WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
SUMMERSLAM: THIS SUNDAY!
"Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #412 – August 20, 2020
1) The Viking Raiders def. Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink with the Viking Experience on Vink. "The Modern Day Vikings" looked to reinsert themsleves in the mix for a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity against the Aussies from NXT. Thorne and Vink worked hard to keep Erik from Ivar, but once the tag was made, little worked out for "the Blokes from Down Under". (5:15)
2) Dana Brooke def. Jessamyn Duke with the Brooke Bomb. Returning from a shoulder injury, Dana found herself matched by the technical prowess of Jessamyn Duke. Determined to make a vital change to her career, Dana was driven yet her shoulder was targeted by the former Ultimate Fighter, which she did by picking up the win. (4:03)
3) R-Truth def. Akira Tozawa with the Attitude Adjustment. "John Cena's Biggest Fan" continued to show tribute to his idol, as "the Truth" combatted a fellow former WWE 24/7 Champion. With both continuing to scout Samoa Joe from afar, Tozawa missed a diving senton and fell victim to the Five Moves of Doom which would provide the rapper with the victory. (4:24)
The opening video package aired, bringing us inside the WWE Performance Center. A small selection of WWE Universe members were standing on their feet, banging the plexiglass attentively, as we were now less than a week from "the Biggest Party of the Summer". Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton welcomed us to Monday Night RAW on a somber note, talking about the extensive injuries sustained to their broadcast colleague Christian last week at the hands of Randy Orton. In the WWE Legend's absence, the two talked about what could happen tonight with Bobby Lashley known to be in the building. Also tonight, the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre would be here to address the beating received at the hands of Seth Rollins' Church last week.
- Bobby Lashley returns
- WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre addresses Seth Rollins' Church
- Cross-Brand Number One Contender's Women's Tag Team Turmoil match
- Charlotte Flair vs Bianca Belair
Six days away from his father's career and legacy being put at stake at SummerSlam, Dominik Mysterio made his arrival to a positive reaction. The WWE Performance Center were respectful, as Dominik arrived in the ring to chants of his Dad's name. With a smile, the youngster told the WWE Universe on behalf of the Mysterio Family - they appreciated the support. This Sunday, his old man had the opportunity to put a long rivalry to bed, but in doing so risked a thirty-one career. Setting the record straight on many of their recent disagreements, Dom admitted how he hated how stubborn Rey Mysterio could be: but that's because he loved and respected him more than anybody in this business. He remembered the first time he saw his old man compete, back when he was a toddler - he was in awe. He knew this was the business he wanted to get into, and he knew he was one in a thousand of WWE Superstars who were inspired and influenced by him. This Sunday had the potential to change the entire landscape of the WWE for years to come - and in mulling things over, he knew he had one man to blame for all of that: Andrade.
Dominik Mysterio spoke about watching Rey Mysterio compete between these ropes for years, and watching all of his biggest rivals come and go. Despite the many setbacks his father took, he never once considered retiring. He never wanted to give up. He was "the World's Biggest Underdog" at 165-pounds, 5'5 - and come SummerSlam this Sunday, Dom believed Andrade would see "the Legendary Luchador" in his ultimate form! Andrade interrupted to loud boos, flanked by his business partner Zelina Vega. "El Capo" swaggered down to the ring with sunglasses on, smiling upon greeting the rookie in the ring. Laughing all the while, Andrade told Dominik how proud he was of him. Ever since he made a man out of him at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, he finally looked like a Mysterio should. Not that that was saying much at all, but it was a start! Dom refused to back down, asking Andrade what more he had to say. Was naming, shaming, humiliating and screwing with his Dad not enough for him?
Andrade listened with a smirk as Dominik Mysterio asked if taking his father's livelihood away from him wasn't enough. "El Capo" snatched the microphone with confidence, telling Dominik that this is what he liked. The boy was finally coming to his senses, but he was looking the wrong way for trouble. Andrade claimed it wasn't he nor the rest of La Invasíon responsible for Rey Mysterio's selfish refusal in passing the torch to the next icon to come out of Mexico. If anything, Dom should be taking it out on his father for not stepping out of the limelight. To many luchadores, thirty years is a crowning achievement! It's a feather in the cap to make it that far, outlasting retirement, injury and old man aches. But for his father - it was just another way to be greedy. Andrade claimed Dom should be helping him to bring down Rey, but he would instead slap him across the face! The leader of La Invasíon simply grinned, as Dom warned him he wouldn't stand a chance at manipulating him - not in a million years!
Zelina Vega abruptly took the microphone and demanded Dominik Mysterio shut his piehole and listen to what they had to say. While Rey Mysterio was going around the planet becoming a global sensation - where was little Dominik? "The Legendary Luchador" was seven years into his career when he was born, which meant while he watched his father on television every week - he had lived a life in rose-tinted glasses, drinking the Mysterio Kool-Aid! Zelina tried to remind Dom of who left him alone in his poor mother's care all those years while Rey was off doing what only he could. Vega turned attention to after SummerSlam, what Dom would do when his old man wasn't around to fight his battles for him anymore. Andrade told him his business partner was right - he was going to flounder!
Andrade stepped towards the tormented Dominik Mysterio, telling him to admit it at long last: he could finally fall in line and become one of La Invasíon's hottest young prospects...or he could try to swim with the sharks on his own, and drown trying. Coyly, "El Capo" quizzed Dom what it was going to be, taking him down with a double-leg takedown! Laying in hammerfists on Andrade, Vega tried to get involved just to be warded off by Rey Mysterio's son. Andrade tried to come from behind, just to receive a spinning headscissors! In-line for the 619, the second-generation Superstar hit the ropes - but Andrade flocked to ringside. Challenging him to a match right here and now, Dominik was ready: screaming for a referee!
Back with a Vengeance
Bobby Lashley stormed into the WWE Performance Center, immediately hurling his luggage bags to the floor behind him! Without skipping a beat, "the All Mighty" grabbed an innocuous referee by the collar and shoved him up against a door. With no Lana by his side, Lashley demanded to know where Randy Orton was. Looking to strike fear and interrogate the poor official, he claimed nobody had seen him since he took out Christian last week! Bob growled angrily as he asked if that was the truth, which it was. Begrudgingly, the Money in the Bank holder relinquished his grip - but not before powering him up against the wall again and telling him he wanted to know when he saw "the Viper" arrived. As the ref complied and scrambled down the hall, Lashley was here - and he was on the warpath!
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1) Andrade (with Zelina Vega) def. Dominik Mysterio (5:55)
- In an impromptu rematch from the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Dominik Mysterio planned to give Andrade a tough road to the climax of his problems with Rey Mysterio this Sunday at SummerSlam, with a tilt-a-whirl arm drag sending "El Capo" out through the ropes. With a baseball slide, Dom went caught by his opponent, who sent him spine-first into the edge of the announce table! Zelina Vega watched on as Andrade aggressively took the fight to the son of "the Legendary Luchador" inside, as a succession of a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker tortured him. The rookie showed the same level of fight he had in their Extreme Rules match last month, catching his rival on the rebound with a springboard crossbody! A hurricanrana sent Andrade in-line for the 619, which connected - but as he attempted to Drop the Dime a la his father, the leader of La Invasíon rolled free before delivering a schoolboy buckle bomb! El Idolo planted the youngster, giving Andrade a dominant win.
Heading into SummerSlam, "El Capo" grinned triumphantly as he prepared to try and put an end to the thirty-one year career of Rey Mysterio. Dragging Dominik Mysterio to a seated position by the hair, Andrade showed his respect to Dom as Zelina Vega climbed into the ring. She would suddenly run scared however, and once the patriarch of La Invasíon came to realize this - from behind came Rey Mysterio with a steel chair shot to the spine! A second would see Andrade roll out in the nick of time, but as the business partners gathered confidantly on the rampway, Rey would bring his son to his feet and embrace him. Father and son reunited in what could be the final night on Monday Night RAW for Los Mysterios together.
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Shayna Baszler draped her neck with the black towel before throwing shadow-boxes, when into the locker room walked Nia Jax. Both unenthused to see one another, "the Queen of Spades" guessed correctly if this was about tonight's predicament. "The Irresistible Force" made no mistake about it that she couldn't stand her. Shayna told Nia she despised her - which begged both to question why the executives of USA Network were forcing them to team up. The two bickered back and forth about how their match could have gone last week, with Nia claiming she would crush her like a bug; and Shayna claiming she would have put Nia to sleep! Going head-to-head, "the Giantess" warned "the Submission Magician" to stay the hell out of her way tonight - otherwise, things could end badly for her. Baszler smiled back at her, telling Nia she would love to watch her try. She then exited the room, casually telling Nia not to screw tonight up - or else!
Sarah Schreiber was standing by in the interview area with the woman who would take on Charlotte Flair one-on-one tonight, Bianca Belair. "The EST" was asked about her history with "the Queen", to which Bianca talked about how Charlotte was the epitome of somebody who was living luxuriously off her family's legacy. Here was a girl who had everything handed to her on a silver platter, and time and time again had taken moments from far more deserving WWE Superstars - herself included! Belair spoke about how Charlotte had already had her shot and blown it against Asuka, which made her question why Asuka was willing to put the RAW Women's Championship on the line again at SummerSlam. One thing was for sure: Bianca was about to jump straight to the front of the line and stamp her own ticket to the title.
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Something Omos Comes This Way
Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed Asuka defending the RAW Women's Championship again against Charlotte Flair this Sunday at SummerSlam, when the two were suddenly interrupted by none other than Riddick Moss! "So Smooth" appeared aggravated as he talked about the shoddy treatment he received last week by the security staff here at the WWE Performance Center. The problem wasn't him - nor was it ever! Moss harped on about his accomplishments, being a former WWE 24/7 Champion, and a future WWE Legend. Nobody was smoother than Riddick Moss - and he demanded respect! Riddick continued to ramble on about Heath Slater, and the amount of times that washed-up, unemployed moron had managed to intrude the WWEPC week-in and week-out. He demanded more from not only the brass who ran Monday Night RAW for their safety as WWE Superstars - but more from the WWE Universe, who wouldn't give him the time of day.
Ominous music suddenly rang out over the WWE Performance Center, bringing Riddick Moss to yell at the production truck to cut it out! Instead, "So Smooth's" jaw dropped once he glanced up the rampway to recognize the monstrous freak of nature bounding towards him. Omos was here on Monday Night RAW at last! Riddick foolishly planned a football tackle as "the Nigerian Nightmare" stepped foot onto the apron - just to bounce off of him. Omos stepped over the ropes like it was nothing, before grabbing Moss by his colossal-sized hands and performing two biel throws sending him across the ring! Moss was grabbed by the seat of his pants, prevented from making an escape. With a double-handed kneeling Chokeslam, the imposing 7'3 freakshow roared to a relieved response from the WWE Universe. Now he was here, what did Omos have planned for the rest of the RAW Brand?
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"K-BrO"
Kevin Owens sat on a production cart backstage, as he spoke with Matt Riddle about how he couldn't believe this was going to be allowed on USA Network. The WWE United States Champion believed the executives had lost their minds, when into frame came "the Original Bro" in one of Kev's shirts. Riddle said he loved it and would cherish it forever, asking KO where he could find more. "The Prize Fighter" shilled his WWEShop page, prepared to give Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson the whooping they deserved for last week's attack! But, the former Ultimate Fighter had one last pressing piece of business to discuss: what was their team name? Owens asked if they could talk about it later, but Riddle wanted to run some ideas past him! Quizzed which he liked better: "The Kevin Owens Bro", or "K-Bro", the champ responded he'd have a think about it on his way to the ring. Riddle was left behind to sit his KO-branded snapback on his head, telling him he'd seen him out there. They would meet "the Good Brothers" of the O.C. up next!
Footage aired from moments ago, recapping the unscheduled WWE debut of "the Nigerian Nightmare" Omos! Standing at an imposing 7'3, the giant would put the WWE Universe at ease by disposing of the problematic and constantly-moaning "So Smooth" Riddick Moss! What the big man's business would be on Monday Night RAW on the other hand, remained a mystery.
Coming off their spat this past week on Friday Night SmackDown, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross talked in the backstage area about their strategy ahead of the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match tonight. Nikki wanted to take the time to apologize again for being so off the rails - hopefully her new medication would help. "The Goddess" hoped so too, but she'd said all she wanted to say. Asking Nikki if she was ready to take back the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, the Scot was a ball of excitement personified. Coming to life, she was prepared for anything - no matter who they came up against, the two of them were best friends till the end and would prove it because they would not be stopped tonight! Alexa said she had missed Nikki, looking for a hug. Cross would surprise her with a big squeeze - refusing to let go. How would the former champions fare with a future title opportunity at stake tonight?
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2) WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (11:16) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With his WWE United States Championship up for grabs this Sunday against "the Phenomenal One", Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle looked to continue from where they left off against AJ Styles' heavies Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. "The King of Bros" led the WWE Universe in a "K-Bro" chant to KO's bemusement, before catching KA by surprise with a rapid combination of strikes! Riddle scored with a takedown and teased applying a submission, though Anderson would squirm away to his corner. "The Big LG" came in in a foul mood, but he too would suffer the wrath of "the Original Bro's" offense, striking with a superman punch and a flying cross-armbreaker! Gallows would make the ropes, when a roundhouse kick knocked the big man down! "The Good Brothers" were being dominated, as Anderson would come to the big man's aid. Riddle tried to pose with "the Prize Fighter", who instead decided to attack the O.C. members from behind!
- The WWE United States Champion continued to get the better of Karl Anderson with a jumping senton, when "the Prize Fighter" teased knocking Luke Gallows out! It allowed KA to bounce back with a neckbreaker, and from there came the frequent tags from "the Good Brothers". Gallows and Anderson put the boots to Owens, who finally began to fight back as "the Big LG" tagged him with throat thrusts. The Boot of Doom was executed, though Matt Riddle made the save! As Anderson hit a spinebuster, he would ascend to the top rope when Owens surprised him with a Cannonball in the corner! A superplex took Anderson down, and the tag was made to Riddle. "The Original Bro" fired on all cylinders with a bicycle knee strike, and a backflip into a deadlift German suplex on the big man! Anderson came in and received a deadlift fisherman buster for his worries, when Gallows struck with a big boot. Owens snuck in with the Stunner, and Riddle would catch him with the BroMission - putting the big man to sleep!
Any Means Necessary
Matt Riddle had knocked Luke Gallows out cold for a second time in this match, as Kevin Owens fended off Karl Anderson. But with "the Big LG" knocked silly from the BroMission, "the King of Bros's" celebration saw him distracted - and down to ringside ran AJ Styles! The Phenomenal Forearm knocked Riddle down, when an attack of the WWE United States Champion went awry. Owens fired back against his SummerSlam opponent, sending him into the ropes and teasing for the Pop-Up Powerbomb - but instead AJ landed on his feet, and Anderson would strike with the Rocket Kick! As AJ buried "the Prize Fighter" with right hands from a mounted position, KA would slap Gallows back into consciousness. The O.C. were victimizing KO, as the trio sent Owens out to the floor. There, AJ removed the cover and items from atop the announce table at ringside - leading instructions for Gallows and Anderson to drive KO through the table with the Magic Killer! AJ stood tall with his henchmen, placing KO's title over his shoulder. Was this a sign of things to come six days from tonight?
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A Pleasure
Charly Caruso was standing by backstage with Los Mysterios, as she welcomed Rey Mysterio back - on what could be his final appearance on Monday Night RAW. Dominik Mysterio pointed out Charly's attempts at dating Angel Garza in recent weeks, though "the Legendary Luchador" let cooler heads prevail. Rey knew that was a cold hard truth he would have to carry with him for the rest of the week. Reminiscing on his thirty-one year career, Rey was reminded of the first time he put on the mask in 1989 in Tijuana. Little did he know he would go on to be a "Human Highlight Reel" - someone to influence entire future generations of wrestlers! He'd lived a full life, winning World Championships, and competing in countless countries. Whether or not tonight would be his last night on RAW - it had been a pleasure. On Sunday at SummerSlam, his son was right: Andrade was going to see a whole different Rey Mysterio - and his career will live on. He and Dom departed, heading towards "the Biggest Party of the Summer".
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Backstage, the WWE World Champion had arrived. Drew McIntyre walked with purpose on his way to the ring. In a dress shirt and suit pants, "the Scottish Terminator" was steaming towards SummerSlam. After being beaten down by Seth Rollins and his Church last week, we would hear from the champ - up next!
Graphics appeared on-screen as Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the news that broke earlier today across social media - the debut of 'the WWE ThunderDome'. Headlines from the likes of Variety, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports and ESPN were among the outlets which covered it, as this unprecedented interactive fan experience would begin this Sunday night with SummerSlam - as emitted from the Amway Center! To become a part of history in the making, WWE Universe members were implored to register with WWEThunderDome.com and find out how to become a part of "the Biggest Party of the Summer". A trial rehearsal would take place this Sunday afternoon!
- SummerSlam - The WWE ThunderDome debuts
Monday Night RAW was sponsored tonight by SONIC's Toasted S'mores Shake - available for a limited time only!
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The Road to Rawlins Runs Through Drew
The presence of the WWE World Champion was felt, as Drew McIntyre emerged stoically to the WWE Performance Center. To a respectful response from the WWE Universe, "the Scottish Terminator" looked to each of the fans in attendance with a nod of acknowledgement. Climbing into the ring, Drew graced the microphone, talking about how he should be madder than he is right now. What Seth Rollins did last week rightfully should have sparked some sort of fire under the champion, but six days away from SummerSlam, Drew wasn't thinking too mighty about the idea of bashing "the Monday Night Messiah's" head in. The truth was, what he had his goons from the Church help him do last week, reeked of desperation. Looking to the selection of fans surrounding the ringside area, McIntyre asked around to know who believed in "the Messiah". Leaving the ring, the champ spoke through the plexiglass to the people and questioned who believed in "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy".
To a negative response, the WWE Universe remained loyal to the WWE World Champion, who addressed the camera and told Seth Rollins directly that he thought that the prophecy was a load of cr*p! Drew McIntyre claimed "the Monday Night Messiah" started his own following to merely feed his own inadequacy, and while he had done so many unmatchable things in this business - that did not escape the fact he was the frontrunner of Monday Night RAW right now, and the road to 'Monday Night Rawlins' ran through him! McIntyre told Seth he might be a "Beastslayer" and a "Kingslayer", but he had yet to tame him, but dared to see him try. Seth Rollins came marching out to the stage, flanked by his Disciples. The Church stood behind "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", who swore Drew loved to hear his own voice as much if not more than he did! The next challenger to the title talked about McIntyre's rise to the top, how his ascent to the main event of WrestleMania was something years in the making!
"The Monday Night Messiah" reminisced the rise and fall, and rise again Drew McIntyre - the very man touted by Vince McMahon to one day lead the WWE into the future. But in "the Scottish Terminator's" absence - who would be the man to truly lead WWE? Seth "Freaking" Rollins! The RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy stood behind and nodded, as the trio took a slow walk down the rampway. Speaking about the pause he took in order to find who he was deep down, he was glad that of all the guys in the back, Drew was the one to hold onto the mantle for him - but now was time for him to take it back. Climbing the steel steps, Seth admitted he had been looking forward to meeting him for a while. The prophecy foretold it, how the Scotsman would fall so that "the Monday Night Messiah" could rise! Looking behind him at Theory and Murphy, the champs showed continued to show their support. Rollins said the champ could believe whatever he wanted to - but when he damned the ideologies of his biggest loyalists: that was where he drew the line.
Seth Rollins growled this wasn't a game to him like it was to Drew McIntyre. The Church was everything to he and the future of 'Monday Night Rawlins!' The WWE World Champion had heard enough, telling "the Monday Night Messiah" he hadn't come here to yap - he came here to get even. And while he wasn't feeling what Seth was trying to sell him before: now, he at least wanted to cave his head in, so long as it meant he shut his trap! Voicing his disappointment, yet lack of surprise in Theory for allowing himself be brainwashed by "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy's" nonsense, Drew proposed they come on down and try to replicate last week! Rollins turned back to ask "A-Town Austin" and "the Juggernaut" for their thoughts, and soon the trio would circle the ringside area like sharks. Out to corner the champ, Drew tried to fight all three men when his SummerSlam opponent ambushed him from behind. Three-on-one, the trio looked to dominate - but out to his aid came Ricochet and Cedric Alexander!
"The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" hit the ring to come to the WWE World Champion's aid - immediately taking out the legs from under Theory and Murphy. Stereo superkicks rocked both the RAW Tag Team Champions, as Drew McIntyre responded with a Glasgow Kiss for Seth Rollins! "The Monday Night Messiah" scrambled from the ring, allowing "A-Town Austin" to wind up the recipient of the Recoil from Ricochet - directly into the Lumbar Check from Cedric. Alexander and Ricochet stood side-by-side with "the Scottish Terminator", who picked up the microphone. Asking Seth and the Church if they were done, the champ declared they weren't. Calling the three of them out to a match tonight, McIntyre dropped the mic and told them he wasn't waiting six days to whoop Seth's arse! The Church were prepared to come back for more, only to be stopped by "the Messiah".
- Tonight - WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs Seth Rollins and RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy
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Scrap Iron Won't Stand for ThisBobby Lashley continued to storm vengefully through the halls of the WWE Performance Center, this time bumping shoulders with WWE producer Adam Pearce. The retired competitor asked "the All Mighty" what his problem was, bringing Bobby to ask what he said to him. Pearce refused to back down, repeating what he said. In a burst of rage, the Money in the Bank holiday proceeded to grab him by the collar and shove him into the wall! Adam demanded Bob let him go, or he'd be sorry. Lashley interrogated him as to the whereabouts of Randy Orton, believing he knew exactly where "the Viper" was lurking. While Pearce refused to tell him a thing, Lashley reasoned the diabolical things Orton had done: he took out Edge indefinitely, he incapacitated Christian into a hospital bed; but most importantly of all, he RKO'd his wife! Lashley screamed about Lana being forced to be bedbound thanks to him, though Pearce told him he knew nothing about "the Apex Predator".
"The All Mighty" begrudgingly let Adam Pearce go, but warned him that if he found out he was lying about this: he was a dead man walking! Bobby Lashley stomped away angrily, but the WWE producer seethed with rage himself. Irritated by the way in which he'd been treated by Lashley, Pearce whipped out his phone and dialled a number. Gritting his teeth and refusing to be made a fool of, Adam claimed he wouldn't stand for this for a second! Lashley's attitude was sure to have consequences on Pearce's watch.
The Street Profits were in their dressing room, as Montez Ford was stuck on a loop reviewing footage of their recent failure to recapture the RAW Tag Team Championship from Theory and Murphy. Tez muttered regret over his actions in preventing the Church's victory, when Angelo Dawkins entered the frame to assure his partner it wasn't on him. Simply put, they weren't cut out for the victory that night. Ang reminded Tez that they'd been down before, and they'd been champs before. Their day would come again soon! Ford nodded, joking about how greasy and nasty the head of Theory felt that night two weeks ago! Dawkins and Ford bashed their solo cups together in laughter, when in came Los Lotharios. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo quizzed "the Frat Boys" if they were still whining about their losses. "La Estrella" recommended "los pollos amarillos" cut their losses and get to the back of the line. "El Amante" was repulsed by the sight of them, bringing Tez to his feet.
Angelo Dawkins held his partner back, as Montez Ford made a joke about how Angel Garza struck out with Charly Caruso not once, not twice - but three times! This drove "El Amante" crazy, and saw Humberto Carrillo stand between he and the Street Profits. Los Lotharios issued a challenge to "the Frat Boys" tonight, where they would pluck them of all their feathers. Tez and Ang joked Andrade's lapdogs had spent too many late nights at the bottom of a tequila bottle. Lucky for the La Invasíon members, they wanted the smoke and were game for the smoke tonight.
- Tonight - Los Lotharios vs The Street Profits
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Nobody Tougher
Inside the WWE Performance Center, the ever-dominant WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe stood untouched in the center of the ring. With a microphone in hand, "the Samoan Submission Machine" talked about how he had to come out here week after week and beat it into the WWE Universe's thick skulls: there was nobody tougher than he was. Joe spoke about the title over his shoulder meaning absolutely nothing a couple of months ago - but now everybody wanted it more than ever. Why? Because everybody wanted "the Coquita Destroyer" - and everybody was looking to get destroyed. Joe reminded the people how he took "the World's Largest Athlete" and choked him out with the Coquina Clutch last week, and made the WWE Legend into a laughing stock: and nobody was laughing louder than him! Joe continued to run his mouth, claiming to be indestructible - when out came Zack Ryder. With a new look, complete with a full beard, "the Long Island Iced Z" had much to prove, as he came to the ring with a referee in tow!
3) Samoa Joe (c) def. Zack Ryder to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship (3:19)
- After defeating Big Show last week Samoa Joe felt indestructible, but tonight was presented with an impromptu challenge from an unlikely contender. "The Long Island Iced Z" was back with a new look, more chiseled than ever before. The Broski was coming for a big win, immediately dodging a lock-up from the WWE 24/7 Champion and landing the Rough Ryder in the first move of the match! The WWE Universe were on the edge of their seats, but Joe powered out in the nick of time! In this impromptu title defense, Joe would receive a series of running forearm smashes in the corner - when "the Samoan Submission Machine" would cut him off with the Uranage! From there it was all Joe, who delivered a powerbomb pin transitioning into the high-angle Boston crab! Ryder refused to give in, making the ropes and landing a missile dropkick. The Broski Boot connected, but as Zack went to the second rope for the El-Bro Drop, Joe caught him with the Coquina Clutch - swiftly forcing him into submission!
You Will Respect Me
Samoa Joe was slow to relinquish the Coquina Clutch after the bell to boos from the WWE Universe, but would finally drop the hold to snatch his WWE 24/7 Championship from the referee. Placing it over his shoulder once again, this reign of terror looked to continue as he left the ring - to be jumped by Akira Tozawa! In a black gi, Tozawa dared to try Joe's luck - just to be thrown overhead with a brutal snapmare. Applying the Coquina Clutch on the Japanese Superstar on the floor, Joe told the booing people they would all respect him. All of a sudden, R-Truth came diving off the apron with a big splash! He would get a near fall, when Joe planted the rapper with a Uranage on the edge of the ring. The champ took off without a second thought, leaving "the Truth" and Tozawa to get into a shoving contest at ringside - joined in by an irate Ryder.
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Natalya and Sarah Logan walked and talked down the corridor, with the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match right around the corner. With participants from Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown, the winners would be named the next challengers to Bayley and Sasha Banks' WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Meanwhile, in the background Bobby Lashley was spotted in the background aggressively hurling a backstage assistant across the hall! "The All Mighty" was a force to be reckoned with, dedicated to committing all-out assault in his search for Randy Orton!
An advertisement aired, promoting WWE SummerSlam. It was "the Biggest Party of the Summer", and this year was no exception, with the most unorthodox match in WWE history. With the WWE Universal Championship at stake, two warriors would meet in a confrontation exceeding this reality. Brother Nero would meet The Fiend when "the Death-Defying Daredevil" met "the New Face of Fear" in Interdimensional Warfare - "You'll Never See It Coming!" It would be live this Sunday - live on the award-winning WWE Network.
Voice of Reason
The rampage of Bobby Lashley continued in the backstage area, where he found himself surrounded by officials, producers and backstage assistants. "The All Mighty" argued this had nothing to do with any of them, when into frame came a frantic MVP. Lashley's right-hand man tried to talk sense to his ally, but Bobby reminded again and again how Randy Orton had made his life hell, and he couldn't get away with this! While MVP reasoned the I Quit match at SummerSlam was his chance, Shelton Benjamin came into frame to bark orders at Lashley. Surprisingly managing to silence Bob, "the Gold Standard" told him enough was enough! A tense confrontation between the two saw Lashley question what the veteran was going to do about it, reminding him of how he hadn't done a damn thing for him in years. Benjamin questioned what happened to the respectful young stud he once knew. Lashley told him he's still here - but "the Viper" had to pay. Benjamin knew, when Lashley told Shelton he had no problem with him: he respected Shelton.
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4a) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross def. Mickie James and Lacey Evans in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (3:34)
- Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross had had their issues, but were willing put them aside with the goal of getting even with Mickie James and Lacey Evans, and re-entering the chase to the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Mickie and Lacey were confident early, as Bliss and Cross hit the ring. Dropkicks gave Alexa and Nikki the lead, as "the Twisted Sister" catapulted "the Sassy Southern Belle" into the Goddess Right! James ran distraction allowing Evans to connect with a swinging neckbreaker into a rolling splash from Lacey. Holding her in position for the Thesz press from the second rope, the newest team on the block cornered Nikki until the two sent her into the ropes - for Cross to connect with a diving cross body! "The Goddess" watched as Nikki ran through both women alone with clotheslines. Mickie tried entering illegally with the Mickie-DT, only to be taken out by Bliss. Nikki meanwhile reversed the Lady Lace Up into a sunset flip to advance in Women's Tag Team Turmoil!
Lacey Evans was distraught by her early elimination, and immediately ambushed a celebratory Nikki Cross from behind. Mickie James initially looked to join in, when Alexa Bliss hit the ring and took her former mentor down with a clothesline. Helping her BFF to her feet, Nikki was on fire as she clotheslined Evans from the ring before she and "the Goddess" delivered a back body drop sending Mickie over the top rope! As Lacey and Mickie argued with the victors from the rampway, the music of the Iiconics rang out to boos over the WWE Performance Center. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were up next, also looking to re-enter the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship hunt.
4b) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross def. The Iiconics in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (5:25) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions from Friday Night SmackDown continued to battle their way through this Cross Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match, as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross immediately brought the fight to Charlotte Flair's associates the Iiconics. Alexa almost scored an immediate victory with the Infinite Roll, and a somersault neckbreaker would garner a near fall over Peyton Royce when Billie Kay intruded. "The Twisted Sister" was forced to watch as Alexa fell victim to the Iiconic Combo, putting "the Iiconic Duo" in the driver's seat.
- Alexa Bliss tried to battle out of the Iiconics' corner of the ring, only to be whipped repeatedly back into the turnbuckle pads. Peyton Royce applied the Royce Stretch hanging from the ropes, allowing Billie Kay to deliver the Eat Defeat for a near fall. "The Goddess" was mocked by the Charlotte Flair-strutting Iiconics, until the Sick Knee from Sidney backfired! Alexa sent Peyton into Billie's knee, and once again came Nikki Cross storming into the ring. Determined again to prove she was no weak link, a northern lights suplex on Kay saw Royce break it up. Bliss again came in, just to have Kay drive her into the mat with the Fatale Destruction. Cross responded with a Samoan driver, before catching Royce with the Whiplash for the win!
On a roll after a recent slump, Nikki Cross caught her breath after the match when Billie Kay came from behind! Much like Mickie James and Lacey Evans, the Iiconics looked to get even with the victors when Alexa Bliss came in to even the odds. The Goddess Right knocked Peyton Royce through a loop, when the Shades of Kay from Billie Kay knocked her down! The Iiconics began to make their leave, when out came the imposing strange bedfellows of Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax. Nikki and Alexa recovered in the ring in disbelief, as they would have to continue tired and hurting.
4c) Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax def. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (4:17)
- Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross had just endured Lacey Evans and Mickie James, as well as the Iiconics. Now, wounded after a post-match beating from Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, they were forced to do battle with the fresh Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax! "The Queen of Spades" and "the Irresistible Force" did not like one another, but were out to win, as Nikki and Alexa immediately targeted Nia. Shayna responded with a series of kicks to the Scot, before beginning to pummel Alexa. "The Goddess" outwitted her with a hair-pull backbreaker, before flying off the apron with an attempt cannonball - just to be caught by "the Giantess!" Hurled back inside, Bliss tagged Nikki in who sprung off the top rope with a crossbody, but Baszler rolled through into a gutwrench suplex! Two-on-one, Nikki was in danger when Cross escaped the Annihilator and threw all of her might at Nia. Shayna came from behind with the Yokosuka cutter, and Jax picked up a dominant victory with the leg drop!
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler had steamrolled Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, who had just endured two matches prior in this Women's Turmoil series! The strange bedfellows glared at one another as "the Goddess" helped "the Twisted Sister" from the ring. Nia and Shayna stared one another down and had words, with both women continuing to appear on different pages. No matter their dominance they still had their differences - when all of a sudden, out came two women from the NXT Brand: Shotzi and Tegan Nox!
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Called for Back Up
At the announce table, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton received word over the headset from the producer that after the devastation caused by Bobby Lashley here tonight, that WWE's Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development Triple H was on his way to the WWE Performance Center!
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4d) Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax def. Shotzi and Tegan Nox in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (5:56) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The WWE Universe knew this match was a cross brand invitational, but few expected to witness the Monday Night RAW debuts of two firecrackers from "the Black and Gold Brand" - Shotzi and Tegan Nox! Reunited with an old foe in "the Queen of Spades", Shotzi and Nox fought fire with speed with low dropkicks to take Shayna Baszler down. It went followed by stereo enzuigiris! On a roll, the NXT Superstars tried their luck with Nia Jax - who hoisted "the Welsh Valley Wonder" over her shoulders effortlessly, only to crumble from a bicycle kick from "the Ballsy Badass!" A roundhouse kick followed, which led to an inverted cannonball in the corner! "The Giantess" was out of her element as Nox followed using one of her own. The RAW Superstars retreated from the ring, where the two appeared to come unraveled - having words. Baszler and Jax needed to get their act together!
- Tegan Nox continued to get the better of Shayna Baszler, making a blind tag to Shotzi before dropping "the Queen of Spades" with a drop toe hold. "The Ballsy Badass" came in with a front dropkick, but as she looked for the Question Mark Kick, Baszler responded with an abrupt knee strike! A series of soccer kicks saw Baszler have her way with "the Green-Headed Gremlin", when a spinebuster saw Nia Jax tag herself in. "The Irresistible Force" got into another shouting match with her partner, buying Shotzi valuable time to tag in Nox! Striking with a dropkick which sent Jax into Baszler, the Shiniest Wizard knocked her down. Tegan covered, but Baszler kicked her in the ribcage. The MMA fighter attempted the gutwrench suplex, but Tegan landed on her feet and delivered a Tiger suplex! Nox soon ascended to the top rope and scored the Tegan-Go-Round - only to be caught with a single-legged Powerbomb from Nia! Baszler tagged herself in to Nia's chagrin, and the Kirifuda Clutch forced Tegan to tap.
Shayna Baszler grinned through her black mouthguard, scoring another victory for herself and Nia Jax. "The Giantess" was discontent with how "the Queen of Spades" conducted herself, immediately shoving her upon entry and getting into another argument with her. "The Submission Magician" warned "the Irresistible Force" not to get in her way, but before fists could fly - out came the Riott Squad. Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan bravely approached the ring, as the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match continued!
4e) The Riott Squad def. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (3:22)
- "The Submission Magician" and "the Giantess" had been on a brutal run thus far, but still struggled to coexist after weeks of pent-up frustrations. Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan had the unenvious duty of combating them, and though successful early with a Ruby-Canrana sending Shayna Baszler to the floor, Liv would go caught by the Bulldozer from Nia Jax! "The Irresistible Force" toyed with a delayed vertical suplex to Morgan, when Liv landed the Jersey Codebreaker! To one knee went Jax, and Ruby got the tag. Dropkicks stunned Nia, and "the Runaway" took pleasure in dishing up the Deadly Night. Jax tried to battle back, when once again Shayna tagged herself in. Baszler ran Ruby down with a roundhouse kick, when Jax declared she'd had enough: dropping Baszler with the Annihilator! Nia proceeded to leave on her own, refusing to put up any longer with "the Queen of Spades". Left high and dry, Shayna slowly recovered and questioned her decision - just for the Riott Kick to segue into the ObLIVion!
In a massive upset, the Riott Squad were able to come out victorious against Shayna Baszler, as her supposed partner Nia Jax watched with a grimace from the top of the rampway. Turning her back on "the Queen of Spades", it left Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott to hug it out and celebrate. Yet, there remained one last obstacle in their way: opponents the two knew incredibly well, in Sarah Logan and Natalya! Who would be named number one contender's to Bayley and Sasha Banks' WWE Women's Tag Team Championship?
A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Byron Saxton, tonight's special guests included Seth Rollins; the two victors of tonight's Women's Cross-Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match, and Riddick Moss. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.
4f) The Riott Squad def. Sarah Logan and Natalya to win the Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (6:40) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With a future opportunity at Bayley and Sasha Banks' WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at stake, the final phase of this Cross Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match returned with Ruby Riott being slapped around by Natalya. A Russian legsweep saw Nattie drag her around by the hair, having words with her former protégé Liv Morgan. Ruby fired back with the STO, when the diving senton missed! Sarah Logan came in to put the boots to her former teammate, when a teardrop suplex showed her power. Logan ran her mouth too much and would pay the price - as Ruby escaped a fisherman suplex into an inside cradle - into a flatliner! Liv came in with a series of clotheslines to both opponents, followed by a handspring rolling spinning headscissors. It came down to mentor and protégé, as Nattie spinebustered into position for the Sharpshooter - just for Liv to kick her off. With the Matrix evasion, Liv followed Natalya to the ropes for ObLIVion to connect - covering to pick up a landmark win!
The dream had come true for Liv Morgan, who had overcome much adversity in her short career before finally proving her worth tonight, by coming out on top of the Cross-Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match! Ruby Riott joined her side and hugged her tight, bringing her to her feet. Though they had their issues in the past, the Riott Squad were back together - Liv and Ruby celebrating with their hands raised at long last. Sarah Logan scowled from the rampway, dissatisfied with being ousted by her former sisters in the trio. With a date in the future with Bayley and Sasha Banks, the Riott Squad would receive a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
- TBA - WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - Sasha Banks and SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley (c) vs The Riott Squad
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Outside of the WWE Performance Center, a black limousine arrived in the parking lot. Pulling in on a warm summer's evening, who would step out but none other than the Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development, Triple H! In a suit with a serious expression on his face, "the Game" was greeted by a cordial Adam Pearce. HHH wasn't happy to have been called to Monday Night RAW when he was on vacation, while the producer thanked him for attending. HHH said he wanted this over and done with quickly, soon pacing towards the arena. What would happen when "the Cerebral Assassin" dealt with Bobby Lashley?
The Church Invasion
With a six-man tag team match set up for later tonight, Seth Rollins hoped to regain his composure and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead. With he and his Church set to battle the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, "the Monday Night Messiah" would close his eyes and briefly break out into silent prayer. In walked Andrade, surprising him. "El Capo" grinned at Seth as he questioned what he was doing. Seth said he'd like to know the same thing: why Andrade was in his dressing room! Things seemed tense betwen the heads of two of Monday Night RAW's most dominant factions, as Andrade noted Seth's big opportunity at "the Scottish Terminator" this Sunday at SummerSlam. Seth nodded, telling Andrade there would be a new WWE World Champion. The leader of La Invasíon wished him luck, before noting he had some great advice for Seth on how to beat Drew - having done it before. Seth joked, claiming he wouldn't need it.
Face-to-face, eye-to-eye, the two soon erupted into laughter and shook hands. Andrade joked that he couldn't be upset with Seth Rollins: after all, they shared a lot in common! The head of the Church agreed, noting how La Invasíon was taking Monday Night RAW by fire. The two laughed, when "the Monday Night Messiah" assured "El Capo" that soon, 'Monday Night Rawlins' would be all theirs, and they would control this Brand with an iron fist - with Drew beaten, and Rey Mysterio long gone. Andrade told Seth he looked forward to it, before wishing him luck tonight - not that he'd need it! Seth was left alone to cackle, but as he watched him leave, his smile would eventually fade.
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The Strong and The Weak
With Triple H present at the WWE Performance Center, Bobby Lashley surprised everybody by making his unscheduled appearance in the arena! Despite being spoken sense by his advisor MVP and longtime colleague Shelton Benjamin, "the All Mighty" wasted no time in bounding down to the ring and unbuttoning his shirt! Pacing back and forth, Lashley snatched the microphone from ring announcer Mike Rome, before halting him to question what he had to say to him. Bob decided to release Mike from his clutches, but spoke about how he knew for a fact he wasn't making any friends around here. As it happened, however, he wasn't getting anywhere fast either! Lashley knew the WWE Universe knew why he was here, and there was a whole trainer's office full of WWEPC staff to explain why. With the I Quit match coming up at SummerSlam, he didn't fancy waiting until Sunday to get his hands on the rat-bastard Randy Orton. He knew full well "the Viper" was here - and he wanted him now!
Bobby Lashley continued, reminding everybody of the fun and games Randy Orton had played to make it to where they are today. Edge was out; Christian was out; and most importantly, the reason Lashley wanted "the Viper" so badly, was because his wife Lana was out. Again barking for his antagonist to show himself, he was instead met by Triple H! The Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development had arrived, and he was in a foul mood himself. Immediately stomping down to the ring, he threw down his suit blazer and confronted "the All Mighty" daringly in the ring! There, the two hulking Superstars went face-to-face, with HHH telling Bobby he knew exactly why he was out here right now. There was nobody who wanted to watch him thrive than "the Game", but he knew damn well that what he was doing wasn't right. Triple H lectured Bobby for attacking the same innocent frontline members of staff who helped make Bobby Lashley "the All Mighty" he was today.
People like Mike Rome, Adam Pearce, referees and backstage assistants hadn't done a damn thing to get manhandled by the likes of Bobby Lashley. They weren't WWE Superstars - he had let his anger get the best of him. Bob responded knowing he shouldn't have come here. He should have known Triple H would have his pet student's back. Lashley asked what about Randy Orton's attacks on innocent people, to which HHH claimed Randy would have a time and a place where he would be fined and punished - just like Bobby! Incensed, Bob pushed the Executive Vice President, prompting him to shove back and challenge him to try it. If he did, there sure as hell would be no I Quit match on Sunday! Bobby scowled, resting his forehead against "the Game's", but seemed to hear him out. That is, until the voice of Randy Orton echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center! From a curtained area backstage, "the Viper" took pity on Lashley for finally losing the plot. He finally lost his temper, and it was going to cost him big!
"The Viper" found amusement in how he was managing to break a big bad tough guy like Bobby Lashley so easily - but at the end of the day, it was because he was weak. "The All Mighty" might be this brawny bodybuilder who was a four-time All-American. He may have been an ex-military sergeant; a mixed martial-artist; a World Champion in all these different companies. Yet where it mattered, and what it all boiled down to was the fact that behind all of his muscle, Bobby Lashley was weak. While he was glad to see Triple H sticking his head between them, he too wished it had been under better circumstances. After all, as the Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development, he ought to have warned Bob not to take everything he spoke so personally. Randy smirked, claiming it would be his end this Sunday at SummerSlam. His greatest strength would be his greatest downfall when he uttered the two words every man loathed to say: "I Quit".
Bobby Lashley finally had enough, pacing back and forth. "The All Mighty" argued with Triple H, tasked with keeping him at bay. Though he screamed that Randy Orton had RKO'd his wife, Triple H told him how Orton had done the same to his wife! Bob shut up and bowed his head, but just when everybody thought his meltdown was over, Lashley rolled out of the ring and rushed around it! Racing to the backstage area, HHH followed in hot pursuit! Cameras caught up to the action backstage, where Randy Orton was standing waiting - meeting Lashley with right hands. Both went back and forth as a crew of officials tried to get between them. Lashley would tackle Orton to the ground and attempt to ground and pound him, though Triple H would drag him away in the nick of time! It was chaos backstage at the WWE Performance Center, as a conniving "Viper" spat disrespectfully in the face of Lashley. Orton split, bringing Lashley to scream as he was escorted from the building - all the while MVP stood closeby to try and calm his man.
Footage aired from moments ago, recapping the scenes in the ring and backstage involving Bobby Lashley, Triple H and Randy Orton. Six days from SummerSlam, "the All Mighty" was pushed too far once again by "the Viper", and ahead of their I Quit match, the two finally came to blows backstage. Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the fiasco further, revealing that Triple H and a crew of security officials had finally managed to escort Bobby Lashley and MVP from the WWE Performance Center. They pondered what this might mean for "the Apex Predator" this Sunday night.
5) Charlotte Flair def. Bianca Belair (8:39) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With SummerSlam right around the corner, "the Queen" had been issued a challenge by a familiar foe in Bianca Belair. With history that began this past winter with Charlotte Flair stealing Bianca's thunder in pursuing the NXT Women's Championship, and continued with Bianca being robbed of title victory in May, these two rivals looked to lock horns in what had potential to be a big win for "the EST". But, before the bell saw the RAW Women's Champion Asuka make her big arrival. Joining the broadcast team for commentary, "the Empress of Tomorrow" smiled Charlotte's way as she claimed she was out here to scout.
- With Asuka's arrival, Bianca Belair got a head start in her attack of "the Queen". With a back elbow off the ropes from a dropdown and a leapfrog, Belair would pursue Charlotte Flair as she exited the ring. Sending her right back inside, "the EST" would dodge the Queen's Boot and connect with a stalling military press which saw Flair sent across the ring! Belair swaggered, twirling her braid, when Flair fired back with a series of chops. Bianca would dodge one and connect with a single-legged dropkick before connecting with not one suplex - but two! Flair was having a tough time getting anything going, until an attempt at the Shining Star Press saw Flair get her knees up, and a backpack stunner took her down! Flair met eyes with the RAW Women's Champion sat at commentary, perhaps a preview of things to come at SummerSlam.
- Bianca Belair found her legs intertwined in the ring post, as Charlotte Flair struggled but eventually managed to slap "the EST's" limbs against it. During the break she had worked the legs tremendously, though as she teased the Figure-4 Leglock around the post, Belair dragged "the Queen" into it face first! With a shoulder block and a spinebuster, Bianca got back into the fight until Flair caught her inbound with an exploder suplex! Flair attempted the Figure-8, but Belair managed to tag her with a hair whip. A spear scored a near fall, when she set up for the Glam Slam. Flair managed to break through with an attempt at the Boston crab - but Belair sent her flying! With the K.O.D. in sight, Flair raked the eyes to land on her feet - when the Charlotte's Web allowed her to get a roll-up victory, slyly getting past Bianca!
Remember Your Word
Asuka watched stone-faced from the announce table, as Charlotte Flair grinned knowingly in the ring. Bianca Belair had been only narrowly defeated by "the Queen", who seemed confident about her chances of leaving SummerSlam with the RAW Women's Championship. As "the EST" rolled from the ring clutching at her leg, "the Empress of Tomorrow" decided to join her opponent come Sunday in the ring. Standing across the ring from one another, Asuka would raise the title high, and the twelve-time champion's eyes would follow. Asuka took her leave, but with her eyes still met with Charlotte's, her back was turned - from out of nowhere came Nia Jax with a heavy right hand! Asuka tried to engage with "the Irresistible Force", who took her down hard on the rampway with the Bulldozer - soon delivering the leg drop! Crushed beneath her weight, "the Giantess" stared at Charlotte, telling her to remember her word. Nia wanted her own shot at the title, and was using this bizarre alliance to get it!
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Theory laughed at a meme on his iPhone, but when he showed Murphy, he was less than enthused. "The Juggernaut" slapped "A-Town Austin" across the back of his head, believing the Church to be at war with Drew McIntyre and his cynical friends Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. He believed it required Theory's concentration. Theory scoffed, believing the Aussie had to lighten up. In walked Seth Rollins, ranting about how Ricochet and Cedric got in his way - but they would soon make believers out of them. It would happen sooner or later, as SummerSlam would see "The Monday Night Messiah" leave as WWE World Champion, and this show would be 'Monday Night Rawlins' once more! Acknowledging the difficulties the two were having, he laid down the law not caring what they did, so long as it didn't get in the way of their chief concern: devotion to "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy". Seth claimed he made this Church for his Disciples, and if they weren't here to follow his vision, they knew where the door was.
An advertisement aired, promoting 'SummerSlam's Hottest Moments' - a special presentation reviewing some of the greatest moments in the history of "the Biggest Party of the Summer". It would premiere on FOX this Sunday at 3PM ET.
Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed SummerSlam coming up this Sunday night on the WWE Network, talking about what this year's "Biggest Party of the Summer" had in store for the WWE Universe. Apparently "You'll Never See It Coming", as this year's blockbuster would see the debut of the WWE ThunderDome - a all-new, reimagined, state-of-the-art virtual experience that everybody would love!
- The WWE ThunderDome debuts
- WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins
- WWE Universal Championship - Interdimensional Warfare - The Fiend (c) vs Brother Nero
- I Quit match - Randy Orton vs Bobby Lashley
- SmackDown Women's Championship - Bayley (c) vs Mandy Rose
- Rey Mysterio vs Andrade - Rey Mysterio's career is on the line
- WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles
- RAW Women's Championship - Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair
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6) Los Lotharios def. The Street Profits (3:52)
- The Street Profits did not take kindly to the snide remarks made by Los Lotharios earlier tonight. Looking to come back from their devastating loss to Theory and Murphy several weeks ago, Angelo Dawkins came in hot with a shoulder block, pouncing Humberto Carrillo into the corner! Angel Garza got in several right hands, only to be cornered by Montez Ford with a flying clothesline. The NBA Slam connected early, and Tez landed the assisted shiranui for a near fall. The La Invasíon members shot back with an unspotted low blow to Ang, allowing "La Estrella" to capitalize". The cousins teamed up with a double handspring Japanese armdrag, bringing "El Amante" to gloat - immediately opening himself up for a right hand! Tez got the tag and took care of Garza with a back suplex, before kipping up! Ford and Carrillo exchanged strikes, when in came Dawkins illegally. With the referee's back turned, Angel hit Montez with the loaded roses! Out cold, Angel cornered Dawkins, allowing Carrillo to steal the win.
"The Frat Boys" had been cheated out of victory, all thanks to the loaded bouquet of roses concealed on the person of Angel Garza. "El Amante" hid the evidence beneath the ring before slipping inside and celebrating with his partner. Humberto Carrillo rolled out of the ring to safety to escape an aggravated Angelo Dawkins, who came to check on Montez Ford. Contesting the decision of the referee, there was no way the Street Profits were going to allow Los Lotharios to get away with this.
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The WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre led Ricochet and Cedric Alexander down the hallway from his dressing room. All smiling with their heads held high, the trio made their way towards the arena poised for the battle ahead. Up next, "the Scottish Terminator" had the chance to get an early shot in on his SummerSlam opponent Seth Rollins; as well as the Disciples of the Church who had attacked him time and time again. Who would prevail headed into Sunday?
An advertisement aired, promoting the debut of the WWE ThunderDome. This Sunday would mark thirty-two years of SummerSlam, but "the Biggest Party of the Summer" would be marked this year with the arrival of an all-new state-of-the-art virtual experience! For the first time ever, the WWE Universe would have the opportunity to attend their favorite live televised spectacles electronically, whether on Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown. All users had to do was sign up online for free at WWEThunderDome.com. Ahead of SummerSlam, a rehearsal would take place on Sunday at noon, where the SummerSlam Press Conference would be broadcast live and exclusively to viewers in attendance!
7) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander def. Seth Rollins and RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy (8:20) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Monday Night Messiah" seemed invested in ensuring that he had an advantage over the WWE World Champion headed into their match at SummerSlam this Sunday. The attack from the Church last week, as well as earlier tonight told the tale - but it backfired, thanks to Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. Drew McIntyre led "the One and Only" and "Lumbar Legacy" to the ring for battle, with a six-man brawl kicking things off. Ricochet and Alexander hotly went to battle with the RAW Tag Team Champions, while "the Scottish Terminator" engaged in battle with his rival. Rollins resorted to raking the eyes to remove the champ from the scenario, and with a three-on-one advantage Alexander's Neutralyser went caught by a double superkick from Theory and Murphy! The Disciples set the Head of the Church up for the Sling Blade, when Ricochet took on all three members of the Church. Ricochet managed to send them from the ring with his agility, and he and Cedric soared with stereo topé con hilos to the floor!
- Ricochet dropped a standing Spanish fly for Theory, when Murphy snuck in using a bicycle knee strike, planting him with a brainbuster! Seth Rollins arrived, gloating in the face of Drew McIntyre. Provoking him, Seth claimed the blood was on his hands! It allowed "the Future of Flight" time to escape the falcon arrow, planting "the Monday Night Messiah" with a backflip kick! A standing shooting star press led to the WWE World Champion entering, coming into contact with "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy". SummerSlam had come early, as Seth fought the inverted Alabama slam and struck with a super kick. Seth tried the Buckle Bomb, but Drew struck with the Glasgow Kiss! Theory delivered the rolling blockbuster to the champ, when Cedric came in with the Michinoku driver. Murphy took him down with rapidfire kicks, when McIntyre wiped him out with the Claymore Kick! Drew guided Cedric to hit the Lumbar Check, and Ricochet followed with the Shooting Star Press to get the win - while Seth watched it happened!
A decisive victory saw the WWE World Champion reign supreme over the Church's Disciples. Seth Rollins watched with a solemn expression on his face at ringside, miffed at being bested by the combined forces of Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. "The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" stood tall and joined "the Scottish Terminator" on the second ropes of the ring, as Drew asked "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" how he liked his prophecy now! Who would leave SummerSlam with the gold and the power? We would find out this Sunday!
RAW Talk #22 – August 17, 2020
- Charly Caruso and Byron Saxton welcomed us to RAW Talk in the center of the ring, where they took the time to discuss the travesty that happened last week when Christian fell victim to Randy Orton's assault during the return of 'the Peep Show'. They hoped Christian would be back soon, but until then, Byron would be filling in as Charly's co-host.
- Seth Rollins joined the show, still catching his breath following the six-man tag team main event of Monday Night RAW. "The Monday Night Messiah" sat alone alongside the co-hosts, talking about how Drew McIntyre might have won the battle tonight, but their war was only getting started. Seth claimed there was no way of getting away from it, because one way or another, the prophecy was coming and it was going to happen. Rollins claimed the WWE World Championship would be coming home, and that 'Monday Night Rawlins' would be much better for it. McIntyre had become complacent with his spot, but it was time for the Head of the Church to take back his spot. While Drew could believe what he wanted to believe, Seth remained insistent and self-assured that SummerSlam would be his night, because this show needed him more than it would ever need a false idol like the so-called "Chosen One". Rollins left questions about the competency of his Disciples unanswered, claiming they would be dealt with in due time.
- Riddick Moss joined 'RAW Talk', covered in ice packs and nursing a foul headache. Irritated by the treatment which befell him tonight, he blamed it all on Heath Slater's cowardice. He knew full well that "the One Man Rock Band" was here tonight, yet Heath was hiding behind contemporaries like "the Nigerian Nightmare" Omos - who, Riddick claimed, was only victorious because he wasn't prepared for him. Moss believed he stood a better chance of beating the newest addition to Monday Night RAW with more time to prepare, but stated to Slater - wherever the unemployed piece of cr*p was hdiing - they would have their day, and Riddick would be personally responsible for kicking him out of the WWE for good.
- The Riott Squad were exhausted, but running on adrenaline following the gruelling Cross-Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match tonight. Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan fielded questions about the steps taken to get back together. There was so much love lost between the two of them from Ruby's betrayal, and for the first time publicly since their reuniting, Ruby apologized about everything. The two hugged it out and spoke about how their dreams remained unchanged: they wanted to be crowned WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. When asked about Sarah Logan, Liv claimed that she and Ruby had tried numerous times to reach out to her, but she seemed far gone. It was sad, but it was the truth. In words for Bayley and Sasha Banks, the Riott Squad declared they were out for them, and when the time and place was set, there would be new champions crowned - their dream would come true.
- As the co-hosts began to wrap things up for another edition of 'RAW Talk', out came Angel Garza to the ring. With a bouquet of roses in hand, "El Amante" pleaded with Charly Caruso to give him another shot. It would end disastrously for the La Invasíon member, as Charly told him they were too different. On an awkward note, Byron Saxton signed off for the night.
