[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then…
[Ric Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
[Roman Reigns] Acknowledge me.
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
♪ The demons in your dreams ♪
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
[thud]
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the SmackDown Women's Champion,
Rhea Ripley!
♪ We kill all of the devils in me ♪
♪ I still feel the darkness that lives in me ♪
[Kevin] You're looking at the dominant, Rhea Ripley,
The Eradicator within The Judgment Day.
Already a Grand Slam Champion in WWE.
♪ This is my brutality, the demon in your dreams ♪
[song fades]
Rhea, on behalf of WWE,
it is my distinct pleasure to present you with this,
an official recognition of your status
as the brand new Women's World Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Wow.
[crowd chanting] Mami! Mami! Mami! Mami! Mami! Mami! Mami!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd booing]
[Corey] It wasn't a celebration without Dom Dom.
[crowd booing]
[Kevin] From cheers to boos instantly as Dominik Mysterio appeared,
but how beautiful is the new Women's World Championship.
[Corey] Almost as beautiful as the loving couple before us.
This is couple's goal stuff, KP.
Dom Dom…
tell them how amazing I am.
[crowd booing]
This is disrespectful
[crowd booing]
to Mami and to me!
[mouthing indistinctly]
Because everyone knows behind a great woman,
there is a great man,
and I'm glad that I can be that for Mami,
and I will always be there to support her.
["Kingdom" playing]
[crowd cheering]
♪ Kingdom has only one royal family ♪
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up, I'm home ♪
[crowd singing] ♪ Whoa! ♪
♪…Said, when I was younger ♪
[Corey] A riotous reception for the American Nightmare.
[Kevin] Cody Rhodes may be smiling,
but you can be sure that's not how he's feeling right now
with Dominik Mysterio in the ring.
After what played out last week.
A cheap shot by Dominik Mysterio to the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] A blatant display of disrespect, no doubt.
♪…To the end ♪
♪ I am my kingdom ♪
♪ Lights go down, I'm ready now ♪
♪ Tear this roof off for the town ♪
♪ Gonna give 'em what they came to see ♪
♪ Hear the crowd on their toes ♪
♪ Ready for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up, I'm home ♪
[crowd singing] ♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said, when I was younger… ♪
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
So, Kansas.
[crowd cheering]
What do you guys want to talk about?
We absolutely could talk about you,
this beautiful new championship,
this legacy that you are starting.
Absolutely well earned, deserved,
all the respect in the world from me to you.
[crowd cheering]
We could also talk about my match with The Miz later tonight.
[crowd cheering]
But let's try this out.
Let's take a look. Let's talk about this.
I realize that you're a bad father.
You have a baby girl, right?
You should be at home taking care of her,
but instead you're here, a deadbeat dad.
Hey, hey, hey. Whoa, whoa, you're right, you're right.
Nobody's perfect. I'm not perfect.
Rey Mysterio, I'm sure he's not the perfect father.
I know he's made some terrible mistakes,
and I know that…
because I'm looking at one.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey groans]
Just like Rey, Cody, you're nothing. Nothing.
It would be nice to come out here,
hear Brock Lesnar's music knowing he finally has accepted my challenge,
but I don't think Brock Lesnar has the balls to face me again.
But you…
just slap me right across the face and thought you could get away with it?
Why not, why not, try this on for size, Dom?
Why not you…
…versus me…
[crowd cheering]
at Money in the Bank.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd clamoring]
As you all saw,
[crowd booing]
I'm not afraid of anyone in the world,
and I took Cody Rhodes
and embarrassed him in the middle of this ring,
just like I would anyone else.
[mouthing indistinctly]
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
[speaking indistinctly]
I'll make it a little bit more clear.
They were saying something, though, so I couldn't hear everything.
What were you saying?
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
Dom, it's…
It's a yes or a it's a no.
[speaking indistinctly]
My Latino heat is more of a man than anyone in this arena,
anyone watching at home,
and he's certainly more of a man than you.
Again, I ask--
[Rhea] He-- He accepts.
[Corey] Oh. What? Miz is here.
Miz just got dropped by Cody.
Miz is going to go one-on-one with the American Nightmare.
[Kevin] Oh, Dominik from behind.
[Corey] A hit and run by Dom Dom.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Off The Miz's distraction.
We'll see you at Money in the Bank. [laughs]
[Corey] It sounds like Rhea just accepted the challenge for Dominik.
But Cody Rhodes, preparing to go one-on-one with the A-lister, The Miz,
next.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody!
["Kingdom" playing]
[Kevin] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
First match of the night, the bell rings, we're underway.
The A-lister, The Miz, and Cody Rhodes.
This came about last week when Cody Rhodes graciously accepted
an invitation from The Miz to appear on his hit tv show, Miz TV.
The Miz tried to humiliate Cody
and set him up with his surprise guest, Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] For Miz's troubles, he received an involuntary nap
courtesy of the protective cast
Cody Rhodes is wearing on his left arm right now.
[Kevin] Cody Rhodes broke an arm at the hands of Brock Lesnar
several weeks ago.
[Corey] Miz sent to the outside momentarily,
and Cody connects with a kick. Miz is down.
[Kevin] Cody is fired up and motivated.
[Corey] How about the developments we witnessed
prior to the commercial break?
[Kevin] Oh, Cody .
[Corey] The challenge issued by the American Nightmare
for a match with Dominik Mysterio, one-on-one at Money in the Bank.
It seems as though Rhea Ripley accepted on Dom's behalf.
We're waiting to see if that's made official.
[Kevin] Behind every great woman is a great man, says Dominik Mysterio.
Hang on a sec. The Miz caught by Cody. Oh!
[Corey] Dragon Screw, that might've destroyed the knee of the A-lister.
Rhodes has been staring down challengers from every side recently,
a bit of a marked man here on Monday Night Raw.
Everyone looking to make their name
at the expense of the red-hot American Nightmare.
[Kevin] An open challenge to Brock Lesnar, that still exists.
How bold, brave, and daring is Cody Rhodes?
[Corey] Almost as brave as challenging a felon like Dominik Mysterio to a fight.
[Kevin] I'm just stunned it was accepted.
[Corey] Whatever your plans are,
make sure you save time and room for Money in the Bank.
A very special start time, 3:00 pm, Eastern,
streaming live, WWE on Peacock.
[Kevin] The 4th of July weekend as well, Gravey,
get the food, head inside, enjoy Money in the Bank.
[Kevin] Cody Rhodes now, at pace.
[Corey] Otherwise known as running.
[Corey] Oh, no.
Rhodes, face first into the steel ring stairs,
and that may have bought Miz all the time he needs.
[Kevin] Oh, watch out.
[Corey] Face first off of the announce desk.
And this is where Miz becomes downright ruthless.
[Corey] Bringing the fight to Cody Rhodes.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody!
[Kevin] The Miz, so experienced,
a career truly launched by winning Money in the Bank
and cashing in successfully,
twenty championships in WWE to his name.
[Corey] Right now, the chants from the WWE universe
aren't going to improve Miz's mood at all,
taking out all of his anger, all of his frustration
on the American Nightmare.
[Kevin] The Miz is the perfect example though.
Winning the Money in the Bank and what you can go on to achieve.
[Corey] You're absolutely right.
[Corey] Right now, Miz focusing his attack on the injured arm of Cody Rhodes.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Miz needs to be aware of the fact
that Cody can utilize that protective cast at any moment.
[Corey] Certainly, Miz has strategized for that in this contest.
[Kevin] Makes you wonder if Cody Rhodes would be better off served
ignoring these superstars that are trying to feed off his rise.
Look at the strength!
[Kevin] And just focus on getting 100% healthy.
[Corey] Cody will have no such thing, Kevin Patrick.
Cody came to WWE to fight.
To fight, and scratch, and claw his way to the top of the mountain.
[Kevin] Miz now, having his way with Cody.
The American Nightmare clutching his arm.
How can he get back in this?
The Miz, totally on top here as he heads into the corner, again,
one-on-one action here on Monday Night Raw,
the A-lister and the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] Miz was able to withstand the early onslaught from Rhodes.
Here comes Cody, cat-like agility,
all the way to the top turnbuckle.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Kevin] Cody Rhodes!
[Corey] Side effect-like maneuver, takes down The Miz.
Cody, now, with some valuable time to recover.
[Corey] Take a look at this,
Rhodes, one step ahead, underhooking The Miz,
before driving the A-lister down.
[Corey] Cody needed that one.
And here comes the American Nightmare.
[Kevin] I think Dominik Mysterio's starting to regret
that Rhea Ripley answered for him.
If made official,
Cody Rhodes, Dominik Mysterio at the Money in the Bank
two weeks from Saturday afternoon.
[Corey] Disaster kick right on the moneymaker!
-[Corey] Cover. -Hooks the leg.
[Kevin] Cody Rhodes to put away The Miz,
but kicks out at two.
[Corey] Cody feeling the effects of this match-up with The Miz.
Several instances of contact with the steel ring stairs for Rhodes.
[Corey] A sneak attack before the opening bell from the A-lister.
Cody has been fighting against a stacked deck since the get-go.
[Kevin] All that with a broken arm.
[Corey] Double leg by the A-lister.
Miz looking to step through into a figure four leg lock
which he's used to great effect in the past.
[Kevin] Oh, Cody's caught. Cody 's in trouble.
He turns it around.
Cody Rhodes, trying to get the victory,
Miz out in time.
[Corey] The world-famous It Kicks.
Rapid pace tonight.
[Corey] Miz, feeling a sense of urgency.
[Corey] Rolls out of the way.
[Kevin] Now, scouted by Cody Rhodes.
[Corey] A kick to the arm.
-[Kevin] Oh! -And Miz spikes Rhodes.
[Corey] That could do it!
[Kevin] Cody looks out.
This should do it for The Miz.
Over Cody Rhodes!
Cody kicks out.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody!
[Kevin] Just when you think he's gone,
Cody Rhodes always has an answer.
[Corey] Let's take a look at this from the--
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] A-lister spiking Cody Rhodes.
[crowd chanting] Cody! Cody! Cody! Cody!
[Corey] Now, The Miz, trying to summon all of his energy,
getting the adrenaline flowing.
[Corey] Skull-crashing finale incoming.
[Kevin] Cody Rhodes. Oh!
[Corey] Cody Cutter!
[Kevin] And he nails it.
The Miz is seeing stars.
[Corey] This place just came unglued.
[Kevin] Cross Rhodes!
[Kevin] Cody, to put away the A-lister.
[bell dinging]
[crowd cheering]
["Kingdom" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
the American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes!
[Corey] What a battle.
What an effort from the American Nightmare.
Here, we see Rhodes deliver the Cody Cutter.
[Corey] There was only one thing left to do.
-See you at the Cross Rhodes. -[WWE Universe] …Two, three.
[Corey] Thanks for coming, Miz.
[Corey] Cody Rhodes, tonight,
[crowd singing] ♪ Whoa! ♪
[Corey] in peak form.
♪ My father says… ♪
[Corey] It will be a different scenario altogether
when the American Nightmare is forced to do it
how they do in the yard at Money in the Bank,
where we expect to see the American Nightmare
one-on-one with Dominik Mysterio.
Has all the time in the world for the WWE universe.
Cody Rhodes, victorious here to kick off Monday Night Raw.
♪ Lights go down, I'm ready now ♪
♪ Tear this roof off… ♪
[Corey] Well, we have a massive night ahead,
and we are just getting started.
How about this?
The undisputed WWE tag team champions,
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens
will be in action tonight
against The Intercontinental Champion, Gunther,
and Ludwig Kaiser of Imperium.
[Kevin] Gravey, there's one spot remaining
in the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
and it comes down to this.
Old friends, Matt Riddle and Damian Priest.
Tonight, it's a career-altering match on the line for both.
♪ Money, money ♪
♪ Gotta get that money, money, money ♪
-[indistinct conversation] -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Now, we see the tag team champions Owens and Zayn,
as they prepare for action,
and here comes The Man.
[Kevin] A superstar that couldn't be stopped last week.
[Kevin] Nevermind, Becky. Keep moving forward.
As she did last week,
booking her grace in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
defeating Sonya Deville.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[announcer] Please welcome "The Man", Becky Lynch!
[Corey] Noticeable difference in the expression tonight
on the face of Becky Lynch,
who is all smiles presumably as you mentioned
after qualifying for the women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Lynch knows all too well what's at stake,
but she's still looking to put Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark
in the rearview mirror.
[Kevin] Sonya Deville was Becky Lynch's victim last week
despite the sinister attempts of Chelsea Green.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch may get her hands all over Becky Green.
-[Corey] Chelsea Green. -Did I say Becky Green?
[Corey] You've got Becky on your brain.
This is nothing new, you weirdo.
[Kevin laughs]
[Kevin] "The Man" Becky Lynch inside the ring here,
and a glance at the briefcase that contains the contract
for a championship match of her choosing
if successful at Money in the Bank two weeks from Saturday afternoon.
This is how Becky Lynch qualified last Monday on Raw.
[Corey] Tremendous effort by Sonya Deville.
Multiple assists attempted by Chelsea Green
from the outside of the ring.
Just when it seemed as though Sonya had victory in her grasp,
a manhandle slam by Lynch,
and Becky has punched her ticket
to the women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Kevin] So can Becky Lynch do what she's never managed to do
in her glittering career,
and that is win a Money in the Bank Ladder Match?
Such incredible competition,
Zoey Stark, IYO SKY, Bayley, and Zelina Vega.
One final place remains.
["Celtic Invasion" Playing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky! Becky!
The Man has come around to Wichita!
[crowd cheering]
And The Man is going to Money in the Bank.
[crowd cheering]
I have been lucky enough to do a lot of things in my career,
but there is one thing that has always eluded me,
and that is winning the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
But this year, this year, oh, I got a good feeling about this year.
[crowd cheering]
Now, we've all been conditioned.
We've all been conditioned to think that the number one person in this company
is the person who holds the championship.
And on the women's side, we've got a brand new shiny championship,
but I've been thinking,
and when you think about it, the reality of it is,
that the person that is number one in this company
is the person that holds the power,
and who holds more power than the person holding that briefcase?
[crowd cheering]
Because they have the power to make the champion scared.
They have the power to take the champion off their game,
and all this talk about power is getting me a little tongue-tied,
because I really like power.
And so…
And so, until when I have the power,
and the power to make the champion scared,
and when people get scared,
they do crazy things, they do stupid things,
they do dangerous things,
and I like it when people do dangerous things,
because it makes me better!
[crowd cheering]
But when we think about people being scared,
we only need to look at Trish Stratus.
[crowd booing]
Because Trish Stratus was so scared
that she was about to be exposed at Night of Champions
that she got herself an insurance policy in Zoey Stark.
In Trish's mind, she had already lost a match before it even begun,
-and that Zoey's-- -["Cut Above The Rest" playing]
[Corey] Oh, speak of the devil.
Okay, all right. I've heard about enough.
Becky, yeah, we all know you have a list of accomplishments,
and good for you,
but do you know what the one accomplishment
that you'll never get to do?
[crowd booing]
That's beat Trish Stratus.
And at Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
you know, you can add on
not beating Zoey Stark on your list of failures.
Oh, Zoey, Zoey, Zoey, I have so many failures.
I have so many failures,
but I have learned from every single one of them
and that is what makes me great.
[crowd cheering]
But speaking of learning,
we haven't learned much about you, have we, Zoey?
But here is a few things that I know about you.
I know that you are special in this ring.
I know that you have a finesse, an agility, a power.
You are built like a pit bull.
But I also know the one thing that you lack is a personality.
Hold on. No, no, no, no.
Becky, you of all people, you want to talk about personality?
Do you not own a damn mirror?
You, Becky,
you did not become relevant out of your personality, no.
Becky, you became relevant off of somebody breaking your face.
And now, you're scratching and clawing.
You're trying to hold on to that fame.
And off of that, you're holding on to Trish Stratus.
[crowd] What?
Shut up!
[crowd] What?
-So I'll tell you this, Becky. -[crowd] What?
At Money in the Bank, sweetheart, I will break your face again,
and I'll make you famous.
Hey, Zoey,
Zoey, we aren't going to wait until Money in the Bank.
You can come on down right here and we can fight right here in Wichita.
♪ It's Chelsea ♪
["Hot Mess" playing]
[Corey] Lucky for Becky, she's already got a scheduled opponent,
because look at the intensity in the eyes of Zoey Stark.
That is a fierce woman if I've ever seen one.
Hold on, hold on, hold on. I'm sorry. Sorry.
Music down.
Music down. Shh.
Thank you.
I'm so sorry to interrupt.
Zoey, was it?
[laughs]
I don't really know her name.
Oh, whoa, whoa. Relax, relax.
It's time that we address the elephant in the room,
and that is the blatant disrespect from Becky Lynch last week.
That's right. You attacked me unprovoked.
And the only reason that I didn't fight back
is because I did not want my tag partner
to lose her rightful place at Money in the Bank.
[crowd] What?
And you do realize the only reason you won because I actually care about my friends
and I was tending to Chelsea, so obviously--
I think we've had enough talk.
All right, Chelsea, why don't you get in here?
We'll start this right now.
And hey, Zoey, why don't you take a seat?
I'll show you why I'm famous.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Becky saying, "Enough talking. Let's start fighting."
[Kevin] The Man has a lot going on right now.
[Corey] Lynch can breathe comfortably tonight.
My sources tell me that Trish Stratus is not here tonight
because she is currently shooting her 110th magazine cover.
You hear that, KP? 110.
[Kevin] The match has already started between Chelsea Green and Becky Lynch.
A match the Chelsea Green, no surprise, went above and beyond to request.
Chelsea hammered into the barricade on several occasions
by Lynch last week.
She wanted those scrapped from the internet, Cole.
[Corey] With good reason,
as Lynch sends Green all the way to the outside.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Throughout the commercial break,
Chelsea Green having her way with The Man, Becky Lynch.
Becky Lynch qualified for Money in the Bank last week,
wants to be in top condition.
Chelsea, so far, a dominant form.
This, during the commercial break.
[Corey] Lynch let herself be distracted by Deville on the outside
which opened the door for Chelsea Green to deliver a kick,
and rip control of this contest away from The Man.
There you see Zoey Stark perched at the top of a ladder.
She, too, has qualified
for the women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
And of course, conspicuous by her absence,
WWE Hall of Famer, Trish Stratus, who's busy thriving right now, KP.
I heard she was offered the key to this city,
but declined because she didn't even know where it was.
[Kevin] Are you gonna
-thank her for that too? -[Corey] Thank you, Trish.
[Kevin] Chelsea Green, what an impact she has had,
face first from Becky.
[Corey] And KP, I don't appreciate you slandering Chelsea Green.
Chelsea had a problem with Becky Lynch last week and she's handling it--
Man, case in point,
as The Man potentially having her face broken yet again,
this time by Chelsea Green.
[Corey] I've never known Zoey Stark to make idle threats,
but about what she was spitting at Becky Lynch prior to this match-up.
[Kevin] Incredibly fired up Zoey Stark.
[Kevin] "I will break your face." The words of Zoey.
[Kevin] Chelsea Green sending Becky Lynch to the outside.
[Corey] The Man making the climb to the top.
[Corey] Green stops her ascent with an open-hand strike.
[Corey] Sonya Deville proudly declaring this one is over,
but The Man has other plans.
[Kevin] Head butt from Becky sends Chelsea Green flying.
[Sonya] Get up!
[Kevin] Lynch, now, from the top rope!
[Corey] Missile dropkick right on the mark.
Chelsea, get up!
[Corey] Smart move by Chelsea Green to roll to the outside,
but The Man giving chase.
[Kevin] Lynch wants more.
The elbow connects.
[Kevin] This is what Becky Lynch did to Chelsea Green last week.
Time and time again.
[Corey] Would you call it "Manhandling", Kevin Patrick?
[Kevin] I see what you did there, Gravey.
[Corey] Sonya Deville none too pleased with what's going on
at the expense of Chelsea Green.
[Kevin] Chelsea wise to it.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Corey] Beautiful kick right to the side of Lynch's head.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch wanted The Manhandle slam,
now Chelsea Green to get the victory.
Becky kicks out just in time.
[Corey] Beautiful transition, looking for the Disarm-her.
[Corey] Chelsea Green forced to tap out.
[bell dinging]
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner by submission,
The Man, Becky Lynch!
[Kevin] Fury in the eyes of Zoey Stark,
watching on her opponent at the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
two weeks from Saturday afternoon.
[Corey] Make sure you stock up on hotdogs and Steveweisers,
but do not forget a special start time of 3:00 pm Eastern.
Coming to you live from London, Money in the Bank.
It is going to be special, that's for sure.
Just like it was last week here on Monday Night Raw.
One of the biggest main events in Raw's history
when Seth "Freakin" Rollins will defend for the first time
his new World Heavyweight Championship.
[Kevin] Seth "Freakin" Rollins said that he wanted this championship
to be an opportunity for everyone.
And he's back to the top tonight,
putting his title on the line against Damian Priest.
For the World Heavyweight Championship main event tonight,
you leave your crew in the back.
I accept.
It's probably best you leave The Prince back there.
He doesn't fare too well when he gets into fights with me.
[laughs]
[yells]
[Corey] Oh, my god, no!
Oh! That's the same move
that ended Finn Bálor's Universal Championship dreams.
-[Kevin] Oh! -[Corey] Speak of the devil!
[Kevin] Flattens Bálor.
This might be Damian Priest's moment.
[Corey] South of Heaven!
[Corey] It looked like Damian was legitimately disappointed.
[Kevin] Priest looking for Razor's Edge.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Priest's shoulder could not hold the weight of the champion.
Elbow to the back of the neck.
[Kevin] Rollins' stomp to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
[bell dinging]
[Corey] Well, Seth said he would be a fighting champion
and he got what he was looking for.
[Corey] Seth, turn around.
[Corey] The work has just begun.
[laughs]
-Yeah. You should get one every week. -I know, right?
Money in the Bank, right?
That's going to be amazing.
I mean, my Dom Dom, he knows how to handle one, I bet, right?
Whoa. Whoa. Pause. Pause. [speaks in Spanish]
-Priest! [speaks in Spanish] -I'm just asking a question.
My man.
As I was saying, Cody's going to get smacked
at Money in the Bank, isn't he?
-[laughs] Yeah, he is. -You got this.
Bro, wipe the floor with that boy.
Finn?
Are you okay?
I'm good. Just got a lot in my mind.
-Yeah. -You know what I got on my mind?
Is making sure Riddle faces his reckoning,
and I qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
-Yes. -Damn right.
The only thing I ask for you guys.
I'm gonna go out there, but I'm gonna go out there alone.
He's got it. He's got it.
[Corey] It is Money in the Bank qualifier time.
["We Up" playing]
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following is a Money in the Bank qualifying match.
Introducing first, from Las Vegas, Nevada,
weighing in at 216 pounds,
Matt Riddle!
[Kevin] Before the formation of The Judgment Day,
Matt Riddle and Damian Priest were best friends.
Not the case anymore,
and imagine what this match will be like knowing the stakes that are on the line.
Qualification for Money in the Bank,
the Ladder Match that could afford you the opportunity of a lifetime,
a contract for a championship match of your choosing.
[Corey] Any time, any place.
[Corey] Look out. Oh, my god. The trash pandas are back.
[Kevin laughs]
[Kevin] Riddle in vintage form.
The Bro is ready to go.
In his way, the punishment of The Judgment Day.
Qualification match for Money in the Bank is next.
[Kevin] There is one spot left
in the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Two weeks from Saturday afternoon,
at Money in the Bank at the sold-out O2 Arena in London.
Will it be Riddle,
or will it be The Punishment within The Judgment Day?
["The Other Side" playing]
[fireworks burst]
[announcer] And his opponent, representing The Judgment Day,
from New York City,
weighing in at 249 pounds,
Damian Priest!
[Corey] Damian Priest may not be wearing the World Heavyweight Championship,
which was his goal last week,
but it could be considered a moral victory.
Even in defeat,
Damian Priest looks as focused and hungry as he's ever been.
Volunteering to compete in this match,
much like last week without The Judgment Day by his side.
Priest is eager to show the WWE universe, and Matt Riddle, in particular,
what he is capable of.
[Kevin] I managed to get a quick word from Damian Priest earlier on tonight.
He told me, "I stumbled, I didn't fall,
"and there's always another path to get there."
[Corey] Priest cannot take Matt Riddle lightly.
We saw the vicious side of Riddle last week,
attacking Giovanni Vinci of Imperium.
[Corey] If Riddle unleashes that side of his personality,
the mixed martial artist within,
it could be a long night for Damian Priest.
[Corey] But Priest is firing on all cylinders lately.
[Kevin] We cannot overstate the magnitude of this match.
A career-altering, life-changing opportunity
for both Matt Riddle and Damian Priest.
[Corey] Climb the ladder, retrieve the briefcase,
and utilize the contract at the moment of your choosing,
and you essentially become the most dangerous superstar
to any champion in WWE
while holding the Money in the Bank contract.
Both of these athletes well aware.
[Kevin] The winner of this contract can cash in on any champion, on any brand.
[groaning]
[Corey] To this point, 80% of the men
who have won the Money in the Bank contract
have successfully cashed in and become champion.
On the women's side of things, 100% success rate.
Riddle now with a Kamora cinched in utilizing all of his body weight
on a much larger Priest,
and check out this power.
[Kevin] Wow.
[Corey] Riddle able to escape out the back, looking for a sleeper.
[Corey] In the center of the ring,
precarious position for Priest to be trapped in.
[groans]
[Kevin] Priest, some separation now from Matt Riddle.
Two superstars that know each other so well.
How does that change the dynamic of this match?
[Corey] Familiarity breeds contempt in WWE.
These two at one point in their careers traveled up and down the roads
with one another.
Now you have to plan especially for an opponent
as familiar with your offense as you are.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Matt Riddle, a superstar
that came within milliseconds of defeating Roman Reigns.
[Corey] We know that almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, KP.
[Kevin] Ooh. Big right from Matt Riddle.
[Corey] Little to no effect on Damian Priest,
and Riddle saying just bring it.
[Kevin] Priest sent to the outside,
and Matt Riddle has ideas.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] That's the sort of thing you need to worry about
when you're dealing with an opponent
who is as familiar
with your offense and defense as these two are with one another.
You've got to plan specific strategies,
maybe show your opponent something you don't ordinarily utilize.
[Kevin] Battling for that final spot
in the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Kevin] Uh-oh. Watch out.
Oh!
[Corey] Priest just took everything out on our announce table.
Most importantly, himself.
[Corey] Can Riddle capitalize?
[Corey] Matt Riddle just lured Damian Priest
into a more favorable position,
as we look again at the tremendous impact.
And now The Original Bro starting to roll.
[Kevin] This goes back to knowing each other so well.
Riddle setting a trap and it worked,
as he goes to work now on Damian Priest.
[Corey] But you gotta ask yourself,
how well does Matt Riddle actually know this Damian Priest?
Just because they were friends at one point,
does not mean they still are.
[Kevin] You're absolutely right, Corey.
Damian Priest is a different man
as part of The Judgment Day to what we knew before.
[Corey] We've witnessed the evolution of Damian into what he is today,
and right now, just battering The Original Bro in the corner.
[Kevin] He is malicious. Look at this.
[Corey] Flat liner driving Riddle face first into the canvas.
[Kevin] There's no quit in Matt Riddle.
What a powerful performance so far from Damian Priest.
-[Corey] Back breaker. -Can he qualify for Money in the Bank?
[Kevin] And Riddle kicking out.
[Corey] Priest now, slowing the pace of this match-up
to something a little more methodical.
[Corey] In case you are just joining us,
this is a Money in the Bank qualifying match.
The winner of this
will advance to the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Climb the ladder, retrieve the briefcase,
and potentially change your life.
[Corey] Shoulders down on both athletes.
[WWE Universe] One, two.
[Kevin] Already in the Ladder Match,
Shinsuke Nakamura, Ricochet, Butch, Santos Escobar, and LA Knight.
[Kevin] This for the final spot remaining.
[Corey] As well versed in the striking game as Damian Priest is,
that might be one area where Riddle has the advantage.
Oh! Docker-style overhead kick.
[Corey] Speaking of, I spent the last day and a half looking for Ted Lasso.
I haven't seen him anywhere around here.
[Kevin] Riddle gaining momentum now.
Broton.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] A smart move by Priest, rolling to the outside.
[Kevin] Eyes on the prize though.
Matt Riddle.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Priest got a little lackadaisical and paid for it.
[Corey] Riddle propelling himself through the sky
to take out the opposition.
[Kevin] Priest is rocked, Riddle wants him back inside,
as we look at this, a sight of beauty!
[Corey] Matt Riddle, never afraid to take things high risk,
and that is the name of the game in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Corey] Nice reversal by Damian Priest.
[Corey] A German suplex. Shoulders down.
[Kevin] Can Riddle do it?
Damian Priest out at two, just about.
Incredible strength from Matt Riddle.
[Corey] Both of these superstars leaving it all in the ring
in the name of qualifying for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Beautiful bridging German suplex by Matt Riddle,
but not enough to keep Priest down.
[Kevin] Matt Riddle came close in the Money in the Bank Match,
Ladder Match that is,
last year, only for Austin Theory to win it.
[Kevin] Ooh!
[Kevin] Trading blows now.
[Corey] Riddle wanted the kick yet again. Priest sensed it coming this time.
Strong kicks to the body of The Original Bro.
[Kevin] Venom behind everything unleashed from Damian Priest.
[Corey] Damian Priest a little weak in the knees
after the strike connected from Riddle.
[Corey] Priest turns the tides! Broken arrow!
[moaning]
[Kevin] Who's gonna qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match?
[moaning]
[Corey] One of these two superstars
will advance to the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Matt Riddle and Damian Priest, one-on-one.
Riddle now with the ankle lock stitched in, middle of the ring.
Priest is in trouble.
[Corey] Damian Priest utilizing his well-educated feet
to fight his way out of the ankle lock
but here, a sleeper hold applied by The Original Bro.
[Kevin] Can Riddle do it?
Make Priest tap and qualify for Money in the Bank?
[Corey] Fantastic escape by Priest.
But Riddle locks it back in!
[Kevin] Incredible. Damian Priest somehow gets out.
[Corey] Priest uncorked a clothesline that knocked Riddle into next week.
[Kevin] This is a qualifying match
for the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Money in the Bank coming to you
from the sold-out O2 Arena in London, England,
two weeks from Saturday afternoon.
Unique start time of 3:00 pm Eastern Noon Pacific.
[Corey] Priest now caught in a triangle by The Original Bro!
[referee] …Two, three, four!
[Corey] Riddle Maximizing the damage done within the allotted count of five
from the official.
[Kevin] Wearing down Damian Priest.
[Corey] Baby, good night.
[Kevin] Wow.
[Kevin] Riddle is absolutely rocked.
[Corey] Oh, watch this.
[Corey] Headlock driver from Priest, that's got to do it.
[Kevin] Damian Priest is gonna qualify for the money of the--
Oh, no. Riddle.
[Kevin] There's no quitting Matt Riddle.
[Corey] Frustration washing over the face of Damian Priest,
as we look again.
Thunderous right hand right on the jaw,
followed by a headlock driver.
Same move that nearly won Priest the World Heavyweight Championship
last week, at the expense of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] This could do it, though.
Priest wanted the South of Heaven chokeslam.
[Kevin] Riddle lands on his feet.
Connects now to the cheek of Damian Priest.
[Kevin] Riddle starts looking for a floating groove.
[Corey] Unceremoniously shoved off of the top turnbuckle,
and now Damian Priest-- Oh no.
[Corey] No way.
[Corey] This is gonna end Matt Riddle once and for all!
[Corey] Riddle just avoided absolute disaster.
[Kevin] Riddle again, back to the top rope he goes.
-[Kevin] Wow! -Fisherman suplex from the top!
[Kevin] How does Matt Riddle continue to do this?
Cover to qualify for Money in the Bank!
Damian Priest somehow out in time.
[Corey Take a look at this.
A Fisherman superplex from The Original Bro
racking the body of Priest in pain, no doubt.
Watch the impact.
Incredible.
[Kevin] Outrageous offensive arsenal from Matt Riddle.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Yet again, Matt Riddle thinking about a Floating Bro.
If it connects, this will do it.
[Kevin] Taking flight, scouted by Damian Priest,
quickly back up on his feet.
[Kevin] Oh, wow.
[Corey] Razor's edge!
[Kevin] Priest grabs the leg to qualify for Money in the Bank!
[bell dinging]
["The Other Side V2" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Damian Priest!
[Corey] Damian Priest has punched his ticket
to the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
The field is now set.
One of these six men will climb the ladder.
[Corey] Oh, wait, just a second.
It's The Intercontinental Champion, "The Ring General" Gunther,
and Ludwig Kaiser.
[Corey] Of course, missing from the package,
Giovanni Vinci, who was attacked last week by Matt Riddle.
[Kevin] Got to think that's why they're here.
Pick the bones.
Of course.
[Corey] Damian Priest offering up a fallen Riddle to Gunther and Kaiser.
[Corey] Priest insisting Imperium "Pick the bones."
How's that, huh?
[Kevin] Consequences was the word that Gunther used last week.
Saying that Riddle's been getting too involved in Imperium business.
Get him up!
[Kevin] This is hard to watch.
[Kevin] Ooh!
[Corey] With battle axe-like chop of Gunther
right to the heart of The Original Bro.
[crowd booing]
[speaking in foreign language]
["Sacred" playing]
[Corey] It's become glaringly apparent that The Original Bro has found himself
on the wrong side of The Intercontinental Champion
and all of Imperium.
Congratulations to Damian Priest,
who's qualified for the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
but Priest is not the only superstar
who's made Money in the Bank plans tonight.
Yeah, no, absolutely.
Talking about getting on the wrong side is someone that may be Dominik Mysterio
getting on the wrong side of Cody Rhodes
after a cheap shot on the American Nightmare last week
when Cody Rhodes responded,
and today, challenged Dominik Mysterio to a one-on-one at Money in the Bank.
My Latino heat is more a man than anyone in this arena,
anyone watching at home,
and he's certainly more of a man than you.
-Again, I ask-- -He accepts.
[Corey] The A-lister,
Cody Rhodes' scheduled opponent would arrive
and Miz would receive a clothesline to the floor for his trouble
which opened the door for Dirty Dom Dom to strike yet again.
[crowd booing]
He'll see you at Money in the Bank. [laughs]
[Corey] And we have our answer.
I'm standing by with my guest at this time,
the "American Nightmare", Cody Rhodes.
[crowd cheering]
Well, Cody, now that it's been made official,
can I get your comment on your upcoming match
against Dominik Mysterio at Money in the Bank?
Made official?
Made official by Mami,
because I don't think Dom would've accepted,
but she accepted it on his behalf,
and that's a recurring thing here.
The Judgment Day, Damian Priest, Finn Bálor, Mami,
gassing Dom Dom up on cheap shot after cheap shot,
and what's going to happen is Dom is going to get hurt.
Because here's the problem I have.
Brock Lesnar won't show up.
Dominik Mysterio won't go away.
And I'm not naive to this, right?
April 2nd, Ref's hand hits three,
everyone in the sports entertainment collective,
everyone who watches this thing that we do, the WWE universe,
whatever you want to call them, every eye on me.
What will happen?
Adversity at its door, will he quit, right?
Will he run away?
Here's where I run.
I run out there, that's why I smile.
That's why I hand that belt away.
That's why I lose my mind
when they lose their mind singing Kingdom,
because every second of what I'm doing
every second on this path to finishing the story,
I'm clinging to it. I really am.
So, Brock Lesnar, Dominik Mysterio, you name 'em,
are not going to knock me off this path.
London, Money in the Bank.
Good luck, Dom Dom.
Thank you, Cathy.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Love the fired-up Cody Rhodes.
Now, folks, with Jimmy Uso ostracized from The Bloodline,
the question leading into Friday Night SmackDown,
would Jey Uso stand by his twin brother Jimmy,
or would he fall in line
alongside "The Tribal Chief", Roman Reigns?
We revisit, next.
[female narrator] Over 25 years ago,
a partnership was formed that fueled a friendship.
A motivating force that offers never-ending support.
This June in Berlin,
seven thousand athletes from 170 nations
will compete, connect, and celebrate the perseverance of the human spirit.
Take part in the inclusion revolution at the 2023 World Games.
[upbeat music playing]
[Kevin] Visit berlin2023.org
to see how you can learn more about special Olympics athletes
and the 2023 Berlin World Games.
Right now, I'd like to welcome my guest, Natalya.
[crowd cheering]
Natalya, ever since your match against Rhea Ripley at Night of Champions,
some are saying that you haven't been the same Natalya.
Well, maybe never being the same is a good thing,
because being me has gotten me nowhere.
And maybe I don't even know how to be me anymore.
On that note, we're going to send things-- Actually, follow me, guys.
Sami, Kevin.
-Okay, real quick. -[crowd cheering]
Last week, tough, tough loss against Gunther.
How are you feeling tonight?
Yeah, that was tough.
See, because I feel like I was this close
to beating the seemingly unbeatable.
But it's okay, because tonight, we got some payback.
See, tonight, we have got-- Ugh.
[offscreen voice] Payback.
[Sami] Oh, it's them.
Easy, easy, easy. Mm.
Payback is exactly what happened to Matt Riddle out there.
And speaking of it, if I remember correctly,
you my friend,
lost against The Ring General last week already.
Correct?
[stuttering]
-Don't get worked up. One sec, okay? -All right, all right.
First of all, I don't think you have any place to brag about anything
considering it took three of you to steal a victory over him,
and speaking of Matt Riddle, didn't he injure one of your guys?
Because there's usually three of you and I only see two.
So, where's the other one? Where's Baldy at? Where's Baldy?
Hey, hey, guys. Guys, what's the problem here?
-[Owens] There he is. -[Sami] What? No, no. Not him.
No, no, there's no problem here.
We're just letting these boys know
exactly what they're in store for tonight, yeah?
[chuckles] Oh, in store for. Confidence.
If you're so confident,
why don't you put your tag team championships
on the line then, tonight?
You know what? Is that to supposed to intimidate us?
Huh? Fine. You want the titles on the line,
if it means I get to kick your asses, I'll defend these titles every week.
Tonight, next week, next month, I don't care.
I'm going to go put my gear on because I can't wrestle in this.
I'm in shorts and a T-shirt.
I need different shorts, different T-shirt.
But we got it, let's go. Let's go.
It's time. Time to fight again.
[laughs]
[Gunther] Look at that. [laughs]
Joke.
-Look at that? -Yeah.
Yeah, get a good look.
Hey, take a real good look,
'cause just remember, you're looking at the undisputed tag team champions.
You understand that?
[crowd cheering]
Mr. Pearce, you heard the champions.
Now, make it a title match.
Yeah, I'm gonna think about that.
Adam Pearce certainly has a lot on his mind right now.
But we can have a tag team title live tonight on Monday Night Raw.
-Probably. -Come on, Pearce.
Make it happen.
You know who else has an awful lot on his mind right now,
is Jey Uso, who found himself incredibly conflicted
on Friday Night SmackDown,
with arguably the biggest decision of his life.
Does he stand by his brother Jimmy,
or does he side with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline?
♪ Uso! ♪
["Done With That" playing]
[com1] Will Jey fall in line and stay loyal to The Tribal Chief?
[Jey] I let a lot of things slide, right?
But stabbing our big brother in the back
is something you don't do, Solo!
You got this all wrong and here's why.
This is all Jimmy's fault.
Because Jimmy made up his own mind,
and not just for himself,
Jimmy made up his mind for you.
No disrespect towards Jimmy, but Jimmy's always resented you,
and you want to know why Jimmy always resented you?
Because Jimmy is in on something that you're not.
Jimmy's in on the fact
that "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns
wants to groom you
to be the next Tribal Chief.
And I'm gonna prove the truth to you.
Tonight, you bring gold back to The Bloodline,
because tonight,
Jey Uso will defeat Austin Theory for the United States Championship.
But I need your answer now.
Hey, I'll get back to you on that.
[crowd cheering]
You got me.
That was really slick.
You left me hanging.
Hey, it's a cliffhanger.
It makes for good television.
I might be the new United States Champion,
"Main Event" Jey Uso?
Yeah, count me in.
But OG, I don't know why you're so happy.
Because if I'm in The Bloodline,
that means you out The Bloodline.
[crowd cheering]
[com1] Time for our main event for the United States Championship,
and also, we're finally gonna get a decision.
Is Jey Uso in or is he out of The Bloodline?
Kick by Jey, down goes the champ and the referee knocked down as well.
Usos flash!
[com2] Jey's got this won.
[WWE Universe] One, two, three.
[com1] He should have won the title
but the official was knocked out of the ring.
Oh, now look who's here.
Austin Theory's new run-in buddies.
Pretty deadly.
Jimmy Uso! Jimmy's here!
Jimmy Uso coming to the aid of his brother, Jey.
And now, Solo Sikoa blindsiding his older brother.
-Going for the spike. -[yells in pain]
Jey saving Jimmy.
Superkick, Jimmy to Jey.
He didn't mean that.
[com2] Are you sure?
[com1] Jimmy taking out Solo.
Theory back into the ring.
Austin Theory's going to steal it again.
-[bell dinging] -[com2] Nice job. Jimmy Uso.
Come on, man. I didn't mean to kick you.
I was just trying to help you out, bro.
Jey Uso still has yet to make a decision.
Will Jey Uso stay with Roman Reigns in The Bloodline,
or will he leave for his brother Jimmy?
Call Roman Reigns.
[Kevin] The Bloodline is in disarray,
and The Tribal Chief returns this Friday night to SmackDown,
and all eyes will be on Jey Uso and his decision.
[Corey] Will Jey fall in line?
We find out Friday.
♪ One and only ♪
["It's About To Go Down" playing]
[thud]
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 207 pounds,
Ricochet!
[Kevin] Ricochet is flying high on life right now.
Headed to Money in the Bank two weeks from Saturday.
He's qualified for the Ladder Match.
But Ricochet has revenge on his mind tonight.
Last week, an attack by Bronson Reed, pulverizing Ricochet.
He wants to stay fit and healthy for Money in the Bank.
[Corey] We know he's comfortable in the skies,
but tonight, Ricochet better learn how to surf
lest he fall victim to a massive Tsunami from Bronson Reed .
Reed, Ricochet, live next.
Last week, our opponents quickly became prey
before the bell even rang,
but we are not satisfied.
Our opponents are still walking and the job is not done.
Shelton Benjamin,
Cedric Alexander,
is showing us respect with the fear in your eyes.
We offer you a proper match,
a proper chance at survival.
Just know, every single one of your fears will be justified.
[speaking in Hindi]
Indus Sher and Jinder Mahal,
a true force to be reckoned with on Monday Night.
[Kevin] And look at Ricochet.
Qualified for Money in the Bank,
the Ladder Match two weeks from Saturday afternoon,
for the sold-out O2 Arena in London.
And Gravey, that is one stacked field.
[Corey] No doubt about it.
One of those men will become the most feared man on the roster
for every champion reigning in WWE.
No matter what your plans are on the weekend,
make plans for Money in the Bank.
You got a cornhole tournament? That's okay. Bring your iPad with you.
You don't want to miss a minute.
And you can see Ricochet with his eyes on the prize,
the Money in the Bank contract.
["Battle Tested" playing]
[Kevin] In his way tonight, the Walking Natural Disaster.
[announcer] And his opponent,
from Black Forest, South Australia,
weighing in at 330 pounds,
Bronson Reed!
[Kevin] Last week, Corey, we saw a petulant side
to the angry and aggressive Bronson Reed.
It was a match between Ricochet and Shinsuke Nakamura.
[Corey] Amidst the action, Ricochet saw Bronson Reed coming,
and attempted to warn Nakamura to no avail.
And then both superstars would suffer the wrath of Bronson Reed .
An epic Tsunami for Ricochet.
Those two are in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
and not me.
So I went out there tonight, and I made another statement.
I squished those two like bugs all by myself,
and with a smile on my face.
[Corey] You got to appreciate what Bronson Reed 's doing.
Bronson Reed is trying to make his own luck here on Monday Night Raw.
Reed's looking to create his own opportunities
at everyone else's expense.
[Kevin] Or you could point out the petulance
and say that he's incapable of accepting a loss.
[Corey] Go ahead, KP.
You got a really, really big mouth over here, calling Bronson Reed petulant.
[Kevin] Defeated by Shinsuke Nakamura,
who's headed to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match,
as is Ricochet.
[Corey] Ricochet trying desperately to find out of the grasp of Bronson Reed .
[Corey] Bronson Reed truly is the evolution of the big man
in sports entertainment.
Oh, my god.
[Kevin] Hellacious right from Bronson Reed.
[Kevin] Just permanently angry.
[Corey] And this is a strong case for a good dental plan
if you're Ricochet.
A right-hand from Bronson Reed.
-[Corey] But wait just a second. -[Kevin laughs]
We're being joined by royalty.
The King of Strong Style is in the house.
[Kevin] Bronson Reed, of course, losing to Shinsuke Nakamura
in the qualifier for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Corey] I'm gonna tell Bronson Reed
that you have called him a loser,
you have called him petulant,
and you've questioned everything about his motives.
[Kevin] I beg you not to.
[Corey] And I hope Bronson Reed does this to you, Kevin Patrick,
because I will pay money.
[Kevin] Oh, man!
[Kevin] Stomach sliced by the ropes here, and Reed--
[Corey] Oh, my god.
[Kevin] What are we witnessing?
[Corey] Bronson Reed just used the top rope
to deadlift Ricochet into orbit.
-[Corey] Say it again, KP, petulant. -I'm not saying it.
-[Corey] Have you lost-- -Someone better check on Ricochet.
[Kevin] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
Ricochet headed to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
two weeks from Saturday in action against Bronson Reed
who's quite frankly, angry he's not there.
[Corey] Look at Ricochet doing his best to fight out of the grip of Bronson Reed.
Manages to do so for the moment,
and get ready for the fireworks!
[Kevin] The Man that defeated Bronson Reed,
"The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura,
ringside here alongside Corey Graves and myself, Kevin Patrick.
Oh!
[Corey] Big boot stops the forward progression of Bronson Reed.
Spectacular athleticism of Ricochet on display for the world to see.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Ricochet is feeling it now.
[Kevin] Oh! Big kick from Ricochet.
[Corey] Springboard into the dropkick, and Reed's sent spilling to the outside
right here in front of us.
[Corey] Get your popcorn ready.
[Kevin] Ricochet taking flight!
[Ricochet] Come on!
[Corey] Ricochet bringing the fight to Reed on the outside.
[Kevin] This man continues to push the limit of what's humanly possible.
[Kevin] The daredevil Ricochet back inside,
and taking down Reed.
[Kevin] Beautiful springboard moonsault.
Can Ricochet put away Bronson Reed ?
Hooks the leg for the win,
and an early kick out.
A defying kick out from Bronson Reed.
[Corey] Take a look at this.
The springboard crossbody block takes down a much larger powerhouse, Reed,
followed immediately by a springboard Asai Moonsault.
[Corey] Just one elbow from reed
stopped the forward progression of Ricochet,
who answers with a kick of his own,
and again, Reed on the outside.
[referee] Ricochet, bring it inside. Come on. Let's go.
[Kevin] Reed is rocked and Ricochet though, he's caught.
[Kevin] Oh, no, no, no.
[Corey] Oh, my god.
[Corey] Bronson just launched Ricochet into Nakamura,
both men are down at ringside.
[Corey] Bronson Reed is living up to his billing as a true force of nature.
[Kevin] This Aussie destroyer.
Look at Shinsuke Nakamura taken out
by a man that will be his opponent in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Shinsuke had seen enough.
[bell dinging]
[Corey] It's going to force a disqualification
in the favor of Bronson Reed,
who's being battered by The King of Strong Style.
[announcer] Here is your winner, as a result of a disqualification,
Bronson Reed!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] You see a wry smile on the face of Bronson Reed
realizing what he just did.
[indistinct arguing]
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] And Reed flattens both superstars yet again.
[Kevin] Oh, man.
Bronson didn't give a damn what they were talking about.
[Kevin] Ricochet clearly frustrated
that Shinsuke Nakamura interrupted their match.
[Corey] Would you have preferred that Bronson Reed stood around
and eavesdropped, KP?
No. Bronson Reed is about making an impact on his own terms.
And Ricochet might have just prevented a Tsunami.
[Corey] Shinsuke now.
[Kevin] Both superstars working against Bronson Reed.
[Kevin] Easier said than done.
[Corey] Nakamura and Ricochet
forming a union.
[Kevin] Oh, my god!
[Corey] Superplex!
[Kevin] How's the ring still standing?
[crowd chants]
[Corey] Ricochet and Nakamura working together
to take down a mutual threat in Bronson Reed.
Hey, so, this match might be for the tag titles now, all right?
-Yeah. -That's good? You--
Yeah, it's good. It's fine.
So, what was that exactly with Imperium before?
-What? -I mean, the blow-up.
Blow up?
You're blowing up a lot lately.
What?
-Dude, you're at a ten the second-- -I am not at a ten.
What are you talking about? I'm not at a ten.
-That right there, you're-- -I'm at a six right now.
-Okay, now but it's easy-- -Six and a half. Listen, okay, look. Okay.
Okay, look, it's been months, all right?
Months of stress, frustration,
all this stuff with The Bloodline before WrestleMania.
After WrestleMania, I thought we were done and they wouldn't stop.
Now that we're done with The Bloodline, everywhere I turn, what do I see?
I see the weird tall guys, the one with the really long neck,
the one with no hair and the ears, I can't take it.
They speak European, I don't know what they're saying.
It's weird 'cause I'm French,
I should know what they're saying, but I don't.
They're not saying good things about me,
they're all taller than me. I can't--
I just want to make sure when we go out there,
are you good?
Yes.
-You. You're-- -I'm great.
-You're good? -I'm great.
You're great? Okay.
Okay. That's all that Matters.
I'm gonna go get a water.
Do it.
You should hydrate, that's good.
-Do you want a water? -Yes, yes.
-You got it, man. -Yes.
He's good. He's great.
He's good.
[Kevin] Kevin Owens a little short-fused there.
Finn Bálor distracted earlier on tonight.
We hear that Finn Bálor is making his way to the ring, but why?
We're going to find out next.
…I see it the same way.
Definitely. Yes, it is official.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
will defend the undisputed tag team championship
against Ludwig Kaiser and Gunther in our main event tonight.
[crowd cheering]
Yes, I'm in the process of letting him know that.
-Hey, Pearce. -Let me call you back.
-Hey, what the hell? -Thank you.
I don't know what I need to do,
but I need a rematch next week against Bronson Reed.
Listen, man, unfortunately, look, I understand the frustration.
Unfortunately, Bronson is already booked in a match next week.
Of course he is. And then who is it against?
Perfect. Shinsuke, please explain to me what the problem is,
because tonight, that was my fight.
See, what you did tonight, that's not gonna happen.
because I didn't ask for your help when I damn sure don't need it.
You see, Shinsuke, if you do that one more time,
if something like this ever happens again,
you and I, well, we might need to finish what we started
and see who is the last man standing before Money in the Bank.
Ah. It's nothing personal, Ricochet.
It is my turn to succeed where you failed.
Failed?
But don't worry, don't worry.
You can have Bronson after I'm done with him.
[Corey] Nakamura and Bronson Reed next week, but tonight, how about this?
The stakes were just raised,
the WWE undisputed tag team championships are on the line
as Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens defend against "The Ring General" Gunther
and Ludwig Kaiser of Imperium.
[Kevin] Strap in, folks.
What a main event we have coming up tonight.
["Catch Your Breath" playing]
[announcer] Please welcome Finn Bálor!
[Kevin] It's hard to know exactly why Finn Bálor is here right now.
We saw him interject and get involved
in Damian Priest's World Heavyweight Championship match
last week with Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
and, Corey, when it was all said and done,
Bálor looked Rollins right in the eyes in the squared circle.
[Corey] That's how we left you last week on Monday Night Raw,
but earlier tonight, Finn Bálor appeared very pensive
while joined by the other members of Judgment Day.
Bálor admitting he has a lot on his mind.
Hopefully, Finn is ready to share his thoughts with the WWE universe.
[crowd cheering]
Seth Rollins.
The Workhorse Champion.
I know you're here, and I'm here.
And we need to talk .
-No jokes. -[crowd] What?
[crowd] What?
No zingers, no sing-alongs.
[crowd] What?
Just facts.
So get out here, and now.
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[fireworks burst]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Ask and you shall receive.
["Visionary" playing]
[crowd singing]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[Corey] Rollins vowed to be a fighting World Heavyweight Champion,
a champion Monday Night Raw could be proud of.
The Workhorse of the Red Brand,
and what an instant classic we all witnessed last week,
as Rollins made his first defense against Priest.
[Kevin] "An opportunity for all," says Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[crowd singing]
The following night, Bron Breakker on NXT calling out Rollins,
and everybody wants to step up now to the Visionary.
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[crowd continues singing]
Are you done?
[crowd continues singing]
I've been waiting seven years to say this, and I'm not waiting another second,
so you people better shut up.
[crowd continues singing]
You want something to sing about?
How about you sing about this?
Seven years ago, I was a first-round draft pick on Raw.
I beat Roman Reigns on my first night.
[crowd continues singing]
And three weeks later, I beat you
to become the first-ever Universal Champion.
You can sing all night because I got a lot to say.
Hey, this isn't funny. This is serious.
This is serious.
And you know what else is serious?
[crowd keeps singing]
[fan] We got all night!
[fan] You suck!
Kansas, you having fun tonight?
[crowd cheering]
Hey, I'm not having fun.
I'm not having fun. This is serious.
I've been waiting seven years to say this to you.
What--
[fans continue singing]
You've been waiting seven years to say what?
[singing stops]
What do you wanna say?
If it's that damn important that you're going to ruin their party,
get it off your chest and do it right now.
-[crowd cheering] -Oh, yeah? I will. I will.
I'm about to do it right now.
Because what should have been the highest of highs for me,
in an instant, became the lowest of lows because of you.
[crowd starts singing]
Torn bicep.
Torn pec.
Torn labrum.
Fractured glenoid socket.
Now, I'm not complaining.
I'm not complaining about the injury.
This is a hard business,
this is a tough business,
injuries happen.
Well, you know what bothered me…
other than the fact that these idiots won't stop singing?
[crowd cheering]
You like the way they sing, don't you?
You like it?
You think because you got a catchy song that everyone likes you?
They don't really like you.
They don't even know you.
What are you talking about?
I'm talking about…
you took everything from me.
You took my momentum,
you took my title,
and you took a year from my career.
You took it all. You took everything.
[crowd cheering]
But guess what?
Now, it's my turn.
Now, it's my turn to take it all back.
To take it all from you
Because you know what I'm gonna take?
I'm gonna take your momentum.
I'm gonna take your title,
and I'm gonna take a year from your career.
And you know when I'm gonna do it?
I'm gonna take it all at Money in the Bank.
[crowd] What?
[crowd continues singing]
[Seth laughs]
[laughs]
[continues laughing]
Ah.
Kansas, you're too kind.
[crowd cheering]
But I'm not laughing
because you're saying just throw 'em out of the building.
No no, no, no, no.
I'm laughing because this is the Finn Bálor
I've been waiting to see for the past seven years!
[crowd cheering]
Let me paint the picture for ya.
Inaugural Universal Title Match,
Summerslam, Brooklyn, Finn Bálor, Seth Rollins.
It sent us on career trajectories that were completely different, and why?
Why?
Because one of us got bitter,
and one of us got better.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd singing]
[chuckles]
[laughs]
I won't lie, gee,
I've done some bad things over the past seven years, I have.
Do you know what else I've done?
I've made memories,
I've made history,
I've made moments that these people will never forget.
[crowd cheering]
And I've done that because I changed,
I adapted,
I rolled with the punches,
I got better every single day,
and now,
I am the greatest version of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[crowd cheering]
You want the proof?
The proof is right here.
It's the World Heavyweight Championship.
You want a crack at it? At Money in the Bank?
You are on.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd singing]
But I got to know, Finn.
Which version of you is gonna come to London
and fight for this title?
Because…
this bitter shell of a champion,
he don't stand a chance.
But…
the Finn Bálor that beat me
to become the first ever Universal champion
with his arm hanging off his body,
he's got a shot.
So here's my question to you.
Are you gonna bring that Finn Bálor to Money in the Bank?
Or…
are you going to bring the guy
who's been walking around for the past seven years
acting like a little bitch?
[laughs]
[cheers]
["Visionary" playing]
[Corey] It sounds as though Seth "Freakin" Rollins
is giving Bálor what he wants,
but of course, the champ not about to leave
without a few incendiary last thoughts.
[crowd singing]
Challenge accepted,
and they're never ever gonna stop singing here in Kansas.
We could also tell you, folks,
it is official,
Cody Rhodes set to take on Dominik Mysterio.
Corey, there's going to be no hiding behind Mami
when they head to London at the sold out O2 Arena.
Unique start time of 3:00 pm Eastern Noon Pacific
when the American Nightmare
gets his lick back potentially against Dominik Mysterio.
[Corey] You're excited for fireworks,
we'll bring them to ya a little earlier in the day,
3:00 pm eastern start time.
We could do it like they do in the yard, KP.
[Kevin] Speaking of the yard, getting off the yard.
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Rio Grande Valley, Texas,
Raquel Rodriguez!
[Kevin] Speaking of getting their lick back,
how about Raquel Rodriguez?
Still furious that she had to relinquish her tag team championships
because of an injury to Liv Morgan.
Wants to get revenge on Shayna Baszler,
and it's a match that's coming your way next right here on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] I'm really tired of you stealing Carmelo Hayes' thing.
You can't say the lick thing. It's not cool when you say it.
[Corey] We welcome you back to Monday Night Raw
with some breaking news.
It has been made official at Money in the Bank,
the new World Heavyweight Champion, Seth "Freakin" Rollins
will defend his crown against Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day.
[Kevin] That would be absolutely spectacular
at Money in the Bank, two weeks from Saturday.
Meanwhile, Raquel Rodriguez set for one-on-one action.
["Bad Reputation" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent,
accompanied to the ring by The Baddest Woman on the Planet,
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey!
She is one half of the WWE women's tag team champions,
with Shayna Baszler!
[Kevin] Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey
said they're here to take over and dominate the entire tag team division,
and they made that clear when they stepped up
to the NXT women's tag team champions on SmackDown.
This division isn't big enough for the two of us.
We want yours.
[laughs]
Title versus title. [laughs]
We accept.
[Corey] The NXT women's tag champs will not go down without a fight.
Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn doing their best to preemptively stop
any momentum that Rousey and Baszler had hope to build.
And watch this!
Isla Dawn delivering a knee to the chin of Shayna Baszler.
You're gonna be injured. You're gonna stay home.
You're gonna whine about it.
[Kevin] One week from Friday,
a Unification Match for the tag team titles.
Meanwhile, one-on-one action.
The powerhouse that is Raquel Rodriguez.
[Corey] This is a risky proposition if you're Shayna Baszler,
realizing that you are already a reigning tag team champion
with an opportunity ahead to claim more gold to put yourself
n a match-up against someone as dangerous as Raquel Rodriguez.
Oh!
You could say it's a questionable decision at best.
[Kevin] Raquel Rodriguez with a second fall away slam.
[Kevin] Raquel Rodriguez still hurt, still wants to be a tag team champion.
Unfortunately, Liv Morgan injury forced to relinquish their titles.
[Kevin] How impressive is Raquel Rodriguez and brave to stand upto Shayna Baszler,
with Ronda Rousey watching on.
[Corey] One swift kick to the back of Rodriguez's knee,
and Shayna Baszler in complete control.
When it comes to joint manipulation, there are few who do it better.
[Kevin] Ugh.
[Corey] In some sick sadistic way, Shayna Baszler gets a thrill out of this.
Inflicting maximum damage on her opponent.
That might've just snap Raquel's ankle.
[Kevin] A twisted smile on the face of Ronda Rousey,
enjoying every second.
How can Raquel Rodriguez even put weight on that ankle?
She'll continue to fight.
[Corey] A second clothesline took Baszler down.
[yells]
[grunting]
[Corey] Raquel now with multiple kicks to the hamstring of Shayna Baszler.
[grunts]
[Corey] Raquel fighting through the pain.
[Kevin] Such bravery from Raquel Rodriguez!
[Corey] Twisting senton.
[Corey] Raquel could be closing in on a victory.
[Kevin] What a statement it would be as well,
to put away--
You want some more of this? Huh?
You want more?
-[Kevin] Oh, no. -From behind.
[Kevin] Shayna Baszler now to defeat Raquel Rodriguez.
[Corey] The assist from Rousey.
[announcer] Here is your winner, Shayna Baszler!
["Bad Reputation" playing]
[Corey] It took both of the women's tag team champions to do it,
but a victory for Shayna Baszler over a very game Raquel Rodriguez.
Look at this, the closing moments.
Both legs hooked by Baszler,
and just for a little insurance,
Rousey from the outside, making sure Shayna was victorious.
[Kevin] They want to dominate the entire tag team division,
a Unification Match against Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre,
one week from Friday.
Now, ladies and gentlemen,
the WWE universe lost an absolute legend recently.
WWE Hall of Famer, former WWE Champion, and a massive personality.
Let's now revisit the career of the wonderful Iron Sheik.
[announcer] From Tehran, Iran, the Iron Sheik!
[narrator] Having grown up in Iran, The Iron Sheik was as tough as they came.
They know that country by two thing,
oil and wrestling.
[Iron Sheik] Toughest, roughest sport in the world.
[narrator] An amateur wrestling champion for the Iranian national army,
before transitioning into sports entertainment.
By channeling political tension for his homeland,
Sheik quickly built a career
as one of the most despised ring villains of his era.
He was as advertised,
an Iranian wrestler who had wrestled for that country in the Olympics.
He didn't really have to say anything,
just walk into a room with a flag, and his look, and his boots.
[Sgt Slaughter] There was a lot of times that I feared for Iron Sheik's well-being.
The most hated wrestler of all time.
Cameraman, zoom.
[narrator] With an impressive physique and brute strength,
Greatest wrestler I've ever managed.
[narrator] Sheik's devastating Camel Clutch dismantled his opponents.
[narrator] And in 1983, The Iron Sheik shocked the world.
He's sitting right on that lower back.
Oh no, Arnold Skaaland threw something into the ring.
We have a new champion.
[narrator] With one of the most iconic title wins in WWE history.
[Iron Sheik] They know I'm the real Olympic Champion.
Now, I'm the World Heavyweight Champion.
[narrator] Becoming the first Iranian born WWE Champion.
[announcer] So disgusted with Americana.
[narrator] Sheik's ability to elicit strong emotions from fans
[announcer] They have a lot of hate in their hearts for this man.
was instrumental to WWE's skyrocket in popularity during the 1980s.
I tell you, he's spitting on America.
[Hulk Hogan] He knew how to press buttons.
[speaks in foreign language] USA!
[spits]
[narrator] Sheik's impact and notoriety are undeniable,
and in 2005, he was immortalized into the WWE Hall of Fame.
God bless all my wrestling fans and have a good day.
Yeah!
[crowd cheering]
[narrator] From his captivating persona to his unparalleled charisma,
Iron Sheik's legacy is the ability to be a great bad guy.
He'd maintain his popularity because he was so good at what he did.
[narrator] The Iron Sheik's legendary career has earned him
a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
[The Rock] Thank you for the memories, and thank you for paving the way.
Iron Sheik, you are a legend, you will be missed, but never forgotten.
[crowd chanting] Sheik! Sheik! Sheik! Sheik! Sheik! Sheik!
[Kevin] You're very welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
Chad Gable of the Alpha Academy accompanied by Otis and Maxxine.
["Shoooosh" playing]
Chad Gable's been a bit of a mentor lately to Maxxine.
We saw Becky Lynch checking out what was going on backstage.
["Vicious" playing]
[drums beating]
♪ Valhalla is here ♪
[announcer] And his opponent,
accompanied to the ring by Ivar and Valhalla,
representing The Viking Raiders,
Erik!
[Kevin] How frightening are The Viking Raiders led by Valhalla
who speaks to the Gods and then instructs,
but Valhalla has had a real issue with Maxxine Dupri of late.
[Corey] And why is that?
Has Valhalla received some sort of message from the Gods regarding Maxxine Dupri?
I don't understand the motivation behind this.
Either way, the Alpha Academy is in
for a rough night even in singles competition.
Erik, a truly devastating competitor.
Chad Gable, a world-traveled competitor,
United States Olympian,
But even Chad Gable will tell you there is nothing quite like
competing against someone as intimidating as The Viking Raiders.
[Kevin] Gable, of course, an Olympian, as you mentioned,
but he's also been a teacher in the Academy
to both Otis and now Maxxine Dupri.
[Corey] Look at that primal scream out of Erik.
[Corey] The warning shot.
[Corey] How do we combat that?
[yells]
[Corey] Gable looks to be trying to frustrate Erik.
[Kevin] Gable so quick, so nimble, methodical.
[indistinct conversation]
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Gable.
[Corey] In a past life, Erik himself a very decorated amateur wrestler,
but an extremely dangerous competitor these days.
Changing his style to something more smash-mouth, no nonsense.
[Corey] Strike first, ask questions later.
[Kevin] We see Chad Gable communicating with Maxxine Dupri there.
Continue to coach while in the ring.
Maybe coming at a cost here.
[Corey] Gable needs to stay singularly focused on the task at hand,
that being Erik of The Viking Raiders.
[Chad Gable] Yeah!
[Corey] Although, I mean, let's be perfectly honest,
Maxxine's distracting.
I don't blame Chad Gable.
[Kevin] I'm not going to disagree with you there.
[Corey] Gable lining it up.
Diving headbutt on the mark!
[Corey] At great cost to himself.
Use your head, coach. Yeah.
[Kevin] Please don't anger Valhalla.
[Gable] That's how you do it.
[Kevin] Oh, no.
[Corey] What is the--
[Kevin] What?
[Corey] An armdrag by Maxxine.
Can't believe it. You did it. You went down. Beautiful takedown.
-[Gable] Yeah. Beautiful takedown. -[Maxxine] I did that!
[Kevin] That was incredible!
[Kevin] What a teacher Chad Gable is.
Can he get the victory here as well over Erik?
-He's got it. -[bell dinging]
["Shoooosh" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Chad Gable!
[Corey] Everything's coming up Alpha tonight.
We did it. I'm the greatest!
[Corey] Let's take another look at this.
-You're not gonna believe this, folks. -[Kevin] Wow.
[Corey] An arm drag executed by Maxxine Dupri.
[Kevin] She looks like she just won the lotto.
[Corey] And Gable would follow up with an actual victory.
Sunset flip does the trick.
Anybody, anything.
[Otis] Thank you! Thank you!
[Otis] Thank you!
[Kevin] Maxxine Dupri has potential.
You know who's got a lot more than potential?
Damian Priest is on our podcast, After The Bell at WWE recently,
and he said the greatest female superstar to ever exist in WWE
is already Rhea Ripley.
Is there any stopping The Eradicator?
[Rhea] Everyone has an agenda.
They set goals,
and they talk about how they're gonna become the next big thing,
the next icon, the next champion.
♪ All of us are just empty pages ♪
They're rats, desperately trying to control their little worlds.
I simply show them how pathetic their attempt to control really are.
♪ No redemptions! ♪
You can call me the villain,
but all I've ever done is refuse to fall in line.
♪ Yeah! ♪
I will not wait my turn.
I will not accept the established order.
The food chain has been toppled, and I stand above all.
I am The Eradicator.
I am brutality.
I am Rhea Ripley.
In this place,
the important thing isn't to make friends, it's to make an impact.
You can do that, JD.
Listen, I'll catch up with you later.
Thanks for the advice.
As for the other problem, maybe take your own.
-Hey. -What's up?
Congrats on qualifying for Money in the Bank.
Thanks. You seem to be in a better mood.
I'm guessing it has something to do with the championship opportunity,
so congrats to you, too.
Hey uh, when you win that contract,
you wouldn't cash it on me, would you?
Dawg, I don't even know how you could ask me that.
You have my word. Of course I wouldn't do that.
In the future, though, you should keep your word with me.
Look, I'm happy about this opportunity you have coming up.
[speaks in Spanish]
But Seth has you up and down and all over the place
and causing tension between us, so make it worth it.
At Money in the Bank, you end this.
["Fight" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] In the main event of Monday Night Raw,
the undisputed tag team champions are putting their titles on the line.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Kevin] Corey, while those championships are on the line tonight,
it wasn't exactly what Sami Zayn had planned tonight.
Kevin Owens has a bit of a short fuse of late.
[Corey] Originally, the titles were not on the line,
but Kevin Owens demanded that there be a title defense.
[Corey] So who will be tag team champions
when we roll into Cleveland, Ohio next week?
Will it be Owens and Zayn
or could it possibly be "The Ring General" Gunther
and Ludwig Kaiser of Imperium?
Gunther with a golden opportunity in moments.
[Kevin] What a match, a main event we have coming your way.
It's for the undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship,
and it's coming your way next on Raw.
[Kevin] A blockbuster main event awaits,
as the undisputed tag team champions set to defend against Gunther and Kaiser.
Please welcome my guest at this time,
World Heavyweight Champion, Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[cackles]
[crowd cheering]
What's up, Cathy?
Well Seth, earlier tonight
we saw that you'll be defending your title against Finn Bálor at Money in the Bank.
Seven years in the making,
are you prepared for, as you call him, a bitter Finn Bálor.
[hums]
[laughs]
Cathy, I am as prepared and confident as one man can be.
The real question is,
is Finn Bálor prepared for me?
Because after I beat Finn Bálor at Money in the Bank,
he's not just gonna lose his mind,
sounds like his buddy Damian Priest might be out on him as well.
[laughs]
Cathy, something is missing.
Man, I'm feeling frisky after that party out there tonight.
I am feeling spry, I am feeling like--
Yeah, you know what?
Let's blow the whole thing up.
Let's just throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing.
Next week, live on Raw, let's do it.
Open challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship,
because I am a Visionary,
I am a Revolutionary,
I am Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Sing it. [laughs]
[crowd singing]
[Corey Rollins is on one for sure.
An open challenge next week in Cleveland.
There's a good chance Rollins won't even be champion
by the time Money in the Bank arrives.
[Kevin] Guess who will be in Cleveland, Corey?
Are you kidding me? Logan Paul.
We haven't seen him on WWE since WrestleMania,
and the global megastar somewhat of a homecoming
here on Raw next week.
[Corey] Pretty sure he has a restraining order against you.
You should stay home. I'll be there to call this one,
It will be hard-hitting, no doubt about it.
"The King of Strong Style" Shinsuke Nakamura
one-on-one with the colossal Bronson Reed.
["Sacred" playing]
[Kevin] You're looking at the longest reigning
Intercontinental Champion this century in Gunther.
Alongside Ludwig Kaiser.
And man, did Gunther and Kevin Owens
tear it down in one-on-one action last week on Monday Night Raw.
KO was rolling until an interference.
[Corey] Closing moments, Giovanni Vinci would make his presence known.
Luckily for Kevin, Sami Zayn was there,
but this opened the door for The Ring General
to roll Kevin Owens up and escape with a victory.
[Corey] But Imperium weren't done yet.
I'm just tired of seeing Gunther cheat week after week.
How dare you talking about The Ring General like that.
You better watch your mouth.
You--
Shut up!
[Corey] Riddle refused to heed Imperium's warning,
and would in fact execute an ankle lock submission
on Giovanni Vinci.
We're still awaiting an update, medically speaking, on Vinci's condition.
Obviously, there has been no Vinci tonight on Monday Night Raw
alongside Kaiser and Gunther.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest scheduled for one fall,
is for
the undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Introducing the challengers,
representing Imperium,
the team of Ludwig Kaiser
and the Intercontinental Champion, Gunther!
[announcer] And their opponents,
they are the undisputed WWE tag team champions,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn!
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Fired up and ready to defend their titles yet again.
Winning the undisputed tag team championships at WrestleMania
in the main event out in Hollywood,
and they've since defended their titles on two separate occasions.
The last of which
against "The Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.
Corey, look what's in their way tonight.
[Corey] A man who defeated Kevin Owens in one-on-one competition last week,
"The Ring General" Gunther.
One of the hardest hitting superstars
on the roster.
[Corey] And I have a bad feeling
that Kevin Owens' temper is gonna get him in trouble.
This is the second week in a row Owens has crossed paths with Gunther
due to his temper.
Tonight the match was scheduled to be non-title,
but Owens, in his infinite wisdom and anger,
demanded that he and Sami defend their titles.
A decision that could backfire in spectacular fashion for the champs.
[Kevin] How the roles have reversed with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
Sami now the voice of reason alongside Kevin Owens.
[Corey] I don't know that anybody's ever accused Sami Zayn
of being the voice of reason.
[Corey] This is just stupid.
Why on earth would you attempt to chop The Ring General?
[Kevin] So how do you stop a guy like Gunther?
[Corey] Why are you asking me?
Nobody on the roster has had an answer for how to solve Gunther
since Gunther has arrived in WWE,
on Friday Night SmackDown,
or here on Monday Night Raw.
[crowd chanting] Let's go, Sami. Let's go, Gunther.
[Corey] And could we please stop overlooking Ludwig Kaiser?
Ludwig Kaiser in his own right,
a world-traveled superstar,
a descendant of European wrestling royalty.
There's a reason that Gunther sees Ludwig Kaiser is fit to run with him.
[Kevin] Sami Zayn to the outside.
Now taking down Gunther.
Can Sami and KO defend tonight against Imperium?
[Kevin] This is an undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match.
Sami Zayn and KO, the champions,
defending against Imperium's Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser.
[Kevin] Sami flattened by Kaiser.
We've already talked about it, Corey,
just how impressive Ludwig Kaiser is in the ring,
but taken down by Zayn.
[Corey] A Maxxine Dupri-esque arm drag by Sami Zayn.
[Corey] Ludwig Kaiser utilizing Sami's hair
to gain an upper hand.
[Kevin] Could you imagine if Gunther, already the Intercontinental Champion,
becomes a tag team champion alongside Kaiser.
Imperium will be running much of Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] Sami able to block the kick by Kaiser.
May have hyperextended Kaiser's knee in the process.
-[Corey] Cover by Zayn. -Sami Zayn now to retain.
[Kevin] An early kick out from Kaiser.
[Corey] The Ring General on the outside
offering words of wisdom to his…
As we look again at Sami Zayn delivering an elbow from the ropes.
And tag is made.
[Kevin] Here comes "The Prizefighter", Kevin Owens.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Senton by Owens to the spine of Kaiser.
[Kevin] Best friends for the longest time, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
They continue to evolve as a tag team.
[Corey] Wonderful moonsault.
Cover by Owens.
[Kevin] KO to defend their championships,
and kicking out at two is Ludwig Kaiser.
[Kevin] Is the short-fused Kevin Owens,
who answered the call and made sure
that Gunther and Kaiser got their championship match tonight.
[grunting]
[Kevin] I just wonder, will that short fuse come at a cost
for KO and Sami?
[Kevin] This Friday night on SmackDown, a Gauntlet Match.
Every tag team in SmackDown division
will fight it out for an opportunity to be first in line for a tag team chance.
[Kevin] KO now, hooks the leg to put away Kaiser and Gunther.
Another kick out.
[Kevin] Tag made.
[Kevin] Sami Zayn driven into the corner.
[grunting]
[Kevin] Look at the fight in Sami Zayn.
[Corey] Tag was made.
Gunther is legal unbeknownst to Sami Zayn.
And there's a boot for your troubles, champ,
and one for you, too, KO.
Gunther with a splash.
That's gonna do it.
[Kevin] The Ring General to become a tag team champion.
And Sami Zayn is still alive.
[Corey] That was Gunther yet again
flattening Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens single handedly.
One of the many reasons he is the most dominant
Intercontinental Champion in recent history.
[Corey] Thunderous chops echoing throughout the arena.
[Corey] And here comes Ludwig Kaiser.
[Kevin] Just stalking Sami Zayn now.
Inflicting the pain.
[Corey] Restricting Sami Zayn's ability to catch his breath,
to breathe through the nose.
Knows how Sami move--
[Corey] The clasped hands of Kaiser down to a lower position.
This is for the undisputed WWE tag team championship
currently held by Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens,
but it's Ludwig Kaiser in control.
-And watch this double team by Imperium. -[Kevin] Wow.
No, single-handedly executed by Kaiser,
and here's where The Ring General comes into play.
[Kevin] Imperium on top.
[Corey] The champions are in trouble.
[Kevin] Kaiser and Sami Zayn on the top rope!
Blow after blow.
[Kevin] Oh!
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] What a match we're witnessing
for the undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
[Corey] Another look at Sami Zayn delivering a powerbomb out of desperation.
Zayn bought himself some valuable time.
Tag is made on both sides!
Kevin Owens and Gunther.
[Kevin] Raining down blows is KO,
and "The Ring General" Gunther.
[crowd cheering]
[Kevin] Big blows from KO, but Gunther is still standing.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Kevin] KO with the senton all over the Intercontinental Champion.
[Corey] Exploder suplex by Owens.
Gunther is rocked in the bottom turnbuckle.
[Corey] Right hand drops Kaiser.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Corey] Super kick drops The Intercontinental Champion.
[Kevin] KO, eyes on the prize.
[Kevin] Cannonball!
[Kevin] To the top rope he goes.
[Kevin] Kevin Owens Swanton Bomb.
Is this the moment to defend their undisputed tag team champions?
A kick out by Gunther.
[Corey] Kevin Owens off the top rope.
Two hundred and sixty-plus pounds
crashing down across The Intercontinental Champion,
but not enough to finish the match.
[Kevin] It was a barn burner between these two
in one-on-one action last week.
This, for the undisputed tag team championships.
This may do it for Gunther to win it.
Owens out just in time.
Kevin Owens wants a stunner.
Pushed away by Gunther.
Oh!
[Corey] Gunther bringing Kevin Owens' momentum
to a screeching halt with one massive boot.
Owens was thinking stunner, Gunther with a big kick instead.
This is for the WWE undisputed tag team championship.
It could swing either way.
Tag is made.
Kaiser legal. Zayn legal.
Exploder in the corner!
[Kevin] Sami Zayn is rolling!
[Kevin] He's locked in. He's ready.
And it's Gunther from the outside.
[Corey] Oh! Gunther may just have shattered his hand into a million pieces.
Sami Zayn looking for the blue thunder bomb.
Step-up enzuigiri by Kaiser.
[Kevin] And its rocked Sami.
Kaiser now looking to feast.
Tag made.
Oh!
[Kevin] And this spells trouble for the undisputed champions.
[Corey] European uppercut to the back of the neck.
Kaiser going high risk. Took out Owens.
Gunther with the lariat!
New champions. New champions.
[Kevin] Somehow Sami Zayn is still alive.
[Kevin] Hell.
[Kevin] Oh!
[Kevin] Turned inside out by Gunther.
[Kevin] Now, The Ring General
will punish Sami Zayn for the championships,
and kick out by Sami.
[Kevin] Just look at this!
[Kevin] Imperium with Sami Zayn where they want him.
Imperial bomb!
Kaiser across quickly for the championships.
Can they get there?
And KO just about enough.
[Corey] Just about enough?
Kevin Owens just pushed the Intercontinental Champion
into the pile out of desperation to keep this match alive.
As we look again at fantastic teamwork on behalf of Imperium.
Watch Owens shoving Gunther at the last possible second
to prevent from losing their championships.
[Kevin] These two behemoths going at it outside the ring.
[Corey] Oh!
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Is that-- that's Matt Riddle.
What the hell is The Original Bro doing out here?
[indistinct shouting]
[Corey] Volunteering to have his features kicked off his face by Gunther.
My God!
DDT on the entrance ramp.
Gunther is done for.
Kaiser and Zayn legal inside the ring.
[Kevin] Back to inside. Sami Zayn
A blue thunder bomb for the championships!
-Sami Zayn has got it! -[bell dinging]
[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
and still the WWE tag team champions,
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn!
[Kevin] A defense full of spirit from Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Imperium threw everything at them.
[Corey] Well if you thought tonight was good,
look what we have to look forward to next week in Cleveland.
Social media megastar and WWE superstar Logan Paul returns.
[Corey] And we found out earlier tonight,
that Seth "Freakin" Rollins has once again issued an open challenge
for his new World Heavyweight Championship
next week on Monday Night Raw.
[Kevin] Little time to bask in the euphoria of this victory
for KO and Sami.
We're gonna find out who's next in line for the undisputed tag team champions,
this Friday night on SmackDown.
[speaking indistinctly]
[crowd cheering]