remember: the last time McIntyre was champion, he was dethroned by Almas. Almas says it took McIntyre so long to win that title. After tonight, he won’t have as strong a hold on it.
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Shayna Baszler VS Sarah Logan!
The Queen of Spades wrecked the Elimination Chamber field but failed to beat Becky. Will the Kentucky Viking be the first to exact some revenge?
Before making her entrance, Shayna is asked about the “derogatory remarks” Ronda Rousey has made towards professional wrestling. Shayna’s response is just a death glare before going to the ramp. The bell rings and the two tie up. Shayna headlocks but Sarah slips out to club her on the back. Shayna ROCKS Sarah with a right then digs her forearms into Sarah. She hammers away on Sarah from head to torso! The ref reprimands as Shayna just keeps adding on, and he pulls her away. Shayna STOMPS Sarah’s arm!! Sarah just got Dakota’d! And SARAH wins!?!
Winner: Sarah Logan, by disqualification
Shayna throws a tantrum, but after what she did to Sarah, Sarah doesn’t look in any shape to join the MITB Ladder match. Will Shayna not stop until she’s broken everyone in her path back to Becky?
Seth Rollins speaks backstage.
“At WrestleMania, I lost to Kevin Owens. And once again, my career has been crucified.” Rollins says no more as Raw goes to break. What will the Monday Night Messiah do to resurrect his mission?
Raw officials make a correction.
Sarah Logan actually loses the match by referee stoppage, and Shayna Baszler qualifies for the Women’s MITB Ladder Match. But what still stands is the fact that the Queen of Spades is on a rampage. Will any woman from Raw or SmackDown be able to stop her?
Akira Tozawa VS Austin Theory!
The Stamina Monster returns to Raw! But he’ll also be returning to NXT this Wednesday as part of the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament! Vega joins commentary to watch her stable member compete. Will Theory prove himself ready for next week’s MITB qualifier?
The bell rings and Tozawa circles with Theory. Theory kicks low then clubs Tozawa down. He throws forearms but Tozawa gives them back! Theory knees low then back suplexes, but Tozawa slips out! Tozawa ducks, back kicks, spins but slides under to spin and hit the roundhouse! Theory ends up in a corner and Tozawa runs in. Theory stops the monkey flip but Tozawa rains down hands! Tozawa gets to about 7 before Theory flapjacks him on buckles! Theory shakes out the cobwebs before dragging Tozawa up. He snapmares and stomps Tozawa down! Theory mocks Tozawa for not being part of WrestleMania. Theory stomps Tozawa at the corner but the ref backs him off. Tozawa grits his teeth but Theory drags him around to rain down rights. Theory lets up to clamp on a chinlock!
Tozawa endures the knee in his back as Theory bends him back. Theory jams the knee in harder then bends him more. Tozawa endures, reaches and gets the ropebreak with a foot. Theory lets up at 4 to stomp Tozawa again. Theory drags Tozawa up and CHOPS! Tozawa staggers but Theory wrenches and whips him corner to corner hard! Cover, TWO! Theory still grins as he looms over Tozawa. Tozawa hits back with body shots but Theory blocks the boot to trip him up! Theory hits a standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Theory stays on Tozawa with an armlock and forearm to the chin. He grinds Tozawa down then grabs the other arm. Tozawa endures, even as Theory stands on his back! Theory pulls harder on the arm then throws it onto the mat! Theory paces while watching Tozawa writhe.
Tozawa crawls but Theory stalks him to ropes. Tozawa CHOPS, but Theory eggs him on. So Tozawa CHOPS more, and Theory DECKS him! Vega likes what she sees as Theory brings Tozawa up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Theory keeps on Tozawa with another chinlock. Theory has a half camel clutch but Tozawa fights up. Tozawa throws body shots but Theory gives him a backbreaker! Cover, TWO, and we’re back to the armlock. Tozawa fights his way up but Theory whips. Theory pops Tozawa up but Tozawa huricanranas! Theory bails out, and Tozawa BOOTS Him down! Tozawa runs but Theory gets clear. Tozawa stops himself, to apron CANNONBALL! They both wreck into barriers and Vega is speechless! Vega claims it’s fine, but Theory staggers away.
Tozawa drags Theory up and into the ring. Tozawa enziguris then climbs up, for a missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Vega manages to keep confident but Tozawa stalks Theory. Tozawa drags Theory up but Theory gets the ropes. Theory swings an elbow but Tozawa ducks to JAB! Tozawa runs to tilt-o-whirl, to the IRON OCTOPUS! Theory powers out and spins Tozawa around to a fireman’s carry! ATL TKO!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
Andrade and Angel Garza appear, and Vega stands on the desk. La Muneca’s men raise their fists together, then drag Tozawa up. They add on with CHOPS! They put Tozawa up top then drag him out on the ropes! SUPER LA SOMBRA DDT!! Vega applauds as her men stand tall. Will this stable soon take over Raw?
Raw shares part of WWE Chronicle: Drew McIntyre.
“There’s a saying in Scotland, ‘What’s meant to be will be.'” If McIntyre was to put the last few months into words, from the amazing victories to the bitter disappointments and the realizations that everything can change overnight, it is that McIntyre has found “perspective.” Not just as a superstar, but as a husband and a person. The community’s support is felt in every fiber of his body. If McIntyre can give everyone a brief moment of joy in the darkness, then his journey has been worth it. This is more than a redemption story for him, but for everyone.
The last 19 years have prepared him for his WrestleMania Moment, even if it isn’t the moment he’s dreamed off since he was a boy. His moment won’t have fireworks or cheers, but it’ll have something bigger. McIntyre will feel the fans as he has in Houston. It won’t be his moment, it will be ours.
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
The King of Lucha Libre has had a legendary career, but there is one thing he hasn’t had yet: The MITB contract. What would it mean to finally be Mr. MITB? Well looking back through his career, 2010 was perhaps a standout year for Mysterio. He won his second world championship, but two months later, gets hit with a cash-in from Kane. Kane ended that reign right then and there. But Mysterio’s point is that no one knows better than him how dangerous Mr. MITB can be. First comes beating Murphy in the qualifier. Mysterio respects Murphy for the bright superstar he is. But he doesn’t want this as badly as Mysterio does. Mysterio puts it all on the line to become Mr. MITB, and have his chance to cash in.
Seth Rollins speaks again.
“Everyone needs something to have faith in.” Rollins wants the WWE Universe to know that he is still here for them. “Your messiah has truly risen.”
Angel Garza VS Tehuti Miles!
All of Vega’s men will be in action tonight now that El Latino es en la casa! But will the Latino Lothario be able to go the distance against Miles?
The bell rings and Garza pushes Miles around. Miles dares Garza to bring it, and then he baits Garza into a waistlock. Garza bucks Miles off but Miles bypasses him and things speed up. Miles leaps but Garza dropkicks him out of the air! Garza CHOPS Miles then has him against the ropes. Garza CHOPS again then whips, to pop-up kick Miles down! And off come the pants! Garza throws them at Miles then dropkicks him back down! Garza has the cameraman get on the apron so he can look right into the camera. He talks trash in Spanish, and tells the ladies they’re more than welcome. Garza then drags Miles up and cranks on him with a grounded cobra twist. Miles endures but Garza hammers away on the ribs.
Garza cranks on Miles more but Miles refuses to quit. Garza drags Miles up to club him around, then put him on the top rope. He climbs up behind Miles and dedicates this to the “honeys.” Tree of Woe Penalty Kick! Garza grins as Miles flops to the mat. Garza drags Miles up and underhooks, for the WING CLIPPER! Cover, Garza wins!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
La Muneca’s men are 2-0 on the night! Will El Idolo make it a perfect night for Vega’s stable of studs?
But once again, the trio is in the ring together! Just like Tozawa, Miles gets slapped around and put in a corner. Theory and Garza hoist Miles up top and hand him off to Almas. SUPER LA SOMBRA!! Vega laughs as her men make another example. Will McIntyre relive the past in the worst way possible?
Backstage interview with The Kabuki Warriors.
Asuka is in and Kairi Sane has her match later tonight. “Ruby was NOT ready for Asuka!” Kairi’s confidence going in against Nia Jax is clearly through the roof as she and Asuka joke around. Will the Pirate Princess be able to get past the Irresistible Force so that she and Asuka can join forces in MITB?
Raw returns with a backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Charly knows McIntyre has to focus, but he must surely know what Vega and Almas have been saying and doing tonight. His response is the scar on his arm. Two to three times a week, he looks at it and is reminded of Almas. McIntyre remembers back to when he lost the title, had to take six months off, and had his career derailed. But McIntyre worked his arse off to get back and is now WWE Champion! But he doesn’t forgive or forget. Almas has strong words but McIntyre has a promise: McIntyre will hurt Almas, Claymore him, and if it costs Almas six months, so be it. Will Raw end with WarGames revenge?
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier: Kairi Sane VS Nia Jax!
Raw’s last spot in the Women’s MITB Ladder Match will be filled! Will the Pirate Princess set sail alongside Asuka? Or will the Irresistible Force make her return even grander with this golden opportunity?
The bell rings and Kairi rushes at Nia, only to be TOSSED! Kairi grins as she gets up, and get around to waistlock Nia. Nia throws her off easily, but Kairi baits her into buckles! Kairi climbs and boots Nia then kicks her away. She climbs back up and then leaps over Nia. Kairi pantomimes her climbing the ladder and grabbing the briefcase, before telling Nia to “kiss this.” Nia rushes Kairi but Kairi dodges and dropkicks! Nia only staggers so Kairi dropkicks again. Kairi’s kicks still have no effect, and Nia just throws her out of the ring! Asuka is watching backstage anxiously and is very fired up for Kairi. Kairi gets up and in but Nia is on her with a scoop slam! Nia slaps Kairi around then drags her back up. Nia clobbers Kairi with one arm! And again!
Nia toys with Kairi as she brings her back up. The ref reprimands but Nia TOSSES Kairi again! Nia drags Kairi up to throw her again! Nia swaggers about before she brings Kairi up. She trophy lifts then SAMOAN DROPS Kairi! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (advances to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)
The Raw entrants have been determined! Asuka and Shayna are dangerous in their own way, but Nia just annihilated Kairi! Will everyone have to worry about the returning Irresistible Force now?
Charlotte Flair returns to Raw!
The Queen is once again NXT Women’s Champion after her incredible match with Rhea Ripley! What’s old is new again as she is now a twelve-time champion between all three brands. She grabs a mic and says, “Tonight is history lessons with The Queen.” First, The Queen wins the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble. That allowed her to choose a champion of her choice. There’s Becky, but been there, done that a bunch. Then there was Bayley, but been there, done that more than a bunch. So what did that leave Charlotte with? Becky didn’t make a challenge. Bayley didn’t make a challenge. It was “the next big thing,” Rhea Ripley. That got The Queen’s attention. It was ballsy! It reminded Charlotte of someone.
But that was then, and this is now. Because now, Charlotte is a two-time NXT Women’s Champion! Not after beating Becky again. Not after beating Bayley for the millionth time. It was because Charlotte beat “the next big thing,” which makes Charlotte the BIGGEST thing. Charlotte reminds us last year that Vince knew Charlotte was the biggest thing. That’s why he had her “save” WrestleMania 35. This year, Rhea chose the Queen. Because Rhea secretly wants to be The Queen. But Rhea lacks humility. That’s why Charlotte is standing here reminding everyone that there always be someone faster, stronger and better. Charlotte will remind NXT of “humility.”
That brings her to Io Shirai. That was an amazing victory, but Charlotte isn’t in this just for victories. Charlotte is here to teach lessons. Lesson number one: Everyone boys down to The Queen. WOO~! But will the Evil Genius be a rebellion Charlotte can’t crush?
Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS No Way Jose!
The Rocky Mountain Machine listened to the Ravishing Russian at WrestleMania, and LOST! Will he know better this time against the fighting fiesta?
The bell rings and Lashley ties up with Jose. Lashley waistlocks but Jose fights off the lift. Joe elbows out but Lashley elbows back. Lana coaches Lashley and Lashely lariats Jose down! Lana says Lashley should finish it but Lashley stomps away and throws hands in the corner. The ref counts and Lana shouts for Lashley to attack. Lashley storms out and tells Lana to “please shut the HELL up!” He then storms back into the ring and runs at Jose, but just manages to block the boo! Jose ROCKS Lashley but Lashley throws Jose overhead! Lashley aims as Jose rises, but then Lana distracts Lahsley with something. Jose rolls Lashley up, TWO!! Lashley MOUNTAIN TOP SLAMS Jose down! Then SPEARS!! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
Lashley still gets a win despite Lana’s influence. Will Lashley make his way towards a title in spite of her hanging around?
Seth Rollins speaks yet again.
“To all the nonbelievers, you have left me no alternative. Tonight, I stomp out all doubt.” What does this ominous warning mean for the Raw roster?
The Viking Raiders VS Ricochet & Cedric Alexander!
Erik and Ivar return and the raid returns with them! Will they start a new warpath to return to the Raw Tag Team Championships? Or will the newest and fastest team fly high with MITB on the horizon?
The teams sort out and Erik starts against Ricochet. Ricochet dodges to throw kicks and fists but Erik puts him in a corner. Ricochet dodges to CHOP but Erik just growls. Things speed up, Ricochet rolls off Erik’s back, then ducks under, and handsprings back. Erik LARIATS Ricochet then DECKS Alexander! Erik tags in Ivar and goes after Ricochet. Ivar climbs up but Ricochet escapes Erik to enziguri! Alexander dropkicks Erik then Ricochet No Hands Ranas Ivar down! Alexander builds speed and DIVES onto Erik at the ramp! Ricochet LIONSAULTS onto Ivar! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps on Ivar with a facelock and clubbing forearms. He backs Ivar down and tags in Alexander. Alexander adds onto Ivar but Ivar blocks the whips. Ivar kicks Ricochet and throws Alexander into a corner.
Ivar whips Ricochet at Alexander but Alexander puts him on the apron. Alexander gets clear of Ivar, and the enziguris sandwich Ivar in the middle! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Ivar survives but Alexander clamps on with a facelock. Alexander drags Ivar but Ivar powers up. Alexander clubs away and drags Ivar over to the corner. Tag to Ricochet and they both club away on Ivar. They double whip but Ivar breaks the clothesline! Erik tags in as Ricochet hurdles Ivar. Alexander sends Ivar out while Ricochet dodges Erik. Alexander ROCKS Erik with a right, then covers! TWO, but Alexander keeps his focus. Alexander facelocks Erik and drags him up. Tag to Ricochet again, and Alexander half hatch suplexes! Ricochet knee-boards for a senton! Cover, TWO!
Tag back to Alexander and he drags Erik up. Alexander CHOPS Erik to the corner, then decks him with a right. He scrapes Erik out and slingshots, but the pescado misses! Hot tag to Ivar but Ricochet springboards in! Erik catches Ricochet to TOSS him out onto Alexander! The fast and the furious crash and burn! But now Ivar DIVES!! The Warbeard wipes Ricochet and Alexander out, and we go to break!
Raw returns as Erik grinds Alexander down with an armlock. Alexander fights his way up and throws body shots. Erik whips him into the corner and tags Ivar. The Vikings give Alexander knee after KNEE! Ivar drags Alexander up and snapmares him. Ivar runs to drop a knee then covers, TWO! Alexander reaches but Ivar brings him away from Ricochet. Tag to Erik and Ivar RAMS into Alexander. Erik RAMS in, too, digging into the ribs. Tag back to Ivar, and Ivar RAMS in again! Ivar looms over Alexander as he tags Erik back in. The Vikings bring Alexander up, for a scoop slam! Then Erik scoops Ivar to SLAM on Alexander! Cover, TWO! ALexander survives but Ivar tags back in. The Vikings mug and club him in the corner.
Ivar scoops but ALexander slips out ot sunset flip! ONE but Alexander cartwheels and basement dropkicks! ALexander iso n the apron, and hits the step-board COMPLETE SHOT! Both Ivar and Alexander crawl, hot tags to Ricochet and Erik! Ricochet throws forearms then springboards to crossbody! Ivar runs in but gets an enziguri! Ricochet corner uppercuts Ivar, then swings on Erik. Erik throws Ricochet but no Ace Ten Mao, Ricochet hits the dropkick-flip! And enziguri! Ricochet tiger feints high on Ivar! And shoulders into Erik for a springboard lariat! Ricochet fires up and standing shooting stars! Cover, TWO! Ricochet sees Alexander is back and tags him in. They both aim at Erik and Alexander runs. Neuralizer misses! Erik gives Ricochet Ace Ten Mao!
Tag to Ivar and Ivar seated sentons Alexander! Cartwheel dodges the superkick to LARIAT! Ivar roars as he sidewalk slams Alexander! BASEMENT SPLASH! Tag back to Erik, and they give Alexander a corner splash and knees! Then human weapon hip attack! Erik covers, TWO! Alexander flounders about but Erik tags Ivar. The Vikings drag Alexander up, but Alexander BOOTS! Alexander runs, but into the waistlock! SPRINGBOARD LARIAT GERMAN! Cover, but Ricochet breaks it! Erik has Ricochet in the full nelson for a knee! Then the HEEL KICK! Ivar tags Erik and they focus on Alexander again. THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, The Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall
Raw again goes through a #VikingExperience! Will the war return to the tag team titles sooner rather than later?
Raw returns with a backstage interview with The Street Profits.
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have their Raw Tag Team Championships, but that’s not all! Welcome the newest addition to Raw! The strongest, the toughest, the quickest, THE EST of WWE… Bianca Belair! Yes, the welcome is official. But a question for the champions: The Viking Raiders want the titles back. Their response? Ford says that they have a lot of respect for Erik and Ivar, and all vikings in general. Did you know that Vikings introduced the words “happy” and “egg” to the English language? And they were crazy navigators! And shockingly enough, they actually had excellent hygiene. The More You Know! Thumbs up.
Bianca tells her boys, UH-UH! While they’re playing around, when was the last time they actually beat the Viking Raiders? Um… ZERO TIMES! Erik and Ivar are cosplaying, but the Profits get whooped. So stop with the games, and get, that, smoke. Bianca clappin’ at Ford and Dawkins has them speechless. Will the Profits be up higher than ever when they get serious about being champions?
Champion VS Champion: Drew McIntyre VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
Austin Theory and Angel Garza are also joining La Muneca in accompanying the WWE United States Champion to the ring. Theory and Garza defeated their opponents and then made examples out of them. Will it be a three for three sweep on the night? Or are they going to get lost in Claymore Country?
Vega gets in McIntyre’s face about Almas being champion. McIntyre asks if Almas is going to rein her in. That only upsets Vega more and even riles up Almas. But the ref has Vega and the others exit, and then the bell rings. Almas CHOPS but McIntyre doesn’t even budge! McIntyre HEADBUTTS Almas down then brings him up. “Three years!!” McIntyre puts Almas in the corner to CHOP! Almas boots but McIntyre throws haymakers! McIntyre CHOPS again and Almas staggers. Almas chops but McIntyre just hammers away! Vega protests and McIntyre stops at the ref’s count. McIntyre whips Almas, Almas goes up but McIntyre BOOTS him out of the air! McIntyre taunts Almas as he bails out to regroup with Vega’s team. But Garza backs off as McIntyre goes out to fetch Almas.
McIntyre scoops Almas and lifts him way up to snake eyes on barriers! Almas gasps and sputters but McIntyre CHOPS Almas! McIntyre refreshes the ring count to then bring Almas up. He CHOPS Almas against the post! Garza and Theory bark at McIntyre but the ref tells them to stay back. McIntyre goes back to Almas, but Almas yanks him into the post! And again! Almas stomps away on the once injured arm! And Almas CHOPS McIntyre around the way. He SLAMS the arm on steps! Then CHOPS and forearms and CHOPS and KNEES McIntyre against barriers! Almas gives the arm a shoulder breaker then stalks McIntyre into the ring. McIntyre fights off the armlock and whips him to the ropes. Almas gets stuck but frees himself. Almas ducks the punch to get a draping armbar! He lets go at 4 but the team cheers.
Almas goes up top and leaps, but McIntyre catches him! Almas goes after the bad arm and fights free. He runs, into McIntyre’s clothesline! McIntyre whips to elbow Almas down! Almas dodges but runs into a BOOT! McIntyre gets the bad arm moving as he goes to the top rope! “Look at me!” Almas stands and McIntyre uses a flying ax handle to take him down! McIntyre kips up, and glares down at the scar on his arm. He looms over Almas as Vega coaches. McIntyre CLUBS Almas back down, then hauls him up. Underhooks but Almas slips out. Boot feint to ELBOW! Almas throws more elbows at the ropes, but backs off as the ref counts. Theory takes a swipe while Almas runs, but McIntyre tosses Almas out ONTO Theory and Garza!
McIntyre goes out to fetch the one who grabbed his foot. He finds Theory and CHOPS him! McIntyre then puts Almas in and climbs up again. Vega distracts this time, and Almas trips McIntyre up! Almas laughs as he drags McIntyre up! We’ve seen this already tonight, and McIntyre remembers! He pops Almas off to CHOP him back! McIntyre elbows in the corner, then drags Almas up, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM! Vega is in shock as McIntyre glares. McIntyre counts down, to the CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The WWE World Champion triumphs over the United States Champion! But here comes Seth Rollins?! And Garza chop blocks McIntyre from behind! Rollins runs down to the ring, Garza runs away, and Rollins SUPERKICKS McIntyre down! The Monday Night Messiah gives McIntyre a CURB STOMP! Rollins stares at the world championship, but leaves it behind. McIntyre stirs, so Rollins CURB STOMPS him again!! Is this what Rollins meant? Is his resurrection going to be at the expense of McIntyre’s redemption story?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good episode of Raw, and a lot of good progress towards MITB. The only women’s qualifier that was weak as Nia VS Kairi because it ended up a squash. Of course, that mostly comes off the outcome being almost too obvious. Nia just got back, so she wasn’t going to lose. And this only adds on that Kairi is on her way out, unless she’s going to pal around with Asuka as a sidekick rather than a tag partner. Shayna “breaking” Sarah Logan’s arm like that was a good use of brutality for her, showing that her character is only more motivated now. But the real interesting part is that they brought up Ronda Rousey’s comments to Shayna. It’s an interesting move stirring up trouble within the MMA Horsewomen, and could make for some twists and turns whenever it is Ronda returns to the ring.
The Men’s MITB qualifiers are going to be great next week. Aleister VS Theory, Mysterio VS Murphy and even Apollo VS MVP are all solid match ups. I liked how MVP’s set-up of his own match sounded like Edge was back in this. Even with Edge doing a Last Man Standing match, ladder matches are riskier because it’s hard to do the physics calculations of a ladder in a split second. It’s better Edge wait for something more 1v1 and easier to stay on top of. Bianca Belair getting on the Profits over their comedy promo was a good move. She should be the reason they get serious in and out of the ring, but this should’ve been during the title chase. If she’d been on Raw sooner, or had waited until they lost, it’d have better pacing. But better late than never, I suppose.
And I guess this means the story with Vega’s team is already over. Well, that and what Vega’s team did. I will say that Vega’s stable is pulling together well, and they definitely made big moves tonight. Garza and Theory get good wins, and Theory is getting a big opportunity just being in a qualifier. Rollins’ attack on McIntyre was somewhat surprising, as I would’ve thought revenge on Kevin is the next step. But I suppose the top title is the best way to spread his “message,” and a match of Heel Rollins VS Face McIntyre will be great. At this point, Mr. MITB could be on either brand, but I don’t think that will have bearing on the title match. I would hope McIntyre wins to become the new face of Rollins’ opposition, and maybe even join forces with Kevin.
My Score: 8/10
