[epic music playing]
[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music concludes]
["4X4" playing]
[Michael] And this is the capital city of Ohio, Columbus, rich in WWE history,
hosting events like the 2002 King of the Ring,
2015 Money in the Bank, and 2021 Extreme Rules.
And speaking of King of the Ring, tonight we determine who faces Randy Orton
in Saturday's tournament finals.
And will it be this man, the former world champion,
"Main Event" Jey Uso,
looking for the fastest path possible back to the title.
Or will it be the former Undisputed WWE champion,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes? Two friends squaring off tonight.
On the women's side of things,
who will face Asuka in the Queen of the Ring finals?
Will it be Roxanne Perez, who seems to be becoming a prominent part
of The Judgment Day?
Or SmackDown's Jade Cargill?
The powerhouse hopes to advance to Saturday.
A storm is coming to Raw tonight.
She's the new Women's Intercontinental Champion,
"The Man" Becky Lynch.
And tonight, she has her work cut out for her,
the renewal of a long-time rivalry.
Becky Lynch defends against the passionate,
emotional, and hungry Bayley.
Bayley versus Becky for the Intercontinental Championship,
live tonight.
And Columbus hosts WWE's flagship show for a 23rd time tonight.
It's live at the Nationwide Arena,
Monday Night Raw on Netflix.
[music fades]
["The Vision" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
♪ Burn it down ♪
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome WWE Hall of Famer,
The Wise Man, Paul Heyman,
"Big" Bronson Reed,
Bron Breakker,
and Mr. Money in the Bank,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Michael] Thirteen thousand, four hundred thirty-three
at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio tonight.
Hello again, everybody. Michael Cole, Pat McAfee is off this week.
I'm joined by Corey Graves.
What a way to kick off the evening, Raw on Netflix.
Mr. Money in the Bank, for all intents and purposes,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins may be the most dangerous Superstar
in WWE right now.
Well, you know, Seth Rollins and company are not making many friends,
but they're making a lot of enemies.
Take you back to last week, Fatal 4-Way, King of the Ring qualifier.
[Corey] Bron Breakker would shove Jey Uso off of the top rope,
but then a domino effect of Superstars.
Breakker would take out Sami Zayn and be met
by Penta soaring through the sky.
Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins
certainly having no issue making enemies. And the hothead LA Knight would return,
shoved Bronson all the way from the top rope
and punched Jey Uso's ticket to his showdown with Cody tonight.
[Michael] Yeah, but Friday night on SmackDown,
the "hothead," as you call him, LA Knight would pay.
A number of Tsunamis at the hands of Bronson Reed.
LA Knight is out indefinitely, ladies and gentlemen.
A bruised sternum,
separated rib cartilage because of the damage by Breakker and Reed.
-Friday night on SmackDown. -[screams]
["The Vision" playing]
♪ Burn it down ♪
-[song fades] -[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
[crowd cheering, applauding]
Welcome
-to Monday Night Rollins! -[crowd repeating along]
I am a visionary.
I am a revolutionary. I am…
[crowd] Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[crowd barking]
Columbus, you are sending me mixed signals here.
And so let me ask you a question.
All of you, everyone in this building, what do you want?
[crowd yelling indistinctly]
[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
Exactly. One minute, you're chanting for CM Punk.
[crowd cheering]
The next minute, you're chanting for the OTC.
The minute after that, you're barking for the dog.
The minute after that, you're singing my song.
[crowd chanting "Oh whoa oh"]
So it's painfully obvious to me
that you have no damn idea what you want.
And so I do not care what you want.
[crowd jeering]
You don't know what's good for you.
So you need people like me,
visionaries like me
to tell you what is good for you.
[crowd booing]
Now, let's try a little experiment here. Let's try an experiment.
Let me see if you can wrap this around your tiny little brains.
You see, even the things that you think you want
are because of me.
Roman Reigns, the OTC.
Roman Reigns exists because of me.
CM Punk, right?
CM Punk says he came back to WWE because you chanted his name.
[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
CM Punk is back in WWE
because this company wanted to cash in
on how much I hate CM Punk.
And that's the truth.
-Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare. -[crowd cheering]
There is no second coming of Cody Rhodes
unless I am there to put him on the map.
World Heavyweight Championship, I was the first.
NXT Championship, I was the first.
Those things exist as they are
because I built them in my image.
I am the creator.
I am the prime mover.
I am the past. I am the present.
And this is the future of this company.
[crowd booing]
And between me and my Oracle here,
we know a thing or two about revolutions, don't we, Paul?
[inaudible]
And every revolution faces opposition.
And I will deal with that opposition diplomatically
until that opposition pushes me and pushes me
and pushes me and forces my hand.
And that is exactly what happened to LA Knight.
[crowd cheering]
He stuck his nose… [chuckles]
…in our business and he got
Tsunami after Tsunami
after Tsunami for his troubles.
And in a few minutes' time…
My dog…
-[crowd barking] -[mimics dog barking]
Bron Breakker has an opportunity to do the same thing
to another person who has been a thorn in our side.
-Penta. -[crowd cheering]
Let me spell this out for you, plain and clear.
There are a lot of people
who think they've got what it takes
to exist at the very top.
-Champions like John Cena. -[crowd booing]
And Gunther.
Or their prospective challengers, CM Punk.
[crowd cheering]
-Goldberg. -[crowd booing]
Or those people left in the King of the Ring, Cody Rhodes,
Jey Uso, "The Viper" Randy Orton.
But what these men fail to understand…
they are all running a race for second place.
This is the finish line.
This is the end game.
It has and always will be
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[crowd cheering]
-["Zero Miedo" playing] -[Michael] Well, Mr. Money in the Bank
believes he is the cause
and effect of just about everything at WWE.
And, Corey, he's placed a target clearly on this man.
[Penta] Cero miedo!
[Corey] I assure you, Rollins isn't gonna take too kindly
to being interrupted by Penta.
But I don't think Penta cares very much about that.
We are in for a banger, Cole.
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Making his way to the ring, from Ecatepec, Mexico,
weighing in at 87 kilos, Penta!
[Michael] Up next,
Penta takes on the Unpredictable Badass Bron Breakker.
It's live on Netflix.
[music concludes]
[Michael] Seth Rollins gave Bron Breakker his marching orders,
"Take out Penta tonight."
Penta, one of those Superstars who decided to become enemies
with Seth Rollins and company.
And Breakker misses wildly.
Once again, and Penta now,
needs to keep the pace quickened in this match, Corey.
[Corey] No doubt about it, Bron Breakker came out of the gate,
off of the opening bell, hoping to ground the luchador.
But Penta's turned the tides very, very quickly.
[Michael] It had been a great start to his WWE career here.
He was the Iron Man of the Royal Rumble earlier this year.
Nice crossbody off the springboard to Breakker, and Breakker taken down.
[Corey] This is what Penta's gonna have to do, stick and move.
You don't wanna get caught in the clutches of the powerhouse Breakker.
[Michael] And Penta…
Right into the midsection of Bron Breakker.
[Corey] Grab all the wind out of you, no matter how massive your chest is.
Breakker looking for respite on the other side of the ring.
[Michael] It's pretty incredible, Corey,
after everything Penta has accomplished around the world
over the past number of years,
that he's right here in the center of the ring in WWE.
[crowd] Cero miedo!
[Corey] Exactly where Penta belongs, now he's gonna take to the sky.
[Michael] Breakker just intercepts him
and then drops him on the back of his head.
[Corey] That superhuman closing speed possessed by Bron Breakker,
an absolute mutant of an athlete.
[Michael] Got that dog in him, as Seth Rollins likes to say, and what a--
what a pick by Rollins and Heyman
to bring Breakker along to join this coup, for lack of a better term,
that began at WrestleMania.
[Corey] And that sort of decision does not happen by accident.
Paul Heyman is always thinking several steps ahead,
and Heyman clearly realizes Bron Breakker is the future of WWE.
-He's still moldable at this point. -[Michael] And if you remember back
to Breakker's times in NXT when he was a two-time NXT Champion
and a tag team champion as well.
Paul Heyman went on record while Breakker was on NXT and said
that he thought the future of this industry
was the man in the ring right now, Bron Breakker.
So, obviously, Heyman's been scouting him for a very long time.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Penta now looking to fight back, the man with zero fear.
Breakker drops him just like that.
[Corey] Sometimes a little fear can go a long way
when it comes to self preservation
when you're dealing with someone as badass as Bron Breakker.
-What a backbreaker. -[Michael] Here's the cover on Penta.
Penta kicks at two.
The intense and powerful Bron Breakker.
[Corey] And I think this is something that--
Heyman has been working with Bron Breakker to control Bron's temper.
We've seen in the past, I mentioned LA Knight being a hothead.
Bron Breakker suffered from the same sort of affliction.
But if Bron can keep his head clear, stay in check,
he's gonna be even more dangerous than he already is.
[Michael] Well, Bronson Reed as well is part of this group.
Bronson's been a hothead in the past.
Trying to harness those emotions and use them to their advantage,
Rollins and Heyman are.
And if they do harness that, this group is gonna be pretty impossible to stop.
[Corey] I would say beyond harnessing, I think
Heyman and Rollins have already done a great job of weaponizing it.
[Michael] Oh! There's that 53-mile-per-hour speed of Breakker
as he runs the ropes and drops Penta with a vicious clothesline.
[Corey] Wicked grin creeping across the face of the Oracle
-of Seth "Freakin" Rollins. -Since his first day here,
he's been trying to keep up with me.
You're never gonna beat me, ever.
[Corey] And that might be the scariest thing
about Bron Breakker these days, is the confidence, Cole.
Seth Rollins has instilled even more,
Paul Heyman has instilled even deeper confidence in this,
for all intents and purposes, rookie in Bron Breakker.
[Michael] Indeed, and Bron Breakker now having his way with Penta.
He's always been a very confident individual,
coming out of his days of so much success at NXT.
But again, last couple of months, more confident
than I've ever seen him before, and now just torturing Penta.
[referee] Get off.
[Corey] Breakker's done a fantastic job up to this point
of keeping Penta grounded.
[Michael] Think about Penta-- About Breakker, too.
He has all the tools, right?
[Corey] I completely agree.
[Michael] I mean, intense, powerful, authentic as can be.
[Corey] I mean, case in point, Penta is used
to having a distinct speed advantage over most of his opponents.
That's probably not the case when it comes to Breakker tonight.
[Michael] And a right hand drops Penta to the apron.
Referee Eddie Orengo working this matchup. First one of the night here,
which should be a stellar night on Monday Night Raw.
King and Queen of the Ring semifinal matchups
to see who goes to Night of Champions Saturday.
Of course, Becky and Bayley meet for the Intercontinental title.
-[Corey] Look at this. -[Michael] Oh! Wow!
That rana sends Breakker across the ring, and now Penta's got Bron Breakker reeling.
[Corey] This is what Bron Breakker was trying to avoid,
allowing Penta to build up momentum, pick up speed.
Series of kicks takes down Bron.
Oh! And Penta with a big kick to the face.
-[Corey] Oh no. -[Michael] Oh. What?
-[Corey] Oh no. -[Michael] Well, that…
angered Breakker momentarily, but Penta sends him over the top rope.
And now Penta gonna launch himself into Breakker.
He got caught.
Bron Breakker catching Penta, well, momentarily at least.
Breakker into the post.
[Corey] Penta bought himself a few valuable seconds to recover
as Bron went face first into the steel. Now what is Penta cooking up?
[Michael] Penta the high flyer…
-[referee] Two! -[Michael] …buys himself some time,
knocking Breakker down outside the ring.
-Penta's gonna fly. -[referee] Three!
[Michael] Penta over the top, topé con hilo, and down goes Breakker!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Penta takes out Breakker, but may have hurt himself.
Tremendous action, live on Netflix.
[crowd clamoring]
[Michael] Breakker and Penta are down, ladies and gentlemen,
behind our announce table because of what just happened moments ago.
Bron Breakker with this patented move.
First it was this, Corey. It was the lift off the ring post.
[Corey] Breakker followed up immediately with an epic clothesline from the apron
over our announce table, taking everything out, including himself.
And I don't know if the camera's picking up,
but Breakker was favoring his knee for a moment.
[Michael] And Penta continues to favor the right knee
that we believe he hurt when he delivered
-the topé con hilo moments ago. -[Corey] I'm a fan, I'm a fan.
[Michael] And Breakker mouthing off to you, Corey, I would stay…
I'd go over the barricade if I were you.
[Corey] I'm retired, Cole.
[Michael] As I said, I'd go over the barricade if I were you.
[Corey] I meant from all athletics.
Look at Breakker now stomping a hole into the solar plexus of Penta.
I'm surprised Penta's even able to make it to a vertical base at this juncture.
Oh! And he's still gonna fight.
[Michael] Boot right to the face and Penta fighting back.
That's the thing about Penta, never-say-die attitude.
Looked like he might have been going for the Mexican Destroyer there, Corey.
And Breakker intercepted him
and dropped knees into the already injured ribs.
Cover on Penta.
-Kick-out at two. -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] The core, the rib cage of Penta is taking a beating tonight
in this one, after being dropped across the top of the ring post.
And then some, take a look at the raw power of Bron Breakker,
double knees to the body.
And credit to Penta for surviving that one.
[Michael] And Breakker now dominating Penta yet again.
Our announce table is an absolute car wreck.
[Corey] That could be record time.
[Michael] And Penta now, what's he trying to do here?
[Corey] Breakker using his massive arms
to just squeeze the cranium of the luchador.
He wants to quit!
[Corey] Much to the delight of Paul Heyman on the outside.
[Michael] Penta somehow trying to fight out of this predicament.
Breakker just continues to wear Penta down.
[crowd applauding]
[Corey] Penta showing his never-say-die attitude.
Hanging tough in this one.
[Michael] Penta now with a boot to Breakker.
Penta gets some space.
Pick up the pace, kick to the hamstring. Breakker's down.
Penta now, that Sling Blade drives Breakker face first into the mat.
-[Penta screams] -[Michael] Penta's fired up.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Penta's still favoring the right leg.
You have to wonder how that may factor into this matchup,
that and the bruised ribs.
Oh, look at Penta, uh-oh.
And able to pull through.
And Penta, nice suplex.
Into a bridge, hooks the leg,
Breakker kicks out.
I thought Penta was going for a backstabber moments ago,
and Breakker was able to…
to put the brakes on.
[Corey] That could be a result
of the damage and the attacks to the core of Penta.
-Doesn't have as much strength as usual. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Penta says, he's ready to go, could be ready to put Bron Breakker away.
Mexican Destroyer!
[Michael] Penta calling for the Mexican Destroyer,
Bron Breakker though, plays defense momentarily.
Kick to the face by Penta. Breakker, incredible.
[Corey] Oh! [chuckles]
[Michael] Rolled through into a high knee.
[Corey] Here we go.
[Michael] McAfee calls this the Breakkensteiner.
-Cover for the win, hook of the leg… -[crowd counting]
[Michael] …kick-out by Penta at two, what a match.
[Michael] Heyman thought that was it, Penta able to stay in it.
[Corey] Take another look at the superhuman athletic ability
of Bron Breakker, the Breakkensteiner,
taking Penta halfway across the squared circle.
But Penta somehow able to summon the will to kick out.
[Michael] Thirteen thousand four hundred thirty-three
are in attendance tonight at the Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio.
Breakker, Penta, first matchup of the night, it's been a great one.
And now Bron Breakker looked like he was setting up for the spear,
intercepted by Penta.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Penta caught again by Breakker.
Military press, counter by Penta into the DDT!
[Corey] Will this time be the charm?
[Michael] Mexican Destroyer! Cover by Penta for the win,
massive win, kick-out by Breakker at two and a half.
[Corey] That has got to be disheartening for Penta.
When you land your heaviest artillery, and it was heavy.
Spectacular Mexican Destroyer right on the crown of Breakker's skull,
and Bron kicks out.
[Michael] It was the third time
Penta attempted to go for the Mexican Destroyer in the matchup,
was able to hit, Breakker able to kick out,
but Penta's gotta keep his foot on the gas here.
[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Corey] How much gas does Penta have left in the tank?
[Michael] How much gas does Breakker have left in the tank?
[Corey] Penta thinking about the Penta Driver.
[Michael] Breakker though…
Standing switch.
Penta lands on his feet, kick caught Breakker again.
Breakker misses wildly. Penta, springboard.
Oh! And a spear, a spear out of midair!
-Breakker broke Penta in half. -[crowd counting]
-[bell ringing] -["Breakk And Destroy" playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner.
Bron Breakker!
[Michael] All I can say is wow, just wow.
[Corey] Absolutely incredible.
[Michael] Great matchup, great performance by Penta.
But in the end, Bron Breakker,
The Unpredictable Badass, lives up to his name.
This is absolutely insane.
[Corey] Look at this, Penta went to take it to the skies
and Bron Breakker nearly cut Penta clean in half.
Look at this again.
I think the official could have counted to about 15 after this.
An epic spear right to the ribs.
[Corey] A massive W for Bron Breakker and company.
[Michael] And meanwhile, speaking of company,
Seth Rollins has made his way down the ringside along with Bronson Reed
to congratulate and celebrate with one…
That's what I'm talking about, baby.
[Michael] …Bron Breakker.
This is your one warning.
Stay out of my way!
[Penta coughing]
[Michael] We heard what Seth Rollins had to say.
He kicked off the night tonight saying,
"I'll try to deal with things diplomatically if you cross me."
"However, if you force my hand,
-you're gonna pay." -[grunts]
[Michael] And Penta paid at the hands of Breakker tonight.
Rollins reminding Penta, "You've just been issued your one warning."
"Stay out of The Visionary's way."
Well, ladies and gentlemen, switching gears now on Monday Night Raw.
Liv Morgan suffered a serious injury last week on Monday Night Raw.
I wanna take you back to her matchup with Kairi Sane.
And Corey, show us what happened here.
[Corey] So, what you're gonna see here
is Kairi Sane with a takedown of Liv Morgan.
And Liv, as every Superstar does,
did her best to protect herself upon impact.
Unfortunately, watch Liv's elbow, it would jam her right shoulder.
And we understand that Liv Morgan
is gonna miss several months of action as a result.
Exactly, but let's talk about the tag titles, if you don't mind.
Oh. Nick, let me call you back.
[Styles] Adam, what's up, man?
-You wanna see me? -Hey. Yeah.
Look, I am unfortunately, the bearer of bad news.
-You have heard about Liv Morgan? -Yeah.
She's not the only member of Judgment Day to get bit by the injury bug.
Who's that?
-Dom. -[scoffs] Dom? What?
-What did he do, strain his mustache? -[chuckles]
Look, I've seen the paperwork, it's legitimate.
Unfortunately, the match at Night of Champions,
-it's off, I have to postpone it. -[huffs]
Dude, he's ducking me. You know what?
-I'm gonna go make sure he's hurt. -[hesitates]
Trust me, you're first in line.
When he is ready to go, the match is yours.
[breathes deeply] All right, I'll be waiting.
All right, thank you.
-[Woods] Allen. -[Styles] Austin.
[crowd booing]
-Mind your business, AJ. Go on, go on. -All these champions dropping like flies.
-Tell me about it. -Shame, really.
And we actually wanted to come and talk to you about this new idea
-for a photoshoot that we got. -Photoshoot?
-Yeah. [chuckles] -I wanna talk to you about a match.
[both scream] A match?
-Next week. -No, no, no, no.
-For those tag team titles. -No, no.
-Come on, man. -Against Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh.
-What? -You wanna know why
I wanted to talk to you about it? Because it…
-No, no, no. Don't you say it. -…is…
-Don't say it. -No, do not.
…official.
[both scream]
-[grumbles] -Thanks for dropping by.
[Woods] You're so bald!
Yes, I am.
-Hey, Pearcey? -Yeah?
Maybe don't treat my mates, The New Day!
Like that, yeah?
[Michael] Well, The New Day gonna defend their tag titles
next week against The Judgment Day.
Meanwhile, earlier today, I had the opportunity
to sit down with Goldberg, to talk to him about his match with Gunther
at Saturday Night's Main Event.
That exclusive interview is live next, on Netflix.
-["Invasion" playing] -[crowd chanting "Goldberg"]
[music concludes]
-["4X4" playing] -[Michael] Well, our main event tonight
is to determine who will face Randy Orton
Saturday at Night of Champions.
It could be this man, "Main Event" Jey Uso,
the former world champion
takes on his friend, Cody Rhodes, live in our main event.
And again, remember, the winner of King of the Ring heads to SummerSlam,
to take on the champion of their respective brand.
If Jey Uso happened to win,
it could be Gunther or it could be Goldberg.
Earlier today, I had the opportunity to sit down with Goldberg
for around 30 minutes for an interview that covered a wide variety of topics,
including why he wants Gunther two weeks from Saturday,
-Saturday Night's Main Event. -[music fades]
Bill, what is it about Gunther that puts you in this type of mood?
First and foremost, did you expect anything less of me?
Did you think there was any way I was gonna let that slide?
-Zero. -Exactly.
I take my family to a WWE event as a bystander,
as a fan, trying to relax, no stress.
Don't have to worry about who I'm wrestling that night,
don't have to worry about anything, just gotta go have fun.
And I step into a verbal assault from Gunther.
The lack of respect from him
that I saw that night was pretty unbelievable.
It was astonishing to me.
Did he embarrass me in front of my wife? Absolutely.
Did he embarrass me in front of my son? No question.
Did he embarrass me in front of my fans
and my adopted hometown of Atlanta? One hundred percent.
So there was absolutely no way I was gonna let him get away with that.
I didn't know when, I didn't know where I was gonna seek my revenge
and introduce him to who Goldberg really is,
whether it's a 58-year-old man or a 28-year-old man.
I don't care if I've got one foot in the grave,
nobody's ever gonna talk to me like that and get away with it.
So, yeah, he embarrassed me in front of my family.
And so, as I'm vying for my retirement match
and wondering who my opponent's gonna be,
I thought it was quite serendipitous that he stepped up,
and pretty much put himself into that spot.
I think it was a logical choice, 'cause he ain't getting away with it.
As long as I'm breathing,
and as long as I can step foot into that ring,
I am going to make him pay.
Michael, I am gonna beat the [bleep] out of Gunther.
Saturday Night's Main Event.
[crowd cheering]
-[upbeat music playing] -It was a very emotional Goldberg
in this interview. Now, when it was over I asked, I asked Bill,
I said, "Is this definitively your retirement match,
your final match in professional wrestling?"
He looked me in the eye and he said, "Yes, it is."
Then I said, "What happens if you win the World Heavyweight Championship?"
Goldberg says, "Interesting dilemma, isn't it?"
Oh, it sure is, and you can guarantee that the World Heavyweight Champion,
"The Ring General" Gunther, wants to make sure it's the last time
the WWE Universe ever sees Goldberg,
as Gunther defends his gold against the man,
the WWE Hall of Famer, Goldberg.
-[music fades] -[crowd cheering]
I just… I miss Liv.
I do too, man.
-We all miss her. -[sighs]
I miss Liv too, but we all know Liv.
And we all know she wouldn't want us sitting around here,
sulking all day, okay? So, come on, let's fire up.
Dom, you're still Intercontinental Champion, okay?
So, once you get cleared by medical, you're gonna show AJ Styles
exactly why they call you "Dirty" Dom.
Roxy, you face Jade Cargill tonight.
And when you beat her, you're gonna go on to become the Queen of the Ring.
Yes. [chuckles]
JD, me and you next week, we're gonna bring the tag team titles
home to the clubhouse, all right?
And speaking of tag team titles,
Raquel, you are the Women's Tag Team Champions, okay?
-So, chin up, everyone, we're good. -Yeah, but what about Pearce and Nick?
They still haven't made a decision on Liv and I,
-or these Women's Tag Team Championships. -[sighs]
Well, we'll cross that bridge when it comes, okay?
But sitting around here
-complaining all day is not gonna help. -[speaks Spanish]
What did you just say? No, what did you just say?
-Say it to my face. Come on! -Yes, that's it.
Exactly. That's what we need. Get fired up.
That's The Enforcer I know.
You can't just let Rhea Ripley walk all over you like she did last week.
We need you as The Enforcer.
And The Enforcer we know would go out there
-and make her pay… -Yeah.
…for what she done last week.
You're right, yeah, I'll take care of Rhea.
-Go on, get her. Yeah. -Smash her, sis.
-But I still miss my güerita. -I know you do, Dom.
Dom, everything's gonna be okay.
Hey, Dom, Roxy's got a match tonight.
-Tonight? -Tonight.
-Good luck. -Thank you.
-[Michael] Hey, Dom, how about FaceTime? -[Corey] Have a little sympathy, Cole.
-[crowd cheering] -["A Storm Is Coming" playing]
♪ A storm is coming ♪
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following is a semifinals match
in the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
Introducing first, from Vero Beach, Florida,
Jade Cargill!
[Michael] It's a treat for those of us on Monday Night Raw,
to have the opportunity to see the powerful Jade Cargill in action.
Semifinals of the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
Who meets Asuka in the finals Saturday?
Jade, Roxanne, one-on-one, live on Netflix.
[music concludes]
-[crowd cheering] -Do you have a second?
Look, I just wanna really wish you good luck tonight.
And I'm sorry for being a bit weird last week.
Nobody knows more than I do how much you've earned this title shot.
[scoffs] Yeah, you don't say.
I didn't know I needed your permission to get title opportunities anymore.
Come on, you know that's not what I'm talking about.
It's like that now, Lyra?
Okay, I'm sorry.
Look, this title match has been on my mind all week, means a lot to me.
But I promise, when I beat Becky tonight, you're first in line, okay?
-Okay, I just wanna make sure we're cool. -We're cool.
-Okay. -Okay, it's all good.
-Good luck. -All right, thank you.
[Michael] Bayley, a lot on her mind, she takes on Becky
for the intercontinental title later on tonight.
Meanwhile, Roxanne Perez,
The Prodigy, looks to continue what's been a wild 2025,
as she takes on Jade Cargill from Friday Night SmackDown.
It's the semifinals of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
The winner heads to Saturday, Night of Champions versus Asuka.
["All Fall Down" playing]
[music fades]
-[Michael] So if you're Roxanne Perez… -[bell ringing]
…what do you need to do
to knock off the powerful Jade Cargill tonight, Corey?
[Corey] As I said a few minutes ago, Roxanne Perez possesses skills
and wisdom beyond her years in this game.
Roxanne needs to stick with what brought her to the dance.
She needs to utilize her technique and her knowledge
of this business and stay the hell away from the power of Jade Cargill.
[Michael] There's so much on the line.
If you win the Queen of the Ring tournament,
you get an opportunity at the champion of your respective brand at SummerSlam.
And what happened last year when Nia Jax won
the 2024 Queen of the Ring, went on to SummerSlam to beat Bayley
to win the WWE title. Speaking of Nia Jax,
she actually knocked off Jade in this tournament last year, Corey,
albeit via disqualification.
[Corey] Oh, I assure you, Jade Cargill is using that as fuel.
Few Superstars do it as well.
Anytime you tell Jade she can't do something,
she will do it just to prove you wrong.
[Michael] Roxanne Perez knocked off Kairi Sane,
Rhea Ripley, and Liv Morgan
in a Fatal 4-Way to advance to this match tonight.
Roxanne, hit and run now on Jade Cargill. Is this wise strategy?
[Corey] It may be if Roxanne's looking to tire out Jade Cargill,
really test the gas tank of Cargill, so to speak.
But Roxanne has to be fully aware of the game changing power of Jade.
Case in point.
[Michael] Jade Cargill slings Roxanne into the corner.
Jade knocked off Michin, Nia, and Piper in a Fatal 4-Way on SmackDown
to advance to the semifinals.
And there again, the power of Jade Cargill.
[Corey] This is what Jade needs to do, just stick with her wheelhouse.
What works for her, the power game. Few do it as well.
[Michael] Roxanne was looking for a sunset flip, but again, overpowered
by Jade Cargill, the former two-time Women's Tag Team Champion.
The thing about Cargill, Corey, you know, she's never competed
for a singles championship in her career.
Would have the opportunity if she wins Queen of the Ring.
[Corey] And I think that sort of irks Jade Cargill.
She looks to fulfill the prophecy that she set for herself.
Jade feels that she's already the uncrowned Queen of the Ring,
whether the tournament's going on or not.
[Michael] And again, this cat and mouse game continues
between Roxanne and Jade.
Perez looking to use her quickness, and Jade Cargill again.
And that pop up, face first goes Perez,
and the power game obviously in Cargill's corner.
[Corey] I think Roxy's gonna wanna go back to the cat and mouse game.
Perez possesses a next-level in-ring IQ,
a proud pupil of the two-time WWE Hall of Famer,
my partner on Tuesday nights on NXT, Booker T.
[Michael] Yeah, Roxanne, a little payback by Jade with that slap that time,
and Roxanne now hanging Jade up on the second rope,
and Perez with an opportunity.
[Corey] Up and around we go, but Cargill able to put the brakes on.
[Michael] Oh! And a backbreaker knee right to the spine of Perez.
Cargill, an incredible athlete.
Boatload of charisma, she's extremely confident.
Said at one point that she's obsessed with all this,
-winning in a WWE ring. -I need y'all to count with me!
[crowd cheering]
My favorite number is five.
[Corey] And if I had to poke a hole in the game with Jade Cargill,
she does tend to get a little overconfident, like she is right now.
But that could just get under the skin of Roxanne Perez.
[Michael] Well, we'll see how Roxanne reacts to this.
Roxanne, a former two-time NXT Women's Champion.
And Perez gonna slowly buy some time and roll out of the ring.
And Cargill again in pursuit.
[Corey] I think Perez is trying to lure Jade in.
[Michael] And she did just that. Cargill just averted disaster there
as she caught Perez with an elbow to the mouth.
[Corey] You know, The Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka, keeping a close eye on this one,
wondering who will oppose her at Night of Champions.
Look at the power of Jade Cargill.
[Michael] Yeah, just carrying Perez on her shoulders up the steps.
Perez slides away, but that's a smart move.
Went for the back of the leg, dropped Jade on the steps,
and now a dropkick to the knee of Cargill into the steel.
Roxanne's taking over.
[crowd member] Come on, baby girl. Let's go, Jade.
[Michael] And we are back as Roxanne Perez delivers an uppercut.
Jade Cargill is in trouble as Roxanne Perez is focused
on the injured leg of Cargill.
And Perez with what's been great offense so far.
And now Cargill, though, looking to use her power.
[Corey] Obviously the adrenaline beginning to flow.
Jade able to post off of her leg for a moment.
[Michael] Yeah, back to the injured leg.
Perez has been incredible in her strategy here.
Saw her do this to Rhea Ripley a few weeks back
and now to Cargill tonight.
And then that running uppercut to the back of the neck by Perez.
Roxanne, nice springboard moonsault.
Cover now for the win. Is it enough?
-Cargill kicks out at two. -[Perez screams]
[Michael] Again, the winner will face Asuka in the finals
of the Queen of the Ring Tournament Saturday, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
Night of Champions.
And man, Perez doing an outstanding job here.
[Corey] Yeah, Roxanne just needs to do her best to keep her cool,
not get frustrated, not make any mistakes,
because she is in complete control of Jade Cargill.
As we take another look at this picture perfect
double jump springboard moonsault,
nearly ended it in favor of Perez.
[Michael] Thirteen thousand, four thirty-three tonight
in Nationwide Arena.
The thing about Roxanne too, and you mentioned earlier,
she's so young, still has so much of a career ahead of her,
but she acts like a veteran in the ring.
[Corey] Because Roxanne possesses the skill set of a veteran.
[Michael] Again, you mentioned earlier, trained by
the great Hall of Famer, Booker T.
Oh! Again, that bad leg seemed to be giving out.
Perez now trying to lock in a sleeper here on Cargill.
[Corey] Don't know if it's in completely, but it's in enough.
[Michael] Yeah, Cargill down to one knee now.
Perez trying to--
[Corey] Again, we talked about how Roxanne was attacking the leg.
Obviously, Jade having trouble maintaining a vertical base,
keeping her legs underneath her.
[Michael] Able to create the separation though,
driving Perez into the corner as Jade collapses to the mat.
Roxanne may have an opening here.
[crowd chanting "Let's go Jade"]
[Corey] Roxanne Perez perched on the top turnbuckle.
And Perez-- Oh! Caught by Cargill,
absolutely incredible, picking Perez out of the air,
fallaway slam that would make Hall of Famer JBL proud.
And a kip-up, bad leg and all.
-Not sure how wise that was. -[Corey] It's an instinctive reaction.
[Michael] And Jade though, starting to build momentum,
takes out Perez and another one by Jade.
And here comes Jade Cargill, big boot to Perez off the ropes.
And Jade with a spinebuster.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And Jade fired up here tonight against a very competitive Roxanne Perez.
[Corey] Cargill now stalking a downed Perez.
[Michael] That was, uh, different.
That'll play mind games as she slams Perez to the mat.
Cover now by Jade, hooks both legs, Roxanne able to kick out.
[Corey] And again, we mentioned it earlier, I mentioned it,
Jade has a tendency to get a little overconfident as we just saw.
Had she gone straight into the cover, had she not taken
that extra second for the extracurricular activities,
this one could be over.
[Michael] And Roxanne putting up a hell of a fight here tonight.
[crowd chanting "Let's go Jade"]
[Corey] Roxanne's tenacious. Gonna be a massive star in this business.
-[Michael] Oh! Wow. -[Corey] Albeit a toothless one.
[Michael] A kick by Cargill,
and this could be the beginning of the end.
-[Corey] Here it is. -[Michael] And Perez rolls through.
What a counter, bridging cover. Cargill at two.
What a counter by Roxanne.
Jade went for the big boot, Perez caught her with one of her own.
[Corey] Roxanne showing her technical wizardry inside the ring.
Here comes Perez.
[Michael] And caught by Cargill.
Down goes Jade Cargill. Roxanne with an opportunity.
Kick right to the back of the neck.
Cover on Cargill to advance to Night of Champions.
Cargill kicks at two.
[Corey] Don't panic, Roxanne.
[Michael] Roxanne's got Jade down, she's got Jade hurt and in trouble.
What an opportunity for Perez here tonight.
[Corey] It can be so disheartening for a competitor though
when you've hit your best shot and then some
and they still keep kicking out.
[Michael] And now Perez talking trash to Cargill.
-One! -[indistinct chatter]
[Corey] Roxanne spent a little too much valuable time.
[Michael] And Cargill with the right hand, I think that just ticked Cargill off.
Kick by Perez now, looking for Pop Rocks,
and not able to connect.
-Boot. -[Corey] Oh! Just barely got her.
I don't think she got enough of her, but maybe just enough.
[Michael] And Cargill now lifting Perez up.
Down goes Perez.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Cargill, again trying to put Perez in position, she does now.
Oh! Face first, Perez off a Jaded. Cover now for the win by Cargill.
She's gonna face Asuka
-at Night of Champions. -[bell ringing]
-[crowd cheering] -["A Storm is Coming" playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Jade Cargill!
[Michael] Corey, that was a test for Cargill tonight, and she passed
against the very game Roxanne Perez here on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] No doubt about it, credit to Perez.
She made Jade Cargill earn this victory,
but Jade escapes with the W
and entry into the Queen of the Ring final,
where The Empress of Tomorrow awaits.
That could be a career defining test for The Storm of WWE.
Take another look at this.
The power of Cargill delivering a power bomb
and then realizing she needed a little insurance.
Roxanne Perez, congratulations, you have been Jaded.
-[crowd counting] -[bell ringing]
[Michael] So now the match is set for Night of Champions.
Eight o'clock local, one o'clock on the East Coast,
ten o'clock on the West Coast, this coming Saturday.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
-[Corey] Whoa, whoa, whoa. -["The Future" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And another test awaits Miss Cargill come Saturday.
The Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] There is history between these two in the tag team ranks.
Now they go one-on-one in the Queen of the Ring tournament finals
on Saturday.
[inaudible]
[Michael] And that's gonna be a heck of a matchup come Saturday.
-[dramatic music playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Wade] Cody is a man on a mission desperate to win the crown.
[crowd cheering]
[Joe] And the other semifinalist has arrived, Jey Uso.
[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
You don't even have to say nothing, uce.
'Cause me and you been in the trenches.
From fighting my family…
-to winning tag team gold… -[bell ringing]
[crowd cheering]
…to finishing our stories at WrestleMania.
[crowd cheering]
[Jey] We've both been to the mountain top.
[crowd cheering]
But, Cody, this Monday, uce, there's only room for one of us.
I gotta get mine, Cody, just like you gotta get yours.
I know it ain't personal. It's strictly business.
On Monday night,
please believe there's gonna be four letters, one word.
[crowd] Yeet.
-["4X4" playing] -[Corey] Still to come tonight,
friendships and tag team championships can take a backseat
between two men hungry to return to the top of the mountain.
Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso in the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.
[Michael] World Heavyweight Champion Gunther is here.
We heard from his opponent Goldberg
for Saturday Night's Main Event earlier tonight.
Gunther, the champ, joins us live on Netflix.
[music concludes]
I've said this to you both before, when it comes to women's tag team titles,
I think you both have a great chance at them.
-Thank you so much, Sheamus. -Yeah.
We appreciate that, but you also did an amazing job last week
and don't lose sight of how great you are.
Yeah, I'm sorry it didn't work out.
Don't worry about it.
At least I got to put Rusev in his place for a little bit.
-Sheamus. -Yeah.
Next time.
-It's okay. -Out.
Hey, fella.
You're still pretending to be everybody's friend.
But this place is full of people like you, smiles to their face, knife to the back.
[chuckles] You trying to rile me up?
'Cause now I march to beat on my own drum.
And that drum is the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán
which I would love to smash against that chest of yours.
I do my damage in the ring like a god, and you do yours back here like a snake.
You're God now, are you?
Some God. I remember you being the most embarrassing
and egotistical member of the League of Nations.
That's what I remember. I'm tired of talking, fella.
So what's it gonna be? No more BS.
It's time to put up or shut up!
I'm gonna make you new memories.
-["Prepare To Fight" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the World Heavyweight Champion,
"The Ring General" Gunther!
[Corey] Noticeably different demeanor as Gunther stalks toward the ring
than the World Heavyweight Champion had last week prior to his confrontation
with the WWE Hall of Famer, Goldberg.
We mentioned it before, it is set in stone.
Saturday Night's Main Event in Goldberg's adopted hometown
of Atlanta, Georgia.
The Hall of Famer has a chance to dethrone Gunther.
[music fades]
[crowd jeering]
Last week was supposed to be my celebration.
Me celebrating, regaining what's rightfully mine,
the World Heavyweight Championship.
[crowd jeering]
But instead, none other than Bill Goldberg,
walked down here,
looked me straight into the eye and told me that I am next.
[crowd jeering]
So I did a lot of thinking.
I thought a lot about what it means to be next.
Usually being next means getting speared out of your boots,
jackhammer, one, two, three, and wake up looking at the lights.
Bill Goldberg is the most destructive man of his generation.
But it is not 1999 anymore.
It is 2025.
And right now, I'm the guy.
I'm the best professional wrestler in this company,
and the World Heavyweight Championship around my waist proves it.
[crowd yelling]
And I heard what Bill Goldberg had to say, intense as always.
But there's nothing he can say that will change my perception about him.
And my perception is that I see a 58-year-old one trick pony
-that can't lace my boots. -[crowd cheering]
[crowd booing, chanting "Goldberg sucks"]
So, Bill, I wanna take the moment now
and officially apologize to your wife and to your son
for everything that I'm gonna do to the man that used to be Goldberg!
I'm unlike anybody you ever stepped in the ring with!
I embarrassed you once, and at Saturday Night's Main Event,
I'm gonna embarrass you again.
Because it's my personal responsibility to make sure
that the legacy and the myth of Bill Goldberg forever dies.
-[crowd cheering] -["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[Michael] Wow. Wow.
Well, Goldberg struck a chord with this man.
Gunther is fired up and as intense as I've ever seen him…
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Could spell the end of Goldberg.
-[Jackie] Excuse me, Becky. -[crowd cheering]
I know you're getting ready to defend your Intercontinental Championship,
but I was hoping that I could get your thoughts on the challenge--
My thoughts?
I just witnessed Bayley and Lyra conspiring to work together,
because that's the only way that they know they can get this title off me.
So, you know what--
I've said too much already.
Fair enough. Thank you, Becky. Cole, Graves, as I send it back to you,
Becky, understandably focused on her upcoming--
Actually, you know what? Hold that thought. Hey, Sami.
-Sami, do you have a second? -[crowd cheering]
I know this isn't a good time, but…
I know you're coming off a tough loss to Randy Orton on Friday night.
But we all know how much becoming a world champion means to you.
So, I have to ask on behalf of the WWE Universe,
how are you processing this loss?
-Um… [sighs] -[Kross] "Um."
-"Um." [laughs] -[crowd cheering]
That's quite a response. What does "um" encompass?
Listen, I'm not trying to get under your nerves.
Let's just speak plainly here. You really, really, really had me.
I believed every single thing you said last week.
It was a great speech.
"I'm good enough to become the world's champion!"
But what happened? Exactly what I told you would happen.
You wrestled The Viper and he dropped you.
Am I right? I mean, honestly, Sami,
when are you gonna get it through your thick skull?
That all this, the way you are, the way you wanna be,
Sami, you're never gonna be World Champion.
Okay.
[smacks lips] Okay.
-[grunts] -[Michael] Oh!
[crowd cheering, applauding]
I am done talking to you!
I talked to Adam Pearce. Our match is official.
Tick-tock.
[crowd cheering]
Stop it.
[both chuckle]
Got him.
-["Role Model" playing] -[Michael] Well,
Sami had had enough, but seems like that's what Kross wanted.
[Corey] Sure did.
♪ Role Model ♪
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm not quite sure what Becky Lynch was watching earlier on.
I don't think Bayley and Lyra were conspiring against her.
Lyra was basically winning Bayley-- wishing Bayley good luck tonight.
And Bayley saying, "You'll get first dibs on the title if I win."
[Corey] But can you really blame Becky Lynch for being in that headspace?
I mean, Becky understands what it means to be a champion in WWE.
You are perpetually a target. And Becky has to be feeling the heat
because Becky is very familiar with what Bayley is capable of.
This woman, prior to the creation of the United States
and Intercontinental Championship,
was the Grand Slam Champion in the women's division.
Bayley is a history maker, just like Becky Lynch.
[Michael] Well, you know, here's the deal with Bayley too.
Bayley was taken out of WrestleMania by Becky Lynch.
She's got revenge on her mind
Intercontinental Championship up for grabs, live on Netflix.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[music concludes]
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Michael] Back here in Columbus, Ohio, 13,433 on hand at the Nationwide Arena.
Becky Lynch set to defend her Intercontinental Championship
against Bayley.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Long time rivalry renewed here tonight.
♪ Whoa, whoa ♪
♪ Whoa ♪
-[music fades] -[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest scheduled for one fall
is for the Women's
-Intercontinental Championship! -[crowd cheering]
Introducing first, the challenger
from San Jose, California,
-Bayley! -[crowd cheering]
And her opponent, from Dublin, Ireland,
she is the Women's
Intercontinental Champion,
"The Man"
-Becky Lynch! -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] For the ninth time, these two rivals will go one-on-one,
Becky Lynch holding an edge of five wins to three.
The last time they went one-on-one back in February of 2023,
over two years ago, when they met inside a steel cage match.
Tonight, it is for the coveted Women's Intercontinental Championship.
And an interesting note, Corey,
Bayley is actually competing in this match-up,
-she told me earlier today… -[bell ringing]
…in the gear she was planning to wear at WrestleMania,
before that was taken away from her by the attack by Becky Lynch
a few days prior.
[Corey] Now that the bell has rung, we are about to find out
where Bayley truly exists in this game.
Where is Bayley's head? Is she as ready as she says she is?
Or was WrestleMania the thread
that will unravel the great career of Bayley?
[Michael] This is the first match for Bayley since April 14th,
in the days prior to WrestleMania.
Hasn't held a championship since SummerSlam of last year
when she was defeated by the Queen of the Ring, Nia Jax.
-Becky Lynch now, shoving Bayley away. -[Corey] Whoa!
[Michael] Very emotional confrontation between these two last week here.
[Corey] There's a great deal of history between both of these women
as Bayley begins to tee off on the champion.
But the reality of the situation is-- Oh! They came up through NXT together.
Sure, they've teamed alongside one another.
They were two of the great Four Horsewomen.
But the fact is they both evolved in their own separate ways as competitors.
These are two totally different women.
[Michael] And of course, Bayley, a former NXT Women's Champion.
Becky as well, although Becky would win that title
once she had made it to the main roster.
And now Bayley, with a sliding elbow to the spine.
Bayley again. Sliding clothesline. Oh! Becky able to roll through.
-[Corey] And this counter. -[Michael] Looking for The Disarmer,
and Bayley, who knows her so well, able to counter.
[Corey] Oh! Looking for a Rose Plant perhaps.
Again, familiarity breeds contempt.
These two have competed against one another on multiple occasions.
They definitely studied one another.
And they both look to be at the top of their game tonight
with the Intercontinental Championship on the line.
[Michael] As you mentioned earlier, they came up together, trained together,
part of the original Four Horsewomen.
[Corey] And I would just say personally-- Whoa!
[Michael] Bayley hanging Becky up on the second rope.
[Corey] Their mindsets are completely different.
Bayley has always done her best to look out
for the rest of the roster.
-Think about-- -[Michael] Well, at times.
[Corey] For the majority of her career, she brought Damage CTRL to WWE.
Bayley regularly goes down to the Performance Center
to keep an eye on the up and comers in NXT.
[Michael] Oh! Elbow to the back of the neck.
[Corey] Becky Lynch realized that sometimes the secret to success
is stepping out on your own.
Forget the fans, forget the rest of the roster,
make your money, win your titles.
[Michael] Or, you know, just turn your back on everyone.
Just ask Lyra Valkyria all about that.
Becky, of course, took Bayley out of WrestleMania with a sneak attack.
Becky would team with Lyra, they'd win the tag titles the next--
Coming up then on Raw,
they'd lose the titles and Becky would turn on Lyra.
-And Bayley on top. -[Corey] A means to an end, Cole.
[Michael] Becky again, looking for an arm bar or Disarmer.
Bayley able to counter.
Both these women, winners of the Women's Rumble over the years.
Bayley, a Money in the Bank ladder match winner.
Bayley washed out to the apron.
[Corey] Big right hand connects, down goes the champion,
Bayley making the climb toward the top.
[Michael] And Becky on the apron, trying to make it back to her feet.
[Corey] That was a smart decision,
a veteran move by Bayley repositioning herself.
[Michael] Oh! Well, maybe not. Becky able to take control
and about tearing Bayley's arm out of her socket.
Becky's taken over.
[crowd chanting "Becky"]
[Michael] Critical moment in this match-up in front of over 13,000
at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio tonight.
Bayley, the challenger, Becky Lynch, the champion.
This is for the Women's Intercontinental Championship.
Bayley was in control for much of the match-up
until Becky Lynch went after the arm,
the arm that Becky injured right before WrestleMania.
And it's bothered Bayley throughout most of this match-up.
[Corey] Bayley has been able to fight through the pain.
Here comes the adrenaline, dumping the champion,
belly to back suplex.
This is what Lynch wanted to avoid.
[Michael] And now that running knee by Bayley,
and Bayley starting to climb back into this.
Becky was going for frequent covers,
looking to put Bayley away, understanding that this rally may come.
-Oh, what a take-- -[Corey] Oh!
-[Michael] Takedown by Bayley. -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Cover and a kick-out at two.
[Corey] Bayley with a little homage to the legendary Victoria
with that side slam.
Not enough to put Becky Lynch away for three.
[Michael] And Bayley starting to feel it now,
may have the momentum in this match-up. Becky's in trouble.
[Corey] And notice how cautiously
-Bayley's moving at this point. -[crowd chanting "Bayley"]
[Corey] Understanding she's potentially got an injured arm.
She's not at 100%, but the opportunity is right.
-[Michael] And Bayley now. -[Corey] Here we go!
[Michael] Bayley to Belly, Becky Lynch knows her so well.
Turns it around, Bayley with a counter into a snapmare.
Looking for Disarmer perhaps, which is Becky's move.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Michael] But what a suplex by Lynch.
[Corey] Brutal belly to back by the champion, here we go.
[Michael] And now went for the Manhandle Slam.
-Bayley-- Bayley to Belly… -[Corey] There it is.
-…to the champion to win the title. -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Hook of the leg for the win and a kick-out by Lynch.
[Corey] As expected, this match-up has delivered back and forth action.
Vicious, desperate belly to back suplex by the champion.
But the challenger answers with the Bayley to Belly suplex,
a maneuver that's brought Bayley so much success
throughout her career, but couldn't do the job tonight.
[Michael] Only two women have held the Intercontinental Championship,
the inaugural winner, Lyra Valkyria,
she held it for a number of months until Becky Lynch took the title from her
a few weeks ago. Bayley looking to become the third
Intercontinental Champion of the women's division.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Another accolade to an incredible career.
[Michael] And Bayley into the corner.
Becky Lynch out of harm's way, bad arm into the turnbuckle for Bayley.
But Bayley, shoves Becky neck first into the turnbuckle.
And now Bayley-- Oh!
[Corey] Sunset flip sent Becky spine first into the buckle.
[Michael] And Bayley with an opportunity, cover for the championship.
-[crowd counting] -[Michael] Becky at two.
[Corey] Now the frustration becoming obvious
on the face of the challenger.
Bayley beginning to question herself. "What else do I have to do?"
"What else can I show Becky Lynch that The Man hasn't already seen?"
[crowd chanting "Let's go Bayley"]
[Michael] Now with Becky in trouble, Bayley gonna climb up top.
Bayley's comfortable up there.
We've seen her do this a number of times in the past.
Taking a little bit too much time, and it allows Becky to regroup.
[Corey] The extra moment necessary to stabilize herself
on the climb may have cost the challenger, Bayley.
[Michael] Both women up in the high risk district,
high above the ring.
Becky may have the upper hand now, blows to the spine.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] And Becky…
And Bayley taken down with a superplex.
And Becky…
looking for the arm bar. Arm bar in. The arm bar's in on Bayley.
Bayley's trying to block and does a good job of it.
-[Corey] Becky's shoulders. -[Michael] And a kick-out, forcing--
Becky now, trying to turn it into The Disarmer.
And Becky knows her-- Bayley knows her so well.
Able to counter. Shoulders down, kick-out by Lynch.
[Corey] Bayley trying to turn the champion over,
potentially for a Boston Crab.
Lynch fighting her way out. There it is, half crab.
[Michael] Half crab by Bayley. Remember, the bad arm.
[Corey] Yeah, that might be the only reason it's a half crab.
I think Bayley intended on a full Boston Crab,
but her right arm's still giving her trouble.
[Michael] And that may allow Becky Lynch to make it to the ropes and force a break.
Remember, Bayley can only win the title via tap out or pinfall.
And again, that bad arm may have cost Bayley right there.
And a big boot by Lynch.
Becky favoring her knee now.
[Corey] Both of these women leaving everything they have
in the center of the ring for the right to become Intercontinental Champion.
[Michael] Yeah, two of the all-time greats of the women's division at WWE
battling it out for the Intercontinental Championship.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Two women who… blaze the trail in women's Evolution.
[Corey] Uh-oh! There--
[Michael] Went for the Manhandle Slam. Bayley able to counter,
and Bayley with a Manhandle Slam of her own, using Becky's move.
But Becky…
[Corey] Becky realized exactly what the situation at hand was.
[Michael] Or was it just momentum that--
[Corey] No, I think Lynch knew full well she just got nailed
with her own maneuver, and had to get the heck out of Dodge ASAP.
[Michael] Well, Bayley…
looked like she may have had Becky in position to win this match.
And now Bayley sent right over the announce table
and into our laps here at ringside. And Becky with an opportunity now.
[Corey] Oh, no, Lynch is-- Lynch is--
Well, you mentioned it, Cole, champion's advantage.
Becky wins this by count out, she retains her title.
-She gets the win, her first-- -[Michael] What are you doing, Becky?
Becky, what are you doing?
Becky is burying Bayley,
and into Corey's point, a count out means Becky keeps her championship.
[Corey] A win is a win is a win when you're the champ.
[Michael] She just buried Bayley under a number of chairs here at ringside.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Michael] And wait a minute.
Over Corey's back, Lyra Valkyrie out here now…
-coming to Bayley's aid. -[Corey] Oh, look out, Lyra.
[Michael] And now Becky Lynch gets in the middle of it.
-Lyra Valkyria is-- -[Corey] Hey, don't touch her!
[Michael] Oh, no, Lyra's had enough. Lyra up on the apron.
[Corey] Look, Becky wants Lyra to hit her.
[Michael] Of course she does.
[Corey] Becky knows she's gonna force a disqualification.
-[referee] Come on, get out of here! -[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] And Bayley threw Lyra out of the way,
got struck by Lynch.
And now, Becky with a baseball slide, takes out Valkyria.
[Corey] Bayley from behind, looking to capitalize,
just hit The Man face first into the table.
-[Michael] Now Becky up over the table. -Turnabout is fair play.
[Michael] We got chaos here at ringside.
for the winner's Intercontinental Championship.
[Corey] Bayley's gotta get this one back in the ring.
Bayley won't become champion by count out.
[Michael] Count of four by the official, Becky bounced off the ring post.
Bayley's gotta get Becky back in the ring.
[Corey] I think Bayley might be letting her emotions get the best of her.
[Michael] Becky driven into the barricade.
-Bayley sends Becky back into the ring. -[Corey] Here we go.
[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Corey] Bayley making the climb to the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] And wait a minute, Valkyria now, attacking Becky.
[bell ringing]
[Michael] That's gonna cause a disqualification.
Lyra had enough. She was taken out by Becky,
and she may have just cost Bayley the title.
[Corey] Oh, there's no "may have" about it, Cole.
Lyra just screwed Becky over. This is ridiculous.
[Michael] Well, she also screwed Bayley over.
And Bayley, I believe, has taken exception to this.
-This was my match! -[speaks indistinctly]
This was about the champion! It's not about us!
It's not about us.
This is a DQ!
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of a disqualification,
your winner and still the women's Intercontinental Champion,
-"The Man" Becky Lynch! -["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[Michael] Corey, the way that I see it is this.
Lyra's been screwed over by Becky Lynch.
She didn't want that to happen to Bayley.
She came out here to help Bayley at ringside.
But then she just got caught up in it all and Becky attacked her,
and it may have cost Bayley the championship.
[Corey] Or Lyra's insanely jealous of Bayley and her hard work
and decided to take Bayley's moment.
[Michael] Not surprised with you on that take.
[energetic hip-hop music playing]
Ladies and gentlemen, still to come tonight,
one of these men will take on Randy Orton…
on Saturday, at Night of Champions, in the King of the Ring Finals.
This tournament semifinal, Rhodes, Uso, live tonight.
[music concludes]
Now, Ivy, don't tell those other two,
but you've always been my favorite student, all right?
Now, you should have won Money in the Bank,
and you should've found yourself as Queen of the Ring,
but you've had Stephanie Vaquer in your way, all right?
Now, next time, do what Gable does when I've got someone in my way.
Do what I did to Rey. Do what I did to Otis.
Wipe 'em out completely, regardless of the cost. And--
We'll finish this lesson later. [chuckles]
Now, far be it from me…
-Hey. Oh, Chad, come on. No, no. -…to laugh at someone else's misfortune
unless they deserve it.
But in this case, Penta, it was my pleasure
watching Bron Breakker destroy you earlier tonight.
-Maybe I'll finish the job. -Hey. Shut up.
Maybe I'll rip that stupid mask off your head
-and show everybody the ridiculous-- -Hey, stop!
[Michael] And Gable tried a cheap shot!
-[crowd cheering] -[Penta] I told you.
I told you, I told you, Chad.
-Cero miedo. -Hey! Hey!
-[Penta laughs] -[Gable groans]
-I told you! [shouting in Spanish] -[indistinct chatter]
-[Michael] The Sacrifice from Penta. -[screams]
[screams] Penta! It's on, Penta!
["La Mas Ruda" playing]
[Michael] Raquel Rodriguez in the ring,
now, she's rekindled a rivalry with Rhea Ripley, Corey,
it started a couple of weeks ago
in the Queen of the Ring Tournament first round matchup.
[Corey] Just as it seemed as though Rhea had victory in her fingertips,
Raquel would arrive and cost Mami big time.
[Michael] Yeah, and Rhea Ripley, Raquel Rodriguez with the brawl.
Then last week, Rhea got a little bit of payback.
[Corey] Yeah, Rhea did her best to return the favor and rip victory away
from the hands of Raquel Rodriguez.
But then an emphatic beatdown would ensue,
a thunderous Riptide on the outside of the ring.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] And then the assist before the Empress Impact,
-Asuka would advance… -[crowd counting]
-…with a special thank you to Rhea Ripley. -[bell ringing]
Rhea… [speaking Spanish]
-[inaudible] -[crowd gasping]
You're not gonna screw me out of Queen of the Ring
and get away with it.
So, si tú quieres, chiquita,
I can drag you out here by that nose ring.
Or you can make it easy for yourself and get in here
and take the beating you deserve, Mamona!
Come on! Get out here.
-["Demon In Your Dreams" playing] -♪ This is my brutality ♪
[crowd cheers]
[Michael] They're on their feet for The Eradicator.
[Corey] Be careful what you wish for, Raquel.
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed The demons in your dreams ♪
♪ I eat, sleep, bleed ♪
[Michael] Rhea talking trash and marching to the ring.
And here we go!
Rhea and Raquel!
Rhea Ripley taking the fight to Rodriguez!
[Corey] Lefts and rights, dropping bombs is The Eradicator,
but Raquel taking Mami down for the moment.
[Michael] And Raquel Rodriguez,
one of a few women who have the number of Rhea Ripley over the years,
and Raquel sent right outside the ring.
[Corey] Look at the expression on the face of Rhea Ripley.
-This is a woman who's waiting for battle. -[crowd chanting "Rhea"]
[Michael] And Raquel driving Rhea into the apron
and now sending Rhea Ripley over into the timekeeper's area.
-And the powerhouse, Raquel Rodriguez. -[Corey] You said it, Rhea Ripley,
unfamiliar with the feeling of being overpowered.
-And Raquel, uh… -[Michael] Uh-oh.
And we all know what Raquel has in mind.
Well, it took a little bit too much time, and now Rhea on our table,
-Rhea on our announce table. -[crowd cheer]
[Michael] Measuring Rodriguez and Rhea Ripley off the table,
-takes Raquel down. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And now drive…
Raquel shoulder first into the steel steps!
Look at the fury in the eyes of Mami.
You want tables, [inaudible]? You want tables?
[Michael] Hey, Raquel started all this.
[Corey] Well, Rhea looks all too happy to finish it, Cole.
[Michael] Rhea…
got up the table in the… the ring,
and I believe Raquel Rodriguez may be going for a ride.
[Corey] Raquel, go the other way. [chuckles] Oh no. I tried to warn her.
[Michael] Rhea Ripley looking for some Riptide!
[Corey] Uh-oh, Roxanne Perez from behind!
[Michael] And Roxanne now!
[Corey] And now Mami's outnumbered.
[Michael] Roxanne Perez coming to the aid of Raquel Rodriguez.
Roxanne, though, bounced off the top turnbuckle by Rhea Ripley.
-And Raquel, though, caught Rhea… -[Corey] No, no. Oh, no.
[Michael] Tejana Bomb!
[Corey] Did you hear the table snap, Cole?
[Michael] Indeed I did.
Tejana Bomb by Raquel to Rhea through the table.
["La Mas Ruda" playing]
[Michael] Roxanne Perez paying dividends for all members of The Judgment Day.
[Corey] No doubt about it.
And tonight, Rhea Ripley, the latest victim.
♪ Bad girls make 'em say, wow Bad girls make 'em say, wow ♪
[Michael] Raquel Rodriguez with a statement.
♪ La ruda, la mas ruda ♪
[Michael] And who will be celebrating a trip
to the King of the Ring finals? Will it be Jey Uso or this man?
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes versus his buddy, Jey Uso.
Semifinals, live on Netflix.
[energetic rock music playing]
[music concludes]
[thud]
Chris!
-Hello, Rhea. -I want Raquel!
-How about at Night of Champions. -Yeah, sounds good.
-But a Street Fight. -[chuckles] Even better.
-I can do that. -Then it's official.
I couldn't have said that any better myself.
-[chuckles] Good. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] I can't wait for that one, and I also can't wait for this one.
At Night of Champions, it'll be John Cena, CM Punk,
for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Fifteen times they've gone one-on-one in their careers.
This has been one of the great rivalries in the history of WWE.
-[tense music playing] -[narrator] Yin and Yang.
Two seemingly opposite forces that, in truth,
complement and interconnect with the other.
Two entities in constant flux and transformation,
totally interdependent to exist.
John Cena and CM Punk.
Yin and Yang.
[Alicia] From West Newbury, Massachusetts…
[narrator] John Cena, the clean-cut, untouchable chosen one.
[Cena] If you want some, come get some!
[narrator] A decorated champion…
a valiant in-ring competitor, and above all else, a man of the people.
And after more than two decades in the spotlight,
an icon who once set the standard of hustle,
loyalty, and respect.
[Alicia] From Chicago, Illinois!
[narrator] CM Punk. The loud, defiant voice of the voiceless.
The rebel who was never meant to be king.
[Punk] I've been the best ever since day one.
There's one thing you're better at than I am, John,
and that's kissing ass.
[crowd cheering]
[narrator] Raging against the system brought imagination,
but never enough to fill the hole deep within.
His desire to sit alone atop the summit would lead to bitterness and resentment,
self-destruction and banishment. But time…
Time changes everything.
Yin becomes yang.
[crowd chanting "John Cena"]
[narrator] Yang becomes yin.
In an infinite dance, struggling to find harmony.
Contrasting dualities, destined to be bound.
And the battle in which these two have been endlessly engaged
finds itself with new motivation.
That title has corrupted you!
I've been the victim of an abusive relationship
because all you've ever done there for 25 years
is sit on your ass and watch me be great.
[narrator] Instead of a graceful exit, John Cena, detached and disillusioned,
-has vowed to… -Ruin wrestling for everyone.
[narrator] While CM Punk has returned from exile,
a beacon of hope and change.
A new face for the company he once vowed to burn down.
[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
[narrator] The balance has shifted.
Light becomes shadow, shadow now stands in the sun.
[Cena] I have shut your mouth and beaten your best.
You can't beat me, when I'm at my best, you never could.
I won the title. I left with the title. You're trying to follow in my footsteps.
[Cena] I hate this idea that you're the best in the world.
You're not. I'm the greatest of all time.
The truth is, Punk, I'm jealous of you.
I am jealous that you have conned these people
into believing the myth that you're the best in the world.
Remember who gave you the stage for your Pipe Bomb, pal?
And what have you done with it since then, huh?
Because you change your values as much as I change my T-shirts.
You're just a loudmouth opportunist who will step on the necks
of people who actually work hard if it gets you ahead.
[narrator] The Greatest of All Time.
Night of Champions, ball's in your court, hero.
[narrator] The Best in the World.
You can't see me? I see through you.
[narrator] Yin and yang,
positioned once again upon opposing shores…
for a final reckoning.
[music concludes]
[Corey] It's the showdown we've all been waiting for.
The Best in the World against the Greatest of All Time
with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line.
-CM Punk challenges Champion John Cena. -["Ganeni" playing]
[Michael] And also in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
the United States Championship up for grabs.
These guys were-- well, they're family,
but they don't quite like each other anymore.
Jacob Fatu, United States Championship on the line
against Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] We found out earlier tonight
that Karrion Kross has slithered under the skin of Sami Zayn
to a degree that Sami has had about enough.
Zayn, Kross, at Night of Champions.
[Michael] It's the King-- It's the Queen, I should say,
of the Ring finals matchup.
The winner to get a shot at a Championship at SummerSlam,
Asuka versus Jade Cargill, Queen of the Ring.
[Corey] And the King of the Ring finals will be decided.
We know "The Viper" Randy Orton, has already qualified.
Who will oppose Orton?
Will it be "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes or Jey Uso?
We will have our answer in a matter of moments.
[music fades]
-Let's go. Let's go! -[crowd cheers]
Let's go! Let's go!
Please, please, hit my music! Oh, yeah! Uh-uh!
-Yeet! -["Main Event Ish" playing]
[Michael] They are pumped up and fired up for "Main Event" Jey Uso.
♪ Main Event Jey Uso Is now in your city! ♪
[Michael] They're about to yeet in Columbus.
♪ Day one ish, it's just me, uce ♪
-♪ Day one ish, it's just me, uce ♪ -♪ Okay ♪
♪ Day one ish, it's Jey, I line 'em all up And knock 'em down like this ♪
♪ I did… ♪
[Michael] Jey knows what's at stake, Corey.
The quickest way to get back in the hunt for the World Heavyweight Championship
is to win King of the Ring and get the Champ at SummerSlam.
[Corey] I brought it up with Jey earlier this afternoon,
and he told me that in spite of losing his title back to Gunther,
Jey feels a new sense of freedom.
He says he knows exactly what it takes to make it to the top of the mountain,
and he thinks the next time is gonna be even better than the first.
♪ It's just me, uce, day one ish… ♪
[Michael] What a scene in front of 13,000
in Nationwide Arena!
♪ Knock 'em down like this ♪
-♪ Ay, ay, Main Event Jey Uso… ♪ -[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following is a semifinal match
in the King of the Ring Tournament!
Introducing first, from San Francisco, California,
weighing in at 242 pounds,
"Main Event" Jey Uso!
[Michael] I want to remind everyone, Raw Recap comes your way tomorrow.
Sam and Megan's special guest, Jade Cargill.
-[Jey] Uh, uh, uh! -I get better at that each and every week.
-[Corey] Sit down. -[Michael] Come on, give me my props.
"Main Event" Jey Uso,
massive opportunity tonight as he heads into the ring with a man
who has always been a rival, a man who's been a friend.
They've been Tag Team Champions together, Jey and Cody, one-on-one.
-♪ It's just me, uce ♪ -♪ Okay ♪
♪ Day one ish, it's Jey I line 'em all up… ♪
[Corey] We can bet on one thing, the Tag Team Championship reign,
all of the moments they've spent together traveling up and down the road,
that all has to live in the past tonight.
You fight your friends in this business the hardest.
Winner picks up the beer tab at the end of the night.
[Michael] And here's the brackets for the King of the Ring Tournament.
Of course, Randy Orton knocked off Sami Zayn this past Friday on SmackDown
to advance to the finals for a second straight year.
He'll take on either Cody Rhodes or Jey Uso on Saturday.
[Corey] We got the potential history between Orton and Uso,
Orton and Rhodes, there's no shortage there.
Showdown for the ages with the King of the Ring crown on the line.
[Michael] Yeah, quite the rivalry here tonight as well.
Remember, Jey and Cody started things off not on the right foot.
Remember, Jey Uso could be blamed for Cody Rhodes not finishing his story
-the first time around. -[Corey] Let's not gloss over that, Cole.
I know it's been a while,
but Jey Uso was the reason on more than one occasion
-that Cody was unable to get the job done. -[Michael] Yeah, but then they put…
Of course, when Jey Uso saw the light, left Roman Reigns,
he was brought to Monday Night Raw by Cody Rhodes.
They became friends and partners, once won the tag team titles together.
-[song concludes] -[crowd cheers]
[Michael] In fact, they've been teammates 13 times in their career.
[crowd chanting "One more time"]
[crowd clamoring]
-[Michael] Columbus wants to run it back. -["Main Event Ish" playing]
-♪ Day one ish, it's just me, uce ♪ -♪ Okay ♪
[Corey] You can stay seated, Cole. I don't know if you got two rounds in you.
[Michael] There's no way. I still gotta call the main event.
♪ Knock 'em down like this ♪
♪ Ay, it's on me now, uce ♪
[Michael] Quite the love affair that has developed
between the WWE fans and Jey Uso over the past year.
-[song concludes] -[crowd] Yeet!
[crowd cheers]
-["Kingdom" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Wrestling has more Than one royal family ♪
♪ Adrenaline in my soul Every fight out of control ♪
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain, lights go up I'm home ♪
-♪ Whoa! ♪ -[crowd] Whoa!
♪ And my father said, when I was younger ♪
♪ Hard times breed better… ♪
[Alicia] And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 222 pounds,
"The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Michael] You know, we talked about the need of Jey Uso.
To win King of the Ring and get back to an opportunity
to exorcise his demons with Gunther at SummerSlam.
The same goes for Cody Rhodes.
Cody wants to win King of the Ring to get to SummerSlam
to perhaps take on John Cena or CM Punk.
[Corey] Either way, a main event more than worthy
of the biggest party of the summer.
But right now, Cody's focus has to be singular.
He has to be focused on Jey Uso and Jey Uso alone.
[Michael] I asked Jey Uso at the SummerSlam Kickoff event
at Fanatics Fest this past Saturday who he'd rather face,
Gunther or Goldberg, for the world title at SummerSlam.
He said, "I just want an opportunity, but I want another crack at Gunther."
♪ Can't take my freedom ♪
♪ Here to change the game A banner made of pain ♪
♪ I built my kingdom ♪
♪ Now you bow to me You took my dreams but not my name ♪
♪ You'll follow me into the end I am my kingdom ♪
♪ You tried to tell me what… ♪
[Michael] They've been on opposite teams,
they've been on the same teams over the years.
-[music fades] -[Michael] But for the first time ever,
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso go one-on-one tonight.
[crowd cheers]
-[Michael] And so much at stake… -[bell rings]
the winner to face Randy Orton on Saturday.
Tremendous history between both of these men
and the WWE's Apex Predator. Remember Legacy.
Cody Rhodes is learning under the wing of Randy Orton a number of years ago.
[Corey] The last time Randy lost in his career,
courtesy of The Bloodline, that Jey Uso is such a pivotal part of.
[Michael] Indeed.
Main event, big fight feel here tonight.
An opportunity to get to the finals of King of the Ring.
[crowd cheers]
[Michael] Sportsmanship, and we're underway.
And think about what King of the Ring has meant to many careers over the years.
Corey, a dozen Hall of Famers have won the King of the Ring tournament.
Ten World Champions have been King of the Ring.
[Corey] I just really enjoyed the evolution of the tournament itself.
Once upon a time, it was a one night event.
It was all about your endurance.
But now it is the best of the best in each and every round.
And now The Viper waits-- Cover!
[Michael] And a kick out. Randy Orton…
You know, a lot's been said about these two,
but, what about Randy Orton, Corey, who knocked off Sami Zayn on Friday?
Randy with a score to settle as well.
He was knocked off in the finals of the King of the Ring tournament.
Very controversial match last year against Gunther,
who would go on to win the World Championship at SummerSlam.
Orton wants another opportunity to be King of the Ring.
[Corey] And beyond that, potentially world champion again.
But you're absolutely right.
Randy has the opportunity to right last year's wrong
and earn himself an opportunity at gold.
That's what this game's all about. And Randy Orton is certainly no stranger.
[Michael] If Orton wins,
it would be the Undisputed WWE Championship
he'd be going after at SummerSlam, either Punk or Cena,
as they meet at Night of Champions, Saturday.
So, when you're two friends, going at each other with so much at stake,
what do you have to do, get all that out of your mind?
[Corey] You have to forget all about it.
When you're in the ring, you're maybe a little bit more relaxed.
But at the same time,
I find that you used to hit your friends a little harder.
You used to really go out there…
It's almost fun to be in a fight with your friend.
-I don't know what-- -[Michael] Whoa!
[Corey] But you always push yourself a little further,
you always push your opponent a little bit further.
And then afterwards, you go out, you have a beer,
and you let bygones be bygones,
because it's about competition, in this particular instance.
[Michael] Both delivering a couple of beautiful arm drags,
and a stalemate in the early going.
[Corey] It's almost refreshing when you can put something
of a bit of trust in your opponent.
You're not worried about them taking a cheap shot.
You're not worried about them taking a shortcut.
It's competition in its purest form. That's fully what I expect to see here.
[Michael] Side headlock by Cody Rhodes, trying to control this matchup.
Raucous crowd here tonight in Columbus, Ohio.
[Corey] Both men displaying respect off of the opening bell.
No one gets too fancy, just classic match strategy.
But Cody looking for the Cross Rhodes!
[Michael] And able to counter is Jey Uso.
Jey with the superkick and Cody moves out of harm's way.
[crowd] Yeet!
[Michael] Terrible situation for Jey Uso here.
Cody Rhodes has the figure-four locked in.
[Corey] Think about all the damage being done
as we speak to the leg of Jey Uso.
Jey, who relies heavily on his superkicks,
on the Uso Splash from the top turnbuckle.
You take away Jey's legs, you're gonna take away a lot of his game.
[Michael] Yeah, gets to the rope, forces a break.
Great strategy by Cody Rhodes here.
Pulling one out of the playbook of one of his dad's great rivals.
And now… Jey caught him.
I think he got him in the shoulder, right?
[Corey] Shoulder or elbow, perhaps.
Cody tried to protect himself, but body shot got The American Nightmare
and an uppercut from Jey.
[Michael] Yeah, Jey may start to build momentum on the duck down
and a big right hand by Cody.
A homage to his brother there.
There's the Samoan Drop by Jey Uso, cover, hook to the leg.
Is it enough? And a kick out by Rhodes.
Winner faces Randy Orton Saturday.
A lot of history as we mentioned earlier between these two men and Randy Orton.
The Viper has not forgotten the controversial manner
in which he lost last year at King of the Ring to Gunther.
[Corey] Well, despite all the history that Orton has with both of these men,
I fully expect it to be a very different style of matchup
come Night of Champions when the King of the Ring crown
-is on the line. --[Michael] Oh, back into the corner,
paying homage this time to the late great Umaga.
[Corey] We know The Viper will stop at nothing to obtain what he wants,
but Uso from the top.
[Michael] Uso Splash, knees up by Rhodes.
Cody Rhodes got the knees up and now looking for the Kimura lock.
-Looking for the Kimura lock. -[Corey] It is in deep.
[Michael] He tapped out Lesnar out with his move.
And Cody looking to do it to Jey Uso tonight in advance.
[Corey] And once again, perfect position for The American Nightmare.
Center of the ring, Jey Uso is in a world of trouble.
[Michael] Jey with nowhere to go.
Cody's got him wrapped up good with the Kimura.
Jey trying to make it back to a vertical brace.
Space here and sets Cody into the ropes.
And now Jey for the sleeper, the sleeper,
which tapped out Gunther at WrestleMania to win the world title.
And now Jey Uso trying to put Cody away.
[Corey] Well, it's flailing wildly, trying to create some space,
some separation from Jey Uso,
who's trying to sink in the sleeper tighter and tighter.
[Michael] Cody could be fading here.
Our official senior referee, Chad Patton, right there as Cody collapses to a knee.
Jey Uso with the sleeper locked in good.
[Corey] You notice Jey putting his full body weight
across the back of Cody Rhodes, almost a body lock applied,
making Cody support all of Jey's weight.
[Michael] And Cody now gotta power Jey up if he can, but Cody may be failing.
Jey Uso may be closing in on the finals of the King of the Ring tournament.
[Corey] Jey continuing to squeeze with everything in his being,
knowing he only may be a few seconds away from the King of the Ring final.
[Michael] Cody trying to fight back into this.
Jey Uso's got the sleeper locked in good. Does Cody have anything left?
Trying to make it back to both feet. He does at least momentarily.
Jey with his full body weight on the back of Cody.
Cody may have only one chance
and that's to make it to the ropes, I believe.
Jey's got it in good,
Cody makes it to the ropes and dumps Jey to the floor,
-which buys Rhodes some time. -[audience member] You got this!
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] First the Kimura, then the sleeper,
and both men survive, at least for now.
[Corey] Fortuitous turn of events for Cody Rhodes.
who scrambled for the ropes
and in the process, dumped Jey all the way out to the floor.
Cody now afforded several seconds to attempt to regain his breath,
regain his bearings and get back into this fight.
[Michael] Cody back to his feet.
[Corey] Here comes Rhodes.
[Michael] Rhodes went for the suicide dive and Jey caught him with the right hand.
And things are starting to get nasty now.
[Corey] It's nothing personal, it's just business.
But the King of the Ring crown
is worth that much to every Superstar who seeks it.
[Michael] Now Jey tried the Uso Splash earlier,
blocked by Rhodes. Rhodes beats him to the punch this time.
[crowd chanting “This is awesome”]
[Michael] Indeed it is as the slugfest continues on the top rope.
[Corey] Headbutt between the eyes of The American Nightmare,
Cody Rhodes down.
Jey still perched on the ropes, but look at Cody.
[Michael] Cody scaling to the top rope.
Great athleticism by Rhodes into a superplex.
[Corey] How much did it take out of Cody?
Cody rolled to the apron, Jey Uso rolled toward the bottom rope.
Who's gonna face Orton in the finals of the King of the Ring?
Watch this impact.
[Michael] Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, semifinals King of the Ring Tournament.
Winner goes to Night of Champions Saturday
to face Randy Orton in the finals.
And this has been as evenly matched as you can get.
[Corey] Cody had the high ground for just a moment,
but Jey made it back to a vertical base.
[Michael] And Cody now.
And Rhodes with one for the bionic elbow,
and Jey Uso turns it into a right of his own.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Cody blocks.
[crowd] Yeet!
[Michael] And Rhodes knocks down Jey Uso, beat him to the punch.
Cody now up and over.
Oh, drop down, Jey Uso hung on.
And now Jey with a powerslam.
[Corey] Dare I say, a very Randy Orton-esque powerslam.
[Michael] Yeah, sending a message to the Apex Predator, perhaps.
And now Jey stalking his opponent.
-Oh… Maybe going for Cross Rhodes… -[Corey] No way.
…Cody's finishing move.
Cody able to counter off the second rope, Cody Cutter.
-Cody Cutter -[Corey] That's gonna do it.
[Michael] To advance to the finals…
Jey kicks out!
[Corey] Take another look at this flying blind in reverse, Cody.
Delivers the Cody Cutter, face first, center of the ring, but somehow,
Jey musters the will to continue.
[crowd chanting “This is awesome”]
[Michael] WWE fans showing their respect for this tremendous semifinals matchup.
Longtime rivals, now the best of friends,
going at it to advance to the King of the Ring Tournament Finals.
Cody looking for the Disaster Kick,
and Jey Uso… Spear!
Spear by Uso, cover!
And Rhodes kicks at two!
And Jey Uso realized that was his chance.
[Corey] Cody was looking for the Disaster Kick, Jey a step ahead.
Thunderous spear takes down The American Nightmare,
but Cody Rhodes fights on.
[Michael] And the 13,433 tonight at the nationwide arena
in Ohio's capital city of Columbus, enjoying our Main Event tonight.
Rhodes and Uso putting it all on the line for an opportunity
to battle Randy Orton at Night of Champions on Saturday.
Critical moment in this match.
[Corey] It almost looks like Jey Uso is trying to psych himself up.
[Michael] Now these two have taken so much out of one another.
Jey now went for another spear, ran into a kick by Rhodes.
Cody gonna go up top, top rope, super. Cody Cutter for the win.
Cover, hook of the leg!
And Jey somehow kicked out again!
The super cutter from the top rope, how the hell did Jey kick out?
[Corey] And now it's Cody Rhodes trying to psych himself up,
understanding he just connected with the heavy lumber.
-And Jey Uso stayed in this battle. -[Michael] Yes, somehow Jey's still alive.
Cody survived a spear.
Jey survived the super cutter.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Now Cody firing up and measuring his man.
I'm sorry, Jey.
[Corey] Cody just said, "I'm sorry, Jey. This ends now."
[Michael] Looking for Cross Rhodes.
-[Corey] Oh! -[Michael] Countered by Jey.
Cross Rhodes of his own. Cover on Cody, Jey Uso.
Oh, and I thought it was gonna be Uso and Orton, and Cody Rhodes stayed alive.
[Corey] You, me, and 14,000 plus, Cole.
Everybody in this arena was on their feet,
but nobody's as shocked as that man, Jey Uso.
[Michael] Yeah, Jey's gotta be saying, "What the hell do I have to do?"
Counter the Cross Rhodes into a Cross Rhodes of his own.
[Corey] Right on the money, hook of the leg, and Cody kicks out.
[Michael] The emotion both of these men stir within the WWE fans is incredible.
Jey, kick to the face of Cody, Cody's down.
Get up!
[Michael] Jey telling Cody to get up, get up.
Now what?
[Michael] And another kick.
[Corey] This is just insurance, Jey Uso just wants to make damn sure.
Oh! That's gonna do it.
[Michael] Jey Uso with a spear to Cody Rhodes,
and Jey says, "That's it."
Cody doesn't appear to have anything left.
And Jey gonna position him for the finishing move,
the Uso Splash.
Cody Rhodes though back to his feet, up to the top rope.
[Corey] Struggling on the turnbuckle. -[Michael] Oh, my goodness.
Cody Rhodes from the top.
[Michael] That's the third massive cutter sustained by Jey Uso.
[Michael] I hope Randy Orton was looking. And now Cody Rhodes, Cross Rhodes.
-Cover. -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Cody Rhodes is in the finals of the King of the Ring.
["Kingdom" playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, "The American Nightmare"
Cody Rhodes!
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen,
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso in a battle for the ages.
And Cody wins to advance to Night of Champions.
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show… ♪
[Michael] What a match.
[Corey] It was certainly not easy…
[crowd chanting “Whoa”]
…for Cody Rhodes or Jey Uso.
Check out this superkick, bang! Right on the jaw, The American Nightmare.
Surely that would put Cody down, right?
No, just for insurance, a spear from Jey Uso.
This would keep Cody down for sure, right?
Jey Uso just to make absolutely certain went up top,
paid for it in spectacular fashion.
A cutter by Rhodes.
And a trip to the Cross Rhodes
sends Cody to the final of King of the Ring.
[Michael] Saturday at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Cody Rhodes versus Randy Orton in the King of the Ring Tournament Finals.
Former mentor versus former protégé.
[Corey] Another chapter in the legacies of both Superstars.
[music fades]
[Michael] And a show of respect by Cody Rhodes
to a very game Jey Uso tonight.
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] A hell of a matchup.
["Kingdom" playing]
[Michael] But Cody Rhodes is the man going to the finals of the King of the Ring.
Rhodes, Orton, someone will define their legacy
Saturday at Night of Champions.
♪ Do it all to get them off their feet ♪
♪ Crowd is here, about to blow ♪
♪ Waitin' for me to start the show ♪
♪ Out the curtain Lights go up, I'm home ♪