WWE RAW Opener:
Tonight’s show starts off with a graphic In Memory of Mr. Fuji.
We see what happened last week to lead to tonight’s Universal Title Match.
– Corey Graves is in the ring with the WWE Universal Title. Sitting on stools are Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens and Big Cass.
Seth interrupts and he says Corey did not mention the real reason why they are out here. It is because of him. If it wasn’t for what he did to Finn Balor, he wouldn’t have undergone shoulder surgery or relinquish the title. Seth says he is the favorite to win and he says that he is the number one pick. Seth says he will donate his speaking time to one of the other guys.
He gives his time to Kevin Owens.
Kevin says that is incredibly generous. Kevin says he is a fan of Culture Shock because it helps him sleep. Kevin says it is an honor to be in a match with competitors like yourself. He says it is exciting.
Corey asks Kevin for his thoughts on the match.
Kevin says he thought they wanted everyone to be nice. Isn’t that why they made it look like group therapy. Kevin says it is simple why he is going to win. With Sami Zayn out of the picture.
Seth takes credit for that.
Kevin says now that Sami is out of the picture he can focus on the Universal Title. Kevin says he is a prize fighter. Seth talks big, but Kevin says he delivers big. Kevin says Roman fights hard, but he fights smart. Big Cass… you’re just really tall. Does that count for something?
Big Cass says it does.
Kevin points out that Big Cass can talk for himself. He thought Big Cass had a string in his back for that idiot Enzo to pull so he could say How You Doin’.
Big Cass wants to know if Kevin thought that up himself or did Jericho write it for him. He says he knows that he is new around here, he has never won a championship. That means he has nothing to lose. Nobody is expecting him to win.
Seth says that even Enzo bet against him.
Big Cass says he is not an underdog, he is the biggest dog in this fight. Big Cass tells Seth no matter what you think or what you have been telling yourself, size does matter.
Seth tells everyone to shut up and he is taking his time back.
Seth tells everyone to shut up and he is taking his time back. Seth says he is glad this match is under Elimination Rules because he will shove Colin’s words down his mouth. Then he will send Kevin back to his jabrone scarf wearing friend Chris Jericho. There are a few certainties, death, taxes, and Seth Rollins beats Roman Reigns. Seth wants Corey to asks Roman how will he beat Seth.
Roman is asked the question and Kevin laughs at the reaction to Roman. Roman punches Owens and then Rollins punches Colin. Roman sends Rollins into the corner.
Roman and Colin stand off in the center of the ring but Rollins hits Roman from behind. Roman punches Seth. Roman sends Colin to the floor and he hits Seth with a Superman punch. Roman stands tall in the ring next to the title belt.
– Still to come, Paul Heyman will address Brock Lesnar’s actions and fine. We see Chris Jericho walking backstage before going to commercial.
Backstage:
We are back and Tom Phillips is with Chris Jericho. Chris calls Felipe a genius for pointing out he is facing Neville. Chris says he was helping his friend last week and he did not have to help Owens last week and he won’t have to help Owens when he wins the Universal Title. Chris talks about Neville and his cape and he sings the Mighty Mouse theme song. Jericho asks Phillips if he knows what Neville is going to get. Tom says “IT” but Chris calls him an idiot for thinking that. He will get a Taste of Jericho and he can drink it in… man.
Neville vs. Chris Jericho
Jericho backpedals from Neville but Neville with a forearm and chops. Neville with a flying forearm and running forearm. Neville blocks a drop kick and catches Jericho and catapults him over the top rope to the floor. Jericho moves when Neville sets for a dive to the floor so he bounces back into the ring while Jericho argues with fans. Neville goes to the floor and he taps on Jericho’s shoulder. Jericho begs for mercy but Neville with a kick and then he sends Jericho into the apron. Neville goes up top and hits a cross body for a near fall.
Jericho seeks the refuge of the official. Neville kicks Jericho and then the referee gets in the way and Jericho with a rake of the eyes. Jericho with a clothesline and punches as we go to commercial.
We are back and Jericho pushes Neville off the turnbuckles. Jericho with an elbow off the turnbuckles for a near fall. Jericho punches Neville. Jericho with a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Jericho with a knee but Neville with a kick followed by a boot to the temple. Jericho with an elbow to Neville but Neville sends Jericho over the top rope and Jericho lands on the apron and he goes up top but Neville with a back heel kick followed by a standing shooting star press for a near fall.
Jericho goes to the floor on an Irish whip. Neville follows and hits a sliding kick to Jericho from the apron. Neville with an Asai Moonsault. Neville goes up top and Jericho tries to knock him off but Neville goes to the apron. Neville with a springboard drop kick for a near fall. Neville with forearms followed by an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Jericho goes for a bulldog but Neville is able to escape and Jericho goes into the turnbuckles. Neville with a forearm to the back of the neck and then he goes for a deadlft German suplex but Jericho counters and tries for the Walls of Jericho. Neville with an inside cradle for a near fall. Jericho goes for a Codebreaker but Neville blocks it and hits a super kick. Neville goes up top and goes for the Red Arrow but he lands on his feet.
Neville goes for a rana but Jericho blocks it and he applies the Liontamer and Neville has to tap out.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Backstage:
We see footage of Bayley from earlier tonight walking in the back and hugging a random person. She stops when she sees the New Day. The New Day freak out at seeing Bayley and start singing.
Dana Brooke interrupts Bayley and she calls her unprofessional. Dana says Bayley is never going to succeed and she does not belong here. Big E reminds Dana of who who who who who Bayley beat. Dana says she was not ready to wrestle last week. She says she is going to get Gallows and Anderson. Kofi likes that idea and they can face Bayley and the New Day. Bayley tells Dana off and then Bayley celebrates with the New Day as we go to commercial.
Nia Jax vs. Hian
Andrea D’Marco interviewed Hian and she says that everything is bigger in Texas and so is her heart.
Nia with a clothesline and then she sends Hian to the mat and kicks her in the back. Nia with shoulders in the corner and then she hits a running splash into the corner. Nia gets Hian up and hits a power slam from the shoulders for the three count.
Winner: Nia Jax
Backstage:
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows say they use to be doctors, but now they are in the retirement business. They are at the OLD FART facility. Some people need encouragement to retire and they did that for the Dudley Boyz last week. Karl says there is another team that should be retiring, as the Tag Team Champions. Karl says they have a program for them, but Luke does not give the right answer. Karl says they have a nurse who can help them out and it is Dana Brooke. We go to commercial.
– We are back with a video package for Seth Rollins as we start taking a look at the four participants in the Universal Title Match. Seth says there is room at the top for only one person and it is going to be him. He says people call him an opportunist and people think it is an insult, but Seth does not. It does not get any better fighting for the top title. He will walk out as Universal Champion.
Jinder Mahal vs. Sami Zayn
They lock up and Zayn with a waist lock and Mahal with a wrist lock. Zayn with an arm wringer and arm bar. Zayn with a hammer lock but Mahal with an elbow to the head. Mahal with forearms but Zayn leaps over Mahal and hits a leg lariat but Zayn hesitates since it was the move he injured himself last week. Zayn with chops and Mahal goes to the floor and he tries to pull Sami to the floor. Zayn kicks Mahal away and Mahal with a Northern Lariat and he punches Zayn.
Mahal with a back elbow and he backs Zayn into the corner and he punches Zayn and hits a drop kick to the back of the head. Mahal goes for a slam but Zayn lands on his feet. Zayn with a clothesline and then he hits an Exploder into the turnbuckles. Zayn with a Helluva Kick for the three count.
Winner: Sami Zayn
– Still to come, Bayley and The New Day vs. Dana Brooke and The Club. Also, a Sasha Banks medical update. Back to commercial.
– We are back and Charlotte is with the announcers. Michael mentions that they have an update on Sasha’s health and we go to the Raw Pre-Show.
Lita asks Sasha when she knew she was hurt. Sasha says that she knew Charlotte was a coward, but she did not expect Charlotte to try to end her career. Lita asked Sasha about Charlotte and Sasha says there will be a new Boss when she comes back and you can bank on that. Charlotte can have her daddy or friends there.
The New Day and Bayley vs. Dana Brooke, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
We go to the ring and out comes Bayley with WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day. Out next comes Dana Brooke with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Dana and Balye start things off. They lock up and Dana sends Bayley to the mat and Dana punches Bayley. Bayley with a few near falls and an arm bar. Dana with a forearm and she sends Bayley into the turnbuckles but Bayley returns the favor. Bayley sends her into the turnbuckles one more time. Anderson tags in and Big E with a belly-to-belly suplex. Kofi tags in and Big E with a snap mare and Kofi with a kick for a near fall. Big E tags in and Kofi with an Irish whip and Big E with a shoudler tackle. Kofi leaps off Big E’s back and then Big E with a belly-to-belly suplex.
Dana distracts the referee to allow Gallows to hit Big E when the referee was not looking Gallows tags in and uppercuts Big E and then Gallows misses an elbow drop. Anderson and Kofi tag in and Kofi with a springboard chop and chops to Anderson followed by a drop kick and flying clothesline. Kofi with the Boom Drop and then he sets for Trouble in Paradise but Kofi misses. Kofi with a back heel kick and then he kicks Anderson in the corner. Big E tags in and he kicks Anderson. Kofi comes in and does some more kicking. Big E tags back in and he kicks Anderson. Kofi comes in and Big E Irish whips Kofi into the corner for a baseball slide. Bayley tags in and she is Irish whipped for a drop kick. Bayley with a drop kick to Dana and Dana goes to the floor.
It is dancing time as we go to commercial.
We are back and we are looking at the announcers and Charlotte while the match continues.
Anderson climbs the turnbuckles to try to superplex Kofi but Kofi pushes him off. Kofi with a clothesline to the back of Gallows. Kofi with a springboard move but Anderson catches Kofi and hits a spinebuster. Anderson punches Kofi. Gallows tags in and he puts Kofi in the tree of woe and hits a drop kick. Gallows with a belly-to-back suplex and he gets a near fall. Gallows with elbows to the chest and then he applies a reverse chin lock. Kofi with elbows to try to get out of the chin lock but Gallows sends Kofi to the mat again.
Anderson tags in and he drops a knee to the chin. More stuff happens but the camera was focused on the announcers. Anderson misses a knee drop as the cameramen remember a match is going on. Gallows waits to pull Big E off the apron and he succeeds. Anderson pulls Kofi out of the corner. Gallows clotheslines Big E on the floor. Kofi with a leaping double stomp.
Bayley tags in and she clotheslines Dana and then runs her into the corner. Bayley with a running back elbow and an exploder. Bayley goes to the turnbuckles and hits a corkscrew elbow and Anderson pulls Dana out of the ring. Big E takes care of Anderson and Gallows takes care of Big E. Kofi with a plancha onto Gallows. Dana with a rollup for a near fall. Bayley with a belly-to-belly suplex for the three count.
Winners: The New Day and Bayley
After the match, Charlotte stands up at the announce table while Bayley celebrates in her general direction.
Backstage:
Cesaro is in the locker room and he is asked by Tom Phillips about possibly being down 2-0 against Sheamus. Cesaro says he is in a rough spot down 1-0 but he will get that title match by winning this series. He says any day that he can beat up Sheamus, it is a good day. No one likes Sheamus. Sheamus is a big bully who likes to throw his weight around. Cesaro says he will throw Sheamus around and around and around and around and around. We go to commercial.
– We are back with a look at Colin Cassady. He says as a kid you are always imagining your debut in the WWE. He says everything was worth it. He feeds off the people. If they are giving him the energy, he will give it back. We see footage from last week’s match. He says he does not care who he has to go through, but he will be the Universal Champion.
Best of 7 Series, Match #2: Sheamus vs. Cesaro
Before the next match, Byron Saxton is in the ring and Sheamus takes the mic. He says he heard what the Swiss Miss said about him. He knows that Cesaro is desperate. This is all he has. He is not charming, witty, or handsome like him. Cesaro has not starred in a blockbuster movie. Cesaro has been trying his whole life to become a WWE Champion. How will he truly feel when as good as he is and with as many sacrifices he made when he finds out that Sheamus is truly… better.
They lock up and Cesaro with a take down and rollup for a near fall. Sheamus gets to the ropes and Cesaro releases the hold. Cesaro goes for the leg and he gets a near fall. Cesaro backs Sheamus into the corner. Sheamus with a side head lock and take down. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle and then Cesaro with a take down and Sheamus blocks the giant swing so Cesaro with a double stomp and he gets a near fall.
Sheamus goes to the aprona nd Sheamus with a shoulder and then he goes for the forearms from the apron but Cesaro with an elbow and Sheamus goes to the floor and he holds his forearm. Cesaro with European uppercuts and he sends Sheamus back into the ring. Sheamus wants Cesaro to stop because he hurt his elbow. Cesaro hits Sheamus in the injured arm. Cesaro drops the arm across Cesaro’s shoulder and then he continues to work on the arm. Sheamus with a punch and kicks but Cesaro with a drop kick and clothesline that sends Sheamus to the floor.
Cesaro with a running boot to knock Sheamus off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Sheamus with a reverse chin lock. Cesaro with elbows and then Cesaro with a European uppercut. Sheamus with a uranage back breaker for a near fall. Sheamus stomps on the midsection and he tries for the cloverleaf but Cesaro uses his strength to not get turned over. Cesaro with a kick. Sheamus misses a Brogue Kick and Cesaro with a springboard corkscrew European uppercut for a near fall.
Cesaro goes for the giant swing but Sheamus gets to the ropes. Cesaro pulls Sheamus off the ropes and hits a sit out power bomb and he gets a near fall. Cesaro goes up top and hits a cross body but Sheamus rolls through and gets a near fall. Cesaro with a running European uppercut and follows with another. Cesaro with an Irish whip and Sheamus with an elbow and he gets a near fall with his foot on the ropes. The referee and Sheamus argue and Cesaro with a series of European uppercuts. Cesaro with an Irish whip and European uppercut. He does it again and then Cesaro puts Sheamus on the turnbuckles and hits a drop kick that knocks Sheamus off the turnbuckles and to the floor.
Cesaro sets for a running European uppercut but Sheamus back drops Cesaro into the ring post. Sheamus applies the Cloverleaf and Cesaro has to tap out.
Winner: Sheamus (2-0)
– Michael Cole mentions the death of Mr. Fuji and his thirty year career in the WWE. We take a look back at the life of Mr. Fuji.
We go to commercial.
– We are back with a video package for Kevin Owens. He says coming to the WWE was a dream of his. He needs to do what he has to do. He says he has always done what he had to do to get ahead. He wants to be the guy on top. We see his match against Neville from last week. He says he shocked the WWE on his first night in and he has maintained that path. It makes things easy to just him on what he has done. He wants to be champion and if that means stabbing someone else in the back, he will do it.
Braun Strowman vs. Americo
Byron Saxton is in the ring with Americo, the latest Braun Strowman victim. He is asked why does he think his chances are any better, but Braun’s presence freezes him.
Strowman send Americo into the corner and connects with knees and then runs Americo into the turnbuckles twice and then tosses Americo to the mat. Strowman sends Americo into the ring and spikes him into the mat and gets the three count.
Winner: Braun Strowman
After the match, Strowman pulls the mask off Americo.
– Stephanie McMahon walks in the back and we go to commercial.
In the Arena:
Stephanie McMahon makes her way to the ring. She welcomes everyone to this historic edition of Monday Night Raw. We are moments away from crowning the Universal Champion. First she says we need to address the actions of Brock Lesnar. Brock crossed the line by putting his hands on an official and on her brother. She says that people thought she had no problem with what happened to Shane, but no one does that to her family.
Paul Heyman comes out and he wants Stephanie to indulge him, but she will have none of this indulging and she wants Paul to apologize.
Paul calls Stephanie Madam McMahon and she does not want him to call her that.
Paul says he did not want to seem too presumptive to call her Stephanie, but when his client defeated Randy Orton, it was a victory for her brand . . . their brand over Shane’s brand. Raw beat Smackdown thanks to Brock Lesnar. When Brock hit an official and gave an F-5 to the Smackdown COO. Paul told Brock to stop and he tried to protect Shane. Paul says he is here to pay Brock’s fine of $500.
Paul pulls out a giant wad of cash and he counts is off as he throws the money onto the mat. Stephanie knocks the money away and Stephanie says that Paul said Brock provides value to Raw, but what value does Paul bring to Raw? Stephanie tells Paul to think about his children when he has to tell them that he patronized Stephanie McMahon. There is a storm coming and it comes your fat way.
Paul says the angel came down and told the advocate that he will not survive the storm but the advocate’s client BROCK LESNAR IS THE STORM. His message goes straight out to Stephanie McMahon. Paul says he knows the compromising position Brock put Stephanie in. The position they put her in with the board of directors. A board that one day you will dictate to. They understand the compromising position you are in with your father, the chairman of the board that you can control the wrestlers and the one fighter on the roster.
Paul mentions the women’s empowerment movement and Stephanie says the revolution is real. Paul says he is looking at the heir to the boardroom and the single heir to the WWE fortune. Paul says the sword of Damacles is hanging over your head. Paul says with great humility, he asks her, he begs her that she accept this as a fine paid, a lesson learned, and as an apology sincerely delivered.
Stephanie accepts the apology and walks away. Paul has an evil look on his face as she walks to the back.
– We take a look back at the injury suffered by Finn Balor during the Universal title match at SummerSlam.
– Titus O’Neil and Darren Young walk in split screen as we go to commercial.
– We are back and we take a look at Roman Reigns and his quest for the Universal Title. Roman says the champion will be THE GUY.
Darren Young (with Bob Backlund) vs. Titus O’Neil
Young and Titus exchange punches and Titus goes to the floor and he wants a time out. Titus gets back onto the apron and he tells the referee to keep Darren away. Titus goes after Darren but Darren moves and he chops Titus. Darren with a flying forearm and a neck breaker. Darren chops Titus and Titus with an Irish whip that sends Darren over the top rope to the floor and Darren is down. Titus gives the cameraman his camera back and tells him to take a picture.
Titus sends Darren back into the ring and he slams Darren. Titus chops Darren and then he works on the neck. Titus slaps Darren. Darren kicks and punches Titus but Titus with a knee to the midsection and then Titus with a pump handle accordion slam. Titus returns to the neck. Titus tells Darren and Bob that Darren owes him. Titus with a kick and a short arm clothesline for a near fall.
Darren with a crucifix rollup for the three count.
Winner: Darren Young
After the match, Darren sends Titus to the floor and Bob celebrates with Darren. Titus attacks Darren and then he goes after Backlund. Titus gives Darren Clash of the Titus.
Backstage:
Mick Foley says that he should have been out there and had Stephanie’s back. Mick says that they need to maintain the integrity of the match and keep all tag team partners and friends from ringside. Stephanie says it is important because they are crowning the first Universal Champion (sic). Seth Rollins shows up and he says that they will be proud of him. Stephanie says there is a reason why Seth was the first draft pick and it is his night. We go to commercial.
Fatal 4 Way Elimination Match for the WWE Universal Title
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins vs. Big Cass vs. Kevin Owens
We go to the ring and out first comes Roman Reigns followed by Kevin Owens. Seth Rollins is out next. This match will crown the second-ever WWE Universal Champion. Enzo Amore joins Cass on his way to the ring and Colin says tonight he shocks the world and becomes the new WWE Universal Champion. That will prove to the three in the ring, there is one word to describe you and he will spell it out for you. We get formal ring introductions from JoJo. Back to commercial.
The bell rings and Owens goes to the floor to talk with Stephanie. Colin and Roman pinball Seth and then Colin clotheslines Seth over the top rope to the floor. Owens hits Roman from behind and Seth hits Colin from behind. Owens sends roman into the turnbuckles and Colin chops Rollins. Roman sends Owens into the turnbuckles and punches him. Colin follows Rollins to the floor and Rollins kicks Colin. Owens punches Roman while Seth and Colin return to the ring.
Rollins tries for a suplex but Colin blocks it and hits one and gets a near fall. Colin punches Seth in the ribs and Owens returns to the ring and he is followed in by Roman. Roman kicks Owens in the corner. Rollins punches Colin and Roman picks up Owens. Roman punches Owens and Colin with an Irish whip but Colin runs into a boot. Rollins is knocked over the top rope by an uppercut by Colin.
Owens goes to the floor as well and Roman and Colin exchange punches. Roman with a side head lock and flying clothesline and then Colin blocks a Superman punch. Roman with elbows and then Colin with a running boot that sends Roman over the top rope to the floor and Colin goes over the top rope as well from the momentum of the kick. Rollins with a suicide dive onto Colin but Owens drops Rollins on the ringside barrier. Owens grabs Colin and Roman with a plancha onto Kevin and Colin as we go to commercial.
We are back and everyone is still outside the ring. Owens goes after Colin and goes to the apron and hits a Cactus Jack Elbow drop after gesturing to Foley. Rollins throws Owens aside and Rollins gets a near fall on Colin. Rollins with a reverse chin lock. Owens comes in and he punches Rollins and kicks him to the floor. Owens with a short arm clothesline to Colin and then knocks Roman off the apron before hitting a back senton and getting a near fall on Colin.
Owens punches Colin and Colin punches back. Owens puts Colin’s leg in the rope and Owens kicks the thigh. Owens sets up Colin in the corner and he is pulled from the ring before going for the cannonball. Rollins sends Owens into the ringside barrier.
Rollins with a flatliner into the turnbuckles and hits a forearm in the corner. Reigns with clotheslines to Rollins followed by a flying clothesline. Reigns with one to Owens as well. Colin with a boot to Reigns and he is the one left standing in the ring. Colin with shoudler tackles followed by a Stinger Splash to Owens and Rollins in the same corner. Colin with one to Rollins and then Owens. Owens is knocked off the apron by Colin. Rollins with a rollup on Colin for a near fall. Colin with a slam and leaping elbow drop. Reigns with a Superman Punch to Colin. Rollins moves when Reigns goes for a running shoulder in the corner. Rollins with a super kick to Colin but he can only get a near fall. Owens with a frog splash to Colin to pin him.
Colin Cassady Eliminated
We go to commercial.
We are back and Owens goes for a superplex but Reigns turns it into a tower of doom spot. Reigns covers Owens and gets a near fall. Roman gets a near fall on Rollins. Reigns with Neverending Story to Rollins. Reigns misses a short arm clothesline but Rollins misses a round kick. Reigns with a kick to Rollins and he sets for the Superman punch and Rollins moves. Rollins goes for an O’Connor Roll but Roman holds on. Roman goes to the floor and he punches Rollins when Seth goes for a suicide dive. Rollins stops a second Superman punch attempt and gets a near fall after a Falcon Arrow.
Rollins with a kick and he goes for the Pedigree but Rollins is sent to the apron. Rollins goes up top and Roman with a superman punch and Roman can only get a near fall. Roman sets for the spear but Rollins with a knee and enzuigiri. Owens with a super kick to Rollins and he hits a cannonball on Roman and then one for Rollins. Reigns with a superman punch and Owens kicks out.
Owens with a kick and Reigns with a Superman punch to counter the Pop Up Powerbomb. Reigns wtih a rollup into a one arm sit out power bomb but Rollins kicks out. Reigns goes to the floor for the Juggernaut Broad Jump Drop Kick on Rollins and then he hits a Superman punch off the steps to Owens. Reigns with a spear to Rollins on the floor. Triple H comes out and hits a Pedigree on Roman.
Hunter sends Roman back into the ring and he tells Rollins to do it. Rollins crawls and covers Roman and pins him.
Roman Reigns Eliminated
Triple H rolls Owens back into the ring. Hunter kicks Rollins and Pedigrees him and then Owens is in shock and he covers Rollins and pins him.
Winner and NEW Universal Champion: Kevin Owens
After the match, Triple H celebrates with Owens. He leaves the ring and stops to stare at Foley and Stephanie before walking to the back. They’re shocked also. We get replays and shots of Owens going wild with the title. RAW goes off the air with the new WWE Universal Champion celebrating.
