[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[crowd cheers]
[Jimmy] Welcome WWE universe
to the campus of University of Tennessee.
Tonight, we pay homage
to two decades of "The Apex Predator"
Randy Orton.
The man who has absolutely earned
the respect that he has been given
over 20 years of service in this industry
and a hall of fame-worthy career.
As you can see, Seth "Freakin" Rollins
and WWE superstars surrounding the ring,
-[Jimmy] but Riddle… -[Riddle] What's up?
[Riddle] Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to Monday Night RAW.
[crowd cheers]
Now, tonight is special.
Tonight is the 20th anniversary
of one of the greatest superstars who have ever done it.
So now, let's a look back.
[announcer] From St. Louis, Missouri weighing in at 240 pounds,
Randy Orton.
[host 1] Heard great things about Randy Orton.
-[host 2] This kid is sensational. -[host 3] Yes, no doubt bred for success.
[referee] One, two, three.
-[host 4] He's got him. -[host 5] What an upset.
[host 4] Incredible.
What a tryout for Randy Orton.
["Voices" playing]
Today marks the beginning of a new era.
Third-generation superstar
Randy Orton is the coal
that will be squeezed into the next diamond.
[host] Randy Orton has star written all over him.
-[crowd cheers] -["Voices" playing]
[host 2] He did it.
The youngest world champion in history.
The Randy Orton era has only just begun.
["Voices" continues playing]
Randy Orton,
legend killer.
I don't believe he just did that.
"The Legend Killer" striking again.
The three most destructive letters from sports entertainment,
RKO.
From out of nowhere.
Intercontinental champion.
United States champion.
Mr. Money in the Bank.
The first-ever WWE world heavyweight champion.
Two-time rumble match winner.
Fourteen-time world champion.
[Randy Orton] It's no secret I'm having a lot of fun in the ring right now
and that's greatly
due to the fact that my partner's a lot of fun to be around.
I've been here over 20 years. I'm going to say the f-word.
I'm going to say that this man is my friend.
He's reinvigorated my love for being out in that ring.
I think the fans see that.
[commentator] I got to say it's Randy Orton's world
and all the other superstars are just living in it.
[Randy Orton] The way that I'm feeling…
This desire that's been reignited,
it is simply cementing
my legacy.
[commentator] Randy Orton is immortal
in the annals of WWE history.
[Randy Orton] I got a long way to go
but my legacy will be
that I've had more matches, more titles,
more accolades, and did it longer
than anybody.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy! Randy!
Well, WWE universe, there's only one thing left to do.
Get on your feet and put your hands together
for my best friend,
"The Viper", "The Apex Predator",
"The Legend Killer",
Randy Orton.
[crowd cheers]
["Voices" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] A justifiable standing ovation
for the arrival of Randy Orton.
[Saxton] Orton is not known for wearing his emotions on his sleeves,
but you know Randy Orton's got to just be a little bit touched
by how massive this moment is in his career.
[Corey] No doubt about it, Saxton.
It's one thing to be employed by a company for 20 years.
Randy Orton has been an integral part,
a top star
for 20 years in this business.
Over those 20 years, Randy Orton has only gotten better.
You saw in the beautiful package moments ago,
fourteen trips to the top of the mountain in WWE,
and Orton looks as though he's got about 14 more left in him.
["Voices" continues playing]
[Jimmy] Without a question, one of the most enduring superstars
in WWE history.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy! Randy!
So…
So I appreciate you, man. This is pretty cool. I appreciate you.
And Knoxville, by the way, is where I was born.
[crowd cheers]
You can Wikipedia it.
It is true. I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.
So…
Pretty cool that we're doing this here um, on a personal level.
Man, it's been a hell of a journey. A lot of ups.
A lot of downs.
A lot of twists.
A lot of turns.
But I hope you guys aren't getting sick of me
because I ain't going anywhere anytime soon.
[crowd cheers]
Twenty years flew by in a flash.
I've made a lot of relationships over those 20 years.
Um, had a lot of really killer matches with some badass men.
Man, I'm thinking off the top of my head
John Cena, Triple H,
The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels,
uh, Mick Foley.
Man, Mick Foley,
Uh…
it was because of Mick Foley
that I became "The Legend Killer".
And it's because of Mick Foley that I'm even here right now
talking to you all so thank you, Mick.
Same with Triple H, same with Ric Flair, all these guys,
but there's one thing…
There is one thing that's different these days.
I am having more fun right now
than I have ever had in my entire career
and it is because of this guy right here. I love you, man.
I love you, man. Give me--
Give me a hug.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] RK-Bro! RK-Bro! RK-Bro!
And I got to--
I got to let you all know, WWE universe, man,
we've had our ups and downs, twists and turns too, haven't we?
Um, but you have always come right back and supported me.
If it wasn't for y'all, there would be no
"Legend Killer", "Apex Predator" or "Viper".
So thank you. I love each and every one of you as well.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Randy! Randy! Randy!
So, Randy, I have a surprise for you.
So-- Yes, I know, I know.
This man wanted to come out.
He says you're a mentor to him.
It is a surprise.
He's a second-generation superstar.
I know you're a third generation.
He looks up to you as a locker room leader
and he even said you guys were friends.
So, Knoxville, let me introduce to you,
"The American Nightmare",
Cody Rhodes.
["The American Nightmare" playing]
[fireworks explode]
[Corey] I'd say this is a good surprise from Riddle.
[Jimmy] No shortage of history between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
[Corey] Feeling some legacy vibes.
[Jimmy] A lot of respect between these two superstars.
It's not easy to make a Viper smile.
[Corey] Absolutely not, but…
this is not just any night.
[crowd cheering]
Aww.
Well, isn't this cute.
[crowd booing]
Don't…
trust him, Randy.
Don't trust Cody Rhodes.
No, no, no.
He's not out here to show you love.
He's out here to try to steal your spotlight
just like he tried to steal my spotlight
at WrestleMania.
I want to let you in on a little secret Mr. Nightmare.
Not everything is about you!
[laughs]
Tonight, specifically, is about
Randy Orton, baby, yeah. [laughs]
I dressed up in my finest suit
for the occasion to celebrate
twenty years of Randy Orton.
What a career.
Twenty years…
in the past.
Let's call a spade a spade, Randy. Your best years are behind you.
You may be the past of WWE, but you are not the present.
You are not the future of WWE
and neither are you!
The next generation
of WWE superstars, they're not going to be inspired
by a Nightmare or a Bro
or a Viper.
They're going to be inspired
by a visionary, a revolutionary. They're going to be inspired
by Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Ezekiel Jackson] Excuse me. Excuse me.
I'm sorry to interrupt.
It's really not my thing. I just thought
you know, as one of the newer superstars around here,
now would be a great time for me to say congratulations…
and to introduce myself.
I'm Ezekiel.
I'm Elias' younger brother.
Nice to meet you.
-Ezekiel? -[Ezekiel] Yes.
I got to tell you, I will never forget.
Me and my brother watching you on TV
just dominating as "The Legend Killer".
I mean, it was-- yes.
[Owens] No, no, no, no.
Liar!
He's a liar.
That is a lie.
Okay? I can't stand back there
and let him lie to your face like that, Randy.
He talks like Elias, he sounds like Elias
because that's Elias, okay?
Listen, Randy, Randy,
are you going to let this guy lie to you tonight of all nights?
No, no, no, okay? He's lying to you.
That's the way you pay tribute to Randy Orton?
You're a disgusting piece of trash, you know that?
You-- yuck. I can't take it. You know what?
You know what? Yes, you passed the lie detector test last week,
but you know what?
I'm going to figure it out. I don't know how, but I'm going to
because I'm the only sane one around here.
I'm the only one who still sees--
-Whoa, whoa, whoa. -What?
What?
["Done With That (Day One Remix)" playing]
[Saxton] The hits keep on coming.
A team without a lot of love for Randy Orton.
[Corey] The SmackDown Tag Team champions,
The Usos, are here on RAW.
Twenty years.
Twenty years, Uce.
Two decades.
Your boy, "The Viper", been doing this thing in the WWE.
I mean, we was 15 years old watching you, too.
[Jimmy Uso] Hey, Jey,
do you have a favorite Randy Orton moment?
[Jey Uso] Yes, I do.
Check this out though.
You see, we used to watch you when we was right here.
Where we at now?
Now we watching you when we right here.
What's that favorite moment?
When we beat you at WrestleMania Backlash
and unify these Tag Team championships.
And solidify our legacy
as the best damn Tag Team in the world.
Because you the twos…
[both] And we…
-the… -[both] Ones.
[crowd booing]
[Pearce] Hold on gentlemen, hold on. Hold it right there.
Please, gentlemen, if you will.
Before we tarnish this celebration,
I want to make something perfectly clear.
You will be in action tonight,
but it will be in the form of the biggest match
that I can make tonight here on RAW.
So allow me to make it official.
In commemoration of Randy Orton's 20th anniversary,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, you will team with Kevin Owens
and The Usos…
to take on
Cody Rhodes,
Ezekiel,
and RK-Bro.
-[Jimmy] What a main event. -[Saxton] I'm digging that call.
[Saxton] That is huge.
[Jimmy] Right now, tensions are starting to boil over in the middle of the ring.
[Jimmy] Oh, it started early.
[Saxton] No surprise Owens--
[Jimmy] Oh, RKO.
[Corey] It's only fitting, right?
[Jimmy] The Usos wisely backing off.
["Voices" playing]
[Saxton] That's a little preview of what's to come later on tonight.
[Corey] Well, you heard it. It is official and it's colossal.
[Jimmy] Our main event tonight
an eight-man star-studded Tag Team main event.
RK-Bro, Cody Rhodes, and Ezekiel
versus The Usos, Rollins, and Owens.
[Saxton] If that wasn't enough, will it be a successful homecoming
for The EST as Bianca Belair defends the RAW women's championship
against a WWE official, Sonya Deville, next.
[Jimmy] You may know him as Hall of Famer, Kane,
but the citizens of Knox county call him
Mayor Glenn Jacobs giving some advice
to the RAW women's champion, Bianca Belair
when she defends her title against Sonya Deville on RAW, next.
[Jimmy] There is WWE official, Sonya Deville.
Tonight, she is a title challenger.
[Saxton] Many would say this is because Sonya Deville
blatantly abused her power.
[Corey] Some people would say
that Sonya's just eager to remind everyone she's a competitor.
Not just a suit, not just an official.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[Jimmy] Now is her chance because she's taking on The EST
in her hometown.
[Saxton] Bianca Belair has got to be beaming with pride and joy
and hoping to make this a successful homecoming.
[Jimmy] Well, you talked about the controversy, Byron,
about how this match came about.
At an open contract signing.
Let's bring out your opponent so she can sign this contract
and we can make it official.
[drum roll]
[Saxton] As we await the announcement of who Belair's next opponent was,
watch what happens.
Belair completely blindsided
by WWE official, Sonya Deville
who would then gift herself an opportunity.
Your next opponent is me.
[Saxton] Sonya Deville will say it's just business,
but I do think this is personal and I do think this is an abuse of power
from Sonya Deville.
[Corey] This is an opportunity for Sonya Deville to show the world
what she is capable of in the ring.
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the RAW women's championship.
Introducing the challenger,
from Shamong, New Jersey,
Sonya Deville.
[crowd booing]
And her opponent, from Knoxville, Tennessee,
she is the RAW women's champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Corey] Byron, you're whining and crying about it being unfair
how Sonya achieved this opportunity.
How about the fact that Sonya doesn't just have to deal with her opponent,
the RAW women's champion, tonight
but the entire University of Tennessee?
[Saxton] Whose fault is that?
Bianca Belair wanted to do this match last week, Corey.
It was Sonya Deville who said, "I want to beat you, Bianca,
in your hometown."
[Corey] Because Deville needed time to mentally prepare for the task at hand.
The time is now, here we go.
Down goes Deville.
[Jimmy] Already seeing the issues
when you take on Bianca Belair speed and power.
[Corey] Belair said it best.
She said, "Sonya, while you were jackets,
I was winning titles."
[Corey] Sonya was simply waiting for her moment.
[Corey] This is what it takes-- oh!
[commentators] Oh my gosh.
[Jimmy] Slide over the table.
[Saxton] It just got real for Sonya Deville.
[Corey] Sonya's in danger of getting counted out.
Bianca back in the ring.
[Jimmy] Count is up to seven, almost eight.
[Saxton] Eight.
[Corey] Sonya, hurry.
[Saxton] Sonya's not going to make it.
[Jimmy] And she's been counted out.
[Corey] That is disheartening.
[Saxton] Just like that.
[Jimmy] Hardly a match at all.
[Saxton] Bianca Belair will…
retain her RAW women's championship.
Here is your winner. As a result to the count-out, it's--
No, no, no, no, no, no. Absolutely not.
There's water over here. It's all wet.
You can't see it because my body wiped it up.
Absolutely not.
I did not lose.
We're going to restart this match right here right now.
No count-outs.
Ring the bell, ring the bell.
[Saxton] That's the perks of being a WWE official.
[Corey] It's all your fault, Saxton.
[Jimmy] She should be a competitor, not an official.
[Saxton] It won't be fair.
Sonya Deville can change the rules as we go, apparently.
[Corey] That's because you spilled your water.
[Saxton] Not my water.
[Jimmy] Bianca Belair, right now taking full advantage.
[Corey] Deville driving the champion.
Kidneys first into the ring apron.
[Jimmy] Look, if anything good came out of restarting this match,
it's the fact that you know
Bianca Belair wanted to defeat Sonya Deville
inside the ring, not by count-out.
[Corey] Deville using Bianca's braid
which hasn't boded well in the past.
-[Saxton] It won't this time. -[Jimmy] Beautiful move Bianca Belair.
Right now, Sonya Deville trying to recover in timekeepers.
[Saxton] Remember, Sonya Deville is not a regular competitor
so you have to consider the ring--
[Jimmy and Saxton] Oh!
[Corey] Steel chair to the ribs of the champion.
-[Jimmy] Right to the back. Disqualified. -[bell rings]
[Corey] Come on.
[announcer] Here is your winner, as a result of a dis--
No, no, no, no,
No!
She cheated first
by using a foreign object,
her hair.
I just leveled the playing field with another foreign object.
No, no, no, no, no.
We're going to restart this match
right here, right now.
No count-outs and no disqualifications.
-[Corey] Brilliant. -[Jimmy] Second rule change.
[Corey] Brilliant.
-[Deville] Ring it. -[Saxton] This is a joke.
[Saxton] We're moving the posts. First no count-outs,
now no disqualifications?
[Corey] This isn't a joke, Saxton. This is brilliant strategy
from a WWE official
who wants to become RAW women's champion.
-[Saxton] Who's Sonya waving at. -[Corey] Ho, ho, ho.
[Jimmy] The former Tag Team champions,
Carmella and Queen Zelina have now entered the fray.
-[Saxton] I don't like this. -[Corey] This just got really good.
[Jimmy] Welcome back to what started out as a one-on-one contest
for the RAW women's championship
between the champion, Bianca Belair, and the challenger,
Sonya Deville.
First she was counted out
and then called it a no-count-out match
then she was disqualified
for the illegal chair shot. Now it's a no disqualification.
[Corey] Because of it being no disqualification is why
it is essentially three on one right now.
Bianca Belair, the RAW women's champion,
raining down rights and lefts on WWE official,
Sonya Deville
and Zelina Vega.
[Saxton] But again, this is absurd on so many levels.
Bianca Belair essentially in a three-on-one handicap match
attempting to defend her RAW women's championship.
[Corey] Bianca should've read the fine print in the contract, Saxton.
[Saxton] Sonya Deville changed the rules in the middle of the match.
[Corey] Got to know what you're dealing with. You gotta know your opponent.
[Jimmy] Adam Pearce has hinted before about investigations.
He's unhappy with Sonya Deville's conduct. This can't make him happy.
[Saxton] Absolutely not. It is remarkable that Belair
continues to fight on the odds here
with her women's championship on the line.
if anyone can do it, it's The EST with the home crowd behind her.
[Saxton] Double under-hook.
Way up in the sky goes Deville.
[Corey] Beautiful roll-through.
Smart counter by Sonya Deville.
[Saxton] Nothing Deville did on her own.
[Jimmy] Oh, back to the chair goes Sonya, but already taken two shots from them.
[Corey] This would be perfectly legal.
-Steel chair placed. -Oh, no.
[Corey] This will do it. That's it.
We're going to have a new champion right now.
Shoulders down. One, two. Oh!
[Saxton] No, no, no.
[Jimmy] Miracle kick-out from The EST.
[Corey] Bianca Belair beaten up, exhausted.
[Corey] Take a look at this impact.
Sonya driving the champion skull first
into the steel chair. Again, perfectly legal.
Now Zelina has reentered the fray.
It's essentially a handicap match…
on Sonya Deville's behalf.
[Saxton] Belair able to reverse.
Face first goes Deville!
[Jimmy] Down goes Queen Zelina.
[Saxton] Right now turning her attention towards Carmella.
[Corey] Carmella sent to the outside.
[Saxton] It is now one-on-one.
[Jimmy] Can she get her? She's up.
[Saxton] Belair's got a chance right here, right now.
[Jimmy] K.O.D.!
-[Saxton] Cover. -[Jimmy] Shoulders down.
[Jimmy] One, two, three. The champ retains.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner and still the RAW women's champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Corey] I think Bianca Belair certainly lived up to the hype tonight as The EST
as in toughest.
The deck couldn't have been stacked
any higher, but listen to this.
The last-minute reversal opened the door
for the champion to clean house.
There goes Zelina.
My blushing bride sent unceremoniously to the outside.
And here it is.
The K.O.D.
Kiss of death for Sonya Deville
and very impressive hard-fought battle
for the RAW women's champion.
[Saxton] Overcoming a three-on-one disadvantage
to stand tall at her alma mater.
Congratulations to The EST
and still RAW women's champion.
[Corey] There is The Rated-R Superstar himself
and his ally, in what has become a dogmatic union,
Damian Priest will join us next.
[Jimmy] Bianca Belair with a championship performance.
Thought it was going to be against Sonya Deville.
Ended up being against Carmella.
Sonya Deville and Queen Zelina.
Series of rule changes stacked the deck against the champion,
but The EST once again living up to her name.
Here is the power of the strongest,
the RAW women's champion, Bianca Belair,
defying the odds and defeating Sonya Deville
much to the delight of the Tennessee faithful.
[indistinct chattering]
Shut up. Shut up!
What the hell was that out there?
You had one job.
You didn't get me my RAW women's championship
so now, you don't get championship opportunity.
Wait a minute.
You just went back on your word. Are you kidding me?
You promised us an opportunity.
I can't believe you're doing this-- [gasps]
I wouldn't do that if I were you, sweetie.
I'm a WWE official and I'm still your boss.
Well, this is all her fault.
The old adage, "protect yourself at all times," isn't just in the ring.
It's backstage especially if you are AJ Styles
and you're up against Edge and Damian Priest.
As far as Edge's challenge at WrestleMania Backlash, I accept.
Number two,
he can save his judgement for someone who--
Sarah, time to go.
[Jimmy] The flickering lights would just be a prelude to
a all-out locker room assault
by Damian Priest and Edge.
-[wrestlers grunt] -[loud bang]
[Corey] I guess this is an example of
Edge and Damian Priest's way of making judgment.
Attacking the left arm of Styles.
[Styles screams]
[Edge and Priest laugh]
[Styles groaning]
It bears me pain.
We look down on everyone,
sitting atop our mountain of omnipotence.
And if anyone gets close,
we simply kick them in the face back down to the bottom of the mountain.
People like AJ Styles or Finn Bálor.
Tonight, Finn's stay of execution ends.
Damian deals with his unfinished business.
Now, we're better than everyone, but…
we haven't shown that. We've…
let things like caring about what you think affect us.
The kind of people that would
cheer for a lousy program like the Tennessee Volunteers.
[crowd boos]
Or the type of people that will fold themselves into their pintos,
shamble down to the poles
and support the current mayor of Knox county.
The WWE universe is such a fascinating cross-section of society.
You say things to me like, "Hey, Edge, why are you wearing suits now
and saying all these big, new-fangled words,
and use the purple lights?
That's the Undertaker's. It's blasphemy."
You don't like it
when truth slaps you upside your ugly melons.
And here's the truth.
We're better than your favorites.
Chew on that.
I know you won't like the taste of that
because it's not a cheeseburger or a bag of chips,
but you need to choke it down because that statement is true.
Speaking of favorites, where's-- Where's AJ Styles this week?
Oh, let me guess, he's going to use the jury duty excuse.
Oh, wait, he's probably at home
mending that left shoulder that we targeted last week.
The very same left shoulder
that I separated the first time we came face to face with each other
in the 2020 Royal Rumble.
The night that I started my miraculous comeback.
It's apropos really.
AJ, I'm coming directly at you now, man.
I thought back to WrestleMania
and I realized, you didn't hit your phenomenal forearm.
I bet you think if you did,
you would have beat me,
and if you hit it at WrestleMania Backlash, you'll beat me.
Not a chance.
But we decided last week, why take a chance?
Because I don't think you can hit that move with one arm.
AJ, don't let these lemmings
push you into a situation that you can't control,
that you can't handle. You're in over your head.
Stay at home.
Hug those kids tight with your one good arm.
[laughs] oh, and Finn…
we'll see you later.
Finn,
your guilt has been determined
and I am the punishment.
Your judgment day, it has arrived.
[laughs]
[crowd boos]
[Jimmy] Now, from one frightening face to another.
["Roar" playing]
[Corey] That's an understatement. This is beyond frightening.
WWE universe,
the lion is about to be unleashed on RAW.
[Jimmy] For the last two weeks, his opponents haven't just lost,
they've been devastated and gotten free ambulance rides.
Will Veer Mahaan's streak of brutality continue?
We'll find out next on RAW.
[Jimmy] There are the focused eyes of Veer Mahaan.
His opponent Sam Smothers from here in Knoxville
has reason to be nervous, Byron.
[Saxton] We'll be back to the night after WrestleMania, two weeks ago,
with Veer Mahaan making his RAW debut against Dominik Mysterio.
This was complete dominance by Mahaan.
This is what Mahaan called a cervical clutch submission hold.
We thought it ended there. We thought Dominik was done.
We thought the match was won. But Veer Mahaan had more in mind.
Complete punishment,
complete torture
of Dominik Mysterio.
Officials, desperately trying to halt the attack.
And this is the unfortunate aftermath,
Dominik Mysterio, stretchered out of the arena.
Then, last week, a local competitor from Buffalo, New York,
but the same level of dominance
and carnage by Veer Mahaan.
-["Roar" playing] -[Saxton] Unrelenting.
And again, Mahaan, not content just to enjoy the victory.
It's about punishing
whichever victim lies in his path.
[Corey] It's about Veer's insatiable lust for brutality.
[groaning]
-[paramedic 1] You're okay. -[paramedic 2] Don't move.
[Corey] We send our best wishes to Dominik Mysterio,
who's still convalescing at home.
I like to wish some luck
-to this poor shlub. -[bell rings]
[Jimmy] This is Sam Smothers. Oh.
[Saxton] From the University of Tennessee.
[Corey] I wouldn't say that out loud, Saxton.
I don't know too many bright individuals
who would willingly volunteer their way into a match…
-[Jimmy] Oh! -[Corey] …with Veer Mahaan.
And we are seeing exactly why the wind up…
[Jimmy] Good move.
[Corey] …million-dollar arm right to the jaw of Mr. Smothers.
[Saxton] A pin would be merciful at this point, but--
[Jimmy] We haven't seen any mercy from Veer Mahaan.
[Corey] This is absolute savagery.
[Jimmy] Cervical clutch again.
[Saxton] It is locked in deep.
There's the tap.
[bell rings]
[Jimmy] Once again, Veer Mahaan--
[announcer] Here's your winner by submission,
Veer Mahaan.
[Jimmy] Let go of it, acknowledge the tap this time around.
-[Jimmy] Oh, no. -[Corey] Look at the fury in the eyes
of Veer Mahaan.
Oh, my God.
Shoulder first.
[Saxton] Once again, we're seeing that victory is not enough
for Veer Mahaan.
[Corey] This match is over. He's already submitted.
Going back to the cervical clutch.
Look in the eyes of Veer Mahaan.
-[Jimmy] Sam Smothers has nothing left. -[referee] Get off.
That's enough. Let's go.
[Jimmy] Crazed and deranged…
yet dominant to no end, is Veer Mahaan.
Unbridled savagery by Veer Mahaan.
-[indistinct talk] -[referee] What are you doing?
-[Corey] Mahaan, still not done. -[Jimmy] Still not finished.
[overlapping conversation]
-Oh, no! No, no, no! -Oh, my God.
Oh!
[indistinct chatter]
[grunts]
That is freakish athleticism.
[Saxton] Mahaan just leaped onto our announce desk.
Not just that, we're going for the cervical clutch again.
[Saxton] We need some more officials. We need some help.
[Jimmy] We need some-- he's wrecking the spine of Sam Smothers.
I don't know how many referees it's going to take. Two is not enough.
[Corey] It ends when Veer Mahaan decides that it ends.
[crowd boos]
[Corey] We now have every reason to fear Veer.
Excuse me, Bobby.
That doesn't seem like a normal way to be warming up
for an arm-wrestling contest, does it?
It's an arm-wrestling match, I'm pretty confident
because I know I'm stronger than Omos.
But if it goes beyond that, I've got to be prepared
because I don't trust Omos
and I damn sure don't trust that backstabbing snake, MVP.
Thanks so much. Good luck.
["Shake the Ground" playing]
[Corey] It goes without question,
"The All Mighty" faces an uphill battle.
[Jimmy] Against this man.
Look at the size of Omos,
joined by MVP,
the man he says made
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
[Corey] We're about to find out if the guidance of MVP
will be beneficial to RAW's "Colossus" Omos
as he squares off with "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley
in an arm-wrestling challenge
right here on Monday Night RAW.
[Corey] What is Bobby Lashley walking into?
["Voices" playing]
[Jimmy] Twenty years of Randy Orton.
The respect coming in from the WWE universe.
[Corey] The respect wasn't limited to Randy Orton's friends.
Some of greatest rivals also weighed in
on the amazing career of "The Apex Predator",
John Cena, Drew McIntyre,
both of whom who have battled countless times
with Orton inside the ring.
Showing their appreciation for "The Viper".
[Jimmy] A man who served as a mentor
for Randy Orton early in his career.
None other than Triple H
expressing how proud he is
for the 20-year career accomplishment of Randy Orton.
[Corey] Earlier tonight, it was supposed to be a celebration,
but there was some competition as well
but what will we get out of it?
An epic eight-man Tag Team main event.
RK-Bro, Cody Rhodes, and Ezekiel
versus The Usos,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and Kevin Owens.
Eight superstars in the same ring
all with an act to grime tonight.
Instead of celebrating Randy Orton,
somebody's going to try to take him out.
[Saxton] A main event that promises to be truly colossal,
but from our colossal main event
to another kind of colossus in the ring.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome MVP and Omos.
[Corey] Guarantee you nothing,
but bad thoughts going through the mind of Omos right now.
Oh, man. I've looked forward to this day.
The day where Bobby Lashley is destroyed by his own ego.
The ego
that made him forget who made him almighty.
Oh, shut up!
I'm talking about Bobby Lashley's ego,
the one that made him think it was okay to go to WrestleMania
without me.
The--
The ego
that made him foolishly choose
to accept an arm-wrestling challenge
against an athlete who is superior to Bobby Lashley
in every conceivable way.
You see, Bobby Lashley's muscles and athleticism, and strength
make him an unstoppable force
for the average WWE superstar,
but we're not talking average.
We're talking "The Colossus", Omos.
All right, let me put this to you in a way that
you simpletons here in Knoxville can understand.
You just have a friend that can read
look up the definition and read it for you.
You'll see it's you, all of you, simpletons.
Bobby Lashley is going to come out here
and the--
"The Colossus", Omos, is going to take his giant hand,
wrap it around Bobby Lashley's puny digits,
crush them, and then rip it off straight from the wrist.
["All Mighty" playing]
-[Saxton] Whoa. -[Corey] Oh, really?
[Saxton] "The all mighty" has heard enough from MVP.
[Jimmy] Wouldn't be surprised if MVP's words fired up "The All Mighty".
[Corey] I guarantee you they did it, Jimmy.
[Corey] "The All Mighty" with focus in his eyes
marching toward "The Colossus", Omos.
Moments away from this arm-wrestling challenge.
Lashley prevailed at WrestleMania,
but under the tutelage of MVP, in my opinion,
we have got an even more dangerous Omos
than we saw on the Showcase of the Immortals
Under the tutelage of MVP,
Omos might finally be unstoppable.
[Saxton] That's a hard point to argue, Corey.
It all goes back to MVP feeling scorned,
feeling disrespected
that Lashley did not need his services at WrestleMania.
Let's go, gentlemen. Put your right hand on the podium.
Right hand on the podium.
[crowd chanting] Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!
[MVP] Don't encourage him.
Teach him some humility, Omos. Here we go.
You having second thoughts yet, Bobby?
[referee] Get a good grip.
Ready?
Go.
That's it.
Yes.
You having second thoughts, Bobby, huh?
Huh? Yeah, look at you.
"The Colossus" is about to beat you. Look at that.
Oh, yeah.
Show him, show him.
That's it.
Bobby, you are nothing without me. Absolutely nothing.
-[Corey] MVP just-- -Come on, Omos.
Get in the game, baby.
Shut him down, shut him down.
-[Saxton] Can Lashley pull this off? -[MVP] Come on, Omos.
Show him.
[Corey] Starting to pull him over.
[MVP] Show him, man. Come on. Finish him, finish him.
You're in over your head, Bobby. You're in over your head.
You've already lost. You're nothing without me.
[Jimmy] Lashley went over.
Lashley did it.
[announcer] Here is your winner, "The All Mighty", Bobby Lashley.
-[Corey] Careful. -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Jimmy] Ready for the shot from MVP, but it's Omos from behind.
[Saxton] Once again, Lashley shocking Omos.
Omos can't stomach the result.
[Corey] Omos right now just…
dribbling the skull of Lashley
onto the arm-wrestling table,
grinding Bobby's face.
[Saxton] We need to go all along with Omos and MVP.
[Jimmy] The goal was to humiliate Bobby Lashley.
[Corey] Tonight, it was Omos who suffered the initial humiliation,
but now Lashley is paying for it.
[Jimmy] Really unprepared for the attack.
Back it up.
Crush him, crush him.
[Jimmy] MVP ordering Omos to crush Lashley.
Oh, no.
Bobby, get out of the way.
How you feeling now, Bobby, huh?
You ain't so all mighty right now.
[Corey] Don't do this.
Yeah, you're not so all mighty. Give him one more. Make him feel it.
Show him, show him.
Give him one more for good measure.
Give him another one.
And there is your "All Mighty".
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Omos not finished yet.
[Jimmy] This is terrifying power.
My God.
Destroyed the floor.
[Corey] Any doubt as to how much that table weighed…
Puncturing the protective mats ringside after being launched…
by the 7'4" 400-pound Colossus of Monday Night RAW.
[Jimmy] We just saw Bobby Lashley almost cut in half.
[Saxton] Now to a more pleasant topic,
ladies and gentlemen, we take you back to last week
in the double commitment ceremony here on RAW.
[wedding music plays]
Reggie, you are my knight in shining armor.
I always knew we were meant to be.
And through the ups and the downs,
our love has only grown stronger.
You are a dream come true.
A goddess with everything I could ever want.
Tamina, Tozawa.
What she said.
Wait, can you do that?
Tamina, same.
Are there any objections?
Speak now or forever shut your trap.
I object.
What?
-[comical music playing] -[audience laughing]
Wait, wait, wait.
[comical music playing]
[audience cheering]
Y'all going to get me fired.
I don't even know if that's PG.
Y'all got some rings?
Show 'em.
By the power in my vest,
I'm certified to pronounce you all committed.
Smooch away.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
[bell rings]
He just pinned his new bride.
No, Reggie.
No.
Cover. One, two, three.
She's now the 24/7 champion.
[Saxton] To the cover.
Now it's Tozawa.
[Jimmy] Dana Brooke off the top rope.
[Saxton] In her wedding dress.
[Saxton] To the cover, now she retains, wins back the 24/7 title.
["What's Up?" playing]
[Corey] Can I just say how upset I am
that a beautiful ceremony had such a tragic breakdown?
[Jimmy] Well, from certified officiant to certified referee.
[announcer] Please welcome special guest referee
for the next match,
R-Truth.
[Saxton] R-Truth just something of a modern-day renaissance man.
[Jimmy] He can do it all and he'll need it
after last week's double commitment ceremony ended in chaos.
R-Truth's got to keep these teams together.
Reggie and Dana Brooke
versus Akira Tozawa and Tamina.
Mixed tag on RAW next.
You got this, R-Truth.
[indistinct conversation]
[R-Truth] Enough!
Enough!
[Brooke] Truth?
What are you doing here?
Y'all here for group couple's counseling, right?
-I don't need this. -I don't need counseling.
Oh, y'all need it.
You see, not only am I licensed in bringing couples together,
I'm also licensed in keeping them together.
I'm certified
in therapeutic,
scientific
master in togetherness.
I didn't hear anything you just said right now.
Yes, I am.
And you know what?
If I have to,
I will tear you apart to keep you together.
You see, y'all got 99 problems, but love ain't one.
I have a lot of love.
[all arguing]
[R-Truth] Zip it, zip it.
Look, we got to bring and put the T-R-U back in trust.
I had a little talky talk with Adam and Sonya.
And as an exercise in teamwork,
I have arranged for a mixed tag match.
And don't even think about
trying to pin Dana for the 24/7 title
because the 24/7 rules are suspended
for the duration of this match.
And…
I'm going to keep a close eye on all of y'all.
You know why? Because I'm the special guest referee.
Yes, I am certified.
What? Where'd you get that?
Don't hate.
[Jimmy] Who knew? R-Truth a certified couples counselor.
[Saxton] You can get that certification online.
It takes about nine minutes.
I became a Priest that way.
[Jimmy] He is refereeing right now, R-Truth.
Mixed tag. It's Reggie and Tozawa.
[Corey] 24/7 championship rules are suspended
so this is a traditional Tag Team match.
Well, mixed traditional Tag Team match.
[Saxton] Beautiful arm-drag by Reggie.
I appreciate what R-Truth is trying to do, as a tag is made to Dana Brooke.
He understands that genuine, cupid-infused love that we have here.
[Corey] As the world champion of love myself,
I'm looking at these couples and realizing
neither of them have a chance of success.
Both of these couples should jump on a flight,
try to get on The Ultimatum, on Netflix, you've been watching that?
That's wild. That might help these two couples.
[Jimmy] I thought of anyone, Corey, would appreciate marital bliss, it'd be you.
[Corey] I'm great at it.
[R-Truth] No, no, no.
-[R-Truth] Tag. He's tagged. -[Corey] Good job Tozawa.
[Jimmy] Tozawa tagging himself in.
[Saxton] A bit awkward.
[Jimmy] Beautiful move by Reggie--
[Corey] Cross-body takes down Tozawa.
Outrageous athleticism on the part of
Reggie.
[Jimmy] Speed as well, landed on his feet.
[Saxton] Same speed can be matched by Tozawa.
[Jimmy] Look at these two.
[Corey and Jimmy] Oh, ho, ho.
[Jimmy] Tozawa to the ear.
[Saxton] Tozawa trying to reposition Reggie.
Wasting no time.
-[Saxton] Seems committed. -[Tozawa] I love you.
[Jimmy] To this couple and this tag team.
[Saxton] Proclaiming his love.
-[Jimmy] Senton. -[Saxton] That's it.
[Jimmy] That might be it. Shoulders down.
[Jimmy] That's it.
-[Jimmy] Look at this. -[announcer] Here are your winners.
The team of Tamina and Akira Tozawa.
[Saxton] Maybe I was mistaken
because seeing Tozawa declare his love for Tamina from the top rope
ranks right up there with John Cusack
with a boombox outside the window.
That was one of the most romantic things I've ever seen.
[Saxton] Oh, wait now.
Tamina.
-[Corey] Tozawa with a cover. -[Jimmy] Covering for the 24/7 title.
[Corey] The tag match is over.
[Saxton] Dana Brooke calling for her 24/7 title.
[Jimmy] Helped her last week.
[Saxton] Get her out.
[Jimmy] Not this week. Rollup.
[Saxton] What are you doing Truth?
[Corey] Truth almost officiated his own championship win.
[Jimmy] Couldn't hold the pin and make the count at the same time.
-[Brooke] What was that? -[R-Truth] It's therapy.
-[Brooke] I trusted you. -[R-Truth] It's part of therapy.
[Brooke] I trusted you.
I trusted you.
[Saxton] Truth is saying it was part of therapy.
[Corey] Maybe Dana should just head to Sandals, Jamaica.
I hear it's great for singles.
[Jimmy] Well, looking for second chances on the big stage.
That's exactly what Seth "Freakin" Rollins is looking for
against Cody Rhodes.
["Visionary" playing]
Welcome
to Monday Night Rollins.
To my WrestleMania Backlash opponent,
"The American Nightmare", Cody Rhodes,
come on down. Let's have a chat, baby.
[laughs]
Why don't you do me a favor and just get to the point?
[Rollins] The point…
is that…
at WrestleMania,
you had an unfair advantage.
You came in as Mr. McMahon's surprise opponent
So I lost.
But you know what? I got an idea.
How about you stand in the middle of this ring
and you wait to face a surprise opponent
handpicked by Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
I didn't come back to WWE to run from challenges
so absolutely yes.
[Rollins] It's time to show the world…
that you're not as good as you think you are.
[laughs maniacally]
["Fight" playing]
[Saxton] KO, Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Cody Rhodes is going to find out what it was like for Seth Rollins.
[Owens] Cody, Cody.
[Rollins] You got to be kidding me.
[Jimmy] Seth "Freakin" Rollins can't believe it.
[Rollins] Get up and start.
Kevin, get your fat ass up and get in there.
Get your ass up and get in there.
[Owens] That's your stupid match.
[Saxton] Rollins' handpicked opponent just walked out on him.
[bell rings]
[announcer] Here is your winner as a result of a count-out,
Cody Rhodes.
Oh!
[Jimmy] A cheap shot from Seth "Freakin" Rollins…
Come on, Nightmare.
[Jimmy] …before Backlash.
[crowd booing]
[Saxton] They'll be one on one at WrestleMania Backlash,
but tonight, both Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
part of an epic eight-man Tag Team main event.
RK-Bro, Cody Rhodes, and Ezekiel
versus The Usos, Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Kevin Owens.
We saw the disharmony at the end of the match last week.
Can they get together and be a unit tonight?
So many superstars in one ring tonight on Monday Night RAW.
[Corey] it's going to be a highly chaotic environment
and I am all for it.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Jimmy] Monday night just got "Big Time".
[Corey] It's so much better when I say it, Jimmy.
This is why we don't want you to talk anymore.
I'm not doing it again.
It's less than.
You screwed up my return.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
"Big Time" Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Obviously, disconsolate,
former RAW women's champion.
"Big Time" Becky Lynch
making her way to the RAW ring for the first time
since losing her coveted championship
at WrestleMania.
[Saxton] This is something I've been so curious about.
How would Becky Lynch respond
after losing the RAW women's championship?
How would Becky Lynch respond
after essentially losing a significant part of her identity
in championship gold?
[Corey] You know what Byron? It pains me,
but I agree with you whole-heartedly.
I don't know that we've ever seen this side of Becky Lynch.
The usually brass, proud champion.
[Saxton] Becks certainly has a great deal on her mind.
With any luck, we're gonna get some answers.
[Corey] For the first time since her epic clash with Bianca Belair,
we'll hear from "Big Time" Becks as she returns to Monday Night RAW, next.
[The Miz] Some people don't like being a bad guy.
I enjoy it.
I'm not playing a character. I am the character.
[man] What do the voices tell you?
[Banks] You don't make children cry…
[man] What is wrong with her?
…Sasha Banks does, though.
[Heyman] Do you find good guys to be interesting?
I don't.
[Saxton] WrestleMania Backlash is presented by
the official WWE Credit One Visa card.
Get closer to the action with benefits
like superstar meet-and-greets, sweepstakes,
early ticket sales for select events, and more.
Visit ultimateWWEcard.com to see
if you're pre-qualified now, terms apply.
We're joined by "Big Time" Becky Lynch for the first time
since WrestleMania.
[crowd boos]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
Three years.
It's been three years since I walked out on RAW
without my championship.
Three years and nobody was able to beat me for that title.
And I'll be honest with you.
I, um… I haven't wanted to show my face on RAW
because I don't know who Becky Lynch is
without that title.
I've, um…
I've grown so accustomed to looking in the mirror
and seeing a champion that after WrestleMania
I, um… I didn't recognize myself anymore.
I've, I've, I've hit rock bottom.
That's it. That's it. I've hit rock bottom. That's--
That's all I have to say.
So, um…
Wait a minute. W-- [sputtering]
If I've hit rock bottom, if I've hit rock bottom,
that means there's nowhere else to go but up.
That-- [sputtering] This isn't the end.
This isn't the end. No, no, no. This is just the beginning.
This is the beginning of a legendary Becky Lynch comeback.
[laughs]
No, no, no, no.
Nobody, nobody does a comeback better than me.
No, I can't stay down wallowing
with the schlubs of the earth.
No, no, no, no.
I'm like an arrow that's been pulled back
so I can shoot into heights unknown.
Pew!
And-- and you--
you all get to witness
and be inspired by my rise,
by my climb back to my price,
my title, my precious.
When I overcome your hometown girl Bianca Belair
and then I'll be the champion again.
Nobody, nobody will ever be able to beat me.
I'll be the champion forever.
No, no, no.
Nobody's going to be able to stop me,
not Bianca, not Sonya,
not Liv, not Dana Brooke,
not Tamina, not--
["The Future" playing]
[Corey] What?
[Saxton] Is it?
It is.
[Corey] Yes. Yes. A thousand times, yes.
Asuka is back.
[Corey] "The Empress of Tomorrow" making her return
to Monday Night RAW.
[Jimmy] The pain for tomorrow to take back today.
The empress has returned
to Monday Night RAW.
[Saxton] What is going through the mind of Becky Lynch right now?
[Jimmy] Shock. It has to be shock.
[Saxton] It looks like she's staring at a ghost.
[Corey] It has been months upon months
since we have seen Asuka
in a WWE ring.
But "The Empress of Tomorrow" is here
live and in living color.
[Saxton] Becky Lynch was talking about comebacks.
What a comeback this is.
[Corey] Full of confidence, full of swagger.
[crowd cheers]
[speaking in Japanese]
[crowd chanting] Asuka! Asuka! Asuka! Asuka!
I…
will stop you…
[laughs maniacally]
…because
no one is ready for Asuka.
-Whoo! -[crowd cheers]
[commentators] Oh.
["The Future" playing]
[Jimmy] Quick exit from "Big Time" Becks.
I don't think anybody blames her.
[Corey] Becky Lynch thought she set her sights on Bianca Belair
but it's then another obstacle.
[Corey] Bianca-- oh, sorry.
Becky just disrespected in a big time fashion
by "The Empress of Tomorrow"
Asuka who made it abundantly clear to Becky Lynch
that Asuka plans on stopping "Big Time" Becks.
The question is, is "Big Time" Becks going to be ready
for Asuka?
[Jimmy] Big surprise, the return of Asuka to Monday Night RAW.
Another big surprise last week courtesy of The Street Profits.
[Saxton] Yes, it was RK-Bro taking on The Street Profits
attempting to build momentum for WrestleMania Backlash
when this happened.
["Done With That" playing]
The theme song of the SmackDown tag team champions The Usos to play
serving as a distraction for both Riddle and Randy Orton
but the match would continue.
[Corey] It opened the door for Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins
to capitalize
against the reigning RAW Tag Team champions.
The tag was made super blockbuster
from way up high.
And The Street Profits earned a decisive victory
over the RAW Tag Team champions.
I wonder who would kill the Usos' music at this unfortunate time?
You know what? Let that be a lesson to everybody,
including to RK-Bro.
The Usos aren't the only tag team you need to be worried
because The Street Profits are up…
[both] And we want the smoke.
[Corey] They're still doing their part to make noise
in the Tag Team division.
Yes.
Twenty years of "The Viper", Dawks. Twenty.
That's a lot RKOs. My neck hurt thinking about it.
Real talk, respect to you, Randy.
Bottles are popping, the show ain't stopping.
There was even Mayor Glenn spotted.
And also, Bianca Belair
just successfully defended her RAW women's championship
in her hometown.
You go, girl.
[exclaims] Yes, sir.
Sonya out here making excuses
like the Nets did for Ben Simmons playing in game 4.
but that ain't all tonight fam because we got RK-Bro
uniting with "The American Nightmare", Cody Rhodes and Ezekiel.
Not to get him confused with his older brother, Elias.
Oh, they're taking on The Usos with Seth "Freakin" Rollins…
-…and Kevin Owens. -Wow.
-Who you got, bro? -Ooh, I got my money on Zeke.
I don't know, man. I don't know if The Usos want an angry "Tribal Chief"
up on their hands. Would have to acknowledge someone,
but straight from Adam Pearce's office,
no matter who wins tonight or WrestleMania Backlash,
we got next.
We coming for the unified Tag Team titles
because The Streets Profits are up…
[both] And we want the smoke.
["Catch Your Breath" playing]
[Jimmy] It's a motivated Tag Team.
[Corey] Whether it's The Usos or RK-Bro,
The Street Profits will be waiting in the wings.
[Jimmy] Now, a motivated former champion
"The Prince" himself is in the house.
[Saxton] Finn Bálor just a little frustrated over
how things have gone down in his career
losing the United states championship, but tonight, a major opportunity
for redemption.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland,
Finn Bálor.
[Corey] Finn Bálor had better be hyper-focused
because awaiting him is Damian Priest,
the man who defeated Bálor to become United States champion
some months back, but we've seen a new sign of Damian Priest
since becoming an ally of WWE Hall of Famer, Edge.
[Jimmy] He's faced Damian Priest before, but never like this.
Now he's a disciple of Edge.
It's brought something out of Damian Priest.
Is Finn Bálor ready for the new Damian Priest?
We'll find out Monday Night RAW, next.
[Saxton] Ladies and gentlemen, we wanna let you know that
WWE SummerSlam will be live
from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee
on Saturday, July 30th.
Tickets to the biggest event of the summer
are available now at ticketmaster.com.
[Jimmy] There's "The Prince", Finn Bálor.
Up until recently, United States champion,
ready to face the man he took the title from.
["The Other Side" playing]
[Jimmy] The ominous duo.
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied by WWE Hall of Famer, Edge,
representing Judgment Day,
Damian Priest.
[Corey] An entrance as cryptic as the words
we have heard delivered
from both Edge and Damian Priest.
[Jimmy] Everything Edge speaks, this man Damian Priest believes.
[Corey] Let's see if it's paying off for the former United States champion,
Damian Priest, as he is set to collide once again
with "The Prince", Finn Bálor.
[Saxton] How much has his allegiance to Edge paid off?
We will find out in a matter of moments once the bell rings.
[Corey] Truly awe-inspiring, ominous sight.
[Saxton] Damian Priest and Edge said that tonight will be judgement day
for Finn Bálor, but you wonder if that would be the same case
in just two weeks at WrestleMania Backlash
when AJ Styles would be out for vengeance
against "The Rated R Superstar", Edge.
[Corey] You have to wonder what sort of physical condition Styles will be in
after the assault from Edge and Priest last week.
[Saxton] We knew AJ Styles suffering a shoulder injury
from the assault that you mentioned, Corey,
last week at the hands of Damian Priest and Edge.
[Jimmy] Speaking about assaults, that was also the case
after Finn Bálor defeated Damian Priest for the United States title.
Damian Priest extremely upset assaulted Finn Bálor and--
You could say that was the start of this entire transformation.
[Corey] Priest, by his own admittance was feeling lost.
Damian Priest was doubting himself and didn't know where he fit in
without his United States championship.
And, oh, thus far,
this allegiance to Edge has fit Priest like a glove.
[Saxton] Priest found a kindred spirit in Edge
claiming that much like Edge, he was too worried about
what the WWE universe thought about him.
[Corey] Been asking all these questions about the allegiance
Damian Priest has shown to Edge.
I want to know about the mindset of Finn Bálor,
the now former United States champion,
who firing off rights to Damian Priest.
[Jimmy] Still plenty of fight left in him as Damian Priest goes over the top.
that's the key despite the setbacks.
Finn Bálor determined to keep fighting.
Might be because of the setbacks as well.
[Corey] We know Bálor, a consummate professional.
Always fights his heart out any night,
but this sudden streak of bad luck might be weighing on Bálor.
[Saxton] Look at this power from Damian Priest.
-[Jimmy] Oh, no. -[Corey] Oh, God.
[Jimmy] Bouncing him off the ring apron.
[Corey] Can Bálor find his way back into this fight
or will Priest continue to dominate?
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Finn Bálor versus Damian Priest.
Finn Bálor has faced Damian Priest before, but never like this.
[Corey] Finn Bálor struggled to get out of the gate since the bell.
This has been, essentially, a one-sided affair
with Damian Priest in control which leads me to believe
that Finn Bálor is not in the right headspace
to be an effective competitor right now.
Finn Bálor, we know possesses the skills.
Finn has the ability
but then he's distracted.
He's not mentally there.
[Jimmy] What about the effect of Edge
on Damian Priest bringing something out of him that we haven't seen before?
A level of aggression
to go with the physical talent we knew he always had.
[Corey] That can't be discounted.
[Jimmy] Beautiful stomp from Finn Bálor.
[Saxton] The WWE Hall of Famer has no doubt imparted his wisdom
on the former United States champion.
[Corey] A moment ago Finn Bálor locking eyes with Edge.
Almost drawing inspiration from the ominous presence
of the Hall of Famer.
[Jimmy] Oh, but Bálor trying to turn the tides.
To the cover.
[Corey] Kick-out from Damian Priest.
Edge looking on at his disciple.
Neck bothering him.
We saw that against Theory
when he lost the United States championship.
[Saxton] Maybe it's a lingering injury.
Maybe it's not just strictly a mental issue for Finn Bálor.
Maybe Finn does have a nagging neck injury.
That's maybe why he's not at the top of his game.
[Corey] In the meantime, Priest now clearly on top of his game.
Bálor trying to roll.
[Saxton] Priest in a bit of jeopardy for the first time, and oh--
Kicked right off.
[Saxton] Counter by Bálor.
[Jimmy] Shoulders down.
[Saxton] Priest escapes out the backdoor.
[Jimmy] Last possible second.
[Corey] Looks as though Edge may begin to sweat a little watching his charge.
[Jimmy] The quickness of Bálor on the apron.
Kick striking Priest.
Trying to use his speed.
Willing himself to the top rope.
[Corey] Now he's got to-- got to keep his attention on Damian Priest.
[Jimmy] Eye off Damian Priest at exactly the wrong time.
Fin-- oh! Final reckoning.
[Corey] South of heaven choke-slam from Damian Priest.
And Edge looking on pleased with himself and the performance of Priest,
and the final sands could be running through the hourglass
for Finn Bálor.
Priest signaling the end…
for Bálor.
[Jimmy] Oh! God, face down, shoulders down.
-[Jimmy] A win for Damian Priest. -[bell rings]
-[Damian Priest's music plays] -[Corey] Dominance.
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Damian Priest.
[Corey] Damian Priest with an emphatic statement to the WWE roster.
This new alliance, Judgment Day, with the Hall of Famer, Edge,
will be a force to be reckoned with.
Pun heavily intended.
[Saxton] Can only imagine Edge highly pleased with the work
of his new ally, Damian Priest.
[Corey] Priest approaching the Mephistopheles of WWE.
Bending the knee.
Pledging allegiance.
Urging the mass judgment of all who oppose them.
[Jimmy] But there is more to come tonight.
That's right. It was supposed to be the celebration for Randy Orton.
We get an incredible main event, an eight-man tag.
[Corey] Some of these superstars were there to congratulate Randy Orton
and then tensions would overflow.
[Saxton] Indeed we have a star-studded eight-man Tag Team match.
On one side,
it will be the team of the RAW Tag Team champions,
RK-Bro, "The American Nightmare", Cody Rhodes, and Ezekiel
taking on the SmackDown Tag Team champions,
The Usos, Kevin Owens, and Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] The main event will be--
["I Came To Play" playing]
[Saxton] Look at that.
[Corey] That's why they pay you the big bucks, Saxton.
[Saxton] Good to have you back, Corey.
[Corey] "The A-Lister" about to make his entrance
in his own unique way.
[Jimmy] Still shining from WrestleMania,
but Mr. McMahon saw the potential in Theory
and it paid off as he became United States champion.
Well, he will now join the arrogant "A-Lister" The Miz
for a special must-see edition of Miz TV.
We got the ego of The Miz,
the ego of the new United States champion, Theory,
in the same ring, next.
[Corey] This is going to be awesome.
[announcer] Please welcome the host of Miz TV,
The Miz.
Welcome to the most must-see WWE talk show in history,
welcome to--
[crowd] Miz TV!
Miz TV, and what a night it's been.
We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Randy Orton.
[crowd cheers]
A living legend whose career might actually stack up to mine one day.
Now, not only are we celebrating Randy Orton,
but my guest tonight is a true star in the making,
a young man that might remind you
of someone in this very ring.
Ladies and gentlemen, please get up out of your seats
for the new United States champion,
Theory.
["A-Town Down" playing]
[Saxton] I'm certainly not surprised
that the Miz would see a little bit of himself in Theory.
[Corey] Do you know why?
Because Theory is a star, just like Miz is a star,
just like Mr. McMahon sees Theory and knows that he is a star,
potentially the future of this place.
I could not be more thrilled
for the success that Theory has experienced lately.
[Saxton] Well, Theory is certainly thrilled for his success
and just check out the selfie.
[Corey] I heard this selfie is why Elon Musk bought Twitter,
based on this photo alone of the boss and the future.
I am stoked, this is going to be beyond-belief good.
[Saxton] It's only--
I'm going to jump in the--
I'm getting really good at photobombing these things,
I haven't mastered it, but I'm getting there.
-[Corey] You're ridiculous. -[Saxton] I'm not a big enough star.
[The Miz] I got to admit,
it is kind of like looking in a mirror.
-Go ahead, have a seat. -[Theory] I have to.
[The Miz] You know…
When I was a young Miz,
I had to earn "the" with a capital T,
but don't worry, you definitely will get there.
Like The Theory?
No, no, no, my mentor Mr. McMahon has made it perfectly clear,
it's just Theory.
All right, just Theory.
Well, you know, it's--
It feels like an eternity since someone actually brought
credibility to the United States championship.
Come to think of it, it feels like it's been 12 years.
[Theory] Weren't you the United States champion 12 years ago?
[The Miz] Correct, for the second time,
and I escalated it
to an unprecedented prestige that I know you will uphold.
Thanks, Miz.
The Miz.
Now,
how does it feel to be the new United States champion?
Honestly, it feels like I'm on another level.
You know, you're somebody that I actually grew up watching.
Yeah, like-- almost like--
you know, an inspiration.
[crowd] What?
Shut up.
[crowd] What?
You overcame the odds
and became a two-time Grand Slam champion.
[crowd] What?
A WrestleMania main eventer.
[crowd] What?
You.
Yeah, and you know what else?
I'm going to live up to those standards that you want me to,
but I'm also going to continue to prove
why I am the best investment
that Mr. McMahon has ever made.
[crowd boos]
Yeah.
Yeah, cheer for that.
Show respect to my guest, please.
[crowd booing]
And I'm gonna take this United States championship to heights
that it's never been before, new heights.
And sure,
I'm the youngest United States champion in WWE history
but I'm going to be remembered
as the United States champion.
And you can bet all your money on that
because I can do this all day.
Can I get you a little bit of advice?
Look, when you become champion,
everyone around you becomes jealous.
Nothing infuriates people more
than when handsome young trendsetters like us
succeed at every turn.
Every single person in that locker room is a parasite.
In recent United States champions,
they handed out United States championships
like they were glowsticks at Coachella.
Let me explain something to you about that title,
everyone needs to earn the right
to face you in this ring.
You are the United States champion,
no one comes out here and just demands a title match.
You are the United States--
["Problematic" playing]
[Saxton] I guess we've heard enough from The Miz.
[Jimmy] Whoa.
Wow.
[Saxton] Mustafa Ali?
[Jimmy] Another surprise return to Monday Night RAW.
[Saxton] We haven't seen Ali in months.
[Corey] Sometimes the only way to force change is to change yourself.
And Mustafa Ali is back here in the flesh on Monday Night RAW.
[Saxton] I'm a bit curious why Ali has picked this moment.
He's got a lot of gall interrupting
The Miz and the United States champion, Theory, but
somewhat exciting.
You still work here?
Aren't you the guy that took his ball and went home?
Wait, no, I know what this is.
You're Mufasa, Mustafa Ali's younger brother.
Mufasa?
You get it? You get it?
[Ali laughs]
Miz that joke was not funny at all.
I mean, honestly, why are you out here cracking jokes?
If I want to laugh, all I need to do is watch you wrestle.
It's all right.
Now, let's get down to some business.
I am back here on Monday Night RAW.
I was back there talking to Adam Pearce, and we were
discussing some matters.
But when I heard that the new
United States champion Theory was going to be a guest on Miz TV,
I just had to come out here.
I mean I had to.
Because I'm hoping
that Theory is here to announce
that he's holding an open challenge
for that United States championship and I'm kind of hoping
that I'm going to be the one to answer it.
So what do you say, Theory?
You and me
for the United States championship
tonight!
[Saxton] I'd love to see it.
[Corey] Don't do it Theory, don't do it, listen to Miz.
[crowd chanting] Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
You know what? I'll think about it.
No.
-[laughs mockingly] -[crowd boos]
I mean, why am I not surprised?
Aren't you supposed to be Mr. McMahon's protege?
Huh? What? You got no spine?
What are you? All biceps and no balls?
What are you scared of, huh?
You're out here running your mouth.
You're out here running away from a fight.
You are out here running away
like your name's The Miz.
Hey, hey, hold on a second. You know who you're talking to?
This is a former champion,
a trailblazer,
a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
This man don't run away from a fight.
No, no, I wouldn't.
I know exactly what you're trying to do, you're trying to use my name
to get yourself a little notoriety, aren't you?
Let me explain something to you, there is nothing I would love more
to embarrass you right here right now,
but I think you forgot how it works around here.
I don't have a magic wand where I can just make a match.
Don't worry, I do.
I just text Mr. McMahon, you got a match against Ali right now.
-What? -Yeah.
[Corey] Uh-oh, Miz.
What? You did--
-What? -That's what you wanted, right?
-You're welcome. -Thank you, Theory.
-Appreciate that. -You're the man, dude.
Let me explain something to you.
After I'm done with you with this match,
I'm going to make you wish you got your walking papers.
[Saxton] Oh.
You and me tonight. Come on.
You and me tonight.
["Problematic" playing]
[Saxton] Theory actually did something good with that cell phone for once.
It appears that Mustafa Ali might be making his return to competition
here on RAW against The Miz, next.
You want to do it right now? We can go right now.
[Corey] This month WWE is teaming up
with Make-A-Wish to restore hope for wish kids
in the lead up to world wish day on April 29th.
Children who are fighting critical illnesses
experience emotional challenges every day.
A spark of hope can change everything.
With hope, a child with a critical illness
finds light in the darkness of their current circumstances.
By granting wishes, we can help restore hope for a child
and open the door to exciting possibilities.
[Drew] A wish begins with hope. And hope begins with you.
Join WWE in supporting Make-A-Wish this world wish day
by visiting wish.org/WWE.
[Saxton] You can help make wishes come true.
Visit wish.org/WWE
to find out more information
on how you can support wish kids everywhere.
[crowd cheers]
[Jimmy] We know him as Hall of Famer Kane,
but here in Knox county, they call him Mayor Glenn Jacobs,
congratulating Randy Orton on 20 extraordinary years in the WWE.
[Corey] We kicked off tonight with Randy Orton's 20th-anniversary celebration
which was interrupted by a slew of superstars
and eventually tensions boiled over into this can't miss
star-studded eight-man Tag Team main event
tonight on Monday Night RAW.
[Saxton] That eight-man Tag Team match is unexpected and so was this match here
between Mustafa Ali and The Miz.
[Corey] Just the presence of Mustafa Ali alone was unexpected.
I'm curious to see what sort of ring shape Ali is in
as he competes with one of the best to ever do it
in "the A-Lister" The Miz.
[Jimmy] We haven't seen him on RAW since October of last year.
[Saxton] Hey, I respect the guts of Ali to come out
and interrupt The Miz on Miz TV.
[Corey] That's not guts. That's disrespect, Saxton.
Yes, it will get you attention.
However, once in a while,
especially when you're dealing with The Miz,
disrespect will just get you smacked in the mouth.
[Saxton] It got Ali a high-profile matchup against the Miz.
And if Ali defeats The Miz, Corey,
what does that do for the career of Mustafa Ali?
[Corey] That's a great question. Only Ali can answer that.
No one knows what he wants.
Miz now in control with a side headlock.
Of course, Miz a fantastic performance at WrestleMania,
with Logan Paul, and then…
You know how that ended, that tag team breaking up right afterward
courtesy of The Miz.
[Saxton] A very slick reversal by Mustafa Ali, and
to this point, Ali seems to be in just fine ring shape.
[Corey] We know there's no substitute
for regular competition, but right now,
Mustafa Ali looks like he has not missed a step.
[Saxton] Oh, ho-ho, Ali did it better.
[Jimmy] Not just great moves but also antagonizing The Miz.
-[Saxton] Remember, The Miz-- -[Corey] Oh!
[Corey] What was that? What clever remark did you have
to make on behalf of Mustafa Ali?
-[Corey] Nothing. -[Saxton] Shut up.
[Corey] The A-Lister now going to work on Ali.
[Saxton] I was going to say, Corey,
that obviously The Miz, before this match, wasn't too thrilled
about having to take on Mustafa Ali.
When it comes to Miz TV, it's The Miz--
Cover. Shoulders down.
[Corey] And this is why we arrived at this particular juncture,
because of the disrespect shown by Mustafa Ali.
A blatant cheap shot,
slapping the taste right out of The Miz's mouth
in front of a global audience.
Miz is just fine right now.
[Saxton] The match was made official after the United States champion, Theory,
texted Mr. McMahon, unbeknownst to The Miz, to make the match official.
[Corey] Because obviously Theory believes
in the ones that he has learned from such as The Miz.
Theory realizes The Miz can handle himself.
-[Corey] Miz is no stranger to disrespect. -[Jimmy] Oh.
[Saxton] When it comes to Miz TV, he's usually the antagonist.
He's usually getting other people to start matches, but
the tables turned on Miz this time around, but
so far he's handling it well.
[Corey] You're like so many haters.
[Jimmy] Oh, shoulders down.
[Saxton] Kick out before three for Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] It happens literally every week here on Monday Night RAW.
Somebody is talking,
sharing their thoughts with the world,
they're interrupted, and then they have to compete.
Why should Miz be excluded from that?
Miz is an elite-level WWE superstar.
Oh.
[Saxton] We know The Miz has a storied jealousy problem.
Anyone who could potentially take the spotlight away from The Miz,
The Miz just can't stomach it.
[Corey] Who the hell walking the Earth
would not be jealous of The Miz?
Why would Miz be jealous of anybody else,
particularly here in the university of Tennessee?
[Saxton] You want me to list names in our locker room?
-[Jimmy] Ali out. -[Saxton] Oh, ho-ho.
[Jimmy] Big chop. Nice counter from Mustafa Ali.
[Saxton] Ali completely unloading on The Miz.
Oh, my God.
[Saxton] He has always been a technician, very athletic, but nice shot.
[Corey] The fire in the eyes of The Miz.
What was that you were saying? What was that?
-[Corey] Don't answer. Listen. -[loud thud]
Miz just shifted the ring a good four inches
with Mustafa Ali's spine,
because Miz has been disrespected
and Miz does not take well to being disrespected.
[Jimmy] Took all the momentum out of the attack of Mustafa Ali.
[Saxton] It just dawned on The Miz
how much fight that Ali has brought to this fight and this matchup,
and The Miz understands.
Look, he could very well suffer a loss to Ali
if he doesn't step up his game.
[Corey] Does Miz appear to you, Saxton,
in any danger of being defeated right now?
[Saxton] I'll answer that for you. No.
Because right now we are witnessing and experiencing
the world-famous "it" kicks.
[Jimmy] Yes, right now The Miz is in control.
Right now savoring his advantage over Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] Savoring the suffering of Ali.
[Corey] You may not like him,
but you got no choice but to respect him.
The A-Lister is a surefire…
-[Corey] …Hall of Famer. -[Saxton] Oh, ho-ho.
[Jimmy] Great counter kick from Mustafa Ali.
[Saxton] Critical opening right now for Mustafa Ali
to find a way to take advantage.
Ali doing his best to will himself back into the fight.
Will it be enough?
Quick thinking of Ali. Spinning heel kick, dropping the Miz.
[Jimmy] You're right about The Miz's credentials, Corey.
That's why a win would be so much for the return of Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] I agree with you on that, Jimmy.
Ali knows what a--
Oh, my goodness.
What a tremendous amount of value
a victory over someone the caliber of Miz holds.
[Saxton] Great evasion by Ali.
Ali from the outside in.
-[Saxton] Oh. -[Corey] Neckbreaker delivered.
[Jimmy] Shoulders down, hooking the leg,
trying to end it.
[Corey] Kick out from The Miz.
[Saxton] Take another look at the athleticism of Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] Rolling through into a neckbreaker.
Fantastic maneuver,
but not enough to keep someone as tough as The Miz down.
[Saxton] Corey, you talk about the ring rust possibilities,
but also re-focuses you taking time off.
[Corey] Elbow right between the eyes of Ali.
[Saxton] Remember why he wanted it so bad--
Kick to the knee.
-Oh. -Oh, my.
[Jimmy] Beautiful DDT.
Shoulders down.
Oh.
[Jimmy] Not quite enough.
[Jimmy] Fight still left in Mustafa Ali.
[Saxton] Ali was looking for an O'connor Roll, Miz a step ahead.
Spiking Ali in the center of the ring.
Miz thought it was over.
Ali had other plans.
Miz's plans are to spoil the return of Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] No. Miz's plans were to host
a wonderful edition of Miz TV with Theory, the United States champion,
and then Ali reared his head…
-[Corey] …and we're here. -[Saxton] You adjust.
[Saxton] That's what the great ones do.
[Corey] That's what Miz has done greatly.
[Saxton] Mustafa Ali though on top now
was thinking about-- what a beautiful backflip,
landed awkwardly on that left knee.
[Corey] And Miz like a shark with blood in the water.
[Saxton] Center of the ring, Miz, thinking about the figure four. Oh.
Beautiful rollup. Shoulders down.
-[Corey] Whoa. -[bell rings]
-[Corey] No way. -[Saxton] Whoa.
[Saxton] Yes, way.
[announcer] Here's your winner, Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] Miz was not prepared to compete tonight.
This should be scratched from the record books.
[Saxton] Excuses.
[Corey] Miz was out here to conduct an interview and be a journalist,
and Ali took advantage.
[Saxton] What about The Miz is going to adjust and great
Ali is in over his head?
[Saxton] Yes, Mustafa Ali just scored an upset victory
over The Miz in his first match back.
That, my friends, is huge.
[Corey] I don't believe Miz had adequate time to stretch out his hamstrings,
he's pointing to his shoulder.
Perhaps Miz was injured.
[Saxton] The good news is Miz can cry now, come up with all the excuses he wants.
-The good news for Mustafa Ali-- -[Corey] Oh, ho.
[Saxton] That's Ciampa.
[crowd boos]
From absolutely nowhere.
[Corey] Short-lived celebration for Mustafa Ali before
being leveled by Ciampa.
[crowd boos]
[Saxton] There's Rhea Ripley.
We saw her
essentially turn her back on Liv Morgan last week.
we're hoping to get an exclusive interview with Ripley next.
[Jimmy] Welcome back
to the campus of the University of Tennessee.
A Tag Team that everyone seemed to get behind
that had so much potential, Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley.
Last Monday everything fell apart.
[Saxton] The women's Tag Team titles were on the line
as Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan challenged
Sasha Banks and Naomi.
With Liv Morgan out of the picture,
this combo known as Rent's Due would be delivered
by the women's Tag Team champions
allowing Sasha Banks and Naomi to walk away victorious,
but here's the issue.
It's what happened after the match that a lot of people are talking about.
Rhea Ripley once again expressing frustration with Liv Morgan
but this time taking it too far.
[Ripley] Where were you? I needed you.
I've always been there when you needed me.
[Corey] Ripley would completely blindside Liv Morgan.
Morgan has been nothing but loyal in this Tag Team partnership.
[sputtering] To me, it's just disgusting.
It's disgusting to see how Rhea Ripley would take her frustrations
to this level and lay out Liv Morgan.
[Saxton] Of course, delivering the riptide.
I'm very curious about what Ripley's thinking these days.
[Schreiber] Ladies and gentlemen, with me right now is Rhea Ripley.
Rhea, it's been one week
since you viciously attacked your former Tag Team partner Liv Morgan.
Are you ready to tell us why?
You want to know why, Sarah?
Because I finally opened up my eyes.
When I first came here, I became the RAW women's champion
on my own.
Since then, I've been tossed into the tag division
surrounded by tag partners that do nothing
but bring me down to their level and make me weak,
so I'm done.
I'm done associating myself with disappointment that-- whoa.
That's Liv Morgan.
Liv Morgan not going quietly into the night.
[women yelling]
This issue is far from over between Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley.
I appreciate the fire of Liv Morgan,
but if Liv's not careful, Rhea will turn that light out in a hurry.
And that's the big question.
Will this now being on her own
bring the fire that we've seen
out of "The Nightmare" Rhea Ripley?
-Everything was right. -No, no.
I'm not going to pay you until I get proper results, okay?
-You haven't paid me. -He's lying. Right.
Why would I pay you? He's a liar.
Don't question my intellect. Okay?
-I'm not questioning-- -I know--
Questioning the test.
[chuckles] My best bud.
-I've been looking for you. -Shoosh, please.
Okay?
This here is an A-plus
and B conversation, so why don't you just see your way out?
Thank you.
Did you just call me a B?
-B plus. -Get out of here.
-Get out. -I'll do some research.
-Get out. -Research.
Bye-bye.
-[Gable] You better pay me. -I'm not paying you.
-Bye-bye. -You know what? I'm not--
What are doing? What do you want?
What? A tag match coming up. We got a game plan.
-I've looked everywhere. Yes. -Game plan?
You looked everywhere for me?
-Yes. -You think I forgot about last week?
-What do you mean? -I was fighting my heart out
for you and then you insulted me?
-Oh. -Oh, no.
Oh, no.
-You know? -It was the heat of the moment.
The heat of the moment? Maybe I should put you
through a lie detector.
See if you mean the stuff you say, huh?
I think I'm a lot better friend than you.
This is not a competition.
-Friendship is not a competition. -If it was a competition, I'd win.
-Whoa, whoa. -Okay?
Yo, yo.
Everybody better fall in line right here
and I'm talking about The Bloodline.
Ain't no more playing games, Uce.
We got to get this W tonight.
We want the win
and we're here to make sure y'all don't lose it for us.
No, man. Tonight just ain't about
Randy Orton's 20th anniversary either, Uce.
No, sir.
Because after WrestleMania Backlash,
we're about to show RK-Bro and why the WWE universe
shouldn't mess with The Usos.
We better be on the same damn page.
Yes, man. Let's get the W.
Or the Tribal Chief gone be real mad, Uce,
and trust me, bro, you don't want to get
on the Tribal Chief's bad side.
-[laughs] -We'll see you out there.
Oh, the Tribal Chief, right?
[laughs] can you believe those guys?
This is our show. How--
[Owens scoffs]
Kev!
All right, I'll do it on my own then.
Fine. Fine, Kev.
[Saxton] I think Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins
could be a liability for their team tonight.
[Jimmy] Usos trying to get everybody on the same page.
["The American Nightmare" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Oh, yes.
It is main event time.
[Jimmy] Main event time with a main event entrance.
One man in this eight-man tag with momentum on his side
with his return to the WWE at WrestleMania.
-[Saxton] Momentum on his side… -[fireworks]
but a target on his back.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is an eight-man Tag Team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 222 pounds,
"The American Nightmare",
Cody Rhodes.
[Saxton] Cody Rhodes has been incredibly impressive
since returning at WrestleMania.
However, I assure you
that each of the four men on the opposite team tonight
want to be the one to hand Cody his first L
since coming back.
[Jimmy] Next Monday we are in Greensborough, North Carolina,
but tonight it's about the eight-man tag
full of superstars.
Who will come out on top? We'll find out.
[Corey] It's going to be an ultra-chaotic environment,
an all-star lineup, eight-man Tag Team match.
And it is next live on Monday Night RAW.
[Jimmy] Well, earlier tonight, "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley
taking on an impossible task
in an arm-wrestling competition with Omos.
-You having second thoughts, Bobby? -[Corey] You say it's impossible…
[Corey] …but "The All Mighty" would do the unthinkable
and manage to defeat
-the Colossus of RAW. -[MVP] You've already lost.
-You're nothing without me. -[Corey] The All Mighty
beating Omos in an arm-wrestling challenge.
[announcer] Here is your winner, "The All Mighty"…
-That celebration would be short-lived. -…Bobby Lashley.
A jaw-dropping performance,
but MVP and Omos not willing
to allow Lashley to have his moment,
instead, proceeding with their task,
their goal to humiliate Bobby Lashley.
[indistinct conversation]
[crowd boos]
[Corey] The carnage would continue to go from bad to worse
as Omos would pick up the arm-wrestling table
and proceed to pummel "The All Mighty"
multiple times in the center of the ring.
[Saxton] MVP, Omos doing whatever it takes
to completely dismantle
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
[Jimmy] The aftermath
with the proud Colossus with MVP by his side.
And the world is yours, brother.
Fits in the palm of your hand.
Excuse me, MVP, Omos. You brutally attacked Bobby Lashley after…
-he won the arm-- -Hold on a second, chief.
With absolutely zero due respect, are you daft?
Did Bobby Lashley look like a winner
when Omos was done with him and he was laid out on the canvas?
This arm-wrestling challenge wasn't about brawn,
it was about brains,
and without me, Bobby Lashley was unable to see that.
It's one of those things where he just--
Well, he's not "The All Mighty" without me.
This is just a preview of things to come,
because Omos has officially
challenged Bobby Lashley to a match at WrestleMania Backlash.
I hope Bobby Lashley smartens up before then.
And after I'm done with him,
there isn't going to be much left of The All Mighty.
[crowd boos]
[MVP laughs]
[Jimmy] That glare by itself so frightening.
But the breaking news, Omos officially challenging Bobby Lashley
to a match at WrestleMania Backlash.
[Corey] Omos looking to right the wrongs of WrestleMania.
Right now a man who's looking to right many wrongs
in his life in his career.
I was talking about Cody Rhodes.
[announcer] His Tag Team partners.
First, Ezekiel.
[Corey] Guys, I've had a couple of weeks off to think.
I'm excited for what Ezekiel is capable of.
Elias speaks very highly of his younger brother.
Believe it or not,
I bumped into Elias at LAX
on the way back from my honeymoon.
He's doing great, looks wonderful.
Even had his guitar with him.
[Saxton] Thank you for the update, Corey.
[Jimmy] A team we know very, very well
because they're the RAW Tag Team champions.
[Saxton] Yeah, say it with some bass in your voice, Jimmy.
[announcer] Making their way to the ring,
they are the RAW Tag Team champions,
Riddle and Randy Orton,
RK-Bro.
[Corey] You know in the back of their minds,
RK-Bro thinking about two weeks from now
WrestleMania Backlash, the biggest match of their careers.
The championship unification match, winner takes all.
Who will be the new undisputed
WWE Tag Team champions?
Will it be RK-Bro, or will it be The Usos?
My money's on RK-Bro.
[fireworks]
[Saxton laughs] the flops are flying.
Rabbits? [laughs]
Yeah, rabbits.
It's not even easter, I love it.
[Saxton] It's a night of celebration for Randy Orton
that could conclude with an even bigger celebration
with a victory here tonight.
[Corey] Or it could potentially end in heartbreak, Saxton.
-["Done With That" playing] -[Corey] I'm a Debbie Downer.
[Jimmy] Someone who would love to see a heartbreak
for RK-Bro tonight,
the SmackDown Tag Team champions.
[announcer] Their opponents, first,
they are the SmackDown Tag Team champions,
Jimmy and Jey,
The Usos.
[Corey] Before I was interrupted, correction, Jimmy.
Jimmy and Jey Uso would love to be the ones
to cause the heartbreak for RK-Bro tonight
to get themselves even further up the mental ladder
before WrestleMania Backlash.
[Jimmy] They are run-- the one.
-The longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team-- -The runs?
[announcer] …Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds,
Kevin Owens.
[Saxton] The Ones made it clear that
Kevin Owens and his friend or not friend Seth Rollins
needs to "fall in line and get along here tonight."
[Corey] Right now, Kevin Owens is focused on one person,
that being Ezekiel.
["Visionary" playing]
[Saxton] Gentleman, may I?
-What? -[announcer] Their Tag Team partner,
from Davenport, Iowa, weighing in at 217 pounds,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
-It's been a few weeks-- -Don't--
[Corey] He is a visionary.
He is a revolutionary.
He is Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
And I have it on good authority
that Seth "Freakin" Rollins
cannot wait
until WrestleMania Backlash
to right his own wrong
from the grandest stage of them all as Rollins once again
steps in the ring with "The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes.
[Saxton] A rematch from WrestleMania, but here's the opposing point of view, Corey.
We've seen how obsessed Seth Rollins has been
with getting revenge on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
What happens--
What happens if Cody Rhodes defeats Seth Rollins again
this time at WrestleMania Backlash?
[Corey] As to whether they're in fantasy land.
Still a possibility.
[Jimmy] Nothing but confidence in the eyes of the visionary.
-Oh, oh. -Oh, Ezekiel.
[Corey] Ezekiel clearly has no regard for the rules.
The bell hasn't even rung yet.
This maniac starting to fight.
Ezekiel's second matchup on RAW, he's a little overzealous.
He should know the rules.
[Saxton] It's a brawl underway right now.
[Corey] It is chaos, but we got an eight-man tag in store, perhaps.
[Owens] You're a liar.
[Jimmy] Order has been restored.
We now have an eight-man tag team match underway.
RK-Bro, Cody Rhodes, and Ezekiel
versus The Usos, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and Kevin Owens.
Right now it's Ezekiel and Jimmy Uso.
Come on, Uce. Get up.
[Saxton] Ezekiel picking up speed.
Great agility shown by Jimmy Uso.
[Jimmy] Oh, ho-ho-ho. Nasty boot.
His second match on Monday Night RAW.
-Backslide. -[Jimmy] backslide. Shoulders down.
[Jimmy] Quick escape from Jimmy Uso.
High-profile matchup that involved The Usos.
Right now-- oh, ho-ho-ho, look at the strength.
[Corey] This is very impressive power by Ezekiel.
-[Saxton] Oh. -[Corey] Oh, my.
[Saxton] To the cover. Hooking the leg.
Kick out before three from Jimmy.
And, uh, against Chad Gable last week, we saw that power on display.
Otis came in, absolutely leveled Ezekiel,
his second time on RAW.
[Corey] Saxton, have you ever seen
the father of Ezekiel and Elias?
-[Corey] Just asking. -[Saxton] I did not.
[Corey] Ezekiel looks a lot like Jeff [indistinct]
who was a big star in the '80s.
[Saxton] It's entirely possible.
[Jimmy] Unbelievable strength on display.
Tag made. Here comes Riddle.
Keeping Jimmy in the corner.
Oh, ho-ho.
[Saxton] Man, that kick hurt.
[Corey] A man who Randy Orton credited earlier tonight
for having the most fun of his career
at this stage.
Speaking of which--
[Jimmy] Here comes The Apex Predator.
[Saxton] What an ovation.
[Jimmy] Beautiful teamwork from RK-Bro.
[Corey] Classic Orton offense right here picking his spot.
Every shot between RK-Bro and The Usos
sends a message to WrestleMania Backlash.
That is exactly what Randy Orton is doing.
[Corey] Orton is so deliberate in each of his movements
toward Jimmy Uso.
[Saxton] Right now it's "The American Nightmare" just teeing off.
Cody Rhodes, uh,
no doubt, I'm sure keeping his eyes locked on Seth Rollins
and what's to come at WrestleMania Backlash.
[Jimmy] Might be a huge issue in this match,
not thinking about Backlash.
Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.
…one opponent in front, you can't get distracted
as he just did.
Oh.
[Jimmy] That distraction had little impact on Cody Rhodes
as a tag is made now.
[Corey] Jey Uso with a Samoan Drop…
-[Corey] …to Cody Rhodes. -[Jimmy] To the cover.
[Jimmy] Quick kick out from Cody Rhodes,
and he's in the wrong corner right now.
[Rollins] Right into him.
[Saxton] Jey Uso unloading on The American Nightmare.
You see Cody instinctively reaching for a tag,
but a long ways away from his corner.
[Corey] Cody with a right to the eyebrow of Jey Uso.
Rhodes looking to fight back,
but Uso answers with a thunderous uppercut.
[Jimmy] Tyson Fury style up through the chin.
Quick tag made to Jimmy Uso here.
The SmackDown Tag Team champions going to work,
currently at 280 days as the SmackDown Tag Team champions.
Known for their teamwork, moves like that.
Yes, let's go.
And their viciousness. Look at that. Throat right across that middle rope.
Oh.
[Corey] Opportunistic Kevin Owens taking advantage of the situation.
If it needed to be more apparent,
earlier tonight, we heard Jimmy and Jey Uso say that
even tonight, even this eight-man tag match,
they are competing on behalf
of The Bloodline,
for the Tribal Chief.
[Saxton] 365 nights a year,
Jimmy and Jey know where their bread is buttered
and they know they cannot let down
"The Head of the Table,"
the WWE universal champion, Roman Reigns.
[Jimmy] Interesting how now Seth Rollins wants in.
Now that Cody Rhodes is in a vulnerable position,
The Visionary wants to inflict punishment on Rhodes.
[Jimmy] Rollins right now feeling like a hyena about to feast. Oh, no.
[Corey] Rhodes out of the way just in time.
[Jimmy] Seth Rollins wants payback from WrestleMania.
He feels slighted.
Cody Rhodes came in, didn't know who he was,
didn't have time to prepare.
A chip on his shoulder tonight.
He goes right after Randy Orton, kicking him right off the apron.
[Saxton] Awkward collision of sorts between Cody Rhodes
and Seth Rollins.
Cody is still trying to reach for the tag…
-…and he does. -He gets it.
Here comes Ezekiel.
Absolutely leveling The Visionary.
[Corey] Maybe it's just curiosity, but I want to speak with Zeke.
-Whoa. -Oh, ho.
That must be a family trait. The juggling knee.
-Cover. -Beautiful Spinebuster. Cover.
[Corey] Rollins able to escape.
[Saxton] So far, great strength from Ezekiel.
Ezekiel getting all fired up here.
[Ezekiel] Who wants to hear Zeke speak?
-Nobody. -[Saxton] There you go, Corey.
[Corey] I suppose I would be in that.
Wow.
[Corey] Tremendous power, but Rollins able to escape.
Riddle made the tag himself.
Boom.
Rollins just rocked.
Seth Rollins getting rocked from every angle.
This time from Riddle.
[Jimmy] Oh. Knees up at the last second from Seth Rollins.
[sputtering] Broton was thwarted by The Visionary.
[Jimmy] Seth Rollins on the attack, but he's got to be wearing down
from the punishment he's been taking.
Beautiful move from Jimmy Uso.
[Saxton] Riddle, looking for a Floating Bro.
Instead now it's Rollins.
-Uh-oh. -[Corey] Oh, my goodness.
[Corey] This will do it.
[Jimmy] Oh, my God.
Rebounding Riddle off the canvas.
Can he recover?
[Jimmy] Welcome back to an epic eight-man tag match.
RK-Bro, Cody Rhodes, and Ezekiel
versus The Usos, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and Kevin Owens.
Right now, Riddle exactly where he doesn't want to be.
Cannot find the tag.
[Corey] Rollins' cutting the ring in half, keep Riddle isolated
from all three of his partners, but the original Bro from the top.
Oh.
[Saxton] Down goes Rollins.
Can Riddle make something happen?
[Jimmy] Absolutely exhausted, but needs to get to his corner.
[Corey] Riddle's got three willing options right now
in Ezekiel, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton.
Just tag one of them.
[Saxton] Same goes for Rollins closest to Jimmy Uso
who's going to be legal for his team,
and stops Riddle from making the tag.
[Saxton] A fresh Jimmy Uso looking for the cover.
That was three.
[Saxton] Riddle kick out before three,
but he's starting to wear down in the center of the ring.
[Corey] This is a sound, expert tag team strategy
by the SmackDown Tag Team champions right now.
This was the action earlier on.
Rollins has Riddle on the top rope.
Inverted Superplex.
The fact that Riddle survived that
was impressive in and of itself.
The fact that this match is still going on is downright shocking.
[Saxton] Riddle knocked Seth Rollins off the apron, but gets clogged by Jimmy Uso.
Let's not forget the last two weeks on Friday Night SmackDown,
Riddle has scored victories over Jimmy Uso as well as
Jey Uso, who is now the legal competitor.
[Jimmy] They are looking for payback.
[Corey] Listen, Jimmy and Jey are incredibly smart competitors.
They both realize if they can isolate Riddle,
inflict a little extra punishment,
maybe injure Riddle before WrestleMania Backlash,
That's one step closer
to becoming the undisputed Tag Team champions of WWE.
[Saxton] I think that all comes-- quick tag made-- with the pressure,
The pressure on the shoulders
of The Usos delivered
by the undisputed WWE universal champion,
Roman Reigns, who is watching.
[Corey] I agree with you, Saxton, but it's under that same exact pressure
that both Usos have evolved into true diamonds in WWE.
[Jimmy] No problem going after the entire corner.
Randy Orton seething right now.
Riddle gets a foot up just in time,
but it's a long, long way to the corner.
Desperation.
[Corey] Sidestepping Seth Rollins.
Clear path to Randy Orton. Jimmy Uso there right in time.
-Corey, you talked about the-- -Oh.
The Usos.
[Jimmy] Well, that chin just took a shellacking from that right knee.
[Corey] Jimmy Uso just went down like Dillian Whyte.
[Saxton] Riddle now desperately needs to make a tag
to The Viper.
[Corey] Twenty years deep and anxious as ever
to get him some of the Usos.
[Jimmy] Riddle inching closer,
and, oh, no, Rollins.
[Saxton] Brilliant move from Seth Rollins pulling Randy Orton off the apron.
Oh.
[Corey] Jey Uso backing it up inside the ring.
Lots of extracurriculars on the outside,
but inside is where it matters right now.
Kevin Owens from the top.
Riddle in position.
Oh, Senton off the top rope.
This has got to be it.
[Jimmy] Riddle somehow, somehow,
barely getting that right shoulder up.
Kevin Owens can't believe it.
[Saxton] Tremendous impact.
Two hundred sixty plus pounds crashing down
across the core of Riddle,
and now Jey Uso resuming the beat down.
Riddle in those deep waters, but continues to strike back,
continues to unload on Jey Uso.
[Jimmy] He's a proud champion with Randy Orton.
He's shown his fire and he's going to need it tonight.
-Whoa, right into The Apex predator. -Jey, Jey, Jey,
Jey, turn around.
[Corey] Riddle stumbled into Randy Orton,
and here he comes.
[Saxton] Twenty years in better than ever.
He turned around, but he didn't like what he saw.
Snap body slam.
[Corey] Here comes Jimmy to the fray.
Whoa. Same fate as his brother.
Who's next?
[Jimmy] One for Kevin Owens,
one for Rollins.
[Saxton] The Viper looking unstoppable right now.
[Corey] Jey Uso all out of sorts on the outside of the ring.
[Saxton] Randy Orton showing how much fire he has left.
Wise exit.
Uh-oh. Look out, guys.
Orton and Jey Uso right here in front of us.
This won't end well.
[Corey] Right through the table.
Rollins from the apron.
Uh-oh.
[Saxton] Let's make it two.
Owens.
[Owens] Oh, my eyes.
Let's make the trifecta complete here.
Airborne.
[Jimmy] It's Kevin Owens right into the barricade.
[Corey] Announce desk to the spine of Kevin Owens.
Randy Orton
standing tall.
[Jimmy] Orton now standing solo in the ring.
Jey Uso,
the last one left from his team.
The boss is on vacation, Saxton.
I'm going to take this one.
Vintage Orton.
Face-down and out goes Jey Uso.
[Saxton] The travel plans are on for Randy Orton,
and the end may be near for Jey Uso.
[Corey] Oh, Rollins from behind
takes out Orton.
[Jimmy] The Visionary just in time.
Boom.
Disaster Kick.
RKO for Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Watch Owens.
[Saxton] Superkick drops Rhodes.
I think it's Stunner.
RKO again this time for Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Jimmy Uso flattens Ezekiel.
[Saxton] Orton able to catch Jimmy.
Knee right to the jaw of Jimmy Uso.
Tandem Offense.
The assist to the RKO.
Make it three.
Oh, I have a bad feeling about this, Jey.
Turn around, Randy.
Right into the RKO.
Right off the canvas.
Wow.
Cover and one, two, three.
-[crowd cheers] -[bell rings]
["Voices" playing]
Here are your winners,
The team of Ezekiel,
Cody Rhodes,
and the RAW Tag Team champions,
RK-Bro.
[Jimmy] Tonight, we've celebrated the past of Randy Orton.
He's shown that he still has a bright future.
So much left in the tank.
[Saxton] I think the future of what was a highly chaotic matchup.
Cody Rhodes, Disaster Kick.
The first RKO
delivered by Randy Orton onto Seth Rollins.
[Corey] Kevin Owens would find the next fate,
victimized by an RKO from The Viper.
Number three.
Hey, it's the 20-year anniversary of Randy Orton.
Go big or go home.
Jey Uso, number four
RKO.
How about a little victory on the side?
[Corey] I'm telling you guys,
the way Riddle and Randy Orton are operating right now,
I think you're looking at
the next unified WWE Tag Team champions
in RK-Bro.
[Corey] Not if Jimmy and Jey Uso have anything to say about it.
Come WrestleMania Backlash.
An almost despondent look
on the face of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Let's take another look. We got to see this one more time.
Oh, the pinpoint accuracy.
But tonight belongs to RK-Bro
and Randy Orton.
[Saxton] What does WrestleMania Backlash hold
for the Tag Team champions