Pre-Show:
Renee Young hosted the Kickoff Show and was joined the panel of Jerry Lawler, David Otunga, and Sam Roberts from the usual spot on the arena floor.
– Charly Caruso checked in from the social media lounge and there was actually a graphic acknowledging her name for a change. She will be joined by Alexa Bliss, who will answer the very worst of the questions submitted by fans on social media.
– A Braun Strowman promo aired from somewhere in the building. He said the beast will fall to the monster among men. Young and the panel spoke about how confident he seemed going into the WWE Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar.
– A Roman Reigns vs. John Cena video package aired.
– Kurt Angle joined the panel in place of Otunga. Angle said that the winner of the Reigns vs. Cena match will be the man. Um, wouldn’t that be the Universal Champion? Roberts pushed Angle on which wrestler he wants to win. Angle said he’s okay with Cena continuing to be the man because he’s been so reliable. Angle spoke positively about Reigns and said he beat Undertaker at WrestleMania.
The Miz crashed the set and interrupted Angle. Miz said that when he steps foot in the ring it is always a WrestleMania worthy moment. Angle wished him good luck in his match against Jason Jordan. Miz mocked the idea of needing luck. Miz taunted Angle over not being there for his son, but added that Angle would be there for his son when he loses later in the show. Lawler brought up insulting the parents of Bret Hart and how it made Bret come at him stronger to the point that he whipped Lawler’s butt. Miz held up the Intercontinental Championship and said it means everything in WWE and he will once again retain it against Angle’s “loser son.” After Miz dropped the mic and walked off, Angle also signed off shortly thereafter.
– Young interviewed Finn Balor, who was backstage on the interview set. Balor said he’s never pretended to be something he is not. He said The Demon doesn’t control him, he controls it. Balor said he’s proven time and time again that he is an extraordinary man who can do extra ordinary things. He said he will do it again against Bray Wyatt.
– Otunga rejoined the panel. Roberts and Otunga predicted a Balor win, while Lawler went with Wyatt.
– The panel discussed the Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose partnership. Otunga picked Sheamus and Cesaro to regain the tag titles, while Lawler and Roberts picked Rollins and Ambrose to retain.
– Backstage, Mike Rome interviewed Neville, who said there won’t be the classic match that everyone is hoping for. He said Enzo Amore is not a fighter, he’s an entertainer. Neville said Enzo found it hilarious when he kicked him in the “crown jewels” on 205 Live, but Neville said he will find it hilarious when he disfigures Amore. Roberts was the only panelist to predict an Enzo title win.
– A Hell in a Cell ad aired.
– An Asuka teaser video aired and advertised her for TLC.
– Charly Caruso interviewed Alexa Bliss in the social media lounge. Bliss acted confident when asked about Asuka joining the division. The first fan question asked how Bliss prepares physically and mentally knowing that she doesn’t have to be pinned to lose. The second question whether Bliss would marry some horny fan. The third question was whether she believes she will walk out as champion. She answered appropriately for each lame question.
– Otunga predicted that Bliss will retain the title. Lawler went with Nia Jax to win it. Roberts went with Bliss. Young said not to sleep on Bayley.
Apollo Crews vs. Elias
Michael Cole, Corey Graves and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T are on commentary now. JoJo introduces Elias, who is in the ring with a spotlight and his guitar. Elias sings a song knocking LA and the people until the music interrupts and out comes Apollo Crews with Titus O’Neil.
Back and forth with light action to start. Elias with a headlock. Crews tries to turn it around but Elias takes him down with a headlock. Crews with a leg scissors before taking Elias down with a headlock of his own. They trade holds on the mat until Crews hits a pair of deep arm drags into an armbar. Crews gets up and nails a dropkick after some rope running. Titus cheers Crews on. Elias ends up taking Crews’ legs out and sending him to the floor as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Elias has taken control. Elias drops Crews with clothesline and takes him back to the mat. Crews fights back but Elias nails a mule kick out of the corner. Elias with a 2 count. Elias continues to dominate until Crews hits a suplex. Titus tries to rally for Crews. Crews gets up and hits a clothesline and a big boot to the face. Crews with more offense and a splash in the middle of the ring for a close 2 count.
Crews scoops Elias on his shoulders but Elias fights out. Crews stuns Elias with an enziguri and Elias rolls to the floor for a breather. Titus talks trash to Elias. Crews brings Elias back into the ring and goes to the top but has to roll through as Elias moves. Elias nails Crews into the corner and hits the Drift Away for the win.
Winner: Elias
After the match, Elias stands tall as his music plays. Elias attacks Crews and stomps on him but Titus hits the ring. Elias retreats to the floor and laughs at Titus, raising his hand in victory. Titus checks on Crews as Elias makes his exit.
– Back to the panel for more plugs on tonight’s pay-per-view and the WWE Network. Renee says we have a sold out crowd for tonight as we see more fans finding their seats. We get a video package on tonight’s WWE Universal Title match.
– Backstage, Rome was waiting outside of Brock Lesnar’s locker room and said he was hoping to speak with Paul Heyman. When Heyman showed up, Rome stammered a bit and asked him about the Universal Championship match. Heyman said the question is whether Lesnar can deal with Strowman.
– Young questioned whether Heyman was playing mind games by positioning Lesnar as the underdog. Otunga picked Strowman to win. Roberts picked Lesnar. Lawler flipped a coin and picked Lesnar to close the Kickoff Show.
WWE No Mercy Opener:
The show opens with a video package highlighting the main feuds heading into tonight’s show. A good bit of time is spent on Lesnar vs. Strowman and Reigns vs. Cena, with the Women’s match getting a little bit of a look as well.
Michael Cole welcomes us to the show and it doesn’t take long for The Miz’s music to hit, and the Intercontinental Champion makes his way to the ring with Miztourage in tow.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
The Miz vs. Jason Jordan
We get a recap of the recent events between Miz and Jason Jordan that led up to this match, including the Miz delivering a Skull Crushing Finale to Jordan on Raw this past Monday. Jason Jordan is out next, and Jordan doesn’t really get much of a reaction at all from the fans in attendance.
The bell rings Jordan stalks Miz around the ring before locking up. Jordan clamps on a headlock, and then when he’s pushed off, hits the ropes and hits a shoulderblock. Miz pops up and goes right into another headlock. Miz pushes Jordan off and tries for a hip toss, but Jordan counters with a fireman’s carry. Miz rolls out to the apron and tries to tie Jordan up, but Jordan pulls Miz back into the ring and hoists him up into a giant vertical suplex. Miz backs Jordan into the corner, then comes out with a couple of right hands to the side of Jordan’s head. Miz whips Jordan across the ring, but then ends up eating a bridging Northern lights suplex for two. Miz rolls to the outside and Jordan follows, taking Miz right back into the ring and staring down Dallas and Axel. Jordan goes to the apron and Miz dropkicks him back out to the floor. Miz heads out to the floor and backs Jordan into the barricade, then into the ring apron.
Miz brings things back into the ring for a quick two count before he buries his knee in Jordan’s back and cranks away with a rear chin lock. Jordan is able to fight up to his feet and out of the hold, but Miz kicks Jordan in the gut and connects with a DDT in the middle of the ring for another two count.
Miz blasts Jordan with a couple of right hands before Jordan begins fighting back. Miz drops to the mat, then pulls Jordan back, sending him through the ropes and out to the floor. Miz heads out after Jordan and tries to whip him into the barricade but has things reversed quickly. Jordan brings things back into the ring and heads to the top, leaping off with a nice clothesline, but Miz won’t stay down for three. Jordan ends up eating a knee to the gut from Miz, and Miz uses the opportunity to recover for a moment before he begins kicking Jordan in the chest with some Daniel Bryan styles kicks. Jordan blocks the last kick and sends Miz flying with an exploder suplex, and both men are down.
Jordan knocks Miz down with a couple of running forearms before he plants Miz with a belly to back suplex. Jordan waits for Miz to stand and tries for another suplex, but Miz lands on his feet. Miz tries for the SCF, but Jordan counters with a roll up for two. Jordan hits a bridging Northern lights suplex, then rolls through and hits another before pinning Miz, but Miz still kicks out at two! Miz pulls himself out to the floor and Jordan dropkicks him through the ropes. Dallas charges and Jordan catches him, hitting a belly to belly suplex that launches him into Miz and Axel. Back in the ring, Jordan ducks a clothesline and clamps on a crossface toward the middle of the ring. Miz drags himself over and gets his hand on the rope to force the break.
Jordan goes for a spear in the corner, but Miz moves and Jordan connects shoulder first with the middle turnbuckle. Miz goes for his corner clothesline, but Jordan catches him and drags him out of the corner for a huge belly to belly suplex. Jordan hits a spear in the corner, and Dallas distracts Jordan, then the ref. Jordan rolls up Miz, but with the ref distracted, Miz pushes him off into a big right hand from Axel. Miz connects with the SCF, and pins Jordan for three.
Winner and STILL WWE Intercontinental Champion: The Miz
Renee Young is in the ring following the match, with Jordan. Jordan says he’s disappointed he couldn’t overcome the odds with the Miztourage, but he still doesn’t respect the Miz, and quite frankly he’d love to have a rematch. The crowd doesn’t really seem to care for Jordan. Jordan says it’s funny that the people chant ‘You Suck’ lovingly at Kurt Angle, because Miz really does suck. And the crowd hated that promo.
– We get a video package detailing the history between Bray Wyatt and Finn Balor, with Wyatt accusing Balor of hiding behind the demon persona, and challenging Finn to a match without the paint. Cole said he hopes that Owens knows what he started…
Singles Match
Finn Balor vs. Bray Wyatt
There are quite a few fireflies are out tonight as cell phones light up the arena and Bray Wyatt makes his way down the aisle.
Finn Balor is out next, and Balor is very popular in Los Angeles, as he gets a huge reaction on his way to the ring.
Bray attacks Balor before the bell can even ring, stomping on him and tossing him out to the floor. Wyatt throws Balor into the barricade before slamming his face into the German announcer’s table, then planting Finn with a urunage. Wyatt rips at Balor’s face, then slides back into the ring and poses with a big smile on his face. Officials are out to check on Balor who is grabbing at his ribs and struggling to stand.
Finn is helped up and it looks like he may be getting walked to the back. Wyatt grabs the mic and tells Los Angeles to look what he just did to the mighty hero Finn Balor. Wyatt tells Balor to run away. Wyatt says the man he was set to face tonight isn’t a man at all, but a god. Wyatt yells at Finn, telling him to look at him, saying he’s not a man, or a demon, but a coward. Finn takes off his jacket, and looks to be in pain, but he runs down to the ring. Balor ducks a clothesline and avoids a Sister Abigail, tossing Wyatt to the outside and following up with a dropkick through the ropes. Balor backs up and charges in with a huge dropkick to the chest that launches Wyatt back into the barricade.
Balor brings things back into the ring and heads to the top rope, but Wyatt stops him in his tracks. Wyatt is able to connect with a superplex that plants Finn in the middle of the ring for a two count. Wyatt sends Balor into the ropes and hits a nasty head butt to Finn’s shoulder. Balor rolls out to the apron and Wyatt follows to gloat and kick Balor in the face. Finn makes it up to his feet on the apron and starts to fight back, but Wyatt drops down and sends Finn crashing shoulder first into the apron.
Wyatt brings things back into the ring where he traps Finn in a front face lock. Finn is able to fight out of the hold and back Bray up with a double boot to the face. Finn scores with a couple of forearms and a nasty shotgun dropkick. Finn chops Wyatt’s chest in the corner, but then walks into a glancing kick from Wyatt. Bray sends Finn to the outside, but when he follows, Finn traps Bray in the apron and he wails on Wyatt, hitting him with repeated clubbing blows before jumping to the apron and kicking him in the chest. Wyatt struggles back to his feet and Finn soccer ball kicks Wyatt square in the face. Finn bounces Wyatt’s head off the announcer’s table before sending him back into the ring. Finn heads to the top rope, and Wyatt pops up in the spider walk. Finn freezes, but ends up jumping over Wyatt and connecting with the sling blade. Balor runs into a big boot, urunage and running senton from Wyatt, but Balor is still able to recover and kick out at two.
Wyatt kicks at Balor, and Balor makes his way up to his feet, blasting Wyatt with a forearm. Balor connects with an overhead kick, fights his way out of Sister Abigail, and puts Wyatt to the mat for a leaping double stomp, but Bray won’t stay down for three. Both men struggle to stand, and Balor hits a running dropkick to a seated Bray in the corner. Balor heads up to the top, and he’s stopped again by Wyatt with a charging forearm. Wyatt goes for another superplex, but Balor fights this one off with a series of elbows to the face. Bray drops down to the mat and Balor stands on the top rope. Finn connects with a coup de grace to the back of Bray’s head, but Bray still kicks out at two.
Finn teases Sunday Bloody Sunday, but Bray fights out of it and connects with a giant clothesline that puts Finn down for two. Bray picks up Finn in a suplex, then throws him across the ring. Bray picks up Finn for another suplex, just launching Balor across the ring. Wyatt heads up to the middle rope and Balor is up with a quick kick to the side of the head. Balor is pushes off and Wyatt heads down to the mat. Balor connects with a shotgun dropkick in the corner, then another. Finn heads up to the top rope once more and hits the Coup de Grace, and this time it’s enough to keep Wyatt down for a three count.
Winner: Finn Balor
After the match, Balor recovers as we go to replays. Balor stands tall and hits the corner to pose as his music plays.
– We get a pretty great hype video for Asuka’s debut at TLC, and they did a great job of making Asuka look like a big deal.
Backstage:
The Bar is backstage with Charlie, and Sheamus asks if they look like a couple of lost souls? Of course not, they’re tall dominant men, the world adjusts to them. Cesaro says men like Dean and Seth need adjustment. Sheamus says when the going gets tough, and the match gets ugly, Seth and Dean will fall to pieces. Cesaro says they’re facing a real team who doesn’t just set the bar, they are the bar.
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro and Sheamus
Back in the arena, Seth Rollins makes his way out first to a nice pop, followed shortly by his partner Dean Ambrose who also gets a very nice reaction.
Cesaro is the first man out for his team, immediately joined onstage by his partner Sheamus, and The Bar also get a pretty warm welcome from the Staples Center.
The bell rings and it looks like Sheamus and Ambrose will kick things off. Cesaro causes a distraction that allows Sheamus to knock Rollins off the apron. Ambrose is able to recover with a clothesline that sends Sheamus rolling to the floor. Sheamus launches Rollins into the barricade and Ambrose is out quickly to defend his partner. He gets involved with Cesaro as well and the numbers are too much for Ambrose. Back in the ring, Cesaro tags in and quickly throws Ambrose back out to the floor. Cesaro sends Ambrose into the barricade, then swings him into the ring steps hard. Cesaro brings things back into the ring and tries for a quick pin, but can’t get three. Sheamus tags back in and quick tags allow both men to get in shots on Ambrose.
Cesaro works over Ambrose’s arm, slamming it into the mat, until the ref checks in on Dean. Dean waves off the ref, then eats a giant boot from Cesaro that’s good for another near fall. Cesaro wrenches back on Ambrose’s arm, ripping at his face for good measure. Ambrose fights up to his feet, and Cesaro makes the tag to Sheamus for a quick double clothesline. Sheamus kicks Ambrose in the chest and continues to work over the arm with a single arm DDT. Sheamus traps Ambrose in a hammerlock, but Ambrose fights up and shoulders Sheamus. Sheamus is able to drive his knee into Ambrose’s gut and back him into his corner once more to tag out to Cesaro. Cesaro goes for another arm bar, driving his knee into the side of Ambrose’s face. Ambrose fights up to his feet and Cesaro tries for the Neutralizer, but Ambrose is able to fight out and slingshot Cesaro into the corner. Rollins is finally able to make the tag and he comes in with a springboard clothesline to Cesaro, he knocks Sheamus off the apron, hits a blockbuster on Cesaro, and continues the assault on Sheamus on the outside. Back in the ring, Rollins hits a sling blade and a superkick on Cesaro and it looks like Cesaro’s nose may be broken as it’s pouring blood. Sheamus tags in a Cesaro drops out of the ring, and it looks like actually he may have lost a tooth. Sheamus drops Rollins with a couple of nasty backbreakers, but he can’t keep Rollins down for three.
They show where Cesaro lost what appear to be his two front teeth when his face connected with the top turnbuckle. Cesaro is able to recover and tag in and Rollins back drops him. Sheamus tags back in and spears Rollins in the corner. Sheamus launches Rollins up for an uppercut from Cesaro, but it’s not enough to keep Rollins down for three. Sheamus and Cesaro both argue with the ref before Sheamus turns back to Rollins. Rollins chops and strikes at Sheamus, and Sheamus misses a spear in the corner, connecting with the ring post. Rollins back drops Cesaro over the top rope and to the outside. Sheamus and Ambrose both tag in and Ambrose hits a series of chops and jabs before running the ropes for a couple of forearms to the forehead. Ambrose stomps away on Sheamus in the corner, and he kicks Cesaro from the apron before clotheslining Sheamus over the top rope and to the outside. Ambrose hits the ropes and launches himself with a suicide dive out to the floor to wipe out Sheamus against the barricade.
Ambrose brings things back into the ring and he heads up to the top. Sheamus tries to stop him with White Noise, but Ambrose fights him off and sends Sheamus crashing to the mat. Ambrose connects with a leaping elbow drop from the top rope. Cesaro breaks up the pin, stomps on Ambrose and launches Rollins from the apron. Cesaro tags in and they go for a double team Razor’s edge, but Rollins helps break it up. Rollins is sent from the ring and Cesaro locks in a Sharpshooter. Cearo transitions over into a crossface, and we get a good look at his broken teeth. Sheamus tags in and we get a double Razor’s edge on Ambrose, but Ambrose is still able to kick out.
Cesaro blasts Ambrose with a couple of big right hands to the side of the face. Ambrose fights back and recovers from a kick to the chest by hitting a rebound lariat. Sheamus tags in, shoulders Ambrose, then tags in Cesaro. Cesaro catches Rollins trying for the hurricanrana. Sheamus connects with White Noise on Ambrose, and Cesaro powerbombs Rollins on top of Ambrose from the middle rope, but Ambrose is still able to kick out!
Sheamus double stomps Rollins on the apron, and Sheamus tries for a Brogue kick, but Ambrose just collapses to the mat. Ambrose rolls up Sheamus for a two count. Ambrose is able to distract Sheamus into hitting the Brogue kick on Cesaro. Rollins connects with a knee to the face to Sheamus, then Ambrose connects with Dirty Deeds to put Sheamus down for the three count.
Winners and STILL Raw Tag Team champions: Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose
After the match, the champs recover as we go to replays while their music hits. Ambrose and Rollins stand tall in the ring with their titles before hitting the corners. Sheamus and Cesaro stumble up the ramp and to the back.
– We get a video package showcasing how Alexa Bliss came to find herself standing across from four other women tonight for a fatal five way match.
Raw Women’s Championship Fatal Five Way Match
Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax vs. Emma vs. Bayley
Bayley is the first woman to make her way out for the next match and Bayley gets a warm, if a little underwhelming, reaction from the crowd.
Emma is the second woman out, and the crowd is not very excited about Emma.
Nia Jax makes her way out next, and she too gets a bit of an apathetic reaction from the crowd.
Sasha Banks is out fourth, and Banks surprisingly gets a weak reaction.
Alexa Bliss is the final woman to the ring, and the Champion gets a small initial pop, but it doesn’t seem the crowd is too excited about this one.
After formal ring introductions from Jojo, we’re ready to begin.
The bell rings and Emma goes right after Alex and Nia takes out Bayley and Sasha. Nia splashes Alexa in the corner, and turns around into a dropkick from Emma, Sasha and Bayley. Nia and Alexa drop to the floor. Bayley and Sasha team up on Emma, forcing her out of the ring. Bayley and Sasha lock up and Sasha clamps on a headlock right away. Bayley pushes her off, then runs into a boot to the face from Banks. Nia pulls Sasha out of the ring and launches her into the barricade. Nia heads back into the ring and head butts Bayley in the shoulder before clotheslining her to the mat. Emma jumps on Nia’s back, but Nia shrugs her off. Emma fights off Nia as best as she can until she’s planted on the mat with a giant spinebuster. Nia goes for the pin and Alexa breaks up the ring. Alexa tries for a DDT, but Nia stops her and slams her to the mat instead. Nia hip tosses Alexa across the ring, then splashes Alexa, then runs across the ring and splashes Emma. Alexa fights out of the corner with strikes and a kick to the side of the head. Alexa hits the ropes and is shouldered by Nia. Sasha heads to the top rope and Nia shoulders her as well, dropping Alexa and Banks in a double Samoan drop. Bayley is in to break up the pin.
Bayley connects with a knee to the side of Nia’s face. Bayley locks in a guillotine, and Nia tries to dump her over the top, but Bayley hangs on, and Banks, Alexa and Emma team up to dump Nia over the top rope. Alexa tosses Sasha into Bayley to knock Bayley from the apron out to the floor. Things break down between Emma and Alexa, with Alexa shoving Emma aside to try for a pin on Banks. Emma takes Alexa to the mat for a two count of her own. Emma and Sasha trade right hands and Sasha drops down in the corner. Nia climbs back up and Emma tries to fight her off, but Nia head butts Emma, then she teases suplexing her to the outside. Emma fights out and knees Nia in the face before dropping to the floor. Emma and Bayley grab on to Nia’s legs, and Alexa and Sasha kick Nia in the stomach, allowing Emma and Bayley to powerbomb Nia to the floor. Back in the ring, Emma dropkicks Sasha from the ring before rolling up Alexa for two. Alexa rolls up Emma for two, then she slams her to the mat. Alexa hits double knees before Bayley suplexes Alexa into the corner. Emma grabs Bayley and plants her with a butterfly suplex before connecting with a double splash on Bayley and Alexa in the corner. Emma tries for a pin on Bayley but only gets two. Sasha is in and she kicks Emma in the chest before taking her to the mat with a bulldog. The pin is broken up by Alexa.
Alexa shocks Banks with a big forearm, but Sasha recovers with a backstabber and the Banks statement. Bayley breaks it up and connects with the Bayley to belly on Alexa. Sasha breaks up the pin. Nia is back in the ring and she takes out Bayley before connecting with a leg drop on Sasha. Emma breaks up the pin. Nia charges Alexa in the corner, but Alexa moves and Nia connects with the ring post. Alexa tosses Sasha from the ring and plants Bayley with a vicious DDT that puts her down for three.
Winner and STILL Raw Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss
Renee Young is with Alexa on the entrance ramp. Alexa says there’s a lot of stars in Hollywood and Superstars in the WWE, but there’s only one true Goddess, and Raw Women’s Champion, Alexa Bliss!
– After a couple of commercials, the announcers are quick to throw to a video package that hypes Reigns vs. Cena. The video package is very well put together, showing both at the very beginnings of their careers, and some of the milestones they’ve both met, along with some unique to each man (matching Ric Flair’s championship record for Cena, and beating Undertaker at WrestleMania for Reigns).
John Cena vs. Roman Reigns
John Cena is the first man to make his way out into the arena. Cena makes a point to stop at the announcer’s table to let Booker know that he’s walking with a purpose. Cena gets a nice pop, and it doesn’t seem as though there are even many fans singing ‘John Cena sucks’ tonight. Cole mentions that if Cena wins tonight it’ll be his 91st victory on PPV.
After a bit of a delay, Roman Reigns is out next to a good bit of heat from the crowd.
The bell rings and both men circle each other before locking up. Reigns pulls Cena in for a headlock, and Cena pushes Reigns off. Reigns pops off the ropes with a shoulder tackle, and Cena jumps right back up smiling. Cena teases leaving the match, and Reigns chases him up the entrance ramp, catching Cena with a right hand that sends Cena back into the ring. Reigns connects with another big right hand and Cena drops to the mat. Cena pulls himself up on Reigns. Reigns ducks a clothesline and drops Cena with a belly to back suplex that puts Cena on the mat for two.
Reigns boots Cena repeatedly in the corner before tossing him out to the floor. Reigns follows Cena out to the floor and he tries to whip Cena in the ring steps, but Cena is able to turn things around and send Reigns crashing into the steps. Reigns is up quickly and he returns the favor by launching Cena into another set of ring steps. Reigns stalks Cena around the ring and connects with a drive by kick that puts Cena down to the floor.
Reigns rolls Cena back into the ring and he pins Cena for a two count. Reigns allows Cena to stand, then blasts him with another big right hand to the forehead, then he repeats the process. Cena blocks a right hand and delivers one of his own. Reigns connects with a couple of big kicks to Cena’s gut and chest, but he’s still not able to keep Cena down for a three count. Reigns works right over into a rear chin lock, and Cena begins fighting up to his feet. Cena works to break out of the hold and he connects with a shoulder tackle, but Roman comes up with a huge right hand. Cena won’t die, connecting with two more shoulder tackles and a belly to back suplex. Cena calls for the five knuckle shuffle, but Reigns pops up with a Samoan drop for another two count. Reigns connects with a series of clotheslines to Cena in the corner before hitting the ropes and eating another belly to back suplex and immediate five knuckle shuffle from Cena. Cena shoulders Reigns, but Reigns fights out and boots Cena back down to the mat. Reigns calls for the Superman punch, but Cena ducks it and locks in the STF.
Roman crawls toward the ropes, and Cena, realizing it, drags Roman back to the middle of the ring. Roman is able to roll over and he picks Cena up for a sit out powerbomb, pinning him for a two count. Roman and Cena pull each other up and trade right hands. Roman kicks Cena in the gut, but Cena is still able to catch him mid air when Roman tries for a cross body. Cena flips Roman up to his shoulders and hits an AA, but he’s not able to keep Roman down for three.
Cena heads up to the top rope and he leaps off right into a powerbomb from Reigns, but Cena kicks out of a pin attempt. Reigns backs into the corner and he waits for Cena to stand, connecting with a Superman punch. Cena will not die as he still kicks out at two.
Reigns is drawing lots of heat from the crowd. He waits in the corner again, going for the spear. Cena sidesteps Roman and sends him shoulder first into the ring post. Cena pulls Roman up and seats him on the top rope. Cena shoulders Roman on the middle rope and he leaps off with an avalanche AA, but Roman Reigns is still able to kick out at two!
The fans are chanting for Cena to do it one more time, and he waves that off. Cena heads out to the floor and he takes apart the German and Spanish announce tables. Cena puts Roman on one of the tables and he climbs up after him. Cena shoulders Roman, but Roman fights out and spears Cena, sending him crashing through the Spanish announcer’s table.
Roman brings things back into the ring and he tries for a pin, but Cena is still able to kick out. Roman waits for Cena to stand and he runs into an AA from Cena. Cena grabs Roman’s arm and rolls through, picking Roman up for a second AA in a row. Cena pins Roman, but Roman kicks out at two and the air is sucked out of the Staples Center as everyone is in shock.
Cena stands and eats a Superman punch from Reigns, followed up by a spear, and Roman gets the three count.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Following the match, both Cena and Reigns are slow to get to their feet. Cena walks over to Reigns and grabs his arm, holding it up in victory. Cena grabs Reigns and says a couple of words to him, and Roman takes it all in. Cena sits down in the corner and looks disappointed in himself.
Cena takes his time in the middle of the ring, kneeling and taking in all the cheers before bowing, waving, and heading off to the back. Cena hugs one of the kids in the front row and gives him an arm band. This has a very weird vibe to it, almost as if Cena is retiring. Cena’s music hits as he makes his way up the ramp, and Cena turns around, salutes the crowd, and walks off to the back.
Backstage:
Kurt Angle is talking on the phone backstage when he’s interrupted by the Miztourage. Miz talks about Jordan being a disappointment, and how Miz’s unborn child won’t be like that. Miz wants to give Angle an opportunity for a special Miz TV with the first interview with Roman Reigns after his victory tonight. Miz says there’s so much buzz around Roman right now, he wants to get some answers and make Raw Must See TV. Angle says that’s a great idea, not only will Miz TV be on Raw, but it’ll kick off the show. Miz thanks the GM and walks off.
WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match
Neville vs. Enzo Amore
Neville is the first man to make his way out for the next match, and the King of Cruiserweights doesn’t get much love from the LA fans.
Enzo Amore is out next, and he’s dressed almost like a referee. He introduces himself to the crowd then talks about how Neville calls himself the most formidable cruiserweight. Enzo is about to find out, but one thing he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt is that Neville is ugly, like Frodo and Gollum had a baby. Enzo says tonight he’s taking Neville’s girl, the Cruiserweight Championship, and he’s gonna treat her better. Enzo calls Neville a Keebler elf looking schmuck, who will spend the night playing cookie dough, because he’s S-A-W-F-T.
The bell rings and we get a lockup and Neville pushes Enzo away almost immediately. Another lockup and Neville pushes Enzo into the ropes. Neville picks up Enzo and slams him down to the mat before clamping on a rear chin lock. Neville works over to Enzo’s arm, wrenching away repeatedly. Enzo reaches for the ropes and Neville simply lets him go. Another lockup and Neville dumps Enzo to the mat and clamps in another front face lock. Neville goes right back to work on the arm, before he kicks Enzo in the back of the leg hard enough to send Enzo rolling out of the ring.
Enzo baits in Neville to hang him up on the top rope and gets in a couple of quick shots, but Neville catches Enzo and plants him in the corner before stomping away repeatedly at Enzo’s chest. Neville grinds his boot against Enzo’s face, then charges into the corner with a flying kick to the face that sends Enzo crashing to the outside. Neville follows and rams Enzo hard into the ringside barricade.
Enzo is able to make it back into the ring by 9, and Neville is right back on him with a kick to the back and a front face lock. Enzo is able to fight up to his feet, and Neville tosses him over the top rope. Enzo holds on and skins the cat, but turns right around into a superkick from Neville that’s good for a two count.
Neville taunts Enzo, kicking his face, then taunting him while picking him up to his feet. Neville connects with a kick to the gut, then the chest, then Enzo’s face. Neville climbs up to the top and he looks around, waving off the red arrow. Neville tries for a phoenix splash from the middle rope, but Enzo moves. Enzo heads to the top rope and leaps off with a giant DDG. Enzo pins Neville, but Neville is able to kick out at two and roll to the floor.
Enzo hits the ropes and runs right into a boot to the face from Neville. Neville launches Enzo into the timekeeper’s area, and Enzo grabs the title, infuriating Neville and forcing him to break the count. Enzo is forced to hand over the belt, and he low blows Neville while the ref is putting the belt away. Enzo pins Neville and gets the three count.
Winner and NEW WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Neville
After the match, Enzo celebrates with the title as we get replays. An upset Neville recovers as Enzo makes his exit.
– After a couple of commercials, Cory Graves is still distraught over Enzo winning the Cruiserweight championship. We get a video package for Lesnar vs Strowman that’s very interesting in how it compares Heyman speaking about Lesnar with the way Braun Strowman dominates people today.
WWE Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and Strowman gets a nice little pop from the crowd.
Brock Lesnar is out next, and he’s flanked by Paul Heyman, who escorts him down the aisle.
After formal ring introductions (with Heyman handling Lesnar’s introduction of course), we’re ready to begin.
The bell rings and Lesnar charges out, only to be thrown right back into the corner by Strowman. Lesnar charges in for a takedown, and Strowman picks him up by the waist and throws him aside. Lesnar connects with a German suplex, and Strowman pops right up and chokeslams Lesnar. Strowman shoulders Lesnar and slams him down with a powerslam, but Lesnar kicks out at two.
Strowman splashes Lesnar in the corner before hitting him with a clubbing blow across the back. Strowman buries his shoulder in Lesnar’s midsection repeatedly before headbutting Lesnar in the face. Lesnar shoulders Strowman, but Braun fights out of it and Lesnar drops him. Strowman hits the ropes and buries his knee in Brock’s back, sending him crashing to the outside. Braun follows to the floor and he picks up Lesnar, slamming him spine first into the ring post. Strowman spears Lesnar in the corner, then charges to the other side of the ring, slamming Lesnar into the corner hard. Lesnar avoids another spear in the corner, and Strowman connects with the ring post. Lesnar locks in the kimura, and even though Strowman repeatedly grabs the ropes, the ref doesn’t call for a break and Strowman fades, falling slowly to the mat. Strowman grabs the rope again, and the ref forces the break. Both men are up and Strowman connects with a spinebuster almost immediately.
Braun tries for a clothesline and Brock ducks it. Brock connects with a German suplex, then another, and a third in quick succession. Lesnar hits the fifth, and sixth German suplexes of the match. Lesnar shoulders Braun, but Braun fights out again and connects with another running powerslam. Braun falls off to the side, unable to capitalize. Braun lets Lesnar stand and connects with another running powerslam, but a lazy cover allows Lesnar to kick out at two.
Lesnar shoulders Braun and connects with the F5, pinning Strowman and getting the three count.
Winner and STILL Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar
Lesnar throws the title over his shoulder and walks to the back exhausted while Strowman recovers on the floor. The show ends with Brock walking up the ramp and Heyman looking relieved.
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