-[epic music playing] -[Triple H] Then.
Now.
Forever.
Together.
[music concludes]
[suspenseful music playing]
[Michael] It is time for our main event, the Gauntlet match,
to determine who faces Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship
at SummerSlam.
[Heyman] Tonight, Bron Breakker runs the Gauntlet.
Tonight, Bron Breakker goes through everything
and everyone in his way.
Tonight, Bron Breakker emerges as the number one contender.
Tonight, Bron Breakker punches his stamp to SummerSlam.
[bell ringing]
[Heyman] Bron Breakker goes on to SummerSlam.
Bron Breakker defeats Gunther at SummerSlam.
[Corey] "Main Event" Jey making the climb.
-[Michael] Oh no! -[Corey] "Big" Bronson Reed.
[Michael] There are no disqualifications. Reed can do whatever the hell he wants.
-[bell ringing] -[music concludes]
[dramatic music plying]
[Michael] Bron Breakker has been in this match for over 35 minutes.
-Now, he's got The Best in the World. -[grunts]
[Corey] Anaconda Vice, looking to squeeze the breath out of Bron Breakker.
[Michael] And Reed now with an elbow to Punk.
-[speaks indistinctly] -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Punk's got some backup.
[Corey] Jey Uso getting to hit some of "Big" Bronson.
[Michael] Breakker went for the spear. Punk intercepted him.
-Go to Sleep. -[suspenseful music playing]
-[Michael] Punk into the cover. -[crowd counting]
-[Michael] Punk's going to SummerSlam! -[bell ringing]
[inaudible]
-[dramatic music playing] -[Michael] Oh!
[Corey] Bronson Reed and company looking for the last laugh.
[Michael] Jey Uso trying to come to his aid.
And Breakker with a spear.
Double teaming Punk.
[Corey] If it continues to go this way, CM Punk isn't gonna make it to SummerSlam.
Neither is Jey Uso.
-["I Am Greatness" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] The OTC is back!
Superman Punch!
[Corey] Look at the power!
[Michael] This place has come unglued!
[crowd chanting "Ooh-aah"]
[Michael] Spear!
The sins of Paul Heyman are about to haunt him.
-[music concludes] -[crowd chanting "Roman, Roman Reigns"]
["Outside" playing]
[Michael] Well, ladies and gentlemen, we know CM Punk will battle
for the World Heavyweight title here at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Will Roman Reigns be involved in that event as well?
The first ever two-night SummerSlam.
-Tonight… -["4X4" playing]
…Monday Night Raw is sold-out at the Toyota Center.
In front of nearly 13,000 fans, live on Netflix.
♪ None-of-none, yeah ♪
♪ That's a vibe That's a one-of-one, yeah ♪
♪ Pillow talk, yeah Make you numb, can you run? ♪
♪ Can you come? ♪
♪ Girl, the sun Find the moon, find some fun ♪
♪ Yeah, hella fumes in the room ♪
[Michael] Sami Zayn returns tonight,
a few weeks removed from injuries sustained at the hands
of Karrion Kross.
The Underdog of the Underground vows to make Kross pay here tonight.
And The Man is here, the Women's Intercontinental Champion,
Becky Lynch will defend her title versus Lyra Valkyria at SummerSlam.
Becky will join us live.
♪ Fix your energy, your inner soul ♪
♪ Do you love me? Man, I need to know ♪
[Michael] And the arrival of The Judgment Day,
-carrying all the gold here tonight. -[crowd cheering]
[music fades]
-[Dominik] You ready? -Ready.
Why don't you head inside, I'll valet the car.
All right, bet, see you out there.
[Styles] Keys, sir.
Hey, what are you doi-- This is harassment, AJ.
I'm valeting. I hope you get cleared today.
[Michael] Yeah, we're gonna find out if Dominik's cleared for the match
with AJ Styles at SummerSlam, that'll happen tonight.
♪ He did it, one and done, yeah Out my closet, that… none-of-none, yeah ♪
-[music concludes] -[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
-["Cult of Personality" playing] -[crowd cheering]
♪ Look in my eyes, what do you see? ♪
♪ The cult of personality ♪
-♪ I know your anger, I know your dreams ♪ -[crowd screaming, cheering]
♪ I've been everything you wanna be, oh ♪
♪ I'm the cult of personality ♪
[crowd cheering]
♪ Like Mussolini and Kennedy ♪
Are they loud enough, Stu? Are they loud enough?
♪ The cult of personality The cult of personality ♪
♪ The cult of personality ♪
[crowd] It's clobberin' time!
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome CM Punk!
[Michael] Well, ladies and gentlemen, last week CM Punk ran the Gauntlet,
and he gets his first opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship
in 15 years.
A week from this coming Saturday is the epic two-night SummerSlam,
where, Corey Graves, Punk will take on the champion, Gunther.
[Corey] For all of Punk's success,
he is about to face the ultimate test at SummerSlam.
It will be The Best in the World, CM Punk--
and to borrow a phrase from the great Harley Race--
facing the greatest wrestler walking God's green earth today,
The Ring General, Gunther.
♪ I told you one and one makes three, oh ♪
♪ I'm the cult of personality… ♪
[Corey] It is loud tonight in Houston.
[Michael] Sold-out at the Toyota Center.
♪ I'm the cult of personality The cult of personality ♪
♪ The cult of personality ♪
[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
[music concludes]
[crowd continues chanting "CM Punk"]
Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Houston, Texas, or what?
[crowd cheering]
Houston, I am happy to be here.
It's lovely to see you all.
When I came back, I had a couple of goals,
main event WrestleMania, become WWE Heavyweight Champion.
One of those things I've done, the other one I've been working on.
It's a little hard around here, sometimes you get sidetracked.
Sometimes people take things personally,
but all the distractions are now on the back burner,
and I can now focus on that goal of being world champion.
Last week…
I won a Gauntlet match,
made me number one contender
to Gunther's World Heavyweight Championship.
Now, all nicknames aside, Gunther…
is one of the best wrestlers in the world.
[crowd booing]
I'm looking very,
very forward to lacing up and locking up with Gunther.
And I can't promise a win,
ladies and gentlemen, but with you all cheering me like you do…
[crowd cheering]
And hand to the screen, anybody sitting at home watching on Netflix,
if you're gonna be there live in New Jersey for SummerSlam,
I can promise you that I will leave it all in the ring.
I will not quit. I will give you everything I have.
[crowd cheering]
I look at Gunther and I see one of the best wrestlers in the world,
Intercontinental Champion for 666 days on his second run
with the World Heavyweight title.
And now, I only got two weeks to prepare for this beast.
But Houston, then I remembered,
"Oh, wait a second, you've been training for this your entire life."
-"You are prepared. You are CM Punk." -[crowd] CM Punk!
So, to Gunther and whatever fans he has,
understand I am not just any other wrestler.
I am not just any other challenger.
-I am the Best in the World. -[crowd] Best in the World!
["Prepare To Fight" playing]
[Michael] Well, here is a man who could very well prove
that is not the case.
The man who retired Bill Goldberg a couple of weeks back
at Saturday Night's Main Event.
One of the most dominant champions we've ever seen, Corey.
He's held the title around his waist over 80% of his time here at WWE.
His name is Gunther.
[Corey] Perhaps the best professional wrestler in the world,
as indicated by the gold strapped around his waist.
Gunther would love to add CM Punk to the growing list
of names that he has taken out.
[Michael] Also for Gunther, success at SummerSlam.
Remember last year, Gunther won his first World Heavyweight title
at SummerSlam. Can he retain the championship this year?
-[music fades] -[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting "You tapped out"]
[crowd chanting "CM Punk"]
[crowd chattering, jeering]
[crowd chanting "You tapped out!"]
-Well, first of all… -[crowd booing]
First of all, I'm very excited to hear…
[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting "You tapped out!"]
Well, let's cut to the chase, then, Punk, huh?
[crowd booing]
I did not come out here to throw insults at you.
I did not come out here to create any drama.
But let me point out some similarities here.
[crowd] What!
We're both here for the same reason, not to make friends,
but to make money and win championships.
[crowd] What!
You consider yourself the best in the world,
I consider myself the best in the world.
[crowd] What!
-You got a massive ego. -[crowd] What!
And you've been away ten years, every week, they chanted your name,
-so I don't blame you for it. -[crowd] What!
-I got a massive ego. -[crowd] What!
But Punk, the thing is, my ego is justified.
[crowd] What!
Because unlike yours, it's not based on what they think, that's worthless.
-My ego… -[crowd booing]
My ego is based on results, and you just listed all my accolades.
It's very simple, the best in the world is the man
that holds the World Heavyweight Championship.
I only focus on what happens after the bell rings, Punk.
And at SummerSlam, that bell will ring.
And when it does, I'm gonna make you regret
that you ever stepped foot into a professional wrestling ring.
I'm gonna maul you, I'm gonna push you around,
I'm gonna choke you out, I'm gonna drop you like a wet towel.
And you're gonna wake up staring at the lights and realizing I was right.
You will never be a World Heavyweight Champion.
You will never be the best in the world.
[crowd chanting "You tapped out"]
But you know what?
Seems to mean a lot to you.
At least you got those degenerates chanting for you
for the rest of your life.
[crowd booing]
["Prepare to Fight" playing]
[Michael] Short and sweet from the World Heavyweight Champion.
In a week from Saturday, it all begins.
An epic two-night SummerSlam, Punk, Gunther
for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Right now, I'm standing by with La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer.
Stephanie, recently you've had some issues with Chelsea Green and her Secret Hervice
What's your take on the situation?
[sighs in exasperation] Chelsea Green is not my problem.
Yo soy su problema.
[speaking Spanish]
-Stephanie Vaquer! Or however you say it. -[crowd cheering]
We haven't met yet, but I am the Women's World Champion.
-I know who you are. -Good, newbie.
I just wanna let you know that after I win the Triple Threat match
at SummerSlam, it's gonna be me and you at Clash in Paris.
If you survive.
Oh, I'm gonna survive.
I'm gonna beat Rhea, and I'm also gonna do what you couldn't do,
and that's beat Iyo.
And since you wanna be so smart, since you wanna be smart,
Iyo was walking you like a dog before that match got interrupted.
Unfinished business like that?
[clicks tongue] Baby girl, I wouldn't let that slide,
but that's just me.
Anyway, see you in Paris. Oui, oui. [cackles]
-[exhales sharply] -[Michael] Insufferable.
["I Am The Tempest" playing]
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, weighing in at 270 pounds,
from Bulgaria, Rusev!
[Michael] The menacing, barbaric Rusev.
To use Sheamus' words, "This is gonna be a banger."
Sheamus and Rusev run it back, live on Netflix.
[music concludes]
["10 Beats Of The Bodhrán" playing]
[Michael] These two about to bring the juice tonight,
Sheamus and Rusev.
Friends-turned-bitter-rivals, met for the first time
in a long while last month.
[Corey] These are the closing moments of their previous encounter,
as you see three weeks ago, battling on the turnbuckle.
Rusev with a thumb to the eye
and then would expose the turnbuckle strut.
Watch what happens next.
Ooh!
Driving Sheamus sternum first into the steel,
which opened the door for Rusev to deliver a thunderous Machka Kick
on the temple of The Celtic Warrior.
And the W belonged to Rusev.
-[crowd boos] -["I Am The Tempest" playing]
[music concludes]
[Michael] So, tonight in Houston, Texas, on Monday Night Raw…
-[bell ringing] -…for the fourth time in their career
these two go one-on-one.
As Sheamus looking for the Brogue Kick out of the box.
[Corey] Sheamus understands he isn't gonna get paid by the hour,
looking to end this one early with a Brogue Kick.
Here we go! Buckle up, grit your teeth!
[Michael] Sheamus has never defeated Rusev in a one-on-one matchup.
Looking to do that here tonight for the very first time in his career.
And these two already…
wearing each other out.
Sheamus with a big right hand to the face of Rusev,
driving Rusev into the barricade!
And now sending Rusev back into the ring.
And Rusev… Went for an elbow, Sheamus rolling out of harm's way.
And a big kick!
[Corey] That's the tide turner Rusev was waiting for.
Perfectly timed, perfectly placed.
-And now Rusev in control. -[Michael] Nice suplex by Rusev.
And Sheamus stunned off that kick
by the former three-time United States Champion.
And another one delivered by Rusev, and there's the power.
Cover now, and a kick-out by Sheamus at one.
You talked a lot Corey about the relationship between these two men
and what Sheamus…
I should say Rusev felt about Sheamus when Rusev left the company
a number of years ago.
[Corey] Rusev believed that the one man he could count on,
his best friend, Sheamus, turned his back on him.
Left Rusev out to dry,
left Rusev to fend against the wolves alone.
And Rusev resents that.
[Michael] He said he never heard from Sheamus once he left WWE.
These two weren't only rivals, but they were friends for a long time.
Teammates, of course, part of The League of Nations
with Del Rio and Barrett back in the day.
And now Sheamus with Rusev up on his shoulders.
[Corey] Incredible power.
[Michael] And a rolling senton by Sheamus puts him in control.
And The Celtic Warrior…
Oh! The knee right to the chest of Rusev.
Cover now, is it enough? And a kick-out again.
These two know that these early pinfall attempts
are not gonna put the opponent away.
[Corey] Most likely not, but what it does do
is force your opponent to exert extra energy.
You have to kick out of three, four, five pinfall attempts,
you're gonna find yourself running out of wind.
[Michael] I think we tend to forget sometimes,
Corey, what Rusev accomplished here in WWE in his first run.
His first 14 months here, he was never pinned or submitted.
One of the most dominant Superstars of that time.
[Corey] Rusev eager to reestablish his dominance
here on Monday Night Raw.
[Michael] Rusev bounced into the corner.
There's a reversal. Irish Whipped into Sheamus,
-and follows it up with a clothesline. -[crowd boos]
[Michael] Rusev just looks down on everyone.
[Corey] In Rusev's opinion, he returned to WWE to teach the roster,
to teach the rest of the locker room to learn from his mistakes,
so that they don't follow him down the wrong path.
[Michael] Yeah, but who's to say
that Rusev needs to be preaching to everybody?
[Corey] Are you gonna tell him to shut up?
[Michael] No, not at all. Great power by Rusev,
-driving Sheamus to the canvas. -[crowd booing]
[Corey] And Rusev in no hurry, taking his sweet time,
using a methodical pace,
to launch these attacks on The Celtic Warrior.
Because disdain aside, Rusev knows what Sheamus is capable of.
-Case in point. -[Michael] Yeah, you can't take your time.
You gotta stay on the attack with Sheamus.
That brief interlude with the WWE fans may have cost Rusev.
Watch this impact. Oh goodness!
[Corey] That might've caught Rusev on the bottom of his chin,
rocking the jaw of the Bulgarian.
[Michael] These two men so evenly matched in the ring,
as tough as they come.
[referee] One!
[Michael] Both enjoy a good fight, good donnybrook.
[Corey] This is exactly what Houston's own Booker T would refer to
-to as "No bread, no water, just meat." -[Michael] Oh!
And Rusev hanging up Sheamus on the top rope.
[Corey] Oh my goodness, what a knee lift!
[Michael] And another one, Rusev falls to the floor.
And Sheamus…
[Corey] What the heck is Sheamus thinking?
-[Michael] The Celtic Warrior… -[crowd cheers]
-[Corey] This is nuts! -[Michael] Off of the top rope!
[Corey] I think Sheamus thought better of it.
[Michael] Yeah, Sheamus… Well, maybe not. Sheamus gonna try it again.
Sheamus back to the top rope a second time.
Feeding off the sold-out crowd here tonight!
-Sheamus takes out Rusev! -[crowd cheers]
Are you not entertained?
[Michael chuckles] You gotta give Sheamus credit.
Corrected himself and then still was able to come off the top rope.
[Corey] There's still work to be done.
[Michael] And now Rusev with the reversal.
[Corey] Wait a minute, wait a minute. Look at this. Whoa, look out!
[Michael] A fallaway slam on top of the announce table to the floor!
Sheamus hit the back of his head hard, Rusev has taken control!
[Michael] Toyota Center in Houston is jam packed tonight,
sold-out, nearly 14,000 on hand. The penultimate Monday Night Raw
before the epic two-night SummerSlam begins a week from Saturday.
And Rusev and Sheamus now in a physical battle.
Sheamus trying to rally, Corey, after that fallaway slam
through the announce table before the break.
[Corey] Credit to Sheamus for still hanging in this fight,
and now connecting with a series of heavy right hands
between the eyes of Rusev.
[Michael] Sheamus whipped across the ring and follows it up.
And now The Celtic Warrior starting to gain some momentum.
[Corey] Stringing together a series of offensive maneuvers is Sheamus.
This could spell trouble for Rusev.
[Michael] And a nice Irish Curse backbreaker by Sheamus.
It's amazing the amount of punishment this man can take
and still climb back into the match.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And again, ladies and gentlemen, tonight,
the return of Roman Reigns to Monday Night Raw
after his surprise last week.
Sheamus now planting Rusev, cover now, hook to the leg,
and a kick-out.
Many scores to be settled by Roman Reigns,
and it all begins tonight live on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] Right now it is all about Sheamus and Rusev,
a true heavyweight fight in every sense of the word.
[crowd applauding, chanting "Let's go, Sheamus"]
[Corey] And the Toyota Center
letting their appreciation for Sheamus be known.
Can The Celtic Warrior finish the job?
[Michael] And now he's got Rusev where he wants him, on the apron.
Looked like he was trying to go for 10 Beats Of The Bodhrán,
and Rusev was able to hang on momentarily, but perhaps not now.
[crowd] One, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!
[Michael] 10 Beats Of The Bodhrán by Sheamus to Rusev.
[Corey] Like being hit in the sternum by a sledgehammer
over, and over, and over again.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Sheamus now feeding off the energy of the WWE Universe in Houston.
-Calling for the Brogue! -[crowd grunting]
[Corey] It only takes one.
[crowd cheering]
-[Corey] Here it comes! -[Michael] Got Rusev in his sights.
Oh, and Rusev caught him.
And a bam, man, slamming Sheamus to the canvas.
Cover now by Rusev, hooks the leg,
and a kick-out!
That was incredible. Sheamus went for the Brogue.
Rusev picked him out of midair.
[Corey] It's obvious Rusev has done his homework
and learned from past experiences with The Celtic Warrior,
catching Sheamus before powerbombing the life out of him.
[Michael] And during the replay, Rusev went into another cover,
forcing Sheamus to kick out again.
And now Rusev looks like he's ticked off.
[Corey] We touched on it briefly,
forcing your opponent to kick out over, and over, and over again
will wear you down throughout the duration of the match.
This could be exactly what Rusev wants.
-[Michael] And-- Oh! The knee! -[Corey laughs] Oh!
[Michael] Connecting, Sheamus with the cover,
kick-out by Rusev at two.
The impact of the knee by Sheamus to Rusev, watch this!
[Corey] Watch it? You could practically feel it.
That kneecapper catching Rusev right under the chin.
It's almost miraculous that Rusev survived.
[Michael] And there, of course, the…
situation, two men physically abusing one another here tonight.
Sheamus, Rusev, critical part of this matchup.
[Corey] Two modern day gladiators doing battle,
trying to summon the will to continue.
[Michael] I don't know how these guys do this…
-in and out-- -[Corey] Are you kidding me?
[Michael] And Sheamus still has enough left to do that,
but Rusev met him with a right.
And now the chops by Rusev.
[Corey] Rusev now joining Sheamus.
High risk scenario for both athletes.
[Michael] Sheamus trying to counter with a couple of right hands to the ribs.
Now to the back, back to the midsection, Sheamus pounding away.
[Corey] A barrage of strikes from The Celtic Warrior
who's now got a little more sure footing on the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] Sheamus runs into a kick by Rusev!
-Cover! -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Somehow Sheamus kicked out at two!
Rusev caught him flushing out, looking for The Accolade.
Looking for The Accolade on Sheamus. Submission maneuver by Rusev
that's tapped many Superstars out over the years,
and Rusev's got it cinched in!
[Corey] I don't think there's any way out for Sheamus.
[Michael] Sheamus has nowhere to go.
The official's right there, seeing if Sheamus will give up.
And Sheamus now trying to make it back to his knees,
and somehow drag himself to the bottom rope.
[Corey] Look at Rusev covering Sheamus's nose and mouth.
[Michael] Sheamus desperately trying to reach for the rope to force a break.
How much does Sheamus have left?
Rusev trying to drag him back, trying to drag him back!
[Corey] Those last few inches have gotta feel like a mile for Sheamus.
[Michael] And Rusev back in control.
Sheamus, though, has the other hand loose now.
Using his left hand to try to make it to the ropes.
Rusev pulling the eyes and the nose, but Sheamus gonna force the break!
And for Rusev, how deflating must that be?
[inaudible]
-You stubborn mule! -Get off of him. Let's go!
-You stubborn mule! Give up! -[referee] One! Two!
[Corey] I think there's your answer, Cole. Rusev is irate.
[Michael] I do agree with one assessment, that Sheamus is stubborn.
There's no doubt about that. But he's still in this fight.
And now Sheamus saying, "Bring it."
Come on! Come on!
[Michael] Sheamus is as nuts as Rusev is.
[Corey] Sheamus out here like some kind of masochist.
It's like Sheamus enjoys this pain, this physicality.
[Michael] He's made a career of it.
[Corey] What makes The Celtic Warrior feel alive.
[Michael] And looking just like their first time around,
Rusev exposes the turnbuckle once again,
looking to win in controversial manner for the second straight time.
[Corey] Sheamus, though, able to block.
[referee] Get out of that corner!
-[Corey] Heavy body shot-- Oh! -[Michael] Oh no!
Rusev bounced off the exposed turnbuckle!
[Corey] That backfired spectacularly!
[Michael] And now is the…
[Corey] what's Rusev doing? Oh, he's got, that's Sheamus's shillelagh.
[Michael] The official doesn't see Rusev with the shillelagh,
a Brogue Kick by Sheamus!
-[Corey] Turn around, Rod! -[Michael] Here's the cover!
-The referee back in position! -[crowd counting]
[Michael] Sheamus beats Rusev for the first time!
["10 Beats of the Bodhrán" playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner,
Sheamus!
[Michael] Well, Corey, Rusev tried to go with that exposed turnbuckle once again,
but it backfired.
[Corey] Well, it's one thing to slip past Sheamus on one occasion,
it's very, very difficult, if not impossible,
to do it on more than one occasion, as Rusev learned firsthand tonight.
What a win, what a battle,
what a display of grit and toughness by Sheamus.
Here we see Rusev
once again exposing the turnbuckle strut in the corner,
but it backfired as Rusev this time, driven face first.
[Michael] Oh!
[Corey] And a Brogue Kick right on the ear of the Bulgarian.
Good night, Rusev. What a win for Sheamus.
[Michael] Yeah, that had to feel great for Sheamus, finally knocking off Rusev.
Let's head back to the locker room area and Byron Saxton.
Michael, Corey, thank you so much.
I'm currently standing by with El Grande Americano.
And El Grande, it's not often that we actually get to hear from you.
So, now that I have you here, what are your goals in WWE?
No entiendo.
Pero con El Grande Americano, la gente debe esperar…
lo inesperado.
-[Lee speaking Spanish] -¿Qué pasó?
You're fake.
Yeah, yeah, you understand what I'm saying.
You disrespect me,
and you disrespect all the luchadors everywhere.
But you know what? You don't have this fire.
Soy luchador, pero tú, tú eres basura, güey.
-[inaudible] -¿Qué pasa?
[shouting in Spanish]
[overlapping yelling]
♪ It's your boys, The New Day ♪
["New Day's World" playing]
♪ When New Day dropped, and New Day came ♪
♪ And New Day built The New Day name ♪
♪ It's New Day's time Will New Day stop? ♪
♪ It's New Day's world New Day still rocks ♪
♪ Greatest ever, you can check the stats Legendary… ♪
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following Triple Threat match
will determine the number one contender for the World Tag Team Championship!
Introducing first, at a combined weight of 417 pounds,
Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston!
The New Day!
-[Michael] Finally! -[Corey] Finally what?
[Michael] The New Day have to work for something in their career.
They have to try to earn a number one contendership
for the world tag team title.
[Corey] How dare you, Michael Cole?
These men are in mourning. It's a very somber situation.
I hope Woods and Kofi are up to the task.
[music concludes]
[crowd cheering]
-[Valkyria] Bayley! -There you are. What's up, partner?
I just spoke to Pearce. You asked for this title shot today?
Yeah.
The tag team title shot, you asked to partner with me?
-Yes, I did. I mean, we-- -Why would you do that?
Because we didn't get to do that at WrestleMania, dude.
I'm getting our match that we were supposed to have at WrestleMania.
-Tag Team Champions, it could be us! -Hang on, hang on.
Remember I beat your ass last week…
-Whoa. -…and I'm going to SummerSlam?
That's what's next for me, okay? What game are you playing here?
Look, look, look, that's water under the bridge, okay?
The game that we are playing is winning, okay?
Get ready! I'm glad you got the memo, matching gear, I'll see you out there.
["American Made" playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Triple Threat tag team action.
American Made, Latino World Order, and The New Day battling it out
to see who will face The Judgment Day's Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh
for a future world tag team title opportunity.
Corey and I were debating a few moments ago over the fact
that The New Day is grieving what they call the death
of the tag team division.
I'm just saying it's about time they put in some work,
actually had a match to try to prove they're worthy.
[music concludes]
[Michael] The rules of this Triple Threat tag team match-up…
[bell ringing]
…three men will be in the ring at one time.
First team to gain pinfall or submission
will become the number one contenders, and we're underway.
[Corey] I find it rather insulting what you're saying about New Day.
These two gentlemen should be on bereavement leave right now.
[Michael laughs] Oh my goodness!
[Corey] It's a very sad state of affairs, Cole.
I spoke at length with Xavier Woods earlier today about it.
-Look at this! -[Michael] Wow!
That's Brutus Creed dropping Joaquin Wilde.
Brutus goes 5'11", 282.
[Corey] He doesn't have both oars in the water,
but the guy is strong as the day is long.
[Michael] And makes a tag to his brother, Julius Creed.
Remember, The Creed Brothers were NXT Tag Team Champions
at one point in their career.
Kofi Kingston runs into a boot by Julius, who offers the delayed vertical suplex,
and now a great throw to Kofi.
And a kip-up, 'cause Creed is an incredible athlete.
[Corey] No doubt about it, and if we're talking raw potential,
I don't know if it gets any bigger than Julius Creed. Look at this!
[Michael] Wow, the double suplex into a kip-up, Julius Creed on fire!
-Mentioned earlier, Chad Gable… -[Corey] Oh!
…recovering from shoulder surgery. Cover now, hook of the leg and a kick-out.
He put Ivy Nile in charge,
said, "Hey, get The Creed Brothers a tag title opportunity."
[Corey] And Ivy understands,
you don't wanna disappoint Master Gable while he's recovering.
Tag made, Cruz Del Toro now legal for the LWO.
Double team incoming.
[Michael] And this is what the LWO has to do to have an opportunity
to win this match tonight.
Frequent double teams, use their quickness,
their speed, their agility,
-and moves like that! -[Corey] Wow!
Went about halfway across the ring.
A lot of hang time. There goes Del Toro.
[Michael] And Kofi with a kick, back into the action,
cover now, trying to take advantage of the LWO's damage.
And Kingston, cover on the other side to Del Toro,
-and a kick-out by Cruz. -[crowd chanting "New Day sucks"]
[Corey] Julius Creed sent to the outside, courtesy of Kofi Kingston.
[Michael] New Day, of course, twelve-time Tag Team Champions,
one-time NXT Tag Champs, and now the double team by Kofi and Woods.
This is the first match for The New Day since they lost their tag team titles
to The Judgment Day a few weeks back.
-Oh! -[Corey] Sorry, Cole, can you repeat that?
I was watching Woods shake his thigh meat.
[Michael] Yeah, and then of course delivering a great DDT,
and now… well, a long way from Naych, but--
[Corey] You know, some knucklehead online
tried to tell me it was some guy called "Fargo"
that invented walking like that.
-I know… -[Michael] Oh!
[Corey] That's an Xavier Woods strut as far as I'm concerned.
[Michael] Isn't that a Coen Brothers movie?
-[Corey] It is. -Time to turn up, cowboy!
[Michael] I know you're talking about Jackie. And here we go now.
Tag, and here comes Kofi Kingston.
And they used to call this the "Unicorn Stomp" back in the days
when they had a lot of fun, Big E was involved.
Now, I don't know what they call this.
[Corey] Call it "bad news for Julius Creed,"
that's what you can call it.
[Michael] And now Kofi Kingston--
[Corey] Expert level teamwork. No one does it better.
-[Michael] And Kingston now… -[Corey] Oh, baby!
…with a basement drop-kick, and The New Day have taken over.
Who are gonna be the number one contenders for the world tag team titles?
-[Corey] So inspiring. -[crowd booing]
[Michael] Triple Threat action to determine the next contenders
for The Judgment Day's world tag team titles.
New Day, American Made, and LWO going at it.
First team to gain pinfall or submission will become the number one contenders.
Now, Cruz Del Toro trying to build some momentum…
-[Corey] Oh! -…and he caught Kofi with the enzuigiri.
And now, the power of Brutus. Cruz will land on his feet.
Oh, goodness!
[Corey] Poison rana takes down Brutus Creed.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Corey] Del Toro now with an opportunity to make a tag
to the fresher Joaquin Wilde.
[Michael] Dragon Lee in the LWO corner,
urging Del Toro to drag himself to the corner.
Brutus trying to make it to Julius, he does.
Julius Creed, tag made. Joaquin Wilde is legal.
And Joaquin Wilde now!
[Michael] Ooh, what a kick.
[Corey] Joaquin Wilde starting to cook in this Triple Threat tag match.
DDT, satellite style,
fantastic athleticism, and just spiked Brutus on his dome.
[Michael] And now Kofi Kingston gonna try his fare,
and down goes Kingston.
[Corey] Joaquin Wilde on fire right now, looking for the backslide.
Woods able to counter.
-[Michael] Great move by Wilde. -[Corey] Oh my God.
[Michael] He almost pinned both members of The New Day.
Can you imagine if that had happened? Talk about grieving.
[Corey] How was that for innovation by Joaquin Wilde?
You can never count Joaquin Wilde out.
The man suffered a not only career,
but life threatening injury back in 2017,
and he's still back in the mix.
No doubt about it. Wilde understands the assignment.
This is a potentially golden opportunity for the LWO.
-LWO! -[crowd] LWO!
[Michael] Joaquin Wilde out to the apron.
-[Corey] The man not afraid to fly. -[Michael] No, not at all.
Top rope, now Ivy Nile gets involved.
Remember, Triple Threat rules, there are no disqualifications,
so the official can't do anything about that. Dragon Lee now…
-And now-- Oh! Just blasted by Julius. -What's going on over here, huh?
[Corey] Why don't you spread any conspiracy theories
about Dragon Lee, Michael Cole?
You know for a fact it's the same Dragon Lee it's always been?
[Michael] It is, of course it is. We know it is.
Been the same Dragon Lee forever.
And a big kick to the face by Dragon Lee. Brutus goes down.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Corey] Here comes El Grande Americano!
[Michael] Well, Americano and Dragon Lee got into it back in the locker room area.
And now assaulting Dragon Lee at ringside once again.
And now American Made, who--
[overlapping clamor]
[Michael] Well, of course they're upset-- Oh! Corkscrew plancha!
And of course American Made's upset
because El Grande Americano, this one, stole Chad Gable's gimmick.
But nonetheless, tag made, Kingston top rope.
-Joaquin Wilde! -[crowd cheering, applauding]
-[Michael] Kofi caught, roll up. -[crowd counting]
-[bell ringing] -[Michael] LWO, number one contenders.
-["Our World" playing] -[Alicia] Here are your winners, the LWO!
[Corey] This has got to be considered an upset.
-What a win for the LWO. -[Michael] Incredible.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] Well, everything started to fall apart
when Dragon Lee got involved and then El Grande Americano
would attack Dragon Lee.
[Corey] Cruz Del Toro delivers a breathtaking tornillo
to the outside, taking care of the Creed Brothers.
And then Joaquin Wilde shocking the WWE Universe
and Kofi Kingston.
The LWO are your number one contenders for the World Tag Team Championship.
[Michael] Down the road, they will take on The Judgment Day.
-[inaudible] -[music fades]
Kabuki Warriors will be tag team champions!
And Iyo Sky will be Women's World Champion again!
[chuckles] Iyo-chan, good luck at SummerSlam against your friend,
Rhea Ripley. Yeah!
[speaking Japanese]
Iyo-san, if you win at SummerSlam,
It's me versus you in Paris.
Then we can see who would have won in Las Vegas.
Looking forward to it, because the way I remember,
I had you beat.
Oh, really?
Well, we don't need to wait until Paris to find out.
Oh, ho-ho-ho. Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm.
[speaking Japanese]
Why don't we find out in Houston?
-So… -[crowd cheering, applauding]
Iyo Sky versus Stephanie Vaquer tonight! Tonight, tonight, tonight.
Challenge accepted.
-Yes. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Pat] Three horses of a generation will battle tonight.
[tense music playing]
[Michael] In a Triple Threat match for pride and glory.
Paul Heyman is here in Punk's corner.
The question, guys, though, is where does his allegiance really lie?
No surrender in any of these three great warriors.
[Wade] Broken bodies everywhere you look. Who can summon something special?
[Michael] GTS to Rollins. Spear now by Reigns.
Stomp by Seth. Everybody is down!
Paul, what the hell are you doing?
[suspenseful music playing]
[Michael] Oh my God!
[Pat] Paul Heyman! You son of a…
[crowd gasps]
[crowd] One, two, three.
[bell ringing]
[Michael] Paul Heyman has aligned himself with Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Corey] Roman Reigns live tonight.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
You go to medical, it takes five minutes,
you get the evaluation, we all go on with our lives.
-I'll go with you right now, let's go. -But I told you, I can't right now.
Roxanne and Raquel texted me that they said I gotta go help.
Dom, I've asked you twice, if I come back and ask again,
the tone is gonna be a little different.
-But why? -Quit stalling.
I'm not stalling, I already told you, they texted me. They need my help.
What are you doing?
-I'm not cleared, AJ. -Not yet. You will be.
-No, don't touch me. -By the time I'm done mopping,
you better be cleared.
I just don't understand what's even going on with the--
-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! -Hey! We're walking here!
Guys, the floor is wet. I don't want you to slip.
What is he even doing?
What the hell is going on in this place, man?
Well, man, nothing makes sense anymore, bro.
Adam Pearce killed his own tag team division.
There's another Grande Americano.
The only thing that makes sense is that AJ is a janitor
-like he should have been from the start. -Man, the simulation is broken.
-Help, tech support! -Come on, you know,
we're the greatest tag team of all time, Kofi.
And as the greatest tag team of all time,
we gotta do something to restore some order, restore…
-some power. -Yeah, man, we need like,
-we need an advantage. -We need some leverage.
Hey. Xavier, Kofi, I know we're mourning right now,
but I have some great news. Austin Theory is A-Town down.
That idiot went and got himself injured. A-Town Down Under is finally done.
Two hundred and forty pounds of dead weight off my back.
-And you know what that means? -What's that?
You're looking for an ace? I'm a free agent.
Look no further than Big G.
-Oh. -[chuckles] Yeah.
Uh, we love that for you.
-I thought so, yeah. -We'll look into that.
Hey, I'll go get the car.
-All right. -See you in the parking lot.
Have a shower, boys. This is big news.
[mutters]
["Celtic Invasion" playing]
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Alicia] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome
the Women's Intercontinental Champion,
"The Man" Becky Lynch!
[Michael] Well, Becky knows her opponent for SummerSlam.
Last week, Lyra versus Bayley, best-two-out-of-three-falls matchup.
[Corey] At this point, it was tied one fall apiece
as Bayley was looking for the submission. And as she attempted to readjust,
Valkyria would reverse into Nightwing and punch her ticket
to an Intercontinental Championship opportunity at SummerSlam.
[Michael] Yeah, the epic two-night event,
the first two-night SummerSlam in history, live from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey…
will feature these two women,
the inaugural Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria,
the current Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch on the stage at SummerSlam.
♪ Whoa, whoa, whoa ♪
♪ Whoa, whoa, whoa Whoa, whoa, whoa… ♪
[music fades]
[crowd booing]
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Don't you do that.
Don't you do that. No, no, no. Hey! No, no, no!
Hey! No!
You… you put some appreciation on my name!
[crowd jeering]
I shouldn't even be here tonight.
I should be in New York at the premiere of my new movie,
Happy Gilmore 2…
streaming on Netflix July 25th.
But instead I'm in Houston, Texas.
[crowd jeering]
But that's what leaders do, we don't always do what we want to do,
we do what we have to do,
and I have to address some important business.
At Evolution, I had the slickest victory of all time.
People are calling it the slickest victory of all time.
It's not just me calling it that, other people are calling it that.
But I did what I said I was going to do.
I did… I won and I held everybody down.
But at least I was honest about it.
Unlike Lyra Valkyria who spent months,
months she spent crying about how I was a thief of opportunities.
And yet what is she doing right now?
She is bogarting all the opportunities to this title and not…
not… not… [chuckles] …not only that,
but she has an opportunity to win the tag team titles tonight.
Like, how greedy can you be? Who needs two titles?
I mean, I…
I mean, of course, when I walked out of MetLife Stadium,
the home of SummerSlam, as Becky 2 Belts,
that was different. That was revolutionary.
That was groundbreaking. Her intentions are purely selfish.
But as the leader of the division, that all ends now.
So Lyra, come on out here.
["Triumph" playing]
[crowd chanting "Whoo"]
[music fades]
Lyra, we are one for one in singles competition.
I have brought out the best of you. I have made you a star.
But that free ride ends, the trilogy ends at SummerSlam.
Now, the last time we went one-on-one.
I said that if I lost to you,
I would never challenge you for this title ever again.
Well, we know how that ended.
But now I extend that same challenge to you.
When you lose at SummerSlam,
you can never challenge for this title ever again.
[crowd cheering]
You know what I'm learning, Becky?
Every time I think I've dealt with a problem,
it seems to come back to haunt me.
Maybe… maybe my problem is I never take it quite far enough.
So I accept your terms. Here's mine.
No count-outs, no disqualification, there must be a winner.
[crowd cheering]
Fine, fine.
See you at SummerSlam.
Okay, okay, okay. Look, look. Hey, hey!
Hey, before you go, you have done nothing but disrespect me for months.
You will not disrespect the gravitas of this match.
This is the most important match that this title will ever have
because it will determine the future of this championship.
So you will respect this match and you will respect me.
[crowd booing]
Once again, I will be the bigger person and ask you to shake my hand.
[Michael] Oh, look at Lyra. Manhandle Slam!
Becky's move delivered by Valkyria.
[Corey] Lyra wasn't about to fall for it again.
["Role Model" playing]
[Michael] Lyra wants the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam,
but tonight, Corey, an opportunity to win the tag team titles.
[Corey] I've got to be honest, Cole. I am baffled by this decision.
[Michael] You mean the Becky decision?
[Corey] No, the Bayley and Lyra decision.
[Michael] Well, I was going back to the Becky decision,
the fact that she gave up all her champion's advantage at SummerSlam,
accepting the no count-outs, no disqualification.
[Corey] Let's not put the cart before the horse, Cole.
We're talking about "The Man" Becky Lynch.
She can use those rules to her advantage, just the same as Lyra Valkyria can.
[Michael] Well, again, Bayley and Lyra were going to team together
for the tag titles at WrestleMania.
That was before Becky took out Bayley, putting her on the injured list.
Becky would team up with Lyra. They'd win the tag titles.
Then the next night on Monday Night Raw,
they'd lose them back to Raquel and Liv of The Judgment Day.
And then Becky would turn on Lyra and beat the heck out of her,
showing her true colors.
[Corey] Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.
A lot to cover there, thank you for covering all that.
But it still doesn't provide me any clarification
as to why in the hell Lyra and Bayley are expected to team up
against the Tag Team Champion.
[Michael] Well, Lyra, I don't think trusts Bayley at all.
[Corey] And can you blame her?
['Rulers Of The World" playing]
♪ We about to put the pain on 'em What they think they guarding? ♪
♪ We break it apart And from the startin' ♪
♪ Better than all 'em! Comin' back to put the pain on 'em… ♪
[Michael] Well, good thing Dominik didn't head to the doctor yet
to get medically cleared,
because he had to be out here in the corner of Raquel and Roxanne Perez.
[Corey] Are you implying that the moral support
of "Dirty" Dom is not important?
[Michael] Hey, I wonder what Liv Morgan thought
about the tweet that Finn Bálor sent out,
the play off the Coldplay affair situation with Roxanne's face and Dominik's face.
It was pretty hilarious, Finn trolling him.
[Corey] That's what friends do, Cole.
Sometimes you send your friend a joke when you know it's not possible.
What kind of guy do you think Dom is?
[Michael] I know what kind of guy Dom is. Tag titles on the line, live on Netflix.
♪ We about to put the pain on 'em ♪
♪ Get in the coffin, we came to off 'em… ♪
[song fades]
[Michael] For the first time ever, Bayley and Lyra Valkyrie
take on Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez of The Judgment Day
for the women's tag team titles here tonight.
Crucial matchup, Corey.
The winner not only wins the tag team gold,
but they have a date at SummerSlam with Charlotte Flair
and Alexa Bliss from Friday Night SmackDown.
[Corey] So, is Bayley…
[Michael] Cover now by Bayley,
and a kick-out.
[Corey] Did Bayley get this match made expecting Lyra
-to have to compete twice at SummerSlam? -[Michael] Well, perhaps.
And now Raquel Rodriguez, big cheer from the crowd here in Houston.
[Corey] I think they were cheering for Dom's guns.
[Michael] No, Raquel, born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley,
about four to five hours south of Houston here.
[Corey] I don't understand the geography sometimes.
It's like when we go to Canada, somebody can be from Calgary
and they call Toronto home.
Texas is like practically as big as Canada.
[Michael] Yeah, but Texas is a state, Corey.
-[Corey] Thank you. -[Michael chuckles]
[Michael] You wanted a geography lesson. As Raquel looks to overpower Bayley here.
[crowd chanting "Dirty, Dirty Dom"]
[Michael] Back on SmackDown Friday,
Charlotte Flair knocked off Roxanne Perez in a one-on-one matchup.
Raquel was at ringside.
[Corey] Look at the power of Raquel Rodriguez,
just shrugging Bayley off with ease.
And honestly, part of me sort of feels bad for Bayley, Cole.
As long as we've known her, I don't know that I've ever seen Bayley
sort of spiral as she has lately.
[Michael] Yeah, but she's gotta win.
I mean, that's the name of the game, right?
There's nobody to blame but herself, and Bayley…
That was odd.
[Corey] That was a rather aggressive tag attempt, Bayley.
[Michael] And then Bayley backed off and made the tag.
Again, later on tonight, the return of the OTC,
Roman Reigns, who came back to Raw last week with a vengeance.
Has a lot of scores to settle, we'll hear from Reigns tonight.
[Corey] Let's just talk for a minute about how impressive The Judgment Day
as a whole have been lately.
The clubhouse has turned into the penthouse, laden in gold.
[Michael] Oh, so look who's stirring everything up.
Liv Morgan leaves with an injury
and all of a sudden, Judgment Day has all the gold.
So you agree with that assessment as well?
[Corey] It's just an observation. It's an unbiased observation.
[Michael] And Bayley now, kick to the midsection.
Of course, the women's and men's tag team titles.
With The Judgment Day,
Dominik, the current Intercontinental Champion.
Double team now from-- Whoa! No dice.
Raquel Rodriguez turns it around on Bayley and Lyra Valkyria,
the power of Rodriguez.
And again, Dominik's here at ringside,
continuing to avoid the doctor who is supposed to
attempt to clear Dominik tonight for his SummerSlam match with AJ Styles.
[Corey] Dominik is here to provide moral support
for the Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Michael] Or perhaps physical support like last week.
Cover now by Roxanne off the double team and a kick-out by Bayley.
[crowd chattering]
[Corey] This is just excellent, classic tag team strategy.
They have been a very successful team so far.
They defended the tag titles in a Fatal 4-Way at Evolution.
Last week knocked off The Kabuki Warriors, thanks to some help from Dom.
[Michael] Tag to Lyra, and here comes Valkyria,
-the inaugural Intercontinental Champion. -[Corey] Ooh!
[Michael] Looking to win her title back
in her first SummerSlam appearance a week from Saturday.
[Corey] Great display of strikes from Valkyria,
and that's just raw power from Rodriguez.
[Michael] Rodriguez, a tag team technician, Corey,
nobody has held more women's tag team titles
than Raquel in her career. She's had five.
[Corey] There's a reason, Raquel--
this is her wheelhouse, tag team competition.
-[crowd cheering] -[Michael] And Lyra, trying to figure out
what the hell Bayley's doing, playing cheerleader,
can't quite believe it.
And Lyra took her eye off the ball momentarily,
and Raquel Rodriguez takes over. And now Roxanne Perez with a cheap shot.
Ooh! What a clothesline.
[Corey] Obviously, Bayley's thinking,
I don't know what the hell
-she's thinking. -[Michael] I don't either.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Whoo"]
[Michael] This is for the women's tag team titles.
Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez
have been dominating Lyra Valkyria, and Bayley.
Again, a strange team formed tonight
between people who hated one another the last couple of weeks, Bayley and Lyra.
[Corey] It was just last week, a two-out-of-three-falls match…
-[Michael] Oh! -…to determine the number one contender
for Becky Lynch's Intercontinental Championship.
Was Lyra against Bayley? They took one another to the limit.
[Michael] Again, the winner of this match gets a date at SummerSlam
with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss from Friday Night SmackDown.
Power of Raquel Rodriguez. Man, she's so dominating.
-[referee] Back off. -[Michael] And now Roxanne Perez,
springboard moonsault, second rope, cover now,
to retain, and a kick-out.
I asked you a bit earlier,
I wanna get into this in a moment as we take another look.
[Corey] The slingshot suplex à la Tully Blanchard,
followed up by a beautiful moonsault by The Prodigy.
[Michael] See Roxanne in the ring,
looked like Dominik was showing her some goo-goo eyes earlier on.
So, I'm wondering if Dominik has a thing for Roxanne, that's what I'm asking.
[Corey] Okay, Dominik is spoken for, Michael Cole.
Dominik is an honest, hardworking, proud Intercontinental Champion.
And doesn't need you casting aspersions
and asking questions and starting outright lies and rumors?
[Michael] Well, listen, I actually called Liv Morgan today
-to try to find out what she thought… -[Corey] Why are you
calling Dirty Dom's old lady?
-[Michael] She didn't answer the phone. -[Corey] Dom, did you hear this nonsense?
[Michael] And now, tag by Roxanne, Lyra trying to make a tag to Bayley.
And again, Roxanne Perez preventing Lyra from making it across the ring.
Lyra Valkyria creates some space, can she make the tag?
And she does, and here comes Bayley.
And Bayley on fire now.
Looking to end what has been a frustrating few months.
-Nice back suplex. -[crowd booing]
[Michael] Bayley into the corner.
[Corey] Very interesting response from the WWE Universe here in Houston.
[Michael] They don't know what to make of this Bayley either.
[Corey] It's bizarre.
You and I have both known Bayley over ten years.
This is a side of her that we never knew existed.
[Michael] Well, and it's completely different
from what we've experienced with her the last few weeks.
-[Corey] This doesn't add up. -[Michael] And Bayley's Sunset Flip Bomb.
Roxanne Perez hit the corner hard.
Bayley now trying to win the women's tag team titles.
Perez at two.
[Rodriguez] Roxanne, come on.
[Michael] Dominik in no way looks hurt or injured to me at all.
[Corey] Are you an internist?
[Michael] Well, I mean, but he's moving around pretty well out here.
And Bayley now delivering the shoulders to the mid-section of Roxanne Perez.
Roxanne moves out of harm's way.
[Corey] If it weren't for HIPAA laws, I'd have--
[Michael] Raquel with a clothesline as Roxanne distracted the official.
Tag made, here comes Rodriguez.
-[referee] Double tag. -[Corey] Tag made once again,
The Prodigy legal for The Judgment Day.
[Michael] And again, look at the power of Raquel.
-Man, that was incredible. -[Corey] Second time.
Slingshot suplex placed perfectly in position for The Prodigy.
How's that for alliteration?
-[Michael] This time-- -[Corey] My chair broke.
That springboard moonsault and Bayley got the knees up
as Corey's chair broke at ringside, he was so excited.
And Bayley now with a running leg, cover now.
Can they win the tag titles?
Almost, kick-out. Are you okay?
[Corey] I'll live.
Yeah, wait for the doctor to medically clear Dom,
then come take a look at me too.
I feel like something happened inside. I still look fine though.
[Michael] Tag made, here's Lyra.
Lyra fired up now from the top rope, Valkyria with a leg drop!
[Corey] Across the back of Perez's neck.
[Michael] And now Raquel and Bayley fighting outside the ring.
Official down for the count
and a kick-out at two.
It's chaotic moments in this Tag Team Championship match.
Raquel bounced off the post out there.
Lyra going for the Nightwing and Roxanne able to drill her into the corner.
[Corey] Perez now just teeing off on Valkyria in the corner.
Precarious position for both women.
Lyra answers with a heavy right of her own.
[Michael] Yeah, Lyra,
shown a tremendous amount of resilience in her career.
And now, Roxanne trying to hook her, Lyra able to slip underneath.
And now with Roxanne up top, Lyra with a sit-out powerbomb.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] I'm not quite sure why she didn't go for the cover there,
but she makes the tag to Bayley.
And I guess perhaps she's gonna try to give Bayley the victory.
And Bayley now with the elbow from the top rope, cover for Bayley.
Raquel Rodriguez breaks up the near fall.
[Corey] I'm baffled, Cole.
As many matches as you and I have called,
I have never seen anything break down quite like this.
-[Michael] Well-- -[Corey] It just doesn't make sense.
[Michael] I think Lyra's still trying to figure out
what the hell Bayley's all about
as they work now together as a double team.
[Corey] Well, I'm gonna tell you a secret.
If you're still trying to figure out how to get along
with your tag team partner,
your odds of becoming Tag Team Champions go from--
[Michael] Now there's that idiot Dom up on the apron.
Bayley just scared him. Bayley yelled to Dom, now a roll up.
Roxanne's got the tights.
Did Bayley kick out? Yes, at two.
[Michael] Bailing out with a knee.
[Corey] Got Roxanne right in the nose.
[Michael] Hit him, hit him, hit him!
[Corey] Not cleared.
[Michael] Oh, Raquel!
Oh no!
Dominik may not be cleared now,
inadvertently kicking the face of Mysterio.
-Raquel going for Lyra. -[Corey] Don, are you okay?
[Michael] We need a doctor out here.
-Get medical! -We need medical!
[Corey] An internist for sure.
[Michael] Yeah, Raquel asking for medical.
Meanwhile, Lyra Valkyria and Raquel…
-[Corey] Dropkick right on the money. -[Michael] Bayley in the ring.
[Corey] Get somebody out here to help Dom. Something may have ruptured.
[Michael] And a collision. Oh no! Both women are down.
Critical moment and finally,
medical personnel rushing out here to check on "Dirty" Dom.
[Corey] Hold his C spine.
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] Oh no! -[Corey] Oh no!
[Michael] CPR!
Dr. AJ, Dominik, running for the hills!
-AJ Styles. -[Corey] Wait a minute, The Man!
[Michael] And Becky Lynch, where the hell did she come from?
Dragging Lyra off the apron!
Into the steps!
Becky Lynch from out of nowhere, Bayley with no one to tag!
Roxanne from behind.
[crowd counting]
[Michael] And Bayley kicks at two.
Reversal, kick-out by Roxanne.
Tag.
[Corey] I don't think Bayley realizes that Raquel's legal for The Judgment Day.
Bayley to Belly!
[Michael] Doesn't matter, Roxanne not legal, but Raquel is.
Tejana Bomb with authority, stack her up!
Raquel and Roxanne will defend at SummerSlam.
["Rulers Of The World" playing]
[Alicia] Here are your winners, and still the Women's Tag Team Champions,
Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez!
[Michael] Again, a week from Saturday, the epic two-night SummerSlam begins,
and Raquel and Roxanne will defend the women's tag team titles
against SmackDown's Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss
at SummerSlam.
Bayley's bad luck continues.
Becky Lynch attacking Lyra Valkyria towards the end of the matchup.
Let's head back to Jackie Redmond.
-[music fades] -Cole, thank you so much.
Sami, you are moments away from facing Karrion Kross,
but I gotta tell you, I'm a little surprised to see you here.
I mean, I know you beat Karrion at Night of Champions, but since then,
you've endured a ton of physical punishment.
In fact, last we heard, you're supposed to be out indefinitely.
Are you sure that you wanna do this?
Look, Jackie, I'm not gonna lie to you and tell you I'm a 100% medically,
I probably could have used a little bit more time.
But honestly, this does not need to drag on any longer,
I'm done dealing with this.
'Cause it was one thing when Kross was talking and lurking in the shadows
with his cryptic messages and he's trying to corrupt me
or whatever it is he's trying to do.
But now he's getting in the way of my goals.
I missed last week because of him.
You know what would have happened last week?
I would have been in that Gauntlet match. I could have won that Gauntlet match.
I could have had a world championship opportunity.
And he took that away from me.
So as far as I'm concerned, we don't need to wait another week
two weeks, three weeks, months.
I'm gonna deal with this tonight.
In fact, I'm fixing to deal with it right now.
["Worlds Apart" playing]
[Michael] Sami Zayn, of course, from Canada.
You upset a lot of people from Canada claiming Texas was bigger than Canada.
[Corey] I was using it as a point of reference, Cole.
I didn't insult the place.
[Michael] A lot of Canadians took it as an insult.
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 212 pounds,
Sami Zayn!
[Michael] Ribs are still taped after the assault by Kross with a steel pipe
and then of course the spear by Breakker a few weeks ago.
Sami and Kross live on Netflix.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Heyman] There is a new
number one top star in this industry.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Ooh-aah"]
[Michael] Bron Breakker!
Oh my god!
[Michael] Roman Reigns, I guarantee you, will not forgive.
And Roman Reigns will not forget.
The OTC, The Original Tribal Chief, is back live tonight on Raw.
Y'all seen AJ? Paul Blart: Mall Cop looking-- come on.
-What's going on? -Dom! Hey!
-You guys seen AJ Styles anywhere? -Relax, man.
Hey, don't worry, you're with friends now.
AJ's nowhere around here, okay? Don't worry, calm down, we're good.
I don't know, he's been harassing me all week…
-[Pearce] Dominik Mysterio! -What the hell?
I'm done!
Look, today's the day.
-What day? -What day?
You're stalling all day long and you wanna stall some more.
But let me tell you something, this day's gonna end one of two ways.
Either you're gonna give me that intercontinental title
and I'll find a new champion, or you're gonna walk with me to medical
and you're gonna get that doctor's evaluation.
Am I clear?
-Like now? -Like now!
-This is my title. -I will see you in medical, I hope.
Hey, make sure you get us some lollipops.
[Michael] Well, Pearce done playing games on social media,
putting his foot down here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
Meanwhile, Karrion Kross, Sami Zayn,
-one-on-one. -[bell ringing]
[Michael] Sami Zayn's ribs heavily taped,
that's because of the attack with a steel pipe
by Karrion Kross a couple of weeks ago.
Remember, Corey,
Sami Zayn beat Karrion Kross back at Night of Champions
at the end of last month and thought he was through.
Kross said, "No way, it's not over till I say it's over."
[Corey] Borderline obsession for Karrion Kross to have Sami Zayn admit
that there is evil within.
-You got a stomachache brother? -Back off of him. Back off.
[Corey] But what if there isn't evil within Sami? What if--
[Michael] Sami's human. That's Kross's entire point.
Sami wants the WWE Universe to believe that he's this virtuous hero,
that he's never had a negative thought about anybody.
Ask Kevin Owens about how evil Sami Zayn can be.
[Corey] I don't think Sami Zayn's ever said that.
Sami Zayn has never come out and said he's never had a negative thought
or an evil thought about anyone.
Sami Zayn's just trying to live his life this way now,
and Karrion Kross trying to not allow that to happen.
And Sami now with a nice suplex, and again,
the ribs giving him issues.
Kross is a psychopath, bottom line.
He believes that no one is innocent.
[Corey] I think Kross certainly has a unique worldview.
I wouldn't necessarily call him a psychopath.
[Michael] He expects everyone else to play by the rules but himself,
as he delivers that high elbow to Sami Zayn.
Now Kross trying to beat up Sami Zayn yet again.
[crowd chanting "Let's go Kross, let's go Sami"]
[Michael] Couple of weeks ago,
the steel pipe attack and of course the spears
by Breakker in the match with Zayn, injuring the rib section even more.
No telling how bad the internal injuries are within Sami.
[Corey] However bad they are, they're gonna be a lot worse
after this encounter with Karrion Kross.
[Michael] Unlike Dominik Mysterio, Sami Zayn is out here fighting tonight.
[Corey] Zayn is whipped across the ring with authority
and collapses in the corner.
[Corey] So is it safe to admit that Dominik is a more intelligent competitor
-than Sami Zayn? -[Michael] I think he's a coward, but…
And Sami just doubles over in pain again as he drops to one knee.
[Corey] And it's mindsets like yours that force Sami into these situations.
You call "Dirty" Dom a coward, but you think Sami Zayn's a hero.
That's all Kross is trying to say is that Sami isn't what he thinks he is.
[Michael] And Sami Zayn fighting back, however.
Hey, this ability,
this heart, this resilience from Sami Zayn, endears himself.
Listen to the nearly 13,000 in his corner here tonight.
And one day, I believe,
will will Sami Zayn to a world championship,
which is the ultimate goal for this man that he's had to put on the back burner
because of this guy Kross.
[Corey] Listen, I will never argue the connection that Sami Zayn has
with the WWE Universe.
It is indisputable.
The fact is,
the WWE Universe can force Sami into hazardous situations like this,
like competing at less than 100%
against someone intent on tearing his head off.
[Michael] Yeah, and Sami going out to the apron now.
[Corey] Look at this Arabian press.
[Michael] And down goes Karrion Kross, but again to the detriment of Zayn,
who injures his ribs again as he comes off
onto the shoulder of Kross.
[crowd member] Let's go, Sami!
[Michael] Paying homage is Sami Zayn.
Again, doubled over in pain here.
[referee] Five!
[speaking indistinctly]
[Scarlett] You're hurt Sami, huh?
[Michael] Oh! And a cheap shot by Scarlett.
Oh, your poor ribs!
-[groans] -[laughs]
[Corey] This is bad.
[Michael] You got to give Karrion Kross credit.
Kross targeting the ribs,
the injured midsection of Sami Zayn throughout much of this matchup,
and it's just wearing Zayn down.
[Corey] This is exactly what Karrion Kross wants to do,
keep this pace slow,
methodical, and painful.
[Michael] And again, you mentioned earlier,
all Kross wants to do is beat Zayn
to the point where he can finally admit that he has a dark side.
Say it, Sami!
[Michael] And you hear Kross saying, "Say it, Sami, say it, admit it."
What a throw by Kross.
[Corey] And that's what this is all about.
It's what it all boils down to, an admission from Sami Zayn.
That's what Kross is after.
[Michael] And I don't think Kross is gonna stop, Corey,
until he gets what he wants.
[Corey] Exploder launching Zayn halfway across the ring.
[Michael] At what point is Kross just gonna get frustrated and give up
when Sami Zayn doesn't tell him what he wants to hear?
[Corey] I don't know if that is gonna happen, Cole.
I mean, Karrion Kross savors the suffering of his opponents.
But Sami refusing to stay down,
somehow finding the will to soldier forward.
[Michael] Zayn trying to feed off the WWE fans.
Sami in the corner, serious pain,
elbow to the face of Kross,
and Zayn looking to rally now.
Gotta keep Kross at a distance here.
And Zayn…
gonna climb the top rope, Tornado DDT!
[Corey] I don't know how Sami does it.
[Michael] Can he put him away?
Hooks both legs, Kross at two.
[Corey] Take another look at this, classic Sami Zayn walking the ropes.
Tornado DDT taking down Kross, but unable to finish the job just yet.
But this is what Kross wanted to avoid.
[Michael] And Sami building momentum.
[Corey] Adrenaline beginning to pulse through the body of Sami Zayn.
[Michael] Look at Kross.
[Corey] Kross just so big, so imposing, so strong,
just bulldozing Sami back to the corner.
And now focusing on the injured ribs.
Things about to go from bad to worse for the Underdog from the Underground.
[Michael] This is that methodical style that Kross loves, just beat down,
punish your opponent.
[Corey] It's like a puzzle for Karrion Kross, he lives for this.
To figure out ways to hurt his opponents.
Different ways, new ways, different variations.
It's what Kross is all about.
[Michael] He's looking for a superplex there,
but Sami, again, his ribs exposed.
The tape has been rolled up on his body.
Zayn still fighting back. Sami's not gonna do this.
Sami's gonna hurt himself here.
Sunset flip bomb, cover by Zayn.
Is it enough?
No, kick at two!
-[Corey] Scarlett now. -[Michael] Look at what Scarlett's got.
[Michael] Steel pipe in hand
that Kross has used against Zayn in the past.
[Corey] Shawn Bennett tied up with Sami Zayn for the moment.
[Michael] And now, Scarlett not able to hand off the baton,
so to speak, to Kross.
[Corey] Sami's ribs playing a factor, as we expected they would.
[Michael] Looking for the Exploder, and he has it up,
but drops Kross on the back of his neck.
Effective though, and now Scarlett placing the pipe into the hands of Kross.
The official Shawn Bennett back there with Zayn,
checking on Sami Zayn's well-being.
Sami…
setting up for a Helluva Kick.
Scarlett grabs his leg, Bennett dealing with Scarlett now.
And Kross with a pipe to the ribs.
[Corey] That has gotta do it.
It's deep and I don't think it's playable.
-[Michael] Kross with the win. -[bell ringing]
-[crowd cheering] -["Dead Silent" playing]
[Alicia] Here is your winner, Karrion Kross!
[Michael] A controversial victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Kross uses a steel pipe to the injured ribs of Sami Zayn
and picks up a victory tonight.
But Zayn still has not said what Kross wants him to say.
[Corey] Let's take another look
as Sami delivers an Exploder to Kross in the corner.
Scarlett would deliver the steel pipe and then create a diversion,
grabbing the ankle of Sami Zayn.
And as Sami came in, presumably to deliver a Helluva Kick,
he is met with steel to the damaged ribs.
And the beatings unfortunately will continue
until an admission is made.
What a win for this duo.
Just say it, just say it!
Say I told the truth.
-Wait, is he done? -They're almost done.
I had to fight with him to get him in there.
Oh my God! How long is he gonna take?
Hey, hey, hey, here he is.
-What have we got? -Does it still burn when he pees?
-What is it? -Really?
Listen, we finished the evaluation for Dom.
-And? -But I still need to finish up
some of this paperwork
before I can give you an official answer.
So what, we're waiting still?
-Just waiting a few more moments. -How much longer?
-Oh god! -[Pearce] Damn it, Dom!
Back up.
[sighs] Lookie here, lookie here. Adam, AJ.
I am cleared and I will see you at SummerSlam.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
Give me some help over here. Doc, come here.
-[official] Pearce what happened here. -[Michael] Typical Dom, typical.
-Sneak attack from behind. -["Tokyo Shock" playing]
[Corey] Listen, the important thing here is that "Dirty" Dom is cleared
and gonna defend at SummerSlam.
That is huge news.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Corey] And this showdown we are in store for, Cole,
this is huge news too.
[bell ringing]
[Alicia] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Tokyo, Japan,
Iyo Sky!
[Michael] For the first time, Iyo and Stephanie met,
there was no conclusion to the matchup.
Tonight, Iyo Sky one-on-one
with Stephanie Vaquer live on Netflix.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[music concludes]
[crowd cheering]
[bell ringing]
[Michael] And here we go. Iyo, Stephanie, one-on-one tonight.
Remember, they've only met one time in their career.
That was back at the end of April. It ended up in an old contest
with a lot of interference around the ring tonight.
They hope to settle the score.
And this could be a preview of what we'll see at the final day
of August in Paris, at Clash in Paris.
Vaquer, of course, earning herself a world title opportunity
by winning the Women's Battle Royal at Evolution.
[Corey] Anytime you've got, arguably, two of the best women's wrestlers
on the planet Earth, competing in the same ring.
There is potential for fireworks and magic.
It is perfectly okay to expect that
out of The Genius of the Sky and La Primera.
[Michael] I would like to offer my congratulations tonight
to none other than Jacy Jayne,
who not only is the NXT Women's Champion, but also the TNA Knockouts Champion.
-[Corey] You're looking at my notes? -[Michael] You had it written down too?
[Michael laughs]
[Corey] Because Vaquer was the last double champion
-in NXT. -[Michael] Yes. Indeed.
Vaquer held the NXT women's title
and the NXT North American Championship at the same time.
Jacy Jayne pulling off the feat at TNA Slammiversary,
an incredible show in Bridgeport last night.
[Corey] Oh, and from here on out, we refer to that place as "Trick-NA."
And Trick, of course, still the TNA champion.
AJ Styles made an incredible return last night as well to TNA.
[crowd chanting indistinctly]
[Michael] Great electricity for this matchup tonight
between Iyo and Stephanie.
Two of the best in the world. Never crossed paths, however, Corey,
until they met here in WWE a couple of months ago.
[Corey] Well, if you're a fan of the graps, as we say,
you've been expecting this.
You've been waiting for this for quite some time.
And after their first encounter, as you mentioned,
ending in a no contest, that's a disappointing finale.
You want a decisive winner. Who is the best of the best?
Is it the Vaquer? Is it Sky?
-Look at this. -[Michael exclaims]
Iyo Sky, of course, who became a superstar in her native Japan,
before coming over to WWE here in the States.
Stephanie Vaquer cut her teeth both in Japan and Mexico,
before arriving on the scene in WWE just over a year ago.
[Corey] And I don't think I'm out of line by saying
that Stephanie Vaquer may be the single hottest superstar
in the business right now, male or female.
Her ascent to the top of this game happened like it seems overnight.
[Michael] And Vaquer, now, unique offense, Iyo Sky as well.
And Iyo Sky now, sends Vaquer, and Vaquer still hangs on.
[Corey] Look at this, great defense by Vaquer,
preventing Sky from obtaining the favorable position.
And once again, this straight jacket hold
locked-in most likely won't end the match.
But can take a lot out of Iyo Sky in the process.
[Michael] "La Primera" Stephanie Vaquer, she can fly, she can grapple.
[Corey] La Cazadora blocked by Sky.
[Michael] Roll through now, shoulders down, is it enough?
Iyo's gotta kick-out at two.
What does this mean for Iyo Sky taking a match like this
before she's so close to SummerSlam and the Triple Threat for the world title?
[Corey] My best guess is that Iyo wants to keep her game sharp.
[Michael] Shoulders down, kick-out.
Iyo, Rhea, Naomi at SummerSlam, a week from Saturday or Sunday.
[Corey] Great pinning combination into the bridge, goes Vaquer.
And listen, Iyo knows what she's facing at SummerSlam.
She's encountered Rhea many times, never picked up--
But Rhea's never been able to beat Iyo.
But Naomi is the X factor in that situation.
Iyo knows she needs to be essentially perfect come SummerSlam
if she wants to leave with the Women's World Championship.
[Michael] Yeah, Naomi, with one of the greatest cash-ins
of the Money in the Bank contract we've seen, Evolution.
And was part of that great match between Iyo and Rhea Ripley.
[Corey] And think about what this means for Stephanie Vaquer,
who has a championship opportunity at Clash in Paris.
[Michael] Oh, look at Iyo, might still win here,
and Stephanie's got a kick.
Think of what it would do for the confidence of The Dark Angel,
knowing that she defeated Iyo Sky, especially if Iyo wins at SummerSlam.
[Michael] And Vaquer now, nice takedown, shoulders down again.
Get a pinning combination and a kick-out by Sky.
Vaquer is so fluid in the ring.
[Corey] All of Stephanie's movements extremely crisp,
carefully measured.
-[Michael] And Sky as well. -[Corey] Big dropkick.
[Michael] That dropkick drives Stephanie out to the floor.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] And here comes Iyo.
[Michael] And Sky, suicide dive, Stephanie taken out,
and The Genius of the Sky starting to fly.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Stephanie Vaquer, fresh off a victory this past Friday night
on SmackDown, over Alba Fyre of The Secret Hervice,
the protection unit, of course, for Chelsea Green.
Three. What are you doing, Iyo? Come on.
[Corey] Great situational awareness by Iyo Sky,
breaking the official, Eddie Orengo's count.
They're gonna continue the assault on the outside.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Iyo now, a springboard moonsault as Stephanie moves out of harm's way!
-A kick right to Iyo, side of the head. -[Corey exclaims]
[Michael] Into the ring to break the count.
[referee] One!
[Michael] And now, Stephanie Vaquer launches herself off the top rope,
flying crossbody. Stephanie takes over.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Iyo Sky looking to rally here live on Monday Night Raw,
in Houston, Texas. Sold-out Toyota Center, the penultimate Raw
before SummerSlam a week from Saturday. Iyo Sky, Stephanie Vaquer.
Sky into the corner, Iyo Sky so quick.
[Corey] Amazing evasion, big right hand on the jaw of Vaquer.
Iyo Sky making the climb to the top turnbuckle.
[Michael] Iyo, now off the top, lands on her feet.
-[Corey] Iyo might've tweaked her knee. -[Michael] Oh!
Vaquer, from behind now, looking to put Iyo away.
Iyo is up and--
-Knees right to the face. -[Corey] Oh!
Fantastic.
[Michael] Cover for the win!
And a kick-out by Sky!
[Corey] It almost seemed as though Vaquer was looking for the SVB backbreaker
with the double underhook, but instead, throwing a curveball Iyo's way.
Two knees right under the chin.
[Michael] And I like how Stephanie adjusted.
She tried to go to the SVB earlier, and Iyo was able to counter…
-[crowd cheering] -…changed things up there.
[Corey] That's what it takes. It's one of the many reasons
Vaquer has captivated the WWE Universe in short order.
Always adding new wrinkles to her game.
[Michael] Iyo, though, ducks underneath
-and presses her down to the floor. -[Corey] Uh-oh.
-[Michael] Crossface locked in now by Iyo. -[yells]
[Corey] Just that quickly, the tides can turn.
[Michael] And Stephanie-- And I wonder if she's gonna tap out here.
Iyo Sky's got her locked in pretty good.
Stephanie trying to make it to the bottom rope,
trying to use her long arms to force a break, and will do that.
-[referee] One, two. -[crowd chanting "Stephanie"]
[Corey] Vaquer able to escape,
but a great deal of damage was inflicted in the several seconds
-spent in the crossface. Here comes Iyo. -[Michael] Oh, what?
Oh, look at this, 619 into a head scissor,
and dropping Vaquer face first on the apron.
[Corey] And I think Vaquer's sensed what Iyo was looking for,
was able to put the brakes on to mitigate the impact,
but you can't stop this!
[Michael] Springboard moonsault by the Genius of the Sky,
-and Iyo is fired up. -[crowd cheering, applauding]
[referee] Two!
-[Michael] And Sky now to the apron. -[referee] Three!
[Corey] Iyo making the long climb to the top turnbuckle,
grinning ear-to-ear.
[Michael] Missile dropkick drives Vaquer to the mat.
And a kip-up by Iyo.
-[crowd cheering] -[screams]
[Corey] Well, be honest, how many mornings have you woken up,
-and done that in your mirror? -[Michael] Never.
-[laughs] -[Corey] I don't believe you.
[Michael] And look at this now, nice takedown by Iyo.
[Corey] Double stomp. Wow!
[Michael] Vaquer doubled over in pain.
[Corey] It looks like The Dark Angel may have finally met her match
-in the form of the Genius of the Sky. -[crowd clapping rhythmically]
-[Corey] There's still work to do. -[Michael] I said it last week,
you're looking at one of the best in the world today.
Iyo Sky, the former Women's World Champion,
went for the bullet train attack, nobody home.
Knees first to the turnbuckle. German suplex released by Vaquer.
[Corey] Well, I agree with that sentiment you just mentioned,
but I'd say we need to double it up.
We are looking at two at the very best in the game.
[Michael] No doubt about that.
Vaquer now targeting Iyo, who's able to move out of the corner.
And a German suplex of her own to Vaquer. So evenly matched, these two.
-[crowd cheering] -[indistinct chatter]
[Michael] And I wonder who's gonna find that opening.
[Corey] And what we're seeing is a healthy professional respect
from both of these women. I don't wanna use the word "tentative,"
but almost cautious in their approaches toward one another,
because they understand.
-[Michael] Iyo's… -[Corey] Oh God!
…looking for a sunset flip bomb here.
[Corey] You may only get the opportunity to make a mistake once.
[Michael] And Stephanie with a knee right to the throat.
-[Corey] That's gotta do it. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And now, on the apron…
-Devil's Kiss! -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Good thing Barrett's not here. Roll into the middle of the ring.
[Corey] Let's put the respect deserved on Booker T's name.
[crowd cheering]
-[Michael] That's right, he invented it. -[Corey] Sure did.
-[Michael] Creepy as it is. -[Corey] Cover here.
[Michael] Cover by Steph!
And a kick-out by Iyo Sky at two.
[Corey] Let's take a look back moments ago at this knee
that could prove to be the game changer, right across the throat of Iyo Sky.
-[crowd chanting "One more time"] -[Corey] Here comes Vaquer.
Dragon screw out of the corner.
This could be the beginning of the end for Iyo.
Here comes Vaquer!
[Michael] Double knees, the meteora into the corner now.
-And now, it's Iyo Sky that's in trouble. -[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Corey] Vaquer…
could be looking for the SVB once again. Iyo able to escape.
-[Michael] Iyo Sky now… -[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Michael] Oh! Knee right to the…
[Corey] That was almost a version of the SVB.
[Michael] Close!
A kick-out.
[Corey] Slightly different application of the underhook, but…
almost the exact same result.
[Michael] And the SVB, the Stephanie Vaquer Bomb,
a modified one there delivered by Iyo Sky.
[Corey] But Iyo again grasping at her right knee.
Moments ago, when she came off of the top rope,
-she landed and immediately winced. -[crowd chanting "This is awesome"]
[Corey] I wonder if that's gonna play a factor here.
[Michael] Well, Iyo can ill afford a injury, of course,
heading into SummerSlam,
and the Triple Threat match for the women's world title.
-[crowd chanting "This is awesome"] -[crowd clapping rhythmically]
[Michael] And Iyo trying to fire up now.
[Corey] Several heavy rights by Sky, and a kick right on the ear of Vaquer.
-The Dark Angel is down. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And now, Iyo with the bullet train attack.
And Iyo says, "That's it."
Top rope, looking for Over the Moonsault. Stephanie there.
[Corey] You can feel the urgency of Vaquer understanding time was of the essence
to stop the Over the Moonsault. What the hell is Vaquer thinking here?
[Michael] Iyo just trying to survive, top rope now.
-[Corey] Well, she may not. -[Michael] Oh no!
[Corey] Unbelievable!
[Michael] Dropping Iyo on her face, both women are down.
And what has been an incredible matchup here tonight,
live on Monday Night Raw.
-Iyo's down, Stephanie Vaquer's down. -[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And…
[Corey] What's going on in the entrance? What…
-[groans] Why? -[Michael] Piper Niven,
-Alba Fyre… -[crowd booing]
…Chelsea Green, Secret Hervice,
who've had an issue with Stephanie Vaquer for a number of weeks now.
And Vaquer… gonna make them pay.
Piper Niven and Alba Fyre dropped off the apron.
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Oh, wait a minute!
[Michael] From behind, that's Chelsea Green.
[bell ringing]
[Michael] Chelsea Green beat the hell out of Vaquer.
Remember what Stephanie did to all three of these women
-at the Battle Royal back in Evolution. -[Corey laughs]
[Michael] And Chelsea Green, and Piper Niven, and Alba Fyre
have not forgotten.
[Corey] And far be it from me to ever express disappointment
in anything Chelsea Green does, but damn it, this is uncalled for.
[Michael] And Iyo now, from the top rope, drives Chelsea Green toward the corner.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] And Iyo trying to fight back. Stephanie in trouble as well.
[Corey] Shotei, takes down Alba Fyre,
and now, Iyo bringing the thunder toward Piper Niven.
[Michael] And a double team runs Niven out of the ring.
[crowd cheering, applauding]
[Michael] Iyo and Vaquer…
helping one another here tonight.
[Corey] Allies of necessity to thwart the threat
of The Secret Hervice and Chelsea Green.
[crowd cheering]
[Michael] Oh no! The Women's World Champ, Naomi, now, from behind.
Wiping out Iyo, wiping out Stephanie Vaquer.
And now, Naomi, who faces Iyo in a Triple Threat at SummerSlam.
-[Corey] Naomi is a menace. -[Michael] Gonna send a message tonight.
-["Demon In Your Dreams" playing] -♪ This is my brutality ♪
[crowd cheering]
[music fades]
[Michael] Mami's here!
The Eradicator…
Rhea Ripley, who gets Sky and Naomi at SummerSlam,
is gonna send a message of her own.
-Good night, Naomi. -[crowd cheering]
-[crowd chanting "Mami"] -[Michael] Uh, Chelsea…
Oh no.
Chelsea Green in deep, deep trouble. Stephanie, Iyo, and Rhea…
-[Michael] Riptide to Green! -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] That's the face of a woman who's ready for war.
-["Demon In Your Dreams" playing] -♪ Look at my eyes, look alive ♪
♪ Look at my eyes, this is do or die Die, die, die ♪
♪ Look at my eyes, look alive… ♪
[Corey] Well, another disappointing result
in the Stephanie Vaquer, Iyo Sky singles contest.
But there's a lot more at play here
as we barrel towards SummerSlam and Clash in Paris.
[Michael] Ladies and gentlemen, a week from Saturday,
the start of an epic two-night SummerSlam, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey,
-where Naomi will be forced to defend… -["Outside" playing]
…her Women's World Championship
in a Triple Threat match against the former champion, Iyo Sky,
another former champion, Rhea Ripley, at SummerSlam.
[Corey] Last week, CM Punk survived the gauntlet,
and earned the right to challenge The Ring General, Gunther.
The World Heavyweight Championship on the line,
who truly is the best in the world?
[Michael] And it is only appropriate that we settle this match in a cage,
a steel cage.
The United States Champion, Solo Sikoa, versus Jacob Fatu
for the title.
[Corey] The WWE women's tag team gold is up for grabs
as Alexa Bliss and the Queen Charlotte Flair
joins forces to challenge Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez
of The Judgment Day.
[Michael] This has gotten all out of control.
In fact, it went insane on the Kimmel Show last week.
Randy Orton and Jelly Roll team up in Jelly Roll's in-ring debut
to take on Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam.
[Corey] And there will be no count-outs, no disqualification,
there must be a winner
in the Women's Intercontinental Championship match
as Lyra Valkyria challenges "The Man" Becky Lynch.
[Michael] The Intercontinental Championship
will be on the line, because Dominik Mysterio
has been medically cleared, and he ambushed AJ Styles earlier tonight.
Dom defends against Styles at SummerSlam.
[Corey] And is Tiffy Time finally up?
We find out at SummerSlam in the WWE Women's Championship match
as the Queen of the Ring, Jade Cargill, challenges Tiffany Stratton.
[Michael] And it's for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
And it is now a street fight. John Cena, the 17-time champion,
defends against the man he controversially beat at WrestleMania.
None other than The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.
It takes place a week from Saturday, the epic two-night SummerSlam.
["4X4" playing]
[Corey] Well, the time is finally upon us.
Roman Reigns, The OTC, shocked the WWE Universe
by returning last week. Roman is here on Raw live next.
[Michael] Bron Breakker and "Big" Bronson Reed.
[energetic rock music playing]
[Michael] Of course, Seth, the current Money in the Bank contract holder,
being kept warm by Bronson Reed, Seth out with a knee injury.
Remember, he has up to a year from this past June to cash in.
[music concludes]
[crowd barking]
Ladies and gentlemen…
-my name is Paul Heyman. -[crowd] Paul Heyman!
I stand before you tonight with the future of the entire industry.
Bron Breakker…
[crowd barking]
…and "Big" Bronson Reed.
Now before he comes out,
I have a lot of things to get off my chest.
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
-["I Am Greatness" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd screaming, cheering]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
[music fades]
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
[Heyman] I, uh…
I never wanna be disrespectful or rude.
[crowd booing]
You're off to a bad start with me tonight.
[crowd booing]
I apologize.
[crowd chanting "Roman, Roman Reigns"]
I never want to be…
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
[crowd cheering]
I don't ever want to be where it seems…
[crowd booing]
-Like I would be… -[crowd booing]
…disrespectful, rude.
You know, like someone born in Texas.
[crowd booing]
But so that you know…
Seth Rollins is going to be out of action for a long, long time.
And that opens up a leadership void over here,
which means, if you think about it, we can fix this.
[crowd booing]
We can put this back together and look who and what comes along with me.
Because you know, deep in your heart…
we're far better together than opposing each other.
[crowd booing]
You'll always be my family.
Because I love you, my Tribal Chief.
[crowd chanting "You sold out"]
[crowd cheering]
Let's just put that on pause. There's one thing I forgot to do.
H-Town!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
-Acknowledge me! -[crowd cheering]
[crowd booing]
So, Houston, what was he talking about?
[crowd booing]
You want me to lead?
A few years ago…
I would have said those are wise words from a wise man, but…
you're not a wise man anymore.
-You're just a dumbass. -[crowd cheering]
-[Corey laughing] -No, no, no, no ,no, no, no!
No. No. No!
[crowd barking]
Easy now, Junior, easy, Junior. You might wanna listen up.
Sit under the learning tree and write this down
because he's about to do the same thing to you
as he did to me.
Because in a few years, when you're the man around here,
he's gonna take all the credit.
That's what you tried to do with me, right?
You see, Houston, I've heard a lot of people
try to take responsibility for creating the Tribal Chief.
But I can tell you firmly, it wasn't him.
The only reason I'm the Tribal Chief is because they still acknowledge me.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
You're damn right, the OTC was a champion too.
[crowd cheering]
The greatest champion to ever step foot in this ring.
[crowd cheering]
And I will say, this man had a part in that.
But he didn't have any part in me keeping that title.
No, I mean, look at him, how could he, honestly, come on now.
-No, the Usos did, Solo did. -[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
Sami even helped out.
[crowd cheering]
I knew he'd love that one.
But yeah…
I lost that title, I did. It only took four years, but I lost it.
But then you told everybody that I tuck my tail
and I go off and I do whatever.
But no, I went home to continue to raise the future bloodline.
[crowd cheering]
Which brings me to family, you see, when we talk about The Bloodline,
that's all it is, is family. You see, the dumbass here…
he thought we were just another faction
or something, or we're just some wrestling group.
No, you could create those,
but you couldn't create The Bloodline. No, that was God's work.
[crowd cheering]
But all that…
I ain't gonna say it again, back up, son.
-[crowd cheering] -[inaudible]
But you wanna know something?
None of that really bothers me. You wanna know what really bothers me?
You wanna know what really gets under my skin?
[crowd] What!
I wanna hear it.
You used to be just a friend to our family.
You were just a business partner.
I made you a part of our family.
You were chosen family to me. I gave you responsibility.
And what'd you do?
[crowd member] He threw it all away!
You're damn right, he threw it all away.
He threw it all away. You wanna know what he threw it away for?
He threw it away for a best friend.
Someone that he hadn't even talked to in over a decade.
And you betrayed me and my family for him?
No.
Don't ever come out here,
this is what the history books need to understand.
Don't ever come out here and say I ruined The Bloodline.
I didn't ruin The Bloodline, this dumbass did.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd barking]
[crowd chanting]
[crowd barking]
Listen to me, Roman, get this through your thick skull.
[crowd booing]
Look around.
We don't want you here anymore.
[crowd booing]
You're yesterday's news. You're the old dog.
Hell, you were relevant five years ago. That was your prime.
You're just taking up a spot standing in my ring.
And I'm glad, I'm glad that you didn't take his offer
because I know that Paul won't stab me in the back.
You wanna know why?
I hold value in this place.
You're worthless.
I'm the big dog now.
[crowd barking]
I'm the top dog now.
I'm the future of WWE!
I'm the man around here now!
[crowd barking]
So do what you do best, Roman.
Turn around…
-and leave. -[crowd booing]
[crowd chanting "OTC"]
I gotta be completely honest.
I didn't hear any of that trash you just said.
[crowd cheering]
I honestly don't think your mic was working.
If you need to say it again, please use mine.
-[Michael] Superman Punch! -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Breakker goes down.
[Michael] And now Reigns goes after "Big" Bronson Reed,
who tried to attack him with the briefcase.
And Breakker with a spear!
Bron Breakker levels Roman Reigns with a spear.
And Heyman wants more damage done.
Reed and Breakker double teaming Roman.
[Breakker] Come here!
-[Michael] No, no, no, no, no, no. -♪ Uso! ♪
["Main Event Ish" playing]
[Michael] Bronson Reed had said that tsunamis destroy islands,
and that's what he was trying to do there before family came to help Roman out.
"Main Event" Jey Uso's in the house.
[song fades]
[Michael] Jey with a kick to Reed, one to Breakker.
[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
[Michael] And Breakker now trying to turn it around,
-Jey Uso taking the fight to Bron. -[crowd chanting "Yeet"]
[crowd] Oh! Yeet!
-[Michael] Big right hand drops Breakker. -[crowd cheering]
[crowd] Yeet!
[Michael] And now a double spear…
from Roman and Jey.
[crowd cheering]
["Main Event Ish" playing]
♪ It's just me, uce, day one ish It's just me, uce ♪
[Michael] Reed and Breakker left wrecked
by Roman Reigns and his cousin, "Main Event" Jey Uso.
♪ Ay, it's on me now, uce ♪
♪ Ay, I'ma get 'em all I'ma get 'em all, uce ♪
[Michael] And not so fast, young guns.
The incumbent sheriff still rules this town for now.