Main event:
Dolph Ziggler defeated The Miz via pinfall (9:31)
Gran Metalik defeated Apollo Crews via pinfall (11:04)
Tyler Breeze defeated Tony Nese via pinfall (6:40)
Erick Rowan defeated Rowe via pinfall (5:37)
Main event: Alexa Bliss defeated Isla Dawn via pinfall (8:12)
Monday Night Raw
March 15th 2021
San Francisco, California
Chase Center
HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
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The opening video for Monday Night Raw ends as we pan around the arena before cutting to the commentary team at ringside, as MICHAEL COLE and ELIAS welcome us to Monday Night Raw! Michael Cole hype up the show and says we are 12 days away from WrestleMania 37! Elias says we are starting the show with the gauntlet match to find out who will be fighting Lio Rush for the Cruiserweight title at WrestleMania!
*FALL TO PIECES*
MARK ANDREWS gets a decent pop from the live crowd, making his way out to his own song. He slaps hands with a few fans in the crowd before sprinting down the entrance ramp and sliding into the ring ready to start the gauntlet. Michael Cole says the two men starting this match are in for a very long night if they are to win this match. Elias says Mark Andrews is on his own at the moment with Flash Morgan Webster on the shelf but tonight could be a chance to make a name for himself.
*FEARLESS WARRIOR*
KALISTO makes his way out getting a decent pop from the live crowd and makes a point to point to the WrestleMania 37 sign. He then sprints down the entrance ramp towards the ring joining Mark Andrews inside the ring. Michael Cole brings up the fact that Kalisto is a former US, Cruiserweight and NXT Tag team champion with Elias adding Mark Andrews in his own regard is a two-time NXT UK Tag team champion. Both men circle the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 1: Gauntlet number one contender’s match for the Cruiserweight title
Entrant 1 and 2: Kalisto and Mark Andrews
Match summary: Both men shake hands with each other in the middle of the ring before walking back towards the ropes. The two men from there show off their agility and speed as they try to take each other down, popping the live crowd who get into both men. Kalisto is in control early on but Andrews stays alive holding his own against a former United States Champion! Kalisto starts to look to change his tactics and works over Mark Andrews on the mat as he grounds the Welsh superstar.
Mark Andrews stays alive and shows he is no slouch mounting a fight back catching the crowd by surprise and getting the live crowd behind him. The commentary team however points out that the longer these two wrestle, the worse shape they will be as the gauntlet carries on. Kalisto looks to finish off Mark Andrews, grabbing hold of him for SALIDA DEL SOL… STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE FROM MARK ANDREWS! Mark heads to the top rope and flies off hitting FALL TO PIECES (Shooting Star Press) GETTING A SHOCK ELIMINATION!
Eliminated via pinfall by Mark Andrews: Kalisto (8:12)
*RAPIDO*
Entrant 3: Angel Garza
Match summary: Angel Garza makes his way out getting boos from the live crowd and he has a cocky smirk as he enters the ring. Mark Andrews goes right at him, looking to catch him off-guard, and tries to beat him with a flurry of fast-pace offense. Angel Garza though takes total control and uses the freshness to his advantage to grab hold of Mark Andrews and plants him with the WING CLIPPER to eliminate Mark Andrews.
Eliminated via pinfall by Angel Garza: Mark Andrews (11:54)
*#MMMGORGEOUS*
Entrant 4: Tyler Breeze
Match summary: Tyler Breeze comes out next and poses with his selfie stick taking a few pictures with the live crowd. Angel Garza is happy to chill in the ring and get a bit of a break as the commentary team tells us the gauntlet match will continue after the commercial break!
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When we return from the commercial break, Tyler Breeze is holding his own against Angel Garza. The commentary team points out Garza is a 2-time Cruiserweight Champion including on NXT and will be looking to become a 3-time champion tonight. He makes sure to target the spine of Tyler and even at one point after laying him out he grabs the selfie stick to pose over Tyler. This nearly backfires on Garza as Breeze counters into a roll-up for a very close 2 count!
Angel realizes he might be playing with his food a bit too much and gets much more vicious as he lays into Tyler with a series of hard kicks and strikes, putting the Supermodel on the back foot. Angel gets him in position for the WING CLIPPER BUT TRANSITIONS INTO THE SUBMISSION HOLD INSTEAD! He wrenches back on the back of Tyler Breeze who tries to find a way out… BUT HE CAN’T AND IS FORCED TO TAP OUT!
Eliminated via submission by Angel Garza: Tyler Breeze (21:51)
*PLAY MY ASS OFF*
Entrant 5: Xavier Woods
Match summary: Xavier Woods makes his way out getting a loud pop from the live crowd and goes right after Angel Garza laying into him with a series of kicks and strikes. Angel struggles to fight back in part due to tiredness from being in the rest of the match and also because Woods has never been more fired up than he is tonight! Garza gets desperate and tries to cheat but Woods has it scouted and finishes off Angel Garza with the SHINING WIZARD!
Eliminated via pinfall by Xavier Woods: Angel Garza (25:16)
*AMBITIOUS*
Entrant 6: Humberto Carrillo
Match summary: Humberto Carrillo makes his way out next and has a little chat with his cousin Angel on the entrance ramp. Angel wishes his brother good luck before Humberto slides into the ring going right after Woods and laying into him getting boos from the live crowd. Humberto stays in control of the match as Raw goes to another commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, Humberto Carrillo is still in control of the match and is wearing down Xavier Woods on the mat getting loud boos from the live crowd. Xavier stays alive in the match and does his best to mount a fight back against the Ungovernables member. Humberto gets a little cocky and even starts to do the TRANQUILLO pose in between the ropes. This prompts the commentary team to wonder if Humberto might be taking Woods a bit too lightly.
Woods stays alive in the match and even takes control going for another SHINING WIZARD… HUMBERTO DUCKS AND CATCHES HIM WITH A STANDING SPANISH FLY! Humberto makes the cover 1 2 Woods stays alive! Humberto looks furious and slaps Woods a few times, annoyed he would dare even kick out! He grabs hold of Woods by the hair and pulls him off the mat… LOST IN THE WOODS! 1 2 3 WOODS SURVIVES!
Eliminated via pinfall by Xavier Woods: Humberto Carrillo (35:50)
*WIN IT ALL*
Entrant 7: Tony Nese
Match summary: Humberto is furious he has been eliminated and GIVES WOODS A CHEAP SHOT TO THE BACK OF HIS HEAD! Humberto leaves the ring angry as Tony Nese walks past with a cocky smirk and goes right after Woods easily overpowering him. He shows off and is aggressive going right after Woods… ROARING ELBOW! Woods rocks Nese before heading to the ropes and walking along… LIMIT BREAK! Woods secures another elimination!
Eliminated via pinfall by Xavier Woods: Tony Nese (37:34)
*HERE TO SHOW THE WORLD*
Entrant 8: Dolph Ziggler
Match summary: Woods gets to his feet struggling to stand up slightly and you can see his face drop as Dolph Ziggler walks out. The commentary team reminds us of the fact Ziggler is not only a former Cruiserweight Champion but a former IC, US, North American, Tag team and World champion! Ziggler takes his time walking to the ring before Raw goes on another commercial break.
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We come back from the commercial break to see Ziggler working over Xavier Woods on the mat and grinding him down on the mat with a headlock. He is wearing down Woods and looks to slowly wear him down with Woods now approaching over 20 minutes in this match have survived several entrants to make it to Ziggler. Woods keeps having small flurries and making comebacks against the former World Champion but Ziggler just cannot find a way to finish off Xavier Woods!
Dolph Ziggler is getting frustrated as he tries to put away Xavier Woods but he refuses to go down tonight! Ziggler lifts up Woods and looks to go for the ZIG ZAG… WOODS GRABS THE ROPES TO BLOCK THE MOVE! Ziggler falls to the mat and turns around into a SUPERKICK FROM WOODS! Woods then heads to the corner and walks across the ropes looking for LIMIT BREAK… WOODS MISSES AND ZIGGLER CATCHES HIM WITH A SUPERKICK OF HIS OWN! Ziggler makes the cover 1 2 WOODS KICKS OUT!
Ziggler is in shock and even tries to make the cover again but Woods kicks out one more time! Ziggler is furious and grabs hold of Woods dragging him off the mat looking to go for a SLEEPER HOLD… WOODS COUNTERS INTO A PINFALL! 1 2 Ziggler kicks out! Both men get to their feet as Ziggler goes for a SUPERKICK… WOODS AVOIDS IT AND HITS A TORNADO DDT! Woods then heads to the corner of the ring and walks the ropes hitting LIMIT BREAK! Woods hooks the leg 1 2 3! XAVIER WOODS IS HEADING TO WRESTLEMANIA 37!
Eliminated via pinfall by Xavier Woods: Dolph Ziggler (51:01)
Winner and number one contender for the Cruiserweight title: Xavier Woods (51:01)
The live crowd goes wild as Xavier Woods gets to his feet with a relieved smile on his face, whilst Dolph Ziggler rolls out of the ring looking angry at losing out on the chance to fight for the Cruiserweight title for the 2nd year in a row at WrestleMania. Michael Cole gives Xavier Woods a ton of credit for his performance tonight and says now he gets to fight Lio Rush for the Cruiserweight title, maybe finally winning his first-ever singles title. Elias says he can prove to himself he is a success like the rest of The New Day…
LIO RUSH RUNS OUT FROM DOWN THE ENTRANCE RAMP AND HITS XAVIER WOODS WITH THE CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE! Boos ring out from the live crowd as Lio Rush stands tall over Woods and talks a whole bunch of trash to his new number one contender for the Cruiserweight title! The camera then pans to the entrance ramp as we can see THE WHOLE HURT BUSINESS WALKING TO THE RING! SAMOA JOE, SWERVE STRICKLAND, SHELTON BENJAMIN, CEDRIC ALEXANDER and EJ NDUKA are led down the entrance ramp by MVP!
Woods tries to fight back but is soon overwhelmed by the numbers game as they beat him down in the middle of the ring… UNTIL THE REST OF THE NEW DAY COMES OUT FROM THE CROWD! Swerve and Joe battle with them outside the ring but they soon get some more help as THE STREET PROFITS, PETE DUNNE and TYLER BATE RUN OUT TO OFFER ASSISTANCE! The crowd cheers the babyfaces on as they sprint out and brawl with The Hurt Business!
The brawl carries on for a little bit before the babyfaces send The Hurt Business out of the ring getting cheers from the live crowd! The Hurt Business looks annoyed as they look at the babyfaces in the ring but retreat to the backstage area. The New Day hug each other before The Street Profits help them lift Xavier Woods into the air celebrating the victory as Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate stand to the side nodding as Monday Night Raw cuts to a commercial break.
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*BRUTALITY*
RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out as Monday Night Raw enters its second hour! Rhea is noticeably limping as we can see a bunch of tape around her right leg and struggles to walk slightly before being joined by her allies as of late TEAM KICK! Michael Cole says Shayna Baszler excels at targeting one limb and the damage done to Rhea’s leg might give her the advantage at WrestleMania. Elias says The MMA Horsewomen have made a lot of enemies but there is a reason Shayna is now a 2-time Women’s Universal Champion!
Rhea stands in the middle of the ring with Team Kick by her side as she looks at the fans with a slight smile. She says last week Shayna tried to take her out of WrestleMania and broke her leg. She points at it, saying it is not in the best shape but she is not backing down from any fights and promises to do what she did in the Royal Rumble: Win one more time. Rhea then passes the microphone to Dakota who adds they are here to stop any funny business from the MMA Horsewomen and make sure we get a fair fight!
*FORCE OF GREATNESS*
NIA JAX makes her way out getting boos from the live crowd. She has a slightly smug smirk on her face as she walks to the ring. The commentary team brings up Nia being paid off by the MMA Horsewomen to distract Rhea but she also wants to defeat her to prove she is the true dominant force on Monday nights. Nia Jax climbs into the ring across from Rhea Ripley as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 2: Rhea Ripley w/Team Kick vs Nia Jax
Match summary: Nia Jax is cocky in the opening few minutes, thinking she has nothing to worry about… BUT RHEA TAKES CONTROL AND BATTERS NIA JAX EARLY ON! Rhea even looks like she is going to win the match early but Nia boots her in the leg stopping her momentum. Nia Jax makes a point to target the right leg of Rhea and wear it down by focusing her offense on the right leg, even busting out some submissions on Rhea Ripley.
The commentary team comments that this is a good strategy for her because if Nia wins Money in the Bank and Rhea Ripley beats Shayna, she won’t be 100%. Nia Jax taunts the crowd but you can tell she is getting frustrated as she cannot put away the Women’s Royal Rumble winner. Rhea in the end fights back and in the closing sequence hits her with a couple of HEADBUTTS! Nia is rocked and Rhea lifts her up hitting Nia Jax with THE RIPTIDE!
Winner via pinfall: Rhea Ripley (9:11)
Rhea Ripley gets to her feet and winces in pain but celebrates the victory over Nia Jax tonight. Team Kick joins her inside the ring as the commentary team is full of praise for her performance tonight and says Rhea Ripley has pretty much been unstoppable since coming to Monday Night Raw! The celebrations carry on in the ring… SHAYNA CHOP BLOCKS RHEA FROM BEHIND!
The crowd boos loudly as NATALYA and MARINA SHAFIR swarm Team Kick attacking them in a sneak attack. The MMA Horsewomen look to beat down Rhea Ripley and Team Kick in the ring, with Shayna targeting the right leg of Rhea looking to break it and take her out of the WrestleMania 37 match! Shayna shouts some instructions to Marina and Natalya who hold down Rhea as Shayna is about to do more damage…
*TURN THE SKY UP*
THE BOSS ‘N’ HUG CONNECTION runs out getting loud cheers from the live crowd. BAYLEY and SASHA BANKS have kendo sticks in their hands as they sprint to the ring, attacking the MMA Horsewomen and sending them out of the ring, running to the back. The WWE Women’s tag team champions dare the trio to come back to the ring and fight them but they shake their heads, heading to the back. We then see a bit of a stare-down between the tag champions and Team Kick as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, RHEA RIPLEY is limping through the backstage area with TEAM KICK walking by her side. They help her to sit down on a production crate and TEGAN NOX asks how her leg is feeling. Rhea winces slightly and says not great being honest. DAKOTA KAI says they will have her back and fight the MMA Horsewomen anytime. We can hear a voice saying they will gladly fight the MMA Horsewomen anywhere and anytime… as THE BOSS ‘N’ HUG CONNECTION walks into the shot.
SASHA BANKS says they thought their fight with them had come to an end inside War Games and when they won these titles but seeing what they are trying to do to Rhea, well it has become their problem once again. BAYLEY says with these titles they can be here next week to help them as well. Tegan steps forward saying they appreciate the help but that doesn’t mean they plan on going easy when it comes to fighting for those titles. Dakota nods in agreement as Banks and Bayley say they wouldn’t have it any other way.
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We then cut to WADE BARRETT who is in his office, going through some papers when CATHY KELLEY walks into the room. Wade smiles as Cathy says she has heard he has an update regarding the World tag team titles and how they will be defended at WrestleMania 37. Wade confirms that the tag team titles will be defended on night 2 and that The Hurt Business’s actions last week attacking The Street Profits and British Strong Style have led him to make this decision.
Wade Barrett confirms that the World tag team titles will be on the line in a tag team warfare match (basically the ThunderBastard match from Progress Wrestling) and they will be starting the match from the beginning. The crowd watching in the standing cheers the announcement but Wade adds he is not done. He confirms for the go-home Raw before WrestleMania 37 The Street Profits will team with Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate to fight the Hurt Business in an 8-man tag!
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to NXT Superstars IO SHIRAI and ZOEY STARK standing backstage next to each other. Zoey has a smile on her face and says teaming with Io on Raw was a dream come true. Io just politely smiles and nods before saying she is one of the best in the world so she expects the best. Zoey nods and says sorry for being pinned but Io says she will learn. The former NXT Women’s Champion then declares they will both be entering the Sensational Sherri Battle Royal and shows everyone that the best of NXT can beat the best of anywhere else!
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*DO I*
JAMES STORM makes his way out getting boos from the live crowd. He glares at the fans, taking a swig from his beer bottle before walking down the entrance ramp. Michael Cole says James Storm has talked about wanting to get his hands on gold and there is no better way than holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. Elias says Storm has never performed at WrestleMania and entered the Money in the Bank ladder match.
*WORLDS APART*
SAMI ZAYN comes out next getting a huge pop again from the live crowd and slaps hands with the fans in the crowd. Michael Cole tells us that Sami fought Samoa Joe a few months ago and is disappointed with how he did, seeing Money in the Bank as a second chance to redeem himself. Elias says Sami has the fans behind him and will be looking to prove to them he is worthy of being a World Champion. Sami and Storm stand across the ring from each other as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 3: Money in the Bank qualifying match: Sami Zayn vs James Storm
Match summary: James Storm uses his power to control the match against the smaller Sami Zayn. James wears down Sami Zayn and picks up Sami trying to put him away in quick fashion. Sami survives and starts to fight back taking control of the match, looking to keep James from going for the LAST CALL SUPERKICK. The longer the match goes on, James Storm gets angry and desperate that he cannot put Sami Zayn down for a 3 count!
James Storm finally hits the LAST CALL SUPERKICK on Sami Zayn and makes the cover 1 2 Sami kicks out! James gets furious and heads to the corner of the ring, ripping the turnbuckle pad off. The referee argues with him and goes to fix it, allowing James Storm to grab the beer bottle from the other corner. James swings it… SAMI DUCKS BEFORE HITTING THE EXPLODER SUPLEX! Sami then follows up with the HELLUVA KICK! Sami makes the cover and picks up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Sami Zayn (8:03)
Sami Zayn gets back to his feet and celebrates the victory tonight, pointing at the WrestleMania 37 sign knowing he is going to be fighting for the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania. The commentary team puts over the performance tonight by Sami Zayn and wonders if he will manage to walk out of WrestleMania as Mr. Money in the Bank.
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When we return from the commercial break, BOBBY LASHLEY is working out at the gym when he is approached by LIO RUSH! Lio has his Cruiserweight title around his waist as he slaps Lashley on the back after the All Mighty finishes his set. Lio says he saw his win last week and says it was an impressive performance. Lashley stays silent not listening to Lio blowing smoke up his ass. Lio then changes the subject to defending his Cruiserweight title at WrestleMania.
Lashley gives him a look but says nothing as Lio says The Hurt Business are going to show how good business is at WrestleMania and Bobby should join them! Bobby at this point gets to his feet and finally speaks telling Lio no. Lio looks confused and asks the main man why he is turning down a golden opportunity to make money. Lashley scoffs and questions this, repeating back the golden opportunity. He says the only golden opportunity is for one of them to stab him in the back.
Lio tilts his head and looks confused by this statement asking what Bobby Lashley means by that. Bobby makes it clear he does not trust Swerve Strickland or MVP for a second knowing that both men would be happy to stab him in the back the minute things are not going well. Lio says the good times are booming and shows off his title but Bobby makes it clear he can see the cracks in the group and tells Lio to be careful. He goes to walk off but stops and turns around pointing out that if he wins Money in the Bank he is going for the WWE title.
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We cut back to the ring, we can see ARIYA DAIVARI standing in the ring waiting for his opponent tonight. The commentary team tells us Ariya Daivari has thrown his name into the hat for the Andre the Giant Battle Royal next weekend. He waits in the ring with a cocky smile until…
*SOVIET MARCH*
ILJA DRAGUNOV MARCHES OUT! He gets loud cheers from the live crowd before sprinting to the ring and coming face-to-face with Daivari intimidating the Cruiserweight! The commentary team says Ilja Dragunov is not in a good mood after The Ungovernables attack last week at the behest of Andrade Cien Almas. Ilja paces around the ring leading to the referee to get the match underway!
Match 4: Ilja Dragunov vs Ariya Daivari
Match summary: The Mad Russian doesn’t even let Daivari get a chance to breathe going right after him with a RUNNING FOREARM! He peppers him with hard strikes before hitting a series of H-BOMBS UNTIL DAIVARI IS OUT COLD AND THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE BELL!
Winner via knockout: Ariya Daivari (0:47)
Ilja gets back to his feet and looks furious as he stares at the broken mess he has left Ariya Daivari in tonight. Michael Cole says Ilja is not someone you want to cross and Elias points out that The Ungovernables might have set off a nuclear bomb. Ilja looks at someone at ringside and demands a microphone. Ilja says he never likes to talk; he likes to fight. He saw what Andrade, Angel and Humberto did to his friend Cesaro. He says Cesaro is not here tonight but he will be back at WrestleMania getting loud cheers from the crowd.
Ilja says that he is still here and that means he wants to get his hands on Andrade to teach him a lesson. Ilja says what he just did to Daivari was an example of what he can do to Andrade and what Cesaro is going to do at WrestleMania! Ilja tells Andrade he wants him in the ring one-on-one if he is man enough to fight him and TOSSES DOWN THE MICROPHONE LEAVING THE RING! The commentary team tells us the match needs to be confirmed as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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*SHER (LION)*
JINDER MAHAL makes his way out as we start the third and final hour of Monday Night Raw. Michael Cole says Jinder demanded this match saying he is sick of being disrespected by “relics of the past”. Elias says Jinder is a former WWE Champion in his own right and has to be one of the favorites to win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal on WrestleMania 37 Night 1.
*THE TIME IS NOW*
JOHN CENA comes out next getting loud cheers from the live crowd. He stands at the top of the entrance stage looking at the crowd before tossing his shirt into the crowd and heading to the ring. Michael Cole says John Cena is a 16-time World Champion and icon of the business. Elias says his match at WrestleMania 37 will be a legit dream match. Cena stands in the ring across from Jinder as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 5: Jinder Mahal vs John Cena
Match summary: Jinder is aggressive and gets a few shots in on Cena, taking control of the match. Of course, in typical Jinder fashion, he feels the need to taunt the crowd and get cocky leading to John Cena getting back in control. From there we get the typical 5 moves of doom as Cena finishes it off by locking the STF AND FORCING JINDER TO TAP OUT!
Winner via submission: John Cena (4:30)
John Cena gets back to his feet and gets loud cheers from the fans after overcoming Jinder Mahal tonight. The commentary team says it was a nice warm-up for WrestleMania but at the same time, nothing can prepare you for Stone Cold Steve Austin. Cena signals that he wants a microphone and is passed a microphone by someone at ringside. He says it always feels good to be back home getting a cheap pop from the live crowd. Cena says this ring is his home and it always will be!
He is about to say more when we hear a familiar voice on the titantron and the camera turns to reveal it is STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN! The Hall of Famer is shown sitting on his farm in a Stone Cold Steven Austin shirt and jeans. He says he was sitting on the ranch watching his match and Stone Cold can toast to how fun it was watching Jinder get his ass kicked. He then starts off listing different kinds of alcohol getting the crowd to play along with the WHAT chants.
Cena has a bit of fun with the chants before telling Stone Cold there will be only one person celebrating at WrestleMania 37 and he has every intention of making sure it will be him. Stone Cold says Cena should watch what he says before Austin opens a can of whoop ass on him! Cena tells Austin that if he wants some, he can come get some. Austin tells Cena he promises he will be at Raw next week and he has a stunner with Cena’s name on it as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS chatting to his manager ZELINA VEGA when TOM PHILLIPS approaches them looking to hear Andrade’s answer to Ilja’s challenge earlier tonight. Andrade scoffs at the question, calling Ilja insignificant, and says if he wants to end up like Cesaro did, he can fight him on next week’s Raw.
Zelina adds that at WrestleMania Cesaro will learn that he made the biggest mistake of his career and that Andrade might make sure Ilja doesn’t make the show. She then adds that it won’t just be Andrade showing the world what he can do at WrestleMania. She says Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo will be bringing the World tag team titles back to The Ungovernables as they will be entering tag team warfare ending the interview.
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The Hall of Fame video comes to an end as we cut to THE NEW DAY’S LOCKER ROOM with XAVIER WOODS sitting down with a big smile on his face. He is soon joined by BIG E and KOFI KINGSTON as they grab hold of Woods sharing a hug with big smiles on their faces. Big E says they always knew Woods was capable of this and all he did tonight is show the world what they have known. Kofi looks at his close friend and tells him that he is a champion like them.
Xavier thanked them for all of their support over the last year and that without them, he wouldn’t be in this position right now. Big E and Kofi make it clear that it is what friends do and The New Day always has each other’s back! Big E says WrestleMania 37 will end with The New Day at the top of the WWE where we belong because we rock. They hug again before Kofi says he spoke to Wade and next week they will see The Hurt Business face to face one last time before WrestleMania.
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Returning from the commercial break, we cut to Women’s Universal Champion SHAYNA BASZLER standing before the rest of the MMA Horsewomen NATALYA and MARINA SHAFIR! Shayna lifts the title up saying this is what Rhea’s trying to take from her grasp. The title shows she is at the top of the Women’s division, now she has cut the deadweight of Ronda Rousey out of her life. There is a venom to those words as Natalya and Marina Shafir smirk in the background.
She says Rhea is not worthy of fighting for her title at WrestleMania but if she is going to have to fight her, she is going to make sure she puts Rhea Ripley on the shelf for good. She will break her leg and stand over her body with the Women’s Universal title aloft in the air. Natalya steps forward saying Shayna isn’t the only one who will be breaking limbs as she tells us that Beth doesn’t know when to quit. She scowls and says she was trying to be kind letting her retire but she never listened to Natalya, did she?
Natalya says she will give Beth what she wants and will fight her at WrestleMania but what she does to her former best friend, she will not be responsible for. Marina says meanwhile she will be representing the group when she wins the Sensational Sherri Battle Royal and then, Asuka or Conti it doesn’t matter. The MMA Horsewomen will take over. Shayna smirks saying they ruled over the division in 2020 and they will again in 2021, it’s just a matter of time.
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We then cut backstage to see LIV MORGAN hanging out when she was approached by her former friend RUBY RIOTT! Liv looks ready for a fight but Ruby has her hands up saying she is trying to come in peace. Liv brings up her tag team partner attacking her from behind the last time she said this and Ruby says she didn’t know about that. Liv doesn’t look like she buys it but Ruby makes it clear she just wanted to wish her luck next week and even propose an alliance.
Liv scoffs at that statement and says Ruby truly has not changed. Ruby says she didn’t mean it like that but Liv makes it clear she does not trust her for a second, saying she would be waiting the whole match for Ruby to stab her in the back. Ruby says that was not her intention at all but before she can say more SHOTZI BLACKHEART appears getting in Liv’s face. She tells Liv she should be getting ready for the Sensational Sherri Battle Royal but once again she hears her disrespecting Ruby.
Liv steps forward and gets into Shotzi’s face saying so what? She tells Shotzi that Ruby was her tag team partner long before she was on the scene and she has known Ruby for far longer than Shotzi ever has. Ruby tries to get them to stop arguing with each other but Shotzi shouts over her that she wants to see Liv in the ring next week. Liv with a smile says she accepts the challenge and will truly give Shotzi something to cry about. Liv walks away as Shotzi turns to Ruby who looks annoyed, leading Shotzi to say she needs to stop worrying about her past.
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We then cut to inside THE HURT BUSINESS’S LOCKER ROOM! We can see SAMOA JOE sitting in the corner of the room chatting to SHELTON BENJAMIN and CEDRIC ALEXANDER whilst SWERVE STRICKLAND is hanging out with EJ NDUKA and LIO RUSH is sitting by himself as he looks at Swerve Strickland intensely. MVP walks up to him and looks to ask him what is up but before he can answer CATHY KELLEY knocks on the door looking to ask some questions.
She starts by asking MVP how he feels about his clients going face-to-face with The New Day one final time before WrestleMania 37. MVP smiles and says he welcomes it. He tells us at WrestleMania they will be taking care of business and the chance to see New Day one more time before crushing their dreams can’t be missed out on. Samoa Joe walks forward and asks Cathy what happened at the end of last week’s show. Cathy replies saying Joe choked out Big E in the middle of the ring.
Joe tells her exactly that and it’s a sign of what is going to happen at WrestleMania when Big E is all alone in the ring with just him… that’s what awaits. He can talk about friendship being powerful but there is nothing that will take this title from my hands. Swerve in the background, smirks and says Joe is right. At WrestleMania it isn’t going to be about friendship, it is going to be about taking care of business, ain’t that right Lio?
Lio is taken by surprise but just quickly says yes and goes back to thinking. Swerve looks suspicious but Cathy distracts them from it as she asks MVP for his thoughts on Shelton and Cedric having to defend their World tag team titles in a Tag Team Warfare match at WrestleMania 37.
MVP shakes his head saying Wade Barrett has seen how much these two men have run the tag team division and is trying to take them down by any means. He says they will take care of business like EJ is about to. He heads to the ring with Swerve going to follow him but Joe stops him! The champions stare at each other as Joe says to let him take care of the business. Swerve holds his hands up and leaves them as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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*TOO EASY*
EJ NDUKA marches out getting loud boos from the live crowd, cutting an imposing presence as he walks to the ring. Michael Cole says EJ Nduka is the only member of the Hurt Business without gold as it stands with Elias chiming in to say someone with the size and power he has, holding Money in the Bank is basically a guarantee he would become a World champion.
*GO HARD*
MUSTAFA ALI makes his way out next getting loud cheers from the live crowd. He stands at the top of the entrance ramp looking at the live crowd before slowly heading to the ring. Michael Cole says we have seen Ali overcome giants before, taking down OMOS last year for example. Elias says that skill will be vital if he is to make it to the Money in the Bank ladder match. Ali stands in the ring across from Nduka as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 6: Money in the Bank qualifying match: Mustafa Ali vs EJ Nduka
Match summary: Ali is very crafty throughout the match and plays keep away, using his speed and agility to try to chop down EJ Nduka. The big man however is ready for it and grabs hold of him, tossing him around the ring, giving Ali a battering. EJ gets Ali up early on in the match and looks ready to slam him down with a POWERBOMB… ALI HITS A HURRICANRANA TO THE OUTSIDE! EJ Nduka lands on his feet so Ali HITS A SUICIDE DIVE… FOLLOWED BY 2 MORE!
Ali isn’t done there and has an idea, looking to beat Nduka the same way he defeated OMOS and climbs to the top rope… HITTING THE 054 TO NDUKA OUTSIDE THE RING! Ali gets up holding his ribs but the referee is counting. The referee gets to an 8 count as EJ Nduka slowly starts to rise. Nduka crawls to the ring… AND JUST BREAKS THE COUNT SLIDING IN… ALI HITS ANOTHER 054 AS HE RETURNS TO THE RING! Ali rolls him over and makes the cover 1 2 3 Ali is in the Money in the Bank ladder match!
Winner via pinfall: Mustafa Ali (6:10)
Mustafa Ali gets back to his feet with a relieved smile on his face as he gets to his feet and celebrates the fact that he has survived the much bigger EJ Nduka. The commentary team gives Ali credit for using his smarts to overcome his stronger opponent and now he has the chance to become Mr. Money in the Bank. Ali carries on his celebrations with the fans before we cut elsewhere backstage.
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We cut to the backstage area and we can see two Hollywood-style make-up chairs with PIPER NIVEN sitting with her tag team partner MELINA. Melina looks a little bit down but says it is up to Piper to bring the Money in the Bank briefcase back to the group. Piper says she has got this and asks Melina for some advice after she was in the match last year. Melina nods and says she will gladly teach Piper everything she learned from last year. Melina then adds that whilst Piper wins the Money in the Bank briefcase, she is going to win the Sensational Sherri Battle Royal!
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We next cut backstage as DREW MCINTYRE is standing in front of a TV when TOM PHILLIPS approaches him looking for an interview with him. He asks the Scottish Superstar how he is feeling ahead of Sheamus’s barroom brawl with Ciampa. Drew says he is annoyed he cannot lay his hands on Ciampa just yet and is itching for a fight but will just sit back here watching the match with a pint in hand… JAMES STORM STORMS IN AND INTERRUPTS THE INTERVIEW!
He shouts that he got screwed and he should be in the Money in the Bank ladder match not Sami Zayn. Drew turns to him and asks James if he minds not interrupting his interview. James scoffs at Drew and asks what he is going to do about it… GLASGOW KISS! Drew then grabs hold of James by the neck and SMASHES HIS HEAD INTO THE CONCRETE WITH THE FUTURESHOCK DDT! Drew gets to his feet and says nothing and says he couldn’t attack him, ending the interview!
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see the ringside area set up with a bar on both sides of the ring and various weapons themed around being in a pub or a bar outside the ring. Michael Cole says it is nearly time for the barroom brawl but first, they need to confirm two more matches for next week’s go-home Raw ahead of WrestleMania! Elias says we will see James Storm take on Drew McIntyre in singles action whilst we will see a huge 12-woman tag as Rhea Ripley teams with Team Kick and Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection to take on the MMA Horsewomen, Nia Jax, Naomi and Tamina!
*WRITTEN IN MY FACE*
SHEAMUS makes his way out getting loud cheers from the fans. He stands at the top of the entrance ramp and beats his chest in a typical fashion before walking down the entrance ramp ready for a fight. Michael Cole says Sheamus will have taken part in many barroom brawls in his time living in Ireland and he will be more than ready for another tonight. Elias comments he will have never faced a psycho like his opponent tonight in one.
*NO ONE WILL SURVIVE*
TOMMASO CIAMPA marches out getting boos from the live crowd before heading towards the ring. Michael Cole says Ciampa has made it so Drew McIntyre is banned from touching him until WrestleMania 37. Elias says it will all be mind games on the part of Ciampa, knowing it will be getting in Drew’s head. Ciampa is about halfway down the entrance ramp when SHEAMUS ROLLS OUT AND MEETS HIM OUTSIDE THE RING STARTING THE MAIN EVENT OFF WITH A BANG!
Main event: Barroom brawl: Sheamus vs Tommaso Ciampa
Match summary: Sheamus and Ciampa clobber each other with hard strikes right from the start, attacking each other with aggression before Sheamus hurls Ciampa into one of the bars, knocking it over. Sheamus looks to go on the attack and drags him up… CIAMPA SMASHES HIM WITH A BAR STOOL! The commentary team makes sure to mention that this match is falls count anywhere as Ciampa carries on his assault and even uses a modified crossface using a stool leg!
Sheamus is in trouble but in the wreckage of the bar, he manages to grab a drinks pump AND SPRAYS CIAMPA WITH IT! Ciampa gets coated in beer sending him backwards as Sheamus takes a moment to recompose himself and looks to go for the BROGUE KICK… BUT CIAMPA AVOIDS IT FLEEING INTO THE CROWD! Sheamus though has no intention of letting him escape and follows after him as he catches up to Ciampa giving him a beating to the delight of the fans!
Sheamus even manages to get Ciampa hanging over the barricade at one point and hits a modified version of THE BEATS OF THE BODHRAN GETTING TO OVER 30 BEFORE FINALLY STOPPING! The crowd loudly cheers as Ciampa stumbles away struggling due to the damage done to his chest but Sheamus follows after him looking to do more damage… CIAMPA GRABS A PINT GLASS AND SMASHES IT OFF SHEAMUS’S SKULL BUSTING HIM OPEN!
Sheamus falls to the floor with blood on his face and Ciampa smirks looking to inflict a ton of pain, as he asks if Drew is watching! The camera cuts backstage to show DREW IS WATCHING THE MATCH AND LOOKS ANGRY! Ciampa makes a point to target the head of Sheamus and taunt the fans but Sheamus starts to make a fight back leading to both men battling each other with POOL CUES AS SHEAMUS IS WINNING OUT! Sheamus then grabs hold of Ciampa looking to go for the CELTIC CROSS THROUGH THE POOL TABLE… BUT CIAMPA SLIPS OUT!
Sheamus turns around as Ciampa catches him with another PINT GLASSES TO THE HEAD! Sheamus falls down as Ciampa has a wild smirk on his face and looks to the pool table as he scoops Sheamus onto his shoulder and climbs to the top rope hitting an AIR RAID CRASH FROM THE TOP ROPE THROUGH THE POOL TABLE OUTSIDE! Ciampa hooks the leg… BUT BREAKS THE COVER AT 2! Ciampa looks at a beer keg nearby… AND HITS A FUTURESHOCK DDT! He now hooks the leg and picks up the academic 3 count!
Winner via pinfall: Tommaso Ciampa (15:36)
The boos ring out from the live crowd but Ciampa doesn’t care with a smirk on his face having destroyed The Celtic Warrior in tonight’s main event. The commentary team says Ciampa has managed to defeat a former World Champion within their environment tonight and wonders who can stop him. We cut to the backstage area as Drew scowls at the screen knowing he can’t do anything to Ciampa until WrestleMania as Raw comes to a close.
Confirmed matches for next week:
Singles match:
Andrade Cien Almas vs Ilja Dragunov
Singles match:
Drew McIntyre vs James Storm
Singles match:
Liv Morgan vs Shotzi Blackheart
12-woman tag team match:
Rhea Ripley, Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, Team Kick and Beth Phoenix vs The MMA Horsewomen, Nia Jax, Naomi and Tamina
8-man tag team match:
The Hurt Business (Lio Rush, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander and EJ Nduka) vs The Street Profits, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate
Matchcard for WrestleMania 37 Night 1
March 27th 2021
Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium
AND SO IT WENT – PRETTY RECKLESS
WWE Title match:
Samoa Joe © vs Big E
WWE Women’s title match:
Asuka © vs Taynara Conti
Intercontinental title match:
Swerve Strickland © vs Kofi Kingston
WWE tag team titles match:
The Usos © vs Edge and Rey Mysterio
Cruiserweight title match:
Lio Rush © vs Xavier Woods
Hell in a Cell match:
Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
Nia Jax vs Carmella vs Liv Morgan vs Ember Moon vs Ruby Riott vs Millie McKenzie vs Piper Niven vs Mandy Rose or Naomi
Grudge match:
Drew McIntyre vs Tommaso Ciampa
Grudge match:
Beth Phoenix vs Natalya
Pre-show:
Andre the Giant Battle Royal (Winner gets an Intercontinental, United States or North American title shot):
Confirmed participants: Aiden English, Akam, Ariya Daivari, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, Daniel Garcia, Epico, Jinder Mahal, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Nathan Frazer, Primo, Rezar, Sheamus
Matchcard for WrestleMania 37 Night 2
March 28th 2021
Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium
AND SO IT WENT – PRETTY RECKLESS
Universal title match:
Roman Reigns © vs Daniel Bryan
Women’s Universal title match:
Shayna Baszler © vs Rhea Ripley
United States title match:
Chad Gable © vs Jacob Fatu
World tag team titles tag team warfare match:
The Hurt Business © vs The Street Profits vs British Strong Style vs The Ungovernables vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ???
Women’s tag team titles match:
Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection © vs Team Kick
Loser leaves The O.C.:
AJ Styles vs Finn Balor
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
Ilja Dragunov vs Matt Riddle vs Bobby Lashley vs Buddy Murphy vs Sami Zayn vs Dominik Dijakovic vs Mustafa Ali vs Kevin Owens
Dream match:
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs John Cena
Grudge match:
Andrade Cien Almas vs Cesaro
Pre-show:
Sensational Sherri battle Royal (Winner gets a Women’s WWE, Universal or NXT title shot):
Confirmed participants: Charli Evans, Dana Brooke, Franky Monet, Io Shirai, Marina Shafir, Melina, Shotzi Blackheart, Zoey Stark
EWR Rating:
73%
