[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me!
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
[audience cheering]
[Kevin] The fall-out from WrestleMania continues
with an electric crowd ready to rock here in Seattle, Washington.
Welcome, folks, to Monday Night Raw.
-["Booyaka 619" playing] -[crowd cheers]
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, 619 ♪
♪ Booyaka, booyaka, that's my pueblo… ♪
[Corey] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome WWE Hall of Famer
Rey Mysterio.
[Kevin] What a way to kick off Monday Night Raw
than with a brand-new WWE Hall of Famer.
It's always such a treat
when the legendary luchador
makes his way across to Monday Night Raw.
What's the good word, folks? Welcome in.
Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves.
When we say electric atmosphere,
we mean it here in Seattle. This is something else.
We are in for a loud one tonight.
Unfortunately, a number of our WWE Superstars
experienced some travel issues
and are delayed arriving here in Seattle.
With that said,
the Superstars who are in the house are ready to tear it down.
[Kevin] You know who is here, Gravey?
Despite what happened last week at the hands of Brock Lesnar,
Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare
is here live with a message for the WWE Universe tonight.
[Corey] There are Championships on the line,
as the Women's Tag Team champions,
Hall of Famer, Lita, and "The Man" Becky Lynch,
defend against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
[Kevin] Jey Uso was flying Solo on Friday Night SmackDown,
but not tonight.
We hear that Jimmy and Jey are together again tonight
here on Raw, and set for action against the Alpha Academy.
[Corey] We've reinforced the ring for this one.
Two colossal superstars collide
as "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley goes one-on-one with Bronson Reed.
[Kevin] Fresh off a brutal attack
by Solo Sikoa backstage on Friday Night,
"The Prizefighter" Kevin Owens
gets his shot against The Enforcer in one-on-one tonight.
Órale, Seattle.
Viva la raza.
[crowd cheers]
And welcome to Monday Night Raw.
Now I got to pour my heart out, man.
It's been a crazy year for me, real crazy.
[crowd chanting] Rey!
You know, I've had a lot of ups, and I've had a lot of downs.
But last week, last week,
it should've been a dream come true going into the WWE Hall of Fame.
On top of that, compete…
[crowd chanting] You deserve it!
On top of that,
competing at the biggest WrestleMania of all time.
But instead, I ended up facing my own son.
[crowd boos]
I really wanted things to be different, Dom.
I really did.
["It Is My Time" playing]
[Corey] His disrespect knows no bounds.
Keep your name out of my-- out of your mouth.
[audience boos]
I'm sick and tired of hearing about what you want
because that's what you do.
You make things about yourself.
You never cared about me.
That's why I'm better off with my real family,
The Judgment Day.
[crowd boos]
So you say… you say The Judgment Day is your real family?
Those selfish idiots who are just using you, Dom.
Using me?
You're the only one who's using me.
You're the selfish one around here.
Because nothing else matters
unless Rey Mysterio gets what Rey Mysterio wants,
just like Bad Bunny.
I would have beaten you at WrestleMania
if he didn't stick his nose in my business
and screwed me over to help you.
[audience boos]
You're using him just like you used me.
But you know what?
Guess what happened?
Somebody roll the footage.
[Kevin] Let's go back to Monday Night-- WrestleMania first. Excuse me.
Rey Mysterio and actually against his son Dominik.
Damian Priest handed Dominik the jacket.
The steel chain was there,
and Bad Bunny said, no, it's not gonna happen.
[Corey] This would open the door for Rey to slam it shut.
Boom! 619 to Dominik.
The night after as Rey was competing against
the United States champion, Austin Theory,
again, Dominik would stick his nose in his father's business.
[Kevin] Caught by Theory,
and that's where it would end.
A-Town Down.
Theory would pick up the victory,
-but Dominik… -[bell rings]
…and The Judgment Day were not finished yet.
[Corey] As Dominik viciously assaulted his fallen father,
the disrespect of The Judgment Day
would catch the attention of Bad Bunny who is here as a spectator.
[speaking indistinctly]
Bunny would beat Dominik to the punch
and flatten Dominik,
which would draw the ire of the punishment of The Judgment Day,
-Damian Priest. -Didn't need to get involved, bro.
[Kevin] The hottest recording artist
on the planet today, Bad Bunny.
[Corey] The host of Backlash
would be assaulted at ringside by Damian Priest,
and the exclamation point,
a thunderous chokeslam through our announce desk.
[audience boos]
You know, Bad Bunny makes a lot of good songs,
but when Damian put him through that table,
that was music to my ears, man. I'll tell you that.
But I hope Bad Bunny learned his lesson
and sticks his nose out of The Judgment Day's business.
As a matter of fact, Dom,
I spoke to Bunny last night…
and he said he'll be back.
[all exclaiming]
You and the rest of The Judgment Day
are gonna regret putting your hands on him.
More empty words from a deadbeat dad.
[crowd boos]
Instead of worrying about Bad Bunny,
you should worry about what The Judgment Day's gonna do to you.
You know what, son?
Cut the crap.
You talk a big game
about what The Judgment Day is gonna do to me.
When are you going to man up…
[speaking Spanish]
…and take care of things on your own?
You know what, son?
I know you don't believe me,
but I didn't wanna fight you at WrestleMania,
but you definitely seem like a lost cause.
So why don't you step in the ring…
have a WrestleMania rematch…
right here, aquí, in Seattle?
[crowd cheers]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
[crowd boos]
I don't want to fight my own father…
but I know who will.
["I Am Danger" playing]
[inaudible]
[Corey] Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day.
[Kevin] A man who was through hell
in a match with Edge at WrestleMania,
now prepares to go back in action to take on the Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio.
[Corey] Bálor, Mysterio, next.
[Kevin] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw…
-[bell rings] -…Seattle, Washington, tonight.
A match that's been made official during the commercial break,
and what a match it is as well.
The Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio, and Finn Bálor.
[Corey] Rey once again made it his mission tonight
to step into the ring with his own flesh and blood, Dominik,
but Dominik yet again refused to engage,
instead offering "The Prince" Finn Bálor to do battle with Rey.
[Kevin] Why'd Dominik reject the opportunity
after receiving that public spanking at WrestleMania by his father?
[Corey] Because Dominik's a very complicated individual.
It's a very complicated relationship between Dom and his father, Rey.
Dom obviously not too eager to be publicly humiliated again,
but you're a journalist, KP.
Why don't you go sit down with Dominik sometime,
get his side of the story uninterrupted?
[Kevin] I'm just wondering why he'd put his friend from The Judgment Day in.
Finn Bálor was through hell,
well-documented with the 14 staples in Finn Bálor's skull.
[Corey] Rey doing his best
to exploit the 14 staples in Finn's skull at this very moment,
but The Judgment Day are about family, Kevin.
Family steps up for one another.
That's how The Judgment Day view each other.
Dominik had a problem,
Finn was eager to step up to help his brother.
[Kevin] Rey Mysterio here.
What a treat this is, a dream match in many ways.
[Corey] No doubt about it.
The Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio, who apparently ages in reverse.
Truly a timeless Superstar,
and Finn Bálor eager
to put WrestleMania in the rearview mirror.
This may do it. [exclaims]
Cover here by Finn.
[Kevin] Bálor grabs the leg,
wants to put away Rey who kicks out at two.
Dominik did seem to come up with a lot of excuses, though,
on Friday Night saying, "I went easy on my dad at WrestleMania."
It's just surprising to a lot of Dominik fans out there
that expect him to jump back in and want that victory over his dad.
[Corey] Are you being facetious, Kevin?
Are you saying Dominik doesn't actually have fans?
[Kevin] There are a lot of fans, like you, of Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] I simply understand a troubled soul.
[Rey grunts]
Dominik has been through some things.
He's made a few mistakes,
but that doesn't mean it needs to be held over his head permanently.
[grunts] Bálor now looking
to stomp the fire out of Rey Mysterio tonight in Seattle.
[Kevin] Dominik gloating
in front of the WWE Universe here in Seattle.
This is for your son, Dominik.
-Yeah! -[grunts]
[Corey] Finn reminding Rey that, "I'm doing this for Dominik,"
Making every stomp a little more painful.
Attaboy, Finn.
[Kevin] Rhea Ripley made an appearance on the bump this week
talking about Bad Bunny, the host of WWE Backlash,
three weeks from Saturday,
talking about hunting the rabbit.
[Corey exclaims] Back elbow flattens Rey. Cover here by Bálor.
[Kevin] Bálor now with another opportunity and Rey kicking out again.
[Corey] Think about this.
Everybody who has such an issue with understanding Dominik's motivation,
look no further than Rhea Ripley of The Judgment Day,
Now the SmackDown Women's Champion.
Rhea has reached the mountaintop.
Finn Bálor took another Hall of Famer, Edge,
to his absolute limit inside Hell in a Cell.
Dominik realizes that if he wants to be part of the dominant future of WWE,
it begins in The Judgment Day,
not behind his father's shadow.
[Kevin] Truly is a raucous crowd here tonight in Seattle.
[Rey] He pulled my mask.
[inaudible]
[Kevin] How excited are you for Puerto Rican and WWE Backlash?
[Corey] It's gonna be an event not to be missed for sure.
The beautiful beaches,
Bad Bunny in the house.
No doubt The Judgment Day will be there.
Right now, I am enjoying Finn Bálor taking the fight to Rey Mysterio.
[Kevin] The Judgment Day,
Dominik and Damian Priest had bragging rights
over Rey Mysterio on Santos Escobar on Friday Night.
Can they do it again here tonight on Monday Night Raw?
Bálor squeezing the air out of Rey.
[crowd cheers]
Mysterio back on his feet.
He'll continue to fight.
[Corey] The WWE Universe willing the Hall of Famer back to a vertical base.
Here comes Rey.
This is what Finn wanted to avoid.
Rey is rolling.
Bálor looking for a breather on the outside,
but no rest for the weary.
Here comes Rey…
[groans]
…splash to the outside.
Mysterio in control.
Dominik in retreat.
Can Bálor fight back into this?
[Kevin] Welcome back, folks.
One-on-one action, Rey Mysterio, Finn Bálor.
The Hall of Famer, Mysterio,
came out and wanted to address the WWE Universe.
He was interrupted once more by his son, Dominik,
resulting in this match with Finn Bálor tonight,
of The Judgment Day.
[Corey] We received news during the break devel--
It's a developing story
centering on the women's Tag Team Title Match
taking place later as we look again at Rey
turning the tables of this match-up.
We hope to have an update for you at the conclusion of this match-up.
Three!
[Kevin] Think about what Finn Bálor went through,
Hell in a Cell match with Edge.
Rey Mysterio in a WrestleMania match of his own,
WrestleMania only nine, ten days ago.
[grunting, groaning]
[Corey] Bálor eager to exorcise the demon of that evening
after enduring hell with Hall of Famer Edge.
Now Rey from the top, Seated Senton.
[Kevin] Finn Bálor, no time wasted, back up on his feet!
Rey takes him down again!
Into the cover, Bálor kicking out.
[Dom tapping]
[Corey] Take a look at this.
[chuckles] In slow motion, it's even more beautiful
for everyone not named Finn Bálor.
-Rey soaring through the Sky in Seattle. -[Kevin exclaims]
Looking to dial it up, but Finn stopped Rey's plans.
[Kevin] At pace now, Rey sliding under Finn,
taking down the knees of Bálor.
Dial it up, Rey. [exclaims] Oh!
[Corey] Finn, one step ahead, flattens Mysterio.
[crowd boos]
[Kevin] Reveling in the boos as they ring out here in Seattle.
[crowd exclaims]
[Corey] Dropkick into the corner.
Rey down in the drop zone.
Finn thinking about making the climb.
[inaudible]
[Kevin] Scouted by Rey.
[Corey] It may have cost Finn
the moment he took to acknowledge Dominik on the outside.
[Kevin exclaims] Oh!
[Corey] Mysterio joining Bálor on the top turnbuckle,
-headbutts from the luchador. -[crowd] …three, four,
five, six, seven, eight…
Could be thinking about opening Finn back up.
[Kevin] Look at from Rey Mysterio.
Into the cover now to put away Bálor, and Finn kicks out.
Imagine the rage inside Rey Mysterio
knowing the influence that Finn Bálor,
Rhea Ripley, and Damian Priest have had on his son, Dominik.
[Corey] Take another look.
As Rey wanted The 619,
Bálor able to thwart it,
but Rey hit pay dirt with a hurricanrana.
From the top, just not enough to end this.
[Kevin] Dropkicks the back of Bálor.
[shouts] One more time, 619!
[Corey] Mysterio now from the top.
-[Kevin exclaims] Oh! -[Corey] Knees up.
[Kevin] Bálor turns it around.
-Rey kicks out. -[Corey] Wow!
It doesn't get any closer than that without the bell ringing.
Mysterio got all--
Looking for the frog splash,
but Bálor able to get his knees up at the last second,
rolling seamlessly into a pinfall,
but Rey not finished yet.
That was a little too close for comfort for Dom.
[Kevin] We saw a death stare between father and son as well,
as Rey made his way to the top rope.
[Corey] What kind of father looks at their son that way?
[Kevin] Rey's been through an awful lot.
-[Corey] Uh-oh. [chuckles] -[crowd exclaims]
Face first into the top turnbuckle.
That might be it for Rey.
-[Finn grunting] -[referee] Come on! Push!
[Corey] Look at the ruthless side of Finn Bálor,
the dagger of The Judgment Day.
-[referee shouting indistinctly] -[grunting continues]
[Kevin] Unforgiving, ruthless approach from Bálor.
[Corey] Oh, come on.
Dom appears to have something in his right hand.
-[Kevin] No. -[Corey] I believe it's a steel chain.
[Kevin shouts] No! Stopped by Rey!
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Dominik's WrestleMania plans backfire yet again.
Here we go!
[Kevin shouts] Go on, Rey!
Taking down Bálor and Dominik.
[Corey] Bálor splayed across the announce table, Dominik down.
The Hall of Famer bringing the heat to Seattle.
[Corey exclaims] Oh!
Rey now dribbling Bálor's already broken…
skull across the cowl of our desk.
[Kevin] Oh, no!
Once more, it's Dominik Mysterio intervening.
-[Corey] With the chain yet again. -[crowd boos]
[Kevin] The official didn't see it.
[Corey] The numbers game of The Judgment Day
paying dividends yet again tonight
at the expense of Dominik's father, Rey.
Here comes the dagger through the heart of Rey Mysterio.
[Kevin] Coup de grace by Bálor,
-and he gets the victory. -[bell rings]
["I Am Danger" playing]
[Corey] Here is your winner, Finn Bálor.
What an effort by Rey Mysterio,
doing battle essentially against not only Finn Bálor,
but his own son, Dominik.
Dom would attempt to use the chain, again.
Rey, a step ahead of his son, flattens Dominik.
Rey continuing to bring the fight,
the Hall of Fame spirit on display,
but the numbers caught up to Rey.
Dominik with his chain-wrapped fist
followed by the coup de grace,
double stomp right to the core…
-[crowd] One, two, three… -of Rey Mysterio,
and another massive win for The Judgment Day.
[Kevin] The ultimate cheap shot by Rey Mysterio's son, Dominik.
-Thuggery. -[howling]
[Corey] What a way to kick things off on Monday Night Raw.
We know it's going to be an interesting one, KP.
Yes, it certainly is.
You alluded to this earlier on during the match.
We're gonna go backstage and show you footage of what happened.
Cathy Kelley doing an interview and this is what played out,
and it pertains to the Women's Tag Team Match later tonight.
I'm joined by the Alpha Academy
and, guys, tonight you have a match against The Usos.
How have you been preparing today?
I've got him ready.
-His coach has got him prep-- -Cut, cut, cut.
-Otis, you look delicious as always. -Yeah.
However, you, I don't know what you're doing, you little gremlin.
Can we take it from the top?
Can you not teach him to wear crap? This is your fault.
-We have to re-tape this. -I don't wanna have to argue.
Follow that.
[indistinct shouting]
Someone! Someone help.
Are you okay? Oh my gosh!
-We don't know what to do. -[screams] Adam!
Somebody! Someone! Are you okay?
-[Cathy] What happened? -What happened?
[indistinct chatter]
-I don't know. -[woman 1] We just got here.
-I'm okay. -[indistinct shouting]
Go get me a doctor. Somebody get me a doctor.
-[woman 2] What's happening here? -We just got here.
-She was laying… -We just found her like this.
We have no idea.
We just walked up and she was like this.
You just found her like this, you got a title match--
-Are you kidding me? -[indistinct shouting]
[Corey] Obviously, plenty of unanswered questions.
We'll keep you posted regarding the Women's Title match.
[Kevin] We certainly will find out more regarding Cody Rhodes.
Who could forget the brutal and horrific scenes
we all witnessed last week?
He's supposed to be a tag-team partner
and Brock Lesnar destroyed The American Nightmare.
We're going to find out more when Cody Rhodes is here.
Next, we'll find out more on that very situation.
[Corey] This is Monday Night Raw.
This Friday, the fight to watch is Cage versus Hoult.
Dracula versus Renfield.
Don't miss the bloodbath.
Renfield, only in theaters, Friday.
["Greatness" playing]
[Kevin] Well, folks, WrestleMania weekend was a dream for so many.
But for Cody Rhodes,
from taking Roman Reigns
so close in the main event on Sunday night at WrestleMania
to then what happened on Monday Night Raw,
it was an absolute nightmare.
[Cody] Today is turning out a lot differently for me than I anticipated.
[Corey shouts] Cody Rhodes, he's going to do it.
No, wait a minute. Solo.
No! With a Samoan Spike.
Oh, my God! Not like this.
[bell rings]
[Cody] I'll acknowledge this.
You've won a lot of matches
where you skated by, but you were the victor.
Last night, I had you.
[inaudible]
So it boils down to just one word, rematch.
No, no, no, no, no!
If you don't want to do the rematch,
last night I essentially fought both of you anyways,
why don't we at least do a Tag match?
He's ready, you're ready,
let's do something here and do something now.
May I, for a moment, my Tribal Chief?
[whispers]
Anyone who agrees to team with you tonight
will never get another title match
against Roman Reigns
as long as Roman Reigns is the champion.
-["Next Big Thing" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Corey shouts] The Beast Incarnate.
That stipulation doesn't apply to Brock Lesnar.
Brock Lesnar is already forbidden from challenging Reigns.
Lesnar will join forces with The American Nightmare.
The biggest Tag Team main event
in Monday Night Raw history.
I don't know that anybody
would have chosen Lesnar to stand side-by-side with Rhodes.
This is unreal.
What the hell?
Roman Reigns has no idea what's going on.
[dramatic music playing]
[Cody screams]
[indistinct shouting]
[crowd boos]
We've reached out to Brock Lesnar and Brock's camp
for comment on his motivations.
We haven't heard anything, radio silence.
There has been speculation that Brock was upset
regarding the placement of his match on the WrestleMania card.
But from where I sit, there's gotta be more to this story.
Well, the good news is Cody Rhodes is okay.
And Cody Rhodes is here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
Let's go backstage and check in
with our broadcast colleague Byron Saxton.
Earlier on tonight, we witnessed a very unfortunate attack
on WWE Hall of Famer Lita,
but right now I'd like to welcome in the other half
of the Women's Tag Team Champions, Becky Lynch.
Becky, first off,
any update on the condition of Lita
and who might have been responsible for the attack?
Well, Lita is in a local medical facility, and I don't know who did it.
I have my suspicions.
When I find out for sure,
I can guarantee you, I'm going to slap the head off of them.
But I promised these people a title match tonight,
and The Man always delivers on her promises.
I was ready to go and do this alone, but then somebody…
somebody came to me with a pretty good idea.
[crowd cheers]
We made a hell of a team at WrestleMania.
We're gonna do it tonight for Lita.
Seems like the fair thing to do.
That's not just happening tonight, Byron, that's happening right now.
[crowd cheers]
["Time To Rock & Roll" playing]
[Corey] Can you believe this?
What a replacement.
[Kevin chuckles] Let's go.
Hall of Famer, Trish Stratus,
stepping up for her fellow Hall of Famer, Lita.
-[Corey] Trish was absolutely right. -["Celtic Invasion" playing]
Two-thirds of the extremely formidable team at WrestleMania
will be in effect tonight on Raw.
[Kevin] We certainly wish Lita the very, very best.
Becky Lynch vows to find out what happened to Lita backstage.
[Corey] Right now, Becky needs to shift focus.
Tonight is about the task at hand.
Unforeseen circumstances, of course,
but the Championships are still on the line.
[Kevin] An iconic duo of Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus.
It's a first title defense for Lynch.
She'll do so alongside Trish
up against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
["Visionary" playing, crowd singing]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[Corey shouts] Welcome to Monday Night Rollins.
He is a visionary.
He is a revolutionary.
[man 1] Four-time World Champion.
-[man 2] Money in the Bank. -[man 3] The Royal Rumble.
[man 4] The heist of the century.
[Corey] Rollins has done it all.
-I am Seth… -[crowd yells] …freakin' Rollins!
Sing my song.
[crowd singing "Visionary"]
["Celtic Invasion" continues]
[Kevin] A man that certainly did enjoy
his WrestleMania moment this year, Seth Rollins.
But it's Becky Lynch "The Man"
alongside the Hall of Famer, now, Trish Stratus.
-["Trap Queen" playing] -It's a Championship match
here on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] Trish Stratus stepping in on behalf of an injured Lita
who was taken to a local medical facility.
We'll do our best to keep you updated on her situation.
Here comes Raquel Rodriguez.
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
-[Corey] Doing a little cupping, it seems. -[Kevin] Yeah, exactly.
-♪ Watch me ♪ -[Corey] We're watching, Liv.
[Kevin] What opponents Becky and Trish Stratus have coming their way.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
defeated former Tag champions Damage CTRL last week on Raw
to earn this opportunity.
Even on Friday Night SmackDown,
just three days ago,
gaining momentum with a victory
over the ballsy baddies, Natalya and Shotzi.
What is it that makes Liv and Raquel such a team right now
with momentum on their side?
[Corey] Both Liv and Raquel
are really looking to solidify their status here in WWE.
Yes, Liv has been SmackDown Women's Champion.
Yes, I believe that someday Raquel will hold Singles Championships,
but the two of them together
have gelled incredibly quickly as a cohesive unit.
Sometimes it takes months, even years,
for a team to really gel like they have.
They've become a legitimate threat to the Tag Team Titles.
On the other hand,
you've got Trish Stratus who is an x-factor in this match-up.
Up until moments ago, she wasn't even involved.
[bell rings]
The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship!
[crowd cheers]
Introducing the challengers,
the team of Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan.
[crowd cheers]
And their opponents,
they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus
and "The Man" Becky Lynch.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Incredibly focused looks on the faces of all four women
as we prepare for the WWE Women's Tag Team Title defense.
As I was mentioning before, Trish Stratus, a last-minute replacement for Lita.
I assure you, Liv Morgan and Raquel
knowing they were coming into this match,
they were studying film of "The Man" Becky Lynch and of Lita.
-Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[Corey] Less likely they've been studying Trish Stratus and her tendencies.
[Kevin] How does it affect Becky Lynch who expected to be tagging with Lita?
[shouts] I said, I didn't do it!
[Corey] Luckily for Becky, she is no stranger to adversity.
No stranger to being in high-stake situations.
This is a woman who has main-evented WrestleMania.
Becky can adjust on the fly.
[exclaims] Oh! Most likely would've affected the game plan
of Liv Morgan and Raquel.
Everyone should know to plan for the power of Rodriguez.
[Kevin] Raquel Rodriguez, a second-generation wrestler from Texas.
We saw what she's capable of doing at the Royal Rumble.
[shouting, grunting]
[Corey] Extremely high upside as an athlete is Raquel Rodriguez.
Tag is made from the outside to Liv Morgan.
Liv's a firecracker.
Unpredictable, never afraid to take a risk.
-That's what it takes to be a champion. -[growls]
[Kevin exclaims] Oh! Former SmackDown Women's Champion, Liv Morgan.
[Corey] Enzuigiri. I don't know how much of it she got.
[Kevin] For the Championship.
An early hook of the leg on Becky Lynch who kicks out.
[Corey] Already in the early moments of this match-up,
Liv and Raquel have cut the ring in half,
isolating Becky Lynch from Trish Stratus.
Inside cradle.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch now.
[Corey] Momentum shift, Liv now on top.
[Kevin] Liv. Becky Lynch.
-[Corey laughs] -How smooth was that?
[Corey] Matrix escape by Lynch.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Everyone in Ireland no doubt watching on.
A Championship match for Becky Lynch.
[gasps] A crushing knee to the face of Becky.
[Corey gasps] Liv continuing this offensive onslaught.
The Man is in jeopardy.
[exclaims, chuckles] Ooh! Brutal double stomp. Cover.
[Kevin] Liv Morgan and Raquel for the Championships.
It's been dominant so far from Liv and Raquel.
[Corey] You have to wonder
what the mindset of Becky Lynch is in this scenario.
Again, Becky, no stranger to having circumstances change on the fly.
It's part of being a WWE Superstar.
You have to adjust and adapt.
A tag is made, and here comes Trish Stratus.
[Kevin] The Hall of Famer Trish Stratus.
[Corey] Trish just-- Cover.
[Kevin] Hooks the leg. Trish for the win early.
[Corey] Liv just tried to utilize a little classic Trish offense against Stratus.
That ain't gonna work.
[Kevin] Corey, the last time
an already-crowned Hall of Famer defended a title on Raw,
was "Rowdy" Roddy Piper back in 2006,
when Piper and Ric Flair
lost their Tag Team Championships to Edge and Randy Orton.
[Corey] I'm glad you're talking about history,
watch what's happening in front of you.
[Kevin] I wouldn't miss it for the world.
[Corey] Keep your eyes on Lynch perched on the top.
This is the sort of miscommunication… [gasps]
that comes with not being familiar. Cover.
[Kevin] Leg drop. Lynch hooks the leg for the win and a kick-out by Liv.
[Corey] The Champions in control.
[Kevin] It's a Championship Night
here on Monday Night Raw from Seattle, Washington.
It's Becky Lynch tagging alongside Trish Stratus
after an attack ruled out Lita earlier on tonight.
In action against Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan.
Come on, Liv.
[Corey] The challengers have a strong showing,
but the Champions have been able to turn the tides
and wrestle control of this match away.
Stratus now in control of Liv Morgan.
[Kevin] Look at the Hall of Famer.
Not skipping a beat, but Liv Morgan's fighting back here.
[Corey] Liv creates a little separation. Almost…
[exclaims] Oh! Both women with the same idea,
driving one another face first.
Who can make the tag first?
[rhythmic hand claps]
[Kevin] Look at this one more time.
[Corey] Tag is made. Raquel Rodriguez, legal.
-Here comes The Man. -[Kevin exclaims] Oh!
[Corey] And down goes The Man.
[Kevin] Check out the power, the presence of Raquel Rodriguez.
[growls]
Manhandling Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Fallaway Slam followed up by this Twisting Senton.
-Becky's in trouble. Cover. -[Kevin] Big time.
Can she put away Becky Lynch?
"The Man" Becky Lynch kicking out.
[Corey] This is where inexperience can play a factor
for an individual or a team.
Raquel needs to keep her foot on the gas pedal.
She's got Lynch down.
She's got Lynch hurt.
Do not relent.
-[Raquel yelps] -Great counter by Becky Lynch.
[Kevin] Gives Becky a little bit of separation now
-to gather herself at pace. -[both grunting]
[Corey] Right hand by The Man rocks Raquel.
Lynch now climbing to the top.
[Kevin exclaims] Oh! Missile dropkick.
[Corey] Looks like Becky lost her footing a bit. Cover.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch to retain alongside Trish,
and a kickout by Raquel.
[Corey] That launch angle may have made all the difference.
Lynch appeared to slip just slightly before connecting with the drop kick.
That may be the only reason Rodriguez had the time to kick-out.
Becky Lynch now trying to will herself on.
Defending her coveted WWE Women's Tag Team Championships
alongside Hall of Famer Trish Stratus,
and Lynch hung across the top rope.
[Kevin] We will keep you abreast of any news we find out
about Lita and that backstage attack on the Hall of Famer earlier on tonight.
[screaming]
[Corey] Oh, my goodness.
Lynch trying her best to rip Raquel from the top rope,
but Rodriguez just too strong for The Man.
[both grunting]
[Kevin] Vicious headbutts from Becky Lynch raining down on Raquel.
[Corey] You can see Lynch showing the fire inside.
Tag is made.
Here comes Stratus.
Have to double-up on the powerhouse, Raquel.
[Kevin] Liv Morgan on the outside, nowhere to be seen.
All of a sudden, it's Raquel Rodriguez now in a perilous position.
Look at the strength on show from Rodriguez.
[Corey] Lynch just shrugged off.
Stratus about to meet a similar fate, but hanging on.
Trish from the top.
[Kevin and Corey] Oh, no.
[Corey exclaims] Oh! Down goes Rodriguez.
[Kevin] Can Trish win it?
For Becky and Trish Stratus, and a kick-out.
Rodriguez and Morgan still alive.
[Corey] You can't not be impressed with the effort thus far
from Hall of Famer Trish Stratus
stepping in at the last moment as a replacement for Lita.
-[indistinct shouting] -[both grunting]
[Corey] Lynch and Trish working extremely well together as a tandem.
[Kevin] Oh, the leg drop from Becky.
[Corey] Raquel got spiked.
This could be it now for Becky and Trish.
Raquel instinctively kicking out.
It begs the question,
how much gas does Rodriguez have left in her tank?
We haven't seen Liv Morgan for almost a minute or two now,
which is an eternity in a Tag Team scenario.
Rodriguez essentially outnumbered two-to-one by the Champions.
[Kevin] As Becky Lynch continues to pummel Raquel Rodriguez.
-[growls] -One of the strongest Superstars there is.
[Corey] Backbreaker by Raquel.
[Kevin] There is Liv Morgan. Tag made.
[Corey] Another backbreaker setting something up for Morgan.
-[Kevin] What have they got in store? -[Corey gasps]
[Corey] The added boost. DDT. Cover.
New champions! New champions!
[Kevin] Becky kicking out.
No wasted time from Liv Morgan, though.
Once more The Man kicks out.
They go again.
[Corey] It's a smart strategy by Liv Morgan trying over and over,
repeated pinfall attempts off of this.
An elevated Tornado DDT.
But each pinfall attempt
forces Lynch to expend energy.
[Kevin] Liv Morgan called Becky Lynch this week,
a future Hall of Famer.
Lynch alongside the current Hall of Famer.
What a match we're witnessing.
Liv Morgan to put away Becky now.
[Corey] Liv now trying to wrestle Lynch down to the canvas,
but face-first into the middle turnbuckle.
[Kevin] This is where Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus want Liv Morgan.
-Tag. -[Corey] Quick tags.
Exemplary teamwork from Stratus and Lynch.
Trying to set Morgan in position for a double superplex.
Taking a lot of time.
-Uh-oh. -[Kevin] Wow.
[Corey] Oh, no.
[Kevin] You have got to be kidding me!
[Corey] The tower has fallen.
Who got the worst of the exchange?
[Kevin] Who can get up quickest?
The Championships are on the line.
[Corey] Take a look at this.
This is what we're talking about
when we say game-changing power possessed by Raquel Rodriguez.
Lynch, Stratus, and Morgan all driven down.
[Kevin] Insane power and strength from the Texas native Raquel Rodriguez.
[Corey] Seattle sharing their appreciation with all four competitors.
[Kevin] Liv Morgan now quick to pounce on Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Lynch beat Morgan to the punch, but Liv answers.
[grunting, growling]
-[Kevin exclaims] Oh! -[Corey] Wow.
[Kevin] Blow after blow.
What a brilliant Championship match we are witnessing.
[Corey] Becky putting Liv in position,
and here comes Raquel again, and Trish looking gonna join the fray.
Lynch was thinking about, I believe, Diamond Dust.
Again, these are the miscommunications you can expect
from a tag team who aren't a full-time tag team.
-Right now, Rodriguez… -[Kevin] Oh, no, no.
[Corey] I think Morgan-- Oh, my goodness.
[Kevin] For Becky Lynch now.
[Corey] Becky Lynch able to shift her weight
at the last possible second.
Lynch crashed down onto Morgan,
delivered a modified Diamond Dust to Rodriguez
who spilled to the outside, and now…
an almost catatonic look on the face of The Man.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Can Liv Morgan get on her feet? It's where Becky Lynch wants her.
Becky wanted The Manhandle. Pinning combination. Shoulders down!
[yelping]
Lynch wants the disarm-her.
-[screaming] -Keep your eyes on Raquel.
[Kevin] Back inside the ring.
Raquel breaking it up, but here comes Trish Stratus.
[Corey] May we see a little Stratusfaction in Seattle?
[Kevin] Not skipping a beat.
[Corey] Lynch and Morgan, your legal competitors.
-It has been chaotic. Boom! -[Kevin exclaims]
-Oblivion. -[Kevin] No!
[Corey] Lynch rolled through.
[shouts] Manhandle slam!
[Kevin] Hooks the leg now.
Becky Lynch to retain,
and it's Raquel Rodriguez, just in time.
[referee] Hey! Get up in your corner!
[Corey] It is chaos.
It is breaking down all in the name of the Women's Tag Team Championships.
[Kevin] Tag made.
Trish Stratus is legal.
Becky on the outside flattening Raquel.
[Corey] Trish lining up Liv Morgan.
Chick Kick. No!
Shoulders down!
[Kevin shouts] Liv Morgan for the Championship!
-[bell rings] -New champions!
-["Liv Gone Mad" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[announcer growls] Here are your winners and the new
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Raquel Rodriguez
and Liv Morgan!
[Corey] I'm not entirely sure we can believe
[chuckles] what we just witnessed,
but congratulations!
Take a look at this exchange.
Becky Lynch delivers a Manhandle Slam.
At the last possible second,
Raquel would rip Lynch out of the ring.
Stratus tagged herself in, became legal,
looked for the Chick Kick.
-Morgan one step ahead. -[bell rings]
Pinning combination surprising Trish Stratus,
breaking the hearts of the Champions,
which includes Stratus, Lita, and Becky Lynch.
Congratulations to the new Champions.
What a heartbreaker here tonight for Lynch and Trish Stratus.
[crowd cheers]
Classy move by Becky Lynch.
[inaudible]
[Corey] This one's gonna sting.
[yells] Wait a minute! No!
[Kevin] From behind.
What the hell?
[crowd boos]
-[Kevin gasps] -[Corey] Chick Kick from Stratus.
[crowd boos]
Hey. Get off her. Let go.
-Come on. Hey! -[inaudible]
[crowd boos]
We knew the loss was gonna sting.
It was gonna be a bitter pill to swallow.
Nobody expected tonight to play out the way it did.
But for Trish Stratus to turn her back on Becky Lynch
after Becky just fought her heart out
for the Women's Tag Team Championships? This is disgusting.
Yeah. Boy, we don't know.
But congratulations, of course, to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
New Women's Tag Team Champions.
Now let's go backstage to Cathy Kelley.
I'm still in shock over what we just witnessed.
Trish Stratus turning on Becky Lynch.
But I must introduce my guest at this time,
the special counsel to "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns,
Paul Heyman.
[crowd boos]
Mr. Heyman, last Friday on SmackDown,
my colleague asked you to address
Brock Lesnar teaming up with Cody Rhodes
prior to their match against Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns,
but you seemingly dodged that question.
So while I have you here,
uh, as the former advocate for Brock Lesnar,
can you provide any insight into his actions last week?
Can I provide any insight into Brock Lesnar's actions?
Yes, I can.
Thank you.
Question asked, question answered.
Hey, ask me another question.
Like this, [in feminine voice] "Mr. Heyman,
um, what about tonight when Solo goes one-on-one against Kevin Owens?"
[in normal voice] That's a brilliant question.
Thank you so much for the interrogatory…
See, Kevin Owens is not just a problem,
Kevin Owens has a problem.
Sami Zayn is not here tonight.
Flight delays.
Matt Riddle is not here tonight.
Flight delay.
Flight delays, my tuchus.
You know what happened?
Sami Zayn and Matt Riddle were in an airport,
and they looked up and they said,
"Bro, what are we doing tonight on Raw?"
And the other one goes,
"Um, um, um, Solo's looking for us."
And they looked at each other and went,
"Maybe the later flight. What do you think?"
Because they're both smart enough to know
not to mess with Solo who solves problems for The Bloodline.
Kevin Owens is not that bright.
Not as bright as Riddle, not as bright as Sami Zayn.
Doesn't say a lot about Kevin Owens.
Kevin Owens comes in here tonight now
with zero allies
and even fewer friends and one leg,
which makes him not just the proverbial,
makes him the literal one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest
against a two-legged, very capable Samoan.
Not just any Samoan, we're talking about Solo.
We're talking about The Enforcer.
We're talking about the Sergeant at Arms.
We're talking about The Problem Solver.
Solo's here.
I'm here.
The Usos are here.
[crowd cheers]
What kind of people
would take advantage of Kevin Owens in this vulnerable state?
What… What kind of people of the WWE locker room
are so deplorable
that they would take advantage of Kevin Owens when he's like this?
What type of people are so despicable?
What type of people are so low
they would follow The Tribal Chief's orders
to solve the Kevin Owens problem?
You know who those people are?
We the ones.
[softly] We the ones.
[upbeat music playing]
[Kevin] You have to wonder
what condition Kevin Owens will be in for his one-on-one match tonight
when he heads in to face Solo Sikoa in a dragon's den.
You heard what Paul Heyman said about who is here tonight.
Let's see how it plays out between Owens and Sikoa tonight on Raw.
["Hollywood Swinging" playing]
♪ Hollywood swinging ♪
♪ Hollywood ♪
♪ Hollywood swinging ♪
[Kevin] Some incredible moments from WrestleMania.
This, though, the headline of tonight here on Monday Night Raw so far,
-we've got new Women's Tag Team Champions. -[bell rings]
Congratulations to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
stunning Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus.
[Corey] In the aftermath,
during what appeared to be a sentimental moment,
Trish Stratus would shock the entire WWE Universe
by attacking "The Man" Becky Lynch.
[crowd boos]
I'm currently in the backstage area
hoping to get some sort of explanation from Trish Stratus
over why she would attack Becky Lynch.
Trish, excuse me, why did you lay out Becky Lynch?
Trish? Anything?
["Greatness" playing]
[Corey] The questions that remain to be answered.
One thing we know for sure,
after suffering a heinous attack
at the hands of Brock Lesnar one week ago,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is here in Seattle to respond.
Corey, Friday Night on SmackDown,
the WWE Universe,
both there in Portland, Oregon, and around the world,
were buzzing when The Game, the Hall of Famer Triple H,
appeared with some really exciting news.
As great as WrestleMania was, it is now behind us.
And now we look to the future.
In just a few short weeks,
it is once again time for the WWE Draft.
[crowd cheers]
And this year, the Draft
will be bigger than it has ever been before
with every Superstar eligible.
This year's Draft will truly change the game.
[sighs]
I don't know.
She's been in there so long.
What's the big… What's the big deal? How--
[exhales] Okay, okay.
So, I went in there to talk to Adam
about getting you guys a Tag Team Title Match,
but all this guy could talk about was the WWE Draft coming up.
So I made sure that he knows we need to stick together when that happens, okay?
Which I kinda think I got through to him because
then he offered me a Triple Threat Match
with Piper Niven and Michin tonight,
and the winner of that match could get a title opportunity against Bianca Belair.
You know what that means, right?
That means when I beat Bianca and I become Champion,
I'll have more leverage talking to Pearce about you--
No.
[speaking Japanese]
[in English] Uh, I think what Iyo meant to say was, what about us?
You've had your opportunity.
It should be one of us.
[nervously] Okay, okay.
Didn't know you guys feel like that, but I can go talk to Adam
and see what he thinks about one of you guys taking my place. Okay?
-All right? -Yeah.
[sighs] Okay.
[inaudible]
["All Mighty" playing]
[Kevin] A little tension between Damage CTRL.
[Corey] Seattle, Washington.
Behold, The All Mighty.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] A frightening, intimidating sight.
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley is here on Raw.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
he is the winner of the 2023 Andre the Giant Battle Royal,
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley!
[Corey] You heard Mike Rome mention it a moment ago,
the winner of the 2023 Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
The Friday Night before WrestleMania began,
The All Mighty looked to carry that momentum into battle tonight.
And he's gonna need it.
[Kevin] And the last man standing
with Bobby Lashley in that Andre the Giant Battle Royal,
was Bronson Reed who poked the bear last week on Raw.
Lashley goes one-on-one with Reed next.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] This Friday, the fight to watch is Cage verse Hoult.
Dracula verse Renfield.
Don't miss the bloodbath.
Renfield only in theaters, Friday.
[Corey] We are preparing for a true Heavyweight clash
between The All Mighty and this man.
["Battle Tested" playing]
♪ I'm war ready ♪
♪ I'm battle tested ♪
♪ This is the story of a fighter… ♪
[announcer] His opponent, from Black Forest, South Australia,
weighing in at 330 pounds…
[growls] Bronson Reed!
[Kevin] The walking natural disaster, Bronson Reed.
SummerSlam is headed to Ford Field in Detroit on August 5th.
Tickets will be available this Friday, April 14th, at ticketmaster.com.
[Corey] What we've got on our hands here, I like to call a Big E Special.
Big, meaty men, slapping meat.
Two powerhouses ready to throw down on Monday Night Raw.
-[bell rings] -There you see
the coveted Andre the Giant Battle Royal statue,
currently possessed by "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
This is an opportunity for Bronson Reed to really make some waves, pun intended.
[Kevin] Hasn't lost a one-on-one match, Bronson Reed,
since arriving on Monday Night Raw.
We saw what he was capable of doing inside the Elimination Chamber,
and of course the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
And it was Lashley who sent him packing to win it all.
[Corey] These are two truly special athletes.
The All Mighty, a decorated combat athlete,
former World Heavyweight Champion.
Bronson Reed, powerlifting background,
deceptively agile for a man of his size,
As Bobby Lashley's finding out first hand right now.
My goodness.
[Kevin] Lashley at pace, now taking down Bronson.
Bronson really did poke the bear last week
-with Bobby Lashley. [exclaims] Oh! -[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Corey] Lashley eager to remind Bronson Reed
that this is The All Mighty's house.
[Kevin] Bronson said, "Maybe I'm your student,
but the student will eventually school the teacher."
Well, he's got his chance tonight.
[Corey] Lashley-- I was going to say
is Lashley making an ill-advised decision trying to power over Bronson Reed?
The All Mighty just soldiering forward.
We got a stalemate on our hands.
-[Kevin] Oh, my goodness. -[Corey] Uh-oh. Wow!
That's unfamiliar territory, even for Bobby Lashley.
Not used to being moved around by another human being.
[both grunting]
[Kevin] Vicious right to Bobby Lashley.
This is one to take in, folks, Lashley and Bronson Reed.
Why would Bronson Reed
wanna step up to "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley, of all people?
[Kevin] It's about being an alpha male in WWE.
Opportunities aren't just handed out, sometimes you need to make your own.
If you're Bronson Reed, you look at what Lashley's accomplished.
The fact that he possesses the Andre the Giant Battle Royal trophy,
the fact that Lashley's held countless Championships.
Bronson Reed knows,
if you wanna make a name for yourself,
you have to take out a bigger dog than yourself.
[Kevin] Bobby Lashley's so used
to throwing his opponents around like ragdolls.
-Won't be doing that. -[Corey] Uh-oh. Wait a minute.
[Kevin] Oh, watch out. [gasps] Oh!
[Corey] Supersonic impact from Bronson Reed to The All Mighty.
It's almost a stunned silence
that's fallen over the crowd here in Seattle,
as we watch this human cannonball flatten Bobby Lashley.
Can Lashley get back in this battle?
[crowd chanting] Bobby!
[Kevin] The meeting of two gigantic human beings,
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed.
Lashley at pace now, and a big boot by Bronson.
The Aussie has just absolutely flattened Bobby Lashley,
-and the look of satisfaction on his face. -[crowd boos]
Man, have we got a Superstar to be reckoned with
in front of our very eyes.
Reed collecting his prey.
And raining down blows on Lashley.
[Corey] Bronson Reed just battering The All Mighty in the turnbuckle.
Lashley's been overwhelmed for these last several minutes.
Just goes to show you the physical abilities
and the mean streak of Bronson Reed.
[Kevin] It was Lashley saying last week,
he has all this pent-up frustration from WrestleMania,
having to stand out there in front of the crowd
and not have a match himself.
Can you imagine if Bronson Reed gets a victory tonight?
[Corey] It'd certainly derail The All Mighty's momentum,
and Lashley not about to let that happen.
Trying to chop the big man in half.
Lashley wanted a neck breaker, Reed able to escape.
There you go!
[Kevin] Lashley rapidly back on his feet.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] The WWE Universe solidly behind The All Mighty.
Can Lashley muster the power needed
to muscle-up the colossal Bronson Reed?
-[Kevin] Oh, my God! -[Corey] Yes, he does. Wow!
[crowd cheers]
Seattle is on its feet.
[Kevin] Eyes on the prize for Lashley.
[Corey] Bobby Lashley thinking about the Hurt Lock.
-[crowd chanting] Bobby! -But, Bronson--
Bronson Reed almost too big, Lashley can't lock his fingers.
[screams] No! [grunts]
[Corey] Bronson Reed, such a massive human being
and a powerhouse,
The All Mighty is unable to complete the Hurt Lock.
-[Kevin exclaims] Oh! -[Corey] Oh, my God.
Bronson just threw his own body weight down onto Lashley.
[Kevin] Now Bronson Reed to put away Lashley.
I don't know if we've ever seen that before, Graves.
[Corey] It was a desperate maneuver by Reed,
but extremely effective.
And now, Bronson Reed looking to finish the job.
[Kevin] Oh, no.
[Corey] Bronson making the climb. No.
[Kevin] Lashley well aware.
[Corey] I think Reed just went to the eyes.
Our official showing a bit of leeway.
-[Kevin] Oh, man! -[Corey] Oh, my God.
I don't even know what the hell you call that.
[Kevin] Pulverized him.
He's absolutely crushed Bobby Lashley.
[Corey] Looks like a grain silo falling out of the sky and hitting you.
Look at this.
I guess it's a bit of a Thesz Press times 300.
[Kevin] He may have avoided the tsunami, but that may well have been worse.
[Corey] Lashley out the back door.
-[Kevin] Lashley wants to turn it around. -[Corey] Oh, and a knee to the body.
[Kevin screams] Oh! What?
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Bobby Lashley is not human.
The All Mighty is fired up and ready to put this one to bed.
[crowd chanting] Bobby!
Lashley still trying to cinch it in.
-Bronson to the-- -[Kevin] Oh, man!
Vicious crush.
[Corey] Both athletes spilling to the floor. [gasps]
My God.
The ground just shook on impact…
[referee] …five…
…and these two Kaijus look ready to destroy the whole city.
[referee] …seven…
-[Corey] Oh, my God. -[Kevin] How does he do it?
[yells] Reed wants to turn it around.
-Lashley, face-first into the post. -[bell rings]
[Corey] The official's gonna call for the bell.
[crowd boos]
Both of these Superstars have gotten themselves counted out,
but I don't think Reed nor Lashley give a damn.
[Kevin] They're not gonna stop anytime soon.
[Corey] Let them fight. Hell, yeah!
You don't want to throw hands with The All Mighty.
[Kevin] Bronson Reed's going toe-to-toe with Bobby tonight, though.
Lashley's unleashing now.
[Corey] This looks like Rocky in a meat locker right now.
[crowd cheers]
Couple of heavy sides of beef. Get out here.
Get the officials, get Seattle PD.
[Kevin] I'm with you, Graves. Let them go.
-[indistinct shouting] -[crowd boos]
[Corey shouts] Here we go again. [laughs]
[Kevin] Beating each other to a pulp.
A look at Cody Rhodes, an unsuspecting victim last Monday Night.
Main evented Sunday night at WrestleMania, but Cody's here tonight next on Raw.
["Kingdom" playing]
[Cody] Wrestling has more than one royal family.
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
[crowd singing] ♪ Whoa! ♪
-[Kevin] It says an awful lot… -[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen
please welcome "The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Kevin] It does say an awful lot about The Man, Cody Rhodes,
that he is here tonight after everything he experienced,
caught off-guard and received the ultimate beatdown
by the Greek Beast Brock Lesnar, who he expected to be his teammate.
[Corey] Whatever physical pain Cody is experiencing right now
can be matched only by the emotional turmoil
of the last eight or nine days.
Cody, obviously, still feeling the effects of,
perhaps the spear of Roman Reigns,
definitely the all-out assault
at the hands of "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar.
-There is still work to be done. -[crowd singing] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[Corey] Cody is here for the WWE Universe, for his family, for himself.
The story remains unfinished.
[crowd chanting] Cody!
Thank you. Thank you.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Cody!
So, Seattle…
what do you wanna talk about?
[crowd cheers]
Typically, a bit of a redundant question.
I usually have a singular focus.
When I first came back, I was talking about Seth Rollins.
After that, I was talking about my torn pec and the rehabilitation.
After that, I was talking about the Royal Rumble.
Then of course after that,
I was talking about WrestleMania and finishing the story.
After last week, it feels a bit cloudy, though.
So let's unzip this dress,
let's navigate this fog together, shall we?
[crowd cheers]
At WrestleMania 39,
under the brightest lights in the main event…
I lost.
[crowd boos]
I lost to The Tribal Chief,
to our champion, Roman Reigns.
[continues booing]
This polarizing moment in WWE history,
everybody pointing fingers, casting blame.
I would ask that you point the fingers directly at me.
You put blame nowhere else, but squarely on me.
I lost dead in the center.
I did not calculate, I did not adjust, not just for Roman Reigns,
but for the lengths that Roman Reigns would be willing to go.
I lost, and I'm sorry.
[crowd exclaims]
I heard two things after that match.
One of them was from a dear friend.
He told me directly, my friend Matt, he said,
"Well, being in the main event, that's a win in itself."
He said, "At this point in your career, do wins and losses even matter?"
Absolutely.
What is the point in stealing the show if you don't walk away with the prize?
We're prize fighters after all.
The only people who are saying wins and losses don't matter
are Hall of Famers.
Men and women who've had their moment in the sun,
who have finished their stories.
Whether it's the winner's purse or, in my case,
the undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
The other thing I heard
might bother you as much as it bothered me.
It wasn't meant for my ears, but it certainly traveled to them.
I believe Mr. Heyman said it.
[crowd boos]
He said if he is ever to challenge
for the Championship ever again,
he's got to earn it.
Earn it?
That basically refutes, dismisses,
not just my whole career, my whole life.
At what point, what are we talking about,
from going from Dashing to Stardust to the Main Event,
from the Undercard to the EVP?
This derelict wolf who threw himself to the wilderness
and came back the leader of the whole pack.
Earn it?
I am it!
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Cody!
And now, our unfinished tale
has a whole new wrinkle to it…
Brock Lesnar.
[crowd boos]
You want to know what's more embarrassing
than laying there surrounded by 80,000 people
with a rubber chicken a foot away from your head
and not the two titles that you came to get?
What's more embarrassing is when you have to wake up the next day,
chin held high even though you didn't wanna get out of bed,
come to work looking for some modicum of satisfaction,
looking for a rematch, looking for retribution.
When not granted that, at least something.
And you offer up your innocence,
you offer up your partnership to The Beast
and he repays it in destruction.
Somebody tell me why.
Somebody tell me why Brock Lesnar did what he did.
I heard on SmackDown
that Brock Lesnar was unhappy with his spot at WrestleMania.
[crowd boos]
An event that's usually synonymous
with The Beast, the publicity, the key heart, the old school intros.
They weren't about Brock and…
that I can almost understand.
The other thing, though, my theory I have…
is that Brock Lesnar is uncertain about me.
Uncertain about the hype that comes with The American Nightmare,
uncertain about the change that I brought to WWE.
Change that would directly affect him.
Why else would Brock Lesnar wait to get the drop on me?
Why else would Brock Lesnar wait until my back was turned?
But if you're Brock Lesnar,
and I know he's listening,
and I know someone who represents him is listening as well,
why the hell would you ever be uncertain?
When Brock Lesnar looks in the mirror, he sees a predator.
He sees a former NCAA heavyweight champion.
That's the hardest tournament to win in folk-style wrestling,
a former UFC,
a former WWE undisputed Universal Champion,
he is a Hall of Famer in both worlds.
Brock Lesnar is a predator.
When he was only a rookie,
he looked at The Rock and thought, "That's a victim."
He looks at all of us, we're victims, we're lunch to Brock Lesnar.
He looked at John Cena, victim.
He looked at Randy Couture, victim.
He looked at The Undertaker and his lauded streak and thought, victim.
Is that what you think when you look at me, Brock Lesnar?
Victim?
So go ahead.
I'll be as honest as I can possibly be.
If the question is posed to me,
"Are you scared of Brock Lesnar?"
[crowd cheers]
Yes. Yes.
I'd be crazy not to be scared of Brock Lesnar,
but I still want to fight Brock Lesnar.
[crowd cheers]
I'm so scared of Brock Lesnar and what happened to me last week,
that when he blinks, I'm gonna strike.
When he breathes, I'm gonna kick.
When he stumbles, I'm gonna pounce.
I wanna make sure I leave no stone unturned,
no opportunity behind,
that when Brock Lesnar looks in the mirror the next time,
he doesn't see predator.
For the first time in his life, he sees prey.
For the first time in his life, he sees a victim. My victim.
[crowd cheers]
So it can be anywhere, anytime, anyplace…
but I know Brock Lesnar isn't here in Seattle.
[crowd boos]
So Brock Lesnar, what do you say?
Face-to-face, eye-to-eye, one-on-one,
the first time ever, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes
versus yourself at WrestleMania Backlash.
Answer the call.
[microphone thuds]
["Kingdom" playing]
[Corey] I understand that Cody is experiencing emotional turmoil,
but I didn't realize Cody Rhodes had a death wish.
Rhodes just called out The Beast Incarnate.
[Kevin] He's thought about it. Cody Rhodes saying,
"Of course I'd be scared of Brock Lesnar, but I want to fight Brock Lesnar."
The pent-up anger and frustration from the past week
coming out in "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] It's obvious that Cody Rhodes is thinking with his gut right now
and not his brain, because this is not a wise decision.
Cody, I implore you, rethink this.
This is Brock Lesnar we're talking about.
Cody Rhodes wasn't the only unsuspecting victim
last week on Friday Night SmackDown,
as Sami Zayn was talking with Jey Uso.
-[indistinct shouting] -Down the corridor, backstage,
Kevin Owens on the receiving end
of a brutal attack by Solo Sikoa.
[man growls] Get him outta here!
[official] Go, go, go!
[indistinct shouting]
[Kevin] Then the match we go.
Jey Uso in one-on-one action and as the referee would look away,
"The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa
-with a Samoan Spike to Sami Zayn. -[bell rings]
Just like he did at WrestleMania to help Roman Reigns.
["Hey Bro" playing]
[Corey] Solo was eager to finish the job
when an unlikely savior would arrive in the form of Matt Riddle,
a long-time thorn in The Bloodline's side.
[Kevin] Matt Riddle, of course,
last December, sent off in an ambulance after the treatment of Solo Sikoa.
Some retribution for The Original Bro.
["Done With That" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Now, tonight on Raw,
Jimmy and Jey Uso back together again.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a Tag Team Match scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, Jimmy and Jey, The Usos.
[Corey] It almost feels wrong.
It feels dirty looking at Jimmy and Jey
and not seeing the Tag Team Championships draped on their bodies.
[Kevin] Back together again.
Jimmy and Jey Uso have found themselves a match tonight.
There's so many questions surrounding The Bloodline right now.
Can they go and pick up a W
against the Alpha Academy's Chad Gable and Otis?
It's coming your way next on Monday Night Raw.
[both growl, howl]
[Kevin] Backlash hosted by Bad Bunny.
Cannot wait for that.
Look at this news.
Doing the rounds today,
tremendous to see Logan Paul re-sign with WWE on a multi-year deal.
Corey, clips of Logan Paul at WrestleMania viewed over 27.5 million times.
Whether it's SummerSlam, Crown Jewel, or WrestleMania,
Logan Paul continues to wow.
[Corey] The maverick is what he says he is.
A bona fide star.
It's a big win for both Logan Paul and WWE.
[Kevin] Yeah. Well said.
Speaking on bona fide stars…
["Shoooosh" playing]
[announcer] Their opponents,
the Team of Otis and Chad Gable,
Alpha Academy.
[Corey] Otis bringing a little style to the entrance tonight.
[Kevin] Former Tag Team Champions, the Alpha Academy.
And, man, do they have their work cut out tonight
against the longest-reigning Tag Team Champions in history,
but no longer with their gold, The Usos.
Do the Alpha Academy know what they're getting in for tonight?
[Corey] The Alpha Academy have to know
that they are about to be in for the fight of their lives,
because that's what Jimmy and Jey are all about now.
Since losing their coveted Tag Team Championships
to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens at WrestleMania,
Jimmy and Jey have found themselves
looking to get back in the good graces of The Tribal Chief.
[Kevin] Well, Jimmy was not at Friday Night SmackDown,
at the orders of Roman Reigns.
How do you think Roman is feeling having seen them lose at WrestleMania?
[Corey] I think overtly, the best we could hope for,
as far as an update regarding The Bloodline,
is that Roman is likely disappointed in The Usos
for coming up short on such a grand showcase.
Beyond that, it's The Bloodline.
It's family.
They keep everything in-house.
They're not gonna show any cracks to anybody externally.
[Kevin] It was Paul Heyman saying
over the weekend on Friday Night SmackDown to Solo Sikoa,
that if Jey doesn't take care of the Sami problem,
you, Solo, will take care of our problems. Plural.
You wonder, is he speaking about the brothers Jimmy and Jey?
[Corey] I don't like that you speculate about that,
implying that Solo would turn on his brothers.
The fact is, maybe Solo was given the task that Jimmy and Jey
-couldn't accomplish in their way. -[bell rings]
So Solo has to solve the problem.
A problem is a problem, no matter who solves it.
[Kevin] Solo not by his twin brothers' side right now.
He does have a match to come later against Kevin Owens in the main event.
But for now, it's tag team action.
[Corey] The number one guy in budding fashionista, Otis.
[Kevin] There's a strut about him, isn't there?
He's got what it takes.
[Corey] Otis processes all of the physical tools.
A tremendous collegiate background in amateur wrestling,
but he's in there with "Main Event" Jey Uso right now.
[crowd cheers]
You can never get too confident or comfortable
-when The Usos are your opposition. -[indistinct shouting]
[Otis] Yeah!
Watch there, Big Jey.
[Kevin] How does Jey Uso approach a physical specimen like Otis?
[both grunting]
[Corey] Jey's gonna wanna rely on his speed,
yet that can't always be… can't always be trusted.
Because Otis is deceptively powerful
and there are parts of him jiggling that nobody should ever see right now.
This is borderline inappropriate and bad news for Jey Uso.
[Kevin] His modeling career giving him newfound confidence, Otis.
[Corey] Jey looking for a sunset flip.
This is not a great decision.
Oh, Jey.
This is his new TikTok craze.
[laughter]
Otis walking a runway like only Hansel has done in the past.
[both grunting]
Jey-- This has got to be frustrating for Jey Uso.
Jimmy and Jey are eager to make the climb
back to the top of the Tag Team mountain.
And to be, let's be honest, disrespected by Otis.
[Kevin groans] Oh, man!
You're absolutely right.
With so much going on within The Bloodline,
this is a match they wanted to get back to winning ways and together again,
but you're right, Corey.
[Corey] I usually am, KP.
People should listen to me more often.
Tag is made.
Here comes Jimmy Uso.
This is not where Gable wants to be.
Big right hand.
[Kevin] The Olympian, Chad Gable.
[crowd exclaims]
Oh, man!
[Corey] Big uppercut lands and drops the Olympian.
This is what Jimmy and Jey need to do.
Stick with what works.
Stick with what brought you to the dance, being the best tag team on the planet.
Oh, oh! Armbar. Wow.
Gable only has until the count of five before he's disqualified,
but you can do a lot of damage to an elbow…
-Thank you. -…in the allotted time.
Now, Gable from the top rope.
[growls]
[Kevin] Taking flight. Taking down Jimmy.
Hooks the leg for the victory.
Jimmy kicking out early.
[Corey] I think the question we need to be asking, Kevin,
is what did it do to The Usos' mentality at WrestleMania?
As we look again at Gable soaring through the skies into a clothesline.
-Is it possible that the psyches… -[Chad] Thank you.
…of Jimmy and Jey Uso have been fractured in a manner
that they maybe can't reach the pinnacle of the mountain again?
It's a very real possibility.
Couple that with the pressure they certainly feel
from the head of the table, from The Tribal Chief.
This could be the first string in the unraveling of The Usos.
-I hate to say it out loud but… -Shoosh.
…it's a real possibility.
[Kevin] Sami Zayn certainly went there, Corey,
when speaking with Jey Uso on Friday Night SmackDown,
the mental unraveling within The Bloodline.
He says it continues to crumble.
[Corey] Look at Gable right now, who is essentially toying with Jimmy Uso.
That's an unfamiliar sight.
A few weeks ago,
you would never see anyone do that to The Usos and live to tell the tale.
The Usos need to get their heads in the game.
[Kevin] What have they to do to remember who they are?
[Corey] That's a great question. Oh!
[Kevin] Backbreaker, and here comes Jey.
[Corey] That certainly won't hurt.
-There we go. -[Kevin] Oh!
Remember what brought you to the dance,
what took you to the mountain, who you are.
[Kevin] The Usos dominating.
It means bad news for Alpha Academy.
Can they get back in it?
[Kevin] It was lackluster start from the Usos,
but, man, they have rediscovered who they are in tag team action here.
Jimmy and Jey against the Alpha Academy.
[Corey] Chad Gable reaching for the tag to Otis
who has been incapacitated for the last several moments,
which has really opened the door for the Usos to shine.
A return to form is of the utmost importance
for Jimmy and Jey who are just brutalizing Gable.
-[Kevin] Into the ropes. -[Corey] This is all in an effort
to get back in the good graces of The Tribal Chief.
Let me ask you this, KP.
When you were growing up,
was it worse for your father to say, "I'm angry at you," or "I'm disappointed"?
[Kevin] Disappointed.
[Corey] Because we know Roman is disappointed in The Usos right now.
They are trying to shake that, right the ship,
and get back to the top of the mountain from which they were knocked off.
[Kevin] There's many people wondering of the mindset of Jey Uso.
Sami insisted to him that there's a way out.
Maybe we saw that,
that definitive blow from Jey Uso on Sami
-to say he's with The Tribal Chief. -[Corey] Whoa! Oh, my!
Exploder by Gable just dumped Jimmy.
Right now, Jey Uso,
his head is where it needs to be. In this match, with his brother.
Now, Otis, the number one guy.
[Kevin] Tag made on both ends.
[exclaims] Oh!
[Corey] And Otis…
[Kevin] Eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner here
at the expense of The Usos.
You want some ass?
[groans]
[Corey] We're maybe moving at a glacial pace,
but remember a glacier took out the Titanic.
That's exactly what Otis is doing right now,
he's revving something up.
Good lord.
[Kevin] Like a bowling ball just knocking them down.
[Corey] Can you believe this guy could be something of a fashion plate?
[Kevin] Oh, I know it.
[Corey] In some circles, Otis is already being talked about
his next year's big collection.
Oh, my God. What a slam.
Plants "Main Event" Jey.
Jimmy from the second.
[Kevin] Caught by the big man.
What a victory this would be for Otis and Chad Gable.
Oh, and a kick-out.
At two and a half.
[inaudible]
[Corey] I think Otis realizing just how close he was to knocking off
the greatest tag team in modern history.
Jimmy Uso trying to regain a vertical base and Otis is just stalking.
[Kevin] Flattening Jimmy.
He's always been a stud in Superior, Wisconsin,
now seen that way around the world.
[Corey] Otis now spending a lot of time basking in the adulation here in Seattle.
-Wait a minute. Oh, no, no. -[Kevin laughs]
I thought we were done with this.
I thought this went away and wasn't coming back.
[Kevin] Go on, Otis.
You love to see it.
[laughter]
[Corey] I don't know if it's a worm,
if it's a caterpillar or if it's a Tremors monster.
[Kevin] You rightly brought it up.
Are they mocking the former record Tag Team Champions Jimmy and Jey Uso?
Now Jimmy's in a perilous position.
Oh, my goodness.
[Corey] That's gonna do it.
[Kevin] Chad Gable for the win for the Alpha Academy.
[Corey] Jey at the last second keeping the match-up alive for The Usos.
Uh-oh.
The big man spills to the outside.
Great balance by Otis.
Here comes Jey.
[Kevin] Watch out!
Just snuffed by Otis.
[Kevin shouts] Jimmy now!
[Corey] Jimmy bulldozing Otis into the side of our desk.
Oh! double super kick to the beautiful face of Otis.
-[Corey] Otis… -[Kevin] Now it's Gable.
[Corey] Chad Gable takes out both Usos.
Jimmy jumped into the ring.
Gable making the climb to the top.
-[Kevin] This man can do it all. -[Corey] Diving headbutt.
[Kevin shouts] Into the cover. Chad Gable! Oh, what a win.
A kick-out.
[Corey] Jimmy Uso refusing to stay down.
Chad Gable launching himself
all the way across the ring right on point,
but Jimmy Uso survives.
[Kevin] What can't Chad Gable do?
[Corey] My word.
[Kevin] What a match this is.
Otis is still down out right by our announce desk as is Jey Uso.
Back inside the ring now it's Chad Gable and Jimmy.
[Corey] Gable looking for that Chaos Theory.
Uh-oh! Uh-oh!
Great escape by Jimmy Uso.
Tag is made. Watch the Rolling German of Gable.
-Stopped by Jey. -[Kevin exclaims] Oh!
-1D! -[Corey] One and done.
[crowd] …four, three, two…
[bell rings]
["Done With That" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners, The Usos.
[Corey] It was not easy,
but it was of the utmost importance to earn this W tonight.
The Alpha Academy, credit where it's due, pushed The Usos to the limit.
In the end, Otis would be disposed of by dueling super kicks.
Gable would really, really press the issue
and nearly earn a victory, but in the end, 1D.
One and done.
You ain't getting up.
[bell rings]
[Kevin] Maybe, just maybe,
Jimmy and Jey Uso have rediscovered that winning feeling,
that edge back to winning ways.
[Corey] There's still much work to be done.
We the one!
[Kevin] It's a family matter later tonight as well.
What a main event we have coming your way on Monday Night Raw.
What sort of shape will Kevin Owens be in
after the attack by Solo Sikoa on Friday Night?
"The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa and Kevin Owens on Raw
coming your way in our main event tonight.
[Corey] Solo looking to pick up right where his brothers left off.
["Tokyo Shock" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest
is a Triple Threat Match, scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by Bayley and Dakota Kai,
representing Damage CTRL,
Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Iyo Sky of Damage CTRL
making her way to the ring
and we've got a big one on tap for you here.
The winner will become the number one contender
to Bianca Belair's Raw Women's Championship,
as Michin, Piper Niven, and Iyo Sky compete
in a Triple Threat Match coming up next.
[Kevin] Enjoy SummerSlam like never before with a WWE Priority Pass.
Here's your chance to get exclusive experiences
including premium seating,
all-inclusive pre-show hospitality,
interactions with WWE Superstars and so much more.
Find your package at onlocationexp.com/wwe.
[Corey] Here we see Iyo Sky representing Damage CTRL
in a position that originally belonged to Bayley.
But Bayley in her infinite wisdom and being the great leader that she is,
went back and talked to Adam Pearce and now Iyo has an opportunity.
[Kevin] That's one way to put it, Corey.
[announcer] Next, "Michin" Mia Yim.
[Kevin] Bayley may be smoothing things out with Damage CTRL,
Iyo involved as is Michin.
Folks, this Friday,
the fight to watch is Cage versus Hoult.
Dracula versus Renfield.
Don't miss the bloodbath.
Renfield, only in theaters, Friday.
[Corey] Tonight's battle is you, Kevin Patrick, versus logic
because there is no problem in Damage CTRL.
Stop trying to sow your seeds of dissent.
We've got Michin in the ring
with one of the biggest opportunities of her career.
-That look like an issue? -[Kevin] Does Iyo look happy to you?
[Corey] No, she looks like she's ready to beat somebody's ass,
that's what it's about. She's ready for combat.
[Kevin] In their way tonight, the powerhouse from Scotland.
[announcer] Making her way to the ring, Piper Niven.
[Corey] This is a massive opportunity for all three of these women.
Knowing how wide open the Raw Women's Division is right now
after Bianca Belair was able to turn away the threat of Asuka at WrestleMania.
You know the EST always wants the best competition
to keep herself razor sharp.
Well, all three of these women would love to be next in line
for a crack at the champ.
[Kevin] The mean mugging face of Piper Niven.
[Corey] Do you say that when you're close to her within earshot?
-You say she's got a mean mug? -[Kevin] Not a hope.
[Corey] Because I think she'd eat you for dinner.
[Kevin] So Piper Niven…
[Corey] I don't know what Piper has to be so miserable about all the time.
She's an incredibly talented athlete.
She's dangerous as the day is long.
Yet she just always seems miserable.
-She fits right in here in Seattle. -[Kevin laughs]
[Kevin] What have you got against Cascadia?
It's a beautiful part of the world.
-[Corey] What's Cascadia? -[bell rings]
[Kevin] In Portland and here in Seattle tonight.
[Corey] I wasn't in Portland. I've been to Seattle for two days and I'm miserable.
Michin now bringing the fight to the powerhouse Piper Niven.
Michin's someone who arrived here on Monday Night Raw
with a great deal of fanfare and a lot of aspirations,
but thus far she hasn't necessarily delivered on all of her goals.
A glancing blow there to Piper,
Michin needs to just stick with what brought her to the dance.
[Kevin] Someone who's trained all over the world
including the UK and in Japan.
Michin, this represents a big opportunity.
[Corey] Look at Iyo just perched on the top turnbuckle,
dropkick to the heart of Piper.
[Kevin] Michin now taking down Iyo Sky.
Oh! Face first from Iyo.
[growls]
[Corey] This, I think, is what's been the detriment to Michin.
She is capable, she delivers the move,
but then she spends just as much time surveying the scene,
-watching the fruits of her labor… -[screaming]
…looking for the adoration of the crowd.
It's held Michin back.
She really needs to do more like that.
Just go all out.
[Kevin] Suicide dive to the outside, taking down Piper.
[Corey] Uh-oh. Keep your eyes on the genius of the Sky.
-[Kevin] Wow! -[Corey] Wow!
-Wow is right. -[growling]
Iyo Sky in control of this Triple Threat.
[Kevin] Triple Threat action on Monday Night Raw.
It's the powerful Piper Niven in control over Michin,
but here comes Iyo Sky.
[indistinct shouting]
[Corey] Certainly a hard-hitting affair since the opening bell.
Iyo, very, very wisely
with the sleeper applied trying to take down
the much more powerful Piper Niven.
[Kevin exclaims] Oh!
[Corey] Piper uses Iyo as a weapon.
[growls]
[Kevin] Bayley and Dakota Kai watching on from Damage CTRL as Piper Niven--
[Corey exclaims] Oh! That is it.
[Kevin] Cover across both Superstars.
This was during the commercial break.
The genius of the Sky
perched on the top rope and the no-nonsense approach
from Piper Niven.
[Corey] You want to talk about impact.
[Kevin exclaims] Oh!
[Corey] Piper utilizing her own body as a weapon,
flattening Michin nearly ending it, but this match continues.
I think the onus is really on Iyo Sky to make the most of this opportunity.
Remember, this was originally Bayley's opportunity.
Iyo demanded it and now, Iyo making a very, very strong showing.
[Kevin] There's a lot of people backstage that say
that Bayley knows where her bread is buttered.
[Corey] Whoa!
[Kevin] It's been Iyo doing a lot of the work for Bayley.
Is that maybe where the frustration is coming from with Iyo Sky?
[Corey] Listen, a great leader knows when to let the troops do the work.
-[chuckles] Wow! Tremendous athleticism. -[Kevin exclaims] Oh!
[Corey] Hurricanrana takes down Michin, and Iyo is feeling it.
[Kevin] Getting that individual spotlight.
Look at this again. Boom!
[growls]
[Corey] Iyo sent over to the apron,
and a Shotei right to the chin of Piper.
[Kevin] Iyo now from a height.
Missile dropkick on Piper.
Going in for the cover.
The victory for Iyo Sky, who takes a big boot to the face.
[Corey] My goodness!
Take a look at this as Iyo soars through the Sky,
precision delivery on the dropkick.
-Now, Michin trying to rally herself. -[rhythmic hand claps]
[Kevin] Seeing that streetfighter mentality
from Michin here tonight.
[grunts, groans]
[Kevin] Such a versatile competitor.
Oh, man!
[Corey] Michin utilizing all--
Modified Dragon Suplex from Michin.
Look, this is what I'm talking about.
This is the third or fourth time this match
Michin has taken control and then surveyed the scene
rather than make a cover.
That's the difference between becoming a champion
or just fodder for champions.
My God!
Oh, fantastic into the cover.
Oh, my God.
Iyo is just getting worn out.
[Kevin] Ribs absolutely crushed as Iyo rolls to the outside.
Michin now. [shouts] Oh, man!
Stacking up Piper Niven for the victory. Piper's out.
-[screaming] -[Corey] A little homage to…
Roxanne Perez with the Pop Rocks.
[Kevin] The Scottish powerhouse feeling the effects there,
but Michin is rolling here.
Very impressive.
[Corey] Eat defeat. Piper is down.
Michin into the cover, but watch Iyo.
Moonsault onto the pile.
[Kevin] Iyo now for the victory. What a win it would be.
-She's got it. -[bell rings]
["Tokyo Shock" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Look at Bayley "The Role Model."
It's like watching her baby go off to college.
[Kevin] Uncertainty in the eyes of Bayley, if you ask me.
[Corey] It looked like love to me.
Look at this, the closing moments.
Iyo Sky with the over-the-moonsault onto both Michin and Piper Niven.
-What an effort by Iyo Sky tonight. -[bell rings]
[Kevin] A beautiful sight
as Iyo Sky takes flight victorious here tonight
at the expense of Michin and Piper Niven.
Ahead of tonight's main event on Raw,
we are aiming to get some final comments from Kevin Owens.
-KO. I'm sorry to interrupt, man. -No, you're not.
I know. Yeah. What's up?
Well, tonight, you are set to go one-on-one
with The Enforcer of The Bloodline in Solo Sikoa.
Now, we know you have faced Solo one-on-one before,
but last Friday Night on SmackDown,
it seemed as if you had been placed on the shelf
-after such a vicious attack. -I see where you're going.
You're going to ask me if it's…
if it's a wise decision to go out and fight Solo tonight.
But you've known me for a while, Byron, correct?
Have you ever known me to be a wise person?
Right. Because I'm not.
I mean, I'm smart. I got street smarts, whatever.
I've never taken an IQ test, but I'm okay.
But I lead with my emotions.
I let the emotions get the best of me all the time.
Tonight, my heart tells me
I have to beat the hell out of Solo Sikoa for what he did to me on Friday Night.
Look, Sami Zayn, not here. Riddle, not here.
So there's nobody to do that but me.
Maybe I shouldn't compete tonight.
Is my knee 100%? Not even close, and they know.
I wish I could hide that, but they know.
'Cause Solo's the one who did it to me.
Tonight, all I care about is getting some revenge for that.
Yeah. Maybe not the wisest decision, but it's okay.
Because I'm Kevin Owens, and you know what I do.
Can you do me a favor? I'm gonna turn around.
Read the back of my shirt.
[Byron] "Just keep fighting."
You said that so good.
The voice, the tone, amazing. Thank you so much.
Can I? I'm gonna go. All right.
[Byron] Good luck to you.
["Taking It All" playing]
[Corey] Unfortunately, for Kevin Owens,
his biggest strength can also be his biggest downfall.
That being his overabundance of heart.
Here comes a bad, bad man.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by The Usos.
From Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 250 pounds,
Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] Let me ask you a question, Kevin Patrick.
Does that look like a family divided to you?
[Kevin] Not at all.
As Kevin Owens alluded to, there is no Matt Riddle here tonight,
there is no Sami Zayn here tonight,
but beside Solo Sikoa, his brothers, Jimmy and Jey Uso.
[indistinct shouting]
Our main event tonight,
from Seattle, Washington,
it's the enforcer of The Bloodline,
Solo Sikoa and Kevin Owens.
Do not go anywhere, folks.
It's coming up next on Monday Night Raw.
-["Taking It All" playing] -Let's go!
[Corey] One week ago on Monday Night Raw,
The Beast Incarnate decimated The American Nightmare.
Earlier tonight, Cody Rhodes laid out the challenge for Backlash.
Next week, Brock Lesnar is back on Monday Night Raw.
Will he answer Cody's challenge?
We'll find out in Little Rock.
[Kevin] I cannot wait for that.
Backlash is presented by Xfinity10G network.
Get a reliable connection and the fastest internet
on the next generation 10G network only from Xfinity.
The future starts now.
And by Mike's HARDER Lemonade.
Lemonade that hits harder
for Mikes that go harder.
The world needs more Mikes.
[Corey] You're talking hitting harder.
How about the heavy hitter,
the sergeant at arms of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa, ready for battle.
["Fight" playing]
[crowd cheers]
[announcer] And his opponent, he is one half of the undisputed
WWE Tag Team Champions,
Kevin Owens.
[growls]
[Kevin] Kevin Owens has already told us,
his knee is not right after the vicious attack by Solo Sikoa
on Friday Night SmackDown.
But Owens says, "I lead with my emotions,
and tonight, my heart tells me
that I have to beat the hell out of Solo Sikoa."
Next week, folks, Little Rock, Arkansas, we are coming for you.
Corey, as you've mentioned,
we're gonna get an answer from Brock Lesnar
in Little Rock, Arkansas,
whether he'll take on Cody Rhodes at Backlash or not.
[Corey] I'm curious to see what sort of physical condition
Kevin Owens will be in next week
after this encounter with Solo Sikoa "The Street Champ,"
the enforcer of The Bloodline.
Let's be honest.
You have to have some respect
for the fact that Kevin Owens was willing to take this fight.
As undisputed Tag Team Champion, Kevin and Sami could very well
-call their shots. -[bell rings]
Here we go right out of the gate looking like a hockey fight.
KO and Sami could rest on their laurels,
chose their future challengers,
and Solo very wisely going to the injured knee of Kevin Owens,
which could change the complexion of this match.
[Kevin] Kevin Owens is no ordinary competitor,
but the knee buckles again early in this match.
[Corey] Again, this is to Kevin's own detriment.
He's got so much heart.
Owens truly lives by the motto "Fight, Owens, Fight."
Just keep fighting, but it could cost him dearly tonight.
[Kevin] No Sami Zayn or Matt Riddle
who came to Sami's aid on Friday Night SmackDown.
They're not here tonight.
[Corey] Look at how wisely Solo executing the game plan.
Take out the wheel
and just dismantle Owens piece by piece.
[Kevin] Corey, what is Solo's motive here?
Why did Solo come to the aid of Jey on Friday Night SmackDown
when he was instructed not to, and let Jey deal with it himself?
[Corey] You really should pay more attention
when Paul Heyman speaks.
Solo is a problem solver, period, point blank, end of sentence.
When The Bloodline has a problem, you call in Solo.
[Kevin exclaims] Ooh! Kevin Owens fighting back.
[Corey] Kevin Owens is in this position, in this predicament,
because of his tag team partner and best friend, Sami Zayn.
[Kevin] Who he warned not to speak to Jey Uso on Friday.
Sami did so anyway.
[shouts] Oh, man!
[Corey] All right. KO just took out Jey, and Owens is gonna pay for it.
[indistinct shouting]
[Kevin] The Usos watching on as Solo's hammered into the steel steps.
[Corey] On one leg, effectively.
Owens still in this fight, but for how long?
[Kevin] The Usos just stalking Owens.
[Corey] A defiant prize fighter.
-Senton to Solo. -[Kevin exclaims] Oh!
Hooks the leg now.
Can KO put away Solo?
Solo kicking out.
Just one loss for Solo Sikoa in one-on-one action
since arriving on the scene to the aid of Roman Reigns in September.
[Corey] It very well maybe the only time
we'll ever see such a sight,
because since then Solo's been more dangerous,
more focused than ever, and ready to put an end to Owens.
Look at the knee.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Corey] Kevin tried to catch himself,
and when he planted may have tweaked the already injured knee.
Backing up. [exclaims] Oh!
Owens is done.
[Kevin] Can Owens find any way back here?
[crowd boos]
[Kevin] We're back here on Monday Night Raw.
It's the main event, Kevin Owens and Solo Sikoa.
The damaged leg of Kevin Owens
continues to be brutalized
by the enforcer of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] Solo remains laser focused.
Trying to hyperextend the knee,
and Owens desperately trying to fight his way out of Solo's grip.
[Kevin] It was damaged on Friday Night in a vicious attack
by Solo Sikoa on SmackDown.
The Usos stalking every move, watching on.
Of course it was Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
that won the undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships
at the expense of The Usos at WrestleMania.
[Corey] Which is why we are in this position at this moment.
Solo looking to solve the problem entirely
on behalf of The Bloodline, but Owens just keeps fighting.
[Kevin] How does this man do it?
[Corey] Owens knew coming into this match-up,
his leg was nowhere near 100%.
Unfortunately for KO,
so did The Bloodline possess that knowledge.
And it has been an uphill battle since the opening bell,
but KO somehow still hanging in there.
[Kevin] The prize fighter on one leg continues to battle.
[Corey] Solo answers with a thunderous forearm of his own.
You don't want to trade hands with The Street Champ.
[exclaims] Oh!
[Kevin] If there's anyone that can do it, it's Kevin Owens.
[howling]
Big boot from KO.
[growls]
Oh, swing and a miss from Solo.
KO, superkick.
[Corey] Chopping the enforcer down.
Clear the deck.
[Kevin] Here we go.
Oh, no.
[Corey] Owens leg gave out, and Solo made him pay.
[Kevin] And that should do it.
Solo-- No!
[shouts] Kevin Owens, shoulder up.
[Corey] Owens fighting through the pain,
able to endure, but it's not going to last much longer.
Kevin can barely put any weight on his own leg.
Things are starting to look bleak for half of the Tag Team Champions.
Look at this.
We've seen Kevin Owens
deliver that running cannon ball a thousand times,
but instead he eats the foot of Solo Sikoa.
[Kevin] The heart of the lion Kevin Owens.
But right now, with the Usos watching on and The Street Champ in the ring,
this is a perilous and dangerous position for Kevin Owens.
[Corey] The heart of a lion, but the brain of a stegosaurus.
This was not a good decision by Kevin Owens tonight.
[exclaims] Ooh!
Big right hand by The Street Champ, and now Solo making the climb.
This is perilous position for anyone to be in with Owens.
[Kevin] KO fighting back.
Blows to the back of Solo.
Oh, man!
[Corey] An elbow between the eyes of the enforcer.
Owens trying to steady himself on the top turnbuckle.
[Kevin shouts] Oh, if he can.
But his knee.
He grabs the leg.
He may still win it.
Kevin Owens, and a kick-out.
Solo Sikoa is hanging around.
That may have been the opening for Kevin Owens.
[Corey] I shudder to think the sort of agony
Owens is feeling right now.
He's able to fight through the pain
to deliver a beautiful frog splash,
but upon landing, reaggravating the knee injury.
A one-legged Kevin Owens
is somehow still in this battle with a increasingly weary Solo Sikoa.
Can we see a stunner?
[Kevin] Pushed away by the enforcer.
[Corey] Samoan drop by Solo.
[Kevin] Solo Sikoa has ideas.
[Corey] You see Jimmy and Jey Uso pointing to the skies,
and The Street Champ has reached the zenith.
[Kevin] Kevin Owens, though, rapidly back on his feet somehow.
[Corey] Rough landing for Sikoa.
KO may have bought himself a few moments.
[Kevin] His knee buckled again.
He's crawling to the outside.
[Corey] Solo in a very particular type of pain right now.
Enzuigiri by Owens.
And this is one of the gutsiest performances we've ever seen.
Owens fighting through the pain, trying to topple The Street Champ.
[Kevin] Roman Reigns' personal insurance policy, Solo Sikoa.
What can KO manage to do here with that weakened knee?
[Corey] Because Kevin's unable to base himself.
Kevin can't push off with both legs like you ordinarily would
while delivering a superplex.
All of the damage Owens has sustained to this point
is playing a factor, but he just keeps fighting.
[Kevin] The Man's bravery knows no bounds.
Headbutt after headbutt rocking Solo.
[screams, grunts]
[Corey] That may have been Owens' last stand.
No, wait a minute. Wait just a minute.
Slammed all the way from the top!
Now Owens with daylight.
Can he make the climb?
Of course, Jimmy and Jey with being a factor as always.
[Kevin] KO flattened Jimmy, though.
As Solo's now back on his feet.
[Corey] Hung across the top rope.
[exclaims] Oh! Jey Uso eats a superkick.
Make the climb, Kevin.
[Kevin] He's making it.
KO to the top rope.
Is this the opening?
[Corey] Swanton connects.
[Kevin] He may do it.
Ko grabs the leg for the victory over Solo Sikoa,
and Solo kicks out.
[Corey] This was it, Kevin Owens' Hail Mary.
The Swanton Bomb
from the top right on point crushing Solo Sikoa,
but at two and seven-eighths, The Street Champ kicks out.
[Kevin] The packed house here in Seattle,
me included, thought that was over, thought it was KO's match.
[crowd chanting]
Solo continues to fight.
[Corey] The Bloodline knows exactly what they have in Solo Sikoa.
They don't hold the enforcer in such high regard
without knowing he is battle-tested
and ready for war any given night.
Owens could be thinking about a pop-up powerbomb,
but let's be honest, there's no way the knee holds up.
-[shouts] Oh, my! Oh my good God. -[Kevin exclaims] He did it.
[Corey] How?
[Kevin] Because it's Kevin Owens.
Looking for the stunner.
Knee gives way once more.
-Oh, no. -[Corey] Superkick.
[Kevin] Jey Uso on the outside.
[Corey] This is exactly what Owens of all people
should have been ready for.
Samoan Spike.
-Good night, Owens. -[bell rings]
["Taking It All" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] The mission for The Street Champ,
for the sergeant at arms tonight was crystal clear.
Solve the Kevin Owens problem,
and that is exactly what Solo did.
[Kevin] Somehow, KO had it within him to find a pop-up powerbomb,
but that's when the knee gave way
and that's when the numbers problem went against Kevin Owens.
Jey Uso with the superkick.
Solo with the Samoan Spike.
[crowd] …four, three, two…
-[Corey] You can count to 20. -[bell rings]
Owens fought like hell, but tonight The Bloodline…
-[Kevin] Oh, no. -…was just too much.
Jimmy and Jey, stomping the lights out of Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Enough is enough.
[indistinct shouting]
[Corey] They're operating under Bloodline rules.
It's only enough-- What the hell?
-Matt Riddle. Sami Zayn. -[crowd cheers]
Riddle and Zayn must have made it.
[Kevin] Straight from the airport.
They're here in Seattle, but the damage is done.
[Kevin] Get them in here, quick.
[Corey] It-It's still too late.
-[indistinct shouting] -["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Kevin chuckles] Yes!
There's no hanging around for Sami Zayn and Riddle.
Here we go.
[Corey] Zayn and Riddle bringing the fight to The Usos.
So much deep, personal history between all of these men.
And now, two-on-one.
[Kevin] The numbers game against Solo at the moment.
Riddle rocking Sikoa.
[Corey] Solo, sent to the outside.
[Kevin] Got an all-out war here to end Monday Night Raw.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Sami Zayn, exploder.
[shouts] The tables have turned tonight in Seattle.
The numbers are even.
Uh-oh.
[Kevin shouts] KO, stunner!
[Corey] Solo just saved Jey's day.
-Come on! -Come on!
[Kevin] How the tide has turned.
[Corey] The Bloodline in retreat.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Corey] Hold Solo back.
This issue is far, far from over.
[crowd vocalizing]
The Bloodline know full well
there are still massive problems that need to be dealt with.
But what were two in Owens and Zayn
have now become three with The Original Bro.
There is a battle a-brewing on Monday Night.
Get Solo out of here.
[indistinct shouting] ewing on Monday Night.