Pre-Show:
The WWE Great Balls of Fire Kickoff pre-show opens up from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas with Renee Young, David Otunga and Peter Rosenberg. They hype the show and send us back to Charly Caruso in the Social Media Lounge. She will be joined by Paul Heyman later tonight. Fans can submit questions with the “#AskHeyman” hashtag.
– Renee Young set up a video package for the Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns ambulance match.
– Backstage, Mike Rome interviewed Seth Rollins, who spoke about how much Bray Wyatt babbles. He said Wyatt has made it clear that he considers himself a god and has singled him out because he doesn’t buy into his BS and labeled him a false prophet. Rollins said Wyatt wants to play mind games with him, but the last year of his life has been one big mind game so Wyatt doesn’t have a chance. Rollins said Wyatt is not a god, he’s a man and he will pay for his sins.
– Young and company discussed the Rollins vs. Wyatt match, but they were interrupted. Wyatt delivered a backstage interview and spoke about how his fists will tear through Rollins’ spirit. He said Rollins will face the force of over a thousand men. He said he would make Rollins a believer. “Tonight, Seth, you’re gonna burn,” Wyatt said before laughing.
– Rosenberg and Otunga both predicted a Bray Wyatt win.
– The focus shifted to the Raw Tag Title match and the Iron Man match rules. Otunga went with Sheamus and Cesaro to retain, while Rosenberg went with the Hardys.
– Young set up a video package on the Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks match for the Raw Women’s Championship.
– Dana Brooke joined the panel at their desk. She said you can hear a pin drop in the women’s locker room. Emma showed up and motioned for Brooke to join her. Brooke said she would have to speak more with Emma, but stuck around long enough to predict a Sasha Banks win. Otunga predicted a Banks win, and Rosenberg went with Bliss.
– Next up was a discussion on the Intercontinental Championship match. Otunga said there was a method to Dean Ambrose’s madness in that he tried to create a rift between The Miz and Maryse. Otunga and Rosenberg both predicted a Miz victory.
– Young set up a video package on the Enzo Amore vs. Big Cass match. Young questioned whether there was any way that Enzo could get a win over Cass. She said the size is too different. Rosenberg and Otunga both said there is no way.
– Paul Heyman was interviewed by Charly Caruso in the social media lounge. Heyman stood behind his chair and said he wasn’t going to put himself in a vulnerable position for Samoa Joe, who likes to jump him and Brock Lesnar from behind. Heyman was asked what his reaction would be if Joe beat Lesnar. He said it would be a joke. He said Joe took his best shot and him and Lesnar, and now he has to go face-to-face with The Beast. The next question was whether he would ever align himself with Joe. Heyman questioned in what capacity and said he is the exclusive advocate for Lesnar, then sang Lesnar’s praises. “I’m going to trade up Brock Lesnar for Samoa Joe, who has to jump people from behind?” he asked.
Finally, Heyman was asked if Joe is Lesnar’s most dangerous opponent. “Unquestionably,” Heyman said. “No doubt in my mind.” Heyman said this is no cake walk for Lesnar. He said it won’t be a quick trip to Suplex City and Lesnar will not walk away the same way he walked in. He said Joe will take a pice of Lesnar, and this is a fight for Lesnar’s well being. Heyman said the only person who understands this more than him is Lesnar himself. He said to imagine what Lesnar will do to keep that title away from Joe and around his own waist.
– Young said it seemed like Lesnar and Heyman were taking Joe seriously. Her sidekicks agreed.
– The broadcast team of Vic Joseph and Corey Graves checked in from the broadcast table on the stage for the Kickoff Show match.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Neville vs. Akira Tozawa (w/Titus O’Neil)
Vic Joseph is on commentary with Corey Graves. Out first comes WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. Akira Tozawa is out next with Titus Worldwide leader Titus O’Neil.
Tozawa gets a big “Ah!” chant going before they lock up. Back and forth to start. Tozawa nails a big kick to the face and a senton. Neville ends up on the apron but Tozawa kicks him to the floor. Tozawa with another “Ah!” chant. Tozawa runs the ropes for a dive but Neville meets him with a kick. Neville comes back into the ring and stomps as Titus looks on. Neville sends Tozawa to the floor and launches him into the barrier. We go to a commercial.
Back from the break and Neville drops Tozawa in the ring. Neville runs the ropes and hits a sliding kick for another 2 count. Titus tries to rally fans for Tozawa but Neville works him over. Neville talks some trash and mushes Tozawa. Tozawa fights back with chops. Tozawa keeps control but Neville ducks a kick. Tozawa with a suplex. Tozawa stands tall and is fired up now.
Tozawa goes to the top but Neville rolls out of the way to the floor. Tozawa runs the ropes and hits a suicide dive. Tozawa goes back in and nails another dive. Tozawa brings it back in for a close 2 count as Titus cheers him on. Tozawa ends up caught on Neville’s shoulders. Tozawa counters and turns that into the Octopus Stretch. Neville makes it to the rope and breaks the hold. Tozawa with another “Ah!” chant. Tozawa goes to the top but Neville gets to his feet. Tozawa rolls through. More back and forth now. Neville with a big dropkick to the chest for a 2 count. Neville with a big forearm in the corner.
Neville goes to the top but wastes some time as fans boo. Neville misses from the top and Tozawa rolls him up for 2. Tozawa keeps on and hits a Shining Wizard. Tozawa keeps control with more offense but gets crotched on the top. Neville kicks the rope and adds insult to injury. Titus isn’t happy as Neville waits for Tozawa. Neville with a kick to the gut for the pin.
Winner: Neville
– We go back to the panel for more hype on tonight’s matches and the WWE Network. Renee leads us to a video package for tonight’s WWE Universal Title match. That’s all for the pre-show.
WWE Great Balls Of Fire Opener:
The show opens with a 50’s themed video package highlighting the main feuds heading into tonight’s show. Reigns vs. Strowman is the first match highlighted, with Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks and of course Joe vs. Lesnar getting some attention as well.
Michael Cole welcomes us to the show, and he doesn’t skip a beat as the lights go out and Bray Wyatt makes his way down the aisle. The fireflies are out in full force as Wyatt heads toward the ring.
Seth Rollins’ music hits, and he makes his way out to a huge pop from the crowd.
Bray Wyatt vs. Seth Rollins
The bell rings and both men circle each other before Rollins goes to work on Wyatt’s arm, then clamps on a headlock. Wyatt is able to push Rollins off, but Rollins comes in with a knee to the gut and a stiff kick to the spine, and Wyatt simply laughs. We get a lockup and Wyatt backs Rollins into the corner. Rollins ducks a clothesline, but he finds himself backed up when he finds himself staring at Bray Wyatt in the corner. Rollins recovers quickly and knocks Wyatt out of the ring. Rollins goes for a suicide dive and runs right into an elbow to the face from Wyatt. Wyatt takes Rollins into the corner and blasts him with a big right hand before going for another clothesline. Rollins catches Wyatt and slams his face into the middle turnbuckle. Rollins catches an elbow to the face from Wyatt and both men roll out to the apron where Wyatt pushes Seth off and he lands face first on the ring steps.
Wyatt sends Rollins crashing into the barricade, then rolls him into the ring and goes for an immediate pin. Wyatt keeps up the assault, stomping at Rollins and stalking him around the ring, chopping his chest. Wyatt seats Rollins on the top turnbuckle and climbs up after him. Rollins is able to fight back with a series of head butts. Bray stops a sunset powerbomb attempt, and he connects with a superplex from the middle rope. Bray goes for the pin, but Rollins is able to kick out at two.
Wyatt and Rollins trade forearms in the middle of the ring. Bray lands a blow to Rollins back to send him out to the apron. Wyatt follows and executes a DDT on the apron before shoving Rollins back into the ring. Bray goes for the pin but is only able to get a two count. Bray works Rollins into an immediate rear chin lock. Bray goes for a running senton, but Rollins is able to roll out of the way.
Rollins sends Wyatt out through the ropes to the floor, but Wyatt is right back in. Rollins and Wyatt both struggle to go for a suplex, so Rollins goes for a dropkick that sends Wyatt crashing to the outside. Rollins goes for the suicide dive and connects this time. Rollins sends Wyatt back into the ring and hits a springboard forearm that puts Wyatt down for a two count. Wyatt is able to pull himself up in the corner, and Rollins launches himself in with a splash before connecting with a sling blade. Rollins goes to the second rope and leaps off with a blockbuster to put down Bray for another two count.
Rollins delivers elbows to the side of Wyatt’s head and he tries for a superkick but Wyatt blocks it. Wyatt tries for Sister Abigail, but Rollins blocks it and hits an enzugiri. Bray connects with a giant clothesline, but Rollins comes right back with a falcon arrow to put Wyatt down for two. Rollins heads to the top rope, and Wyatt hits the ropes, causing Rollins to crotch himself. Wyatt tries to steal the win, but Rollins is able to kick out at two. Bray picks up Rollins and plants him with the best urunage I think I’ve ever seen, but Rollins won’t stay down for three. Wyatt screams at Rollins to fight him before slapping him in the face. Wyatt taunts the crowd, and turns around into a flurry of strikes from Rollins, but Wyatt comes back with a kick to the knee. Wyatt rolls to the outside and Rollins attacks with another series of punches from the ring while Wyatt stands on the floor. Wyatt gets in a cheap shot to the eye and steps into the ring to put Rollins down with a Sister Abigail for the three count.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
After the match, Wyatt stands tall as we go to replays. Wyatt poses on his knees as Rollins recovers and sells the eye poke. Wyatt makes his exit.
Backstage:
After some commercials, the Hardy Boyz are interviewed backstage about their Tag Team Championship match tonight. Matt says before he left home, he watched half an hour of superhero cartoons with his children, and tonight they step into the ring with two super villains with superhuman strength. How delightfully ironic. Jeff says if it means losing a few more teeth, winning their titles back will be worth it. They make history, break barriers, and break bars.
– The announcers turn their attention to Big Cass vs. Enzo Amore, and a video package highlighting the rise and fall of the tag team from Jersey.
In the Arena:
Enzo Amore is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and he gets a very warm welcome. Enzo does his usual spiel, letting the crowd know he’s the realest guy in the room and asking how everyone’s doing. Enzo dances a bit for the crowd while soaking in the love. He says last year in this same arena in Dallas, Texas, Cass and Enzo walked into the WWE, and 20,000 fans said their name on their TV debut. That was love, but that ain’t what this is, this is war. And as the saying goes, all is fair in love and war, and Cass can attest to that, but the same can’t be said for life. Life ain’t fair, and Enzo reminds himself every day. His favorite song is That’s Life by Blue Eyes. Enzo quotes the song, and talks about how he was riding high in April with Cass as WrestleMania and was shot down in May by a mystery attacker. Enzo tried to shrug it off when he was back on top in June. Enzo says some people get their kicks stomping on a dream. If Cass wants to stomp on Enzo’s dream, go ahead, because Enzo is going to keep on dreaming. The man to be fearful of is the man who sleeps with his eyes open. And Enzo no longer sleeps because his life is better than his dreams. Enzo says that’s where the parallels end with the song. Blue Eyes doesn’t know what’s coming in July, but Young Blue Eyes is going to spread his wings and fly, because he’s a star. Cass is seven foot tall, but he’ll always be in Enzo’s shadow, because Enzo is about to be larger than life. Because this is his life, and he knows one thing, that there’s only one word to describe Cass, and he’s gonna spell it out, S-A-W-F-T.
Big Cass is out next, and he doesn’t get the same love from the crowd, especially after Enzo’s passionate promo.
Enzo Amore vs. Big Cass
The bell rings and Enzo tries to back Cass into the ropes right away, and is put down with a clubbing blow to the back. Enzo ducks a clothesline and tries to beat up on Cass, but Cass shrugs it off and knocks him away with a big shoulderblock. Cass takes Enzo into the corner and blasts him with a forearm and repeated stomps to the chest. Cass picks up Enzo and clamps on a modified rear chin lock. Enzo tries to fight it off, but Cass just shoves him down to the mat. Cass slaps Enzo’s face in the corner before picking him up and launching him across the ring with a fall away slam.
Cass connects with a big splash in the corner, then backs into the corner and goes for another, but Enzo drops down in exhaustion. Cass picks Enzo up and Enzo connects with a couple of kicks to the stomach. Cass responds with a big right hand to the gut before he places Enzo across the top turnbuckle and beats him with clubbing blows across the back. Cass gets in Enzo’s face and taunts him before kicking him away with a boot to the side of the head. Cass chokes Enzo with his boot in the corner, then he tells Enzo to bring it on before mocking his promo. Cass picks up Enzo in a gorilla press and dumps him over the top rope and out to the floor.
Enzo is able to pull himself back into the ring at the count of nine, and Cass looks disappointed. Enzo pulls himself up using the ropes, and Cass hits the ropes for a running big boot to the side of the face. Cass pins Enzo, and this one is over.
Winner: Big Cass
After the match, Cass stands tall and looks down at his former partner. Cass makes his exit as Enzo is helped up to his feet.
Miz is shown getting ready with Maryse and the Miz-tourage before he cut back to the arena for the next match.
30-Minute Iron Man Match for the RAW Tag Team Titles
The Hardys vs. Cesaro and Sheamus
The Hardy Boyz are out first, and Matt and Jeff get a great reaction on their way to the ring. Sheamus and Cesaro are out next, and they don’t get nearly as warm a welcome as the Hardy’s.
The bell rings and the clock begins ticking. Matt and Sheamus will kick things off, but Cesaro provides a quick distraction which allows Sheamus to score with a Brogue kick and get a quick three count.
Sheamus and Cesaro are up 1-0
Jeff is in and he ducks a clothesline, but Sheamus is able to tag out to Cesaro. Jeff scores with a double dropkick. Jeff is able to clamp on a rear chin lock, but Cesaro muscles him up and walks over to the corner to make a tag. Sheamus is in and he blasts Jeff with a couple of big right hands. Jeff begins fighting back with a series of right hands, and he backs Sheamus into the corner to tag out to Matt. Matt comes in with a double axe handle smash from the middle rope before clotheslining Sheamus over the top rope. Matt follows and slams Sheamus’ head repeatedly against the ring apron. Matt slides Sheamus back into the ring and he tries for the twist of fate, but when Sheamus begins to counter, he drops him with a DDT instead.
Jeff tags in and a little double team work leads to a near fall, then Jeff goes to work on Sheamus’ arm. Sheamus is able to sling Jeff out of the ring and Cesaro sends Hardy crashing into the barricade. Matt gets involved and things begin to break down on the floor. Sheamus blasts Jeff with a European uppercut before bringing things back into the ring and tagging out to Cesaro. Cesaro comes in with a double axe handle smash, but he’s not able to keep Jeff down for three. Cesaro picks up Jeff in a gut wrench and slams him down to the mat for another two count. Sheamus tags in and heads to the second rope for a knee drop, getting another two count on Jeff.
Sheamus continues the assault on Jeff’s arm, and when Jeff tries to fight out of the hold, Sheamus slams him to the mat. Cesaro tags in and works over Jeff for a bit before tossing Jeff out to the floor. Sheamus tags back in and blocks Jeff from making the tag on his way back into the ring. Jeff tries to fight back, but Sheamus is able to take him to the mat with a tilt-a-whirl slam for two. Cesaro tags in and we get a double clothesline on Jeff that puts him down for two. Cesaro locks in another submission, but Jeff fights out of it quickly. Cesaro boots Matt from the apron, and Jeff is able to backdrop Cesaro to the mat, but Jeff has no one to tag. Cesaro hits an uppercut to the back of Jeff’s head, and helps Cesaro with a double team white noise for another three count.
Sheamus and Cesaro score another fall to go 2-0
Sheamus beats on Hardy a bit more before going for a spear in the corner, but Jeff moves and Sheamus connects shoulder first with the ring post. Both men are able to make the tag and Matt comes in with a series of head butts to Cesaro before he slams his face on the turnbuckles repeatedly. Matt scores with a big corner clothesline and running bulldog, but it’s not enough for three. Matt goes to the second rope and delivers an elbow to the back of Cesaro’s neck, but it’s only enough for two. Jeff tags back in and we get a poetry in motion on Cesaro in the corner. Side effect from Matt, and a twist of fate from Jeff are enough to put Cesaro down for three.
The Hardys score a fall to bring the score to 2-1
Jeff tries his best to keep up the assault, but Cesaro is able to tag out to Sheamus. Jeff scores with a mule kick to knock Sheamus back into the corner before he connects with a big dropkick to a seated Sheamus. Jeff goes for the pin, but only gets two. Jeff kicks Sheamus into the corner before tagging in Matt and hitting a double suplex. Cesaro breaks up a pin, and the Hardy’s send their opponents to the outside before Jeff leaps off Matt, over the top rope, and out on top of his opponents. Matt follows and tags Sheamus with a couple of big right hands to the side of the face. Matt sends Sheamus back into the ring, but Cesaro grabs Matt and throws him face first into the ring post while the ref is still counting. Matt is unable to make it back into the ring by 10.
Sheamus and Cesaro get a countout victory and bring the score to 3-1
Sheamus brings things back into the ring and blasts Matt with a kick to the chest before tagging in Cesaro. Cesaro connects with a suplex before doing a couple of jumping jacks and pointing to the scoreboard. Sheamus tags in and both he and Cesaro stomp away at Matt in the corner. Matt tries to scurry to his own corner, but Sheamus stops him with a rear chin lock. Sheamus grids his knee into Hardy’s back and forces him out to the apron. Sheamus wraps Matt up in the ropes and hits him with repeated clubbing blows to the chest before shoving Matt off the apron and out to the floor.
Cesaro leaps off the apron to take out Matt before following up with a flying uppercut to the face. Sheamus tags in and we get a double suplex, but Matt is able to kick out at two. Sheamus locks in a rear chin lock, but Matt is able to fight to his feet, break the hold, and connect with a side effect for a two count.
Cesaro tags in and blasts Jeff with a boot to the face before locking Matt in the sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Jeff is able to break up the hold, and Sheamus attacks Jeff from behind, pulling him from the apron and causing him to land face first on the ring apron. Cesaro connects with an uppercut in the corner on Matt, then sends him across the ring for another. Matt is able to catch Cesaro in a backslide, make the blind tag to Jeff, and set up Cesaro for a roll up from Jeff for three.
The Hardys score a pinfall to bring the score to 3-2
Jeff is able to launch himself off the ropes and wipe out Cesaro for another two count. Cesaro recovers and tags out to Sheamus. Sheamus tries for white noise, but Jeff counters into a roll up for two. Jeff executes an inverted atomic drop, then a low leg drop that’s good for another two count. Jeff eats a big knee to the chest and Matt makes the tag. Sheamus shoulders Matt for a second, but Matt fights out and is able to connects with a tornado DDT out of the corner that puts Sheamus down for two. Matt is distracted by Cesaro, and that lets Sheamus shove Matt into the corner. Sheamus seats Matt on the top turnbuckle, and he goes up after. Matt is able to fight Sheamus off and he stands on the top turnbuckle, connecting with a moonsault that puts Sheamus down for a two count before it’s broken up by Cesaro. Sheamus rolls to the apron and drops Matt’s throat across the top rope. Sheamus heads to the top rope, and Matt stops him with a big right hand. Matt heads up and connects with a twist of fate from the top rope, and he’s able to put Sheamus down for three.
The Hardys score a pinfall and bring the score to 3-3
Jeff tags in and he goes right up to the top rope. Cesaro pulls Sheamus out of the ring, and Jeff launches himself to the outside on top of both of his opponents. Jeff rolls Sheamus back into the ring and he goes up to the top. Matt goes to the top on the other side and Jeff goes for a splash while Matt hits an elbow drop. Jeff pins Sheamus, but it’s broken up by Cesaro. Matt tags into the match and he ends up eating a big uppercut from Cesaro that lets Sheamus roll him up for two. Sheamus shoulders Matt, but Matt fights out. Jeff makes the blind tag and so does Cesaro. Jeff scores a swanton on Sheamus, but Cesaro pins Jeff out of nowhere and gets three. Cesaro bails from the ring and literally runs from Jeff while the last ten seconds count down. Jeff hits the twist of fate, but doesn’t have enough time to pin Cesaro as time runs out.
Winners, with a score of 4-3, and STILL Raw Tag Team Champions: Sheamus and Cesaro
After the match, the champs leave with their titles as their music hits. A trainer comes in to check on Matt’s wound. We go to replays. Cesaro and Sheamus pose on the stage with their titles as The Hardys recover in the ring.
– Dean Ambrose is shown taping up his fists backstage and warming up for his match against the Miz. Back in the arena, the announcers turn their attention to Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks, and we get a video package highlighting the recent history between these two women, along with a little bit of Alexa’s history.
RAW Women’s Championship
Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Sasha Banks
Sasha Banks is the first woman to make her way out for the next match, and the challenger gets a nice little initial pop, but the crowd seems a little exhausted after that last match. Alexa Bliss is out next, and the champion doesn’t get much of a reaction on her way down the aisle.
After formal ring introductions, we’re ready to kick things off in this one.
The bell rings and both women circle each other for a bit before Sasha tries to take Alexa to the mat. Bliss heads into the ropes and forces a break. Sasha shoves Bliss on her break, and Bliss isn’t a fan. She takes Sasha into the corner and then down to the mat with a shoulderblock. Bliss runs into a dropkick from Sasha and she rolls to the outside. Alexa pulls herself up and Sasha runs into the corner and takes Alexa over with a deep arm drag. Sasha connects with double knees to the chest in the corner, but it’s only enough for two. Sasha rips at Alexa’s arm and slams her to the mat. Alexa takes advantage of her hyperflexibility and feigns a dislocated elbow before blasting Sasha with a big forearm. Alexa chokes Sasha against the ropes with her boot to the throat. Sasha fights back and connects with the backstabber, but Bliss rolls to the floor before Sasha can lock in the Banks statement.
Alexa screams that she doesn’t need this and begins walking toward the back, but Sasha intervenes and brings her back, slamming her head against the apron. Sasha climbs up on the apron and Alexa pulls her feet out, causing Sasha to slam back first into the apron. Bliss brings things back into the ring for a quick pin attempt, but she only gets two. Alexa slams Sasha to the mat with a standing STO before hitting her flipping combination double knees. Bliss goes for the pin, but Sasha is still able to kick out at two. Bliss traps Sasha in a bow and arrow hold for a bit before dropping it. Sasha comes right back with a roll up, but Bliss kicks out. Sasha continues the assault until Alexa grabs a handfull of hair and yanks Sasha back down on her knee. Bliss screams in Sasha’s face to give up. Alexa tries for a suplex, but Sasha fights back with a series of knees to the stomach and suplexes Alexa into the corner instead.
Both women are slow to get up, and they begin blasting each other with forearms. Sasha is able to connect with a couple of dropkicks, and a nasty kick to the leg. Sasha puts Alexa down with a belly to back suplex and a running knee to the chest, but Alexa still won’t stay down for three.
Sasha runs into a knee to the gut in the corner and a sunset bomb from Alexa, but it’s not enough to put Sasha down for a three count, and Alexa throws a tantrum as a result. Alexa heads up to the top rope and leaps off with the twisted Bliss, but Banks blocks it with her knees, and she’s able to transition right into the Banks statement. Alexa is able to struggle her way to the ropes and she forces the break, pulling herself out to the floor. Sasha goes for Alexa, and Alexa pulls Sasha’s throat down against the bottom rope. Sasha is able to recover with a throw into the barricade. Sasha brings things back into the ring and Alexa kicks her away only to roll back out to the floor. Sasha tries to bring Alexa back into the ring, but Alexa knocks her away, and sits down against the barricade, taking the count out loss.
Winner by Count Out: Sasha Banks
Bliss holds the title high as she walks up the ramp, but Sasha is not happy with the outcome. She charges up the ramp and slams Alexa’s head into the LED wall along the entryway. Bliss recovers and teases a DDT on the announcer’s table, but Sasha shoves her off to the floor, then leaps off with a pretty amazing double knees out to the floor to wipe out Alexa. Sasha stands on the table and looks down at Alexa while her music plays.
Earlier Tonight:
The announcers recap the pre-show match, which saw Neville retain his Cruiserweight Championship in a match against Akira Tozawa by less than ethical means. We get a look into Tozawa’s locker room after the match. Tozawa isn’t happy with Titus and he wants him to make things right by getting him a rematch. Titus agrees to work on that before telling Tozawa to head off to the trainer’s room.
– Back in the arena, the Miz makes his way out, accompanied by Maryse, and flanked by Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. Miz doesn’t seem too loved in Dallas.
Dean Ambrose is out next, and Ambrose is much more liked in Dallas, getting a great pop on his way down to the ring.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
The Miz vs. Dean Ambrose
The bell rings and Miz and Ambrose feel each other out for a bit before Ambrose bails from the ring and takes out Axel. Ambrose rolls back into the ring and takes Miz into the corner, beating him with repeated kicks to the chest. Ambrose bails to the floor and takes out Bo this time. Ambrose hops back into the ring and takes it to Miz agai, but he’s distracted by Axel, and Miz blasts Ambrose with a clothesline to the back of the head before clamping on a rear chin lock. Ambrose is able to fight out of the hold, and he rolls up Miz for two, but Miz comes right back with a low DDT that puts Ambrose down for two. Miz chokes Ambrose against the middle rope and then blasts him with a knee to the back of the head.
Miz kicks Ambrose in the face a couple of times before ripping away at Ambrose’s nose. Miz kicks Dean square in the chest, but when he goes for another, Dean rolls him up for two. Dean picks himself up in the corner, and Miz scores immediately with the corner clothesline. Miz waits for Dean to stand and tries for a double axe handle. Dean tries to counter with Dirty Deeds, but Miz blocks it. Ambrose is able to counter with a swinging neckbreaker for two. Ambrose charges in with a couple of forearms, then a big clothesline to wipe out Miz. Ambrose seats Miz on the top turnbuckle and he pulls him off with a huge butterfly superplex, but Miz is able to kick out at two.
Miz counters out of a suplex attempt and dropkicks Ambrose in the knee to send him flipping to the mat. Miz kicks at Ambrose’s chest while he’s tied up in a tree of woe before he backs across the ring and charges in with a couple of dropkicks. Miz charges across the ring, but Ambrose is back up and he charges out with a big clothesline. Miz is able to put Ambrose down in the middle of the ring and lock in the figure four. Ambrose struggles, but he’s able to make it to the ropes to break the hold.
Miz kicks Ambrose in the chest a la Daniel Bryan, but Ambrose ducks the final one and slaps Miz across the face. Miz misses a corner clothesline, and Ambrose is able to connect with a flying elbow drop from the top rope, but Miz won’t stay down for a three count. Maryse is up on the apron, and Ambrose counters the SCF, but when he goes for the rebound lariat, Dallas and Axel pull him from the ring. Ambrose avoids a baseball slide from Miz, and puts him down on the floor before he heads to the top rope and leaps out to the floor on top of Bo, Axel, and Miz. Ambrose sends Miz back into the ring and he leaps from the top rope, but Miz blocks the double axe handle. Ambrose is able to hit an immediate Dirty Deeds, but he’s close to the ropes and Maryse puts Miz’s foot on the ropes. Miz rolls to the outside and Ambrose leaps through the ropes to wipe out Miz on the floor. Back in the ring, Axel causes a distraction and allows Dallas to attack Ambrose from behind. This allows Miz to connect with the SCF, taking Ambrose out for the three count.
Winner and STILL WWE Intercontinental Champion: The Miz
Miz celebrates with Dallas, Axel, and Maryse before quickly heading off toward the back with his title.
– After a commercial, the announcers turn right to the Ambulance match between Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns. We get a recap of some of Strowman’s impressive feats, like breaking the ring with Big Show, as well as his feud with Roman and tipping over an ambulance. This leads into some of the more recent history between these two men.
Ambulance Match
Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns
An ambulance is backed into the arena before the match, and Braun is the first man to make his way to the ring. Braun gets a nice little pop from the crowd on his way to the ring. Roman Reigns is out next, and there are overwhelming boos the moment his soon hits. Roman comes out and takes a look at the ambulance before looking back toward Braun.
The bell rings and Braun charges in with a clothesline. Reigns ducks, and Strowman shoves him across the ring. Roman hits the ropes and runs right into a shoulderblock. Strowman connects with a splash in the corner, then a running clothesline. Braun picks up Roman and slams him into the corner before hitting Reigns with a huge fist to the heart. Roman rolls to the outside and Braun follows. Braun tries to send Roman into the ring post, but Roman is able to turn things around and send Braun into the post. Braun picks up Roman and slams him back into the ring post. Braun takes Roman on the other side of the ring and launches him into the ring steps. Strowman flattens Reigns with a couple of shots from the steps. Braun launches the steps are Reigns, but Reigns ducks. Both men bring things back into the ring where they fight back and forth for a bit before Strowman executes a reverse chokeslam on Reigns.
Braun is able to put Reigns down again and he goes for a cover, but there’s no covers in the match. Braun takes things to the outside, but Roman actually rolls back into the ring. Strowman follows and Reigns shoulders Strowman, executing a Samoan drop. Reigns avoids a charging Braun in the corner, and Braun connects shoulder first with the ring post. Reigns hits the drive by on Braun’s elbow. Roman goes under the ring for a chair and he uses it to hit Braun’s elbow more. Braun heads to the outside and he blocks a chair shot from Roman, shrugging it off and walking toward Roman. Braun rips the chair out of Roman’s hands, and beats him up the ramp.
Strowman kicks the announcers away from their table. Braun picks up Roman and shoulders him, but Reigns drops down and blasts Braun with a couple of big right hands. Braun throws Roman off the side of the stage and into the ambulance. Braun drags Roman toward the back of the ambulance. Reigns fights off Strowman and avoids being put in the ambulance. Roman is able to connect with a Superman punch that staggers Braun. Braun catches Roman with a big boot. Roman connects with another huge Superman punch and Strowman is staggered. Roman tries to push Braun into the ambulance, but can’t Strowman pulls out a backboard and uses it to blast Reigns across the back.
Braun yanks the stretcher out of the ambulance and kicks it to the side. Braun launches Reigns up onto the stage now. Braun charges but Reigns moves and Braun crashes into the LED board. Braun scoops Reigns for a powerslam but Reigns slides out and shoves Braun into the LED board again. This time Braun crashes through the panel and goes down. The referee checks on him as we get a replay.
Reigns and Braun are both down on the stage now. Braun moves first. Reigns is on his knees as Braun struggles to recover. Reigns pulls Braun over to the edge of the stage. Braun shoves Reigns off the stage, just missing the corner of the ambulance door. Braun crawls and struggles to stand near the back of the ambulance. Braun gets up but Reigns nails him with a lighting rig near the stage. Reigns charges with a spear but Braun moves and Reigns spears himself into the back of the ambulance. Braun shuts the ambulance doors and gets the win.
Winner: Braun Strowman
After the bell, Braun stands tall as his music hits. Braun turns around to Reigns spearing him out of the back of the ambulance. Reigns slams the ambulance doors into Braun several times. Reigns pushes Braun in the back of the ambulance and shuts the doors. Reigns climbs into the driver’s seat and drives into the backstage area. Reigns stops in the back and just looks in the mirror. Reigns throws it in reverse and backs the ambulance into an 18-wheeler production truck. Reigns stumbles out of the ambulance. The back of the ambulance is wrecked. We see RAW General Manager Kurt Angle telling people to call 911. Angle is yelling to Braun to see if he’s alright. Jamie Noble tries to open a side door with a crowbar but has no luck. Braun remains trapped in the ambulance.
Everyons is calling for Braun, and they’re working with a crowbar on the door, and back in the arena, Curt Hawkins is being sent out for an impromptu match. There’s a split screen view as we watch them try to break into the ambulance. and Heath Slater comes out shortly after Hawkins.
Heath Slater vs. Curt Hawkins
Hawkins takes Slater down to the mat quickly, and the two chain wrestle a bit while the crowd chants for Lesnar. Slater takes Hawkins over with an arm drag, and he flips Hawkins over working on the arm. Hawkins is able to come back with a forearm to the back of Slater’s head, and Hawkins locks in a rear chin lock while fire engines are shown arriving backstage. Slater connects with a leg lariat, and we cut to just backstage as Angle directs firefighters. Apparently during the cut, Heath Slater won the match.
Winner: Heath Slater
The firefighters use the jaws of life to pry open the door, and Kurt Angle looks on. When they open the door, Braun is shown lying on the floor of the ambulance, but someone yells that he’s moving. Braun pushes away help, pulling himself out of the ambulance. Braun looks to be covered in cuts and bruises, but he refuses to accept help, crawling away at every chance. Braun tells everyone to leave him alone, and he limps off to the back. We cut back to the arena, and Michael Cole and Graves agree that Strowman needs medical attention, before we go over some of the post-match replays.
– We go right into a video package for Samoa Joe vs. Brock Lesnar, and it’s handled very much like any other Brock Lesnar video promo, with both men talking about their opponent, while video footage of other matches play, and the brief interactions between both men are recapped.
WWE Universal Championship Match
Brock Lesnar vs. Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is the first man out for the main event, and Joe gets a great reaction on his way down to the ring. The crowd is very excited for this one.
After a lengthy wait, and a huge ‘Joe’ chant, Brock Lesnar makes his way out to another big pop. Lesnar is accompanied by Paul Heyman, and it’ll be interesting to see who the crowd pulls for once this match begins with both men getting love on their way into the arena.
After formal ring introductions from Jojo (and Paul Heyman, for Brock Lesnar of course), we’re ready for the main event and Joe attacks before the bell and takes Brock to the outside, attacking him against the barricade before driving Lesnar through the announcers table with a giant urunage.
Heyman looks shocked and Lesnar pulls himself up to his feet using the barricade. Lesnar seems stunned as he slowly pulls himself back into the ring. Big ‘Joe is gonna kill you’ chants. Lesnar pulls himself up in the corner and the bell rings. Joe hits an elbow in the corner and an enzugiri. Joe blasts Lesnar with head butts and knees to the gut. Lesnar comes back with knees of his own. Joe fights Lesnar into the corner and buries his shoulder in Lesnar’s gut. Joe connects with some sharp jabs, then drags Lesnar to the mat. Lesnar forces Joe into the corner and connects with a couple of knees, and Joe fights back, locking in the coquina clutch. Lesnar rams Joe into the turnbuckle to break the hold and connects with a German suplex. Lesnar waits for Joe to stand and connects with another German suplex. Lesnar connects with a third suplex, and when he tries for a fourth, Joe hangs on to the ropes and Joe delivers a sneaky low blow behind the ref’s back.
Joe delivers a massive urunage that puts Lesnar down for two. Joe clamps on the coquina clutch once again, but Lesnar is able to fight it off. Brock falls victim to the hold, but Lesnar stands, and drops Joe with a sidewalk slam to break the hold.
Lesnar charges Joe in the corner, but misses and charges right into the ring post. Lesnar recovers almost immediately and connects with German suplexes 4, 5, and 6 right in a row. Lesnar shoulders Joe, but Joe drops down and locks in the coquina clutch again on Lesnar. Lesnar backs Joe into the corner, and Joe refuses to let go. Lesnar drops down to his knees, but he breaks the hold and delivers an F5. Lesnar pins Joe and gets the three count.
Winner and STILL WWE Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar
After the match, Heyman hits the ring and Lesnar clutches his throat before getting up. Joe is down trying to recover. We go to replays. Lesnar smiles as he makes his exit with Heyman and the title. Joe is up to his feet in the ring. Lesnar looks back at the ring as Great Balls of Fire goes off the air.
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