[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
[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 ♪
♪ And it feels like greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, it feels like greatness ♪
[fireworks]
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin Patrick] We're live tonight at the KFC Yum! Center
in Louisville, Kentucky.
And with Survivor Series Wargames less than two weeks away,
tonight really is a pivotal night in WWE.
Welcome to Monday Night Raw.
["Visionary" playing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the United States Champion,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[chuckling]
You're very welcome in, folks.
Kevin Patrick alongside Corey Graves.
Now, last week, Seth "Freakin" Rollins threw out an Open Challenge,
and nobody, and I mean nobody could have predicted
how his night would unfold.
[Corey] A lot of skill and a little bit of luck.
[Patrick] Expect the unexpected,
and that was the case for Rollins last week on Raw.
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Seth] Tonight, back by popular demand
is the United States Championship
Open Challenge.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Listen, you don't have to look any further
because I'm gonna be the one--
[grunts]
-[repeated thuds] -[groaning]
I accept your challenge.
[Corey] Oh, wait a second.
Lashley's not going to wait.
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley
beating the holy hell out of our United States champion,
and the bell hasn't even rung yet.
[Patrick] More and more security,
more and more officials make their way ringside.
[Corey] The match hasn't even begun. It may not.
[Patrick] Finally, Lashley walking away.
Hang on a second.
What the hell is Theory doing there?
[Corey] Austin Theory is cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
[Patrick] Rollins in a bad way.
[Corey] A countdown.
[Patrick] This could be it for Austin Theory.
Oh, wait a second.
[Corey] The All Mighty is back.
Lashley's not going to let it go down like this.
You ruined it.
You idiot!
[Patrick] Oh, no.
[Corey] He just called Bobby Lashley an idiot.
[Patrick] Theory, now suffering the same fate as Rollins did moments ago.
Lashley's like a man possessed.
Hurt lock.
I can't even see if Theory's still conscious.
[Patrick] What the hell has gotten into Lashley?
[Corey] And the official has begun his count.
Lashley is going to cost Theory
the Money in the Bank contract opportunity.
-[Corey] Oh. -[Patrick] Oh, he made it.
[Patrick] Here comes Rollins.
Stomp.
-[crowd chanting "One, two, three"] -[Patrick] He's got him.
[bell rings]
[Corey] He is a visionary.
He is a revolutionary.
And somehow Seth "Freakin" Rollins
is still your United States champion.
["Visionary" playing]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
-Kentucky! -[crowd cheering]
Welcome to Monday Night Rollins.
[chuckling]
Allow me to introduce myself.
I am a visionary.
I am a revolutionary.
-I am Seth… -[crowd yells] …'Freakin' Rollins
And by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin,
I am still your United States Champion.
[laughs]
Whoo! Yes.
Thank you, Bobby.
Hmm.
Last week was crazy.
[laughs]
Last week was wild.
I put one little Open Challenge out into the universe,
and I've got contenders coming out of the woodwork.
I've got people like Finn Bálor.
[crowd booing]
I've got people like Mustafa Ali.
I've got people like The All Mighty himself, Bobby Lashley.
[crowd booing]
And for the first time ever…
-Austin Theory… -[crowd booing]
…tried to cash in his Money in the Bank contract
on my United States Championship.
Now, that didn't work out too well for him.
[chuckling] But the point is--
[crowd claps and chants] That was stupid!
Look, I'm sure he'll be out here later.
You guys can tell him how stupid he is then, huh?
[laughs]
But my point is,
something seems a little bit different
about the United States Championship as of late.
I can't seem to put my finger on it.
What's the one thing that's different?
Oh, yeah.
It's me.
[chuckles]
Because now that I am the United States champion,
this right here, this is without question
the top prize on Monday nights.
[crowd cheers]
And right here in the main event tonight,
we are going to add to my legacy as United States champion
when I go one-on-one with a former friend,
a former foe,
Finn Bálor.
["All Mighty" playing]
[Corey] Uh-oh.
This a man that Seth "Freakin" Rollins has become all too familiar with recently.
The former United States Champion, The All Mighty is in the house.
Oh, Seth!
The Visionary.
Last week, little selfie boy…
I turned a little selfie boy into a punchline.
As for you, Seth,
that beating that I gave you last week is going to continue to happen
until I get my United States Championship back.
[crowd cheers]
Big Bob.
Big Bob, everybody.
Look, you, uh…
You had your opportunity last week,
but instead of having a match for the title,
you decided it would be better to try to take my soul from my body.
Now, your temper seems to have gotten the better of you as of late.
I think it might have something to do with that little loss
you suffered at Crown Jewel.
You know, the match you lost to…
[clears throat] Let me try this out…
Brock Lesnar.
["Problematic" playing]
[Corey] Rollins better mind his words.
It's going to get crowded here in Louisville.
[Patrick] What exactly is the referee doing following him?
[Corey] I have a feeling we'll find out soon enough.
But Ali is understandably upset.
I'm here to make it right.
What are you doing?
Ali, what are you doing?
I'm warning you. Listen.
You remember that beat down I gave you last week?
It's going to pale in comparison to what I do to you this week.
So let's start using your head and make some smart decisions.
You need to walk out of here
before I hurt you.
-[Lashley] As for you-- -That's a fair point.
What are you doing?
[Corey] Ali seems like he's heard enough.
Lashley offered some rather sound advice.
"Start using your head, less heart."
That's going to serve a message
to anybody that stands in the way of me and my United States Championship
-that you stole from me. -This ain't your title, Bob.
Yeah!
[Patrick] Oh, it's Ali again.
[Corey] Ali refusing to relent.
Obviously still feeling the effects of last week's attack
at the hands of The All Mighty backstage
when Ali was the first who attempted to accept
Seth's Open Challenge for the United States Championship.
[Patrick] He's down. He's hurt.
Look, kid, I don't know if you're stupid or if you just got a lot of guts.
But either way, you're starting to piss me off.
If you want to come in and get an ass whooping, Ali,
then I welcome you to,
but it's not going to be pretty.
Get in here and get some.
[Corey] Mustafa Ali might need to weigh his options here.
[Patrick] He's got the heart of a lion, Mustafa Ali,
but it might be fair to question his sanity.
["All Mighty" playing]
[bell rings]
[Corey] We're live in Louisville, Kentucky.
One-on-one action. Look at Mustafa Ali.
As soon as the bell rang, straight in on The All Mighty.
[Corey] Ali, bravely bringing the fight to Bobby Lashley at the opening bell,
and once again, Ali finds himself on the outside
being chased by The All Mighty.
This could be a short night for Mustafa Ali at this rate.
Oh.
[Patrick] Ali, wise to it. Lashley, face first into the post.
[Corey] Ali's got guts.
You got to respect the toughness shown.
[Patrick] You wonder sometimes,
is his heart bigger than that his head, Mustafa Ali?
But look at this. Look at the resilience.
A valiant effort on top of Lashley.
[Corey] Lashley, now able to overwhelm Mustafa Ali.
-[Patrick] Oh, man. -[Corey] Good night.
[Corey] Look at the fury in the eyes of Bobby Lashley.
You said it yourself, KP.
Ali may have the heart of a lion, he's got the brain of a scarecrow.
Look at this impact!
[Patrick] Oh, my! Whoa!
[Patrick] I've never had a full-grown human being flown directly at me before.
[Corey] And not by Bobby Lashley, but Mustafa Ali, he's in a bad way.
[Patrick] Ali's hurt, he's clutching at his wrists.
-[Corey] That was nasty. -[crowd screaming]
[Patrick] We're at a five-count with the referee.
Ali can stay down.
Ali has a match on Friday Night SmackDown against Ricochet
in the SmackDown World Cup.
[Corey] Ali's never quit in his life.
[Patrick] It may be the wise thing to do now, though.
He's back inside.
This man does not understand the word quit.
[Corey] What Ali's doing right now is simply prolonging the inevitable.
He ran headlong into the jaws of a juggernaut.
[Patrick] Oh!
[Corey] And now, The All Mighty is playing with his food.
Bobby Lashley has Ali dead to rights.
Look at this impact.
Driven down face and sternum first.
Come on, Ali. I'll stop this.
Bobby, let's go. Come on.
[Patrick] You hear the referee saying, "I'll stop this."
[Corey] I don't know if the camera's captured it,
but Ali landed extremely awkwardly on his arm,
he was right at our feet,
and immediately was clutching at his wrist, perhaps his elbow.
[Patrick] Ali looking to hit Lashley with a DDT.
-[Corey] Oh, my god. -[Patrick] Oh, my word.
[Patrick] He makes it look so easy, Bobby Lashley.
How much punishment can Mustafa Ali take?
[Ali] Don't stop the match.
[Corey] Lashley almost looks like he's showing a bit of empathy
as we look once again at Bobby
delivering a thunderous spinebuster to Mustafa Ali,
who is fighting valiantly,
even if it's not the most intelligent decision he's made.
[Patrick] Lashley told me earlier, "I can't explain the hate that I have
since Seth Rollins cheated to win his title."
"My priority now," quote, "is to hurt people."
Lashley barely broken a sweat.
[Corey] Oh! And again.
Is he done?
[Eddie] Can you continue?
I can stop this, Ali.
You want me to ring the bell? I'll call it right now.
[Patrick] How's he gonna compete on Friday Night SmackDown?
[Corey] I don't know how Ali's gonna walk out of the arena tonight.
A second spine-shattering spinebuster courtesy of Bobby Lashley.
[Patrick] This man, Lashley, is unrecognizable from October 10th,
when he thought he was going to get that United States Championship match
-with Seth Rollins. -[Corey] Lashley lining it up.
Oh, Ali out of the way in time.
[Patrick] Well scouted by Ali. Read the danger beautifully.
[Corey] Mustafa's gotta be running on instinct alone right now.
Tornado DDT!
[Patrick] You don't see that on Lashley too often.
[Corey] Lashley almost immediately back to his feet.
Ali trying to will himself on.
-[Patrick] Oh, a Spear. -[Corey] Good Lord!
[Corey] Call the thing already.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] And mercifully, Bobby Lashley's going to end this.
[Patrick] "All I want to do is hurt people."
The words of Bobby Lashley, as he brutalizes Mustafa Ali.
Ali's out.
[Corey] I don't even think Ali can submit.
Stop the thing, Eddie.
[Eddie] That's it. Ring the bell.
[bell rings]
["All Mighty" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
[Patrick] The former WWE champion
continues to make statement after statement.
[Corey] You have to give credit where it's due
to Mustafa Ali who stood in the face of danger,
fought valiantly with everything in his being,
but quite simply was no match for this.
Lashley cutting Ali clean in half with a Spear and a hurt lock applied.
Ali unable to submit on his own.
Referee stoppage, an impressive win for The All Mighty.
Bobby Lashley looking as vicious as ever,
and speaking of vicious,
The O.C. and their answer to the Rhea problem,
Mia Yim, giving a vicious beatdown to The Judgment Day last week.
Are you guys worried about retaliation at all from The Judgment Day?
Retaliation?
Now that we've evened the odds?
Solved our Rhea problem?
Bring it, kiddos.
That's right, Uncle AJ.
I think you b-b-b-boys might owe the big LG a little thank you.
After all, I am the reason Mia decided to team up with The O.C.
We all know that I have a way with the women folk.
Hold on. You know what?
This whole thing with The O.C. and Judgment Day
needs to come to an end.
They've been a thorn in my side ever since WrestleMania
because I wouldn't join their little group.
So I'm officially challenging Finn Bálor to a one-on-one match
at Survivor Series,
and we put an end to this.
No doubt… No doubt AJ handles his business at Survivor Series.
Just like the toughest woman in the building.
Michin handles her business tonight in her return match.
"Michin"?
It's kind of a nickname. It means crazy in Korean.
But, boys, I'm about to go to the ring, so you guys chill at the dojo.
Keep the beers on ice for when I come back,
and we can celebrate, all right?
Sounds good. Before you go, throw it up, girl.
Yeah!
[all] Boom!
-Get them. -Get them, sis.
[indistinct conversation]
["War Pigs" by Black Sabbath playing]
[Corey] We want to send a special thank you
to the legendary Black Sabbath for "War Pigs,"
an official theme song of WWE Survivor Series.
It's from the classic album Paranoid,
and it's available now on Apple Music and Spotify.
[Corey] One of the greatest albums of all time, KP.
[Patrick] Oh, yeah?
Never heard of it.
["I Am" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent from Fontana, California, Mia Yim.
[Patrick] Who's ready to see Mia Yim
back in the squared circle on Monday Night Raw?
Now, Rhea Ripley has been the problem for The O.C.,
that was until last week when AJ Styles introduced their Rhea-lution.
It's always been the three of us against the four of you.
We tried to find someone to take care of our Rhea problem.
That someone, she found The O.C.
[Patrick] That she did, indeed.
When we least expected it, from absolutely nowhere,
Mia Yim appeared, flattening Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] A shocking attack from behind, and the ability to neutralize Rhea Ripley.
A Styles clash on Dominik from AJ.
It was a bad night for The Judgment Day,
and there was a lot of celebrating backstage and at the barn.
[Patrick] Look who's arrived here on Monday Night Raw.
-[referee] Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] Keeping a close eye on Mia Yim is Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio.
Meanwhile the bruiser, Tamina,
in one-on-one action against Mia Yim, known as Michin to The O.C.
Simply means crazy in Korean.
[Corey] I didn't know you were fluent in Korean there, KP.
Let's talk about this.
You can't take your eyes off someone like Tamina.
We've said it for a long time, ain't nobody meaner than Tamina,
as Mia Yim is finding out first hand.
[Patrick] Tamina sees herself as the standard bearer
of the women's locker room.
She said, "Yeah, welcome back to Monday Night Raw," to Mia Yim.
But go ahead and see if you can beat me, the bruiser.
[Corey] Well, Tamina looking to place spoiler.
-[Patrick] Swing and a miss from Tamina. -[Corey] Nobody home.
[Corey] Mia out of the way, just in time.
Yim with a few moments to compose herself.
Maybe bring the fight to Tamina.
[Patrick] First time inside the squared circle with Tamina.
Mia Yim can hammer now.
Blocking the strike of Tamina.
[grunting]
[Patrick] Mia Yim says she's incredibly versatile as we can see.
[Corey] And we know Mia Yim may be new to Monday Night Raw,
but she is far from a rookie in this business.
Spent a lot of time, tasted great success in NXT,
has traveled the globe competing in companies
for championships all over the place.
Mia is a legitimate threat.
[Patrick] She can be that highflyer, that technician,
or that powerhouse if need be.
[Corey] Quick forearm in the corner.
[Patrick] The big question is, Corey, can she stop Rhea Ripley?
[Corey] That remains to be seen.
Nobody has been able to solve Rhea Ripley.
A big-time upper cut.
Then we see Bayley and Damage CTRL,
the WWE women's tag team champions looking on.
[Patrick] Who are they scouting though? That's the question.
[Corey] Everybody.
When you're the champions, you need to do homework every day.
Stacked up.
[Patrick] For the victory now for Mia Yim!
-[bell rings] -[Patrick] She's got it.
["I Am" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Mia Yim.
[Patrick] She calls that "eat defeat."
Nailing it on Tamina for the victory right in front of Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] The almost unfamiliar sight of a non-smiling Rhea Ripley
approaching the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] You got to admire the confidence in Mia Yim saying "Come on in."
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] There's no sneak attack advantage tonight for Mia.
These two badasses look like they're going to throw down.
[crowd boos]
[Corey] Rhea making Mia wait.
[Patrick] After what happened last week, I'm a little surprised.
I'm just in your head, Mia. I'm just in your head.
[Patrick] Maybe the tides have turned, Graves,
in favor of The O.C., with Mia Yim on their side.
[Corey] The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Don't waste my time.
[plays bongos]
What's up, Cathy?
Well, Matt, I know you are preparing for your match against Chad Gable,
but I have to ask, where is Elias?
Well, Elias is doing big rockstar things.
He's actually booking us our gigs.
He finally agreed to be in a band with me.
And right now, you know, I'm taking care of Gable.
I'm thinking about tickets, merchandise, rockstar stuff.
Shoosh!
[Matt] Bro.
Shoosh.
Bro.
-Shoosh. -Bro.
Shoosh.
Okay.
-Enough. -Thought it was good.
No, it wasn't.
Now, look.
The only thing more ridiculous
than you two clowns playing in a band together…
Complete clown show.
-[laughs] -Come on, Otis.
…is the idea of you two as a tag team.
So, tonight, I'm going to do the same thing to you
that my number one guy did to Elias last week.
-Look at that face. -Look at it.
And put you down, bro.
To the ground.
Thank you.
Those guys are lameos.
[Corey] Riddle, Gable next.
[bongos playing]
[Cheree] Mia, Mia. Hi.
-Hi, Cheree. -Welcome back.
-Thanks. -Oh, my gosh.
We've been really impressed with you.
No one's been able to hang with Rhea until now.
Makes us wonder how someone as talented as you
could just be forgotten about for so long.
We… We have a lot in common.
Yeah, we do.
We also know what it's like to be cast aside,
to be forgotten about.
But we decided to do something about it,
and to remind people who we are.
And so, we think that you need to remind people who Mia is
and you can do that by joining our team at Wargames.
Listen, I appreciate the offer, I really do.
But I don't have any problems with Bianca, Asuka or Alexa.
-So I don't know. -Maybe you should think about it.
But don't think too long.
-[AJ] Michin! -Hey, hey!
-Great match. Everything cool? -Thank you.
Yeah, we're fine. They were just leaving.
Let's go.
-What a win! -Hey, beer!
It's a little cold. A little cold.
Just how I like it.
[Patrick] They promised the beers on after the bell this week,
the podcast, The O.C., and they delivered.
[Corey] Good brothers. They're men of their word.
["We Up" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Las Vegas, Nevada,
weighing in at 216 pounds,
"The Original Bro" Matt Riddle.
[Corey] I wish I could say I was shocked, but nothing about Riddle surprises me.
Including the fact that Riddle has now fancied himself something of a musician
and has carried bongos around with him everywhere for weeks.
I saw him in the airport last week with those damn things.
It's ridiculous.
-[Patrick] You got to admire it, though. -[Corey] He's like Matthew McConaughey.
Oh, no! The chubby unicorns are back.
[Patrick] Riddle and his bongos take it to the squared circle.
Here we go.
One-on-one action with "The Master" Chad Gable.
[Corey] Riddle hopefully isn't spending too much brainpower
thinking about a new name for his band with Elias,
because Riddle's about to be pushed to the limits.
["Shoooosh" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Otis,
representing Alpha Academy,
Chad Gable.
[Patrick] He told me earlier on that he wants Riddle
to start taking life a little more seriously, Chad Gable.
Let's go back to last week on Monday Night Raw.
Elias was rolling, looking for the big victory,
and all of a sudden, he took his eye off the prize.
Takes out Chad Gable,
then he got a little distracted allowing that opening for the Big Dozer.
[Corey] The distraction opened the door for the flattening.
The number one guy with the world's strongest slam,
and that was all she wrote for the troubadour.
[Patrick] The Alpha Academy looking for back-to-back victories
on Monday Night Raw.
Is it the turn of Chad Gable, the Olympian?
[Corey] Take personalities out of the equation.
There aren't many men in WWE,
or in the world to be honest, who can out-wrestle Matt Riddle.
[bell rings]
Chad Gable is one of those men.
The accolades Gable has are second to none.
Riddle's no slouch in the wrestling department,
but you never want to mix it up with The Master.
[Patrick] These two, of course, have a big history.
The Alpha Academy went up against RK-Bro
in the likes of the Academic Challenge, Graves.
Who could forget that?
[Corey] I've been trying.
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
[Corey] Nice escape by Riddle into a modified keylock submission.
[Patrick] So technical, so methodical, Chad Gable.
[Corey] And again-- Oh!
While Gable may have the advantage when it comes to outright wrestling,
when it comes to striking and submission, I would give the nod to Matt Riddle.
[Patrick] How important is momentum here for the Alpha Academy?
[Corey] Oh.
For the past several weeks,
the Alpha Academy have been trying to get back on track.
[Patrick] Cover for the victory for Chad Gable, kick out by Riddle.
[Corey] When it comes to wins and losses over the past several months,
the Alpha Academy weren't exactly happy with their record.
But individually, they started to right the ship.
Last week, Otis. Tonight, Chad Gable.
[Patrick] Riddle says that Elias is off booking gigs for their new group.
[Gable] How's that feel, Riddle?
[Patrick] Gable nearly ripping the left leg off Riddle.
[Corey] I'm going to suggest the name for their band.
-[Patrick] Go ahead. -[Corey] Inflatable Grandpa.
[Corey] That sounds good, right?
Better pay me royalties when they put that on a t-shirt.
Dragon screw leg whip.
Fantastic takedown by "The Master" Chad Gable,
and Riddle is in trouble.
-[Patrick] This is the first time. -[Corey] Watch this.
[Corey] Wicked dragon screw, that could destroy someone's knee.
Obviously, Riddle's holding up fairly well right now.
[Patrick] This time using his right leg to take down Gable.
Picking him up.
[Corey] Gutwrench suplex,
and Gable looking all out-of-sorts right now.
[Patrick] Riddle.
[Corey] Broton, but the knees were up.
[Patrick] Not for the first time tonight, Gable wise to it.
The Master, Red Riddle and that Broton.
-Riddle responds. -[Corey] When it comes to Chad Gable,
you're not going to see Gable make the same mistake twice.
Otis has just disrupted everything.
Uh-oh. Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, my god.
Oh, my god.
That's got to be it.
How does Riddle get back from that?
[Patrick] One-on-one action here from Louisville, Kentucky,
with Matt Riddle and Chad Gable.
During the commercial break, Graves,
three more dragon screws hit by Gable on Riddle,
continues to work on the left arm.
This before the commercial break, a distraction from Otis.
[Corey] Riddle took his eye off the ball and paid dearly.
Oh! Release German suplex form the top rope.
It is nothing short of astounding that Matt Riddle's still even in this match-up.
Shoosh!
[Corey] Here comes The Master.
[Patrick] Oh, great counter!
Riddle turns it around.
There's life in the bro yet.
[Corey] Is there enough to turn the tides of this entire match-up?
Take a look at this.
Gable hesitated for just a moment too long.
Riddle reversing into a fisherman driver,
and nearly putting this one away.
Bro!
[Patrick] Entirely dominated by Chad Gable.
Ooh! And Riddle now, going blow for blow.
[crowd cheers]
[both grunting]
[Patrick] Are there chants of "Shoosh, bro"?
[Corey] Ripcord by Riddle rocks the jaw of Chad Gable.
[Patrick] He's flying, Riddle.
Going coast to coast now.
[Corey] Exploder suplex.
Chad Gable in all types of trouble right now.
[Patrick] Broton.
This time nails it.
[Corey] Gable able to avoid contact for the moment.
[Patrick] Look at the strength on show.
The powerbomb by Riddle.
[grunts]
[Corey] That might do it.
[Patrick] Shoulders down for the victory.
Gable kicks out.
[Corey] Wow.
[Patrick] Here's the moment when the tide turned.
Look at this from Riddle.
[Corey] Riddle rattling all 32 teeth of Chad Gable.
[Patrick] The kip-up shows you what this man has left.
After all the work that Gable's put in on the left leg of Riddle.
The bro is still alive and well.
[Corey] Can't say the same can be said for Gable.
Uh-oh.
Great counter by Chad Gable.
[grunting]
[Corey] Ankle lock.
[Riddle screams]
[Corey] Fantastic counter by Chad Gable.
[Patrick] Riddle's got nowhere to go.
Tap out, Riddle. That's it!
[Patrick] Will he tap?
[Corey] Agonizing situation for Matt Riddle
who needs to find a way out and does.
Jumping triangle.
[Patrick] It's cinched in.
[Corey] Gable trying to find an escape route.
[Patrick] Oh, my word.
Oh, my god!
[Corey] Oh, my goodness.
The Tiger DDT into the cover.
[referee] Cover.
[Patrick] Chad Gable can't get it done.
[Corey] Just barely.
[Patrick] And he can't believe it.
What?
[Corey] I don't know if anyone can believe it, with good reason.
Check this out. Gable driving Riddle face first.
Hooking the leg and the wrist,
but The Original Bro able to survive.
This match rolls on.
[Patrick] Gable, now taking a climb.
-[Corey] From the top. -[Patrick] Riddle in a perilous position.
[Patrick] Riddle had it scouted.
Gable, outside he goes.
A look to the crowd.
[Corey] This is just a tribute.
[Patrick] And a nod to Randy Orton.
[Corey] You got to believe me.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] And now, The Original Bro is coiled
and could be ready to strike.
[Patrick] He's ready to feast.
First though, he wants to take care of Otis.
Riddle distracted by the big man,
allows Gable back up on his feet.
[Corey] Watch Chad Gable.
[Patrick] Gable.
[Corey] Rolling through.
Riddle counters.
Gable got the backslide.
[Patrick] Once more.
[Corey] Got it.
[Patrick] He's got it.
[bell rings]
["Shoooosh" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Chad Gable.
[Corey] Wow.
[Patrick] Little assist from Otis.
[Corey] Listen, what a match.
What an effort, a hell of an effort from Matt Riddle.
But tonight, the Alpha Academy prevails.
Here are the closing moments.
Gable able to hook both arms into the backslide.
A little insurance policy on the outside, courtesy of the number one guy.
[Patrick] Insurance policy?
You can call it something else.
Riddle can't believe it.
[Corey] I won't call it something else. It is what it is.
[Patrick] All right. Fair enough. Your opinion.
Back-to-back wins for the Academy on Raw.
What you got, kid?
Pair of twos.
Whoa, big hand there.
Big hand,
-except for I got two ladies… -Uh-oh!
-…three cowboys. -Uh-oh!
That's a boat.
-[laughs] -Ballgame.
[laughs]
-Too easy. -Hey, sir.
We have some of the finest Kentucky bourbon here for you.
I don't need anything from a bunch of banjo-picking Kentucky hillbillies.
Next thing you know, I'll want to marry my cousin.
Yes, sir.
What are you still doing here?
-Leave, short flake. -Aren't you out of money?
See you later.
Morons.
Don't worry.
I've got us the finest Ugandan reserved prime whiskey.
-Picked it out myself. -[laughs]
-Cheers. -This stuff is awesome.
It cost a lot.
We're busy, idiot.
I play poker.
[Corbin] You play poker? Can you even afford to sit at this table?
I think… No.
-I don't-- -Wait. Wait a minute.
Have you ever played poker before?
No.
Do you know any of the rules?
No.
Your money's good here.
[laughs]
-[Corbin] Welcome to our table. -Let's play some poker.
[laughter]
["I Came To Play" playing]
[Corey] Tozawa thinks he's Dan Bilzerian all of a sudden.
[announcer] Please welcome the host of Miz TV,
The Miz.
[Corey] I have been waiting for this moment for seven straight nights.
The Miz is out here to tell his side
of this farce perpetuated by Johnny Gargano and Dexter Lumis.
This is a good, honest, caring family man.
Look at the way Miz is dressed.
[Patrick] He could not look more innocent.
[Corey] I'm from Pittsburgh where Mr. Rogers is from.
[Patrick] We've all seen the bombshell reveals in recent weeks by Johnny Gargano.
We'll now hear from The Miz
as The A-Lister sits down with our broadcast colleague,
Byron Saxton.
He's going to try to explain his side of the story and that's next.
[Corey] Is Miz wearing keds?
I hope so.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] You're very welcome back to Monday Night Raw
from Louisville, Kentucky, tonight,
where it's brought to you by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Let's head over to our broadcast colleague now, Byron Saxton.
[Corey] Byron's obviously got stage fright.
This is Miz TV.
Welcome to the most must-see WWE talk show in history.
Welcome to…
[crowd yells] "Miz TV"
…Miz TV.
This will be unlike any other Miz TV that we've ever seen
because I am going to relinquish my role as host…
[crowd cheering]
…to Byron Saxton.
You can sit.
And instead I will be the special guest.
Byron, this is when you thank me for joining you.
Very well, Miz,
thank you for joining me on this very special edition of Miz TV.
[Miz] You're very welcome.
But in light of the recent evidence that A--
Oh, you mean the hidden camera footage that Johnny Gargano aired last week?
Uh, yes.
Are you sorry that you paid Dexter Lumis to attack you?
I actually prepared a statement,
and if I could have absolute silence, I would appreciate it.
-This is, uh… -[crowd boos]
…very emotional for me.
And…
[clears throat]
[crowd cheers]
[Miz] Ladies and gentlemen, please, this means the world
if you could just be quiet for just a little bit,
so I can finish my statement and we can move on from all of this.
[crowd boos]
I regret paying Dexter.
[Saxton] You did pay Dexter Lumis?
[Miz] Can I continue?
I regret paying Dexter Lumis,
but all I ever wanted was empathy.
Is that too much to ask?
I have been here for 18 years,
never called a day off,
never injured,
and whenever I was injured, somehow, some way,
I would still be here in this ring,
and I never got so much as a cheer.
[crowd cheering]
Not even a pat on the back.
Even when I tried to help Dexter get back on his feet,
when he was jobless, people still weren't on my side.
I have asked for very little…
but Dexter…
Dexter, he kept taking and taking
until I couldn't see any sight, any end in sight.
That's why I had to stand up for myself.
I had to put a stop to Dexter's greediness.
[Saxton] Uh, Miz, if that is the truth,
then why did you tell a completely different story
to a private investigator who ended up--
I was telling her what she wanted to hear!
I was putting on a performance,
so she would buy my intellectual property.
I mean, we know Hollywood.
They don't know Hollywood.
But in a real city, a big city like Hollywood,
they don't want real.
I had to spin the truth to make it more interesting.
I, in reality,
ladies and gentlemen,
I am just a devoted father,
a loving husband…
[crowd cheering]
…and a man who was cooped up in his bedroom all weekend long
because he was depressed and sick about everything that has happened.
["Rebel Heart" playing]
[Corey] This is despicable.
[Patrick] Johnny Wrestling's in the house.
[Corey] Typical Gargano.
Come kick a man when he is down.
Miz is pouring his heart out, bearing his soul.
Miz, you are depressed.
You were actually vacationing with your family this weekend in Cabo.
[Miz] Uh, what?
Did you have photographers there to take pictures of me?
[Gargano] No, it was on the Internet, dummy.
Your wife posted pictures on Instagram.
You weren't in any of them,
but I assumed you were there,
so thank you for confirming that for me.
Another lie. Good job. He's doing good, guys.
[crowd cheers]
I was depressed in my hotel room.
Stop deflecting, stop deflecting.
You want to know why no one here cares about you?
It's because you always take the easy way out.
Why would I take the hard way?
Yeah, why would you do things the right way?
Instead, you could just hire Dexter
to try to trick people into caring about you.
[Saxton] Miz, would you like to share your thoughts on that?
He's just going to lie about it.
That's why he got caught up in this whole mess.
He got caught up in the lie,
and he stopped paying Dexter Lumis, right?
[Saxton] Johnny, please elaborate.
Well, he stopped paying 'cause that's easier than telling the truth.
-Miz, can you-- -Will you shut up
and ask the questions I gave you?
How much are you paying him? You paying him now too?
-Does he owe you money? -Hey, hey.
You know what?
You want to talk about the truth?
How about you be honest.
Why are you in all of this, huh?
Why is Johnny Gargano in all of this?
You are just trying to do what I was trying to do,
and use my story so people will chant "Johnny Wrestling."
[crowd chants "Johnny Wrestling"]
I do love that Johnny Wrestling chant.
But, the truth is, "Mike"…
[crowd booing]
…everyone here knows you are a compulsive liar.
You always have been and you always will be.
You lie about literally everything,
starting with that sweater you're wearing.
It's a cardigan!
[crowd cheering]
Either way…
[crowd chants "Johnny Wrestling"]
Either way,
you're lying to yourself
if you think you're pulling that off, "Mr. Rogers".
[crowd cheers]
To be fair… to be fair, Mr. Rogers is a good guy.
He admits when he's wrong, loves his neighborhood.
[yells] I'm a good guy.
-I'm a good guy! I'm a good guy! -He ain't a good guy. He's not a good guy.
-He doesn't appear to be. -He's definitely not a good guy.
You know what? You know what? I am sorry. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Now, can we just move on
so I can be the cornerstone of this company
and a role model for my children?
You want to be a role model for your kids?
How about you have some integrity and pay Dexter what you owe him?
I am ready to move on.
-I think we all are ready to move on. -I think we're ready to move on too.
That's why I talked to WWE officials,
and actually they thought that hidden camera footage
that we watched was pretty convincing.
So, this will all come to an end in two weeks
in this very ring…
when The Miz takes on Dexter Lumis.
[crowd cheering]
And if Dexter wins, you have to pay him everything you owe him.
And… And if he wins,
he finally gets a WWE contract.
[crowd cheers]
You tell that deranged psychopath
that this match will be the biggest mistake of his miserable life,
because the next time I see him, there will be no money, no contract,
just lights out and it will be awesome.
Well…
How about you tell him yourself?
[crowd cheers]
-[Corey] Oh, my! -[Patrick] What?
[Corey] Run, Miz!
[crowd booing]
[Patrick] You can only run for so long.
According to Johnny Gargano, one week from Saturday,
are we set to see Dexter Lumis in a match with The Miz one-on-one?
[Corey] I hope so.
I certainly hope so.
As a matter of fact, Kevin Patrick, I'm excited.
I am excited for Miz to go one-on-one
with this deranged lunatic psychopath, Dexter Lumis,
who's been making The A-Lister's life hell for months now,
so Miz can finally put all this nonsense behind him.
Miz can move on with his career, with his family, with his wife,
with his A-list movie career.
If he doesn't, Dexter Lumis will receive all the money that he's owed
and a WWE contract as well.
Johnny Weasel, the man that Miz calls him a weasel, anyway, doing some work.
Anyway, earlier on tonight,
Our Cathy Kelley caught up with "The Gold Standard" Shelton Benjamin.
Shelton, you had a confrontation with Austin Theory last week.
What is your reaction to his failed cash-in?
[chuckles] My reaction to his failed cash-in is--
Yes, Shelton, you should know all about being a failure, right?
I mean, you've been a failure back since my deadbeat dad
and Eddie Guerrero were in their primes,
and I'm better than them,
so that makes me way better than you.
Little boy, I don't have time today,
so why don't you skip back down the hall
before I give you the whipping your dad should have given you?
Try me.
Nuh-uh.
-You need to calm down. -Yeah?
-Yeah. -Yeah.
Shelton, you need to calm down.
You know by now you should get how The Judgment Day does business.
You have a problem with Dominik,
you have a serious problem with me.
Yeah, a serious problem.
That's fine, because I want problems always,
and I wouldn't mind working on my problems tonight.
Oh, I kinda like that.
So how about tonight, let's settle this in the ring.
Yeah, let's settle this in the ring.
You know what?
It's about time someone taught you a lesson…
-Hmm. -…so I accept your challenge.
See you in the ring, junior.
I thought you challenged him.
["The Other Side" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest,
representing The Judgment Day, Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] Can you feel the heat, Kevin Patrick,
as The Judgment Day makes their entrance toward the ring?
[Patrick] The mood certainly changes in the arena when The Judgment Day arrive.
[Corey] Look at the confidence on the face of Dominik Mysterio,
because behind every great man is an even greater woman.
Rhea Ripley, right now,
invaluable to Dominik.
[Patrick] Shelton Benjamin wants to try and teach Dominik Mysterio a lesson,
to get his paws on the younger Mysterio.
We're going to see one-on-one action Dominik Mysterio,
with Rhea and Damian Priest by his side,
against Shelton Benjamin,
and it's next on Raw.
[Patrick] WWE Survivor Series is presented by WWE Supercard.
The ring awaits in the brand-new TLC mode.
Uncover your opponent's table, ladder and chair game pieces
before they can do the same.
Available this Wednesday.
[Corey] We are joined in the ring by The Judgment Day
as Dominik Mysterio prepares for action.
["Bomb" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, from Orangeburg, South Carolina,
weighing 248 pounds,
Shelton Benjamin.
[Patrick] You can see the accolades on your screen.
Whether it's the three-time intercontinental championship,
or whether it's the United States Championship,
the Raw tag team as well.
This is a WWE superstar you do not want to mess with.
Spent two-and-a-half years across the water here in Louisville
at OVW with names like Cena, Orton, Batista.
[Corey] Louisville holds a special place in Shelton Benjamin's heart.
Let me tell you this firsthand,
Shelton Benjamin is truly timeless.
Benjamin with an opportunity to teach Dominik Mysterio a lesson
-here on Monday Night Raw. -[bell rings]
But look at the confidence on the face of Dominik.
This is not the same human being.
This is like watching a boy grow into a man in the past several months.
Particularly since aligning himself with Rhea Ripley.
Dominik's living his best life.
[Patrick] Oh, there you go.
Point proven for you, Corey Graves.
A slap, and a cheeky one at that, to Shelton Benjamin.
[Corey] The bravado of Dominik Mysterio.
It's easy to see why Rhea follows him around.
[Patrick] So you think we've really seen an evolution
from Dominik Mysterio since joining The Judgment Day?
[Corey] I do and I believe we've only seen the beginning.
Here we go. Dominik from behind. Sneak attack.
Smart strategy when you're dealing with a veteran as cagey and dangerous.
Yeah!
[Patrick] Look at the condition that Shelton Benjamin is in.
Physical specimen. A little cheeky slap back.
[Corey] Benjamin not in the mood for nonsense tonight.
Shelton did not show up to Monday Night Raw to play games.
[Patrick] Oh!
[Benjamin grunts]
[Patrick] He's angered Shelton Benjamin.
[Corey] Big shoulder tackle by Shelton,
and I imagine right now Dominik's wondering
if maybe he bit off a little more than he can chew tonight.
[Patrick] Shelton saying earlier,
"I'm going to give him the whipping that his dad refuses to give him."
Shelton Benjamin, of course, has a lot of respect and plenty for Rey Mysterio.
[Corey] In this business, you're going to be hard pressed to find
anyone as highly respected and beloved as Rey Mysterio.
So what Dominik did to his father
feels like Dom stabbed most of the locker room in their backs.
A lot of people have watched
Dominik Mysterio literally grow up in this business,
and they feel that he turned their back on them as well.
[Patrick] Shelton turns it around.
Now it's Dominik struggling to get back on his feet,
but he responds empathically.
Mysterio caught.
[Corey] Dominik lured Shelton in,
as Dominik sent out to the apron.
Oh, my goodness.
[Patrick] Using the rope to his advantage.
This is a young superstar that had his first match
just over two years ago at SummerSlam 2020.
A reminder, United States Championship match.
It was made official earlier today.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Finn Bálor.
[Corey] Explains why Bálor is not out here at ringside with The Judgment Day.
And look at this aggression from Dominik.
[Patrick] Shelton Benjamin doing his best to fend off Dominik.
With The Judgment Day by his side, this is a superstar to be reckoned with.
[Corey] A little homage to Uncle Eddie.
[Patrick] I wonder what Eddie would think of that.
[grunting]
Rey Mysterio no doubt watching on as well.
Shelton Benjamin.
Oh, Dominik!
[Corey] Head scissors take down.
Shelton Benjamin seems to be hurting pretty bad.
Dominik looking for something big here.
Has Shelton in position.
[Patrick] The boos ring out here in Louisville, Kentucky.
[Corey] Wow! Look at the power of Shelton Benjamin.
Powerslam!
[Patrick] Shelton Benjamin knew exactly, he was looking for the 619.
Didn't happen for Dominik.
Running knee from Shelton.
[Corey] Oh!
Exploder suplex,
and Dominik wisely rolling outside into the safety of Damian Priest.
[Patrick] He's looking for comfort, but Shelton Benjamin's not hanging around.
Don't bother me.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] We saw the footage earlier today that it seemed as though--
Wait a minute. Dominik from behind.
[Patrick] Roll up for the victory over Benjamin who kicks out.
[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Patrick] He's just reefing the ankle of Dominik.
[Corey] Shelton Benjamin learned to apply the ankle lock
from none other than Kurt Angle himself.
This spells bad, bad news for Dominik.
But Damian Priest to the rescue.
[Patrick] And referee Shawn Bennett distracted by Rhea Ripley.
-Stay there. -[Priest] What's your problem?
-What's the problem? -Huh?
[Patrick] Benjamin will want to get his head back in the game here.
[Corey] Dominik shoved Shelton into the ring post, and a DDT.
[Patrick] Shelton Benjamin seeing stars,
and Dominik's going to go for a climb here.
[Corey] It is heating up in Louisville.
[Patrick] Mysterio, frog splash all over Shelton Benjamin.
Roll up. Shoulders down.
-[bell rings] -What a victory.
-Wow! -["The Other Side" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] His allegiance to The Judgment Day and Rhea Ripley
continues to pay dividends.
Another massive win in the young career
of Dominik Mysterio and The Judgment Day.
[Keevin] A few weeks ago, it was "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles
that fell victim to Dominik Mysterio.
The devastating frog splash.
[Corey] Expertly executed.
Three seconds later, Rhea is grinning from ear to ear.
She likes what she sees.
Damian Priest grinning wide.
Light a candle for the sinners, set the world on fire.
Big win for The Judgment Day.
[Patrick] And they are not just wreaking havoc,
they are dominating on Monday Night Raw.
Look who it is.
The former Mr. Money in the Bank, and the youngest one ever at that,
set for an exclusive interview with us here
when we come back on Monday Night Raw.
I cannot wait to hear what he has to say.
["Are you ready" by MOA playing]
♪ Are you ready? Here I come ♪
♪ Get that feeling I want some ♪
♪ Better get it While it's hot ♪
♪ So here I go ♪
♪ Here I go ♪
♪ Are you ready? ♪
♪ Ready for some action ♪
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw,
and please welcome my guest at this time, former Mr. Money in the Bank.
Really, Cathy? You too?
"Former"?
Austin, I was going to provide you the opportunity
to address the WWE Universe
and tell your side of what happened during that failed cash-in.
Oh, you're so sweet, Cathy. And you know…
Nobody understands me.
Nobody understands the pressure I'm under.
Everybody just thinks that I'm made for this because of the way I look,
because of my athleticism,
because of these so-called handed-out opportunities.
[scoffs]
They have no idea what the full story is,
because, you see, I was touted to be the next big thing
and prove that on day one,
and I did.
I exceeded that expectation.
What did I do?
I outgrew the ceiling of being the next big thing
and I became the face of the franchise.
And people still continue to hate on me till this day because of that.
Why?
Because they can't relate.
And the whole world looks at a person like me and wants to see me fail,
wants to see me fall short of the expectation.
That's just not going to happen.
But for me, when I think about last Monday,
everybody thinks that I failed.
Well, they're wrong,
because I feel more alive than I ever have.
Let's talk about it.
Let's talk about that briefcase.
Let's talk about that Money in the Bank contract.
It was an anchor on Austin Theory.
Look at Roman Reigns.
Nobody's been able to touch him in the past two years.
No one.
And has he looked vulnerable?
Well, whenever he does, which is rarely, The Bloodline's there.
Look at my cash-ins.
I tried at SummerSlam.
Brock Lesnar was there.
Clash at the Castle?
Tyson Fury was there.
And if they weren't there, The Bloodline certainly would have been.
Roman Reigns is unstoppable.
And that scenario of me cashing in, it doesn't exist.
What did I do?
What did I put in my brain and decide to do?
I thought, "What is the best thing to do after this?"
And that is going after one of the greatest champions
of this past decade, Seth Rollins.
And where was he?
On his back, in the middle of that ring, I had him beat.
A-Town Down, and Bobby Lashley…
Bobby Lashley pulled me out of that ring and mauled me like a madman.
But if it wasn't for him,
I would be a two-time United States champion right now
and I would have had the greatest cash-in--
Worst cash-in ever.
Kid, all these excuses you're running your mouth about,
if I ever get a traffic ticket I guess I know who to call.
A couple of months ago, I tried to help you out.
I tried to be your bro.
Tried to show you some things that no one showed me.
For some reason, failed cash-in.
I would know.
I was there for the best one.
But you, your ego was just too big and you just didn't want to listen.
You know what, Dolph?
I am sick of people talking down to me like I'm a kid.
I'm done being the youngest this, the youngest that,
the future, the next big thing, or a protege.
I am The Now.
And I'd love to prove that to you if you meet me out in that ring
and I can show you that I have no more excuses.
None.
Sure thing, kid.
["Greatness" playing]
I can't believe I'm going to say this,
but there is an old saying
that it's only once you've lost everything that you're free to do anything.
It looks to me as though Austin Theory
may benefit from losing his Money in the Bank contract.
That's the most focused I've seen that kid…
-Certainly seems some sort of turning on-- -Sorry, that man, that guy.
The guy, The Now.
Ladies and gentlemen, one week from Saturday,
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, is the venue, Survivor Series.
Only this edition comes with a spine-tingling twist,
Wargames.
["War Pigs" playing]
[narrator] Some cages are built to keep things out.
Some cages are built to keep things in.
But our cage is built for war.
♪ Generals gathered in their masses… ♪
[announcer] Wargames!
♪ …Just like witches at black masses ♪
[narrator] For the first time ever,
this year's Survivor Series will be decided in a battle like no other.
[Corey] The most savage and legendary evening in this business.
[commentator] Everything is on the line at Wargames.
-[narrator] Two teams of five. -[commentator 2] Here a demolition derby--
[narrator] Two rings.
[Patrick] Absolute carnage laid out through two rings.
[narrator] One cage.
[commentator 3] Chaos, destruction, bedlam of everywhere you look.
[narrator] Wargames.
[commentator 4] It's all legal inside Wargames.
[announcer] Let the Wargames begin!
[siren blaring]
[Patrick] If that does not pump you up for Wargames, I don't know what will.
Two teams locked inside the cage.
After five minutes, a member from the advantage team will be released in.
And you just got to wait until every single member is in
before the match officially commences.
The only way to win, pinfall or submission.
[Corey] They call this the match beyond with good reason,
and the armies are beginning to take shape already.
Thus far, we have officially entered
Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, and Asuka on one side
versus Bayley, Kai, and Sky of Damage CTRL
and the unhinged Nikki Cross.
We've got a few more competitors who have to choose sides prior to Survivor Series,
but no doubt about it, Survivor Series Wargames will truly be unforgettable.
[Patrick] So three places remaining then one week from Saturday,
from TD Garden Wargames.
["Still The Baddest" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Nikki Cross,
Bayley and Dakota Kai.
Representing Damage CTRL,
she is one half of the WWE women's tag team champions,
Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Iyo Sky in solo competition.
Flanked as always by Bayley and Dakota Kai,
but you got to keep an eye on Nikki Cross.
[Patrick] Yeah, Nikki looking up at the sky here in Louisville
and seeing Dana Brooke is furious.
Her beloved 24/7 Championship is gone.
She's heartbroken, she's frustrated,
and now she wants to get her hands on Damage CTRL's Iyo Sky.
["Down Home" by Jimmie Allen playing]
♪ Them down home grits ♪
♪ I promise I'm workin' ♪
♪ With this guitar about as hard as I can ♪
♪ I met a girl, bought a house, I put a nice little payment ♪
♪ Down home ♪
♪ Is still where my heart is ♪
♪ This down home kid is just how you left him ♪
♪ I still hate that you're gone… ♪
[Corey] Can't wait for Tribute to the Troops.
An honor to put on each and every year.
[Patrick] Well said, and thank you for your service.
Meanwhile, inside the ring, Damage CTRL tag team champions
is Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai.
It's Iyo Sky in one-on-one action against Brooke.
["See You" playing]
[announcer] Her opponent, from Cleveland, Ohio,
Dana Brooke.
[Patrick] She's been a fighting 24/7 Champion,
no question about that.
Dana Brooke full of resilience and fight,
but she is quite motivated to say the least
after Nikki Cross stole her 24/7 Championship
and threw it in the trash.
You want to throw my title in the trash?
I've shown up and I have shown out every single damn day.
And I have worked extremely hard for everything I've had,
including that 24/7 title.
And seeing Nikki Cross just throw it in the trash…
[scoffs]
…everything I worked for, it was painful.
So, if Nikki Cross and Damage CTRL want to waltz in here
and disrespect my hard work,
they have another thing coming for them.
I will not go down without a fight.
[Patrick] Dana Brooke always ready for the flight.
-[bell rings] -The bell rings. Away we go.
[Corey] I like this aggression from the opening bell from Dana Brooke,
perhaps losing the 24/7 Championship could-- Iyo… Uh-oh!
[Patrick] What a win. This could be early.
[Corey] What Dana Brooke needed.
And listen, I think Dana Brooke has a misconception.
Nobody is disrespecting the effort that Dana Brooke puts in
week after week after week.
Dana does show up,
and, as she put it, show out every week, but the proof is in the pudding.
It's about results. It's about w's. It's about l's.
It's about championships.
You can't… Oh!
You can't hang your hat on one accomplishment here in WWE.
-[Patrick] Oh! -[Corey] Big kick by Iyo.
[Patrick] That's a vicious kick by Iyo Sky.
[Corey] I'm feeling Dana might have already forgotten
her 24/7 Championship reign. That was a hell of a kick.
Keep an eye on the genius of the Sky.
[Patrick] Iyo taking flight to devastating effect,
flattening Dana Brooke.
[Corey] Look how stoic Iyo is.
[Patrick] WWE Raw trending number one in the United States.
[grunting]
[Corey] Iyo now showing how ruthless she can be.
[Patrick] Nikki Cross just watching on in that maniacal way.
Just the smile of Nikki Cross will creep you out.
You wonder what her role is in all of this.
Is Nikki Cross even a member of Damage CTRL?
[Corey] No. I don't believe Nikki Cross is a member.
I think Bayley shed an iota of light on the situation.
Damage CTRL are essentially looking to weaponize Nikki Cross.
Damage CTRL know they need heavy artillery if they're going to step inside Wargames.
Who better to have on your side than perhaps the most unpredictable,
dangerous woman on the roster in Nikki Cross?
[Patrick] One spot remaining on their Wargames team,
Nikki Cross and Damage CTRL, the four confirmed so far.
[crowd chanting "Let's go, Dana"]
[Corey] Dana Brooke puts the brakes on.
[Patrick] Big right from Dana Brooke, trading blows now.
[Corey] Dana looking to get the upper hand here,
has done so momentarily.
Head scissor by Dana Brooke, and a great, great counter by Sky.
[Patrick] Oh!
Yes, she's lost the 24/7 Championship, Graves,
but a victory here over Iyo Sky and Damage CTRL
would do wonders for Dana Brooke, do you think?
[Corey] It certainly would, but the problem is--
[Patrick] Oh, look at this!
[Corey] Oh, Dana out of the way just in time,
glancing blow to the leg.
Got enough.
[Patrick] Oh, DDT! Can Dana Brooke put her away?
Cover now for Brooke. Kicked out on two.
[Corey] It hasn't shown thus far,
but certain competitors don't fare well when they're feeling emotional.
When you're in the moment, when you're in the match,
you need to set your emotions aside.
Some competitors can channel their emotions
and focus them on their opposition which is what Dana is doing right now.
-[screaming] -[Patrick] She certainly was emotional
when caught up with our cameras earlier today.
[Corey] Great power by Iyo! German suplex.
[screaming]
[Corey] Things beginning to turn bleak once again for DB.
Meteora.
[Patrick] What an incredible and…
pulsating performance, really, from Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Iyo making it look easy, the journey to the top rope.
Prepare for the over the moonsault.
[Patrick] Moonsault, nails it.
For the victory now, Iyo Sky gets it done.
[bell rings]
["Still The Baddest" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Iyo Sky.
[Corey] An impressive victory in singles competition
for one half of the WWE women's tag team champions.
And it all started with this.
Iyo double knees right to the shoulders and collarbones of Dana Brooke.
And this is a thing of beauty for everyone except who's underneath.
The over the moonsault right on point.
Big win for Iyo Sky and all of Damage CTRL
plus Nikki Cross,
as we barrel toward Boston, Massachusetts,
-TD Garden, Survivor Series Wargames. -["I Am" playing]
[Patrick] That's one week from Saturday. But hang on a second.
What's Mia Yim got to say?
Hey, Bayley, Dakota, Iyo,
I know you guys have been waiting for my answer for Survivor Series,
and I've been thinking real hard about your offer.
And honestly, you're right.
Wargames is a fight where everybody got to pick a side.
And I picked mine.
[crowd cheering]
-["Watch Me Shine" playing] -[Corey chuckles]
[Corey] Things just got a little more interesting.
Add one to the other side.
It seems as though Mia Yim will join Asuka, Bianca Belair and Alexa Bliss.
[Patrick] The numbers have been evened.
The EST has been doing a little recruiting.
And Mia Yim is going toward the team of Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa.
[laughs]
What are you laughing at?
It's 12 in a row. No big deal.
Look, I'm all in.
I'm all in right now.
Show your cards.
[Corbin] What's he got? What's he got?
Three cowboys, yeehaw.
I got three kings.
No, three aces. I got three aces.
Winner. We got a winner right here.
Three aces right there, baby.
You got nothing.
Cheater!
That's fighting words.
Look, sit down.
Sit down right now.
We're not done until I say we're done.
I got all the money in the world. Let's go.
No money.
Step outside.
What, are you challenging him to a duel?
No.
In the wrestling ring.
[crowd cheers]
No tricks.
[chortling]
[Corey] Tozawa just rolled the game.
["A-Town Down" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing 220 pounds,
Austin Theory.
-[Patrick] Do you see what I see, Graves? -[Corey] I sure do.
[Patrick] No cell phone.
No cell phone in the hand of Austin Theory.
A different looking attitude from this man.
Many are calling it the worst cash-in in the history of WWE.
Austin Theory humiliated at the end of Monday Night Raw last week.
What will his response be
when he goes one-on-one with Dolph Ziggler?
[Corey] Dolph Ziggler has offered to be an ally in the past.
Tonight, there is no love.
Austin Theory "The Now," one-on-one with Dolph Ziggler,
live next on Monday Night Raw.
["A-Town Down" playing]
[Patrick] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
Two championship matches tomorrow night on NXT?
Yes, please.
[Corey] Cannot wait for that.
I'm almost as excited for that as I am for this right now.
Our first look at the former Mr. Money in the Bank, Austin Theory,
with a hell of a task ahead of him.
[announcer] And his opponent, residing in Hollywood, Florida,
weighing 218 pounds,
Dolph Ziggler.
[Patrick] He's going up against the former world champion
in the form of Dolph Ziggler.
[Corey] Listen, Ziggler and Theory certainly no strangers to one another.
Several months back, Dolph Ziggler actually extended
something of an olive branch,
wanted to impart a little veteran wisdom on Theory.
And Theory turned his nose up at Dolph and insulted Dolph.
Theory did his thing.
Now, we find ourselves back here.
I know I came to see.
[Patrick] Austin Theory truly has hit rock bottom.
[Corey] Oh, you wanna… Okay.
Kevin, enough.
I've been hearing about rock bottom for the last seven nights.
A few minutes ago, Cathy Kelley caught up with Austin Theory.
And we heard where Theory's head's at.
If Austin Theory's actions follow suit,
I never want to hear those words leave your lips again.
[Patrick] The question is, where does he go from here?
-He can respond empathically. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] You think back to some of the famous failures
to cash in in WWE history.
And look at where John Cena went after he failed to cash in.
[Corey] All right. Well, listen, you're comparing apples to oranges.
Let's look at it like this.
Austin Theory was halfway up Mount Everest and he lost his sherpa, okay?
So he tumbled down a bit.
He could still see the peak.
It's going to take a little longer to get there than maybe he expected,
but the goal remains the same.
Austin Theory knows he is destined to sit atop the WWE mountain.
The work has just begun.
[Patrick] A lot of work to be done. Let's be clear about that.
[Corey] And look at the other side of the coin.
A loss tonight could completely derail what Austin Theory
thinks his future looks like.
And Ziggler is absolutely the dude that could do it.
[Patrick] Oh, look at him go, Austin Theory.
Look at Ziggler, though.
[Corey] Looks like both Theory and Ziggler
are in the mood for Wargames tonight.
[Theory] Who's the kid now, Dolph? Huh?
Who's the kid now?
[Corey] We still have a United States Championship match on the horizon,
Seth Rollins' defense against Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day.
Long-time rivals going to run it back.
That one could have an instant classic written all over it.
[Patrick] You can say that again.
Cannot wait for that,
coming your way a little bit later here on Raw.
Oh, backbreaker from Theory.
To the cover now,
to put away Dolph Ziggler who kicks out.
[Corey] And what I'm seeing in the early moments of this match-up
is a more deliberate Austin Theory.
Austin, to your point, came out here without his cell phone.
It's not about selfies.
It's not about social media and celebration.
It's about action.
Come on, Dolph. Show me something.
[Patrick] Former protege of Mr. McMahon.
Former United States Championship holder,
and of course, the youngest Mr. Money in the Bank in WWE history.
[Corey] You're over here like the damn clabber girl
putting salt in everybody's wound.
[Patrick] No, but you heard the chants earlier.
[Corey] I heard the chants,
and of most of these people brought their dad and their uncle,
and only had to buy one ticket.
Okay? But no one knows what's going on in Theory's brain but Theory.
Cover.
[Patrick] Cover now to put away Dolph Ziggler who again kicks out.
The modern day Wrestling God according to you and JBL,
Baron Corbin, he took Twitter last week saying,
"Hey, Theory, welcome to the club."
As Theory once more looks to end it with Dolph.
[Corey] Okay, perfect example. Look at Corbin.
Corbin went through some hard times, but he showed resolve.
He showed mental and physical toughness.
And now, Baron Corbin is a wrestling god.
Marching around here with a Hall of Famer.
Austin Theory failed to cash in Money in the Bank, okay?
That's going to be a footnote on his career.
[Patrick] Look at Theory go. Blow after blow to Dolph Ziggler.
Names like John Cena, Braun Strowman, Damien Sandow,
and Baron Corbin all failing to cash-in.
It's an 82% success rate.
[Corey] It's a dubious distinction, okay?
But, listen, sometimes you get to the championship,
you get to the finals and you lose.
It happens every year in every sport.
Oh, my god.
Theory came up short last Monday.
I'm sure Theory regrets it, but it's about the future.
It's about the now.
[Patrick] Which you could absolutely understand Theory's point
about Roman Reigns and The Bloodline and how dominant they've been.
And looking to this United States Championship
as maybe his best opportunity.
[Corey] I understand exactly what was going through Theory's mind in hind sight.
[Patrick] Oh! What a clothesline from Austin Theory.
What have you seen from him so far? Have you seen a difference?
[Corey] I think Austin Theory is intent on making
Dolph Ziggler miss the stand-up stage right now.
-[Theory grunts] -[Corey] Good God, man.
[Patrick] Austin Theory making a statement here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
[Patrick] We've certainly seen a different side to Austin Theory tonight.
No more Money in the Bank contract by his side.
He has beaten Dolph Ziggler inside and out,
but hang on a second.
Ziggler's responding.
Chants of "Where's your briefcase?" ringing out around the arena
here in Louisville, Kentucky.
[Corey] The show off now showing the tenacity.
[Patrick] DDT.
[Corey] Cover here by Ziggler.
[Patrick] Ziggler for the victory over Theory.
Theory, not going anywhere without a fight.
[Corey] Not enough weight and pressure across
the massive shoulders of Austin Theory
to shut this one down in favor of Ziggler just yet.
But let's take a look at the athleticism of Dolph Ziggler
driving Theory under the crown of his skull.
But Theory with a little tenacity of his own.
[Patrick] So you actually feel that we may see the real maturation
of a guy like Austin Theory now that this weight has gone from him?
[Corey] I don't just feel it, Kevin Patrick, I believe it in my soul,
in my bones.
I believe that Theory is what he says he is.
He is The Now.
Look at that, a step ahead.
Not allowing Dolph to--
-Uh-oh. Uh-oh! -[Patrick] Is he going to go there?
-[Corey] Wow! -[Patrick] A-Town Down!
[Corey] Cover.
One, two--
[Corey] Version of a rock bottom from Austin Theory.
Adding a new wrinkle to his game plan.
A look of frustration on the face for the first time tonight.
Look at that, driving Dolph spine-first.
One, two--
[Corey] Theory was stacked on his toes, had Dolph folded in half.
-[Corey] Now, KP. -[Patrick] Now he may go there.
-[Kevin chuckles] -[crowd booing]
[Corey] The confidence on the face of Austin Theory.
[Patrick] Oh, Dolph Ziggler!
[Corey] Ziggler counters it into the sleeper hold.
[Patrick] He may choke him out.
It's cinched in deep.
[Corey] Austin Theory beginning to fade.
-Yes. -[groaning]
-Yes! -[Shawn] Slow down!
[Corey] Maybe Theory is finished.
Maybe Theory doesn't have the confidence we thought.
[Patrick] What a devastating loss it would be.
[Corey] Maybe I'm all too happy to be wrong.
[Patrick] Theory able to breathe again somehow.
[Corey] Ziggler refusing to relent,
continuing to squeeze with everything in his being.
Oh, no.
Theory might just have sealed his own fate.
[Patrick] Referee's checking Austin Theory.
[Corey] Austin's beginning to fade.
[Patrick] He could be done.
[Corey] Ziggler with the body lock applied as well.
-[Patrick] Oh, he's still alive. -[Corey] Wow! Wow!
[Corey] Where the hell did that come from?
[Patrick] Look at the resilience on show from this man.
[Corey] Theory just found another gear.
And Dolph--
[Patrick] It was burst pretty quickly by Dolph Ziggler.
[Corey] With a famouser. That's going to do it!
-[Patrick] Ziggler. Oh, no. -[crowd] One, two…
Theory kicks out.
[Corey] And now, it's Dolph Ziggler wearing frustration on his face.
Look at this impact.
Knee to the chin, followed up immediately by the famouser.
Face first goes Theory,
Ziggler with a deep hook of the leg,
but Theory survives.
[Patrick] So, from nearly putting him to sleep to the famouser,
somehow here in Louisville, Kentucky.
[Corey] Nobody's asleep here in the KFC Yum! Center.
[Patrick] This crowd cannot wait for this United States Championship match
between Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Finn Bálor.
Finn Bálor says, "I've got a bone to pick with you,"
no doubt referring to 2016, the inaugural Universal Championship.
Bálor won it, but you were on commentary that night, Graves.
[Corey] I'm sure I was, but I'm caught in the here,
in the now, in the Austin Theory time zone.
Shoulder-first goes Ziggler yet again
and there is malice in the eyes of Austin Theory.
[Patrick] Nearly put to sleep moments ago, this fella's energized.
[Corey] Almost a sadistic look in the eyes of Austin Theory.
I'm the kid, huh? I'm the kid?
-[thuds] -[Patrick] Oh!
[screaming]
[Corey] You may not believe,
but Austin Theory believes in himself,
and that is half the battle.
Listen to this impact.
[thuds]
[Ziggler screams]
[Corey] Ring-shifting impact.
Look at the glare on the face of Austin Theory.
[Patrick] He's taking his time with Dolph Ziggler here.
Ziggler turns it around.
[Corey] Zig-zag.
-[laughs incredulously] No! -[Patrick] Is this the moment?
[crowd chants] "One, two"
[Corey] Somehow, again.
[Patrick] That was a little too close for comfort.
Ziggler's beside himself.
Reversing Theory into the ring post.
Boom, zig zag.
Dolph has put away countless opponents with that very maneuver,
but not tonight.
Not yet.
[Corey] And not Theory.
He's made of different stuff tonight, Austin Theory.
[crowd chants "This is awesome"]
[Corey] You can understand the fury in Dolph Ziggler.
[Corey] I understand the WWE fans here in Louisville.
I agree. This is awesome!
Dolph now trying to fire himself up to finish the job.
[Patrick] What more has he got left, Dolph Ziggler?
[laughs]
That's it. That's got to be it.
Now he wants to go there.
[Corey] A-Town Down.
[Corey] Come on, Theory. Finish the job.
[Patrick] What's he waiting on?
[Corey] Another!
[Patrick] Yet the same twisted look.
[Corey] Look at that! Get in there, ref.
Dolph Ziggler barely able to defend himself
from an irate Austin Theory.
[Patrick] See the devil in the eyes of Austin Theory.
Theory! Theory, stop!
-[Corey] Oh, my god. -[Patrick] Come on.
[crowd booing]
[Patrick] Referee saying "That's enough."
But Theory doesn't care.
[Corey] Oh, God.
[Patrick] He could care less.
[Corey] The stairs came right down on the arm of Dolph Ziggler.
Remorseless.
Let him go. Come on.
Let him go. Enough.
[Patrick] Oh!
The pent-up anger and fury in Theory.
[Theory] Who's the kid? Who's the kid?
[Shawn] All right. Enough! It's over.
[thuds]
[bell rings]
[Corey] Our official left with no choice but to throw this one out.
Theory is like a man possessed right now.
Just burying Dolph Ziggler
under the rubble of anything he can get his hands on.
[Patrick] Finally, WWE referees and security
and officials arriving at the scene.
[clamoring]
[Corey] Austin Theory might have lost everything the world thought he needed.
[Patrick] He's going back for more! Someone stop him!
[Corey] From the looks of it, this is only the damn beginning.
I'm the kid, right?
I'm the kid, huh? I ain't the damn kid.
I ain't no damn kid.
[crowd booing]
I ain't no damn kid.
I'm all day, Austin Theory.
Ain't nobody on my level.
No one.
[Patrick] Look at JBL and Baron Corbin.
Sure Corbin may have won in Vegas,
but he's been absolutely cleaned out tonight
at the poker table by Akira Tozawa.
He wants revenge next.
[Patrick] We're in Louisville, Kentucky, tonight.
Home of the Rolling Hills, horse racing, and yeah, bourbon too.
Also, of course, the Louisville Cardinals.
We are at their home tonight for the men's, women's basketball team,
the KFC Yum! Center.
Proud to be here tonight in Louisville.
[indistinct conversation]
-Don't worry about it. -[groaning]
Yeah, there's no need to keep looking,
because if Mia's on Bianca's side, then I'm on yours.
Now does anyone have a problem with that?
-No. -Not me.
Good. Let's go to war.
-Jackpot. -I didn't even think!
I don't know.
["Longhorn" playing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome WWE Hall of Famer
John Bradshaw Layfield.
[Corey] I would hate to disparage a wrestling god, KP,
but what did we just see?
["Burn The Ships" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring, weighing 285 pounds,
Baron Corbin.
[Patrick] You smile ear-to-ear
when JBL and Baron Corbin make their way to the ring.
Side by side, these two looking for a little revenge.
Cleaned out the poker table tonight by Akira Tozawa.
[Corey] Now, I feel bad for Corbin and JBL
who were simply trying to enjoy themselves.
JBL brought you Ugandan whiskey. Are you kidding me?
I shudder to think how much that cost.
[Patrick] True.
Some of the finest stuff.
[Corey] Tozawa comes in, rolls the table,
-and now we are here. -["To The Death" playing]
[Patrick] Would you expect anything less at a poker table
from this man, Akira Tozawa?
[Corey] I feel like Akira Tozawa is probably counting cards.
[announcer] And his opponent, from Kobe, Japan,
weighing in at 156 pounds,
Akira Tozawa.
[Patrick] The man known as "The Stamina Monster" Akira Tozawa,
looks for the challenge tonight.
He's the one that wanted it with Baron Corbin.
[Corey] Tozawa may be diminutive in size compared to Baron Corbin,
but Akira Tozawa is a world-class competitor.
[Patrick] All set to go one-on-one action.
-JBL watching on. -[bell rings]
Looking at this modern day "Wrestling God" Baron Corbin,
one-on-one action with Akira Tozawa.
Did you know, by the way,
down the road is the birthplace of KFC in a town called Corbin here in Kentucky?
[Corey] Yeah, I did know that,
and Baron Corbin was like mayor for a day there.
They gave him the key to the city, and if they didn't they should.
[Patrick] Colonel Sanders and--
[Corey] You're here talking about Colonel Sanders?
We're in the home of Muhammad Ali, Kevin Patrick,
and you're talking about fried chicken.
[grunting]
[Patrick] Akira Tozawa teeing off now on Corbin.
[Corey] Rumble, young man,
rumble at the expense of the modern day Wrestling God.
[Patrick] Big shoulder challenge from the former NFL star, Baron Corbin.
[Corey] Tozawa had to know you're not gonna…
match power with Baron Corbin.
[Patrick] He turns it around pretty quickly, though.
This is… This could be humiliating.
We could be on the precipice of the worst night of Baron Corbin's life.
[Corey] The fella from Kobe, Japan,
just dropkicking Baron Corbin missile style
as he goes in for the cover.
[Patrick] Early kick out by Corbin.
We saw a much more ruthless streak from Corbin in action last week,
but so far Akira Tozawa impressing here against the big man.
[Corey] don't know how much of that Ugandan whiskey
Corbin imbibed prior to this match-up.
Baron obviously wasn't set out, wasn't planning on competing tonight.
-[Patrick] Few cigars there as well. -[Corey] Right.
[yelling]
[Corey] Look at Tozawa feeling himself.
[Patrick] He certainly is feeling himself.
-[Patrick] JBL can only watch on. -[Corey] Wait, wait.
[Corey] Watch this. I've seen this before.
-[crowd cheering] -[Corey] Oh, God!
[Corey] Blatant disregard for his own well-being,
Akira Tozawa taking out Corbin.
[Patrick] Flush with cash,
and he's kicking ass inside the squared circle.
[Corey] Oh, Tozawa, here we go again!
Oh, baby!
Side stepped by Corbin.
Take a look at this.
Tozawa again full speed ahead,
and Corbin using his own momentum against Tozawa.
[Patrick] Has the tide turned now in favor of Baron Corbin?
[grunting]
[Corey] Elbow across the back of the Tozawa's neck,
and I feel like right about now is where the regret starts to kick in.
[Patrick] They call him The Stamina Monster for a reason.
[Corey] Who calls him The Stamina Monster, Kevin Patrick?
[Patrick] I do, Graves.
[Corey] You know something about him we don't?
Never mind. Dropkick to the knee. Down goes Corbin.
[Patrick] There's that stamina, that resiliency from Akira Tozawa.
[chuckles] He's putting on a show here tonight.
[Corey] Starting to sound like those rhino pills at the gas station, Kevin.
Shining wizard. Down goes Corbin.
[Patrick] I have no idea how Carmella puts up with you.
[Corey chuckling] She's a blessed woman.
Here we go, Tozawa making the climb.
Things are looking bad for the modern day Wrestling God.
[Patrick] But he picks himself up.
He's still flattened by Tozawa.
[Corey] I can't believe what's happening.
JBL, what's happening to Corbin?
[Patrick] Of course you're going to blame Ugandan whiskey.
[Corey] I'm not blaming anybody, I'm just a little surprised.
[Patrick] Tozawa caught.
He's been caught by Corbin.
[Corey] I'm a Pappy Van Winkle guy.
End of days.
[Patrick] That may do it. It usually does.
Baron Corbin for the victory.
-[Corey] It always does. -[Patrick] He's got it.
[bell rings]
["Burn The Ships" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Baron Corbin.
[Corey] A little too close for comfort there at times,
but in the end, the inevitable occurred as we knew it would.
I should've put money on it, KP.
Yet again, the modern day Wrestling God prevails,
but it was a hell of a fight, a hell of an effort.
Nearly the upset of the century from Akira Tozawa,
but all's well that ends well.
End of days.
Face first.
-One, two, three. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] It's a winning streak.
It's a ruthless streak from Baron Corbin,
and JBL will celebrate in style.
Corbin looks a little out of breath.
What a show tonight for Akira Tozawa.
[Corey] What a night it has been thus far,
and there is still so much more to look forward to, KP.
There are certainly is indeed.
When we talk about ruthless streaks and Baron Corbin,
what about Finn Bálor?
All you have to do is go back to Extreme Rules last month,
and let's revisit what happened in that I Quit match with Edge.
[Corey] The only way to emerge victorious
was to force your opponent to utter the words "I quit."
Bálor and the Hall of Famer Edge went back and forth.
We saw the arrival of the Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix.
Just when it seemed like Edge had victory in his grasp,
Rhea Ripley changed the game.
I quit. I quit. I quit.
[bell rings]
Beth?
You taught us too well.
No!
[crowd gasping]
[Corey] Still hard to watch after all this time.
The sadism of The Judgment Day knows no bounds.
Whether it be Rhea Ripley or Finn Bálor tonight.
[Patrick] Just horrendous, horrendous scenes.
Finn Bálor will go to any length for a victory.
Tonight, he wants to get his hands all over Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
and it is a championship match.
Seth Rollins putting his United States Championship on the line.
It's against Finn Bálor.
It's coming up here on Raw.
[Patrick] Welcome back, folks. A look back at what happened.
This hellacious beatdown.
[Corey] Austin Theory promised to show a side of himself
that we had never seen before,
and boy did Theory deliver.
An incredible back and forth seesaw battle between Austin Theory and Dolph Ziggler.
In the end, things continued to devolve from bad to worse for Dolph Ziggler
at the hand of "The Now" Austin Theory,
who declared Money in the Bank didn't matter,
the United States Championship, not important.
This is only the beginning
in the mind of the youngest United States champion in WWE history,
Austin Theory, who appeared to just be getting started.
[Patrick] And nobody's gonna talk about the match between Theory and Ziggler.
It's what he did here.
[Corey] Theory was absolutely ruthless and relentless.
We understand Dolph Ziggler is receiving medical attention
from doctors and trainers backstage.
But the real headline here…
I'm the kid, huh? I ain't the damn kid!
[Corey] …is Austin Theory.
He's not the kid.
He is the man, he is the here,
he is The Now.
Austin Theory will be a force to be reckoned with in WWE for years to come.
Don't take my word for it.
Watch what just happened.
"I ain't no damn kid," the words of Theory.
A sensational revelation here moments ago on Raw as well.
Rhea Ripley could be the fifth and final member on Bayley's team
for Wargames at Survivor Series a week from Saturday.
For more on that now, let's go backstage with Cathy Kelley.
I'm standing by with Asuka, Alexa Bliss, "Michin" Mia Yim,
and Raw women's champion, Bianca Belair.
Now, what is your reaction to Rhea Ripley being the fifth and final member
of Bayley's team at Wargames?
I mean, Rhea's definitely a problem, no doubt,
but Michin ain't nothing to play with, either.
And if our team looks as good with just four members,
just wait till we find our fifth.
Well, we just learned that next week on Monday Night Raw,
we will see one member from each team compete to determine
who will get the numbers advantage at Wargames.
Any idea who will compete for your team?
Well, we're not going to let our secrets out here, Cathy.
But, I mean, I would love to be the person to lead our team to an advantage,
but I'm pretty sure that everybody here is just as hungry as I am
to take down Damage CTRL.
And to get that advantage at Wargames is huge,
so this decision is not being taken lightly.
But, I will tell you this,
No matter who they throw at us, we're going to represent,
because we are roughest, the toughest, the baddest team in this fight.
While all those other girls are all about games,
we about war.
[Otis] Ladies
Excuse me.
Have you forgotten to interview tonight's big winner,
"Master" Gable?
The man who single-handedly put down Matt Riddle
just one week after my number one guy Otis put down Elias.
Easy-peasy.
I mean, could you imagine the pure carnage that result
if they ever step to us as a team?
It'd be like, "Uh, you guys want another victory?
Uh, would you like it on a silver platter?"
"Yes, please. Thank you."
[vocalizing]
♪ Shoosh… ♪
Finn, before your United States Championship match tonight
against Seth Rollins,
any response to AJ Styles' challenge to face you at Survivor Series?
Byron, what sort of question is that?
Of course I accept.
Does AJ Styles even know who I am?
Ask Edge, he'll tell you.
Ask Rey Mysterio, he'll tell you.
But AJ Styles?
That's for Survivor Series.
Tonight is about Seth Rollins.
Me and Seth have a lot of unfinished business,
and I'm about to remind Seth exactly who I am.
I am Finn Bálor,
and I am 'finna' go out there
and become the new United States champion.
["Catch Your Breath" playing]
[Corey] Finn Bálor fully focused,
fully aware of the situation into which he steps tonight.
Bálor entered the WWE realm at its very peak,
at the pinnacle.
The first ever WWE Universal Champion.
Who did he defeat?
Seth Rollins.
And Finn Bálor, in his mind, feels that the injury he suffered
at the hands of Rollins in that match began his fall from grace.
[Patrick] It was only three-and-a-half minutes
into the match against Seth Rollins as well,
and he battled and he won that match,
but had to go and retrieve and give away his title after that.
He still feels aggrieved about that, Finn Bálor.
[Corey] Finn has yet to reach those very same heights again
in his WWE tenure.
Bálor could take one massive step in the right direction tonight, though,
should he be able to dethrone the United States champion,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
The Prince, the dagger of The Judgment Day is here,
and Finn Bálor is ready.
[Patrick] It's been some night for The Judgment Day
yet again here on Monday Night Raw.
Tonight's main event sees this man, Finn Bálor,
go one-on-one with Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
He's feeling it as United States champion.
He's putting his title on the line yet again,
and it's Bálor that stands in his way.
[Corey] Earlier tonight, Rollins declared it the championship on Raw.
It's up for grabs next.
[Patrick] Undertaker 1 Deadman Show is headed to San Antonio.
Join the phenom at Tech Port Center and Arena
to hear untold stories from his WWE Hall of Fame career
in an intimate setting on January 27th.
Tickets available tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Central at techportcenter.com.
[Corey] The shows have been selling out left and right.
You don't want to miss your opportunity to hear The Deadman do his thing.
Right now we're about to be treated to The Prince doing his thing.
[Patrick] But first, confirmed earlier tonight,
AJ Styles will go one-on-one with Finn Bálor.
Remember it was AJ Styles that got in the way of Finn Bálor last week,
as he looked to capture the United States Championship
when Rollins was throwing out that Open Challenge.
[Corey] Great deal of history between these two superstars.
Quite literally their entire careers have paralleled one another.
We spoke at great length with the Good Brothers
on the After the Bell this past week
about the history between Bálor and Styles.
["Visionary" playing]
[Patrick] And now for the champion, The Visionary,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and they will sing his song in Louisville.
[crowd singing]
[Corey] Louisville serenading the United States champion
with his battle hymn
as Seth "Freakin" Rollins prepares to defend against
long-time rival Finn Bálor.
And KP, for my money, when you're talking Rollins,
you're talking Bálor,
you are talking about two of the most complete superstars in this business.
Bar none.
[Patrick] No doubt a dream match for so many folks.
History was made at SummerSlam in 2016 when these two collided.
[Corey] But think about this,
both of these superstars have continued to adapt,
continued to evolve.
2016 might as well be ancient history.
It's the here and the now.
It's Rollins versus Bálor
for the United States Championship.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the United States Championship.
Introducing the challenger, representing The Judgment Day,
Finn Bálor.
And his opponent, from Davenport, Iowa,
weighing in at 225 pounds,
he is the United States champion,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Kevin, I can feel it right now.
This is going to be one
that the whole world's talking about tomorrow morning.
[crowd sings]
[Corey] Rollins and Bálor about to do the damn thing for the title,
the United States Championship on Monday Night Raw.
[Patrick] Yeah, Rollins saying earlier tonight,
"Now that I'm champion,
this is without question the top prize on Monday nights," and here we go.
For the championship, Bálor, Rollins.
[chuckling]
[Corey] Expect to see a feeling-out process
between both of these men in the early moments.
Both have a healthy professional respect for one another as competitors.
Bálor perhaps the more well-rounded grappler of the two.
Rollins is going to have the power advantage.
[crowd chants "Let's go, Rollins"]
[Patrick] "Let's go Rollins," the chants here in Louisville.
Seth Rollins, the man that made his WWE main roster debut
ten years ago at Survivor Series,
and look at what he's gone on to do.
[Corey] Nice takedown by Bálor, gaining the upper hand,
better at this exchange.
And what stood out to me, yes,
the WWE fans right now are chanting "Let's go, Rollins."
Once upon a time, and when I say that, I'm referring to SummerSlam 2016,
the fans were of the utmost importance to Finn Bálor,
not only as a competitor,
they fueled Finn in whatever his endeavors would be.
This is a different Finn Bálor.
This is a Finn Bálor who realizes he can rely on himself.
Finn relies on himself.
He knows he's got The Judgment Day lurking around
should they be needed,
but this is a much more confident superstar than we saw back then.
[Bálor grunting]
-How about it Rollins? -No.
[Patrick] Bálor locking it in here.
[Corey] Seth Rollins is at a seesaw up-and-down relationship with fans here…
Oh!
…throughout the duration of his WWE career.
[Patrick] And what a career it's been.
Two-time WWE Grand Slam champion, Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Again, neither man looking for the home run shot,
for the knockout blow early on.
Both men feeling one another out,
because it could come down to who makes the first mistake.
[Patrick] Swing and a miss from Rollins, this time he connects.
He is feeling it as the United States champion.
[Corey] When you're dealing with competitors of this caliber,
you oftentimes only get one mistake.
Rollins to the outside!
[Patrick] Crossbody takes out Finn Bálor.
[Corey] The champion in control.
[crowd sings]
[Patrick] Legends like Ric Flair, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, John Cena,
they've proudly worn the title of United States champion.
That's the prize tonight.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins defending against Finn Bálor.
Two of the finest of this generation.
[Corey] Rollins delivering a forearm to Bálor in the corner,
and the champion in complete control.
Seth has maintained control through most of the fight.
-Wait a minute. -[Rollins groaning]
[Corey] Just that quickly, Bálor can turn the tables.
[referee] Three, four…
[Patrick] Just stomping all over Rollins.
Dancing on The Visionary.
[referee] Hey, come on.
No, listen to me. Get back to the ring.
Get back into the ring.
Finn now trying to drive Rollins into our announcer table.
Rollins blocks it and reverses.
[Patrick] Bálor crawls away,
and Rollins grabs hold of The Prince.
[Corey] Oh, my god.
Rollins driven into the corner of the table.
Oh, my.
I shudder to think what kind of damage that might have done to the champion.
Rollins just barely beating the official's count.
Watch this.
-[thuds] -[both groaning]
[Corey] Right into the corner of our announcer table,
into his lower abdomen,
and that could prove to be extremely damaging
to the United States champion, Seth Rollins.
[Patrick] Bálor adding to that damage, now mocking Seth Rollins.
[crowd cheers]
[Patrick] Picking up Rollins by the hair.
[Corey] When the stakes are at the highest,
these two athletes shine the brightest,
as Bálor buries a knee into the weakened abdomen of Rollins.
Oh! And again.
This is a very sound strategy by the challenger.
Bálor knows what sort of cardiovascular condition Seth Rollins is in.
Anything to weaken the champion,
it's going to make it hard for Seth to breathe.
[Patrick] Oh, cover for the victory.
Rollins is out early, but he's taken the wind from Seth Rollins.
[Corey] First you take the wind, and then you continue to attack the core.
So much of Rollins' offense is based on his core strength.
The buckle bombs, everything that Rollins does,
and Finn knows that.
Bálor does his homework.
[Patrick] Finn Bálor, a man that became the first superstar
to ever win a world title in his debut match in a premium live event,
and of course, it was that match against Rollins in 2016.
[Corey] Let's take a look once again at what went down just moments ago.
Watch the impact for Seth Rollins.
-[thuds] -[both groaning]
[Corey] Into the corner of our announce desk.
Again, that was at the lower abdomen area.
Very, very precarious situation for the champion,
and Seth looking to fight his way back into this one.
[Patrick] Yeah, as he teaches us each and every week,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins will always continue to fight.
[Corey] Bálor looking for the abdominal stretch.
Bálor continuing to focus on the midsection of Rollins.
Think Seth might have a bit of a laceration
for when he made contact with our announce table.
Finn wasting no time exploiting the weakness.
Driving the knee,
grinding his forearm into the ribcage.
This is a terribly painful situation to be in.
[Patrick] The agony on the face of Seth.
[Corey] Rollins needs to find a way to free his arm from Bálor's grip
or perhaps the leg,
and that's what Seth's focusing on.
Smart move.
[Patrick] He's out.
He's still hurting, though, but he's responding, Seth Rollins,
not once but twice.
Here we go again.
[Corey] Rollins fully aware of what's at stake,
his coveted United States Championship.
Seth soldiering forward.
[Patrick] And that has even a fighting champion as well, Seth Rollins.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Patrick] Bálor.
[Corey] Knee to the spine.
Bálor to the outside. Here comes Rollins.
Suicide dive.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Now it's Bálor flattened across our announce table.
And you can see the fire in the eyes of the champion.
[Patrick] Devastating effect of that suicide dive.
Bálor's turn to clatter into the announce desk.
[Corey] Springboard by Rollins.
[Patrick] Rollins now taking flight.
Seth's turned it around.
[Corey] And the champion beginning to roll-- Cover!
-[Patrick] Cover. -One, two…
[Patrick] To retain the title.
Kick out by Bálor.
[Corey] It's obvious the adrenaline has kicked in.
Rollins able to fight through the pain, the agony in his abdomen,
all the onslaught of offense that Bálor has provided.
Rollins continues to fight.
[crowd sings]
[Patrick] He will conduct his symphony.
You saw the wry smile from Seth Rollins who was looking for the stomp.
[Corey] The sling blade connects.
[Patrick] Oh, superkick!
[Corey] Oh, oh, oh.
Rollins making the climb to the top.
[Patrick] Bálor's out.
This could be the moment to retain the championship.
-[Corey] Oh, the knees! -[Patrick] Knees up from Bálor.
[Corey] He's got him for the win.
Ah!
[Patrick] This could go either way.
United States Championship rolls on.
It's a championship night on Monday Night Raw.
Two of the very best on the planet,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, the United States champion,
defending against Finn Bálor, and it's been end-to-end.
A pulsating clash so far.
[Corey] A seesaw battle back and forth.
Both superstars holding the advantage at certain times.
[Patrick] Taking the legs from Bálor.
[Corey] What is Rollins thinking about here?
Great power by the champion.
This is how they injured--
Ah, that was the same maneuver that Rollins injured Bálor with.
And now Bálor with the upper hand.
[Patrick] Dropkicking Rollins.
Thrown back inside the ring.
[Corey] Uh-oh. Rollins is in the drop zone.
Bálor is making the climb,
could be thinking coup de grâce.
[Patrick] The Prince looking to end it.
Scouted by Rollins, up he gets.
Wants the stomp, avoided by Bálor.
[Corey] Rollins wants a pedigree.
[Patrick] Not yet.
Roll-up though. Shoulders down.
[Corey] Tremendous power.
[Patrick] Shown from Rollins.
Cover for the win.
Kick out at two by Bálor.
[Corey] Unbelievable!
That's a testament to the toughness of Finn Bálor
and the power of the champion hoisting up Finn.
Sit-out powerbomb high across the shoulders.
I can't believe Bálor survived,
but this was moments before.
Dropkick rocks the champion into the barricade.
Bálor saw daylight and sets the title.
[crowd chants] "This is awesome"
[Patrick] As expected, an unbelievable clash
between Seth Rollins and Finn Bálor here in Louisville, Kentucky.
A packed house witnessing this banger.
[Corey] Rollins, now making a slow methodical climb,
still feeling the effects of the corner of the table.
[Patrick] Bálor in a perilous position.
[Corey] Rollins wants the phoenix splash, nobody home.
[Patrick] Oh, another dropkick at pace into the turnbuckle.
[Corey] The door is open, can Bálor finish the job?
Can Finn deliver the dagger to the champion?
[Patrick] There's an urgency about Bálor now.
This could be his moment, but Rollins responds,
and that's got to hurt.
[Corey] Seth bought himself some time.
Now joining Finn.
[Patrick] Rollins gets the feet set,
has a hold of Finn Bálor.
Superplex.
-[Corey] Rolls through. -[Patrick] Still has Bálor.
[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Patrick] The Prince turns it around, though.
-And look at this. -[Corey] That might do it.
[Corey] 1916 for the victory for Finn Bálor.
So close and he knows it.
[Corey] Rollins survives, Rollins fights on.
That could have been it for Finn Bálor.
That could have been Finn's best and perhaps final shot.
Bálor got it all.
Hoisting the champion up,
driving Rollins down, 1916,
but not enough to dethrone the champion.
[Patrick] This was earlier on, scouted by Bálor.
Look at this for a dropkick.
[Corey] And Finn, once again, attacking the core,
now focusing on the kidneys and lower back of Seth "Freakin" Rollins
who is in a bad, bad way.
[Patrick] No doubt still feeling the effects
after he hammered into our announce desk earlier tonight.
Rollins kick to the gut.
Looking for pedigree.
Reverse by Bálor.
[Corey] Double stomp, nobody home.
Rollins continues to look for the buckle bomb out of instinct.
Falcon arrow!
-[Corey] That might do it. -[Patrick] Is this it?
[Patrick] Rollins to retain.
[Corey] Wow!
That was a great job by our official Shawn Bennett.
Obviously, Bálor's shoulders were not both down on the mat.
Seth had to readjust so the count could be executed,
which allowed Finn just an iota of time to recover and survive.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Well, now the champion smells blood.
[Patrick] Rollins perhaps looking for the stomp, but wait a second.
-[Patrick] Of course. -[Corey] We were forced to not assume--
[Corey] Wait, wait, wait! No, no, no.
[Patrick] Look at this, Finn Bálor now. Kick out by Rollins.
The match still continues with Judgment Day watching on.
Blow to the back of the neck of Bálor.
[Corey] The challenger's down.
Damian Priest out of harm's way.
Double leg, double stomp!
[Patrick] Rollins distracted by Damian Priest a moment ago.
[Corey] Rollins had to assume at some point this was a possibility.
Where Bálor goes, The Judgment Day follows.
[Patrick] The numbers game in favor of Finn Bálor…
until now.
-[Corey] Uh-oh! And Mia Yim. -[Patrick] It's The O.C.!
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Gallows and Anderson neutralizing Dominik,
neutralizing Priest.
Mia bringing the fight to Rhea.
It is chaos.
[Corey] And it's the first time we've seen Mia Yim and Rhea Ripley go at it.
There's Karl Anderson.
[Corey] Anderson sends Dominik to the outside.
Bálor takes the machine gun out.
[Patrick] Absolute mayhem.
[Corey] Yim and Rhea battling out into the WWE universe.
Priest!
Oh! Damian Priest just propelled Anderson over the desk.
Priest, out to the front row.
[Patrick] Gallows was going to work, but back inside the ring.
Dropkick!
Bálor with that wry smile.
He's going to climb.
[Corey] Chaos, panic, disorder, it's where The Judgment Day thrive.
Oh! AJ Styles!
[Patrick] It's AJ Styles thwarting the plans of Finn Bálor.
[clamoring]
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Now Gallows being dragged over the barricade.
[Patrick] Now two-on-one against Damian Priest.
There goes Dominik Mysterio to help out.
[Corey] Absolute madness in Louisville.
[Patrick] This is all in the middle of a United States Championship match.
[crowd cheers]
-[Corey] Rollins! -[Patrick] Here we go, back inside.
-[Corey] Stomp. -[Patrick] Stomp on Bálor.
-[Patrick] Stomp on Bálor to retain! -[crowd yells "One, two, three"]
-[Patrick] He's got it. -[bell rings]
["Visionary" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner and still
the United States champion,
Seth--
-[Corey] Oh! -[Patrick] Austin Theory!
[Patrick] Out of nowhere.
[Corey] Austin Theory attacking Rollins.
[Patrick] He has beaten Rollins to a pulp.
[Corey] A-Town Down to the United States champion.
[crowd boos]
[Patrick] He said he was making a statement earlier tonight,
and he hasn't been held back.
He's out again to brutalize Rollins.
[Corey] Obviously, Theory wasn't finished making his statement.
The Visionary, huh?
[Corey] And tonight's statement now,
it was Dolph Ziggler,
now Seth Rollins.
[Shawn] Hey, man, enough!
Knock it off, man. What's wrong with you?
[Theory] The Visionary, huh?
[Shawn] Enough! Come on, Theory!
Get off of him.
[Corey] Obviously, last week's failure to cash-in the Money in the Bank contract
on Seth Rollins still fresh in the mind,
still a driving force for "The Now"
Austin Theory.
[Patrick] A-Town Down!
And that pent-up anger there for all to see.
[crowd boos]
[Corey] For this young man, tonight, anger is a gift.
[crowd booing, chanting]
[Corey] Austin Theory not content,
not finished yet.
[Patrick] He's got the championship and he's doing damage with it,
taking out Rollins.
[crowd boos]
[Corey] And nobody's stopping him.
[crowd boos] obody's stopping him.