[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Rick Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ I got a vision I see in my head ♪
♪ A melody buried deep in my soul ♪
♪ They call us crazy We're cutting the edge ♪
♪ Decide that our stories Are gonna be told ♪
♪ Break the rules Break the laws ♪
♪ This the moment we change it all ♪
♪ Yeah, greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, feels like greatness ♪
♪ Legendary in the making ♪
♪ Reach out and we take it ♪
♪ About to emerge, we're on the verge ♪
♪ And it feels like greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, it feels like greatness… ♪
[fireworks exploding]
♪ About to emerge, we're on the verge ♪
♪ And it feels like greatness ♪
♪ Woo, greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, it feels like greatness… ♪
[Kevin] We're coming to you live from the Capitol One Arena
in our nation's capital of Washington, D.C.,
where tensions are running high
with the record-setting tag team titles on the line.
Buckle up, folks!
This is Monday Night Raw!
["Done With That" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the Undisputed
WWE Tag Team Championship!
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring
by Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn,
they are the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy and Jey,
The Usos!
[Kevin] A united Bloodline have arrived in Washington, D.C.
Five-hundred-and-five days now. Tag Team Champions.
A record-setting reign.
Jimmy and Jey Uso will do everything and anything
to uphold their status at the mountaintop.
And when I say anything, earlier today,
on arriving at the arena here in Washington, D.C.,
this broke down just outside.
[Corey] The Usos and The Bloodline looking for an upper hand.
♪ It's not paranoia It's The Usos ♪
[indistinct chatter]
-Yeet, my dawgs! -[whooping]
-We are up in here! -Are we here?
Monday Night Raw! Bloodline's in the house!
We're running it. We're running it.
What's up, baby?
Let's get it.
Excuse me. Bloodline. How're you guys doing?
A big tag team title defense tonight against both Matt Riddle and--
[indistinct commotion]
-Are you crazy? Hey! -You better watch out, fool!
Yo. Yo, we got him.
You're going to pay for that one, dawg.
Well, I was trying to ask you about your defense tonight against--
Hey, it don't matter, Saxton,
because we're gonna get him and his partner tonight
like we get every other tag team in the game!
Yes, sir. Riddle and Elias wanna challenge us for our Tag Team Championships?
Well, guess who showed up on Monday Night Raw, baby?
We The Ones. We here. We're going to--
Guys, guys, hey, what's all the noise about?
[Sikoa grunts]
[indistinct shouting, grunting]
[high-pitched laughter, whooping]
[Jey] That's what you get when you mess with The Bloodline!
-[Jimmy] Okay. -Let's go!
That's what I'm talking about, Uso.
[Jey] Yeah, that's a platinum record.
He platinum now.
We're gonna remix them some.
Oh, damn, I think he's hurt! [laughs]
[Corey] Elias learning first hand
you step to The Bloodline at your own peril.
-[music fades] -[crowd cheering]
Hey, hey!
Washington, D.C.!
The Bloodline is now in your your city!
[crowd cheering]
But we got some bad news tonight.
Because the Tag Team Championship match
that was supposed to go down is officially canceled. [laughing]
[crowd booing]
That's because the enforcer, Solo Sikoa,
done bodied Elias out there in the parking lot.
Now, we all know everybody came out to see The Bloodline compete.
But look at the bright side. Here's the bright side.
Matt Riddle don't got to be humiliated tonight.
And Elias can take his ass home
and work on any song he wants to. [laughs]
-Bet! -So the--
Sorry. It just felt like a good time for a bet. I'm…
-Right. You're right. -Sorry. Sorry. Carry on.
So The Usos can look forward and concentrate
on being the best tag team ever
and defend these championships to whoever want to run up.
But if they do run up, they will get done up,
because every single tag team in that locker room, they the twos…
[all] And We The Ones!
[indistinct shouting]
["We Up" playing]
[Corey] A disappointing turn of events for Matt Riddle and Elias,
but The Original Bro is still in the house.
[Riddle] Bro. Bro.
First of all… First of all, it wasn't so cool of you guys
to take on my partner Elias tonight, dude.
Like, tonight was his first night to finally get WWE gold.
And honestly, if I'm being real,
it's not really like The Bloodline to run from a fight.
I would say it's not very, how you say…
-[crowd] Ucey… -Ucey?
-Yeah. -Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo…
Hold up, my dawg.
My dawg?
Let me explain something to you, all right?
You are not the one who decides what is or isn't Ucey.
Maybe you don't understand. I'm something of an expert in the field, yeah?
In fact, I happen to be a certified Usologist.
[crowd laughing, cheering]
-Usologist? -I'll be the one to tell you
what is and isn't Ucey.
For example, Solo…
[crowd] Ucey.
Solo showing once again why he is the enforcer,
destroying Elias, taking him out of commission.
-That… -[crowd] Ucey!
That's Ucey.
The Usos continuing to be
the longest-reigning Tag Team Champions in history,
that… That…
[crowd] Ucey!
That's Ucey!
You coming out here running your mouth,
thinking you ever had a chance at beating The Bloodline,
that, my dawg, that it is not Ucey, okay?
So, unless you want to suffer the same fate as your tag team partner,
I suggest you turn around right now and go home, okay?
[man] Bring back Randy!
[indistinct chatter]
Well, matter of fact, I did find a tag team partner.
And you know what?
There will be a Tag Team Championship Match tonight!
[crowd cheering]
Now… Now, me and this guy really don't get along.
I wouldn't… really not bros.
But one thing for sure is we both hate The Bloodline.
[indistinct chatter]
Well, you know it. Come out!
["Fight" playing]
[commentators exclaiming]
[Kevin] Kevin Owens may have said he's done with Sami Zayn,
but he's certainly never said and that he's done with The Bloodline.
[Corey] KO, "The Prizefighter" marching to the ring alongside Matt Riddle.
We're going to have a Tag Team Title Match after all!
[Kevin] They may not be bros,
but, man, what an opportunity this is for Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle.
[Corey] Far be it from The Usos
and the entire Bloodline to make strategic errors.
But taking Elias out of this match may have made things worse for the champions.
[Kevin] No time to prepare for Kevin Owens.
This is a championship match coming your way here on Monday Night Raw.
-Five-hundred-and-five days as champion. -[bell rings]
The Usos now go up against KO and Matt Riddle.
[Corey] Off the opening bell, Owens able to block Jey's Superkick attempt,
and KO teeing off on one half of the champions.
[Kevin] Kevin Owens, all we have to do is go back to Monday Night Raw
and how it ended. KO with a magnificent victory.
Oh, look at that Senton on Uso!
[Corey] Tremendous impact. Into the cover!
[Kevin] For the victory early… Kick out.
[Corey] And Jey Uso certainly hasn't forgotten
last week here on Monday Night Raw.
Owens arguably still riding high on the wave of momentum post WarGames.
[wrestlers grunting]
[Corey] Owens stepping up to the plate,
and could walk out of our nation's capital
as one half of the Undisputed Tag Team Champions!
-Clear the deck! -[wrestlers grunting]
[Kevin] You got a valid point here, Corey.
The Usos weren't exactly preparing to face Kevin Owens, were they?
[Corey] Absolutely not!
Owens, flattening Jey.
[Kevin] Is The Usos' reign in peril?
-[wrestlers grunting] -[crowd cheering]
[Owens yells]
[Corey] Can the champs get back in this title match?
What're you looking at?
[Corey] We're only seconds away from the new champions!
[Kevin] Kevin Owens hooks the legs! Kick out by Uso.
Jimmy Uso, just about alive. Welcome back, folks.
From the Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C.,
you're witnessing an Undisputed Tag Team Championship match,
The Usos, a record 505 days as champions,
and this just happened.
Cannonball by KO!
[Corey] Kevin Owens stepping up. Moonsault at the top of your screen
onto Jimmy Uso! Owens, again into the cover!
[Kevin] Kick out early.
[Corey] The Bloodline were able to take Elias out of this tag team equation,
leaving Riddle without a partner,
to which Kevin Owens proudly stepped up,
looking to dethrone The Usos.
[Kevin] Tag made, in comes Riddle.
[wrestlers grunting]
[Kevin] No doubt a furious competitor now, no Elias by his side.
[Corey] And almost since the opening bell, The Usos have been unable to thwart
the offensive onslaught of Riddle and--
-[Kevin] Oh, look at this! -There we go.
-Jey Uso-- -[Corey] Just takes one second.
[Kevin] The referee looking away, and Jey Uso has his say,
taking out Riddle.
Tag made.
-Usos going to work on Matt Riddle. -[Riddle screams]
[Corey] No shortage of history between Matt Riddle and The Usos.
And we looked, moments ago, how the tides turned!
Jeu Uso from the outside, unbeknownst to the official.
And now, The Usos in complete control.
Jimmy and Jey, taking great pride and enjoyment
in stomping the life out of Matt Riddle.
Who could forget the classic encounter Matt Riddle had
with the "Head of the Table" Roman Reigns several months ago.
[Kevin] And even before that, back in May, The Usos taking out Randy Orton…
-[wrestlers grunting] -…tag partner with Riddle on RK-Bro,
in the same way, in a similar way that he took out Elias.
[Corey] If you are just tuning in,
The Usos' historic WWE Undisputed Tag Team Title reign
on the line tonight.
Jimmy and Jey have been champions for 505 days and counting,
as we look once again at the flawless teamwork of The Usos.
And that, to me, is what's going to make all the difference.
As Jimmy Uso makes the climb to the top rope,
backbreaker by Jey.
[Kevin] Usos going to work, Jimmy takes out Riddle!
Cover, once more to retain-- Riddle kicks out.
[Corey] Understandably, The Usos thrown off their game slightly
by the arrival and appearance of Kevin Owens.
The Usos were preparing for Elias as Matt Riddle's tag team partner,
but it all ultimately comes down to tag team chemistry,
and The Usos, unmatched.
Owens and Riddle, fantastic tag team competitors in the past,
but not alongside one another.
And that's what it all boils down to.
[Kevin] Riddle saying earlier on, "We're not bros," when speaking about KO.
Look at that! Jimmy Uso, what a devastating dig to Riddle!
[Corey] The uppercut nearly turned The Original Bro's lights out.
And you can't discount the value of "The Honorary Uce"
Sami Zayn, at ringside, as well as Solo Sikoa.
Before Sami was an Honorary Uce, he was known as The Master Strategist.
I assure you, Sami's watching everything
like a great coach on the sidelines right now.
[Kevin] Riddle, now at pace off the ropes, collected! Oh, my word!
Tag team action by The Usos!
And they are on a roll. Hook of the leg to put away Riddle and KO!
Kick out by Riddle.
[Corey] This is where The Usos can slip back into their comfort zone.
They've cut the ring in half, isolated Matt Riddle from Kevin Owens.
And this is where Jimmy and Jey do their work.
[Sami] All day, all day, all day!
[Kevin] We did receive breaking news.
The winner of this match, the Tag Team Champions,
will face Sheamus and Butch
for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles on Friday Night SmackDown.
Drew McIntyre, medically disqualified for that match.
[Corey] No rest for the weary, no matter who wins this matchup,
no matter who leaves Washington, D.C. as Tag Team Champions!
It's gonna be The Usos! That's gotta--
[Kevin] Is this the moment for Jey Uso and The Usos?
Kick out by Riddle! Riddle and KO are still alive.
-[indistinct chatter] -[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] It's an electric match here in Washington, D.C.
The Undisputed Tag Team Championships on the line.
A record-setting 505 days.
But is this to be it for The Usos?
[Corey] Here comes "The Prizefighter", Owens, from the top rope!
[commentators] Swanton Bomb!
-[Corey] That might do it! -[Kevin] All over Jimmy Uso on the cover
for the victory and the titles!
Kickout by Jimmy.
[Corey] Remember, The Usos were not prepared for the threat
that is Kevin Owens tonight.
[Kevin] Kevin Owens taking out Jey Uso last week,
and now he's back for more with The Bloodline.
[Corey] The Usos in danger of having their record-setting title reign
go up in smoke at the hands of Owens!
-Stunner! -[Kevin] Doesn't quite pull it off.
Catches… Oh!
Kick to the face of Jimmy Uso!
[Corey] Oh, and wants the Pop-Up Powerbomb!
-Jimmy had it scouted! -[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] And kicks the taste out of Kevin's mouth.
[banging on mat nearby]
[Kevin] KO is seeing stars, Matt Riddle wants in, Sami Zayn can barely watch.
[Corey] Take a look at this.
Owens wanted to end this, looking for the home run shot.
Jimmy Uso had it scouted and shut KO's lights out with a Superkick.
Now, it's Jimmy Uso who desperately needs the…
-[Kevin] Tag made! -Here comes Riddle!
Here comes Jey Uso!
[Kevin] Oh!
Riddle connects with Jey, the kick will--
[Corey] Jey answers with a kick to the guts! Oh!
[Kevin] Jey, now…
Riddle taking out Jey Uso, on the outside!
[Corey] Jey Uso launched to the outside of the ring
at the feet of Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa.
Uh-oh.
[referee] Solo, back it up. You're not part of the match. Back off!
[Corey] The enforcer of The Bloodline doing his job!
Riddle just took out Solo!
O! Jey rocks KO again!
[Kevin] What are we seeing here? It's absolute madness ringside!
Riddle now just chucking Jey Uso back inside.
[indistinct shouting]
[Corey] Riddle was paying attention to Sami Zayn.
Meanwhile, The Usos made a tag.
Jimmy Uso, the legal competitor, unbeknownst to Riddle.
Jimmy smelled danger, back inside.
Superkick to the face of Riddle.
-Oh! They've nailed it! -[Corey] 3D!
They've nailed it!
-Cover, to retain… -[crowd] One, two,
-three! -They've done it!
-[bell rings] -["Done With That" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, and still
the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
The Usos!
[Corey] As you would imagine,
Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle put up a hell of a fight tonight.
Riddle, risking it all. Sami Zayn would actually help
Jey Uso out of harm's way!
As Riddle dunked Jey back in the ring, Sami drew Riddle's attention.
The tag is made, classic textbook Uso strategy.
One and done!
Thanks for coming. Thanks for stepping up to the plate, Matt Riddle.
But the result remains the same for The Bloodline.
-And still… -[Kevin] Oh, wait, hang on a second.
They want more.
They're kicking off here on Matt Riddle.
He's left lifeless in the ring.
[Corey] Obviously, The Bloodline's taken offense to the--
[Kevin] Here's Kevin Owens! Chair to Jimmy!
[Corey] KO with the equalizer, running off the champions.
[Kevin] KO is not backing down from anybody.
-Up the ramp he goes. -[Corey] Oh, he's like a man possessed,
swinging for anything that moves!
-Oh, but, wait a second. -[Kevin] It's the enforcer.
[Corey] Solo Sikoa now,
-doing the dirty work of The Bloodline. -[wrestlers grunting]
KO nowhere to be seen, and Solo is doing some serious damage on Riddle!
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Uh-oh. Oh, no.
Solo Sikoa…
[yells]
[Corey] The Samoan Spike to the throat of Matt Riddle!
[yells]
[Corey] The enforcer has been unleashed on The Original Bro.
Solo Sikoa backing it up.
[Kevin] Oh, my word!
Riddle needs help.
Solo Sikoa now the man possessed.
[Corey] This is about teaching The Original Bro
a lesson on behalf of the entire Bloodline.
[Kevin] Riddle can only watch on.
[Sikoa grunts]
[Corey] Oh, no. Solo…
Solo Sikoa is out of control.
-Don't do this, Solo. Don't do this! -[yelling]
[Kevin] No, don't do it! Oh!
-[Corey] Get some help out here. -[yelling]
[Kevin] Where's security?
[crowd booing]
[Riddle groaning]
[Corey] The Street Champ…
leaving a mark.
Possible long-term damage to Matt Riddle.
[Kevin] Not for the first time tonight, Solo Sikoa making a ruthless statement,
taking out Elias.
-And now, Riddle. -[Corey] First Elias, now Matt Riddle.
Look at this impact.
A full head of steam,
backing it up onto the steel chair
wrapped around Riddle's face and neck.
-[indistinct chatter] -[Riddle groaning]
[Corey] We've got some officials out here to tend to The Original Bro.
Riddle is hurt bad.
Ice cold. Solo Sikoa.
-[Riddle groaning] -[Corey] Remorseless.
[Kevin] Expressionless look on the enforcer.
[Corey] Solo doing what he was brought to WWE to do,
to enforce on behalf of the Head of the Table,
on behalf of the entire Bloodline.
[Riddle continues groaning]
[Corey] As Matt Riddle finding out firsthand…
[indistinct chatter]
[Kevin] Well, folks, the path to Bianca Belair
and the Raw Women's Championship has been laid out,
and it's a treacherous journey ahead for six former Raw Women's Champions.
We're gonna see a Triple Threat. Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross.
But that's just one of our Triple Threat Matches, Corey.
[Corey] Six former Raw Women's Champions.
You mentioned those three, and then, our second Triple Threat of the night,
"The Empress of Tomorrow" Asuka,
Bayley, and "The Nightmare" Rhea Ripley, of The Judgment Day
will compete in our second Triple Threat.
The winners of both matches will compete next week
on Monday Night Raw to determine the next challenger,
to Bianca Belair's Raw Women's Championship.
You know…
[crowd booing]
Bayley and Asuka, they're both credible.
They've both been Women's Champion.
They've both been Tag Team Champion.
They're both very, very good at what they do.
But you know what they're not?
They're not Rhea-bloody-Ripley.
-No. Not even close. -[laughs] Nope.
So, when I'm done with them tonight, and they're laying in that ring,
crying their little eyes out, and I move on to Bianca Belair,
for the Raw Women's Championship,
man, when I'm done with Bianca,
the whole Raw women's locker room,
they're going to be calling me "Mommy."
[laughter]
I like that. Oh, yeah.
[whispering indistinctly]
-Sick. -Give me some.
-Hell, yeah. -[laughs]
-Bye, guys. -Mommy champ.
-[laughs] -[Dominik] Mommy champ.
[Corey] No doubt about it.
It's going to be a red hot night in the Raw women's division.
How can you bet against Rhea Ripley with the tear she's been on recently?
Yeah, Rhea Ripley knows she's just two victories away this week and next
from facing Bianca Belair down the road.
I still can't get over how we kicked off Monday Night Raw tonight.
We promised an Undisputed Tag Team Championship match,
five-hundred-and-five-day reign. Look at this. This is Sami Zayn
saving Jey Uso.
[Corey] It seems like a sight we should have never seen.
But after the results of WarGames and a united Bloodline,
including Sami Zayn and Jey Uso, who were once at odds,
Sami would draw Riddle's attention and allow Jey to tag Jimmy Uso,
opening the door for the champions…
Oh!
…to overwhelm the challenger, Matt Riddle,
with the 1D, one and done.
And still…
-Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. -[bell rings]
[Kevin] If you thought that's where it ended, man, were you wrong.
Look at this. KO chasing down The Usos and Sami Zayn with a chair,
leaving Matt Riddle alone in the ring
with the enforcer, Solo Sikoa, who went to war on Matt Riddle.
This was just hard to watch at some points.
[Corey] The Street Champion delivering
a little additional punishment for Matt Riddle after a hell of a match.
Look at this. With a steel chair wrapped around Riddle's head and neck,
Solo delivering the exclamation point.
Matt Riddle tended to by emergency medical technicians.
This was during the break.
Riddle very carefully loaded onto a stretcher and taken out of the arena.
We will do our best to keep you posted on Matt Riddle's condition
as we receive updates.
[Kevin] You have to worry about the safety
and the well-being of Matt Riddle. Again, similar scenes to what they did
to Randy Orton back in May,
when they became the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.
Kevin, how about we lighten the mood a little bit?
How about we have a little fun?
It was an extremely intense beginning to Monday Night Raw.
-Let's play some games, shall we? -We shall, indeed.
Because the Hall of Famer, JBL, is in the house.
And as promised, he's holding JBL's Poker Invitational.
[overlapping chatter]
Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to the JBL Poker Invitational,
an event that will become as big a tradition
as the Masters, the Olympics,
as grand a spectacle as Wrestlemania.
Now, I know a lot of you don't see eye-to-eye.
And, Tozawa, nobody likes you.
-[laughter] -[indistinct chatter]
But poker is a gentleman and gentle-woman's sport.
Especially in the high-stakes room.
The rules are simple. It is a dime ante.
Ten, 20k buys…
[man] What is this? Why do you have a purse?
I assume you don't get mail up at the Crystal Lake.
But, Jason, it's an invitational.
And I can guarantee you, I did not invite you to you two--
You one-and-a-half.
-[laughter] -[indistinct chatter]
And besides, you just signed a WWE contract.
I doubt you have the 50-dime buy in to get in.
So, why don't you just go stare at somebody uncomfortably outside?
Show him. Show him what you got.
[people cheering and chattering]
Welcome to the JBL Invitational.
-Let's get this party started. -Yes!
[cheering, chattering continues]
["Role Model" playing]
[Kevin] Would you really play poker against Dexter Lumis?
[Corey] Absolutely not.
JBL, on the other hand…
Hard to find a more trustworthy individual.
So, we may be joined by one right now.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest
is a Triple Threat Match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from San Jose, California,
representing Damage CTRL,
Bayley!
[Kevin] Bayley took to social media earlier on today
to say, "Bianca, you thought the war was over."
But Bayley gets another path at Bianca Belair
and the Raw Women's Championship in tonight's Triple Threat.
Win, and she's into the final next week against the winner
of the later-to-come Triple Threat Match here on Raw.
[Corey] You have to imagine Bayley is one of the favorites
to emerge victorious as the number-one contender
coming out of next week.
Sure, Bayley hasn't necessarily had the greatest success rate
against Bianca Belair in recent history.
But this is Bayley we're talking about.
Bayley has been at the top of the division,
a pillar, I dare say,
-of the women's division… -This is my night!
…in WWE on both Raw and SmackDown over the years.
Look at your future Women's Champion…
[Kevin] Bayley, a Grand Slam Champion in WWE.
One of the most decorated Superstars in the women's locker room
-in the history of WWE. -[Lynch] Hey, Bayley!
-[Corey] Wait a minute. What? -[Kevin] Who is this?
[Lunch] Hey, hey…
[crowd cheering]
Hey, old pal!
-[Corey] It's The Man. -I don't know if I can call ya pal anymore
seeing as you and your cronies keep trying to jump me.
But I was… I was…
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
Guys. Guys, I was just up at the merch stand,
reminiscing about how fun it was last week,
when I got to beat up Bayley and her two cronies at one time.
That was awesome.
It would be awesome if you hurry this up.
I got stuff to do, Becky.
Yeah, well, you know… Did you know…
Did you know, Bayley, that it is…
Well, did you know that this is a great sign right here?
[crowd whooping]
[Bayley] Why don't you just have a seat next to her, okay? I--
Did you-- Did you also know that it's been over three years
since we've faced each other one-on-one, huh?
And I don't-- I don't think we even
scratched the surface because, well, I was gone.
And then, you were here, and, well-- Hey, by the way, great job.
You held the company on your back during the ThunderDome era.
Yeah, yeah, she did. She did. You were a champion.
You were champion. Double champion.
Sometimes doing double duty. Sometimes, triple duty.
You guys can cheer for that.
[crowd booing]
Yeah, yeah, you did-- You did awesome. And then?
And then, I came back, but you were gone.
And then, you came back, but I was gone.
You're repeating yourself. We all know the history, Becky.
I don't know if you know this, and I'm sure you do,
'cause you've got a match yourself. I'm about to win
a Triple Threat Match to face Bianca Belair later.
So, you don't need to tell me our history.
You don't need to tell me the last time we have a match
because it doesn't matter right now, Becks.
Stop reminiscing in the past.
Look, you're coming down-- You're coming down these stairs,
you're interrupting matches. You're interrupting my stories, my magic,
joining WarGames, just thinking you could do whatever you want--
Yeah, yeah, I kind of do.
[Bayley chuckles]
-You know what, Becky? -I was just trying to catch up.
Do you know what the difference is between me and you?
And I'm noticing it now more than ever.
When you're here, the spotlight is all about you, isn't it?
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
You guys make it worse.
She doesn't care about you guys. You don't care about anybody else.
I care about everyone. I care about the WWE.
[crowd booing]
And that's exactly what I've been doing
while you've been gone, while you've been out hurt.
That's why I have Dakota and Iyo with me
because I'm looking out for the future for you idiots.
I'm looking out for the locker room.
-[crowd booing] -I look at the bigger picture, Becky.
You just look in the mirror and see yourself!
You guys don't cheer for that, huh?
You have no respect for what I'm trying to do for this place?
[crowd continues booing]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky!
[imperceptible]
Well, you know, you are…
You are looking out for them, right?
And… And you guys have been successful.
Damage CTRL have been successful.
Well, actually, two thirds of Damage CTRL have been successful
because I can see two champions, and one loser.
[crowd exclaiming]
But, hey, I hope you win your match tonight.
And maybe, finally, we can go one-on-one once again
and make some more history,
you know, if you're woman enough to face The Man.
[crowd cheering]
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[Corey] Becky doing her best to get under the skin of Bayley
before this Triple Threat matchup.
[Kevin] In Bayley's way tonight, Rhea Ripley.
A determined Rhea Ripley…
staring down Becky Lynch.
[Corey] It could be a glimpse into the future.
This could be in the cards for next week on Monday Night Raw,
if both win their respective Triple Threat Matches.
A smirk of confidence on the face of Ripley.
-[imperceptible] -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Icy stare from The Eradicator being met
with an unflinching gaze from The Man.
Rhea better turn her attention to the task at hand,
and not focus on the future.
You see, Lynch sarcastically wish Ripley good luck.
I don't know if Rhea's going to need luck.
Rhea Ripley may be the most physically dominant female in all of WWE.
And I say that with respect for the athleticism of Bianca Belair,
the power of Raquel…
[announcer] Next, representing The Judgment Day,
Rhea Ripley!
[Corey] It's all about attitude.
Rhea Ripley wants another crack at the champion.
[Kevin] Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch will pass for now.
There may be no avoiding each other next week.
If "The Nightmare" Rhea Ripley can be victorious,
it's a Triple Threat Match to come to qualify for next week's match.
And it's Asuka, Bayley, and Rhea Ripley.
That's next on Monday Night Raw.
-["You Can't Hide" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Welcome back, folks. We're in Washington, D.C.
You're watching Monday Night Raw. Triple Threat action to come.
Asuka has entered the building.
[announcer] And her opponent, from Osaka, Japan,
Asuka!
[Corey] You should never, under any circumstance,
bet against "The Empress of Tomorrow" Asuka.
She could leave Washington, D.C. tonight prepared for battle next week
to find out who will be number-one contender.
[Kevin] Well, folks, Monday Night Raw is presented by DoorDash,
a neighborhood of good in every order.
[Corey] Asuka knows what it means to hold the Raw Women's Championship.
What I would like to see is a bit of a return to form.
Once upon a time, in the not so distant past,
Aska was arguably the most feared woman in WWE,
if not the most feared Superstar overall.
If Asuka can tap into that side that we've seen in the past,
there's a very real possibility
that the Empress of Tomorrow could emerge victorious in this one.
[Kevin] What a night we have here on Monday Night Raw.
Six former Raw Women's Champions
battling it out in two separate Triple Threat Matches.
The winner of each match tonight will then clash next week
in one-on-one action
-with enormous implications. -[bell rings]
[Corey] Oh! Asuka, out of the gate, strong.
The second Triple Threat is still to come tonight. Becky--
Whoa! Shoulders down!
[Kevin] Look at Rhea Ripley looking to put this one away early.
[Corey] Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross
will collide in the other Triple Threat tonight.
Ripley, once again from behind, shoulders down!
-[Kevin] Kick out by Bayley. -[Corey] A smart strategy
by all of these women, looking for the early advantage,
trying to steal a pin with minimal exertion.
[Kevin] Winner by pinfall or submission.
How do you handle the powerhouse that is Rhea Ripley?
[Corey] Don't ask Asuka,
because The Empress certainly hasn't figured it out.
-[wrestlers grunting] -[Kevin] Oh!
-Rhea Ripley looking to put away Asuka. -[Corey] Cover!
[Kevin] Shoulders are down, kick out by Asuka.
Dominik is saying, on The Bump this week, WWE's The Bump, that Rhea Ripley
would have won WarGames were it not for Asuka's Green Mist
-in the face of Ripley. -[Corey] It was a very valid observation
by an intelligent young man in Dominik Mysterio.
[wrestlers grunting]
And where do you, Kevin Patrick, get off calling Rhea Ripley a succubus?
[Kevin] I didn't say that word. I don't even know how to spell it.
[Corey] That's what she thinks you said. Bayley looking to take down Ripley.
But Rhea just too strong, and Bayley avoided disaster
-in the stomp from The Eradicator. -[Bayley] What's up, Mommy?
[Kevin] The so-called Role Model in an exchange here
-with Rhea Ripley. -[wrestlers grunting]
[Corey] Ripley hanging on to the top rope.
[Kevin] Picks up Bayley with ease. Blocks the right.
-[wrestlers grunting] -[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Big, heavy right by Ripley bulldozing Bayley back into the corner.
And now, shoulders over and over to the abdomen of The Role Model.
[Kevin] Oh! Making that suplex look simple.
We talk about Rhea Ripley as the X-factor for The Judgment Day.
But she may be the X-factor and more,
en route back to the Raw Women's Championship.
-Ooh! -[wrestlers grunting]
[Kevin] Dominant display so far.
[Corey] A sickening thud across the back of Bayley
-with a big-time forearm from Ripley! -[wrestlers grunting]
[Kevin] A sadistic smile on the face of Rhea.
[Corey] Ripley grinning ear to ear.
Just a reminder. This match, it can only be decided by pinfall or submission.
No count out, no disqualification under Triple Threat rules.
I would look for all three of these women to capitalize…
Oh! On the flexibility within the rules tonight,
Rhea playing fair-and-square and just woman-handling both competitors.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] We can't forget, before the commercial break,
that stare down between Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch.
Who knows, the matchup we could very well see if Rhea is successful here,
and Becky Lynch successful later on tonight.
[Corey] Asuka doing her best to fight back into this matchup.
-Bayley now from behind. -[wrestlers grunting]
Fantastic teamwork. Ripley's down!
[Kevin] You said it, Corey. Teamwork.
-On Rhea Ripley. -[wrestlers chattering indistinctly]
[Corey] Strategically necessary alliance!
And Ripley, shoulder first into the ring post.
[Kevin] Just decapitating Rhea Ripley.
Well, Bayley turns her attention to Asuka.
Maybe a smart play by both Asuka and Bayley.
-[Bayley screams] -[Corey] It's brilliant.
-Asuka now… -[wrestlers grunting]
-Bayley out of harm's way just in time. -[Kevin] Taking the legs from Asuka.
-Outside the ring, they go. -[wrestlers grunting]
Face-first into the barricade.
-[crowd cheering] -[man] Bayley!
[Kevin] Bayley, insulted earlier on by Becky Lynch.
-[Corey] Oh, wait! Ripley from nowhere! -Rhea Ripley's back in the game.
[Corey] Triple Threat. Who will survive?
[man] Go, Rhea!
[Kevin] We're in the midst of a grueling Triple Threat Match
between Asuka, Bayley, and Rhea Ripley.
The victor from this match will then take on, next week,
the winner from a match later on tonight
between Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross,
a match that has massive implications for the Raw Women's Championship,
Corey Graves, as Bianca Belair waiting in the wings
to find out who will be the number-one contender.
[Corey] I assure you that The EST keeping a close eye
on both of these Triple Threat Matches tonight.
Here we see Bayley and Rhea Ripley working together temporarily.
A strategic alliance in a Triple Threat Match
is a relatively familiar sight because it's tried and true.
It works. Work together to eliminate that third wheel,
and then, you have a one-on-one competition.
[Kevin] How can Rhea Ripley trust Bayley
-after she turned on her earlier tonight? -[wrestlers grunting]
[Corey] Well, I mean, listen, I…
I don't know why Rhea thinks the way she does. Look at this!
[Kevin] Look at this from Asuka. The speed.
Creative arsenal on show here from Asuka!
These two have history
going back to Wrestlemania last year,
and, of course, from WarGames just over a week ago.
Ooh! Kick to the side of the head of Rhea Ripley.
[wrestlers grunting]
[Corey] The power of Ripley on display yet again.
Asuka wanted to use Bayley as a launchpad,
still connected with Ripley somehow.
It was ugly, but it was effective.
I don't know how much Asuka got of that back kick,
but a firm side headlock applied and Asuka takes down Bayley.
[Kevin] Asuka's now rolling.
Rhea Ripley, her sight's set on Asuka, swing and a miss.
Asuka knees to the jaw of Ripley.
This could be it.
The opportunity for Asuka to seal it.
Kick out by Rhea.
[Corey] Asuka didn't have the legs hooked deeply enough.
Didn't have enough of her weight across the massive shoulders of Rhea Ripley
to keep The Eradicator down for three.
As we look again.
The Empress of Tomorrow,
knees to the face of Ripley.
-Hooks the leg… -[referee] One, two…
…but Ripley able to escape with relative ease.
[Kevin] The first woman to gain pinfall or submission
is the victor here in this Triple Threat Match.
Asuka just kicking off here on Rhea Ripley and Bayley.
Powerful right leg of Asuka.
[Corey] Bayley out of the way just in time.
[Kevin] Rolling her up. Bayley now, for the victory. Kick out early.
[both screaming, grunting]
[Corey] Asuka has the anklelock applied, Bayley in trouble.
-[crowd cheering] -[Bayley screaming]
[Kevin] Bayley in agony.
Grabs the hair of Asuka.
[Corey] Obviously, again,
no disqualification or count out in a Triple Threat Match,
but Ripley's going to want to stop Asuka.
[Kevin] It's Bayley with the hair of Rhea Ripley.
Oh!
Bayley dunked in a German suplex, shoulders down.
[Kevin] Rhea back up on her feet.
Turns into a big kick from Asuka!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Asuka was looking to seal the deal but Bayley,
very wisely, dragging The Empress out of the ring,
thwarting whatever plans Asuka had.
Ripley is down.
Bayley beginning to stir and recover.
[Kevin] Think about what it would do for Damage CTRL
if Bayley could become the Raw Women's Champion.
Iyo and Dakota already the Tag Team Champions.
[Corey] Absolutely right. Damage CTRL could run the table.
Right now, Bayley focused on the task at hand.
That being The Eradicator of The Judgment Day.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Kevin] Further strategy on show.
-I'm not part of Damage CTRL. -I know!
You can't boss me around.
You listen to me.
-[imperceptible] -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Rhea reminding Bayley, you don't boss me around,
and Bayley got caught.
[Kevin] Bayley responds with a strong right.
"I'm not joining Damage CTRL," the words of Rhea Ripley.
[both yelling]
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Body shots from both women.
[Kevin] Oh, here comes Asuka. Wow!
[Corey] Double Codebreaker! Cover!
[Kevin] Asuka's moment, here it is! Kick out by Rhea.
[Corey] Try it again, Asuka.
[Kevin] She goes over to Bayley. Kick out.
Asuka can't get it done.
[Corey] We talk all the time about having to keep your head on a swivel
in multi-person matches in WWE.
That was an example as to just why.
[Kevin] What a scene it is here.
Packed house, electric atmosphere,
and another Triple Threat Match to come later on tonight.
Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch, and the maniacal Nikki Cross.
[Corey] Asuka now perched up top.
Precarious situation for Bayley.
Dropkick connects.
-One, two… -[Kevin] Cover! Asuka.
[Corey] Asuka Lock. It's cinched in. Bayley's in trouble.
[Kevin] Oh, big time trouble.
[Corey] Bayley's got to hang on.
[Kevin] Will Bayley tap?
[Corey] Asuka doesn't have her hands fully latched to complete the submission.
[Kevin] Here comes Rhea Ripley.
At pace off the ropes, Ripley, to devastating effect.
[Corey] Concussive dropkick. Cover here.
[Kevin] Rhea Ripley to put away Asuka. Kick out.
Rhea Ripley can hardly believe it.
[Corey] Asuka with the Asuka Lock applied.
Ripley knew she had to break up the hold before Bayley had a chance to submit.
Ripley succeeded in that respect.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] The WWE Universe here in Washington, D.C.
witnessing a pulsating Triple Threat Match.
[Corey] Bianca Belair keeping a close eye on this match
as she will the Triple Threat later tonight.
Next week here on Monday Night Raw
will determine the next challenger for The EST's Raw Women's Championship.
Right now, things are looking bad for Ripley-- Asuka!
Into the armbar submission.
Ripley flailing wildly.
Rhea needs a way out.
[Kevin] I'm not sure she has one, but it may come in the form of Bayley.
Bayley breaks it up, into the cover.
Bayley for the victory now.
Asuka kicks out.
[Corey] Great strategy from all three of these women to this juncture.
Bayley realizing that her chance could be slipping away…
delivers the elbow to force Asuka to break the submission.
Now The Role Model just battering The Empress.
[Kevin] No wonder.
[Corey] Bayley-to-Belly! That's going to do it!
[Kevin] That may do it, all right. Rhea Ripley in the way.
Three former Raw Women's Champions going to war here in this Triple Threat.
Big headbutt from Ripley and again.
[Corey] A trio of headbutts from down under.
Northern Lights suplex, shoulders down.
[Kevin] Rhea Ripley now, Bayley kicks out.
Ripley makes that look so easy.
[Corey] It is for a powerhouse like Rhea.
But to this point, Ripley has not had an answer for both Asuka
and Bayley at the same time.
Look at this. Outrageous.
[Kevin] Oh, face first onto the canvas.
Rhea Ripley.
Oh, kick out by Asuka.
Would you believe it?
[Corey] I don't believe it. Ripley doesn't believe it.
[Kevin] She's stunned.
Takes out Bayley.
Rhea Ripley's back for more with Asuka…
[Corey] Bayley disposed of for now.
I've got to question this strategy by Ripley.
Rhea has Asuka down inside the ring.
[Kevin] She wants more from Bayley.
-[Corey] Oh, no! -[Kevin] She's out.
[screaming]
[Corey] I don't know if Rhea's getting back up from that.
[Kevin] Is this the opening for Bayley? Asuka back up on her feet.
Bayley-to-Belly. This one turned around!
Reversal from Asuka.
[Corey] Backfist after backfist.
A barrage of strikes from The Empress of Tomorrow,
but the veteran Bayley shoving Asuka to the corner.
[Kevin] Big boot to the chin of Bayley.
Asuka wants to climb.
[Corey] Asuka wanted the dropkick.
Bayley had it scouted.
Rose Plant!
[Kevin] Asuka looks lifeless.
Bayley looking for the victory… Oh, she's got it!
-[bell rings] -[Kevin] Bayley's won!
-["Role Model" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Bayley!
[Corey] And Bayley has taken the ever so important next step in the process
to become Bianca Belair's next Championship challenger.
Much to the dismay of "The Eradicator" Rhea Ripley.
[Kevin] What is Rhea doing?
[Corey] Taking out her frustration on a fallen Asuka.
[crowd booing]
[Kevin] As you pointed out, she had the opportunity, Rhea Ripley, to end this.
[Corey] I think Rhea's emotions got the best of her.
Rhea wanted to dispose of Bayley.
And in the process, may have cost herself her best opportunity.
This is just uncalled for.
[Kevin] Looking for Riptide.
Oh, my word.
[Corey] Riptide to Asuka.
[crowd booing]
[Kevin] From bad to worse for Asuka.
Rhea Ripley can only watch on.
That match is all about Bayley,
who no doubt will be keeping her eye on Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss,
and Nikki Cross.
To come, a Triple Threat Match later tonight.
But, folks, some breaking news here on Monday Night Raw,
we are set to have a Number One Contenders Match for the United States Championship
next week on Raw.
It's Seth "Freakin" Rollins against Bobby Lashley
and The Visionary is here tonight.
[Kevin] Welcome back, folks. Breaking news earlier tonight
regarding "The Scottish Warrior" Drew McIntyre taking to Twitter and saying
"Unfortunately, I'm medically disqualified to compete this Friday on SmackDown."
"I don't like to miss any shows, as everybody knows,
but I promise I'll be back soon."
-Corey Graves, the show goes on. -[Corey] Worry not!
[Kevin] We are set to have an Undisputed Tag Team Championship Match on Friday.
[Corey] Sheamus needed a suitable replacement and found just that
in the wild man known as Butch of the Brawling Brutes.
Butch and The Celtic Warrior join forces to battle The Usos
for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
this Friday in the Steel City.
["Visionary" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Speaking of a match to come with championship implications…
[crowd singing along]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Corey] We're in the birthplace of Henry Rollins,
but D.C. isn't singing Black Flag tonight.
They're singing Black and The Brave, as in The Visionary,
The Revolutionary, and potentially,
the next challenger to the United States Championship.
[Kevin] Next week, on Monday Night Raw,
it's a Number One Contenders Match
with two recent former United States Championship holders.
Two men that want to get their paws on the United States Championship yet again.
It's Bobby Lashley and Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Rollins out here tonight with so much drip I'm not even sure it's legal,
but the nation's capital serenading Rollins with his battle hymn.
[crowd continues singing along]
Washington, D.C.! [laughs]
[crowd cheers]
Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!
You know me.
You love me.
I am The Visionary.
I am a revolutionary.
I am Seth--
[crowd yells] "Freakin" Rollins!
Oh, I've got some breaking news for you, D.C.,
because one week from tonight,
yours truly is going to go one-on-one
with "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
And the winner of that there little match
will be your new Number One Contender
for the United States Championship.
Now, I've got plenty of things I'd love to say to old Bob,
but with him not being out here, that's not very fun.
And D.C., you want to have some fun tonight?
[crowd cheering]
You guys sounded like you were having quite a good time
singing my song.
[crowd singing Seth Rollins' theme song]
["All Mighty" playing]
[Corey] Things are about to get fun, all right!
[Kevin] Did you expect anything less?
[Corey] From the grin on his face, this is exactly what Seth Rollins wanted.
The All Mighty has arrived on Monday Night Raw.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Bobby Lashley, who also proudly worn the United States Championship.
-[crowd cheering] -Boo!
[Kevin] That's a long time ago though.
When you look at Bobby Lashley
and what we've seen from him and his demeanor of late,
a man unhinged, a man on a mission, a man that "wants to hurt people,"
and a man that's heard enough tonight from Seth Rollins.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!
So, Seth, I am here.
So, what would you like to tell me?
Now, be careful… with that.
Bob, look, you haven't quite been the same since Crown Jewel,
since you lost to Brock Lesnar.
Hey, hey, there's no shame in losing to Brock Lesnar, we've all been there,
but we want to know, Bob, what is with your obsession
with Brock Lesnar?
This has been going on a long time and I got to know, are you…
scared of Brock Lesnar?
He's probably a little bigger than you. He's definitely stronger than--
I know what you're trying to do, Seth. You're trying to get under my skin.
-You're trying to rattle me again. -No, no, no.
No. Why would I do that?
Okay, okay, okay, you're not scared of Brock Lesnar.
So, if you're not scared…
you must be jealous of Brock Lesnar.
That's it, because Brock's a bigger star than you,
he's won more championships than you.
Yeah, that's it.
Brock Lesnar had the career that you wished you would have had--
This is not about Brock.
This is about you and me
and that United States Championship
that should be around my waist right now, Seth.
Okay, okay, okay.
Bob… Bob, relax.
You know as well as I do that that United States Championship,
it's not going to fill the void that you have in your heart
left behind by the fact that you know you just can't beat Brock.
And if you don't get your head right, you don't get your temper right,
beating you next week is going to be a lot easier for me than it was the first time.
[commentators exclaim]
[Corey] The All Mighty has heard enough.
Lashley just dropped Rollins, but Seth's back up.
This thing is popping off a week early.
Next week, these two will collide
for the right to challenge for the United States Championship,
but Lashley and Rollins may tear each other apart before we get there.
[Kevin] Seth Rollins asked for this.
He's living inside the head of Bobby Lashley.
He encouraged this from Bobby Lashley.
[Corey] Rollins invoking the name of Brock Lesnar,
which is a sensitive subject to Bobby Lashley,
despite what Lashley says.
Lashley's heard enough.
Get some help out here.
We got to preserve our match for next week.
[Kevin] Whatever Brock Lesnar triggered in Bobby Lashley,
Seth Rollins has done the same.
[Corey] Rollins wisely ripping at the eyes,
freeing himself from the clutches of The All Mighty momentarily.
We've got some order restored here.
-[imperceptible] -[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Is there enough security? We've been here before.
Seth breaks free. Goes for Bobby.
[Corey] No fear from The Visionary.
He's looking to take Bobby Lashley's vision.
Bobby!
[Corey] We got officials,
we've got Adam Pearce out here trying to maintain some sort of order.
This is smart. Rollins taking to higher ground.
[crowd singing Seth Rollins' theme song]
[Corey] We got to preserve the match for next week.
Oh, wait a second.
[Kevin] The jackets are off. The punches are flying.
[Pearce] Bobby!
[Kevin] Security, referees, all trying to hold back Lashley and Rollins.
[Pearce] Bobby!
[Kevin] Oh, what?
[indistinct shouting]
Lashley just speared our producer.
-[Corey] That was unintentional. -You want some?
[Corey] That was heat of the moment.
Lashley was very obviously aiming for Rollins.
-[Kevin] That's Pete Williams, a producer. -You've done it now, Bob.
[Corey] Listen, this obviously was not Lashley's intended target.
Bobby charging at Rollins,
who pulled Pete Williams in front of The All Mighty spear.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] This is what Seth Rollins was looking for.
[Corey] An incensed Bobby Lashley?
Right now, I'm hoping to get a word
with the United States Champion, Austin Theory,
in the wake of what just took place.
Austin, I would love to get your take
on the absolute chaos we witnessed from Seth "Freakin" Rollins
and "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
You know what I saw out there, Byron?
The past.
Two former champions fighting over scraps,
and both of those men oblivious to the fact that this business has evolved
and forgotten about both of them.
Because we live in the now, where we run on my time,
and I got all the cards in my hand.
And, let's face it.
What's a couple challengers to my reign
when the forever is just beginning?
[crowd cheering]
Forever, huh?
Theory, you just love writing checks that you know you can't cash in.
Cash in, you probably don't like hearing that word I bet.
You are so annoying.
You are. You constantly whine and complain about opportunities,
and all you do is get beat down.
You know what? Why don't you just quit? Hmm?
Because I'm not like you.
Unlike you, I actually have to fight for everything that I have.
Unlike you, I have to actually fight for an opportunity at that title.
So know this, Theory,
you can put me down, but I'm going to get back up.
I'm going to get back in your face
and I'm going to become the United States Champion.
Fine.
-You want your shot? -Yeah.
-You want to shock the world? -I do.
Then I suggest you go get ready because we'll do it right here tonight.
After tonight, I don't ever,
ever want to hear the word "opportunity" come out of your sorry mouth again.
[indistinct chatter]
[waiter] Grab your drink, sir.
My Ugandan Prime Reserve Grade A whiskey, right?
Yes, sir.
[laughs] You're a good young man.
[overlapping chatter]
Hey, you out?
I fold.
Thank you.
Look, gentlemen, ladies,
poker's really just a game of brainsmanship, all right?
It's having the intelligence to know when to push forward
and when to walk away.
Ha! Nerd! [laughs]
Shoooosh.
Nerd!
-Shoooosh. -Nerd.
All right, all right.
Jeez, take a chill pill.
Look, I'm trying to get a read on old freak show over here
and you guys are doing all that nonsense.
All right…
You know what, I think you're bluffing.
I think I see through those eyes.
I think you got nothing in your hand, nothing in your head.
I'm going to take all your money
and send you back to the looney bin where you belong.
You know what?
-I call. -[man] Here we go.
[all exclaiming]
-[man 2] That's a good hand there. -Show me your cards.
Show them.
[all exclaiming]
[man 3] Dexter wins again.
It's been this way all night.
It's all night.
He's a savant.
I love croissants.
-No, a savant. He's a savant. -Well, how do they taste?
He's none of that. He's a cheater.
No way could you ever beat me.
I know you got cards in your sleeves, in your gloves.
What is this? Don't defend him. You know what?
I should stand up, walk over there, and hand you a little…
-[all exclaiming] -[Otis] Easy now!
-No foreign objects. -I think he's legit.
-Good to me. -Good lord.
Let's go, take his chips…
[all yelling indistinctly]
That's unacceptable!
What are you doing?
Thief!
Thief?
This is my show.
Whatever I want, I get.
And if you have a problem with that,
then The Judgment Day has a problem with you.
[laughs] I don't care.
You are the problem.
You know what?
You're almost as short as my deadbeat dad.
Guys, guys, guys.
Look, I'm sure Tozawa is just as big of a deadbeat as your dad.
I don't like him either, but no fighting in here.
This is a classy establishment.
Go outside if you want to fight.
I'll see you in the ring.
Yeah. Yeah, you will.
[woman] Hey, that's not fair.
[inaudible chatter]
["A-Town Down" playing]
[Corey] A lot happening backstage. Could we see Tozawa and Dominik?
[Kevin] Potentially. Let's get ready.
A second championship on Monday Night Raw.
What a night we're enjoying.
Here comes the United States Champion, Austin Theory,
out to shut up and cast aside Mustafa Ali once and for all,
and he's willing to put his title on the line.
For Austin Theory, what a November to remember it was.
A failed Money in the Bank cash in for the United States Championship,
triggered an aggression and an obsession to claim it back.
At Survivor Series, Theory overcame the odds to defeat Bobby Lashley
and the then champion, Seth Rollins.
Now, he's the man that's being hunted.
[Corey] Austin Theory is simply living up to the hype.
That's what we are witnessing.
As much as you love to drum up old history about his failures,
let's talk about the here, and the now,
and that the forever begins tonight.
Austin Theory in spectacular physical condition
and this mental transition he has undergone over the past several weeks
spelled big bright things for Austin Theory's future.
["Problematic" playing]
[Kevin] His challenger tonight, Mustafa Ali,
and the question is, why does Ali, beat down after beat down,
still get up and chase this United States Title?
He took to social media earlier today saying,
"Despite being born here, despite being an American,
despite being a former Chicago police officer
that wanted to protect people and was willing to put his body on the line,
I'm not American enough."
"The United States Championship means a lot to a lot of people,
but for me, it means I belong,
and that's what I've been chasing my entire life."
[bell rings]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the United States Championship!
Introducing the challenger, from Chicago, Illinois,
weighing in at 182 pounds,
Mustafa Ali!
[crowd cheering]
And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Austin Theory.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] The stakes incredibly high in this matchup.
As much as I respect and value
Austin Theory as our United States Champion,
I don't know if this is the wisest decision he's ever made,
just offering Mustafa Ali, who is always dangerous,
this title opportunity on a whim like tonight.
[Kevin] You think he's underestimating Mustafa Ali?
[Corey] I'm not going that far.
I'm not saying this isn't something Theory can emerge victorious from,
and maybe Austin Theory is more confident than we even realize.
But you can never underestimate Mustafa Ali.
Always motivated, always game, always ready.
But unfortunately for Ali, this could be his final opportunity.
You're in the now, you hear me?
[Kevin] Last week on Raw, Austin Theory rejected the advances
of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
The anger. Theory flattened Mustafa Ali.
He said to Rollins, "I'll fight you,
but on the champ's time. I ain't no damn kid."
Are we witnessing the maturation of Austin Theory?
[Corey] Absolutely right we are. That's exactly what we're witnessing.
We are witnessing Austin Theory living up to the hype.
Growing in and realizing his potential.
Austin Theory, in my opinion and the opinion of many,
is going to be a major player here in WWE for years to come,
particularly this version of Theory.
Ali out of the way just in time. Ali lives to play spoiler,
to be a disruptor.
-Wow! -[Kevin] Certainly does.
[Corey] Ali sends Theory to the outside. Here comes Ali.
[Kevin] Big boot.
Mustafa Ali now gaining momentum.
A victory would be absolutely enormous.
It's all he craves here in WWE,
is this United States Championship,
and he's rolling now on Austin Theory.
[Corey] Theory takes out-- Sorry.
Theory taken out by Ali on the outside of the ring
and the challenger in control at the moment.
[Kevin] Theory breaks away.
Ali wants him back inside the ring.
Oh, man!
Face first into the post.
[Austin] You're in the now, do you hear me? You're in the now.
Come here.
[Corey] Mustafa Ali is in the now
and the challenger is in deep, deep trouble.
[crowd booing]
How does that feel, huh? How does that feel?
[Kevin] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
Here goes Mustafa Ali teeing off now on Austin Theory.
This is the United States Championship Match,
a first defense in the second reign for Austin Theory.
We know what this means for Mustafa Ali.
He'll go to any length to be successful here in this match.
[Corey] Ali able to evade Theory, connects with a kick.
Ali through the ropes, into the neckbreaker.
The champion in trouble.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Feeding off the energy of the WWE Universe.
Hang on a second. Mustafa collected by--
-Oh, backbreaker on Theory. -[Corey] Cover.
[Kevin] Mustafa Ali to win the United States Championship, and a kick out.
[Corey] It's nothing less than spectacular that Mustafa Ali is still in this match
after enduring this impact into the barricade,
which was just moments after Theory launched him into the ring post.
Mustafa Ali showing his toughness, his guts, his will here in D.C. tonight.
[Kevin] Vicious elbow rocks Mustafa Ali.
"You are in the now," the words of Austin Theory.
"Don't talk about the future."
Hang on a second. Mustafa Ali, where are you going?
[Corey] Oh, God!
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] I don't know who got the worst of that exchange.
Ali went high risk. I don't know if it paid off.
[Kevin] Theory's rocked.
[Corey] Ali into a Satellite DDT. The champion's down.
Ali scrambling.
[Kevin] Theory's in big trouble. Into the cover, for the victory for Ali
and a kick out at two.
[Corey] A car crash scenario, we look at how Ali was able to right the ship
almost instantaneously.
Great thinking on the fly for Mustafa Ali
to keep himself on top in this matchup for the moment.
[Kevin] Mustafa Ali so close to his dream of becoming United States Champion.
[Corey] Now, Ali, the challenger, just brutalizing the champion.
Oh, Theory realized that Ali's extremely dangerous on the top rope,
and Austin not about to let it happen.
[Kevin] Oh, this is Theory's chance now.
Kicking the midsection of Ali.
[Corey] This is the ruthlessness that has taken Theory once again
to the top of Monday Night Raw's mountain for the United States Championship.
And The Now is just brutalizing the challenger.
[Kevin] He's not hanging around,
has newfound aggression.
Here we go again.
[grunting]
[Corey] Theory better be careful not to get himself disqualified.
He's going to want to earn his paycheck for-- Oh! What the hell?
[Kevin] It's Dolph Ziggler!
[Corey] Where the hell did Ziggler come from?
[bell rings]
[Corey] That's going to force a disqualification--
[announcer] Here's your winner as a result of a disqualification,
and still your United States Champion, Austin Theory.
[Kevin] What does that do for Mustafa Ali?
[Corey] It should piss him off.
[Kevin] This was his chance, his opportunity.
Hey, man. What did you do?
No, you're with me.
You don't do this to me.
Hey, man. You just screwed me.
You just screwed me.
-What the hell did I do to you? -Don't touch me.
What did I do to you? Why'd you get involved?
I want to kill him. I was getting some revenge.
-Are you kidding me? -For all of us.
[Corey] Theory from behind now bringing the fight to Dolph Ziggler.
The United States Champion going to retain via disqualification.
This is not going to-- Oh, my God.
[Kevin] Oh, my.
[Corey] Ali's not getting up.
[crowd cheering]
[groaning]
That may have been the most violent collision with a ring post I've ever seen,
and now Ziggler taking a trip A-Town Down.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Is there any stopping this man?
Laying waste to Ziggler and Ali.
[Corey] Dolph Ziggler and Austin Theory certainly have some history.
Ziggler's felt disrespected by Theory in the past,
but take a look at The Now.
[crowd booing]
[JBL] Man, I'm telling you, this thing is awesome.
Texas Dolly couldn't put on a better poker tournament than we're putting on now.
There are people there. Money is freaking everywhere.
-JBL. -Hold on. Just a minute.
-Miz. So good to see you. -Got a sec?
-Always for you. -[laughs] You know,
I feel like there was a slight oversight on your part
because I was never extended an invitation to your invitational poker tournament.
-I had no idea you were a card player. -Of course.
Yes, you're more than welcome to join mid-game.
-Thank you. -It's just a 50-dime buy-in.
Right… About that, to be honest with you,
after some of my… financial improprieties I've endured lately,
I don't have liquid cash.
You know how the crypto market is, but come on, JBL, you know me.
I'm good for it.
-Thank you. -Miz, I'd love to have you,
but you really haven't been that good on paying off your debts lately.
Everybody else paid cash.
Rolex.
-That's nice. -I'll give you my Rolex.
You know that's not real.
The second hand, it ticks, it's--
I don't think The Miz is joining us, no.
-[man 1] On you, it's on you. -[man 2] Okay.
[man 2] I fold.
Smart move.
Well, boys, read them and weep.
I've got quads.
-[all exclaiming] -[man 3] Oh, come on!
Don't be mad. Lady luck's on my side tonight.
[all exclaiming] Hey!
What is this?
-What is that? -That's not mine.
-You've been cheating. -I don't know where those came from.
-They came from your sleeve. -Oh, don't call me a cheater.
-You are! -[indistinct shouting]
-You are a cheater! -Say it to my face, punk.
-You're a cheater. -Oh, I'm a cheater?
[indistinct shouting]
Stop it! You bunch of barbarians!
What is wrong with you? You are ruining my tournament!
I have told you, no fighting!
No fighting in this room.
Okay. Okay.
-Go over and get your gear on. -Oh, yeah?
-Bring your two friends with you. -You want it, you got it, punk.
You want it, you've got it.
You've got to be kidding me!
What is wrong with these idiots?
Guess we won, right?
Good poker, man.
Man, that was easy.
Great job, dude, real fun. Get this stuff, come on.
Let's go.
Get it all. Get it all.
There we go.
Not only is he a stalker, he's a thief as well.
I can't handle this Lumis guy, who's under contract now.
I'm admiring the generosity of one Dexter Lumis.
Now, folks, earlier on tonight,
we had the first of two Triple Threat Matches
to help determine the Number One Contender
for the Raw Women's Championship.
This was one hell of a battle between Rhea Ripley, Bayley, and Asuka.
[Corey] These were the closing moments and Ripley seemed to dispose of Bayley,
but here is where Rhea took her eye off the ball.
Rhea would take a risk and Bayley the veteran, a step ahead.
Crash and burn for The Eradicator.
Asuka attempted a dropkick, and again, Bayley a step ahead.
She delivers a… Boom, Rose Plant to The Empress of Tomorrow,
and Bayley has punched her ticket to next week on Monday Night Raw
for an opportunity to become Bianca Belair's next title contender.
[Kevin] No doubt Bayley will be keeping her eye on Becky Lynch,
Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross,
that have a Triple Threat to come later on tonight.
Please welcome my guest, Raw Women's Champion, Bianca Belair.
[crowd cheering]
Bianca, next week Bayley will go on to face the winner
of tonight's second Triple Threat Match.
How do you feel knowing that Bayley may, once again,
have the opportunity to face you for your Raw Women's Championship?
What Bayley did tonight, it was impressive,
but I also know how to handle Bayley, just like I always do.
I would've been proud to face any of these women that competed
in tonight's Triple Threat Matches, even Rhea Ripley,
who could've handled that loss a lot more gracefully
instead of taking her sore loser frustrations out
on my WarGames teammate, Asuka.
Well, as for next week,
who do you predict will face Bayley from tonight's second Triple Threat Match?
Alexa, Nikki, Becky, they're all dangerous competitors in their own way.
Alexa and I, we've grown a whole lot closer over the past few months
and I see exactly why she was once champion and running this division.
Now, Nikki, on the other hand,
she's just an unpredictable wild card that can surprise any of us at any point.
Well, Becky, she's challenged me more than any rival I've ever had,
but at the end of the day, no matter who wins tonight,
they'll have to be ready for The EST,
because I stay ready, so I don't have to get ready.
[Kevin] Never a truer word spoken
from the Raw Women's Champion, Bianca Belair.
["Emergence" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a six-man Tag Team Match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by "Michin" Mia Yim,
Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles,
the O.C.!
[Kevin] Graves, we know about Baron Corbin and his glory days in Las Vegas,
but he may have cheated his way into a beating here tonight.
Match to come against The O.C.
[Corey] That's one way of looking at it, KP.
The O.C., Styles, Gallows, and Anderson,
will compete in a six-man tag team action
against Baron Corbin and the Alpha Academy.
[Kevin] A match presented by DoorDash, a neighborhood of good in every order.
Six-man tag.
The O.C. to take on the Alpha Academy alongside Baron Corbin is next.
[Kevin] Earlier tonight, the Undisputed Tag Team Championships were on line.
Look at Sami Zayn here, coming to the aid of Jey Uso.
Dragging Jey out of the way, out of harm's way,
and helping The Usos pick up a massive win, retaining their title.
[Corey] A tremendous, important display of unity from the entire Bloodline,
including The Honorary Uce, who would draw Riddle's attention long enough
for The Usos to do what they do best.
Tag team expertise.
Riddle would fight to the best of his ability,
but eventually be overwhelmed into the 1D from Jimmy and Jey
and still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, The Usos.
[Kevin] Five-hundred-and-five days as they roll into Friday
against Sheamus and Butch, but it didn't stop there.
Kevin Owens chasing down The Usos and Sami Zayn with a chair
and the enforcer, Solo Sikoa
with a beatdown on Riddle.
[Corey] "The Street Champion" Solo Sikoa
delivering an agonizing message to The Original Bro
in the form of a Samoan Spike,
flattening Riddle,
and a painful reminder that you don't step to The Bloodline.
[Kevin] And this truly did become distressing scenes,
as Solo Sikoa went after Riddle in the most gruesome of ways.
And this, the scene afterwards, as Matt Riddle taken into an ambulance
and brought to a local hospital here in Washington, D.C.
[Corey] We'll do our best to keep you updated on Riddle's condition.
Keep your eyes on WWE's social media accounts for all of the breaking details.
[siren wailing]
We're going to send our best wishes to The Original Bro
that this isn't too serious.
[Kevin] Yeah. All the best, Riddle.
[Kevin] Back to action we go,
inside the Capital One Arena here in Washington, D.C.
The O.C. raring to go and get their hands all over Baron Corbin
["Longhorn" playing]
And look at who it is. Your favorite time of the week.
[announcer] Please welcome WWE Hall of Famer,
John Bradshaw Layfield!
["Burn The Ships" playing]
And their opponents, first,
weighing in at 285 pounds,
Baron Corbin!
[Corey] How often, Kevin Patrick, is any sport
graced simultaneously with two deities?
We are looking at the original wrestling god in JBL
and the emerging modern-day wrestling god, Baron Corbin.
I just feel bad that JBL's attempt to have a nice night,
a nice enjoyable poker game for all invited
was turned upside down by The O.C.
["Shoooosh" playing]
[announcer] And introducing his tag team partners, Otis and Chad Gable,
Alpha Academy!
[Kevin] We certainly thought that
Baron Corbin was rolling at the poker table.
JBL holding an invitational.
It wasn't the case, was it, Corey Graves?
Baron Corbin caught cheating.
[Corey] That's up for debate.
Until I see the body cam footage, I won't believe it.
[Kevin] Royal Rumble is presented by Cricket,
with fast and powerful nationwide 5G coverage,
you can stress less and smile more.
And by the official WWE Credit One visa card.
If you want to show off your WWE pride every time you pay,
visit UltimateWWEcard.com to see if you prequalify now.
Terms apply.
[Corey] This is spectacular.
Do you realize what great value JBL could provide for the Academy?
For the Alpha Academy? I mean…
JBL is a wrestling god.
He's forgot more about this business than most people ever know.
Welcome to ringside, sir.
-[Kevin] Welcome, John. -Sit down, KP.
[Kevin] Pleasure to see you.
[Corey] You should be doing business right now.
[Kevin] The match presented by DoorDash, a neighborhood of good in every corner.
Pleasure to have you on commentary, JBL.
[Corey] I'd like to take this moment to apologize in advance for anything
that this shamrock to my left offends you with.
[JBL] Apologize to the entire WWE Universe that you exist, Shamrock.
[Corey] Take a look at Baron Corbin,
that heavy-handed, modern-day wrestling god.
[JBL] Look at this. AJ Styles, first-ballot Hall of Famer
and Baron Corbin is decimating him.
That is what you talk about.
Legit talent that transcends the generation.
That's what that is. That is a modern-day wrestling god.
[Corey] You love to see it.
We've been witnessing the emergence of Baron Corbin
over the past several weeks under the tutelage of, of course,
you, WWE Hall of Famer JBL.
Wait a minute.
I'm trying to say nice things about Corbin,
and Styles has screwed it all up.
[JBL] Styles is a hothead that does things like that.
You saw him in the poker tournament, turned the whole thing into a disaster.
Absolute disaster.
Texas Dolly, KidPoker didn't have to deal with this,
and some reason I do.
[Kevin] Anderson and Chad Gable now in the match,
JBL, with all due respect,
was Corbin caught cheating in your poker invitational?
[JBL] No, he wasn't caught cheating.
That maniac from Crystal Lake who didn't have a hockey mask on,
Jason or Lumis or whatever the heck his name is,
those were his cards and he was cheating.
-Review the tape. -[Corey] There you go.
See, I told you, Kevin Patrick. There's always evidence.
The truth always comes out in the wash.
[Kevin] Your truth potentially.
Anderson, Gable off the rope.
-Gable flattened Karl Anderson. -Thank you!
[Corey] JBL, let me ask you this.
You've gotten to watch Otis and Chad Gable firsthand before.
What do the Alpha Academy need to do to really step their game up?
All they need is an opportunity.
You're looking at a huge, ballistic Aristotle right now in Chad Gable.
He's one of the smartest guys that WWE has ever had
and one of the greatest, greatest mad technicians.
Then you throw in the brawn of Otis.
These guys are future WWE Tag Team Champions
that can carry the division.
[Corey] Mark it down. Write it in your calendar, Kevin Patrick,
-the original wrestling god has spoken. -Shoooosh!
-And in all of this,
he still shooshes people.
You've already talked about a future Hall of Famer.
-[JBL] He needs to shoosh you. -[both] Shoooosh!
-Like at the start of the show. -[both] Shoooosh!
[Corey] I'm going to try Gallows' tactic. Start calling KP a nerd.
Maybe that'll work.
Tag is made. Here comes Karl Anderson.
[Kevin] The Good Brothers going to work, but Chad Gable responding.
Tag made and here comes your boy, JBL. Baron Corbin.
[Corey] JBL, long before you became a wrestling god,
you made quite a living for yourself as a bit of a bar room brawler in the past.
Do you see any bit of that in Gallows and Anderson?
[JBL] Absolutely. Gallows and Anderson.
Are you kidding me? The Good Brothers?
One of the toughest, roughest tag teams of all time.
I would love to have had The APA fight Gallows and Anderson.
-What a brawl that would be. -[Corey] No doubt about it.
As we take a look at the power of The Tree Trunk,
the number one guy in the Alpha Academy, Otis.
[JBL] By the way, Shamrock, he's not my boy, okay?
You don't call a modern-day wrestling god "Your boy."
[Corey] That is blatant disrespect.
I have never been more disappointed in you.
[Kevin] My apologies, John.
Your modern-day wrestling god, Corbin, going to work on Karl Anderson here.
Have you seen a growth in Baron Corbin since you've been working with him?
[JBL] Absolutely. What I've seen is Baron Corbin reaching his potential.
Not that the potential wasn't there.
It always was there. Look at this athleticism.
-[laughs] That is a collision. -[Kevin] Wow!
-One, two… -For the victory, Baron Corbin,
-Anderson kicking out. -Count to three! Three!
[JBL] All the impact.
[Corey] Let's take another look at this and listen to the impact of Baron Corbin,
that sounded like an Alexander Ovechkin slap shot
across the chest of Karl Anderson.
-Hey, JBL! -[laughs] Go get them, Baron.
[Kevin] How was the poker tournament anyway?
[JBL] I thought the poker tournament was excellent.
Texas Dolly called me during the poker tournament from Longview, Texas,
and told me how great it was and he wants to be a part of it.
[Corey] Corbin right now taking Karl Anderson apart
with these 12-6 elbows across the shoulder.
All the rest of The O.C. can do is look on.
You see Gable doing that grin and crab walk.
[Kevin] Corbin taking his time here with Karl Anderson.
-[Corey] Anderson stumbles. -[Kevin] Tag made. Here comes AJ Styles.
[crowd cheering]
[JBL] Watch it, Baron.
[Kevin] Oh, an elbow rocks Chad Gable, taking out Otis as well.
Styles going to work now on Baron Corbin.
[Corey] Corbin is down. Styles beginning to roll.
-Oh! -[JBL] Uh-oh.
-[Corey] Brilliant! -[JBL] Pugilistic Aristotle.
-I told you. Oh, what a team! What a team! -Shoooosh!
-[Corey] The O.C. are in trouble. -Thank you!
[Kevin] Welcome back, folks. We're watching this six-man tag.
It's The O.C. taking on Baron Corbin and the Alpha Academy.
Hall of Famer JBL joining us on commentary.
[Corey] Gracing us, KP.
He's gracing us at the commentary desk.
WWE Hall of Famer, the original wrestling god.
JBL, how much have you enjoyed watching the Alpha Academy
and Baron Corbin work together tonight?
[JBL] This is a well-oiled team.
Look at this, AJ Styles is a first-ballot Hall of Famer
and they are decimating him.
This match may end any second.
A thunderous splash by the number one guy, Otis,
squashing Styles like a bug mid-ring.
[Kevin] Tag made for Baron Corbin.
JBL, you've said before it was Baron Corbin
that ended Kurt Angle's career at WrestleMania.
Kurt Angle a man that will be celebrated this Friday night on SmackDown
on his birthday in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
[JBL] Yes. Maybe on his birthday, he'll bring up the fact
that he was retired by the modern-day wrestling god Baron Corbin.
Oh, right-hand, good night. Good night.
[Kevin] Corbin's chance to put away Styles,
and a kick out by The Phenomenal One.
[JBL] Amazing how all these flippy floppies.
Bam, right hand stops all of it,
all these flips, all these flops, all these tickles, all these tackles.
"Why has it always got to be so pretty," as Stan Hansen would say,
sometimes you just need to knock somebody out.
[Kevin] Gable with kicks to the midsection of Styles.
[Corey] I think that right hand by Corbin
might have put Derek Chisora back to sleep.
[JBL laughs] Look at this, that is the old Pat O'Connor armbar.
[Corey] A master technician, Chad Gable.
I can't believe the disrespect by the WWE Universe
here in Washington, D.C., John, our nation's capital,
and the lack of respect they have for an Olympian like Gable.
[JBL] You would think people would just line up and cheer
for somebody like Chad Gable, a smart, young man, good-looking young man.
And here he is having to fight his way
out of these barroom brawlers that he's against.
[Kevin] Double fist connects with Karl Anderson.
[Corey] John, I'm glad you're out here to keep an eye
on "Michin" Mia Yim who's been prowling around ringside like a binturong.
You got to keep an eye on her. She's dangerous. All the time.
[Kevin] Tag made. Here comes Gallows.
-[JBL] She shouted at me earlier. -[Corey] I know.
Maybe it's something in the water here in D.C.
[Kevin] Hang a second, what's going on here?
[Corey] Oh, I can tell you. Deep Six. That's what's going on here.
-[JBL] Ball game. -[Kevin] Gable…
-One, two… -…to put away Styles,
kick out at two by AJ Styles. Gable can't believe it.
[Corey] Take a look at this, the Academy and Corbin capitalizing
on the chaos, Deep Six, deep hook of the leg,
and deep disappointment that Styles kicked out before three.
[Kevin] AJ Styles and The O.C. still in this match,
a crushing blow from the big body of Otis.
[JBL] What an incredible team.
You have Chad, and Otis, and Baron Corbin together.
[Corey] JBL, talk about the special blend of size, speed, and power
that is Otis.
-[JBL] Otis is-- -[Corey] Oh, no.
Maybe you should give Otis some advice.
Let's not talk about how strong and powerful and fast he is right now.
Otis needs to make a tag as does Styles.
[Kevin] Styles getting closer.
Otis, tag made on both ends, Anderson, Chad Gable into the match.
Clothesline takes out Gable twice.
Look at Anderson go now.
Oh, Senton all over Gable.
[Corey] Knee drops Corbin to the outside.
Here comes Gable yet again. Anderson from the second rope.
-[Kevin] Oh! -[Corey] Neckbreaker.
-[Kevin] Is this the moment for The O.C.? -[JBL] Come on, Gable!
[Kevin] Kick out. Kick out by Gable.
[Corey] He heard you, JBL.
[Kevin] A little bit nervous over there, JBL?
[JBL] No. I'm not nervous.
The man has the brains of Plato, the fighting ability of Hercules.
[Corey] Anderson's got brains of playdough.
Oh, beautiful leg pick by Gable.
[JBL] Oh-ho. Look at that.
Speaking of the Olympian from Pittsburgh, we got us a little ankle lock.
[Kevin] Well out by Karl Anderson.
[Corey] Oh!
[Kevin] Karl Anderson to put away Chad Gable.
Baron Corbin, right place at the right time.
-[JBL] Uh-oh. -[Corey] …breaker
from Corbin and an elbow rocks big Luke Gallows.
Anderson sent to the corner.
-[JBL] Corbin is running roughshod. -[Kevin] The pace of Baron Corbin.
-Oh, AJ. Wow! -[JBL] Bam!
[Corey] Like a car wreck.
[Kevin] The big boot from Gallows.
The two big men go at it.
Otis just picks up Luke Gallows with ease.
-[Corey] Oh, my good God! -[JBL] Pure power.
[Kevin] AJ Styles, Phenomenal Forearm.
[Corey] The Tree Trunk is down, but Gable from behind.
-Beautiful German suplex. -Thank you!
[JBL] He was launched.
[Kevin] He has no idea where Karl Anderson is.
-Gable turns it around. -[JBL] What a thing of beauty.
[Kevin] Oh! Vicious right from Anderson and again from Gable.
Oh!
[Corey] Anderson wins that exchange, but the match continues.
The O.C., the Academy and Baron Corbin, six-man tag team action.
Take another look at the uppercut from Anderson.
[JBL] What a hell of a match, guys.
[Corey] No doubt about it.
[Kevin] Those Good Brothers love an uppercut. Look at Chad Gable now.
[JBL] After a terrific poker tournament. Here we go.
Gallows is not legal, what the hell is the referee doing?
This is like they were cheating in cards.
[Kevin] Looking for the Magic Killer.
[JBL] Wait a minute. What the hell was that?
-[Corey] You can't count that! -[bell rings]
[JBL] They cheated in cards, they cheated in life,
they cheated in wrestling.
[announcer] Here are your winners, The O.C.!
["Emergence" playing]
[JBL] What are these people cheering for?
What is wrong with the people of Washington, D.C.?
Although that's going to take a little bit longer
than we have tonight to talk about.
No wonder our nation's capital is so screwed up.
They cheated in poker, they cheated in wrestling,
they cheated in life.
They cheated on their good looks because they're are all ugly.
[Kevin] The O.C. reigns supreme
-over the Academy-- -[JBL] Shut up!
-[Kevin] And, Corey-- -[JBL] Shut up, Shamrock.
[Kevin] A look backstage at Triple Crown Champion, Alexa Bliss,
one of the most decorated Superstars in the female locker room,
but she has not seen singles success in over four years.
What will we see from Alexa Bliss when we return to Triple Threat action?
[Kevin] We're thrilled to be in our nation's capital
of Washington, D.C. tonight,
at the home of NHL's Washington Capitals, the Wizards of the NBA,
here inside the Capital One Arena.
Does Johansson still play here?
No idea.
Let's go backstage now to Byron Saxton.
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw
where at this time I'd like to welcome my guest, Candice LeRae.
Candice, congratulations on a successful return to the ring last week
and a victory over Dakota Kai which is no easy feat.
However, because of that victory,
you will now have to face Dakota's Damage CTRL partner Iyo Sky
next week on Monday Night Raw.
So, do you feel like now you're a marked woman by Damage CTRL?
Absolutely. I do. Um…
I may be new to Raw, but I've known all those women for very long time now.
Last week, I returned from an injury that they were responsible for.
I had to send them a message.
Yes, I'm here, same old pixie wings,
but I'm a new mom.
And I have so much more to fight for now.
I'm not going to let anybody, anybody push me around.
-Hey, wife. -Hey, hubby.
-How are you? -Yeah, I'm good.
-How did the poker thing go? -Guess we won.
-What? -Yeah. I don't know.
-What? -Yeah, Dexter killed it.
-Look all this money we got. -What the--
Hey, I hate to be that guy, but--
-A lot of money. -That's a lot of money.
-We're going to spend it. -Yeah, do your thing.
Thank you. Sorry. Thanks.
-We could get the baby-- -We'll talk about it.
No, no, no. We'll talk about it.
-[Gargano] Let's go. -["To The Death" playing]
[Corey] I have so many questions about the relationship
between Gargano, LeRae, and Lumis.
It's a little odd to me.
Like something you'd see on back page.
[Kevin] I have questions about Akira Tozawa.
I want to see him in poker tournaments more often.
["It's My Time" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by Finn Bálor,
Rhea Ripley, and Damian Priest,
representing The Judgment Day,
Dominik Mysterio!
[Kevin] We saw Dominik Mysterio head to JBL's poker invitational alone.
Alone no more, as he heads toward the ring to take on Akira Tozawa
who he tried to steal poker chips from at the invitational.
He brings ammo in the form of Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] Let's talk about the ammo that Dominik Mysterio provides himself.
The son of a sure-fire future Hall of Famer,
although I know Dominik doesn't like it when we talk about Rey,
we are witnessing the evolution of Dominik
into a full-blown, legitimate, threatening WWE superstar
and living, breathing Lothario.
I'm not talking about Los Lotharios on Friday Night SmackDown.
I'm talking about one of a kind,
the apple of women's eyes across the globe,
starting with Ripley, all the way to Kardashian,
and all the genders in between.
This guy is like the Pete Davidson of WWE if you know what I'm talking about.
[Kevin] Dominik Mysterio was on WWE's The Bump during the week.
He told the audience that he's not invited to the Mysterio household for Christmas.
He's going to wait and see what Mami wants to do for Christmas
-referring to Rhea Ripley. -[bell rings]
-[Corey] Can you blame him? -Here we go, one-on-one action,
Akira Tozawa and Dominik Mysterio.
Mysterio riling up Akira Tozawa earlier,
trying to steal a few poker chips from him.
[Corey] What are you ranting and raving about poker chips for?
Let's about Mysterio, let's talk about love,
let's talk about the motivation, the mutual admiration that--
-[Kevin] Oh! Akira Tozawa. -…that Rhea Ripley and Dominik
have displayed for one another.
Truly, like, ride or die love.
[Kevin] You really are fascinated by it, aren't you?
[Corey] Of course I am. I'm a sucker for romance.
[Kevin] You're too infatuated by it. Oh, face first into the turnbuckle.
[Corey] Me? I'm infatuated?
Did you ever search Twitter after one of these segments?
It's weird.
[crowd booing]
[Kevin] A wry smile on the face of Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] Mami likes what she sees.
[Kevin] We saw Akira Tozawa in action few weeks ago against Baron Corbin.
That suplex from Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] Listen, Akira Tozawa is an incredibly talented competitor,
a world-traveled competitor,
a legitimate threat night in and night out,
but when it comes to love, Tozawa's been left in the dust
time after time.
-Not like Dominik. -[Tozawa groans]
[Kevin] The power and the muscle on show from Dominik
looking to put away Akira Tozawa who kicks out.
[Corey] You have to have a facial structure of a certain type
to pull off a hairdo like Dominik Mysterio does.
I don't have it. You don't have it. Not many do.
And no one has Rhea Ripley by their side.
[Kevin] Dominik just punishing Akira Tozawa.
Oh, Akira turning it around.
[Corey] Oh, no. Shining Wizard rocks Dom.
[Kevin] Connects with Dominik Mysterio.
-Hook of the leg for the win. -One, two…
Kick out by Dominik.
[Corey] Tozawa better be careful not to draw the ire of Rhea Ripley
on the outside as we look again at the Shining Wizard
that nearly knocked off Dominik, and a big-time kick connects.
[Kevin] So far, Akira Tozawa really impressing here, as Priest,
Bálor, and Ripley can only watch on. Another kick to the head of Dominik.
[Corey] Oh, no. Dominik might succumb to the power of Tozawa.
[Kevin] Clearly, Dominik's underestimating Akira Tozawa
who wants to take flight here.
[Rhea] No. No. No!
[Corey] Uh-oh! Looking for the senton. Nobody home.
-[Kevin] Scouted by Dominik. -Oh, that would have hurt so bad.
[Corey] With a warning from Rhea.
Now Dominik going to show everyone how it's done.
[Rhea] Crush him.
[Corey] Watch this little shimmy. It makes the women crazy.
[Rhea] Yes.
[Kevin] Dominik Mysterio, frog splash all over Tozawa.
-Nails him. -[bell rings]
["It's My Time" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Dominik Mysterio!
[Corey] Look at how excited Finn Bálor and Damian Priest are
for their teammate Dominik.
Rhea now has reason to smile despite coming up short earlier tonight.
You love to see it.
[Kevin] Dominik Mysterio racking up victories.
Look. What is-- The match is over.
["Bring The Swag" playing]
[Corey] Wait a second.
[Kevin] It's The Street Profits.
[Corey] Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins coming to the aid of Akira Tozawa
before The Judgment Day could truly make their presence felt as a unit.
[Kevin] And The Judgment Day scamper.
[Corey] Tozawa certainly owes a debt of gratitude to The Street Profits.
Big win for Dominik Mysterio tonight.
[Kevin] A look at "The Man" Becky Lynch, raring to go,
Triple Threat Match coming up with a path to Bianca Belair
and the Raw Women's Championship on the line.
It's Lynch, Bliss, and Cross tonight.
[Kevin] Earlier tonight on Monday Night Raw,
we saw a faceoff between Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins.
Next week is a Number One Contenders Match for the United States Championship,
but this is what played out in brutal fashion earlier tonight.
[Corey] Rollins did his best to get under the skin of The All Mighty
and Rollins would achieve his goal, but at a cost.
Chaos would ensue.
The locker room would spill out with referees and WWE officials.
But in the midst of the madness,
WWE official Pete Williams would be speared unintentionally by Bobby Lashley.
It could be argued that The All Mighty, in this instance,
was outsmarted by a very cagey Rollins.
[Seth] Bobby, you've done it now.
[Pearce] Bobby.
Bobby, hold up a second.
Look, we need to talk about what happened earlier tonight.
It's not like you grabbed one of my officials.
You damn near cut him in half.
[laughs]
-Oh, you're serious about this? -Yeah, I'm serious.
It's a problem. It can't happen.
Look, I'm not saying you did it on purpose.
I was out there. I saw it.
I'm not here to punish you or take away
your Number One Contenders Match next week with Seth Rollins.
-I'm just saying if it happens again… -Or what?
Put yourself in my shoes for a second.
If it happens again, my hands are tied.
I don't want that to happen. That's what I'm saying.
So, if one of your little cronies jumps in the lion's den
and he's mauled by a lion, you're going to punish the lion?
-That's what you're telling me? -No.
I'm saying I know it was an accident.
I'm asking you not to make another one.
Thanks.
Just make sure nobody else stands in my way.
Yeah, WWE official Adam Pearce will try his best.
I'm not sure there's any controlling Bobby Lashley right now.
All eyes turn to Milwaukee next week
on Monday Night Raw Number One Contenders Match.
[Corey] The All Mighty lion will be unleashed
one-on-one against Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
The winner will become the Number One Contender
to the United States Championship currently held by Austin Theory.
[Kevin] Look what else we have coming up next week.
Damage CTRL put Candice LeRae on the shelf for five weeks.
One down, two to go.
That's the message from Candice LeRae after she beat Dakota Kai last week.
Next week on Raw, it's Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Elsewhere in the women's division earlier tonight,
Bayley earned her opportunity to compete next week.
Who will oppose The Role Model?
We will find out in a matter of moments who will compete with Bayley
to become the Number One Contender for The EST's Raw Women's Title.
["Fight Me" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a Triple Threat Match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Columbus, Ohio,
Alexa Bliss!
[Kevin] Former two-time Raw Women's Champion Alexa Bliss,
the smile on her face as she makes her way to the ring.
She'll understand what's at stake here today,
a path to Bianca Belair
and a championship match against the Raw Women's Champion.
This is the second of our Triple Threat Matches
here on Monday Night Raw tonight.
[Corey] Bliss, a veteran, no stranger to high-pressure situations,
but Alexa had better be on top of her game
because she's got two very motivated women looking to take her down.
-["The Strangeling" playing] -[announcer] Next, from Glasgow, Scotland,
Nikki Cross!
[Kevin] Nikki Cross, an agent of chaos, an agent of anarchy.
The maniacal and twisted Nikki Cross makes her way out now.
Who knows, you could ask everybody here inside the arena
what's going through the mind of Nikki Cross.
I'm not sure anyone knows, Graves.
[Corey] I think it's an impossible question to answer,
but if anybody may have a guess, it might be Alexa Bliss
who once upon a time considered herself extremely close friends with Nikki Cross.
Not this Nikki Cross, but a Nikki Cross,
and that could come into play as this match progresses.
[Kevin] Former Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross.
That a long time ago, and they are set to do battle here, a Triple Threat.
Becky Lynch to join as well.
A chance to take on Bayley next week
for a path to the Raw Women's Championship.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Kevin] We're back on Monday Night Raw and The Man is in Washington, D.C.
[announcer] Their opponent, from Dublin, Ireland,
"The Man" Becky Lynch!
[Kevin] The swag, the cool walk to the ring
from "The Man" Becky Lynch.
Becky knows exactly what's at stake,
and she will ride the momentum since returning to WWE.
We saw the impact Becky Lynch had
arriving on Friday Night SmackDown a week before last,
then WarGames, winning WarGames for Team Bianca.
[Corey] You have to wonder what The Man will have in store
next Monday when we get to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Millioke, Algonquian for the good land, KP.
Monday Night Raw sure to bring the excitement to Wisconsin.
And The Man could have a date with "The Role Model" Bayley.
The winner of this match will advance to face off with Bayley next week.
The winner of that match will declare themselves
Number One Contender for Bianca Belair's coveted Raw Women's Championship.
[Kevin] So, the path very clear,
but it is quite the journey to get to Bianca Belair
and that opportunity at the Raw Women's Championship.
We're looking at six former Raw Women's Champions
doing battle tonight in these Triple Threat Matches.
[Corey] Only two can advance. Bayley has earned that right.
Which of these three will it be?
-[bell rings] -Spitting bars over here, KP.
-[Kevin] My man. -[Corey] Top dollar.
[Kevin] Why wouldn't you be? What a match this promises to be,
and look at Nikki Cross.
[Corey] How can you not look at Nikki Cross? She's a maniac!
-[Kevin] Nikki just… -Back off!
[Corey] Oh! Throat punch by the man.
-Love it. -[Kevin] The dropkick from Alexa Bliss.
[Lynch] Bye-bye.
[Corey] She's laughing, Kevin.
She's laying on our desk and laughing.
I'm going to try my best to call the action.
You keep Nikki occupied.
[Kevin] Trying to grab my notes, Nikki Cross.
Reminder, winner by pinfall or submission.
No DQs here. As Alexa Bliss brushed off by Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Beautiful takedown by Lynch. A step ahead of Alexa Bliss.
[Kevin] Alexa Bliss now looking to put away Becky early.
As Nikki Cross just outside the ring smiling.
-Becky now. -One, two…
Kick out by Alexa.
Look at Alexa Bliss.
[Corey] Fantastic athleticism by both women.
Shoulders down.
[Kevin] Becky now. Alexa…
Oh! Chop from Alexa on Becky.
One…
Becky makes it look easy.
[Corey] Bliss didn't execute a textbook cover there
allowed The Man to escape in high fashion.
[Kevin] Alexa, though, eyeing up Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Uh-oh.
Becky, thought she was going for The Manhandle Slam.
-Alexa turns it around. -One, two…
[Corey] Listen, I think this matchup is of utmost importance for Alexa Bliss.
We've talked, and I've caught plenty of flack for it.
Some people who have considered it harsh.
This is not the same dominant, wicked Alexa Bliss we once knew.
The same one who is a three-time Women's Champion.
That's what tonight should be all about for Alexa Bliss,
earning that opportunity to challenge Belair.
Nikki Cross has been Raw Women's Champion before.
Again, in a different version of herself. I don't know how successful
Nikki Cross would be on PR tours as the Raw Women's Champion.
[Kevin] Look at the pace and power of Cross though.
[Corey] Lynch, a glancing blow on Nikki.
Obviously Bliss is not into being used as a step stool.
This is what I want to see.
This is what we need to see, the opportunistic Alexa Bliss
who picks her spots wisely and with great precision.
[Kevin] Oh, looked to do so there. Connected by Becky Lynch.
-Becky now. -[Corey] Bexploder suplex.
[Kevin] Looking to put away Nikki Cross.
Six separate Raw Women's Champion reigns here inside the ring.
Three for Alexa, two for Becky, and one for Nikki.
[Corey] Series of strikes by Bliss. Dropkick takes down Lynch.
[Kevin] Alexa now at pace.
[Corey] Nobody home.
Bliss able to block Lynch's kick attempt.
[Kevin] A vicious right from Becky.
[Corey] It's almost as if both of these women
realize the magnitude of the situation.
I'm sensing maybe some nerves.
It's as though everybody's moving a thousand miles an hour
-and not really surveying the situation. -[yells]
[Kevin] The prize at stake, a match-- Oh!
Lynch into the stairs.
Now, Alexa Bliss.
[Corey] Bliss wanted a Tornado DDT, I believe, but shoved into the ring.
[Kevin] Nikki Cross has other ideas.
[Corey] Oh, my God! That might do it.
[Kevin] Will this be Nikki Cross' night,
and a match with Bayley to come next week?
You go ahead. Redecorate the place. Do what you want.
-There goes my notes. -[yelling]
Nikki Cross doing some serious damage here in a Triple Threat Match
to determine who will face Bayley in a Number One Contenders Match
for the Raw Women's Championship against Bianca Belair.
That match with Bayley is next week.
For now, though, Cross doing damage to the left arm of Alexa Bliss.
[Corey] Cross has been like a pocket-sized tornado since the opening bell.
Inflicting maximum damage on both Bliss and Becky Lynch
who has been basically eliminated from the matchup at the moment.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch somewhere on the outside.
We did see a dominant spell from Alexa Bliss
who couldn't bring home the victory.
Alexa still very much in it.
[Corey] This could do it for Bliss.
Smart move by Nikki, just slowing down the pace while Lynch is disposed of.
[Kevin] You mentioned her past as a tag team.
They've also had recent history, think Crown Jewel.
Alexa Bliss and Asuka on the verge of retaining their Tag Team Championships,
out came Nikki Cross.
-Then of course WarGames. -[Corey] You're absolutely right.
Took the words out of my mouth.
Bliss and Cross on opposing teams inside of WarGames.
[Kevin] Handcuffed to each other.
[Corey] Bliss now.
Nice takedown by Nikki Cross.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch now back inside the ring to devastating effect.
[Corey] Much like Rhea Ripley,
Nikki Cross was in control but took her eye off the ball.
[Kevin] Becky has energy and she means business.
-[yells] -Uppercut to Cross.
[Corey] Lynch making the most of her few moments on the outside.
Again, pinfall or submission only.
No count out, no disqualification.
Face first goes Cross.
[Kevin] Can Becky end it, and line up that match with Bayley next week?
[Corey] We saw the beginning earlier in the night,
Bayley and Becky certainly anxious and eager to compete against one another.
And The Man about to take one giant leap toward making it happen.
From the middle rope, Becky Lynch.
-Leg drop. -[Kevin] Cover. For the victory.
Kick out by Cross.
-Wow! -[Corey] Just barely.
You can see Lynch smiling to herself.
Becky Lynch no stranger to the deep waters.
This is a woman who has headlined WrestleMania.
The Man knows what it takes to make it to the top of the mountain.
Get the hell up, Nikki. You want to be crazy, get the hell up.
Get the hell up and fight me, Nikki.
[Corey] Becky wants The Manhandle Slam. Nikki able to fight her way out of it.
[Kevin] Becky wants a scrap. "Get the hell up, Nikki,"
the words of Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Bexploder takes down Cross, but keep an eye on Bliss.
[Kevin] Alexa Bliss, quick fire, back involved.
[Corey] Lynch could be thinking about the Dis-Arm-Her.
Bliss had it scouted.
Becky to the outside connects with a big right, but Nikki…
[Kevin] Face first into the post for Becky.
[Corey] Nikki grabbed a hold of Becky Lynch's ankle
just momentarily which opened the door for Bliss
to change the complexion of this matchup.
[Kevin] Alexa Bliss taking out Lynch and Cross!
[Corey] Bliss needs to get one of her two opponents in the ring.
There needs to a sense of urgency.
This is a golden opportunity,
as we take another look at Bliss taking a risk that paid off.
-Cover here. -[Kevin] Cover. Alexa Bliss now.
Kick out by Nikki.
[Corey] I have been extremely critical of Alexa Bliss' lack of urgency recently.
Bliss knows what it means to be Women's Champion in WWE.
She knows what it takes, and you have to be on top of your game.
No wasted motion. No wasted time.
[Kevin] A Triple Crown Champion.
One of the most decorated women in the locker room,
Alexa Bliss takes a climb.
Becky Lynch, though, sweeping the legs out from Alexa.
Up goes Nikki Cross to thwart her efforts.
[Corey] Bliss and Cross doing battle
in a very perilous situation for both women.
-[Kevin] Oh, no. Oh, no. -Here comes The Man.
[Kevin] What is Becky about to do?
Oh! Can she finish it?
Hook of the leg for Becky Lynch to win it.
Kick out. Nikki Cross kicks out.
[Corey] Take a look at this tremendous power and leverage
from "The Man" Becky Lynch.
Cross and Bliss both with a nasty landing,
and it could just be a technicality at this point
before Lynch earns her opportunity to face off with Bayley next week.
The winner in Milwaukee will be the next challenger
to Bianca Belair's Raw Women's Championship.
No doubt The EST looking on right now.
[Kevin] The stakes are massive. Bianca's been champion for 247 days
since WrestleMania when she defeated Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Becky Lynch has not forgiven nor forgotten.
-[Kevin] Cross. -Goes low.
Just a barrage of unorthodox strikes from the extremely unorthodox Nikki Cross.
[Kevin] Lynch looked to put Cross on the outside.
What has Nikki Cross got planned here?
Crossbody!
A hook on the leg now for Nikki Cross. Alexa Bliss intervening.
[Corey] At the very, very last possible moment.
Bliss keeping her own opportunity alive.
[Cross yelling]
[Kevin] Maniacal look in the face of Nikki Cross.
Blow after blow now to the midsection of Alexa Bliss.
[Corey] Right now, Nikki Cross on a rampage
looking like something out of Nevermore Academy
to squash Bliss in the corner.
-[Kevin] Oh! -Face first goes Bliss.
[Kevin] is this her moment? Can she seize the opportunity?
Alexa responds.
Three former Raw Women's Champions going at it.
The stakes are high here on Monday Night Raw.
Bliss to the outside.
[Corey] Bliss right into a trap laid by a waiting Nikki Cross,
and now Alexa trying to fight her way out of this scenario.
[both groaning]
Great move by Cross, crushing Bliss between her own body and the ring,
but neither woman able to capitalize.
Nikki Cross needs to get Bliss back inside the ring
or pick up whatever's left of Lynch.
Get in the ring so you can win the match.
[Kevin] You say Bianca Belair no doubt watching on.
You can say the same for Bayley as well.
[Corey] You're right about that one.
The leader of Damage CTRL.
You got to dig down deep. This is a high-stakes matchup.
I understand exhaustion can be a factor, but motivation shouldn't be.
-Watch Lynch. -[Kevin] Becky Lynch. Hang on a second.
-[Corey] From the middle rope. -Oh!
[Corey] Double leg drop.
Can she get a cover? Can she get a victory?
Becky Lynch, hook of the leg now to put away Alexa Bliss who kicks out.
-Alexa still alive. -[Corey] Look at this.
The Man taking a high-risk double leg drop across Bliss' back
which also, in turn, drove Nikki Cross face-first into the canvas.
Lynch executed a cover, but it wasn't enough.
Who wants it the most?
Who will earn the opportunity to head to Milwaukee and face off with Bayley?
[Kevin] Determination in the face of Becky Lynch.
Again…
[Corey] Cross hanging on for dear life to the top rope.
Lynch trying to make something work here.
[Kevin] Oh, vicious elbow from Cross.
[Corey] Knee to the midsection from Cross.
Oh, no. Oh, no. oh, no.
This will take Becky out of the equation if not the business.
Oh, my God!
Teetering back and forth.
This could be catastrophic.
[Kevin] Lynch now on the apron, wants The Manhandle Slam.
[Corey] Lynch didn't get all of it, but got enough to be effective.
Cross is down. Lynch looking for the cover.
Nikki instinctively rolling away to the center of the ring.
[Kevin] Becky trying to catch up with Nikki-- Oh, hang on.
-[Corey] Now, here come Iyo and Dakota. -It's the Tag Team Champions.
[Corey] Oh, they went straight for Becky Lynch.
You have to imagine that they're doing the bidding of Bayley.
[Kevin] Doing serious damage to Becky Lynch.
Oh, Damage CTRL's Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
[Corey] The Man fighting with every fiber in her being,
but the numbers game could be too much.
Look out!
[Kevin] Becky Lynch-- Oh, through the announce desk.
[Corey] A powerbomb that would make Lynch's old man happy.
[Kevin] Meanwhile, back inside the ring, Alexa Bliss, is this her night?
-She's got it. She's got it. -[bell rings]
["Fight Me" playing]
[announcer] Here's your winner, Alexa Bliss!
[Corey] Twisted Bliss seals the deal.
Chalk up the assist to Damage CTRL.
Bliss and Bayley next week in Milwaukee.
[Kevin] Cannot wait for that match coming your way.
Bayley must have sent Dakota and Iyo out.
[Corey] Alexa Bliss wants to taste the top of the mountain once again.