[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
Monday Night Raw is live tonight
in the big fight field Quarterfinals, King of the Ring tournament.
In one matchup on your left, Gunther, on your right Kofi Kingston.
Gunther and Kofi, clash here tonight,
in the King of the Ring tournament.
In the other quarterfinals matchup,
this is gonna be a good one.
On the left hand side, main event,
Jey Uso.
On the right Ilja Dragunov,
they square off live tonight,
on Monday Night Raw.
[Cole] And here is the arrival live now in Greenville, South Carolina,
of Drew McIntyre, and guess what Pat,
he came back a week later,
but Drew is back in the arena.
[McAfee] A lot of people saw that tweet
of me asking him to come back after Mr. Punk says,
"Come on back, Drew",
and he looks like a man on a mission.
Let's start Monday Night Raw.
[crowd cheering]
["Gallantry" playing]
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentleman, please welcome
Drew McIntyre.
[Cole] At the end of the day, a man who is obsessed with CM Punk,
many would say that he is a whiner,
that Drew McIntire is bitter,
that Drew McIntyre is a hypocrite.
What was that, Cole?
He just called you a hypocrite.
He has called you a hypocrite.
And again Pat, uh…
You're gonna get your ass smacked.
Everyone has seemed to have had it up to here.
With Drew McIntyre.
In fact, the Pat McAfee Show and ESPN.
You allowed your show to be used as a platform,
to Drew McIntyre to come out there and spew his propaganda as of late.
Some people say all journalism is propaganda.
I certainly let him get his story out, and it's a beautiful one.
It's also on a little bit of pettiness,
a little bit of spite,
and certainly some obsession,
over a man that he thinks ruined his title run.
[Cole] Could you imagine, you got your ass beat by Drew McIntyre
to start Monday Night Raw that would've been sweet.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk. CM Punk.
I mean, maybe if we're in Atlanta or Charlotte,
but Punk's not going to show up in Greenville.
He only makes the big towns, brothers.
-[crowd booing] -[Cole chuckles]
Now, when Punk told me when pushed,
he's Satan himself,
the greatest trick the devil ever pulled,
was convincing the world he doesn't exist.
When the greatest trick,
CM punk ever pulled,
was looking like a drug addict
without ever taking any drugs.
Now the greatest trick he ever pulled,
was convincing you to trust him time and time again,
no matter how many times he breaks your trust.
Management, CM punk found you keep taking them back.
It's like an abusive relationship.
I don't understand it.
The other thing I don't understand,
is you buy all the crap that he spews out of his mouth every week.
I don't like talking to people like they're stupid.
But if you're a CM Punk fan,
you're stupid.
[crowd booing]
Just look at the facts.
Last week, he was in this ring calling me a coward,
challenging me to a fight.
You literally watched me leave the arena in my car.
He arrived one second later,
came to the ring and started talking his trash.
It's like he's got a stooge on the inside, Adam Pearce.
And the week before that,
I was on the stage, he was in the skybox.
I go to the skybox, he's in the ring.
He's running from Drew McIntyre.
Punk, eventually, I'm going to get my hands on you,
and I will torture you,
and you'll beg me to tear your tricep, but until then,
I'm not going to waste my time in a guy that might not be cleared
for about 20 years.
[Cole] Oh.
Speaking of things that will never happen.
Jey Uso lost another title match.
My title match.
His reward.
My spot in the King of the Ring is complete BS.
I'll deal with you later, Jey.
The number one thing on my priority list
is the World Heavyweight Championship,
and that Paper Champion,
Damian Priest.
[crowd booing]
I've been watching you backstage, Priest.
Walking around, you're the big man with your--
-["Rise For The Night " playing] -big legged bloodline.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] You know, one point on what McIntyre
just said he's all mad at Jey Uso.
McIntyre is the one who's injured.
That's the reason he's not in the King of the Ring tournament.
Jey Uso has nothing to do with that.
[McAfee] Yeah, and Adam Pearce had to deem him ineligible
for the King of the Ring because
Drew McIntyre told the World he was it so…
A lot of situations…
[Cole] Damian Priest successfully
defended his championship at Backlash in Lyon, France
against Jey Uso a little help from The Judgment Day,
but nonetheless got the job done.
He's also holding the title that Drew McIntyre held before him
for just over five minutes.
When McIntyre beat Seth Rollins at Wrestlemania and then Jey--
Damian Priest would cash in.
The contract to become the Champion.
[McAfee] Uh, send your money in the bank
cashed in at Wrestlemania, he's our Champion now.
Got some help from that…
Judgment Day crew but,
he wants to do it alone, he says.
[Cole] We'll see, won't we?
We'll see.
Drew. [chuckles]
You got some serious issues, dude.
Since you can't shut that hole in your face.
Why don't you do something different tonight?
I'm thinking…
you actually say what you're gonna say, but say it to somebody's face.
[crowd cheering]
I would love to say it to somebody's face, but if you were listening,
CM punk keeps running away from me every single week.
But since you've been a man, you're stepping up to me right now.
I'm gonna say something positive about you right now because I know your story.
You have a very, very inspirational story.
You've worked your arse off for years.
You've put a shift in.
You've paid your dues.
You deserve all the success in the world.
You just don't deserve to be Champion.
[crowd booing]
I mean, my next door neighbor, Dave,
has a very inspirational story,
doesn't mean he should be World Heavyweight Champion.
This is a case of the title making the man.
The Raw titles in its infant stages.
It needs the man to make the title it needs…
Drew McIntyre.
[crowd booing]
And you knew…
You couldn't beat me one on one.
So you had to use that briefcase to cash in.
Stop! Stop, stop. Man.
You are delusional dawg.
No, no, no.
You're out here blaming everybody else for your failures.
Let me ask you a question. Did you not choose this life?
I mean, you chose to be a WWE Superstar, right?
I've been a WWE Superstar since I was 21.
Say what, if you think he's a BS Champion.
-[crowd chanting] What? -[laughing]
I'm still a Champion.
No, but check it out.
You know what you should choose to do though, Drew?
Choose to find a mirror.
Look at the reflection.
And then blame that ass…
[crowd cheering]
I'mma, I'mma break it down for you.
I'mma break it down for you, right?
I wanted to cash in on Seth Rollins, man.
I really did.
And then you and I, we could have went to war at Wrestlemania.
But you stopped me from cashing in.
Multiple times.
That's your fault.
No, no, no, Wait, wait, wait!
Then, then.
You explained to the world that if I was smart,
I'd wait for you to beat Seth.
And then cash in on you.
What happened?
That's on you.
Now, wait-- Let's talk about Wrestlemania, Drew.
You finally achieved your goal.
All you had to do was leave.
All you had to do,
was grab your wife's hand and go enjoy your moment.
And then what happened?
[speaking Spanish]
You saw Punk.
And you made Punk more important than yourself,
this Championship.
And you made Punk more important than your wife.
[crowd exclaims]
Wait, wait--
Wait, wait, wait, Drew.
Let's not forget about the part
that you proceeded to get your ass whooped by a one armed man.
So, yeah, I cashed in.
Now you know what, your elbow is gonna heal.
You're gonna get cleared.
So what, you want a shot at the World Title?
Fine. You got it.
[crowd cheering]
But check this out, Drew.
[heart beating]
You can call me a Paper Champion all you want.
But when I'm done with you, you're gonna eat those words.
Now you all can rise to that.
[Cole] Well, Damian Priest spewing some facts there.
When it comes to Drew McIntyre, the bottom line in all of this Pat,
is the fact that Drew McIntyre is obsessed with CM Punk,
whether he wants to admit it or not.
CM Punk said on social media this week.
This is a quote.
"Psychologically, Drew McIntyre can't hurt me,
but I'm gonna break his heart."
Those are the words of CM Punk.
Yeah and it feels like Drew McIntyre is taking it from all angles.
But the Scottish warrior is gonna have to figure it out.
He's got a title opportunity.
That's what El Campeon just said to him.
Big opportunity night for many.
We talked about the men's King of the Ring tournament quarterfinals,
also the women's Queen of the Ring, tournament semifinals tonight.
Lyra Valkyria takes on Zoey Stark, in one of those match ups.
And the other, the renewal of
a great rivalry between Shayna Baszler and IYO SKY.
Those are our two quarterfinal matchups tonight.
Let's show you how we got to this point.
[man] Last week, the Queen of the Ring tournament kicked off,
with first round matchups from the Raw side of the…
The first contest was a technical clash between the one woman dynasty, Natalya,
and the leader of Damage CTRL, IYO SKY.
[Cole] Those tacticians in the ring would do anything to get the crown.
Natalya powerful math based style
was over met by IYO's high speed aerials.
IYO SKY advances.
And this past weekend, Shayna Baszler,
competed against the young up star Maxxine Dupri.
The submission magician made short work of her opponent,
-advancing to the next round. -[bell dinging]
Tonight, the Queen of the Ring tournament continues,
as IYO SKY goes one on one with Shayna Baszler in the quarterfinals.
[Shayna Baszler] I'm going to tear her apart limb by limb.
[IYO] It's IYO's era.
[man] Will the genius of the Sky land a devastating blow to the Queen of Spades?
Or will Shayna Baszler path of destruction lead her to the semifinals?
And Pat, there's high emotion heading into tonight.
I wanna take you back to what happened earlier today
in the parking lot outside the arena.
The arrival of Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark, of course.
Friends interrupted by Damage CTRL.
[speaking Japanese] You think you can beat me?
Oh, yeah, you're gonna out here and talk to me like that?
You think anyone knows who you are…
[clamoring]
Come on.
You want to do it again…
It's okay, it's okay.
-And a lot history between Shayna and IYO. -["Tokyo Shock" playing]
We will get into that in the matchup here tonight.
Here comes the former WWE Women's Champion.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following is a quarterfinals match
in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Introducing first, accompanied by Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane,
representing Damage CTRL,
IYO SKY.
[Cole] At the crown that will adorn the winner
of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Will it be IYO SKY?
[McAfee] Going from title to crown.
Being called the Queen of the Ring.
Massive.
For your career.
[Cole] Oh, Shayna Baszler.
Baszler, from out of nowhere, IYO's opponent here tonight.
Obviously the bad blood familiar today,
spilling out into the arena.
This matchup has not started yet.
And Baszler on the attack.
[McAfee] Oh.
Chris is gonna have to try to get things settled down.
[Cole] Queen of the Ring when we return.
And we are back live on Monday Night Raw quarterfinal matchup.
Queen of the Ring tournament, finally got things settled down.
Match is underway. Shayna Baszler versus IYO SKY here tonight.
Baszler misses with a kick IYO SKY off the ropes, up over the top,
lands on her feet,
and takes out Baszler at the knees.
[McAfee] Quickness.
[Cole] Oh, and a basement dropkick by Sky.
[McAfee] It could be Shayna's Achilles tonight against IYO SKY.
Buzzing in Greenville.
[Cole] Renewal of a rivalry between
these two really got under way seven years ago.
When IYO and Shayna Baszler battled it out
for the World of Stardom Championship.
[McAfee] IYO SKY's safe. Oh!
[Cole] And then, of course, uh--
Brought…
There's that--
That weird thing again, Pat.
[McAfee] There's been a lot of those.
I scanned last week, it took me to a freaky video,
and I'm not talking freaky like you with those antlers.
I'm talking, you know, eerie, spooky.
A lot of that.
[Cole] Meanwhile, Baszler, now taking control.
Baszler and IYO SKY, also battled over the NXT Women's Championship,
even in a steel cage,
one point as Baszler almost uses the full five count there.
[McAfee] She was reminding the ref that she's allowed to try to rip somebody's arm
out of their socket for five seconds.
[Cole] Submission magician. MMA background.
Shayna Baszler.
One of the most dangerous women in WWE.
She's taking it out now in IYO SKY.
[McAfee] I heard her speaking earlier today in the building, uh,
to anybody that would listen, saying,
"I'm the only one that's ever tapped out Ronda Rousey.
How come nobody's ever given me the respect that I deserve?"
[Cole] Shayna has been entwined with, uh,
members of Damage CTRL for many years,
mentioned the rivalry with IYO SKY.
She lost the finals of the Mae Young tournament.
Kairi Sane also had a great series of matches.
Exchanging the NXT Championship with…
Kairi Sane a few years ago.
[McAfee] Shayna has said that she wants to make her opponent snap,
-tap or crap. -[Cole] Hey, look at this.
Trying to break the arm, perhaps of IYO SKY,
continuing to work on the left arm and then a big smile
on the face of Shayna Baszler,
as she does that damage to SKY.
Those dozens and dozens of ways to tap you out.
[McAfee] Snapping bones, make you crap your pants.
Shayna Baszler can do it all.
[Cole] You saw Baszler enter the arena today with her friend.
Here's the cover now. Hook on the leg.
IYO kicks out.
Zoey Stark, who's in a quarterfinal matchup later tonight, be interesting if
Shayna and Zoey advance to the semifinals and go one on one.
Zoey Stark, former NXT Tag Team Champion, with…
-[McAfee] Oh, no. -Shayna's opponent tonight, IYO SKY.
[McAfee] Oh, no, what's Shayna thinking?
[Cole] Oh, IYO SKY trying, it does.
Rolls out of harm's way. Great counter by IYO.
[McAfee] Zoey and Shayna have been like peanut butter and jelly together.
[Cole] Won't be if they make the semifinals.
IYO now, oh, nice takedown…
of Baszler.
And now IYO SKY with a measured strike right to the jaw.
Baszler goes down hard.
IYO SKY buys herself some time
[McAfee] What a kick to the mouth there from IYO SKY.
[Cole] IYO who advanced,
in this tournament.
[McAfee] Taking out Natalya.
[Cole] Shayna Baszler with a win over Maxxine over the weekend.
Shayna Baszler, now looking for a Kirifuda Clutch, perhaps IYO SKY.
Able to duck underneath.
Hammerlock.
[McAfee] Out powering her right now.
[Cole] And Baszler again continues to work on the arm.
[McAfee] I don't know if…
-IYO. -[Cole] Oh.
-Running knee. -…into a grappling match with Shayna.
[Cole] IYO's got to pick up the pace and start to fly around the ring.
Shayna Baszler now up to the second rope.
We're gonna do more damage to IYO SKY who
is having massive problems with the injured arm.
[McAfee] This is where IYO is much more comfortable than Shayna, though.
Up on the ropes in the sky.
[Cole] Well, Shayna looks for a gut wrenching… IYO lands on her feet.
IYO SKY now from behind, dumps Shayna,
caught her up top turnbuckle.
Shayna is in trouble.
-Referee Shawn Bennett. -You all right?
You want me to stop?
Checking with Baszler and may be injured after taking that nasty fall.
Ah!
Knee banged up now.
[McAfee] Absolutely twisted like a pretzel over the top rope.
[Cole] IYO SKY, the genius of the sky moon.
vaults off the second rope, down goes Baszler.
[crowd cheering]
IYO SKY is rolling quarterfinals, continuing the Queen of the Ring.
What a competitive matchup.
Shayna Baszler looking for an armbar, and IYO SKY,
turned it into a pinning combination and a kick out.
IYO SKY. Shayna Baszler.
Renewal of a great rivalry.
This time in the quarterfinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
And what a physical match this has been, Pat.
[McAfee] It certainly has. IYO SKY has seemingly matched
Shayna with physicality here.
Queen of the Ring run on the line.
[Cole] IYO, sent out to the apron.
Catches the kick from Shayna.
Oh, and Shayna caught up, remembered injured that knee.
Right before we went to commercial break and IYO was targeted.
Absolutely.
Other quarterfinal matchup later on tonight.
Lyra Valkyria and Zoey Stark.
That's on the Raw side of things.
SmackDown winners from this past Friday, Nia Jax.
Oh!
Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair and Tiffany Stratton.
They head into the quarterfinals Friday night.
And there's a meteora to the back of Shayna Baszler by IYO SKY.
Hook of the inside leg now on Baszler, who kicks at two.
[McAfee] Just with the ease in which she flies around,
let alone the devastating force with the double missile dropkick.
[Cole] And I should mention Pat,
that Zelina Vega the reigning queen of the ring was injured,
so she was not able to compete yesterday at the live event,
Maxxine taking her place against Shayna Baszler.
And here now IYO SKY with the over the moonsault.
Baszler got her feet up but IYO SKY able to protect herself.
[McAfee] I think she has triple stamped a double stamp there.
[Cole] For the win.
What a bridge.
Shayna turns around with a Kirifuda.
The Kirifuda locked in.
IYO SKY in trouble.
The intense look in the eyes.
[McAfee] That's deep gold as she switch forms--
[Cole] Of the queen of spades.
IYO though able to roll through,
looking for the STF!
Trying to lock it in on Baszler.
Now Baszler's in trouble.
IYO SKY trying to win Baszler away.
Shayna trying to make it back to her feet.
Two of the best in the World, going at it in this quarterfinal match.
Running knee, cover.
Baszler to advance in the tournament, a kick out by SKY at two.
[McAfee] I mean, these two are beating the holy hell
out of each other in Greenville.
One.
[Cole] What a sequence.
Baszler turns it into the Kirifuda.
Follows it up with a knee to the jaw
and almost put IYO SKY away.
And now Baszler…
believes she is closing in on a win.
IYO SKY caught her.
Ah! Dragon screw.
[McAfee] Awesome chance echoing through as IYO SKY targets the knee again.
[Cole] And meteora in the corner by Sky.
Drags Baszler out center of the ring.
IYO has her where she wants her.
Genius of the Sky.
Gonna go up to the top rope,
over the moonsault.
-Cover by Sky. -[crowd chanting] One, two three.
-She's going to the Semis. -[bell dings]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
IYO SKY.
[Cole] Packed house in Greenville Channing.
This is awesome and Pat, indeed it was.
[McAfee] It certainly was and somehow, IYO survives.
The punishment from Shayna.
Meteora.
To Shayna, which sets her up perfectly for the not under…
but over the moonsault to perfection.
One, two, three.
IYO SKY advanced.
[Cole] So, in the Raw side of things in the Queen of the Ring tournament,
IYO SKY, as you mentioned, Pat, advances to the semifinals.
She will take on the winner of her match, later on tonight,
either Lyra Valkyria or Zoey Stark.
Let's head up to the ring and our broadcast colleague, Jackie Redmond.
IYO, what a finish.
Congratulations on advancing to the semifinal of
the Queen of the Ring tournament next week,
where you'll face
either Zoey Stark, or Lyra Valkyria.
What can we expect?
[speaking Japanese]
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Okay.
[Cole] I'm sorry, Jackie. I think IYO SKY fired up.
It was a good interview, it was good interview.
Two different languages.
Got everything settled.
-I won. -IYO understood what she said.
-That's good. -I will be queen.
I, I'm the queen.
Why would you be more concerned about Braun Strowman in this game?
Pal, he's eight foot tall.
[indistinct chatter]
[Damian clears throat]
What's up, guys?
Hello.
Priest, I know you guys have your history but,
I figured it's a good time for us to be able to work together.
We agree on a lot of things.
We all agreed that Rey Mysterio is a selfish bastard, right?
-Yeah. -That's true.
I dealt with that when he gave away my Wrestlemania spot to Dragon Lee.
But no one knows more than Dom.
Look…
Rhea's out.
Dom's injured.
From the looks of this crew, y'all could use a little extra muscle.
Look, all I'm saying is…
we can all benefit mutually from this relationship.
Carlito, look, everything you're saying is fine and sounds good.
If the boys want to work with you, that's on them.
But as far as I'm concerned,
you're not welcome here, dawg.
I get it.
You don't trust me?
Nope.
But I figured you trusted your boys.
Let me just say this.
The most stubborn minds can be changed.
Maybe one day…
we could all be amigos.
[Cole] Interesting words from Carlito.
Meanwhile, he's the longest reigning
Intercontinental Champion ever, at 666 days.
Now he turns his sights on becoming King of the Ring.
Gunther versus Kofi Kingston quarterfinals tonight.
Tonight, we're in Greenville, South Carolina, for Monday Night Raw.
King of the Ring quarterfinals still coming.
Well, here we are.
On the cusp of my big Intercontinental Championship match in Saudi and, uh,
Maxxine…
[chuckles]
What a weekend you had, huh?
Out there gallivanting around,
blowing opportunities in Queen of the Ring.
Embarrassing the Alpha Academy.
It's pathetic.
You've learned nothing.
Fortunately, I got a chance at redemption.
Talked to Pearce, got a couple of matches for you, too.
So tonight it's gonna be Otis,
versus "Big" Bronson Reed
and Tozawa versus…
Hold on.
No, no.
Actually, it's gonna be Otis,
versus Sami Zayn. That's what I need.
I need my number one guy out there to soften up Sami, for Saudi, but,
not funny man Otis.
I don't want those hips shaking.
I don't want to see any worm action tonight.
I need this serious version.
You know what that means, right?
Yes.
Hey.
Say it.
No matter what.
That's right.
Go.
Tozawa.
You've got a big opportunity tonight too, so don't blow it all right,
against Bronson Reed.
And I swear to God.
If you do that dance…
Let's go.
Max, why didn't you tell me about the Queen of the Ring match?
I could have helped you prepare for it.
Look, I'm sorry, but…
Coach Gable doesn't want me training outside the Academy anymore.
He doesn't want you--
You know, you don't have to put up with him, right?
-He's been treating you very badly. -Oh.
What are we doing?
Please, go train.
Do something.
Anything.
Now, you.
I'd go as far as to say you have potential.
You want a piece of advice?
Stop wasting your time with Taylor not so Swift over there.
That one's free.
Hey, Pat. What a jerk!
There are many ways to motivate people,
but take it from me.
This is not one of them.
Yeah, Chad Gable sucks.
As of late.
If I don't see Otis worm tonight…
It's on his ass.
I don't like the way he's treating Alpha Academy right now.
Coming up next, quarterfinals, King of the Ring tournament.
Gunther versus Kofi Kingston.
This is how we got there.
Chad Gable sucks.
That sucks.
[man] Tonight,
the quarterfinals of the King of the Ring tournament commences.
After a hellacious battle with the Celtic warrior, Sheamus.
[commentator 1] Gunther has just been brutally attacked in the knees.
[commentator 2] As physical as we expected.
[man] Gunther reigns supreme in the end.
And this past weekend,
The New Day's Kofi Kingston,
went up against the legendary Rey Mysterio
and knocked out the Hall of Famer in the first round.
Which now leaves both victims to clash head to head tonight.
After fellow New Day member Xavier Woods sustained a brutal injury,
a motivated Kingston looks to get even.
I have to become the next King of the Ring for Woods.
While the unrelenting Gunther strives to decimate the competition.
Soon to be the King of the Ring.
The animosity has reached a breaking point.
But only one will advance to the King of the Ring semifinals.
Cathy Kelley here with The New Day,
and Kofi you have done the unthinkable time and time again in your career.
As you prepared to take on The Ring General Gunther tonight,
how will you do the unthinkable yet again and advance in this tournament?
Well, Cathy, not to toot my own horn but
I am quite familiar with doing the unthinkable, but tonight…
isn't really about that.
Tonight is about payback.
Tonight is about giving Gunther what he deserves
for what he did to my boy.
Last night, I went toe to toe with the greatest luchador of all time,
Rey Mysterio.
And it reminded me of a few things.
Reminded me that there is no room for fear in that ring.
There's no room for self-doubt.
And most importantly, there is no room for failure because I know how much
this King of the Ring tournament means to Woods.
And that's something Gunther will never understand.
Everybody knows how dangerous he is.
But Gunther…
King of the Ring is something that brings honor.
Earning that title of King is an honor.
And because of what Gunther did to me,
I can't go out there this year and defend that honor.
But luckily, I know somebody
who is an incredible candidate to go out there
and beat the hell out of Gunther tonight.
And that's one of the greatest Champions of all time, Kofi Kingston.
And so tonight, Kofi is gonna go out there,
and he's gonna show Gunther exactly why
New Day rocks.
Let's go, bro.
Let's go, man.
Let's go.
Tonight's the night.
Thank you so much. Good luck.
[bell dinging]
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
legendary WWE ring announcer…
Lilian Garcia.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] Hell yeah, Lilian.
[crowd cheering]
Lilian.
Would you do me the honor of helping to introduce the next match?
[chuckles]
Absolutely, that would be amazing.
You guys are amazing.
You're amazing.
You're doing an incredible, incredible job.
I am so proud of you.
[crowd cheering]
The following is the King of the Ring quarterfinals match,
scheduled for one fall.
♪ It's a new day, yes it is! ♪
[Cole] Like riding a bike.
["New Day, New Way" playing]
[Cole] Many, many years, Lillian Garcia,
the ring announcer here on Monday Night Raw.
[Lilian Garcia] Introducing first,
from Ghana, West Africa,
weighing at 212 pounds.
Representing The New Day,
Kofi Kingston.
Uh, Kofi Kingston understands what's at stake, Pat.
Not only a chance to advance to the semifinals but,
he called it "payback" for Xavier Woods.
It's Kofi and "The Ring General" Gunther.
Quarterfinal action live next on Raw.
-You see what I'm saying? -I do.
I think we've got a great plan for
-our Tag Team title. -I'm excited.
Tonight gonna be hot as hell.
-[Miz] Truth! -Hey.
Talk to me before you put our titles on the line.
-Our titles on the line, tell him AP. -No, don't worry.
You're not defending the title tonight. We were just talking, about the fact
we need number one contenders. So tonight, the Raw tag division
finds themselves with a hell of an opportunity.
Shalom!
-We're not defending our titles tonight? -Tell him.
-No title match. -Why am I still nervous?
-[knock on door] -That's a good question. Come in.
Miz, Truth, allow me to introduce Ms. Kiana James.
-It's a pleasure. -Pleasure's all mine.
Mr. Pearce I know we spoke over the phone last week,
but I just wanted to reiterate.
I am so looking forward to working under your tutelage.
I'm here to leverage this opportunity to its fullest and prove to you
exactly why I'm the one per cent.
You certainly got the right attitude.
And like I said on the phone, if you need anything at all,
do not hesitate to call on me.
Don't worry. I never hesitate.
I adjudicate.
Oh.
Adjudi-- What?
In the workplace?
I don't even know if that's PG.
[Cole] Truth is a National Treasure.
[McAfee] International.
-Interna-- That is Worldwide brother. -[Cole] That's Truth.
This is the, uh, first round of the, uh…
Men's King of the Ring tournament here on the Monday Night Raw side.
We're into the quarterfinals now.
We have Gunther and Kofi Kingston later on tonight.
Jey Uso and Ilja Dragunov.
So, Kingston is ready, to take on The Ring General here on Monday Night Raw.
["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[Lilian Garcia] And his opponents,
representing Imperium.
From Vienna, Austria, weighing at 250 pounds.
The Ring General,
Gunther.
[Cole] Pat, you saw Xavier Woods, the reigning King of the Ring,
on crunches earlier on tonight.
That was because of the damage to the knee
that was done by this man Gunther, a couple of weeks ago.
Last week, Sheamus, in the first round match up against Gunther,
had his knee destroyed as well.
The Ring General torturing and punishing his opponents here,
-so far in this tournament. -[McAfee] Yeah.
He'll pick you apart and chop you down.
That's why he's the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time.
[Cole] And Kingston goes right after…
"The Ring General" Gunther. Matchup hasn't even started yet.
Kofi Kingston is on fire.
He said, payback tonight for Xavier Woods.
For the fact that Woods cannot defend his King of the Ring crown,
because of the injury caused by Gunther.
[McAfee] So an incredibly smart strategy here,
by Kofi Kingston.
[Cole] Kingston knows Gunther well.
They battled for the Intercontinental Championship,
during Gunther's reign and now Kingston attacking the knee.
Much like Gunther has done to his opponents in recent weeks.
[McAfee] Yeah, taking out the base.
We'll be seeing a lot of power.
[crowd gasps]
That right hand, though.
Here's the great equalizer.
[Cole] WWE fans trying to rally Kingston.
-With this balance off the second rope. -Whoa!
Down goes Gunther.
And again this match up hasn't even started yet.
The official Eddie Orengo,
trying to get both men into the ring to start this quarterfinal matchup.
[McAfee] Kofi's okay with this continuing.
[Cole] Yeah, targeting, uh,
again the right knee, the leg of Gunther.
The Ring General.
-Tryna maim Gunther like he did. -Hey, hey, hey.
Kingston's bodying Xavier Woods.
[McAfee] I mean, there's a chance,
Gunther's not even gonna be able to compete in this match.
It hasn't even started.
[Cole] And Kingston into the ring and continuing the assault.
The official trying to create space between these two so he can actually
start this match.
[McAfee] How would they rule that?
[Cole] And Kingston again,
into the knee of Gunther.
The Ring General may not be able to stand.
[crowd cheering]
[bell dinging]
-[McAfee] Okay. -[Cole] Well, the official--
-[McAfee] All right, ring the bell. -Started the match up,
didn't even check but it doesn't matter. Trouble in Paradise, Kingston, though…
Runs into a--
Whoa, lands on his feet, German Suplex by Gunther,
did not quite work out.
Kingston, right back to the injured knee of Gunther.
[McAfee] Faked high one low.
[Cole] Smart strategy here by Kingston.
Keep the big man off his feet.
Kofi now going to the top rope.
[McAfee] That's why Kofi has been a World Champion before.
[Cole] And Kingston on the top rope,
-exploded onto Gunther, cover now. -[crowd chanting] One, two--
Kick out at two, by The Ring General.
[McAfee] Holy hell, I thought that was it.
Number one trend in the United States, for good reason.
Kofi is taking it to Gunther.
[Cole] And I don't think he's done yet.
Kofi Kingston looking to fly over the cover.
Caught though by Gunther.
Gunther catching Kofi Kingston driving him kidney first into the apron.
[Cole] And Gunther so far…
-Oh! -[crowd gasping]
Was able to withstand the assault by Kingston.
And now begins an assault of his own outside the ring.
Spine first on the barricades, and I think all Kofi did was tick off Gunther.
Three.
Uh-oh, look out now.
Kingston.
straight on the announce table.
Screaming and writhing in pain.
[McAfee] Gunther stops the count.
Focused, clear minded.
What the hell is Gunther thinking?
[Cole] Gunther now on the announce table, Kofi Kingston in trouble.
Gunther now going to turn it into a Boston Crab.
A Boston Crab on the announce table.
The official.
Gunther's gotta be careful he doesn't get disqualified here.
[crowd booing]
Gunther gonna now, hung a half crab.
Match continues.
[Cole] This is a quarterfinal matchup and the King of the Ring tournament.
Gunther versus Kofi and it's been all Gunther,
since before the commercial break.
Is Kofi Kingston trying to fight back into this?
Kofi star of the match.
Attacking the knee of The Ring General.
Gunther turned it around but Kofi,
again refocusing the attack on the lower limbs of Gunther.
[McAfee] It's the upper limbs.
Most specifically that right one.
That can flatten a chest.
That can snatch a soul.
[Cole] And now punishing Kingston with a kick to the spine.
In the midst of the 23rd King of the Ring tournament,
here in WWE.
Surprising when I looked up some statistics earlier today, Pat.
Kofi Kingston is just in his third,
King of the Ring tournament, in his long and illustrious career.
[McAfee] Yeah, Kofi Kingston, sure fire future Hall of Famer
former World Champion has done it all.
[Cole] 2010, Kofi lost to Sheamus.
He'd go on to win that tournament.
[crowd chanting]
Kofi, was also part of the last King of the Ring, in 2021.
It was won by Xavier Woods.
And now Kingston fighting back against Gunther.
[McAfee] Xavier Woods had a hell of a reign as our King.
Now we will find a new one.
Power.
Could it be Gunther?
The Ring General.
He lost his Intercontinental Title after
after he slipped up a little bit against Sami Zayn.
Now he's got a new prize, that crown that we showed just moments ago.
[Cole] 666 days.
He was the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion ever.
[McAfee] Dominant… and the dominant Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion.
[Cole] This King of the Ring is the first tournament
that Gunther has been involved in,
and his career here in WWE.
Now looking again to continue to torture Kofi Kingston.
He's focused on the spine in the back of Kingston,
who turns it into a pinning combination and a kick out by Gunther,
and a big boot to the face.
[McAfee] Kofi, such a veteran in the ring,
able to reverse like a--
Backbreaker into a pin.
It frustrated Gunther even more.
[Cole] Gunther's a machine, looks like a Terminator.
[McAfee] He is.
Only has one speed and it's dominate.
[Cole] Is that a speed?
[McAfee] I mean, it depends on how you use it.
I think it's more of a metaphor.
[Cole] Got it.
[McAfee] But, yes, he's dominant.
[Cole] Kofi again trying to refocus the attack
on the already injured the leg of Gunther,
but Gunther fighting back out of it.
[McAfee] Kofi fighting back here.
[Cole] Trying to rally--
Gunther-- oh! A back breaker again to the spine,
-[McAfee] But that knee? -[Cole] Yeah.
Gunther putting that injured knee in harm's way.
Watch this impact.
He already banged the back of Kofi Kingston.
[McAfee] He already banged up knee of Gunther.
Both men, feeling the effects of that one.
[Cole] War of Attrition here tonight in the quarterfinals.
[McAfee] Who wants to be The King? You have to lay it all on the line.
When we call him King General instead of Ring General.
[Cole] That's nice.
[McAfee] See what I did?
King general, two titles would be tough to say,
but a man who would be worthy of those would certainly be.
"The Ring General" Gunther!
[Cole] Nobody home as Kofi Kingston rolls out of harm's way.
and looks to rally now.
[Cole] SmackDown side of things. Carmelo Hayes, Tama Tonga.
Randy Orton and LA Knight, advancing to the quarterfinals.
They continue this coming Friday night on
SmackDown in the King of the Ring tournament.
Kofi back to his feet again,
attacking the injured leg of Gunther.
Kofi, doing the damage before this matchup even got underway.
A blow right to the kidney.
[McAfee] A shot to the back, he'll feel this tomorrow.
That's Gunther wrestling.
[Cole] And Kofi though made a return, look at the SOS in the--
Gunther would not allow him to connect.
Kofi lands on his feet. The leg gives out for Gunther.
Kofi Kingston.
[McAfee] Speed.
[indistinct]
[Cole] Kofi top rope, down goes Gunther.
Can Kofi capitalize?
[McAfee] If anything, he gives him a breather.
To recalibrate.
[Cole] Look at the height of Kofi Kingston.
[McAfee] To a standing Gunther, cross body.
Frog splash cross body to get Kofi back into this as New Day rocks,
in Greenville.
[Cole] Great match up in the quarterfinals.
The King of the Ring, Gunther, looking for the Boston Crab again.
He did this to Kofi Kingston on the announce table before the commercial break
Champ of the ring.
Is Kofi gonna tap out, the already injured back of Kofi Kingston,
under an extreme amount of pressure here,
Kofi trying to fight out of this.
[Cole] Fighting back is Kingston.
[McAfee] Getting to the leg of Gunther.
[Cole] Tremendous heart in this man. Kingston caught him.
SOS to Gunther.
Kofi wants to put him away to advance to the semifinals,
and Gunther kicks out.
The former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston.
A four time Intercontinental Champion. Three time United States Champion.
And, of course, a 14 time Tag Team Champion.
Giving "The Ring General" Gunther, all he can handle tonight
in front of a packed house in Greenville, South Carolina.
The quarterfinals for the men's King of the Ring tournament.
[crowd chanting]
[Cole] Tremendous night of action so far.
Kofi Kingston dragging himself to the top rope.
[McAfee] Ring goers doing all of the commentating we need right now.
This is awesome.
[Cole] Dropkick, kicks him toward the corner.
[McAfee] This is for a crown.
This is for a legacy.
This is for forever.
[Cole] Big clothesline turns Kingston inside out. Gunther to cover.
-Hooks the leg now of Kofi. -One, two--
Kofi stays alive.
You have to wonder…
Gunther is starting to get frustrated over the fact
that he has not be able to put Kofi away.
[speaking indistinctly]
Huh?
[Cole] Dragging Kofi to the corner, what's Gunther have in mind now?
Get back in the ring.
[Cole] And again remember…
Already injured back of Kofi Kingston,
Gunther's been working on through the entire match up,
and he's gonna try to do some more damage.
Oh my.
Two, three--
[Cole] Twisting Kofi like a pretzel,
along the ring post.
You heard Kofi screaming out in agony.
[McAfee] And enjoys just inflicting
cruel and unusual punishment.
[Cole] And Gunther hoisting Kingston up,
and Kofi turns it around, sends Gunther's face to the ring post.
Kofi's got a chance.
[Cole] Kofi looking to rally, back to his feet.
Trouble in Paradise.
Gunther down outside the ring.
-Kofi's gotta get him back inside. -Two.
-[McAfee] Gunther's flat back right now. -Three.
Critical point of the match up both men down,
in front of the announce table, the official.
-Eddie Orengo, in the count of five now. -Five.
Who's gonna beat the count?
Kofi Kingston.
Can he get a count out win over Gunther?
Seven.
Down to seven now.
Kingston in the apron.
Gunther up at the announce table.
Gunther's totally down.
Kingston beat the count.
Gunther barely beats the count.
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] We're talking about a quarter of a second right there.
[Cole] High pressure moment.
Kingston and Gunther made it back to the ring.
Kofi Kingston, now measuring his man.
Kofi looking to explode out of the corner, went for Trouble in Paradise.
Gunther able to hook Kingston up into a Powerbomb.
Stacks him up.
Kickout now.
Wait a minute, Gunther turns into a Boston crab.
Middle of the ring, Kingston with nowhere to go, pressure on the back,
Gunther screaming, Kingston trying to hang on.
-But he's gonna tap out. -[bell dinging]
[crowd cheering]
[Lilian Garcia] Here is your winner by submission,
The Ring General,
Gunther.
[Cole] Gunther is now in the semifinals,
after an incredible battle
against the veteran, the former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston here tonight.
[Cole] Let's take a look at the updated brackets
now on the Monday Night Raw side.
Gunther advances to the semifinals next week, Pat.
He takes on the winner of our matchup later on tonight,
either Jey Uso or Ilja Dragunov.
[McAfee] And we officially know that the crown will be out a new day.
After an incredible reign by Xavier Woods.
Gunther knocks out Kofi and now…
The Ring General is dreaming of this.
Where his head is the heavy one with the crown.
Well you know, the finals of the King and Queen
of the Ring tournaments, will take place a week from Saturday.
A special start time of 1:00 Eastern, 10:00 on the West Coast on Peacock,
is part of the King and Queen of the Ring Premium live event
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Also there, a Becky Lynch defends the Women's Championship,
against Liv Morgan,
who confronted Becky last week here on Monday Night Raw.
And after all that,
the fact that I still can't get an ounce of respect out of you,
literally blows my mind.
And you talk about all those things that you've done.
Liv, you'd never beat me.
["We Got The Rage" playing]
Look at that, Liv Morgan gets a title shot,
that she did absolutely nothing to earn.
[Cole] The Damage CTRL, who vows to take over Monday Night Raw.
Not my problem.
And Liv said, not my problem.
She backed out on Becky Lynch.
Damage CTRL with the numbers before--
Becky was helped out by that woman.
Lyra Valkyria,
coming in the aid of the Champion.
Let's head back to the locker room with Jackie Redmond.
So, thank you so much, Lyra.
I wanted to check in and see how you're feeling after last week's
big debut here on Monday Night Raw.
Not only did you defeat Dakota Kai but,
you also made quite a statement coming to the aid of one Becky Lynch.
Jackie, what a perfect way to kick start my rise to the top of Monday Night Raw
and send a little message at the same time.
Damage CTRL better get used to seeing me on Monday Nights.
Because I'm here to stay.
And anytime Becky needs a little
Irish backup in her corner,
I'm gonna be there.
Thank you for having my back.
I'm happy to have you on Raw.
Well, crush it tonight.
Fighting Irish, Jackie.
Becky's the best, eh?
Well, listen, let me ask you about tonight's match.
You're going to take on Zoey Stark.
How have you been preparing
for that in today's Queen of the Ring tournament match?
-Well, Zoey Stark and I have never gone-- -[Liv] Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
-I just wanted to say hello, -[crowd cheering]
and to congratulate you.
I think you're gonna have so much fun in Raw.
Oh.
Thanks, Liv, that's actually really nice of you.
Of course.
Um, I do have a question though really quick.
Has Becky always been such a bitch?
Why don't you ask her yourself?
[Cole] Oh.
I'm not the one that's scared of a face to face fight.
Bitch.
[crowd cheering]
Kofi.
Tough loss.
But don't worry.
There's always more time to turn things around.
Hey, Kof.
-I got that ice. -Yeah, thank you, bro.
What did he want?
I don't know.
You all right?
["Battle Tested" playing]
[Cole] Carrying cross,
and his final testament.
Now, apart from Monday Night Raw coming over in the graft.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Black Forest, South Australia,
weighing in at 330 pounds,
"Big" Bronson Reed.
[Cole] A week from Saturday,
King and Queen of the Ring.
Premium Live event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Will feature this man, "Big" Bronson Reed, in a Triple Threat match
for the Intercontinental Championship, with Chad Gable and Sami Zayn.
And it is "Big" Bronson Reed's time.
[McAfee] Well, Chad Gable sucks so.
We're certainly hoping he's not the one winning this thing,
But "Big" Bronson Reed can certainly be the guy
riding a little bit of momentum.
To an Intercontinental title.
["Shoooosh" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent accompanied to the ring by Chad Gable,
representing Alpha Academy.
Akira Tozawa.
[Cole] So Pat, obviously, you were an athlete
in the highest levels of competition, playing in the NFL,
played in a Super Bowl.
It's gotta be…
a bit of a drag, to have a little league type dad like Chad Gable,
an overbearing type of coach.
-Always on you. -[Cole] Yeah.
Trying to motivate you in that manner.
-[bell dinging] -Does this style by Chad Gable work?
[McAfee] I mean, there's certainly been…
Yeah, I mean, he's done this before in his life,
before you started barking at him.
-Chad Gable. -[Cole] That is true.
Tozawa using his quickness though.
Got Lita, the balance of it.
I taught him that.
[McAfee] You see, now he's taking credit.
-Oh. -He's taking credit for everything.
I mean, yeah, this is just classic narcissist.
We don't like anything about Chad Gable right now and--
[Cole] Tozawa top rope, Bronson Reed sent down to the mat.
Tozawa may have an opportunity.
-Tozawa fired up. -[Chad] Hey!
I don't know if he's doing this, uh--
Chad said don't do that dance.
-You idiot. -I hope he does that dance.
I didn't, I didn't teach him that.
Well Chad now saying, I didn't teach him that.
-Don't be a moron. What are you doing? -Tozawa up on the top rope.
Bronson Reed will catch Tozawa now.
And this fight
Turns out into a Death Valley Driver.
What a move by the big man.
The 330 pounder Bronson Reed.
And I believe it's a--
All over but the crying for Tozawa.
Reed top rope. Tsunami!
-One, two, three. -[Cole] Reed's ready
for the Intercontinental Championship match.
[announcer] Here is your winner,
"Big" Bronson Reed.
[McAfee] As he exits, Chad Gable enters.
Yelling and moaning, throwing a temper tantrums.
[Cole] Yeah, what would you do if your coach got--
In your face like that Pat, after you lost?
[McAfee] I was a punter so I would have to sit there and take it,
but if I was Tozawa, I'd try to smack him in the mog.
[indistinct]
Was it good?
Excuse me, Gunther. Congratulations on that--
Not today.
What's going on here?
First thing, when he comes out of there, you bother him right away.
The first thing he has to do coming out of the ring, winning the match
is answering your questions. What are we doing here?
There is no doubt that Gunther's momentum is
undeniable, but I did want to address his
history with some of the other competitors still in the tournament.
Last time he faced Ilja Dragunov in NXT.
Ilja was actually victorious.
Jey Uso's loss to Gunther
was actually partially due to Jimmy Uso's interference.
And then last week you actually used some underhanded tactics against Sheamus.
Who are we talking about here?
We are talking about The Ring General.
We are talking about the most successful,
the longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion in history.
I mean 666 days.
Gunther does not have to prove anything
to anyone around here.
Is that clear?
And then you mentioned Sheamus.
If anyone out there,
actually believes, matter of fact,
if Sheamus himself believes that he lost that match because of me last week,
the guy must be delusional.
You know what? I give it to him.
Sheamus has had a legendary career.
No problem admitting that,
but one thing he never achieved in his legendary career and that is,
beating The Ring General.
Never happened, never going to happen.
All right?
Matter of fact, Sheamus should be standing right here next to me.
He should be standing here, thanking me, because Ludwig Kaiser
saved Sheamus last week.
And if Sheamus has a problem with that,
Ludwig Kaiser is gonna be the guy
to put him out of his misery.
Expose him
and embarrass him in front of the whole wide world.
We're done here.
Thank you so much for your time.
I'm here with Raw general manager, Adam Pearce.
Adam, let's talk about this big announcement
that you have tonight regarding those World Tag--
-[knock on door] -Oh, sorry. Come in.
Talk to him.
Easy. Take it easy.
Sorry, Jackie.
Mr. Pearce, Pete and I,
we just want to thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts
for this opportunity on Monday Night Raw,
to show some unbelievable tekkers courtesy of the New Catch Republic.
All right, I certainly appreciate that.
Gonna wish you both good luck and a very warm welcome to Monday Night Raw.
-Thank you. Thank you. -Thank you.
New Catch Republic.
Look, the draft is behind us, okay? The tag division has a new look.
It's a new era, and that means new opportunity.
So tonight I'm sanctioning a Fatal 4-Way Match.
We need number one contenders for the World Tag Team titles.
So, it'll be the New Catch Republic
against the Authors of Pain,
against The Creed Brothers,
against JD McDonagh and Finn Bálor of The Judgment Day,
and the winner gets the crack at the World Tag Team titles.
Oh my gosh, I love this.
Opportunity certainly in the air in the Tag Team division but…
Adam, while I have you, I do have one other question.
Um, the WWE Universe is wondering
why Bron Breakker a top pick for Raw in the draft,
wasn't included in the King of the Ring tournament.
Can you explain that decision?
Are you a broadcast journalist?
-Sure, I am. -Yes, you are.
Look, I talked to Bron last week.
Unlimited potential, anybody with two eyes can see it.
The guys that I have on the Raw side,
the King of the Ring, they've earned it at the highest level.
I've explained that to Bron. I don't wanna shove him in the deep end, right.
-He deserves it, but he's going to-- -Uh…
The deep end, huh?
-[crowd cheering] -[chuckles]
Let me explain something here, all right.
My opponents, when it comes to King of the Ring,
I wouldn't have been in the deep end with them.
They would have been in the deep end with me, all right?
I would have drug them all
under water and watched them drown
right in front of me.
And smiled.
I should have been in the damn tournament.
Wow.
[barking]
The dogs are barking, Cole.
Bron Breakker should have been in the tournament.
Adam Pearce, yet again, bald stooge.
Well, speaking of tournaments, we have a--
[barking]
-Our final-- -That's gonna be so much fun.
We're gonna be able to do that, just whenever the hell we want.
[barking]
-Final-- -[barking]
Final quarterfinal matchup in the Women's side of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
This is how we got here.
[man] The Queen of the Ring tournament kicked off last Monday
with hard hitting, first round matchups.
The relentless Zoey Stark,
went to battle against the Pitbull Ivy Nile.
[Cole] And here comes Zoey Stark.
These two competitors pushed each other to their limit,
but it was Zoey Stark who blazed her path to the quarterfinals.
Dakota Kai went up against the newest addition to the Raw Women's roster.
Lyra Valkyria.
Kai's educated strikes kept her in the match,
but Valkyria showed composure in the heat of combat.
[Cole] And she pushed Dakota away.
[man] Tonight, the Queen of the Ring tournament continues
as Zoey Stark takes on former NXT Women's Champion Lyra Valkyria.
Will Zoey Stark keep her momentum rolling?
I'm just getting started.
Or will Lyra Valkyria make lightning strike twice?
I'm here to show that my name belongs among the very best.
["Cut Above The Rest" playing]
[McAfee barking]
That's the last one.
Here we go.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following is a quarter finals match
in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Introducing first from Las Vegas, Nevada,
Zoey Stark.
[Cole] The confident powerhouse.
No nonsense.
Understands this is a big opportunity here tonight to advance,
in the Queen of the Ring tournament, Zoey Stark.
Zoey beat Ivy Nile
in the first round to get to this point tonight.
[McAfee] We're talking fast lane to the top
to win the Queen of the Ring title.
[Cole] On the Women's first round there.
Earlier tonight…
IYO SKY, with a tremendous battle against Shayna Baszler,
advances to the semifinals.
She will take on the winner of this match.
Valkyria or Stark,
here on Monday Night Raw.
["Triumph" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent from Dublin, Ireland
Lyra Valkyria.
[Cole] She is resilient.
Mystical.
Sensational.
The former NXT Women's Champion.
Lyra Valkyria, stepping into the ring for the first time ever against Zoey Stark,
in this quarterfinal match up here tonight.
[McAfee] That's sweet with the crowd there
[Cole] Lyra, knocking off the Dakota Kai last week to
move into the quarterfinals here tonight.
Lyra started Fight Factory Pro, a Dublin, Ireland native.
Valkyria would rise up the ranks over the past couple of years.
Beat Becky Lynch to win the NXT Women's Championship.
has formed an alliance with the current Women's World Champion.
[McAfee] Ireland is becoming a WWE superstar factory quickly.
[Cole] Becky Lynch once had some
high praise for Zoey Stark.
Becky called her intense and athletic.
She's got a attitude but,
she's going to be a player here
-in WWE. -[bell dinging]
Those are the words of the current World Champion.
And here we go, collar and elbow tie up Stark and
Valkyria underway quarterfinals Queen of the Ring.
[McAfee] King and Queen of the Ring matches have been--
Who do you think you are, huh?
[McAfee] Stupendous,
this evening.
[Cole] Valkyria with the side headlock on Stark.
[McAfee] It's nice to know that when the biggest moments arrive,
our future King or Queen,
perform at the highest level.
[Cole] Valkyria was so emotional the night she was drafted from NXT,
to join the Monday Night Raw Roster.
Another deep armed drag takedown.
[McAfee] She's floating through the ring.
Just gliding around.
[Cole] Says she channels the spirit of Morgan.
You're nothing.
The goddess of War in Irish mythology.
[McAfee] Of course, Sláinte
[Cole] They would take the form of Ravens,
and decide who would live or die on the battlefield against Valkyria,
and her persona here in WWE.
And Lyra gonna launch herself out to the apron.
Zoey Stark trying to regroup.
Valkyria went for the kick,
and Zoey Stark, able to block, at least momentarily.
Zoey moves out of harm's way.
Clothesline, down goes Valkyria
Zoey Stark in control, quarterfinals matchup continues.
[Cole] And we are back live on Monday Night Raw
quarterfinal matchup, Queen of the Ring tournament.
Zoey Stark.
Like a sniper.
Cover.
Hook on the leg and a kick out by Lyra Valkyria.
Stark, with that missile dropkick took out Valkyria. Almost had her there.
[McAfee] This city was telling Zoey that she sucked during the commercial break.
And how does she answer?
Springboard. Missile dropkick.
-That's the best dropkick in the World. -[Cole] Just like a sniper.
-Come on, Pat. -[McAfee] She said best in the World.
[Cole] She wants you to talk her up, she's trying to tell you.
[McAfee] Best in the World, Zoey.
-Is that what she wanted me to say? -[Cole] Exactly.
[McAfee] Queen of the Ring winner.
[Cole] Not yet, we don't mean it.
-Maybe. -Only the quarterfinals but--
She was listening.
Zoey is well on her way.
Trying to dominate Lyra Valkyria in this match up.
[McAfee] Lyra, very well on her way as well.
[Cole] Oh.
Elbow kick to the knee by Stark.
Precision strikes.
Fierce aggression, Zoey Stark. Valkyria, though, with the quickness.
gonna put Stark away, kick out at two.
Very athletic and reflexive is Valkyria.
[McAfee] Channeling her inner goddess, Morgan.
[Cole] Very good, Pat.
Goddess of war.
Oh, an Irish kickout.
And a kick, got Zoey on the ear.
And now Valkyria starting to fire up.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Lyra. Oh!
Down goes Stark. What impact.
[McAfee] That's awesome.
Zoey, back into the ring.
Valkyria quickly gonna climb the ropes up to the top rope,
getting fired up, feeding off the WWE fans.
Valkyria, cross body.
[Cole] Zoey Stark all out of sorts after Valkyria hit that cross body.
[McAfee] Roll through and then she got up and then now--
[Cole] Tornado DDT…
dropped Zoey right on the top of her head, cover now…
-by Lyra for the win. -One, two--
Stark at two.
Zoey Stark hanging in this matchup.
[McAfee] Lyra Valkyria.
Brand new to Raw, making a name for herself quick.
[Cole] Yeah, but we gotta dig down deep now,
in the deep waters of Zoey Stark.
This is where you prove yourself.
Been able to hang in there win the match in the late innings.
[crowd chanting] Lyra! Lyra!
[McAfee] South Carolina screaming her name.
[Cole] Standing switch by Valkyria into the waist lock.
Oh, elbow caught her.
Oh.
Blow right to the back of the neck, and now Zoey Stark.
[McAfee] Some old school shots there from Zoey.
[Cole] Oh, look at that kippah by Valkyria.
Missed with that. Stark caught her on that end.
Now Zoey, up over the top goes Valkyria.
Stark for the win,
to advance in the tournament.
Valkyria kicks at two.
[McAfee] Full body shock there from Valkyria, as she hit the mat.
Zoey thought she had her.
The persistence here.
[Cole] The fierce aggression of Zoey Stark.
Now gonna head up to the top rope, with Lyra in trouble.
[McAfee] Very comfortable up here as well.
[Cole] From high above the ring, Valkyria rolls out of harm's way.
Stark lands on her feet. Oh!
That spinning heel kick caught Zoey.
Now Valkyria…
looking for that tornado DDT again.
Stark, able to counter into a suplex.
Valkyria hit the corner hard
grabbed her knee covered by Stark to put her away.
Lyra's got a kick out.
[McAfee] Zoey starting to yell at the refs.
Looks like an NBA playoff game.
[Cole] And frustration is starting to set in.
[McAfee] Smack in the mouth this late
A little toughness check from both of them.
[Cole] A big kick by Stark.
Stunning Valkyria.
Oh, went for the Z-360.
Lyra, able to counter…
into the Nightwing.
-Great counter by Valkyria for the win. -[crowd chanting] One, two, three.
-[bell dinging] -She advances to the semifinals.
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Lyra Valkyria.
[Cole] Lyra Valkyria will advance to the semifinals to meet IYO SKY,
next week on Monday Night Raw.
This is a great ending sequence.
Zoey went for the Z-360.
Valkyria able to turn it into the Nightwing,
for the win.
[crowd chanting] One, two, three.
[bell dinging]
[McAfee] The debut couple of weeks here for Lyra.
Very deserving to continue to move on here
-at the point of the ring. -The updated bracket here in
the Monday Night Raw side of things semifinal set for next week in
Greensboro, North Carolina.
IYO SKY.
Lyra Valkyria.
Let's head up to the ring.
Jackie Redmond's with our winner.
Lyra, you are making quite a first impression here on Monday Night Raw.
Congratulations on advancing to the semifinal
of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Is there anything that you would like to say,
to IYO SKY ahead of next week's match?
Jackie, you wanna know why I'm so confident?
[speaking Gaelic]
And you'll find out what that means.
But all I really want to say to everybody here is I am Lyra Valkyria.
I am a former NXT Women's Champion,
and I only travel as the crow flies.
Straight to the top.
[chuckles]
[Cole] Lyra speaking…
Gaelic.
Oh, Celtic language of the Scottish pilots
Lyra Valkyria will face IYO SKY,
as the semifinals for the Raw women are set,
in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Later on tonight, we will set the semifinals
for the King of the Ring tournament earlier on, Gunther advanced
as he knocked off Kofi Kingston.
Still to come, Ilja Dragunov. "Main Event" Jey Uso.
This is how they advanced.
Yeet.
[man] The time draws me for the next round of
the King of the Ring tournaments quarter finals.
After replacing an injured Drew McIntyre,
"Main Event" Jey Uso entered the fray against The Judgment Day, Finn Bálor,
and secured a huge win.
[Cole] Jey Uso advances.
[man] And later that night,
the Mad Dragon, Ilja Dragunov,
made an emphatic scoop
[McAfee] Instant classic on Monday Night.
[man] As he paved his way through Ricochet to advance.
As both Raw Superstars forge ahead,
their paths now converge when they go one on one for the first time.
I want to fight the best.
I'll prove to you why they call me "Main Event" Jey Uso.
Who will be one step closer to becoming the King of the Ring?
[clapping]
-Uh-huh. -[crowd cheering]
Uh-huh.
Drew McIntyre couldn't cut it.
So they put your boy in the King of the Ring tournament.
Last week,
Finn Bálor got the yeet down.
Tonight, though,
the newcomer, Ilja Dragunov,
welcome to Monday Night Raw, Uce.
But you're gonna get this work too.
Just like next week The Ring General,
Gunther.
Yeet down.
And then I'm gonna get a new crown
where it's gonna go down,
where I become the new King of the Ring.
[crowd chanting] Yeet.
Yeet.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Cole] Jey is so ready for later on tonight.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following contestant is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Montreal, Quebec Canada,
weighing at 212 pounds,
he is the Intercontinental Champion,
Sami Zayn.
[Cole] Sami defend to the Triple Threat a week from Saturday,
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia against Chad Gable and Bronson Reed.
Chad Gable, told his main man Otis,
gave his marching orders.
Take out Sami Zayn tonight.
They meet live next.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] We're back live on Monday Night Raw.
There is the Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn,
to take on Otis, here tonight.
But a week from Saturday,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat match.
Sami defends against Bronson Reed, and Chad Gable.
First man to gain pinfall or submission will be the Champion.
No champion's advantage for Sami Zayn.
["Shoooosh" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent accompanied to the ring by Chad Gable.
Representing Alpha Academy.
Weighing at 330 pounds,
Otis.
[Cole] Alpha Academy should start thinking about
what to do with their coach, Chad Gable.
Maxxine lost in a opening round tournament match,
the Queen of the Ring last night.
Earlier tonight, Tozawa lost the match up to "Big" Bronson Reed,
and now Otis goes in
against Sami Zayn with his marching orders to take out Sami before the,
the King of the Ring, Queen of the Ring event, a week from Saturday.
[McAfee] And this Chad Gable guy has just been barking and walking alongside
the entire Alpha Academy for the last couple of weeks.
[Cole] So a match up underway Sami Zayn,
the Intercontinental Champion against Otis.
Good warm up for Sami tonight if he could take out Otis 'cause,
Otis is the same size and weight as "Big" Bronson Reed.
[McAfee] And Chad Gable said, Alpha Academy's number one guy.
Otis can knock out Sami a little bit, that helps him.
[Cole] And Chad was not happy with Tozawa's performance
earlier tonight against Reed.
Right back elbow by Otis who--
That's my guy.
[McAfee] Chad Gable told Otis,
"We don't need any worms or hip gyrating tonight."
[Cole] All business and that seems to be where Otis is.
Into the corner.
Big splash.
[McAfee] We need to see the worm.
We want to see Otis' worm.
Gyrate those hips, big fella.
You've earned it.
Oh, yeah.
Involuntary spasms in the hips.
No, no.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] Gable calling it off
[McAfee] Oh, he's feeling it now.
[Chad] Otis, don't do it.
No worm.
[McAfee] Bust out your worm, Otis.
[Cole] Otis said to hell with it.
[McAfee] Yeah.
[Cole] And Chad Gable not happy.
[McAfee] Boom
Big old worm.
[Cole] Big old elbow.
Sami in trouble.
Gable's livid.
[McAfee] Oh, the fun police,
Chad Gable hates it.
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] He's a whiner like Rick Carlisle.
And now Otis,
-up the second rope-- -Rick Carlisle is the winner,
okay, as a Coach.
Otis, now up the second rope.
Nobody home, went for the splash.
Sami rolled out of harm's way.
Gable barking in his face
cost Otis the match up.
Helluva Kick by Sami.
-Into the cover for the win. -One, two three.
-[bell dinging] -[crowd cheering]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
The Intercontinental Champion,
Sami Zayn.
[Cole] Well that's the perfect case of the coach cost you the match, Pat.
[McAfee] This guy sucks as a coach,
as a person,
as a personality.
[Cole] Now Sami Zayn begging Gable to get in the ring.
Sami Zayn's had enough of him.
Chad Gable as well, the man who suplexed him
in front of his wife and his hometown of Montreal.
[indistinct shouting]
[crowd clamoring]
Sami Zayn, with a suplex to Gable.
And Gable deserved that, he was berating, abusing,
shoving Otis around.
And Chad Gable able to roll out of harm's way,
as Sami went for the Helluva Kick.
[McAfee] Thank you, Sami, for stopping all that.
Otis, didn't deserve any of it.
-Coach, coach. -Oh, no he's--
helping up his--
This is your fault anyway.
-What'd I do? -This is your fault.
[crowd exclaims]
[McAfee] Is everything okay with Otis?
[crowd chanting] Otis, Otis, Otis.
[McAfee] You're better than him, Otis.
[Cole] It's got to be Gable, but
coming on Monday Night Raw.
The Women's World Champions in action, Becky Lynch.
She's got trouble on the horizon with Damage CTRL.
Becky, Dakota Kai, live next on Raw.
["FE!N" playing]
In case you've been living under a rock.
Professional wrestling is electrifying once again.
WWE is on fire right now.
Next year,
we're bringing the show of shows.
to Las Vegas.
Wrestlemania in the entertainment capital of the World,
Only question is…
Are you ready?
I wanted to come out here and wish y'all good luck.
You got a hell of an opportunity in front of you tonight.
It's been fun watching y'all make a name for yourself on Monday Night Raw.
You got a heck of a career.
I mean, look at the pipes on this one.
You're giving me a run for my money.
[all laughing]
-And you're no slash-- -[JD] Hey, Strow.
What do you want?
I'm here on Judgment Day business.
And?
But we run Monday Night Raw.
And we don't appreciate you sticking your nose in our business.
So what?
So consider yourself warned.
Did you hear that?
I've been warned by The Judgment Day.
But anyways, back when I said, good luck tonight.
Go out there and kick some ass.
["Kombat" playing]
[McAfee] JD McDonagh's talking to Braun Strowman.
[Cole] Remember, Damian told JD to take care of the Braun problem.
[McAfee] Broke his neck looking straight up.
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, accompany by IYO SKY
and Kairi Sane,
representing Damage CTRL,
Dakota Kai.
[Cole] Damage CTRL has made it pretty clear,
they wanna take over Monday Night Raw like they did
Friday Night SmackDown!
[McAfee] IYO, gets a big win earlier.
[Cole] IYO SKY, now in the semifinals
of the Queen of the Ring tournament, takes on Lyra Valkyria,
next week here on Monday Night Raw.
Kairi Sane, of course.
What happened to the former WWE Tag Team Champion?
Asuka.
Asuka, resting with an injury.
As Dakota Kai
gets set for action here tonight against the Women's World Champion.
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[announcer] And her opponent from Dublin, Ireland,
she is the Women's World Champion,
"The Man"
Becky Lynch.
[Cole] A week from Saturday.
WWE is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Special start time of one o'clock on the East Coast,
ten o'clock on the West Coast,
eight o'clock p.m., local time in Jeddah.
Becky Lynch defends the Women's World Championship
against Liv Morgan.
But tonight what an opportunity packed for Dakota Kai.
If she could knock off
the Women's World Champion on Monday Night Raw.
[McAfee] Absolutely.
Hell of a start for their Raw run for Damage CTRL.
You knock off our Champ?
This is a huge match for Dakota.
The Man blessing us with a Championship.
And a fight for Dakota kai.
[Cole] A widely shrewd leader of Damage CTRL,
Dakota Kai.
Who is the mastermind behind the excommunication of Bayley.
Who would go on to win the WWE Women's Championship
successfully defended it at Backlash.
So, Becky Lynch and Dakota kai,
one on one here tonight, Monday Night Raw.
Well Becky's gotta be careful
with Kairi Sane and IYO SKY roaming around at ringside.
[McAfee] Damage CTRL is always gonna try to gain an advantage.
Liv Morgan has been targeting Becky Lynch.
Remember Liv is the one who took Rhea Ripley out of action today.
Attack in the backstage area.
Forcing Rhea to vacate the Women's Championship.
Becky would go on to win a battle Royal,
to be crowned the new champ.
Came down to Becky and Liv Morgan, the final two,
before Becky would hang on and win.
One, two--
[McAfee] Dakota Kai getting her head bounced like a basketball
off the top turnbuckle by our Champion.
Celtics beat the Cavs today
[Cole] Here's Becky Lynch.
Baseball slide, down goes Dakota.
Becky Lynch, promise the fighting Champion,
taking the fight to Dakota Kai.
[McAfee] One of the main reasons why she thought she was the perfect one.
To take over whenever Rhea got injured,
after Liv Morgan attacked her backstage.
We talked a lot about this last week in our interview with Becky.
The disappointment for Lynch not being able to beat Rhea Ripley at Wrestlemania.
A lot has been documented about the strep throat illness,
that Becky had to battle through and gave Rhea the fight of her life.
forced to come in in the end.
Oh.
[McAfee] Now she's got IYO SKY getting involved.
[Cole] A bittersweet month.
Before Becky could go on to win the battle Royal to become Champion.
Now Kairi Sane calls it a distraction.
Dakota Kai, with a kick able to take over.
Kairi got up there and then acted like she hurt herself.
And Eddie Orengo got distracted.
[McAfee] Phenomenal referee obviously wanted to check on everybody's wellbeing,
and Dakota Kai took advantage.
This is Damage CTRL wrestling. This is what they want to do.
Distract and dominate and do damage. That's what they're controlling.
[Cole] And Becky knew what she was getting into in this fight tonight.
Becky, never one to back down from a challenge.
Mentioned before Lyra Valkyria,
who is now in the semifinals
Queen of the Ring tournament,
won the NXT Women's Championship for Becky Lynch.
Becky talks about giving so many people opportunities here in WWE,
but turns against Dakota tonight.
Into the corner goes Kai.
Becky.
Dakota now.
Becky, now the kick.
[McAfee] Got a run up kick to the--
to the midsection.
Knocking down, Becky, obviously,
Damage CTRL is on the outside celebrating.
Very supportive, very menacing.
[Cole] Dakota looking to wear Becky down.
Becky slinging Dakota across the ring.
Enzuigiri caught Dakota in the face.
[McAfee] Dakota stumbling back to the corner.
Can Becky take advantage?
[Cole] Nobody home.
Dakota with her quickness moves out of harm's way.
And Becky now using the ropes to her advantage.
Both women down.
Competitive match up here, live on Monday Night Raw.
We are back live on Monday Night Raw.
The Women's World Champion Becky Lynch, in a fight tonight,
against Dakota Kai of Damage CTRL.
Becky, a week from Saturday, defends the Championship against Liv Morgan,
the King and Queen of the Ring event in Saudi Arabia.
Roll up now.
Dakota.
A kick out by Becky.
And Dakota Kai, right back on the attack.
Dakota, very aggressive tonight.
She's showing out Pat.
[McAfee] Oh yes, she is.
[Cole] Bang right to the back of Becky's neck.
Dakota, under the cover, she may pin the Women's World Champion in here
and a kick out by Becky.
What a win this would be for Dakota Kai tonight.
[McAfee] It certainly would be and I think Becky
did a little something to save herself some extra damage.
Dakota Kai has that springboard kicked in the back of the neck,
but it's not just the kick, it's also The Man Becky,
kind of defending herself from half the blow there.
That was incredible stuff from our Champion.
Well, yes, Dakota has everything you could potentially want.
WWE superstar and Damage CTRL is here to help along the way.
[Cole] Big right hand by Dakota.
And Becky Lynch, though--
Oh, runs into another right Dakota.
Perfect timing.
Kai sent out to the apron, shoulder to the midsection.
And Becky able to move out of harm's way.
A couple of right hands now by Becky Lynch unloading on Kai.
Uh, Becky.
[McAfee] Return a favor.
[Cole] There's that leg drop across the back of the neck.
Stands Dakota up.
Here's the cover isn't enough to put her away.
Kick out at two by Kai.
The Man being put to the test by the leader of Damage CTRL.
Becky, going to fight down deep.
Kairi Sane in a very unique way of cheerleading to lead Dakota Kai on.
Becky looking for the manhandle Slam, Kai able to counter.
A kick to the face.
[McAfee] Big kick from Dakota.
[Cole] Cover, hook on the leg.
Almost had Becky near fall.
She was gonna steal one right there.
[McAfee] Pump kick potentially ends this.
[Cole] And Kai, upset and frustrated,
thought she had the Champ put away.
Very impressive Dakota Kai tonight.
[McAfee] Definitely.
Battling our Champion.
[Cole] To the top rope took a little bit too much time,
and the veteran Becky Lynch met her there.
New York Times bestseller.
Our current Champion.
Becky Lynch, on top of the World,
but in an absolute dogfight here, with Dakota Kai.
[Cole] High above the ring Becky Lynch,
time out at the top rope,
capacity crowd looking on.
And Becky with a superplex.
and now,
into the armbar.
Dakota trying to block.
-One, two-- -Pinning combination.
Becky now…
shoulders down on Kai,
kicks at two.
One--
Now stacking Becky up,
and Becky with a disarm-her.
Becky, submissing in disarm-her,
-[bell dinging] -Damage CTRL setting off tonight
and IYO and Kairi attacking Becky Lynch.
[McAfee] You could sense it coming the entire match.
[Cole] Well, Becky Lynch had the disarm-her,
it was only a matter of time before IYO SKY tap.
Damage CTRL, attack.
and now Lyra Valkyria.
Who respect Becky Lynch as a Champion,
and all she's done for WWE.
Once again coming to the aid of The Man.
And the two women will face off next week in the semifinals
of Queen of the ring face to face.
Becky takes out IYO.
[McAfee] And the two women from Ireland
are the only ones standing in the ring right now.
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Liv Morgan.
Sending Becky into the post.
and now scooting out of harm's way
after the hit and run,
on the Women's World Champion, Becky Lynch.
Liv Morgan, who faces Becky a week from Saturday,
for the Women's World Championship,
sends a message to The Man tonight.
Let's head back to our broadcast colleague Jackie Redmond.
Cole, thank you so much.
I'm here with Ilja Dragunov.
Ilja, last week you kicked off the King of the Ring tournament
with a pretty thrilling victory over Ricochet.
Tonight it's Jey Uso in a quarterfinal matchup
that also happens to be our main event.
What is your mindset heading into this match?
Some people say
it's a dream of destiny to be here.
To be in this spot, to feel moments like this,
but for me, it's just not enough to be here.
I am here to make an impact
night in and night out.
and it starts with me becoming
the Czar of the ring.
Last week, Ricochet and I, we pushed ourselves to the absolute limits.
But when it was time to strike,
I took it.
And I promise to bring the same kind of fight to the "Main Event"
Jey Uso tonight.
And I know he's ready for a battle.
But what is waiting on the other side is a different kind of animal.
One only a few have beaten.
But I am more than just a different kind of animal.
I'm a different kind of a dragon.
I beat Gunther.
So, The Ring General the I,
we have a long history together,
so one thing is for sure,
it is not over.
[crowd gasping]
[crowd cheering]
[breathing heavily]
["The Other Side" playing]
[Cole] Well, Dragunov's got to knock off Jey Uso later on tonight
to meet Gunther,
in the semifinals.
The King of the Ring.
They say Czar the ring?
Yes.
Czar.
14-sar.
Either/or.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following is a World Tag Team Championship.
Number one contenders Fatal 4-Way Match.
Introducing first, representing The Judgment Day,
the team of JD McDonagh
and Finn Bálor.
[Cole] Oh, fresh off staring down Braun Strowman.
JD McDonagh--
McDonagh and Finn Bálor,
teaming up tonight in this Fatal 4-Way number one contenders match.
[McAfee] Did you say JD Mc-dumbass?
-Is that what you're about? -No, I didn't.
-You said JD McDomagh. -No.
I said, JD McDonagh.
Here in action next.
WWE fans are adjudicating because,
R-Truth and Miz, the Tag Champs are here.
Awesome Truth.
[McAfee] There's a lot of premature adjudicating happening in Greenville,
because how could you not with Awesome Truth out here.
-["Walk Of Life" playing] -Gotta figure out who their
next opponents are gonna be the Tag Titles.
Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh, await their opponents.
[announcer] Making their way to the ring,
Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate,
New Catch Republic.
[Cole] Coming over to Monday Night Raw the draft,
Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate.
Real exciting Tag Team.
[Cole] It's the Fatal Fatal 4-Way.
To determine the new number one contenders for the World Tag Team titles.
[McAfee] New Catch Republic.
They got it all.
Including a sweet towel throw there by Tyler Bate.
["Brothers" playing]
Oh,, yeah.
I like this.
[announcer] Next…
Brutus and Julius,
The Creed Brothers.
[Cole] Ton of athleticism in the ring tonight for the Fatal 4-Way Match.
First team to gain pinfall or submission,
will be number one contenders for the Tag Title.
[McAfee] A couple of hard guys.
Tough as nails.
They could eat those stairs if they had to.
[Cole] Brutus used to rip apart microwaves as a kid.
[McAfee] Oh yeah, I remember hearing about that.
He's the only human in history I do believe,
and it makes sense.
["The End Is Cold" playing]
All Americans from Ohio.
[Cole] We saw Karrion Kross earlier.
Here's his teammates from The Final Testament.
[announcer] And their opponents accompanied by Paul Ellering,
Scarlett,
and Karrion Kross,
representing The Final Testament
and a combined with a 618 pounds,
Akam, Rezar,
Authors of Pain.
[Cole] Akam on the left. Rezar on the right.
Rezar, goes 6'4, 340 pounds.
Akam, 6'2, 290.
Former Raw and NXT Tag Team Champions,
winners of the Dusty Rhodes Classic
from eight years ago,
Authors of pain.
Tremendous amateur background as well from these two men.
Four talented teams tonight,
to battle it out for an opportunity at the World Tag Team titles.
[McAfee] When Authors of Pain show up, you really see them, you know.
These two are intimidating.
[Cole] The mastermind Paul Ellering,
at ringside as well.
[bell dinging]
Former, uh, leader of the legendary Road Warriors, Legion of Doom.
As Finn Bálor starts things off against Tyler Bate.
Finn Bálor looking to regain the Tag Titles,
that he lost back in Wrestlemania when he
was a Tag Champ and Damian Priest lost the six pack
Challenge Ladder match.
And then there's dumb, and then there's McDonagh.
JD McDonagh, gonna win his first Championship,
here on Monday Night Raw.
Tyler Bate, such a unique performer.
Tremendous power, tremendous athleticism,
very unique offensive styles.
He makes a tag here.
Defeat none.
New Catch Republic now in control,
and "The Bruiserweight" Pete Dunne,
double team,
with Tyler Bate.
A big strong boy of New Catch Republic.
[McAfee] The hand steadying his way to a tag to a man
who wouldn't mind breaking every finger you've got.
[Cole] It's called joint manipulation.
Pete Dunne treats it as an art.
Punishing JD McDonagh.
[McAfee] Stomped the boot literally.
I thought Dominik Mysterio was the most unlikable part of Judgment Day.
I believe it may be McDonagh now as--
The tag is made by Julius Creed,
double teamed now by the Creed Brothers again.
You're gonna tag your partner into this matchup,
to make a tag.
Anyway, it's on the apron.
[McAfee] A lot of stealing of positions,
with a 4-Way Tag Team match.
Everybody wants a shot at the title.
[Cole] Oh and a big clothesline by Authors of Pain.
Akam and Rezar are cleaning house.
[McAfee] Wow! Wow!
[Cole] AOP.
landing Tyler Bate.
[McAfee] Playing New Catch Republic on top of each other.
[Cole] Good luck stopping these two.
Double teamed now by AOP.
[McAfee] New Catch Republic, catching bodies,
alongside the Creed Brothers.
[Cole] The Fatal 4-Way Match continues.
Who's going to be the number one contenders?
We're back live on Monday Night Raw.
This is a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team matchup where the winner,
will face Awesome Truth, R-Truth and Miz for the
World Tag Team title.
Judgment Day has taken over.
JD McDonagh and Finn Bálor.
Frequent tags in and out,
dominating Brutus Creed right now.
[McAfee] And the Judgment Day hasn't necessarily all been on the same page,
but these two have certainly been.
New Catch Republic off the apron,
Judgment Day working very well together,
in this Fatal 4-Way.
-Love to get some. Oh! -Oh.
Brutus Creed exploded into a clothesline.
[McAfee] A big opportunity now for the Creed Brothers perhaps.
[Cole] Yeah, they're electrifying.
[McAfee] Lightning in a bottle of these Creed Brothers.
[Cole] Tag.
Here comes Julius Creed.
And Julius with a belly to belly throw to Finn Bálor.
[McAfee] I believe, Romanov says, that's a flip into a camp,
into a kick.
[Cole] 6'3, 229 Julius Creed,
runs into a move by Finn Bálor and now a double team by Judgment Day.
Julius turns things around.
Look at the power of Creed.
Into a kickback
Awesome Truth is impressed.
[McAfee] How could you not be?
-Standing 450. -One,
Two--
-Oh. -some say its grabbing a shooting star.
-Ahead of myself there. -Let's make sure the numbers are right.
And JD now over the top rope.
-Look at this roll up now by Bálor. -One.
-Shoulders down, kick out. -Two.
[McAfee and Cole] Sling Blade!
[Cole] Julius Creed into the corner.
[McAfee] One moment you're in the penthouse,
then you're in the outhouse.
[Cole] Bálor, top rope. New Catch Republic, stop him there.
[McAfee] Slipped a little bit on the bottom rope.
I think that's why New Catch Republic was able to catch him.
[Cole] Now Authors of Pain, trying to run interference.
Feet down with the moonsault.
Oh my goodness, taking out Rezar,
Oh, and Creed.
To the top rope, superplex.
Cover for the win.
[crowd chanting] One, two--
Bálor, kicks out at two.
[McAfee] Pete Dunne with the Moonsault.
And Tyler Bate and then Julius Creed,
up to the top,
superplex Finn Bálor.
Creed Brothers looking for the Bruce Ball and,
JD McDonagh able to save the matchup.
Now, Authors of Pain get into the mix.
Incoming Rezar,
saying, "Good night",
Judgment Day,
taken down with the Powerball.
[McAfee] Authors of Pain, cheersing dudes right now.
And double teamed by the New Catch Republic.
Rezar send out of the ring by Dunne and Bate.
Akam.
[McAfee] Throwing New Catch Republic out of the ring.
[Cole] Now he's got Brutus.
Brutus got him.
Back Suplex by Brutus Creed.
Incredible.
Tag made, Tyler Bates legal.
[McAfee] You know what Brutus is thinking?
[Cole] Brutus from the top rope, tick, tick.
Brutus ball.
Bates legal.
Oh.
Look at the power.
Look at the power of Tyler Bate.
Lifting up Akam at 290 pounds.
[McAfee] Spin to win.
It's still spinning.
[Cole] Bálor, roll off.
-One, two-- -For the win.
Kick out by Bate.
Oh, Tyler Bate faked him out.
Tag, Dunne's legal.
[McAfee] Hey, lookie, lookie!
[Cole] Double teamed by New Catch Republic,
with the burning hammer.
Cover now.
-One, two-- -Hook on the leg by Dunne.
JD McDonagh, saving the matchup.
[McAfee] Very smart play by McDonagh.
[Cole] Tyler Bate now.
launching himself, oh my goodness.
McDonagh and Finn into the announce table.
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.
And now Pete Dunne.
[McAfee] Oh, yeah.
Pete Dunne beating the hell…
-out of McDonagh. -Who's here?
[McAfee] Carlito.
Carlito is here.
[Cole] Backstabber on the table,
to Pete Dunne.
Carlito has been trying to work his way into The Judgment Day.
Will it pay off tonight?
[McAfee] JD just swung that bucket of Pete Dunne.
through the cross.
-Thanks to the backstabber by Carlito. -One, two, three.
-Judgment Day number one contender. -[bell dinging]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of JD McDonagh
and Finn Bálor.
[Cole] Well, Carlito trying to prove his worth to The Judgment Day.
He told Damian Priest earlier tonight,
that even the most stubborn minds can be changed.
Did Carlito change Damian's mind?
And JD's Bálor and McDonagh,
become the number one contenders.
for the Tag titles.
Remember Fatal 4-Way Match tag,
no disqualification.
What Carlito did
was legal.
[McAfee] Why would you want to join the Judgment Day that's clearly,
what Carlito has in mind.
It has been quite the night here tonight, on Monday Night Raw, still to come, Pat.
We've got our other quarterfinal match up, Jey Uso, Ilja Dragunov,
in the King of the Ring tournament
next week on Monday Night Raw, Green Square, North Carolina.
Its stacking up to make quite the show.
Sami Zayn finally gets his hands on Chad Gable.
A few days before the Triple Threat match in Saudi Arabia.
And Sami and Chad, one on one next week.
We have our semifinal matchup in the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Lyra Valkyria.
IYO SKY.
Go one on one next week and also,
the semifinals matchup in the King of the Ring.
Gunther's advance.
Will he take on Jey Uso or Ilja Dragunov?
It all takes place next week,
live from Greensboro with Monday Night Raw.
Look, I just wanted to come and show respect for last week,
because that was one hell of a fight.
And the next time that this happens, the outcome will be different.
But look, as far as tonight goes, I just want to say good luck.
Go get that crown.
[crowd] Yeet. Yeet.
-["Main Event Ish" playing] -[laughing]
[McAfee] Light up Greenville.
[Cole] Get out the yeet lights.
[McAfee exclaims]
-Yeah. -[bell dinging]
[announcer] The following is a quarterfinal match
in the King of the Ring tournament.
Introducing first from San Francisco, California,
weighing in at 242 pounds,
"Main Event" Jey Uso.
[McAfee] Yeah. Yeah.
[Cole] They're yeeting on Monday Night Raw.
"Main Event" Jey Uso.
Looks to advance to the semifinals in the King of the Ring tournament
with Ilja Dragunov stands in his way.
Our main event is next.
Live on Raw.
[McAfee] Man, it's great to yeet all over South Carolina.
-You sure? -Yeah.
All right, on a serious note,
you and Rhea good?
Hey, guys.
Carlito, come on.
Number one contenders.
We're gonna have to clear off a spot in the wall those Tag titles are coming back.
Thank you, brother. Thank you.
What's up? What's up?
I get it.
I'm not wanted here.
Carlito…
what happened out there…
that was cool.
[all laughing]
-You said it. -That was cool.
See you, guys.
-Oh, Carlito. -Yeah, boy?
You talked about Rey earlier.
And I'm sure the boys are gonna have your back.
But you can handle your business, right?
-Yeah, of course. -Okay, good.
'Cause the crew doesn't roll with cowards.
Don't let us down, amigo.
Ain't nobody scared of Rey?
-Why would you be? -He called you amigo.
He just called me amigo, right?
[Cole] Damian Priest laying down the law.
Jey Uso getting set.
As we take a look at what's gone on so far in the King of the Ring tournament,
on the Raw side of things.
This is the uh, final quarterfinal matchup.
The winner of this match takes on Gunther next week, live from Greensboro,
on Monday Night Raw.
Is it Jey Uso's night?
["Death Waltz" playing]
[announcer] And his opponent from Moscow, Russia,
weighing at 210 pounds,
Ilja Dragunov.
[McAfee] Like a conductor of the orchestra.
[Cole] A Mad Dragon.
Ilja Dragunov,
will be in the semifinals next week in Greensboro, North Carolina,
against Gunther, or will it be Jey Uso.
[speaks Russian]
means invincible.
That is how Ilja Dragunov is described.
[McAfee] By?
[Cole] It's Russian.
[McAfee] Oh.
Well, that's the king yeet right there.
[bell dinging]
[Cole] One of these men will advance to the semifinals.
The King of the Ring bracket on Monday Night Raw.
Over on SmackDown, the quarterfinals take place this coming Friday.
Carmelo Hayes, Tama Tonga, Randy Orton, LA Knight,
have all advanced.
[McAfee] Ilja Dragunov obviously makes a great first impression last week.
[Cole] Knocked off Ricochet.
Jey Uso with a win over Finn Bálor.
[crowd chanting] Uso. Uso.
Jey has been quite the role as of late,
of course, beat his brother Jimmy at Wrestlemania.
A couple of wins over Finn Bálor in recent weeks,
but a Fatal 4-Way as well.
Had a great match with Damian Priest at Backlash,
for the World Heavyweight Championship.
[McAfee] Could be Champion right now.
[Cole] The man who says he has no tolerance for failure.
Mr. Dragunov.
[McAfee] Ilja Dragunov is obviously,
sculpted from the wrestling gods.
But is he ready for…
the lights, all of them?
Like what we have here in our main event at Raw.
[Cole] Dragunov, second rope.
Catches Uso and Dragunov is in control.
Main Event Jey Uso, looking to rally in this matchup.
Dragunov coming out of the box quickly here tonight.
[McAfee] Straight from that song he was conducting.
[Cole] Jey Uso, just like that.
Dropped Dragunov to the floor.
[McAfee] And that's what Jey can do.
[Cole] And here comes Jey Uso.
Uso and a suicide dive Dragunov, right into our announced table.
[McAfee] Jeez.
[Cole] That right there is classic Jey Uso.
-[McAfee] Vintage. -This match.
Vintage Jey Uso, Cole.
[crowd chanting] Yeet! Yeet!
[Cole] Dragunov--
Oh, and a boot right in the face of Uso.
Into the ring to break the count.
And right back on the attack.
[McAfee] Its right into the hydration station.
[Cole] And now clearing off our announce table.
Dragunov…
looking to make Jey Uso pay big chop.
Where are you going?
[Cole] Dragunov now
up to the barricade.
Uso's in trouble on the table.
No way.
[Cole] To the H Bomb! Nobody home.
Went for the H Bomb, Uso rolled out of harm's way.
[McAfee] That's big brain stuff from the yeet King.
[McAfee] Man, could you imagine if he would've hit that.
[Cole] And now Uso,
picking up and driving Dragunov over the announce table.
Chaos here at ringside.
Quarterfinals, King of the Ring.
We are back live on Monday Night Raw,
quarterfinal matchup, King of the Ring tournament.
Winner advances to the semifinals next week against Gunther.
Jey Uso, Ilja Dragunov.
And Dragunov with the abdominal stretch on Uso.
It's been a physical match up since the get go.
[McAfee] It certainly has and obviously
it was on the commentators table they almost got a double count out now.
[McAfee] Full on grip in the middle of this.
[Cole] And Jey trying to fight out of this.
Main event Jey Uso.
Sick toss.
Creates space.
Dragunov, impressive last week in his win over
Ricochet, came to Monday Night Raw in the draft from NXT,
former NXT Champion, NXT UK Champion as well.
Last man to beat Gunther prior to Sami Zayn's win at Wrestlemania.
[crowd] Yeet.
[McAfee] Just took a big right from Jey Uso.
[Cole] And delivers one of his own.
[crowd] Yeet!
[McAfee] Down to a knee goes the Russian.
[crowd] Yeet!
Oh.
[Cole] Now Dragunov starting to tee off on Uso.
Jey, down on one knee.
[McAfee] He asking for it, too.
[Cole] And Jey with a right of his own.
And here comes Uso now.
[crowd cheering]
And Jey, a little mustard on that one,
down goes Dragunov.
[McAfee] Little yeet sauce, for the,
Big right hand.
Oh, and a enzuigiri.
Down goes Dragunov.
What is Jey Uso at playing now.
[crowd chanting] Yeet! Yeet!
[Cole] Capacity crowd in Greenville.
Dragunov with a kick to the face.
[McAfee] The last thing anybody was looking for was
a boot to the face while the whole city is yeeting.
[Cole] Well, let's go Uso Champs.
Dragunov, measuring his man.
With the waist lock, looking for a German suplex.
[McAfee] Dragunov, so impressive.
[Cole] Like I said earlier,
[speaks German]
[in German] Invincible in German.
Dragunov delivering the German suplexes now.
-[McAfee] Russia. -No. It's German.
-[McAfee] That's Russian. -I corrected myself.
The suplex right there.
Yeah.
[McAfee] Impressive nonetheless.
[Cole] The waist lock now.
Uso, able to swing Dragunov aside.
Kick right into the midsection
Uso now with a big uppercut, here comes--
Oh, a kick by Dragunov.
Stunning Uso.
[McAfee] It was rolled with the slap
[Cole] Oh and that's the Constantine special.
-Cover by Dragunov to put him away, -One, two--
almost had him near fall.
[McAfee] …used his weight for momentum through the ropes.
[McAfee] So agile, so athletic, so powerful.
[Cole] The Constantine special.
Ilja Dragunov almost knocked off Jey Uso.
Matchup as advertised.
Fierce, competitive, physical,
and you know Gunther's watching this matchup closely.
He'll face one of these men next week.
A quick chop from the Russian.
Dropping Jey in the corner.
Dragunov.
[McAfee] brush right across the face.
[Cole] Just so fierce and intense.
[McAfee] That's his mindset. That's the most dangerous thing he has.
Assuming he's got no conscience, he just wants to win.
[Cole] motor constantly running.
Oh standing switch.
Nice waist lock by Jey.
Dragunov Looking for the Constantine special again.
Uso able to kick and block.
Super kick.
Down goes Ilja.
-For the win, Uso stacks him up, -One, two--
almost had him, kick out.
[McAfee] Air Force One to a Russian jaw,
almost ended this.
[Cole] Bang!
Collapse in the face,
of Dragunov.
Jey Uso, uh--
[McAfee] Blood coming from ear.
It's from that boot from earlier.
[crowd chanting] Uso. Uso.
Jey may be looking for the win.
I thought he was going for the spear,
Dragunov at it with a knee.
[McAfee] ah, telegraphing. Ilja knew.
[Cole] Dragunov now running knee, down goes Uso.
That's from film study.
Sending Jey halfway across the ring.
And now Ilja Dragunov may have Jey Uso where he wants him.
Under the H bomb
-For the win. -One, two--
Oh, and a kick out by Jey Uso.
[Cole] Dragunov frustrated,
backed into the corner.
Measuring his man.
Uso, back to his feet.
And spear.
[crowd cheering]
Jey, going up top.
For the Uso splash.
-Cover for the win. -[crowd chanting] One, two, three.
Got him.
[bell dinging]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
"Main Event"
Jey Uso.
[Cole] Incredible match up and the sudden impact
of the spear in the splash by Jey Uso,
and he's heading to the semifinals of the King of the Ring.
[McAfee] Spears him through the sky, here in Greenville,
and then takes to the skies
For an Uso splash.
Full send.
One.
Two.
Three.
[Cole] Being a great competitor tonight,
Ilja Dragunov.
The impact of the splash by Jey Uso,
-who now heads to Greensboro, -[bell dinging]
North Carolina, next week.
And the semifinals,
in the King of the Ring tournament
as he takes on Gunther.
One of those two men heading to the finals in Saudi Arabia.
Again next Monday.
The semifinals.
Uso, Gunther, you got an early prediction.
[McAfee] We yeetin',
next Monday Night, baby.
[Cole] And a stare down,
for the showdown.
[McAfee] Whoa, whoa.
[Cole] Who will punch their ticket,
to the finals of the King of the Ring,
we find out live next week.
["Main Event Ish" playing]