WWE RAW Opener:
Two weeks ago, Big Cass shocked the world by saying that he was the one who attacked Enzo Amore. Last week, it looked like the band was reuniting to go after the tag titles. Instead, Colin realized that it is more important to continue to attack him.
Enzo Amore makes his way to the ring and we are reminded that he will face Big Cass at Great Balls of Fire on Sunday night.
Enzo says over the past year, he has been knocked out cold on pay per views, beaten up in hotel rooms, gone through Sensitivity Training, and many other things and it happened while YOU had his back. For five years, you stood behind him and you watched because you didn’t have his back. You looked past him. You knew he was a silver tongued son of a gun on the mic and tonight, he is going platinum.
Enzo says he runs his mouth week after week and he gets back up after every beating. You never had his back so what is the worst thing that you or Conor McGregor can do? Knock him out cold on a pay per view? It has already been done. He is not the biggest, the baddest, or the strongest, but he is one of the toughest guys to walk through the ropes in a long long time. Enzo says he knows who he is. It is because he is a Certified G and he is exactly who he is. Confidence is something you cannot teach. Enzo says he is confident in who he is and his abilities. Enzo says he is grateful for everyone who is wearing his merchandise.
It helps him put food on his table. He believes in the good that he is doing. Enzo says he is physical proof that his mouth has never dug a hole so deep that he could not climb himself back out of it. He walks into the room with confidence and he walks out with confidence. He knows where he is going. He is going to the top. Enzo says he has walked out of holes way taller than seven feet.
He says that Cass is nothing more than a seven foot catchphrase that he wrote. Enzo says there is nobody in this business who goes harder bouncing a check than Enzo Amore. You are where the money is at? Enzo says don’t be mad and don’t be surprised that next quarter when the merchandise check reads zero dimes. That is unless you start wearing a shirt that says CassHole.
Enzo starts to leave the ring but he takes the mic again. He says that they were brothers. They would ride or die. That part of him is dead because it rolled down his face with one gangster tear. He says it is about Enzo being all he can be and all eyes on me.
Backstage:
Charly Caruso is backstage with Big Cass for his reaction. Cass says he’s never heard someone talk so much without saying anything. Cass says Enzo won’t be able to walk the walk after Sunday because he won’t be able to walk at all. Cass goes on until Enzo attacks from behind and beats him down. Referees and officials separate things.
Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax
We go to the ring and out comes Sasha Banks. Her partner Bayley is out next. They head to the ring together as JoJo makes the introductions. We go to commercial.
Bayley and Nia start things off and Bayley with forearms but Nia with a forearm. Nia gets Bayley on her shoulders but Bayley gets to the apron. Nia pulls Bayley down. Nia kicks Bayley but misses a splash when Bayley moves. Bayley with drop kicks but Nia does not go down. NIa tosses Bayley around the ring. Bayley with a kick and Sasha is tagged in and they hit a double drop kick but Nia stays on her feet. Sasha tries to float over and Nia catches her and tries to send Sasha into the turnbuckles but Sasha sends Nia into the corner. Sasha sends Nia to the floor and Nia gets on the apron next to Bayley. Bayley does not do anything, but Nia pushes Bayley off the apron and into the ringside barrier. Nia drops Sasha on the top rope and then she connects with a running knee to Bayley against the ringside barrier as we go to commercial.
We return live as Banks tackles Alexa Bliss who is now legal. Michael Cole is making it clear that this is now a 2-on-1 match after Nia Jax took out Bayley earlier in the match. Banks with stomps to Bliss in the corner. Jax gets the tag and connects with a big backbreaker on Banks and drops a quick elbow. During the break, we see Bayley was taken to the back. Jax applies a bear hug on Banks. Jax launches Banks to the corner and Banks avoids a corner splash when Bliss gets the tag. Bliss stands over the back and neck of Banks applying pressure. Bliss stands on the hair of Banks and pulls up on her arms. Banks catches Bliss with a running knee and then a neckbreaker. Banks knocks Jax off the corner, but Bliss with an attack from behind. Banks has Bliss in the Bank Statement. Bliss taps.
Winners: Sasha Banks and Bayley
Backstage:
Kurt Angle is on the phone when Braun Strowman walks in and wants to know what will happen when Roman Reigns can’t compete this Sunday. Angle says as far as he knows Reigns is ready to go. Strowman says Reigns isn’t here tonight and he won’t be there on Sunday. “I want competition,” says Strowman. Angle says as far as Sunday is concerned, Reigns will be there and he has a locker room filled with talent that probably don’t want to face Strowman this close to the PPV. Strowman tells Angle he is going to the ring tonight and he better have an opponent. Back to commercial.
– We are back and a video package runs with interviews featuring Samoa Joe and WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar to hype the title match this Sunday at Great Balls of Fire. Back to commercial.
– We are back and Cedric Alexander says he feels like a broken record. He has said that it is over between him, Noam Dar, and Alicia Fox. He tells Dar to come to the ring so he can send him to Alicia Fox in a matching neck brace. Dar comes out and he is joined by the love of his life, Alicia Fox.
Cedric Alexander vs. Noam Dar (with Alicia Fox)
Alexander with punches as the bell rings. Alexander with a springboard clothesline to Dar. Dar rolls to the floor and Fox stands between Cedric and Dar. Dar gets back into the ring and Alexander tries for the handstand into a head scissors but Dar with a kick and he gets a near fall. Dar stomps on the arm and then he continues to work on the arm. Dar with an arm bar. Dar continues to work on the arm but Cedric with a back elbow and Fox gets on the apron.
Alexander avoids Dar and hits Lumbar check for the three count.
Winner: Cedric Alexander
– We see all of the media coverage of last week’s MizTV. We go to commercial.
MizTV:
We return live in Phoenix with WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz, Maryse, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas all inside the ring. Miz talks about “bringing the ratings” last week with LaVar and Lonzo Ball. “Mark my words: Lonzo Ball will be the biggest bust in NBA history. He will let down more fans than Steve Nash ever did.” He talks about making Axel and Dallas “featured stars” in his entourage. Miz talks about Dean Ambrose being wasted potential. He says when Ambrose arrived, he saw the promise and so did others backstage. “Dean Ambrose can’t handle success.” Miz says every time Ambrose was a main eventer, he caved under the pressure and he saw it. “He can’t be a top guy like me.”
Dean Ambrose walks out to interrupt. He says after that trainwreck last week he wasn’t sure if we’d ever see a MizTV segment again. Ambrose talks about Miz’s new “goon squad” and that everything he said about him was true. He doesn’t care that Miz has an entourage and wants his rematch for the Intercontinental Championship tonight.
Heath Slater and Rhyno walk out. Slater doesn’t want to be rude, but the last man to beat Miz in the ring wasn’t Dean Ambrose. “It was Heath Slater.” He talks about never getting a shot at the Intercontinental Championship or any single title in WWE. “I’ve been here for 8 years. I got a family. I got kids.” Slater wants this opportunity.
Ambrose thinks Slater should wait his turn. Miz says Ambrose will get his rematch when he decides. He also rejects Slater’s challenge for a title match. Miz says they have a 4th of July party to attend that begins at the strike of Midnight.
RAW General Manager Kurt Angle walks out on stage with a big smile on his face. Big reaction for Angle in Phoenix. Angle says Miz can’t make decisions like that. Miz tells Angle to go talk to Corey Graves about his personal problems and stay out of his business. Angle tells Miz to watch it. He books a rematch between Miz and Ambrose at Great Balls of Fire this Sunday, but also reveals Miz will defend his title against Slater next. Back to commercial.
WWE Intercontinental Championship
The Miz (c) vs. Heath Slater
Back from the break and JoJo is doing formal ring introductions for the match. Ambrose is on commentary while Axel, Dallas, Maryse and Rhyno are all at ringside. The Miz is not dressed to wrestle. Slater strikes first and goes for an early pin attempt.
Slater tries to out-wrestle Miz and keeps him on the mat. Slater with another pin attempt. Miz fights back and takes Slater down with a headlock. Slater comes back and hits a hip toss for a 2 count. Slater with the headlock now. Slater drops Miz with a shoulder. Slater counters a move and backslides Miz for another 2 count. Slater continues with the pin attempts and keeping Miz grounded. Miz catches Slater with a knee to the gut and takes him to the corner for a chop but Slater ducks. Slater unloads in the corner.
Slater takes Miz from corner to corner with chops as Rhyno cheers him on. Slater pulls Miz’s shirt over his head and works him over. Maryse, Dallas and Axel distract Slater, allowing Miz to come from behind but Slater ends up sending Miz to the floor for a breather. We go back to commercial.
Miz drops Slater over his knee and then connects with a neckbreaker. Miz split open his dress pants during the match as he trades rights with Slater. Miz kicks away the leg of Slater and connects with a spike DDT for a two count. Miz dumps Slater out of the ring. Rhyno walks up and threatens to attack Axel and Dallas at ringside. Back inside, Miz with front kicks to Slater. Slater ends up dumping Miz on his face. Slater with repeated clotheslines and then a high knee that catches Miz flush. Slater catches Miz with a neckbreaker bouncing off the ropes. Miz kicks out. Miz is up top. Slater jumps up and connects with a powerslam on Miz off the top rope! Rhyno goes after Axel, but almost hits Maryse and Dallas and Axel start double teaming Rhyno at ringside. Slater is distracted. Miz with the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Winner and still WWE Intercontinental Champion: The Miz
After the match, The Miz tosses Heath Slater out. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas attack Slater. Dean Ambrose runs down, gets in a few shots and tries to hit Dirty Deeds on Miz. Miz escapes. Axel and Dallas double team Ambrose with a back suplex into a neckbreaker. The Miz picks up Ambrose and hits the Skull Crushing Finale. Miz Kisses Maryse and the Miztourage celebrate.
– We see Braun Strowman attacking Roman Reigns last week and sending him away in the ambulance. Still to come, Braun “roars” live on RAW. Also, Goldust premieres The Shattered Truth. Back to commercial.
Backstage:
Titus O’Neil talks with Apollo Crews. He suggests Crews face Braun Strowman tonight. Crews said he just had a daughter and asks Titus if he’s seen what Strowman has been doing to people. Titus says Crews’ daughter needs someone to look up to. Titus starts up a chant backstage with Crews. “Crews can’t lose!”
In the Arena:
Goldust is sitting in the ring when we return live. He wants to introduce everyone to his latest masterpiece: The Shattered Truth. Goldust thanks the fans and R-Truth the most for being so naive. Footage is shown of Goldust attack R-Truth.
When we return live, R-Truth is standing behind Goldust and eating popcorn. Truth tackles Goldust and starts attacking him. Truth sends Goldust shoulder first into the steel ring post.
Backstage:
Kurt Angle is backstage reading a text message. RAW Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Sheamus walk in. Angle has a stipulation for their match against The Hardys on Sunday – a 30-minute Iron Man match. Sheamus says that’s the best decision Angle has made since returning as he just sealed the fate of The Hardys. Cesaro agrees and says he wants some competition tonight. Angle suggests Braun Strowman. Cesaro wants payback on Finn Balor. Angle makes the match. Angle’s phone rings and he asks them to leave so he can take the call. Angle reminds them of the “be careful what you wish for” saying and wishes them good luck before taking the call.
– Seth Rollins is in action next and we go to commercial.
Seth Rollins vs. Curt Hawkins
Before the match, Curt Hawkins thinks this is a joke and that he should be facing Braun Strowman instead. He said the people of Los Angeles hurt his feelings last week. Hawkins wants to see if the “dummies” here in Phoenix tonight will get it right. He asks the crowd if they think he will lose his match tonight. The fans cheer loudly. Seth Rollins grabs the mic and asks who thinks Curt Hawkins needs to shut the hell up.
Rollins with a right hand dropping Hawkins. Rollins backs off as the referee checks on Hawkins. The referee signals for the bell. Rollins with a big knee to Hawkins and it’s over.
Winner: Seth Rollins
After the bell, we get a replay and Rollins takes the mic. Now that is taken care of he wants to address Bray Wyatt. Rollins cuts a promo on their match this Sunday and says he will finally prove Wyatt is not a God. Rollins says there will be just one question after – is Wyatt a man or just a coward? Rollins drops the mic and makes his exit as his music plays.
– We see Joe and Lesnar getting ready for their interview. Back to commercial.
Backstage:
Back from the break and Cole handles the interview from the announce table. Samoa Joe and WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar are in different rooms backstage. Paul Heyman is with Lesnar. Joe cuts Cole off and has a question for Lesnar and Heyman. They argue and Lesnar tells Joe how it’s going to be on Sunday – he will leave with the title and Joe gets nothing. Lesnar calls a coward as they continue to argue. Joe says it’s funny how Lesnar doesn’t fear him when they’re being separated backstage tonight. Lesnar says it’s for Joe’s own safety. They continue until Joe rips off his mic, he’s tired of talking. Joe walks through the back and looks for Lesnar to fight.
Heyman and Lesnar are still in their interview room, not taking the threat seriously. Joe runs into Angle and security but he doesn’t care. He finally opens the door to Lesnar’s interview room but security holds him back. Joe is furious and begging for a fight as security drags him back. We go to commercial.
Neville vs. Mustafa Ali
We come right back and go to the ring as WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville is out for this non-title match. Mustafa Ali is out next. Neville raises the title and taunts Ali as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ali with a shoulder block early, but Neville flips right back up. Ali with a kick to the face and follows it up with a dropkick that drops Neville. Ali with a head scissors takedown on Neville. Ali with a top rope cross body for a very close two count. Ali goes up top and Neville cuts him off. Neville is standing up top with Ali. Neville launches Ali off the top rope. Neville lands on his neck and Ali lands on his feet. Ali with a spike DDT on Neville for another close two count. Ali is back up top and Neville knocks him off the top to the outside. Neville brings Ali back in and hits repeated kicks to the face in the corner. Neville launches Ali in the air and Ali lands with a thud. Neville levels Ali with a big clothesline when Ali flipped back in. Neville applies the Rings of Saturn. Ali gives up.
Winner: Neville
– A video airs showing Bray Wyatt walking around in a desert. We hear from Wyatt next. We go to commercial.
We are back and bray is still in the desert in the early afternoon. When men first worshiped the sun it was to pay tribute. The sun was a sadistic idol. That is when he decided to take control and give man the gift of fire and the gift of independence. The world is not made of black and white. He says he is the chaos that fuels that fire. Since he has come to Raw, less than 100 days ago, that fire has burned. Best friends have become sworn enemies. The beast has been reduced to a mere mortal. Why?
Bray says it is because he made it that way. Bray says he is everywhere. He asks Seth if he can hear him. He says he is the wrath that consumes you. He is the temptation that keeps your mind running at night. On Sunday, you will look into the eyes of a God, but you will not go blind. You will see that you will burn.
Backstage:
Charly Caruso catches up with Alexa Bliss backstage and asks if she’s worried about Sasha’s win tonight going into their match on Sunday. Bliss isn’t worried and indicates that she let Sasha win to give her a false sense of security. Bliss says it’s called strategy. Charly isn’t buying that. Bliss says no one cares what Charly thinks, that’s why she’s holding a microphone and Bliss is holding the title. Bliss promises to be champ after Great Balls of Fire.
Finn Balor vs. Cesaro
We go to the ring and out comes Finn Balor to a pop. Back to commercial.
Before the match begins, The Hardy Boyz walk out to a big reaction. They will join Michael Cole, Booker T and Corey Graves on commentary tonight.
Balor with a side head lock and Cesaro tries to get him to release the hold but Finn holds on. Balor with a drop kick to the knees followed by punches. Balor with a side head lock and he goes for a leap frog but Cesaro catches Balor and hits a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Cesaro with a European uppercut and then he sends Balor into the turnbuckles. Cesaro with another European uppercut. Balor with punches but Cesaro with a clothesline for a near fall.
Cesaro with an arm bar. Cesaro with a sunset flip but Balor rolls through and hits a drop kick. Balor with a chop followed by an Irish whip and running chop. Balor floats over on an Irish whip and he chops Cesaro. Balor with kicks to Cesaro. Sheamus gets on the apron and the referee sends him back to the floor. Balor gets distracted long enough to allow Cesaro to send Balor into the turnbuckles. Cesaro with kicks and chops. Balor with a chop and Irish whip followed by a chop. Cesaro with European uppercuts while Balor chops Cesaro. Balor is sent to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Balor with a sunset flip for a near fall. Cesaro with a clothesline for a near fall. Cesaro with a gutwrench suplex for a near fall. Cesaro with a top wrist lock. Balor with punches and he goes to the apron but Cesaro catches Balor on a slingshot move and Cesaro with a suplex for a near fall. Cesaro with a flying European uppercut for a near fall. Balor blocks a Gotch Style Neutralizer and takes Cesaro down with a double leg take down and he hits a double stomp. Balor gets his boot up when Cesaro charges into the corner. Balor with an elbow and a drop kick to the shoudler. Balor with a baseball slide and then he goes to the apron for the running kick to the head.
Balor sends Cesaro back into the ring and Balor with Slingblade and then he sets for the running drop kick but . . .
Elias Samson shows up at ringside and Cesaro hits the pop up European uppercut and Cesaro gets a near fall. Cesaro with a running European uppercut into the corner and Cesaro with a European uppercut. Balor drop kicks Cesaro off the turnbuckles and Samson trips Balor when Sheamus distracts the referee.
The Hardys leave the announce table and they go after Samson and Sheamus.
Balor sends Sheamus over the top rope to the floor with a back body drop and then Balor with a plancha onto everyone. Balor punches Samson and Cesaro sends Balor into the apron. Samson is stopped by Matt and Matt with a Twist of Fate on Samson. Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Matt. Jeff with a splash to Sheamus. Cesaro with a running European uppercut to Jeff. Balor drop kicks Cesaro into the ringside barrier and then he sends Cesaro into the ring for Coup De Grace.
Winner: Finn Balor
– Braun Strowman walks in the back as we go to commercial.
In the Arena:
We are back and we hear an ambulance. Braun Strowman makes his way to the ring.
Braun says there are few things he likes more than hurting Roman Reigns. He says he likes hurting Roman Reigns and since he is too stubborn to stay down, he gets to keep knocking him down. He almost sent Roman through an ambulance last week. If Roman shows up at Great Balls of Fire, he will leave Dallas the same way he left last week’s Raw, in the back of an ambulance.
As far as tonight, Roman is not here and he wants competition. Braun tells Kurt to send out whoever he picked to face him.
Titus O’Neil comes out to the stage and he says Braun is a big man with a big plan. Everyone starts off with a plan until they get punched in the mouth. You say you want competition and on most nights, he would have no problem punching him in the mouth. Tonight is a Titus World Wide Special Presentation. He is proud, hungry, and a first time father so he needs to show that monsters can be beaten.
Apollo Crews vs. Braun Strowman
Crews with punches but Strowman sends him into the turnbuckles. Crews is able to get out of the corner. Crews with a side head lock but Braun with a boot to the chest. Strowman sends Crews to the floor. The referee makes his count but Crews gets back into the ring. Strowman with a nerve hold on Crews. Strowman with forearms to the chest and he returns to the nerve hold.
Crews with punches but Strowman with a forearm across the chest. Strowman kicks Crews to the floor. Titus gives Crews a pep talk and Crews slaps Strowman and drops him on the top rope. Crews with two jumping enzuigiris followed by a drop kick to the knee and a boot to the head. Crews goes for a standing moonsault but Strowman kicks Crews to the ropes. Strowman with a running power slam and he pulls Crews up on two. Strowman with a second power slam and he pulls Crews up again. Strowman licks Crews’ head and Strowman with a power slam for the three count.
Winner: Braun Strowman
After the match, Braun grabs Crews for another slam but Titus grabs Crews’ leg from the apron. Titus comes in and faces off with Braun. They have words and Titus unloads but Braun runs him over. Braun takes out Titus and sends Crews over the barrier into the crowd. Braun takes Crews over to the ambulance and tosses him in the back. Braun signals for the ambulance to leave but it doesn’t move, the sirens just go off. Braun looks confused. Braun goes to the driver’s side door and opens it but Roman Reigns is inside. Reigns rocks Braun and fights him but Braun fights back and takes control. Braun launches Reigns up onto the stage. Reigns tries to turn it around. Braun goes to throw Reigns into the LED boards but reigns counters and sends Braun into them. Reigns calls for a spear and delivers, spearing Braun off the stage onto a bunch of boxes. We get a replay and Braun is already back to his feet. Reigns gets to one knee on the stage now. RAW goes off the air.
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