Welcome to Wrestling-Edge’s Monday Night Raw results and coverage! The June 1, 2020 edition of RAW is LIVE from the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida with all the latest build to the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view (PPV) scheduled for later this month. Tonight’s RAW is set to have WWE Performance Center talent act as audience. This comes off multiple weeks of crowd-less shows due to the Covid-19 nationwide pandemic.
Advertised for tonight: Rey Mysterio’s retirement ceremony, Apollo Crews defends the U.S. championship, Charlotte vs. Asuka, and more!
Featured below are complete results of the June 1, 2020 episode of WWE Monday Night RAW from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL written by Wrestling-Edge’s newest female reporter, Jamie Rush. Follow me on Twitter @JamieRush312.
WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW RESULTS (6/1/2020)
Show Opening
To kick things off, we are welcomed to the June 1st, 2020 edition of Monday Night Raw! Backlash is a week from this Sunday! The Performance Center athletes are set as stand-ins for the crowd behind Plexiglas in the arena. We’re told tonight’s action packed edition of RAW includes Drew McIntyre vs. MVP later tonight, and the Street Profits vs. The Viking Raiders in a… bowling contest??
In the Ring – Seth Rollins
As our announcers finish giving the rundown for tonight’s edition of Monday Night RAW, we head over to the ring. The music for our Monday Night Messiah sounds over the Performance Center speakers. Seth Rollins makes his way to the ring, accompanied by his followers, Murphy & Austin Theory. We hear loud booing from the crowd.
Rollins is here to host the Rey Mysterio’s “Retirement Ceremony” following a hard recovery to his eye/vision (after Rollins nearly blinded him a couple weeks ago, shoving his eye into the corner of the steel stairs at ringside). The crowd “boo’s” Rollins.
The crowd starts chanting,”you suck! you suck! you suck!” before Rollins is able to get one word out of his mouth. Rollins continues on, stating that tonight is a huge night of Raw; here in a few moments, he’ll have a match with Aleister Black, whom Rollins claims is confused about a few things regarding Rey. Rollins vows to enlighten Aleister where he is concerned.
Rollins goes on to say that Rey will be on later tonight, (by satellite, we’re informed) and he feels that Rey can’t bring himself to retire. So Seth is volunteering to retire Rey for him, because he knows Rey so well, and it’s his duty as a leader to come out here and show appreciation for the fact that Rey was chosen as a sacrifice for Monday Night Raw. Seth claims Rey’s sacrifice was for the greater good of Monday Night Raw and if that is not legendary… then he doesn’t know what is! Several in the crowd yell “no” and boo, and someone yells “Trump.”
As the segment winds down, Rollins finishes by telling us how kind and generous Rey Mysterio is and,*sigh* in Seth’s darkest hour, Rey allowed himself to be sacrificed so Seth could lead Monday Night Raw into the future, into it’s destiny. The crowd heavily boos this. Seth tells us that he’s put together a special package of Rey Mysterio’s career.
Video Clips – Rey Mysterio Highlights
We are shown several clips exhibiting Mysterio’s high-flying, acrobatic style when it comes to performing and fighting both in and out of the ring. Next, a clip of Mysterio winning Royal Rumble 2006, and winning the title at Wrestlemania 22. As the clip ends, we head into yet another clip, this time seeing several clips of Mysterio landing his famous 6-1-9 finisher and taking on legendary opponents.
The video then suddenly cuts to Seth Rollins powering Mysterio’s face closer and closer to the steel stairs at ringside (following a tag-team match gone wrong between Murphy & Rollins vs. Rey Mysterio & Aleister Black).
One person chants “6-1-9” as Seth applauds in agreement. Seth states Rey will be a first ballot inductee into the Hall of Fame and Seth would be honored to be the one to induct Rey into the Hall of Fame.
Aleister Black Interrupts Seth Rollins
Out of nowhere, Aleister Black’s music sounds in the Performance Center. Black quickly makes his way to the ring and chases Rollins out of the ring. On that note, we head to the first commercial of the evening!
Quick Announcement – Video Promo
As we head into the first commercial break, a video building up the Randy Orton and Edge match which is set for one week from Sunday, at Backlash!
Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins
As we return from commercial break, both competitors are in the ring and ready to kick off the first official match of the evening. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins! Black lands the first shot on Rollins. Rollins moves in close and Black lands yet another quick Kick. The two superstars end up on the canvas, a grappling session ensues in the center of the ring. Black lands a Kick to the midsection of Rollins.
Black follows up with multiple strikes and kicks, powering Rollins into the corner. Rollins tries to make his way out of the corner fighting, to no avail. Black gets the Upper hand and sends Rollins to ringside. The ref is counting as Rollins looks on. Finally, Black heads outside and takes the fight to Rollins. Black sends Rollins back inside the ring. Rollins connects with a Dropkick on Black followed by a flurry of fists.
Rollins makes his way back to his feet, holding the top rope for leverage as he proceeds to stomp the body of Black. Rollins then sends Black to the mat and attempts a cover. Black kicks out at two. Rollins attempts a different approach, as he locks an Armbar on Black. The crowd pops. Rollins tries to keep focusing on Black’s arm. He hits a Big Chop. Black is now backed to the ropes and powers forward swinging. Rollins quickly shoots down Black’s attempt to gain control as Rollins lands a Dropkick to Black’s chest.
Rollins now yells at Black out of anger, telling Black that he’s disrespecting Mysterio. Rollins then proceeds to chokes Black on the rope. Black gets a few strikes in but is sent to the outside. Rollins hits a suicide dive, slamming Aleister against the barricade. Rollins takes the action back in the ring, whipping Black into the corner. Black blocks Rollins as he makes his way to the top turnbuckle, landing a kick on Rollins. Rollins attempts a Dropkick but misses. Black hits a vicious Stiff Kick.
Rollins one again sends Black to ringside, this time calling for the assistance of his disciples. On that note, music sounds for Humbert Carrillo runs to ringside with a steel chair in hand, taking up position to defend Alesiter from the Disciples as we head to commercial break!
As we return from commercial break, we see Rollins stomping and dominating Black in the corner. Seth heads in for a Low Foot Choke. The referee immediately breaks it up. Black tries to use the ropes to make his way back to his feet, Rollins continues to repeatedly knock Black down. Rollins whips Black into the ropes and goes for a Dropkick, but Black holds to the ropes.
Black attempts to lock in a Rear Grapple, though Rollins sees the move coming and is able to block. Rollins quickly counters Black’s attempt. Rollins and Black both exchange roll-up pin attempts. Black to his feet and delivers a Chin Kick followed by a German Suplex bridged into a pin but only gets a two count. Black sets up for Black Mass, however Rollins senses this and lands an Enziguri of his own to the back of Black’s neck. Rollins with a new sense of energy, hits the Falcon Arrow, followed by the cover. Rollins only gets a two! We head to commercial once again.
We return from commercial break and Rollins seated on the top turnbuckle and Aleister up top, looking for a Superplex, but Seth sends him flying back. Seth goes high and nails the Frog Splash, but only gets a two count! The crowd is chanting “Aleister! Aleister! Aleister!” as Seth growls in the corner, setting up the Stomp.
Rollins goes for the Stomp but Black avoids it and latches an arm lock onto Seth! Seth can’t get out of it! Finally, Rollins lifts Black up for a one armed bomb. Seth regroups on the apron; Seth Springboards into the room going for that knee but Black gets to his feet and leaps high, hammering his knee into Seth’s face! Impressive!
Black is setting up for the Black Mass but the Disciples storm the apron to try to cause a distraction, but are intercepted by Humberto Carrillo! Rollins goes for a quick roll up on Black but Black is able to reverse it and gets the pin for the three count and the win!
Winner: Aleister Black
After the Match
Rollins calls for Murphy and Theory and they rush the ring. Both of Rollins disciples proceeds to Stomp Black, cutting his victory short. Carrillo jumps in to try to save Black, Rollins jumps in and the two are outnumbered! The Disciples hold Black as Rollins sets Carrillo up for a Running Stomp.
Black shouts at Rollins to leave Humberto alone, and calls Rollins a coward. Seth hits a big Stomp on Carrillo anyway. Black again yells at Rollins, calling him a coward; the Disciples force Black into position for a stomp too.
Seth Rollins’ music sounds over the Performance Center speakers as we head to replays of what we just witnessed before seeing the Monday Night Messiah and his disciples celebrating as they make their way up the ramp.
Rollins announces that they are “the future” that Rey Mysterio “promised us.”
Announcer’s Table
We are informed that Raw Talk returns tonight, free on the WWE Network. It’s one of 15,000 WWE shows that are free on the Network, and don’t need a credit card.
Tom Phillips then sends us into a video package.
Video Package – Apollo Crews
We see a video package of highlights showing Apollo Crews’ journey over the last two months, from his knee injury (that kept him out of MitB) to his successful challenge for the United States championship title last week where he ultimately won his first big title in the WWE!
Backstage – Asuka
Kayla points out that Kairi Sane is taking on Nia Jax later tonight, and Asuka is taking on Charlotte. Kayla asks for Asuka’s opinion. Asuka answers in Japanese then adds in English that at Backlash, she’ll defeat Jax. Kayla points out that Charlotte Flair said that Asuka can’t beat Flair, and asks Asuka her opinion.
Asuka again answers in Japanese, but adds in English that Asuka is Greatest and the Empress bows to no one. She then does a little dance and we cut to commercial! Up next, the Street Profits and Viking Raiders in a bowling challenge!
Announcer’s Table
We’re reminded that this coming Wednesday is the final NXT before Takeover: In Your House!
Backstage – Angel Garza & Zelina Vega
We head backstage where we see Charly Caruso who points out that Angel Garza attacked Kevin Owens last week, as we see a clip and highlights of the ensuing match. We see where Garza hit the knee again after the match. Vega enters and interrupts, ranting that Kevin Owens agreed to this match. Angel Garza interrupts Vega, to explain to Caruso that his strategy is always to be one. step. ahead.
Garza and Vega agree that his win last week was triumphant because Garza saw what he wanted and he took it. On that note, he implies Caruso is next as he stares her down, finally handing her a flower and thanking her for her time before exiting.
As Charly is looking at the flower, Vega snatches it and tears it up… followed by throwing it at Charly, saying “boo freakin’ hoo.” making her own exit. We head to commercials.
Announcer’s Table
We return from commercial break with a reminder that NXT: In your House is this weekend! Samoa Joe wonders if we’re giving away a house this time.
Tom Phillips sends us into the “greatest wrestling match ever” at Backlash.
Video Clip – Shawn Michaels
HBK is sporting an incredible beard as he gives us his thoughts on whether Edge vs Orton could be the greatest wrestling match ever. He says his match at Wrestlemania X against Razor could be considered for the greatest; so could Wrestlemania XII when he took on Hart; or his two matches with the Undertaker. He goes on to state that they have the potential, and his pick to win it is Edge.
Video Package – McIntyre, MVP & Lashley
The video package kicks off with a clip from last week with McIntyre when he was a guest on MVP’s VIP Lounge. After that, we see a flashback to the first time McIntyre was ever on MVP’s VIP Lounge. They recap that MVP took a Claymore from the champ, and Lashley and the Champ don’t like each other.
Next, we see Lashley and MVP in a bout with the Street Profits, where Lashley had the Full Nelson locked on Montez Ford and refused to let go, causing the DQ. McIntyre hit the ring and tackled Lashley; Performance Center trainees took a few attempts to separate the two men. We’re then reminded that Lashley and McIntyre fight for the WWE Championship a week from Sunday at Backlash.
We are then reminded that McIntyre will be taking on MVP later tonight.
Backstage – MVP & Lana
As we head backstage, Lana is whining to MVP about interfering with her relationship. MVP tells her he doesn’t have time to deal with all her nagging and drama, adding he has to get ready for a match.
Lana tells MVP that he’s just a sneaky snake, trying to use Lashley to revive his washed-up career. MVP tells her “if that’s true, wouldn’t that make two of us?” Lana slaps MVP and walks off, and we head off to another commercial.
“Earlier Tonight” Video Clip
We see highlights from earlier tonight including Seth Rollins and his disciples, followed by replays and more highlights.
In Ring – Apollo Crews
Kayla Braxton announces the new United States Champion, Apollo Crews, and the crowd goes wild! Apollo comes out to the ring and climbs the turnbuckles to celebrate. The camera cuts to the most-bored looking Performance Center trainee in attendance.
Kayla asks Apollo how he’s feeling as the new champ. He says it feels good, and the feelings go on. He’s proud to be standing there as the new US champion.
Kayla mentions that Apollo’s reign is starting a bit different, as he’s going to be defending it tonight against a champion of his choice. Apollo says there’s a long list of competitors in the back who deserve a shot, but tonight he’s choosing Kevin Owens!
Owens Response To Apollo Crews’ Choice
Owens makes his way to the ring, where he walks up to Crews and states first of all, he wanted to congratulate Apollo. The two superstars shake hands. Owens then proceeds to tell Crews that he’s very appreciative of the opportunity but he feels that Apollo chose Owens out of pity based on Angel Garza’s attack on KO last week.
Apollo tells Kevin that he deserves the shot. KO tells us that he feels bad about this. Apollo tells him, Kevin deserves it, and not to feel bad. KO tells us that he knows he deserves it, he just feels bad that…Apollo’s reign is about to come to an end.
United States Championship Match
Apollo Crews (c) vs Kevin OwensBoth superstars are formally announced as the referee holds the United States title up. The referee then signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match begins! To start things off, both superstars reverse grapples. Kevin whips off the ropes, Apollo leaps up and his a Powerful Dropkick. Both superstars quick get up to their feet, then proceed to lock up. Crews sends Owens into the ropes, Owens knocks Apollo down.
Kevin Owens Clotheslines Apollo over the top rope to the outside. KO sets up for a Suicide Dive, Crews rolls out of the way. KO and Crews brawl on the outside of the ring. KO sends Crews towards the ringside; Crews hops up and attempts a Moonsault off the apron. KO dodges and uses his agility to leap up and hit a reverse cannonball off the apron onto Crews. The ref gets to 7; both men back in the ring.
Kevin Owens goes for a kick and kicks Crews in the balls. Crews is rolling in pain. The ref asks KO if he did that on purpose and he, of course, denies it. The ref checks on Crews to see if he can continue. Crews is up to his feet, holding his crotch. KO comes in close to check on Crews who immediately releases the jewels and slams fists into KO! Both men exchange punches as the spill over to the outside and we go to commercial!
Back from the break, and KO and Crews are exchanging powerful strikes inside the ring. KO with a chop, Apollo off the ropes with three punches. KO hits a headbutt, but Crews lands a Powerslam on KO for a two count. Crews to his feet, fired up. He pulls KO up from the mat and goes for an Olympic Slam but KO escapes and hits a Superkick for a two. KO hits the Moonsault off the middle turnbuckle but only gets a two!
KO helps Crews to his feet and Irish Whips Crews. KO goes for the popup Powerbomb but Crews avoids it and hits an Enziguri. Crews hits the Olympic Slam, gets a two, and hits the Standing Moonsault for a two!
KO gets to his feet in the corner. Crews charges and hits a leaping splash! Again, Crews hits the leaping Splash! KO taunts Crews for another; Crews attempts it but KO dodges! KO goes up top for the Moonsault but Crews gets his knees up! As both men roll on the mat, Garza and Andrade storm the ring and attack both men.
Winner: No Contest (Double DQ)
After the Match
Vega looks on as Garza and Andrade send the two competitors to the outside, and we go to commercial.
Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews vs Andrade & Angel Garza
Back from the break and this match is under way! Garza challenged during the break and KO accepted. Andrade is working over Crews; Garza is tagged in. Apollo Crews goes up top and comes flying, only to be intercepted by a beautiful dropkick by Garza.
Garza rips off his pants and drags Crews to his corner, tagging in Andrade. Andrade continues stomping on Crews, keeping the beefcake on the mat. Andrade hits a running seated dropkick.
Andrade tags in Garza who hits a quick kick and goes for a pin. Apollo kicks out; Garza puts crews in a butterfly lock and sets up for the Wing Clipper, but Crews flips over Garza and makes the tag to Kevin Owens! KO charges in as Garza flees to his corner and tags Andrade. Garza hits a cheap shot to KO, giving Andrade a chance to take control. Andrade puts KO in a single leg Boston Crab in the middle of the ring, working on KO’s injured knee from last week.
Andrade continues to work over KO until Kevin reverses a grapple and gets some offense in. Kevin Owens sets Andrade up for a KO cannonball, but Zelina distracts him. Andrade with a stiff hit to KO; KO tags in Apollo. Crews goes for the Olympic Slam but Andrade blocks it.
Crews goes for it again and hits the Olympic Slam! Garza interferes; Crews sends Garza into the announcer’s table then turns his attention back to Andrade, hitting the Enziguri followed up with a Toss Powerbomb for the three count! For the third time, Crews has pinned Andrade!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews
Backstage – Asuka
As we head backstage, Kayla Braxton points out that Kairi Sane is taking on Nia Jax later tonight, and Asuka is taking on Charlotte. Kayla then turns to Asuka and asks for her opinion. Asuka answers in Japanese then adds in English that at Backlash, she’ll defeat Jax. Kayla then points out that Charlotte Flair said that Asuka can’t beat Flair, and asks Asuka her opinion.
Asuka again answers in Japanese, but adds in English that Asuka is Greatest and the Empress bows to no one. She then does a little dance and we cut to commercial! Up next, the Street Profits and Viking Raiders in a bowling challenge!
Announcer’s Table
The commentators note that this coming Wednesday, June 3, 2020 is the final NXT before Takeover: In Your House!
Update on the Street Profits/Viking Raiders Multi-Sports Challenge
We get a recap showing the basketball challenge, axe tossing challenge, and golf/mini-golf challenge. The Profits have a 2-1 lead.
Bowling Challenge
Street Profits vs. Viking RaidersWe head into the next of several odd “challenges” set forth by both WWE RAW tag-teams, Street Profits and Viking Raiders. The Profits complain that their bowling shoes aren’t Jordans. After some verbal sparring, the bowling commences. The Raiders start out with two strikes. The Profits state that anything the Raiders can do, the Profits can do better. Both men roll gutter balls. The Raiders treat both teams to a drink with red sippy cups. The Viking Raiders teach the Street Profits to say “Skoll!” instead of cheers.
Everyone takes a drink and the Profits immediately spit it out–it’s not beer, it’s a Viking tradition, goat’s milk! The bowling continues with some comedy; Ford drops a ball on his feet. The Raiders can’t get a ball out of the ball-return machine and pull out a turkey flank.
Ivar lifts his shirt and offers to let the Profits use his ball, which is a painted bowling ball on his belly. The Raiders are distracted by a “Hungry?” concessions sign for food.
They raid the fridge, finding more turkey legs. The bowling manager kicks them out of the kitchen. Again, Ivar is told he’s cute but his partner…not so much. We see the Raiders are up after five sets, 100 to 21. The Profits call for the lights to dim; their music hits, dried ice fog and lasers blast.
The Profits start hitting strikes and the Raiders start hitting gutter balls. After ten sets, the Profits are winning 130-120. The Raiders declare “enough of this nonsense” and Ivar is slung down the lane while holding the ball and hits a strike, giving the Viking Raiders the win by a score of 130-131!
Winner: Viking Raiders (series is now tied 2-2)
Last Week’s “Moment of Bliss” Video Recap
We head into a video replay from last week’s “Moment of Bliss” where we see the Iiconics attacking the Women’s Tag Team Champions after a very passionate speech by Nikki Cross, defending herself after being accused of riding Bliss’ coat tails.
Billie Kay vs. Nikki Cross
The Iiconic music plays as we’re set to see Cross vs Kay, but both teams are arguing backstage. We head to commercial break.
As we return from commercial break, we head back into the Performance Center and Nikki and Billie are already underway inside the ring. Cross bounces Billie Kay’s face off of every turnbuckle in secession. Kay to her feet and hits a big boot to Cross’ face. Kay gets a two count. She yells at the ref that it was a three. Kay takes Cross to the corner and delivers kicks before a Foot Choke in the corner as the ref counts to four. Kay hits a Single Arm Suplex on Cross but only gets a two count.
Kay is focused on Bliss at ringside and Cross rolls Kay up for a two count. Kay hits a big blow on Cross for a two count. Now Kay has Cross on the mat, locked in a headlock as the crowd claps to try to motivate Cross. Cross tries to get to her feet but Kay sends her back to the mat, working the headlock. Cross back to her feet again, hitting an elbow to the gut to create some distance.
Kay immediately hits a Backbreaker, yells “Iconic!” and poses. She then comes off the ropes for an Elbow Drop but only gets a two count. She’s yelling at the ref again. Cross gets to her feet. Kay slaps Cross on the face, yelling “you think you’re better than me?” Cross shoves Kay back, and again, and again before finally getting some separation.
Cross bounces off the ropes and hits a cross body. Kay up to her feet in the corner, looking stunned. Cross fires up and hits the bulldog. Cross goes to the apron and hits a rope-assisted mule kick. Cross goes up top and attempts the Cross Body but Kay moves. Billie Kay hits a big sit-out Urinage and gets the three count!
Winner, Billie Kay
Backstage – Drew McIntyre
As we head backstage, Drew states he was expecting Charly. She asks him if he’s worried about Lashley. Drew recounts that this is his ninth week of having the title, and he’s defeated seven other super stars and will make MVP the eight.
He then tells her that if any other superstars want a shot at his title, he’ll like them all up and give each and every one of them a “one way ticket to Claymore Country.” He then walks off camera, and has to reach back because he forgot his title.
Quick Announcement
A reminder that Rey Mysterio’s Retirement is still to come! We head to commercial break.
Rey Mysterio Speaks
We see Tom Phillips at the Announcer’s Table along with Samoa Joe and Byron Saxton. Tom asks if Mysterio knows when he will be returning to Monday Night RAW, if at all. Mysterio says at this time he doesn’t know, it all depends on his healing and when or if he’s cleared medically.
Mysterio goes on and states, “If an infection were to set in, that could be the end of my career.” Samoa Joe mentions he has known Mysterio for a long time. Joe then questions, “Seth Rollins set up a retirement ceremony for you tonight, are you retiring?” To that, Mysterio says he’s unable to answer at this time as he doesn’t know exactly where the future will lead him right now, or how much recovery will take place for his vision.
Samoa Joe then follows up and asks Mysterio if there’s anything he wants to say about the ceremony Seth Rollins held tonight. Mysterio replies, yes. He then states he wasn’t “chosen” as a “sacrifice”, Seth Rollins made a decision!
Mysterio is interrupted by his son, Dominic. His son states Rollins statements are a bunch of BS and something needs to be done about all this. Mysterio calms his son, putting his hand on his back. Mysterio then looks to the camera and adds he wants to take this time to thank everyone for their concerns. Commentary then ask if there’s an official statement that Mysterio would like to make.
Mysterio agrees there is and then says his official statement is, “Seth Rollins, damn you. Damn you for everything you put my family through. My wife Angie, my son Dominic, and my daughter Aalyah. They watched as you shoved my face into those steel stairs, they watched the blood run down my face. They watched the man that protects and provides for them suffer.”
Mysterio continues, “Then you go around saying I cried like a baby when the cold metal met my flesh. Seth, I truly am a man of forgiveness. But Seth, I will NEVER forgive you for what you’ve done to me, or what you put my family through.”
Seth thanks Dominic and walks off. Dominic watches his dad walk off, then looks into the camera and states,
“Seth Rollins ur a man of scripture. An eye, for an eye.” With that, Dominick walks off as well.
Nia Jax in the Ring
Back in the Performance Center, we hear Nia Jax’s entrance theme blare over the speakers as Jax makes her way down the ramp towards the ring. The broadcaster’s table is discussing Jax’s actions last week on RAW as Phillips sends us to a video clip highlighting the events that took place with Nia Jax attacking Kairi as she played her flute, and again later that night when Asuka attacked Nia. We’re reminded that Jax takes on Asuka for the Raw Women’s Title at Backlash.
Nia is on the mic. She claims that she didn’t start this. She says not to believe who Asuka and Kairi pretend to be. She then goes on to mock their accents and the Japanese language. She tells us that Asuka didn’t earn the title, she was given it because of hormones.
She says Becky went and got pregnant and felt guilty and emotional and gave it to Asuka. Jax claims she’s the victim. Note: as the crowd is booing, it legit sounds like one guy is going “rabble rabble rabble” like the crowds in South Park do. Nia says that she didn’t start this but she’s going to to win the title she deserves at Backlash.
We head to commercial break!
Video Clip – 24/7 Championship
As we return from commercial break, we are sent into a video clip from last week where R-Truth learns that “Robin Gronk” has the 24/7 title, not Tom Brady, and he’s coming for it. We then see Gronk warning R-Truth that he’s going to keep the title because he’s got eyes on the back of his head.
We see a video from earlier today where Gronk is coming outside his house to do a TikTok viral dance, with R-Truth in the back ground pretending to be a groundskeeper. The man filming Gronk pulls off his jacket to reveal a ref’s shirt. Then R-Truth immediately heads in and pins Gronk and wins back the 24/7 Championship!
Winner and New 24/7 Champion: R-Truth!
After the “Match”
The “ref” with Gronk tells him not to worry about it anymore as he has to focus on his new career with the Bucs.
Kairi Sane vs Nia Jax
As we return to the Performance Center once again, Nia is still in the ring. Kairi comes out in traditional Japanese attire and her Japanese parasol umbrella. The crowd cheers for Kairi. Asuka is backstage, watching the action on the monitor and cheering on Kairi.
Before the match begins, we see Jax complaining about something to the referee as Kairi removes her robes. The referee signals for the bell, the bell rings and the match officially begins. Kairi immediately hits Jax with a drop kick. Nia still on her feet, pats Kairi on the head and mocks her. Kairi tries another move but doesn’t even phase Jax. Nia grabs Kairi by the hair and slings her across the ring. Nia bends down to pickup Kairi but Kairi hops up on Nia’s back and locks in a sleeper hold.
Jax can’t get out of it! Jax down to all four. Finally Kairi breaks it, and hits several heel kicks to the back of Jax’s head. Jax still on all fours. Kairi goes up to but Jax is quick to her feet and hits a headbutt. Jax picks Kairi up and threatens a power slam, but Kairi whips around to turn it into a tornado DDT. Kairi covers but only gets a one.
Kairi stomps, building up momentum, and hits the sliding knee to the corner. Kairi heads up top again, but Jax rolls to the outside. Kairi goes for the baseball slide but Nia catches her legs, spins her around, and slams Kairi’s face into the apron. Jax drags Kairi out and sends her face first into the stairs. It looks pretty wicked and like Sane didn’t hit it right. The ref checks on Sane. They take it back into the ring, and Nia hits a leg drop with the pin to end it.
Sane is still down, looks like her face may be a bit bloody. She’s laying with her back to the camera. Asuka charges out and confronts Nia, forcing Jax to back down and back away from the ring. Asuka stares her down as Jax exits and the announcers remind us that Nia Jax is a serious threat to Asuka’s title reign.
Winner: Nia Jax
Video Clip – Orton and Edge
We are sent in to a clip from last Monday where Edge talks about taking on Orton, and being unsure if he still has what it takes, but at Backlash he’s going to dig to the very depths of his soul to try to defeat Orton. We then cut to Orton backstage, staring at a wall and smiling as the camera circles him.
We’re reminded that NXT: In Your House is this Sunday at 7E/4P, and we go to commercial!
Backstage – Randy Orton
“For the past few months at home, sat on the couch, poured a cup of coffee and watched the WWE Network. I caught up on the Undertaker’s Last Ride, Chronicle, 360, hell, even the Ride Along. The one thing everyone seems to have in common is that Ric Flair is the greatest one to do it. I agree. Then last week, I tuned in to Raw and saw the ridin’, flyin’ son of a gun…who said that Randy Orton is the best there is.”
Orton goes on to say that Edge even confirmed that Orton was better. But then last week, Edge said that Orton was complacent and was handed everything and was just doing it for the paycheck. Orton states that Edge was right, but for the last twenty years he’s fought the best there were, and while Edge had to scrape and claw to get where he was, Orton just had to be Randy Orton.
He says that he set the bait, and Edge bit, and the storybook ending for Edge is going to be rewritten by the three most destructive letters in the English language: R…K…………O.
Women’s Champion vs. Champion Match
Charlotte Flair vs AsukaFor this Women’s match, out first is The Queen, Charlotte Flair as she makes her way out to the ring. This is a Women’s Champion versus Champion match tonight. Tom Phillips also promises a sneak peak at the new season of Dirty John right after Raw, and the two-hour season premiere is tomorrow night. We head to yet another, commercial break.
We return from the break and Charlotte is still posing in the ring. She reminds us that this Sunday, she’s defending her NXT title in a triple threat match. She tells the audience that she’s rooting for every one of them. She wants one of them to be the next Rhea Ripley, one of them to be the next Io Shirai, so she can make them all bow down. She goes on to remind everyone that Asuka is a Grand Slam Champion (Raw, SD, NXT and Tag Team champion).
She reminds us that Asuka won the first Women’s Royal Rumble, had a winning streak for a record length of time, and says it sounds like the Empress wants to be the Queen. Finally, Asuka makes her way to the ring for our main event match!
Tom Phillips mentions that Flair seems to enjoy champion versus champion matches, and Samoa Joe points out that Flair loves proving she’s the true champion. Byron Saxton mentions Flair is a 12 time champion.
The bell rings and the women lock up, trading arm locks and reversals. Asuka goes for the Asuka lock early but Flair pops out of it. Both women to their feet, Asuka shoves Charlotte hard. Charlotte takes Asuka to the corner and tells her “I beat you at WrestleMania, I beat you at Smackdown.” Tom Phillips reminds us that Charlotte snapped Asuka’s nearly three-year winning streak at WrestleMania two years ago.
A picture-in-picture commercial airs. We see Charlotte is working over Asuka’s left knee, and controlling the pace of the match. Charlotte continues to stomp Asuka’s knee and work the leg in holds. Charlotte is dominant as we come back to full screen. Asuka is favoring the left knee. Charlotte sets the left leg up on the bottom rope and leaps up, stomping on it. Charlotte sets the leg up and tries for the same move but Asuka rolls her up for a one count.
Charlotte continues the assault on the left knee of Asuka. Asuka comes out of the corner with an elbow but Charlotte shuts her down. Charlotte with a shot to the face of Asuka, sending her to the mat. Asuka to her knees, Charlotte with another shot.
Asuka is finally firing up as both men trade blows. Asuka hits her Asuka combination, and Charlotte’s got a little blood from her lips. Charlotte charges in but Asuka hits a beautiful high/side kick to Charlotte, sending her down. Crowd is chanting for Asuka.
Both women in opposite corners. Asuka with the German Suplex. Charlotte on her knees, Asuka hits the Shining Wizard and gets a two count. Charlotte still down on the mat as Asuka makes her way to the apron and uses the ropes to pull herself up.
Asuka goes up top and dives off, but Charlotte dodges, ducks, dips, dives and dodges. Charlotte moves on Asuka, who slaps on an Armbar submission beautifully and gracefully. Charlotte uses her strength to pull out of it and converts the Armbar into a Boston Crab! Asuka flips and reverses it into a pin attempt, but Charlotte kicks out at two!
Charlotte to her feet first and hits a powerful German Suplex on Asuka. She got a lot of height on it, too. Both women up. Charlotte goes for a big boot but Asuka ducks. Both women off the ropes, Asuka hits a beautiful Flying Armbar and locks it down on the ground. Asuka turns it into a Triangle hold!
Charlotte can’t get out of it so she uses her strength, stands up while Asuka still has the arm bar locked on, and hits an incredible Powerbomb. She gets a two count but Asuka gets the shoulder up. Both women down on the mat, winded. Charlotte grabs Asuka by the left leg and drags her across the ring, wanting to setup the figure four, but Asuka gets to the ropes. Asuka out to the Apron and Charlotte hits the big boot, sending Asuka to the ringside.
The ref is counting as Asuka’s music sounds. Out comes Nia Jax, wearing one of Asuka’s mask and the green eye/mouth makeup, distracting her. The ref reaches ten but Asuka didn’t hear it due to the music/Jax’s interference.
Winner: Charlotte Flair (By Count-Out)
Backstage – Lana
As we head backstage, we immediately are sent to a clip from earlier tonight where Lana calls MVP’s career washed up, and he says Lana’s is, too, so she slaps him. Charly has to ask in light of recent events, could it have been Bobby’s idea that Lana not come out to ringside during his matches, or maybe MVP’s idea?
Lana says she’s not sure, then she says no, she’s actually certain it wasn’t her Bobby. He’d never do that. She says her Bobby requested that she not go out to the ring during his match but he never said anything about going out during MVP’s match.
New Version of WWE Network Promo
We get a promo for the new free version of the WWE Network, then commercial break time before our final match! They’re setting up the new WWE Network tier system.
Main Event: WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs MVP
We return from from the break, and Bobby Lashley is coming out to a chorus of boos, a cacophony if you will, and stands in the corner as MVP comes out to the ring next. Lashley fist bumps MVP then climbs out the ring.
We hear the bag pipes and the Performance Center Trainees in attendance really get worked up to see him. Drew makes his way to the ring as Tom Phillips tells us we are, indeed, in Claymore Country.
As the opponents are getting ready, Lana’s music plays and she makes her entrance. Lashley does not look happy. The Ravishing former-Russian comes and stands by her husband, who looks perplexed. The bell sounds and McIntyre immediately takes it to MVP, pounding him down in the corner.
MVP sends Drew into the corner and goes for a hip toss, but Drew blocks it and hits a meat clothesline. MVP up to his feet but Drew hits the Glasgow Kiss headbutt, sending MVP to the outside.
McIntyre follows him out but gets distracted by Lashley, allowing MVP to take advantage. MVP sends Drew into the railing, then back into the ring. MVP tries for a clothesline but Drew counters.
Drew goes up top, working up the crowd before diving with a big hand right between the eyes. McIntyre kips up immediately and goes tot he corner for the countdown, but Lashley helps MVP get out of the ring. Drew runs and dives over the top rope, landing on Lashley and MVP.
Back in the ring, Drew counts down and hits the Claymore for the win!
Winner: Drew McIntyre
After the Match
Bobby Lashley storms the ring and immediately hits the Full Nelson on McIntyre. Drew tries to wrench out of it but can’t; Lashley backs up all over the ring, wrenching backwards and stretching Drew in the lock and–
–the show abruptly ends with Lashley holding the Full Nelson on McIntyre and we head to the Dirty John sneak peak. That’s how the show ended.
Odd ending for tonight’s RAW… but that’s all she wrote! (She, being… me.) Stay healthy and stay safe!
