SmackDown Live Recap
July 9th 2021
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City Arena
SmackDown starts with the signature cold open as Paul Heyman is shown approaching Tommaso Ciampa with an envelope full of cash in hand. Tommaso Ciampa takes a moment to open the envelope, making a quip about knowing Heyman’s history of cheques bouncing. Heyman advises cutting the comedy act and tells Ciampa to hurt Daniel Bryan in the main event. Ciampa nods, saying his daughter wanted a new swing set, and walks off, promising to target Bryan’s neck in tonight’s main event!
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MAYHEM – HALESTORM
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SmackDown Live starts as Alpha Academy heads to the ring, led by Daniel Bryan. In the ring, Bryan explains he made the toughest decision of his career last week—risking everything for a Universal title rematch. He knew Roman would only agree after Bryan's loss to Jacob Fatu if he put his career on the line. Bryan says that's what Roman has wanted for years: Bryan gone.
Daniel says that after what happened to Kurt Angle, he knew he needed to take that Universal title from Roman Reigns or die trying! The other men in the ring don’t look as happy about that line, but Chad steps forward to say that, whilst he doesn’t agree with his decision, he has Bryan’s back tonight and next week, planning to pick apart the Bloodline. Daniel Garcia, meanwhile, says Bryan is his hero, and without him, he wouldn’t be here right now. Buddy speaks last, saying they can take the last of the Bloodline’s gold this Sunday.
The mood in the ring is positive, but soon changes as the Bloodline makes their way out. Roman Reigns shakes his head with a slight smirk, saying Daniel Bryan made the worst decision of his entire career because now he has a countdown. Roman says there is nothing he won’t do to remain Universal Champion and stay at the top for his tribe, even ending someone’s career. Bryan laughs in response to that line as Roman asks what’s so funny?
Bryan says Roman can pretend that everything he is doing for his family is for himself, but Roman does it for his family. Bryan points out that if Roman cared about his family, why wouldn’t he give Jey Uso a title shot? Jey looks at Roman, but the Tribal Chief reframes it as Bryan stirring the pot! Jey Uso falls in line, and Jacob Fatu loses his cool, asking if Bryan wants his ass beaten again… BUT BUDDY MURPHY SAYS THEY CAN BRING THE WORLD'S END TO MEXICO RIGHT NOW!
Jacob Fatu is ready for a fight, but Paul Heyman has to try to calm the Samoan Werewolf down! Roman steps forward and says the only member of the Bloodline fighting tonight will be Jey Uso. The former tag team champions look confused as he looks at Roman, who places a hand on his shoulder and says he can make his family proud. Buddy Murphy says he will gladly fight Jey Uso tonight and tells Jacob Fatu to watch closely as SmackDown goes to a commercial break.
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Match 1: Buddy Murphy vs Jey Uso
Match summary: We return from the commercial break with the commentary team confirming that Shawn Michaels has banned everyone from ringside for this match! In the ring, we can see Jey Uso is giving a good account of himself, as the commentary notes he is more used to being a tag team wrestler. Buddy Murphy during the match, has an answer for everything that Jey tries to throw at him, taking control of the match and finishing off Jey Uso with a KAMIGOYE INTO MURPHY’S LAW COMBO!
Winner via pinfall: Buddy Murphy (7:35)
The crowd loudly cheers for Buddy Murphy as he rises back to his feet with a self-assured smile on his face, having picked up some more momentum ahead of his clash with Jacob Fatu next Sunday and he poses in the ring doing the belt motion as he makes it clear he plans to become United States Champion!
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We next cut to the backstage area as Jeff Jarrett is standing with Heath Slater as both men talk about their recent losses, but Jarrett says he has had losses over his career and bounced back to win multiple titles. They are cut off by a laughing Rick Boogs, leading to Heath Slater squaring up to him. Rick says he is glad to see Heath and Jeff suffering, but he did follow their advice in finding a new tag team partner as Elias walks into the shot. Heath mocks the drifter before challenging him to a match next week on SmackDown that Elias is quick to accept.
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the commentary desk first as Beth Phoenix has a medical update regarding her husband, Edge. She says last week her husband was brutally attacked by L.A. Knight and thanks to the injuries sustained in that attack, Edge will be out of action for the time being, missing World’s End. She then tells L.A. Knight she has a message from her husband, too. She tells the so-called Megastar that her husband is planning everything he is going to do to Knight the moment he is back.
The medical update finishes and we hear the music for Team Kick as the number one contenders for the tag team titles make their way out. Tegan Nox grabs a microphone from someone at ringside and is fuming as she demands the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection make their way out to the ring right now. Dakota Kai grabs a microphone of her own and a pair of steel chairs, saying they have no problem sitting in this ring until the tag team champions make their way out.
The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection stands at the top of the entrance ramp, wisely choosing to keep their distance from Team Kick. Sasha says they are getting a bit sick of seeing their faces since they have already beaten them twice for these titles. Bayley chimes in to say that the only reason they are out here is that they are role models to these fans and showing them how to make it to the top, though the Mexican crowd disagrees loudly, booing the tag team champions.
Dakota says that they are sick of the sneak attacks and the cheating by the champions, so they want to make sure it is a level playing field at World’s End! Tegan Nox challenges the duo to a street fight, which gets a smirk from Bayley who says as a role model, she is not teaching kids how to fight on the street. Banks nods in agreement, but Tegan Nox then adds that if Team Kick loses, they will not challenge for the tag team titles again while they are held by the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection.
The tag team champions look slightly shocked by that and after a brief talk, they accept the stipulations for World’s End! The crowd cheers, looking forward to seeing a Street Fight, but Banks tells them not to cheer because they are going to destroy Team Kick for good. Bayley tells them not to worry about the stipulation, just worry about still having careers when they are done with them! Tegan dares them to put their money where their mouth is right now, but the champions leave saying they will fight on their terms, no one else’s!
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Match 2: Jinder Mahal vs Drake Maverick w/Killian Dain
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, we see Drake Maverick as he tries to take on a former WWE Champion in Jinder Mahal. Jinder toys with the much smaller opponent whilst Killian Dain outside the ring, watches on annoyed at ringside. Jinder stops toying with Drake after the smaller superstar mounts a fight back and puts him away with the KHALLAS!
Winner via pinfall: Jinder Mahal (2:19)
Jinder Mahal celebrates after the match and bends over Drake to talk trash to the Cruiserweight… leading to Killian Dain to slide into the ring and confront Jinder Mahal! The former WWE Champion soon leaves the ring, trash-talking as he heads up the entrance ramp. Killian Dain considers chasing after Jinder, but instead focuses on checking on his friend in the ring before we cut elsewhere.
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We cut to the inside of a dark room with a table in the middle of it and MVP sitting at the head of it, smoking a cigar. We can see on one side of the table Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin, whilst on the other side of the table we see Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley. MVP speaks first by thanking Lio and Lashley for attending this business meeting. Lashley stays silent, allowing Lio to speak for him, saying they only agreed to this meeting because they have a mutual enemy.
MVP nods and thanks them for coming, whatever the reason because they need to work together. Lashley scoffs at that line but stays silent as MVP makes it clear that if they don’t work together, they will be destroyed by the Mogul Embassy. Shelton chimes in to say that they regret what happened to Lio, but this is bigger than that. Cedric nods and Bobby Lashley finally chimes in. He says they will team with the Hurt Business, but they have no plans to join them.
MVP says this isn’t about them joining the Hurt Business, but Lashley makes it clear he has known Montel for years. He knows this is a play for him to re-establish the Hurt Business, especially with Samoa Joe still injured. MVP says he won’t deny he wants Lio back in the Hurt Business and Lashley to join them too but right now, this is personal. He makes it clear that when they are done with the Mogul Embassy business can be discussed, but they have a problem to take care of together. Lashley and Lio nod as the segment ends on good terms for now.
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We then cut to the Mogul Embassy, who are standing backstage with Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana standing at the front of the group, ready to speak to the camera. Swerve says it’s very cute that they talk about this being personal and not business, but to the Mogul Embassy, this is pure business. Swerve says he was ready to move on, but the Hurt Business, plus Lio and Lashley, carried on the issue, so now it is time for the Mogul Embassy to show what happens when you cross the most dangerous man in WWE.
Prince Nana says MVP can ask Samoa Joe what happens when you cross Swerve Strickland and asks where the former WWE Champion is right now? Swerve chuckles and says the Mogul Embassy is the future of the WWE, pointing at AR Fox, Alexander Hammerstone and Richard Holliday behind him, saying they will be taking over SmackDown Live and next week he puts his old business to bed… permanently! The group walks off, bringing the first hour to an end.
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When we return from the commercial break to start the 2nd hour, John Cena makes his way out, getting a loud pop from the fans. John Cena asks for a microphone and has a big smile on his face as he talks to the fans, saying that as he gets later in his career and he is around less, he wants to see the WWE Universe all over the World! The crowd gives him a loud, cheap pop as he walks around, saying he would be quite happy coming to Mexico, but instead, he is here to call out L.A. Knight for a fight!
Cena says he saw what happened to Edge after he left the arena last week to take care of some media for Suicide Squad, and now, he wants to bring World’s End forward a bit. He waits in the ring until L.A. Knight comes out with a microphone in hand, cocky as always, getting loud boos from the crowd. He says Cena can want a fight, but all L.A. wants to do is have a little talk with him. Cena shakes his head, asking if L.A. can only fight someone when they have their back turned, but Knight responds, calling Cena a dummy.
Knight asks Cena why he would risk injuring Cena before the biggest match of his career, and Cena goes back into hiding within Hollywood! The crowd boos as Knight carries on, saying Edge disrespected him, so he got a measure of payback and did something Cena probably wished he did years ago! Cena shakes his head, saying he has always had issues with Edge back in the day, but since then, there has been nothing but respect between the old rivals.
Knight smirks and says that’s only because Cena is no longer in Edge’s way. L.A. says Edge didn’t really care about what he was doing to Hawkins and Ryder; no, Edge only cared that he would be standing in his way of becoming a World Champion once again. Cena chuckles at that and makes it very clear that he has his sights on number 17, but Knight quips back, asking how many years Cena has been saying that? Knight makes it clear that Cena is too busy in Hollywood being a star and at Worlds End, he is going to lose to the megastar!
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Match 3: Taynara Conti and Xia Li vs The MMA Horsewomen
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, the WWE Women’s champion teams with her close friend Xia Li. Shayna Baszler sits on commentary and comments on the limbs that Conti is taking damage on throughout, whilst threatening to tear her limb from limb at World’s End. In the ring, we can see Marina and Natalya focusing on trying to weaken the limbs of Conti. In the closing stages however, Conti manages to get Natalya trapped in the TAY-LOCK! She wrenches on the hold and forces a tap out from the Queen of Harts!
Winners via submission: Taynara Conti (7:30)
Taynara Conti gets to her feet after the bell and celebrates the victory over the MMA Horsewomen. Shayna Baszler on commentary however, looks unfazed by this and even gives the WWE Women’s Champion a sarcastic clap before we cut elsewhere backstage.
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We cut to the inside of the Bloodline locker room as the members are sitting at the table, though Nia and Naomi noticeably look a little nervous before Roman comes back into the room. He gets straight to business, turning to Jey and putting a hand on his cousin, saying his attack on Drew McIntyre makes him proud. Jey smiles and thanks his Tribal Chief, but Roman raises his hand into the air, stopping him. Roman says Jey took one step forward but then two steps back when he lost to Buddy Murphy earlier tonight!
Roman then turns to Naomi and Nia Jax looking at them furiously as he asks Naomi if she likes letting him down with another loss. Naomi is unsure how to respond and stutters a bit until Nia Jax speaks on her behalf. She tells Roman that she will be glad to take Naomi under her wing to show her what to do. Naomi glares at Nia but stays silent, with Roman nodding in agreement. Lastly Roman turns to Jacob Fatu and a slight smile appears on the face of the Tribal Chief.
Roman looks at Jacob and says he is the one member of the family who doesn’t let him down, with Fatu replying back that he loves Roman! Roman nods and smiles, saying he has set it up so Bryan now has to put his career on the line to get a shot at his title, as his Wiseman predicted. Roman then tells Fatu that Buddy Murphy has been someone who has been nipping at his heels and it is time for Fatu to teach him a lesson. Jacob nods, promising to crush Murphy as we cut to a commercial break.
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Match 4: Keith Lee w/Dominik Dijakovic vs Ivar w/Erik
Match summary: Keith Lee and Ivar come into this match, both showing off why they are impressive big men wrestlers. The match turns into a full-on hoss fight with their partner’s keeping an eye on things from ringside. In the closing stages of the match, Mr. Money in the Bank takes control and shows off his insane power as he gets Ivar off the mat for a SPIRIT BOMB! Keith Lee makes the cover and picks up the victory!
Winner via pinfall: Keith Lee (4:16)
Keith Lee celebrates the victory, but he doesn’t get to spend too long doing this because Erik attacks after the bell. It turns into a full-on brawl with Dijakovic joining the fight to take on Ivar in the ring and soon it seems Roman has sent reinforcements as Jacob Fatu, Tommaso Ciampa and Jey Uso all run to the ring… BUT ALPHA ACADEMY AND DREW MCINTYRE THEN RUN OUT TO EVEN THE ODDS FORCING THE HEELS TO RETREAT! The crowd loudly cheers as the 7 faces stand in the ring united before we cut elsewhere backstage.
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Toni Storm and Emma are being interviewed by Kayla Braxton, who asks them about Charlotte Flair beating Emma last week. The veteran says Charlotte got the best of her on that night, but if she were to step into the ring with the Queen again… Charlotte Flair appears and mocks her, saying it would be the same outcome if they met in the ring again each time. Emma shakes her head, but Charlotte Flair says there is a hierarchy in this division, and Emma sits well below the Queen.
Toni Storm steps forward, confronting Charlotte Flair, getting in her face, saying she heard about Charlotte’s attitude before coming to SmackDown. Charlotte says the rumours are true, but Toni fires back, saying the rumours are wrong because Charlotte is even more of a bitch in person! Charlotte thinks for a moment before slapping Toni… WHO JUMPS ON HER TO START BRAWLING! Emma puts her hands up, happy to let Toni lay into Charlotte Flair until security comes to pull them apart!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Keith Lee backstage with his tag team partner, Dominik Dijakovic, and a new ally as of late, Drew McIntyre. Keith Lee is still slightly wincing after his war with Ivar earlier on tonight, as Dijakovic says he can’t wait to send them both through tables. Drew smiles and says, whilst they take care of those two, it is time for him to kick Roman’s cousin’s head off! McIntyre then confirms he has spoken to Shawn Michaels, and he has signed a singles match for World’s End!
Keith Lee says he wishes him good luck, but he knows Drew McIntyre doesn’t need it, as the Sinister Scotsman notices the Money in the Bank briefcase in Keith Lee’s hand. He says Keith might have his eyes on the Universal title, but he isn’t the only one. Dijakovic steps in between the two men, sensing potential tension, but Keith Lee smiles, welcoming the potential competition. He tells Drew that when he cashes this in, the champion will get plenty of notice and time to prepare to bask in his glory.
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Match 5: Otis Dozovic w/Tucker Knight vs Rey Mysterio w/Dominik Mysterio
Match summary: Otis comes into this match and offers Rey Mysterio a handshake. The legend is a bit wary at first but accepts the loud cheers from the crowd. The fans are insanely behind the legendary luchador and the commentary notes that the last time Rey Mysterio was in Mexico, he won the Universal title from Seth Rollins before being cashed in on by Andrade Cien Almas. Rey early on uses his speed to slowly wear down Otis… TUCKER OUTSIDE THE RING TRIPS HIM UP!
The crowd loudly boos as Dominik Mysterio confronts Tucker Knight, with even Otis inside the ring, annoyed at his tag team partner’s interference in this match. Back in the ring, although unwillingly Otis starts to use the distraction to take control of the match using his power. The legend weathers the storm and in the closing stages manages to hit a HURRICARANA SENDING OTIS ONTO THE ROPES AND HITS THE 619! He climbs up top and DROPS THE DIME! Rey hooks the leg and picks up the victory!
Winner via pinfall: Rey Mysterio (6:21)
The crowd goes wild and Rey looks to celebrate after the match, but he doesn’t get to for too long as Tucker Knight cheap shots Dominik Mysterio after the bell rings! The crowd is booing loudly, but Rey doesn’t know what is happening until Tucker runs into the ring and wipes him out! Tucker Knight lays a beating on Rey Mysterio on the mat as Otis starts to come too after the bell… AND PULLS TUCKER KNIGHT OFF ASKING WHAT THE HELL HE IS DOING?
Otis and Tucker have a war of words in the middle of the ring… DOMINIK MYSTERIO TRIES TO ATTACK TUCKER… BUT TUCKER MOVES MEANING MYSTERIO CLOBBERS OTIS INSTEAD! Dominik turns back around into Tucker, who picks him up and SLAMS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT! Tucker then looks at Rey on the mat and grabs hold of the Lucha legend… PULLING THE MASK OFF THE LEGEND! The heat from the crowd is nuclear as Tucker tosses the mask down and leaves the ring!
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Tucker Knight smirking as he walks through the back when he gets confronted by Otis Dozovic, who pushes him and asks what the hell is wrong with him? Tucker fires back at him that he has his eyes focused on the tag team titles, whilst Otis has his eyes focused on some slut… OTIS GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT AND PINS HIM TO THE WALL! Otis glares at Tucker and says that if he can’t even show a little respect to anyone, he’s not even sure he wants to team with him at World’s End. He puts down Tucker and walks off as Knight looks angry before we cut elsewhere.
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We then cut to the final promo of the night as Tommaso Ciampa has the envelope full of money in his hand, looking through it again before speaking to the camera. He tells us that as long as the money keeps coming in, he is happy to keep hurting people at the behest of the Bloodline. He says it is getting dangerous out there and he is making a lot of enemies. He smiles, saying she just finished speaking to Shawn Michaels, and at World’s End, Chad Gable wants a match with him to avenge his part in Kurt Angle’s final retirement.
Ciampa smirks, saying he is happy to help Chad Gable join his mentor and might even ask the hospital to save him a bed next to Kurt. Tommaso though, says Chad is not the only person out for blood, and that’s why he has made a call to a friend of his in NXT. He looks at the camera, saying no, not that one, saying Gargano is long in his past, and he will stay there. Ciampa says he is bringing his new friend to SmackDown next week to help him collect even more money for his family. He says though, right now, it’s time to end Daniel Bryan’s career a little early!
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We return from the final commercial break of the evening, as the commentary team confirms that the main event of next week’s SmackDown live will be a blockbuster 14-man tag team match! Corey Graves confirms it will be Alpha Academy, Drew McIntyre, Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic versus The Bloodline, The War Raiders, Tommaso Ciampa and his new tag team partner. We then get Ciampa and Bryan making their entrance for tonight’s main event.
Main event: Daniel Bryan vs Tommaso Ciampa
Match summary: Tommaso comes into this match in an aggressive fashion, targeting the neck of Bryan right from the start of the match. Bryan fights back in aggressive fashion, knowing he has no choice but to go all out against a dangerous competitor such as Tommaso Ciampa. Bryan starts to target the legs of Ciampa to try to slow him down and potentially set up for the Heel Hook later on in the match. Noticeably during this contest, Ciampa doesn’t go for a pinfall once; during the match more focused on the job he is being paid for.
Bryan is struggling to survive this encounter and Ciampa even brings the match to the outside, looking to do more damage to the planet’s champion. Ciampa grabs hold of Daniel Bryan, slamming him into the ring apron back-first as the commentary team says that Ciampa isn’t trying to win this match; he’s just trying to hurt Bryan. The challenger to the Universal title fights through the pain and refuses to let Ciampa be the one to end his career, bringing the battle back into the ring.
Daniel Bryan looks to go for a submission game to keep Ciampa grounded on the mat and slowly get him in a position where he can pick up the victory. He manages to get Ciampa locked in a HEEL HOOK on the mat as the former NXT Champion struggles in pain. Ciampa though, gets out of it, getting a foot free, kicking at the neck of Bryan to escape from the hold. Ciampa gets to his feet limping but goes for a RUNNING KNEE… BRYAN MOVES AND CIAMPA STOP DUE TO THE DAMAGE TO HIS LEG… BUSAIKU KNEE! Bryan takes Ciampa’s head off before making the cover 1 2 3 Bryan picks up the victory!
Winner via pinfall: Daniel Bryan (13:36)
The crowd cheers as Daniel Bryan gets to his feet with one arm raised by the referee and the other touching his neck, which is still in pain after the relentless assault by Ciampa throughout this match. SmackDown Live comes to a close with Daniel Bryan standing tall in the ring with Roman Reigns shown watching backstage with a scowl as SmackDown Live fades to black!
Confirmed matches for next week:
Main event: 14-man tag team match:
Alpha Academy, Drew McIntyre, Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic vs The Bloodline, Tommaso Ciampa, The War Raiders and ???
8-man tag team match:
Mogul Embassy vs Bobby Lashley, Lio Rush and The Hurt Business
Singles match:
Charlotte Flair vs Toni Storm
Singles match:
Elias vs Heath Slater
Worlds End
Tacoma, Washington
July 18th 2021
LAST GOODBYE – BATTLE BEAST
Men’s Universal title vs career match:
Roman Reigns © vs Daniel Bryan
Women’s WWE title match:
Taynara Conti © vs Shayna Baszler
United States title match:
Jacob Fatu © vs Buddy Murphy
WWE Women’s tag team titles street fight:
If Team Kick loses, they cannot challenge for the titles whilst held by the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection
Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection © vs Team Kick
WWE tag team titles match:
The Mysterios © vs Heavy Machinery
Tables match:
Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic vs The War Raiders
Singles match:
John Cena vs L.A. Knight
Singles match:
Drew McIntyre vs Jey Uso
Singles match:
Chad Gable vs Tommaso Ciampa
EWR Rating:
69%
Main event:
The Medusa Complex defeated The House of Couture via pinfall (5:46)
Jeff Hardy defeated Danny Burch via pinfall (4:27)
Oney Lorcan defeated Riddick Moss via pinfall (5:58)
Apollo Crews defeated Zack Ryder via pinfall (9:36)
Main event: Mickie James defeated Mia Yim via pinfall (8:25)
Monday Night Raw Recap
July 12th 2021
Atlanta, Georgia
State Farm Arena
HOUSE OF MEMORIES - P!ATD
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Match 1: Number one contender’s match for the World tag team titles: British Strong Style vs The Grizzled Young Veterans w/Trent Seven
Match summary: Monday Night Raw starts off with The Street Profits sitting on commentary as they watch The Grizzled Young Veterans collide with British Strong Style, with the winners getting a World tag team title shot at Summerslam! Early on in the match, both teams take their time feeling each other out and battling in a series of submissions. The Street Profits give both teams credit and even call them the best the UK has to offer as the match starts to approach the middle stages.
The Grizzled Young Veterans take control of the match and start to isolate Pete Dunne, trapping him in the corner as they look to work him over. Trent Seven, outside the ring, is especially happy about this, wanting revenge for what Pete Dunne did to his fingers weeks ago. The Street Profits say they know if the GYV make it to Summerslam, that they will have to keep an eye on Trent Seven and have an answer for him. Dunne, back in the ring, manages to escape the GYV corner, making the hot tag to bring Tyler Bate back into the match!
Tyler Bate runs wild after the hot tag and takes down both members of the GYV, even doing his own GIANT SWING TO ZACK GIBSON! The crowd goes wild as the Street Profits put over the strength that Tyler Bate has, with the crowd chanting “Big Strong Boi,” bringing a smile to the young man’s face. However, in the closing stages of the match, Trent Seven plays a factor distracting the referee, allowing Gibson to low blow Bate. Drake works to wipe out Pete Dunne before the GYV hits Bate with GRIT YOUR TEETH! Gibson hooks the leg, and the GYV are going to Summerslam!
Winners via pinfall: The Grizzled Young Veterans (15:34)
The Grizzled Young Veterans get to their feet and Trent Seven moves the referee out of the way, wanting to raise the hands of the number one contenders himself. The Street Profits leave the commentary desk as they come face to face with their challengers at Summerslam. Neither team holds back in their war of words, whilst British Strong Style are left outside the ring licking their wounds as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see The Twisted Sisters are talking to each other backstage, with Isla Dawn not looking too happy coming off another loss on last week’s Raw. Nikki Cross says last week they got to play, and they will get the wins if they keep playing, but the white witch shakes her head. She says they need to get serious and look to get darker if they need to, as Nikki tilts her head, whilst in the background, we can see the Abby the Witch puppet watching on ominously.
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We then cut to Mustafa Ali standing in front of a podium with a pair of microphones on it, whilst his security detail Ever-Rise, standing in suits behind him as he looks to address a bunch of reporters. Mustafa Ali makes it clear that last week, Kevin Owens committed an unprovoked attack on him once again and tried to end his career. One of the reporters fires back, saying Mustafa Ali had put his best friend on the injury list, but Ali says two wrongs do not make a right in your mind with no sense of irony.
Mustafa says what he did to Sami was getting even for what Owens did to him, but the Prize-fighter could not help escalating these matters. Another reporter asks Ever-Rise about Kevin’s comment about them being able to do better, leading to Matt Martel stepping forward, asking where Kevin Owens has been for them. Chase Parker agrees, saying Mustafa Ali has brought them to Raw and given them a spotlight to prove themselves as a tag team!
Matt Martel then asks if Kevin wants a taste because he is happy to give him a taste, challenging him to a match next week! Mustafa Ali says his security detail is there to protect him from all threats so Ali can focus on what matters, giving the fans what they deserve. A final reporter comments that Mustafa Ali is hated by the fans, but he says a true leader doesn’t care about being adored; he cares about doing what is best for them, and the fans will soon learn where their bread is buttered, ending the promo.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Mickie James sitting on a farm as she tells the camera that, as a country girl, she sometimes takes a trip back home to think through her next steps. She comments that she knows she is getting towards the end of her career, but she ain’t in the ground yet. Mickie says she has stepped on too many toes to have any friends in the Raw locker room, so it’s time for her to make a few calls and get someone to have her back against Blissmoon!
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Match 2: Aleister Black vs The Brian Kendrick
Match summary: The Brian Kendrick comes into this match hoping to pull off an upset… Black doesn’t let him come close, totally dominating the match with a series of kicks and finishes him off with BLACK MASS!
Winner via pinfall: Aleister Black (1:12)
Aleister Black after the match, gets back to his feet and doesn’t even celebrate the victory, storming off quickly after the bell as Monday Night Raw cuts to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Wade Barrett hanging up the phone as he says bye to Shawn Michaels and turns to the Riott Squad, who are in his office! Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan both have smiles on their faces as they want to speak to Wade Barrett about getting a future Women’s tag team titles shot. He smiles, saying he is glad to see them here, as he was planning to speak to them about this… when they are interrupted by Blissmoon walking into the room.
Alexa Bliss smirks whilst Ember Moon makes sure to have her Money in the Bank briefcase on show. Ember says if any tag team should be getting a shot at Summerslam, it is them. Liv smirks before reminding Ember Moon who pinned her at Queen of the Ring. Ember calls it a fluke before Ruby says why don’t we find out if it was one more time! Wade says that it is a great idea, signing a tag team match for next week, whilst confirming an announcement about the WWE Women’s tag team titles on next week's Raw!
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Match 3: Adam Cole w/Jordan Devlin vs Damian Priest
Match summary: Two of the men in the recent Iron Survivor match collide as the commentary team notes that both will be looking for a win to get themselves into contention for a future WWE title shot at Summerslam. Damian Priest, early on during the match, was noticeably limping, still feeling the effects of the Calf Crusher that AJ locked onto him tightly several times at the Great American Bash. Adam Cole uses his cunning and Jordan Devlin at ringside to start targeting the leg to wear down the larger opponent throughout the match.
Damian Priest looks to use his superior power to take control of the match, and Adam Cole struggles to stay alive. The tricks Adam Cole uses, though, start to wind up Damian Priest, who, you can see during the match, is getting fed up, and this leads to him making a mistake overextending himself on a big boot, and Cole uses that to quickly dive off the top rope, hitting a PANAMA SUNRISE! Cole then runs the ropes and connects with the LAST SHOT! Cole makes the cover and picks up the victory!
Winner via pinfall: Adam Cole (8:06)
Adam Cole gets to his feet with a cocky smirk on his face and he is soon joined inside the ring by Jordan Devlin who lifts his arm into the air, celebrating it with the leader of the O.C.! The commentary team gives Adam Cole credit for his run since coming to Raw from NXT, but wonders what is going to happen next in his rivalry with AJ Styles as we cut to a commercial break.
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We start the 2nd hour of Monday Night Raw with The New Day making their way out to loud cheers from the crowd. Big E leads the way with the Men’s WWE title still around his waist before being followed by Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Once again, Kofi is noticeably a lot more downbeat than Xavier Woods is currently, though neither man is 100% happy after their title losses post-Mania. Big E gets them into the ring and after playing to the crowd for a bit, cuts to the chase calling out the Church of Seth Rollins!
It doesn’t take long for the Church to come out, getting loud boos from the crowd, but their leader, Seth Rollins is at the front, followed by Nathan Frazer, Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux. The Church gets into the ring as the disciples of Seth bow before their leader and pray to him, getting a headshake from the New Day. Seth speaks first, saying they should be showing better respect to the man who made Monday Night Rollins, but The New Day are unmoved by this.
Big E says he has a ton of respect for everything that Seth Rollins has done over the course of his career and calls him a future Hall of Famer. The champion makes it clear that he comes from an actual religious background and he was raised to have no time for fake gods. Nathan Frazer being a hothead, gets to his feet and confronts Big E, telling him not to speak blasphemy in the face of God, but Seth tells his young disciple to cool down for the moment.
Seth says Big E is enjoying his moment in the sun, but he hasn’t learned yet what can happen when that moment starts to fade. Seth gets closer to Big E, asking him to look at his best friend Kofi and the spiral he has been on ever since losing that title. Kofi asks what that is meant to mean but Rollins smiles, saying it is only natural to be angry at yourself for not being the WWE Champion, especially when your best friend is the current Champ.
Kofi makes it clear that he is happy Big E is champion and that when one of the New Day achieves success, they all do. Karrion Kross lets out a big laugh in response and shakes his head. He says he can see the jealousy in his eyes, saying that as the devil of the Church, he knows sin. Big E then says how about they stop talking about his friend, or they are about to have a fight. Seth stops one breaking out, saying that they will do this on their terms and challenges them to a trios match on next week’s Raw, which is quickly accepted.
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We cut backstage as we can see Rhea Ripley is starting to get ready for her main event Women’s Universal title defence against Piper Niven, when the locker room door opens and we see Bianca Belair standing in the room. The tension between the two women is clear right away as Ripley asks what the hell she wants, but Belair holds her arms up, saying she came in peace. She points at the Women’s Universal title and makes it clear that she wants to fight Ripley at Summerslam, not Piper.
Rhea scoffs, asking if Belair thinks she would be an easy opponent, but The E.S.T. shakes her head, saying she thinks quite the opposite. She says she needs to prove to herself that she can defeat Ripley and avenge what happened in NXT. Belair says she can’t do that if Cerebrum et Vires costs her the Women’s Universal title. Ripley points out what happened two weeks ago on Raw and says if Belair is going to help, she needs to make sure she does a good job of it this time before we cut back to the ring.
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Match 4: K2 vs Aliyah and Zelina Vega
Match summary: We return to the ring as we see tag team action within the Women’s division with K2 taking on Aliyah and Zelina Vega as both teams look to get themselves into contention for a future Women’s Tag Team title shot. Aliyah and Zelina are still learning how to work with each other as a team and the superior experience of K2 as a tag team proves to be the difference, with K2 picking up the win, hitting Zelina with the KEGSTAND!
Winner via pinfall: K2 (3:16)
The crowd cheers for K2, who get to their feet and party with the fans, getting their glow sticks out. The commentary team gives the duo credit, saying the young team is starting to put themselves into contention for the tag team titles, before we cut elsewhere backstage.
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We see Aleister Black sitting down on a chair in a dark room backstage before looking at the camera with a cold, dark stare. He says Bray can talk about the fact that he needs to embrace the darkness, but he always has throughout his career. Whilst Black is talking in the background, we can see Mercy the Buzzard lurking behind him, turning his head and looking at the Anti-hero. Black says he is planning to destroy Bray Wyatt anyway, but now he has even more encouragement!
Aleister Black says he has left behind the man too focused on the light (referencing Kevin Owens) and now he is coming to fight the Wyatts alone. He says they can hide behind their masks, but he sees the humans behind them, saying those are the demons he needs to slay before going for the WWE title. He looks at his hand as the Mercy the Buzzard puppet tilts its head again, saying he failed in hell, so now this will be his redemption before going back to hell again!
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Match 5: AJ Styles w/Big Cass vs Angel Garza w/Zelina Vega
Match summary: The commentary team tells us this match came about due to AJ Styles requesting a match on Raw and Angel Garza looking to carry on his momentum after pinning a former WWE Champion in Mexico last week. Angel looks fired up and early on catches the veteran off guard, who struggles to keep up and is forced to regroup on the outside of the ring, talking with Big Cass, who is keeping an eye on Zelina Vega to make sure she doesn’t try any tricks.
AJ soon used his veteran experience to find a way to start to turn the tide of the match. He starts to target the legs and grinds down Angel Garza with Zelina Vega having to, at one point, push the ropes forward for Angel to grab to escape a Calf Crusher… but Big Cass points it out to the referee and gets Zelina Vega booted from ringside! AJ from there controls the match and manages to get Angel Garza up into the air before planting him with the STYLES CLASH!
Winner via pinfall: AJ Styles (9:06)
AJ Styles gets to his feet and is joined in the ring by Big Cass as they celebrate AJ Styles picking up a victory on tonight’s Raw. The commentary team says AJ will be looking to get back into WWE title contention with these wins as of late. After the bell rings, we see AJ look towards the camera and call out Adam Cole, making it clear he is not done with the former NXT Champion just yet.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Sheamus make his way out to the ring and he doesn’t look to be in a good mood. He grabs a microphone and says he has kept his phone off all week because he was scared of what he was going to say to his friend. The Celtic Warrior says he has had an entire week to calm down and he still is angry. He paces around the ring and says he knows that Cesaro didn’t mean to block him in the skull with a steel chair, but he still cost him the Intercontinental title. Sheamus is about to carry on… but Cesaro then makes his way out!
Cesaro gets loud cheers from the crowd but shows a wrinkle of remorse as he walks to the ring, joining his former tag team partner between the ropes. He asks for a microphone before telling Sheamus that he is sorry for costing him the Intercontinental title. Cesaro says he saw the Ungovernables getting involved and came out to stop them. Sheamus cuts him off and says that if Cesaro had stopped there, he would have been fine but Cesaro instead went to cost Andrade the title!
Cesaro sighs and doesn’t react to the comment, saying he was evening the playing field, but Sheamus shakes his head. He says he saw the look in the eyes of Cesaro; it wasn’t about justice, it was about screwing Andrade out of the title! Cesaro doesn’t deny it and says Andrade costs him the chance to be WWE Champion. Sheamus says he told Cesaro not to get involved, but Cesaro says he was true to his word and Andrade gave him the excuse to screw him if Sheamus couldn’t get the job done!
Sheamus asks what he means by that, but before another word can be said, we get The Miz coming out looking to calm both men down. He plays peacemaker, telling both of them that this would be what Zelina Vega and Andrade would want. Both men listen to The Miz as Sheamus says Mike is right and tells Cesaro that he will get another match for the title, but Cesaro needs to stay away. Cesaro though, shakes his head and says Sheamus had his chance to dethrone Andrade, now it is his turn!
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We then cut backstage to see The Ungovernables hanging around backstage with Andrade showing off his Intercontinental title with a smirk on his face. Zelina Vega makes a joke about there being trouble in paradise and says there is only one man who will be holding the Intercontinental title: her client, Andrade Cien Almas. Zelina then says she has a match in mind for her clients, looking at Humberto and Angel, saying next week, why don’t they show the cracks in the bar. The cousins nod as Andrade shows off his title one more time to end the promo.
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The 3rd hour of Monday Night Raw starts with Ilja Dragunov making his way out and it looks like we are getting another open challenge on Raw. Ilja though, is noticeably limping as he walks to the ring. He doesn’t comment on it when he steps into the ring and says, like he said last week, he plans to be a fighting champion, wanting to see who will next go to war for the Cruiserweight title… WHEN KARRION KROSS ATTACKS HIM FROM BEHIND! The Devil of the Church of Seth Rollins lays a beating on the Cruiserweight Champion!
The crowd is loudly booing as Kross wrenches Ilja off the mat and connects with a DOOMSDAY SAITO dropping Ilja. Michael Cole on commentary comments that Kross is not a Cruiserweight, but we then see NATHAN FRAZER walking down the entrance ramp to accept the challenge! Frazer gets into the ring as the referee asks Ilja if he still wants to accept the challenge… ILJA PUSHES PAST THE REFEREE AND FIRES ON NATHAN FRAZER SO THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE BELL TO START THE MATCH!
Match 6: Cruiserweight title match: Ilja Dragunov © vs Nathan Frazer w/Karrion Kross
Match summary: Ilja fires off several strikes and chops, desperate to put away Nathan Frazer as quickly as he can and he even looks like pulling it off as he connects with TORPEDO MOSCOW… BUT FRAZER KICKS OUT! Nathan from there grabs the right leg of Ilja and connects with a dragon screw leg whip before crushing the right leg! Nathan then hits the CURB STOMP before heading to the top rope and hits the PHOENIX SPLASH to become Cruiserweight Champion!
Winner via pinfall and NEW Cruiserweight Champion: Nathan Frazer (2:49)
The crowd is loudly booing, but the Church of Seth Rollins doesn’t care, with Nathan Frazer clutching his new title tightly, embracing it like a newborn child in his hands. Karrion Kross joins him in the ring, and we can see Seth Rollins walking out, applauding his disciple. The Church is all soon in the ring, celebrating the victory as we can see Ilja Dragunov try to struggle to his feet… AND LIKE VULTURES THEY ATTACK HIM! Seth instructs his disciples to beat him until…
THE NEW DAY RUNS OUT! Big E the WWE Champion, leads the way, going right after Seth Rollins, sending him from the ring, whilst Woods and Kofi go after Frazer and Kross, respectively as well, sending the Church from the ring. The New Day stand tall in the ring and almost dares The Church to come back to the ring to fight them again, but instead they are happy to leave up the entrance ramp with the title whilst the medical team checks on Ilja Dragunov!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Ilja Dragunov loaded onto a stretcher and being taken to an ambulance. He is in a lot of pain, but there is also a ton of anger on his face as he is approached for an interview by Cathy Kelley. She asks how he is feeling, and Ilja says that whilst he is in pain, he has one thought on his mind: take down the Church. Ilja is then loaded into the ambulance and we cut back to the ring.
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Randy Orton makes his way out and gets a mixed reaction as he slithers to the ring. He cuts right to the chase. He tells the fans he gave Stone Cold Steve Austin a week to show himself after costing Randy the WWE title, and he still isn’t here. Randy smiles to himself. He says he knows Austin will be. Orton says Austin is hiding in Texas. If the Rattlesnake won’t come to Raw, the Viper will visit him in Texas, ending the promo on an ominous note!
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Kevin Patrick standing with The O.C., ready for an interview. He asks Adam Cole about his win earlier tonight over Damian Priest, and the temporary leader of the O.C. says he was glad to show everyone why this is their brand. Adam Cole says The O.C. is taking over this company, and tonight was him getting them back on the right track after a rough night at the Great American Bash. Kevin asks how the O.C. plans to move forward with AJ Styles still having them in his crosshairs, and this angers Cole!
Adam says he is sick of everyone focusing on AJ Styles and the past of The O.C. when he is trying to move the group forward! He takes the microphone from Kevin Patrick and tells him his part of the interview is over. Jordan intimidates and threatens the interviewer, who quickly gets out of dodge as Cole turns to the camera. He says if AJ really cannot leave them alone, he will meet him in the ring next week to bring this to an end so he can move on and set his sights on the WWE title!
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Match 7: Kevin Owens vs Bray “The Fiend” Wyatt
Match summary: This match is a brawl right from the start, with Owens knowing he needs to throw everything he has to defeat the monstrous Fiend and pummels him with a series of strikes. Bray though, basically no-sells most of the offense from Kevin Owens and controls a lot of the match, giving Owens a beating. The Fiend goes for the mandible claw on several occasions, but Owens manages to fight out of it, even escaping one time by BITING THE FINGERS OF BRAY!
The Fiend shows a rare bit of human emotion at the pain of being bit and Owens uses that to his advantage, hitting him with a STUNNER! Owens looks to make the cover, but then we see Ever-Rise appearing on the ring apron, distracting the referee allowing MUSTAFA ALI TO SNEAK IN AND HIT A STANDING SPAINISH FLY! Ali leaves the ring and the Fiend reawakens, grabbing hold of Owens to hit him with SISTER ABIGAIL! The Fiend makes the cover and picks up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Bray “The Fiend” Wyatt: (8:03)
The Fiend gets to his feet and tilts his head, looking at the laid-out Kevin Owens, happy with his handiwork, albeit with some help from Mustafa Ali tonight. The former Cruiserweight Champion meanwhile, is at the top of the entrance ramp with a cocky smirk whilst Ever-Rise backs their leader up as Raw goes on a commercial break!
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the inside of what looks like a church and we see Seth Rollins standing in front of the pew with his disciples kneeling down in front of their leader. Nathan Frazer noticeably has his Cruiserweight title in front of him as Seth praises him on a job well done. He says tonight they saved one title and now Nathan has shown why he is going to follow in Seth’s footsteps. Nathan nods with a big smile on his face as Seth comes down from his pew and puts his hand on Nathan.
Seth Rollins says his protégé has shown everyone the value of the Church’s teachings and now, as his saviour, he will lead the way to bring the WWE title into their fold. He turns to Karrion Kross, saying next week the devil will assist him in showing The New Day that their end is near and that their friendship won’t be able to save them from God’s wrath. Kross nods, saying the clock is ticking on the New Day as they have all lost gold one by one and at Summerslam, the Church finishes the job!
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Match 8: Braun Strowman vs Leon Ruff
Match summary: Braun comes into this match wearing the mask and he tilts his head before flying off after the bell, destroying Leon Ruff! The poor Cruiserweight gets 0 offense in and gets put down by the RUNNING POWERSLAM for a 3 count!
Winner via pinfall: Braun Strowman (0:53)
Braun Strowman gets back to his feet, but he doesn’t seem happy with the victory, looking to do even more damage to this poor Cruiserweight… AS ALEISTER BLACK runs out! The Dutch Destroyer cracks Braun Strowman with a BLACK MASS… BRAUN STUMBLES… SECOND BLACK MASS AND HE GOES OVER THE ROPES! Black doesn’t stop there and dives out of the ring WIPING OUT THE RISING MONSTER! Black gets back to his feet, not even checking on the man he saved and looks at Braun before walking away, having sent his message to the Wyatts!
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In the final segment before the main event, we see Cerebrum Et Vires heading to the ring together, with only Piper Niven dressed to compete, as Cathy Kelley stops them for an interview. She asks Piper how she feels going into the title match, and the Scot keeps it short and sweet, saying she pinned Ripley once, she can pin her again. Deonna walks forward with a slight smirk, saying that she is here to mastermind Piper getting what she is owed. Cathy asks what’s in it for Deonna, but the Virtuoso ignores the question as she leads Piper towards the ring.
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When we return from the commercial break, Bianca Belair makes her way out and sits on commentary ahead of the main event. When asked why she is out here, she says she is not only doing some scouting but also plans to stop Deonna if she tries anything during this title match. The competitors in the main event make their way out next, with Rhea Ripley getting one of the loudest pops of the night. Piper and Ripley square up to each other in the middle of the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Main event: Women’s Universal title match: Rhea Ripley © vs Piper Niven w/Deonna Purrazzo
Match summary: Early on in this match, we see both women testing each other’s strength and trying to overpower one another. Both women are evenly matched throughout this contest in the opening stages, showing that they are impressively strong athletes and both want to walk out as Women’s Universal Champion. Belair is full of praise for both women as she sits on commentary, but makes it clear that she thinks she is better than both of them, intending to prove it against whoever wins tonight at Summerslam.
Piper starts to actually catch Ripley out by targeting the arm, noticeably after a chat with Deonna at ringside and looks to take advantage of the damage done to it 8 days ago by the Virtuoso! Belair says she has lost a lot of respect for Piper, basically becoming a puppet for Deonna to control and instruct, but Niven in the ring is showing her power and control, as Ripley also starts to struggle to get power behind her strikes and lift Niven up after the damage!
As the match enters the closing stages, Ripley shows not only her heart but her insane perseverance by fighting through the pain to take control of the encounter and gets Piper Niven down with a series of big boots in a row. She wills herself on, but outside the ring, we can see that Deonna gets onto the ring apron, distracting the referee… SO BIANCA BELAIR LEAVES COMMENTARY! She grabs hold of Deonna, taking her off the ring apron and CARRIES HER WAY FROM THE RINGSIDE AREA TOWARDS THE BACK!
The E.S.T. is making sure the Virtuoso is not a factor in the closing stages of this match! Ripley shakes her head, but Piper pounces on the distraction caused by Deonna hitting Ripley with a BLACK HOLE SLAM! Piper makes the cover 1 2 RIPLEY KICKS OUT! Niven is stunned but shakes her head, heading to the corner, ready for the SCOT DROP… BUT RIPLEY STOPS HER! Ripley then uses all the strength left, and due to the damaged arm struggles… BUT PLANTS HER WITH THE RIPTIDE! Ripley slowly makes the cover 1 2 3! Ripley retains her Women’s title!
Winner via pinfall and still Women’s Universal Champion: Rhea Ripley (16:54)
Ripley rolls off of Piper Niven in a ton of pain and clutching her right arm, but you can see the sense of relief on her face as she celebrates the victory tonight over Piper Niven. As the commentary team praises the Nightmare, we see Bianca Belair make her way back out, applauding Ripley. The Women’s Universal Champion looks wary, but Monday Night Raw comes to a close with both women eye to eye, staring each other down as nothing stands in the way of them colliding at Summerslam!
Confirmed matches for next week:
Trios match:
The New Day vs The Church of Seth Rollins
Tag team match:
Blissmoon vs The Riott Squad
Tag team match:
The Bar vs The Ungovernables (Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo)
Singles match:
Kevin Owens vs Matt Martel
Matchcard for Summerslam Night 1:
August 21st 2021:
Miami, Florida
ZAYDE WOLF – LOOK AT ME NOW
Women’s Universal title match:
Rhea Ripley © vs Bianca Belair
World tag team titles match:
The Street Profits © vs The Grizzled Young Veterans
Matchcard for Summerslam Night 2:
August 22nd 2021:
Miami, Florida
ZAYDE WOLF – LOOK AT ME NOW
Men’s WWE title match:
Big E © vs Seth Rollins
EWR Rating:
64%
News update:
Ilja Dragunov is out of action with an ankle injury:
Ilja Dragunov picked up an injury on Raw versus Aero Star last week, forcing the very quick title change that happened on this week’s edition of Monday Night Raw. Backstage officials are hoping for Ilja to return to action soon, but he is expected to be out for at least a couple of months.
Mercedes Martinez is out of action for an undisclosed amount of time
An injury was picked up at a house show, meaning Mercedes Martinez is out of action for the time being. We don’t know how long she will be on the shelf, but this comes as a blow to the depth within the SmackDown Live Women’s division.
