[inspiring music playing]
[narrator] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music fades]
[announcer 1] A historic week begins here in Wichita, Kansas,
at the Intrust Bank Arena.
We are only five days away from the retro return
of Saturday Night's Main Event.
That means tonight, there's a lot to be determined.
[announcer 2] Local fans have long been rooting
on college basketball's Wichita State's Shockers.
Fittingly, a few shockers are set to be delivered.
Just the way Seth "Freakin'" Rollins has done.
Seth has been enraged over CM Punk.
Watch now ahead for Rollins. We will buy out.
Plus, Rhea Ripley has a showdown!
For the first time in nearly a year, she competes in a one-on-one match.
Her recently damaged formidable took a beating last week.
Now, it's revenge time.
She'll be opposite Raquel Rodriguez,
As always, flanked by Liv Morgan and "Dirty" Dom.
An anything-goes match against Rhea. That's ahead.
It's a much different night for Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
Their tenth anniversary became a new force.
And it's been clear, Just look at how others feel about it.
-The new day, tonight. -Otis, Alpha!
♪ Betting on myself Born to be the greatest of all time ♪
♪ This is where I draw the line ♪
♪ Can't stop my shine They know it's my time ♪
♪ Let the world know I've arrived I'm on the rise ♪
♪ Unstoppable ♪
-[intense music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Joe Tessitore] And there is no rest for the World Heavyweight Champion.
["Prepare to Fight" playing]
[Lilian Garcia] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the World Heavyweight Champion,
the Ring General,
Gunther!
[Joe] Only nine days removed, Wade,
from his Survivor Series championship defense,
and he's right back into the fire, preparing for another top-tier challenger.
[Wade] When you've got something the world wants,
you always have to watch your back.
Let's take you back to last week on Raw.
After a surprisingly back-and-forth matchup,
Gunther put Dirty Dom away with this powerbomb.
The celebration, however, was short-lived.
That's because the number-one contender for that championship,
Finn Bálor, launched an attack,
dropping the Ring General with multiple attacks,
including three Coup de Grâces.
Watch and learn, kid.
[Wade] "Watch and learn, kid."
This matchup is set ahead of that clash this Saturday
at Saturday Night's Main Event.
["Prepare to Fight" continues]
[crowd booing]
[inaudible]
As everybody has seen quite obviously, Finn Bálor has made a grave mistake.
[crowd exclaims]
And whether he deserves it or not,
he now has my undivided attention.
I guarantee right now that Saturday Night's Main Event
will not end up like Survivor Series for me.
[crowd exclaims]
He goes wh--
["I Am Danger" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] The Judgement Day.
With JD and the World Tag Team Champions,
but he's seeking singles glory.
The guy who's been preaching, "Listen to Finn and you'll win."
You know, Gunther, you could've given me the title match like I deserved,
but instead,
you wanted to mess with me
and give it to someone who didn't deserve it,
like Dirty Dom.
[crowd cheering]
But let's be real.
I am the only reason you're World Heavyweight Champion right now.
I just heard what you said, and you're right on one thing.
Saturday Night's Main Event is going to be nothing like Survivor Series.
Because at Survivor Series, you retained the title because of me.
[sniffles]
At Saturday Night's Main Event, you'll lose the title because of me.
[crowd cheering]
And after eight long years,
Finn Bálor walks out of Saturday Night's Main Event
as the new World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd cheering]
Let me set one thing straight right away.
You did not earn the title match on Saturday.
Your audacity of claiming any responsibility
of me being the World Heavyweight Champion
is what earned you the title match on Saturday.
But I get it.
You're frustrated because eight years ago,
you became the first WWE Universal Champion.
[indistinct]
And at that point in my career, man, I looked up to you.
[crowd] What?
-I respected you. -[crowd] What?
But over time, to be honest, that respect kept fading away and fading away.
Not because I chose to…
[crowd] What?
…it's because you chose to start cutting corners.
You chose to take shortcuts.
You chose to align yourself with The Judgment Day.
You chose to hang out with a bunch of weirdos in the clubhouse.
-[crowd cheering] -[indistinct]
And you chose to play second fiddle to Damian Priest.
You can't say that!
He plays second fiddle to nobody!
[indistinct]
So here we are now,
standing across from each other with no respect left.
And I'm figuratively and literally looking down on you.
Because you're there, stupid.
Eight years ago, you were the best in the world.
[Carlito] Still is.
For one night.
[crowd booing]
I am the best in the world right now and for thousands of days to come!
And this title proves it!
We'll see the challenger.
There's one reason
why you won't leave World Heavyweight Champion after Saturday.
You're not on my level.
And you never will be.
[crowd cheering]
[indistinct]
[Wade] Here we go, you talk some smack to four members of The Judgment Day,
there's likely to be consequences.
[intense music playing]
[Joe] Like this!
As Gunther said, second fiddle Finn,
well now here is Damian Priest,
and here he comes, the foe who Finn obsesses over.
And slamming Dirty Dom right into the barrier.
[Wade] Former Judgment Day member himself, now beating the living daylights--
[Joe] Just stomping on JD. A big right uppercut. Now Finn.
Taking Priest, trying to get him into that ring.
-Big right fist to the gut! -[Wade] Just one step ahead!
And now trapped between a rock and a hard place is Finn Bálor.
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] And now Gunther brings a lariat to Damian Priest
and is pounding on him.
[Wade] Opportunity to soften up his opponent
before Saturday Night's Main Event, and the gold will be on the line.
[Joe] We've seen this before with these two titans clashing.
[crowd cheering]
He's clearing up right now. Right away, it's Gunther.
[Joe] Finn comes in with the Sling Blade
to take down the World Heavyweight Champion.
[crowd exclaims]
Smashes him right into the steel stairs.
[Wade] Finn Bálor with utter hatred for both men that he's decking right now.
[Joe] Days away from fighting for the championship, and here he is.
Off the apron, Coup de Grâce!
[Wade] Finn Bálor can't decide who to attack.
First, Gunther got the worst of it.
Now in the ring, Judgment Day bouncing back on Priest,
who is making short work of JD McDonagh!
[Joe] Priest on the inside, Gunther laid out on the outside.
It's the big boot again!
[Wade] It's chaos everywhere you look!
[Joe] Doubling it up until Finn Bálor comes in
and hammers his former Judgment Day brethren!
[Wade] It's been the modus operandi from day one for The Judgment Day,
the numbers game simply too much for both, Gunther and now Damian Priest.
[Joe] Now four on one, just the way they intended to
before the surprise of visits by Priest, as he gets slammed into the corner,
and Finn is going up top again as they hold Priest in place.
Right to the sternum!
[Finn] Another one.
[Wade] "Another one"!
One is simply not enough for Finn Bálor.
And he smashes down! Coup de Grâce!
One more!
[Wade] Finn Bálor is just enjoying this too much!
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] The hat trick!
It's Judgment Day
just leveling both Priest and Gunther.
Remember, the World Heavyweight Championship match
is set for Saturday night.
Gunther and Finn Bálor.
[intense music playing]
[Joe] That is the scene,
as Finn has his sights set on conquering singles glory.
[Wade] Finn Bálor focused on becoming the champ Saturday night, Main Event.
Can he dethrone Gunther?
[Joe] That is coming up on Saturday night on Long Island.
There is Karrion Kross, who warned the Wyatt Sicks
that they will pay for their recent actions.
The man with a silver tongue has gathered his troops.
[hard rock music playing]
-Sunday, baby. -The Judgment Day wins.
-I know, they know it as well. -[clapping]
Hey.
I gotta hand it to you, another Monday and Judgment Day causing chaos.
You know how to appreciate it. But I'm here as a courtesy to you, Finn.
Let you know that I spoke to Gunther, and as a result of that conversation,
and as a result of all the actions,
the World Heavyweight Championship match Saturday night has officially changed.
Changed? What do you mean?
It will be Finn Bálor versus Gunther…
-Yeah. -We knew that.
…versus Damian Priest.
-God. -[crowd cheering]
Ah.
You know what? You know what?
Fine.
Fine, because it will make it even more satisfying
when not only I beat Gunther but Damian
and become the new World Heavyweight Champion.
[laughs]
-I'm gonna be the new champion. -Finn, speaking of champion,
you're so concerned about the conduct of other champions.
I'm gonna give you an opportunity also to lead by example.
Next week here on Monday Night Raw,
you and J.D. are going to face the War Raiders again
and put those tag team titles on the line.
And the best part? Judgement Day, the best part…
-What? -…you're all banned from ringside.
[clamoring]
-He's too-- -We've impressed the--
You know what? Relax. You've got everything under control,
but I was wondering if you had any advice for our matches tonight?
We just want to listen to Finn, so we've been.
[breathing heavily]
You know what, sis?
Give me a couple of minutes. Let me get back to you on that.
-Alright? -Alright. Anything you need.
[giggles]
-We are excited. I'm excited. Feel good? -Yeah.
-Yeah.
He doesn't even know what's going on.
[laughter]
[intense music playing]
[Joe] It has been an unexpected wild ride to arrive at this for the final testament.
[bell rings]
[Lilian Garcia] The following is an eight-man tag team contest
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first,
being accompanied by Scarlett,
the team of The Miz, with Final Testament!
Akam, Rezar, and Karrion Kross!
[Joe] Wade, that unexpected wild ride has the wild inclusion of The Miz.
You've got drama with The Miz turning with the Wyatt Sicks holding The Miz hostage,
and all the drama, we've seen it unfold all the way back to early September
when Kross was first planting the seeds in the mind of The Miz.
[Wade] Trying his best to walk away from the Final Testament.
Once the Wyatt Sicks did the group, carrying Kross and a massive AOP.
He firmly knows walking away at this stage was not an option,
especially after he inadvertently caused the group's Paul Ellering
to be taken out by a man from Uncle Howdy.
[Joe] Wade, have you seen who's sitting right behind us?
One of the most fearless and skilled pro athletes of all.
Koltin Hevalow, the PBR star, 21 years old,
this guy dominates bucking bulls.
The PBR action will be in this arena in Wichita this coming weekend.
I'm telling you, go watch him on YouTube on what he did against Mike's Magic
in the PBR World Finals this year.
You've got to see this talent. The guy's 5'6", 135, and he dominates.
[Wade] Zero chance you get me on one of those bulls, but I love watching it.
Hats off to him.
[crowd member shouting indistinctly]
[Joe] Eight-man tag team action.
Few moments in the industry grasp the crowd like this.
[intense music playing]
[crowd exclaims]
["Shatter" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] Since they made their debut on Raw,
Uncle Howdy's band has been a little less mystery and more targeted focus.
[indistinct]
Now, Wade, focus on the back and forth they have had
with Karrion Kross, Final Testament, and The Miz.
[Wade] They made a point of targeting The Miz and Final Testament
over the last couple of months thanks to their career histories
of using and manipulating others for their own gain.
Let's start with you.
[laughs]
[man] You killed it back there.
-You know it. -[man] Murder them!
[laughs]
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[Wade] Twisted tribute to those departed.
-[Joe] Wasting no time. -[bell rings]
[Joe] Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Rowan, and Gacy.
Kross, The Miz. Akam…
Great tag action. Eight-man tag team.
[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Immediately going in for the Sister Abigail!
[Joe] And if it wasn't for Miz, perhaps he would have landed it.
Fast start for Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks!
[laughing evilly]
[Joe] Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you, ringside here,
in Wichita, Kansas, for Monday Night Raw.
Compelling eight-man tag team action
between the Final Testament, The Miz, and The Wyatt Sicks.
And we want to let you know, that immediately following this match,
Jackie Redman is going to sit down with CM Punk.
That exclusive interview following this eight-man tag match.
[Wade] Yeah, and that might come sooner rather than later,
because Joe Gacy is getting his face smashed in by the massive Rezar.
And I'll tell you this, Joe,
after an opening flurry from the Wyatt Sicks,
it has been one-way traffic.
And The Miz and the Final Testament
have completely isolated and decimated poor Joe Gacy.
And keep in mind, how everything started.
Reza's point, an opportunity for Gacy!
But unable to get all the way over to the corner.
He comes back with an offense of assault!
[Wade] Nice recoil clothesline from the unique Joe Gacy,
who needs this tag in the worst way.
With The Final Testament, The Miz leads a trap against the Wyatt Sicks,
taking them out during a brawl in the ring.
Now, this showdown here--
Tries to save the day but finds Erick Rowan, and remember,
it was last month when The Miz was attacking him with a steel chair.
[Wade] This is exactly what The Miz wanted to avoid.
This is why he wanted no part of the Wyatt Sicks.
When you're in there with someone like the massive Erick Rowan,
it's quite simply bad news.
[Joe] Rowan runs into a big boot.
[Wade] Miz is fighting for his life out of desperation at this point.
There might be nothing he can do to stop this marauding force that is Erick Rowan.
Unhinged Erick Rowan-- What the heel is he doing?
[Joe] That size comes baseball sliding to take both men out.
[crowd exclaiming]
[Wade] Just effortlessly flattening, the huge AOP,
like we've never seen before.
A multiple-time tag team champion in this game, is Erick Rowan.
And Miz tries to hightail it, but it's simply too late.
[Joe] You cannot run now.
-Into the cover! -One, two…
[Joe] And coming in and saving the day, the Authors of Pain.
[Wade] The ever-expanding playbook of Erick Rowan coming to the fore in this.
But he may well have no answer for what the hell to do against this duo.
AOP with a double.
Huh?!
[Joe] Here comes Rezar.
And now Lumis and Gacy waiting to meet them in the center of the ring.
Roads apart. The referee has lost complete control of this one,
as is inevitable when you have forces like this in the ring.
-[yelling] -[crowd cheering]
[Joe] Suicide dive!
And now Lumis is going up top!
My, oh my!
Clearing them out onto the floor!
[Wade] Some of the most reckless offense you will ever see, in or out of the ring,
coming from the Wyatt Sicks.
That might be what you have to do
to put away someone like the Final Testament.
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] Uncle Howdy, welcome to it!
Giving the people what they've been crying out for
from the word "go" in this matchup.
[crowd cheering]
-[slam] -[crowd cheering]
[Joe] Remember what Howdy and the Wyatt Sicks did to The Miz
back in early November.
He says, "How am I the bad guy? I was the victim."
Held hostage and now trying to run away from it all again.
He's just in survival mode teaming up with the Final Testament.
[grunting]
[Joe] Big elbow eaten by Kross.
[grunts]
[Wade] Howdy, with a twisted mind but a heart of gold,
laying waste to anything in his path.
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] Howdy is lining him up-- Oh! Scarlett tripped him up!
Scarlett tripped him up.
-And she sits back-- -[Wade] What in the world?
[crowd cheering]
-[crowd exclaims] -[Joe] Where did she come from?
Nikki Cross leading up with Scarlett…
As Scarlett… Seeing Nikki Cross, she just goes running across the ring.
[Wade] Scarlett…
getting some PTSD from being attacked by Nikki a couple of weeks ago,
[Joe] Oh! Slams right off the steel stairs!
[Wade] How long was Nikki Cross all…
[Joe] We are broadcasting. Next thing you know, she's on the table.
Sister Abigail is lined up!
-[Wade] Miz saving the day. -[Joe] Miz saves him.
But can he save himself?
[Wade] Mandible Claw!
Mandible Claw on The Miz!
-[Joe] This Miz abo-- -[Wade] What in the world?!
That's Paul Ellering with the powder right into the eyes of Uncle Howdy!
And now Kross! Is this the final prayer? Yes!
Into the cover.
-[bell ringing] -[Joe] Paul Ellering.
-He returns. -[Lilian] Here are your winners!
The Miz and The Final Testament!
[Joe] Remember, it was Ellering himself
who had the Mandible Claw applied to him
in saving The Miz not long ago.
Now he makes his return,
lines up Uncle Howdy,
and the final prayer put forth by Karrion Kross.
[Wade] In the eyes of Uncle Howdy,
apparently some sort of caustic substance made the difference.
Massive win for The Final Testament.
CM Punk, thank you for sitting down. I appreciate the time.
I appreciate it.
You know what I'm going to ask you.
If you ask me about the Blackhawks, we are going to fight.
I'm going to ask about something much more relevant.
-[laughs] -This favor.
It's all anyone is talking about. Can you tell us anything about it?
No, I don't think that's the right time to talk about that. It's a personal thing.
Me and Paul go back many years-- It's between me and Paul.
Fair enough, if we can't talk about the favor,
let's talk about Seth Rollins.
You said last week you don't think about him at all,
but he has made it pretty clear he has his sights set on you
and he is willing to force the issue. How are you gonna handle that?
I think it's no secret to anybody that I'm not going to shy away from a fight.
If you come at me, I will start swinging, um…
But when it comes to Seth's hatred of me, I am more confused than anything,
because I don't hate Seth at all. I mean…
I think, to understand,
you have to talk about the history between myself and Seth Rollins,
and it goes back quite a bit.
You're talking about a 16-year-old Seth Rollins
who came to CM Punk
and asked him to train him to be a professional wrestler.
For free.
That's the key part of the story everyone leaves out.
That entitlement, I think,
has carried over into the adult Seth Rollins,
who wants to be the best in the world.
He wants to be on everybody's top ten list of the greatest of all time.
But I remember a time
when he was on the top ten list of people to be fired from this place,
and I shielded him from that.
You know? Uh…
I guess if I had to live in my shadow, I would hate me too.
Seth Rollins is extremely talented,
a multiple-time champion, Money in the Bank winner--
Everything he did, I've done better and I did it before he got here.
Now, I don't claim to do those things because I wanted a thank you.
I recognize that the 16-year-old kid had all the potential in the world.
And in my absence from this company,
Seth did a fantastic job filling that vacuum.
But simply put, the starter's back.
The second string gotta sit back down on the bench.
Listen, I appreciate your honesty. Thank you.
You're welcome.
["Kombat" playing]
[Joe] Dakota Kai is looking very good since returning from injury.
On November 11th, came up huge in the first round
of the Women's Intercontinental Championship tournament.
[bell ringing]
[Lilian] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, representing Damage CTRL,
from Auckland, New Zealand,
Dakota Kai!
[Joe] The way she toppled Shayna Baszler and Katana Chance, she advances,
but here she can really stamp herself as a major top-line player.
[Wade] Yeah, what a moment it would be to defeat the Women's World Champion.
It would certainly hurt and stifle the momentum of Liv Morgan
ahead of her matchup with Damage CTRL running mate Iyo Sky
at Saturday Night's Main Event.
["Kombat" continues playing]
[crowd cheering]
["Liv Gone Mad" playing]
♪ Watch me ♪
[Joe] Now, you can make an argument
that there's no more actively impactful superstar in 2024 than Liv Morgan.
[Lilian] And representing The Judgment Day,
from Morristown, New Jersey,
she is the Women's World Champion,
Liv Morgan!
[Joe] Women's World Champion, the inaugural Crown Jewel Champion
from the Revenge Tour to current complexities,
the spotlight always on Liv, and come Saturday night,
that spotlight will be the bright lights of primetime on NBC.
Liv will be putting her World Championship on the line
against Iyo Sky, with a retro return
of the legendary iconic Saturday Night's Main Event,
8:00 p.m. Saturday, December 14th.
[Wade] Joe, you just listed a number of achievements for Liv Morgan.
-[bell rings] -A list that is long,
but you didn't mention she's dating the hottest man in the world, Dirty Dom.
You're a professional hater.
[Joe] That does not hit the resume on a high mark at all.
[Wade] It's on a resume of its own, and it's so impressive.
[Joe] I also mentioned that in terms of being the most actively impactful,
she is busy constantly.
No matter which way she goes about it, Saturday night much the same,
in this, a real challenge on Monday Night Raw,
in what is a very busy time. To the cover right away.
It's a very busy time in WWE.
We've got Saturday Night's Main Event returning January 6th on Netflix.
Right outside onto the floor,
and the newly announced transfer window as well.
More to come here on Monday Night Raw. Look at that height!
[slam]
Back with you here, with the Women's World Champion,
Liv Morgan getting the best of Dakota Kai.
Dakota Kai, dealing with a torn meniscus since July
-[Wade] Oh! -[Joe] Came back on November 11th.
And look who arrives on the spot.
Pure Fusion Collective,
making their way down to ringside in the middle of this match.
[Wade] Perhaps the only people in the locker room
who are bigger haters than Joe Tessitore.
[Joe] Oh, I wouldn't say that, Wade.
[Wade] They must be loving the imminent demise of Dakota Kai in this matchup,
something they had numerous issues with over the past couple of months.
[slam]
[Joe] Back on November 11th, on the return of Dakota Kai,
Damage CTRL defeated Pure Fusion Collective.
[Wade] And let's not forget Dakota Kai helped to eliminate Shayna Baszler
from the Women's Intercontinental Championship last week.
There's some bad blood lurking between the two because of that.
Dakota Kai really needs some eyes in the back of her head.
She is taking a long time to get some steam in this one,
but finally, she may have turned the corner.
Acutely aware of the three sharks looking at ringside.
[Joe] How could she not be?
as she lines up that right leg and comes straight in, crashing home.
Liv Morgan.
Liv Morgan, of course, just days away from defending her title against Iyo Sky.
Dakota Kai, trying to stamp herself here!
[Wade] You notice when Kai hooked the leg,
she was watching PFC on the outside the entire time.
[Joe] Sonya, Zoey and Shayna looking out.
[Wade] Let's be honest, it's not a matter of if,
it's when PFC are going to attack Dakota Kai.
Are they going to be generous enough to at least let the matchup finish first?
-[grunting] -[Joe] Oh!
[Wade] Scorpion kick to the jaw of Liv Morgan as a rock.
[Joe] Having to deal with Zoey on the outside being distracted,
while she's got Liv Morgan in the ring!
Pure Fusion Collective. Getting her attention.
[Wade] Zoey there make an attempt.
-[Joe] They're on it! -[Wade] Here we go!
[Joe] Could it be an upset?
No, the kick out by Liv, trying to line up the kick.
[Wade] Longer, Dakota Kai, fighting battles on multiple fronts here,
not least with the Women's World Champion, Liv Morgan.
[Joe] You could see the face of Liv now turning things around.
[Wade] Oh! Counter into that powerbomb there!
If Dakota Kai can get a pin, of course she can,
because now Sonya Deville getting involved from the outside.
[Joe] She's looking to line up her big signature kick here.
Misses and drapes that right leg up and over.
Oblivion nails it!
Hooks the leg to finish her off!
[bell rings]
[Lilian] Here is your winner, the Women's World Champion,
Liv Morgan!
[Wade] What a valiant effort from Dakota Kai,
who, in all honesty,
had zero chance once PFC hit the ringside area.
[Joe] Did you expect anything else?
Sonya Deville straight on top of Dakota Kai.
[Wade] To the surprise of absolutely nobody.
[Joe] But here comes Damage CTRL!
Kairi, Iyo!
[Wade] The reinforcements arrive to save the match for Dakota Kai.
Suddenly, to prevent the worst of that beatdown.
[Joe] Iyo Sky takes two of them out!
Days away from going after the gold herself against Liv Morgan.
[Wade] Floundering on the outside of the ring,
and now carrying her up top!
[Joe] From the top rope…
[exclaiming]
[Joe] …crossbody!
Takes all three of them out!
[crowd cheering]
-[Wade] Oh! -[Joe] Oh no, Oblivion!
Where did Liv come from?
[Wade] Never ever take your eyes off the Women's World Champion, Iyo Sky,
especially when you are facing her in just five nights' time.
[Joe] Five nights away from Saturday Night's Main Event.
The Women's World Championship match.
Liv Morgan over a fallen Iyo Sky.
Hell in a Cell was the most violent match of my 24-year career.
And in the end, I succumbed to massive blood loss.
I could have been at Raw on Monday post-Bad Blood against doctor's orders.
I proved time and time again
the Scottish Warrior isn't just a catchy nickname
It is earned.
But I had to go back to Scotland.
My family needed me.
2024 should have been a career year for Drew McIntyre,
but time and time again,
I kept being screwed over at the finish line.
While I was back home, the same thought kept going through my head.
Burning in my brain.
"What if I'm wrong?"
"What if everyone else was right? What if people can truly change?"
"What if my gut was wrong?"
And I turned on Survivor Series,
and saw Roman Reigns
standing side-by-side with CM Punk.
And who was by their side?
Sami,
Jimmy,
Jey,
with their stupid fingers in the air.
After everything they know, Roman just snaps his fingers,
they put their tails between their legs, they run right by his side.
At least CM Punk took a bribe.
They all sold out for absolutely nothing.
That's when it was clear. That's when I knew I had to come back.
That's when I knew I was going to take out Sami.
That's when I knew I was going to take out Jey Uso.
Spending time back home,
I realized I can't change the past as much as I want to,
but I can change the present.
And I will…
[intense music playing]
…change the future.
Self-righteous Drew McIntyre dissolving in a debate
-as to who took out Jey Uso last week. -Right.
Jey Uso is not medically cleared to return to Raw this week.
You can't overstate the reaction from Drew McIntyre.
Anybody who was lending support to Roman Reigns and CM Punk--
Let's give you an update on Jey Uso. The injury update.
What we can tell you is that Jey was not medically cleared
to return to this week's action on Raw.
It was an attack to the back of the head. You heard what Drew had to say about it.
With that, he has not been given the green light
to compete this week right here in Wichita.
Another superstar who has expressed issues
with the hero acceptance of Roman Reigns and CM Punk
is that guy, Seth Rollins.
When we come back, we will hear from Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
Don't go anywhere!
[Joe] Monday Night Raw in Wichita.
Some years ago, there was a decent running back at Wichita North High School
named Barry Sanders.
15 years later, a baby boy named Jimmy, born in Wichita
and better known as the most subscribed-to YouTuber, Mr. Beast, is a Wichita native.
Now it's home to Monday Night Raw and the signs of the night, Wade Barrett!
[Wade] Probably about 10,000 "Yeet" signs is my estimat--
-[Joe] Oh! -[Wade] Wait!
-That's not true! -[Joe] Did you?!
[Wade] That is libel right there, an absolute lie!
I've never stolen anyone's lunch money!
Justice for Wade Barrett! That's what I say!
Now, forget about Big E. He's yesterday's news!
[Joe] We are gonna wait for The New Day to explain themselves.
-[Wade] They don't need to explain. -[Joe] "Dom believes in the tooth fairy."
Indeed.
"OTC."
-[Wade] Right here, in Wichita. -[Joe] Acknowledge.
Look at that, I like that. The interactive sign.
The New Day's tenth anniversary celebration is settled.
Time to acknowledge a decade of devotion.
[intense music playing]
It's your boy!
[chanting]
[Kofi] I want to come out here and say, getting to this point is so much more
than we could have ever dreamed when we started this,
and we couldn't have done it all without each other,
but do you also know who else we couldn't have done it without?
Each and every one of you. So thank you.
But with all that said, we wanted to come out here
and let you know that what we are about to tell you
is not your fault.
[Big E.] We all want to go big. Say it!
[Wade] The power of positivity personified!
[Joe] Big E.
To see the two of you argue…
You did this tonight! You had to do this tonight!
Didn't do that!
And bicker.
-Why is this one me? -…everything I say!
And say some of the most hurtful things you can imagine to each other.
You have not been good enough!
That troubled my soul so deep.
So, until I am medically cleared, I am going to be here every single week
to serve as your manager.
[crowd cheering]
Now? Now you want to come back?
You left us.
I-- I broke my neck!
-I'm doin' m-- -Yes!
We've heard it all before.
You chose yourself over us.
As a matter of fact, all these people, let's tell them the truth, E.
You are never going to be medically cleared!
[crowd exclaims]
And since that is the case,
why don't you get the hell out of this ring
and get back to your desk where you belong?
[tense music playing]
After everything?!
Come on, man.
Woods. Woods!
That's it? This is it?
It's done?
Is that what you're telling me, it's over?
[crowd chanting]
[tense music continues]
Now it's just me and you.
Just us, bro.
[tape rewinding]
[crowd chanting]
Appreciate it.
I know this. Thank you very, very much.
-Thank you. -[crowd cheering]
Appreciate it.
Wait.
I've known you from a very long time.
Since we were kids.
-So you know. -Yeah.
You both should be ashamed of yourselves.
Alright. That's good.
Good coming from that guy. In high school, he was such a good dude.
[Joe] More reactions from everybody backstage pouring in,
to Kofi and Xavier. We will hear from The New Day later tonight.
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah Everybody hyped here ♪
♪ Big dreams we try a new life here ♪
[up-tempo music continues]
♪ Burn it down! ♪
[crowd cheering]
["The Second Coming" playing]
[Joe] A week ago, we heard Seth say he doesn't care what CM Punk had to say.
They had business to be settled.
[chanting]
[indistinct]
Now Seth has a chance to respond
to Punk's sit-down discussion with Jackie Redmond.
[Lilian] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins!
[Wade] Seth "Freakin'" Rollins,
one of the greatest we have ever seen here in WWE.
Clearly, he's had a bee in his bonnet over CM Punk for many years now.
He's been laser-focused on getting his hands on him at some point,
for at least the past 12 months.
It would seem, though, that CM Punk, from his words earlier,
has little interest in confronting Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
[Joe] Wade, would you just look at that tower on the screen?
My. How impressive is Seth Rollins?
[Wade] Undoubtedly one of the best we have ever seen in this generation.
Maybe right there at number one. It's all.
[crowd continues chanting]
[Joe] Great reception here in Wichita for Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
[Wade] You need a pair of glasses like that, Joe.
-You feel that'd go? -[Wade] I love your suits, your shoes.
Everything else, but it's the sunglasses.
You get a pair of that.
Wichita!
[cheers and applause]
[Seth grunts]
Welcome to Monday Night Raw!
[chuckling]
I am your host tonight.
I am a visionary. I am a revolutionary.
I am Seth…
[crowd] "Freakin'" Rollins!
[Seth] Oh, man, we've got a lot to talk about tonight.
Wichita, give it up for my man CM Punk, huh?
Yeah!
You know Punk.
When you're done in the ring, go ahead and chant his name.
Go for it. Let it out!
[crowd clamoring]
[laughs]
Dude…
When your days are done in the ring,
CM Punk, he's got a career as a politician ahead of him.
I tell you what.
That right there that we saw earlier tonight,
that was a master class in how to spin the truth, right?
You take a little bit of truth,
you spin it, and you play the victim.
And CM Punk? He's been doing that his entire life.
[crowd clamoring]
He's a fraud.
He's a con man.
You want the truth about me and CM Punk? I'll tell you the truth.
CM Punk was right.
I did go to him to get trained, absolutely.
At one time, he was one of the best in the world.
No doubt about it.
I looked up to CM Punk.
I idolized CM Punk.
CM Punk helped me get my foot in the door in WWE.
No doubt about it.
I respected CM Punk.
CM Punk and I were friends.
If the story ended there, you might wonder to yourself,
"So why does Seth Rollins hate CM Punk so much?"
The part of CM's story that he left out will tell you why.
When CM Punk walked out the doors of this company 11 years ago,
I called him.
I texted him because I was a friend,
because I respected him and what he stood for.
And what did I get back from Punk?
[crowd] Nothing!
Nothing.
I got ghosted by CM Punk.
And it wasn't just me.
It was every single person who was friends with Punk who works for this company.
Because if you didn't quit your dream job,
and your priorities didn't line up with Team CM Punk,
then you were evil, man.
If the story ended there, okay.
But that's not what happened.
Because for the next ten years,
all CM Punk tried to do was tear this company down!
[crowd cheering]
That's all he did!
He talked as much trash as he could.
He took any potshot he could.
And you know, when he finally walked back in here, do you know why?
[crowd clamoring]
Because he failed at everything else.
He burned every single bridge that would lead him to water.
And the money was right.
[crowd booing]
Yeah, guys.
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk…!
Once upon a time, I used to chant his name too.
I used to respect CM Punk too.
I wanted to be just like CM Punk. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
But somewhere along the way, I realized he was a fraud,
and I wanted to be better than CM Punk.
[crowd cheering]
And I was.
Everything CM Punk did in this ring, I did it twice.
I did the one thing he could never do, and that's Main Event WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
-What are-- -[Sami Zayn's music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] Here comes a guy who was separating Seth from CM Punk a week ago.
[Wade] Impeccable timing, as always, Mr. Zayn.
Just when Seth "Freakin'" Rollins was on a roll,
his opponent from last week,
who eventually got dropped by Drew McIntyre,
Sami Zayn, shows up.
Let's not forget Sami Zayn last week accused Seth "Freakin'" Rollins
of being the one to drop Jey Uso.
-[Joe] About that… -[Wade] That was wrong, Sami Zayn.
So this better be the mother of all apologies.
[Joe] Sami was Claymored by the surprise return of Drew,
who then admitted the attack on Jey Uso earlier tonight.
[Wade] Sami Zayn Looking a little sheepish this week.
[crowd chanting]
Hey.
If you are out here to defend CM Punk again,
then we are going to be fighting again.
[crowd cheering]
[Seth] I don't want to hear it.
I ain't got time for it.
Look, man.
Last week you were angry, you said some things.
I was angry, I said some things.
We've been fighting in the middle of this ring, okay?
And I guess that's bound to happen every now and again
when you've known each other as long as we've known each other.
But…
it was…
wrong of me to assume you're the one that dropped Jey Uso backstage, okay?
I've known you longer than that.
I was wrong about that.
And for that, I'm sorry.
[crowd cheering]
[Sami] All right?
You know what, Sami? I'm glad you brought that up, I really am.
Because the thing that has been eating me up inside over the last week,
as far back as we go, you and me, we've been friends for 20 years.
Our kids play together, man.
We are like this.
All right?
When Jey went down, I was the first person that came to your mind, dude.
I was the first person that came to your mind, and I want to know why.
-Why? -There's a reason, Seth.
The way you were talking last week, you were out of your mind.
All right? Go back and watch it.
You were out of your mind.
You weren't the Seth Rollins I've known for almost 20 years.
You were talking like someone completely different,
like the kind of person that points a finger at everybody else,
blames everybody else for their actions,
and acts like they're the only person with any sort of moral clarity around here.
You sounded less like Seth Rollins and more like Drew McIntyre.
[crowd cheering]
I am not Drew McIntyre.
You're not Drew McIntyre, okay? You're not.
You're better than him.
You're a better person than him.
This thing with CM Punk and you,
it brings out the worst in you, okay?
Maybe I shouldn't have gotten involved.
I saw a guy I've known forever and a guy I had just gone to war with,
and you guys were fighting, and I got involved,
and maybe I shouldn't have.
That's why I'm out here, okay?
I'm here to tell you, this thing with you and CM Punk,
it's clearly worse than I ever thought possible.
From here on out, however you want to deal with it,
it's your business.
You deal with it however you want to, all right?
Thank you.
Thank you, Sami. That's all that I wanted.
I appreciate that.
Okay.
So what about us? Are we, uh…
Are we good?
[crowd shouting]
Yeah, Sami, we are good, man.
[crowd cheering]
I appreciate you letting me handle my business with Punk.
It seems like
you got some business with Drew that you need to handle.
[Wade] Give that apology an three out of ten,
but it seems to have gotten the job done for now at least.
Phew!
-That was close to going off the rails. -[Joe laughs]
You know, that's actually pretty good advice.
I am going to handle this business with Drew.
In fact, here's what I'm going to do.
This thing with Drew, I'm not gonna run it back as I've done with him before.
I'm not going to sit here and listen to him come out week after week
and talk about how everybody else is wrong and how he's right and how he's a martyr.
I'm going to end this as quickly as it started.
Here's how I'm dealing with this.
I have already spoken to Adam Pearce.
[crowd cheering]
Saturday Night's Main Event.
Drew McIntyre versus Sami Zayn!
Drew, I will see you Saturday!
[Joe] I love that. Wow.
I love that.
[Wade] Stacked card just got even bigger.
That is massive!
[Joe] Wade, what's gotten even bigger in the last half hour alone
as Adam Pearce announced earlier,
is a World Heavyweight Championship triple threat as well.
With Damian Priest, Gunther, Finn Bálor, and now Sami Zayn, I talked to the GM.
Sammy added to Saturday Night's Main Event.
[Wade] What a stacked card!
I can't wait to see what Jesse "The Body" Ventura
makes of Sami Zayn.
-You know-- -[Joe] Oh!
Here is Drew again!
Just as he did a week ago, flying in to attack Sami.
[Wade] Careful what you wish for, Sami Zayn.
Expect the unexpected.
Officials getting out here to try to separate this Scottish psychopath.
Is the damage done?
[Joe] Drew McIntyre bashing the head of Sami Zayn,
but they are set to go out Saturday night.
[Joe] Joe and Wade back with you on Monday Night Raw in Wichita, Kansas.
Time now for one of the superstars to take a step forward
into the inaugural Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament.
She's Zelina Vega. She has been tangling with Ivy Nile in recent months.
It's Ivy Nile's chance for success for American-Made's rising star
as well in this newly minted
WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament.
Look at the bracket, Wade.
[Wade] Yeah, we saw last week Dakota Kai being the first woman
to progress through to the semifinals.
Who is going to join her in this triple threat matchup this week?
Vega and Ivy Nile are already in the ring,
waiting to be joined by the third and final competitor in this match.
["Triumph" playing]
[Lilian] And from Dublin, Ireland,
Lyra Valkyria!
[Joe] There've been big moments of career momentum
gathered by Lyra Valkyria this year.
Went to the finals, into the ring.
Now it's this title-seeking tournament
that could cap 2024 with great success for Lyra Valkyria.
[Wade] Joe, I know you are a massive fan of anime.
-[Joe] I am. -[Wade] Well, the hair of Zelina Vega.
She asked me to point this out,
and I gotta make sure I pronounce this correctly,
inspired by Todoroki, of My Hero Academia.
Is that how--? How it goes?
You've sharpened up on some of my hobbies. It usually includes Super Tuscans.
Alright, let's get right to it with the roll-up.
One of these participants will take a massive step forward.
And Wade, I said it last weekend, and I will say it again.
It is so deserving that the women's division gets this opportunity,
the new Intercontinental Championship Tournament,
because the talent is so deep,
and it's a perfect spot for this new singles championship.
[Wade] No doubt about it.
We are blessed with incredibly talented women on both Raw and SmackDown.
And indeed, let's give them something else to fight over.
[Joe] Ivy, hooking the leg.
And the kick-out for Lyra.
[Wade] Massive opportunity, on the line here, for these women.
Who will progress?
[crowd chanting]
Lyra Valkyria just clearing the ring, and now coming out,
and taking Zelina Vega and Nile down to the floor.
Triple-threat match. Women's Intercontinental title tournament.
First-round action. Who will be the next to advance?
[crowd exclaims]
[Wade] Tornado DDT!
Rolls through, and now looking to hit some additional offense there.
The suplex connecting nicely.
[Joe] Hooks the leg to advance!
Kick-out by Ivy Nile.
As you would imagine, we were discussing this,
Ivy Nile has only had one chance at singles gold
since joining Monday Night Raw, and that came last year.
[Wade] Lyra Valkyria, another one who has not won gold at all
since arriving on Raw and SmackDown.
Looking to progress further and get one step closer.
[Joe] Beautiful counter by Nile,
as Lyra Valkyria is in a compromised position.
And now, rolls up into the cover.
And a kick-out by Nile.
[Wade] Potential arm snapper there from Ivy Nile,
but Lyra Valkyria manages to negotiate her way out of it.
[slam]
One…!
[Joe] Lyra is able to roll away, shoulders down for a moment.
Meanwhile, Zelina Vega up top!
[Wade] That's the issue with a triple-threat matchup.
you simply can't take your eyes off any opponent!
[Joe] Vega hooks the leg.
Two…!
[Joe] A chance to compete for the new Intercontinental Championship
of the women's division.
[Wade] Vega and Valkyria have teamed up lately,
however, of course, with gold on the line, all bets are off.
Oh, nice!
A page out of her mentor Rey Mysterio's playbook there from Zelina Vega.
[Joe] You see the fact that The New Day will be joining us live all night long.
Everybody backstage with a New Day,
they're disgusted, angry, giving could shoulders,
after last week's actions with Big E.
Vega up top again!
Into the pin, cover.
And quickly, Nile comes in on this triple threat.
[Wade] She would have done it for Vega
if not for the sprightly moves of the Pitbull Ivy Nile!
It might get one for-- Oh.
[Joe] She was thinking crossbody, but the power of the Pitbull--
[crowd exclaims]
[Wade] Reverse!
-[Joe] Hooks the leg! -Two…!
Lyra Valkyria in to save things.
[Wade] All three women are laid out now,
taking a tremendous amount of damage.
What is driving them is the goal that is on the line.
To become the first-ever winner of the Women's Intercontinental Championship.
[Joe] Dakota Kai has already advanced.
This is the first round of this newly minted tournament.
Is this double German lined up?
Look at the power of Nile!
And then the arching, bridging attempt--
But the kick-out at two!
[Wade] Late kick-out there from Lyra Valkyria,
who is clearly worse for wear at this point in the matchup
but still gamely fighting on.
[Joe] Ivy is able to switch in the suplex, and this to advance.
And once again, Lyra survives it.
[Wade] Code Red from Zelina Vega!
[Joe] Will this finish it off?
No!
[Wade] Again, dropping the heavy artillery wherever you can in this match.
And now, this is Valkyria perhaps going for a…
[Joe] Nightwing!
First round of victory? Yes!
[bell rings]
[Lilian] Here is your winner,
Lyra Valkyria!
[Joe] Beautifully executed Nightwing for Lyra Valkyria.
Wade, we mentioned all the career momentum she has gathered in this calendar year,
and here to finish it, she is advancing in the bracket.
[Wade] The semifinals are now filling out.
Joining Dakota Kai in the next round of this tournament
is now the woman from Dublin's fair city, Lyra Valkyria.
One step closer to history for that woman.
Great performance.
[Joe] While Lyra takes a leap forward, Rhea Ripley continues on her quest.
♪ I'm on the rise. Unstoppable Watch me do the impossible ♪
Eradicate.
♪ …what I got to do I'm too hot for you ♪
♪ I'm not about to lose… ♪
[Joe] Terror Twin best these, wishing well.
An anything-goes match against Raquel coming up.
-To present the WWE 2024… -[Joe] At the WWE big trophy championship.
Jey Uso and Sami Zayn were at AT&T Stadium on Saturday
for the trophy presentation.
Arizona State making the College Football Playoff.
There became the WWE-style championship for Most Outstanding Player.
Still had it over his shoulder yesterday when he was on TV,
when they found out they earned a first-round.
It was an honor to be on the call for that game.
And Sami and Jey were there.
Cathy Kelley is standing backstage with The New Day. Cathy.
Thanks, Joe. I am here with The New Day.
Kofi and Xavier, last week's celebration felt anything but.
"Don't you dare be sour." The phrase that you guys coined,
what was the intention behind publicly berating your friend Big E.?
Hold on, Cathy. You're supposed to be a neutral party.
Why would you ask a question like that?
Clearly, this isn't going to be an unbiased interview,
so we are going to talk to the people we need to.
Out there, face-to-face.
-Can you answer the question? -No, Cathy. Chill. Give me the camera.
-Don't-- -I don't care if you're Cena's friend.
Give me the damn camera! Give me the camera!
Give him the camera!
-[Joe] Wait. What in the world? -'Sup, baby?
[Wade] Emotions have been running high for the past week.
You take the emotion out of it
and listen to what The New Day have been telling people.
There's a whole reason for that.
[Joe] But Wade-- Woods has the camera.
That's Xavier Woods with Stu's live camera,
Look at him, right there, before he goes there,
That's camera six live on the airwaves.
[Wade] Or perhaps, for once,
we'll see it from Woods and Kofi's perspective. That is poetic.
[Joe] Our director has gotten angry. Disgusting, Woods controlling what is…
[Wade] Might be an improvement.
[crowd booing]
[Joe] It doesn't take much on forums or social media
to realize how upset fans and industry types are with The New Day.
Listen to this.
[crowd chanting] New Day sucks! New Day sucks! New Day sucks!
[Wade] How fickle people can be.
[Joe] You did hear what they said about Big E.
Things we never thought possible to hear--
You were next to me.
[Wade] I didn't like it what I heard last week and then I started to think about it.
Starting to understand the perspective of these two men
and what they have been through.
[Joe] You reassessed your thoughts on what you--?
[crowd] New Day sucks!
[Wade] Take the emotion out, and you might start looking at things differently.
These people in this audience--
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
[crowd booing]
What?
You mean to tell me,
[crowd booing louder]
…after ten years of positivity that Woods and I have given you,
you mean to tell me you're this mad over one day?
[crowd continues booing]
[boos continue]
We came out here--
[boos grow louder]
We came--
[boos continue]
[crowd chanting] We want Big E!
[inaudible]
We didn't even do anything to E!
[crowd booing]
You know, we could have taken a steel chair to E's back!
[inaudible]
We could've taken a sledgehammer to the top of E's head.
That's…
[crowd chanting] Big E!
[inaudible]
[crowd continues chanting]
You know what?
[boos grow louder]
We were going to try to come out here and--
[mic drops]
[cheers and applause]
[Joe] They are completely drowned out by the crowd.
"The New Day sucks" just sent scurrying from the ring.
What are you doing?
[Wade] It's amazing how quickly your supposed fan base will turn on you.
I think The New Day have shown admirable restraint.
[Joe] That's the new reality for The New Day.
Saturday Night's Main Event, nationwide.
8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 Pacific, Saturday, from New York.
World Heavyweight Champions, Triple Threat Match.
Damian Priest, "The Ring General" Gunther, and Finn Bálor.
[Wade] And with the likes of Roman Reigns and CM Punk,
well, you're going to be in the crosshairs of a Scottish Terminator.
Sami Zayn has been laid out twice.
He gets a chance at revenge versus Drew McIntyre this Saturday.
[Joe] Earlier tonight, Liv Morgan hit an Oblivion on Iyo Sky.
They meet up in a Women's World Championship match Saturday night.
Eight women competing to make history over SmackDown.
Find out who will be the inaugural Women's United States champ.
The final takes place this Saturday at Saturday Night's Main Event.
[Joe] It is the boiling hot Undisputed WWE Championship match,
the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes looks to defend against Kevin Owens,
nationwide, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 Pacific.
[upbeat music playing]
-[man] This is what you've waited for! -[crowd cheering]
[Joe] The much-anticipated Main Event.
The highs and lows in the remarkable Rhea Ripley.
♪ I eat sleep bleed The demons in your dreams ♪
♪ I eat sleep bleed… ♪
[loud slam]
[bell rings]
[Lilian] The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
where anything goes!
Introducing first,
from Adelaide, South Australia,
Rhea Ripley!
[Joe] The roller coaster ride in recent months for Rhea Ripley.
She thought she was going to reclaim her Women's World Championship,
only to see the return of Raquel Rodriguez spoil that.
She got the best of Raquel and Liv at Survivor Series WarGames,
only then to have, a couple of days later,
Rodriguez smashed her into the corner of our announcer's desk.
Rhea is next in an anything-goes match.
Don't go anywhere!
[Joe] What a scene in Wichita, Kansas, for Monday Night Raw
and our highly anticipated main event.
Wade, it's an anything-goes match.
Rhea Ripley against Raquel Rodriguez.
They are wasting no time!
[Wade] Sorry, Lilian Garcia, we don't need introductions in this match.
Anything goes, as Joe just told us.
No count out, no disqualification.
Simply, submissions must take place inside the ring,
and after that, all bets are off!
[Joe] How about the statement by Rhea Ripley
to run up at the entrance ramp and attack Raquel Rodriguez?
Such a big moment for Raquel, her first singles match.
Since returning to the roster, came back as a surprise return
to Bad Blood in early October.
[Wade] It cost Rhea Ripley the chance at winning back
her Women's World Championship against Liv Morgan at Bad Blood.
That is because of the bad blood we are witnessing between these two.
-Oh! -[Joe] Oh, man!
Remember, anything goes!
No DQ or count out.
Submission or pin must take place inside the ring,
and finally, that is where our participants are.
You see everything in the ring already 'cause, while Rhea was waiting for Raquel,
she was filling it up with weapons.
[Wade] They are weapons of war,
but they may well end this match rapidly
because Raquel Rodriguez is already on the ropes.
Let me tell you about strategy in this kind of matchup, Joe Tess.
It doesn't matter how far your opponent is prepared to walk…
[Joe] Oh my!
[Wade] …you have to be prepared to walk further.
These are two alpha females who simply do not take backward steps to anyone.
[Joe] The pure power of that missile dropkick,
and now, through the ropes basement-style.
Rhea Ripley absolutely possessed.
[Wade] There is some real history between these two.
They are former best friends and training partners
from back in their days at NXT.
[Joe] She gets the table out but instead gets slammed right into the steel stairs.
Let me tell you, Raquel is a real rarity in this division.
-She's-- -[Joe] Oh!
Just tosses her through our announcer's desk.
Rhea goes flying. Anything goes match! The brutality of it!
[Joe] The brutal attacks continue between Raquel and Rhea Ripley.
Anything goes, and that has been the case.
Moments ago, we saw Raquel Rodriguez beating Rhea Ripley with a kendo stick.
And the double kick leaves both these women laid out.
[Wade] Two long-lived athletes that really pack a punch.
[grunting]
I would say the gloves have come off in this one,
but I don't think either one bothered putting them on in the first place.
[Joe] Sharing hands and the dropkick from Rhea!
The first singles match on Raw in nearly a year.
[Wade] Raquel Rodriguez has helped make the life of Ripley
hell over the past couple of months.
This is now an opportunity for some reprisals for the Eradicator,
but this may go badly.
[Joe] Right into the top turnbuckle!
Into the cover!
[screams]
[Joe] And Rhea kicks out at two.
[Wade] Here's why she's such a conundrum for someone like Ripley.
She is used to being the powerhouse,
the strongest, the physical bully in a match.
She has more than met her match in Raquel Rodriguez, however.
Too strong!
[Joe] Able to get free,
just getting the side of that steel chair,
and now picks up another and slams it right across the midsection.
For the win here in anything goes.
[Wade] That's the issue in this match.
You avoid one chair, and guess what?
There's another inches away from the clutches of Rhea "Bloody" Ripley.
There's simply no escape in this match.
[Joe] And that's setting up those chairs in the middle of the ring…
[Wade] Like a medieval torture chamber.
And Rhea "Bloody" Ripley is right at home in it.
[Joe] She is thinking Rip Tide onto the steel, oh and here comes Liv!
[Wade] Not a moment too soon for Raquel Rodriguez,
putting her own body on the line.
Of course, there is no disqualification, nothing this referee can do right now.
[Joe] Liv Morgan has made her way into the ring
as her dear friend Raquel Rodriguez looks for victory.
[Wade] On to the ultimate--
[Joe] Oh, the slam on the steel chairs!
Two…!
[Joe] And the kick-out at two.
The deep-woven history between Raquel Rodriguez and Rhea Ripley.
[Wade] Raquel's such a daunting, imposing figure.
-The legs of that chair. -[Joe] Exposed, Wade!
[Wade] They-- Oh! Perhaps the struggle did damage last week against Damage CTRL,
but now once again going for Riptide!
[Joe] And once again Liv getting involved right on the back of her chief rival!
[slam]
[Wade] The woman who took everything from Rhea Ripley,
and now Ripley's come unglued.
[Joe] You can see the heat, the big boot of the kick up top from Rhea.
[Wade] Forced into fighting a war with--
[Joe] Oblivion! Oblivion!
[Wade] Raquel is out of the ring and unable to capitalize.
And now Iyo Sky! Liv Morgan's opponent this Saturday!
[Joe] Help is on the way!
Iyo Sky missile dropkick clears the ring of Liv Morgan.
[Wade] Sky who got dropped by Liv Morgan--
[Joe] Oh! Suicide dive!
[Wade] Head first to the crowd!
[Joe] Meanwhile, back in the ring, the kick-out.
Raquel went for the cover.
They are five days away from Saturday Night's Main Event.
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] Liv and Iyo!
But right now in the ring, look at this.
The table is being set up.
Anything goes!
[Wade] You've got Ripley down.
You have to finish this as soon as possible.
You won't get long after the--
-And escaping once again is Ripley. -[screaming]
[loud clank]
[Joe] Oh! Right into the steel chair that she set up long ago!
[Wade] It's what I prepared earlier.
[Joe] She has been looking for Riptide all night long.
-[slam] -[Joe] Through the table!
For the win!
Three!
-[Joe] Rhea Ripley! -[bell rings]
[intense music playing]
[Lilian] Here is your winner!
Rhea Ripley!
[Joe] Rhea Ripley, her first singles match on Raw in nearly a year,
and it's a thrilling victory.
[Wade] We've got to remember what's coming down the pipe.
Two women who won gold.
[Joe laughs]
[Wade] Iyo Sky gets her opportunity this Saturday, Joe!
[Joe] Looking at these two grasping that championship,
what does the future hold there?
You alright? future hold there?