[intro music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
["Greatest" plays]
[Cole] It's a high stakes night tonight,
live from Greensboro, North Carolina for Monday Night Raw.
The arrival of "Main Event" Jey Uso earlier today.
He finds himself…
I should say it's Iyo Sky arriving.
Get ahead of myself.
Iyo Sky, Lyra Valkyria
in the women's tournament semifinals for King and Queen of the Ring.
The tournament here later on tonight.
And there, of course, Lyra Valkyria.
She's been the upstart surprise so far of the tournament.
She battles Iyo Sky in the semifinals here tonight
to try to get to Jeddah come Saturday.
There's Gunther, former Intercontinental Champion.
He's in the semifinals
of the King and Queen of the Ring tournament later on tonight.
Accompanied by Ludwig Kaiser, who will take on that man,
"Main Event" Jey Uso arriving earlier today here
live on Monday Night Raw.
Jey Uso and Gunther battle in the men's tournament semifinals
later on tonight.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Cole] And here comes the Intercontinental Champion!
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome
the Intercontinental Champion,
Sami Zayn!
[Cole] Well, Pat, there is the man who defeated Gunther,
who had held the Intercontinental Championship
for 666 days.
Now things get tough for Sami Zayn
as we head to the King and Queen of the Ring
this coming Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It is a special 1 o'clock start time in the East Coast,
10 o'clock on the West Coast.
Sami Zayn defends in a Triple Threat match
against Chad Gable and "Big" Bronson Reed.
[McAfee] Huge Intercontinental title defense for Sami.
And obviously, Triple Threat,
Sami doesn't even have to lose to lose his title.
It seems to be right where Sami is comfortable, though,
odds slightly stacked against him.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami!
I think that's as good a way to kick it off as any.
Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to Monday Night Raw!
[crowd cheers]
We are five days away,
five days away from King and Queen of the Ring,
live in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
I find myself
in a Triple Threat match versus Bronson Reed
and Chad Gable…
[crowd boos]
for my Intercontinental championship.
And it's funny, I was actually asked in an interview today,
"Sami, why would you put up your championship in a Triple Threat?"
Everybody knows the champion has a disadvantage.
You don't even need to be pinned or submitted to lose your title.
And I tried to explain it, and I'll try to explain it to you guys,
because I've got two very different issues on my hands,
and I'd rather deal with them both at the same time,
because on the one hand, we have a very, very personal issue
in the form of Chad Gable.
[crowd booing]
Because, Chad, you don't German suplex a man out of his wife's arms
in his hometown, in front of his 78-year-old father
and expect nothing to happen to you.
So make no mistake, Chad,
you've got an ass kicking coming your way.
-[McAfee] Ooh! -[crowd cheers]
[McAfee] Like that from the champion.
And the other issue is with Bronson Reed.
Very different.
It's not personal with Bronson Reed.
He doesn't care about me, doesn't care about my family,
doesn't care about Chad Gable.
He only cares about one thing.
And it's this right here.
This is what he wants.
So the way I see it, this is a pretty interesting match.
It's like a fight between the mind, the body and the soul.
The mind is Chad Gable,
one of the most manipulative, crafty superstars of all time.
The body is the strength,
the unmatched brute force of Bronson Reed.
And the soul is Sami Zayn.
[crowd cheers]
And if I'm putting my money
down on a fight between mind, body and soul,
I am betting on soul every single time!
Because it is that soul, that heart, that passion
that is why I am holding this right now.
That is why I was able to beat
the longest reigning
Intercontinental Champion of all time at WrestleMania!
And that is why
at King and Queen of the Ring this Saturday,
I will walk out
still the Intercontinental Champion!
[crowd cheers]
["Shoooosh" plays]
[Cole] Well, here's one of his challengers.
[McAfee] Mike!
Hold on.
Sami.
Did I hear you call me manipulative?
Me manipulative?
I'm manipulative?
Let me ask you this, Sami.
Did I manipulate you
into beating Gunther at WrestleMania?
No.
I coached you, selflessly, I might add,
into winning that championship.
No, no, that's my problem, everybody.
I figured it out.
I'm too damn nice.
[McAfee stutters]
I've been too nice to you,
and I've been way too nice
to these three clowns standing behind me.
-[McAfee] Wow. -[Cole] That's nice.
[McAfee] Come on.
Take Maxxine, for example.
Miss Maxxine,
now, Saturday, you should be in Saudi Arabia
competing for the championship in the finals of the Queen of the Ring.
But you're not going to be, are you?
No. Why is that?
Because you blew your opportunity!
Failure!
And Tozawa.
Tozawa, you did exactly 0%
of the damage I asked you to do
against Bronson Reed last week. Failure!
Which brings me to you, Otis.
Last week…
[crowd chanting] Otis!
Last week against Sami Zayn,
you proved once again, my friend,
why, by far and away,
you are the biggest disappointment on the planet.
[crowd boos]
All right, all right. That's enough for that.
I think we've all heard just about enough out of you.
-[McAfee] Yeah. -You know, you know what?
Actually, I got a question.
I got a question.
[Gable] What?
No, no, no, no. Question is not for you.
Question is for the Alpha Academy.
How much longer are you guys
going to deal with this guy's crap?
[crowd cheers]
Hey!
Hey, Sami.
You don't talk to the Academy.
I talk to my pupils.
I see what you're doing.
All right? You said it yourself.
I'm the brains of this operation.
You're trying to drive a wedge.
Fortunately for me, they've already rededicated themselves
to me and my journey to re-establish respect
for the Alpha Academy.
Oh! And let me just say Sami,
I am sick and tired
of listening to you talk about your heart and your soul.
It's pathetic!
In Saudi Arabia,
I don't have to pin you to win that championship,
but I'm going to pin you.
And I'm not just taking your title.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck!
[McAfee] Greensboro's right.
I'm taking your soul.
Well,
that's all well and good,
but last I checked,
Saudi Arabia isn't for another five days.
Last I checked, tonight, we're in Greensboro, North Carolina.
-[crowd cheering] -[McAfee] Yeah, we are.
Last I checked,
you and I are scheduled for one-on-one competition tonight.
And I'm dressed and ready to go.
It looks like you're dressed and ready to go.
Let's do it right here, right now!
[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Well, here's one thing about Chad Gable.
Maybe if he showed a little more heart, a little more soul,
and more importantly, respect,
maybe he'd be the Intercontinental Champion today
and he wouldn't be trying to take the title away
from somebody like Sami Zayn.
[McAfee] Yeah, respect, empathy, composure.
There's a lot of things that Chad Gable could show
any time in his life as of late,
and he just chose not to.
-[Cole] Maybe treat the people… -[bell rings]
…he's been coaching in the Alpha Academy better too.
And now we're underway. Gable and Sami Zayn, of course,
is a very personal issue for Sami Zayn.
He talked about Montreal a couple of months back,
defending the championship against Chad Gable.
Chad losing, of course,
and then attacking Sami in front of his wife and his family.
And that was the night that Chad Gable lost it,
decided to change the way he does things.
-[Cole exclaims] -[McAfee] Shook Sami's hands afterwards.
[McAfee] One of the coolest nights of Sami's life was taking place.
And then… Yeah, he showcased that he's pond scum.
He's a bum.
He's scumbag.
[Cole] You know, talking to Chad Gable a bit earlier on,
uh, told me, Pat…
And here's Sami Zayn now. Elbow!
He comes off the ropes.
He told me he feels disrespected.
That he's felt overlooked for a long time now.
This coming weekend, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
will be his first match at a premium live event
since WrestleMania 39,
-which was 14 months ago! -[Sami roars]
[McAfee and Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] Chad certainly has all the ability to spoil the look.
everything you would potentially want in a WWE superstar,
but it hasn't worked,
-and he refuses to look in the mirror. -[Cole] What are they doing?
I got this!
[Cole] They were helping you!
[McAfee] Oh, you temper tantrum-throwing bum!
[crowd boos]
[Cole] And we are back live on Monday Night Raw.
Chad Gable has taken control of this match-up against Sami Zayn.
These two men, along with "Big" Bronson Reed,
battle in a Triple Threat match for the Intercontinental Championship
Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
And a nice suplex by the former US Olympian, Chad Gable.
[McAfee] 1 o'clock Eastern start time
for that King and Queen of the Ring on Saturday,
and the Intercontinental Championship is on the line.
Chad Gable, if he was to win it,
the universe, and karma, is not real.
[Cole] Gable off the top rope, going for the head-butt,
Zayn rolls out of harm's way.
For Chad Gable, he's never won a singles championship here in WWE.
A former three-time tag team champion.
He's the man who trained Sami Zayn,
and helped him knock off Gunther at WrestleMania.
[McAfee] He did do a little bit of assisting, consulting, advising,
but it was Sami Zayn's heart and passion
-that won him that title. -[Cole] Oh!
[Cole] And Sami showing some of those guts right now.
Nice clothesline to Gable.
[McAfee] Chad Gable tried to take credit,
which is what he's been doing as of late.
He's trying to take credit for everybody else's stuff.
Zayn looking for the Blue Thunderbomb
and, uh, tries it again.
-And Gable able to counter. -[roars]
[Cole] Turns it into a suplex of his own!
[McAfee] Here we go.
Chad Gable seems to be a little bit beat-up, as is Sami Zayn.
[Cole] Sami Zayn was part of the Netflix Is A Joke festival this past week.
Old friend Johnny Knoxville showed up,
-but nothing, no joking about-- -[McAfee] What's going on here?
[Cole] What Sami faces, wait a minute.
-[McAfee] What's Maxxine doing? -[Cole] Maxxine!
[McAfee] Chad Gable tried to, basically--
[Cole] She can't bring herself
-to do the wrong thing. -[McAfee] Cowardly thing.
[Cole] And that's, uh, pull the trigger and slap Sami.
[yelling] What the hell are you doing?
What's wrong with you?
[McAfee] That's good on you.
[yelling] Hey, why can't you take direction?
You never listen!
That's your problem.
[McAfee] She did the right thing and Chad Gable hates it.
I think that explains everything about Chad Gable.
[Gable grunts]
[Cole] Chad Gable believes the Alpha Academy is a team
that will bring him the Intercontinental Championship.
[McAfee] Now, to be clear, if I had my team with me,
I would like them to cheat for me if I was in the middle of a match
with somebody I had a title championship opportunity.
[Cole] Yeah, but Maxxine actually has some scruples.
[McAfee] I can respect that.
So Chad Gable obviously is going to throw a fit, but who cares?
Sami Zayn! Champion on top here in Greensboro!
[Cole] Over 10,000-plus in Greensboro tonight,
-counting along! -[crowd counts] Eight! Nine!
And Gable rolls out of the ring and out of harm's way.
At least momentarily.
Because Sami Zayn now… And now look at Gable!
[crowd boos]
[Cole] That's classy.
Now Gable takes advantage, using Maxxine as a shield.
Chad Gable able to regain control of the match.
[McAfee] Literally willing to do whatever right now.
And it's… it's despicable, Cole.
[Cole] Well, Pat, it's desperation.
The man, as I mentioned before,
has never won a singles championship in WWE,
coming close on a number of occasions,
and now he's asking Tozawa to cheat.
For Tozawa to bend the rules to get involved in this match.
And Akira Tozawa
unable to do the, uh…
[McAfee] He doesn't want to help Chad Gable either!
[yelling] What's wrong with you?
You! And you!
You're both failures!
-Both of you! -[crowd booing]
You never do what I say!
[indistinct shouting]
Both of you!
Outta here!
[Cole] Chad Gable just sent two of his pupils
packing from ringside back to the locker room area.
After Maxxine and Tozawa refused to do the wrong thing
-and attack Sami Zayn on Gable's request. -[indistinct shouting]
[McAfee] He wanted them to cheat. They refused to do so.
He kicked them out of ringside.
[Cole] And now Sami Zayn with the Blue Thunderbomb!
Looking to take advantage and put Gable away!
Who kicks out at two!
So close for Sami Zayn.
And Gable looking to regroup.
[McAfee] Gable in front of Otis,
the only Alpha Academy member left!
[Cole] Here we are, back live on Monday Night Raw.
Capacity crowd tonight in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Sami Zayn versus Chad Gable.
Two of the three men who'll meet in the Triple Threat
for the Intercontinental Championship this Saturday
at King and Queen of the Ring.
Gable! And the German suplex.
And another one
to Sami Zayn.
[McAfee] Chad Gable…
-[roars] -[McAfee] …just an artist in the Ring.
Terrific. His, his talent--
[Cole] Now Sami with the German suplex of his own!
-Also a miserable human being. -[McAfee] Absolutely.
[Cole] He kicked Maxxine and Tozawa
out of the Ringside area after they refused to cheat for him.
Otis the only member of the Alpha Academy still out here.
[McAfee] He was going through it during a commercial break,
and Sami Zayn is rallying here against… Chad Gable!
[Cole] Oh, and now Sami for the win!
Hooks the leg! And Chad able to kick-out at two!
[McAfee] Five days before the King and Queen of the Ring.
Sami Zayn, our champion, almost had a lot of momentum rolling.
[Cole] And again, another look.
Sami Zayn and the Michinoku Driver to Chad Gable
almost put him away.
And now Sami.
He's got Gable where he wants him, in the corner!
Zayn looking for the Helluva Kick!
Gable, though, able to pick the leg
and turn it into an ankle lock!
[McAfee] Like a jungle cat, latched around the lower leg of Sami Zayn
into a complete ankle lock.
[Cole] Win for Gable tonight,
think about the momentum, Pat,
he'll build going into Saturday.
[McAfee] Absolutely.
And the pain and torture he's putting into Sami Zayn right now.
[Cole] Zayn trying to make it to the ropes to force a break.
On Saturday, there will be no break
because there are no count-outs
and no disqualifications in Triple Threat rules.
No champion's advantage.
But tonight, Sami makes it to the rope
and it's going to force a break
-on the ankle lock. -[McAfee] Chad was trying to break that…
[McAfee] …break that ankle like a lemon pepper wing!
Wanted to break the ankle of our champion
before the King and Queen of the Ring.
And now look what he's doing again.
[Cole] Well, he said Sami outside the ring and he screamed at Otis.
[McAfee] Yeah, he's a terrible, terrible table talker too. He's very obvious.
[Cole] Come on, Otis, do the right thing here.
[McAfee] And clearly look at Otis, telling him to do stuff.
[Cole] And Gable now with the official.
[McAfee] Maxxine did not!
[Cole] Daphanie LaShaunn
is, uh, being distracted by Gable, and Otis!
It looks like Otis isn't going to pull the trigger either!
Otis looking to do the right thing here tonight!
[McAfee] You done good, Otis.
What the hell is the matter with you?
You never listen to what I say! You never do what I say!
And it's costing me my career!
It's your fault.
[crowd groans]
[Cole] Wait a minute.
[McAfee] What?
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Snags Sami Zayn's Intercontinental title.
[Cole] He went to use it, and Sami Zayn with an Exploder
into the corner!
And now Otis gets involved!
Damn it, Otis! Why did you do that?
[McAfee] Stockholm syndrome on Monday Night Raw!
[Cole] The official never saw Otis' involvement!
Chad Gable with a Chaos Theory!
-Bridge cover and the win! -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
["Shoooosh" plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Chad Gable!
[Cole] Chad Gable building momentum
towards Saturday in Jeddah thanks to that man Otis
who was conflicted throughout this entire match-up.
Gable disrespecting Otis with a slap
after Otis first refused to get involved.
And then that, Pat!
[McAfee] And ultimately, Otis…
would chop Sami into a win for Gable,
-and now… -[bell rings]
Otis does whatever Chad Gable wants him to do.
And he even stands in front of him as the camera is here.
[crowd chanting] You suck!
[Cole] So Chad Gable ready
for the Triple Threat match this coming Saturday
against Sami Zayn and Bronson Reed
as Otis gets involved here tonight to help him with the win.
But I do want to go back to right before the last commercial break, Pat,
and that weird QR code again.
This is getting strange.
Yeah, for a few weeks, I thought I'd been on hallucinogens
because I'd been seeing them,
but nobody has really been saying anything.
Very eerie, very strange
whenever you tag that QR code.
You know, I was watching one over the weekend
and there was a psychotherapy session.
Now the psychiatrist is missing.
I mean, it is the strangest thing that I've ever seen.
Well, switching gears, of course,
tonight, it is the semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Let's check in with one of the semifinalists,
former WWE champion Iyo Sky.
[intense music playing]
[speaking Japanese]
[Cole] And the genius of the Sky will be in action later on tonight.
Semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Iyo Sky and Lyra Valkyria later on tonight.
Also tonight is the King of the Ring semifinal match-up.
"Main Event" Jey Uso
to take on the former longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time,
Gunther, in action here later on tonight.
And also Pat, we got a tag team championship match.
Awesome Truth defending against Judgment Day.
[McAfee] Yeah, Awesome Truth, obviously beloved everywhere,
as our rightful champions.
But Judgment Day, Finn Bálor and JD McDumb-uh
with that dirty ass Dom in tow,
it could get… it could get wild tonight.
[Cole] Also tonight, a Fatal 4-Way match.
The winning team earns
a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship opportunity.
These four teams compete later on tonight on Monday Night Raw.
-The intense. -[McAfee] Yes!
[Cole] Powerful. Unpredictable. Badass.
Bron Breakker makes his Raw debut
live next.
[McAfee barking]
Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
I'm backstage with Chad Gable and Alpha Academy.
Chad, congratulations on your victory.
Though I do have to ask
about the involvement of Otis in tonight's outcome.
Is this all part of your master plan
-to win the-- -[distant clanging]
Don't-- Don't ask about that. What is that?
[indistinct shouting]
I'm sorry, we got to follow this!
[indistinct yelling and clamoring]
[all speaking indistinctly]
The camera, get outta here! Gimme-- Gimme some space!
Uh, Cole, Pat,
clearly, there has been some sort of altercation backstage
in-- in what is now a developing story
here on Monday Night Raw.
I'll work to provide further details if I can.
Cole, Pat-- It's-- It's chaos back here. Chaos.
[Cole] General Manager Adam Pearce has got his hands full.
[McAfee] He's saying get me medical, get these cameras the hell outta here.
You need to figure this out.
Adam Pearce on the case.
It'll get figured out, but now…
[barking]
["Destined for Greatness" plays]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 250 pounds,
Bron Breakker!
[Cole] His Monday Night Raw debut, Pat.
He was the sixth overall draft pick in this year's WWE draft.
Bron Breakker, the unpredictable,
intimidating, yet authentic superstar
set to take on Kale Dixon,
who fans of NXT Level Up may know well.
[McAfee] Hey, remember this badass dog right here?
He's pissed that he was left out of the King of the Ring tournament.
He's making his debut, but a lot of us
have been barking… [barks]
since the draft, and we need to see this man ASAP.
I got to go eye to eye with him in the Royal Rumble.
I turned around and went the other way.
And now this guy, a former Bachelorette contestant,
is going to stare down the badass dog?
[barking]
-In Greensboro? -[bell rings]
Good luck, longhaired handsome fella.
[Cole] Bell has rung, match is underway.
[speaking indistinctly]
First, I'm not in the King of the Ring tournament. Now…
[indistinct chatter]
[Cole] Spear!
Bron Breakker, with the explosiveness,
just about ran through Kale Dixon.
[McAfee] And he throws him out of the ring.
[Cole] Well, Pat, you heard Breakker talking to himself in the corner,
saying, "First, I was left out of King of the Ring."
[McAfee] Oh, yeah, Bron!
Oh, yeah, Bron!
We're barking in Greensboro, pal!
[Cole] And the-- Oh, and the speed!
-And the impact of Bron Breakker! -[roars]
[McAfee] He's got a chip on his shoulder
and a body from the wrestling gods!
[Cole] One of the most explosive men you'll ever see.
Watch the speed.
Bang!
Of Bron Breakker.
A man who runs the ropes in the ring at 23 miles per hour, Pat.
Think about that.
He's speeding in some school zones,
and he has the power to break
a dude in half!
-[Dixon grunting] -[Back off!]
[McAfee] Ref saying-- saved the Bachelorette contestant a little bit.
[Cole] Well, this is a true reality show for Mr. Dixon.
-Dixon's like-- -He can't continue!
[Cole] The official, Rod Zapata, is gonna to call this match off
and award the victory to Breakker.
[indistinct conversation]
[bell rings]
[McAfee] What happened?
[crowd boos]
[Cole] Well, the… Dixon couldn't continue.
[McAfee] It's like he was wriggling around the ring.
Let's not let him get back to his corner.
[Cole] Yeah, it was a referee stoppage of this match tonight
and Bron Breakker in his debut,
making short work of Kale Dixon.
[McAfee] I-- I don't think-- Hang on.
Yeah. Yeah.
[Cole] Oh, no!
-[McAfee barks] -[Cole] Another spear!
Blew right past the official Rod Zapata,
-and about cut Dixon in half! -[crowd booing]
-[McAfee] Kale Dixon, welcome to the WWE. -[speaking indistinctly]
This is Monday Night Raw
and you're in the ring with a dog!
[Cole] I don't think Breakker's done yet.
[McAfee] I do appreciate--
[Cole] And now some help has… has come out here now.
Bron Breakker with steel steps in hand!
And a number of officials coming out to try to protect
a lifeless and a defenseless Kale Dixon
from further assault by Bron Breakker!
The match is over!
[indistinct conversations]
[Cole] We've got to get Breakker out of here.
[McAfee] He's picked up those stairs as if they were
a remote control.
[Cole] He's going to seriously hurt somebody else, Pat.
[McAfee] This man is a freak show.
[indistinct yelling]
[McAfee] Do the math. That's 100% bad ass dog.
[Cole] Well, now he's got a steel chair!
Breakker with a steel chair!
Oh, my god!
[indistinct shouting]
[Cole] Get him out of here, guys!
[McAfee] I don't know what I'm going to do, pal.
[Cole] We need a…
We need emergen--
We need emergency help out here.
[McAfee] And we-- And we…
I don't know who…
I don't know who stops Bron Breakker
but we need that person.
[Cole] Bron Breakker leaving on a…
on his own time, his own agenda.
But this is a serious situation
for Kale Dixon here at ringside.
[Cole] Pat, moments ago,
the post-draft debut on Monday Night Raw for this man,
Bron Breakker.
[McAfee] Yeah, Bron wanting to prove a point
to the whole world that he should have been in the King of the Ring tournament.
He thinks he would have won the King of the Ring tournament.
And a Bachelorette contestant just died.
Felt the wrath of a bad ass dog!
[Cole] Kale Dixon may never be the same again!
Bron Breakker…
sending a massive message
to general manager Adam Pearce
and the rest of WWE.
[McAfee] Nothing to be played with.
Mr. Pearce.
Where do you need me? How can I help you?
I appreciate it, but not now. Okay? Thank you.
All right.
All right. All right.
Nice and easy, guys! Thank you.
Bron!
I ain't never been good at math.
But you make this add up for me! What were you thinking?
You can't control me, okay?
You didn't put me in King of the Ring.
That's on you.
We all right?
[paramedics] Yeah!
Let's move!
[siren wailing]
[Cole] General Manager Adam Pearce, Pat,
has all kinds of problems.
The LWO attacked, Bron Breakker out of control.
What else is going to happen?
Honestly, Adam Pearce's life is not necessarily a fun one,
but it's seemingly all going wrong for the bald stooge. Genuinely.
Well, nonetheless, this is Monday Night Raw
and tonight, coming up next,
we have the semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Here's how we got here.
[intense music playing]
[narrator] Last Monday,
the Queen of the Ring tournament rolled on
with two quarterfinal matches.
The first contest saw the rekindling of an old rivalry
between Damage CTRL's Iyo Sky
and the submission magician,
Shayna Baszler.
[Cole] And Baszler on the attack!
[narrator] Baszler tried to keep the genius of the Sky grounded,
but Iyo's precision striking lifted her to victory.
[Cole] Iyo has her where she wants her!
Over the moonsault!
[McAfee] One, two, three!
Iyo Sky advances!
[narrator] Former NXT women's champion Lyra Valkyria tested her skills
against the unrelenting Zoey Stark.
Stark's heavy barrage of strikes kept Valkyria on defense,
but the newcomer remained poised,
finding the perfect opening to return fire.
[Cole] Into the Nightwing!
Valkyria for the win!
-She advances! -[bell rings]
[narrator] Tonight, the semifinals get underway
as two of the brightest stars in WWE
do battle for the opportunity
to advance to the finals this Saturday.
I am the Queen!
I only travel as the crow flies.
Straight to the top!
There she is.
You've come a long way for this.
You sacrificed a lot for this.
I've been in the ring with you. I know how good you are at this.
You go show them why this is all worth it.
All right?
Becky.
I got this.
You got this!
Go.
["Triumph" plays]
[Cole] Women's World Champion will join us a bit later on tonight,
but right now, Lyra Valkyria is in the spotlight!
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a semifinals match
in the Queen of the Ring tournament!
Introducing first, from Dublin, Ireland,
Lyra Valkyria!
[Cole] Pat, the woman who made her name when she beat Becky Lynch
for the NXT Women's Championship last year,
really been the surprise of this tournament so far.
She's a win away from the finals.
[McAfee] Huge draft pick…
from NXT,
and has been nothing short of impressive.
[speaking indistinctly]
[McAfee] The crowds love her.
[Cole] Will the nerves set in?
As Lyra gets set to go toe to toe
with a former WWE women's champion?
["Tokyo Shock" plays]
[shrieking]
[announcer] And her opponent,
accompanied by Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane,
representing Damage CTRL,
Iyo Sky!
[Cole]We'll see Dakota and Kairi
later on in the Fatal 4-Way tag team match.
But tonight, it's Iyo Sky
who has an opportunity to knock off Lyra Valkyria
and advance to the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament
this coming Saturday.
Special start time 1 o'clock Eastern,
10:00 on the West Coast,
from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The winner of this match-up
will face the winner of Nia Jax versus Bianca Belair,
which takes place this coming Friday
on SmackDown.
Lyra Valkyria, Pat, says she feels alive every time she flies.
However, Iyo Sky is the genius of the sky.
[McAfee] Iyo Sky said,
Just like Damage CTRL ran SmackDown,
when she becomes Queen and has the crown,
they'll dominate Raw as well.
[Cole] Again, a review of, uh, how we got to this match-up.
Lyra knocked off Dakota Kai,
Iyo Sky's Damage CTRL cohort,
-and also Zoey Stark last start last week. -[bell rings]
And Iyo Sky knocked off Natalya
and then Shayna Baszler.
So, one on one crucial match-up
for both of these women
to advance to the finals of Queen of the Ring.
For an upstart like Lyra Valkyria--
And wait a minute.
Favoring her right leg early on.
For an upstart like Valkyria,
what does she need to do to stay under control in the prep
to pull off a big upset here tonight?
[McAfee] You said it there. Stay under control.
She can't get distracted by things like that.
That Iyo Sky can do with the greatest of ease.
I mean, Iyo Sky flies around the ring, you can't get distracted.
You got to keep this in your world.
[Cole] Iyo's has been a champion all over the world,
and mentioned before, former WWE Women's Champion.
Nice take down by Lyra.
Gonna turn her inside out.
-Here's the cover! -One! Two!
[Cole] Kick-out at two by Sky.
Iyo, of course, won the Money in the Bank.
Cashed it in last year.
Former NXT champion, tag team champion as well.
[McAfee] And Lyra watched Iyo Sky
dominate for a long time, knows her very well.
[Cole] Lyra has Iyo off her game early on.
Another pinning combination and another near fall for Valkyria.
[McAfee] You're talking biggest match of her life for Valkyria.
[Cole] Indeed. Opportunity to… head to the finals!
Nice crossbody, lateral press!
Hook of the leg! Is it enough?
And a kick-out by Sky!
Valkyria and Sky! Who's going to the finals?
The Queen of the Ring.
[Cole] For the first time ever on Monday Night Raw,
Lyra Valkyria and Iyo Sky go one on one.
The opportunity to make it to the finals
of the Queen of the Ring tournament
this coming Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
And just like that, Iyo Sky has turned the tables
and gained control of this match-up against Valkyria.
[McAfee] Quick as a hiccup.
[Cole] Valkyria, though!
Talk about quick. Able to move out of harm's way.
Iyo may have tweaked her back
when she landed on the apron,
and now Valkyria looks to take control.
[McAfee] Had a little whiplash there with that stuff.
-[Cole] Oh, and… Iyo Sky! -[McAfee] Wow.
[McAfee] Equalizer.
[Cole] Hanging Valkyria up.
[screams]
[McAfee] Iyo Sky around those ropes.
You're not going to out-duel.
She's a genius out there.
[Cole] And now Iyo
begins the assault on Valkyria
Iyo so dangerous.
Cover now, to advance to the finals. Hook of the leg.
Kick-out.
Again, the winner faces Nia Jax or Bianca Belair.
That semifinal match-up Friday Night
on SmackDown from Jeddah.
[McAfee] It should be a…
-incredible environment, obviously. -[Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] King and Queen of the Ring finals.
Who's going to be there?
Iyo Sky has signaled to the crowd about five different times,
putting a crown on her head.
She wants to be the Queen.
[Cole] Oh! And the knees right to Valkyria,
who just collapses in the corner.
Sky going to drag her out for the cover.
Notice how she hooks the leg closest to the ropes,
forcing Lyra, and a kick-out at two.
[McAfee] That's smart. That's a ring general.
No offense to The Ring General.
[Cole] Who we'll see in action later on tonight
in the semifinals of the men's King of the Ring
against Jey Uso.
[indistinct shouting]
[McAfee] Can you imagine Lyra Valkyria
starting her career on Raw as the Queen of the Ring?
[Cole] Has an opportunity. Got to get a win tonight.
[McAfee] Got a jumpstart to a career. To the top of the marquee.
[Cole] Waistlock by Sky.
Lyra misses wildly.
Iyo Sky with a knee to the midsection.
[McAfee] Using her momentum against her.
-Sets her up for… -[roars]
[Cole] Oh! Backbreaker!
-Knee right to the spine! -[groaning]
Cover by Sky to advance!
Kick-out by Valkyria!
You hear Lyra just screaming in agony
after the knee was planted to the spine.
[McAfee] Just bending around her back.
Just broken in half now.
Geez, Louise.
[Cole] Iyo Sky punishing.
-Perhaps trying to attack Lyra. -[Iyo Sky screams]
[Cole] Make her submit.
Referee Eddie Orengo right there, asking, uh, Valkyria if she gives up.
[McAfee] Iyo Sky can make her tap.
She can fly through the Sky.
She'd be a great Queen of the Ring.
[Cole] Near 11,000 here tonight
in Greensboro, North Carolina.
[McAfee] Semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
[Cole] Cover by Sky, and Lyra's gotta kick-out at two.
Another cover by the former WWE champion and another kick-out.
[McAfee] She thinks she has her.
[Cole] A lot of heart and guts being shown here tonight by Valkyria!
One!
[Cole] Valkyria will not allow Sky to even make it to a two count.
Tremendous resilience by the former NXT women's champion.
[McAfee] Definitely a stubborn kick-out there, multiple times.
Iyo Sky trying to drain the energy out of Lyra.
Smacking her in the mouth with the bottom of her foot,
disrespecting Lyra.
[Cole] Valkyria is just trying to hang on here.
And now blocks.
-Now, Valkyria starting to feel it! -[Iyo Sky shrieks]
[Cole] Suplex!
And Lyra buys herself some time to try to regroup.
After what has been a dominating performance so far
by Iyo Sky.
[McAfee] Iyo might have landed on her collarbone there too.
Grabbing for her shoulder.
Just like that, Lyra might have found herself in the finals
of the Queen of the Ring.
[Cole] Lyra making it back to her feet.
Sky back as well.
Clothesline takes out Iyo Sky,
and another by Lyra.
Kick, and here we go!
Nice combination by Valkyria!
Step-up enzuigiri!
Drives Sky out of the ring.
[McAfee] Can I get a six-piece from Ireland?
[Cole] Lyra from Dublin.
Trying to take to the Sky!
And take out Iyo.
[McAfee] Clever catching herself in the ropes.
Able to find her feet so easily.
[Cole] Sends Sky quickly back into the ring.
Valkyria now going to go up to the top rope.
I said it earlier.
She says she feels alive every time she flies! Crossbody.
Now it's Iyo Sky who's in trouble.
[McAfee] What a run here for Lyra.
[Cole] Hooks the leg.
And drops Iyo Sky!
One! Two!
And a fisherman's buster,
and Iyo… able to get the shoulder up at two.
Here's a nice kick by Lyra,
which really helped continue her momentum,
followed by the crossbody.
[McAfee] Absolutely flying through the sky,
crossbody to Iyo Sky,
and then a fisherman suplex of some sort.
Almost ends this,
but Iyo Sky able to kick-out.
[Cole] Iyo now…
planting Lyra on the mat.
Double knees to Meteora!
Stacking up Valkyria for the win by Sky!
And a kick-out at two.
[McAfee] That was the closest we've had yet.
Iyo thought she was advancing.
[Cole] And Sky going to get frustrated now in this match-up.
[McAfee] I think referee Eddie Orengo even thought this was over.
[Cole] Nice standing switch by Valkyria.
Iyo Sky hangs on--
-No, Lyra rolls through. -One! Two!
[Cole] Got the shoulders down here! Iyo's gotta kick-out.
-[McAfee] And that… -[Cole] That was unique.
[Cole] Look at this!
Submission move now applied to Iyo Sky!
You got to wonder if Iyo's going to quit here!
Iyo! Iyo!
[McAfee] This hurts me just looking at it!
You can tap, Iyo!
[Cole] Valkyria now punishing Iyo Sky!
Turns it around.
-Shoulders down! -One!
-Is it enough? -Two!
Sky going to turn it into her own… crossface!
Okay, Lyra?
-[Iyo Sky shrieking] -[Cole] Now it's Valkyria's turn.
[Cole] Is she going to submit? Is she going to tap out?
What do you say?
[Cole] Critical moment of the match.
Shoulders down. Now it's Sky who's got to break the hold.
Great move by Lyra.
But has the damage been done?
[McAfee] Big right to the jaw from Iyo Sky.
Has to feel like she can end this soon.
[yelling in Japanese]
[Cole] Into the corner.
Lyra sends Iyo out to the apron.
Blocked by Iyo, right hand.
[McAfee] Iyo looking to hit the skies.
[Cole] Springboard dropkick
from the top rope!
Sky now!
The knees to the back of Valkyria
and Iyo says it's over.
[McAfee] Lyra was trying to find a little rest on the ropes.
I don't think so!
Sky looking for the Over The Moonsault
which helped her win last week,
but Valkyria intercepts.
And Lyra…
Well, it looked like she was going for a Tornado DDT
and Iyo Sky got her hung up, and Lyra's hurt.
[McAfee] Iyo Sky reverses a Tornado DDT. Ly--
-Oh! -[Cole] You hear that?
[Cole] Springboard moonsault off the second rope!
Lyra's down.
Iyo's again taken control.
Who's going to the finals
of the Queen of the Ring.
[Cole] And we are back live on Monday Night Raw.
It's all about who advances to the finals
of the Queen of the Ring tournament this coming Saturday.
Special start time of 1:00 Eastern, 10:00 on the West Coast,
from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It's Lyra Valkyria and Iyo Sky.
[McAfee] In a packed arena
in Greensboro, North Carolina.
[Cole] The fight Valkyria has put up tonight
against the former WWE women's champion.
[McAfee] Boot to the gut.
To the boot. [laughs]
[Cole] Oh, and a back elbow by Sky.
A roll-up now!
Iyo with a stomp right to the mid-section!
And Iyo Sky may have taken over this match-up!
Cover now, for the win!
Hook of the leg.
Valkyria kicks at two.
[McAfee] These two have been
playing chess against each other all match.
[yells]
[Cole] Yeah, learning a lot tonight about a very resilient and adaptive
Lyra Valkyria,
who's taking everything Iyo Sky has thrown at her.
[McAfee] And countering and…
[Cole] Went for the Meteora! Nobody home!
Valkyria moved out of harm's way!
And this time, delivers…
the Tornado DDT!
And now looking to set Sky up,
perhaps for a finishing move.
Oh, no!
-Cover! Hook of the leg! -[crowd] One! Two!
[Cole] And a kick-out by Sky!
[McAfee] Thought that was it.
I thought Lyra was moving on to the finals
in her first couple of weeks on Monday Night Raw.
[Cole] Yeah, Valkyria believed it, too.
She couldn't believe it was a two-count.
Thought she had put Iyo Sky away.
Lyra now has to feed off this momentum, however.
Keep the pressure up.
Now, Sky, moving out of harm's way.
Waist lock. Looking for a German suplex in a release!
[Iyo Sky roars]
[McAfee] Iyo Sky.
[Cole] And now Iyo into the corner,
with the Meteora!
And it could be the beginning of the end!
Up to the top rope.
Valkyria, though, backed into the corner.
Running interference, trying to prevent Sky
from hitting the moonsault.
[McAfee] That's twice now Lyra has
caught the telegraph after Iyo steps on top of her.
[Cole] Yeah, but great counters tonight by Lyra.
Now Iyo up to the top rope with Valkyria.
Got planned here from high above the ring!
[McAfee] Lyra felt well-studied.
[Cole] Iyo Sky able to… to slip down.
Oh, and a powerbomb!
For the win.
Oh, Sky just collapsed.
Couldn't take advantage.
[McAfee] Didn't have enough
to try to put Lyra away.
[Cole] And now,
once again,
Iyo's going to go for the Over The Moonsault.
Top rope for Sky.
[McAfee] For the third time.
[Cole] Iyo! Nobody home! But lands on her feet.
Valkyria back up.
She's got Sky, looking for her finish, the Nightwing!
Iyo, though, able to slip down.
-Valkyria stacks her up. -One!
-Grabs the legs! -Two! Three!
-[Cole] Lyra wins! -[bell rings]
["Triumph" plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
Lyra Valkyria!
[Cole] Iyo Sky cannot believe it!
I don't believe Valkyria believes it either.
A massive win, big upset tonight.
Lyra Valkyria is in the finals
of the Queen of the Ring tournament!
[McAfee] Perfect move at the perfect time!
[Cole] Lyra just knocked off a former WWE women's champion.
Iyo Sky is shocked!
I'm shocked!
There's the powerbomb and…
Iyo Sky looking for the Over The Moonsault.
Valkyria would look for Nightwing.
Sky able to counter,
but this is great ring awareness for Valkyria here, Pat.
[McAfee] Absolutely, middle of the ring.
Let me take advantage of the leverage.
[bell rings]
Sits down and gets a win.
Welcome to Monday Night Raw.
Lyra Valkyria
in the finals of the Queen of the Ring!
[Cole] She'll face either Nia Jax or Bianca Belair,
Saturday at the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Let's head up to the ring, and our own Jackie Redmond.
Lyra, I feel like I'm having deja vu here.
Congratulations! You have won!
[speaks Japanese]
Lyra, clearly emotions are… are running high.
But this is your moment. Okay?
So let me ask you this.
Could you have imagined?
Because regardless of what just happened,
you are advancing to the final of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Could you have imagined this
just three weeks ago when you were drafted?
No, Jackie,
three weeks ago,
I could not imagine that I'd be standing here today,
beating a former WWE women's champion.
[crowd cheers]
But the trick is,
you don't always have to know
how you're going to get the job done,
as long as you believe that you can.
And I am now
one Nightwing away
from becoming Queen of the Ring!
-[crowd cheers] -["Triumph" plays]
[Cole] Very emotional. Very excited.
Lyra Valkyria, can she do it Saturday?
Can she become Queen of the Ring?
[McAfee] I think so.
…how I use it on the go?
The lucification can be a prognosis as well.
You stick your left arm in,
you take your left arm out,
you stick your left arm in,
and then you shake it all about.
-Truth! -What's up, dawg?
-You good? -I'm good, dawg.
Hey, bro.
Good conversationalist.
Uh, Miz, Truth,
thanks for the chat.
Hopefully, we'll see you guys later on down the line,
and maybe even for those tag team titles.
And that long haired guy named Pete, though, he's a cool mate.
We need to focus.
-I'm focused. -Judgment Day uses numbers,
and with Carlito working with them,
we could end up in a disadvantage tonight.
I got that taken care of, dawg.
I talked to my good buddy,
Andre the Giant!
He said he gonna have our back tonight.
Truth? I-- I don't know how to tell you this, man,
but Andre passed away, like, 30 years ago.
Passed away what?
[stutters]
-He's… -Trust me!
Andre, we could really use you in spirit tonight.
Who are you talking to, dawg?
-Who are you talking to? -No--
No one. Nothing! N--
I'm gonna go get ready.
And they say I'm the one that's crazy.
Hi!
Ilja, last week,
"Main Event" Jey Uso defeated you
in order to face The Ring General Gunther here tonight.
And I gotta ask you,
who do you think is going to win
the King of the Ring tournament?
Like I said before, I am frustrated.
But there is no shame
in losing to the man they called the "Main Event"!
This is the kind of fighter
who sets the bar
where you really need to break yourself
to beat this man.
But talking about a man who broke me
several times.
Gunther!
And Jey…
[man] Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
Look here. Don't get it twisted, home boy.
I think you and I set the bar pretty high.
So before you go saying anybody else's name,
understand this.
That just because you got the best of me one time,
that doesn't mean that this is over.
Not by a long shot. You feel me?
[yelling]
-[Ricochet coughing] -[McAfee] Jeez!
[Ricochet groaning and coughing]
[man 1] Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
-[man 2] Back off! Get outta here! -[men yelling]
-[indistinct chatter] -Come on, back off!
[McAfee] Bron Breakker simply out of control.
Not by a long shot. You feel me?
[yelling]
[Cole] Spearing Ricochet through the equipment cases.
Ricochet did nothing to deserve this, Pat.
[McAfee] Yeah.
-What about here? -Yeah. [groaning]
What about here? What about here?
[Cole] Bron Breakker sending WWE management
and every superstar on Monday Night Raw,
a message.
Adam Pearce has got his hands full, as we mentioned earlier.
But, Pat, here's the question for me.
It's one thing--
It's one way to get an-- get attention for Bron Breakker,
what he's doing here. But is it the right thing to do?
Yeah, obviously attacking Ricochet, our speed champion,
out of nowhere isn't fun for anybody.
But to send a message to that bald stooge
who didn't put Bron Breakker in the King of the Ring.
I think that's all that Bron Breakker cares about.
-Well, later on tonight-- -[barks]
main event here on Monday Night Raw,
It is Gunther versus Jey Uso
in the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.
Here's how we got here.
[narrator] The quarterfinals of the King of the Ring tournament
continued last week,
with four of RAW's most skilled superstars
competing to move on to the next round.
Kicking off the action,
Kofi Kingston engaged with The Ring General Gunther
in an emotionally charged encounter.
Kofi used his speed and lateral quickness
to create separation.
But The Ring General's onslaught
became too formidable for the impassioned Kingston.
When the dust settled,
it was Gunther who marched on to the semifinals.
[Cole] After an incredible battle.
[narrator] For the first time ever,
"Main Event" Jey Uso
went up against the mad dragon Ilja Dragunov.
The former NXT champion brought the fight,
pushing Jey Uso to his absolute limit.
This intense back and forth clash
saw both superstars sprinting toward the finish line.
But in the end, it was "Main Event" Jey Uso
who pulled out the hard-fought victory.
[Cole] Jey Uso heading to the semi-finals of King of the Ring!
[narrator] Tonight, the stage is set
for another brutal collision
between two of RAW's most prolific competitors.
Gunther looks to advance and ascend the throne…
Soon to be the King of the Ring!
[narrator] …while "Main Event" Jey Uso
plans to spoil The Ring General's coronation.
I'll prove to you why they call me "Main Event" Jey Uso!
[narrator] Only one superstar
will move on to the finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
and compete for the coveted title
of King of the Ring.
Well…
I have to admit.
Just some months ago, I made fun of Jey Uso, and I told him,
simple gestures for simple people.
And quite frankly, I was wrong.
Because he turned himself
into the hottest thing going
on Monday Night Raw.
And tonight, when Jey Uso will make his way to the Ring,
all those seats will be filled
with thousands of people
throwing their hands in the air,
chanting his name and filling this room
with hope and illusion.
Well…
the bad news is,
I'm in the business
of taking hope away
and dragging people back down
on the ground of reality.
Because tonight,
when "Main Event" Jey Uso
takes on The Ring General Gunther
in the semifinals of the King of the ring tournament,
it's not about who's the more exciting act
on its way to the Ring.
It's about who's the better professional wrestler
when that bell rings.
And Jey, I'm sorry to say it,
you might be the most exciting showman
in this company today.
But in that ring,
I am superior to you.
And after that final bell,
all those people
are going to embrace me,
already the general
of this sacred ring.
Soon… to be the King of the Ring.
[upbeat music playing]
[Cole] Who will be in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament?
Will it be Gunther
or will it be "Main Event" Jey Uso?
We find out in the main event,
semifinal action later on tonight.
[narrator] Stronger Together is brought to you by Progressive.
Get even more savings
when you bundle your boat, RV, or motorcycle with Progressive.
[Cole] Four talented teams to battle it out
for an opportunity, and those world tag team titles.
Akam and Rezar cleaning house.
Brutus ball!
New Catch Republic!
-Hook of the leg by Dunne! -[crowd] One! Two!
[Cole] JD McDonagh saving the match-up!
Oh, look who's here!
[McAfee] Carlito!
[Cole] Backstabber on the table!
Coup de grace!
[crowd counting] One! Two! Three!
[Cole] Judgment Day are the number one contenders!
[indistinct conversations]
[Finn] It'll be fine. We'll be fine.
My favorite Irish lads.
-What's up, dude? -It's good, man.
You guys ready to go out there and bring those titles back home or what?
-You know it! -We're bringing 'em
back to where they belong.
[chuckles] Right here, in the clubhouse.
I like it, I like it.
-[Carlito] Which one? This one? -Hey, Carlito.
I heard about what you did to Cruiz.
Word is, my man's going to be out for a while.
Pero ya tú sabes.
That means LWO is going to be pissed
looking for you.
Well, the LWO was coming after me.
So I decided to strike first.
And now I'm just laying low, you know,
until the heat dies down.
Until the heat dies down.
Then I missed the sign that says APA.
We're not your personal protection agency.
You know that, right?
Hey, yo, Priest, he came through for JD and Finn last week.
You did.
That's exactly why you're welcome here this week.
Just keep earning your keep. You know what I'm saying?
All right.
All right, guys, go do your thing, man.
-Let's get it. -All right, let's go.
Come on, let's go.
Hey, uh…
I can't help but think…
I wish it was me and you out there tonight.
But I get it.
You're the champ now.
You, uh…
you catch that New York Knicks game?
Tough break, huh?
What's wrong with you?
We're cool though right?
-Yeah. -["I Came To Play" plays]
[McAfee] Ah, Pacers beat the Knicks.
-["What's Up" plays] -[Miz] Greensboro!
It's about that time!
Truth! What we about to do?
Let's crank it up! Let's crank it up!
Now, here we go!
-♪ People over there ♪ -♪ What's up ♪
♪ You feel me? Let me hear you say ♪
-♪ What's up? ♪ -♪ What's up? ♪
[all together] ♪ What's up ♪
[crowd] ♪ What's up ♪
Miz, tell them who we is!
The Awesome Truth!
[R-Truth] ♪ You can't get with this ♪
♪ Or you can't get with that ♪
♪ Greensboro, NC, this is where it's at ♪
[both] ♪ What's up? ♪
-[crowd] ♪ What's up ♪ -♪ What's up? ♪
[crowd] ♪ What's up ♪
-Miz, tell them who we is! -The Awesome Truth!
♪ People skipping and jumping ♪
♪ Beating the competition ♪
♪ Make him disappear Like your favorite magician ♪
♪ It's like that ♪
♪ As a matter of fact ♪
♪ Y'all can tell him that The Awesome Truth is back ♪
♪ Most of the time, you see us Just being simple ♪
♪ This is the time We be bustin' them up ♪
♪ Like a pickle ♪
♪ Stating our claim to fame ♪
♪ The two most must see superstars ♪
♪ Playing the game ♪
♪ Haven't even started yet ♪
♪ You better believe ♪
♪ We take it off with showstopper ♪
[both] ♪ What's up? ♪
-[crowd] ♪ What's up? ♪ -♪ What's up? ♪
[crowd] ♪ What's up? ♪
-Miz, tell them who we is! -The Awesome Truth!
♪ People over there, what's up? ♪
♪ You feel me? ♪
Let me hear you say "What's up?"
-♪ What's up? ♪ -[crowd] ♪ What's up? ♪
[crowd] ♪ What's up? ♪
-Miz, tell them who we is! -The Awesome Truth!
♪ You can get with this ♪
♪ Or you can get with that ♪
♪ Greensboro, NC This is where it's at ♪
-♪ What's up? ♪ -[crowd] ♪ What's up? ♪
-Miz, tell them who we is! -The Awesome Truth!
-[Cole] Miz adds so much. -[McAfee] Oh, yeah.
[Cole] Hey, Monday Night Raw is in Greensboro, North Carolina tonight.
But Baron Corbin, who's now a superstar in Friday Night SmackDown,
was actually in Kissimmee, Florida yesterday
at the Pro Bowlers Association Playoffs.
[upbeat music playing]
What's up, everybody? Superstar Baron Corbin.
The PBA playoff championships are happening.
And yours truly is throwing out the first ball!
That looks pretty good.
[woman] How fun was trying to get that strike?
I mean, it's nerve-wracking.
These guys are pros for a reason.
[man 1] Our friends at WWE
supply the hardware for the PBA Playoffs champion.
David "Boog" Krol,
the biggest moment of his life!
-Congratulations! -Thank you.
Oh, my gosh!
[Cole] So how did Corbin do on throwing his first ball?
Here's the Peer-O-Pat-istrator.
[McAfee] Yeah, first things first.
You think to yourself, I haven't seen this guy a long time.
That's Baron Corbin.
You do remember, he's the guy that we often wondered
if he had a brain inside of that head.
He was once a crown-- a King of the Ring winner.
And then he became a guy that smelled as a homeless, bum ass,
piece of trash version of himself!
But look at him now!
He's jacked, he's handsome,
and he's bowling.
He read the oil patterns perfectly.
And what did he do?
He checked the watch.
He got good spin, missed the pocket,
hit the top, only knocked down nine.
And then his big dumb ass goes,
"Damn! All we need is one more, guys!"
Only one more for a big ol'
strike in your face, pal!
That's eyeballing a man that could be a champion again.
Former King for sure.
And a bum.
[speaking indistinctly]
Well, well, well.
[McAfee] Whoa!
Shayna Baszler.
Hi, Sonya.
Zoey.
There was actually something
I wanted to talk to the two of you about. Do you have a second?
I mean, yeah--
No!
Sonya, whatever it is you're trying to sell us,
we're not interested.
All right? Let's go.
Dude.
[Cole] There's a Fatal 4-Way later on tonight.
Sonya Deville, she's been out nine months with a… a knee injury.
Is back.
And I can't help but think
she can't be up to any good, Pat.
[McAfee] No, she's always cooking.
Something mischievous.
["The Other Side" plays]
[McAfee] Tried to call her Sonya Devil.
Deville, sorry.
[speaking inaudibly]
[fireworks explode]
[Coles] This match-up is for the world tag team titles.
[indistinct conversation]
[Cole] Finn Bálor, JD McDonagh,
thanks to Carlito,
won a Fatal 4-Way match last week to qualify tonight.
They are accompanied, of course, by…
Dirty Dom.
[McAfee] Yeah, there's dumb and there's McDumb-uh.
Who obviously now has a shot at the titles.
And we just heard Finn tell Damian Priest earlier
he wishes that he was wrestling with him.
♪ …Well you deserve The hell you're gonna pay ♪
♪ On the other side ♪
♪ Once you reach the other side ♪
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the World Tag Team Championship!
Introducing the challengers.
Accompanied to the ring by Dominik Mysterio…
[McAfee scoffs]
[crowd boos]
…representing The Judgment Day,
the team of JD McDonagh
and Finn Bálor!
[crowd booing]
And their opponents.
They are the World Tag Team Champions,
R-Truth and The Miz,
Awesome Truth!
[crowd cheers]
[Cole] You know, Finn Bálor and Damian Priest
headed into WrestleMania as the undisputed tag team champions,
defended in a six-pack ladder match.
In that match-up, R-Truth and Miz, uh,
grabbed the Raw tag team titles,
became the champs that night.
Now, the world tag team champions
defending against Bálor and JD McDonagh.
So Bálor and Miz will start things off in this match-up.
-[bell rings] -Bálor a former universal champion.
Miz, former two-time WWE champion.
You know, for Bálor and McDonagh, this is an interesting match-up, Pat.
Uh, Finn Bálor trained JD McDonagh,
and was also very instrumental
in JD McDonagh becoming part of the group Judgment Day.
[McAfee] A lot of people say that he's the one to blame for all of this,
but nonetheless, you would think they would know each other very well.
[Cole] Tag made.
Here comes McDonagh,
who's looking to win his first major championship here in WWE
in his first year on Monday Night Raw.
He's a former NXT cruiserweight champion,
is McDonagh.
As dangerous as they come.
I mean, we poke fun a lot at JD McDonagh,
-but he is a technician in the ring. -Yeah.
[McAfee] Yeah, and he's willing to do anything.
Like, absolutely anything.
[Cole] Tag.
Here comes R-Truth and, uh, Miz
with a kick to the face.
And now R-Truth getting it involved with the…
leg drop!
-[McAfee] R-Truth and Miz… -What's up?
[crowd] What's up?
[Cole] I don't know how he does it.
[McAfee] Nobody will ever understand
how R-Truth does anything.
[Cole] This means a lot for R-Truth as well, as he tags in The Miz.
Remember, there was a time there, were a number of months where
R-Truth was trying desperately
to become part of Judgment Day.
Oh!
He said that's in the past.
Now, it's about destroying the group.
They attempt to start that process tonight.
[McAfee] Oh!
And also enjoying life as a champion.
-Miz and R-Truth, The Awesome Truth! -[Cole] Oh!
[McAfee] Certainly earned and deserved.
[Cole] Finn runs into a boot!
And McDonagh! Nobody home.
Miz stacking him up!
Kick-out by JD.
Looking for the skull-crushing finale.
McDonagh able to counter.
[McAfee] And Miz with a big right--
[Cole] Ah, Dominik with the distraction,
allows Finn Bálor to take over.
[McAfee] The ref was over, talking to R-Truth.
It's Judgment Day, just doing their thing.
[Cole] Why are you even out here? Go back to the locker room!
-[Cole] Go home! -[McAfee] Get out of here.
-[McAfee] Go home! -Championships are coming home!
[McAfee] Go home.
[Cole] Finn Bálor stomping away on Miz.
We are live tonight, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Nearly 11,000 on hand.
Cover by McDonagh!
For the World Tag Team titles!
And a kick-out by Miz.
Miz and R-Truth defending the tag titles
against McDonagh and Bálor of Judgment Day.
Slimy greasy Dominik Mysterio at ringside.
He was mouthing off to you during the commercial break, Pat.
He shouldn't even be out here.
He's already affected the match-up on a couple of occasions.
[McAfee] Yeah, he's tried a couple rights behind the ref's eyes,
and he's everything that you… you bill him as.
Just a real piece of trash.
[Cole] R-truth hoping to make a tag, Miz in trouble.
Fingertips away.
Can he get there?
Miz with a right hand.
He's lucky he didn't break it on that head.
[McAfee] You should not be punching that head, Miz.
Slapping is smarter.
[Cole] Miz almost there!
Into the corner!
Knocked Bálor off the apron now.
Miz trying to fight out.
Across the ring! Both men down!
[McAfee] After Miz's kick to…
JD's head, I wonder what got the worst of it.
The bottom of Miz foot or JD's head?
Now both of them down.
[Cole] Critical moment in this match-up tonight.
Tag made! Here comes Truth.
Truth and Bálor now!
And there's R-Truth paying homage
to who he calls his childhood hero.
The GOAT, John Cena!
[crowd cheers]
And Bálor not going to allow him to deliver the five knuckle shuffle.
[McAfee] Listen, I grew up watching that as well.
[Cole] Drop toehold!
Looking for the STF!
[groaning]
[Cole] Middle of the Ring!
McDonagh breaks things up!
Miz sent out, right here in front of us.
I-- I still don't know how he does that.
Truth sends McDonagh up over the top rope!
Bálor! Roll-up to try to win the titles!
And a kick-out!
[McAfee] True ageless wonder, R-Tru--
[Cole] Ah! Sling blade by Bálor.
[McAfee] The longer it goes,
you have to assume it's better for Judgment Day.
[Cole] Tag made. McDonagh now.
Double team coming from Judgment Day.
[McAfee] Who have an age and a man advantage.
-[Cole] R-Truth. -[McAfee] Big boot.
[Cole] Ducks underneath.
Down goes McDonagh now!
Miz plants Bálor!
[crowd cheers]
Miz who once battled John Cena at WrestleMania…
[crowd] You can't see me!
[Cole] …is going to deliver,
-I guess that's a ten knuckle shuffle. -[McAfee] From Awesome Truth.
[Cole] And look who's out here once again!
Carlito!
The reason Judgment Day is even in this match-up to begin with!
[McAfee] Carlito has been showing up for Judgment Day.
McDonagh from behind, rolls up Truth!
Trying to win the tag titles.
Kick-out by Truth.
Oh! Face-first goes McDonagh.
Cover by Truth.
For the win!
Hook of the leg! Carlito!
Just put McDonagh's foot on the bottom rope!
[crowd booing]
Truth, the Lie Detector, almost put this one away.
Carlito saved it, again paying dividends for Judgment Day.
[indistinct conversation]
[McAfee] Carlito might be looking for friends because LWO is after him,
but nonetheless, I don't know why he's choosing to help--
[Cole] And now this goofball Dominik trying to distract the official again!
-["The Monster of All Monsters" plays] -[McAfee] Wait a minute!
Look who it is!
[Cole] JD McDonagh, who told Braun Strowman last week
to stay out of Judgment Day's business,
just sends Carlito!
And Carlito sent into the barricade!
And now JD McDonagh's in the aisle with a monster,
who's on the move!
[Cole] McDonagh trying to run away from the 6'8, 385-pound Braun Strowman!
And he goes right into the ring,
right into The Attitude Adjustment!
-Cover by Truth! -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[Cole] They retain!
[bell rings]
["The Awesome Truth" plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners,
and still
the world tag team champions,
Awesome Truth!
[Cole] So was Braun Strowman
the Andre the Giant that R-Truth was referring to earlier?
[McAfee] Absolutely.
He said that there was a giant who had his back.
It was actually a monster
who happens to be
one big son of a bitch!
Look at that thing!
[Cole] JD McDonagh warned Braun Strowman last week.
Now, obviously, Mr. Strowman didn't heed the warning.
Things just exploded tonight
for The Judgment Day.
[crowd cheers]
Yes! You did it! Congratulations!
Good work on that.
You're going to the Queen of the Ring finals.
You got this.
-Thanks. -You got this!
They'll never beat the Irish!
Uh, congratulations on your big victory tonight.
Not sure I buy that, Liv.
I'm actually surprised, too,
you didn't have Becky come and help you out.
Like you helped her sneak attack me last week.
Speaking of the devil.
-What are you-- -Oh!
[Liv Morgan laughing]
[man chuckles]
Sami.
You don't need to be concerned with Chad Gable and his mind games
because that's all they are.
Games.
Sami.
Look into my eyes!
I am soulless!
All I care about is business,
and violence is how I make my money.
So Saturday,
I will use my body as a weapon
and get my biggest payday yet.
Oh, great.
Look who it is.
A guy who cost me my match.
You know, I expected better out of you, Otis, I really did.
I expect that crap from Gable, but not from you.
I thought you were better than that. Maybe I'm wrong about you, though.
Yeah.
Are you-- Are you proud of yourself?
'Cause you shouldn't be.
-Sami. -What? What? What? What?
I'm sorry, I really am.
Damn it, Otis.
I know you are, man.
I know you're sorry because you're a good guy.
All right? Chad Gable is not a good guy.
I know, you think he's your friend.
He's your coach. Whatever. Look, I've…
I've been in your shoes before.
Trust me.
Take it from me.
The sooner you stop listening to him
and you start listening to them…
[crowd cheers]
…you're going to be a lot better.
[crowd chanting] Otis!
["Celtic Invasion" plays]
[Cole] Sound advice from the Intercontinental Champion.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the women's world champion,
"The Man"
Becky Lynch!
[Cole] A very proud champion,
Becky Lynch, who defends this weekend.
[McAfee] New York Times best seller.
World champion.
The Man's on top of the world.
[Cole] Well, this coming Saturday,
At the King and Queen of the Ring,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 1 o'clock on the east,
10 o'clock out west,
Becky Lynch defends the Women's World Championship.
against Liv Morgan.
New attitude and all as the Liv Morgan revenge tour,
in her mind, continues.
[McAfee] Liv Morgan has, obviously, done some damage.
So has Becky.
Who's comfortable in the massive moments.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chanting] Becky!
"The Man" has come around through
Greensboro, North Carolina!
[crowd cheers]
And in five days,
I will be defending my title against Liv Morgan
at Queen of the Ring.
Now, now, Liv and I, we got a lot of history together.
We have fought side by side.
We have fought in honor.
We have fought in bad blood.
But in the many times we have fought each other,
she's never once beaten me.
But now, we are dealing with a very different Liv Morgan.
Yeah, she's… she's hell bent on revenge,
and now she's… she's hitting people from behind,
and she's, uh, she's bailing on fights,
and she thinks that this strategy
is going to be what it takes to beat me.
Well, when I first came over here--
["Liv Gone Mad" plays]
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
Wow, oh my goodness.
Cut the music, please.
The way that you are gaslighting
the WWE universe right now is literally insane.
You punched me in my face last week,
and I come out to retaliate and I'm the bad guy?
Again, Damage CTRL comes out to attack you,
so I leave because it has absolutely nothing to do with me.
And all of a sudden, I'm scared to fight?
I think you might be a little bit confused, Becky,
because I don't care about these other women.
I barely even care about you.
All I care about is my purpose.
Which is to complete the Liv Morgan
Revenge Tour.
[crowd] What?
Oh! Oh, that's right, that's right.
You finally figured out a purpose.
After being here for nearly ten years,
you finally figured out what the hell you're doing here.
I can't relate. I can't relate!
I have known my purpose since i was 15 years old,
and I first walked into a wrestling gym.
I wrote a New York Times best-selling book about my purpose!
I wanted--
I wanted equality.
I wanted to change the game.
I wanted to break down barriers,
break through glass ceilings.
I wanted to main event WrestleManias.
And after 22 years,
my purpose still remains the same.
I want to make sure that when I leave this place,
it is better than how I found it.
But you…
But you… you, your purpose is revenge.
Okay! Okay!
So if you get it, what happens next?
Okay. Okay.
You're really, really, really, really delusional, Becky,
it's actually insane.
The fact that you come out here and say,
"Ah, I break barriers!
I break glass ceilings."
The fact that that's what you actually think about yourself,
I'm actually a little bit embarrassed for you right now,
because you are the most selfish person
in this entire company.
Yeah. She doesn't care about you guys.
She doesn't care about you guys.
She doesn't care about this place.
All Becky has ever cared about
-is herself. -[crowd] What?
[Morgan] Yeah. What?
What, what, you guys can't hear me?
I know why.
It's because you all have your head
shoved so far up Becky's ass right now,
you can't hear me. [laughs]
[crowd jeers]
But thank you so much for not making everything about yourself
and actually asking me a question about me.
You want to know what's next
after I complete the Liv Morgan revenge tour?
After ten long, hard years in the WWE,
I will finally sit where I belong,
which is at the top of this division
as your new
women's world champion.
[crowd boos]
You bring-- You bring… you bring these people into this.
These, these people know that you're lying
because one thing I know about these people
is that you can't trick them,
and they know that I do everything for them!
They know I give my best for them!
They know I will always put my body on the line for them!
And them is here.
And you is here,
and I is here.
And I came here looking for a fight.
So if you think you're worthy of being the champion,
well, then, why don't you put your money
where your mouth is and come on down here and fight me?
You want to go?
Okay!
[Cole] Here we go. Why wait till Saturday?
[McAfee] Holy hell.
[Cole] Liv Morgan on her way to the ring!
No, no, no, no, no!
[laughing]
I wish you could see how stupid you look right now.
"Wah-wah-wah! I want to fight!"
I'm actually going to do the smart thing,
which is wait, because on Saturday,
we have a world title match,
so I'm going to wait.
And then on Saturday, I will fight you
and I will become
the new women's world champion.
Cry about it.
[Cole] What has gotten into Liv Morgan?
[McAfee] She's confident, she's ready.
Becky Lynch wants to fight.
We're five days away from a massive one!
-["Liv Gone Mad" plays] -[indistinct shouting]
-Yeah. -[groans]
Somebody want to speak and let me know what just happened?
Carlito.
Didn't I just finish telling you you need to earn your keep around here?
Mate, I thought JD was supposed to handle Strowman.
Hey!
I warned him last week.
I was in the match this week. What do you want from me?
All right. Easy, easy.
Easy fix.
You go to Pearce
and you ask him for a match against Strowman next week.
Guys, we need to get back on track here.
Real talk.
I don't even recognize us anymore.
Hey, big man.
Big… Big man!
You know what?
He's right.
The wheels are falling off around here. We need to get back on track.
You.
You need to go talk to Pearce now.
["Still The Baddest" plays]
[McAfee] Everything's in disarray!
[Cole] Everything's been in disarray tonight.
What a chaotic night.
And it continues with a Fatal 4-Way.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a WWE
Women's Tag Championship Fatal 4-Way
number one contender's match!
introducing first,
representing Damage CTRL,
the team of Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai!
[Cole] We have a Fatal 4-Way match-up tonight.
One of these teams will have an opportunity
to earn a future shot
at the women's tag team titles.
Fatal 4-Way action is live next
on Monday Night Raw.
Mr. Woods, I think you're good to go.
-That's what I'm talking about, bro! -Yo! Here we go, doctor, great!
-Ooh, let's go! -Come on, man.
Hey! Now we can get back to doing what we do in this tag division, bro.
Matter of fact, I'm gonna go talk to Pearce right now
-about some opportunity. -Ooh! I like that!
Hey, hey, hey!
[together] New Day!
Let's make it official! Where's he at?
Yes, I can go.
[man] So, what's the verdict?
Are you cleared?
Good.
Listen, I just wanted to… lend you my support.
You've been through a very, very rough stretch.
And I just wanted to remind you
that there's always more time…
to turn things around.
[Cole] Weirdos.
["Still The Baddest" continues playing]
[Cole] Getting set for Fatal 4-Way tag team action.
Damage CTRL. Dakota Kai Kairi Sane,
teaming together tonight.
["Limb By Limb" plays]
[announcer] Next, the team of Zoey Stark
and Shayna Baszler!
[McAfee] These two mean business.
[Cole] I love this team. Baszler and Zoey.
As dangerous as they come.
[McAfee] They're mean. They're mean.
I think that's how people would say down here in North Carolina. Mean.
[Cole] You know, they said, uh,
after losses in the Queen of the Ring tournament,
that it's time to make changes
sooner rather than later.
Look at that…
Look at that, kind of joyful.
Excited for the opportunity.
["For The Academy" plays]
[announcer] Making their way to the ring,
the team of Ivy Nile
and Maxxine Dupri.
[Cole] Massive opportunity,
perhaps the biggest of the careers for these two women,
Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri.
The question is, Pat, can Maxxine concentrate on this match-up tonight
with what is going on with Chad Gable and the rest of Alpha Academy?
[McAfee] Yeah. Chad Gable is kind of the face of Alpha Academy.
So you're representing Alpha Academy.
Do you want to do well or not for that guy?
[Cole] Chad Gable asked Maxxine to get involved in his match-up
earlier tonight with Sami Zayn. She refused.
He kicked Maxxine out of, uh, ringside area.
Also had some very derogatory statements to be made
about Alpha Academy tonight.
["Party All The Time" plays]
[McAfee] Oh, yeah!
We're at the club!
[announcer] And their opponents,
the team of Kayden Carter
and Katana Chance!
[Cole] When is the last time you were at the club?
[McAfee] It's been a while, but the fist pump is still pumping.
[Cole] Longest reigning NXT tag team champions ever.
And also former WWE tag team champions as well.
Kayden Carter, Katana Chance.
This is a Fatal 4-Way match.
Two women will be in the ring at once.
You can tag in any member of any team.
First team to gain pinfall or submission
will get a future tag team championship opportunity.
Again, the current champions, of course,
over on SmackDown.
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
[McAfee] Carter and Chance,
former champs looking to get back into the race yet again.
All eyes on them in the middle of the ring as they're doing their thing.
No pressure. Let's dance it out.
Damage CTRL was down here at the hydration station,
causing a little tomfoolery.
-Obviously different strategies coming in. -[bell rings]
[Cole] So it was determined earlier tonight that
Ivy Nile and Kairi Sane will start this Fatal 4-Way tag team match-up.
And look at Baszler and Zoey Stark quickly--
And now things starting to break down.
[McAfee] Okay, so…
[Cole] Oh! Big kick from Dakota.
Running knee by Shayna.
[McAfee] Maxxine Dupri.
[Cole] Well, Kairi Sane… taking out Maxxine.
Ivy Nile the Pitbull!
[McAfee] But wait a minute. I'm here too!
[Cole] Again, uh…
This could turn into a melee with, uh, really no disqualifications
in these Fatal 4-Way matches.
Look at the power shown!
Vertical suplex by Ivy,
but Carter and Chance with a double team.
[McAfee] Smart. Utilized the delayed suplex,
Davey Boy Smith to your advantage.
That's why Carter and Chance have been champs before.
[Cole] And now working together yet again.
-Look at this! -[McAfee] What the--
[Cole] Keg stand! With a little twist.
Very impressive.
[McAfee] I love a good keg stand.
Keg stands bring people to their feet,
just like what happened here in Greensboro.
[Cole] Cover by Kayden Carter!
And a kick-out by Zoey.
Fatal 4-Way continues.
Who's going to get a tag team championship opportunity?
[Cole] Dakota Kai, cover!
On… Kayden Carter.
Got involved, kick-out as well.
This is a Fatal 4-Way match-up.
One of these teams going to earn an opportunity
for a future tag team championship match.
[McAfee] We got a rowdy crowd here in Greensboro.
A lot on the line.
-[McAfee] This is secure, is it? -Here we go!
-[Cole] Oh! -[crowd exclaims]
[Cole] Wow! Ivy Nile, power on display!
And now WWE fans
actually chanting for a tag for Maxxine.
Can you imagine if Maxxine could pull off the win tonight?
What would Chad Gable think about that?
[McAfee] She'd be winning right in his face.
He'd probably take it as disrespect
because that's the type of guy he is. But it'd be awesome for Maxxine Dupri!
[Cole] And-- Oh! And a…
big kick by Maxxine.
[McAfee] Potential number one contender for the…
-[Cole] German suplex! -[McAfee] …tag titles!
[Cole] Into a kip up!
A very impressive Maxxine Dupri.
[McAfee] Absolutely taking control of this match.
[Cole] Kairi Sane sent her to the corner.
Tag made, Kayden Carter is legal.
Maxxine off the bulldog, doesn't realize it!
And now the double team coming
for Carter and Chance.
Katana Chance knocks Baszler and Zoey off the apron.
-See ya! -[McAfee chuckles]
[McAfee] Maxxine says get out of my ring.
[Cole] Maxxine went for the enzuigiri again.
Kayden able to duck underneath, momentarily.
-Standing switch by Carter. -No, no, no! No!
Sorry!
[Cole] Oh! Face-first goes Dupri!
For the win!
Grab her! Come on!
[Cole] Katana Chance climbing up to the top rope.
Tag made!
Katana is not legal!
She just hit the after party,
but she's not legal!
[McAfee] Gotta see Dakota Kai tagged in.
[Cole] Cover by Dakota, for the win!
Stark and Baszler breaking things up.
[McAfee] I wonder if Maxxine would have been able to kick-out late there.
Nonetheless, fight continues for the number one contendership.
Ay! Okay!
[McAfee] Damage CTRL, feels like they're in control.
[Cole] And that was Zoey Stark sent out to the apron.
Kick to the face of Kayden Carter.
Kairi Sane, Dakota Kai
laughing about what they're about to do here.
Double team now to Shayna!
[McAfee] Couple of menaces, this Damage CTRL.
[Cole] Both were former tag team champions.
Ivy Nile now, the powerhouse! The Pitbull!
-Wow! -[crowd exclaims]
[McAfee] Double powerbomb superplex.
Meanwhile, Carter and, uh, Chance…
They trying to double team Zoey Stark here!
What the hell?
And Zoey, right onto her partner!
[McAfee] Hurricanrana from the top, top, top, top, top rope.
[Cole] Impressive display by everybody involved in this match up.
Maxxine now dragging Carter out of the ring
and driving Kayden Carter in the barricade!
And a…
Wow, good attitude shown by Maxxine there.
-[McAfee] Look at that. -[Cole] Surprised herself.
[McAfee] Greensboro's loving it.
[Cole] And Maxxine may have an opportunity.
[McAfee] We're about to see Otis' worm out here?
[yells indistinctly]
[Cole] I don't think Chad Gable would like this,
this reverse worm followed by the elbow drop!
[McAfee] Chad Gable does not like pizzazz.
[Cole] Cover for the win! And a kick-out by Dakota.
Into an ankle lock!
Chad Gable specialty!
[McAfee] Maxxine Dupri straight out of the Alpha Academy.
[Cole] Kairi Sane though! Top rope!
Insane elbow!
[yelling]
[speaks indistinctly]
[Cole] I don' think Kairi made a tag but…
Now-- Now she did.
[McAfee] Now she did.
She is legal.
If Kairi Sane hits another insane elbow drop,
this could be all over.
Kairi fired up, Shayna Baszler Zoey Stark though, not gonna--
Look at Kairi trying to… Tag made! Zoey Stark's legal.
[McAfee] Headlock and a tag!
Maxxine roll-up and Stark! Shoulders are now down!
Kick-out by Stark at two!
Zoey with a kick.
Maxxine lifted up!
Shayna Baszler!
With a knee!
-Oh, that's the knockout blow! -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
[bell rings]
["Cut Above The Rest" plays]
-[McAfee] An alley-oop! -[announcer] Here are your winners,
the team of Shayna Baszler
and Zoey Stark!
[Cole] I like that!
The alley-oop gives Baszler and Stark
an opportunity down the road for the women's tag team titles.
[McAfee] The amount of force coming through that knee.
This team could be our champs.
[Cole] Great performance by everyone involved.
I'm standing by with Ludwig Kaiser,
and Ludwig, earlier tonight,
Gunther's confidence seemed unwavering in his belief
that he will be the next King of the Ring.
But do you think The Ring General
could be overlooking the threat
that is "Main Event", Jey Uso.
Overlooking?
The Ring General proved several times
that he is superior to anyone out there.
I personally just hope that Jey Uso is going to take the loss
better than Sheamus did.
Remember Sheamus?
The guy who used to love to fight?
The guy who used to, you know, let his fists do the talking for him.
Last time, Sheamus used his fists,
he used it to pound down on the keyboard of his computer at home.
Because it turns out that your legendary Celtic Warrior
is nothing but a keyboard warrior.
So let me tell you the absolute truth about Sheamus here.
Sheamus' career is going two ways from here.
Either he's going to stay home and he's going to protect his legacy,
or he's actually going to dare to come back
just for Ludwig Kaiser to put him down!
Like old yeller.
All right. Strong words from Ludwig Kaiser.
Well. Hello, Drew.
-[crowd cheering] -Oh, hey.
Probably wondering what I'm doing here.
I'm wondering what I'm doing here, too.
See, Adam Pearce, in his infinite wisdom,
decided not to use one of his biggest superstars on Raw tonight,
but he wanted me to be here live
after medically disqualifying me against my will
to watch Jey Uso on my King of the Ring spot
and not give me any time to speak my mind.
Screw that and screw him.
The people want Drew McIntyre and I'm going to give them Drew McIntyre.
Let's talk about that paper champion Damian Priest.
He thought he could one over on me last week.
Nobody gets one over on me unless I let them.
I had nothing left to say.
I got what I wanted, my world title rematch.
I'm playing chess
and he's just playing with his guyliner.
He's also spreading himself too thin.
It's Seth all over again.
The LWO, the tag titles, Bron, Carlito!
Man, I'm going to give you more free advice.
Stop it.
Focus on the championship
because we're going to have a match eventually.
WrestleMania, I beat a real champion.
And soon, I'm going to beat you too.
As you were.
All right. Thank you, Drew.
[Cole] Hey Pat, experience the very best WrestleMania 41 has to offer
with an official WWE Priority Pass from on location.
Place your deposit today
to secure premium seating,
pre-show hospitality,
interactions with your favorite WWE superstars,
and so much more.
Head to on locationexp.com/wwe for details.
[upbeat music playing]
So, you guys…
The guy comes up, he hits a grammy roll, turns around.
I just crack him with a lat drop!
-It was unbelievable. -That's wild!
You should have seen it. You should have been there.
Coach, can I talk to you?
Guys, give me a second.
Think about what I said.
-All right? -All right.
There he is!
My number one guy! Where you been?
I went to apologize to Sami.
Apologized?
Why would you say s-- Oh.
I see what you're doing.
You're tugging at his heartstrings, making him think you feel bad,
softening him up for Saudi. That's smart.
That's why you're my number one.
Now, look, I got your ticket,
your passport, all your documents, like always. Okay?
-You ready for Saudi, right? -Mm-hmm.
Because we are going to win
my Intercontinental Championship
together, right?
Mm-hmm.
Right?
Right.
No, no,
I want to hear you say it.
-No matter what. -[inhales deeply]
[exhales]
-I'll see you on the flight. -[slaps arm]
Is this glass? Only the best for my number one!
The guy sucks.
When he says "we,"
And then there's a lot of "I" for a good thing.
And then "you" normally he says, are a failure.
Chad Gable's got it all wrong.
And Otis is obviously caught up in the middle of it all.
Well, we're all on our way to Saudi Arabia this week, of course,
to Jeddah for this coming Saturday.
The King and Queen of the Ring event.
It starts 8:00 local, Saturday night in Jeddah.
But if you're going to watch here in the States,
it's 1 o'clock Eastern afternoon on the East Coast,
10:00 in the morning on the West Coast.
And what a card we have,
including what Chad Gable was just alluding to.
The Triple Threat match for the Intercontinental Championship.
No champion's advantage for Sami Zayn.
First man to gain pinfall or submission becomes the champ.
It's Gable, Zayn and "Big" Bronson Reed.
Also, the undisputed
WWE championship on the line.
The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes has had enough
of loudmouth Logan Paul.
They meet Saturday in Jeddah.
We heard from both Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan earlier on tonight.
Becky defends the women's world championship
as the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour continues in Jeddah.
The Queen of the Ring tournament finals.
We know Lyra Valkyria will represent Monday Night Raw.
Who will represent SmackDown?
We find that out Friday Night.
Bianca Belair versus Nia Jax.
And the King of the Ring tournament finals.
Will it be Jey Uso or Gunther?
Here in our main event coming up next.
Against either Randy Orton or Tama Tonga
of The Bloodline from Friday Night SmackDown.
[McAfee] Look at the fireworks.
[crowd cheers]
Tonight is the night!
There is no tomorrow.
It's the semifinals for the King of the Ring tournament.
[crowd] Yeet!
"Main Event" Jey Uso
versus The Ring General Gunther.
[crowd] Yeet!
Last time we met, Uce, I almost had you.
We got unfinished-- unfinished business right here, Uce.
Tonight, I finish the job.
You going to catch a Yeetdown
and I'm going to catch a crown.
[crowd] Yeet!
It's "Main Event" time, Uce!
They know what it is.
Y'all know what it is!
"Main Event" Jey Uso is now in your damn city, Greensboro!
Huh!
[crowd cheers]
On the way.
If I'm on the way,
Yeet with me.
[crowd chanting] Yeet!
That boy look good! That boy look good!
I stay drip! I stay drip!
Hey, Uce, please hit my music!
And, uh…
Yeet!
[""Main Event" Ish" plays]
[McAfee] Yeet!
Yeah, I know!
[crowd cheering]
[McAfee] What a Yeet scene in Greensboro!
Yeetsboro, North Carolina!
[music continues]
[roars]
[McAfee] What a scene!
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a semifinals match
in the King of the Ring tournament!
Introducing first, from San Francisco, California,
weighing in at 242 pounds,
"Main Event" Jey Uso!
[Cole] What an opportunity tonight
for Monday Night Raw's Jey Uso.
You take a look at the bracket and how Jey Uso got here tonight
into the semifinals against Gunther.
Jey Uso knocking off Finn Bálor
and the dragon Ilja Dragunov.
One win away from the finals of the King of the Ring!
[music continues]
["Symphony No. 9 in E Minor" plays]
[Cole] Buzzkill.
[crowd booing]
[McAfee] Well, things have certainly taken a turn here, turn-wise.
[announcer] And his opponent,
representing Imperium,
from Vienna, Austria, weighing in at 250 pounds,
The Ring General,
Gunther!
[Cole] Will one of these men
be King of the Ring
when Monday Night Raw heads to Savannah, Georgia
next week right here on USA?
Six hundred sixty-six days.
The-record setting Intercontinental Championship reign
of that man, Gunther.
And during that stretch, Pat,
Jey Uso, in my estimation,
had Gunther beat for the title
before his brother Jimmy Uso got involved,
costing him the championship.
So from a confidence standpoint,
Jey Uso has got to feel pretty good coming into this match-up tonight.
[McAfee] Absolutely. He mentioned it earlier.
He said, "I almost had you, Uce."
And I think that's the case.
But The Ring General
is more than ready to be King.
[Cole] Semifinals next.
[Cole] We're back on Monday Night Raw.
-[bell rings] -And we are underway.
Semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.
Jey Uso versus Gunther.
The winner to face either Randy Orton or Tama Tonga
this coming Saturday
in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Twenty-third King of the Ring tournament.
Gunther advanced by beating Sheamus and Kofi.
Mentioned earlier, Jey Uso got by
with victories over Finn Bálor, Ilja Dragunov.
And here we go!
Gunther and Uso getting physical in the early going.
[McAfee] Yeah, you think to yourself that,
you know, Gunther is an old school guy in the ring.
So is Jey Uso.
-[all exclaiming] -[Cole] Goodness!
And another chop!
-[groaning] -What now?
-Oh! -[Cole exclaims]
[McAfee] You can tell that right hand the size of a frying pan is hot tonight.
[grunting]
[crowd] Yeet! Yeet!
[Cole] And now, Jey Uso firing back!
Against the imposing Gunther.
-And Jey Uso… -[crowd chanting] Yeet!
[Cole] Big opportunity tonight in our main event on Monday Night Raw.
Gunther blocked.
[crowd] Yeet!
[Cole] And Uso with a right hand as the Yeets ring out
here in Greensboro.
[crowd] Yeet!
[McAfee] Massive rights, crow hopping into this.
As we catch a little Yeet.
-Good ol'… -[crowd] Yeet!
[Cole] Uso and Gunther both understanding
what being crowned King of the Ring means
as the jump start of so many great careers
here in WWE over the years.
[McAfee] And that's a big deal there.
Right hand from Jey just knocked Gunther out.
[Cole] And Gunther now driven into the barricade!
And Uso's got Gunther in trouble.
[McAfee] Absolutely.
The Ring General,
he's reeling early.
And Uso understood from their first match-up, Pat.
Jey controlled the match
when he was able to keep the pace up.
Move around the ring.
Fly, jumping to the top rope.
As soon as Gunther slows things down, Uso's in trouble.
[McAfee] Can win by count out,
although it's very early in the match.
[Cole] Or you can win via disqualification as well.
As we saw Nia Jax make it to the semifinals
with a disqualification victory over Jade Cargill
this past Friday night on SmackDown.
Gunther now back to his feet.
Uso up over the top, rolls through.
And Gunther sends Jey shoulder first to the post!
[McAfee] Gunther kind of baited Jey Uso to come flying in.
[Cole] And here's the problem for Jey Uso!
Gunther is going to target the right arm of Jey.
[McAfee] Yeah, this is exactly what The Ring General loves to see.
[Cole] He's going to pick Jey Uso apart.
[McAfee] He needs a target.
[Cole] And now the abuse…
begins!
[Gunther] Huh!
[Jey groaning]
[McAfee] Oh, no.
The Ring General in front of the hydration station.
[Cole] And again, focusing the attack
on the already injured arm of Jey Uso.
Gunther sent him into the post.
He realized the arm was injured,
and now there is a huge target on it for Uso.
And Gunther now driving Jey into the ring post!
The man who said earlier tonight
that I am in the business of taking hope away
and that's what he's trying to do to Jey Uso,
dropping him on the barricade on the bad right arm!
And he's throwing Jey Uso off of everything there is out here ringside.
[Cole] And you notice, the arm of Uso is already taped.
Gunther has targeted it, is in control.
Who is going to the finals
of the King of the Ring?
[Cole] And we are back on Monday Night Raw.
It has been all Gunther
throughout the commercial break.
Continues to attack the injured arm of Jey Uso.
This is the semifinals in the King of the Ring tournament.
One of these men heading to Saudi Arabia
in the finals on Saturday.
[McAfee] Absolutely. And I don't know
if Gunther planned on attacking the shoulder,
but as soon as he saw weakness, he has been doing as such.
[grunts]
[McAfee] Throwing him off the barricade and off the post.
Off the table during commercial break.
I mean, Gunther's been in control. But Jey Uso has been here before.
[crowd] Yeet!
[Cole] "Main Event" Jey Uso trying to somehow fight back.
Gunther, though!
Every single attack to the arm.
[McAfee] The European uppercut.
[Cole] Methodical, little wasted motion.
Gunther is just punishing
and torturing Jey Uso.
[Jey groans]
[McAfee] This is Gunther wrestling.
[Cole] He said he was going to bring Jey Uso and Jey Uso's fans
back to reality tonight.
He said, "I am superior to you.
I will be the King of the Ring."
Or as you called him last week, Pat,
The King General.
[Jey grunting]
[McAfee] He said he's already the general of the ring.
Plans on being the King of said ring.
He said all Jey Uso is, is hope and illusion.
[Cole] And look at this and look at…
Jey just screaming in agony.
This has been a clinic put on by Gunther.
Jey Uso is a one-armed man
and Gunther enjoying torturing Uso.
[McAfee] He's got one arm. He's in incredible pain.
This would be how a King would operate.
[Cole] Jey Uso had a little flurry at the beginning of this match-up,
but that was it.
It has been all Gunther since then.
And now The Ring General
taking his time getting up to the top rope.
And that may have cost him. Jey Uso…
won himself a little bit of time.
[McAfee] Not able to throw his heaviest punch, but still able to throw something.
[Cole] Not at all. Nothing behind that right hand
that has been injured.
[McAfee] Decides to JD McDonagh him instead.
[Cole] And now.
Trying to use that bad arm to hook for the superplex
and wasn't able to do it, Pat.
And now Gunther turns the attack right back at the arm.
Did you notice Jey was going for the suplex, just couldn't use the arm.
[McAfee] He's got like a kimura on the top rope right now.
[Cole] Yeah, Gunther used this to… last week.
And now trying to get Jey Uso to just quit.
How much did Jey Uso have left?
[McAfee] Yeetman never quits.
[Cole] And-- Oh, look at that!
Samoan drop from the top rope!
Desperation move
but effective by Uso!
[McAfee] Great…
display of possibly desperation, but who cares?
Samoan drop to give himself some time.
[Cole] Yeah, Jey needing to dig down deep now.
Semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.
[McAfee] Gunther was in his zone.
He was vibing.
That Samoan drop stopped him in his tracks.
[Cole] Top rope now by Jey.
There's a crossbody,
lateral press!
Hooks the leg! on Gunther!
Almost had him! Kick at two, near fall.
Watch this.
Jey Uso with…
the impact of that crossbody.
But Jey is in serious trouble.
He's hurting.
Really has no use of his right arm right now.
Both men back to their feet.
-Gunther delivering a chop! -[crowd exclaims]
[McAfee] This is the part of the match where Jey Uso…
[Cole] And another one!
And Jey standing up!
And Jey fighting back now with his left hand!
And another one to Gunther.
Stunning Gunther! But that chop just dropped Jey again!
[McAfee] Toughness check in the middle of this from Uso.
[Cole] Did it last week.
This man's a Terminator.
Oh, my goodness.
And Jey still fighting back.
Look at the guts of Uso!
[crowd] Yeet!
And Jey with a step up enzuigiri!
And he's got Gunther stunned!
[McAfee] It's almost like those chops to the chest
woke Jey Uso up!
[Cole] What does Jey have left?
Can he fight back into this?
Can he dig down deep
and put Gunther away to make it to Saturday?
[McAfee] King Yeet signs in the background.
[Cole] Gunther intercepted the kick. And a chop!
Ripping across the chest of Jey Uso.
Kick to the face! Gunther's down!
Uso looking to rally! Here's the cover, hook of the leg!
Gunther at two!
[McAfee] Just like that,
Jey Uso could have advanced in the King of the Ring tournament,
fighting for that crown.
[Cole] The right to be named King.
[McAfee] What a superkick from Jey Uso.
[Cole] Ask Stone Cold Steve Austin
what it means to be King of the Ring.
Ask Triple H what it means to be King of the Ring.
Ask Sheamus what it means to be King of the Ring.
It'll change your career.
The opportunity to win a tournament like this
against some of the best in the game.
Jey now with a kick to the face,
and again, Gunther's down.
And Pat, you can
slowly feel the momentum
beginning to shift in this match.
[crowd chanting] Yeet!
[McAfee] This is what Jey Uso likes.
Both men beat up.
Let's see who's tougher.
[Cole] Stomping away at Gunther.
Jey still smarting from the… the injured arm.
Gunther making it back to his feet,
at least somewhat.
And Gunther with-- There's the drop kick!
And now dragging Jey
back to the middle of the ring.
Gunther with him up,
-powerbomb down, stacks Uso. -One! Two!
[Cole] Shoulders, kick-out!
[McAfee] How quick Gunther's moving this late in the match.
[Cole] Yeah, now right back into the arm.
The injured arm of Jey Uso.
You got to wonder how much Jey has left, if he's going to tap here.
[grunts]
[Cole] No one would think any less of Uso if he tapped,
with the already… with the damage that's already been done to that arm.
[McAfee] Could Jey Uso look himself in the mirror if he tapped, though?
[Cole] Senior official Chad Patton right there.
What's Uso going to do?
Can he hang on?
Jey, somehow, has to try to drag himself
to the bottom rope to force some sort of break.
-Or do that! Rolls his way out. -[McAfee] Rolls over.
[Cole] Misses with the right!
Uso! Went for the spear and got intercepted!
-And a chop to the back of the neck! -[crowd gasping]
And now, sleeper locked in.
One! Two!
[Cole] And Gunther's shoulders were down, so he had to release the hold
[yells]
[Cole] Kick right to the throat of Jey Uso.
And a German suplex released
by Gunther.
[McAfee] Here we go!
Gunther looking to end this
right here, right now.
Can Gunther kill here? Gunther!
Splash. Top rope!
-Cover, to go to the finals! -One! Two!
[Cole] Jey Uso kicked out, and he's still in it!
[McAfee] You see him flying through the sky right there?
[Cole] One of those pterodactyls.
[McAfee] It did look like he was a human wearing a squirrel suit.
[Cole] Oh!
Cover!
-Hook of the leg! -One! Two!
Jey kicks again.
[McAfee] I mean, what is Gunther going to have to do to get Jey Uso's
shoulders on the mat for three seconds?
[Cole] Gunther has been here with Uso before.
He understands what Jey Uso is all about
as we take another look at…
a huge man, Gunther,
-flying through the air! -One! Two!
[Cole] Like a zeppelin.
[McAfee] He is not supposed to fly.
The Ring General.
But he's willing to do so to become the King of the Ring.
[Cole] Wheels are turning.
Gunther, who has so many different ways
to put away his opponent.
Enough?
[Cole] Now begins the mental breakdown
of Jey Uso,
with the chops and the trash talk.
Enough? Huh?
This has been by the playbook for Gunther tonight.
-And another chop! Did you hear that? -[crowd gasping]
[McAfee] Did you feel that?
[Cole] Sounded like an explosion.
[McAfee] And down here in these North Carolina hills.
[shouting indistinctly]
[Cole] And Jey with a slap!
-And a very… -[crowd gasping]
…rebellious Jey Uso,
but it cost him!
Chop after chop after chop!
A relentless beat down!
-Merciless by Gunther! -[indistinct shouting]
[indistinct conversation]
[McAfee] You have five seconds, Gunther.
[Cole] Spear!
The spear!
Gunther inadvertently, uh, caught the official with a backhand.
Uso now, top rope!
Uso splash!
Can he capitalize?
I think he landed on the bad arm!
But Jey trying to… trying to pull himself for the cover
on Gunther here!
Cover on Gunther!
Hook of the… the leg!
-Patton, back into position! -[crowd] One! Two!
[Cole] And that slight hesitation
may have cost Uso
as Gunther kicked at two and a half!
What a match-up here tonight in the semifinals!
[McAfee] Jey had it!
Jey had it!
[Cole] And now Gunther.
Gunther's had enough!
-[Jey grunting] -Hooks the bad arm.
Now, he's got Jey in some sort of sleeper here.
Legs wrapped like a constrictor around the waist.
Jey Uso's fading.
Gunther's got it locked in.
Jey Uso with nowhere to go!
Jey Uso doesn't have anything left, I don't believe.
Referee Chad Patton going to check him.
-It's over. -[bell rings]
Gunther advances to the finals.
He'll face Randy Orton or Tama Tonga on Saturday!
["Symphony No. 9 in E Minor" plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner,
The Ring General Gunther! inner,