[into music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
["Greatness" playing]
[Tessitore] A lot of gold there because the champs are here.
Monday Night Raw has lined up for yet another World Championship Match.
This time, Bianca and Jade, takes on two dynamos gathering loads of momentum.
Damage CTRL feels this is their moment.
Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane, they are confident
for WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, that is ahead.
And we're just two and a half weeks from Crown Jewel at Riyadh Season,
and that means best versus the best.
Gunther is here, He just defended his title
last week against Sami Zayn.
Now he goes for the glitziest of all, the 50 carat Crown Jewel belt.
To win it, he's got to get past The Undisputed WWE Champion,
Cody Rhodes has made his way to Raw, this inaugural Crown Jewel challenge,
bringing out the best in both men, and we will hear from them in a moment.
Plus, Rhea Bloody Ripley,
she is still hunting down the return of her own championship.
She will have plenty to say about the recent obstacles
she has been dealing with.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you on Monday Night Raw.
Rhea Ripley, nine days
removed from the Kendo stick beatdown of Dirty Dom
when he was hanging from the shark tank.
-["Demon In Your Dreams" playing] -[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] And now deep into more layers of Judgment Day to dig into
with an old rival back, last week's Raw, last week's SmackDown,
she's been very busy dealing with that agenda.
♪ The demons in your dreams ♪
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
[Irvin] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
Rhea Ripley.
[Tessitore] That stare, that intensity.
We've seen it ever since she was betrayed by Dirty Dom
while challenging Liv Morgan at SummerSlam,
and then in Atlanta
when a former rivalry emerged.
Raquel Rodriguez, out of nowhere,
just when Rhea was taking out her frustrations on Dirty Dom.
[Cole] And this past Friday on SmackDown,
Liv Morgan, with Raquel and Dirty Dom in tow,
turning her attention towards her Crown Jewel opponent, Nia Jax.
[Tessitore] Raquel Rodriguez now, up on the apron.
Liv with the Money in the Bank briefcase
-attacking the Nia Jax. -[Graves] Oh, my God!
[Tessitore] Naomi stacks up Jax.
[crosstalk]
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] Rhea Ripley's here!
The Eradicator's here!
And she's going after Raquel Rodriguez.
And now turns her attention at Dirty Dom and Liv.
[Graves] Oh, no.
[Cole] "Oh, no" is right.
Rhea just took out Nia, now going after Morgan.
And Liv Morgan, scooting out of harm's way,
thanks to Dominik.
[crowd cheers]
Liv Morgan,
I'm not done with you or Raquel Rodriguez.
No, because this doesn't end until I get back the one thing that I never lost,
and that is my Women's World Championship.
[crowd cheers]
So, Liv, Raquel, if you're done running and hiding
then get down here into my ring so I can whoop your arses.
[crowd cheers]
Come on.
["Tiffy Time" playing]
[Tessitore] Tiffy Time?
Miss Money in the Bank, here?
[Barrett] Oh, yes. Always welcome on Raw.
[Tessitore] Tiffany Stratton involving herself in all of this.
[Barrett] Yeah. She can do what she wants, she's miss Money in the Bank
and perhaps she had a Tiffany epiphany.
Tiffany epiphany decided to fly into Raw and grace us with her presence.
I'm not complaining, Joe.
I don't see any anybody in the arena complaining.
We should roll out the red carpet for this woman.
The pink carpet, in fact.
With a big jewel pink carpet.
[Tessitore] To match her Money in the Bank briefcase.
Not who you were expecting, Rhea?
I'm here because I have a very important message
from the WWE Women's Champion, Nia Jax.
[crowd boos]
Stay out of her business or else you're gonna have a problem.
A big problem.
Tiffany, I understand that you think this is Tiffy Time and whatnot,
but it's not because I don't got time for this.
Either I get my hands on Liv or Raquel,
or I can welcome you back to Monday Night Raw.
The Rhea Ripley way.
[crowd cheers]
[Tessitore] Oh, they've got company.
Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan.
[Barrett] Now Rodriguez, looking more powerful
and dominant than ever, and Rhea Bloody Ripley
is now beating the hell out of the champ Liv Morgan
[Tessitore] Raquel just slams down Tiffany Stratton.
Oh! And a big boot.
[Barrett] Well, if you need somebody to deal with Rhea Ripley,
who better than the massive Raquel Rodriguez--
[Tessitore] Oh my! And Liv Morgan with the Money in the Bank briefcase
right over the back and then throws it down on Tiffany Stratton.
[crowd boos]
[Barrett] Well, the problems continued to grow for The Eradicator.
But I'll tell you this, Joe.
Nobody chews up problems quite like Rhea Bloody Ripley.
[Tessitore] And ever since Raquel Rodriguez came back at Bad Blood,
this has been a whole new twist.
To the Liv Morgan revenge tour that nobody could see coming.
And it happens again, right here tonight on Raw.
I think it's crossed over to this place now with Tiffy Time as well.
Okay, now for the big one tonight, Wade.
The collision course that we have been on for the women's tag titles.
♪ This is the moment, we are the chosen ♪
♪ The prophecy spoken ♪
♪ We laser focused ♪
♪ This is the omen ♪
♪ We are the chosen Like prophecy spoken ♪
♪ We laser focused ♪
We plan on making them fall
and Damage CTRL will take over WWE again.
Damage CTRL, y'all been tearing up this woman's tag team division,
but if y'all think for one second the Damage CTRL
is about to take back over, y'all got another thing coming.
Bianca, I'm in your head already.
[speaking in Japanese]
You and I, we fought through the trenches to get our titles back.
So best believe we're gonna be holding our babies for a hot little minute
and bringing everything we got.
♪ This is the moment ♪
♪ We are the chosen ♪
ace is coming
[Tessitore] It seems like there's been a storm
ever since Bash in Berlin and the title win
for Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair
They've been on a stretcher for precision performances.
[Barrett] Jade Cargill, one of the greatest physical specimens
this industry has ever seen.
And boy, oh, boy, can she back that up in the ring?
["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[Tessitore] And speaking of somebody who always backs it up in the ring,
one of the greatest to ever do it, The EST.
Who was recently confronted by Iyo Sky.
And had a thriller of a singles match.
And now with all the momentum they have gathered,
with the belts back around their waists,
it's time to defend against Damage CTRL,
Bianca and Jade and Damage CTRL.
The women's Tag Championship, coming up next.
♪ Watch me, watch me shine now Watch me, watch me shine now ♪
Pearce, I want Liv and Raquel tonight.
You got it. I already talked to them.
-Good. -But…
I cannot let you do it by yourself.
I know you don't like that, okay?
This is gonna be a tag match, or it doesn't happen.
Which means you need to find a partner.
I don't need a partner.
-Yes, you do. -I don't want a partner.
Who the hell am I supposed to have a partner?
It can't be Priest, can it--
[Stratton] Hey, what the heck?
Pearce, did you see what happened out there?
Is that how you treat Miss Money in the Bank, Adam?
Nick Aldis would have never done something like this to me.
[sighs]
What about her?
Fine.
What does that mean?
You will figure it out.
What the heck?
[Tessitore] How about that migraine-inducing whoof
on Rhea Ripley, as she will now be paired later tonight
with Tiffy Time, Tiffany Stratton.
Meanwhile, these two, always cohesive, always in sync.
The champs. Bianca and Jade… Oh, look who's here.
Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson.
Remember, on Friday night, they took a shot at the champs
before their bid was denied.
But Lash and Jakara showing up ringside for this championship match,
Of course, the challenge for Bianca and Jade.
It's a big one.
["Still The Baddest" playing]
[Tessitore] Damage CTRL has arrived, and they arrived with tons of confidence.
Coming off of critical wins on their steps to the ladder
to get this title opportunity.
And for Iyo Sky individually.
Remember the big recent win against Bianca Belair
who waves her in, says, "Come on, let's do this."
Title's on the line.
[Barrett] Of course, being Kairi Sane with Asuka,
this will be the first time that he Iyo Sky
factors in to that equation of winning tag gold here
in WWE, exclusively a singles competitor.
-Historically-- -[crosstalk]
Boy, oh, boy, does she want to get her hands the tag gold
held by Belair and Cargill. This is your big opportunity.
We are ready for it, Wade.
And here's the sensational Samantha Irvin.
[bell dings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
and it is for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Introducing the challengers, representing Damage CTRL.
The team of
Kairi Sane and Iyo Sky.
[crowd cheers]
And their opponents,
they are the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
The team of Jade Cargill
and Bianca Belair.
[Tessitore] Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill,
weighed a 12-1 mark since they have come together as a team.
[Barrett] Yeah, I'll tell you this, Joe.
There's understandably always a certain swagger to Belair and Cargill.
They have all the physical gifts in the world.
They have the resumes to back up those gifts.
But the truth is, I think the feathers of Bianca Belair
were ruffled several weeks ago when Iyo Sky pulled off that singles victory
against The EST right here on the Raw.
So Belair especially, has a point to prove tonight.
That was an excellent match.
Unbelievable performance by both participants,
but clearly Iyo Sky, a high watermark there.
[Barrett] No doubt about it.
But this, of course, being the tag division,
there is a certain chemistry involved.
As opposed to singles competition.
Belair and Cargill really are the proven commodity in that department here.
[Tessitore] To the size and power of Jade Cargill.
[Barrett] Jade just grows inexperienced week by week.
But now the vet's in there. The leader of the team, Bianca Belair.
[Tessitore] Look at the teamwork here.
-Quick to cover -[Barrett] And right off the bat, Joe,
we see the strategy of Belair and Cargill.
It's the power game.
Clearly, Iyo Sky and Kairi saying will have an advantage
when it comes to aerial combat.
And the truth is Belair just needs to beat Sky down, keep her grounded.
Keep The Genius of the Sky anywhere but the sky.
[Tessitore] Bianca, from the deadlift position,
looking for the vertical suplex,
Iyo, able to counter.
[Barrett] Tag there that perhaps Belair didn't quite see at first.
[Tessitore] Look at how fast the slide down and then…
quickly getting on top was Kairi Sane,
[Barrett] Massive contrast in the skill sets
of these two top-tag teams.
[Tessitore] Doubling up the basement dropkick
[Barrett] Right now it's the speed and maneuverability of the challengers
that has taken control of this match.
But Cargill looking to do something about that.
[Tessitore] Kairi, sitting crossbody out onto the floor.
[bellowing]
[Tessitore] And Damage CTRL in control with the tag titles on the line.
Look at her fly.
Ah, the covenant gold. The Women's Tag Championships up for grabs
as Iyo Sky has had Bianca Belair locked up…
Oh, The EST with a bridging pin attempt out of that.
With her athleticism, it's just unreal.
[Barrett] Uppercut straight to the jaw of Belair and Belair is wobbled.
You don't see that too often.
[Tessitore] Big start from Iyo Sky,
And we know Iyo Sky can hurt Belair.
We know Iyo Sky can pin Belair.
Several weeks ago she did exactly that.
She does it here, we've got new tag champs.
Sky just seems to have an answer for everything.
Belair goes in there, but not that.
[Tessitore] Bianca Belair, finding something deep inside of her.
Now that Jade wants that tag.
[Barrett] A fresh Jade Cargill needs that tag…
Watch this.
It's like a truck colliding with The Genius of the Sky.
Both women hurt, and both women needing the tag to their fresh partners.
[Tessitore] Here comes Kairi Sane. And here comes Jade.
Oh, spinning elbow.
Chop after chop.
[Barrett] Cargill was just outmaneuvered.
But back to the power base of Cargill.
That's the equalizer for her.
Sane able to wrap up.
[Barrett] Rocking a choke hold here and she cinched it in deep.
[Tessitore] And Jade Cargill went down to one knee for a moment.
Powers her way out of it.
[Barrett] Just as Cargill looked to be fading,
it seems, Kairi Sane simply is too quick for Cargill, thus far.
[Tessitore] This time, she catches the cross body.
[Barrett] Huge backbreaker.
Kairi Sane, getting the stuffing knocked out of her.
It's hard to move that fast when you simply can't breathe.
[Tessitore] Powerbomb delivered from Jade Cargill.
And the cover, and coming in was Iyo Sky.
Championship on the line.
[Barrett] The championship opportunity was slipping away for Damage CTRL
until Iyo Sky's intervention.
But it might be academic at this point.
The champ's in full control and looking to put this one away.
Kairi Sane, getting out of dodge just in the nick of time.
That is spitfire for the champs.
[Tessitore] And look at Jade's reaction once she realizes
that the target wasn't there.
[Barrett] Well, Jade was completely blinded by the fact
that she was picking up Belair,
had no idea that Kairi Sane had moved.
[Tessitore] Genius of the Sky missile dropkick
springboards it and then picks up.
And now all of a sudden Damage CTRL finds momentum.
[Barrett] With Jade Cargill nowhere to be seen…
[Tessitore] Right on top with that elbow.
Hooks the leg to take the titles.
Kick out, Bianca.
[Barrett] Oh, man. Check this out.
This is like a modified elbow from Kairi Sane.
Pop up from The Genius of the Sky.
And now in the drop zone is Bianca Belair.
[Tessitore] And the over, the moonsault comes up empty.
[Barrett] Well, thankfully for Belair,
with Jade Cargill pulling her out of trouble
and now the powerhouse Cargill.
And out, Kairi Sane with a little help from her friend.
[Tessitore] I mean Jade and Bianca… And look at this Lash and Jakara.
They just lost to them on Friday night, and they're still barking and jawing.
Iyo, springboard moonsault to the floor.
And Iyo Sky…
And now she gets the attention of Lash and Jakara.
Sane, this isn't your moment. Just sit down and watch… Oh!
[Barrett] A cheap shot to the jaw of Iyo Sky.
I don't think Bianca Belair saw that that had happened.
Iyo Sky damaged ringside and now Bianca Belair.
[Barrett] The referee didn't see it, either.
The vertical suplex after she just ate that.
And could it be KOD?
-Bianca… -[crowd] One, two…
[Tessitore] To retain…
-Yes! -[bell dings]
[Irvin] Here are your winners.
And still
The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair.
[Barrett] Well, that was a hell of a championship contest.
Just as it was coming to a beat,
Iyo Sky mouthing off at Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend
from NXT that shot to the jaw though was all it took for Bianca Belair
to be lock in the KOD and connected everyone else down
Successful retention for the tag champs.
But my, oh my,
there is trouble brewing between Damage CTRL
and Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson.
[Legend] Watch out next time.
-Oh, here he is now. -Oh, there you are, Adam.
You wanted to talk to us?
Actually, I wanted to talk to both of you.
Yup. So come on, spit it out.
When is my rematch with Damian?
This is not about Damien, guys.
Whoa, I don't think you're understanding me.
When is my rematch with Damien?
Because I want it.
Finn, maybe you're not understanding me.
This has nothing to do with Damien and everything to do
with the obligations that you two have to the world tag tiles.
-Obligations? -Yeah, like defending them,
-Yes. We defended these last month. -That's the problem.
I gave you all the time in the world to deal with your Damien Priest problem.
And it's still not resolved and it needs to be resolved.
It is resolved. And now that it is, I'm just letting you both know
that I'm setting up a tournament to find challengers for these.
Does it look like we care?
You better.
[exclaiming scornfully]
You know, I'm really starting to dislike that guy, you know?
He's real cocky.
Hi. So how'd it go? When's the rematch with Damien?
Not good.
Where's he going?
-It didn't go good. No rematch. -[Morgan sighs]
Well, at least we can all focus on keeping our championships.
-True, true. -Yeah.
Oh, yeah, and I'd like you guys all to meet Raquel Rodriguez.
Are you okay?
-Uh-- -Come on.
-Yeah. -Say hello.
Webster's Dictionary defines "greatness"
as the quality or state of being excellent in size.
Skill,
achievement,
or power.
Hey, Merriam Webster, you idiot.
How about next time just look at a photo of American Made.
[laughing]
This is the land of opportunity.
So everyone in that locker room now has the opportunity.
To get their teeth kicked in by the greatest athletes in the world.
We're sick and tired of you entitled degenerates.
Just looking for handouts.
[Gable] This country needs a hero.
All of you in the WWE Universe, need a hero,
and it's my pleasure to let you guys know.
We're going to be that for you.
So sit back and watch.
We'll put the team on our back and show the world
what it means to be American Made.
So sit back and watch.
[Breakker] Everybody wants to know…
why?
Why did I turn my back
on Jey Uso?
It's just really not all that complicated.
See, Jey,
you lucked into the biggest lottery of your entire life a few weeks ago
when you beat me for the Intercontinental Championship.
So what do I do?
Out of respect,
I march down to the ring, I shake your hand,
and tell you "Congratulations," out of respect.
And what do you do?
You throw it back in my face as if I'm not gonna see it.
Not once did you say that you respected me.
Not one time
did you say that you respected me as a champion
and that maybe one day, you would be the caliber champion
that I am, which we all know you won't.
See, we're not the same Jey.
We're not a couple of second, third-generation Superstars
carrying on our family's legacy.
Because I'm doing this on my own.
I don't need my family's help.
I don't need the name.
I don't need them here,
because one day when I surpass them, in success,
they can give me the stamp of approval.
The same amount of respect that I have for them, they'll have for me.
And not like you.
You've been sucking off your family's legacy for the past 14 years.
And then finally, when your cousin
is on top of the mountain, you all of a sudden decide
that you want to do it on your own now. You want to get fed to.
You want to do it on your own, Jey?
You want to do it on your own?
Well, you're gonna take this ass-kicking on your own too.
Because I'm coming back for my Intercontinental Championship.
And the beautiful thing is, Jey,
your family…
cannot save you
from me.
["Greatness" playing]
And when Bron Breakker sets his mind to something,
historically speaking, he doesn't fail.
This could be a big problem for Jey Uso.
Yeah. Bron Breakker could be in line quick turnaround title rematch.
You know, Bronson, this might surprise you,
but I appreciate your time.
And the reason I called for this meeting is real simple.
-I need to make sure that you and I-- -Hey, hey, let's just talk business.
You know, I'm gonna give you credit.
You have made one hell of a name for yourself
in a very short period of time, and everybody knows
I give you and the rest of the roster the leeway they want
to handle things on Raw, the way you want.
And that means chaos.
It means it's wild. It means I take the criticism.
But what you did with Braun, Last Monster Standing,
you sling my referees around, you go through the wall.
You put the WWE Universe at risk, and I can't have it.
-We can't have it. -Look, look, look, look.
I'm sorry if my actions crossed the line.
But in a match like that, no one can stop me.
And if it wasn't for Seth Rollins, I'd be the Last Monster Standing.
So, when are you gonna make the match?
So we're just cutting right to the chase.
Look, I'm not even thinking about that until you and I are on the same page.
Okay.
Look, everything I've done, all the destruction I've caused
every single tsunami I hit on Seth Rollins and everyone else,
was all to get me to the main event.
Isn't that the sort of ambition you want from your Superstars?
Of course.
So make the match.
There'll be no trouble because I just want the spotlight.
I want the one-on-one match with Seth
so I can show you that I am a top guy in WWE.
So it's that simple. Give you the match and there'll be no trouble?
-No trouble. -Yeah, and you're a man of your word now.
Look, if you and I are on the same page, and I hope we are.
Then I will talk to Seth.
Okay, You're a smarter businessman than I thought you were, Adam Pearce.
Imagine that. Talk soon.
Don't keep me waiting too long.
[Tessitore] Remember, it was Reed's reaction to Pearce
that started the wave of tsunami violence back in August.
Here's hoping this next road to Bronson's career comes with sturdier guardrails.
But right now it's the start of the World Tag Team Championship.
No. 1 Contenders tourney.
[bell dings]
[Irvin] The following is a World Tag Team Championship.
No. 1 Contenders Tournament first-round match,
Introducing first, accompanied by Maxxine Dupri,
Akira Tozawa,
and Otis,
of the Alpha Academy.
[Barrett] And I'll tell you this, Joe. How much would it rankle
the former mentor of this group, Chad Gable,
if the Alpha Academy could run through this
entire No. 1 Contender's Tournament and end up grabbing gold?
[Tessitore] Wade, I wonder who they're even facing in this tournament.
Keep in mind. Adam Pearce just threw the thing together.
It's a very deep division.
But styles and match-ups could determine
the fate of Alpha Academy to take a step towards the titles.
But who will it be against? We find out next
Alpha Academy, No. 1 Contenders Tournament.
The question is, who will they be facing?
Oh! [chuckles nervously]
Erik and Ivar?
Wade, are they back?
We have not seen them together in action in quite some time.
["War" playing]
[Barrett] Let me warn you, Joe.
Raw is war!
[Tessitore] Former NXT tag champs former Raw tag champs.
They've been partners since 2014.
[Irvin] And their opponents Ivar and Erik,
the War Raiders.
[Tessitore] Back to competing under the name War Raiders,
and they are so capable of being an instant-impact team
in this division and right away, getting into the mix.
No. 1 Contenders Tournament.
-[bell dings] -[Barrett] It's been over 12 months
since we saw the War Raiders in tag competition
after spending a little time out recovering and retooling.
But now they are back as a stripped-out version of themselves.
More savage and barbaric.
[Tessitore] Otis able to take down IIvar.
[Barrett] Remember the War Raiders, former WWE Tag Champions.
Sheer dominance on the continent of Asia, Europe and the United States.
They're gonna wreak havoc once again.
[Tessitore] Tozawa, slammed down.
And would you look at this.
[Barrett] Strip back the face paint, strip back the fur,
and this is what you're left with.
Unmatched barbarity from two terrifying, powerful individuals
[Tessitore] A big knee from Ivar, and then another from Erik.
[Barrett] 3000 year-old fighting style perfected by these two behemoths.
[Tessitore] First match since September, 15 2023.
When they fought on SmackDown.
[Tozawa groans]
[Tessitore] It must have been a tough stretch for Tozawa.
[Barrett] Tozawa might have just got a broken jaw.
[Tessitore] And they hooked the leg.
And, fortunately, for Alpha Academy,
Otis comes in to save things.
And now, Otis, who's going to create his own momentum.
[Barrett] The most disgusting move in sport entertainment.
[Tessitore] But the Caterpillar interrupted.
[Barrett] Thank you, Ivar.
Keep an eye on Tozawa--
[Tessitore] Missile dropkick from Tozawa, Wade,
[Barrett] A man who simply has no fear in his soul.
But maybe he should be…
Proper powerslam.
The Alpha Academy are getting decimated in there.
[Tessitore] And a big knee comes in from Erik.
[Barrett] Well, Erik could just pin Tozawa right there.
There's nothing left in the mat.
[Tessitore] You can see the concern on the face of Maxxine.
[Barrett] The concern on the face of everyone in this arena.
Tozawa just got wrecked off.
[Tessitore] Ivar…
From the top rope, and the win.
[bell dings]
[Tessitore] And the War Raiders are back.
[Irvin] Here are your winners.
The War Raiders.
[Tessitore] The former Raw tag team champs,
the former NXT tag team champs,
as they take a step forward.
No. 1 Contenders Tournament.
[Barrett] Just when it looked like the Caterpillar
was going to take control, out of nowhere
this new move from the War Raiders, they call that the Fallout.
And it's about as devastating as can be
as they scrape Tozawa off the mat.
The War Raiders progressed in the No. 1 Contenders Tournament.
Hey, man, Thanks for the time.
I saw you talk to Bronson.
I did.
If we get the match made, what's the deal?
Look, he wants the match just like you do.
But I'll be honest, I'm apprehensive.
And here's why, you've had six matches this year
and you haven't been healthy for any of them.
-WrestleMania, Money in the Bank. -Okay.
Reed's the one that puts you on the shelf.
I see where this is going, but you know injuries happen, man.
Yeah, but there's injuries and then there's injuries.
You know what I'm talking about.
Look, when you sign up to get into this business,
you know injuries are part of the game.
-I know. -Come on.
And you fight through those injuries every single time
to get to the top.
Right? To run the jungle where I'm at right now.
That's what you do.
And you know when you get to that point, young guys,
upstarts like Bronson Reed, they're gonna come in,
they're gonna try to make a name off your name.
You did it. I sure as hell did it.
And now Bronson Reed is doing it.
I'm gonna be honest with you Pearce, listen to me.
There's a reason I run this place.
Reason I'm at the top of the food chain.
Bronson's forgotten that.
-I think you've forgotten it, too. -Come on now.
Just let me remind you, I've slayed beasts.
Conquered kings. And you know what sounds nice?
Hunting a monster.
I need this fight.
I need people like Bronson Reed to bring out the best in me.
That's how I stay sharp.
That's what keeps me on top.
I want this fight.
Because he tried to put me on the shelf for good, tried to ruin my life.
-That's all I'm worried about. -But I need this fight.
If you want the best version of Seth Rollins, for your show.
So think about it.
[Tessitore] There's a lot for Adam Pearce to clearly think about.
We all want the best version of Seth Rollins.
What decision will he make?
Hey, no decision to be made here.
Just stick around and enjoy.
It's the Undisputed WWE Champion,
Cody Rhodes joins us live, next.
["Kingdom" playing]
♪ Wrestling has more than one Royal family ♪
[crowd cheers]
♪ Adrenaline in my soul ♪
♪ Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all… ♪
[Tessitore] The Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes,
closing in on one of the most unique challenges of his career.
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said When I was younger… ♪
[Irvin] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the Undisputed WWE Champion,
The American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes.
[Tessitore] We are closing in on what we will see on November 2nd
at Riyadh Season, Crown Jewel. The first annual Crown Jewel Championship.
The best versus the best.
Cody Rhodes against the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
[Barrett] We are living in dreamworld.
What a match-up for the ages.
[Tessitore] The American Nightmare will be taking on The Ring General.
The ultimate showdown.
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
♪ Whoa! ♪
♪ And my father said When I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better men… ♪
[Barrett] Walking every inch.
The consummate professional is headed our way.
Look at this, handshake for the lads.
You're the man.
Great one, champ.
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me ♪
♪ You took my dreams but not my name ♪
[Barrett] All class and man, is he going to have to be that.
When he steps in with his opponent at Crown Jewel,
The mighty Ring General Gunther.
[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants "Cody!"]
We got a lot of folks in here tonight.
Let's say hello to our friends up there.
Our friends up there. Let's say hello to our friends down here.
[crowd cheers]
What's the hold to know where you're going,
you have to know where you have been.
As much as I like to have my eyes on the future,
I do consider myself a wrestling and sports entertainment traditionalist,
which means I am immensely proud
to be standing in a city that has such rich history,
such rich roots in a world of professional wrestling.
Whether it was Sam Mushnick, the Kiel Auditorium,
Wrestling at the Chase.
Are every single one of you
here tonight for Monday Night Raw?
[crowd cheers]
There's been some more
recent history, though,
something very, uh…
Something very special happened in this very building not too long ago.
Something that genuinely changed my life
for the better.
[crowd chants "we want Cody"]
You are indeed right.
It was right here in St. Louis.
The first time we heard "We want Cody."
[crowd cheers]
And I'm sure somebody will call me a politician for doing so,
but there's nothing political about what I'm going to do next.
It's quite simple.
Thank you all very, very very, very, very much
[crowd cheers]
With that in mind,
so, Saint Louis, Missouri…
[crowd cheers]
What do you want to talk about?
[crowd cheers]
["Prepare To Fight (Gunther)" playing]
[Tessitore] Well, how about the fact that this guy
is going to be his opponent on November 2nd?
That's something to talk about.
[Barrett] Talk about the fact that Raw is Gunther's show.
If you want to talk about anything on Gunther's show,
you run it by Gunther first.
[Tessitore] A week removed from his title defense
against Sami Zayn and won by submission.
The second defense of his World Heavyweight Championship.
As he shows off the well-earned gold.
Ladies and gentlemen, the American Nightmare.
Cody Rhodes,
[crowd cheers]
You know, Cody, usually I would come out here
and dress my opponent down a little bit.
And speak a little bit about that uncomfortable truth.
But I got to be honest.
There's not much negative to say about you.
Because, in fact,
this company, this business, this sport.
It's in a boom period like never before,
and it's all built on your back.
[crowd cheers]
You make every town, you make every country
you make every continent.
You truly are the quarterback of this operation.
[crowd chants "thank you, Cody"]
So, Cody, there's not many people in this company I respect,
but, full honesty, I have a lot of respect for you.
[crowd cheers]
And if I think about it, there might be one thing.
You just love to be everybody's darling, don't you?
See the thing is,
because of that, you're in that mess with your old friend Kevin.
Because he realizes everybody's friend is no one's real friend.
So I expect you to sort out your emotional mess,
because in Saudi Arabia,
I expect the best version of Cody Rhodes.
So what you think, uh, is my greatest weakness,
I would say is probably
my greatest strength, and I certainly am not surrounded by friends.
I'm sure you've seen what's been happening on every show.
But if I could make an observation,
one champion to another.
I've seen what happens
when The Ring General throws everything
in his arsenal at his opponents
and they keep coming back.
What happens is you get uncomfortable
What happens is I have seen it first-hand.
I saw it at WrestleMania.
You break.
[crowd cheers, boos]
I could return a great many of the things that you said,
about me being a champion workhorse,
absolute and utter immense respect I have for you.
But you need to know, you think you are swimming
in the deep waters, but your feet are still touching the bottom of the pool.
You have never been in the ring, one-on-one with me.
[crowd cheers]
That's a very fair assessment, Cody.
Spoken like a true secondary champion.
[crowd boos]
There it is, that dig. I was expecting that.
And I should have been.
This is indeed your house now.
Gosh, you really have become frightening.
You've become a frightening beast.
What did you call me? A secondary champion?
Let us not forget.
I defeated the most dominating champion in company history.
[crowd cheers]
And Gunther,
I have already slain a frightening beast.
[crowd cheers]
[inaudible] Good luck, champ.
[crosstalk]
Good luck. Good luck, champ.
Yes.
Good luck to me.
The champ.
[Tessitore] Did he just say good luck to being the champ?
[Barrett] Yes, he did.
[Tessitore] I like how he says there won't be uncomfortable truths.
And then he goes down the path of uncomfortable truths, Wade.
[Barrett] Well, the mind games have already started.
Two alpha males who see themselves as being number one.
[Tessitore] What a match this is going to be
to determine the first ever Crown Jewel Champion.
And it comes your way on November 2nd, at Riyadh Season.
The Crown Jewel Championship belt, by the way, 50-carat diamond belt
as Cody Rhodes and Gunther go head-to-head.
The two absolute best on the planet.
Someone is 1A. Someone is 1B.
Which is which? We find out at Crown Jewel.
Now let's focus on the ongoing drama with The New Day.
Specifically what we saw last Monday
with Jey Uso's title defense against Xavier Woods.
It was a spirited effort by Woods that came up short.
Kofi said, " Hey, good match, great effort, shake the man's hand."
Cold shoulder comes Jey Uso's way from Xavier Woods.
Meanwhile, Jey was celebrating his title defense
when all of a sudden, the Badass returns.
Bron Breakker with a spear, Kofi goes to help.
Woods begrudgingly waits, and a spear on Kofi.
Then on the outside, the super Spear on Woods.
-What will he do with us? -Do you understand
that if the shoe was on the other foot, and you were out there getting beat up,
that Jey would be one of the first ones to come out and help you?
Yeah, but I also remember you saying that I was the QB.
I called the play and you run it.
But that just hasn't been happening so far, has it?
♪ It's a new day ♪
♪ Yes, it is ♪
[Tessitore] So you get a sense of the ongoing tension
between Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston.
Kofi Kingston, who now comes out for this challenge.
The former WWE Champion taking on the fiery,
angry, recent Intercontinental Champion,
[bell dings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
representing The New Day,
from Ghana, West Africa, weighing in at 212 pounds,
Kofi Kingston.
[Barrett] Poor Kingston. Turbulent times for The New Day and Kofi Kingston of late.
It's not getting any easier.
He goes one-on-one with the explosive Bron Breakker, next.
[Lee] The last year has been one of the most exciting
and fulfilling times of my life,
not just coming to WWE.
But becoming a champion and having the honor
of joining the legendary LWO.
It hasn't all been easy.
But with every setback, I've become stronger,
wiser, and better than before.
I remember that I am capable of exceeding
my greatest expectations that my heroes look at me
as their equal.
That I belong, and not even the sky is my limit.
Dragon Lee was destined to fly.
Fly. [echoes]
[Tessitore] Just awesome. The exhilarating,
all-action, high-flying Dragon Lee.
A young, fast-rising competitor born into the business,
clearly destined for greatness.
Of course, Kofi Kingston has experienced greatness in his career.
He's been to the top.
And now, while his New Day partner, Xavier Woods,
has expressed growing frustration,
Kofi faces this growing concern, Batman.
["Break And Destroy" playing]
[grunts]
[Irvin] And his opponent,
from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 250 pounds,
Bron Breakker.
[Barrett] Well, this is 250 pounds of gelignite.
With a naturally bad attitude that has got even worse
since losing the Intercontinental Championship.
To Jey Uso several weeks ago.
The man has been on a tear.
Last week, targeting Jey Uso in a collateral damage,
catching Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods in the process.
Now, Xavier Woods is not out here tonight.
Kofi Kingston has decided he wants to go in alone.
There has been some issues, of course, within The New Day.
-But now it's a pure one-on-one contest. -[bell dings]
[Tessitore] And what am I supposed to read into that?
[Barrett] Perhaps that trust is starting to fray within The New Day,
understandably, they're not on the same page,
and Kofi cannot afford
to have his eye on anything other than Bron Breakker.
[Tessitore] Came right out and pressed the action against Bron Breakker.
[Barrett] He's got no choice,
because if you give Bron Breakker an inch, he takes a mile.
Just like we saw.
[Tessitore] Back on September 23rd, when Jey Uso was able to defeat Bron Breakker
in an instant classic,
when Jey finally broke through for singles glory
becoming the Intercontinental Champion.
[Barrett] Bron Breakker is just as confrontational as they come.
He's an intimidator and he has all the physical tools to back it up.
He has been on a streak of pure success for the past three-plus years
since falling under the WWE umbrella.
And NXT, and then once he turned up here on Raw.
Bron Breakker is not a man who accepts any form of roadblock
on his path to the very top.
[Breakker] Shut up!
[Tessitore] Hear him talking to the crowd. Like dogs that bark.
[Kofi exclaims]
[Tessitore] Just the force of going into that turnbuckle.
[Barrett] Bron Breakker feels nothing.
He would fight this entire arena if they dared.
[Tessitore] Especially the version we've seen over the course of the past week.
[Barrett] He's looking to break everyone in his path.
And Kofi Kingston, with all the goodwill and intent
that he came out here with…
[Tessitore] That athleticism,
the twitchy athleticism of Kofi Kingston, coming to his aid.
[Barrett] Kingston's won it all here in WWE
over the past 15 or so years.
I promise you he's never met anything quite like Bron Breakker.
[Tessitore] The special mix of dynamic power and speed,
the Badass in control.
[crowd barks]
[Tessitore] Joe and Wade, with you here. Kofi Kingston and Bron Breakker.
And the Badass has been in control against Kofi Kingston.
Of course, the first match since coming off the loss
of the Intercontinental Championship
with Jey Uso back on September 23rd.
[Kofi grunts]
[Barrett] Terrifying levels of physicality,
from Bron Breakker over the past several minutes.
Brutalizing the entire body of Kofi Kingston,
[Breakker] We're done.
[Barrett] And this might be goodnight.
[groans]
[Tessitore] Able to get out of the way was Kofi.
[Barrett] It was a mad scramble.
It was about the only thing that could possibly keep Kofi Kingston
in this match and Breakker in the process,
may have badly injured that shoulder.
[Tessitore] Yeah, that right shoulder went right into the post.
Of course, he comes with such speed and velocity.
[Barrett] He may as well be his own worst enemy.
Did himself some real damage,
and it's up to Kingston, the veteran, to try and capitalize
on that violent kneecap.
[Tessitore] Can he do that?
As Bron Breakker tries to take control for a moment,
Kofi springboard crossbody right into the cover.
[referee] One…
[Barrett] And that is the kind of movement that Kofi needs.
Despite the beatdown he's taken so far in this match-up,
it confuses Breakker. Keeps Breakker guessing.
Breakker only has one speed.
[Tessitore] Boom Drop, Kofi Kingston.
[Barrett] And Kingston has Breakker completely outfoxed at this point.
[crowd cheers]
[Barrett] Breakker simply isn't used to, is 100 miles an hour, straightforward,
deviate from that, you get in problems.
[crowd chants "New Day rocks"]
[Tessitore] Looking for Trouble in Paradise.
Instead, finding Bron Breakker…
[Barrett] Tossing the body of Kofi Kingston around.
But those cat-like reflexes of Kingston…
-[referee] One, two… -[Tessitore] And a kick out by Breakker.
[Barrett] Managing to land on his feet.
And now it's Bron Breakker who may be in trouble.
Just classic Kofi Kingston.
[Tessitore] The S.O.S.
[Barrett] Just milliseconds away from a shock victory here.
But Kofi really has done it all.
He's stopped the test of time.
Can he stand the test of Bron Breakker,
-who keeps bouncing back? -[Breakker] Shut up!
[Tessitore] Looks like the long-time success with The New Day,
but as you know, conspicuous by his absences, Xavier Woods.
[Barrett] Kofi Kingston clearly hurting all over but going skyward.
[Tessitore] Yeah, finding his way to the top rope, double axe handle.
But no, the Badass, belly-to-belly and look at how far he tossed him.
[Barrett] Technique, power,
explosive nature of a mean streak a mile wide.
[Tessitore] Super Spear opportunity, Bron Breakker delivers.
[Barrett] Just cutting Kofi Kingston in two.
-[referee] One, two, three. -[Tessitore] And with that, the win.
[bell dings]
["Break And Destroy" playing]
[Irvin] Here is your winner.
Bron Breakker.
[Barrett] A little window into what Bron Breakker is all about
and why his rise to the top has been so, so rapid.
Will continue unabating while he keeps putting away top players
like Kofi Kingston with that devastated spear
straight to the midsection.,
Another W as Bron Breakker looks to regather gold here on Raw.
[Tessitore] The last time we saw him landing the super Spear,
was following the Intercontinental Championship.
[crosstalk]
[Tessitore] This is not… Oh! And Xavier Woods comes in.
So that's when he shows up.
When Kofi Kingston found himself in trouble after the match,
[Barrett] Well, that's a true friend in my book.
-Putting himself on the line. -[Tessitore] Absolutely.
[Barrett] Getting in between Breakker
as he was looking to destroy a beaten Kofi Kingston.
[Tessitore] Well, Xavier Woods does the right thing.
Oh, and then he comes and attacks him from behind.
[Barrett] Talk about clothesline. Looked more like a jawbreaker-type move--
["Main Event Ish" playing]
[Barrett] And Bron is in big trouble right now.
[Tessitore] There's company and it's the current Intercontinental Champion.
[Barrett] It's the man who was jumped by Bron Breakker on Raw last week.
And now time for a little revenge.
[Tessitore] Superkick.
And a spear of his own.
Jey Uso, sending a message back to Bron Breakker.
[Barrett] Taste of your own medicine. But let's face it, Joe.
These two may well be on a collision course.
A rematch at some point for that Intercontinental Championship.
But, man, did Kofi Kingston need his friends this evening.
[crowd exclaims]
[crowd] Yeet!
[Tessitore] A statement, yeet.
As Breakker knocked from the apron.
New Day and Jey Uso, out to defend each other.
-Sup? -You look ready.
-Yeah -All right.
You want me out there tonight?
No, it's all good. I got this.
It's Tiffy's time to stand on the ring apron and look pretty, okay?
But have you taken any more thought into what we talked about?
Yeah, I thought about it.
Look.
[Priest sighs]
You've already destroyed all the boys multiple times,
and you finally got your revenge on Finn Bálor.
It's time that you get back what you were robbed of.
That's fair.
Look, as long as you have a beef with The Judgment Day,
I have beef with The Judgment Day.
So if you need me, just tell me and I'm there.
-You know this. -I appreciate it.
But you're right.
I think it's time for Damien Priest to once again be
el campeón.
-There we go. -All right.
[both speaking in Spanish]
All right,
-Go handle these girls. -I will.
["What's Up? (R-Truth)" playing]
♪ Y'all know what time it is ♪
♪ It's the part we're cranking up ♪
♪ Y'all ready? Y'all ready? Here we go ♪
♪ People over there what's up? ♪
♪ You can feel me Let me hear you say what's up? ♪
-♪ What's up? ♪ -♪ What's up? ♪
♪ You can get with this Or you can get with that ♪
♪ You better get with this 'Cause this is where it's at ♪
-♪ What's up? ♪ -♪ What's up? ♪
♪ I be skippin' and jumpin'… ♪
[Tessitore] One of the most beloved competitors in WWE.
R-Truth.
Who won the tag titles at WrestleMania in a Ladder Match with The Miz.
Now finds himself opposite his former partner.
R-Truth against The Miz, when we return.
[exhales]
[sniffles]
Got a second?
[exclaims]
[Tessitore] Jey Uso, clearly still feeling the sting of betrayal from his brother.
And it was back here on Raw on September 30th, Wade,
when R-Truth felt the same from The Miz.
[Barrett] His former tag partner in the Awesome Truth.
Here's the thing with R-Truth.
-I don't think he quite realizes… -["I Came To Play" playing]
…that that was intentional.
R-Truth is still wearing the Awesome Truth shirt right now.
He thinks there was a case of mistaken identity.
[bell dings]
[Irvin] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
making his way to the ring,
residing at Hollywood, California,
weighing in at 221 pounds,
The Miz.
[Barrett] Well, it's all fun and games with R-Truth, isn't it?
Until it's no longer fun and games, and it seems like the annoyance,
the irritation, was just building up from months inside The Miz
and with a certain little whisper from some members of the locker room,
it poisoned the mind of The Miz. But Miz finally snapped,
and the Awesome Truth is over.
Someone please explain that to R-Truth.
[Tessitore] No, it was Karrion Kross
who approached The Miz, planted a seed in his head.
And then, a week later, he betrayed R-Truth.
[Barrett] It seems like the mind of The Miz
was fertile ground for that seed.
It really didn't take too much persuading
for him to drop his former tag partner, R-Truth.
[Tessitore] But consider the great times they had this year.
For 79 days, they had four successful defenses
of the World Tag Team Championships.
[Barrett] R-truth thinks they're still friends. They're not friends.
What's the matter with you, Truth?
You're a joke!
[Tessitore] The Miz is looking at him like, "What do you not understand?"
"Do you not recall what I did to you?"
But he extends the hand.
[Barrett] Truth thinks they're still boys.
[Tessitore] Miz says, "Come on, let's do this."
[Barrett] They have a hell of a history together.
They've won championships together over ten-plus years.
But R-Truth clearly is dumb.
Miz has clearly doubled… Oh, wait a second.
I just mentioned him. Karrion Kross, Final Testament.
Oh! And R-Truth uses that to roll him up. And gets the win.
[bell dings]
R-Truth, veteran move.
[Irvin] Here is your winner.
R-Truth.
[Tessitore] A costly moment and he's celebrating with Miz.
He wants a hug. He still doesn't get it, Wade.
[Barrett] I mean, he's just happy he scored the victory as he should be.
It's the easiest win of his entire career, but it was really an inadvertent assist,
perhaps from the Final Testament.
Get him right now.
[Barrett] Uh-oh.
[Tessitore] The Authors of Pain are on top of R-Truth.
and they're throwing him back in the ring,
[Barrett] This is the crew that poisoned the mind of the Miz, and there is your--
[Tessitore] Skull-crushing finale.
And look at that look, Wade, after being rolled up
and taking a loss to his former partner when he was distracted.
And that is how he'll be written in the next the chapter of Awesome Truth.
[Barrett] Karrion Kross just has a knack of amplifying
the most destructive force of anyone.
Here, let's see.
Please.
-Just hear me out-- -I said no.
And get out of my face, man.
["Demon In Your Dreams" playing]
[Tessitore] The Usos, twin brothers, former eight-time Tag Team Champions.
And now Jey can barely stand the sight of Jimmy.
You just oppose that now against Rhea Ripley.
Who, tonight, has a tag team partner
she could have never envisioned, or perhaps even watch listed.
[Barrett] Very unlikely partnership for Rhea Ripley.
Tonight, having to team with the woman
who she threatened to bury through the mat
earlier on this evening,
but any way she can get her hands on Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.
You're right, Joe, Ripley's gonna take it.
[bell dings]
[Irvin] The following is a tag-team match scheduled for one fall
Introducing first from Adelaide, South Australia,
Rhea Ripley.
[Tessitore] Strange circumstances to arrive to this,
but it should be a wild one.
Miss Money in the Bank, teaming up with Rhea Ripley
against Raquel and Liv, next on Monday Night Raw.
Next Monday night in Philadelphia.
Look at this.
It is the rematch for the Intercontinental Championship.
Jey Uso looks to defend against the former champ he dethroned
The Badass Bron Breakker.
[Barrett] And not only that, the World Tag Team Championship
No.1 Contenders Tournament continues.
Two first-round matches. The New Day, go head-to-head
with the massive Authors of Pain.
And then Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee link up.
They go head-to-head with American Made.
That's next week on Raw.
[Tessitore] Rhea Ripley recently was in against Liv Morgan at Bad Blood.
She won by disqualification. Of course, no title change there.
And now you can see that intense focus as she is ready for tag-team action.
The strangest of bedfellows, right?
[Barrett] And the anger inside Ripley just continues to rise,
and I'm not sure tagging up with Tiffy Stratton, is gonna help her.
[Irvin] And her tag team partner,
from Briar Lake, Minnesota.
She is the winner of the 2024 Women's Money in the Bank contract,
Tiffany Stratton.
[Tessitore] Next week, Monday Night Raw is going to be in Philadelphia.
The Intercontinental Championship, Jey Uso, Bron Breakker
headlining Raw from Philly. Tickets available.
We'll see you there.
Tiffy Time. Her first match on Raw in her WWE career for Tiffany Stratton.
[Barrett] Well, I tell you this, Joe.
This is what you call a chalk and cheese pairing.
Two human beings who could not be more dissimilar
other than the fact that they are A-plus.
-Once that bell rings-- -[Tessitore] They look like
they've forgiven each other as well.
["Watch Me" playing]
[Tessitore] And then there are these two Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan.
The former Women's Tag Team Champions,
[Irvin] And their opponents,
the team of Raquel Rodriguez
and the Women's World Champion, Liv Morgan.
[Tessitore] A reminder coming your way on November 2nd at Riyadh Season.
It is Crown Jewel, and it will be the first annual Crown Jewel Championship.
The men's champions colliding the women's champions colliding
for the 50-carat diamond belt.
The best of the best, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Saturday, November 2nd.
[Barrett] A stunning piece of hardware on the planet, up for grabs,
combined with, of course, the ultimate in bragging rights.
Man, how smart is Liv Morgan?
You need to contend with Rhea Bloody Ripley.
Who do you draft in? Raquel Rodriguez.
Perhaps the one woman bigger and stronger
than Rhea Bloody Ripley.
[Tessitore] Rhea Ripley, just smashing that head right against Liv Morgan
and then throwing her down violently.
[Barrett] I'm surprised Liv Morgan chose to start off this match,
and it personally allowed Raquel Rodriguez to take care of business.
[Tessitore] She tries to crawl for the tag, Wade.
[Barrett] How irate Rhea Bloody Ripley is right now.
[Tessitore] Liv, able to get free. And here comes Raquel.
[Barrett] There you go.
Liv heard me.
There's some real history between these two women.
[Tessitore] A match-up of this size and power and strength.
[Barrett] Former friends, former training partners and wait a second
just went Rhea Ripley wanted to lock horns.,
Tiffany Stratton says, toodles
let me take this from here.
Tiffy Time, of course, the great gymnastics background.
[Barrett] For the team USA member alongside Simone Biles.
Raquel Rodriguez can be as big and strong as she wants.
She's got to get ahold of Tiffy first.
[Tessitore] Can't find the target.
And Rhea on the outside with Raquel.
[Stratton] You're not legal.
[Tessitore] And look at Tiffany. The discord between these two.
A team that was just thrown together,
arguing over who's legal and who gets into the action,
[crosstalk]
[Barrett] Stratton is a stifler for the rules for the first--
[Tessitore] Meanwhile, human missile Liv Morgan from Raquel.
[laughing]
[Tessitore] Laughing right in their faces.
[panting]
[Tessitore] Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan teaming up against Rhea Ripley
and Tiffy Time, Tiffany Stratton with Morgan in control now.
Hooks the leg of Tiffany Stratton.
[Barrett] Well, perhaps predictably, this hastily-thrown-together tag team
of Tiffany Stratton and Rhea Bloody Ripley,
has fallen apart at the seams very early on.
No cohesion, no strategy, no chemistry.
And you've got to contend with the former Women's Tag Champs,
of Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan.
[Tessitore] That's a good point, Wade.
So much time spent as tag partners through the years
and you see, they haven't missed a beat.
Picking right back up from where they left off.
Knowing each other's skill set and ability,
and that's getting the best of Tiffany Stratton right now.
And also you see, the sheer pure power of Raquel. Total control.
The vertical suplex. Raquel and Liv doing damage.
[Barrett] Toying with Tiffany Stratton.
[Tessitore] Hooks the leg for the win.
And Tiffy Time able to kick out.
[Barrett] The center of the universe must feel
like it's imploding in this match.
Nothing is going the way of the moth Barbie doll.
Gingerly reaching out, trying to get a tag to Rhea Ripley.
Who perhaps is enjoying that in this beat down of Tiffany Stratton
almost as much as she would enjoy getting her hands on Raquel Rodriguez.
[Tessitore] Backbreaker as Rodriguez enjoying this
and stretching out Tiffany Stratton as well.
[Barrett] Stratton is as limber as they come.
But even her frame is getting pushed to its limits.
By this powerful force,
that is Raquel Rodriguez,
[Tessitore] And all that leverage from Rodriguez.
And that uppercut.
As Tiffany has been absorbing so much punishment.
The cover.
[Barrett] Stratton has spent 90% of this match-up,
getting stomped in that ring.
Raquel, making it look effortless.
Scrambling that tag.
-And I'd say Rhea-- -[Tessitore] Lackluster effort, wasn't it?
[Barrett] Not particularly hard to get Tiffany Stratton out of danger here.
[Tessitore] And now she gets the tag on Rhea Ripley.
[Barrett] Fun and games are over.
And now this is a huge problem for Liv Morgan.
[Tessitore] Long-standing rivals. big clothesline from Rhea.
And a dropkick that sends Raquel flying.
[Barrett] And finally, a little taste of vengeance for Rhea Ripley.
Fighting wars on two fronts here, it might be a little too much.
Who am I kidding?
Nothing is too much for The Eradicator.
[Tessitore] That knee hit hard.
She wants the Riptide.
[Barrett] That's exactly what she gets.
[Tessitore] Stacks her and Raquel comes in to save it.
[Barrett] Will do maximum damage to the form of Rhea Ripley.
Rhea simply too wise to it.
Those two former training partners, former friends,
imploded during their time in NXT,
and they need no excuse, whatsoever, to throw hands.
Tiffany Stratton going for the world's greatest moonsault, missing.
[Tessitore] Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley…
-Oh! Nia Jax from out of nowhere. -[bell dings]
Nia Jax comes running down
as Tiffany Stratton was up top, looking for the prettiest moonsault ever.
Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley was looking for a Riptide.
The next thing you know, Nia Jax, comes from out of nowhere.
[Barrett] Well, Nia Jax who certainly is not supposed to be here.
Look at this from Ripley.
[Tessitore] And Liv Morgan, takes out her leg.
And just beating down now on Rhea Ripley.
[Barrett] Just when Ripley was about to pull off the… Wait a second.
[Tessitore] Now Nia Jax turns her attention on Liv Morgan.
[Barrett] The woman she will be facing at Crown Jewel.
[Tessitore] November 2nd, these two women will go after it
in the first annual Crown Jewel Championship.
[Barrett] Oh, God, it's squashing time.
[Tessitore] Annihilator.
And now if you are Miss Money in the Bank,
-what a golden opportunity. -[Barrett] What's happening?
[Tessitore] Could this be a cash-in?
[Barrett] Of the first opportunity here on Raw.
[Tessitore] With the briefcase in hands.
-[Barrett] Wait a second-- -[Tessitore] Dirty Dom,
comes in to save her.
[Barrett] Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?
Just in the nick of time.
[Tessitore] Tiffany Stratton was moments away
from possibly becoming the World Champion.
But Dirty Dom pulled Liv away.
[crowd boos]
[Stratton] It's not Dommy time. It's Tiffy Time. ?