Raw:
April 22nd 2019
Des Moines, Iowa
Michael Cole: Hello and welcome to Monday Night Raw in Des Moines, Iowa.
Corey Graves: And we are kicking the show off with the number one contender's match for the Raw's women title between Naomi and Mickie James.
Renee Young: That is right Corey but that is not all that is in store tonight.
Michael Cole: That is correct Renee as we will see several Money in the Bank qualifiers tonight.
Corey Graves: We see for the Women Money in the Bank ladder match Bayley take on Tamina, whilst The Divas of Doom take on Fire and desire with two spots on the line!
Renee Young: And for the men's Money in the Bank ladder match we will see Andrade Cien Almas take on Sin Cara and in the main event AJ Styles takes on Braun Strowman!
Mickie James walks to the ring getting a small number of boos from the crowd as she looks to get her career back on track after a rough couple of years since she has returned to the WWE.
Michael Cole: But right now, we will find out who the next challenger for the self-proclaimed champ champ, Becky2belts.
Corey Graves: Well when you are a champion you always have a target on your back but being a double champion means you have two targets on your back and the man is without friends in the WWE!
Both Mickie James and Naomi are in the ring as they wait for the referee to do the usual announcements before getting this match under way!
Match 1: Number one contender's match for the Raw Women's title: Naomi vs Mickie James
Naomi right out of the gate goes for Mickie James looking to take down the veteran and catch her off guard. Mickie does her best to survive the early onslaught but has to roll to the outside after the first few minutes. Naomi chases after her as they run around the ring. Mickie though uses that to take control cutting her off once Mickie is chased back into the ring. Mickie from there slows down the pace and punishes Naomi looking to stop her athleticism.
The match is 50/50 throughout after the start as Mickie still has a hard time dealing with Naomi. In the closing stages, Naomi climbs to the top rope looking for the spilt legged moonsault. Mickie though gets her knees up blocking the move. Mickie reacts quickly as she grabs Naomi by the ropes and hits the Mickie-DDT. Mickie makes the cover. 1 2 Mickie gets her feet on the ropes 3! Mickie James will be facing Becky Lynch for the Raw Women's title at Money in the bank!
Winner via pinfall: Mickie James (10:12)
Mickie James gets to her feet letting out a smug almost crazy like smirk as she is happy to have picked up a win. Naomi meanwhile rolls to the outside after the loss heading up the ramp.
Michael Cole: A massive win for Mickie James tonight putting her on a collision course with The Man Becky Lynch.
Corey Graves: Mickie James now has the chance to go level with her long-term rival of the past Trish Stratus and become a 7-time Women's champion in the WWE!
Renee Young: Well she is a freakin legend of the Women's division and now she is looking to prove she can still compete with them at the top level.
Whilst Mickie James is still in the ring, the titantron shows Becky Lynch is backstage with Charly Caruso ready for an interview.
Charly Caruso: Becky what are your thoughts after that match and finding out you are facing Mickie James at Money in the Bank?
Becky lets out a sly smirk before answering.
Becky Lynch: Well it is just nice knowing that in at least one of my matches I get a new challenge instead of fighting Charlotte again. But I was hoping for Naomi to win.
That makes the watching Mickie James smile in the ring as she shouts to the fans “The man is afraid of a freakin legend.”
Becky Lynch: I mean I wanted a challenge, not a washed-up has-been.
Pop for the insult as Mickie James's smile disappears and now there is a look of pure fury.
Becky Lynch: See she calls herself a freakin legend but what has she done since coming back to WWE? If she wants to stand a chance against becky2belts she is going have to remember how to be the Mickie James from Wrestlemania 22 and not just Alexa Bliss's bitch!
Becky Lynch walks off having made it very clear she does not see Mickie James as a threat as Mickie James stands in the ring fuming.
Corey Graves: That is no way to talk about a legend of the women's division!
Michael Cole: Well Becky is making it clear what she does not view Mickie James as a threat tonight.
Renee Young: And Mickie James is not happy about those comments.
Mickie shakes her head muttering something to herself as she walks towards the back still very triggered by what Becky Lynch had to say.
Ad break
When we return from the ad break, we see Mike Rome stood ready for an interview backstage.
Mike Rome: Would you welcome my guest at this time, Bayley?
Bayley comes into the shot with a smile on her face.
Mike Rome: How are you feeling tonight ahead of your money in the bank qualifier?
Bayley: I am feeling excited Mike. It is a big opportunity for me to get back in the Women's title picture.
Mike Rome: Two weeks ago, you came up short against the Man Becky Lynch. Does that give you extra motivation to win the briefcase?
Bayley: It does because when I win that Money in the Bank briefcase, I can challenge her to a rematch at any time. Except this time, I will win.
Mike Rome: Lastly how is Sasha Banks?
Bayley does not say anything unsure what to say when we see Fire and Desire walk into the picture.
Mandy Rose: Yes, where is Sasha Banks?
Sonya Deville: Is she still crying at home?
Mandy Rose: Does she need a hug?
Both members of Fire and Desire laugh at their bad joke as Bayley rolls her eyes not impressed.
Bayley: What is your problem? Don't you have your own match to worry about?
Sonya Deville: We don't have anything to worry about because tonight we will win our match against the Divas of Doom and when we do maybe we both go after those Women tag team titles you lost?
Both women walk off leaving Bayley annoyed after being insulted by the pair for the second week in a row. We then cut to a gym with very little lights as we see Oney Lorcan hitting the punching bags with an insane amount of aggression as he seems to be working through some anger.
Oney Lorcan: Last week was a failure. I came here to beat everyone.
He walks away from the bag as he walks towards the camera with a menacing look on his face.
Oney Lorcan: And trust me I will run through the entire roster 1 by 1 until I stand tall over all the broken bodies. Starting with the Cruiserweight division.
Oney turns back towards the punching bag and starts hammering it once again as we cut back to the ring.
Chad Gable makes his way out to the ring to a decent pop from the crowd. He has a towel around his neck and is in a sports tracksuit as he slides into the ring under the ropes.
Michael Cole: Well two weeks ago after a tag team match, his former tag team partner Bobby Roode attacked him from behind bring their run as a tag team to an end.
Corey Graves: Roode clearly felt he had been carrying Chad Gable for too long and he needed to remove the dead weight!
Bobby Roode makes his way out next getting a few boos from the crowd as he makes his way out soaking in his theme song as we hear some fans singing along.
Renee Young: Well the crowd may not like actions of Roode but they still like to sing along.
Bobby Roode however on the ramp stops soaking in his theme song as he pulls a microphone out of his robe.
Bobby Roode: No this is not sing along with Bobby Roode. Stop singing right now!
His music is still playing as the fans in an act of defiance start singing along even louder which annoys Bobby Roode even more.
Bobby Roode: Cut my music, cut my damn music!
His music gets cut off getting loud boos from the fans which brings a smile to the face of Bobby Roode.
Bobby Roode: Now I should not even be having this match. I was ready to move on from you but our commissioner insists on me facing this kid. Gable rode on my coattails for too long but now it is time to remove you from them for good!
Bobby Roode drops the microphone jumping in the ring as he waits for the ref to ring the bell getting this match underway.
Match 2: Chad Gable vs Bobby Roode
Once the bell rings Gable charges at Bobby Roode taking him down to the mat and he starts laying into him with a few punches. Gable keeps up the pressure early on forcing Bobby Roode to roll out of the ring. Roode at this point early on looks to wave off the match and starts walking back up the ramp. Gable is not having that though as he chases after Roode dropping him on the ramp before sending him back into the ring!
Gable slides back in joining Roode but the glorious one cheapshots Gable once he is back in the ring. From there Bobby Roode takes control of the match laying into Gable with a lot of aggression and uses his superior size to hurt the Cruiserweight. Gable has a few hopes spots and puts up a good fight but, in the end, Bobby Roode picks up the win with the glorious DDT.
Winner via pinfall: Bobby Roode (8:33)
Michael Cole: Bobby Roode picks up the win tonight!
Corey Graves: The glorious one is on his own and will now be able to prove his greatness guys. He has been held back for months by Chad Gable!
Renee Young: Well you have to give credit to Gable; in the early stages, he showed a lot of promise.
Corey Graves: Promise does not get the job done Renee as proved tonight.
Bobby Roode celebrates in the ring gloating to the crowd as on the outside Gable sells the damage done from the match looking upset at having come up short tonight.
Ad break
We come back from the commercial break as we see The Good Brothers walking through the back when they bump into their old friend and leader AJ Styles! All 3 men look happy to see each other as they all too sweet each other before speaking.
Karl Anderson: It is our boy. Listen, man, we are sorry for what happened last week.
Luke Gallows: We were trying to stop that annoying nerd Lio Rush from getting involved any more then he was but Bobby Lashley was still able to steal the win.
AJ Styles: It is fine guys you didn't cost me the match...
???: No but you cost me the match!
Braun Strowman walks into the shot towering over all 3 men looking very angry. Both of the Good Brothers step forward ready for a fight.
Braun Strowman: You two stuck your nose in and distracted me!
Luke Gallows: You distracted yourself, Braun.
Karl Anderson: Yeah, we were just trying to stop Lio Rush from getting involved. You attacked us for no reason!
Braun Strowman: I attacked you because you interfered in my match! You come out to the ring tonight when I face him and you will get these hands!
Braun Strowman storms off barging past both of the good brothers as AJ Styles looks on. The Good brothers look like they are going to attack Braun from behind when AJ Styles stops the pair!
AJ Styles: Guys, guys calm down!
Both men take a breath, listening to AJ Styles as they shake their heads annoyed at Braun's comments.
Karl Anderson: That is fine because we will be out there tonight to watch you kick his ass.
AJ Styles: Sounds good but make sure you don't get involved.
Luke Gallows: That is fine as will instead have a front-row seat as you earn yourself a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
All 3 men smile as they too sweet each other. The camera then cuts to a dark room with Aleister Black sat with his head down before lifting it up to face the camera.
Aleister Black: When I first came to Raw and Smackdown I had an ally by my side. Now I am alone on Monday Night Raw but we all come into this world alone. I came to Monday Night Raw to fight the best and becoming Mr Money in the Bank gives me that chance! Cesaro, you stand in the way of me winning the Money in the Bank briefcase. It is not personal, there is no malice but next week you will fade, fade to black.
We come back to the ring as Tamina makes her way out to a fairly muted reaction as she is without her tag team partner in recent times the “Facebreaker” Nia Jax.
Michael Cole: Well as we heard just now Aleister Black will be taking on Cesaro in a Money in the Bank qualifying match next week.
Renee Young: But right now, we see Tamina taking on Bayley with a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match on the line!
Corey Graves: Both of these women are on their own at the moment due to their tag team partners taking time off though only one has an excuse and the other has ditched her friend.
Michael Cole: We don't know the reason Sasha Banks is not here Corey.
Corey Graves: But we do know she is a terrible friend.
Bayley makes her way out getting a nice pop from the crowd as she plays with the kids on the front row before sliding into the ring staring down Tamina.
Renee Young: Well Bayley clearly does not think so Corey.
Corey Graves: Bayley is too naïve to see Sasha Banks for who she really is. One day she will realize what an awful friend Sasha is and ditch her for good.
Match 3: Money in the bank qualifier: Bayley vs Tamina
Tamina does her best to defeat Bayley using her power but Bayley overcomes Tamina in fairly quick fashion finishing her off with a Bayley to Belly making her the first person in the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match.
Winner via pinfall: Bayley (5:58)
Bayley gets to her feet after the match celebrating the win in the ring to cheers from the crowd. Meanwhile, Tamina slides out of the ring retreating to the back.
Michael Cole: A big win for Bayley tonight and she will now be one of the 8 women in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Renee Young: It has been a tough few weeks for Bayley but she has bounced back with an important win tonight against Tamina.
Ad break
Seth Rollins the Universal champion makes his way out to the ring to a massive pop from the crowd. He has the Universal title on his shoulder before he lifts it into the air showing it off to the crowd.
Michael Cole: Last week Seth Rollins found out who his first Universal title defense would be against when Bobby Lashley won the number one contender's fatal 5 way in the main event of the show, stealing the pin from AJ Styles.
Corey Graves: It is a fatal 5-way, Michael, Bobby Lashley did what he needed to do to win!
Renee Young: Bobby Lashley is an insanely strong competitor with MMA experience just like Brock so Seth must be having flashbacks to the road to Wrestlemania!
Michael Cole: But unlike Brock Lesnar, the hype man in Lashley's corner can wrestle and is more than willing to get involved.
Corey Graves: The man of the hour has helped Bobby Lashley start living up to his potential, helping him become a two-time Intercontinental champion.
Renee Young: Well he did cost him the title one time...
Corey Graves: And Lio made up for his mistakes making this alliance stronger than ever!
Seth Rollins once in the ring puts the title on his shoulder as he looks to speak to the crowd.
Seth Rollins: Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!
Seth chuckles to himself.
Seth Rollins: Last week I found who would be the first person I defend this title against and trust me when I say this. I plan to defend this title against all challengers. I do not plan to be like Brock Lesnar sitting at home on a farm refusing to put my title on the line.
Cheers from the crowd.
Seth Rollins: I plan to be here week in week out taking on all comers and two weeks ago I sent a message to Heyman to give his Beast. Brock if you want to try to take this title back? I am ready and waiting.
Seth Rollins gives the camera a hard defiant stare before looking to carry on.
Seth Rollins: However right now I have my first challenger to focus on Bobby Lashley. But it won't just be you out there will it? No, you will have your little brother Lio Rush at ringside, won't you? I wish I had a little brother I could bring to ringside.
Crowd laugh to the poor joke as Seth Rollins is about to carry on when this music hits.
Bobby Lashley makes his way out to the ring with Lio Rush by his side holding a microphone. Lashley has a serious look on his face as they make their way inside the ring joining Seth Rollins.
Lio Rush: You think you are funny? Mocking the man of the hour as you get ready to face a man who makes Brock Lesnar look small. A man who has dominated everywhere he went! A man who will soon be the new Universal champion!
That line gets boos from the crowd as Lio Rush looks to carry on.
Lio Rush: You make jokes about my height but what you should be focused on is how my man is going to destroy you. My man is your walking armageddon!
Seth Rollins: Funny because last time I came face to face with Bobby Lashley I threw him out of the ring in 13 seconds on my way to winning the Royal Rumble.
Both Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley look annoyed at being reminded of what happened at the Royal Rumble.
Lio Rush: Did you forget what he did to you? Did you forget him putting you through an announce table?
Seth Rollins: Oh, Lio I remember what he did to me. But I still overcame the damage and won the Royal Rumble.
Lio Rush: Maybe he did not hit you hard enough.
Bobby Lashley drops Seth Rollins with a massive clothesline! Lio drops the microphone as he starts laying into Seth with a few punches but Seth is able to fight back taking care of Lio with relative ease. However, as he stands up Bobby spears the hell out of him! Lio shouts something to Bobby who lifts Rollins onto his shoulders. Lio Rush climbs to the top rope steadying himself whilst Bobby Lashley plants Rollins with the Dominator! Rush then flies off the top rope and hits the Man of the Hour! Lio Rush then pass the Universal title passing it to his friend Bobby Lashley who holds it in the air whilst placing his foot on the chest of Seth Rollins.
Michael Cole: Would you look at what Lashley just did to Seth Rollins?
Corey Graves: That is what Seth Rollins is going to have to contend with at Money in the bank. He isn't just fighting Bobby Lashley, he is dealing with Lio Rush at ringside as well and he may have overcome the beast Brock Lesnar but can he overcome walking armageddon?
Ad break
Sin Cara makes his way out to the ring getting a muted response for the crowd as the rarely seen luchador makes his way to the ring.
Michael Cole: Up next we will see Sin Cara and Andrade Cien Almas go head to head for a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Corey Graves: And this match is one that has been in the making for months. Sin Cara picked up an injury taking him off TV for many months due to an attack by Andrade Cien Almas on Smackdown backstage. Tonight, Sin Cara looks to get revenge.
Renee Young: A big opportunity for Sin Cara to make an impact guys.
Andrade makes his way out next joined by his manager Zelina Vega as he looks ready for business.
Michael Cole: Both Zelina Vega and Andrade know how big of an opportunity this is for Andrade tonight. The majority of people who have won that briefcase have gone on to become world champions.
Corey Graves: And with a mastermind like Zelina in his corner he will know the correct time to cash in that briefcase.
Andrade once inside the ring gives a viscous sneer looking at his former friend from Mexico. The ref rings the bell getting this match underway.
Match 4: Money in the bank qualifier: Andrade Cien Almas w/Zelina Vega vs Sin Cara
Once the match gets underway it is a fast-paced affair as Sin Cara is able to put on a better showing then you would have expected before the match. Andrade at one point even has to roll out of the ring to regroup and talk to his manager Zelina Vega at ringside. She whispers some instructions to her client who gets back in the ring and from there Andrade does take control. Sin Cara tries to survive but, in the end, Andrade puts him away with the double knees in the corner combination followed by the Hammerlock DDT!
Winner via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (9:39)
Michael Cole: Andrade Cien Almas earns his spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match!
Corey Graves: He had to work for it but with some advice from Zelina Vega he was able to pick up the win and overcome his former friend Sin Cara.
Renee Young: Andrade has had a hot start to the year making it to the final 4 in the royal rumble and now will be looking to break through!
Andrade pounds his chest as Zelina Vega slides into the ring to raise the arm of her client! Andrade, however, brings his hand down as he looks at Sin Cara and starts laying into him with several brutal knees and punches pounding away on the luchador to boos from the crowd.
Michael Cole: Come on Andrade this is not necessary!
Corey Graves: This about sending a message, Michael.
Andrade picks up Sin Cara as he lifts him into the air before bringing him down with a hammerlock DDT driving Sin Cara's head into the mat again! Andrade rises up off the mat as Zelina shouts for him to do more when...
Kalisto sprints down to the ring as he chases off Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega who choose to leave the ring as Kalisto checks on his former tag team partner and friend Sin Cara who is still selling the damage he sustained from Andrade Cien Almas's assault just now.
Renee Young: Well thank god for Sin Cara's former tag team partner Kalisto!
Michael Cole: And look at Andrade leaving like the coward he is!
Corey Graves: Coward Michael? He is smart. He just had a tough match why would he fight someone else when he needs to rest for the Money in the Bank ladder match!
Ad break
We cut to a bar as we can see Cesaro is in a James Bond-like suit and sunglasses as he can be seen drinking what looks to be whiskey as the camera focuses in on him.
Cesaro: Over the last few years me and Sheamus we weren't just the bar, we set the bar but all good things must come to an end.
Cesaro takes another sip from his drink.
Cesaro: I am on my own on Monday Night Raw and it is time for me to carry on setting the bar. Next week Aleister Black you are right it won't be personal. When I beat you, it will be all business and I will be on my way to becoming Mr Money in the bank.
Cesaro finishes off his drink as the camera cuts to Paige backstage in her office. She can be seen watching fighting with my family on the TV when the Cruiserweight champion Tony Nese walks into the room.
Paige: Hello Tony, what can I do for my Cruiserweight champion?
Tony Nese: I was looking to find out who I am going to be facing at Money in the Bank. I want to take this division to new heights now I am on Monday night Raw.
Paige: Good that is the fire I want to see from my champions. Next week I will have a special announcement for a match that will help put the Cruiserweight division back on the map and get everyone to pay attention.
Tony Nese: Good because I want you to line up as many challengers as possible for me to beat because I intend to be a fighting champion.
Tony Nese leaves the room as Paige lets out a smile as she goes back to watching fighting with my family.
Ad break
The crowd let out a confused reaction before letting a small number of boos mostly out of apathy at the fact Jinder Mahal's former goons are making their way out to the ring.
Michael Cole: Well the Singh Brothers are now going to have to cope on their own after their leader Jinder Mahal got traded to Smackdown Live!
Corey Graves: The Maharajah will have taught everything he knows to them and who knows maybe one of the Singh Brothers will become the Universal champion!
Renee Young: I think there is more chance of me becoming Raw Women's champion Corey.
Both of the Singh Brothers have microphones in their hands as they stand in the ring ready to speak.
Sunil Singh: Now guys hold your applause!
The crowd holds their non-existent applause.
Samir Singh: I know it is tough when in the presence of two stars from Bollywood.
Sunil Singh: But we have something important to say.
Samir Singh: Last week we lost our leader.
Sunil Singh: Our mentor.
Samir Singh: The Maharajah went to Smackdown Live and left us by ourselves.
The Singh Brothers hug each other in the center of the ring and act like they are crying as the crowd could not even give the slightest of shits. Both men then wipe away their crocodile tears before looking at the crowd once again.
Sunil Singh: However, we learned great things from the greatest WWE champion of all time!
Boos from the crowd not fans of Jinder Mahal.
Samir Singh: Hey idiots show some respect to Jinder Mahal.
Sunil Singh: Samir these people are stupid Americans, they don't understand culture.
Samir Singh: You are right broth...
WOO WOO WOO YOU KNOW IT
Zack Ryder and Hawkins make their way out getting a decent pop from the fans with a new theme song for their tag team as they make their way out with their Raw tag team titles around their waist loving every minute of their current success. The Singh brothers, however, do not look happy to have been interrupted.
Sunil Singh: Who do you think you are interrupting us?
Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins look at each other on the ramp before looking down at each other's tag team titles.
Zack Ryder: Well we think we are the Raw tag team champions!
Pop from the crowd.
Curt Hawkins: That feels good to say but that is not what came out here to talk about.
Zack Ryder: Yeah, we were listening to you talk backstage and quite frankly you two talking makes us want to fist pump your face off!
Curt Hawkins: And we have been on a little bit of a streak. We want to carry on that run maybe even getting to 269 wins in a row.
Sunil Singh: Well I would leave us alone then.
Zack Ryder: Is that so? How about we have a match right now.
Samir Singh: We will fight you right now but only if yo...
Curt Hawkins: Oh, trust me you don't need to ask us to put the titles on the line. Whilst we hold these titles, we are going to be fighting champions and we will make teams like you face the facts!
Ryder and Hawkins drop their microphones making their way towards the ring.
Corey Graves: Guys I am getting word from our general manager Paige who is sending a referee out here right now and this match is official! Not only that but per Ryder and Hawkins request the tag team titles will be on the line!
Right on cue, the referee sprints out to the ring joining the teams inside the ring. Samir Singh starts for the Singh brothers whilst Curt Hawkins starts for Ryder and Hawkins.
Match 5: Raw tag team titles match: Ryder and Hawkins (c) vs The Singh Brothers
The Singh brothers put on a better showing then you would expect, maybe actually picking up some things from their former boss Jinder Mahal but in the end, the pair lose out as Hawkins takes care of Samir Singh whilst Zack Ryder finishes off Sunil Singh with the Rough Ryder!
Winners via pinfall and still Raw tag team champions: Ryder and Hawkins (5:55)
Michael Cole: And that is 4 wins in a row for Ryder and Hawkins!
Corey Graves: Hawkins and Ryder might be starting to prove that Wrestlemania wasn't a fluke.
Ryder and Hawkins celebrate in the ring getting a nice pop from the fans as we cut backstage to see Charly Caruso walking backstage as she approaches the Usos.
Charly Caruso: Jey, Jimmy what did you think of the match you have just seen?
Jimmy Uso: Them boys have been showing some fire. Getting some wins going.
Jey Uso: We used to have the Smackdown tag team division on lock
Jimmy Uso: Now we will be looking to make the Raw tag team division the new Uso penitentiary!
Jey Uso: Yeah, we want the next shot at the Raw tag team titles.
Jey Uso takes a moment, pausing as he sees someone behind Charly Caruso walking into the shot.
Jey Uso: Can we help you?
We see who Jey is talking too as Lana walks into the shot followed by Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Lana: You think you two deserve the next shot? My husband and Nakamura have been held down for too long and should be next in line.
Jimmy Uso: It seems someone has forgotten what happened at Wrestlemania.
Lana: Wrestlemania was a fluke. If it was 2 vs 2 we would have become Smackdown Tag team champions!
Jey Uso: Well how about we settle this next week and we show you why we had the Smackdown Live tag team division on lockdown!
Lana: You are on.
Lana walks away as Rusev and Nakamura get face to face with the Usos who refuse to back down. However, neither teams come to blows as Rusev and Nakamura leave under the orders of Lana.
Ad break
Rey Mysterio makes his way out to a pop from the crowd as he runs out and makes his way to the ring. As usual, on the way down to the ring, he makes sure to interact with the children at ringside.
Michael Cole: Well right now it looks like we are going to hear from Rey Mysterio.
Renee Young: That is correct Michael. He joined the Monday Night Raw roster in the superstar shakeup last week and you have to wonder what is next for Rey Mysterio.
Corey Graves: Well if he is smart, he will leave Samoa Joe alone after what he did to him at Wrestlemania and move on elsewhere.
Rey gets in the ring enjoying the reaction from the crowd before looking to speak.
Rey Mysterio: Not going to lie it has been a fair few years since I have been on Monday Night Raw and it feels good to be back.
Cheap pop.
Rey Mysterio: However, things have not been going well recently. At Wrestlemania, I walked into the match with Samoa Joe with an injury and Joe beat me in a matter of minutes.
Rey pauses for a moment.
Rey Mysterio: I ain't making any excuses. I came up short. And that has been happening a lot in recent times. So, I have been doing some thinking.
The crowd sound worried with a few fans chanting please don't go at Rey Mysterio. Rey, however, smiles chuckling to himself before looking to carry on.
Rey Mysterio: Don't worry guys I don't plan on retiring just yet. Throughout my career, I was able to become a 5-time WCW Cruiserweight champion and a 3 WWE Cruiserweight champion. And I want to become the Cruiserweight champion once again.
Pop from the crowd excited at the prospect of Rey becoming a Cruiserweight champion.
Rey Mysterio: Now I don't expect to be handed a title shot just because of my name. I know I am going to have to earn a title shot and trust me I intend to.
Pop from the crowd but we then hear this music:
Noam Dar's music hits getting a small reaction but it leans towards boos as the cocky young Scot stands on the ramp chewing some gum before he looks to speak.
Noam Dar: Would you listen to this old dafty?
More boos from the crowd as Rey Mysterio listens in the ring clearly unimpressed.
Noam Dar: You want to cut in and take my spot.
Rey Mysterio: That is not what I said...
Noam Dar: And now you are calling me a liar! Listen here, old man. You think you can enter the Cruiserweight division because you used to be a champion. How about I show you why that is a mistake right now ya dafty?
Rey Mysterio: You know what. Maybe it is time to teach you some respect.
Noam Dar: I don't need to learn respect.
*BANG* Cheap shot with the microphone by Noam Dar which drops Rey Mysterio to the mat as Noam Dar lets out a smirk as we see a referee running out as we cut to a commercial break.
Ad break
Match 6: Rey Mysterio vs Noam Dar
When we return from the ad break Noam Dar is still in control of the match thanks to the cheap shot with the microphone. Noam Dar spends a good portion of the match going after the legs of Mysterio and looking to take out his surgical repaired knees. Rey finds a way out each time but that does not stop Dar going after the legs almost like a shark who can smell blood. Rey though throughout the years has had to find ways to overcome people going after his legs to slow him down and fights through the pain. In the end, Rey dodges a Nova Roller attempt by Dar before he hits him with a CANDIAN DESTROYER! Rey makes the cover and picks up the win.
Winner via pinfall: Rey Mysterio (14:14)
Michael Cole: Rey Mysterio picks up the win tonight!
Corey Graves: But he had to fight for it, Michael. Noam Dar showing how good the Cruiserweight division is as he went toe to toe with a future hall of famer and a multi-time World champion for nearly 15 minutes tonight.
Renee Young: And Rey even at his age is still adding to his arsenal pulling off that impressive maneuver tonight to put away Noam Dar.
Rey carries on celebrating in the ring to the delight of the fans whilst Noam Dar on the outside looks annoyed at coming up short tonight.
Ad break
When we return, we see a room with many mirrors in it with Tyler Breeze looking into all of them as he looks almost disappointed.
Tyler Breeze: When I came to Raw and Smackdown a few years ago I had so much promise. So much potential.
Clips spliced in of his run in NXT.
Tyler Breeze: I came in with a lot of hype from NXT but for different reasons, things did not work out.
Shows the struggles he had on his own when first coming to the main roster.
Tyler Breeze: I have had some fun times and even made a friend.
Shows him and Fandango becoming a tag team. Clips of them as the fashion police having fun together.
Tyler Breeze: But then he got injured and I was by myself again floundering.
Shows footage of him losing numerous matches and getting destroyed on Raw last year by Kevin Owens.
Tyler Breeze: See this is the point where most people would blame someone else for their failures but I don't blame Fandango for my lack of success. No, I blame myself.
Breeze for the first time during the promo looks up towards the camera and the mirrors.
Tyler Breeze: I forgot who I was. I forgot why they called me prince pretty, I forgot how to get the job done. I spent too long being a failure but now? It is time to become prince pretty once again and get back to the top like my followers wanted.
Breeze looks super focused as he turns around and kicks a mirror causing them all to shatter.
Tyler Breeze: Prince pretty is back!
The promo comes to an end as we cut back to the ring.
Michael Cole: Looks like Tyler Breeze is looking to get his career back on track guys.
Corey Graves: I remember being in NXT and seeing Prince Pretty. He was someone people looked at having a great future but things have not panned out so far.
Both members of the Divas of Doom walk to the ring ahead of their Money in the Bank qualifier.
Michael Cole: Well the rules of this tag match are simple. The winning team will have both members in the Money in the Bank ladder match in 4 weeks.
Corey Graves: And the advantage of having your tag team partner in the match cannot be underestimated. You can take care of the field before fighting it out amongst the yourselves to see who wins that briefcase.
Renee Young: Well Natalya and Beth Phoenix both know what it is like to be Women's champion having done it numerous times and they are both hungry for more gold.
Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville make their way out next getting some boos from the crowd as they look to join the Divas of Doom in the ring.
Michael Cole: Well this team has had a decent run on Smackdown Live and like the Divas of Doom you have to imagine they will want a shot at the Women's tag team titles.
Corey Graves: And they should get a shot. They were the runners up in the Elimination Chamber to crown our first ever champions plus Mandy is god's greatest creation.
Renee just sighs on commentary and shakes her head as we see Sonya Deville step into the ring for Fire and Desire whilst Natalya starts for the Divas of Doom.
Match 7: Money in the bank qualifier: Divas of Dooms vs Fire and Desire
Both teams put on a decent showing with the Divas of Doom showing a good amount of synergy as a tag team. However, in the closing stages, Mandy Rose is in the ring with Natalya when the Iiconics make their way out to boos from the crowd! They cut a promo mocking the Divas of Doom which distracts Natalya allowing Mandy Rose to roll Natalya up! Mandy hooks the tights and Sonya cuts Beth Phoenix off stopping her from breaking the cover giving Fire and Desire the win!
Winners via pinfall: Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose (8:20)
Michael Cole: Fire and Desire steal the win!
Corey Graves: Mandy Rose would never steal anything. She was adjusting Natayla's tights!
Renee Young: Are you for real Corey? You have to give an assist to the Women tag team champions the Iiconics either way for distracting Natalya and Beth Phoenix tonight.
Corey Graves: The Iiconics were just out here to scout the potential competition!
On the ramp, we see the Iiconics laughing, happy to have caused the Divas of Doom to lose whilst in the ring the Divas of Doom look furious. Fire and desire head up the ramp having picked up a massive advantage in the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match.
Ad break
When we come back from the ad break, we see The Iiconics walking through the back with their tag team titles around their waist.
Peyton Royce: Did you see her face when she saw us?
Billie Kay: Oh my god it was an iconic moment and maybe now they will learn they are not worthy at a shot at these titles.
???: Is that so?
The Raw commissioner walks up behind the tag team champions whose look of joy turns to worry.
Paige: I know you hold those belts and you think you can just swan into my house and do whatever you want but that is not going to fly.
Peyton Royce: Listen Paige we were just trying to make this show more Iconic.
Billie Kay: Like um (whispers in Peyton's ear) what's that film that is based on her life?
Peyton Royce: Like Fighting with your family.
Billie Kay: You read my mind. You are so awesome.
Peyton Royce: No, you are.
Paige: OK enough before I lose my mind. You two want to get involved in my money in the bank qualifiers fine. Peyton next week you have a chance to qualify for the Money in the Bank ladder match against a new talent I have signed to the Raw Women's division.
Peyton Royce: Paige you are the best. Thank you.
Paige: I wasn't done. First of all, Billie is banned from ringside and Peyton if you lose then you will have to put your tag team titles on the line against the Divas of Doom at Money in the Bank!
Billie Kay: What! That is ridiculous and...
Both the Iiconics run off as we see the angry Divas of Doom walk into the shot looking to get their hands on the pair. However, Paige stops them both.
Paige: Girls listen. I have sorted it. If Peyton loses her money in the bank qualifier next week, they have to defend their titles against you two at Money in the Bank.
Beth still tries to get past, to get her hand on the pair.
Paige: But to make it fair you guys can't interfere next week.
Beth does not look happy as Natayla responds instead.
Natalya: OK Paige we won't get involved during the match.
Both women leave with Beth Phoenix clearly very heated by the Iiconics actions tonight as we cut back to the ring.
Humberto Carrillo makes his way out getting a small reaction from the crowd though it is cheers as the Cruiserweight makes his way into the ring,
Michael Cole: Well up next we will see one of the new Cruiserweights on the Monday night roster in action.
Corey Graves: Humberto Carrillo is very young but he has a lot of potential and was for a short time learning from Drew Gulak and the Gentleman Jack Gallagher.
EC3 makes his way out next getting cheers from the crowd for the popular man from NXT as he has Drake Maverick by his side as he walks to the ring.
Renee Young: Well EC3 has had a delayed start since coming to Monday night Raw but is looking to get things going and he was able to pick up the win last week against Mike Kanellis.
Corey Graves: EC3 is someone who has all the tools to succeed and he is even making sure to look after his friend Drake Maverick now he is without a job.
Michael Cole: Yeah, I have heard that EC3 has hired him as his manager and is paying for him to manage his personal affairs.
Corey Graves: When you are in the top 1% you can afford those luxuries, Michael.
EC3 steps into the ring joining Humberto acting very cocky. The young kid offers EC3 a handshake but EC3 smirks before saying no. The ref meanwhile rings the bell getting this match underway.
Match 8: EC3 w/Drake Maverick vs Humberto Carrillo
A shorter match then most of the others on the show tonight with Humberto in the first minute shocking EC3 and taking him down with his high-flying offense catching EC3 off-guard. EC3 though uses his power to take control but a hurricanna from Humberto followed by a dropkick sends EC3 down to the mat. Humberto Carrillo as the match is coming to an end makes his way to the top rope. However, Drake Maverick grabs his foot stopping him! He kicks the small man off sending him to the floor as he flies off looking for a splash but EC3 gets his knees up. EC3 follows with the one percenter putting away Humberto Carrillo.
Winner via pinfall: EC3 (5:26)
The crowd boos the result as EC3 has a smug smirk on his face as he is joined in the ring by Drake Maverick.
Michael Cole: EC3 steals the win thanks to his new manager Drake Maverick!
Corey Graves: Hey Michael that is what friends do for each other. EC3 helped Drake out and Drake returned the favor. When I do favors for my friends they do favors for me.
Renee Young: I am surprised you have any friends Corey.
EC3 and Drake Maverick carry on taunting the fans as they go up the ramp getting more boos from the crowd as EC3 picks up a win getting back on track after a rough start to his time on the main roster.
Ad break
Samoa Joe is walking backstage when he is approached by Charly Caruso.
Charly Caruso: Samoa Joe, next week you have a Money in the Bank qualifier how are you feeling ahead of that match?
Samoa Joe: How I am feeling? I don't know who I am facing for a chance to enter Money in the Bank but whoever it is knows they are facing me and the terror that must be going through their mind they might not even show up. And they would smart to do that. Because if they show up next week, I will put them to sleep. Like anyone who tries to take this title from me. Hell, I will even put my US title on the line for whoever is foolish enough to step into the ring with me!
Samoa Joe walks off having sent his message as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.
Michael Cole: Well that is a big announcement for next week's Monday night Raw as Samoa Joe will not only face off against a mystery opponent for a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match but he will put his US title on the line.
Corey Graves: Well like Joe said it was an invitation for someone to get put to sleep!
Renee Young: But that is not the only match announced for next week is it Michael.
Michael Cole: That is right Renee. We have two more Money in the Bank qualifiers as Aleister Black takes on Cesaro and Peyton Royce takes on a new debuting star.
Corey Graves: But if she loses The Iiconics will have to defend their tag team titles against the Divas of Doom at Money in the Bank!
Renee Young: And we will also see The Usos take on Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura in tag team action!
Braun Strowman's music hits to loud cheers from the crowd as the monster among men marches to the ring.
Michael Cole: Well right now in the main event of Money Night Raw we will see last year's Mr Money in the Bank Braun Strowman take on AJ Styles.
Corey Graves: We saw how unstoppable Braun was last year in the Money in the Bank ladder match and Braun is coming off a hot run of form after winning the Andre the Giant battle royal.
Renee Young: But you have to remember that AJ Styles was WWE champion on Smackdown Live for nearly a full year. Whoever wins this match has to be the favorite to win the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match.
The phenomenal one makes his way out next to loud cheers from the crowd with The Club by his side as they walk to the ring. Braun notices the pair with AJ Styles and does not look happy to see them.
Michael Cole: Well the Club are out here to watch but I don't think Braun believes that.
Corey Graves: The Club just want front row seats as they watch their boy earn himself a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match!
AJ Styles steps in the ring as Braun shouts some abuse at him which but AJ Styles is unfazed as the ref rings the bell getting the match underway.
Main event: Money in the bank qualifier: AJ Styles w/The Club vs Braun Strowman
AJ Styles tries to chop down the giant and take away his legs potentially setting up for the calf crusher throughout the match. He does some good damage to the leg of Braun but even with that Braun controls the match using his insane power. After about 7 minutes AJ ends up on the outside of the ring as Braun does his run around the ring shoulder barge. However, he does not touch the Club giving them one warning to leave. However, they refuse and shake their head staying at ringside.
Braun picks up AJ and sends him into the ring. He starts laying into AJ with some power moves doing a lot of damage to the phenomenal one! After a couple of minutes laying into him, he lifts AJ up into the air as he goes for his running powerslam but AJ shifts his body and counters with a hurricanna sending Braun Strowman over the ropes to the ring floor! AJ Styles takes a moment to get his breath back before he flies over the top rope hitting Braun Strowman with a Phenomenal Forearm on the outside.
The ref starts to count both men out as AJ gets to his feet slowly at 5 as The Club comes over to make sure he is OK. AJ is fine though and slides back into the ring. Meanwhile at the count of 7 Braun gets up and sees the Club still at ringside. Braun responds by attacking both men with a double shoulder block laying them out as the count gets to 9. Braun looks to get back in the ring but Karl Anderson grabs his leg causing Braun to not make it back inside in time and he is counted out!
Winner via countout: AJ Styles (10:19)
Michael Cole: AJ Styles is going to Money in the bank!
Renee Young: But the Club disobeyed AJ and got involved.
Corey Graves: Braun attacked them first. The Club are not going to take being attacked lying down!
Braun on the outside is not happy as he lifts Karl Anderson up and smashes him on the ring floor. Luke Gallows goes to attack Braun but Braun turns around looking furious before taking his head off with a big boot. AJ, however, seeing this once again flies off the ropes and hits another Phenomenal forearm saving his friends. However, he sees the replay of what happened on the screen and is not happy. Both men explain what happened as AJ shakes his head but says he understand. Raw comes to an end with the Club walking up the ramp whilst on the outside of the ring Braun Strowman is pretty furious.
Confirmed matches for next week:
Money in the Bank qualifier:
Aleister Black vs Cesaro
US title match and Money in the Bank qualifier:
Samoa Joe vs ???
Money in the Bank qualifier:
Peyton Royce vs ???
Tag team match:
The Usos vs Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura
Universal title match:
Seth Rollins (c) vs Bobby Lashley
WWE title match:
Kofi Kingston (c) vs Daniel Bryan
Raw women's title match:
Becky Lynch (c) vs Mickie James
Smackdown women's title match:
Becky Lynch (c) vs Alexa Bliss or Asuka or Carmella or Charlotte or Ember Moon or Ruby Riott
Men's Money in the Bank ladder match:
Ricochet vs Andrade Cien Almas vs ??? vs AJ Styles vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ???
Women's Money in the Bank ladder match:
Bayley vs ??? vs Sonya Deville vs ??? vs Mandy Rose vs ??? vs ??? vs ???
EWR Rating: 70%
