[dramatic music playing]
[Big E] On this edition of Raw Classics,
it's "The Big Dog,"
"The Head of the Table," your "Tribal Chief."
This is my ring.
This is my WWE.
[Big E] Acknowledge the dominance and intensity that is Roman Reigns,
and witness greatness on a different level.
Acknowledge me.
[Big E] It's Roman Reigns' best moments on Raw Classics…
exclusively on Netflix.
[rock music playing]
Oh…
welcome, WWE Universe, to Raw Classics.
I'm your host, Big E,
and today, we're looking back, or dare I say, acknowledging
one of the greatest Superstars of the modern era,
the OG "Tribal Chief,"
Roman Reigns.
Hailing from one of wrestling's most storied families,
Reigns is a six-time World Champion,
a United States Champion,
Intercontinental champ,
a Tag Team champ, and a Royal Rumble winner.
Hoo!
What a résumé.
Since his debut in 2012,
"The Big Dog" has been a force to be reckoned with.
And during his time as part of The Shield,
Roman Reigns, along with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, were out to prove
the paradigm of power in WWE had shifted.
And what better way to put your money where your mouth is
than by taking on one of WWE's all-time greatest factions,
The Wyatt Family.
[Cole] And tonight,
a classic six-man tag team match between the Wyatts and The Shield.
You might notice Dean Ambrose not carrying his US Championship.
That's because earlier tonight we kicked off Raw,
Ambrose losing his title to Sheamus
in a 20-man over the top rope battle royal,
and here we go. The brawl is on.
[JBL] Yeah, that was 19-to-1 earlier, but now it's three-on-three.
[Cole] This will be great. What a main event.
Put together by COO Triple H,
and spilling out in front, Bray Wyatt and Seth Rollins.
Roman Reigns and Luke Harper at the side of the ring.
This will not be for the faint of heart.
Match underway, Ambrose and Rowan start it.
[ref] Come on, back it up.
[JBL] Got that claw on Dean Ambrose.
[Cole] This is one of those matches you live for, to sit
and be a part of this.
[JBL] Absolutely. This is gonna be a war.
[Cole] Looking at the future right now, The Wyatt Family and The Shield.
[JBL] We saw Ambrose in action earlier.
Things didn't go his way in that Battle Royal,
but it was one against 19.
[Cole] You don't think that battle royal,
John, was a vendetta by Triple H after the Evolution loss last night?
[JBL] I think it was a heck of a match, a great way to start off Monday Night Raw
is what I think it was.
-[King] It was a vendetta, as is this. -[JBL] Every match is a vendetta?
It's a three-on-three match. Why would you call this a vendetta?
This is a great main event.
[Cole] Tag made. Here comes Luke Harper, one of the followers of Bray Wyatt,
been there since the beginning,
as Bray Wyatt continues to build his flock.
His crusade continues.
[JBL] You know, I said last night on the commentary at Extreme Rules
that people are being brainwashed.
Somebody tweeted me and said, "No, we're Bray-washed."
[Cole] Oh! Oh my God.
[JBL] Luke Harper looks like unwashed.
You're right. The people are buying into this guy.
[Cole] The cover, kick-out by Harper.
[JBL] Because you follow somebody doesn't mean you're brainwashed.
Maybe it means you believe.
[Cole] I find it pretty interesting too, guys.
We saw Triple H earlier tonight kicking off the show,
but no signs of Randy Orton or Batista here tonight on Monday Night Raw,
perhaps embarrassed after last night at Extreme Rules.
[JBL] Yeah, it does seem odd that Orton and Batista are not in action
when everyone else has been or been a part of the battle royal. Weird.
[Cole] Seth Rollins,
see his right arm taped up, showing the effects of last night's war.
[ref] Come on, Roman. That's enough.
[Cole] The Shield really showed something. We knew what they were about,
but to knock off three men with 31 championships between them,
World Championships between them.
[King] What if The Shield is victorious here in this match?
Knock off The Wyatt Family that has been so dominant,
running roughshod over the WWE.
[Rowan] Yeah!
[Cole] Look at Harper.
Talk about brainwashed by that manic part-pied piper.
Oh!
[Cole] Harper, suplex, hooks the leg here. Is it enough?
-Kick-out at two. -Two.
[JBL] Everybody that follows Bray Wyatt is brainwashed, according to you two.
[King] No, they're "Bray-washed."
[Cole] Tag made and here comes Bray Wyatt,
who earlier tonight referred to himself as a farmer
who when their crops spoil,
burn them down so they can build it up again in his image,
"the image of Wyatt," is what Bray said.
Then he said, "Cena thinks I do this all for myself, but I don't."
He said, "John Cena's dead wrong."
"I do this for the children, the beggars,
the teenagers who were never beautiful enough to be prom queen."
He does this for you. That's what Bray Wyatt said.
[ref] One.
[JBL] I think Bray truly believes that.
[ref] Two.
[King] Whoa.
-[JBL] Cena was hoping last night-- -[Cole] Cover by Wyatt.
…to be able to contain that message, and thanks to Harper and Rowan,
John Cena ended up not winning that cage match.
[King] And Bray Wyatt was acting like a farmer right there,
planting some right hands and raising knots and bumps.
[Cole] And according to Bray Wyatt, guys, John Cena now stands alone.
Not quite sure that's the case.
Remember, John Cena will be a part of Main Event tomorrow night.
-Live on the WWE Network at 8 Eastern. -[JBL] Bray Wyatt wants--
[Cole] Cena's gonna talk about the situation with the Wyatts.
[JBL] Bray Wyatt wants his message spread,
and he believes that Cena is the one impediment to that message
going around the globe.
[Cole] Erick Rowan… The big man runs into Rollins.
I still can't get that image out of my head.
King talked about it earlier. Seth Rollins must have been 20 feet in the air
when he dove off the balcony and into Triple H and Orton.
[JBL] Oh man.
[King] That's got him wobbling.
[Cole] Here come Ambrose.
Not in a good mood after losing the United States Championship
that he held for 351 days up till tonight.
Oh, Ambrose. Look at him go.
-[grunting] -[pained groan]
-[JBL chuckles] -[King] Good move by Ambrose.
-[Cole] "The Eccentric One." -[King] Followed Erick Rowan right in.
Turned around, Ambrose was waiting.
[Cole] He's got a unique style.
Ambrose launching himself over the top rope and taking out Luke Harper.
Erick Rowan with a forearm right to the jaw,
and Ambrose uses the ropes to his advantage.
[triumphant yelling]
[crowd booing]
[Cole] And a figure-4 now,
locked into those tree trunk legs of Erick Rowan.
And now Rollins and Reigns with a standoff with the Wyatts.
-[Rollins] Take it easy, all right? -Pull the trigger!
[Cole] A stalemate in our main event live on Monday Night Raw.
We are back live on Monday Night Raw, our main event. Six-man tag team match,
Shield versus the Wyatts.
Dean Ambrose trying to battle back against Luke Harper.
This match made by WWE COO Triple H,
as we kick off Raw tonight.
Obviously, Triple H has issues with The Shield
after The Shield knocked off Evolution last night at Extreme Rules.
[King] Left jabs by Dean Ambrose. Uh-oh.
[JBL] Not insinuating that's why we had a 20-man battle royal, are you?
[Cole] Harper hook of the leg, and a kick-out.
[Cole] We want to show you what happened during the break
live exclusively on the WWE app.
[King] If you don't have the WWE app, you better get it. Get it tonight.
Download it for absolutely free, and you won't miss a minute of the action.
[Cole] It's also your gateway to the WWE Network.
Anyway, Triple H did set up the 20-man over the top rope battle royal,
forcing Ambrose to defend his United States Championship,
eventually Sheamus winning.
Here's Wyatt, kick-out.
It seemed a little odd that that match was set up 24 hours after losing,
Evolution did, to The Shield at Extreme Rules.
[JBL] It's really odd that the COO of a company
would set up a great match to start Raw.
You're right.
[King] You know the old saying. "You can't beat 'em, have them beaten."
[Cole] Look at the number one trend in the world on Twitter,
is the hashtag #ShieldvsWyatts.
And here comes Rowan.
This guy's a strange dude.
[JBL] As compared to the other two that are normal?
[Cole] They're not running around with a sheep mask on half the time.
[JBL] Maybe they should be.
[Cole] I can't get that image out of my head from last night
of that little boy singing.
[JBL] I guarantee you John Cena can't get that image out of his head either.
Cena had the match won last night until that happened.
[Cole] He was gonna walk out, then that little boy was on the steps singing.
Got the whole world in his hands.
[King] Watch out. Big boots.
Right to the head of Rowan.
Got him reeling.
[Cole] Harper just made the tag. Rowan goes over the top rope.
I don't think Ambrose-- Oh, Ambrose did realize.
Playing possum.
-Tag, Rollins. -Go, go, go!
[Cole] Oh, here we go!
-[King] Whoa! -[Cole] The pace picked up.
-[King] This guy is exciting. -[Cole] Isn't he?
-[King] Wow, is this Rollins good. -[Cole] He's really come into his own.
[King] That guy just flew over the top rope,
hit both Rowan and Harper, and landed on his feet.
[Cole] High-octane offense.
Right into Luke Harper.
Face-first goes Harper.
The Shield neutralizing The Wyatt Family right now.
[King] You gotta think that somewhere Triple H is watching this match
and not enjoying it.
[Cole] And a kick-out at two by Harper.
-The one and only Seth Rollins. -[King] Yeah, take a look at this.
[chuckles]
[Cole] In the upper part of your screen, Bray Wyatt just ran into a boot.
Rollins taking out everybody. Uh-oh, momentarily.
And Rollins sent off the top rope by Harper.
[King] Hmm!
That's gonna slow Seth down a little bit, if not stop him completely.
[Cole] Oh no. Harper!
Came flying right through and now Rollins right over the announce table.
And now Luke Harper is raising hell out here.
-[King] Oh boy. -[crowd cheering]
[Cole] Harper's completely lost it. Look at him.
Wild eyes of Luke Harper.
[King] Stay out of the way of that guy.
[ref] One.
Two.
[JBL] He's wacked.
[King] So is our table now.
[Cole] Is this enough to put Rollins away? And a kick-out at two by Seth.
Watch this.
[King] Oh!
[King] What is wrong with Harper?
[JBL] He's "Bray-washed."
-[King] He is. His shirt is not. -[Cole] He hasn't washed in a long time.
You could smell him when he came by.
And here's Bray.
And Rollins, he don't want to be in that corner.
Let's go see!
-[growls] -[groans]
[Cole] Full head of steam. Bray Wyatt crushing Rollins.
[Wyatt giggling]
[Cole] Bray just looking back at The Shield.
Crawls to the cover, hooks the leg, kick-out.
John, what is it about Bray? I mean, why do people buy into this message?
[JBL] People have always followed charismatic leaders that have confidence.
They inspire confidence.
People look for something to believe, right or wrong. That's what it is.
[King] I don't know if "confidence" is the right word
for Bray Wyatt's message or his doctrine.
[Cole] Cheap shot by Harper.
Stay down!
-[Cole] Oh no! -[King] Oh man!
That's it.
[Cole] And Ambrose makes sure it isn't.
-[King] Oh! -[Cole] Now Ambrose taking out Rowan.
Man, The Shield are as tough as they come, aren't they?
[King] Yes, they are.
[Cole] The fight's moved outside the ring. Oh, look out. Here comes Ambrose.
Right over the announce table again.
This has become a very unsafe place with the Wyatts and Shield out here.
[King] I don't think…
Has everybody lost their headset on that one?
Try that one, Cole.
[Cole] But inside the ring,
Harper is the legal man.
[crowd] We want tables!
[Cole] Dean Ambrose is still out here, guys.
At ringside.
[crowd] We want tables!
[pained yelling]
-[Cole] Just an absolute mess. -[King] Man.
[JBL] Seth Rollins still trying to stay in this thing in the ring, Harper as well.
Roman Reigns has been knocked out.
Really at this point, it's Rollins by himself.
Rollins just barely catching Harper, but it was enough.
And now Seth Rollins looking for some help.
Watch this.
[King] Sometimes Seth Rollins' athleticism gets him in trouble. You see that?
He ate that big boot from Harper.
[JBL] Oh boy.
Here comes Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Here comes the muscle of the team.
The mood just changed.
Monday Night Raw is live tonight, ladies and gentlemen.
This is our main event, a clash between The Shield and the Wyatts.
And Roman Reigns right now is suddenly dominating.
[King] Oh man!
What a right hand by Reigns, and, oh, look out!
They're coming back again, guys.
[crowd cheering loudly]
[King] Ooh!
Bray Wyatt's gotta be knocked out.
[Cole] Roman Reigns is taking out everybody.
Reigns rolling through.
[King] Watch it.
-Now Reigns attacked from the side. -[Cole] This isn't good. Everybody in now.
-[King] Watch out, guys. -[Cole] No, no, no. Out of the way, guys!
-Incoming! Incoming. -[King squeals]
[Cole] Rowan and Harper, both through the table.
Both Rowan and Harper through the table.
[King] Man, oh man.
[Cole] They gotta move us out in the stands somewhere.
-[King] Watch out. -[Cole] Superman Punch!
Superman Punch!
[yelling ferociously]
[Cole] And now Bray Wyatt.
Can you believe, within 24 hours, if The Shield beat Evolution and the Wyatts?
And they're looking for the triple powerbomb
to the patriarch of The Wyatt Family.
[roars]
-[Cole] Bray Wyatt… -[Evolution's theme playing]
[Cole] Oh my God!
Here they come.
"The Game," "The Viper," "The Animal," Evolution.
[King squeals nervously]
[Cole] Like Triple H said, "You either adapt…
you adapt or perish."
-And now from behind it's the Wyatts. -[King] Watch it.
[Cole] The Shield in a six-on-three situation,
trying to fight back off the Wyatts.
Triple H and Batista and Orton surrounding the ring.
-[King] Oh my God! -[Cole] Rollins and Ambrose take them out!
Superman Punch to the COO of the WWE!
Meanwhile, Bray Wyatt blasting Reigns.
Wyatt blasting Reigns.
-[King] Are you kidding me? -[Cole] Sister Abigail!
Roman Reigns laid out.
And the Wyatt Family, as the match continues, with a victory.
[Justin Roberts] The winners of this match, The Wyatt Family.
[Wyatt Family theme music playing]
Roman Reigns may have tasted defeat that night,
but both groups collectively tore the house down,
and the fans loved every minute of it.
Eventually, The Shield disbanded
and Roman began his quest for singles glory.
And in 2015, "The Big Dog" met "The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus
in the main event of Raw for the WWE Championship.
["WWE: The Night (Monday Night RAW) playing]
[dramatic music playing]
[bell rings]
The following contest is scheduled for one fall
and it is for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Introducing first,
the challenger,
from Pensacola, Florida,
weighing in at 265 lbs,
Roman Reigns!
[crowd cheering loudly]
And his opponent,
from Dublin, Ireland,
weighing in at 267 lbs,
he is the WWE World Heavyweight Champion,
"The Celtic Warrior" Sheamus.
[crowd booing]
[Cole] #WWETitle.
That is what it's about tonight.
Sheamus versus Reigns.
Reigns' last chance.
I don't think Reigns, after everything he's been through,
would have ever imagined, all the struggles, all the trials,
would culminate on a night like this.
where it's either do or die, win the championship or go home.
[JBL] Roman Reigns is lucky.
Mr. McMahon could have just fired him today.
He didn't have to give him this opportunity.
It's still an opportunity.
-[Cole] Ooh! -[Byron] Oh!
[Cole] Roman Reigns, cover for the championship.
Kick-out by Sheamus.
[JBL] Remember, look at all the marks on Sheamus's back.
These guys went to hell and back last night.
[groans loudly]
[JBL] And tonight Roman Reigns is fighting for either the greatest prize in sports,
or saying goodbye to his dream.
[Cole] And remember, Sheamus has the champion's advantage tonight.
Roman Reigns has to pin
or make Sheamus submit in order to win the championship.
There's that rolling senton by Sheamus.
[Byron] That's gotta hurt Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns was put through that table last night.
[Cole] And Roman Reigns rolling out of the ring.
Both men went through hell last night
in the Tables, Ladders & Chairs match.
Reigns with a right hand to Sheamus.
You can still see the welts, cuts, and bruises
all over the back of Sheamus.
Look at his tricep, black and blues on his thighs and legs.
[JBL] Remember, just like you said, Michael, this gets counted out right here,
Roman Reigns' career is over.
[Cole] Roman Reigns has to win the championship tonight.
And he's dropped right on our announce table.
And just like that, Seamus is in control.
[breathing heavily]
[Cole] It is our main event on Monday Night Raw
for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The champion, Sheamus, in control of the challenger, Roman Reigns.
Roman Reigns must win or he's fired from WWE,
and he'll be fired by the man sitting to our right at ringside,
the chairman of the company, Mr. McMahon.
[crowd] Let's go, Roman!
[JBL] Now watch this. During the break, Sheamus continuing the punishment
on Roman Reigns.
And you can't understate the fact, this is the biggest match
in Roman Reigns' career.
[Cole] This a critical moment here for Roman.
This is a turning point in Roman Reigns' life.
[Byron] I can't imagine the pressure Reigns is feeling.
He mentioned earlier that today's his daughter's birthday.
Imagine now, having to go home, if you lose this match, go home--
[JBL] He should have thought about that before he assaulted Triple H last night.
-He's lucky he didn't get fired. -[Byron] You're right. It wasn't right.
But it was an emotional response.
It's been an emotional road for Reigns since WrestleMania,
ever since he saw that opportunity stolen from him
to become WWE Champion.
[Cole] Ladies and gentlemen, this is Monday Night Raw.
We are live tonight in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This is a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match.
The champion, Sheamus, the challenger, Roman Reigns,
the chairman of WWE, Mr. McMahon, sitting at ringside.
Roman Reigns must win the championship or he will be fired,
and his WWE career will be over.
John mentioned just moments ago
that this is the biggest match in Roman Reigns' career.
[JBL] You can't get any bigger. You can't make the stakes any higher.
[Cole] Reigns unloading with the big right hands.
[JBL] You win, and your dreams come true. You lose, goodbye, Roman.
[Cole] And Roman Reigns knocking out Sheamus!
Now Reigns trying to build a little bit of momentum,
give himself a bit of hope here.
It's been all Sheamus, really, since the beginning.
Down goes Sheamus.
[Byron] The one thing we continually see from Roman Reigns.
No matter how much pain he's in, it's his spirit that keeps pushing on.
[Cole] They went through a hellacious
Tables, Ladders, & Chairs match last night.
-They're both showing the effects. -[JBL] That's what you see from Reigns.
Those ribs are hurting from going through a table last night
in that incredible championship match.
[Cole] Sheamus is all busted up.
Welts and bruises and cuts all over his body.
[ref] Roman, come on.
[Byron] You see both these men just trying to wipe away that memory bank.
[Cole] Yeah, but this is about your career, your job, your livelihood,
the well-being of your family.
That's what Roman Reigns is fighting for here.
Not just the championship.
[JBL] And Roman Reigns can't come in second again tonight.
If he does, goodbye.
You can't come in close.
You gotta win it all.
[Cole] That could be the blow that ends it.
Roman just stunned.
You can hear McMahon barking at Sheamus, "You got him, Sheamus. You got him."
Sheamus may get him here.
Roman Reigns, though, with the right, quickly back to his feet.
-Oh boy. -[JBL] What is Reigns trying to do here?
[Cole] From the…
Samoan drop from the second rope!
Into the cover for the championship,
and a kick-out at two.
[Byron] Roman is hurt.
[Cole] Stephanie McMahon left the arena earlier tonight
to be with her convalescing husband,
Triple H, who was assaulted by Roman Reigns last night,
as you take another look at this Samoan drop by Reigns.
Almost won the championship there.
And another look.
[JBL] Could you imagine how apoplectic Mr. McMahon would be
if you had this person who assaulted his son-in-law last night
and tonight wins the WWE Championship from Sheamus?
[Cole] He called his family a disgrace.
Now Sheamus with that high running knee.
-And this could be it. -[Byron] Oh…
[Cole] Oh, and he could get fired right there.
That was almost Roman Reigns' career, before he kicked out at two.
And again Sheamus with the Irish Curse backbreaker.
Again, to fire Reigns here tonight.
And again, Reigns stays alive.
[Byron] Reigns is still alive,
but you gotta believe that gas tank is nearing empty.
[McMahon] Come on, Sheamus.
[Cole] Sheamus staring right at the boss, who is feeding Sheamus encouragement.
Sheamus gotta be wondering what he has to do.
Hey, Seamus wanted this fight.
[JBL] Roman Reigns has got to know
his entire life is playing out right in front of him.
As Don Meredith used to say, "It's penthouse or outhouse."
[Cole] WWE fans are behind Roman Reigns, but is it enough?
Looking for White Noise.
Roman Reigns, though, to try to win the championship.
Trying to power up.
-And he does with Sheamus, 270 lbs. -[Byron] Wow!
[Cole] This could be it. Roman Reigns to win the gold.
He got him! No!
How close was that?
[Byron] About as close as you can get.
[Cole] Watch this sit-out powerbomb by Roman Reigns here, a version of it anyway.
The power of Reigns.
[JBL] Roman Reigns has proved that he can come close to winning the championship
on any occasion.
[Cole] Both these men are spent from what happened last night
to what happened tonight.
[JBL] Roman is just not good at winning it.
And if he's the WWE's bridesmaid again tonight…
[Cole] I have to be honest, John, Roman is good at winning it.
Roman did win the championship.
[JBL] And held it for five minutes and 15 seconds, Michael.
[Cole] He would have won last night, if it wasn't for Sheamus's cronies.
[JBL] Would have and should have.
"Sun's in my eyes."
[Byron] Uh-oh.
[Cole] Roman Reigns has got Sheamus in his sights.
-[Byron] He could now. -[Cole] Went for the Superman Punch.
Sheamus though. Oh, Reigns is in trouble.
That's it. The career of Roman Reigns crashing to the mat!
[JBL] Good. Oh, no, no, no, no!
[Cole] Roman Reigns' career must've just flashed before his eyes.
[JBL] It's gonna be a shame to see someone's career
as talented as Roman Reigns gone tonight.
[Cole] Roman digging down deep to power out.
[Byron] I agree with you, John.
There's no shame in what Reigns has accomplished,
the struggles he's had to overcome.
-And people will talk about 2000… -[Cole] Uh-oh. Oh no, no, no, Sheamus…
[grunts loudly]
[JBL] People are gonna say, "Remember when Roman Reigns..."
[Cole] Sheamus is going for the cloverleaf.
Submission maneuver.
Looking right at Mr. McMahon.
-Sheamus can't get it locked in. -[Byron] Roman's trying to fight it.
[Cole] Roman's trying to fight out.
And Roman Reigns, the end may be near.
We may be moments away from Roman Reigns tapping out.
[JBL] Sheamus wants Roman Reigns to tap out to become unemployed.
[Cole] Roman Reigns has nowhere to go.
Sheamus screaming at him to tap.
Reigns screaming in agony, trying to stay alive.
Reigns trying to stay in this.
[JBL] The last thing you'll see in WWE is Reigns submitting to end his career.
-[Cole] To the ropes. -[Byron] That is heart.
That is determination from Roman Reigns to stay in this fight.
[JBL] Yeah, but for how long?
[Cole] Look at Sheamus. Sheamus can't believe it.
Sheamus cannot believe that Roman Reigns was able
to make it to the bottom rope to force a break.
[crowd] Let's go, Roman!
Let's go, Roman!
[JBL] Roman Reigns is doing everything he can just to hold on.
-[Byron] He has to. -[JBL] Not just in this match.
-[Cole] He has no choice. -[JBL] This is his career.
His livelihood, everything is at stake, and I think we're about to see it end.
[Cole] Oh, and a headbutt by Roman.
And Roman has stunned Sheamus.
-Another right hand. -[JBL] Man!
[Byron] Every resource you have, Roman, you gotta tap into now.
[Cole] Oh, but Reigns hung up on the top rope, and Sheamus--
Went for the Brogue, and he ran into a Superman Punch!
Roman Reigns for the championship.
[Byron] What?! No.
[Cole] Mr. McMahon just pulled the referee out of the ring.
The chairman just pulled the referee out of the ring.
[crowd booing loudly]
[Cole] This is--
Oh, come on now.
Roman Reigns off that headbutt has been busted open.
Reigns is busted open. He had Sheamus beat,
and Mr. McMahon pulled the official out of the ring.
Off the Superman Punch, a desperate Superman Punch.
[Byron] This isn't fair. It's not fair at all.
[JBL] Mr. McMahon owns the company.
[Cole] Come on, John. You can't even defend those actions.
[Byron] How much more can you stack the deck against--
[Cole] Sheamus from behind,
and now Mr. McMahon forcing the official back in… back into the ring.
-[Byron] Not like this. -[Cole] White Noise.
Roman Reigns career is over.
No!
[crowd cheering]
[inaudible]
[Cole] If you're official John Cone, what are you going to do?
[JBL] You're gonna count a little bit faster,
or you'll be fired with Roman Reigns.
Go back to cooking donuts.
[Byron] What… Sheamus, why did he just push Reigns out of the ring?
-[Cole] Oh my God. Is this why? -[Byron] Now we know why. Yeah.
[Cole] Rusev and Del Rio, The League of Nations.
[Byron] Just like last night all over again.
[Cole] And Mr. McMahon still has the official all tied up.
[JBL] Mr. McMahon said there'd be no chance in hell.
[Byron] How much more can you throw at this man?
How much more can you throw at Reigns?
[JBL] It won't matter. He's about to be unemployed.
[Cole] Superman Punch!
Went for the Brogue.
Superman Punch!
-Superman Punch! -[JBL] That's the chairman of the board!
-What the hell's wrong with you? -[Cole] Superman Punch!
-[Byron] Watch out! -[Cole] Brogue Kick! Oh my God!
-[JBL] Good riddance. Count him out. -[Cole] Roman Reigns…
Kicks out! Roman Reigns kicked out! Reigns kicked out!
Reigns is still in it. Reigns is still in it!
Sheamus can't believe it,
but Roman Reigns is alive.
Reigns is alive.
[Byron] There is a desire.
There is a fire inside Roman Reigns that cannot be put out.
[crowd] Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Yes! Yes! Yes!
[Cole] Sheamus going for the death blow, the Brogue Kick.
[JBL] It was a good career, Roman.
-[Cole] Spear! -[JBL] No.
-[Cole] The cover. -[JBL] No.
-[Cole] Roman Reigns is the World… -[JBL] No way!
[Cole] Roman Reigns is champion. Roman Reigns is champion.
[Lilian Garcia] Here is your winner,
and the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[Cole] Roman Reigns is WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
He did it. He overcame all the odds.
[Byron] It was win or go home for Roman Reigns,
and now Roman Reigns, on this night here in Philadelphia,
can call himself "champion."
[Cole] It has all come full circle.
It was in this arena in January of this year
where Roman Reigns won the Royal Rumble match,
and it is in this arena at the end of 2015
that Roman Reigns becomes WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
[Roman Reigns' theme music playing]
I did this for you, baby. I'm coming home.
Roman Reigns had the WWE Universe on their feet that night,
but it wasn't always rainbows and unicorns.
No, no, no, no.
Leave that distinction to your boy and The New Day.
Now, after defeating the iconic Undertaker at WrestleMania 33 in dominant fashion,
Roman was ready for an encore on a hot night
after Mania on Monday Night Raw
where "The Big Dog" addressed a rather hostile crowd.
[booing loudly]
-Roman sucks! -Undertaker!
[Roman Reigns theme music playing]
[crowd booing intensely]
[man] Yeah, Roman!
[booing continues]
[JoJo] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Roman Reigns!
[Cole] One of the most incredible moments
I ever remember to begin Monday Night Raw.
We are live in Orlando, Florida tonight,
and one of the reasons the WWE Universe is booing Roman Reigns
is because there has been a great deal of speculation
after what we saw last night,
and after what's been talked about in social media and in the news today
that last night's match was indeed "the last ride" for The Undertaker.
And if that is the case,
then we say thank you to, in my mind,
the greatest performer in the history of WWE.
It has been an honor to be a part of his fabulous career.
15,156 WWE fans, sold out here tonight
to greet one of only two men in history
to have defeated The Undertaker at WrestleMania.
First, it was Brock Lesnar.
Last night, it was this man, Roman Reigns.
[booing continues]
[booing intensifies]
[music fades out]
[booing intensifies]
[chanting] Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete!
Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete!
Delete! Delete!
[booing]
[booing intensifies]
[indistinct heckling, booing continues]
Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete!
[crowd booing loudly]
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck! You suck!
You suck! You suck!
[indistinct heckling]
[booing loudly]
Asshole! Asshole!
Asshole! Asshole! Asshole! Asshole!
Asshole! Asshole!
[chanting subsides]
[booing resumes]
[indistinct heckling]
Roman sucks! Roman sucks! Roman sucks! Roman sucks!
Roman sucks! Roman sucks! Roman sucks!
[booing resumes]
[booing intensifies]
Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete!
Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete! Delete!
[intense booing resumes]
[booing continues softly]
[booing intensifies]
Right in the palm of my hand.
Go away! Go away! Go away! Go away!
Go away! Go away! Go away!
Go away! Go away! Go away! Go away! Go away!
[booing resumes]
[booing intensifies]
This is my yard now.
-[crowd boos loudly] -[mic drops]
[booing continues]
[crowd heckling, jeering]
[Cole] I don't think Roman Reigns could have made it any clearer.
It's his yard now.
[Roman Reigns' theme music playing]
What a statement.
While short and sweet, so much was said,
and the message was delivered.
One of Roman's defining moments
and a glimpse of "The Tribal Chief"'s future.
It was his yard now,
and it's best we all started acknowledging that.
Later that year, as Roman challenged "The A-Lister" Miz for the coveted
Intercontinental title on Raw,
you can bet "The Big Dog" intended to show the world that he ruled the pound.
[bell rings]
The following contest is scheduled for one fall,
and it is for the Intercontinental Championship.
Introducing first, the challenger,
from Pensacola, Florida, weighing 265 lbs,
Roman Reigns!
His opponent, residing in Hollywood, California,
weighing 221 lbs,
he is the Intercontinental Champion,
The Miz!
[Cole] Corey, Miz is a seven-time Intercontinental Champion,
so he's doing something right.
What does he have to do to retain the championship tonight?
[Corey] Miz is gonna have to weather the emotional onslaught of Roman Reigns.
Roman's gonna come out of the gate hard and fast.
Whether the Miz can endure, that remains to be seen.
[Cole] Miz has the champion's advantage tonight,
meaning Reigns is gonna have to pin him or submit him
to win the championship.
Disqualifications, count-outs don't matter.
[Booker] You said it. Pin or submit.
Miz is a seven-time Intercontinental Champion.
That right there tells me a whole lot about The Miz.
He's a winner.
He knows how to win in big situations.
Take nothing away from Roman.
-[Corey] Look. Miz doesn't wanna compete. -[Cole] He's taking his time.
[Booker] Exactly. I mean, this right here, this is mind games.
You're the psychotherapist. You should know that.
[Cole] And now Roman Reigns in pursuit of The Miz, back into the ring.
Miz looking to gain a little bit of momentum here.
Roman Reigns caught him with a right.
[Corey] That'll stop your momentum dead in its tracks.
[Booker] It's called a "feeling out process" right here.
Miz just trying to feel this thing out.
[Corey] He felt the big right is what he did, Book.
[Cole] Now Miz hanging up Reigns on the top rope.
Trying to gain the advantage, and maybe he did that.
Miz looking for the Skull-Crushing Finale early.
Reigns would not allow it to happen. Now Miz, though, neckbreaker.
[Corey] Look at the power. Battling out of it.
Rolls Miz up, shoulders down.
Oh, he's gonna power Miz high here.
Look at "The Big Dog."
Down goes Miz with the sit-out powerbomb. Cover.
Almost had the championship.
Intercontinental title up for grabs live on Raw.
[Cole] We're back live on Monday Night Raw.
Reigns trying to fight back in this Intercontinental Championship match
against the champion, The Miz.
[Corey] Roman Reigns seeking the one title that has eluded him.
The prestigious, historic Intercontinental Championship
that the Miz has worn so proudly.
[Cole] A very physical battle, as you can see.
Just when we came back from commercial break,
the suplex by Reigns.
[Booker] Yeah, but The Miz is showing a good account for himself, guys.
[Cole] No doubt, Book. He's a seven-time champion.
He's doing something right.
Roman Reigns, clothesline after clothesline to The Miz.
Trying to get back into this, trying to win the championship.
Down goes Miz.
Fresh off a Shield win over The New Day at Survivor Series last night.
Roman looks to win the championship 24 hours later.
[crowd] Roman! Roman! Roman!
[Booker] Miz is not gonna be able to battle strength with Roman Reigns.
-He's gonna have to… -[Corey] Gonna have to be crafty, cagey.
[Booker] He's gotta get him in a bad position.
[Corey] When Roman is firing on all cylinders like this,
you won't find "The Big Dog" in a vulnerable position.
-[all] Oh! -[Cole] Down goes Miz, boot to the face.
[Booker] You see the acceleration from Roman Reigns off those ropes.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] It could just be a matter of time.
Reigns has that look in his eye.
-Locked and loaded. -[Booker] Roman's feeling it right now.
[Corey] The Miz, great ring awareness by the champion.
[Booker] Great move.
[Corey] Staying out of harm's way, makes Roman Reigns come out after him.
[Booker] Miz is just trying to slow this thing down a little bit.
[Cole] Miz, boot to the midsection, and Miz takes advantage with a DDT.
-[Corey] Wow. -[Booker] Exactly what I'm talking about.
Count, ref. Do your job.
[Cole] Monday Night Raw is live in Houston, Texas tonight.
This is an Intercontinental Championship match.
The Miz defending against Roman Reigns, who is down and out outside the ring.
The official now at a count of four.
Reigns has gotta get back into the ring before ten.
[Corey] Roman was just spiked face-first on the outside of the ring.
-Seven. -[Cole] Miz trying to recover.
Roman Reigns trying to crawl back. Now at a count of eight for the official.
Reigns is close to being counted out here. And just beats the count back in!
[Booker] Yeah, but I'm telling you, that was a great move by The Miz.
Just lured Roman Reigns in and just dropped a hammer.
[Cole] I agree with you, Booker. Once again…
[Corey] Face-first goes Reigns. The Miz back on the attack, cover.
-Hooks the leg on "The Big Dog." -Two.
He's got him. No, kick-out, two and a half.
[Booker] This is what I was talking about, Corey.
He's gotta corral Roman Reigns and get him in that great position
where he can just...
[Corey] This was a well-laid trap by The Miz.
-[Booker] Bang! -[Corey] A hellacious DDT on the outside.
Miz just needs to stay the course, Booker.
I mean, the Intercontinental Champion is in control.
[Cole] Again, it's gonna take a lot to put Roman Reigns away,
and I think Miz knows that.
-He continues the assault. -[Booker] Miz spiked Roman Reigns outside.
I'll tell you right now, Roman's still buzzed.
Perfect time for The Miz.
[Cole] Spiked him face-first in the middle of the ring.
And now Miz continues with this chin-lock on Roman Reigns.
[Corey] The aggression in the rear chin-lock from The Miz.
Using all of his body weight to wear down "The Big Dog."
[Booker] Let me tell you something, that's the experience of these last ten years,
guys that The Miz has been in the ring with.
This is a lot of experience right here from The Miz.
[Cole] Yeah, Booker, you hit the nail on the head with the word "experience."
That's what Miz has gained. He's been in the ring with the best.
He's headlined a WrestleMania, and tonight, he's taking on "The Big Dog,"
with the Intercontinental title up for grabs. Reigns fighting back.
And Miz, this is what he was trying for before.
-[Corey] Nailed it. -[Cole] Classic Miz there.
Here's the cover.
Is it enough to keep the championship?
Almost had Reigns.
A near-fall for the champion, who now begs the official.
[Corey] The Miz is beside himself.
[Booker] I tell you, this Miz right here, this is a guy that believes in himself.
This is the guy that knows that he's been to the mountaintop,
and he wants to go back.
I mean, it's the Intercontinental Champion,
but Miz still has Heavyweight Championship aspirations.
[Corey] Miz loves the Intercontinental title though.
He believes he's brought back prestige to the championship.
that was first held by Hall of Famer Pat Patterson.
[Booker] Yeah, man.
[Cole] And over a dozen WWE Hall of Famers
have held that championship over the years.
Oh, and Miz right to the back of the neck of Roman Reigns.
Monday Night Raw, the night after Survivor Series, is live tonight
at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
And The Miz is defending his Intercontinental Championship
against Roman Reigns.
[Booker] That look right there in The Miz's eyes tells me
that The Miz knows he can stand toe-to-toe with Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Miz is doing quite well here, after luring Reigns in outside the ring.
And now Reigns fighting back with a big right hand.
Reigns, though, with that explosive offense.
[Booker] Miz took a big shot right there.
[Cole] Miz sidestepping Reigns. Miz all the way across the ring,
launching himself with a dropkick.
[Cole] These are the world-famous corner dropkicks made famous by The Miz.
[Corey] I was thinking of the SmackDown Live general manager.
[Cole] Stop thinking that way.
And look at Roman Reigns with Miz on his shoulder.
Looking for the Samoan drop. Miz rolls him up.
Shoulders down. Two-count, kick-out Reigns.
Boot to the face.
How impressive is The Miz tonight, guys?
-You gotta give it to him. -[Cole] Oh, no doubt.
Sent through the second rope to the floor. Right back in, though, is Miz.
Runs into a right hand.
Almost a desperation right, Corey, from Reigns.
[Corey] And Miz is staggered, holding himself up on the ropes.
Gotta wonder how much "The Big Dog" has left in his tank.
[Cole] Miz, across the ring, lands on the second turnbuckle.
Could be the opening Reigns needs.
Regroup time for the challenger.
[Corey] Can Roman continue to rally?
[Booker] Roman's trying to get a breath, trying to take a breather.
[Corey] You're right, trying to catch his breath, loosening his ring attire.
[Cole] Miz back to his feet first, but blocked by Reigns.
Roman Reigns starting to throw the big right hands.
-Right back to the midsection. -[Booker] Wow.
[Corey] And once again, the rally is quelled.
[Booker] Dude, every time Miz just slow it down, just a little bit,
right to the pace that he wants it.
[Cole] "It!" Kicks, here we go.
[Corey] "Yes!" Kicks.
[crowd] Yes!
-[Cole] Yes, they are "It!" Kicks. -[crowd] Yes! Yes! Yes!
[Booker] They're good kicks.
-[Corey] Miz. -[Cole] Look at Reigns.
Reigns is… he's in trouble.
Missed with the last one,
Roman Reigns and Miz, and a shoulder Samoan drop.
And just like that, Reigns into the cover for the title,
kick-out at two.
[Booker] Roman always knows
he's got that one there in his bag of tricks he can always go to.
The Samoan drop is beautiful.
[Corey] It did damage to The Miz.
You gotta wonder if maybe Roman had covered Miz higher on his shoulders,
if Miz would've stayed down for three.
[Cole] Yeah, but in Roman's defense, he sort of just fell into the cover.
I'm not sure he knew where he was.
That Samoan drop came from out of nowhere.
[Booker] Wasting a lot of time here.
[Cole] I think he's trying to regroup,
but Roman's taken a tremendous amount of punishment.
[Corey] This place is starting to rock, gentlemen.
The WWE Universe are on their feet.
[Cole] You can feel the momentum shift coming.
You can feel one coming from Roman Reigns.
Locked and loaded. Went for the Superman Punch.
Miz caught him, almost in the Skull-Crushing Finale,
but Reigns able to counter.
And again Miz picks Reigns out. May have hurt the leg.
That might be it.
Cover by the champion, hook of the leg on Roman Reigns.
Got him. No, kick-out.
[Booker] Let me tell you something, The Miz came to play tonight.
[Cole] Book, I'm with you. Incredible counters by The Miz,
twice avoiding the Superman Punch by Roman Reigns,
and the last one, Miz just whipping the leg out from underneath Roman Reigns.
And I want you to watch Reigns clutch his knee here after that happened.
Will that knee come into play as this match continues?
[Corey] I don't know how that knee wouldn't come into play.
I mean, Roman Reigns was just clipped out of midair.
"Can Miz capitalize" becomes the question.
[Booker] I'll tell you, we talked about The Miz's 2017.
If he can get this win tonight in the middle of this ring
fair and square, mano a mano, against Roman Reigns,
I'll tell you, man, I say give… give him an award.
[Cole] Well, I tell you, Miz has had a hell of a year.
This has been a heck of a matchup.
I have been so impressed with the way The Miz has taken this fight to Reigns.
[Corey] The Intercontinental Champion now measuring Roman.
-[Cole] Oh, and Miz. -[Corey] There it is.
[Booker] The best I've ever seen The Miz look, right here tonight, guys.
This is the best I've ever seen The Miz look in the middle of this ring.
[Cole] He's come into his own. There's no doubt about that.
Miz with something to prove. Top rope now, launches himself.
Superman Punch!
Picked him out of midair.
-For the championship. -[Booker] Kick out, Miz.
[Cole] Miz just got the shoulder up.
[Booker] How?
[Cole] Reigns looked at the official, John Cone, in disbelief, but watch this.
In midair.
-[Cole] Boom! -[Corey] Full connection.
Four knuckles upside the head.
[Booker] The way that Miz crumbled right there,
I don't know… I don't know how he kicked out.
[Corey] But, Book, "The Big Dog" is feeling it.
[Cole] "The Big Dog" is indeed feeling it. Miz is in trouble.
Not quite sure he knows where he is after the Superman Punch.
-[Corey] Wait a minute. -[Cole] Sheamus and Cesaro!
Come on. Miz, Skull-Crushing Finale!
And Miz is gonna steal one thanks to the damn Bar.
One. Two.
[Cole] Reigns kicked out.
[Booker] No. Wow!
[Corey] I was just about to award Sheamus and Cesaro a Mizzie
for Best Supporting Role.
[Cole] They were embarrassed last week by The Shield.
And here comes The Shield.
Ambrose and Rollins going after the Tag Team Champions.
[Corey] Did you see the monstrous back drop
Rollins just delivered to Cesaro?
[Cole] Coming to the aid of Roman Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose.
[Booker] It's an even playing field now.
[Cole] And now Miz, looking on in disbelief,
struggling to make it back to his feet.
Reigns, Spear!
Cover.
Hooks the leg.
For the first time, Reigns is Intercontinental Champion.
[Booker] Wow.
[JoJo] Here is your winner, and the new Intercontinental Champion,
Roman Reigns.
[Cole] And the celebration begins.
The one title that's eluded Reigns in his career
is now around his waist.
Congratulations to the brand-new Intercontinental Champion.
[Corey laughs delightedly]
[Booker] That's one piece of the puzzle.
[Corey] The grand clam is complete. Congrats to "The Big Dog."
What a win.
[Roman Reigns' theme music playing]
Always nice to have friends looking out for you,
but sometimes you just gotta save yourself.
Friendship be damned,
and in 2021,
"The Tribal Chief" was only out for number one
as he took on Bobby Lashley and yours truly,
in a triple threat match in the main event of Raw.
[Big E's theme music playing]
[Byron] He brings physicality.
He brings positivity, but this time he is bringing intensity
into the ring, no denying that.
[Corey] The new WWE Champion marching with purpose.
Focus in his eyes, and here we go.
[Byron] We are already underway.
Bobby Lashley and Big E toe-to-toe.
[Corey] Just that quickly,
Lashley stopped the momentum of Big E, who returns the favor.
[Byron] Now Reigns looking to attack. This match was Big E's idea.
Big E wanted Roman Reigns.
Big E wanted Bobby Lashley in a triple threat matchup,
and he got his wish.
[Corey] Listen, Big E is a newly-crowned WWE Champion.
You wanna play, Bobby? Let's play.
[Corey] E needs to establish dominance.
Big E needs to make his mark.
[Byron] This is a key way to establish said dominance.
You wanna play with me, huh? You wanna play?
-I'll show you. -[Corey] Big E verbally--
[Byron] Oh, and taking his eyes off the Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns strikes, and he strikes savagely in the ring.
[crowd booing]
[Byron] Welcome back. They call him "The All Mighty" for a reason.
A triple threat match, Bobby Lashley,
Big E, Roman Reigns,
and it is Bobby Lashley that has right now
cleaned house and is punishing Big E in the ring.
[Corey] Big E able to reverse Lashley.
Lashley understandably irate after what occurred last week,
losing his WWE Championship to the then Mr. Money In The Bank.
-Big E… -[Jimmy] Trying to finish it.
Not quite yet.
[Corey] Lashley obsessed with the idea that he believes...
This is what you want, huh? This is what you want, huh?
...that "The All Mighty Era" is still intact.
The WWE Champion has something to say about that.
[Byron] But does he also have something to prove?
Let's be honest, as much you love Big E, he beat a compromised Bobby Lashley.
If he wins a triple threat match tonight,
no denying he deserves that title around his waist.
[Corey] That is a very, very big "if," my friend.
Oh! Lashley sent to the outside by our announce desk.
Roman Reigns now shifts his focus to the newly crowned WWE Champion.
Reversal now by Big E.
[Jimmy] Big response.
[Byron] Trying to finish it. Leg up.
Kick-out from Big E.
[Corey] Big E with a little much left in the tank.
Roman now surveying the damage, surveying the scene,
as we look once again at this tremendous clothesline
that took down the new WWE Champion,
and a look of almost frustration on the face of Reigns.
[Jimmy] Reigns realizing he's not the only "Big Dog" in this matchup.
When you've gotta fend with Bobby Lashley--
Oh man!
Case in point.
[Byron] Trying to be the strategist, trying to catch Bobby Lashley unprepared.
That's not gonna happen.
[Corey] Lashley just… Now covering him.
[Byron] Oh, kick-out.
-Universal Champion still very much in it. -[Corey] Listen.
[all groan]
[Corey] With that one fist,
I don't know if it was to the chest of Reigns or the neck.
[Jimmy] Does it matter?
[Corey] Whatever it was stopped "The Big Dog" right in his tracks.
[Byron] That's the key, and now Lashley, high-speed impact
into the WWE Champion, Big E.
One more for Reigns.
[Corey] "The All Mighty" is dominating once again.
But not just anyone. He is dominating the WWE Champion.
[Jimmy] Whoa, oh, oh!
-[Corey] Spoke too soon. -[Byron] To the cover.
[groans]
[Byron] How many people Big E's size can move that fast and be that athletic?
Not many. Maybe none.
[Corey] You can ask the same question about all these elite-level competitors.
[Byron] Oh my gosh!
-[Corey] Samoan drop, cover by Reigns. -[Byron] Might be it.
[Jimmy groans]
[Byron] You see Reigns trying to recharge.
He can't believe he couldn't get it after that.
[Jimmy] The height on that.
[Corey] All of the Samoan Drop driving all of Big E's body weight into the canvas.
The WWE Champion wisely rolling to the outside, and now,
it is "The Head of the Table" and "The All Mighty."
[Jimmy] "The All Mighty" suffering damage at the hands now of "The Tribal Chief."
[Corey] Reigns is battering Lashley in the corner,
over and over and over again.
[Jimmy] Lashley starting to fade in that corner.
[Byron] You know, does Roman Reigns have the advantage in a triple threat match?
He's so smart.
He's so strategic.
He knows when to retreat and when to attack.
And right now attacking a vulnerable Bobby Lashley, smart move.
[Corey] Of course it's smart.
These are three top-tier WWE Superstars, three of the best in the game.
And Roman Reigns now looking to join Bobby Lashley on the top rope,
and Lashley trying to fight down "The Head of the Table."
[Jimmy] Strike him with his own level of vitriol.
[all groan]
[Byron] And "The Tribal Chief" responds emphatically.
[Corey] "The All Mighty" is rocked on the top rope.
[Byron] Nine times out of ten, it is over at this point.
Roman Reigns not used to someone who can take his shot like Bobby Lashley.
[Jimmy] Reigns willing to dish more out now on the middle rope.
Oh wow.
If he can get him up, are you kidding me?
[Corey] I hope they reinforced the ring for this one.
[Jimmy] Lashley trying to find some sort of counter here.
[Corey] Lost his footing, but here is Big E.
[Byron] Oh, this is not gonna end well.
[all groan]
[Jimmy] Wow!
[Byron] A double slam by Big E. Everyone laid out.
Who can recover?
Can you feel the adrenaline here at NC State?
We can. A triple threat match. Big E, Bobby Lashley, Roman Reigns.
No one has had an advantage for long.
[Jimmy] We're not surprised.
[Corey] Triple threat rules in effect.
The first man to score a pinfall or submission will be declared victorious.
To this point, it has just been dominance.
[crowd booing loudly]
[Corey] Take a look at the action before the break.
All three men in essentially a human car crash.
Big E launching Roman Reigns, who suplexed Bobby Lashley.
That is a mass of humanity all crashing to the mat,
and it hurt in a bad, bad way.
[Jimmy] Well, everything they're doing is hurting in a bad, bad way.
Clothesline right into the body lock.
[Byron] This is gonna hurt in a bad, bad way for Roman Reigns.
[Corey] "The Tribal Chief" now once again being manhandled by the new WWE Champion.
[Byron] Not just once.
[Corey] Big E is feeding off the pressure of the moment,
the magnitude of this match,
the need to prove himself by overcoming both Reigns and Lashley.
[Jimmy] We have seen him bench press almost 600 lbs.
That is just as impressive, Byron.
[Byron] Absolutely. Now picking up speed. Oh!
[Corey] Gotta be aware "The All Mighty" is on the outside.
[Lashley roaring]
[Jimmy] Jeez!
[yelling ferociously]
[Jimmy] Testing the strength of the barricade.
[Byron] Just like that, removing Big E from the equation.
[Corey] Bobby Lashley looking like a man possessed.
A step ahead of "The Tribal Chief," down goes Reigns.
[Jimmy] Face-down, Bobby Lashley sending the message, "This is still Raw."
"This is still my house. I am the true champion."
[Byron] This is still "The All Mighty Era."
Lashley, full control now. Reigns at his mercy.
All the way up.
[Corey] Look at this power, otherworldly power by Bobby Lashley.
[Jimmy] Hang time to the suplex to the cover.
This might be over.
[Corey] Roman Reigns just barely, barely escapes.
Heart of a champion.
[Jimmy] I can get elevated. I can get slammed. I can get suplexed.
[Corey] Lashley with a side kick right to the midsection now.
Hoisting Big E up.
-[Jimmy] But I'm not out yet. -[Byron] Big E able to slip behind.
Belly-to-belly by the champion.
Now taking down Reigns in the process.
Reigns and Lashley, both at the mercy of Big E.
[Corey] Side-by-side. From way up high.
[Byron] Huge splash to the cover. One, two…
No!
[Corey] Lashley barely stayed down for the count of two.
[Byron] A little too ambitious here, Corey.
[Corey] Look at the height.
Look at the height Big E was able to achieve.
Crashing all of his 260-plus lbs down across Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley.
[Byron] Yeah, but do it to both of them.
If he had done it to Bobby, could we have seen the pinfall?
[Corey] Now, you can't second-guess yourself if you're Big E.
You gotta keep rolling. Keep moving forward.
[Byron] E rolled forward right into the knee of the Universal Champion.
[Corey] Spinebuster by Lashley. Cover here.
Reigns breaks up the pinfall attempt.
Lashley sent to the outside, Roman into the cover.
-Two. -No.
[Corey] And if it weren't for the confusion and the hesitation
between Lashley and Roman,
Big E might have been counted down for three.
[Jimmy] Think about all the internal frustrations
all three of these Superstars have to be feeling
because of the continued momentum swings.
[Byron] It's also about who takes advantage at the right time.
Who's strategic, right?
Who strikes when their opponent is unaware?
We've seen that rotate between these three champions.
[Corey] This deep in the match has nothing to do with strategy. It's about guts.
This is about will. This is about heart.
[Byron] Missed the Superman Punch.
Will we see it?
[all] Big Ending!
[Byron] This has gotta be it.
One, two…
[all groan]
[Corey] And Lashley just prevented the pinfall from occurring.
Triple threat rules. Submission or pinfall only.
What the hell has Bobby Lashley got in…?
-Oh God. -Get out of the way.
[Corey] Oh!
And there goes our commentary table.
[Byron] Has Big E just been permanently removed from this match?
[Corey] It is down to Bobby Lashley and Roman Reigns,
as we look at the destruction caused by "The All Mighty."
Big E has been neutralized.
Lashley's got Reigns in his sights.
[Byron] Oh, caught halfway through the Spear to the cover.
No.
[Corey] "The All Mighty" survives.
[Jimmy] Unbelievable.
[Byron] He was caught at full speed, Corey, punch right to the jaw.
[Corey] Roman got the Superman Punch.
Lashley wanted the Spear.
Roman, a step ahead.
Got it flush, down goes Lashley,
but "The All Mighty" kicks out before three.
[crowd chanting] This is awesome! This is awesome! This is awesome!
[Corey] PNC Arena
shouting their encouragement, their appreciation.
Yes, indeed, this is awesome.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] And it's about to be over,
because "The Head of the Table" has acquired the target.
[Byron] Going after Bobby Lashley.
Can he get it?
-No! -[Corey] Spear by Bobby Lashley!
To the cover.
Oh! The rescue by Big E.
[Jimmy] Big E just in time. Amazingly, this match continues on.
[Corey] Big E saved this matchup for himself.
Not for Roman, not for Bobby,
and there is a Hurt Lock in Big E's future.
[Byron] Trying to get his hands together behind the head.
Big E doing everything he can to fight it off.
Once this is locked, it is done.
[Jimmy] That left arm.
[Corey] Superman Punch again.
[Jimmy] Good… good grief, man.
How do these competitors, these Superstars, these champions
have anything left?
[Byron] I'm asking the same question.
[Corey] Takes Reigns down off the apron!
[Byron] Completely sacrificing his body to take out the Universal Champion.
[Jimmy] The New Day rocks,
and The New Day right now is rocking the Universal Champion.
Crowd wants him to put it away, and he might.
-[Corey] Big Ending incoming. -[Jimmy] And there it is.
[Byron] This could be it.
[all] Oh!
[Corey] And Lashley with a steel chair.
This is triple threat rules. This isn't gonna force a disqualification.
[Jimmy] And if it won't, expect Bobby Lashley to do it no mercy.
[Byron] Swinging at will.
Lighting up the back of Big E.
[Corey] Lashley just mangling a steel chair
over a fallen WWE Champion.
[Jimmy] Bobby Lashley hitting you with nothing in his hands is brutal,
and he's bringing down a steel chair on Big E.
[Corey] Gosh, he's not done yet.
[groans loudly]
[Byron] Looking at him with contempt as he does it.
[Corey] Lashley is punishing Big E for what occurred last week.
"The All Mighty" is reminding Big E that the--
[all] Oh!
-[Byron] Spear! -[Jimmy] To the cover.
One, two, three.
-The Universal Champion reigns again. -[bell rings]
[Mike Rome] Here is your winner, the Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[Corey] Roman Reigns needed this win tonight.
Can "The Head of the Table" keep the momentum rolling?
Because Roman will need that as well,
as this Sunday, streaming live, WWE Network on Peacock,
Roman Reigns defends his Universal Championship
against The Demon.
[Byron] You talk about momentum. This is how you build it, Corey.
[Corey] Roman delivering a Spear on an irate Bobby Lashley.
Three men entered, one is left victorious.
The Universal Champion,
"The Head of the Table" reigns supreme tonight.
[Jimmy] As he stands over the fallen Big E and Bobby Lashley in victory,
this man is "The Head of the Table."
I'm man enough to admit that,
yes, Roman Reigns got the better of me that night.
A win that was merely a stepping stone
on his path to Undisputed Universal Championship glory,
which he would attain just six months later at WrestleMania 38.
And the very next night on Raw, Reigns, along with The Bloodline,
celebrated by reminding the WWE Universe that complacency is the death of progress.
[Mike Rome] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome the new, undisputed
WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns!
[Roman Reigns' theme music playing]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] The T-shirt could not be more appropriate.
"Greatness on another level."
[Byron] Three men, one bloodline, four championships.
[Corey] "GOD mode" engaged on Monday Night Raw.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion,
Roman Reigns.
Accompanied as always by the special counsel to "The Tribal Chief,"
Paul Heyman, and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos.
This is what greatness looks like.
[Jimmy] Look at that. Had it not been for conspicuous circumstances,
had it not been for a low blow,
had it not been for the usage of the championship,
there was not without controversy
in the historical victory for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
[Corey] It doesn't look like that's on the mind of Roman Reigns.
And it doesn't make Roman's accomplishments any less significant.
Roman Reigns went to war last night with Brock Lesnar,
and there's one man left standing, and you're looking at him.
Be it Friday Night SmackDown,
be it Monday Night Raw,
Roman Reigns is now truly "The Head of the Table."
[Jimmy] Every day, they've lined them up, he has knocked them down
in dominant fashion.
[Corey] The Bloodline reminding the world, "We the ones."
[Byron] We are recognizing it here in Dallas.
[Corey] Reigns obviously still feeling the effects in the left shoulder
from the significant amount of time spent in the kimura at the hands of Lesnar,
but it will not stop "The Tribal Chief"
and The Bloodline from showing…
the world what they have earned,
what they deserve, and what means most to them.
[Jimmy] Oh!
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman!
Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman!
Roman! Roman!
I know what you want.
We all know why you're here.
But we're gonna switch things up, just a… just a bit, all right?
-Wiseman. -Yes, my "Tribal Chief."
Why don't you go ahead and explain
The Bloodline's success?
The single longest-reigning Tag Team Champions
in the history of SmackDown, The Usos.
[crowd cheering]
The largest box office receipts in the history of SummerSlam.
Who was in the main event? Roman Reigns.
The largest box office receipts in the history of Survivor Series.
Who was in the main event? Roman Reigns.
The first billion-dollar-grossing year
in the history of sports entertainment.
Who was on top as the main star
all 365 days of that year?
Roman Reigns.
The single biggest, largest grossing box office
in the history of the Royal Rumble.
Who was on top?
Roman Reigns.
The largest crowds in the history of WrestleMania weekend,
58% increase on Peacock from last year,
and the largest grossing commerce facilitator
in the history of WrestleMania.
Who was on top?
Roman Reigns.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you your "Tribal Chief,"
"The Head of the Table,"
the single biggest star in sports entertainment,
undisputed,
Roman Reigns.
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman!
Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman! Roman!
Wiseman always says this saying, it's,
"What's good for Roman Reigns
is good for WWE."
Yes, it is.
And it's no secret.
With me at the head of the table,
the billion-dollar deals are coming easy.
And that's because I am the last needle mover.
And I'm the last noodle mover because I am constantly operating at GOD mode.
But, you see, your "Tribal Chief" is so much more than all that.
I'm a man of my word.
I called my shot,
and I delivered.
I said I was gonna smash Brock Lesnar, and what did I do?
Smashed him.
But, you see, that's the past now.
Other men,
they'd hang their hat on this weekend, but that's not who I am,
because we're never content.
I'm a progressive "Tribal Chief,"
and I'm constantly moving forward.
So this Friday on SmackDown,
we're gonna let y'all know what the next step is,
but until then,
Dallas, Texas…
[crowd cheering]
…acknowledge me.
[crowd cheering loudly]
[Roman Reigns' theme music playing]
The Bloodline looked stronger than ever after WrestleMania 38,
but they haven't always seen eye-to-eye.
In 2023, Sami Zayn was put on trial
for allegedly plotting against The Bloodline.
The squared circle became the courtroom,
and Roman Reigns judge, jury, and executioner.
Let… let… let me get this straight.
You don't have a defense.
You got so much ego, you won't even fight for this.
You won't even explain yourself.
You don't care now?
You got so much ego that you can't even argue for this.
It doesn't mean anything to you.
I give you opportunity after opportunity.
I let you in my family, and this is what you do?
This is the respect you show me?
Enough. Solo!
Oh my God.
[man in crowd] Yeah! Do it! Do it!
[yells]
[shocked gasping]
[crowd cheering]
Don't do it.
Don't do it. Listen to me.
If this is how it goes…
[crowd jeering]
"Tribal Chief," OG, no disrespect, all right?
I put together my own footage last night. Roll the tape.
[Paul Heyman] What?!
What?! Behind my back?
[Jey] No disrespect.
[dramatic music playing]
[Jey] He's helping us, uce.
He's helping us.
He helped us. Bam.
-Put him down, bro. -Two, three.
-[bell rings] -[Jimmy] That's only one time.
[Samantha Irvin] Here are your winners…
It worked! It worked!
[laughs gleefully]
That was me. Did you see that?
Did you see that?
[Jimmy] That's only one time, uce.
[Jey] There's more.
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami! Sami!
[pained yelling]
[ref and crowd] One, two, three.
[bell rings]
[The Usos' theme music playing]
One. Two.
-[crowd cheering] -Let go of me!
Is this your family?
[pained groaning]
[ref and crowd] One, two, three.
-[ref] Ring the bell. -[bell rings]
[crowd cheering]
[crowd chanting] Sami! Sami! Sami!
Let's go, man.
It's right there, uce.
It is right there on tape, on film,
for you and the whole word to see.
This man has took so many bullets for me,
for you, for the whole Bloodline.
Man, my dog basically bulletproof.
[crowd cheering]
Hey. Hey, and everybody knows, man, I did not trust you, man.
I despised you, right?
I know.
But what'd you do, uce?
You saw the good in me the whole time, and you never gave up on me.
And guess what, that right there, that's what family do.
[crowd cheering loudly]
So that tape right there demonstrates to me, uce,
loyalty
and love to this family.
Hey, Sami Zayn, I love you like a brother, uce. 100.
[crowd cheering]
So if you want Sami Zayn to stay in The Bloodline,
then throw your "ones" to the sky.
[crowd cheering loudly]
[crowd chanting] Sami Uso! Sami Uso!
Sami Uso!
As your "Tribal Chief"
and "The Head of the Table,"
I find you, Sami Zayn…
not guilty.
[raucous applause]
Thank you, man.
For now.
[crowd jeering, booing]
I want you to look at Jay and I want you to thank him
because he bought you more time.
And in the meantime, this is how it's gonna go.
Finish out tonight,
make The Bloodline proud,
and then I don't wanna see you again
until Saturday at the Royal Rumble.
Do you understand me?
I don't wanna see you or hear from you.
I don't wanna hear that you're at a show.
Nothing. Go home,
and then I will see you at the Royal Rumble, and that…
is where you're gonna deliver your final test…
and then we're gonna see
if Sami Zayn
really is The Bloodline
or not.
[drops mic]
[Roman Reigns' theme music playing]
Court adjourned.
Sami Zayn lived to fight another day.
Speaking of fighting, on April 1st, 2024,
just a few days before their highly anticipated tag team matchup
at WrestleMania 40,
Roman Reigns and "The Final Boss" The Rock,
showed up on Raw to dole out some corporal punishment
to their future opponents,
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Cole] What's Cody thinking here? "A little comeuppance," he says.
Oh my God!
Our "Tribal Chief," Roman Reigns. I thought he left.
I thought Roman Reigns left.
Roman Reigns is back.
Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins…
brawling away out here.
[Corey] This is chaos.
Roman Reigns came from under the ring,
surprising everyone.
And, Pat, I believe...
[crowd chanting] CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk! CM Punk!
…there's gonna be hell to pay.
[Pat] But The Bloodline
evens the numbers with Roman Reigns.
[Cole] Superman Punch!
That's right! Who's your--
[Corey] Just when Cody and Seth thought they set the trap,
Roman Reigns
pulled the trump card.
[Cole] Spear!
[pained gasping]
This is the future.
This is what you are gonna see for the rest of your career.
Do you understand me?
This is it. This is everything.
[Corey] How do you stop that?
[Pat] You can't. You just… you just can't.
[indistinct chattering]
[Cole] Oh no.
[Pat] What's the ref gonna do?
[Cole] That's "The Final Boss."
[Corey] And this may be the final stand
with Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.
Get that beast.
[pained yelling]
[indistinct yelling]
[Cole] Ooh!
[indistinct chattering]
-[pained groaning] -[Corey] Oh!
-Oh yeah! -[Pat] Look at the bruising.
[pained scream]
[pained groan]
Uso, hold his ass.
Solo, hold him. Now.
-Yeah, hold him. -No. No!
Is this what you wanted?
Huh? Is this what you wanted?
[crowd gasping]
[Corey] I can't even watch this.
This is what happens when you mess with The Bloodline!
[Corey] Holy…
Somebody come up with a plan to take this from me now.
That's what I want you to understand. This is a vice group.
You ain't never gonna get it.
Examples.
This is what it looks like. This is what it looks like.
[crowd chanting] Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
Rocky sucks! Rocky sucks!
Rocky sucks!
-You got your belt? -I got the belt.
[crowd booing]
Oo-ee!
A good old-fashioned ass whooping
and an unforgettable Raw Classic moment.
A taste of things to come as The Rock and Roman would indeed
take down Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40,
in one of the biggest main events in WWE history.
Well, that wraps it up for this edition of Raw Classics.
I'm your boy Big E.
See you next time.
Ooh-ah!
[Roman Reigns' theme music playing]
[music fades out] me music playing]