[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.
[Corey] A massive main event.
RK-Mc-Bro takes on The Bloodline.
McIntyre is asking for The Head Of The Table.
[crowd cheers]
-[Corey] Here we-- -[Saxton] Oh, yes.
-[Corey] Oh. -[laughter]
I'm the shot caller around here.
[Corey] The Bloodline, a pack of lions who have successfully
separated Riddle from his herd.
Roman Reigns makes the tag
and now Riddle makes the tag as well.
Roman Reigns has to go face to face with McIntyre.
Here we go.
Exchanging blows with Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] McIntyre, did he catch him with a Claymore?
Drew McIntyre sending Reigns into the steps.
From behind, Jimmy Uso helping his cousin, Reigns.
Reigns now.
Mcintyre through the table.
Now, Riddle.
There are bodies all over the place in front of us.
[Saxton] Jey Uso going up top.
[Corey] Like a cat, Riddle.
[Saxton] An RKO.
The Tribal Chief sneak attack.
[Corey] Spear.
Spear by Reigns.
Cover by Reigns.
One, two, three.
[Corey] The Bloodline wins.
Once again, The Bloodline proves
to be the most dominant faction
in WWE today.
[Corey] Welcome, everyone, to Monday Night Raw.
[RK-Bro's music plays]
[crowd cheers]
[Saxton] We are kicking off
Monday Night RAW
with the RAW Tag Team Champions, RK-Bro.
[Corey] Less than 24 hours removed
from teaming up with Drew McIntyre to take on
The Bloodlines at WrestleMania Backlash.
They get no rest tonight.
[Saxton] No rest for the weary.
The RAW Tag Team Champions
defending their coveted titles
right here on Monday Night RAW.
I certainly hope that Riddle and Orton have incredibly short memories
because last night
had better be put in the backs of their minds
because the challenge that lies ahead
tonight will not be easy for the champs.
[Saxton] Albeit, to your point, Corey,
a team that, on several occasions now,
has had the number of the RAW Tag Team Champions
will get their chance to become champions as RK-Bro
will defend the RAW tag team titles tonight
against The Street Profits.
A rededicated, refocused,
determined tag team challenger in The Street Profits.
[crowd cheers]
[Saxton] the flops are flying, we got fishes flying too?
[Corey] Fish, Byron. Fish.
[Saxton] Multiple.
[crowd cheers]
[Saxton] That question, Randy Orton and Riddle
cannot be 100 percent, but you can't think about that.
You have to think about the challenge at hand.
Huge crowd on hand to see the champions defend their titles.
Corey, you talked about it, short memories.
Don't think about what happened yesterday or next week.
It's all about tonight.
[Corey] Last night, RK-Bro and Drew McIntyre fought valiantly.
They fought their hearts out,
but were overwhelmed by the dominance of The Bloodline.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants "Randy"]
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night RAW.
[crowd cheers]
[sighs] So.
Unfortunately, last night at WrestleMania Backlash,
my partner and I,
even though we gave it everything we got,
[sighs]
we lost the battle to The Bloodline.
[crowd boos]
But before this is all said and done,
we will win the war.
[crowd cheers]
Now, it was the Usos' idea in the first place
for the match last night at Backlash to be a tag team unification match,
but that didn't happen, did it?
Nothing was on the line last night because a few weeks ago
on SmackDown during the contract signing,
the big dog himself, Roman Reigns,
tore up that contract
because he knows that his cousins, the Usos,
can't hold a candle to RK-Bro.
[crowd cheers]
[Riddle] RK-Bro.
RK-Bro.
Here's what we're going to do, Usos.
You got us thinking,
we want your titles.
We want the SmackDown tag titles.
We want to unify the tag titles
and become the undisputed
WWE Tag Team Champions of the world.
[crowd cheers]
Now, that it seems like the Usos can't make
any decisions on their own,
and Roman "The Tribal Chief" has to make all the decisions for them,
Randy and myself will be going to SmackDown this Friday
and we're going right up to that Tribal Chief
and we're going to demand
that WWE Tag Team Championship match.
[crowd cheers]
If he says no,
it just goes to show
that The Tribal Chief has no confidence
in his cousins whatsoever, Randy.
It doesn't matter because Bro
is still going to show up
with a scooter and Randy still going to show up with--
Well, Randy's going to show up with just Randy
because that's all Randy needs.
He's The Legend Killer, The Viper, The Apex--
[Street Profits' music plays]
[Saxton] RK-Bro better not be thinking too much
about the Usos because the challenge right in front
of their face has arrived.
SmackDown is Friday, tonight is The Street Profits.
[Corey] Yes, tonight could be the Tag Team Championship victory
for The Street Profits, again, who have already defeated RK-Bro before.
[Saxton] The Street Profits own one victory over the reigning
RAW Tag Team Champions.
It could happen again.
RK-Bro, first and foremost,
we must say [sizzling noise]
tough loss last night.
[chuckles] Hey, look.
The Bloodline they're a tough squad,
but like we showed you a few weeks ago,
they ain't the ones you need to be worrying about.
We are.
Then, we hear how you guys are heading over to SmackDown
and how you have unfinished business with The Bloodline,
but we're here to remind you tonight in Connecticut,
[crowd cheers]
the three most important words we got next,
because it is I, it is us, The Street Profits
who will unify the Tag Team Championships.
Y'all up here talking all this smack
and I aint hear y'all mentioned our names once.
Look, I got some 420 shirts got your brains all fogged up
because y'all don't remember.
In a couple of minutes,
it is you versus us
for those RAW tag team titles.
[crowd cheers]
Oh.
When the smoke and the fog clears, bing, light's on just like Genesis
because not only do we want the RAW tag team titles,
but we want the smoke.
So you want the smoke?
That's what i said.
Let me say something to you.
RK-Bro 420 says we just smoked your --.
[crowd cheers]
And we're going to do it
with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment,
-RK-Bro. -[crowd chants "RK-Bro"]
[RK-Bro's music plays]
[Saxton] The Street Profits want the smoke,
RK-Bro all too happy to provide it.
[Corey] This is going to be a hell of a match.
The RAW tag team titles on the line.
Next.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall,
it's for the Raw Tag Team Championship!
Introducing the challengers, at a combined weight of 492 pounds,
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, the Street Profits!
And their opponents, they are the Raw Tag Team Champions,
Riddle and Randy Orton,
RK-Bro!
[Jimmy] What a way to kick off Raw with the Raw Tag Team titles on the line.
Street Profits defeated RK-Bro, the Raw Tag Team Champions,
three weeks ago, which is how Ford and Dawkins earned this matchup.
-And if you remember that match, -[bell dinging]
it was because suddenly the Usos music started playing out of nowhere,
distracting Riddle.
That idea of RK-Bro looking ahead.
Oh, oh, oh. Cole already.
Smart strategy by Ford out of the gate. Tonight, the Usos are a non-factor.
-Inside cradle. -One, two…
Great, I like this strategy from Ford right out of the gate,
looking for another roll up. Trying to surprise Riddle.
-[all exclaiming] -Disrespect added to it.
It's not disrespect.
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins have truly evolved as competitors.
They are more confident, more comfortable in the ring.
And the Street Profits are eager to prove to the WWE Universe
and the Raw Tag Team Division that they belong at the top.
We found out, hold on, a flying armbar position.
Beautiful move, it ends up on his back.
Gotta watch that one.
Kick out just in time, the problem with the armbar position.
Dropping to the back, one hook in, no, lost it.
I'm curious to see as this match progresses the--
-Uh-oh. -Roll up again.
One, two…
Kick out for Montez Ford.
Returning the favor, does Riddle.
Riddle reminding Montez Cortez, you may think you belong at the top
of the mountain, but Randy and I exist there.
Also, we talked about the mental side, the physical side.
WrestleMania Backlash, RK-Bro had a very physical match with the Bloodline.
A grueling matchup, and Riddle suffered a thunderous spear from
the WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns to cap things off.
Curious to see if that plays into this matchup.
Seems like a smart strategy, Byron, to test Riddle early.
The fast start from Montez Ford, see if he's physically all there.
Try to take it out of him.
Again, it goes back to how the Street Profits kind of recalibrated
around WrestleMania time.
Upgraded their aggression, upgraded their preparation for moments
-like this. -And Zack is the legal man now.
-Shoulder tackle. -Cover, hook in the leg.
-One, two… -Kick out from Riddle.
Take another look at this picturesque dropkick
from Montez Ford right to the heart of Riddle.
The thing about motivating it was for the Street Profits,
just a few moments ago to hear RK-Bro talk about going to SmackDown
this Friday demanding to unify the tag team title.
And there's another title on the line tonight, the United.
Cover, hook in the leg.
The United States Championship will be defended
as reigning champion Theory defends against the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes.
Angelo Dawkins trying to keep the aggression going,
but little out just in time, now in a friendly corner
for the first time and in comes Randy Orton.
Immediately, the Viper going to work on Dawkins
on the wrong side of the ring.
Series of European uppercuts rocking the jaw of Angelo Dawkins.
He is rebounding the face of Angelo Dawkins off the turnbuckle.
This is where you get to ask,
-did I really want… -[crowd counting]
…a title opportunity tonight?
[crowd] …seven, eight, nine.
Despite what's happening right now, I promise you Street Profit,
Oh! Second guess having an opportunity at the Raw Tag Team title.
Doing what they can to make the most of it.
Tag made, here comes Riddle, the legal competitor.
Let's go.
And the teamwork of RK-Bro on display yet again.
Cover, shoulders down.
-One, two… -Kick out from Angelo Dawkins.
This new edge to the Street Profits seems to come from being disrespected,
overlooked by RK-Bro.
It's like they're trying to constantly prove that they belong,
that they shouldn't be looked past by RK-Bro at all.
Both of these teams-- Oh!
Desire to be the faces of the Raw Tag Team Division as Raw Tag Team Champions.
Potentially to be the team that unifies both sets of tag team titles.
-[all exclaiming] -[yells]
Montez Ford taking out RK-Bro.
[crowd cheering]
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
So far the challenge is rolling at the expense of Riddle,
but Riddle firing his way back with that right hand.
Riddle desperately needs to make a tag to a fresher Randy Orton.
Montez Ford doing everything in his power to prevent the tag from being made.
Oh! Short on clothesline by Ford.
The action has been hot and heavy since the opening bell.
Let's take a look at this before the break.
This is not CGI. That is not a special effect.
That is a human being known as Montez Ford
soaring through the skies here at the XL Center.
So difficult if you're RK-Bro to prepare for the offense of Montez Ford.
As many times we've seen it and dealt with it,
it's difficult to deal with.
Finally Riddle in his corner, taps in Randy Orton.
Angelo Dawkins meeting the Apex Predator head-on.
-Orton unleashing on Dawkins. -Oh, how it's led, delivered.
One for Montez Ford as well.
A classic play from the Randy Orton playbook.
We know where this leads, and it is paced down for Angelo Dawkins.
RK-Bro may be just moments away from a successful Raw Tag Team title defense.
Montez Ford is out of the ring.
Randy Orton has Angelo Dawkins in his sights,
but a beautiful escape just in time.
Riddle made the tag, perhaps unbeknownst to Dawkins, who just got his jaw rocked.
Ford comes charged again. Ford gets sent out.
And now it's one-on-one, Riddle and Angelo Dawkins, but…
Riddle still with his sights set on Montez Ford.
Oh! Took his focus off the center of the ring.
Riddle trying to make sure that Ford would be a non-factor going forward.
Oh, no.
My goodness, a rare miscommunication by RK-Bro.
You're absolutely right, because the Street Profits take advantage. Oh!
-Five Buster is now two on one. -Oh, my God, Tez make the climb.
From the top rope, huge frog splash!
New champions!
One, two, oh!
[exclaims]
Just in the nick of time.
After Riddle accidentally hit Orton.
Here's the miscommunication we were talking about here.
Riddle accidentally taking out his partner,
and we nearly had new Raw Tag Team Champions.
It does not get closer than that.
Unintentional contact, but it almost cost RK-Bro their titles.
Oh!
This match rolls on and Montez Ford poised to secure that victory for the Profits.
From the heavens.
Oh!
On the way down. Cover!
[all] One, two, three! Riddle returns.
[bell dinging]
["RK-Bro" entrance theme playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, and still the Raw Tag Team Champions,
RK-Bro!
And the look on Randy Orton's face tells the tale.
One of shock, one of surprise, but one of pride in his tag team partner,
Riddle, handling business
for the team to retain the Raw Tag Team Championship.
A little miscommunication, a little mistake,
but this is how you come back.
This is how you recover.
Riddle catching for midair with an RKO.
We got to look at it again. This was unreal.
Look how high Ford is.
And then the embassy impact was timed perfectly by Riddle
to secure the retention of the World Tag Team title.
And Randy Orton loved every second of it.
What a match to kick off Monday Night Raw.
But the Raw Tag Team Champions have made their intentions known.
Randy Orton and Riddle are hell-bent on heading to Friday Night SmackDown
this week in another attempt
to get the contract signed to unify the Raw
and SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
What a match.
Well, heading into SmackDown, definitely RK-Bro wanted momentum.
When we speak about momentum in the WWE, we have to talk about Cody Rhodes
from WrestleMania to WrestleMania Backlash 24 hours ago.
Two wins over Seth Rickenloft, but what does that earn him?
A title opportunity tonight against the United States Champion, Theory.
At 10 o'clock, you will see Cody Rhodes get his opportunity against Theory.
The youngest United States Champion of all time will defend against
a man with incredible, incredible experience and momentum in Cody Rhodes.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time,
a man that will defend his United States championship tonight,
Theory.
[woman on speaker] It's him.
♪ Let's go! ♪
♪ A-Town Down ♪
[Saxton] I am ultra curious about how Theory is feeling about his upcoming
United States Championship defense tonight.
[Jimmy] Byron, your eyes work. How do you think Theory's feeling?
He's grinning from ear to ear, walking with swagger and confidence.
Theory's ready for battle.
Theory…
your opponent tonight, the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes, has been in sensational form of late,
defeating Seth Freakin' Rollins at WrestleMania
and again at WrestleMania Backlash.
So how are you preparing to defend your United States Championship
against such a worthy opponent?
Do I look like I need to prepare?
I can do this all day.
I am the youngest United States Champion for a reason.
And I'm already great.
I'm barely scratching the surface of my full potential.
-Shut up. -[crowd booing]
You hear that? You hear that?
Before his return at WrestleMania, I was practically in diapers
last time Cody Rhodes was in WWE.
I mean, I don't give a damn about Cody,
or the past, or respect in history.
I'm all about the future, and the future is the United States Champion,
Theory.
-[crowd booing] -♪ A-Town Down ♪
Theory versus Rhodes for the United States Championship tonight, one-on-one,
which is what the phenomenal AJ Styles expected last night
at WrestleMania Backlash.
But a certain Hall of Famer had other plans.
[announcer] AJ Styles finally getting Edge one-on-one.
The cohort of Edge when Damian Priest is barred from ringside.
No distractions, just attrition. Here we go.
-AJ Styles going to the top rope. -Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Priest can't be out here.
Priest is technically in the aisle way, not ringside.
Oh, Finn Balor. He'll fend off Damian Priest.
Madness around ringside, but Styles is perched up top.
What the…
Who the hell was that?
And Edge taking Styles to the canvas.
Crossface is in.
Now under the chin.
Edge is taking Styles to the gallows.
-[bell dinging] -He's out. He's out.
Edge is your winner.
He did it, but he didn't do it alone.
-[crowd exclaiming] -Rhea Ripley!
An unholy union
just grew even stronger.
["The Other Side" playing]
[man on speaker] You think you know me? [laughs]
You never did.
[entrance theme playing]
[announcer] Please welcome Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, and Edge.
The Judgment Day.
That is a fearsome trio making their way to the ring.
I gotta admit, I mean, we're just 24 hours removed from WrestleMania back last night.
I'm still getting over the shock that now Rhea Ripley has joined forces
with the Judgment Day.
Well, the Sinister Group Judgment Day has grown in strength by the week.
Rhea Ripley has joined up Edge and Damian Priest here at the WWE
to let everyone know
how the view is from what Edge calls their mountain of omnipotence.
We'll hear from the Dark Trio on Monday Night Raw next.
[entrance theme continues playing]
♪ Once you reach the other side ♪
-♪ Once you reach the other side ♪ -[music fades]
[crowd exclaiming]
[crowd cheering]
We formed the Judgment Day because
we were tired of being sheep like all of you.
[crowd booing]
Because what did that get us? What did that get me?
You could say it got me a Hall of Fame ring.
Big deal.
I'm bigger than the Hall of Fame.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
You know what it also got me?
You can point to any area on my body and I've had a surgery on it.
And do any of you care?
Did you care that I fought to get this back after nine years?
No, you didn't.
Instead, what you do is you sit there with your supposed morals.
But what you really do is hide your anger and resentment.
And then you go home on your little devices,
your little keyboard warriors with your stupid asinine comments.
Oh yeah, you hate it because it's true.
[crowd exclaiming]
We hold a mirror up to each and every one of you
and you don't like what you see. Number one, because you're ugly.
[crowd exclaiming]
And we can look in any mirror we want and we love what we see.
And AJ Styles and all of you morons here in Hartford.
And if you live here, you're morons.
[crowd exclaiming]
What all of you don't seem to understand
is that nothing and no one can touch us.
[crowd exclaiming]
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
You know, truth hurts.
Individually, Edge and I were capable of destroying each and every single one
of your favorites.
But together, we've become more.
Together,
we're something else.
And if you thought that was bad, if you thought that was dangerous,
imagine, just imagine adding an instrument of brutality.
[crowd cheering]
With that being said, all rise.
I said all rise!
[crowd booing]
For the newest member of the Judgment Day,
Rhea Ripley.
[crowd cheering]
Joining Judgment Day was the easiest decision of my life.
Edge, Damian,
I saw the two of you change for the better and I wanted that for myself.
I'm done signing autographs at the airport for all the little kids
that come running up to me saying they want to be just like me
when they grow up.
The next day, I go online
and I see those same autographs being sold on eBay.
[crowd exclaiming]
I'm done being used.
And that is why I joined the Judgment Day.
[crowd exclaiming]
Speaking of being used, I have some unfinished business to attend.
Liv Morgan.
[all cheering]
You no longer ride my coattails.
Tonight,
I'm gonna give you a reason to cry when I absolutely destroy you.
[crowd exclaiming]
Unrealized potential, that's what this has always been about.
Damien, the punishment, Rhea, the eradicator.
They were ships without a rudder. I am the rudder.
I am their direction.
They have taken their fate into their own hands.
They are now my saints of fate.
Yeah, listen up, listen up.
[crowd booing]
A few weeks ago, I pulled Rhea aside and I told her in my humble
Hall of Fame opinion that Liv Morgan was holding her down.
She was an albatross around her neck,
an albatross the shape of a human sized LOL doll.
Poor little Liv.
I'm the reason your favorite tag team split up.
You're welcome.
Because I saw this woman and I saw wasted domination.
I saw a juggernaut who was content to live in the slow lane
instead of running everything over like she can.
My message.
No, no. It's more than a message.
My movement is not done.
We aren't finished yet, and we're looking for more.
[music playing]
[Corey] Someone might have an issue with Rhea Ripley's words.
[Saxton] Liv Morgan, obviously unresolved issues with Rhea Ripley.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making her way to the ring from Elmwood Park, New Jersey,
Liv Morgan!
[Corey] Liv Morgan likes scary movies, I hope she likes them a lot
because in a matter of moments,
Liv Morgan is going to be in one.
[Saxton] That's right. Rhea Ripley voicing no regrets about joining Judgment Day.
Has it made it more powerful?
We'll find out when she faces her former tag team partner, Liv Morgan.
Next
[Corey] Welcome back.
Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan.
[bell dinging]
[Jimmy] Here we go. The opening bell.
No love lost between these two women as Edge described the eradicator
of the Judgment Day, Rhea Ripley has just been unleashed
on her former tag team partner.
I have a feeling if this keeps up poor Liv Morgan might end up
being a sacrificial lamb at the altar of omnipotence.
[Saxton] But it's not just about Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley.
If you've ever been surrounded by sharks, that must be the feeling of Liv Morgan.
The Judgment Day, Damian Priest and Edge at ringside.
[Jimmy] Liv has spoken for weeks about getting revenge
on Rhea Ripley, not being pushed around or disrespected,
but this is on a whole another level.
[Corey] And how about the revelation we just learned before the break?
That Edge was the reason that Rhea Ripley turned her back on Liv Morgan.
[Jimmy] Kudos to Liv Morgan for coming out here
and doing her best to stand her ground.
Liv obviously, has not forgotten about Rhea turning her back.
However, right now, Liv is being overwhelmed by The Eradicator.
[Corey] Liv Morgan has always been an emotional fighter.
She thrives on being disrespected and overlooked.
But to your point, she may have bitten off more than she can chew tonight.
[Jimmy] Watch Liv here.
-[Saxton] Spectacular athleticism -[Jimmy] …and off the top rope.
[Corey] Seems that Morgan, able to ignore the presence of both Damian Cleaver--
[all groaning]
[Jimmy] You can't ignore a boot in your mouth.
[Saxton] To the cover, shoulders down,
kick out from Liv Morgan.
[Jimmy] This could turn out to be a game changing decision for Rhea Ripley
as we look once again at the brutality provided.
[Corey] What Edge essentially has done,
or at least claims to have done for both Priest
and now Rhea Ripley is freed them both from the hypocrisy of the WWE Universe.
Let's take another look at this.
[Jimmy] Boom Ripley, nearly putting her boot through the chest of Liv Morgan.
[Saxton] We're definitely seeing an even more vicious side to Ripley.
This is a woman who was Raw Women's Champion.
Got to the very, very top with her physical skills,
her strength, her aggression. Now she's a darker version.
[Corey] Essentially, it seems, what Edge has done
is remind Rhea of where Rhea once was and how far Rhea has fallen.
Now, Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, the saints of fate, of The Judgment Day.
This faction has become more powerful in the last 24 hours than ever before.
[Jimmy] Quite frankly, I think they're all just
embracing who they really are, whether it's Edge,
whether it's Damian Priest, or Rhea Ripley.
[Saxton] Look what Ripley's willing to do
to a former tag team partner, a former friend.
[Corey] That's the mentality of a champion in WWE.
[Jimmy] It's a breakout opportunity for Rhea and the same for Morgan.
Successful last week in the main event here Monday Night Raw.
A victory tonight would be huge, but--
[Saxton] But it doesn't matter.
This is not the same Rhea Ripley we saw last week.
This is not the same Rhea Ripley that Liv Morgan has known.
This is a transformed Rhea Ripley under the influence of Edge.
[Corey] To your point, Byron, I don't know that we have ever seen this Rhea Ripley.
A whole new side.
Body triangle. A more aggressive, darker, more focused Rhea Ripley.
-You're pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. -I hate you!
[Corey] Continuing the shots at Liv, "You're pathetic, you're nothing."
[Jimmy] Shoulders down, able to bridge out of the body triangle,
[all groaning]
[Saxton] Liv Morgan hasn't been able to generate much offense at all
-up to this point. -[Jimmy] An arrogant pin there.
[Saxton] Take another look.
The clothesline delivered by Rhea Ripley.
[Jimmy] The attack continues.
Massive combat boot being ground into the back of Liv Morgan.
[Corey] Liv Morgan cannot go toe to toe with Rhea Ripley.
She has been unable to use her speed.
Her bag of tricks.
It's been toe to toe, and that is Rhea Ripley's specialty.
Bringing up the riptide…
[Saxton] Oh and able to slip behind.
Finally, some offense from Liv Morgan.
Liv Morgan trying to significantly break the pin.
And now here comes Liv!
[Jimmy] For the first time, chaining her offense together,
and right to the ear!
[Corey] Rhea Ripley on wobbly legs.
… over DDT, Ripley is down,
but instinctively, right back to a vertical base.
[Jimmy] Liv's on unsteady legs.
-Morgan looking to maintain the tone. -[all groaning]
-[Corey] Double knees to the face by-- -[Jimmy] This could be it!
One! Two! Kick out from Rhea Ripley.
Till this point,
that was absolutely Liv Morgan's best chance at victory tonight.
But Liv needs to muster whatever energy she has left
and continue to apply the pressure to a fallen Rhea Ripley.
-[Saxton] Morgan aware she's got Ripley-- -[all groaning]
Thought she had Ripley.
[Jimmy] Momentary hesitation was all it took for Rhea
to regain composure.
[Corey] Starting to move, ran right into an elbow to the throat and--
[Jimmy] Ripley just swatting Morgan down.
[Corey] Knowing her former tag team partner well.
[Jimmy] We've seen Rhea utilize this move before.
Can Liv Morgan hang on?
Brushing the cap of Liv Morgan far from the ropes.
She's crawling to get there.
[Saxton] Through the agony
on the face of Morgan,
-[Jimmy] She taps! -[Saxton] No other choice.
[announcer] Here's your winner by submission, Rhea Ripley.
[Jimmy] Absolute dominance from Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] Cruelty. Cruelty throughout this match.
[Jimmy] Take a look back at the kick that totally changed the tide of this matchup.
landing a flush on the side of Liv Morgan's face
and the powerhouse Rhea Ripley, locking in this submission
and Liv Morgan left with no choice but to submit.
[Corey] Ripley's first outing
as an official member of the Judgment Day
pays dividends with a victory over Liv Morgan.
[Saxton] See the nod from Edge.
[Jimmy] I mean, that was a command from Edge.
No hesitation from Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] No respect for the tap.
She's trying to injure Liv Morgan!
Torturing, humiliating Morgan. That's what this is all about.
[Saxton] Morgan is screaming at the top of her lungs in agony.
A smile on the face of Edge.
[Jimmy] Rhea Ripley, showing her loyalty to the Judgment Day.
Edge made the offer to Ripley.
Come bite the apple. Wait, wait a second.
[Finn Balor's music playing]
The Judgment Day and their work, not done just yet.
[Corey] Another foe on the list of the Judgment Day.
Finn Balor.
Someone who has shown no fear of Damian Priest or Edge.
[Finn Balor's music playing]
[Jimmy] Finn Balor.
Cool, calm and collected.
As he walks into the lion's den.
And Balor is not alone.
[Corey] When you speak about having no fear, showing no fear,
you gotta include AJ Styles.
Finn Balor prepared for battle one-on-one with Damian Priest of the Judgment Day.
[Jimmy] But the Prince brought some phenomenal backup tonight.
[Saxton] That's right. We just saw Rhea Ripley, part of the Judgment Day,
victorious. Can Damian Priest do the same
against his nemesis, the former United States Champion?
They have shown no fear.
They will need to continue that against Damian Priest, next.
[Jimmy] One member of the Judgment Day, victorious in Rhea Ripley.
Damian Priest trying to make it two for two against Finn Balor.
[Saxton] Long history between Finn Balor and Damian Priest.
If you remember, a couple of months ago,
it was Balor who defeated Damian Priest for the United States Championship.
After that match, Priest would snap
and essentially hasn't been the same since.
[Corey] It could be argued that losing to Finn Balor
is what spawned the evolution of Damian Priest
into what we now know is one of the the Edge's.
Saints of Fate as a member of the Judgment Day.
[Saxton] That's what I kind of wonder.
We heard Edge mention that he first got
the ear of Rhea Ripley at the Hall of Fame.
When did Ed start
grabbing the ear of Damian Priest and forming this union?
[Corey] Edge simply realized that perhaps Damian Priest was down on his luck.
Priest was in the midst of a fall from grace.
And Edge looked to salvage Priest.
He has done a great job to this point.
[Jimmy] One thing we have learned from Damian Priest
since joining the Judgment Day, is his willingness
to do anything to win in the ring and Finn Balor seems to have learned
that lesson himself.
[Corey] Finn knows full well he's going to have to
test his own limits to topple Priest.
[Jimmy] There's a decided size and power advantage
nearly took Finn's head off with a clothesline just now
as Priest tries to get the blood
flowing back through his leg.
[Saxton] One thing Liv Morgan did not have
in the ring against Rhea Ripley was support outside the ring,
AJ Styles, outside supporting Finn Balor.
[Corey] But Balor and Styles are still outnumbered.
We know the brutality Rhea Ripley is capable of.
And right now, Finn,
suffers a broken arrow, cover by Priest.
[Saxton] Well, you bring up the point, Corey, about being outnumbered,
that came into play last night at WrestleMania Backlash.
It was Finn Balor who came to the aid of AJ Styles.
Take a look at Damian Priest completely manhandling Finn Balor.
[Corey] And absolutely no one could have predicted Rhea Ripley's shocking
joining of the Judgment Day last night.
Interference into the matchup, costing AJ potential victory.
[Saxton] And that just speaks to something even bigger, Corey.
-Edge came out and said-- -[Jimmy] Cover by Priest, shoulders down.
[Saxton] Edge said the movement isn't over yet.
I mean, who else could be looking at joining the Judgment Day?
Who else could Edge have the ear of? We don't know.
[Corey] It's a terrifying thought, Byron. But it's absolutely accurate.
Could there be more potential members of the Judgment Day
lurking around right now, who knows?
What does that add to the courage
AJ Styles and Finn Balor, standing up to the Judgment Day
-with all those-- -[Jimmy] Balor, cover.
[Corey] All of those unknowns and they're willing to take them on.
You've got to acknowledge the guts, the will,
the bravery of both Balor and Styles.
But I don't know any two individuals who can topple three in any circumstance.
[Saxton] You're absolutely right, Corey.
I think it comes down to the pride that both Balor and Styles have as competitors
and not wanting to be made an example of by the Judgment Day.
[Corey] Balor looking to make something happen here.
Nice reversal into the side Russian leg sweep.
[Jimmy] But landed on the back of his own head.
[Corey] Both superstars down the playing field.
Even for the moment, who can recover first?
It appears to be Balor.
Teeing off now, tattooing Damian Priest with kicks and strikes.
[Jimmy] And you saw the eyes of Edge, the General.
[Corey] Balor knows you obtain a victory here over Damian Priest
as Balor unloads,
maybe you take some of the momentum away from the Judgment Day.
Chip away at the mountain of omnipotence as Balor connects with a double stop.
[Jimmy] All right now, momentum favoring the Prince, Finn Balor.
[Corey] Shoulder into the ribs of Damian Priest.
[Jimmy] And the last thing Damian Priest wants is to disappoint Edge,
to disappoint the Judgment Day.
-[Saxton] Countered by Balor. -[Jimmy] Rolls him up, shoulders down.
Kickout just in time for Damian Priest.
[Corey] Sling blade.
[Saxton] Finn's starting to rock.
[Jimmy] Balor sends Priest all the way to the outside.
[Saxton] At the feet of Rhea Ripley.
I don't think Finn's finished just yet.
[Corey] The wheels are turning for Finn Balor.
-Oh. -[crowd booing]
[Jimmy] Rhea Ripley physically getting in the way.
-[Saxton] You have to understand-- -[Jimmy] Edge! With a spear.
[bell dinging]
[Corey] Here comes Styles.
Bringing the fight to Edge. AJ with one good arm.
[Saxton] And the numbers game yet again.
[indistinct]
[Corey] Rhea Ripley now going up.
Don't do it, AJ.
[Jimmy] And Ripley knows exactly what she just did.
The conflict inside of Balor, inside of Styles.
And Edge wasting no time capitalizing
[Saxton] That was the distraction Edge needed to get into this and hurt
AJ Styles, yet again.
[Corey] More hurt is on the way.
[all groaning]
[Jimmy] Priest have wiped out AJ Styles.
[Corey] Ironically enough, Finn Balor is going to earn the victory
in this match up by disqualification because of Edge's involvement.
[Saxton] I guarantee that does not matter to the Judgment Day.
[Corey] I agree with you, Saxton.
[Jimmy] Doesn't make the beating hurt any less.
[Corey] The damage has been done.
[crowd booing]
[Saxton] This dogmatic union is stronger than ever.
[Jimmy] They are willing to do anything, not just to get the victory,
but to hurt the opposition whoever that is.
[Corey] Rhea Ripley adds a new dimension entirely.
[Jimmy] AJ Styles understandably conflicted.
Realizing he was not about to strike a woman,
but that opened the door for the "Rated R Superstar" Edge
to capitalize on an opportunity.
[Corey] A hellacious spear.
And yet again, the Judgment Day
are the last ones laughing.
What do these three individuals have in store for WWE?
[Jimmy] Another union that has paid dividends is MVP
and Omos, what they did to Bobby Lashley. Let's take a look at it
last night on Backlash.
[voice over] Stronger together is brought to you by Progressive.
Get even more savings when you bundle your boat, RV or motorcycle with Progressive.
[Jimmy] Under the tutelage of MVP, Omos is more dangerous tonight than ever.
Bobby Lashley, herculean task tonight.
It's a 7-foot-3 Omos.
[Corey] Bobby is laser focused
on taking down the Nigerian giant.
MVP, in the early moments, already becoming a factor.
[Saxton] Omos has promised to break Lashley in half.
[Jimmy] Lashley bringing it to Omos.
[all exclaiming]
[Saxton] Lashley, to strike again.
[Corey] Into the ring post.
[Jimmy] Cane right to the eye.
[Corey] MVP yet again, making his presence known.
[Jimmy] A win for Omos.
[Corey] The new found alliance with MVP paying dividends for Omos here tonight.
[Corey] MVP has been referring to himself as the upgrade
to Omos the Nigerian giant and
after last night, it's hard to argue.
[Saxton] That's right.
MVP gave Omos the greatest performance of his career.
Well, he will join MVP on the VIP Lounge
as they revel in their victory on Monday Night Raw, next.
[Jimmy] Size of Omos.
It's like I said, It's very simple.
The technicians, they're gonna pinpoint the chromosomes.
They're gonna do a little comparative analysis.
With the exosomes, we're gonna see how everything aligns.
What? These words don't mean anything.
What are you saying?
Okay. Remember the Red Cup that we confiscated from Ezekiel?
-The one I stole you mean? -From Elias.
There you go. Get it right.
Yeah. Yeah, I remember.
I had it sent to my friends over at the DNA lab.
-Have friends at the DNA lab? -I have friends everywhere.
-The DNA lab? Whoa! -Trust me.
This time next week, we're going to have irrefutable evidence
that Ezekiel has been lying all along.
-And that he is Elias. -Get out!
-I'm serious. -That's amazing!
No more lies.
No more faulty devices.
He ain't gonna be able to talk his way out of this.
I love it. It's perfect timing, too, you know why?
Because tonight, tonight it's a very special,
I have a very special guest coming here tonight.
-Who's that? -In Nova Scotia, they have a tournament.
It's called the Grand Prix Tournament.
-I've heard of that. -Right?
My brother, Ken Owens, he's won it three times. He's a legend.
He's a legend. I have heard of God.
He was supposed to be here
sometime before SummerSlam, but they've allowed him to come tonight.
He's here tonight.
To compete against Ezekiel.
Not Ezekiel, Elias.
-We know. -It's over.
Tonight, Elias,
his lies are done because my brother, my older brother,
is going to beat the truth out of him.
-Great. -It's gonna be great.
-All right, boys. Thank you. -See you later.
[announcer] Please welcome the Nigerian giant Omos
and the host of a VIP lounge, Montel Vontavious Porter, MVP.
Once again is in the ring, and that can only mean one thing.
Big, big, big things are popping.
Little things are stopping.
So sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
Because the VIP lounge is for people like us.
People that are better than you.
So right now I need everyone
standing on their feet to show respect.
Respect to the man that dominated and defeated
the so called All Mighty at WrestleMania Backlash.
I give you the 7-foot-3, 403-pound Nigerian giant.
Omos!
[crowd booing]
No, I said, respect this man because he proved to you
that everything I've been saying since day one
has been nothing but the gospel truth.
Bobby Lashley became the All Mighty because MVP
made Bobby Lashley the All Mighty. And then his ego
got so big, that he didn't want to share the spotlight anymore.
No, he decided that he wanted to go to WrestleMania
and hog all the glory to his self.
Leaving the man that made him WWE Champion
at home, watching from the sidelines.
Me. The ungrateful so called All Mighty.
See, Bobby Lashley--
[music playing]
[Corey] Cedric Alexander's music.
And Alexander, obviously not a scheduled guest on the VIP Lounge.
It's time to bust it wide open, baby, because we did it!
We did it!
Omos, I've got to say how proud I am of you, big man.
Everything MVP said about you was straight facts.
No printer.
-Whoa. -Let him in, let him in.
-Excuse me. -Let him in. Let him in.
Move! Get on my way. Thank you.
Anyway.
Now, with MVP's leadership skills
and your strength and power,
and my technical expertise, we will smash anyone that's decides to step on our way--
Let me stop you right there.
What is this? This "we" you're talking about?
We, the three in the ring, me, you, Omos. Look, I'm just saying
I know Omos did all the heavy lifting when he put down Bobby Lashley last night.
I'm just going to stop you.
This Look, I like you.
But I'm going--
[music playing]
[Corey] How about an All Mighty interruption?
[Jimmy] The biggest uninvited guest possible.
Hell hath no fury like a pissed off Bobby Lashley.
[Saxton] Lashley has got to be fuming right now as he marches on.
[all groaning]
-[Corey] Oh, my God. -[Jimmy] Good grief!
That security, a waste of money for MVP.
[Saxton] What security?
[Corey] Lashley just wiping out the VIP Lounge security.
[Saxton] Bobby better look out for Cedric. Bobby's got Cedric.
[all groaning]
No distractions left.
[Corey] Lashley just said to Omos, "Let's go."
[Jimmy] Over the top goes Omos!
[Corey] Uh oh, MVP.
Cedric once again rearing his head.
Might've just saved MVP's hide.
[Jimmy] We know what Lashley wants.
Lashley wants to finally get his hands on MVP.
MVP turning to the better part of valor.
[Corey] Cedric again. He's tenacious if nothing else.
[Jimmy] Right into the hurt lock!
[Saxton] Bad decision, Cedric Alexander.
[Corey] Cedric being rag-dolled, by the All Mighty Bobby Lashley.
[music playing]
[Corey] This issue is far, far from over.
Without question, the All Mighty hasn't forgiven
nor forgotten what MVP has done.
Adam, enough of the formal investigation.
We both know that whether I'm in-ring competitor or WWE official,
I do everything by the book and I get the job done.
So who is it I'm facing tonight?
Because I'm rare form.
I can tell. What do you mean by that, change the rules?
Listen, there can't be that any of that tonight.
You and I need to have a conversation.
Adam. We can have a conversation when my match is over.
Nothing is more important than this right now.
So who is it I'm facing?
Okay. The match itself, you're gonna have a quality competitor--
Okay. Actually, you know what?
I don't care who it is I'm facing.
Because with me,
It's nothing personal.
It's just business.
Well, Sonya Deville may not know who she's facing,
but what we do know we are getting 10pm Eastern,
Cody Rhodes versus Theory for the United States Championship.
A lot of people wondering how Theory will do because
he's always had some extra authority, much like Sonya Deville
[Jimmy] And Sonya Deville. No influence with the timekeeper.
maybe abused that authority just a bit.
[Saxton] Speaking of Sonya Deville, about to enter the unknown
as we heard from WWE official, Adam Pearce.
Sonya Deville is set for action.
What we I don't know
is who Sonya Deville's gonna face. Next.
Live, on Raw.
[Jimmy] Welcome back and Sonya Deville,
just like us, waiting to find out who her opponent is tonight on.
[Adam] Hold on a second. Hold on.
Sonya. Hold on a second, if you please.
I was trying to tell you something before this match was set to begin.
The formal investigation into your conduct,
as a WWE official has concluded.
Upper management has found
that time and again, you recklessly and unprofessionally abused your power.
Therefore, it is my duty to inform you
that your contract as a WWE official is terminated.
[Jimmy] Whoa!
Now, listen, I tried to tell you that earlier.
You're still a WWE superstar.
And I was also trying to tell you who your opponent was going to be tonight.
And her opponent, Alexa Bliss.
[Corey] Oh, my God.
[Jimmy] Sonya Deville is in a state of complete shock.
[Corey] Understandably so.
Wait a minute.
Sonya Deville just found out she's no longer
a WWE official and now she's gotta face the returning Alexa Bliss.
[Jimmy] Deville is understandably beside herself.
[Corey] She was absolutely panicked.
[Saxton] Yeah. Are you surprised?
[Jimmy] Alexa Bliss looking thrilled to be here on Monday Night Raw
[Saxton] Five-time Women's Champion, Alexa Bliss back on Monday Night Raw.
[Jimmy] Sonya Deville's heart's got to be racing.
[Corey] I don't know how Sonya can focus, how Sonya can concentrate right now.
Sonya just lost her contract as a WWE official.
It's incredibly lucrative.
There are perks, there are benefits.
They all just went up in smoke.
[Jimmy] I personally feel bad for Sonya.
We've seen it week after week, abuse her power.
I believe that was the right call that was made.
[Saxton] I certainly hope Sonya can get it together.
She's got a match to compete in.
You better focus there, Sonya.
[Jimmy] And Sonya Deville. No influence with the timekeeper.
The referee.
The aces she has had in her hands are all gone.
[Saxton] None of it. You are simply a WWE Superstar,
-and you've got to come-- -[Jimmy] DDT from Bliss.
All smiles from Alexa Bliss.
[Saxton] This may end early guys.
[Corey] Alexa Bliss, from the top.
[Jimmy] Twisted Bliss
right onto Sonya Deville and the count of three!
[Corey] Wow.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Alexa Bliss.
[Jimmy] Absolute devastation and heartbreak
on the face of Sonya Deville.
[Saxton] But elation for Alexa Bliss
who is back on Monday Night Raw and successful
after a little Twisted Bliss onto Sonya Deville.
No longer WWE official, Sonya Deville.
[Corey] That's very funny to you, Byron, is it?
-[Saxton] I'm not laughing. -[Corey] Have some heart.
[Saxton] I'm stating a fact. Sonya Deville is now only a WWE Superstar.
[shrieking]
[Saxton] She'll get over it eventually.
[Corey] Poor Sonya, have a heart, you soulless fool.
[indistinct]
[Saxton] You all right, Sonya? I'm sorry.
I hate to interrupt you, gentlemen.
I understand what you are feeling for Sonya Deville,
-but we are only-- -How do you not feel bad?
I do feel a little bit bad but we're only 24 hours removed
from a stellar outstanding WrestleMania Backlash.
We are headed toward a United States Championship match
as the youngest United States Champion in WWE history, Theory,
defends against the red hot American nightmare,
Cody Rhodes, scheduled to go down at 10 o'clock Eastern.
But first, let's take a look back at last night, at WrestleMania Backlash.
[Jimmy] Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Cody Rhodes,
a second chance at history.
[Corey] Tonight, we run it back.
The motivation for Seth "Freakin" Rollins
is to erase what happened at WrestleMania Saturday.
[Jimmy] Almost had the tights.
[Corey] It's a reverse. And Cody has the tights.
[crowd chanting] One, two, three!
[Jimmy] Seth Rollins is in disbelief.
[Saxton] Cody Rhodes beat the Visionary at his own game.
[Corey] Rollins is furious with the official.
For the second time in a row, Cody Rhodes
defeats Seth "Freakin" Rollins, his
[Corey] Cody Rhodes, certainly looking to ride the wave of momentum
to the biggest opportunity Rhodes has had since returning to WWE.
A one-on-one match for the United States Championship
with the current reigning United States Champion, Theory.
["Ring of Fire" playing]
[Jimmy] And now, a man who,
let's say, Kevin Owens wants to unmask, wants to contradict,
wants to…
-[Corey] Embarrass. -[Jimmy] …embarrass. We can keep going.
But he's gonna have to worry about,
apparently, Kevin Owens' older brother.
-Ezekiel, when we come back. -[Corey laughing] A Ken Owens.
Well, we'll see what happens, next.
[Jimmy] Believe it or not, we're looking at the face of Ezekiel,
and he is fired up!
[Corey] The younger brother of Elias,
ready for action.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome to Monday Night RAW,
the older brother of Kevin Owens,
from Nova Scotia,
Ken Owens!
[Corey] Certainly didn't wake up this morning expecting to see
the older brother of Kevin Owens in action here tonight.
But Kevin speaks very highly of his older brother.
-[Jimmy] Oh, my gosh! -[Corey] Oh!
The resemblance is uncanny!
[Saxton] Hey, wait a second.
How can you even say that with a straight face?
[Corey] With a little Just For Men, Ken could be Kevin.
[Saxton] Apparently, Kevin Owens went to Party City
with about 15 bucks--
[Corey] If it weren't such a drastic age difference,
I might mistake Kevin and Ken for identical twins.
[Saxton] It is absurd.
[Corey] I haven't seen a resemblance this uncanny since Jimmy and Jey Uso.
[Saxton] You are out of your mind, Corey. Look at this nonsense.
This is how far the obsession of Kevin Owens has gone,
now dressing up as his "older brother Ken"? [chuckles]
[crowd booing]
Ezekiel, right? Elias's younger brother.
Yeah?
Well, I guess that makes me Ken,
Kevin's older brother!
[crowd booing]
Hello, Ken.
Don't… Don't do that, okay?
Don't do that. See, I'm trying to prove a point here, okay?
Look, these people…
these people don't actually believe that you're Ezekiel, okay?
I mean, there might be some actual dumbasses out there
that believe it, but most people don't.
The people in back that call you Ezekiel, they're just playing along, okay?
Nobody is actually buying that you are Elias's younger brother.
Do you understand me?
Okay, just to prove a point.
everybody, by show of hands here,
who actually believes that is Elias's younger brother, Ezekiel?
[crowd cheering]
[chuckles] God.
Has anyone finished high school in Hartford? Okay?
'Cause that makes you one of two things,
either you're all idiots,
or you're liars! And I don't know what's worse.
You know what? I do know what's worse.
Lying is worse! I can't stand liars!
You're all liars! and you are the worst liar of all!
-Cut the crap! -Ken. Ken. Ken. Ken, I…
I would advise you not to raise your voice. In fact,
I don't think your younger brother, Kevin, would approve of that.
Oh, yeah, see! You're confused, kay?
Because Kevin would love the way Ken is talking,
because that's how Kevin talks, because I'm Kevin!
I'm Kevin! You know I'm Kevin! Just like you are Elias!
So, it's enough! Cut it out and just admit it!
Just admit that you are Elias!
[breathing heavily]
I… I am not Elias,
but I could say that right now would be the perfect time
for my older brother, Elias, to come out here
and sing you a lullaby and calm you down, you know?
-[Saxton] That might help. -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Corey] KO has heard enough.
[Jimmy] Brutal attack from Kevin Owens.
[Saxton] I mean, Kevin Owens has just--
[Corey] Oh, Ezekiel fighting back!
-Big right hands! -[Jimmy] He's tired of the harassment.
-And look who's here. -[Corey] It's Gable and Otis!
-The Alpha Academy! -[Saxton] Well, he meets a boot,
-but Elias-- -[Jimmy] In comes Otis!
[Corey] Ezekiel holding his own.
Three on one now. The Alpha Academy joining this campaign
to expose Ezekiel.
[Jimmy] Right now, they're stomping Ezekiel right through the canvas. Oh, no!
[all exclaiming]
[Corey] Exponentially worse than a stomp.
330 pounds of Otis
crashing down on the rib cage of Ezekiel.
[Jimmy] Kevin Owens not done yet. Stunner!
Thank you!
-[crowd booing] -Thank you!
[Corey] That's a beating that'll make you think you're somebody else, for sure.
[Saxton] At what point does Kevin Owens just get over this obsession with Ezekiel?
["Fight" playing]
Thank you!
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Wow. I thought it was Ken.
[Jimmy] I bet you did.
But the first time on RAW, two weeks ago,
first time since WrestleMania,
we heard from Becky Lynch.
She got a big surprise.
This just the beginning!
This is the beginning of the legendary Becky Lynch comeback! [laughs]
Nobody's gonna be able to stop me, not Bianca,
not Sonya, not Liv, not Dana Brooke,
-not Tamina, not-- -["The Future" playing]
[Corey] And that surprise would come in the form of The Empress of Tomorrow.
After nine long months, Asuka made a return.
I will stop you!
-[laughs] -[crowd cheering]
Because no one is ready
for Asuka!
[Corey] A little flick of the nose. Asuka made it clear.
In this case, Becky Lynch was not ready for Asuka!
Seriously, Asuka, you are more than deserving of a match.
-Thank you so much! -You're very, very welcome. I'm excited--
[Becky] Deserve.
Deserve, that's a funny word, isn't it?
Deserve. Deserve. Yeah.
I am the greatest RAW Women's Champion to have ever lived,
and I still haven't gotten a rematch. Meanwhile, she's back a wet week,
she hasn't even done anything, and you're just handing her,
handing her a title opportunity.
Hold on, Becky. She's not being handed anything.
Asuka actually has to beat Bianca tonight, and then she'll earn the title match.
Beat the champion, to be able to beat the champion.
That doesn't make any sense!
Not that I have to defend my decision, but she is a former champion.
And, by the way, her team did defeat your team
in the six-woman tag match last week.
-Just saying. -Asuka didn't even get the pin!
Liv got that pin!
And they were all on the same team!
And, by the way, she got the pin on your girl, Sonya.
Did you orchestrate this whole thing?
[babbles] It doesn't matter. It doesn't make sense.
The fact is, the last time she was a champion,
I was the one who handed her my championship.
Literally, took it off and handed it to her.
That's not exactly how I did it, but I just handed her--
Okay. That was two years ago, and has zero relevance to today.
-Yeah-- -[shouting in Japanese]
I didn't need you!
That's fine! That's fine! That's fine!
Play your favoritism shenanigans!
Stack the deck against me, I'll knock it down! I'll knock it down!
It'll make my comeback all that better, 'cause I am the comeback kid!
Okay, okay, okay!
You gave me the title to become the…
mother! Mommy!
What? You don't act like mommy! [grunts]
You act like baby!
[mimics baby crying] Baby!
-Becky or baby? I don't know-- -You're the one…
You're the one…
You're the one with the stupid green tears on your face!
-[continues mimicking] -[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] Strong words from Asuka
ahead of her showdown with Bianca Belair.
-["Roar" playing] -[crowd booing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, weighing in at 275 pounds,
Veer Mahaan!
[Jimmy] Well, "The Lion" Veer Mahaan has looked unstoppable
since making his long-anticipated arrival on RAW.
Will his run continue tonight?
We'll find out, next!
[upbeat instrumental music]
[Corey] And here's Byron Saxton now
in the ring with that man, Veer Mahaan's next opponent.
Well, I am here with Veer Mahaan's next opponent,
Hartford's own Frank Lowman!
[crowd cheering]
And Frank, we have seen, week after week, Verma Mahaan has decimated his opponents,
many of them requiring medical attention.
Do you have any concerns heading into this match?
Byron, of course I do.
I don't wanna be carted out of here
after getting decimated by Veer.
But I have a wife.
I have three beautiful little triplets at home
that expect me to provide for them.
[crowd cheering]
So, I have to do this
for my family.
[Corey] Well, I, for one, admire Frank's motivation.
But…
Quite an impressive-looking athlete, Frank Lowman,
but Veer Mahaan has overwhelmed
everyone he has competed against thus far.
[Jimmy] A high cross to the body lock.
A little more technique than we're used to seeing from Veer Mahaan.
Still has the power, still has the strength.
Going back to the gut wrench again.
[Corey] I admire the determination of Frank Lowman,
but, again, you think about all the victims we've seen
-aisle up at the hands of Veer Mahaan. -[Jimmy groans]
Listen, I respect Frank Lowman wants to make a name for himself,
maybe get some attention at WWE.
-[all exclaiming] -This is the way to do it!
[Saxton] That's freaky.
[Corey] …as impossible as the task may be.
[Saxton] Freaky agility from the man, a man the size of Veer Mahaan.
[Corey] Well, at this point…
-[Saxton groans] -…I think Frank should be considering
spending his children's tuition on medical bills.
[Jimmy] That might happen. Veer Mahan, right now, sizing up Frank Lowman.
[Corey] Just to inflict more punishment.
Veer Mahaan literally beating the boots off of Mr. Lowman.
[all exclaiming]
Smashing Lowman into the corner.
The wind up, the pitch, right down the pike.
Million Dollar Arm.
And it's about to get worse for Hartford's favorite son!
The maniacal eyes. Cervical Clutch is in!
-We know what that means. Instant tap… -[bell rings]
…from Frank Lowman.
[announcer] Here's your winner by submission,
Veer Mahaan!
[Corey] The rabid nature of Veer Mahaan
claims another victim here on Monday Night RAW.
The power on display from Veer Mahaan in the early moments.
And check out this impact!
[Saxton] And this is what Veer Mahaan brings to the equation.
This is what should strike fear into any Superstar's heart.
[Corey] The Million Dollar Arm clothesline flattening Frank.
The Cervical Clutch applied,
and Veer Mahaan with yet another addition to his list of victims.
["Roar" playing]
He's said it before, and it's apropos again here tonight,
there is ample reason to fear Veer.
In just a moment, my guest will be competing
in a United States Championship match
for the first time ever,
and it's against Theory.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes!
[crowd cheering]
Cody, firstly, congratulations on your victory
over Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania Backlash.
I think everybody would like to know what's next between you and Seth.
What's next?
Well, I hope nothing, for fear of even saying that man's name,
he's gonna take me to the limit for the third time.
That's what happened. Seth Rollins is the top five in the world,
no matter how you slice it.
But also, I walked away with the moment, the money, and the victory.
So, as far as I'm concerned,
the chapter of Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes is closed.
Theory, the youngest United States Champion in company history,
brimming with potential.
But you know the thing about potential? It's like gold.
You gotta dig to find it.
So, he better be ready to dig,
because nothing sounds better to me
than "The American Nightmare, the new United States Champion."
[crowd cheering]
["Kingdom" playing]
[Corey] The time has come!
[crowd cheering]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
[Saxton] Is gold in the future of The American Nightmare?
♪ About to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪
-[fireworks exploding] -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Even The Nightmare can have a dream.
And the dream of Cody Rhodes is to be United States Champion tonight
at the expense of Theory.
This is the first championship opportunity Cody Rhodes has received
since triumphantly returning to WWE at WrestleMania.
[Saxton] It's been quite the Cinderella story thus far,
ever since Cody Rhodes made his return to WWE.
And what an accolade it would be to call himself
United States Champion!
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the United States Championship!
Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Corey] Rhodes is fired up!
Rhodes is ready for battle!
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Feeding off the adulation from the WWE Universe
and his own personal passion
Cody Rhodes will challenge Theory
for the United States Championship, next, live!
[Jimmy] Welcome back! And you are looking at "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes!
We found out last night what he's willing to do
to move past Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Well, Rollins found out, you reap what you saw.
[Corey] Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Cody Rhodes, a second chance at history.
Tonight, we run it back.
[instrumental rock music]
[crowd cheering]
The motivation for Seth "Freakin" Rollins
is to erase what happened at WrestleMania Saturday.
-[Saxton] Rollins has the tights! -[referee] One! Two!
[Corey] It's a reverse! And Cody has the tights!
[crowd] Two! Three!
-[crowd cheering] -[bell rings]
Seth Rollins is in disbelief.
Cody Rhodes beats the Visionary at his own game.
Rollins is furious with the official.
For the second time in a row,
Cody Rhodes defeats Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
♪ I'm the worst nightmare ♪
[Jimmy] On display, the willingness of The American Nightmare
to get as dirty as his opponent.
♪ A-town ♪
♪ Down ♪
That willingness might come in handy against this man.
[Saxton] You know, we heard from the United States Champion,
Theory, earlier. And, on the surface,
he seems confident.
On the surface, Theory seems self-assured.
But I can guarantee you, somewhere deep in Theory's soul,
there's gotta be some serious concern
about the threat he faces here tonight in Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] Many times, I would agree with that statement, Byron.
But what Theory has shown us collectively as the WWE Universe,
over the past year or so,
is that Theory is not your typical Superstar.
We talk about Theory being a blue chip prospect.
A prospect no more.
Theory is a bona fide United States Champion,
the youngest in WWE history!
And what a feather in the cap of Theory it would be
to be the man to hand Cody Rhodes his first defeat
since returning to WWE.
[Saxton] 24 years old and absolutely full of himself.
[announcer] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the United States Championship!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[crowd cheering]
And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Theory!
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Saxton, let me ask you this, do you see anything
even remotely resembling fear or trepidation
in the eyes of Austin Theory tonight?
[Saxton] Listen, Theory will tell the world that he's the future.
He's not afraid of the threat of Cody Rhodes.
But if Theory is a student of the game, which I'm sure he is,
he's gotta have a healthy respect
for what Cody Rhodes brings to the equation.
[Jimmy] We are underway. Cody Rhodes versus Theory.
Talk about the history of Cody Rhodes,
it's something everyone knows, everyone respects.
Except, perhaps, Theory.
The last time Cody Rhodes had a run in WWE,
Theory was trying to avoid detention. He was in high school.
Does he have an understanding of who he's facing tonight?
[Corey] I don't think it matters to Theory.
I think Theory is brimming with confidence.
Self-confidence, maybe a touch of brashness,
but it has Theory to the United States Championship,
and it may be what keeps it for him.
[Saxton] You talk about confidence, how about the confidence
of The American Nightmare?
Back-to-back victories over Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
undefeated since returning to WWE.
[Corey] You are absolutely, 1,000% correct, Saxton.
Two victories back-to-back
over a Superstar the caliber of Seth Rollins
holds a lot of water with WWE officials.
Cody Rhodes truly earned this opportunity.
[Jimmy] Also, under the gigantic lights of WrestleMania
and, then, WrestleMania Backlash.
He's been thrown right into the fire and he's responded.
[Corey] Here's something else to think about
in this matchup for the United States Championship, that title,
the very same title that his late father,
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, once held.
-[Jimmy] Oh, look at the power of Theory! -[Corey] Oh!
There's the disrespect, the brash nature of Theory.
[Jimmy] Could that disrespect tonight, Corey, be a weapon?
[Corey] It could be.
It absolutely could be.
Sometimes, when you're a young superstar,
the best weapon you have at your disposal is--
[Jimmy] Oh, roll up, shoulders down!
[Corey] The best weapon you have at your disposal is not knowing
what you don't know.
[Jimmy] And backslide, shoulders down again!
[Corey] The challenger almost ended this one.
Theory trying to escape by any means necessary!
[Jimmy] A cheap shot holding on to the ropes,
as the referee tried to break them up.
[Corey] A little response here.
Forearm of his own, as he stumbles back to the corner.
Theory over the top to the outside, banging Rhodes over the top rope.
Smart move.
[Jimmy] So far, some veteran moves to go with the athleticism of Theory.
-[Corey] Cover here by Theory! -[Jimmy] Shoulders down!
Quick kick-out from Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] Theory has shown on multiple occasions,
he possesses wisdom beyond his years, beyond his experience.
And Theory is the type of Superstar who looks at what Cody accomplished,
and what Cody had to put himself through
-during Cody's six years away. -[Jimmy] A cover again.
[Corey] Great kick-out.
[Saxton] And Theory is the type of guy that it does not matter to.
Theory feels that he was custom-built to be a legend in WWE
in due time. And Theory has already made an impressive account of himself.
And the pressure.
We talk about the advantages of being the protege of Mr. McMahon.
A lot of pressure goes with that. And, so far, he's shouldered it well.
[Corey] Oh, my goodness!
Listen, being Mr. McMahon's protege absolutely has…
[Jimmy] Oh, a cocky cover!
[Corey] …has its advantages.
But Mr. McMahon is not gonna have time for anybody who doesn't put in the work,
who doesn't back up the opportunities, who doesn't capitalize like Theory has.
[Saxton] He was whipped hard into the turnbuckle.
Take a look at what happened earlier on here.
Cody Rhodes walking into that… running into that nasty elbow
from the United States Champion.
[Corey] A face full of elbow from the champion, Theory.
The challenger, Cody Rhodes, down, trying to re-strategize his game.
Cody Rhodes has been steadfast and very clear about his goals
here in WWE, to make it to the top of the mountain,
become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
I caught up with Theory earlier today,
and his immediate goal
is to have a more memorable United States Championship reign than John Cena.
I mean, that's type of headspace Theory--
[Jimmy] Beautiful snap suplex! To the cover!
And another quick kick-out. Favoring that left knee
Theory went after with that low dropkick,
trying to pick apart the veteran.
We were wondering if the experience difference,
Cody Rhodes much more experienced than Theory,
would be the difference in this fight. But Theory
has fought a very smart fight so far.
[Saxton] At this point in the matchup, Theory has not looked
anywhere close to out of his depth.
Theory showing many doubters that still remain
that Theory belongs where he's at,
-as United States Champion for now! -[all exclaiming]
Driven face first by the challenger, Rhodes!
[Jimmy] Beautiful dropkick from Cody Rhodes.
And talk about veteran savvy.
Rolling out of the ropes is not gonna protect him
from the high-flying kick of Cody Rhodes!
[Corey] Theory down on the outside!
Cody Rhodes, knowing full well that Theory has to be inside the ring and pinned,
or submitted, for Cody to become champion!
[Saxton] Rhodes looking to strike from the apron, but gets caught by Theory.
[Corey] You can't argue with the results.
-Week after week, Theory has-- -[Jimmy] Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Corey] He has backed up every brash comment he has made.
Theory continuing to make Mr. McMahon
look like the biggest genius in the building.
[Jimmy] Worried now. Clearing off our table completely!
[Corey] Apparently, Theory looking to up the ante here.
-Now, it's Theory… -[Jimmy] Oh, no.
[Corey] …shoving Cody Rhodes to the outside.
Cody's certainly in dangerous territory.
The champion getting chased, but Cody turning the tables!
[Jimmy] He said it before the match, turnabout is fair play!
"I can use the table, too!"
[Saxton] Unleashing on the champion!
[Corey] And Theory getting out of dodge in a hurry.
United States Championship on the line! Can Theory hold on?
[crowd booing]
[Jimmy] It's been out of the ring, it's been in the ring!
Cody Rhodes versus Theory, United States Championship on the line!
[Corey] We've seen a serious upgrade in the physicality
between Theory and Cody Rhodes
in this United States Championship matchup.
During the break, the action continued,
with Theory turning Rhodes inside out with a thunderous clothesline.
Theory has done a masterful job of weathering the early storm
provided by the challenger, Rhodes.
[Jimmy] We thought Theory would have the physical advantage.
That has not been the case.
We thought Cody Rhodes would have tactical advantage.
-That hasn't been the case, either. -[Corey] We got a car crash mid-ring.
Both Superstars looking for a flying crossbody.
The playing field is even. It is anyone's game at this point.
Could come down to who recovers first,
as we look once again at the impact
between Theory and Rhodes.
But now, Cody looking to compose himself.
Slowly, but surely, fighting his way back
into this United States Championship match.
[Saxton] Cody's trying to get the edge over Theory, and he does!
Building momentum now against the United States Champion.
[Jimmy] Unbelievable speed, with a body slam to the cover!
A kick-out right before "Three" for the champ, Theory.
All things being equal, it's about who has the guts and the heart.
[Corey] We've seen tremendous heart from Cody Rhodes,
as we have a tremendous crowd on hand here tonight
witnessing this United States Championship battle
between "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
and the champion, Theory.
Rhodes taking a moment to survey the situation
before making the climb to the top rope.
Precarious position for the challenger. Champion back on his feet!
Moonsault by Cody connects!
[Jimmy] That could be it! Will we see a new champion?
Oh, another kick-out!
[Saxton] Theory somehow finds a way to escape.
[Corey] I don't know that if Cody had a slightly deeper hook of the leg,
we wouldn't have a new champion by now.
As we look once again,
Cody connects with the moonsault,
desperately reaching for Theory's far leg.
But the young champion, able to kick out before the count of three.
[Saxton] Look at the determination in the eyes of Rhodes,
willing himself to keep pushing forward, to keep fighting.
[Corey] But the same has to be said for Theory, the United States Champion.
Trying to compose himself.
Theory now!
Hooks the leg, sliding Cody down across the knee. Cover!
[referee] One! Two!
[Jimmy] Desperate to retain, but the fall won't happen yet.
[Corey] Now a whole lot behind that kick-out from Cody Rhodes.
He's certainly reeling.
The action has been physical.
The first one didn't connect.
Theory's second attempt did.
And the exclamation point,
driving Cody across his own knee.
Things are looking bleak for The American Nightmare.
Theory could be looking for the A-Town Down!
All right, Cody able to fight out of it with a series of elbows.
-[Saxton] And now, Rhodes! -[Corey] Disaster Kick connects!
[Saxton] Maybe a second time!
[Corey] Cody Cutter!
[Jimmy] Knocking the spit out of Austin Theory!
-[Saxton] Can you feel it? -[Corey] Rhodes is feeling it,
closing in on the United States Championship!
[Saxton] Rhodes, eyes locked on Theory!
-[Jimmy] What? -[bell ringing]
[Corey] Rollins!
[Jimmy] Seth "Freakin" Rollins
taking the moment away from Cody Rhodes!
[crowd booing]
[Saxton] Rollins obviously still bitter about his loss
to Cody Rhodes last night at WrestleMania Backlash.
[Jimmy] Well, listen… Oh!
[Corey] Rollins has had two opportunities now
to defeat Rhodes, and his come up short both times.
Now is not the time, Seth!
[Saxton] I agree. Cody Rhodes was done with Seth.
Cody Rhodes was ready to move on.
Apparently, Seth Rollins cannot.
[Corey] Cody Rhodes appeared to be closing in
on the United States Championship,
winning his first opportunity at a title since returning,
and it's spoiled again by Seth Rollins.
[Jimmy] It was all but in his grasp!
You're not gonna take anything from me ever again!
You understand me?
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
[Saxton] It's obvious, Rollins could not stomach the possibility
of championship success for Cody Rhodes
[Jimmy] Well, that's already gone. That has already been taken away!
[Corey] Look in the eyes of Seth "Freakin" Rollins right now.
[Jimmy] Oh, no.
Rollins is unhinged. Don't do this, Seth.
Don't do this.
[Saxton] Oh, come on, Seth. No, no, stop.
[Jimmy] Oh, my God!
[crowd boos]
[Seth] Back off.
You're not going to take anything from me!
Never again!
Never again! You understand me?
[crowd boos]
[Jimmy] Madness, insanity from Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Unbelievable.
[Corey] This was moments ago on Monday Night RAW,
just as Cody Rhodes appeared to be closing in
on capturing the United States Championship
from Theory. Seth "Freakin" Rollins would appear,
spoil Cody's opportunity and lay out The American Nightmare
in the process in a vicious, vicious fashion.
[Jimmy] This was just downright disgusting.
[Saxton] Seth Rollins delivering the stomp onto our announce desk.
[Corey] Pay close attention to the impact.
Cody has got to be in bad shape.
I'm hoping for the best
barring any internal injuries or potential concussions.
So, I imagine Cody Rhodes will be in action soon.
Listen, week after week, I constantly am able to justify
Seth "Freakin" Rollins and his controversial actions,
but this, this was a line that did not need to be crossed.
It's too far. It's shameful, it was disgusting.
There was no reason for Seth Rollins to do what he just did.
Cody Rhodes being attended to now.
We will of course keep you updated on his condition.
As you say, Corey, hopefully he will be back soon,
but Monday Night RAW continues.
["Sky's The Limit" playing]
[bell dings]
[ring announcer] The following contest
is a tag team match is scheduled for one fall.
Making their way to the ring,
they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Naomi and Sasha Banks.
[Jimmy] When we talk about the continuation of momentum
from an epic stupendous WrestleMania,
you have to discuss this tag team.
[Corey] You're absolutely right, Jimmy,
and far be it for me to admit when I'm wrong,
because let's be honest, I'm almost never wrong.
I had my doubts as to how well Sasha Banks could coexist with Naomi.
Sasha doesn't necessarily have the best track record of partners.
[ring announcer] And their opponents, already in ring,
"Almost A Superhero" Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop.
[Corey] To this point, Banks and Naomi
have been fighting Women's Tag Team Champions.
Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H. with an opportunity
to potentially move up the ladder,
perhaps earn a future title opportunity,
but we know Banks and Naomi are focused
on this Friday night on SmackDown, where they will defend
their WWE Women's Tag Team Championships
against the tag team of Shayna Baszler and Natalya.
[Saxton] This could be a note of here, Corey.
You see Naomi with that left arm taped up.
That's from the damage that Shayna Baszler
did to Naomi this past Friday night on SmackDown.
[Jimmy] To switch to Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H.,
they told me they'd thrived on being overlooked, underestimated.
Nikki A.S.H. got a talking to last week
from Doudrop after losing the 24/7 title,
that's why they're in here tonight.
[Saxton] Doudrop approaching Nikki A.S.H.,
simply said, "Time to stop playing around."
We'll see how this tag team partnership develops.
Obviously, you score a win over the Women's Tag Team Champions,
that's a major statement for Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H.
[Corey] You're absolutely right.
Naomi having a little fun, a little disrespect for Doudrop.
[Jimmy] Little show off into the donkey kick.
Now looking sunset flip, hard to pull off on Doudrop.
-[Corey] That's it. -[Jimmy] That's why. Shoulders down.
[Corey] Forget it. Oh my goodness.
I cannot believe Naomi was able to beat the official's count to three.
Tremendous impact from Doudrop, crushing one half
of the Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Saxton] You can feel understandably the concern of Sasha Banks on the apron.
Understanding the danger that her partner is in.
[Jimmy] Now Doudrop said, "I've been overlooked.
I've been disrespected my whole career,"
but definite in-ring talent, great strength, explosiveness.
[Saxton] What a lot of people may not realize is,
in the duo of Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop,
these two have been friends for many, many years.
Extremely familiar with one another
from the time they broke into this industry.
Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop could be a very dangerous duo
should they be able to get on the same page.
[Jimmy] They started training together.
What kind of camaraderie does that build, Byron?
[Saxton] Look, I think you look at Naomi and Sasha for that answer, Jimmy.
You're looking at a friendship that's six years strong here,
and what has it become?
Women's Tag Team Champions.
Friendship and experience with each other outside the ring
can go a long way towards success inside the ring.
[Jimmy] A gift wrap position from Doudrop.
Takes all the energy out of your opponent.
Oh, great job by Naomi, fighting her way out.
Now looking for the tag.
[Corey] Stuns Doudrop for the moment.
Naomi right now in a lot of trouble, desperately needs to make a tag
to "The Boss" Sasha Banks, eagerly awaiting on the outside.
[Jimmy] Momentum right now on the side of Doudrop.
A little help from Nikki A.S.H., and so far, she hasn't needed it.
[Corey] I think Doudrop may have just extinguished The Glow.
[Saxton] I'm not sure at this point Naomi's going to be able
to make the tag to Sasha Banks.
[Jimmy] Crawling right now to her corner, and Doudrop in no hurry because of this.
[Corey] Look at Naomi, again, continuing to attempt to make the tag.
Able to slip behind Doudrop.
[Jimmy] Quick escape to the step-up enzuigiri.
[Saxton] Doudrop in the way of Naomi and Sasha Banks.
Now, oh, Naomi makes it to her corner, and here comes The Boss.
[Jimmy] Also temporarily stunning Doudrop.
Time for some teamwork.
Beautiful job.
Rebounding the face of Doudrop off the turnbuckle,
and boss time from the top rope. Oh my goodness.
[Saxton] Crossbody attempt failed from Sasha Banks.
[Corey] How many women superstars in WWE could pull that off?
[Saxton] Oh, cover here by Nikki.
[Jimmy] Nikki A.S.H. looking for the cover.
[Corey] Smart. Nikki looking to capitalize
on the last little bit of work done by Doudrop.
This sort of aggression is what Nikki A.S.H.
has been lacking recently.
[Jimmy] The opportunism of coming in looking for the fall immediately,
that's very Nikki A.S.H.
[Saxton] I'm not so sure that this was smart on Nikki A.S.H.'s part
to tag herself in, but so far she has maintained control of Sasha Banks.
[Jimmy] She's small, but she's savage.
We're seeing that now. Looking for the cover again.
Kick out from The Boss.
[Saxton] Again, you may question the mentality of Nikki A.S.H.,
but she is a former RAW Women's Champion,
a former Women's Tag Team Champion.
She certainly has the championship experience.
-Tag me in. -I've got it.
[Doudrop] Tag me in.
Don't worry about it. I've got it.
[Corey] What was that you were saying about championship experience, Byron?
[Jimmy] Taking a break at exactly the wrong time to pose.
[Corey] Naomi making the tag to Banks.
[Jimmy] Now it's time for the double-team.
[Saxton] They call this… [exclaims]
[Corey] Nice!
[Jimmy] Shoulders down. One, two, three.
A win for the tag team champions.
-[bell dings] -["Sky's The Limit" playing]
[ring announcer] Here are your winners,
the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Sasha Banks and Naomi.
[Corey] Another impressive outing for the Women's Tag Team Champions.
Not quite so much for the newly-formed duo
Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H.
[Jimmy] Tremendous potential, tremendous offense
right into that mistake from Nikki A.S.H.
[Corey] Personal judgment there in the end by Nikki A.S.H.
the Women's Tag Team Champions, The Boss and Glow.
[Doudrop] What did I say?
You should have tagged me in.
Get your head in the game and start taking this seriously, Nikki!
You need to listen.
When are you going to start taking this seriously? Huh?
This is what happens every time you don't listen.
Get your head out of the--
["I Came To Play" playing]
[Jimmy] A tongue lashing from Doudrop to Nikki A.S.H.
-[Saxton] Oh, wait, wait a second. -[Corey laughs] Oh, man.
[Saxton] Can someone tell me why The Miz is dressed as an official?
[ring announcer] Please welcome special guest referee for the next match,
The Miz.
[Jimmy] I can. I can, Byron.
I can tell you why Miz is dressed like an official
because Miz is an official.
[Corey] That's right.
Mustafa Ali versus Ciampa and special guest referee, The Miz.
[Saxton] Why?
[Jimmy] Because it's awesome.
[Corey] Don't adjust your television. Miz is the referee.
I've been thinking, Mustafa Ali, you have a point.
You have not been treated fairly in the WWE,
so Theory went to his mentor, Mr. McMahon,
and got you a special guest referee.
Someone who is impartial, someone who is honorable,
someone who is respected, and that someone is me.
[crowd boos]
I'm going to call it right down the middle.
-Ring the bell. -[bell dings]
[Corey] What a magnanimous move
by the United States Champion, Theory, to set this up.
[Saxton] This is a joke.
[Jimmy] Have you ever heard "respected" and "impartial" and "The Miz"
-in the same sentence, Byron? -[Saxton] No, not at all.
[Corey] Listen, Miz continues to break boundaries.
In fact, I believe it to be true that Miz is the first-ever WWE official
to referee a match in Louis Vuitton shoes.
Look at the red bottoms on those.
Those cost more than your suit does, Saxton.
[Saxton] You know what's going on here, Corey. The Miz--
[Corey] I see a golden opportunity for Ciampa
to open the eyes of the WWE Universe.
[Saxton] The Miz's ego was so bruised, so scarred
after losing to Mustafa Ali a couple weeks ago.
-The Miz just can't let it go. -[Jimmy] Shoulders down it.
[Ali] Miz, what are you doing?
[Saxton] The count, Miz. How about doing your job?
[Corey] Miz is being thorough. Trying to make sure that both of--
-[Jimmy] No count at all from The Miz. -[Saxton] So much for being impartial.
[Corey] Listen, this is what Ali gets for interrupting MizTV.
[Saxton] Get over it. It happens. It's WWE.
[Corey] For sticking his nose in Miz's business.
[Saxton] It's not the first time. Miz should know that better than anybody.
[Corey] By the way, Byron, give Miz a little slack.
This is his first time as an official.
He doesn't referee regularly.
[Saxton] He should not be an official in the first place, Corey.
[Corey] Are you going to tell that to Mr. McMahon?
Ciampa last two weeks has attacked Mustafa Ali
after matches with The Miz, after-match with Miz and Theory.
[Saxton] We still had no idea what--
[Corey] Good night, Ali.
What a shot from Ciampa.
[Jimmy] Continuing the attack outside the ring.
We still don't have clarification
on why Ciampa has even targeted Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] Because Ciampa is doing things the old-fashioned way,
making the world take notice by his actions.
Just ask Mustafa Ali.
Ali knows full well what Ciampa is all about, and the WWE Universe,
they're learning week by week.
[Saxton] Also learning that it seems like--
[Jimmy] Inside cradle.
[Saxton] Of course, yeah, yeah, take your time, Miz.
[Corey] Listen, Miz is a full-time competitor.
If Miz pulls a hamstring or something trying to get down to count--
[Jimmy] Miz pulled his hamstring--
[Corey] That would have been a count of five had Miz been on time.
[Saxton] Well, guess what? Miz wasn't on time.
[Corey] It's from Hollywood.
[Saxton] It's just like last week, guys.
Once again, pretty much it should be just two-on-one.
[Corey] Let's talk about what's actually happening here, Saxton.
[Saxton] I'm telling you what's happening.
[Corey] Ciampa in complete control of Mustafa Ali,
who hopefully is learning his lesson not to stick his nose in WWE.
[Saxton] With the assistance of The Miz as the special guest referee.
[Jimmy] Deep chinlock, trying to twist the head of Mustafa Ali.
We know about the strength of Ciampa, we know about the aggression.
He can do it all in the ring, but right now,
Mustafa Ali trying to power his way out.
Head whip right to the canvas.
[Corey] Oh, vicious stomp right on the temple of Mustafa Ali.
[Saxton] Ali doing his best to contend with the circumstances here.
Look, it's bad enough when you do have to face a competitor--
[commentators exclaim]
[Corey] Byron, let me ask you this.
Who should take the blame for Mustafa Ali not focusing on Ciampa?
[Saxton] It's not Miz's fault Ali can't focus.
[Corey] He should not have to worry about whether or not
the official is going to do their job
when you are in the middle of a match.
[Corey] I think Miz is feeling quite a bit of sympathy for Ali right now.
[Saxton] I feel like we're on another planet right now.
[Jimmy] So far, Mustafa Ali, the victim of the aggression of Ciampa.
Knee right to the chest.
Finally, reversal from Mustafa Ali.
Right into the boot.
[commentators] Oh!
[Corey] What a response there from Mustafa Ali.
[Jimmy] Last week, it was two-on-one. Theory and The Miz.
That's how it must feel right now
for Mustafa Ali in there against Ciampa.
[Corey] Why should it feel like two-on-one?
Miz has been a fair, unbiased official to this point.
[Jimmy] No. Except for when Ali has a chance to win the match.
He takes his time.
[Corey] I haven't seen any of those chances.
[Saxton] Well, clearly you're not watching the match.
[Jimmy] Speaking of chances, a big one for Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] That chop echoing throughout the arena.
[Saxton] Ciampa whipped hard.
Follow through with the dropkick from Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] This is not where Ciampa wants to be.
[Saxton] Neckbreaker from Ali connects.
[Jimmy] Beautiful maneuver from Mustafa Ali,
but is he able to put this one away?
Every time he's had a fall, it has been a slow count,
to say the least, if there's been a count at all.
[Saxton] Ali has got to wonder if I have Ciampa beat,
is the official going to do their job?
We're on the verge of finding out now.
[Corey] Each official has their own counting cadence,
their own interpretation of the rulebook.
[Jimmy] Ciampa out of the way.
[Saxton] Just in time and now Ciampa--
[Corey] Oh, wow!
What a right hand from Ciampa.
[Jimmy] Forearm right to the ear.
[Saxton] Ali able to hold on.
[Corey] Superkick.
[Jimmy] Finds the mark on Ciampa.
[Corey] Springboard tornado DDT.
-[Jimmy] Ciampa might be out. -[Corey] You're right.
[Saxton] Yeah, come on.
-[Jimmy] Miz get down. -[Saxton] One, two, three. Two.
[Ali] Miz, come on.
[Corey] Oh, just barely able to escape before the count of three.
[Jimmy] Just about ten seconds for that count of two and three-quarters.
[Corey] It was the same consistent cadence
Miz has used since the opening bell.
[Saxton] It sucks. The cadence sucks.
[Corey] Ali abusing the official.
[The Miz] Go ahead, I'll disqualify you. Go ahead.
[Corey] See, Ali just threatened an official.
[Jimmy] Ciampa taking advantage. To the cover.
-[Saxton] Oh, oh, look at that count. -[bell dings]
[Saxton] All of a sudden, The Miz got his speed back.
[Corey] Obviously Miz took Ali's advice.
[ring announcer] Here is your winner, Ciampa.
[Jimmy] Speaking of cadence, an incredibly fast count goes to Ciampa.
[Saxton] It was a setup from the start.
[Corey] Ali got up in the official's face,
Miz simply Ali's advice to count a little bit faster.
[Saxton] No, you cannot defend this, okay?
The Miz had it out for Mustafa Ali.
We saw that from the moment the match started.
-[The Miz] Right down the middle. -[Saxton] It's a joke and it's ridiculous.
[Corey] It's not a joke.
It's a signal of a bright future
on Monday Night RAW for The Miz,
for Ciampa, and if he learns to respect the rules Mustafa Ali.
We don't need that kind of future.
It is a difficult road in the WWE.
It's a difficult road to be at the elite level of the WWE,
but for Lacey Evans, a difficult road to the WWE.
Okay, here it goes.
I was a child of abuse.
My father struggled with mental health and addiction
which led me spending a good majority of my childhood
jumping state to state just to get away from him
or running from the things that he had done.
My mother tried to find us refuge in various women's shelters
and campgrounds, but ultimately, my father found us.
Um, my mother broke, and we were brought back
into his web of anger and addiction.
Neither Child Protective Services nor Law Enforcement
could save me, but through my experiences that I learned,
I also learned how to save myself.
I learned to hide and I learned to fight
and when it was the right time to use either.
It's what led me to compete in amateur wrestling
and become a State Champion by the age of 15.
But I had to teach myself how to juggle a job and wrestling and school.
I even had to learn how to do my own makeup for wrestling shows
because I didn't have a mommy
who could teach me about beauty and competence.
In fact, I had so little support that I was kicked out of my home
by the age of 17, yet I still managed to become the first
in my family to not only graduate high school
but become a United States Marine.
I've spent my entire life thinking if I just proved myself worthy
of being someone my father could be proud of,
that maybe, just maybe my father would choose love over the addiction.
I graduated as a military police officer
from the United States Marine Corps as top of my class,
and he wouldn't even show up to my graduation ceremony.
One thing he didn't show up for over and over and over again
was the call to addiction and the acceptance of depression
and anger, which led my dad to overdose two months before my WWE tryout.
And then right before my first match at NXT,
another family member overdosed
in the parking lot near the show in Florida.
The threat of death and depression around every corner my entire life
has been a constant reminder of what I live for.
I live for my daughter's beautiful smiles.
And I live to show the world that the weight of someone else's pain
doesn't always have to be carried on your back.
And I live to keep fighting, to beat the cycle,
because life is worth living for.
My experience has created the woman I am today.
I'm motivated, ready for anything, careful, and competent mother,
wife, sister, daughter,
United States Marine,
and WWE superstar.
[crowd cheers]
Lacey Evans' story may be a bit sensational,
but every syllable she just spoke is absolutely true.
A real inspiration.
Yeah, you can hear the emotion in her voice, the inspiration.
Another person who had an inspirational path was Bobby Lashley.
Has military service as well,
but he's run into a big challenge with Omos and MVP.
We'll have news about that challenge next.
Earlier this evening, a VIP Lounge got a face that MVP didn't expect.
[stutters] I'm going to just stop you right there.
Look, I like you, but I'm going to let this interruption--
["All Mighty" playing]
[Jimmy] That would not be the only interruption to the VIP Lounge.
We would also see an All Mighty interruption from Bobby Lashley
who was fuming over his controversial loss last night
at WrestleMania backlash to Omos.
[Corey] Lashley was here to let his actions do the talking on his behalf.
Boom.
Running roughshod all over MVP's VIP Lounge security just being brutalized.
A little Walking Armageddon from The All Mighty.
[Saxton] Lashley looked unstoppable, then turned this focus
towards the seven-foot-three Omos,
and finally, the man who Lashley wanted
he thought he would get his hands on MVP.
[Corey] MVP hightailing it out of harm's way,
but The All Mighty certainly has not forgiven
what went down at WrestleMania backlash.
In fact, taking out his fury on poor Cedric Alexander.
[Saxton] Lashley making it clear, "MVP, I am coming for you."
The only reason Omos won at WrestleMania backlash
was because of you, MVP.
And then you bring him in here tonight,
parading around your new Nigerian Giant, victorious to the world
to share the spotlight with him.
Why don't you let him have the spotlight of his own without your interference?
Next week on Monday Night RAW,
I want that seven-foot-three Nigerian Giant
trapped inside a15-foot steel cage.
[crowd cheers]
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
Omos and The All Mighty inside a steel cage?
-Oh, my gosh. -Are you kidding me?
That's going to be a brutal battle next week inside a steel cage.
An incredible opportunity for Bobby Lashley.
The same can be said last week.
The 24/7 title opportunity for everyone involved.
Dana Brooke losing it to Nikki A.S.H.
Earlier in the evening,
and then her chance at redemption in the ring.
[Saxton] Thanks to Reggie making the match for Dana.
Dana able to regain her title, but of course, the 24/7 title rules
were no longer suspended.
Tozawa trying to pin the 24/7 title.
R-Truth trying to regain his baby, but this, I hate watching this.
Reggie, that's your wife, man.
Dana didn't like it too much.
I want a divorce!
[crowd cheers]
[Jimmy] I really hope and pray that Dana will reconsider.
Look, girl, my job on the line.
Are y'all both sure you want to go through this?
-Obviously. -Yes, Dana is right.
Both these marriages, they're duds.
So, Reggie and Tozawa going to meet y'all here?
Yeah, I actually told him we were going on a double date.
[both chuckle]
Snake ladies.
Yeah, I know.
Dana, thank you so much for giving me a second chance.
This is for you.
Oh, Dana, he got you some candy and some lip flowers.
Where's my candy, Tozawa?
She got you this.
Divorce papers? No, no, no, no.
Yes. I'm officially certified, the process is served
-and y'all just got served. -No, no.
I don't want to divorce. No.
Truth, it's not official until you give him the papers.
You're right.
Dana, look, please. Look.
Oh, no, you don't. Not now.
-No. -Dana.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Corey] You going to be all right, Byron?
[Saxton] Isn't love supposed to conquer all?
[crowd boos]
[Jimmy] Someone who's definitely thinking about conquering all now,
Big Time Becks is in the house.
[Corey] Becky Lynch told me personally she is so tired
of you lacking in enthusiasm when you introduce her.
From here on out, I'm taking it.
WWE Universe, welcome to The Big Time.
That's how you do it.
[ring announcer] Please welcome "Big Time" Becky Lynch.
[Saxton] Actually, I think Mike Rome did it better.
[Corey] Mike Rome is a ring announcer, stupid.
[Jimmy] "Big Time" Becky Lynch ringside,
but she is not the one competing tonight.
It is RAW Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair, taking on the returning Asuka
in a championship contender's match.
Will Asuka's return be glorious, or will it end in defeat tonight?
[Corey] Hey, guys, look what I brought to commentary.
[Jimmy] Welcome back. We just found out about it.
A huge match next Monday on RAW.
[Corey] It can't get much bigger or badder.
Bobby Lashley and Omos will be locked inside of a steel cage,
but perhaps most importantly for The All Mighty,
MVP will be locked out of the cage.
Lashley, Omos one-on-one.
[Jimmy] MVP will not be a factor in that match,
but who will be a factor on commentary tonight?
-"Big Time" Becky Lynch, welcome. -Thank you.
It is a gross injustice that I am on this side of the ring, but here we are.
[Saxton] Interesting eyewear that you're sporting there, Becky.
["The Future" playing]
[Becky] You like it? Is that what you mean to say?
[Saxton] High-fashion bad-ass robocop.
[Becky] You wouldn't know anything about it, Byron, clearly.
[Saxton] Well, we all have our quirks.
-[Becky] Mine are great. -[bell dings]
[ring announcer] The following is a championship contenders match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Osaka, Japan, Asuka.
[crowd cheers]
[Saxton] Becky, I'm going to apologize in advance,
but I need to bring it up.
It was several weeks ago right here on Monday Night RAW,
as you were announcing the most amazing comeback of all time,
-you were interrupted by Asuka. -[Becky] Yes.
[Saxton] In the weeks that followed, she appears to have become
quite a thorn in your side.
[Becky] I don't get this.
She hasn't done anything to deserve a title opportunity, yet here she is.
She just came back,
disrespected the person who literally handed her her title
-[Saxton] You're right. -[Becky] I handed her my title.
[Saxton] Of course she earned that title
after winning the money in the bank match, first of all, Becky.
Number two, this was a decision
by a WWE official, Adam Pearce. Asuka is not being--
[Becky] Yes, a stupid decision. I'm insulted, Byron. I'm insulted.
I had the greatest,
the greatest woman's match in WrestleMania history.
-[Saxton] The van goat. -In WrestleMania history.
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[Becky] I don't get a rematch? Insulted.
[Jimmy] Speaking of historic WrestleMania performances--
[ring announcer] Her opponent,
she is the RAW Women's Champion, Bianca Belair.
[Corey] Two years in a row, two opportunities,
two matches at WrestleMania, two Women's Championships for the EST.
[Saxton] I'm sure someone you're not very happy to see there, Becky.
[Jimmy] Her celebrity of course extends beyond the ring.
Here's Bianca Belair at the Kentucky Derby.
Corey, I understand you made a killing on the Kentucky Derby this year.
[Corey] I'm a smart man. I bet on the longshot, won myself $800,
but the world was talking about Bianca Belair and Montez Ford.
How spectacular they look at Churchill Downs representing WWE.
[Saxton] Let me ask you, Becky--
[Becky] You're rubbing a lot of stuff in my face right now.
[Saxton] You're right. I was in the process of apologizing.
[Becky] You don't usually do that.
[Saxton] That was a killer hat, I got to say.
I will say, though, Becky.
If you were still RAW Women's Champion,
maybe that could have been you at Churchill Downs.
Why don't we go back to that?
-[bell dings] -I came out by myself.
She came out with an army. Of course, I was distracted.
Of course, I wasn't in my game mode.
-[Saxton] So you're making excuses? -[Becky] I'm not making excuses.
I'm saying when you're on the lookout for a trumpet
to the back of the head,
maybe sometimes your attention isn't where it needs to be.
That's why I lost.
[Saxton] That's a hazardous working environment.
[Becky] Exactly.
[Saxton] You should write a strongly worded email about that.
[Becky] I've written five.
[Jimmy] Asuka, a long time off, now making her return to the ring at RAW.
[Saxton] Listen, we've seen Asuka,
obviously, make a return a couple of weeks ago.
It would seem, Becky, that you're flustered.
You've been very irate ever since Asuka came out
and basically upstaged you a few weeks ago.
[Becky] She didn't upstage me. What are you talking about?
Nobody upstages "Big Time" Becks.
She came out and she disrespected me.
There is a big difference, Byron.
[Saxton] Asuka's had one match since she's returned
and now she has an opportunity for a championship opportunity.
Becky, let me ask you a question the right way.
Why is it that seemingly every woman on the roster
is obsessed with making their own names at your expense?
[Becky] I don't know.
It's a quick way to make a name for yourself.
[Saxton] True.
[Becky] I make people famous. I make them better, and then I beat them.
That's what happens.
That's what should have happened at WrestleMania.
That's what should be happening right now.
I should be the one fighting for this opportunity.
[Jimmy] Kick out from the champ.
[Saxton] You're not because you lost at WrestleMania, Becky.
[Becky] I already explained this to you, Byron!
I lost because I was distracted, but I dominated that match.
I dominated that match.
She came out with an army. I was on my own.
I was a lone ranger.
[Corey] We apologize for Byron Saxton. We don't claim him here at the desk.
[Jimmy] Look at the athleticism, the ability of Bianca Belair,
but great move by Asuka.
[Saxton] Strong kick flattens the RAW Women's Champion.
A sliding knee by Asuka.
[Corey] For the cover, hooking the leg.
[Jimmy] Kick out from Bianca Belair. So far, no ring rust from Asuka,
despite as you said, Corey only one match.
[Becky] You know who didn't have ring rust when they came back?
Me, after having a child, won the title of my first night, 26 seconds.
-Do you remember that? -[Saxton] Yes.
[Jimmy] Absolutely amazing.
[Saxton] Let's talk about that for a second.
You basically did the same thing that Asuka did to you.
You surprised Bianca Belair, who wasn't expecting you,
and you won that championship in 2016.
-[Jimmy] A roll-up from Asuka. -[referee] One, two-
[Jimmy] Uh-oh. Kick out just in time. To the armbar.
[Saxton] Seamless transition.
[Becky] I hadn't handed Bianca my title beforehand.
I deserve more respect than that, okay, Byron?
[Jimmy] Triangle transition now from Asuka.
[Saxton] That is absolutely true.
It was a magnanimous selfless act from you, Becky,
to present Asuka respectfully
with your women's championship at the time--
-[crosstalk] -[Jimmy] Look at Bianca.
She's holding hard on the triangle. Oh, my god.
The power of Bianca Belair looking to rampage her way out, and she does.
[Saxton] Becky, you have felt that power before.
[Corey] Byron, Becky just passed me a note
asking that you no longer speak about her.
[Jimmy exclaims]
[Jimmy] Becky just got herself into the match.
-[bell dings] -[Saxton] Done with commentary, I see.
[Jimmy] Flinging Bianca Belair into the steps.
[crowd boos]
[Saxton] Becky Lynch couldn't even sit by and let the spotlight
be on someone else, be on Asuka, be on Bianca Belair.
No, it's got to be about "Big Time" Becks.
-[Corey] Asuka called Becky a crybaby. -[Saxton] So what?
[Corey] After the most selfless act of Becky Lynch's career.
[Jimmy] Now, taking it out on Asuka.
[Saxton] Becky can't handle a little name calling now?
Is that where we're at?
[Corey] No, Becky simply believed she deserved better treatment.
Right now, it's Asuka looking like a baby.
[Jimmy] She believes in her comeback.
She believes she's destined to reclaim her title,
and Asuka's in the way.
She's trying to show her now. Manhandle slam.
[crowd boos]
[Saxton] Becky Lynch did not want any chance
of Asuka earning an opportunity.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Saxton] And that is the presence of "Big Time" Becks
as part of the RAW women's… Let me resay that,
as the face of the RAW women's division.
[Jimmy] The face is the champion right now.
[Corey] Right now, the champion just was run in to the steel ring stairs
and flat on the ground in front of us,
and then the potential future challenger, Asuka,
humiliated by the woman that she disrespected.
[Saxton] The face of jealousy in Becky Lynch.
Talk about how you want to beat me. You'll never beat me again.
[Jimmy] Next week, we have an epic, epic showdown.
[Corey] It is a steel cage match. It is official.
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley
one-on-one versus "The Nigerian Giant" Omos.
Those two locked inside of the steel cage.
MVP locked out of the steel cage.
No interference, no controversy, just two big badasses
throwing down on Monday night.
I'm Big Time for a reason. ht.