Monday Night Raw Recap
July 26th 2021
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Target Center
HOUSE OF MEMORIES - P!ATD
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Match 1: Number one contender’s match for Summerslam: Cesaro vs Sheamus w/The Miz
Match summary: Monday Night Raw starts with the number one contender’s match for the Intercontinental title, with Cesaro and Sheamus both looking to earn their spot at Summerslam! In the first minute, we see both men looking at each other, having had several matches with one another over the years, and very aware of what their opponent can do in the ring. Cesaro from here makes the first move as both men fire off hard strikes, but neither gains the edge in the first 5 minutes.
It turns into a brawl with both men throwing everything they have at each other, but both men know each other’s game inside out, so they trade counters and battle for control in the middle of the ring. The Miz outside the ring gives advice to Sheamus, but the Celtic Warrior noticeably doesn’t really listen to the Miz, focusing on how he would get stuff done, which noticeably seems to annoy the Miz a little bit outside the ring. Sheamus has Cesaro in a submission, working over his back as Raw goes to its first commercial break.
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Returning from the break, Cesaro escapes the submission and attacks Sheamus's lower back, aiming to slow his power moves and set up for the SHARPSHOOTER. As the match nears 20 minutes, Sheamus realizes he might be in trouble, especially with his history of back issues.
He gets to the bottom rope, and Miz has a discussion with him, with Sheamus this time seeming to take the advice on board. Cesaro charges in looking to go back on the attack, BUT SHEAMUS CATCHES HIM WITH A RAKE TO THE EYE! The crowd gives a mixed reaction, and the referee tells Sheamus off, but it allows him back into the match as he connects with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER and starts to dominate Cesaro in the middle of the ring!
The Swiss Superman is in a ton of pain as we hear an announcement from ringside, and it is confirmed that there are 5 minutes remaining in this match! Both men realize they need to step up the pace, and they start throwing bombs at each other, trying to knock each other down, leading to a spot where both men HEADBUTT EACH OTHER AND FALL TO THE MAT! They both end up in corners of the ring as Miz speaks to Sheamus again and even offers to give him a weapon… BUT SHEAMUS SAYS NO!
Sheamus charges in looking for the BROUGE KICK… BUT CESARO IS READY FOR IT AND SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A RICOLA BOMB! Cesaro makes the cover 1 2 Sheamus kicks out! Cesaro then signals to the crowd and grabs hold of Sheamus before taking him for a CESARO SWING! He spins him around 10 times before transitioning into a SHARPSHOOTER! He wrenches back on the hold, knowing his former tag team partner’s back issues, but the Celtic Warrior refuses to give up on the Intercontinental title!
He crawls to the ropes as the clock is ticking down and is so close to the bottom rope… MIZ PUSHES IT FORWARD TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR SHEAMUS TO REACH! Sheamus grabs hold of the bottom rope, but the referee also sees this and tells off The Miz! Cesaro is also furious and grabs Miz by his suit jacket, distracting him as Sheamus rolls to the other corner of the ring and lines up CESARO… BROUGE KICK! A loud mixed reaction from the live crowd as Sheamus moves Cesaro back to the middle of the ring… 1 2 CESARO KICKS OUT!
The crowd goes wild and Sheamus looks to be in shock as it is announced that there is one minute remaining in this match. Miz is shouting to Sheamus looking to offer him help, but the Celtic Warrior ignores him and lines up Cesaro, waiting for him to rise to go for another BROUGE KICK… BUT CESARO AVOIDS IT! Sheamus turns back around into SWISS DEATH! Cesaro makes the cover 1 2 Sheamus kicks out! Cesaro wastes no time trying to scoop up Sheamus…. BUT HE FIGHTS OUT OF IT AND THEY BRAWL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING AS TIME RUNS OUT!
Winner: Draw (30:00)
The crowd boos, wanting to see this match carry on, but Sheamus and Cesaro have run out of time! This doesn’t stop them from brawling with each other in the middle of the ring, as the referee and Miz try to keep the pair apart from each other. As they are arguing in the ring about who should go to Summerslam, they are interrupted by Intercontinental Champion Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega! The crowd loudly boos as Andrade has a smug smirk on his face!
He shows off the Intercontinental title and mocks the pair of them, saying tonight has proved that neither man is worthy of a shot at his title. Sheamus and Cesaro have fully stopped fighting at this point, ready to charge at Andrade and ready for revenge. He carries on taunting them, but soon they are interrupted by Raw Commissioner Wade Barrett! Wade says he watched the match and Andrade is wrong, saying he has decided that at Summerslam it will be a TRIPLE THREAT MATCH! Andrade is furious whilst the crowd loudly cheers, and we get a stare down between Cesaro and Sheamus.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Wade Barrett walking through the backstage area as Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega follow after him, clearly furious. The rest of The Ungovernables (Shinsuke Nakamura, Angel Garza, Humberto Carrillo and Aliyah) also join Zelina but Wade Barrett refuses to back down. Andrade Cien Almas ends up storming off, furious with Zelina saying this match should not be happening. Wade tells Zelina she can disagree with his decision, but it is final!
Wade then tells Zelina that he is willing to give her a bone and show he isn’t biased against her, agreeing to put Shinsuke Nakamura and Angel Garza in the pool for the House always wins match at Summerslam! The two men have a smile and nod, happy with the chance to earn a future WWE title match. Humberto Carrillo looks annoyed and asks what about him. Zelina looks at Wade Barrett and says he will consider him for future opportunities, depending on how he does against Xavier Woods later tonight!
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We cut back to the ring as Kevin Owens makes his way out, getting loud cheers from the fans. He steps into the ring with a serious look on his face and says at Summerslam, he gets a match with someone who has been too cowardly to confront him one-on-one about his problems: Mustafa Ali! Kevin walks around the ring and actually tells the fans he gets why he was angry; hell he would have had no problem with Ali if he came after him directly, but Mustafa didn’t do that!
Owens says instead of being like a coward, Ali chose to attack someone who had no part in his actions and targeted his best friend, Sami Zayn. Kevin carries on his rant, saying Sami Zayn is not to pay for his sins and that he will never accept someone using his best friend to try to make a point to him! Kevin says he has never been a hard man to find and is calling Mustafa Ali to come speak to him like a man right now. The crowd loudly cheers but once again, Ali instead would appear on the titantron in front of a podium with a smug smirk surrounded by Ever-Rise!
Mustafa Ali says he is not a man who makes demands and waivers on his principles because it has become popular to do so. He says Kevin Owens was on SmackDown and he was not allowed to chase after him to do what was right, so he dealt with the root cause of the problem: Sami Zayn. The crowd boos, but Ali shakes his head saying that since this has begun, people have excused the actions of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who is the worst offender for it!
The crowd loudly boos, but Ali says that Sami pretends to be this moral person, always excusing Kevin Owens for his actions, but has never stopped him from doing them. Ali says if he had his way, there would be no room for this hypocrisy, so he started with Sami Zayn and at Summerslam, he will show why Kevin Owens needs to be removed from the WWE. Kevin Owens challenges him to come to this ring right now and why wait for Summerslam, but Ali shakes his head again.
Mustafa Ali says he wants his message to be broadcast on the big stage, wanting everyone who tunes in for a party to see that it is time for the right path to be followed and he will make Raw great again! Matt Martel, at this point, steps forward and says if Owens wants a fight, they can see him next week. Chase Parker tells Kevin to find a partner, bringing a smirk to his face as Owens says there is only one man in mind and confirms Sami Zayn will return next week, ending the promo!
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Match 2: Summerslam qualifying match: Cerebrum et Vires vs K2
Match summary: Both teams come into this match feeling confident as they look to advance to Summerslam and have a chance to become the WWE Women’s tag team champions. K2 catches Cerebrum Et Vires off-guard with their high-flying skills and tag team moves, but Deonna makes sure to use the power of Piper Niven to turn the tide. Deonna during the rest of the match, would damage their limbs and in the end, Piper Niven would finish off Kayden Carter with the SCOT DROP whilst Deonna keeps Katana Chance tied up!
Winner via pinfall: Cerebrum et Vires (6:54)
The duo gets to their feet with a smile on their face and even the more recently subdued Piper Niven has a smile, one step closer to her goal of holding tag team gold. The commentary team puts over the duo's balance of power and brains, which could prove vital going into a TLC match as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, Seth Rollins makes his way out, leading the Church of Seth Rollins to the ring with a smug smirk on his face. He gets into the middle of the ring with his disciples: Nathan Frazer, Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux kneeling in front of him as he gets ready to address the live crowd. The crowd is booing him, which brings a smile to Seth's face as he soaks in the hatred from the fans and seems to enjoy it before getting ready to speak.
Seth says last week showed the power of the Church and why he will be saving the WWE title at Summerslam! He has a smug look on his face and says that Big E believes in the power of friendship, that with your friends' help, you can overcome anything. Seth shakes his head and says that friendship leaves you open. It leaves you weak and makes you realize that you need to be a leader, showing everyone the way to the top. He walks over, coming to Natha Frazer and puts a hand on his shoulder smiling.
Seth tells the fans that his youngest disciple Nathan, has shown the world the power of his teachings as Frazer lifts up the Cruiserweight title with a smug smirk on his face. Seth showed Nathan how to be a star, training him from the ground up and now he runs the Cruiserweight division. Seth walks over to Karrion Kross and says his devil has shown the wrath of what happens when you stand in the way of God. Kross nods as Seth confirms he will be entering the House always wins match and when he walks out with the win, he will be going after Roman’s Universal title, getting a mixed reaction from the live crowd.
Seth is about to carry on, but they are soon interrupted by The New Day making their way out. Kofi Kingston speaks first and says last week he realized that he needs to exercise something he didn’t deal with 2 years ago. Karrion Kross smirks in the ring as Kofi brings up his loss at WrestleMania 36. Kofi says he knows he can beat Kross and prove that the self-proclaimed devil isn’t better than him. Karrion Kross gets to his feet, borrowing the microphone for the moment.
Kross says Kofi is too positive to do what needs to be done and he will gladly crush him next week. Kofi however, shakes his head saying next week he will win and then go on to the House always wins match, looking for the chance to get revenge on Roman Reigns for taking his World title two years ago. The crowd is behind Kofi, who seems fired up before he passes the microphone to WWE Champion Big E! Big E says Seth can talk about being this saviour, but he is just a con artist.
Seth chuckles in response to this statement, but Big E doubles down on his statement. He says Nathan Frazer won the Cruiserweight title because of his skills. Nathan seems unsure how to respond, but Big E carries on saying Frazer was always talented and Seth scooped in to manipulate him into doing his bidding; to give Seth the edge he needed to get back to the top. Seth says he doesn’t need anyone to get to the top, getting a slight look from Scarlett Bordeaux that he doesn’t see.
Seth says he brought these men into the church to be his disciples and guide them to the top, saying he will even prove it by fighting alone if he needs to when the time comes. Xavier Woods says how about Nathan also proves himself and fights alone later tonight. Nathan Frazer asks for the microphone and tells Woods he will gladly take down Mark Andrews alone, promising to show Woods what a real Cruiserweight Champion looks like. There is tension between the two groups, but Seth leads his followers to the back whilst Humberto Carrillo comes out for the next match!
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Match 3: Humberto Carrillo w/Zelina Vega vs Xavier Woods w/The New Day
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, the match erupts into action, and the commentary team observes that Kofi and Big E hover at ringside, refusing to trust Zelina to keep her distance. Humberto attacks with more aggression as he aims to impress Wade Barrett and secure a spot in the House always wins match at Summerslam. Xavier Woods, however, draws on his outstanding form from the past year and fells Humberto Carrillo with LIMIT BREAK to seize a victory on Monday Night Raw!
Winner via pinfall: Xavier Woods (8:11)
The crowd cheers loudly as Xavier Woods gets back to his feet with a smile on his face, joined inside the ring by the rest of The New Day, who celebrate with him. The commentary team puts over Xavier Woods's performance and says it might have put him in contention for a future Cruiserweight title shot. The New Day carries on their celebrations in the ring before we cut elsewhere backstage.
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We see the Blackhearted Witches hanging out backstage as Cathy Kelley approaches them, looking to get a few words. She asks Shotzi how they feel knowing they are facing the two women in Summerslam’s night 1 main event and Shotzi has a scowl, saying it should be going to them instead of getting a nod from KiLynn King. KiLynn says when they step into the ring for tonight’s main event, they get to prove they belong and when they win, they want a future Women’s Universal title shot!
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When we return from the commercial break, Bianca Belair sits across from Michael Cole. Michael thanks her for coming. Belair appreciates the chance to talk. He praises her Queen of the Ring win from a couple of months ago. Belair calls it her greatest achievement so far and highlights the strength of the Women’s division in 2021. Michael jokes about her not wearing a crown; Belair replies that's not her style and she'd rather make her own robe.
Michael Cole says this might not be known by the WWE Universe, but Bianca makes all of her own ring gear. She nods, saying she has always had the attitude of if you want something done right, do it yourself and when you have that mindset, you need to make sure you are the best at everything. Michael Cole puts over her time in NXT and the fact that she kept breaking the records in every track event: speed, power, endurance before calling her almost the perfect athlete.
Belair chuckles and thanks Michael, but makes it clear she doesn’t think she is perfect. She tells Michael that the moment you think you have reached perfection, you stop improving, you stop trying to get better and she has a mountain she has to climb standing her way: Rhea Ripley. Michael Cole nods, saying Rhea Ripley is currently the Women’s Universal Champion and stands atop the Raw Women’s division; however Belair has faced her before in NXT.
Belair nods and says Ripley was the person who ended her NXT Women’s Champion run. She takes a moment, sighing, and says that loss hurts, I mean, any loss does hurt. She takes a moment, saying Rhea Ripley is coming in like a storm, and that defeating her makes her realize she needs to regroup and get back on track. Belair says losing to Ripley and Charlotte at the Takeover before WrestleMania made up her mind, she needed to head to Raw and SmackDown, waiting for Ripley there so she could prove why she is the E.S.T!
Michael Cole says she had one hell of a run on SmackDown, going undefeated until she ran into Asuka. Belair nods and says it was a sign that she still had work to do to make it to the top. Belair says that loss meant going back to the gym for even longer and working on finding a way to defeat her… but then she came face to face with Rhea Ripley in the Royal Rumble! Belair says in that moment she kind of knew it wasn’t just Asuka she had to defeat to be the B.E.S.T!
Michael Cole says that when she won Queen of the Ring, there was never any doubt about which champion she wanted to fight at Summerslam. Bianca shakes her head and says even if she ended up on SmackDown, she would have demanded being traded to Raw to get this match. Belair wraps up the interview by looking at Michael Cole, telling him that she needs to beat Rhea Ripley at Summerslam. Michael Cole nods and thanks her for her time before we cut elsewhere backstage.
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We see The O.C. hanging out in their locker room backstage, and Adam Cole is standing in front of the group with a slightly cocky smirk on his face. Jordan Devlin, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows are sitting behind him as Cole says it is time for story time with Adam Cole and pulls out a book with the title “The Career of AJ Styles”. Adam starts by saying that AJ Styles started in WCW, with clips shown of his time in the dying days of the company, with Cole saying that the company died shortly after.
Cole quips, " Maybe that’s unrelated, before moving on to AJ Styles touring all over America before settling down in TNA. Adam Cole says AJ tried to make it the top company in America as the face of it, but he failed. Cole turns to the rest of the O.C. and says, " Maybe if it were him, TNA would have made it. He chuckles to himself before saying AJ was then offered fair pay, but the greedy self-proclaimed Phenomenal One overvalued himself, so he left TNA to go to Japan.
Adam Cole gives AJ credit, saying he made a name for himself, joined the biggest group in Japan, as we see stills of his time in the Bullet Club… with Adam Cole commenting that it was from Finn Balor’s hard work getting a nod from Luke Gallows in the background. Cole then says he was soon run out of Japan by some elite friends of his, prompting a smug smirk from Cole before saying AJ Styles came to the WWE, as we see his debut in the Royal Rumble!
Adam Cole says AJ stayed out of NXT because he knew if he had to fight to get to Raw, he would fail. Cole says AJ has had a good career, two world titles and two United States titles, showing he is good, but says AJ only made it due to having the power of the O.C. at his back. Cole says now they have ditched the dead weight and AJ is on his own, floundering. Adam says Big Cass is still by your side, but soon he will see sense and go out on his own, wondering who AJ Styles is when there is no one backing him up?
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the inside of a hospital, where we see Ilja Dragunov in a bed with his ankle in a cast. Staring straight into the camera, the former Cruiserweight Champion says, "I may be hurt—but I am not broken. The Church will fall, and when I return, my Cruiserweight title comes home with me."
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Match 4: Cruiserweight title match: Nathan Frazer © w/Karrion Kross and Seth Rollins vs Mark Andrews
Match summary: The commentary team notes that, coming into this match, Nathan Frazer might be showing no remorse for injuring Ilja Dragunov, but he will need to be careful if the Mad Russian comes looking for him. Mark Andrews comes into this match knowing this is the biggest opportunity of his singles career so far and he catches Nathan Frazer off-guard, forcing him to the outside of the ring, where he talks to his leader, Seth Rollins and Karrion Kross for advice.
Nathan Frazer, once he gets back into the ring, starts to get more aggressive and nastier, targeting the left leg of Mark Andrews. The commentary team wonders if he is trying to injure Mark Andrews in the same way he has injured Ilja Dragunov and Gran Metalik in recent weeks. In the closing stages of the match, Andrews is too slow, hitting FALL TO PIECES allowing Frazer to avoid it before running the ropes and connecting with a CURB STOMP for the victory!
Winner via pinfall and still Cruiserweight Champion: Nathan Frazer (7:03)
The crowd loudly boos after the bell, but Nathan Frazer manages to keep his Cruiserweight title in his first-ever defence. Seth Rollins and Karrion Kross join him inside the ring to celebrate the victory tonight. Mark Andrews is struggling in pain on the mat, but The Church doesn’t care as they all START TO ATTACK MARK ANDREWS! The commentary team wonders if this is Seth sending a message to the New Day going into Summerslam. The beatdown looks like it is about to carry on when…
BRITISH STRONG STYLE RUNS OUT FIRST, FOLLOWED BY THE NEW DAY! All five men sprint to the ring, ready to fight off the Church of Seth Rollins. Their opponents look to their leader, who signals for them to escape, and they flee through the crowd. Xavier Woods and Tyler Bate check on Mark Andrews, while Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Pete Dunne stay in the ring, making it clear they are far from done with the Church as Raw goes to commercial break.
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The 3rd hour of Monday Night Raw starts with Stone Cold Steve Austin making his way out, getting a huge pop from the fans. He goes through his normal entrance to the delight of the live crowd and poses on each turnbuckle before grabbing a microphone and heading back to the middle of the ring. He plays to the crowd, going through his usual spiel as he gets them hyped up before getting down to business, as he wants to talk about one man: Randy Orton!
Austin looks furious as he looks at the fans before saying that in all his years in the business, there were many stupid sons of a bitches, but none of them were stupid enough to break into his home! Austin says Orton is luckily there was no family there at the time because it means Austin is just going to beat the shit out of him at Summerslam! The crowd cheers as Austin makes it clear that he considers himself retired and didn’t want another match, but Orton forced him to step into the ring one last time.
Austin says that by breaking into his home, he did something worse than when he punted him in the skull. Something worse than breaking into his home, something worse than breaking his belongings, including his truck. Austin shakes his head and tells the fans Orton challenged his pride! Austin says Orton knew that if Stone Cold didn’t step into the ring with him at Summerslam, he would be able to call him a coward. Stone Cold refuses to allow someone like Orton to get away with it!
At this point, Randy Orton slowly walks out onto the stage with a smirk on his face and tells Stone Cold that he wasn’t challenging his pride; he was making sure he could get the pound of flesh he was owed. Austin glares at him as Orton confirms both men have been banned from physical contact with one another, which is the only thing saving Austin from having his skull kicked in! Orton says he was robbed of the chance to destroy the legend of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The crowd loudly boos Randy Orton, who paces around slowly at the top of the entrance ramp, not phased by it for a second. He tells Stone Cold that the match at Summerslam is what was owed to him at WrestleMania and it is time for him to end the ultimate legend in WWE. Stone Cold remains defiant in the ring and tells Orton that greater men have tried to. Stone Cold finishes the promo, saying at Summerslam he will cut the head off the Viper and that’s the bottom line because Stone Cold said so!
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We return from the commercial break to AJ Styles backstage with Big Cass. AJ looks pissed as Big Cass turns to the camera. "Adam Cole, if I wanted terrible advice, I'd still be in the O.C. following Finn Balor." Cass nods to AJ. "This guy pulled me from a dark place. He got me back to WWE. Back to good physical health." AJ stands and fist bumps Cass before turning toward the camera.
AJ says Adam Cole is obsessed with his past, whilst AJ is obsessed with his future! Styles says he heard Adam Cole recapping his career, and all he could think as Cole was listing it was how truly Phenomenal he is! AJ Styles says that for all of the talk from Cole, he paved the way to the WWE and Adam Cole just followed in his footsteps. AJ says he has spoken to Wade Barrett and next week, both men will take part in a pick your poison challenge, with AJ promising to bring Adam’s past back to haunt him!
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Match 5: Montez Ford w/Angelo Dawkins vs Zack Gibson w/James Drake and Trent Seven
Match summary: Montez Ford comes into this match with a fast pace, catching Zack Gibson out and even forcing him to the outside of the ring. The crowd cheers for Montez whilst James Drake and Trent Seven discuss a game plan with the Scouser outside the ring. Gibson gets back into the match and using a distraction from his allies at ringside, turns the match by targeting the right leg of Montez! From there, Gibson starts to grind down and work over Ford. In the closing stages of the match, just when Montez is coming back, TRENT TRIPS HIM UP! Ford turns to confront them BUT GIBSON ROLLS HIM UP TO STEAL THE WIN!
Winner via pinfall: Zack Gibson (8:58)
Gibson gets to his feet with a smug smirk, whilst Montez Ford looks angry with how his rival stole the win, but he doesn’t get much of a chance to do anything about it as TRENT SEVEN AND JAMES DRAKE ATTACK HIM FROM BEHIND! The boos ring out from the live crowd, but Angelo Dawkins grabs hold of a steel chair and SLIDES INTO THE RING THREATENING THE TRIO FORCING THEM OUT OF THE RING AND UP THE ENTRANCE RAMP! Dawkins checks on his tag team partner, who nods before we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to another sit-down interview as Michael Cole sits across the room from Women’s Universal Champion Rhea Ripley. Michael thanks her for agreeing to this interview, getting a smile and a nod from the Women’s Champion. She nods, saying it is her pleasure and as a champion, she has a duty to be a representative. Michael Cole starts the interview off by saying Ripley has had one hell of a rise since joining the WWE and being a part of NXT UK.
Michael Cole would bring up her start in WWE as a rookie in the Mae Young Classic before coming back in the 2nd year as a totally different woman. Rhea smiles, saying that when she came to the WWE, she wasn’t being herself, she was being someone else and that was her mistake. Ripley says after losing to Dakota Kai in the 2nd round and seeing Kai being true to who she was, she went home and made a promise to herself that she was always going to be herself.
Michael Cole says it was a much more successful go the 2nd time around with Ripley making it to the semi-final before losing to Iyo Sky. Ripley looks a bit annoyed at the name drop, but turns to a smile and says Iyo Sky is one of the best wrestlers in the world. She says that the tournament showed her how to win. Michael Cole would mention that shortly after, Rhea Ripley would head to NXT UK and become the first NXT UK Women’s Champion.
Ripley says Toni Storm is one of the best wrestlers in the world and it took her all to defeat her to become champion before saying she expects big things from the rockstar on SmackDown Live. Michael Cole says Ripley would soon leave NXT UK after losing her title to Toni Storm and make an immediate impact on NXT, going right after Bianca Belair. This brings a smile to the face of Rhea Ripley, who says she didn’t want to wait around any longer and wanted to get to the top of NXT, so she went after the best of the best down there.
Michael Cole says Bianca Belair was coming off beating Dakota Kai and being very cocky, prompting a nod from Ripley. She smirks, telling Michael Cole that Belair used to be a lot cockier and it was a lot of fun knocking her off her perch. Michael comments that Belair doesn’t lack confidence, but Ripley shakes her head, saying there is a difference, prompting a head tilt from Michael Cole. The champion tells Cole that she never lacks confidence but also never underestimates anyone.
Belair used to think there was no one close to her and she even took that attitude to SmackDown Live when she first left NXT. Michael Cole says against Asuka, and Ripley nods. Rhea says there is a reason Asuka proclaims no one is ready for Asuka and that is due to her mindset. Ripley says Asuka gets into people’s heads, making them respond in two ways. They either doubt they can beat her or they get too focused on beating her and make mistakes.
Michael Cole says this brings him back to Summerslam and he asks Rhea Ripley if she feels Bianca Belair might be too in her own head about beating her. Ripley nods, saying that Belair wants to beat her and senses she is a little too determined to defeat her in the ring. Ripley holds the title up, saying she stands atop the division and she has no plans to start losing to Belair, now making it clear she has her scouted and is ready for the E.S.T at Summerslam!
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We cut back to the ring as Blissmoon makes their way out with scowls on their faces. Ember Moon makes sure to show off the Money in the Bank briefcase as she makes her way down the entrance ramp, taunting the fans in the crowd. Both women get into the ring with microphones in their hands, ready to address the live crowd. Ember Moon starts the promo by reminding Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair that everyone fighting for the Women’s Universal title is just a placeholder until she chooses to take back her spot at the top!
The crowd loudly boos, but Ember Moon doesn’t care as she lets Alexa Bliss take over the promo, and she says they have been patiently waiting all night to find out who would be stupid enough to team with Mickie James at Summerslam! She says she is sick of waiting and that she wants to get this charade over with! They demand that Mickie James make her way out here right now to confirm that Summerslam is going to be a handicap match!
Mickie James comes out with a microphone in hand and has a big smile on her face, whilst the crowd gives her a decent reaction. She takes a moment to stand on the top of the entrance ramp and says Blissmoon is partly right. Mickie confirms there is not a woman in the Raw, SmackDown, NXT, or NXT UK locker room she would trust to team with her at Summerslam. Bliss acts cocky, telling Ember Moon off-mic she told her that Mickie wouldn’t find anyone, but Mickie says instead she looked to her past as…
TRISH STARTUS MAKES HER WAY OUT! The pop from the live crowd is huge as the legend of the women’s division stands next to her old rival as they share a nod before looking at Blissmoon in the ring, who are stunned! The pair of legends don’t waste any time, however and sprint to the ring as they charge at Blissmoon, catching them off-guard as they lay into both of them with hard strikes. The heels end up falling out of the ring to the outside and the legends stand tall as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see The Riott Squad hanging out backstage. Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott both have smiles on their faces as they look at the camera, with Ruby saying they are now just one match away from finally holding gold in the WWE. Liv says they have always been better together than they have apart, and they want to send a clear message to the champions. Ruby says they are challenging Team Kick to come to Monday Night Raw next week and meet the team who are taking their titles face-to-face!
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Match 6: Aleister Black vs Braun Strowman
Match summary: Aleister Black comes into this match with that black scar around his eye getting even bigger, whilst Braun Strowman walks to the ring in his old black sheep mask from his early days in the Wyatts. This match ends up being an all-out war with Aleister Black throwing whatever kicks, strikes, and submissions he can at the Monster Among Men, but he struggles to keep Braun Strowman down, who keeps rising up like a horror movie villain.
As the match carries on, Aleister’s strikes get more aggressive and vicious, with him even resorting to scratching at Braun’s eyes when in the grasp of the monster. In the closing stages, when Black is desperately trying to escape a RUNNING POWERSLAM… HE PULLS THE TURNBUCKLE PAD OFF! He slips out and Braun charges forward, headbutting the exposed turnbuckle… BLACK MASS… BRAUN FALLS INTO THE ROPES AND BOUNCES BACK FOR A SECOND BLACK MASS! Aleister Black makes the cover 1 2 3 Black wins!
Winner via pinfall: Aleister Black (6:32)
Aleister Black stands, expression cold and blank. The referee raises his arm and the crowd reacts mixedly, but BRAUN STROWMAN SLOWLY RISES… DROPKICK FROM ALEISTER BLACK! Black drops him, eyes locked, shouting for him to rise… BLACK MASS! Braun collapses after the third and isn’t moving… BUT ALEISTER BLACK ISN’T DONE!
He rolls to the outside of the ring and grabs a steel chair. He slides back inside, looking at the monster among men with a cool, dark look in his eyes. He lays into him with a steel chair on the mat, keeping him down! Braun isn’t moving. Aleister Black isn’t done. He heads to the corner of the ring, places the steel chair around Braun Strowman's head and neck, and climbs to the top rope… diving off, pilmanizing the neck of Braun Strowman!
The crowd loudly cheers as Black looks at Braun Strowman down on the mat, not moving and seems to show no remorse for destroying the Monster Among Men here. The lights then soon go out and THE FIEND APPEARS AT THE TOP OF THE ENTRANCE RAMP! The monster stands at the top of the entrance ramp as Aleister Black gets ready for a fight, but instead, the monster just stands there staring at Aleister Black, confusing the former World Champion, and confusing the commentary team as we cut elsewhere.
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We then cut to a video package showing former North American Champion Bronson Reed in action! We see the strength, power and speed of the Aussie superstar throughout his time on NXT. We then hear a voice-over at the top of the video say that Bronson Reed, a potential entrant into the House Always Wins match representing NXT, is! We get a final montage of clips showing Bronson Reed’s impressive skills before going to the final commercial break of the night!
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We return from the final commercial break of the evening and the commentary team confirms that on next week’s Raw, Angelo Dawkins will be taking on James Drake in singles action.
Main event: Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair vs Blackhearted Witches
Match summary: Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair come into this match not on the same page early on. The Blackhearted Witches use that to take advantage and control the match, with King using her power whilst Shotzi uses her speed to wear down Rhea Ripley in the corner of the ring and struggles due to the damage she is still suffering in her right arm after Deonna Purrazzo's attack at the Great American Bash. Ripley, though, fights through the pain and breaks through, making the tag to bring Bianca Belair back into the match!
Belair is on fire and starts to take control of the match, easily overpowering both of the witches, including a fun spot where she hurls Shotzi Blackheart at KiLynn King. In the closing stages of the match, Belair doesn’t look to be in any trouble, but Rhea Ripley tags herself back into the match! Belair looks annoyed but focuses on making sure Kilynn King is taken care of! Rhea Ripley, meanwhile, grabs hold of Shotzi Blackheart and slams her down with the RIPTIDE giving her team the victory!
Winners via pinfall: Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair (8:19)
The crowd cheers loudly as the two top women on Monday Night Raw come out on top, but it is very clear there is still tension between them. The referee brings the Women’s Universal title to Rhea Ripley, but Bianca Belair takes it for a moment, angering Rhea Ripley. The E.S.T holds for a few seconds before telling Ripley to keep it warm for her. Ripley doesn’t look happy and defiantly lifts the title into the air as Raw ends with the two rivals staring each other down.
Confirmed matches for next week:
Pick your poison match:
Adam Cole vs ???
Pick your poison match:
AJ Styles vs ???
Singles match:
Karrion Kross vs Kofi Kingston
Singles match:
Angelo Dawkins vs James Drake
Tag team match:
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs Ever-Rise
EWR Rating:
64%
SmackDown Live Recap
July 30th 2021
St. Paul, Minnesota
Xcel Centre
SmackDown Live starts with the signature cold open, as we see the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection arriving at the arena in a bad mood. Sasha Banks starts the promo by saying Team Kick pulled off the miracle of a lifetime when they took their tag team titles. Bayley then takes over and says Shawn Michaels is biased against them because they should be getting a two-vs-two rematch, but instead have to qualify for a 6-team ladder match. Sasha Banks follows by saying it doesn’t matter because they are the greatest team in WWE history, and they’re taking back their titles at Summerslam!
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MAYHEM – HALESTORM
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SmackDown Live starts officially with the Man Becky Lynch marching to the ring with a microphone in hand and a determined look on her face. She paces around the ring, fired up, and says that when she was sitting at home with her little girl, she was thinking about what she was going to do the moment she got back. She says it is always fun to kick Charlotte’s ass, but honestly, she has been doing that for years, and it’s getting a bit boring, which gets a few laughs from the crowd.
Becky says she knew that Charlotte was always going to stick her nose in where it didn’t belong like she always does, but now she has sent her to the back of the line; it is time to get to why she came back: to take the WWE Women’s title from Shayna Baszler! The crowd boos loudly for the mention of the WWE Women’s Champion and Becky makes it clear that she hates her too. Becky says she wanted her pound of flesh from Shayna, but then she did something so horrible it made Becky hate her more than anyone else… she made her feel sorry for Ronda Rousey!
Becky walks around shaking her head and tells the crowd that she hates the little weirdo, but even she didn’t like what Shayna and the MMA Horsewomen did to her! She hates Ronda on a personal level and always will, but to attack a newly pregnant mum is a different kind of evil. Becky says watching at home, she knew it didn’t matter the brand; once she was cleared to come back, she was going to kick Shayna's ass and now she gets to take the WWE Women’s title from her too!
This brings out Shayna Baszler, flanked by the rest of the MMA Horsewomen and she has a scowl on her face. Shayna says Becky pretending to care about Ronda Rousey is cute, but what she did to her former best friend was a mercy killing. The crowd loudly boos, but Shayna said Ronda had gotten soft and it was shown by her starting a family. Ronda had forgotten what they had come to the WWE to do, so she got rid of the dead weight. Shayna says Ronda has outlived her purpose and now it was her time on top, showing off her WWE Women’s title.
Shayna says Becky went away and they made it to the top… Becky cuts her off, pointing out what happened when they fought the rest of the 4 Horsewomen. Shayna scoffs and says that they have improved since then, whilst they are no longer united and Becky is alone, dropping the microphone as she heads to the ring with the rest of the MMA Horsewomen getting ready to surround the ring, but Becky remains unfazed, saying she isn’t stupid enough to not bring any back up…
FIRE AND DESIRE MAKE THEIR WAY OUT! Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville get a pretty decent reaction from the live crowd thanks to Mandy’s recent romance with Otis Dozovic and they make sure to have kendo sticks in hand as they attack the MMA Horsewomen, sending them retreating up the entrance ramp. Shayna and the group back away, wanting no part of this now the numbers are even before Shawn Michaels comes out making a trios match between the group official for the main event!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see John Cena on a film set with a serious look on his face. He says last week was his chance to get back to the top, get back into contention for the Universal title and get number 17. He shakes his head, saying during the whole match it felt like there was one man standing in his way, almost like he was told to stop me at all costs: Jacob Fatu. Cena says he gets why Roman Reigns was scared, but he has never seen someone so tough be someone else’s little bitch!
John Cena says he has seen lackeys before, but he has never seen one with as much potential as Jacob Fatu wasting it being someone else’s lackey. Cena says he has been fighting to get number 17, but the United States title is a title that has meant the world to him over the years and to see it being held by someone doing what Fatu does isn’t something he can abide by, so he is killing two birds with one stone because he is challenging Jacob Fatu for the United States title. And once he is done with him, Roman Reigns is next!
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Match 1: Killian Dain and Drake Maverick vs Veer and Shanky
Match summary: Killian Dain and Drake Maverick come into this match looking for revenge after the events of World’s End. Veer and Shanky though, have serious scowls on their face whilst Jinder Mahal hypes them up on commentary. He also adds that he is in the potential entrant pool for the House Always Wins match at Summerslam. In the ring, Drake Maverick is dominated by the larger opponent but makes the hot tag to Killian Dain… WHO IS CUT OFF AND OVERWHELMED BY THE GIANTS! Both men grab hold of Killian Dain by the throat and lift him up, hitting a DUAL CHOKESLAM for the debut victory!
Winners via pinfall: Veer and Shanky (4:50)
The boos ring out from the live crowd whilst Jinder Mahal on commentary obnoxiously applauds his newest allies. He leaves the commentary desk, heading into the ring and gives them instructions to carry on the beatdown, which they do to the popular unlikely duo. Drake and Dain try to fight back against the numbers game, but it is too much for them and they are left lying in the ring. Jinder Mahal, Veer and Shanky stand tall in the middle of the ring as we cut elsewhere backstage.
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We then cut to a video package showing Bronson Reed from NXT in action on the 3rd brand and his time as North American Champion. We then hear from Bronson Reed, who confirms that both Wade Barrett and Shawn Michaels are looking to bring him to Raw and SmackDown! He promises to bring a tsunami to whichever brand he ends up on and everyone better watch out if he sees them in the House Always Wins match!
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Shawn Michaels sitting in his office with the WWE tag team champions Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio joining him in the office. He thanks them for coming and both say it was their pleasure, bringing a smile to Shawn’s face. Shawn says both men have been ready for their next challengers and he wanted the champion to hear how he was going to decide first hand. He confirmed next on SmackDown it will be The Hurt Business vs Dynasty to crown the number one contender for Summerslam.
Rey and Dom are both happy with that announcement, saying they are happy to take on all challengers before all 3 men are interrupted by Jinder Mahal walking into the room with Veer and Shanky. He asks if everyone saw what Veer and Shanky did tonight, with an annoyed Michaels quipping yes, hence why he has had to send Dain and Drake to a hospital. Jinder says that is what happens when you step to them, but Dom shows no fear and challenges the pair to a match next week. Rey steps in, saying he agrees leading to Shawn signing the match for next week’s show.
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We cut elsewhere backstage as Jeff Jarrett and Heath Slater are hanging out with each other, sharing a laugh before turning to the camera and asking if people really thought they would lower themselves to fight wannabe rockstars. Jarrett says the beating they gave the Rockstars last week was a warning and if the pair of them are smart, they will stay out of their way whilst Jarrett leads Slater to success.
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We cut back to the ring for the 2nd match of the night, but we don’t even get it underway as Tucker Knight attacks Otis from behind before the bell can even ring! The crowd loudly boos as Tucker Knight beats down on his former tag team partner and best friend before sending him into the steel steps with a hard thud! Tucker Knight doesn’t stop there as he gets some room before hitting a CANNONBALL SENTON CRUSHING OTIS DOZOVIC ON THE STEEL STEPS!
The crowd is giving Tucker Knight a whole bunch of heat, but he doesn’t give a damn as he grabs the steel steps that have been dislodged whilst security comes down to the ring trying to stop him… BUT TUCKER KNIGHT KNOCKS THEM DOWN WITH THE STEEL STEPS! Otis tries to get back to his feet, but Tucker runs through him with a shot from the steel steps! He falls down to the floor as Tucker puts down the steel steps, but then has an idea!
Tucker Knight grabs hold of Otis Dozovic, lifts him off the ring floor into the air and grabs hold of him HITTING A POWERSLAM ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! Otis isn’t moving as the crowd boos this heinous attack from Tucker Knight. We see MANDY ROSE run out from the back to check on Otis, but Tucker Knight walks away from the wreckage he has left his former tag team partner in as he laughs to himself whilst we cut to a commercial break.
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Match 2: Alpha Academy: (Chad Gable and Buddy Murphy) vs Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break and during the entrances for this match, we get an update from the commentary team that Otis Dozovic has been taken to a local medical facility due to the injuries sustained in the attack by Tucker Knight. They also confirm that Mandy Rose has stayed in the building for tonight’s main event, but their sources say she is not doing well and is very distressed due to the attack on her boyfriend by his former tag team partner.
In-ring action-wise, the recent wars between the two groups lead this to being a very aggressive match, with Gable especially showing an aggression we have not seen in years from the former United States Champion. Ciampa and Thatcher look to take advantage of his anger, with them looking to grind down and hurt both members of Alpha Academy, but both teams are fairly evenly matched as the match starts to reach the closing stages.
Chad Gable and Timothy Thatcher are the legal men in the ring when we hear the music for Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic, who make their way out onto the entrance ramp, getting the attention of Ciampa and Thatcher. This distraction is enough for Buddy Murphy to make sure Ciampa stays out of the ring and Gable hits the CHAOS THEORY SUPLEX! Gable doesn’t stop there, heading up top and diving off hitting a DIVING MOONSAULT to give Alpha Academy a much-needed victory!
Winners via pinfall: Alpha Academy (7:54)
The crowd loudly cheers as Alpha Academy gets back to their feet and celebrates a big victory on SmackDown Live tonight thanks to a well-timed distraction from Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic! Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher meanwhile, outside of the ring look furious, whilst Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic smirk at the top of the entrance ramp before we head elsewhere backstage.
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We cut to the inside of the Bloodline locker room, with Roman Reigns sitting at the head of the table with a serious look on his face. We can see on one side of the table Jacob Fatu, Nia Jax and Paul Heyman, whilst on the other side of the table we have Jey Uso and Naomi. Roman says now is the time for the Bloodline to solidify their domination of SmackDown Live and make sure that everyone knows to acknowledge him. He turns to Jey Uso first, saying he has to make up for getting a nod from the former tag team champion.
Jey nods, saying yes chief and promises to defeat Daniel Bryan protégé Daniel Garcia, who gets no verbal answer from Roman, who looks to Nia Jax and Naomi next. He tells them that it will be a chaotic match, but he expects them to get themselves into the Summerslam match. Naomi nods whilst Nia Jax promises to make sure Naomi follows her lead, getting a dirty look from Naomi. Roman Reigns looks at Jacob Fatu and Paul Heyman nods to them, standing up before telling them it is time for the pair of them to attend some business.
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We start the 2nd hour of SmackDown Live with Men’s Universal Champion Roman Reigns making his way out to the ring, joined by his Wiseman Paul Heyman and United States Champion Jacob Fatu. The crowd rains down heat on the Tribal Chief and the Bloodline as they walk to the ring, still furious about Roman Reigns banishing Daniel Bryan from the WWE. Once inside the ring, Roman Reigns starts his promo off in typical fashion as he tells the crowd to acknowledge me!
The crowd naturally doesn’t respond to it in a positive fashion and boos even louder. Paul Heyman tells the crowd to show respect to the chief, but Roman shakes his head, telling his Wiseman that he will let these people have their tears because Daniel Bryan is never coming back, further pissing off the fans. Roman has a smug smirk before ploughing on through the boos and telling the fans that he will address the next person who will be forced to acknowledge him, but first his right-hand man has something to say.
Jacob Fatu takes the microphone and looks at Roman Reigns, telling his Tribal Chief that he loves him before looking to address the fans booing loudly. He says he heard John Cena was calling him out, lifting his United States title into the air with a defiant look on his face. He calls John Cena a punk-ass Hollywood bitch who thinks he can turn up once a year and still run the place? Nah, this is Roman’s yard youknowwhatImean! Jacob Fatu makes it clear that he accepts Cena’s challenge for Summerslam!
The crowd gives a loud cheer, excited to see a blockbuster match signed for Summerslam, as Jacob passes the microphone back to Roman Reigns. He says that Jacob Fatu is going to take care of John Cena and send him running back to Hollywood, knowing that this is Roman’s yard! The crowd keeps booing, but before Roman can keep talking, Drew McIntyre interrupts him! The number one contender for the Universal title at Summerslam has a microphone in hand and stands at the top of the entrance ramp with a slight smile.
Drew says he was sitting in the back and listening to Roman talk, and he was wondering if Roman was ever going to shut the hell up. This gets huge cheers from the crowd as Roman glares at Drew, but the Sinister Scotsman makes it clear that he isn’t afraid of Roman Reigns. Drew reminds the fans that he dethroned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 36 and then a few weeks later threw him off Hell in a Cell. Roman in the ring clenches his fist, but Drew says that is proof that he is the one to end this reign of terror.
Drew already has proven he can defeat Roman Reigns, and that’s why Jacob Fatu was in the title match, to try to stop him and John Cena. Roman grips his Universal title a little bit tighter as Drew says he is scared of his past coming back to collect! Roman says he holds no fear and that he is the top star in the WWE, saying no one is capable of defeating him. Jacob signals for the microphone and challenges Drew to find out what awaits him and Cena at Summerslam next week! Drew smirks, saying he would ask Cena if he accepts, but he knows the answer, so we will see both of them next week!
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see an angry Charlotte Flair backstage with a scowl on her face. She is stopped for an interview by Kayla Braxton, who asks Charlotte about the brawl she had last week on SmackDown Live with Taynara Conti. Charlotte says Taynara Conti had her 15 minutes of fame at the top of SmackDown come to an end and took it out on the Queen. Kayla points out that Charlotte interrupted Conti’s interview, which angers the 9-time champion.
Charlotte says she is the biggest star in the Women’s division and when she wants interview time she gets it. She points at Kayla Braxton, telling her that she should know this, but that gets an eye roll from the interviewer. Charlotte then makes it clear that Conti needs to be taught a lesson and is therefore issuing the challenge to fight her at Summerslam. Charlotte finishes, saying once she is taken care of, she is getting her 10th World title.
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Match 3: Qualifying match for Summerslam: Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection vs Toni Storm and Emma vs Medusa Complex vs The Bloodline
Match summary: Team Kick comes out to watch on commentary and see the final challengers for Summerslam. All 4 teams come into this match desperate to advance to Summerslam and get the chance to become WWE Women’s tag team champions. The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection looks to stay on the ring apron and pick their spots within this match whilst the other 3 teams wrestle the majority of the match.
Toni Storm and Emma impress the crowd, showing off their skills whilst Medusa Complex end up brawling into the crowd with The Bloodline! This leaves it as a 2 vs 2 match in the ring and Sasha Banks ends up brawling outside the ring with Toni Storm, leaving Bayley alone with Emma. The Aussie veteran tries to pull off an upset, but Bayley catches her with THE ROSEPLANT! She makes the cover and the Role Models advance to Summerslam!
Winners via pinfall: Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection (9:37)
The crowd boos, but the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection don’t care as they get the victory, knowing they are one step closer to getting their WWE Women’s tag team titles back. Team Kick get up from the commentary desk and show off their tag team titles, leading to both teams trash-talking each other whilst we cut to a commercial break.
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We then cut back to the ring as L.A. Knight makes his way out to the ring with a cocky smirk on his face and a microphone in hand as he starts to once again trash talk the fans as he heads down the entrance ramp. He gets into the ring, saying at Summerslam he gets to show the world what a real megastar looks like. He brings up World’s End, saying he would have beaten John Cena in the middle of the ring and would be the one fighting Jacob Fatu for the United States title… YEAH!
Knight says Edge is a relic of the past, just like John Cena and that’s why nowadays they get along so well. The crowd cheers for the Rated R Superstar during this promo, which further starts to annoy Knight in the ring. Knight says those dummies can cheer for him all they want, but they are going to cheer for a man soon to have a broken neck! Very loud boos from the crowd, but L.A. Knight says they can be dummies all they want, just like Edge’s wife Beth!
Beth looks angry on commentary, but L.A. Knight doesn’t give a damn, further taunting the commentator! He carries on mocking Beth and even says she will have to stay at home to look after Edge when he is done with him… EDGE COMES OUT AND IS FURIOUS! He sprints to the ring and looks to attack L.A. Knight, but the Megastar leaves the ring, once avoiding the Rated R Superstar. Edge looks on as Knight from the crowd makes it clear he will do this on his terms and wait till Summerslam to end Edge’s career!
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When we return from the commercial break, Taynara Conti is shown sitting backstage with her friend and tag team partner Xia Li. Conti says it’s been a rough two weeks, but she is fighting to get back to the top. She tells the camera that she isn’t someone who is just handed title shots and chances due to her name or legacy in this company. She says that’s why she wasn’t just handed a rematch for the title she lost. We can see Conti wincing as her arm is in a ton of pain due to the damage done by Shayna Baszler during their World’s End match.
Conti says Charlotte got in her face and tried to take her time because that’s what Charlotte does. She takes everyone’s spotlight and hogs for herself. Conti smiles though saying she has found her opportunity to get back into the Women’s title picture. Taynara says she is accepting Charlotte’s challenge for Summerslam and when she beats her, she is coming back for the WWE Women’s title. Xia Li finishes the promo, calling the Queen disrespectful and challenges her to a match on SmackDown next week!
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Match 4: Daniel Garcia vs Jey Uso
Match summary: Jey Uso comes into this match fired up and almost seems kind of desperate to get the win after the tongue-lashing he got from Roman Reigns since his loss to Drew McIntyre at World’s End. The commentary team notes a win for Jey Uso might convince Shawn Michaels to give him a spot in the House Always Wins match, but as the encounter goes on, Garcia works over the right leg of Jey Uso, taking away all of his usual offence. Jey on instinct, looks for a tag and Garcia pounces, chop-blocking him before locking in a HEEL HOOK! Jey tries to escape but can’t and is forced to tap out!
Winner via submission: Daniel Garcia (6:58)
Garcia gets to his feet and celebrates the victory as he carries on his momentum ahead of being a potential entrant in the House Always Wins match at Summerslam. Meanwhile, Jey Uso sits on the ring apron, looking worried as another loss is going to piss off the Tribal Chief once again.
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When we return from the commercial break, Kayla Braxton is standing with Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic, ready for an interview. Kayla brings up them costing Ciampa and Thatcher their tag team match earlier tonight with Alpha Academy. Keith nods, saying Ciampa wants to get involved with them and attack them at the behest of the Tribal Chief? He will say there is no easy money in life and everything has consequences. Keith confirms that he has spoken to Shawn Michaels and at Summerslam he will fight Tommaso Ciampa one on one!
Kayla asks why he is fighting Ciampa alone at Summerslam and Keith Lee smiles, lifting his Money in the Bank briefcase up, saying he already has his World title shot locked in, but at Summerslam Dominik Dijakovic is getting the chance to earn his! Dijakovic says he will throw his name into the hat and enter the House Always Wins match, saying he might beat Keith to take down Roman Reigns. The duo finishes off the promo by confirming next week they will be fighting Ciampa and Thatcher, saying once they are done with them, Roman won’t have much left protecting him!
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We cut back to the ring with the contract on the table as Shawn Michaels stands with a microphone in hand, confirming they are going to be signing the contract to make Swerve Strickland versus Samoa Joe official for Summerslam. He first of all calls out Mogul Embassy to the ring, with Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana leading the way. AR Fox, Alexander Hammerstone and Richard Holliday follow behind them with the group cutting an imposing presence before even getting into the ring.
Shawn Michaels then brings out the Hurt Business next, with MVP walking to the ring with Samoa Joe, Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin all in business suits with serious expressions on their faces. The two groups are now in the ring as Joe sits down with MVP and Swerve Strickland sits down with Prince Nana. Shawn asks both men to look through the contract, with Prince Nana taking it first and looking through it first, with Swerve nodding, but before they finish reading it, MVP interrupts them.
MVP says Joe wanted to add one more stipulation to the contract since we last went over it, getting an eyeroll from Prince Nana. Joe takes the microphone, saying he wants Swerve in that ring alone, no one else at ringside from The Hurt Business or Mogul Embassy. Prince Nana and Swerve have a few words with each other off-mic before Prince Nana confirms that the boss accepts… but Swerve takes the microphone, saying he wants it clear that Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley are also banned from ringside.
Swerve says he doesn’t trust MVP to not use the fact they are not part of The Hurt Business to their advantage. MVP chuckles and says he would have considered that, but Joe. Joe takes the microphone, pointing at Swerve and says this is what Swerve has wanted, but now he is looking to find the excuses ahead of the war he has started. Swerve stays silent as Joe makes it clear that Swerve was seen as the future; that’s going to be in the past when he is done with him.
Swerve says nothing and it is actually Richard Holliday who speaks next, saying Joe needs to understand that the consumers pointing at the crowd are looking for a new product and they are looking right at them, getting loud boos. Samoa Joe gets up, squaring up to Richard Holliday, intimidating him… BUT ALEXANDER HAMMERSTONE steps in between them as they glare at each other, with the two powerhouses ready to fight each other, leading to the rest staring each other down!
Shawn Michaels looks to keep the peace and tells them not to turn this into a fight right now. Neither man backs down, but both their managers convince them to back away; however, Hammerstone grabs the microphone, saying he will show Joe what will happen if he steps to him again when he steps into the ring with his partners and they will become tag team champions at Summerslam. Cedric shouts back that they’ll love wiping the smug smile off their faces, as the tension is clear in the ring before we cut to the final commercial break of the evening.
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When we return from the commercial break, the commentary team confirms that Shawn Michaels has added Charlotte Flair versus Xia Li to next week’s card before we get the entrances for our main event. Mandy Rose is noticeably looking down and upset after what happened to her boyfriend Otis Dozovic, leading to Sonya Deville starting for the faces, whilst Marina Shafir starts for the MMA Horsewomen.
Main event: Becky Lynch and Fire and Desire vs The MMA Horsewomen
Match summary: Sonya and Marina lock up early on in the match before Becky asks to step into the ring, dominating the MMA Horsewomen and putting the heels on the back foot. She is forced out and whilst her plus Sonya are on their A-Game, it is clear Mandy Rose’s mind is elsewhere the entire match. The MMA Horsewomen take advantage of that and use it to isolate her in their corner of the ring. Becky Lynch is noticeably annoyed on the ring apron with Shayna Baszler taunting the Man.
Mandy Rose stays alive, doing her best to fight back against the submissions and targeting of her limbs by the MMA Horsewomen, eventually making it to the corner of the ring and bringing Becky Lynch back into the match! She is on fire, taking down Natalya and Marina before coming face to face with Women’s WWE Champion Shayna Baszler! Shayna forces Becky backward and gets her on the back foot, which prompts Sonya Deville to come back into the match, tagging in!
Shayna thinking quickly, tags Natalya back into the match with Becky and Shayna both brawling to the outside of the ring! The crowd loudly cheers for the Man and it takes them away from the in-ring action, leaving it a 2 vs 2 battle inside the ropes. Sonya does her best to overcome Natalya, but the Queen of Harts manages to take her down to the mat and lock her in the SHARPSHOOTER! Mandy Rose tries to make the save, but Marina keeps her busy and Sonya is forced to tap out!
Winners via submission: The MMA Horsewomen (10:05)
The crowd boos loudly, but the MMA Horsewomen don’t care after picking up another victory on SmackDown Live as a unit. Natalya and Marina Shafir gloat in the ring, while Becky Lynch and Shayna Baszler keep brawling outside it. The other MMA Horsewomen then leave the ring, attack Becky Lynch, and leave the Man laid out, with Shayna Baszler standing tall to close SmackDown Live!
Confirmed matches for next week:
Main event: Tag team match:
Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu vs Drew McIntyre and John Cena
Number one contender’s match for the WWE tag team titles:
The Dynasty vs The Hurt Business (Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin)
Singles match:
Charlotte Flair vs Xia Li
Tag team match:
Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic vs Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher
Tag team match:
The Mysterios vs Veer and Shanky
EWR Rating:
68%
Main event:
Billie Kay defeated Tamina via pinfall (4:30)
Rockstars defeated Dolph Ziggler and OMOS via pinfall (6:35)
Noam Dar defeated Riddick Moss via submission (9:48)
Apollo Crews defeated Zack Ryder via pinfall (7:26)
Main event: Damien Priest defeated Jeff Hardy via pinfall (8:05)
News Update:
More releases announced!
The budgets cuts within WWE have continued with the following names being released from the WWE:
- Drake Maverick
- Killian Dain
- Kona Reeves
- Leon Ruff
Noticeable Dain, Drake and Ruff were recent calls up to SmackDown and Raw with officials seeing it as a last chance for all 3 to impress/creative to find a use for them. We have heard however these are not the last names to be cut over the next few weeks.
Riddick Moss moves to SmackDown Live
In light of the recent budget cuts, a deal has been discussed where Riddick Moss has been moved to the blue brand, we will wait to see if this means a new push for the young superstar who has been stagnating on Monday Night Raw ever since his tag team partner Mojo Rawley was let go from WWE.
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
Universal title match:
Roman Reigns © vs Drew McIntyre
No holds barred match:
Randy Orton vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
Singles match:
Charlotte Flair vs Taynara Conti
Intercontinental title triple threat match:
Andrade Cien Almas © vs Cesaro vs Sheamus
Singles match:
Keith Lee vs Tommaso Ciampa
World tag team titles match:
The Street Profits © vs The Grizzled Young Veterans
Singles match:
Edge vs L.A. Knight
WWE Women’s tag team titles TLC match:
Team Kick © vs The Riott Squad vs Iyo Sky and Zoey Stark vs Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection vs Cerebrum et Vires vs Toxic Attraction
Matchcard for Summerslam Night 2:
August 22nd 2021:
Miami, Florida
ZAYDE WOLF – LOOK AT ME NOW
WWE Women’s title match:
Shayna Baszler © vs Becky Lynch
Men’s WWE title match:
Big E © vs Seth Rollins
United States title match:
Jacob Fatu © vs John Cena
Grudge match:
Adam Cole vs AJ Styles
WWE tag team titles match:
The Mysterios © vs Dynasty or The Hurt Business
Grudge match:
Kevin Owens vs Mustafa Ali
Singles match:
Samoa Joe vs Swerve Strickland
Tag team match:
Blissmoon vs Mickie James and Trish Stratus
The house always wins for a future Men’s WWE or Universal title match:
(Gauntlet match with the first person to secure a pinfall or submission wins)
Potential Raw entrants: Angel Garza, Karrion Kross, Kofi Kingston, Shinsuke Nakamura and 6 more TBA
Potential SmackDown entrants: Bobby Lashley, Buddy Murphy, Chad Gable, Daniel Garcia, Dominik Dijakovic, Jinder Mahal, Lio Rush and 3 more TBA
Potential NXT entrant: Bronson Reed
