[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[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.
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ I got a vision I see in my head ♪
♪ A melody buried deep into my soul ♪
♪ They call us crazy We cuttin' the edge ♪
♪ Decided our stories are gonna be told ♪
♪ Break the rules, break the laws ♪
♪ This is the moment we change it all ♪
♪ Yeah, greatness Yeah, it feels like greatness ♪
♪ Legendary in the makin' ♪
♪ Reach out and we take it ♪
♪ 'Bout to emerge, we on the verge ♪
♪ Yeah, it feels like greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, greatness Yeah, it feels like greatness ♪
[fireworks bursting]
♪ 'Bout to emerge, we on the verge And it feels like greatness ♪
[Jimmy] Welcome inside the MODA Center
in Portland, Oregon,
and just like the skies over Oregon,
the dark clouds of the Judgment Day hang over Edge and Dominik Mysterio
as they collide tonight on Monday Night RAW.
[Seth Rollins' intro music plays]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Welcome, everyone, to Monday Night Rollins.
[crowd vocalizing]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Jimmy] Well, after allying with the Judgment Day
and turning his back on his father, Rey Mysterio,
Dominik Mysterio takes on WWE Hall of Famer
"The Rated-R Superstar" Edge tonight.
[Corey] In a rematch of the finals
of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament,
the new champions Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah
will defend for the first time ever
against Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky of Damage CTRL.
[Jimmy] I wanna find out which superstar is gonna step up to The EST
because the RAW Women's Champion Bianca Belair
has issued an open challenge.
We'll find out who's gonna answer tonight.
Seth Rollins hearing the chants he heard in Cardiff, Wales.
[crowd vocalizing]
Portland!
[crowd cheers]
Welcome to Monday Night Rollins, baby.
[laughs]
And let me introduce your host for this evening.
He is none other than the face of Monday Night RAW.
He is a visionary,
he is a revolutionary, he is Seth--
[crowd] "Freakin" Rollins!
Yeah.
[laughs]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd vocalizing]
Oh, Rip City, you are too kind, you are too kind,
but I have a question for you guys.
Do you believe in karma?
[crowd cheering]
You know, good things, good people, bad things, bad people.
I got to admit, guys, I was a little skeptical…
but nine days ago at Clash at the Castle,
the universe was in perfect harmony
because I beat Matt Riddle.
[laughs]
I stomped his head into this here mat not once but twice,
and I had 60,000-plus fans
singing my song.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd vocalizing]
Now, it has come to my attention that I am living rent-free
in that little pea-brain of Mr. Riddle
because he has requested a rematch against yours truly.
[crowd cheering]
The problem is,
I'm not too interested in a rematch.
[crowd boos]
Aw.
You may be asking yourselves, "What's next for Seth "Freakin" Rollins?"
And while I pondered that exact question…
over the past week--
[crowd chanting] Rematch!
I told you, I'm not interested in a rematch with Riddle, so zip it.
[crowd boos]
What I am interested in
is the fact that it has been far too long
since I have held championship gold.
[crowd cheers]
-And now-- -[Riddle's intro music plays]
[Jimmy] Oh, karma also means payback.
[Corey] Rollins may not be interested, but I assume Riddle still is.
[Saxton] You better believe Riddle is.
I don't want a rematch.
[Corey] Headed toward the ring with purpose.
Bro.
[Saxton] Enough of the talking. Riddle wants to fight.
[Jimmy] Oh, there's no talking at all from Riddle.
[Saxton] Looking for some payback after Clash at the Castle.
[Jimmy] "I can't get a rematch?"
Riddle decides he'll just beat up Rollins instead.
[Corey] Oh, my God!
[Jimmy] Well, if it isn't the story of these two superstars.
They can't be near one another.
[Saxton] It's like Clash at the Castle all over again.
[Corey] Rollins high-tailing it out of here.
[Saxton] Riddle's right behind him.
[Jimmy] There's no running from the vengeance of Riddle right now.
[Saxton] How many times have we witnessed this scene?
Riddle and Rollins out and about in the crowd brawling with each other.
[Corey] Riddle can't leave well enough alone.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins defeated Matt Riddle
at Clash at the Castle in front of nearly 70,000 fans.
Rollins doesn't owe anything to Riddle or anybody else.
[Jimmy] Yeah, but that's been eating Riddle up alive, Corey.
[Judgment Day's intro music plays]
-[Corey] Oh, no. -[Saxton] What?
What do they want?
[Corey] Finn Bálor and Damian Priest of the Judgment Day.
[Jimmy] You never know what their motives are.
This is unexpected to say the least.
[Saxton] I think Riddle's trying to figure out the same thing.
"Why are Damian Priest and Finn Bálor sauntering down to this ring?"
[Corey] I We're gonna get our answer in a matter of moments.
The Judgment Day don't answer to anyone.
Whoa, bro. Bro, bro, chill, man.
We're your friends, we're not here to fight.
We're your friends, man.
[Priest] Yeah, take it easy, man.
We're not here for all that.
Keep the hands down.
Man, we're friends.
We go way-- Hell, you, Rhea, and I, we go way back, man.
That's why we're here. To offer you a spot.
[crowd yelling]
You see, if you recall, not too long ago,
we were all in the same situation.
Superstars on the rise.
But somehow, something or someone would always hold us back.
Well, no more.
We're here to change that for you.
[crowd boos]
Bro, you've seen how much Dom has grown in the last couple of weeks.
You've seen it, man.
And he's finally stepped out of his dad's shadow.
We've taken care of Rey Mysterio.
Dom is going to take care of Edge tonight.
-[crowd boos] -Yes, he is. He is.
Bro, I know you got problems,
so let us help you with your problems, man.
We're problem-solvers.
Riddle, Riddle.
Matthew.
[chuckles]
It's me, like he says,
listen, the Judgment Day is simple.
[crowd cheering]
You see, they want you to join.
They want it, dude. Come on, bro.
They want you to join, man.
Rise with the Judgment Day or fall against us.
Bro…
we do go back, dude,
but right now, my focus is on Seth…
So the answer is no, bro.
[crowd cheering]
Hey, bro, I know the laws are a lot more relaxed here in Portland,
so maybe your brain is a little cloudy.
[crowd boos]
-So let me be very clear. -Be clear.
You either stand with us
or you stand in our way.
-[Jimmy] Oh, Riddle came to fight. -[Corey] Bálor got his answer.
-[Saxton] Option number two for Riddle. -[Corey] Priest sent to the outside.
[Saxton] Riddle was content doing things all by himself.
[Corey] The Original Bro is holding the ring to kick off RAW.
[Saxton] Now, Finn Bálor came out to recruit Riddle into the Judgment Day.
As we learned during the break, they are now one-on-one in the RAW ring.
[Jimmy] Riddle was happy to stand on his own.
Did not appreciate the olive branch
being extended by Damian Priest and Finn Bálor.
[Corey] No one has ever accused Matt Riddle
of being the brightest star in the sky.
That's got to be part of this as well, Corey.
One thing about the Judgment Day, Finn Bálor,
they have an eye for human weakness.
It's not a coincidence he came out when he did.
[Corey] Look at this power. There was no weakness shown there.
Broton flattens Bálor.
-Cover. -[Jimmy] To the cover.
Kick out from Finn Bálor.
[Saxton] I don't know if it's emotional weakness
but it seems like the MO of the Judgment Day
is to target someone who is dealing with emotional turmoil.
We saw that with how they infiltrated the mind of Dominik Mysterio,
and now attempting to do the same thing with Riddle.
[Corey] It's obvious that Matt Riddle has not been able to move past Seth Rollins.
[Saxton] Right now Finn Bálor systematically picking Riddle apart.
[Jimmy] Tonight, he has to move past Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
He has a very dangerous opponent in Finn Bálor in front of him,
former Universal Champion.
[crowd boos]
[Saxton] We know Riddle has been obsessing for weeks over Seth Rollins.
Especially following Clash at the Castle.
The key for Riddle is can you channel that emotion
and use that to combat Finn Bálor?
[Corey] Look, the answer at Clash at the Castle
was a resounding no.
Riddle came up short,
and if Riddle is still experiencing that internal emotional turmoil
like he was in Cardiff,
Riddle stands next to no chance against the Judgment Day.
[Jimmy] Well, forgetting about internal turmoil.
Also, he got his head stomped through the canvas.
He can't be 100% tonight.
[Saxton] Listen, Riddle's a double tough dude.
No doubt about that, but Bálor is just as tough.
Arguably, just as technically proficient.
A master grappler in his own right.
Finn Bálor in complete control of Matt Riddle.
[Jimmy] That bulldog chin lock on Riddle who has an excellent submission game.
Position before submission, and right now that belongs to Finn Bálor.
[Saxton] Finn Bálor as of late, listen,
like him or not, you could say that Finn Bálor
might be the most comfortable he's ever been here on Monday Night RAW.
Ever since joining the Judgment Day.
[Corey] Oh! Nobody home for Riddle.
Look at this ruthlessness from Finn Bálor.
Absolutely vicious, going to town on Riddle.
To the cover.
Kick out, but you see the energy
is being beaten out of Riddle at the moment.
Just needs some more. That's it. More pain.
[Corey] Finn Bálor right now in cruise control.
Conferring with Damian Priest on the outside.
Trying to strategize the next step in their game plan.
I say "they", because Finn Bálor may be the only one competing in this matchup,
but the Judgment Day as a whole
are perpetually a factor any time one's involved.
[Saxton] Without question. We've seen that case--
-Oh, hold on. Cover. -[Corey] To the cover.
[Saxton] We've seen that be the case many times.
Countless times over the last few weeks and months.
[Corey] Emotional support of Damian Priest from the outside, also…
Referee better have eyes in the back of his head
when dealing with the Judgment Day.
[Jimmy] Right now, Bálor in control all on his own.
Nothing illegal here. Nothing questionable.
Just the elite-level skill.
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Crank on the spine of Riddle.
Trying to power his way back to his feet.
[Saxton] Trying to shake off Finn Bálor, but Bálor responds with a neckbreaker.
[Jimmy] To the cover. Shoulders down.
Another kick out from Riddle.
But, man, Finn Bálor relentless with his offense tonight.
[crowd boos]
Been dealing with the Mysterio family and Edge for weeks.
Iron sharpens iron, and Finn Bálor sharp tonight.
[Saxton] Riddle was forced to make a psychological pivot.
Remember, he came out here initially to go after Seth Rollins.
[Jimmy] Finn Bálor baiting him successfully into a match.
[Corey] There was no bait involved.
Bálor and Priest made an offer to Matt Riddle,
"Join us. Become part of the Judgment Day."
Riddle's too proud tonight.
[Jimmy] An offer they had to know he might not accept
and would lead exactly to this.
[Saxton] Hence the threat when Finn Bálor looked Riddle in the face
and said, "You either stand with us or you stand in our way."
This is the prime example of Riddle standing in the way of the Judgment Day.
Shot to the-- Riddle looking to counter.
[Corey] Body scissors takes Bálor all the way to the floor outside.
[Saxton] This is where Riddle's so dangerous.
Hey, you too. Back it off.
[Jimmy] Damian Priest in the way.
Not putting hands on Riddle to get disqualified,
but enough to interfere and lead to the counter.
[Corey] This is what we talked about a few moments ago.
Just the mere presence of other Judgment Day members like Damian Priest
can alter the course of the match.
Get off, Finn.
[Jimmy] A side of Finn Bálor coming out since being recruited by the Judgment Day.
[Saxton] Riddle. Riddle firing back.
[Jimmy] Doing what he knows how to do, which is fight.
[Corey] Precarious position for both of these athletes.
Bálor fighting like hell.
[commentators] Oh, no.
[Corey exclaims loudly]
[Jimmy] Oh, my God. How can Riddle get back into this match?
-[Corey] I don't think he can. -Oh, my neck.
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Matt Riddle versus Finn Bálor.
So far, throughout this match,
Finn Bálor of the Judgment Day in control with moves just like that.
[Corey] With no quit shown by Riddle.
Riddle continues to soldier forward,
continues to fight with all that's left inside,
but Bálor's been able to overwhelm the Bro lately.
-Oh. -[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Fisherman's suplex might have just shifted the tides in this one.
[Saxton] Desperation time right now for Riddle.
You have a prime opportunity to capitalize.
The incredible resiliency,
and the ability of Riddle to find the strength at this juncture of the match
never ceases to amaze me.
[Jimmy] But Riddle, you see that damage soaking in.
Not able to get back to his feet in time to take advantage.
[Saxton] Riddle unleashing on Bálor.
[Corey] Oh!
Finn is rocked in the corner.
Matt Riddle looking to build some momentum.
[crowd cheers]
[Saxton] Riddle charging in hard.
Forearm shot, make it twice.
[Corey] Getting speed is Riddle, and over the top.
Bálor wisely rolling under the bottom rope to the outside.
[Jimmy] Is he safe there, though?
[Saxton] No reprieve for Bálor.
Oh, my!
[Jimmy] Running kick on the apron.
Damian Priest got in the way last time.
Oh, he does again, but this time, Riddle,
ready for two-on-one.
[Saxton] Priest pays the price…
and now all Riddle has to worry about is Finn Bálor.
[Corey] That's still a mighty heavy task, Saxton.
There is no such thing as only Finn Bálor or just Finn Bálor
as we look at the athleticism of Riddle flattening the Judgment Day.
Bálor wanted the sling blade.
-Riddle sensed it coming. -[Saxton] Pow!
[Jimmy] Right into a jump knee to the chin.
[Saxton] If Riddle can just crawl over and make the cover,
then this thing might be over.
-[Jimmy] Finn Bálor's laid out. -[Corey] That is a big "if", gentlemen.
Does Riddle have enough left in his gas tank
as we look again at the ripcord knee that rocked Finn Bálor?
The Prince is down.
The Bro looking to execute a cover.
Perhaps make something bigger happen for himself.
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Riddle wants to leave no doubt in this match.
-[Jimmy] Climbing to the top rope. -[Corey] Priest again.
[Jimmy] Once again, Damian Priest with the distraction.
-Roll-up! -[Saxton] Now Bálor from behind.
[Jimmy] Kick out just in time.
Oh!
[Corey] Finn drives Riddle back down.
[Jimmy] I spoke too soon. I thought Damian Priest would no longer…
[Saxton] Rey Mysterio out of nowhere!
[Corey] What is Rey doing out here?
[Jimmy] He's taking care of Damian Priest.
[Saxton] Yeah, you know how ticked off Rey Mysterio has been all week,
Corey, about what the Judgment Day has done to his son, Dominik.
[Jimmy] Finally, one-on-one in the ring--
But Riddle right now has to find a way back into this match.
This might be it.
-Oh! -[Corey] Go to sleep.
[Jimmy] That's not it. Shoulders down.
Oh, kick-out just in time from Finn Bálor who is absolutely reeling.
[Saxton] Riddle can feel it. Feels like this is his moment.
-This is his chance to defeat Finn Bálor. -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Riddle thinking about the Floating Bro once again.
If this lands, it is game over.
[Jimmy] Oh, Floating Bro right into the knees of Finn Bálor.
[Saxton] Bálor strikes.
And how quickly the momentum shifts in favor of Finn Bálor.
-[crowd boos] -Now he's sensing the end.
Is it on the way, gentlemen?
[Jimmy] Coup de grâce, but nobody home.
[Saxton] Riddle from behind.
[crowd cheering]
A little ode to the Viper.
Oh.
[Jimmy] Riddle now fired up.
Energy in this crowd in Portland on his side.
[crowd cheers]
Oh, yes!
[Saxton] Riddle making those travel plans to the location frequented by Randy Orton.
Looking to-- Oh.
[Jimmy] It's Seth Rollins!
[Saxton] Why is Rollins back out here?
[Jimmy] To make life miserable for Riddle again--
But Finn Bálor taking advantage.
Oh!
[Corey] The Prince now making the climb.
Looking to deliver the final dagger to Riddle.
[Jimmy] There it is.
Coup de grâce right to the guts.
-[crowd] One, two, three. -[bell dinging]
[Jimmy] A win for Finn Bálor and Judgment Day.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Finn Bálor.
You got to feel for Riddle having to contend with Damian Priest
and having to contend with Seth Rollins.
[Corey] You don't have to feel for Riddle.
Riddle needs to stop starting fires that he can't put out.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, the Judgment Day. Riddle is volatile.
[Saxton] Oh, no, no, no, no. God damn.
[crowd boos]
[Corey] And Matt Riddle is a danger to himself.
I told you it's over!
It's over between you and me.
You hear me?
It's over, Riddle.
Move on.
Move on, bitch.
[Corey] Quite simply, Matt Riddle cannot leave well enough alone.
[Jimmy] Seth Rollins always making his point with a stomp.
[Corey] Rollins arrived, which allowed Bálor
to rip control of this matchup away from Riddle.
Make the climb, from the top,
coup de grâce right into the solar plexus.
But the exclamation point on this one
would be delivered courtesy of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Saxton] Riddle was easy pickings.
I mean, Seth didn't want to fight Riddle earlier…
but after Riddle's now had a grueling matchup,
now Rollins wants to lay out the Original Bro again.
[crowd boos]
[Corey] It's a teachable moment.
Rollins recognizing,
perhaps now he could get it through Riddle's thick caveman skull…
that Matt Riddle has no more business with Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time,
Damage CTRL, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, and Bayley.
[crowd boos]
Ladies, what does this WWE Women's Tag Team Championship rematch mean to you?
A rematch, Sarah?
There shouldn't even be a rematch because my girls
should've won the Tag Team Tournament.
And the only reason they didn't win is because Aliyah likes to act like
she's never been in a tag match before and pin the illegal competitor.
You can go back and watch the tape. All right? Everyone's talking about it.
-We watched it about a hundred times. -Bayley.
It doesn't matter what happened in the past, okay?
Because, tonight, we make things right.
Tonight we're in control.
[speaking in Japanese]
[in English] This is our division.
Well, Bayley, can you elaborate on being the first to pin Bianca Belair
in almost a year at Clash at the Castle?
We're done here. Okay?
[Corey] Damage CTRL looking for gold tonight.
[music playing]
[Saxton] RAW coming to you tonight from Portland, Oregon.
A city with a rich history in sports.
We're in the home of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Tonight, a city that is green in so many ways.
Love it here.
[Corey] Byron's favorite gym's here.
I've only ever been known as the son
of the legendary Rey Mysterio…
But that all changed at Clash at the Castle
because for the first time in my life,
I felt alive.
I became my own person.
I was done taking the disrespect
and just bottling it up inside.
And Edge…
Edge got exactly what he deserved.
-[music playing] -[crowd cheering]
And tonight, I'm going to finish what I started.
Jefe, Dad,
I know you're disappointed,
but that's too bad, because this is my life,
not yours.
Instead of being upset with me,
you should look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Why?"
Why you never bothered to just get to know me?
Why, instead of trying to teach me,
you didn't just ask me what I wanted for my career?
But you know, for such a tiny, tiny man,
you cast a large shadow…
And I'm done living under it.
I'm not your baby boy anymore.
Soy un hombre.
I'm a man.
Dominik has an opportunity to leap out of his father's shadow tonight
but it won't be easy
because he's got to stand across the ring from Hall of Famer, Edge.
Yes, something we never expected,
but be ready for the unexpected on Monday Night RAW,
including the return of Johnny Gargano.
Let's take a look at why we call him "Johnny Wrestling".
[Johnny Gargano's intro music plays]
[Gargano] Well, surprise, everybody.
For those of you who don't know,
my name is Johnny Gargano…
And I was kind of a big deal back in NXT.
I'm a former Tag Team Champion,
three-time North American Champion,
NXT Champion.
When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming the Intercontinental Champion,
the United States Champion,
the WWE Champion.
What type of father would I be
if I didn't teach my son
that even the biggest, most impossible dreams can come true.
Johnny, it's almost like, all the things you dreamed of,
I've already done them.
[crowd chants] Johnny Wrestling!
[Gargano] Johnny Wrestling is back in WWE.
You know, there's a lot of surprises going around here lately.
I mean, a lot of hits rolling in.
A lot of exciting news, and only if I had the connect.
Oh, wait a second. I do.
I know things,
and I know who Johnny Gargano's first opponent's gonna be
in his "long-awaited" in-ring RAW debut.
Hmm, who could it be?
It's not me because I've got my hands full.
I'm a busy man.
But you know who his opponent is?
It's somebody that I would call a close a close friend.
A man that created the Gable method of success.
Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado,
let me introduce you to Chad Gable.
Johnny Wrestling…
after tonight,
all anyone's gonna know you as is Johnny Shoosh.
Thank you! [laughs]
[music playing]
[Saxton] Well, Damage CTRL's Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky
hoping to walk away as the new champions when they take on Raquel and Aliyah
in a rematch of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament finals next,
and it's on RAW.
[music playing]
[man] What if cancer wasn't part of us,
where the only tests are our strength,
where the only shots are taken by a photographer.
The only battlefield is this ring.
Where the only doctors specialize in Thuganomics?
What if we could team up to make that happen?
[all] Will you join us?
[Saxton] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW.
It's time for Damage CTRL, ladies and gentlemen.
[crowd cheering]
[Damage CTRL's intro music plays]
[Corey] This is an opportunity for redemption
as pertains to Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky,
and the ring leader of Damage CTRL, Bayley.
They will have the opportunity to square off against the women
who defeated them in the finals
of the WWE Women's Tag Team Title Tournament,
albeit under very controversial circumstances.
[Saxton] Here's what you're talking about, Corey.
It was the finals of the Women's Tag Team Title Tournament.
Bayley tried to insert herself into the match until--
Well, she would be one-off by the likes of the RAW Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and Asuka,
but here's where it gets a little controversial to your point.
[Corey] Amidst all the chaos and controversy,
Aliyah would tag herself in to become legal.
Damage CTRL would seem to take control,
but Aliyah would pin Dakota Kai
who was not the legal competitor for her team.
[Saxton] That situation has created the perfect bulletin board material
between Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
[music playing]
[Saxton] Remember, the referee's count is final.
Their chance to right the wrong in their eyes tonight,
in the ring, against Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah.
[Corey] We saw how well Dakota and Iyo
were able to channel their focus in Cardiff at Clash at the Castle.
If they keep that same focus tonight,
we very well may have a brand new Women's Tag Team Champion.
[Jimmy] Well, you talk about momentum for Damage CTRL,
but what about these ladies, Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez?
They've been flying high since becoming champions.
[Saxton] Not just that, but putting in the work.
We know this is a team that has not been a team for long.
They came together for the tournament, but what do we see last week?
Taking on and defeating Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop.
What do you see this past Friday night on SmackDown?
Defeating NXT 2.0, Toxic Attraction.
We saw Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez continue to build their chemistry
and build momentum week after week.
[Corey] Byron, I'll agree with you.
We have seen steady improvement from Aliyah and Raquel as a unit,
as a cohesive tag team.
Will it be enough tonight against highly-motivated challengers
in their first title defense?
We are about to find out in a matter of moments.
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
[crowd cheers]
Introducing the challengers.
Accompanied to the ring by Bayley, representing Damage CTRL,
Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
[crowd cheers]
Come on, idiots!
[announcer] And their opponents,
they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez.
[crowd cheers]
[Jimmy] Corey, you were part of a successful tag team.
What's it like to learn on the job while wearing this gold?
-It can't be easy. -[Corey] I'll tell you.
A championship match is not the time to learn on the job.
Whichever team came into this matchup, once the bell rings
-with a better game plan… -[bell rings]
…with a better strategy, with several contingencies,
will leave here as WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Jimmy] That's one thing about Damage CTRL and Bayley's leadership of it.
They've always come in with a good game plan.
[Saxton] That's the reason why many would've said that Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky
were the favorites to become the Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Jimmy] Raquel Rodriguez and Dakota Kai. No strangers to one another.
Had a successful tag team title reign in NXT some months back,
but that might as well be ancient history now.
[Saxton] To the cover, trying to get it over with early.
Kick out from Dakota Kai.
[Jimmy] Think about the motivation the champs have to feel constantly hearing
Damage CTRL talk about how they're not legitimate champions,
don't have the credibility.
They want to silence Damage CTRL up for good.
[Corey] Seamless teamwork in the early moments of this matchup. Cover.
[Jimmy] To the cover, hooking the leg.
Great job tagging herself in, Raquel Rodriguez.
She has been the enforcer of this tag team.
Last Friday, Aliyah, very, very aggressive in the ring on Smackdown.
[Corey] Again, we've seen steady improvement from both Raquel and Aliyah
as a unit over the past several weeks.
Is it enough? Right now, it looks to be the case.
[Jimmy] To the cover. Shoulders down.
Pure dominance in the early going by the Women's Tag Team Champions,
and Bayley looks highly concerned.
[Corey] That is not a look of concern on the face of Bayley.
She is simply observing.
Bayley is watching two women who she handpicked
to be part of Damage CTRL.
[Saxton] Making the sunset flip
but not enough momentum with the bridge escape.
[Corey] Oh, the elbow flattens Sky for the moment.
Raquel looking for a cover, and a smart strategy by the veteran Kai.
[Saxton] And now, Iyo Sky.
[crowd cheering]
Lost her balance there on the apron.
[Corey] Unable to keep her balance.
[Saxton] Oh, look at this tandem offense, from the champs.
[Jimmy] Talk about a high-flying Aliyah.
Over the top, courtesy of Raquel Rodriguez.
The champs, right now, rolling as Bayley looks on.
-[crowd cheering] -[Saxton] Welcome back!
WWE Women's Championship on the line, Tag Team titles.
Raquel Rodriguez, toe to toe right now with Iyo Sky.
[Corey] The power of Raquel, as Aliyah makes a tag,
could be the difference maker in the outcome of this match.
[Jimmy] Aliyah from the middle rope attacking the arm of Iyo Sky.
The question is what changes tonight, Corey?
The first time the champs would have their title on the line.
They've been victorious as a team twice
but, this time, the title is on the line. How does that change things?
[Corey] If the champs lose, they're not the champs anymore.
That's what matters here.
You got to come into this matchup with what brought you to the dance.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Right now, Aliyah and, Raquel, in control.
Iyo is all types of tied up right now.
[Saxton] Aliyah understanding the need to upgrade her game,
upgrade her aggression against a competitor as fierce as Iyo Sky.
[Jimmy] Fierce and creative.
We know what she can do on offense.
High-flying, versatile.
Oh, sent flying there by Aliyah.
[Saxton] Again, I continue to see concern on the face of Bayley.
[Corey] Dakota from the outside.
Here comes Aliyah.
[Jimmy] A little dishonest teamwork there.
Oh, shot to the back.
[Corey] All perfectly legal. To the cover.
[Corey] That's what the greatest tag teams
in sports entertainment history have mastered,
utilizing the official's count of five,
executing effective, efficient tag team offense.
[Saxton] Talking about how personal this is gonna be for Dakota Kai,
remember it was Dakota who was pinned by Aliyah illegally
to-- Hold on.
Trying to get some payback here.
Kick out from Aliyah.
Got that right shoulder up.
To your point, she's looking for that payback.
[Saxton] Aliyah pinned Dakota Kai to secure the Tag Team Titles.
[Corey] WWE Women's Tag Team Titles on the line.
The champions, defending them for the very first time
since winning the tournament.
[Jimmy] They won the tournament against their opponents,
Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
That's been burning all of Damage CTRL since that happened.
Will Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai come out victorious here
and win the Women's Tag Team Titles?
This gets them right back on track
for their mission statement to take control of this division.
Bayley, to your point, called the shot at SummerSlam.
"We're here to disrupt. We're to take over.
The division is boring. We're the new blood."
[Corey] Oh, Iyo continuing to attack Aliyah
who seems to be in a great deal of pain right now.
The official getting a closer look.
[Saxton] Looks like on the left shoulder.
Let's see.
I'm not entirely sure which body part is injured
but you could see the pain etched on the face of Aliyah,
one-half of the current WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Saxton] These are the kind of moments, especially when you're a champion
that your desire gets tested.
[Corey] What we've seen over the weeks, and when Aliyah gets down and out,
Raquel has no problem shouldering the load on her own,
coming in and becoming a bulldozer and doing the heavy lifting for her team.
Oh, you're right, Corey, but the key is can Aliyah actually find a way
to make it to her corner and tag in Raquel?
Because Aliyah's in a bad way right now.
Right now, good teamwork from Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai,
keeping Aliyah far away from her corner.
[Corey] Byron, what would you consider the expression on Bayley's face now?
[Saxton] Bayley's enjoying the work that's being done by both Iyo and Dakota.
Good job, Iyo. Stick to the plan.
[Jimmy] The words of Bayley. Sticking to the plan.
We talked about it, Corey. The team with the better plan wins.
Bayley has them well drilled
for this specific match, and it's been showing so far.
[Corey] Aliyah trying to fight her way out of this predicament.
Desperately reaching for the tag, the bigger, stronger Raquel Rodriguez.
Iyo hanging on for dear life.
[Saxton] Inching closer and closer to Rodriguez.
Tug of war with the arm of Aliyah, and its Iyo Sky that wins it.
-Reaching… -[Jimmy] Not quite close enough.
That's got to be a bit demoralizing for Aliyah.
[Jimmy] Dakota Kai now legal.
They are teaming up on Aliyah taking advantage.
-[Saxton] Aliyah able to land on her feet. -[Corey] Oh, double neckbreaker!
[Saxton] Great resourcefulness by Aliyah.
[Jimmy] Could be the moment Aliyah needed.
Raquel Rodriguez desperate to get back in this match.
[Saxton] Raquel is fired up… And Raquel is the legal competitor.
Here we go.
Wow.
[Corey] Ridiculous power display from Raquel Rodriguez.
[Saxton] I told you the power of Rodriguez
could be the difference maker in this match.
[Jimmy] Absolute gamechanger as she launches Dakota Kai.
[Saxton] Rodriguez from the middle rope.
[Corey] Twisting splash onto the challenger.
[Saxton] She may secure the retention of the Tag Team Titles all by herself.
[Corey] Aliyah tagging herself in.
[Saxton] Big boot wipes out Dakota.
[Jimmy] Teamwork on display here. All right. Onto Dakota Kai.
-Cover. -[Corey] Shoulder not--
Great job by the official making sure
Dakota's shoulder was down before beginning the count.
[Jimmy] And just enough of a delay for Iyo Sky to make her presence known.
[Corey] Just made Raquel weak in the knees for the moment.
Oh, yeah.
[Saxton] The keyword is moment.
Raquel Rodriguez hoisting up Iyo Sky.
-Countering the hurricanrana. -[Jimmy] Oh, wow.
Both of them over the top.
Iyo. Iyo.
[Jimmy] It's Dakota Kai, Aliyah with the roll up.
[Corey] Almost had a repeat of the finals.
[Jimmy] Aliyah can't believe it.
[Saxton] But Aliyah's got to get over it quick.
[Corey] You're right, Byron. Aliyah needs to keep her foot on the gas pedal.
She's got Dakota Kai in a--
Oh, had.
[Jimmy] There's a jawbreaker from Aliyah.
[Saxton] Dakota Kai barely hanging on.
Here comes Aliyah.
[Jimmy] Face first! To the cover.
-[Corey] Wait. -[Saxton] No, no!
Come on, Bayley.
[Corey] I take back the compliment I gave the official moments ago.
Dakota Kai very clearly was underneath the bottom rope.
[Saxton] Thanks to Bayley's assistance.
Bayley got that… [indistinct]
That late hook over the rope.
[Corey] It's all unravelling before our very eyes.
Raquel does not need to focus on Bayley.
Raquel needs to watch her partner's back.
Her partner who's outnumbered. Yikes!
[Jimmy] Raquel Rodriguez not seeing Iyo Sky coming.
[Corey] Dakota Kai from behind.
[Saxton] Dakota may secure this.
Oh!
[Jimmy] Shoulders down. One. Two. Three.
-We have new champions. -[bell dings]
[Damage CTRL's intro music plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners, and the new
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Damage CTRL.
[Jimmy] Corey, you were exactly right.
The teamwork broke up and fractured at exactly the wrong time.
[Corey] Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah knew full well
that Bayley was somehow going to make herself involved in this contest.
Raquel couldn't keep her head on straight,
left Aliyah susceptible to a double team attack.
Now we got brand new champions.
[Saxton] Damage CTRL will tell you everything is right back on track now.
Take a look at what happened earlier on.
It seemed like Aliyah was on the verge of defeating Dakota Kai,
but watch Bayley insert herself.
[Corey] Don't put it on Bayley.
Dakota's left arm was under the bottom rope.
-[Saxton] Oh, Bayley did nothing. -[Corey] Quit trying to make excuses.
Iyo Sky with a moonsault to the floor
which allowed Dakota to drive both knees
between the shoulder blades of Aliyah who went into autopilot.
Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky are your brand new
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[fireworks bursting]
[Jimmy] Clash at the Castle,
and now on Monday Night RAW tonight.
Damage CTRL absolutely roaring.
[Saxton] Right now, Damage CTRL owns the Women's Tag Team division.
I heard what you said earlier.
I had no idea that you were going through that,
that you were holding all of that inside.
It's my fault, son.
If I can go back and change everything, I would.
I'm sorry.
You don't have to go through with this match with Edge tonight.
We can still fix all of this.
Please give me a chance. Give us a chance to make things right
and be family once again.
[sighs]
Not even gonna look at me, huh?
Dominik, I'm begging you. Please, don't fight Edge.
He's like a brother to me…
and he's like an uncle to you.
[sighs] Okay.
You've never seen this side of Edge before,
and I know you're angry,
but when Edge is backed up into a corner,
he's not gonna hold back.
Okay.
Dominik, if you fight Edge tonight…
things will never go back to how they were.
He's that dangerous.
Edge isn't the only one that's dangerous.
Like I said last week, Rey, he's not your little boy anymore.
Papi knows best and Papi knows that he's our man now.
-Come, Dom. -Dominik.
Dominik. Mijo.
[Chad Gable's intro music plays]
[Jimmy] Wise words from a father completely ignored.
[Saxton] My heart breaks for Rey Mysterio.
[Jimmy] There is Chad Gable alongside his number one guy.
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Otis,
representing Alpha Academy,
Chad Gable.
[Corey] I'm happy that Otis is able to make it here tonight for Monday Night RAW
after being powerbombed nearly to the center of the Earth
by a returning Braun Strowman.
But tonight is a huge opportunity for "The Master" Chad Gable
to ride the ship of his own career.
[Jimmy] Chad Gable with a chance to spoil the return of Johnny Wrestling.
[Jimmy] Well, Johnny Wrestling makes his long awaited in-ring return
on Monday night RAW
when he goes one on one with the Alpha Academy's Chad Gable.
Johnny Wrestling versus The Technician on Monday Night RAW next.
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW.
Alpha Academy and Chad Gable waiting with confidence.
[Johnny Gargano's music plays]
Well, here's the opponent, that's right,
Johnny Gargano making his way back to Monday Night RAW.
[announcer] And his opponent from Cleveland, Ohio,
weighing in at 199 pounds,
Johnny Gargano.
Last time we were in Portland,
it was NXT Takeover, February 16th, 2020.
Johnny Gargano took on Finn Bálor that night.
"It is destiny. I'm coming back to RAW, and it's here."
[Corey] Well, I had a chance to catch up with Johnny Gargano on my podcast,
After the Bell this week,
and my biggest takeaway was the passion.
The passion possessed by Johnny Gargano
for the WWE fans, for this industry,
for stepping into a ring night after night to provide for his family.
Johnny said, "Listen, I know people are betting on me to fail."
"I know people think I'm too small."
"Maybe I'm not the most exciting-looking human being on Earth."
But Johnny says from bell to bell,
nobody can do what he does inside the ring,
and it's hard to argue with.
[Saxton] I also love how Johnny talked about the fact that,
"Listen, I was content being at home, taking care of my seven-month-old son,
but then I remember I have dreams to be a WWE Champion."
"I have dreams to go on to Wrestlemania."
"What kind of father would I be
if I did not instill the lesson to my son to always follow your dreams?"
[Corey] My podcast makes you a better commentator, Saxton.
[Saxton] I didn't need your help at all.
[Corey] Actually, excellent job, check it out.
Ring the bell!
-[bell dings] -[Jimmy] We're underway.
Chad Gable versus Johnny Gargano.
To your point, Corey, he didn't want a softball,
and he didn't get one tonight in Chad Gable.
[Corey] You've got a very hungry Chad Gable
who hasn't necessarily had a great deal of success in recent weeks.
We've seen Braun Strowman
making Alpha Academy's life hell over the past week.
Not to mention the weeks leading up.
[crowd chanting] Johnny Wrestling!
[Corey] It's that audible passion from the WWE Universe,
which is why Gargano does what he does, night after night.
I asked Johnny on After the Belt, what is it?
Look at this fantastic athleticism.
[Jimmy] Transitional positions from both guys.
[Corey] What are the odds that you're exposed
as being just the biggest fish in the small pond of NXT?
And Gargano said that's a very real possibility,
but he won't know until he tries to swim with the sharks.
[Jimmy] Speaking of trying to swim with the sharks,
are you surprised, Byron,
that he's getting in grappling exchanges with a Greco-Roman Olympian?
[Saxton] Not at all. Look, Johnny Gargano is a student of the game.
He prides himself on being versatile,
being able to adjust his offense depending on his opponent.
Beautiful arm lock applied right now.
Chad Gable leaning on the shoulder, cranking on the elbow.
What other factor we have to still consider here
is the nine-month layoff from Johnny Gargano.
Chad Gable's been competing on a weekly basis.
He's in quote-unquote ring shape.
What kind of conditioning are we gonna see from Gargano
-the longer this match goes on? -[Corey] Great point, Saxton.
Straw cradle, no, into a side headlock from Gargano.
[Saxton] As you know well, Corey, just like I do,
nine months in, Johnny Gargano's not getting any sleep.
He's coming in here on no sleep.
[Corey] Gargano needs to leave all that back at home
and focus on the task at hand, which is a Olympic wrestler.
[Jimmy] Beautiful flying hurricanrana right into the arm drag.
[Saxton] The versatility I talked about.
We saw the technical prowess of Johnny Gargano early on.
Now we see the quick strike ability that Gargano has.
No, no, no.
[Jimmy] Beautiful transitions right to the near fall,
but right now, Chad Gable doing everything he can
to stay tactically in this match.
[Corey] Listen, if Johnny's got one glaring weakness,
it's that sometimes he enjoys being a little too pretty.
Johnny likes to show off and flex the technical skills
that he's acquired over nearly 18 years in this business.
But you've got to be careful at all times
because sometimes a well-placed right hand
will throw you right off your game no matter how skilled you are.
-[Saxton] Speaking of! -[Corey] Oh, my God!
Call me Nostradamus.
Thank you.
[Saxton] Tired of transitions on the ground. Tired of scrambles.
[Jimmy] Sometimes it just takes one good right hand
to change the complexion of the match.
He just planted one on Johnny Gargano, just trying to change things up a bit.
-Ooh! -[Saxton] Oh, my.
[Corey] Let's take a look at this solid right hand from Chad Gable.
Nothing fancy, but extremely effective.
[Jimmy] Now we're going to see how does Johnny Gargano
handle adversity in this match against Chad Gable.
You said his willingness to throw his accomplishments in NXT out the window.
NXT Champion, North American Champion, Tag Team Champion.
He held all the gold there was to hold.
[Corey] I would never diminish or speak lightly
off of those accomplishments,
but sometimes it's not about what brought you to the dance,
it's what you do when you're on the floor.
[Jimmy] A creative counter there from Johnny Gargano…
knocking Chad Gable right out of the ring.
A kick once again straight to the jaw.
[Saxton] Gargano keeping his eyes locked on Chad Gable
with further attack plans in mind.
Oh, Otis in the way, but that's no deterrent for Johnny Gargano.
He lays out Chad Gable.
[Saxton] Welcome back to the RAW debut of Johnny Gargano versus Chad Gable.
Gargano right now trying to protect his left knee,
which has been attacked mercilessly by Chad Gable.
[Corey] This is where it all turned around in favor of Gable.
Looking to destroy the knee of Gargano.
It has been a one-sided affair since that maneuver.
Things are starting to look bleak for Johnny Gargano.
[Saxton] Talking about the pressure on Chad Gable.
Talking about pressure of Johnny Gargano to shine in his RAW debut,
but Chad Gable defending his spot on Monday Night RAW.
I think all the pressure's on Johnny Gargano right now.
Chad Gable has nothing to lose.
You ruined the return,
you ruined this nine-month return of Johnny Gargano.
-To the cover. -Trying to ruin it now.
Kick out from Johnny Gargano.
[Saxton] Who knows what that could do to the career trajectory of Johnny Gargano
if he does fall short here tonight?
[Corey] You only get one chance
to make a first impression for the majority of the WWE Universe.
This is their first time getting eyes on Johnny Gargano.
And Gable, for all intents and purposes, is schooling Johnny Wrestling.
[Jimmy] Right in Chad Gable's wheelhouse,
picking apart a body part, in this case, the left leg of Johnny Gargano.
[Jimmy] Incredible pressure, You can see that pain on his face.
Chad Gable not letting up.
You talked about the frustrations of the last few weeks,
especially at the hands of Braun Strowman.
Right now, Gable trying to take all of that out on Gargano.
[Saxton] Oh, my!
-Gable able to catch himself. -[Corey] What an athlete.
[Jimmy] Unbelievable strength.
Oh, right into a shot from Gargano.
[Saxton] This is who Johnny Gargano is, hobbled and all. Continues to fight.
Continues to get his best effort.
[Jimmy] Incredible clothesline. Enzuigiri to the ear.
Limping, but defiant.
[Corey] Johnny trying to fight through the pain.
[Saxton] Up. Gargano landing on the apron.
Whoa!
[Jimmy] To the cover.
-Shoulders down. -[crowd] One. Two.
[Jimmy] Kick out from Chad Gable.
Wow!
[Corey] Take a look at this as Johnny Gargano propels himself
using the middle rope into a spear taking down Gable,
but not enough to end this one.
[Saxton] It's those kind of maneuvers that Gargano possesses in his arsenal,
where he could just shock you.
He could surprise you and-- Just like that.
[Jimmy] Incredible creativity so far from Gargano.
[Saxton] Roll up, but…
Through goes Chad Gable right into the ankle lock.
[Corey] Gargano got a little too fancy, and Gable is making him pay.
[Jimmy] Gargano immediately able to grab a hold of the rope.
-[Corey] Wow! -[Jimmy] Great by Chad Gable.
It's a Canadian backbreaker-type maneuver.
-Oh, Cliffhanger DDT. -[Saxton] That's got to be it.!!!
[crowd] One. Two.
[Jimmy] I don't believe it.
Incredible kick out from Gargano.
[Saxton] Is this the point, as we take another look
at the impact of Gargano-- Is this the point where maybe we see
a little bit of frustration from Chad Gable?
[Jimmy] This is when he's got to rely on that veteran mentality.
Do whatever it takes to win.
Now, get into the top rope to put this one away.
-Nobody home. -[Saxton] Moonsault.
-Oh. -[Corey] All right.
Locks the jaw. Gargano answers with a left of his own.
[Jimmy] Oh, beautiful!
[Saxton] Barely. Gargano barely pops up the right shoulder.
[Corey] I don't know how much Gargano can have left.
Look at the strength of Chad Gable,
the ocean cyclone suplex
all the way over Gable's own head, into a perfect bridge.
I'm surprised Johnny survived that, to be honest.
[Jimmy] Classic five-point throw.
Greco Olympian knows that too well.
[Saxton] Johnny's surviving, but does it all end right here?
We're gonna fly, oh-- Oh, Gargano caught him.
[Corey] Johnny wants a Gargano Escape. It's locked in.
Can Gable hang on?
[indistinct] A cradle counter!
[Saxton] Once again, looking for the ankle lock.
Tried to twist the body over. And now it's in.
-[Jimmy] Got it! -[Saxton] That was locked in once again.
Come on, Johnny.
[Corey] Middle of the ring does not bode well for Johnny Gargano.
-Nowhere to go. -[Saxton] Beautiful roll through.
Once again, Gargano dodges one.
Reverse, into the corner.
[Corey] Looking for that American Automatic, no.
[Jimmy] Countered! To the roll-up.
-Oh. -[Saxton] A reversal.
Several close calls between Gable and Gargano.
My goodness!
[Jimmy] "Technique doesn't work, I guess I'll brawl."
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] Unreal attacks from both of these superstars.
Crowd here in Portland, absolutely loving it.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome!
[Corey] Last week-- Look at this exchange.
First, the right hand from Gable,
and Johnny answers with a discus lariat.
Somehow, these two men both have something left in the tank.
[Jimmy] Gargano said it was destiny
that he's making his return to RAW here tonight.
[Corey] Oh!
[Saxton] Otis might have just saved Gable.
Here comes Gargano! Oh, my gosh.
[Jimmy] Otis right across our table.
[Corey] That impact registered on the Richter scale.
Johnny sending Gable back inside the ring.
[Saxton] Dodges Otis.
[Jimmy] Oh, superkick right to the dome of Otis.
[Saxton] Gable's rocked.
Oh, my God!
[Corey] One final beat.
-[Jimmy] For the cover. -[crowd] One, two, three.
-[Saxton] Huge win for Johnny Gargano. -[bell dings]
[Johnny Gargano's intro music plays]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Johnny Gargano.
[Jimmy] How's that for a first impression, Monday Night RAW?
[Saxton] A gutsy, passionate performance
from Johnny Gargano here tonight on RAW.
-[Corey] It's all uphill from here. -[Saxton] Oh, oh, oh, oh. It's Otis.
[Jimmy] Two beautiful superkicks.
[Saxton] Otis still on his feet.
[indistinct]
[Jimmy] What a message for Otis for getting right out of Dodge.
Smart move.
[Saxton] How good is this gonna feel for Johnny Gargano?
Nine months away from the ring, you return,
you return to Portland, Oregon,
the big life, the big stage on Monday Night RAW,
and you earned yourself a win.
[Jimmy] Exhausted-- Oh, my God.
-[Corey] Mr. Money in the Bank. -[crowd boos]
[Saxton] A man who said he had his hands full
and couldn't face Johnny Gargano.
[Jimmy] This was Johnny Gargano's moment, and Austin Theory just took it.
[Corey] I see a briefcase and a cell phone.
Theory's hands are in fact very full right now.
[Saxton] I also see jealousy oozing off of Theory.
[Corey] What the hell are you looking at?
-[Saxton] I'm watching what just happened! -[Corey] Theory grinning from ear to ear.
The most dangerous man in all of WWE…
-documenting, spoiling Gargano's evening. -[crowd chanting] You suck!
[Jimmy] It's easy when you attack from behind.
What does that prove?
Johnny Gargano's celebrating his victory,
and this dufus tries to ruin it.
Would you just look at that?
[crowd boos]
[music playing]
[Corey] We are joined by Mr. Money in the Bank,
the youngest in WWE history,
Austin Theory on RAW.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Did Johnny Gargano disappoint all of you?
[crowd boos]
Did Johnny Wrestling not walk into the unrealistic,
depressing Portland sunset?
[crowd boos]
You know what happened?
Somebody had to show him how it works around here.
Yeah, because, to me,
all Johnny Wrestling is
is an overrated bottom-feeding fish
at the bottom of the food chain.
[crowd chants] What?
Don't you start with that crap.
Did I ruin Johnny Gargano's big moment?
-Hmm! Did-- -[crowd chants] What?
Say "what" again!
[crowd yells] What?
[Kevin Owens's intro music plays]
[Saxton] Oh! Here's someone who will ruin Theory's night.
[Jimmy] More than the crowd interrupting now, it's Kevin Owens.
[Saxton] You may have heard of the victory over Theory last week here on RAW.
[Jimmy] He's been a force of nature over the last few weeks.
The last person Austin Theory wanted to see tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants] KO! KO! KO!
-You know, Austin-- -Shut up.
I am sick and tired of my moments being ruined by idiots like you, Kevin.
Idiots like Tyson Fury, idiots like Johnny Gargano.
I am sick of it.
You are looking at the future.
Look at me.
I am the youngest Mr. Money in the Bank in all of WWE history.
And I am gonna take over this entire damn industry.
[crowd booing]
-That's it-- -Oh, uh, uh,uh--
We heard… we heard all of that last week.
You said… Well, you tried to say all that last week.
You're having a bit of an issue with your jaw.
Clearly, that's fixed.
Good for you.
Look, we've heard all this.
For months now, you talk about how you're the future
because of how young you are and how you look.
Look, that's great. That's great for you to think.
You know, last week, I looked at you in the eyes
and I told you that you were
the handpicked future of this company.
Yeah, well, that might have been the truth,
but it's no longer the case. That's not how it works anymore.
[crowd cheers]
And see…
guys… guys like me and Johnny Gargano,
-we don't look like you. -No, no, no. Exactly.
You don't look like me.
You'll never look like me.
None of these people could ever look anything like me.
[crowd boos]
Kevin, it's funny because I know why you guys are jealous.
I do because… Let's just be real here for a minute.
I've done more in the past five months
than you two combined have done in five damn years.
[crowd boos]
You know…
statements like that really go to show
just how big of a delusional jackass you are.
[crowd cheers]
Because look at everything you've accomplished this year, right?
You accomplished it all because of opportunities
that were handed to you.
From winning the United States title in a match you didn't earn
to getting that contract in a Ladder Match you weren't supposed to be in.
It was all handed to you. Look, hey, don't get me wrong.
I can't blame you because when I became Universal Champion,
that title was handed to me on a silver platter, all right?
But let me tell you, that is where the similarities between you and I end.
Because, except for that,
me and you are complete opposites.
And I could not be prouder of that fact.
[crowd cheers]
Because let me ask you this, Austin Theory,
how many guys in the last two decades
have come by in WWE that are just like you?
Young, chiseled out of stone, full of potential?
And how many of those guys fizzled out and went nowhere?
Hundreds of them.
Hundreds.
Let me ask you this.
How many people like me and Johnny Gargano
have come around WWE?
How many of those guys made it to the level we're at?
You can count those on one hand because people like you
are a dime a dozen while people like me and Johnny Gargano,
are one in a million.
[crowd cheers]
That's why this place, these people,
they need people like me and Johnny Gargano
because we are the heart and soul of this business.
[crowd cheers]
And people like you…
are the appendix of this business,
completely disposable.
Hey, look, I can see I'm upsetting you.
I'm not saying that's the case for you…
because I hope you are everything you claim to be.
I hope you are the future of WWE,
but I've been watching you,
I've been listening to you,
I can see how you carry yourself.
And I'm telling you right now,
I don't think you have what it takes to be the future.
[crowd cheers]
-You have no-- -No, shut up and listen to me…
Because I want you to prove me wrong.
Come on. Prove me wrong. Prove all these people wrong.
You know how to do it? You know how to do it?
I'll tell you.
You stop thinking about the moments that were handed to you.
And you start making your own moments.
You know how to do that?
You check your ego at the door. You look at yourself in the mirror.
You realize you're not as good as you think you are,
but you let your passion drive you to get better,
and more importantly, you leave everything you have in this ring
every time you step foot in front of these people.
That…
that…
that's how you prove me wrong.
That's how you become the future.
That's how you become the face of WWE.
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] Motivation from Kevin Owens.
[crowd chants] Kick his ass.
[crowd chants] KO! KO! KO!
[crowd boos]
You'll never be like me, Kevin.
[sighs]
Well…
talking sense into you didn't work but maybe this will.
[commentators] Oh!
[Saxton] Here we go.
[Jimmy] Now trying to beat some sense into Austin Theory.
[Saxton] Kevin Owens was shooting from the heart here,
it didn't make a difference.
[Jimmy] Don't expect Austin Theory to back down.
Trying to slug it out with Kevin Owens. Finally got some help here.
Oh!
[Corey] These officials aren't doing a very good job at separating these two.
[Jimmy] They are giants just slugging it out.
-Here we go. -[Saxton] Oh!
Owens all over Theory. Theory all over Owens.
[Jimmy] It would take an army out here to restore order.
More help coming from the back.
[Saxton] Finally, these two are separated.
Come on. Come on. Come on.
[Jimmy] A wounded ego is a dangerous thing.
[crowd cheering]
Apparently not!
Oh, my God!
[Saxton] These two trying to rip each other apart.
[Jimmy] Oh, what a huge shot from Kevin Owens.
[Saxton] We saw how emotionally charged Kevin Owens was--
And Theory with the briefcase.
[Jimmy] His preferred weapon.
Thinking about the Stunner.
Austin Theory not hanging around for that one.
[crowd boos]
[Jimmy] Gentlemen, this is just getting started.
[Kevin] You got a broken nose or something?
[growls]
Come on.
A broken nose is just the beginning, bitch.
[crowd cheers]
[Saxton] We're about to get started.
An open challenge issued by the RAW Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
Who's gonna answer the call?
We find out next.
["Villain" by Bella Poarch plays]
[Jimmy] We'd like to extend a special thank you to Bella Poarch for "Villain."
An official theme song of WWE Extreme Rules.
That's from the Dolls EP available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
Well, tomorrow is a very special day.
It's the one-year anniversary of NXT 2.0.
And you, the WWE Universe, have been voting
on what kind of match the NXT Tag Team Title match should be.
The results are in, and tomorrow night,
the NXT Tag Team Champions, Pretty Deadly,
will defend against former champions, the Creed Brothers
in a Steel Cage Match,
and that's going to kick things off on NXT 2.0
right here on USA tomorrow night at 8 Eastern.
[Bianca Belair's music plays]
[Jimmy] Someone who knows about gold, knows about defending titles.
You know it's The EST.
[Saxton] Without a doubt.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the RAW Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Saxton] This says a lot about who Bianca Belair is.
She's the RAW Women's Champion.
She says, "Listen, I'm gonna come out here
and let someone get an opportunity at the gold around my waist."
[Corey] Or are we seeing a weakness in the armor of Bianca Belair
for the first time after being defeated at Clash at the Castle?
Is Bianca desperate to where she's now just taking an open challenge
so she can compete and beat somebody to convince herself
-that she is who she says she is? -[Saxton] I doubt that.
[Corey] I just confused you. You don't even know what I said.
[Saxton] Incredibly dangerous to come out here
not knowing who you're gonna face.
[Corey] It's stupid. Let's be honest.
Brave but dumb.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] EST!
You know, if there's anything that these past few weeks have taught me
it's that I have to stay ready because as champion,
I'm always gonna have a target on my back.
So that's exactly why I've decided to issue an open challenge tonight
for the RAW Women's Championship.
[crowd cheering]
And I've done that to remind everybody that I ain't nothing to play with
because I'm The EST of WWE,
and you can't whoop me.
[crowd cheering]
So if there's anybody back there that wants a piece of The EST,
who will it be?
[Jimmy] Anyone?
[Saxton] Locker room full of challengers--
Oh, my God!
[Jimmy] Well, this is very interesting.
[Saxton] We thought about the locker room of Monday Night RAW
all the way from SmackDown.
What's the matter, Bianca?
Why do you look so confused?
Oh, did you think I forgot about what you did to me?
Oh, honey, if things were only that simple.
You not only made a mockery out of my position here,
but you singlehandedly cost me my job as WWE official.
If it wasn't for people getting involved in our business,
as far as I'm concerned,
I would be the RAW Women's Champion right now.
Oh, girl, girl. Uh-uh.
Sonya, girl, shut up.
Okay? This is an open challenge, not an open mic.
[crowd cheers]
So, ref, let's get this thing started.
-[crowd cheers] -[Saxton] Let's go.
RAW Women's Championship on the line.
Next.
[bell dings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the RAW Women's Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger,
from Shamong, New Jersey,
Sonya Deville.
[crowd boos]
And her opponent, from Knoxville, Tennessee.
She is the RAW Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair!
[Jimmy] Open challenge from the champion.
A bit of a surprise. Sonya Deville, last saw her on SmackDown
in a fatal five-way elimination match.
Tonight, she's on RAW fighting for the RAW Women's Championship.
[Saxton] And I think now it makes sense.
Sonya Deville, upset she was…
-[referee] Ring the bell. -[bell dings]
…title shot against Liv Morgan over on SmackDown.
Trek on over to RAW and see how things might line up in your favor.
[Jimmy] Of course, a long history between Bianca Belair and Sonya Deville`
earlier this year.
Sonya Deville unable to wrest the title away from Bianca Belair,
and you heard her on the microphone
talking very bitter about how that worked out for her.
[Saxton] What alternative universe is Sonya Deville in?
Blaming Belair for losing her position as a WWE official.
It was Deville who abused her role to try to win that title from Belair.
-Oh. -[Jimmy] Nice gutbuster from the champion.
[Saxton] Bianca Belair-- Cover, shoulders down.
Kick out from Sonya Deville.
[Corey] What I was saying in regards to Bianca
earlier laying out this open challenge
is perhaps the champion is a little shorter on confidence than usual.
The same has to be said for Sonya Deville.
Sonya's carrying herself-- Cover here.
[Jimmy] Shoulders down, hooking the leg.
Kick out from the champ.
[Corey] Sonya has carried herself with a chip on her shoulder
since arriving in WWE until this past Friday
when Sonya encountered "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
Doesn't matter how much MMA experience you have,
you're not Ronda Rousey.
Now, Sonya, maybe Sonya's the one
who feels like maybe she needs to find her place, where she fits in,
and maybe that's here on Monday Night RAW as RAW Women's Champion.
[Jimmy] And it could be the opportunism, right?
The idea that Bianca Belair pinned at Clash at the Castle--
Yes, it was a six-woman tag.
Could be the right time.
[Corey] Why is Bayley not in the equation right now?
That's what I want to know. I'm wondering if Belair isn't scared.
Bianca realized-- Shut up, Saxton.
-I'm making a point. -[Saxton] No, no.
[Corey] Then cheerlead, Saxton.
-[Saxton] I'll tell you what happened. -[Corey] Tell me.
Belair not challenge Bayley?
Did Belair not give Bayley an opportunity the challenge for the RAW Women's title,
and Bayley backed off? Did that not happen?
[Jimmy] Oh, and a big shot from The EST.
We can talk about Bayley. We can talk about the next challenge.
Right now, it's Sonya Deville…
Bianca Belair using that athleticism, the accuracy
to keep the challenger off balance.
[Saxton] Meanwhile, straight on the strength of Belair.
[Jimmy] Beautiful suplex, incredible hang time.
Oh, to the cover, shoulders down.
[Saxton] How quickly that almost ended for Sonya Deville.
[Corey] Are you done flapping your gums,
so I can continue the point that I was trying to make a minute and a half ago?
Bianca, somewhere inside is hoping, is praying somebody else
steps up to earn a championship opportunity.
Right now, case in point, Sonya Deville,
but perhaps somebody else comes out of the woodwork
because Bianca is scared because she knows Bayley pinned her.
[Saxton] And, right now, the champ is laid out.
[Corey] You can cheer--
[Saxton] Raw Women's Championship on the line.
Bianca Belair defending her title against Sonya Deville, an open challenge.
This was an unexpected challenger for The EST.
[Jimmy] We've already seen new Women's Tag Team Champions
crowned in the form of Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
We could see a new champion crowned in the form of Sonya Deville.
So far Sonya Deville doing excellent job with her offense,
taking advantage of every lapse from The EST.
[Corey] I'm telling you, Bianca Belair is shook.
What went down in Cardiff is in the head of the champion so deep
that I assure you, Bianca's not sleeping at night.
She's probably not eating right.
She probably can't train right because she takes great pride
in being the RAW Women's Champion and outworking everybody.
Bianca realized she's fallible.
She is able to be beaten,
and Bayley was the one who did it.
[Jimmy] You said the open challenge, Corey, not a good idea.
You don't know who your opponent is. You can't game plan.
You can't get ready for them. Not a bright move at this point.
[Corey] It's a desperate move
from, in my opinion, a desperate champion.
[Jimmy] Maybe it's the champion who wants to continue to prove how good she is,
wants to continually be pushed.
That's why she comes here and lays down an open challenge.
[Saxton] Also when it comes to Damage CTRL who have--
Tonight, of course, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai winning the Tag Team Titles,
she has been the counterbalance.
She's been the leader of the anti-Damage CTRL faction.
You got to win to keep that--
[Corey] Right now, Sonya Deville is wasting a ton of valuable time.
We know there's been a personal issue between these two women.
Not gonna win another Red Bull.
What, Bianca? What?
[Corey] Sonya needs to get the champion in the ring
and attempt to pin her or make Bianca submit.
-All this wasted time. -[Saxton] Shoulders down.
Finally the kick out, strong one from The EST.
[Corey] This is the sort of stuff that separates champions
from the rest of the field.
Sonya needs to have championship instincts,
which is not what she's doing. She's being very effective.
She's wearing Bianca down,
but Sonya is not capitalizing on opportunities.
When you've got somebody as highly skilled as Bianca Belair,
you cannot miss opportunities.
[Jimmy] You've talked about the emotional state of The EST.
Bianca Belair, of course, still fighting back.
Oh, roll up, shoulders down.
[Corey] And I think it's a duck-on-the-water situation, Jimmy.
It's not that Bianca shook outright.
It's not that Bianca is verbalizing what she's feeling,
but underneath the water,
those feet are going a mile a minute right now.
[Jimmy] But she always has the strength and the athleticism
to get back into any match.
We're seeing that again.
[Saxton] Well, there is that incredible--
Sonya moved out of the way at the last second.
The experience of Sonya Deville, to the cover.
Could we see a new champion?
Kick out from The EST.
[Corey] Again, now cover her again, Sonya.
This is your-- This is what--
Again, everybody wants to be champion
but people don't compete like champions, period, across the board.
Sonya right now is a wildly talented competitor.
She is a badass, legitimately speaking…
but Sonya is not capitalizing on these opportunities,
and that's not gonna make her a champion.
[Saxton] It's for the RAW Women's Championship.
Sonya Deville, the challenger.
Of course, the EST, Bianca Belair, the champion.
[commentators] Oh!
[Jimmy] Putting Sonya Deville right into the canvas, to the cover.
[Corey] You could see almost the look of frustration on the face of Bianca.
It was like Bianca's annoyed.
That does not bode well for Sonya Deville right now.
[Jimmy] Maybe this is what Bianca needs.
Maybe Bianca needs to tap into the killer instinct inside,
-remind herself who she is. -[Saxton] A lot of tag matches recently.
That was the case at Clash at the Castle.
Could be a little bit of ring rust there for the champ.
Right now Sonya Deville trying to take advantage of it, but--
-[Jimmy] Belair taking advantage of … -[Corey] The strength--
A beautiful counter from Sonya Deville.
Oh.
[Jimmy] Deville driven face first into the middle turnbuckle.
[Jimmy] Not just a kick out but absolutely launching Sonya Deville.
[Corey] Looks to me like Bianca Belair just said, "I'm done playing."
[Jimmy] To your point, Corey, talking about turning the switch,
ripping it, and finding that inner strength
that made her champion, that drive.
May have lost a little at Clash at the Castle
trying to get some back tonight.
[Corey] Aid from the second rope, Bianca is down, cover by the challenger.
[Jimmy] Shoulders down.
A late kick-out.
Almost three!
It doesn't get a whole lot closer than that.
Sonya Deville knows it.
[Saxton] This was a nasty look at knee delivered by Sonya Deville.
To your point, Jimmy, this is as close
as Deville has come this entire match
to almost becoming the new RAW Women's Champion.
[Corey] What is Sonya Deville doing right now? Nothing.
That's what Sonya's doing. That's the problem.
Sonya is in there with a world-class athlete in Bianca Belair.
You cannot let Bianca recover.
You can't give her an extra half a second.
-[Saxton] She has a-- -[Corey] This is why. This is why.
Because Bianca's done playing around, the game is over.
[Jimmy] That's right. Championship matches,
the windows are very, very--
[Corey] Headlock choke.
[Jimmy] Almost has the back attached to the shoulders of Bianca Belair,
but Bianca Belair powering her way out.
Oh, knee to the face.
[Saxton] Belair trying to…
Wow, oh, incredible.
Into the counter, hoisting up Deville.
Are we gonna see it?
[Jimmy] Center of the ring, KOD.
Will that put this one away? One, two, three.
-The champ retains! -[bell rings]
[announcer] Here's your winner,
and still the RAW Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Corey] Now what I wanna see going forward
is more of the Bianca we saw in the last 60 to 90 seconds.
[commentators exclaiming]
[female voice] Damage CTRL.
[Jimmy] No celebration for the champ.
Ding dong!
[laughs]
Hey, champ.
Great victory. Good job. Good job.
Were you inspired by Dakota and Iyo's championship victory earlier tonight?
Because I know I was. I know you were.
Yeah.
Yeah, you can learn a thing or two from them…
because they did exactly what they said they were going to do.
And you know what I said?
I said that we are going to take control of this whole division,
and tonight was just the beginning.
[laughs]
Since I'm out here, we're gonna talk about your victory, all right?
How do you feel, huh?
Did that make you feel better?
Did you beating the pride fighter make you feel better, huh?
Because I think it made you feel better.
I think that fed just a little bit of your big, fat ego.
[crowd chants] What?
I said she got a big, fat ego.
[crowd booing]
Bianca, let's be truthful to all our beautiful fans out here.
I know that you're not gonna be able to sleep at night
until you get a match with me.
Are you sure that's what you wanna do, huh?
Are you sure about that?
Because if I were you, I'd be embarrassed.
I mean, I hadn't wrestled in over a year, and I was still able to pin you,
something that nobody was able to do in over 300 days.
Is that what you want?
All right, all right, all right, relax!
You'll have your match when the time is right.
[laughs]
[Jimmy] Bianca Belair.
[Corey] Look behind, Bianca Belair,
Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai have arrived.
And the champion is outnumbered.
[Saxton] She doesn't know it's now three-on-one.
[Corey] This is the game the Damage CTRL wants to play.
[Saxton] She realizes the trap has been sprung.
[Corey] Pick one and start swinging.
[Jimmy] Just had a match against Deville, just defended her title.
Has to take on all of Damage CTRL.
[Saxton] Belair's going to do just that.
Belair's gonna fight knowing full well she's outnumbered.
[Jimmy] Three-on-one just too much, even for The EST right now.
[Corey] This is what it means to be the champion.
-Fighting with everything she's got. -[Saxton] Oh, my God!
[Corey] Here comes Asuka.
[Saxton] Alexa Bliss and Asuka have had Belair's back before,
evening the odds here tonight.
[Jimmy] The same scene from Clash at the Castle,
a brawl has broken out on Monday Night RAW.
Bayley stomping The EST in the corner.
[Saxton] Now Bayley is outnumbered.
[Jimmy] Shoe's on the other foot now, no way out for Bayley.
[crowd cheers]
[Saxton] Now Bayley might wanna turn around.
[Corey] There is no good option right now for Bayley.
Oh!
[Saxton] Bayley going right to the floor of the ring…
and rolling out in agony.
The EST, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss controlling the ring.
[Bianca Belair's intro music plays]
[Corey] We know things are far from over between Bianca Belair and Bayley.
[Saxton] But tonight belongs to The EST and friends.
[Bianca Belair's music continues]
[Saxton] Maybe the return of Braun Strowman last week
made you forget that there's already a giant on Monday Night RAW.
Omos making his way to the ring on Monday Night RAW, next.
[Saxton] Start the road to Wrestlemania in San Antonio at Royal Rumble.
Enjoy unrivaled access, unmatched service,
and an unforgettable experience with a priority pass,
powered by On Location.
Priority pass packages are now available.
Visit onlocationexp.com/wwe
to get yours today.
[Omos's intro music plays]
[Corey] We may not be in Texas tonight,
but everything's bigger in Portland.
[Saxton] And Omos slowly, methodically,
frighteningly making his way to the ring.
[Corey] Accompanied by MVP,
one of the most dangerous minds in the business.
-Seven foot… -[Saxton] …three, 403 pounds.
[Corey] Thank you, Saxton. I went all Cris Collinsworth there for a second.
I got a frog in my throat.
[Saxton] Omos has that effect on everybody in the arena.
[Jimmy] Oh, imagine if you're actually preparing to face him.
You see this Colossus slowly marching to the ring,
knowing that he's about to devour your soul.
[Saxton] To your point, Corey, MVP has made him smarter,
made him more dangerous, more ambitious,
giving him a path to success that he has relentlessly followed.
[Corey] Even the greatest players need great coaches.
That's the role that MVP has occupied recently,
and it has made the Nigerian giant even more dangerous than before.
I am Miracle.
[Corey] What a behemoth.
[laughs]
[Saxton] Bear in mind that MVP is a big man in his own right.
-[bell dings] -Looks tiny next to Omos.
-Oh, my God. -[Corey] The mauling has just begun.
Khash Morazzi right now, floored outside the ring,
and Ryan Toombs, on the shoulder of Omos, getting launched.
[Corey] From here on out, let's just stick with thing 1 and thing 2.
[Jimmy] Should thing 2 seek out the quickest exit?
[Saxton] If he was thinking about it, he's now in the ring.
[Jimmy] Too late.
[Saxton] One thing about Omos, he's big, but he's not slow.
I always go back to Money in the Bank,
where it took seven superstars
just to temporarily… temporarily disable the Nigerian giant.
[Jimmy] Oh, look at that.
[Corey] Modified cobra clutch there applied by Omos.
[Jimmy] Uh, no impact whatsoever.
[Saxton] Omos looks insulted that Ryan Toombs would even try to strike him.
Like you would swat a fly.
[Corey] Watch out!
[Jimmy] Oh!
Boot right across the jaw of Toombs. And now…
[Corey] My friend, frosted tips were not a good decision.
[Saxton] Morazzi getting absolutely wasted.
[Corey] This is just a field day right now for Omos.
[commentator exclaim]
[Corey] Oh, baby.
[Saxton] Omos can end this whenever he wants.
[Jimmy] One, and then two, just for good measure.
[MVP] Stack them up. Stack them up!
-[Corey] MVP yelling, "Stack them up." -Make a statement right now.
[Jimmy] Why just pin one, when you can do both at the same time?
-[bell dings] -[Jimmy] Absolute destruction.
[announcer] Here's your winner, The Nigerian Giant,
Omos!
[Saxton] Every time he's in the ring,
he puts the entire locker room on notice.
[Corey] Another emphatic statement made by Omos.
[Saxton] And I assure you, that statement has been digested
by the entire RAW locker room.
[Omos's music plays]
[Jimmy] Omos just casually walking out of the ring.
MVP has to be thrilled by his performance tonight.
[Corey] MVP knows he's got a special athlete by his side.
[crowd cheers]
Edge, how long have we known each other?
I mean, you said it yourself.
You've known Dominik since he was in kindergarten.
Please, from one father to another,
you can understand how affected I am by all of this.
-Rey. Rey, Rey, Rey… -I'm just begging you.
One more chance. Let me try and convince Dom.
Listen, Rey…
I get it.
Like I said, I'm a dad, so I understand being protective, I do,
but you heard Dom earlier tonight.
He said it himself, he's a man now,
so he's got to pay for what he did.
Deep down inside, I think you understand that this needs to happen…
But I understand that you can't be the one to do it.
So if anyone's going to, isn't it better that it's me?
Sometimes somebody just needs sense knocked into them.
Tonight, this match is gonna happen, Rey, whether you like it or not.
I apologize now.
[music playing]
[Jimmy] WWE is proud to continue our support of Connor's Cure
during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, this September.
All month long, WWE superstars will be wearing items
from the Connor's Cure collection
with 100% of WWE's net proceeds
benefiting pediatric cancer research.
Team up to take down cancer,
and purchase your Connor's Cure merchandise at wweshop.com.
[music continues]
With all the action tonight,
it may be easy to forget
that the way we started was Seth Rollins and Riddle.
And Riddle, of course,
not willing to move past, at all, Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Riddle would be competing with Finn Bálor of the Judgment Day,
and just when it seemed as though Riddle had victory at hand,
Rollins would return to ringside.
[Saxton] Rollins's presence would be the deciding factor
that would allow Finn Bálor,
not only to take advantage,
but to actually secure the victory
as he ascended to the top rope.
With vitriol in his eyes, the coup de grâce.
[Corey] Finn Bálor would earn the victory,
but things would continue to devolve for Matt Riddle,
as he would be victimized yet again
by a Seth "Freakin" Rollins stomp in the center of the ring.
I told you it's over.
It's over between you and me.
Do you hear me?
[crowd boos]
Excuse me, Seth.
You seemed to have an awful lot on your mind earlier tonight.
What exactly were you going to--
No, no, no, no.
The moment has passed. All right? Riddle ruined it.
I don't want to talk to you. I don't want to talk to anybody.
How many times am I going to have to stomp this guy's head into the mat
before he figures out that if you want to test the face of this industry,
you want to test the face of Monday Night RAW,
you cannot miss?
You cannot miss. He misses every time.
[Bobby Lashley] You're the face of Monday Night RAW?
[crowd cheers]
-The face of Monday Night RAW? -Yes, I am.
You got a problem with that?
You're not, Seth. You're not the face of Monday Night RAW.
You come around here with these little bright, colorful suits on,
but you know what color you don't have, Seth?
-You don't have gold. -[laughing]
He who has the gold is the face of Monday Night RAW.
Oh, I see how it is.
All you MMA guys, you seem to think the same way.
You just want to fight, fight, fight, fight.
Do you ever stop and think, think, think?
No, you don't think because you spend too much time in the octagon,
and you got no brain cells left in that bald head of yours.
That wasn't exactly the title I was talking about earlier tonight.
But I would gladly take that off your shoulder.
So here's what I'm thinking…
you versus me next week
for your United States Championship.
We'll find out who the face of RAW really is.
[laughs]
Oh, yes, Seth, let's fight about it.
[crowd cheers]
The challenge has been Issued.
Can you imagine, Seth "Freakin" Rollins
challenging Bobby Lashley for the United States title?
Sign me up.
I've got chills just thinking about the possibility.
You got to make the most of your opportunities.
One person who makes the most of every opportunity is The Miz.
Earlier this week, WWE caught up for an exclusive interview
with The Miz and Maryse at home.
All right. You guys ready?
You got a good background? You got the harp?
You got the piano?
You know it plays itself.
I can't play it, but, man, does it sound good.
[interviewer] Thanks for this exclusive interview.
Oh, you should be thanking me. This is the interview of a lifetime.
After the weeks I've been having,
it's the only way you're actually going to get me on RAW nowadays.
This is…
This is my place where I feel the safe--
Oh! Hi, babies. Oh, my goodness. Are you guys getting ready for bed?
Daddy's got an interview, okay?
Oh, wow, that's amazing.
Not only does it play itself, but Maddie and Monroe play.
Hey guys, wanna go see Miss Kenzie?
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go.
Oh, my goodness.
You look incredible.
-Are you done? -Am I done? I haven't even started yet.
-What do you mean you haven't started? -You guys have five minutes.
-We have a huge premiere. We have to go. -I was actually thinking about that.
Do you really feel comfortable leaving?
You got to be kidding.
After everything, I don't know.
Is it about him? The freak?
It's kind of funny. I don't like to see you like that, but, Mike,
he's never ever gonna come in here.
We have a gate with security guards.
We have a dog, an alarm system,
-more guards. -Yes.
There's no way he's ever gonna come in this house.
-I get it. I get it. You're right. -Promise?
-You're right. I love you. Yes, you are. -I'm always right.
-I love you so much. I love you so much. -I love you.
You look… You're going to look amazing on that carpet.
All right. Okay, I'll get done.
I know. I said. The guy's wearing shoes in my house.
-Live in a barn? Unbelievable. -Five minutes!
All right. You have five minutes.
Where were we?
[interviewer] Well, Miz, last we saw Dexter--
Don't say his name in my house. Thank you.
-But-- -But, but, but you know what?
I'll conduct this interview.
Last week, do you realize what happened to me?
I had to have a police escort to the arena.
WWE ordered double security.
Double security guards for inside the arena,
-yet that lunatic… -Dexter Lumis?
Don't say his name in my house,
but yes,
he was still able to get in
and do what he did.
What did he do to you, Miz?
I don't know how to explain this clearer to all of you,
I don't want to talk about it.
As a matter of fact, you know what, this interview is done.
We are done. I am busy.
I have a premiere to go to, so you, you,
take your boom, take your papers, get out.
All of you, let's go. Let's go.
You look amazing and incredible. I am so sorry.
Unbelievable.
You know, I told them to wear booties and everything.
Out. Let's go. Let's go. Let's go.
Whoa, whoa, I got it. Here you go.
The guards will let you out,
and all of you better not be here when I get back.
Do you understand? Unbelievable.
I'm telling you, a bunch of morons asking questions, it's unbelievable.
-[Maryse] I know. -All of them. All of them.
Wear booties, anything.
"I'll just wear shoes in the household." Come on.
Disgusting. Never been in a mansion before?
[Maryse] Probably not.
[crowd cheering]
Could somebody please get the cops on the line?
There is somebody in Miz's home. He's got a family.
Why am I the only one that sees this is not okay?
What is this preoccupation that Dexter Lumis--
That guy's a psychopath in Miz's house.
-Well, we'll see if… -Well, we'll just see!
Maybe he'll kidnap the whole family.
Oh, maybe tragedy will befall everybody.
[Saxton] All right, try to calm down, Corey.
[Jimmy] I don't want to say about The Miz's home,
but here on RAW, it is going down.
Edge versus Dominik Mysterio, the prodigal son,
next on RAW.
[Jimmy] Well, Seth "Freakin" Rollins said he wanted gold,
but right now on RAW, that gold around the waist of Bobby Lashley.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins fighting for the United States Championship
against "The All Mighty" champion, Bobby Lashley
next week on Monday Night RAW.
Now, earlier tonight, of course,
Kevin Owens, trying to inspire,
maybe motivate Austin Theory and didn't go great.
You stop thinking about the moments that were handed to you,
and you start making your own moments.
You know how to do that?
You check your ego at the door. You look at yourself in the mirror.
You realize you're not as good as you think you are,
but you let your passion drive you to get better,
and more importantly, you leave everything you have in this ring
every time you step foot in front of these people.
That…
that…
that's how you prove me wrong. That's how you become the future.
That's how you become the face of WWE.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants] KO! KO! KO!
You'll never be like me, Kevin.
Well, talking sense into you didn't work, but maybe this will.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] After an impassioned tongue-lashing from Kevin Owens,
Austin Theory and KO would throw down in the center of the ring.
[Saxton] You could just feel the disdain these two men have had for each other.
Owens realizing, "My only option is to do what I've done my entire career,
and that is fight."
[Corey] And fight did they ever.
Officials and referees spilling out from backstage,
attempting to restore any semblance of order
between Mr. Money in the Bank and Kevin Owens.
[Saxton] This fight would just rage on.
We needed backup just to temporarily separate Austin Theory and Kevin Owens,
but it just displays how bad the blood is between these two men.
[Jimmy] And how wounded the ego is of Austin Theory.
We haven't seen him this impassioned, this upset, this furious,
I think his entire run on Monday Night RAW.
[Saxton] Well, I think you're right.
Despite Austin Theory's response,
those words didn't resonate with the ego of Austin Theory,
who did not like at all what Owens had to say.
[Corey] Owens would deliver a straight right
to the bridge of Austin Theory's nose,
sending a message and leaving a memory
prior to delivering, or attempting to deliver a Stunner
before Theory would escape.
[Jimmy] Officials have finally obtained control.
You think that broken nose is something?
[Jimmy] We see the damage on the face of Austin Theory.
He better get better by next week.
[Saxton] Highly combustible situation,
but now, guys, you got to wonder next week, what's gonna happen
when there are no officials to separate these two men,
when they can lock horns and unleash?
We're gonna find out because it is now official,
Kevin Owens will go one-on-one
with Mr. Money in the Bank himself, Austin Theory.
[upbeat music playing]
[Edge's intro music plays]
[crowd cheering]
♪ On this day, I see clearly ♪
♪ Everything has come to life ♪
♪ Bitter place and a broken dream ♪
♪ And we'll leave it all behind ♪
♪ On this day, it's so real to me ♪
♪ Everything has come to life ♪
♪ Another chance to chase a dream… ♪
[fireworks bursting]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, WWE Hall of Famer,
"The Rated-R Superstar"
Edge.
[Saxton] Always emotional making his way to the ring, but tonight,
The Rated-R Superstar
might be a little conflicted with those emotions.
[Corey] This may go down as one of the most difficult nights
in the career, the Hall of Fame career of Edge.
Because Edge must take on a responsibility that he's never faced before,
disciplining someone else's son.
[Saxton] Yeah. You wonder what fallout we'll witness from this match next week,
when RAW comes to you live from San Jose, California.
[Corey] Last week, Edge laid it out succinctly,
clearly, easy to understand,
"You want to play a man's game, you play a man's price."
That's what tonight's all about.
[Dominik Mysterio's intro music plays]
[Jimmy] Betrayal from a son to a father.
[announcer] His opponent, accompanied to the ring by Rhea Ripley,
representing the Judgment Day,
Dominik Mysterio.
[Jimmy] It's a story as old as the Bible,
as old as Shakespeare,
and that's what we're seeing tonight from Dominik Mysterio,
walking in with Rhea Ripley at his side.
[Saxton] Jimmy, you mention how emotionally conflicted Edge has to be.
I think there was a point there,
there might've been some hesitation from Edge,
but then we heard from Dominik earlier.
We heard Dominik double down saying
he's glad about what he did to Edge at Clash at the Castle,
that Edge deserved it.
And that's why Edge has resigned himself to saying,
"This needs to happen. I have to teach Dominik Mysterio a lesson."
[Corey] Dominik Mysterio realizes the opportunity in front of him.
Yes, he might have to take out Uncle Edge, but in doing so,
Dominik can start to carve out his own path in sports entertainment.
Dominik Mysterio can leap from the shadow
cast by his legendary father, Rey Mysterio.
It could all begin tonight in Portland.
[Saxton] Dominik saying to his father, Rey Mysterio, earlier on tonight,
"I'm no longer your baby boy. I'm a man now."
[Jimmy] It's one thing to make that claim, it's another to back it up.
-That's what Dominik's got to do tonight. -[bell dings]
As highly emotionally charged as this whole situation…
You wanted this, Dom. You wanted it.
…if Dominik emerges successful tonight…
…Dominik will be able to look his father in the eyes and say,
"Look, I did what I had to do to, to step out on my own,
to make my own name."
[Saxton] Look, I get that. I get anything is possible,
but Dominik is in there with an 11-time World Heavyweight Champion,
a WWE Hall of Famer,
one of the most diabolical minds our industry has ever seen,
when he wants to be.
[Corey] I'm not agreeing with the decision Dominik just made,
I'm just trying to explain.
Think of what this has already done, not only to Rey Mysterio
but the entire Mysterio family.
Byron, you and I have known the Mysterios for years.
You always see them backstage together, how proud Angie is of her son,
how this is tearing apart the Mysterio household,
the family.
[Saxton] I think that's why we've seen such an ardent effort
from Rey Mysterio all night long,
pleading with his son Dominik, pleading with Edge,
"Listen, there's no turning back if you go through with this match."
[Saxton] Gentlemen, we wondered if Edge would have the fire
to really go after a man he once considered family.
So far, that has not been an issue.
[Corey] This is tough love.
That's what we're seeing right now before our very eyes.
Edge is not doing this because he wants to do this,
Edge is doing this because he feels this is what needs to happen to Dominik.
Look at me. You know what he did to you, Dom.
Remember, your dad believed in him more than he believed in you.
Kick his ass. Teach him who Dominik Mysterio is.
[Corey] You could hear the seeds of dissent
being sown yet again by Rhea Ripley.
It remains to be seen exactly how big of an effect
Rhea has been on this situation.
Obviously, whatever Rhea's bringing to the table, Dominik likes a lot.
[Jimmy] That's true, but what makes up for the physical advantage of Edge?
He's the giant in the ring tonight.
The tactical advantage, the experience.
[Corey] This isn't a match, Jimmy.
We're not analyzing this like a fight.
We are watching a family disintegrate before our very eyes.
[Saxton] What do you think Rey's gonna do? You think Rey's even watching this match?
[Corey] He's got to be.
[Saxton] Edge has been like a brother to Rey Mysterio.
Obviously, Dominik, the son of Rey Mysterio--
This has got to be tearing Rey apart, to see this match happen.
This ain't done, Dom.
[Corey] What this all boils down to is, somewhere inside,
Dominik was offended.
This is what you wanted, Dom.
Huh? You're a man now, Dom.
[Corey] Dominik was hurt by the fact that Rey Mysterio chose Edge to be his partner
in Cardiff, at Clash at the Castle.
Who knows what old memories and feelings that drummed up inside of Dominik?
I heard Dominik today, earlier complaining
about how Alyah always got more love than he did growing up in the house,
that somehow everybody else was Mom and Dad's favorite.
I don't know if there's any truth to it, but that's what this is about.
Uncle Edge, please.
-Uncle Edge? Uncle Edge? -Please!
[Jimmy] Dominik trying and failing
to appeal to the emotion of The Rated-R Superstar.
[Saxton] This is what Rey Mysterio talked about earlier tonight.
This is what Rey Mysterio was concerned about.
He knew what kind of mindset that Edge was in.
He knew Edge would have no remorse for his son Dominik, and…
[Jimmy] Help from Rhea Ripley, taking out the leg…
taking out the leg of Edge,
of course, compromised last week by Finn Bálor
and the rest of Judgment Day.
[Saxton] Edge had to be taken to the local hospital after that attack last week.
[Corey] Dominik Mysterio now showing no mercy to Edge and his bad knee.
[Saxton] Welcome back to what has been a family conflict in the ring,
Edge versus Dominik Mysterio.
That compromised knee of Edge,
that's been the difference maker that has allowed
Dominik Mysterio to get back into this match.
[Corey] Throughout the duration of the commercial break,
both Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio
focused on the leg of The Rated-R Superstar.
As you can see, Edge in a great deal of jeopardy.
[Saxton] As unlikely as it is on paper to imagine
Dominik Mysterio defeating Edge,
now that I've seen the involvement of Rhea Ripley,
I'm seeing the strategy now of Dominik.
Maybe it is a real possibility that Dominik could score
what would be this upset victory over Edge.
[Corey] Listen, last week, the Judgment Day started the process,
attacking the leg of Edge.
Edge didn't appear to be favoring it in any capacity,
but obviously, Dominik and Rhea remembered what they started.
[Jimmy] A professional like Edge is not going to show that he's in pain,
but the coup de grâce with the chair from last week--
[Saxton] Dominik Mysterio clowning a bit,
looking for the suplex on Edge.
We see…
-[Corey] An homage… -[Saxton] Almost there.
[Corey] …to his uncle, Eddie Guerrero.
[Saxton] Third one incoming.
Oh, my God.
-[Corey] An ironic twist… -[Saxton] Three amigos.
[Corey] …from Dominik Mysterio.
[Saxton] We're seeing the effects of the Judgment Day,
the cruelty, the willingness to do anything to win.
[Corey] Listen, obviously, this darkness has existed inside of Dominik Mysterio.
Perhaps it was Rhea and the Judgment Day who helped Dominik let it out.
[Saxton] Now, high-flying Dominik Mysterio, and Edge--
And there's the difference-maker for Edge!
Every technique Dominik Mysterio knows, Edge knows.
Years with the family, years in the ring with Rey Mysterio,
now it's paying off for Edge.
[Corey] It's cliché. Edge has forgotten more about this business
than even Dominik Mysterio has already learned.
It's what it takes to be a Hall of Famer in WWE.
Edge has done a great job of compartmentalizing the emotion
and continuing to soldier forward.
Edge is not looking at Dominik as his nephew,
or whatever the family relationship is,
Edge is looking at Dominik as an adversary only, tonight.
[Saxton] He is striking that adversary with his cranium repeatedly, with fury.
Headbutt after headbutt from The Rated-R Superstar.
[Jimmy] Now it's Dominik, who came up to the top rope,
now finds himself in a precarious position.
[Saxton] And Rhea, once again, being a factor in this match.
[Jimmy] Holding onto the ankle, preventing the superplex.
[Saxton] An alluring serpent who has penetrated the mind of Dominik.
[Jimmy] Oh, no, Edge laid out, and a big splash from the top rope.
-That might be it. -[Saxton] Kick out from Edge.
You're kidding? Ref, one, two, three.
[Corey] If Rhea's the alluring serpent,
right now Dominik is feasting on the apple,
and could be moments away from the biggest victory of his young career.
[Jimmy] We talked about the big shadow of his father Rey Mysterio.
He can get out from under that shadow with a win tonight, but Edge…
[Corey] Dominik might be out.
Looked like Dominik's temple collided with the ring post.
Dom has barely moved at all.
[Saxton] That shoulder, then the side of his head.
I think you might be right, Corey.
[Jimmy] In the meantime Edge-- As we take another look here.
Ooh, man.
[Jimmy] Dominik's in bad shape, without question.
Barely making his way out from between the ropes still.
It doesn't look like he knows where he is. Eyes are not clear.
Right into the arms of Edge, and face down.
[Saxton] Edge delivering the flapjack,
and now The Rated-R Superstar coming to life.
To the cover.
[Jimmy] Kick out from Dominik Mysterio,
still some fight left, going right to the knee.
[Corey] Brilliant instincts displayed by Dominik,
realizing things were not going in his favor.
It wasn't pretty, but it was effective,
just pounding away at the injured knee of Edge.
[Jimmy] Oh, but a boot to the face.
[Saxton] Edge using the one good leg to thwart the plans of Dominik Mysterio,
but Edge still very much hobbled in this match.
[Jimmy] Oh, face down.
[Corey] Impaler DDT, but Edge unable to capitalize.
Not moving with any speed…
not able to get back to his feet.
We see Edge driving Dominik's skull-first into the mat.
[Jimmy] The Rated-R Superstar is back on his feet.
[Saxton] Edge realizing he has to strike,
and he's got to strike now.
[Jimmy] Ready to teach Dominik Mysterio the ultimate lesson.
[Corey] This is gonna hurt me a lot more than it's gonna hurt you.
[Saxton] Oh, no, no, Dominik able to slide.
[Corey] Great counter, a half-crab submission.
[Jimmy] Cranking on the knee and the back of Edge.
[Saxton] Dominik avoided the spear.
[Jimmy] Beautiful move from Dominik Mysterio.
[Saxton] Can you imagine if Dominik Mysterio forced Edge
to tap out on Monday Night RAW?
[Corey] You do not have to imagine.
It may occur in moments before our very eyes.
[Jimmy] Nowhere near the ropes.
Edge just can't hang out here.
[Saxton] Edge is trying to bear the pain, to bear the torture.
[Jimmy] That knee is right now in agony,
but look at Edge pushing his way up,
powering his way out.
-Inside cradle, shoulders down. -[Saxton] Oh!
[Jimmy] Kick out just in time from Dominik.
[Saxton] Edge, again, very slow to get back to his feet.
[Corey] Dominik hung across the top rope.
[commentators exclaiming]
[Corey] Oh-oh.
[Saxton] This is lesson teaching time for young Dominik.
[Jimmy] Horror in the eyes of Rhea Ripley.
-You wanted this, Dom. -No, please.
[crowd] One, two…
three, four,
five…
six, seven…
eight, nine, ten.
Come on now. That's enough, Edge.
[Corey] Right now, Dominik learning a painful lesson in respect,
courtesy of his Uncle Adam.
[Jimmy] This is crossing over to that sadistic territory
we've seen from Edge in the past now.
-[Corey] Guys, -[Saxton] Look at the positioning of Edge.
[Corey] Oh, my God, it's Rey.
[Corey] Wait a second. Damian Priest of the Judgment Day.
Oh, Jesus.
-Look out! -[Jimmy] Oh, my God!
-Oh. -[bell dinging]
[Corey] Bálor's hit the ring, attacking Edge,
Mysterio driven into our table.
The Judgment Day has arrived.
[Saxton] It wasn't about winning the match,
it's about punishing Edge, punishing Rey Mysterio.
[Jimmy] This is just about pain for Edge.
[Saxton] Rey came out here to plead with Edge,
and fell right into the trap
of Damian Priest, Finn Bálor, and Rhea Ripley.
[Jimmy] Edge now unloading-- Oh, my God.
[Corey] Steel chair to the leg.
[Jimmy] Rey is laid out at our table,
now Edge laid out in the ring.
[Saxton] Ripley barking orders to Dominik Mysterio.
[Jimmy] But the leg is already done.
Again.
Do it again.
[Jimmy] That's three in a row.
[Saxton] Look at the chair for God's sake.
[Corey] The Judgment Day is going to end Edge's career.
[Jimmy] Someone's got to stop this.
[Corey] Who? Who would do-- Rey is down on the floor on our feet.
It's probably for the best.
[Saxton] The Judgment Day is not done. The Judgment Day isn't even finished.
[Jimmy] This is what happened last week off the top rope.
[Saxton] Don't do this. Don't do this.
[Corey] Oh, my God. Coup de grâce.
They've broken the leg of Edge.
[Jimmy] No mercy from Dominik Mysterio. None.
[Saxton] Despicable. All of it.
[Saxton] It's despicable. It's deplorable.
[Jimmy] Judgment Day couldn't be happier with their work.
Disgusting family photo, that's what that is.
[Jimmy] I don't want to look at this again, but--
[Corey] Edge was helpless.
Coup de grâce to the knee of Edge.
[Saxton] Who knows what kind of knee injury…
You know who you're dealing with, Edge? You're dealing with the Judgment Day.
Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley,
and Dominik Mysterio,
we are the Judgment Day.
[crowd chanting] You suck!
[Jimmy] Looks like Dominik has a new family now.
[chanting continues]
[crowd booing] nues]