[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Rick 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.
[crowd cheering]
[Triple H] I have the incredible privilege of ensuring that WWE
is all that it can be for generations going forward.
At Night of Champions,
we will crown a new World Heavyweight Champion.
[narrator] Tonight, 12 competitors will begin their quest for a chance
to compete for the ultimate prize.
The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce,
featuring some of the most talented and decorated superstars of today.
Seth Rollins, a Visionary,
who has transformed the WWE and set the new standard of success.
Austin Theory, the current United States Champion
looking to add even more gold around his waist.
AJ Styles,
a man who has had Heavyweight Championships
all over the world.
Bobby Lashley, a powerhouse,
whose discipline and abilities are unmatched.
Finn Bálor, a former Universal Champion
seeking to reclaim his perch atop of WWE.
Rey Mysterio, a Hall of Famer,
who despite his size, has conquered every challenge.
Edge, an ultimate opportunist
who has held over 31 championships in his Hall of Fame career.
Damian Priest, a dominant force
who is ready to showcase his talents to the world.
The Miz, a Hollywood A-lister
who packs a punch both on and off the screen.
Sheamus, a Brawling Brute
who's love for the fight has made him a four-time World Champion.
Shinsuke Nakamura, a global sensation
whose talent and charisma
has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes,
a WrestleMania main eventer determined to finish his story.
This will be a champion that will defend this championship
anywhere, any place, any time, all over the world.
[narrator] Tonight, the World Heavyweight Championship tournament begins on Raw,
as 12 men look to earn an opportunity at immortality
in the finest at Night of Champions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
[Triple H] This champion will earn
the title of World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] After an unforgettable weekend in Puerto Rico at Backlash,
attention quickly turns to the start
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Welcome to the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
in Jacksonville, Florida for Monday Night Raw.
["Kingdom" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ 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 ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said, When I was younger… ♪
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Corey] Cody Rhodes one of 12 men
entered into the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
But Cody's got to be a little worse for wear
after surviving an encounter with "The Beast" at Backlash.
[Patrick] "The American Nightmare" just 48 hours now
removed from that hellacious battle
with the savage that is "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
You were ringside, Corey Graves, for this match
at Backlash in Puerto Rico.
And this was a key turning point in the match, right?
[Corey] The matchup "The American Nightmare"
would lure "The Beast" into the corner.
As you can see, Lesnar busted wide open.
An incensed Brock Lesnar
would deliver an F5, which Cody would survive.
Lesnar would follow up by cinching in the Kimura Lock,
but Cody Rhodes had the wherewithal to shift his weight,
stack Lesnar's shoulders,
-and pin "The Beast Incarnate"… -[bell dinging]
…for the one, two, three in the center of the ring.
[crowd cheering]
[chanting indistinctly]
So, Jacksonville…
[crowd cheering]
Duval…
What do you guys wanna talk about?
I, uh…
I greatly appreciate that reception.
Many of you know, this was my home during the pandemic.
We made a lot of wonderful memories together.
[crowd cheering]
We made a lot of wonderful memories together,
I say we make another good memory tonight.
[crowd cheering]
Before we talk about tonight, let's talk about Backlash.
The biggest most-watched Backlash of all time
from the Island of Charm there in Puerto Rico,
all the pomp, all the circumstance.
I didn't get to experience it that way
because I had the daunting task ahead of me
of competing against "The Beast".
The most decorated combat sports athlete.
I am talking about Brock Lesnar.
[crowd boos]
And here is what I discovered.
I discovered what Brock Lesnar is made of
because it was literally all over my fist.
I discovered that Brock Lesnar can be defeated
because at Backlash, I beat Brock Lesnar.
[crowd cheering]
The night after WrestleMania, Brock Lesnar took away my focus,
he took away my clarity. It became a fight for survival.
But now that Brock Lesnar is, thankfully, in the rear-view mirror,
it is very clear what is next for me.
What is next for me on Monday Night Raw,
and it sits right over there.
It is the World Heavyweight Championship.
[crowd cheering]
Let's talk about the upcoming Nights of Champions.
My friends in the truck,
let's go ahead and throw up that tournament bracket
that begins here tonight in Jacksonville.
Throw it up there, please.
Multiple world champions,
some of the biggest superstars on the planet.
Considering I just got out of what I call the fight for survival,
I intend to fight the same way in this very tournament,
fight tooth and nail until Samantha, over there, says,
"Your winner and new World Heavyweight Champion,
"The American Nightmare" [chuckles softly] Cody Rhodes."
I get the honor right now to say this.
[crowd chants] "You deserve it!"
"You deserve it!"
Jacksonville, let the tournament begin.
♪ Burn it down! ♪
["Visionary" playing]
[crowd singing]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Corey] So much history between Rollins and Rhodes.
And tonight, both men will take their first step
toward becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Of course, the winner of Raw's side of the tournament
will face the winner of SmackDown's side
on May 27th in Saudi Arabia at Night of Champions
to determine the brand new World Heavyweight Champion.
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[crowd cheering]
[crowd vocalizing]
[Patrick] Seth "Freakin" Rollins first to emerge.
We've got round one coming your way
in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament, a triple threat.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, we've got "The King of strong style"
on his first night on Monday Night Raw,
and 48 hours removed from his match at Backlash
against Bad Bunny, it's Damian Priest.
That's coming your way next on Raw.
Welcome back, folks.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, the first superstar
to emerge for the first round match
in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament, here tonight.
Rollins is in flying form, Graves,
after taking down "The Giant" at Backlash.
[Corey] Rollins would have to overcome an opening attack
before the bell rang from the Nigerian giant,
as well as multiple interference attempts by MVP from the outside.
But It would take not one, not two, but three massive stomps,
including the finale off of the top rope
for Seth "Freakin" Rollins to finally take down Omos.
[Patrick] A stomp from the heavens.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins set to go in this Triple Threat match
with Shinsuke Nakamura and Damian Priest.
Speaking of Priest, he was involved in the match
the entire world was talking about all weekend.
♪ Burn it down ♪
[upbeat music playing]
[announcer] Welcome to the Island of Enchantment.
This is Puerto Rico.
Welcome to Backlash.
[Corey] It's Damian Priest of The Judgment Day
versus the hottest star on the planet, Bad Bunny.
[Cole] It is a San Juan Street Fight where anything goes.
Bunnies can fly!
[both] Oh.
[Corey] Oh, God, no.
Oh, my god.
[Corey] Now its Priest's turn to start to punish Bad Bunny.
Oh, no.
Priest made a mistake, and Bunny is making him pay.
Oh, the rest of The Judgment Day is here.
Wait a second, Rey Mysterio.
Can somebody say "Caribbean Cool" Carlito's here?
Savio Vega.
Nowhere to go.
Judgment Day running away.
The leg gave out.
The Bunny destroyer.
[crowd yells in Spanish] Uno, dos, tres.
-[bell rings] -[upbeat music playing]
[Corey] Bad Bunny with the win.
Tonight belongs to San Juan and Bad Bunny.
I am standing by with one of the competitors in tonight's
first Triple Threat Championship match for the World Champion--
World Heavyweight Championship tournament tonight,
Damian Priest.
[crowd boos]
Now, Damian, is the loss to Bad Bunny at Backlash
still weighing on you heading into that triple threat match tonight?
So, that's what you want to talk about, huh?
Fine.
Bad Bunny did his thing,
but after a brutal San Juan Street Fight,
the name that's going to live forever is Damian Priest,
because it took an entire island to keep me down.
Now, tonight I plan, by myself, to put down Shinsuke Nakamura,
by myself, put down Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[crowd cheering]
And then, well, I guess we'll see whether it's Finn Bálor or Damian Priest
that brings the World Heavyweight Championship home to The Judgment Day.
["Punishment" music playing]
[blast]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a first-round match
for the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Introducing first, representing The Judgment Day,
Damian Priest.
[Corey] In this industry, you need to have a short memory,
you can't dwell on losses for too long.
It seems like Priest has moved past it mentally,
but notice the limp.
Damian Priest still feeling the effects of the offense from Bad Bunny at Backlash.
[Patrick] Priest unable to put any weight on that leg
toward the end of that match against Bad Bunny,
but you have to think about all the momentum
that Damian Priest had been building over the previous months,
and how primed he would be
to make a run at the World Heavyweight Championship,
now that it's tournament time.
[Corey] I would agree, if you remove Saturday from the equation,
Damian Priest's career has been on a steady upward trajectory.
Priest has gotten more dangerous than ever before.
And guess what, if you want to be a world champion,
you have to fight through the pain.
-["The Rising Sun" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Graves, forget about the coronation over in England,
"The King" has arrived on Mondays.
[announcer] Making his way to the ring, from Kyoto, Japan,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Corey] KP, I had no idea that as an Irishman,
you were that big of a fan of The Royal Family.
But I am just as excited as you and everybody on Monday Night Raw,
for the return of "The King of Strong Style"
to the red brand.
[Patrick] This is enormous.
The first-round match
in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament is upon us.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Damian Priest, and Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Corey] I can honestly say, of the three,
it's almost too difficult to pick a winner, or a favorite.
All 12 men
entered into the World Heavyweight Championship tournament are deserving,
are very, very credible potential future champions.
[Patrick] Can you imagine their futures if they could go on,
on May 27th, and be crowned the World Heavyweight Champion?
[Corey] We'll see how it all shakes out beginning tonight.
The first of two triple threat matches tonight.
Of course, triple threat rules:
the first superstar to gain pinfall, or submission,
-will be declared the winner. -[bell dinging]
[Patrick] Oh, Damian Priest isn't hanging around.
The bell rings, and Priest is off to a flyer.
[Corey] Of course, the winner of this triple threat match
will battle the winner of the later triple threat match,
the winner of which will advance to Night of Champions.
Oh, big right hand by Damian Priest,
who's just stomping the guts out of Nakamura.
[Patrick] We talked about the leg of Damian Priest,
and how he'd fare tonight, off to a hot start here,
the punishment of The Judgment Day.
[Corey] Notice Priest came up a little lame
after delivering that impact in the corner to Rollins.
When you've got a veteran as skilled as Nakamura,
you've got to be 100%.
[Patrick] Rollins, now, sending Priest to the outside.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Seth "Freakin" Rollins, one of the first superstars
to lock eyes with the World Heavyweight Championship,
saying that it's more than politics and part-timers.
[Corey] Rollins knows all too well what it means to be
a World Heavyweight Champion in WWE.
He's held championships in the past.
Rollins would love to reach the top of a whole new mountain here
on Monday Night Raw.
[Patrick] Shinsuke Nakamura drafted to Monday Night Raw
for the very first time.
Spoke with Shinsuke earlier, said he spent seven years on SmackDown.
Thrilled now to be on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] Nakamura is no stranger to gold in his own right.
The top championship here in WWE has thus far eluded him.
Although, Nakamura has held World Championships around the globe.
[both grunting]
[Patrick] You can feel it, though, Graves.
The atmosphere is palpable here in Jacksonville, Florida.
The stakes truly high here as Nakamura goes low on Rollins.
[Corey] I'm still riding the wave of energy in San Juan Saturday night.
That was absolutely amazing.
Kick to the back of the neck of Rollins. Here comes Shinsuke.
-[thuds] -[all] Oh.
[Corey] Sliding German suplex takes down "The Architect"
and Nakamura in control.
[Patrick] Oh, Damian Priest quickly across.
[Corey] Priest got overzealous and Shinsuke made him pay.
Big knee rocks the jaw of Priest.
Shinsuke is rolling. Oh.
Like a guillotine to the back of the neck.
[Patrick] Who is going to advance from this first-round match
here in the World Heavyweight championship tournament?
[Patrick] A raucous crowd here tonight witnessing the first round
in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament
here on Monday Night Raw.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Damian Priest, and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Later to come here on Raw, another Triple Threat match.
Cody Rhodes, Finn Bálor, and The Miz.
[Corey] Winner of that match will battle the winner of this match
in the semifinals which will take place right here,
live tonight on Monday Night Raw.
[Patrick] Seth, now, with ideas from the top rope.
Taking flight, taking down, Damian Priest and Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Corey] Of course, whoever emerges victorious
from tonight's tournament on Raw
will meet the winner of SmackDown's tournament
on May 27 at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
Right now, things are looking good for the "Visionary".
[Patrick] Seth at pace. Suicide dive to the outside.
Rollins is rolling.
[Corey] No one is safe.
[Patrick] Watch out.
[Corey] Nakamura splayed all over the announce table.
And Seth "Freakin" Rollins is rolling.
[Patrick] Seth goes for more.
[Corey] Priest put the brakes on in a hurry
with a heavy right hand.
[crowd boos]
[Patrick] Priest taking flight to devastating effect now.
[Corey] Credit to Damian Priest for his display of toughness,
but you can tell as this match progresses how badly his left leg is bothering him
from the matchup with Bad Bunny Saturday at Backlash.
[Patrick] The punishment of the Enforcer,
how he wants to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.
[Corey] Nakamura lining it up.
[Patrick] Knee to the gut of Priest.
[Corey] Shinsuke perched on the second rope.
Target acquired.
[Patrick] Nakamura flattening Priest.
Is this the moment for Shinsuke Nakamura to advance?
Priest kicking out.
This is the first round
here in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Triple Threat rules.
First superstar to gain pinfall or submission advances.
That was the beautiful prize on offer, May 27 at Night of Champions.
[Corey] Very coveted already, but keep your eyes on Rollins from behind.
Triple stacked. O'Connor Roll on.
[Patrick] Seth Rollins now. Shoulders are down.
[Corey] Rollins thinking about a pedigree.
Nakamura's interruption prevented it from taking place.
A straight right to the chin of Shinsuke.
Picked out a midair, elevated flatliner. Cover by Priest.
[Patrick] Is this the moment for Damian Priest of the Judgment Day?
Rollins out just in time.
[Corey] Take a look at this. Off of the springboard.
Great awareness by Priest,
before driving Seth face first into the canvas.
"The Visionary" not done fighting just yet.
[Patrick] Damian Priest, so dominant.
He'll want to get back to winning ways.
[Corey] Both men with the same idea. Both men connected.
Rollins gets the last laugh.
[Patrick] Shinsuke connects.
Which superstar can get back up on their feet?
[Corey] Three world-class strikers
showing off their skills in the name of the World Heavyweight Championship.
Who will take the next step?
Both Priest and Shinsuke connecting at the same time.
Rollins drops Priest,
and then Shinsuke's highly educated feet takeout Rollins.
[Patrick] Electric crowd here in Jacksonville, Florida,
that understand the stakes on show here on Monday Night Raw.
A tournament that, as mentioned, heads into Friday Night SmackDown.
[Corey] Monday Night Raw has already been so action-packed,
we've neglected to mention that tonight is, in fact, the first night
that the new draft rosters are fully in effect.
We will see superstars on Raw that we may have not seen before.
Some familiar faces from SmackDown heading this way.
The landscape has indeed changed.
[Patrick] Someone coming from NXT as well.
Shinsuke Nakamura here on Monday Night Raw for the first time.
The Raw superstar taking out the knee on Priest.
[Corey] Smart move by Shinsuke.
A sleeper hold applied. Rollins is in trouble.
Rollins flailing wildly, desperately trying to reach the ropes.
Shinsuke with a body shot.
[Patrick] Rollins landing on his feet beautifully.
Taking down Shinsuke.
[Corey] Discus lariat by "The Visionary" finds the mark.
Again, things are looking up for Seth Rollins.
[Patrick] Is this the opening?
Seth's got to move.
[Corey] Rollins looking for something spectacular,
and Priest a step ahead.
[crowd booing]
[Patrick] Sadistic smile on the face of Damian Priest.
Thwarting the efforts of Seth Rollins.
[Corey] Priest trying to hoist Rollins up for, potentially, a Razor's Edge,
but Priest's leg playing a factor.
[Patrick] Wobbly leg on Damian-- Stomp!
The stomp for Rollins.
This could be it for Seth "Freakin" Rollins to advance.
Shinsuke Nakamura in the way.
[Corey] Nakamura preserving his own opportunity to advance.
Shinsuke got a kick out of it.
Rollins, not impressed.
Another look again at the thunderous stomp delivered by Seth Rollins,
and Nakamura spoils Seth's plan.
You're not going to take that away from me, Shin.
[screaming] Come on.
[screaming]
[Patrick] Here we go.
[Corey] Rollins and Nakamura trading heavy rights back and forth.
[both grunting]
This deep into the matchup you can understand
that exhaustion begins to play a factor.
It could come down to who can tap into the reserve.
Who can dig deeper?
[Patrick] A career-altering tournament and match here on show.
These superstars know it.
[Nakamura grunts]
[Patrick] Heavy hit from Rollins.
[Nakamura grunts]
[Corey] Nakamura out of the way, able to avoid contact.
Delivered a strike of his own.
And, now, Shinsuke looking to set up.
The beginning of the end.
The Inverted Exploder.
[Patrick] Feeding off the energy now from the WWE Universe.
[Corey] And here we go!
[Patrick] Priest takes out Shinsuke.
Out of nowhere.
"The Punishment" back in the fray, and this could be his moment.
[Corey] Priest with one left to beat.
Damian wants a trip south of heaven.
Shinsuke, not ready.
[Patrick] So savvy and methodical. Working on the leg now.
[Corey] But kneebar applied by Nakamura.
Priest is in trouble.
If Damian submits, Nakamura is moving to the semifinal.
[Patrick] Is he going to tap?
Will this be it for Shinsuke Nakamura?
[Corey] Priest in absolute agony.
[Patrick] Seth "Freakin" Rollins from the heavens!
[both] Pedigree!
[Patrick] Rollins grabs the leg to advance.
-He's got it! -[bell rings]
-[crowd cheering] -["Visionary" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] What a win for Seth "Freakin" Rollins
who now advances to the semifinals
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Rollins one giant leap closer to being crowned champion.
[Patrick] Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Look at that.
[Corey] The redirection in midair.
Downright ridiculous athleticism.
And Rollins delivering a pedigree to Nakamura
-to punch his ticket to the next round. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] And this arena would absolutely erupt.
So Seth "Freakin" Rollins advances to the semi-finals
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Who is he going to face?
We have a Triple Threat coming up, Finn Bálor, Cody Rhodes, and The Miz.
[Corey] Rollins' night not going to get any easier.
[crowd cheering]
We have kicked off Monday Night Raw in spectacular fashion, KP.
It's a whole new era in WWE.
It certainly is, and you know more than anyone.
A lot can happen in a week in WWE, into Puerto Rico and back.
But last Monday night on Raw was the conclusion of the WWE draft.
The Raw roster has drastically changed since then.
Just look at some of the big-time superstars
that have come across to Monday Night Raw.
The likes of Drew McIntyre.
You can't not notice Gunther, the Intercontinental Champion.
[Corey] All of imperium here, and we've got some new arrivals from NXT
in the form of Zoey Stark, Odyssey Jones being drafted.
It's a good time to be on Monday Night Raw.
♪ Something comin', I can feel it ♪
♪ Deep down in my spirit ♪
Imperium has arrived.
And next week, "The Ring General" is coming to Monday Night Raw.
Hey, pay attention. Have you heard?
"The Ring General" is going to be here next week.
[man] I just don't want to be--
If it isn't our Tag Team Champions.
[crowd cheering]
We were talking.
In case you missed it, Imperium is here,
-and next week, "The Ring General"-- -Uh, boys.
Hey, that's all well and good,
but we were actually in the middle of something here,
kind of important, actually.
-Really? -Yes, really. Just give us five.
We'll talk about whatever you want. Okay? Five minutes.
-Five minutes? I was going to say seconds. -No, five minutes.
-Look, I cannot-- -[Giovanni] Perhaps, you didn't hear us.
We do not deal with disrespect.
We are Imperium.
[crowd booing]
Well, I mean, you'll still be Imperium in five minutes, right?
Very valid point.
So just come back and we'll talk, all right?
Just take a hint, please.
-We are done with The Bloodline. -They're still there.
-They're still standing right-- -We are done with The Bloodline--
-Oh, my god. -It's very hard to concentrate
with his finger in my face.
-What is your deal… -It's so close to my face.
…with the finger?
Surely, you did not try to disrespect us by saying that
because, with "The Ring General" arriving next week,
that would put the two of you in a very unfortunate situation
if you know what I'm saying.
What he's saying is if the two of you keep disrespecting us,
not only are you putting yourselves
but your tag team titles in real danger.
Are these like Gunther's henchmen like the Usos for Roman?
What is with people having henchmen around here?
-Can't anybody do anything by themselves? -No, no.
See, this isn't like the Usos 'cause the Usos--
we dealt with the Usos for months and months and months.
We're actually going to deal with this in one night.
-Really? -Yeah.
If you got a problem with it, no problem.
We'll see you in the ring tonight.
[crowd cheering]
Tonight.
What do you think of that, turtle neck?
-Go on. Go on, get. -Tonight.
He says "General" really weird.
[Corey] Wow. If that gets made official, we could have a banger on our hands.
-["Shoooosh" playing] -[Patrick] The Tag Team champions,
Imperium, potentially, later tonight.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied by Chad Gable and Maxxine Dupri,
representing Alpha Academy,
Otis.
[Patrick] This is starting to get a little bit awkward.
Otis in action, next here on Monday Night Raw.
Welcome back, folks.
You're watching Monday Night Raw set to go one-on-one action here.
Mustafa Ali and that positivity bringing into Jacksonville, Florida,
going one-on-one with Otis.
["Problematic" playing]
[Corey] I've seen Ali mix it up with Chad Gable recently,
but it's an entirely different experience
when you have to compete against the number one guy
in the Alpha Academy, Otis.
[bell rings]
[Patrick] Yes, Mustafa Ali going for the double
over the Alpha Academy after that win over Gable.
And Otis is in demand right now, is in a bit of a tug-of-war
between Chad Gable and Maxxine Dupri.
[Corey] I think it's the perfect situation for Otis.
He's surrounded by great coaches.
You've got Chad Gable to make sure the in-ring game stays strong.
You've got Maxxine so that the world learns to focus
on Otis' curves and he's flowing locks.
What a really truly attractive person he is inside and out.
[Patrick] You wonder for Otis, though,
it'd be better if they just got along, wouldn't it?
-[Patrick] Oh, big body of Otis. -[screaming]
[crowd booing]
[Corey] A chef's kiss. It was that great.
[Gabe] …back there, baby!
[Patrick] Both Maxxine and Chad Gable conducting the orchestra there ringside.
[Corey] Look at this power from Otis.
Ali in jeopardy finds an escape.
[Patrick] Mustafa Ali, now, a free agent in WWE,
bringing his talents across to SmackDown as well as here on Raw.
[Corey] This is an incredibly important matchup if you're Mustafa Ali.
You want to prove your worth, you want to elevate your stock
to the powers that be on both Monday Night Raw
and Friday Night SmackDown.
Maybe you do get drafted and you get better opportunities,
-or, maybe… -[crowd booing]
Maybe, [chuckles] you just go home
and don't come back after a clothesline like that.
My god.
[Patrick] Otis making it look effortless.
So nonchalant. Just flattening Mustafa Ali.
-[Patrick laughs] -[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Can you tell, are our cameras are using face tune right now?
Otis looked great.
More handsome than usual.
Wisconsin's finest.
But look at the…
[crowd boos]
This can't be good for Otis.
[crowd boos]
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Chad Gable wants him to do the caterpillar.
Come on, Otis. Do it.
[Corey] You don't get paid to be a cheerleader, KP.
You don't get to dictate what Otis does in the ring.
-[Patrick] Do it for the people… -[Corey] Mustafa…
-[Patrick]…what everybody wants to see. -[Corey] …Ali from the top, 450.
Nails it.
[Patrick] Hooks the leg for the victory now
-for Mustafa Ali who gets it. -[bell rings]
["Problematic" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] The results of this one have led to a bit of trouble in paradise
between Chad Gable and Maxxine.
What a win for Ali.
[crowd boos]
You are looking at the first-ever
two-time Grand Slam Champion in the history of this company.
I am a history-maker.
The biggest celebrity, biggest star.
The only true workhorse in this tournament.
And when I win the World Heavyweight Championship,
you will put respect on my name
because I'm The Miz and I'm…
♪ Awesome ♪
["I Came To Play" playing]
[Corey] Time for our second Triple Threat of the night.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a first-round match
for the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Introducing first, residing in Hollywood, California,
weighing in at 221 pounds,
The Miz.
[Patrick] Can the A-lister advance past Cody Rhodes and Finn Bálor
and take on Seth "Freakin" Rollins
in the main event, here, on Monday Night Raw?
We got Triple Threat action coming your way
in the World Heavyweight tournament next.
[Kentucky Derby horn sound]
[Patrick] The Miz alongside Maryse at the Kentucky Derby, A-list company.
He told me he was hanging out with Patrick Mahomes as well.
Can you imagine if The Miz wins
this World Heavyweight Championship tournament?
[Corey] I think it would be great for business.
Look at the size of Maryse's hat.
I understand it's nearly comparable in size to--
Well, you know where I'm going with that.
Anyway, I think Miz would be a fantastic World Heavyweight Champion.
["I AM DANGER" playing]
[Patrick] As would Finn Bálor for a lot of folks out there.
The inaugural Universal Champion, Finn Bálor…
of the Judgment Day.
It was Seth "Freakin" Rollins that advanced
from the first-round match moment ago, here, on Monday Night Raw.
The price is to qualify for the semi-finals tonight
and take on Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
["Kingdom" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ 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 ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
♪ And my father said When I was younger ♪
[announcer] And their opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing at 222 pounds,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] We know "The American Nightmare" is focused on the task at hand,
but it will be no easy feat getting past "The A-lister" The Miz.
-[bell rings] -Let's not forget it was Finn Bálor
who battled Seth "Freakin" Rollins in the match to crown
the first-ever Universal Champion of WWE.
[Patrick] Cody Rhodes, now, looking for an early victory.
Remember Triple Threat rules apply here
for a superstar to score pitfall or submission wins
and advances to the semi-final tonight to take on Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Oh, Miz from behind.
[Patrick] The "A-lister", now, to put away Cody,
and Finn Bálor's turn now. Turns it around.
[Corey] Cody takes down Bálor and Miz.
I'll tell you right now.
Tonight is-- adrenaline is Cody Rhodes' best friend
because I assure you Rhodes is beat up
from his encounter with "The Beast Incarnate" at Backlash.
Cody's got the heart of a lion.
[Patrick] You saw ringside, Corey, what he endured against Brock Lesnar.
Here we are just 48 hours out. Can Cody do it?
Kick out by The Miz.
[Corey] I want to pay a little more attention to the words
spoken by The Miz before this matchup.
The Miz says, "If you want this new World Heavyweight Championship
to be the workhorse title, I'm your guy."
Oh.
[Patrick] Cody Rhodes taking flight to devastating effect.
Can "The American Nightmare" advance?
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Seth Rollins has already advanced to the semi-final
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Can Cody Rhodes do it and advance to take on Rollins
in the main event, here, at Monday Night Raw?
[Corey] Double dropkick from the top rope by Rhodes.
Cody attempting to fight through the pain.
The agony of Saturday night to advance to battle Rollins tonight.
[Patrick] The winner of tonight's tournament
will go on to face the winner of Friday Night SmackDown's tournament
at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, May 27th
to determine who's going to be the new World Heavyweight Champion.
[Corey] Up and over goes Rhodes into a powerslam on Bálor.
[Patrick] The Miz, now, taken down by Cody Rhodes as well.
-[crowd cheering] -[crowd booing]
[Patrick] Rhodes catching his breath. Here we go!
[Corey] Double Cody cutter. Wow!
-[crowd cheering] -[screaming]
[Cody grunting]
[Corey] Rhodes clutching at his shoulder.
Obviously, still in a great deal of pain.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody!
-[Corey] Cody soldiering forward. -[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody!
[Corey] Again, looking for Cross Rhodes.
[Patrick] Can he get it? Finn Bálor wants to turn it around now.
[both grunting]
[Corey] Kick right to the forehead of Finn.
Disaster Kick!
-[Patrick] Connects with Bálor. -[Cody] One more!
[Patrick] Can Cody Rhodes advance now? Kick out by Finn Bálor!
[Corey] This is our first-round matchup,
the second of two Triple Threat matches tonight.
The winner will advance to battle Seth "Freakin" Rollins in the semi-final.
That is what it's all about.
The brand-new World Heavyweight Championship
to be decided May 27th in Saudi Arabia at Night of Champions.
-[crowd chanting "Cody"] -[Cody grunting]
[Patrick] You could pick any one of these superstars on show here
for a match with Rollins in the main event.
All have a history with Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Look at The Miz go now!
[Corey] Miz in control. Miz looking to make his way.
[Patrick] Is this the moment for "The A-lister" The Miz?
[Corey] Toward the finish line.
Of course, Friday Night SmackDown
will host two Triple Threat matches just like tonight.
Their winner will battle the winner
of Monday Night Raw's tournament at Night of Champions.
[Patrick] Can you imagine if the "A-lister" could do it?
Whether it's TMZ, People Magazine, the world would be talking about it.
[Corey] Miz looking for a skull-crushing finale.
-Cody able to escape. -[grunting]
[Patrick] Finn Bálor now sling blade!
[Corey] Cody sends Miz to the outside.
[Patrick] Bálor quick to respond. Finn Bálor, can he get it?
Cody Rhodes just about out in time.
[Corey] Finn with a dagger to the heart of Rhodes.
[Patrick] Finn Bálor, once more trying to put away Cody who's still alive.
[crowd booing]
-Bálor at pace. -[grunting]
The Irishman is feeling it here.
With Rhea Ripley's dominance,
can you imagine if Bálor could do this for the Judgment Day?
Wanted coup de grace.
-The Miz ready to pounce now. -[grunting]
[Corey] Miz sent Finn into Cody.
Skull-crushing finale!
[Patrick] That's going to do it for the Miz.
Cody Rhodes intervenes.
[Corey] Cody preserving his own opportunity to advance.
[Patrick] First superstar to score that pinfall or submission wins.
[Corey] Smart move by Cody, dumping Miz to the outside.
Rhodes now one-on-one for the moment with "The Prince" Finn Bálor.
[Patrick] How Cody Rhodes is still going, still has that fight I'll never know.
Forty eight hours removed from that battle with "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
[Corey] Inside cradle by Finn Bálor!
[Patrick] Finn Bálor now.
Cody out at two.
[both grunting]
Rhodes looking for cross Rhodes.
Can he put away Finn Bálor?
-Miz. -[Corey] Miz is going to steal it!
-Miz is going to steal it. -[referee] One, two.
[Patrick] Rhodes back in just in time.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Cody's feeling it.
Cross Rhodes!
[Corey] Cody's looking for a little insurance.
[Patrick] A second cross Rhodes!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Will the third time be the charm?
[Patrick] Here we go!
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Can Cody Rhodes "The American Nightmare"
-put away The Miz to advance? -[referee] One, two.
[Corey] Wait, wait, wait. What the hell?
-Brock Lesnar! -[grunting]
[Corey] A F5 to Cody Rhodes!
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] And there's no disqualification in a triple threat match!
[crowd booing]
-[Corey] Brock Lesnar… -[crowd booing]
…needs no bigger reminder than the stitches in his forehead
that he has unfinished business with Rhodes.
[Patrick] Coup de grace!
Back inside we go,
-and Finn Bálor now to capitalize… -[crowd] One, two, three!
-…and advance. -[bell rings]
["I AM DANGER" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Finn Bálor.
[Corey] Finn Bálor is headed to the semifinals
to face Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
But the story at the moment is "The Beast Incarnate".
Unfinished business with Cody Rhodes!
Good god.
[crowd booing]
Give me the microphone.
[crowd booing]
-So. -[crowd booing]
Cody, what do you want to talk about?
[crowd continues booing]
Look at this face.
Look at this face!
What do you want to talk about, Cody?
Huh?
What do you want to talk about?
I want to talk about me.
Me, Cody.
I want to talk about me.
-Me! -[crowd continues booing]
Me! Me! Me! Me!
Cody Rhodes, look at my face.
You want to take credit for this, Cody?
You lucked into this face.
You lucked into the victory Saturday night.
I want to talk about a fight.
-A fight. -[crowd continues booing]
I want a fight!
You, me…
Night of Champions, a fight.
What do you got to say to that?
Who is the coward now?
[background noise]
[thuds]
[woman yelling]
[Indistinct conversation]
[man] Get me a medic! Get me a medic! Get me a medic!
[crowd continues booing]
[man yelling]
[booing fades]
[women speaking indistinctly]
[booing fades]
[Patrick] Moments ago here on Monday Night Raw,
Cody Rhodes "The American Nightmare" was rolling
and about to win and advance to the semifinal
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament
-when this happened. -[crowd] One, two…
[Corey] After delivering the third cross Rhodes in succession to The Miz,
"The Beast incarnate" Brock Lesnar, would arrive and wreak havoc.
[crowd booing]
[Patrick] But he wasn't done there.
[thuds]
[Corey] An F5 through the announce table, courtesy of "The Beast".
-Look at his face! -[crowd booing]
What do you want to talk about?
Huh?
What do you want to talk about?
I want to talk about me.
You, me…
Night of Champions, a fight.
What do you got to say to that?
[crowd booing]
Who is the coward now?
[background noise]
[thuds]
[woman yelling]
[crowd cheering]
[exhales sharply]
How do your ribs feel? You all right?
-Not good. -All right, come on.
Right here. Let's take care of this.
This is the aftermath of another encounter with "The Beast",
and it's almost as though Cody Rhodes was so preoccupied
with finishing his story, he neglected to finish the job
that is "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar and Cody paid big time for it.
I'm genuinely lost for words after it.
I'm devastated for Cody Rhodes as well.
We know what this meant to Cody Rhodes today,
but for Finn Bálor…
Well, Finn took advantage and now advances to the semifinal
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament
here in our main event tonight,
where Bálor will be taking on Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] The winner of that match will head to Saudi Arabia
to Night of Champions on May 27th
to battle the winner of the SmackDown side of the tournament.
But it is set.
It's going down tonight.
We're going to run back the first-ever Universal Championship match
as Rollins battles Bálor live tonight.
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
♪ Guess who's fucking jealous now! ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] And if we're talking champions…
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
♪ The demons in your dreams ♪
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
[bang]
[crowd booing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
accompanied to the ring by Dominik Mysterio,
representing the Judgment Day,
she is the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Rhea Ripley!
[Patrick] How impressive and dominant is Rhea Ripley
as the SmackDown Women's Champion?
[Corey] What Rhea did Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Backlash
is what champions are made of.
Rhea Ripley stood down an entire nation of Puerto Rico
as she defended her SmackDown Women's Championship
against Zelina Vega of the LWO, who was a heavy sentimental favorite.
An extremely emotional Zelina Vega
tried her best and put up a top-tier effort against the eradicator.
[Patrick] Almost 18,000 WWE fans cheering on, willing on Zelina Vega,
but Riptide would end Zelina Vega in San Juan and still.
[Corey] Rhea did exactly what she set out to do.
Add another name to her growing list of victims,
maybe an emotional victory for Zelina Vega,
but as you mentioned,
still your SmackDown Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley.
["See You" playing]
[Patrick] In Rhea Ripley's way tonight,
the always positive Dana Brooke.
[announcer] And her opponent, from Cleveland, Ohio,
Dana Brooke.
[Patrick] Looking to make a statement here tonight on Monday Night Raw
against the eradicator.
And our crew had a chance to catch up with Dana Brooke earlier on today.
What's up, buddy?
Tonight, I asked for this opportunity,
and when I found out it was against SmackDown Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley,
I welcome that challenge because I belong here.
So, tonight, you're going to see the untapped potential of Dana Brooke.
[Patrick] We know about the power of Dana Brooke,
the potential of Dana Brooke, who's always up for the fight,
but, this, tonight, against Rhea Ripley.
Corey, what does it represent to Dana Brooke?
[Corey] A low IQ.
-No, listen, I mean, it's WWE. -[bell rings]
You take opportunities as you can get them.
And Dana Brooke knows that if somehow,
somehow, some way, she's able to topple Rhea Ripley tonight.
Boom, it'll put dana right in the hunt for championship opportunities.
[Patrick] Damian Priest said on the After The Bell podcast here
with us on WWE that Rhea Ripley is the greatest female
WWE superstar of all time.
Quite a statement, but you can understand why.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Rhea Ripley has been absolutely dominant
with the moral support of her man, "Dirty Dom".
Rhea just continues to improve
in both aggression and skill and confidence.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd booing]
-[Patrick] Rhea Ripley now. -[grunting]
[Corey] Dana able to escape out the back chopping at the knee.
[Dominik] Protect yourself.
[Dana grunts]
[Patrick] Dana Brooke.
A valiant fight so far from Dana…
[both grunting]
…but the strength on show the eradicator!
[Corey] Bulldog by Dana Brooke.
Dana now perched on the second rope,
looking to make something happen, but…
[crowd cheering]
…it's just too easy.
Ripley a powerhouse, second to none,
as Dana Brooke is finding out in very painful fashion first hand.
Oh! Riptide.
I think that was technically Riptide.
Rhea didn't drop down into a pinning position
because I don't think Rhea is done yet.
[Patrick] A little look to Dominik Mysterio
[Dominik taps] Oh! Attagirl!
-[Corey] There's Prism Lock submission. -[referee] Go!
-[bell rings] -[Corey] That's what this was all about.
Ripley making a statement.
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner by submission,
the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Rhea Ripley.
[Patrick] Corey, Bianca Belair is now officially the longest-reigning
Women's Champion in WWE in the modern era.
You just wonder who's going to stop Rhea Ripley at any point.
♪ Give you chills ♪
♪ I'll take your soul in your sleep ♪
♪ I'm evil ♪
♪ There's no escaping from me ♪
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Oh, Rhea is not finished yet.
[crowd booing]
Ripley going to do it again!
-[Patrick groans] -[thuds]
[Corey] A second Riptide,
-and back into the Prism Lock submission. -[Dana screaming]
Hey! My girl!
-[Rhea grunts] -[crowd booing]
-[Dominik] Yeah! -[Rhea grunting]
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Dana Brooke writhing in agony.
["New Foundation" playing]
[Corey] And back here on Monday Night Raw,
Natalya making her way to the ring.
[Patrick] Natalya always seen as the experienced one,
the gatekeeper in the women's locker room.
[Corey] Hey, not in any particular hurry to get the ring side.
[Rhea] You wanna go, huh?
[Corey] Natalya, one of the most decorated members
of the women's roster in WWE.
[crowd chanting]
[Corey] Obviously, Dom offering stage advice to mami.
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[Patrick] Natalya standing up for Dana Brooke.
[crowd booing]
That's one way to make an impact on your first night
back on Monday Night Raw.
-Welcome back, Natalya. -Yes.
The job is just getting started.
And you may see a lot of superstars
on your favorite shows now on Raw and SmackDown,
but you're not too familiar with superstars coming from NXT
that have been under the tutelage of Hall of Famers
Triple H and Shawn Michaels over the years.
[Triple H] It's time to shake things up.
Select superstars from NXT are eligible to be drafted
-to either Raw or SmackDown. -[all] NXT! NXT!
Raw selects the NXT Women's Champion,
Indi Hartwell.
[Corey] Indi Hartwell sits atop the NXT women's division.
I'm excited to bring Indie wrestling to the red brand
and I think Monday nights just got impressive.
Raw selects Katana Chance and Kayden Carter.
[Corey] They've been the NXT Women's Tag Champions in the past
and these two bring the party wherever they go.
I feel like our connection is unmatched.
What we have is so Raw and genuine.
[Carter] It's something you can't even explain.
[Katana] We are the life of the party and we're bringing the party to everyone.
♪ I'm just getting started… ♪
[JD] You are going to wish that you never heard the name JD McDonagh.
[Corey] So cerebral.
[presenter] A different breed of superstar.
[Patrick] This whole game changed
when the Irish Ace walked through that door.
[announcer] Veer, Sanga,
two international icons
united by one desire,
finally earn the respect that they desire.
♪ It's just getting started ♪
[Stark] This is all about me.
It's about Zoey Stark.
[Corey] Zoey Stark possesses a skill set second to absolutely zero.
I'm the hunter
while every female out there is the prey.
♪ Apollo ♪
[presenter] Look at the ability of this young man right here.
[man] Apollo Crews is a true beast of a man.
[Apollo] I'm back to rewrite history,
to change history and make history.
♪ It's just getting started ♪
I'd like to welcome in one of the newest faces
of Monday Night Raw, Zoey Stark.
[crowd boos]
Zoey, you are one of the most impressive competitors
to come out of NXT in recent memory,
but now that you're on Raw, how do you handle the added expectations?
That's easy, Byron.
I'm amazing at what I do.
I have nothing but complete confidence in my abilities
and these other women--
Hold on. You know what? Come with me.
-[crowd cheering] -Nikki, what in the world are you doing?
You see, Byron, this is exactly what I'm talking about.
This is why I'm going to succeed.
It's because there's nothing but weirdos like her.
You know what? I just had a great idea.
How about you and I,
we go one-on-one tonight in my first Raw match?
[weakly] Nikki wants to play. [chuckles softly]
All right. Well, let's see what you got.
["Fight" playing]
[Corey] I love that. We're going to get some Zoey Stark in action tonight on RAW.
Here are two gentlemen who know all about NXT.
[Patrick] And I'm delighted they're sticking around
on Monday Night Raw,
the undisputed WWE Tag Team champions.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] I wasn't concerned that they were going back to NXT.
Kevin, I was more or less acknowledging
that they're both former NXT champions in their own right.
[Patrick] They could have gotten drafted to SmackDown.
I'm chuffed that they're still here.
[Corey] Can we draft you to Shotgun Saturday Night?
Is that possible? Is it too late?
[Patrick] Only if I'm still in Puerto Rico.
["World's Apart" playing]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a Tag Team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, they are the undisputed
WWE Tag Team Champions,
-Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. -[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] What have Imperium got coming their way
on their Monday Night Raw debut?
The Tag Champs of KO and Sami Zayn are set to take on Vinci and Kaiser.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] It's tag team action, up next, on Monday Night Raw.
Moments away from seeing the undisputed Tag Team Champions,
KO and Sami Zayn, in action.
The crowd buzzing here.
We're in Jacksonville, Florida tonight.
[crowd cheering]
The champs are set to take on newly arrival of Imperium
on Monday Night Raw.
["SACRED" playing]
[announcer] And their opponents, representing Imperium,
Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser.
[Patrick] A couple of Europeans arriving here on the red brand.
Europe was where WWE was making waves last week.
[upbeat music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[upbeat music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[upbeat music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[upbeat music playing]
[crowd singing Seth Rollins' music]
[Corey] And this is a matchup that was made at the request of Sami Zayn
backstage earlier today.
Kaiser and Vinci were warning the locker room
with the impending arrival of "The Ring General" Gunther,
-the Intercontinental Champion… -[bell rings]
…who will be here on Raw next week.
But let's not forget, Kaiser and Vinci
are a very, very formidable tag team in their own right.
Former NXT Tag Team Champions.
These two wouldn't be allowed to breathe the same air as Gunther
if they weren't highly skilled at what they do.
[Patrick] It is Sami Zayn kicking things off with Ludwig Kaiser.
[Corey] Obviously, things didn't go with Sami and Kevin's way
on Saturday night at Backlash,
failing to pick up a win over The Bloodline.
Hopefully, for KO's sake, we can move past The Bloodline,
The Bloodline can move into the rearview mirror.
[Patrick] Yeah, but Corey, Sami Zayn has been prophesizing for months now
that there are cracks within The Bloodlines.
Something we all saw on Saturday night at Backlash,
and to think that Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown
for the first time since WrestleMania this Friday.
[Corey] Listen, one thing you'll learn about Sami Zayn
is he never runs out of things to talk about.
Sami literally loves to hear himself talk,
so he will beat this drum until there is no more drum.
That's why I'd say for KO's sake I hope they can pivot tonight.
[Patrick] Sure, but you got to wonder what it means for The Bloodline
with Roman Reigns returning here as Vinci with kicks to Sami Zayn.
-[grunting] -[Patrick] Oh.
[Corey] Big-time uppercut by Giovanni Vinci.
[Patrick] We like to point out their accolades, Corey,
so impressive Vinci and Kaiser.
[grunts]
[Patrick] The first time passing Ludwig Kaiser today.
I couldn't believe how tall he was.
-Kaiser now. -[Corey] Ludwig just shoved
Sami into a clothesline.
Cover here by Vinci.
[Patrick] Vinci to put away Sami Zayn.
Zayn kicking out.
[Corey] And for a lot of the Raw viewers,
this is the first time getting their eyes on Kaiser and Vinci,
and, perhaps, Imperium as a whole.
Once Gunther arrives, Imperium will be complete,
and their mission is to show the world that "The Mat Is Sacred".
[Patrick] What do they mean?
[Corey] It mean-- wait, as we take a look at the interaction in the corner
with Kaiser and KO join,
and Vinci putting in some work on the outside bending the rules.
[Patrick] Oh, KO is fired up now.
Being held back, but look at the referee was looking away.
[Corey] And what Gunther and Imperium mean
when they say that the ring is sacred…
"The Mat is Sacred" is that they want the-- Oh, my god,
they want respect put on their names on this business
and on the wards they fight night after night.
[crowd booing]
-[screams] -[crowd booing]
[Patrick] A brilliant crowd here in Jacksonville, Florida, tonight
watching Monday Night Raw.
Just two days ago, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were in a battle
with The Bloodline at Backlash.
Tonight, tag team action against the Imperium
on their Monday Night Raw debut.
[Corey] Two-thirds of Imperium, Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser
who is the legal competitor for his team,
both will be joined next week by "The Ring General",
the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion
of the modern era, Gunther.
[Patrick] You got to wonder what a victory would do
for Imperium here tonight.
[Corey] Don't. It will move them right to the front of the line
-for the title opportunity. -[Patrick] You think so?
[Corey] Absolutely, you beat the champions.
-[Patrick] Huge stakes… -[Corey] Vinci is sent to the outside.
[Patrick] Kaiser back inside now! Tag made for Kevin Owens.
[Corey] This is what Imperium wanted to avoid.
The brawler, the prize-fighter KO teeing on kaiser.
[Patrick] The man that never backs away!
The champion Kevin Owens going to town on Ludwig Kaiser.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Kaiser and Vinci have been tormenting
and taunting Kevin Owens since the opening bell
hoping, praying that he would not become legal.
-[Kaiser] Oh! -[Corey] What a backdrop!
[Patrick] Well, they've fired up Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Inverted Atomic Drop.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Ludwig Kaiser came across looking to make a tag.
[Corey] Vinci has still being neutralized on the outside of the ring.
Owens has all day to do as he sees fit.
-[Corey] A right hand for Vinci. -[Kaiser grunts]
[Patrick] Kevin Owens is rolling here on Raw!
-[Corey] Cover by Owens. -One, two…
[Patrick] Owens to get the victory over Imperium,
and Kaiser kicking out.
[Corey] The testament to the toughness of Ludwig Kaiser.
Owens, now, making the climb to the top turnbuckle.
[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] KO now.
Swanton Bomb!
-Grabs the leg to put away Imperium. -One, two…
-[Patrick] Vinci in the way. -Let's go!
[Corey] Take a look at the impact.
Kevin Owens floats somewhere around 260, 270 pounds,
crashing all of his body weight down across the core of Ludwig Kaiser.
[grunting]
You keep asking all these questions
about if The Bloodline is ready for the arrival of Roman Reigns.
What do you think Imperium will do
if they lose tonight ahead of the arrival of Gunther?
[Patrick] Rapid tag team action now
as Imperium looks to put away Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Just that quickly the tides have turned.
[Patrick] Man, are Imperium impressive.
So cohesive.
Years of tagging together, Vinci and Kaiser.
[Corey] The trio has traveled all around the world
honing their craft, their art form as they view it.
Yet another reason "The Mat Is Sacred".
What they do in the ring is not strategy, it's not combat.
It is art.
[both grunting]
[Patrick] Ludwig Kaiser connects,
and KO now looking to take out Kaiser. [Corey] Wow!
-Turn Kaiser inside out. -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Both superstars desperately in need of a tag.
Come on!
[Corey] Who can make their partner legal first?
-Come! -[crowd cheering]
[Patrick] Sami Zayn desperate to put away Imperium
if KO can get across. Tag made on the other end.
[Corey] Smart move by Vinci,
charging across the ring and thwarting Sami's tag attempt.
[Patrick] So powerful, so swift,
Imperium, as Ludwig Kaiser looking to feast now.
Oh! KO! Stunner!
-[Corey] Vinci, the legal competitor. -[referee] One, two…
[Corey] Shoulders down.
[Patrick] KO out just in time. Didn't see where Vinci was.
Superkick.
[Corey] Tag is made.
-Owens sent up and over. -[Patrick] Oh!
[Corey] And Vinci eats a helluva kick.
[Patrick] And that may do it…
-…for the undisputed Tag Team Champions. -[bell rings]
["World's Apart" playing]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
-Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] What a matchup.
The Tag Team Champions keeping their skills strong.
I, certainly, hope for Imperium's sake
that "The Ring General" was not watching closely tonight.
[Patrick] As the champs are back to winning ways here on Raw!
Lavender? Eucalyptus.
-Eucalyptus. -Okay.
-Sign. Right here, save the ocean. -Just sign.
-[crowd booing] -Okay, thank you.
-Oh, Xia Li. -Xia Li.
Reduce Reuse. Recycle.
-What? -What?
Just sign it. Thank you.
-[whispering] Right there. -Right there. That's perfect.
Thank you so much. Okay.
[exclaims] One, two, and three signatures we're about to get.
-Hi. -Ah-ah-hem!
Hi. I'm sure you want to sign this.
-It's for the injustices in the world. -Here you go.
-Take that and that. -Oh, all of the injustices.
Injustices of the world.
-The injustices of the world. All of them. -Yeah.
What she means is this is a petition for our rematch
at the women's Tag Team titles
after we were so unjustly cheated out of our opportunity.
Thank you. Right there.
Inga, you can just sign.
Actually, it's Indi, but nice to meet you.
-Yeah, I'm sorry. -We know.
What do you think, Dexter?
[crowd cheering]
[groans]
No, thanks.
You're going to regret that when we're champions.
That was rude.
And you could use a smile every once in a while.
-He is smiling. -[Chelsea] Smile.
Guys, look at us.
-The whole family back together again. -Yay.
Like I was saying, it's coming back soon.
-I think it's going to be great. -I don't just-- I don't agree.
It's going to be great. Dexter, it's going to be great.
-Trust me. -It is not. Don't listen.
I don't-- he says no. He says no.
[Corey] That is the weirdest [bleep] family I've ever seen in my life.
Like that's some weird deep internet stuff.
[Patrick] That was wholesome.
Welcome to Monday Night Raw, Indi Hartwell, but look at this.
-["The Strangeling" playing] -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Glasgow, Scotland,
Nikki Cross.
[Patrick] That little bundle of chaos.
Nikki Cross tearing into the squared circle,
set for action to take on Zoey Stark
on her Monday Night Raw debut.
It's next.
["I Walk Alone" playing]
[Patrick] Congratulations to WWE legend Batista
on the release of Guardians of the Galaxy.
Made over $280 million the first weekend, Corey.
-Got to go into the theater and see that. -[Corey] Are you surprised
that Batista as Drax the Destroyer is number one?
If you're surprised, you shouldn't be. You're doing it wrong.
Batista, absolute legend, as is Roman Reigns.
You have to wonder what Roman Reigns was thinking
watching on at Backlash
as The Bloodline went to war against KO, Sami, and Riddle.
[commentator] The story of The Bloodline
is to prove to the "Tribal Chief", Roman Reigns,
that we can get the job done.
But where does Solo Sikoa stand in all of this?
[Corey] WWE Universe firmly behind the trio of Zayn, Owens, and Riddle.
Naysayers claim that we'll see the implosion
of The Bloodline sooner rather than later.
[commentator 2] Jimmy took out his own brother.
Kick out at two.
[Corey] Solo Sikoa done with the games.
-[crowd gasps] -What the hell? I got him.
[announcer] And the argument between the family
may cost The Bloodline.
[Corey] Solo Sikoa saving the matchup.
[crowd chanting] Solo! Solo!
You going to hit me?
I'm your brother.
Not him.
I'm your brother.
[announcer] Tag.
Riddle now legal.
Tag. Sikoa is legal. Riddle has no idea.
Now he does with a Samoan Spike.
[crowd] One, two, three, four…
-six. -[bell rings]
[announcer] Did The Bloodline do enough for the "Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns
or did the cracks become major rifts?
["I Am Greatness" playing]
[Patrick] I cannot wait for Friday Night SmackDown, Corey.
The return of Roman Reigns.
[Corey] I don't even think Roman Reigns knows who you are, KP.
This is "The Tribal Chief" we're talking about.
The "Tribal Chief" is coming back to town.
Friday Night SmackDown will once again be the The Island of Relevancy.
[Patrick] Now, what does it mean for Solo and the tension between Sikoa
and his brother Jey Uso?
And, now, here on Monday Night Raw, it's time for a debut.
["Cut Above The Rest" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent, from Las Vegas, Nevada,
Zoey Stark.
[Corey] Straight out of Sin City,
Zoey Stark has been one to watch for some time now.
[Patrick] So powerful, such a threat now in the women's locker room,
but there doesn't look to be any nerves
on the face of Zoey Stark, here on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] No, supreme confidence possessed by Zoey Stark
because Zoey knows how good she is.
If you've had a chance to see Zoey in NXT, she is a heavy hitter.
She is extremely explosive in her offense.
And to be quite honest, Zoey's best attribute is her attitude.
She refuses to conform to anybody else's ideas
-of what she's supposed to be. -[bell rings]
[Patrick] The slap to Nikki Cross and now the fury of Cross.
Zoey Stark, a former NXT Tag Team Champion with Iyo Sky.
There's that power we speak about, the ruthless approach.
[Corey] And this all goes back to the mentality, the ethos of NXT.
You're taught from day one that you're not here to fill a spot,
you're here to take a spot.
Zoey Stark knows that if she wants championship opportunities
and higher-profile matches,
it's going to have to come at the expense of someone else.
And, unfortunately, for Nikki Cross, it could be her tonight.
[Patrick] Nikki, though, we're talking about a former Raw Women's Champion,
a Money in the Bank winner, a Tag Team Champion as well.
Oh! This would represent some win early on now for Zoey Stark.
[Corey] My point exactly.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd booing]
[Patrick] The confidence, the swagger on show here early from Zoey.
[Corey and Patrick] Oh!
[Corey] Did I mention she was a heavy hitter?
[Patrick] Stark, now, with the cover to put away Nikki.
[Corey] Check out this impact.
[Nikki Cross grunts]
[Corey] Clotheslined Nikki Cross in the soul.
This is a smart strategy.
When you're competing against somebody as frenetic as Nikki Cross,
it's hard to keep her in one position.
And that's exactly what Zoey is doing right now.
[Patrick] Had the chance to catch up with WWE Hall of Famer Triple H
about Zoey Stark whom he knows well from the NXT days.
He said, "You rarely finds someone as driven".
In the gym, as soon as its open, comes back,
-last to leave in the evening. -[crowd booing]
You can see that power and that strength on show, here, tonight.
[Corey] And I appreciate that,
but it's a lot more in this business than being good at the gym.
Zoey Stark studies the game.
Zoey is not only in the gym,
she's in the ring, she's watching film.
She's picking people's brains.
That's how Zoey arrived at this point.
[Patrick] Insulting Nikki Cross, calling her "weirdo" earlier on tonight.
[Corey] Do you disagree?
[Patrick] Nikki's lovable.
[Corey] I think if nothing else,
Zoey Stark might be the most honest person on Raw.
[Patrick] Nikki, now, looking for a bit of momentum.
[Corey] Myself excluded.
[Patrick] She wanted to dance with you during the commercial break,
you're still insulting her.
Nikki, now, pace and force.
Nikki Cross looking for the Tornado DDT.
[Corey] Shrugged off by Stark
who answers with a superkick, get ready for this ride!
Z-360.
[Patrick] Nikki's rocked. Zoey Stark
-on her Monday Night Raw debut. -[bell rings]
["Cut Above The Rest" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Zoey Stark.
[Corey] I hate to say "I told you so". [chuckles] Just kidding.
As advertised, the genuine article.
And this is how it all came crashing down for Nikki Cross.
Zoey calls this Z-360.
The disorienting spin followed by the knee to the chin.
Night-night, Nikki.
[Patrick] Watch out, women's locker room.
Zoey Stark has arrived on Monday Night Raw.
♪ …I took every side ♪
♪ Who's it gonna be? ♪
I'm joined by Dominik Mysterio
and the SmackDown Women's Champion, Rhea Ripley.
Rhea, I want to start with you, you have been on a roll lately,
victorious at WWE Backlash, victorious earlier on tonight.
You had an interesting interaction with Natalya.
But my question is, as both the SmackDown Women's Champion
and the over-all number one draft pick here on Raw,
are you feeling extra pressure?
Pressure?
I welcome it.
-It comes with running a division-- -[men laughing]
Hey! Hey, what?
Hey, how about you show some respect when mami's talking?
-You too, Tozawa. -Me, too?
Dominik Mysterio,
looking like you got your outfit from the lost and found.
Relax, man.
What, are you a comedian? You think that's funny? Huh?
Won't be so funny if I punch you square in the face.
Since I just got to Raw, I'm looking for a fight.
You want to do this tonight?
[crowd cheering]
Dom-Dom accepts.
-Dumb Dum accepts, cool. -[crowd laughing indistinctly]
See you, Dumb Dum.
Bye, Mami, bye.
Where did Tozawa go? Tozawa?
[Patrick] WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus posting missing posters of Becky Lynch.
We hear Trish has an explanation as to Becky's whereabouts, next.
[upbeat music playing]
[Patrick] Backlash was truly one for the ages
as WWE made its long-awaited return to Puerto Rico
in what was an unforgettable and record-shattering weekend.
Over 34,000 members of the WWE Universe flocked to San Juan
with back-to-back sell-outs for both SmackDown and Backlash,
Smashing gate and merchandise records.
Featuring the most streamed music artist in the world, Bad Bunny.
Backlash with a viral sensation,
garnering over 40 million views of the epic San Juan Street Fight
that dominated social media as the number one trend worldwide.
With the unrivaled energy and passion of the fans in attendance,
their enthusiasm, an electric atmosphere helped make Backlash
not only the highest-grossing
but, also, the most viewed Backlash in history.
I think I speak for everybody at WWE when I say, "Thank you, Puerto Rico."
[Corey] I agree, but you should be saying, "Thank you, Trish."
["Time To Rock & Roll" playing]
[Corey] I think I am personally responsible
for about two million of those views, mostly Bad Bunny's entrance.
[crowd booing]
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
WWE Hall of Famer
-Trish Stratus. -[crowd booing]
[Patrick] No more missing posters in hand.
I ain't no nostalgia act says Trish Stratus.
[Corey] Trish is wearing a missing poster on her shirt, Kevin.
-That's functional fashion. -[Patrick] Yes, it is.
This was last month on Monday Night Raw Tag Team Championship match.
Trish Stratus stepping in for Hall of Famer Lita
alongside Becky Lynch losing out on the night
and this is the sportsmanship afterward.
[Corey] A great show of respect by "The Man" Becky Lynch
until this shocking turn of events.
Trish Stratus would turn her back on Lynch in the entire WWE Universe
-and deliver a Chick Kick to Becky Lynch. -[crowd booing]
[referee] Hey. Get off of her. Hey, go!
Come on, hey!
[crowd booing]
[Corey] I've only said it once, let me say it again.
Thank you, Trish.
Have you, guys-- Have you seen her?
-[crowd booing] -No? Hey.
Kevin, I know you.
I guess as fellow countrymen, you're very concerned, you're very worried
but don't worry, honey, we're going to find her. Okay?
So, cheer up, buttercup.
Go, Ireland.
Listen, I hear you. I am very worried,
I'm very concerned because Becky Lynch is missing,
But that's okay. I feel like the work we're going to do here today,
I've used all my platforms, my tools.
Ah, Corey, can you go ahead and Tweet that for me?
Yes, thank you so much.
I feel like she will be found, we will find Becky
and when she is, you guys can say, "Thank you, Trish."
[crowd boos]
Now, she will be found, probably, in some dark, dank corner of Iowa
crying in the corner with her dumb daughter.
What? No, she is dumb.
Guys, she doesn't even know her colors. She's two, hello.
She's two.
But she will be found and she will come back
and she just won't be coming here to Raw.
Just to be clear, she won't be coming to Raw
because this is my show,
it is my spotlight.
And just to be clear, nobody is going to steal my spotlight.
I don't care if you're Becky freaking Lynch,
no one is going to steal my spotlight.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Is it her?
[Patrick] Please tell me it's Becky.
[chuckles]
[Corey] She got us again.
Oh, my god.
[Corey] Kevin, you should have seen your face.
You guys are so dumb, and gullible.
You're as gullible as Becky when she thought I was her friend.
[crowd booing]
Look at you, you're all like, "Oh, yay, she is going to get you."
She's not going to get me. No, never again,
because she's never coming back.
Can I just tell you a little story? Let me tell you a little story.
There was this one time,
my daughter wanted this cute little doll.
We saw this adorable doll, and she wanted to buy it,
so we bought it and we brought it home.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky!
She's not here, guys.
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
You guys are idiots, she's not here.
But it's funny, you bring up that name because that name,
that's what my daughter wanted to call her doll.
I said, "What do you want to call her?" She said, "Becky Lynch."
[crowd cheering]
I said, "Why do you want to call her Becky Lynch?"
And she said, "Oh, because she's pretty and--
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Corey] This is even funnier.
Guys, no, no, no. The joke is done. Cut the music, guys.
It's done, the music is--
[Patrick] The Man is here.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants "Becky"]
[Corey] What a right, Becky!
[Patrick] "The Man" of the masses.
[Corey] That's no way to treat a Hall of Famer.
[Patrick] Bexploder.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chants "Becky"]
You want me, Trish? I'm right here.
The Man has come around to kick your ass.
[crowd cheering]
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Patrick] Becky is no longer missing,
and it appears as though "The Man" has got Trish's Stratus
squarely in her sight.
Go on, say it.
Thank you, Becky.
-Thank you, Becky. -No.
Thank you to the staff that managed to put together our desk here
because it was absolutely flattened earlier on tonight.
A horrific scene, here, on Monday Night Raw
as Cody Rhodes looked set to win the triple threat match
to qualify for the semifinals
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament
and then, this happened.
[Corey] "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar would arrive
and deliver a thunderous F5 to The American Nightmare,
but brock was just getting started.
As you mentioned, our announce table,
a casualty of another F5 courtesy of The Beast.
Lesnar all too pleased with the fact
that he may have cost Cody Rhodes the chance to become
the new World Heavyweight Champion.
So sick of running this…
A couple of bruised ribs.
I was in a break then?
No, no break. Nothing like that.
Couple ribs, ice, Ibuprofen.
That's a good question.
-Ask him some more. -What's going to happen now?
Right now, nothing's going to happen.
[Patrick] Devastating for Cody Rhodes and all his fans around the world,
but Finn Bálor capitalized.
And, now, Finn has an opportunity against Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
It's the semi-final
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament
and it's tonight on Monday Night Raw.
["New Day, New Way" playing]
[Corey] Oh, yes.
[Patrick] Come on, dance with me, Corey.
[Corey] You probably dance the same way as Michael Cole.
-I learned a lot about him on Saturday. -[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing The New Day,
from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing at 215 pounds,
Xavier Woods.
[Corey] Xavier Woods with a new return of sorts here
to the Monday Night Raw roster
and Woods will see his first singles action.
As he goes, one-on-one with the most dangerous dude in Duval,
Dominik Mysterio.
[Patrick] I'm not sure about that.
Let's go!
[Corey] Attention, WWE Universe.
The reviews are in, and WWE 2K23 is officially the highest rated game
in WWE's 2K franchise history.
For a limited time, the standard and icon edition are 25% off
on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, so go get your copy today.
-[Patrick] Xavier woods. -[Corey] All about the video games.
Yes, he does.
Xavier woods now a member of Monday Night Raw,
-drafted last week. -That's how we do.
["It Is My Time" playing]
[Corey] It might be a short run.
[Patrick] Listen to the boos ring out for this man.
♪ El estilo peligro, that's why I'm coming for ya ♪
[announcer] And his opponent,
accompanied by the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Rhea Ripley,
representing The Judgment Day,
Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] Turns out Puerto Rico can't stand Dominik Mysterio either.
[Corey] They're jealous of all the street cred.
Listen, anything that you've ever seen in the headline
done by a Florida man,
-you know those headlines, right? -[Patrick] Yes.
[Corey] Dom's done that.
He's been there, done that twice.
Dominik is the most dangerous dude in Duval county right now.
Mark my words.
And look at the way Mami just glows when Dom's around.
[Patrick] It was Mami who made this match official
just before the commercial break, and Xavier Woods saying,
"Your outfit looks like it's from a lost and found, Dom."
Busy weekend for Dominik Mysterio at WWE Backlash.
[Corey] What does Xavier Woods know about fashion?
The guy's been dressed like a unicorn, a pancake.
I don't ever want to take fashion advice from any New Day man.
[Patrick] I want to give Xavier Woods a brassiere.
[Corey] Okay. Just a few days ago, him and Kofi Kingston
docked it into the boys and girls club Hall of Fame,
an organization that helps kids stay off the streets
and helps them shape their futures.
Legends like Michael Jordan and Denzel Washington
are part of that Hall of Fame.
Now it has Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
[Corey] That, truly, is a remarkable accomplishment.
-[bell rings] -A lot of respect and kudos
to Woods and Kofi for that incredible honor.
And this is a big opportunity for Xavier Woods.
He said he spent his time as a singles competitor
eager to show the world and remind the world
that he could still do this.
All of his tag team success doesn't mean he can't hold his own.
He had an instant classic as he challenged Gunther
for the Intercontinental Championship several weeks back.
Xavier Woods is the genuine article.
Trust me, I've been in the ring with the guy a million times.
[Patrick] He wants to be treated more seriously now.
He said, "The disrespect, enough with it.
I'm not some sort of clown.
I want to get out here and start winning some singles championships."
Something that's alluded Xavier Woods throughout his entire WWE career.
[Corey] Great position by Xavier Woods.
Very, very nice escape.
Dom is all tied up.
[Patrick] What makes Xavier Woods such a special competitive to you?
[Corey] It's his explosiveness.
Xavier Woods may be…
Get out the ring and let the real men do it.
Woods may be diminutive in stature,
but Woods is incredibly strong and explosive.
We like to say that he's got dynamite in his hands
because when he hits you, it feels like your whole head exploded.
[Patrick] Dominik Mysterio may do exactly that.
Xavier Woods flattened by Mysterio.
[crowd booing]
Woods' intelligently savvy.
-Dropkicking Dom now. -Yeah!
[Reah] Go on!
Kofi Kingston working his way back from injury.
We continue to send our best to Big E
as Xavier Woods now goes to work on Dom in the corner.
I like the intensity we're seeing from Xavier Woods.
Again, it's something that Woods has looked forward to, reminding.
It's not coming from a place of anger.
It's a place of excitement.
Woods is happy to show the world
that he is a very, very talented Individual competitor.
Although, he is nowhere nearly as skilled as with the ladies as Dom does.
[Patrick] A little kiss across to mami, watching on.
Rhea Ripley who just defended her SmackDown Women's Championship
against Zelina Vega at Backlash.
Oh, could it be?
Could it be?
Xavier Woods now.
[Corey] Woods now making the climb to the top turnbuckle.
Dominik all out of sorts.
-Wow. -[Patrick] Xavier Woods from a height
taken down Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] Sky high crossbody by Woods bringing the fight to Dom.
[Patrick] What a win this would represent for Woods
on his return to Monday Night Raw.
Oh, my.
I'm not entirely sure, but I think Woods' face connected with the ring stairs.
[Patrick] I'm not sure Xavier's able to get back into this.
Last week, Xavier Woods was drafted to Monday Night Raw,
tonight in action against Dominik Mysterio of The Judgment Day.
Just returned from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Backlash.
[Corey] Woods looking for a suplex of sorts.
Dom able to escape and deliver a big forearm.
[Patrick] Oh.
[Corey] Here we go.
Have it on a good authority when Dom delivers the three amigos,
it makes Mami feel some type of way.
[Reah] That's how you do it.
[Patrick] Cheering on every single move is Rhea Ripley
as Dominik Mysterio goes in for the cover.
A kick out by Woods.
How tough is Xavier Woods?
This is what happened just before the commercial break.
A thunderous collision with the steel stairs.
[Corey] A very suspicious, a very concerned contact with the ring stairs,
and now Dominik in complete control, much to the delight
of the SmackDown Women's Champion Rhea Ripley.
Shut up.
-[Corey] Mami grinning from ear to ear. -Shut up.
[Patrick] A different face on Dominik to what we saw over the weekend
when Savio Vega and Carlito showed up on the scene at Backlash.
[Corey] They were all just trying to steal a little bit of Dominik's spot.
-That's all that was about. -[Patrick] I'm sure.
Xavier Woods now rallying.
Chops and digs to Dominik.
There's that power you spoke about, Corey.
-[Reah] Come one! -[Patrick] Woods now.
[Corey] Baseball slide.
Oh. That's the power.
The explosiveness of Xavier Woods, the dynamite in his hands.
[Patrick] Woods now elbow connecting with Dominik.
Mami looks a little shook on the outside.
Clothesline taking down Mysterio.
[Corey] Don't let Dom catch you looking at Mami.
That'd be the longest day of your life, KP.
[Patrick] My eyes are focused on the monitor in front of me.
Rhea is looking worried.
[Corey] You, literally, just contradicted yourself.
You watch the match. I'll keep my eyes on Mami.
[Patrick] Woods spiking Dominik.
For the cover and the victory!
Kick out by Mysterio.
-I'm not doing anything. Oh, my god. -[Corey] Look at this.
Woods propelling himself from the bottom rope
before spiking Dom Dom on his dome dome.
I'm on one, KP.
[Patrick] You're having a very great… flying form.
New Day rocks chants ring out here in Jacksonville, Florida.
[Corey] Elbow connects from woods.
Oh, what an answer by Dom. Cover!
[Patrick] Will Dominik Mysterio be able to put away Xavier Woods?
No, not yet.
Xavier Woods alive and kicking.
Dominik launched himself
into that elbow that connected and took down Woods.
[Patrick] As each week passes,
Dominik Mysterio becoming more and more of a physical threat.
Incredible shoulder challenge on Woods.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Training with Mami will do that.
[Patrick] No question about that.
-Oh! -[Corey] Woods a step ahead.
Took Dom's feet right out from underneath him.
-One… -Do it.
Two…
[Reah] Come on!
[Patrick] Xavier Woods was slow to get back on his feet.
Wind taken from his sails after that tackle from Dominik.
Look at Xavier go now.
[Corey] Woods from the second turnbuckle.
[Patrick] Xavier Woods!
This has got to be it for Xavier Woods for The New Day.
Dominik kicking out somehow.
[Corey] Tremendous precision on the dropkick executed by Woods
as we take another look.
Watch how precise.
Woods got his boot right between the shoulder blades of Dominik.
Right on the spine.
That'll make your legs go numb.
[Patrick] Xavier Woods has ideas now from a height.
Dominik Mysterio is a long, long way away.
Woods now. Oh!
Dragged out of harm's way by Rhea Ripley.
Can Dom capitalize right for the victory over Xavier Woods?
-He's got it. -[bell rings]
["It Is My Time" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] What a win for Dom Dom.
Thanks to Mami.
[Patrick] Rhea Ripley, a crucial role in that victory for Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] Whoever you choose to assign credit to your business.
Yes, we'll chalk up an assist to Mami.
-But the W belongs to Dominik Mysterio. -[bell rings]
Xavier Woods may spend the night in the infirmary.
[Patrick] All smiles for The Judgment Day.
They'll go party tonight, no question about that.
Stop. Dumb-dumb.
[Patrick] Arguably, the biggest victory of Finn Bálor's career
came at the expense of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
That was for the inaugural Universal Championship.
Can Bálor go again against Seth "Freakin" Rollins tonight?
[Corey] He is a Visionary, he is a revolutionary,
and he is in the semifinals.
Rollins, Bálor, live next.
[man] Veer and Sanga.
Two international juggernauts united as one force of destruction.
These two men have conquered continents,
obliterated competition all over the world,
And, now, are ready to bring unprecedented levels of pain.
We have waited patiently for our moment to strike.
From the shadows…
we emerge… to shake the very foundation
of Monday Night Raw.
[crowd cheering]
You have nothing to say?
Nothing to say?
I told you last week, Raw is different than SmackDown.
We need to have each other's backs.
If you would have had my back and I would have had your back,
we'd still be in this tournament.
Instead, you didn't have my back and you lost your match.
But you lost, too.
This isn't the point. Look.
Look, I am willing to forget all the disrespect
you showed me last week.
If you give this a chance, Shinsuke, it's a win-win.
Think of the audience. Think of the chants.
They'll be chanting
Mizuke Nakamura.
What do you say?
-You're right. -Yes. I know.
I've nothing.
-You're my opportunity now. -Yes.
-I'm going to say next week-- -Yes.
-The Miz, Shinsuke Nakamura. -Yes.
one-on-one.
Mano a mano.
[Japanese language]
it's going to be awesome.
No, that's exactly opposite of Mizuke.
Relax. I think we need a couple more signatures first
because we have to follow this on everything.
-Okay, fine. -Two, three more, maybe.
-Who can we find? -Who do we get?
-[woman] We'll sign. -Oh.
Ladies, we heard you guys were on a little campaign.
Listen, if you wanted a title rematch, all you had to do was woman up and ask.
Yeah, it could have been really easy. So, may I?
Thank you. Oh.
Oh, beautiful.
-Thank you. -Nice touch.
So after we beat damage control, we'll see the both of you guys next week.
I'm sorry.
Oh. Love that we have your support and all,
but we didn't exactly make this to compete against you.
No, we planned on Damage CTRL beating you,
and then we face Damage CTRL.
Let's go.
Good thing they don't y'all to plan.
May have been obtained by questionable means,
but it seems like Sonya and Chelsea might have a golden opportunity
-in their very near future. -That's as conniving as you'll get.
Earlier on tonight, folks, on Monday Night Raw,
Cody Rhodes, 48 hours off, surviving against "The Beast" Brock Lesnar
was hoping to advance to the semifinals
of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
It looked like Cody was about to do it.
Cross Rhodes in for the victory.
Cody looking to advance to the semifinal, here, tonight
against Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Seconds away…
and this…
the return of "The Beast" Brock Lesnar.
[Corey] Lesnar would deliver an F5
and neutralize Cody for the rest of the matchup,
but Brock was not finished yet.
An emphatic F5 through the announce table, courtesy of the conqueror.
Look at this face.
[crowd booing]
What do you want to talk about, Cody?
Huh?
What do you want to talk about?
I want to talk about me.
You.
Me.
Night of Champions,
a fight.
[crowd booing]
What do you got to say to that?
Who is the coward now?
[thuds]
I am standing by with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
Now, Cody, earlier tonight,
you got pretty banged up at the hands of Brock Lesnar.
How disappointed are you knowing that you are no longer in that opportunity
for the World Heavyweight Championship?
Cathy, I know you're obligated to ask that question.
Obviously, I don't know. Obviously, I don't feel good.
Obviously, now, I don't get to be
the first World Heavyweight Champion on Monday Night Raw
in a tournament that, respectfully, was mine to win.
I really…
I'm sorry. I just…
What else is there to say? I don't know.
Actually…
here's what I do know.
This is the second time, the second time
that Brock Lesnar has attacked me for no reason,
and from behind, again, for no reason.
The only reason I can think of is because Brock Lesnar's long-reigning grip,
on the main event scene.
His monopoly over the main event scene, that grip has been releasing
because by every measurable metric there is,
I have been the man around here.
At Backlash, I proved it. I pinned Brock Lesnar.
I don't think Brock can handle it.
Here he is, tonight, grabbing me by the throat
asking me to fight, to fight.
You want to fight, Brock Lesnar?
You want to fight me?
Against all my better judgment, here's what I have to say.
Let's fight at Night of Champions.
I accept.
Thank you, Cathy.
["I AM DANGER" playing]
[Corey] Emotions running incredibly high for "The American Nightmare",
but I don't know if that's the right decision, Cody.
Think about your future. Think about your family.
[Patrick] The future could be a promising one now.
It's the semi-final
of the Word Heavyweight Championship tournament.
First out is "The Prince".
[Corey] The winner of this match will advance to face
the winner of SmackDown's tournament,
which takes place this coming Friday on SmackDown.
May 27th in Saudi Arabia at Night of Champions,
we will determine the new World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd boos]
[Patrick] The stakes absolutely enormous.
The World Heavyweight Championship.
Both Finn Bálor and Seth Rollins
would do anything to be the new World Heavyweight Champion.
It all comes down to this, next, on Raw in the semi-final.
[crowd booing]
Next week, Monday Night Raw heads to Greensburg, North Carolina,
where you will see the Monday Night Raw debut
of the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion
this century, "The Ring General" Gunther.
[Corey] It has been made official.
"The King of Strong Style" requested it, and he shall receive.
One-on-one, mano a mano,
Shinsuke Nakamura versus the Miz.
[Patrick] This Friday night on SmackDown,
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will defend their SmackDown--
excuse me, their Tag Team Championships against Damage CTRL.
The winners of that match will then face
Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville next week on Raw.
[Corey] It is semi-finals time.
A laser-focused Prince looking to bring some gold home
to The Judgment Day in the not-too-distant future.
♪ Burn it down! ♪
["Visionary" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd sings]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a semi-final match
for the World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
Introducing first, from Davenport, Iowa, weighing in at 225 pounds,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[crowd vocalizing tune]
[Corey] Rollins again getting serenaded by the WWE Universe.
Tonight, may just be the night that Rollins needs them most,
that little bit extra, that next level, that extra gear to get past Finn Bálor.
[crowd vocalizes]
[Patrick] The winner of this semi-final match
will book their ticket to Night of Champions,
May 27th, in Saudi Arabia.
-All eyes, then, on Friday Night SmackDown -[bell rings]
in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament on Friday.
Isn't she beautiful?
[Corey] Two of the most elite superstars in WWE.
Experience all over the world on both sides of the ring.
[Patrick] They know each other so well, Corey.
How much does that play into this?
[Corey] Familiarity breeds contempt.
[Patrick] You mentioned it earlier, Finn Bálor beat Seth Rollins to become
the inaugural Universal Champion at SummerSlam in 2016.
A title reign that lasted just 22 hours due to injury
sustained in that match by Rollins.
[Corey] Gruesome injury suffered by Bálor.
Seth Rollins has still not forgiven nor forgotten about that fateful night.
It eats at Rollins to this very day.
He has such a fantastic resume,
an impeccable resumé in high-pressure situations,
in big-time matches.
Rollins came up short that night. He has not forgotten.
[Patrick] This was the opportunity for Seth "Freakin" Rollins
that Finn Bálor would've wanted.
Roman Reigns has his championship.
Now, over on SmackDown,
this, the World Heavyweight Championship, exclusive to Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] Nice dropkick by Bálor.
Don't forget the Friday Night SmackDown side of the tournament
getting underway this coming Friday.
Two Triple Threat matches.
The winners of which will advance much like tonight to a semi-final match.
The winners will collide at Night of Champions.
And Rollins with a Sling Blade.
[Patrick] That's right, Corey. AJ Styles, Austin Fury, Bobby Lashley,
Edge, Rey Mysterio, and Sheamus
all in action on Friday Night SmackDown
in this World Heavyweight Championship tournament.
[grunts]
[Corey] I'm still not completely past what we witnessed earlier in the night
when it seemed as though Cody Rhodes had earned the opportunity
to be in this matchup had it not been for "The Beast Incarnate".
I think Finn Bálor might owe Lesnar a few beers after the show for this one.
[Patrick] Bálor capitalizing.
Hey.
-[Corey] Oh, no. -[referee] What are you doing?
-[Corey] Oh, no. -[referee] Let him go.
[Corey] Oh, my god.
-No, no. -[Patrick] No!
[Corey] That is exactly what injured Bálor…
How did you like it, huh?
-…at SummerSlam. -That was payback.
[crowd boos]
[Patrick] You're witnessing the main event of Monday Night Raw,
the semi-final of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Finn Bálor.
[Corey] Both Bálor and Rollins had to endure and emerge victorious
from grueling Triple Threat matches earlier tonight.
Both men have got to be feeling exhaustion at some level.
[Patrick] Bálor just woke Rollins up.
The victor in this match is headed to Saudi Arabia,
Night of Champions, in an opportunity
to become new World Heavyweight Champion.
[Corey] Oh.
Rollins with one good arm bringing the fight to "The Prince".
[Patrick] How quick is Finn Bálor?
Back on his feet there, but Rollins flattens him again.
[crowd cheering]
Rollins heavily favoring his left arm and shoulder
as a result of the onslaught of offense provided by Finn.
[Patrick] Rollins, now, like a steam train colliding with Bálor.
-Oh! -[Corey] Backbreaker.
"Some of us still want to fight".
This is the championship for me," said Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Notice the shoulder injury of Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
which was caused in the exact same fashion
that Rollins took Bálor out of action
in their classic at the SummerSlam for the Universal title.
[Patrick] Yes, but it's not stopping Seth "Freakin" Rollins
taking to the top rope.
Knees up, shoulders down.
[Patrick] Finn Bálor.
Seth Rollins out at two.
Bálor seamlessly transitioning into a Fujiwara Armbar.
Bálor's hips off the mat.
This is an excruciating hold to be stuck in
for any sort of time.
Come on, Rollins.
[Corey] You see the pain etched on the face of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Bálor] Come on. Ask him.
[Seth] No.
[Bálor] Come on.
Bálor cranking Seth's shoulder with everything in his being
hoping to punch his ticket to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
[Patrick] Somehow, Seth "Freakin" Rollins back on his feet.
Oh. Sling Blade.
[Corey] Rollins with a superkick. Cover.
[Patrick] Will that do it for Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
Finn Bálor kicking out.
[Corey] A desperation superkick from Rollins
buys him some much-needed time to recover, as we look again.
Seth got all of it,
but due to his arm condition was unable to hook Bálor's leg.
That may have made all the difference in this one.
The World Heavyweight Championship. This the semi-final.
[Patrick] The conclusion of Monday Night Raw's
side of the bracket.
SmackDown's will be filled out this coming Friday.
Two triple-threat matches, a semi-final,
and the winner of that will be the winner of this match.
[Patrick] Cody Rhodes thought he was heading to this match
only for Brock Lesnar, a savage attack by "The Beast"
allowing Finn Bálor to capitalize.
[Corey] Bálor sent spilling to the floor, courtesy of a Seth Rollins boot.
Finn, now, the one attempting to regain his composure.
[Patrick] Finn Bálor face first into the apron.
Rollins turning it around on Bálor.
[Corey] Two men taking turns dribbling one another skulls off the ring apron.
Rollins gets the upper hand.
[Patrick] That'll tell you everything about what's at stake tonight.
[Corey] Joel Embiid stole a page
out of Rollins' Book a couple of nights ago.
Now Rollins returning the favor.
[Patrick] Rollins now. Eyes on the prize for now.
-As Finn Bálor. -[Corey] Rolling elbow rocks Finn,
who answers with a knife-edge chop. An enzuigiri by Rollins.
[Patrick] Oh, Bálor with a Pelé kick.
[Corey] The playing field is even.
Which of these two men has the will to soldier on
to earn their opportunity at the final?
[Patrick] Night of Champions, May 27th, is where it will go down.
[Corey] You see a tremendous exchange of strikes
with Bálor gaining the upper hand,
at least for the moment, with that overhead kick.
I could do this all day.
I love this.
You see elite-level athletes smiling at one another.
Finn telling Rollins, "I could do this all day,
and Rollins says, "So could I."
In the heat of battle, a double stomp stops Seth Rollins.
Now, Finn Bálor making the climb.
Rollins in the drop zone.
If Finn hits this, it's over.
[Patrick] Oh, Rollins is back on his feet and up to the top rope he goes.
Rollins, Bálor.
[Corey] Superplex float over.
Seth wanted the falcon arrow. Bálor able to counter.
[Patrick] Is this the moment, then, for Finn Bálor to advance to the final?
Kick out by Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Now a look of frustration, perhaps exhaustion,
washing over the face of Bálor as we look again.
A classic Seth Rollins combo,
but Seth's left arm gave out,
allowing Bálor to turn the tides and spike Seth Rollins.
Unfortunately for Finn, not enough for the count of three.
Bálor was just doing crunches in the middle of the ring,
as if to say to Seth, "Come on, let's go.
What else do you have left? I got plenty."
[Patrick] Seth and that arm
-in a bad way in the corner. -You know who I am?
-I'm Finn Bálor. -[referee] One, two.
[Corey] Bálor better be careful not to get himself disqualified
and lose a golden opportunity.
Dropkick to the back of Rollins' neck.
[Patrick] There's a fire raging deep inside of Finn Bálor, right now.
Dropkicks Rollins into the corner.
[Corey] Rollins is down yet again.
Finn looks to deliver the dagger.
The coup de grace to the heart of "The Visionary".
[Patrick] Rollins had it scouted. Out of harm's way.
Seth Rollins, can he get it?
[Corey] Fighting through the pain.
A one-arm pedigree.
[Patrick] Is it enough? Is it enough for Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
Kick out by Bálor.
[Corey] Again, you have to imagine Seth's injured left arm
made all the difference in that instance.
Rollins able to only hook one of Finn's arms
before delivering a pedigree.
Yet again, Rollins unable to properly hook Finn Bálor's legs in the pinfall attempt.
What does Rollins have left in the tank?
Moments ago, it was Bálor with the fire in his eyes.
In this moment, Rollins looks ready to burn it down.
[crowd sings Seth Rollins' song]
[Patrick] Bálor in a bad way as Rollins stalks his prey.
[Corey] Seth wanted the stomp.
[Patrick] Bálor, now, wants to turn it around.
[Corey] An inverted stomp.
Rollins lining it up.
Stomp!
Rollins across with an injured arm.
[Patrick] Can he get the cover, for the victory to advance?
-[bell rings] -[Patrick] Rollins has done it!
["Visionary" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] He is a visionary, he is a revolutionary,
and he has advanced to the World Heavyweight Championship final.
[Patrick] It was Bálor that evaded the first stomp,
and look how quick Rollins was, back on his feet.
[Corey] A desperate Rollins is a clever Rollins.
First the inversion of the stomp, followed by old faithful.
[Patrick] With an injured arm and all,
"The Visionary", Seth "Freakin" Rollins, somehow gets over the line,
and he is going to Night of Champions on May 27th
and will hope to return as the new World Heavyweight Champion.
[Corey] Which of these six men will advance to SmackDown's semi-final?
Who will face Rollins at Night of Champions
in Saudi Arabia for the new World Heavyweight Championship? emi-final?