– The WWE Stomping Grounds Kickoff pre-show opens live from the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington as Jonathan Coachman welcomes us. He’s joined by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, Charly Caruso and David Otunga.
The panel hypes tonight’s pay-per-view on the WWE Network and they go over the card. Booker says we will find out Baron Corbin’s Special Guest Referee for the match with WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins later on tonight. They confirm that the Triple Threat for the WWE Cruiserweight Title will happen on the Kickoff.
– Charly Caruso and Booker T are inside the ring with a steel cage discussing the match. Booker said the first thing you’d want to do is escape the cage but others want to use the cage to grind and crush your opponents.
– Jonathan Coachman and David Otunga interviewed New Day’s Xavier Woods and Big E. They said Kofi didn’t need them tonight and praised how great he was. They were super entertaining. They aired a video package on Baron Corbin vs. Seth Rollins.
– We are Backstage and Kayla Braxton asks Baron Corbin whether he has made his choice for the guest referee tonight. He said lots of people have come to him wanting to referee and he’s made his choice, but he’s not going to reveal who it is. He said Seth Rollins has shown how scared he is. He promised to slay the Beastslayer and become the new Universal Champion. He used all sorts of big vocabulary words in a way that no one actually speaks unless they’ve been scripted on WWE to sound completely unnatural.
– The panel discussed how Seth Rollins has attacked everyone in recent days, showing clips of the attacks. They aired a video package on Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss.
– Ricochet joined the panel. He said he’s in for the fight of his life. He knows Joe has no respect after what he did to Rey. Joe showed up on a split screen and said Ricochet has been here for a cup of coffee but doesn’t know what it’s like to be at a top level of competition. He said tonight will not be Ricochet’s night. Ricochet said he will give Joe his message in the ring. Ricochet seemed nervous and did not speak with a lot of conviction.
– Backstage, Daniel Bryan and Rowan cut a promo about the lack of respect for the tag team division. He said New Day treats the division like a joke. Tonight, they are going to save the entire division as much as they are defending the title. They mocked the idea of Heavy Machinery as tag team champions. They said they are to save the division from being a joke. They are doing it for the ideal and for the planet, because they are the planet’s champions.
– Booker T said he hears what Daniel Bryan is saying and he agrees with Bryan. Otunga said they want to see the tag team division treated seriously and he agrees with that and would like to see it as well. They aired a video feature on Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre.
– Backstage, Shane McMahon said he smelled the smell of victory. Drew said he’s too emotional. He just tells the truth. When Roman goes home, his family won’t recognize him and his children will scream at the sight of their father. If that hurts, it won’t hurt as bad as what Drew does to Roman.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese vs. Drew Gulak vs. Akira Tozawa
We go to the ring and Vic Joseph welcomes us to commentary. He’s joined by Aiden English and Nigel McGuinness. Akira Tozawa is out first as Greg Hamilton does the introductions. Drew Gulak is out next, followed by WWE Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese. We see fans still finding their seats in the arena.
The bell rings and Gulak immediately rocks Nese to drop him. Tozawa attacks Gulak and unloads. Nese gets back involved and Gulak ends up on the outside. Tozawa and Nese go at it now. Nese with a series of strikes to drop Tozawa for a 2 count. Nese and Tozawa trade counters. Gulak runs back in and we get a three-man German suplex that sees Nese get a close 2 count. Nese and Gulak are on the floor now. Nese with a big superkick. Tozawa lands a suicide dive and hits Nese. Tozawa runs the apron and leaps off next, taking Gulak down against the barrier. Fans pop for Tozawa as he shouts for a louder pop.
Tozawa brings Nese back in. Tozawa goes to the top and nails a missile dropkick for a close 2 count as Gulak makes the save. Tozawa sends Gulak to the floor and goes back to work on Nese. Nese rocks Tozawa on the top and brings him back down for more offense. Nese with a Gutbuster for a 2 count as Gulak makes the save again. Gulak and Nese trade holds now. Gulak suplexes Tozawa on top of Nese while he hangs upside down in the ropes. We go to a quick break.
Back from the break and Nese drops Tozawa but Gulak drops Nese. Gulak pulls Nese back into his Gu-Lock submission as fans pop. Tozawa finally comes flying in to break the hold with a senton. More back and forth between Tozawa and Gulak now. Tozawa with a hurricanrana. Tozawa powers up with Gulak on his shoulders, dropping him over the knees. Tozawa with a running low dropkick for another close 2 count. Tozawa gets dumped to the floor by Gulak as he charges. Nese charges Gulak now and drops him with a kick. Nese springboards in with a big moonsault but Tozawa breaks the pin up just in time.
Nese and Tozawa trade big chops in the middle of the ring. Tozawa finally drops Nese with a big right hand after a fake. Nese rocks Tozawa while he’s up top. Nese climbs up for a superplex but Tozawa fights him off. Tozawa rocks Nese and leaves him upside down. Gulak runs up Nese’s body and hits the superplex on Tozawa. Nese goes for a 450 but nobody is home. Gulak ends up nailing another big move on Nese but Tozawa comes right back with a Shining Wizard on Nese for a close 2 count as fans pop for them all. More back and forth between all three. Nese rocks Gulak in the corner but Tozawa rolls him for a close 2 count. Nese with a big Buckle Bomb to Tozawa for a close 2 count as Gulak leaps to break it up.
Gulak rocks Nese with elbows in the middle of the ring. Nese suplexes Gulak into the turnbuckles. Gulak rocks Nese as he charges. Nese slides out of a Torture Rack. Tozawa kicks Nese off the apron to the floor. Gulak and Tozawa tangle again. Gulak ends up hitting the Torture Rack neckbreaker on Tozawa for the pin to win the title.
Winner and New WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Drew Gulak
After the match, Gulak takes the title and celebrates as his music hits. Nese and Tozawa recover as we go back to the panel.
– The panel ran down the PPV lineup and we are ready for Stomping Grounds!
WWE Stomping Grounds Opener:
The first-ever WWE Stomping Grounds pay-per-view opens with a video package.
– We’re live from the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington as Michael Cole welcomes us. He’s joined by Renee Young and Corey Graves.
RAW Women’s Title Match: Lacey Evans vs. Becky Lynch
We go right to the ring and out comes RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch to a big pop. Lacey Evans is out next. Cole shows us the Spanish and German announce teams at ringside. We get formal ring introductions from Mike Rome.
Fans start chanting for Becky as the bell rings. They lock up and go at it. Becky takes it to the corner and gets in Evans’ face but gets slapped. They have more words as fans chant for Becky. They go at it and Becky takes Evans to the floor for a leg lock but Evans quickly gets the bottom rope. More back and forth between the two. Becky takes Lacey from turnbuckle to turnbuckle. Becky with a springboard kick out of the corner. Becky ends up hitting a baseball slide kick while Evans is on the floor. They come back in and Evans finally turns it around with a shot to the ribs.
Lacey wraps Becky around the ring post and slams her into it over and over as the referee warns her. Fans boo Lacey as she drags Becky over for a 2 count. Lacey with more shots to the ribs now. Fans chant “you can’t wrestle!” as Evans keeps Becky down and focuses on the ribs. Evans takes Becky to the corner and kicks away at the ribs as the referee warns her. Lacey focuses on the injured left arm and the ribs, pounding on Becky while keeping her grounded. Fans try to rally for The Man.
Evans with two pin attempts while keeping Lynch grounded with elbow strikes. Becky clutches her ribs while trying to mount offense. Evans comes right back with a tackle for a pin attempt but Becky powers up out of nowhere and rocks her for a pop. Becky springboards with another kick. Evans turns it back around in the corner and looks to go for a superplex but Becky rolls her to the mat and over, going for the Disarm-Her. Evans tangles and we get a 2 count. Becky goes back for the hold but can’t get it all the way locked in as it’s broken. Becky charges but Evans sends her face-first into the turnbuckle. Evans launches herself into another big ribs shot in the corner but Becky kicks out at 2.
Evans shows off and poses but the crowd boos her. Lynch takes advantage and unloads on Evans to make the comeback. Evans with a right hand to the ribs. Becky comes right back and hits a flying forearm shot. Fans cheer for Becky as she looks to mount offense again. Becky charges into the corner and stomps away as the referee warns her. Becky with the Bexploder suplex for a close 2 count. More back and forth now as Evans keeps coming. Evans finally turns it around and levels Lynch but can’t get the 3 count. Evans shows frustration and argues with the referee.
Evans goes to the top but Becky cuts her off and sends her to the mat. Lynch immediately applies the Disarm-Her and Evans taps out as soon as it’s locked.
Winner: Becky Lynch
After the match, Lynch takes the title and celebrates as her music hits. We go to replays. Evans looks on, leaning up against the barrier, as Becky is all smiles in the ring.
– We get a new vignette for Ali, the same one we covered from YouTube this afternoon.
Backstage:
Kayla Braxton is outside of Baron Corbin’s locker room in the back. Paul Heyman comes out and has been in there meeting with Corbin. Kayla says people are speculating on Heyman being Corbin’s Special Guest Referee for tonight. She also asks about Brock Lesnar being here tonight. Heyman says the question to ask is if WWE Champion Kofi Kingston or WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins are here. Fans in the arena boo Lesnar’s name and Heyman walks off. Corbin comes walking out and creepily wonders if Kayla is hanging outside of his door for something besides an interview. Corbin says he has picked the referee tonight and it’s someone who won’t do him favors, who will call it down the middle. Corbin says he doesn’t need help beating Rollins, he just needs a shot and then if needed, he will deal with Lesnar. Corbin walks off.
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs. Big E and Xavier Woods
We go to the ring and Tom Phillips welcomes us as Sami Zayn comes out. Kevin Owens is out next. Tom is joined by Graves and Byron Saxton. Out next comes The New Day’s Xavier Woods and Big E.
The bell rings and Owens immediately rocks Woods with several big superkicks, also knocking Big E off the apron. Owens goes to the top and hits a big senton but somehow Woods kicks out. Sami comes in for the double team on Woods. Sami with a Blue Thunderbomb on Woods for another close 2 count. Owens goes to the top and hits a Frogsplash on Woods but somehow he still kicks out at 2. Owens yells and argues with the referee, he can’t believe Woods is still in it after the quick attack of big moves.
Sami tags back in and unloads on Woods while he’s down. Big E is back to the apron and waiting for the tag as Sami keeps Woods down, talking trash. Owens ends up hitting a corner cannonball on Woods for another close 2 count. Owens drops a senton on Woods and another, while taunting Big E. Owens with a 2 count. Owens takes Woods back to the corner and tags in Sami. Owens yells at the crowd while Sami unloads on Woods. Owens hits Woods with a boot to the face while Sami has the referee distracted.
Woods finally starts fighting back with chops on Sami. Sami takes Woods down to the mat and applies a Crossface. Woods rolls over for a 2 count. Sami grabs the leg to stop Woods from reaching Big E. Sami drags Woods back and tags Owens in for the double team. Big E warns Owens from the apron as Owens plays mind games. Woods ducks a clothesline and rocks Owens with a kick.
Sami tags in and knocks Big E off the apron. Sami goes for Woods but Woods counters and they’re both down. Owens tags in and misses a shot but Big E is down off the apron. Woods tangles with Owens and drops him on his face. Big E is back on the apron now. Sami and Big E tag in at the same time as Big E unloads with overhead throws for a pop. Big E with a big belly-to-belly suplex now as fans pop. Big E dances over Sami now. Big E knocks Owens off the apron and elbows Sami down again. Big E runs the ropes for a splash on Sami but Sami kicks out at 2.
Fans rally for The New Day now as Big E stalks Sami. Sami fights Big E off with elbows. Big E runs into a boot in the corner from Sami. Sami goes to the top and fights Big E off with strikes as fans boo. Big E blocks a tornado DDT but Sami lands on his feet. Big E counters the follow-up and drives Sami into the mat for a close 2 count. Woods finally gets Big E on his shoulders, and splashes him down onto Sami for a pop. Woods runs and hits a big leg drop in the corner but Owens breaks the pin just in time. Big E sends Owens over the top to the floor. Big E scoops Sami as Woods goes to the top for the double team but they can’t hit it as Sami counters and sends them both down. Sami with a Helluva Kick to Woods. Owens tags in and hits a Pop-up Powerbomb on Woods but Big E breaks the pin just in time. Fans chant “this is awesome!” now. Big E levels Sami with a big clothesline but Owens hits a superkick on Big E. Woods blocks the Stunner and drops Owens with the big rolling elbow. Fans try to rally for The New Day once again. Woods kicks Sami on the apron. Big E hits a big Spear, sending Sami from the apron to the floor and the barrier. Woods with an enziguri to Owens. Woods goes to the top but Owens knocks him off. Owens nails a big Stunner to Woods and covers for the pin to win.
Winners: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
After the match, Owens and Zayn hit the ramp to celebrate as Owens’ music hits. We go to replays. Big E checks on Woods in the ring and stares down the winners as they celebrate to the back.
Backstage:
Alexa Bliss is stretching backstage when Nikki Cross comes up to her. Bliss mentions that Bayley cost Cross her first title, but she feels a little responsible. Cross says she hopes people see Bayley for who she is. The Smackdown Women’s Championship is too special for Bayley. Cross says she’ll be in Bliss’ corner.
WWE United States Championship
Ricochet vs. Samoa Joe (c)
They circle the ring, and Joe wrenches the arm before grounding him. Joe slaps his head and kicks the back. Joe lets him go and smirks. Ricochet gathers himself and goes to the center of the ring. Joe jabs him down, so Ricochet goes to the corner. Ricochet peppers him with forearms, flips over him, and hits a head-scissor takeover. Ricochet then dropkicks him out of the ring.
Joe avoids a baseball slide, and Ricochet punches him. Joe drives Ricochet into the ring apron. Joe sends him ribs-first into the ring apron and gets him in the ring. Ricochet flips over him and charges, but Joe catches him with a uranage for a near fall. Joe punches him down and talks trash. Ricochet fights back, but Joe annihilates him with a back elbow for a two count. Ricochet fights back at him again, but Joe pushes him to the corner and hits a snap kick for a near fall. Joe applies a chin lock, but Ricochet gets to his feet and hits a jawbreaker.
Joe gets to his feet and forearms Ricochet down. Ricochet holds onto the ropes, so Joe hits a sit-out slam for a two count. Joe applies a neck vice and grounds Ricochet. Ricochet fights up, hits a backflip dropkick, a regular dropkick, and an enzuigiri. Both men are down!
They get up and trade punches. Ricochet hits a running forearm before connecting with a hurricanrana. Ricochet hits a running shoulder block before catching him with a springboard clothesline. Joe rolls out of the ring, so Ricochet hits him with a Fosbury Flop. Ricochet gets him in the ring and hits a missile dropkick followed by a springboard moonsault for a near fall. Ricochet fights back, but Joe hits a snap powerslam for a two count.
They trade chops before Ricochet tries for a handspring back elbow. Joe catches him, hits a vicious German Suplex, and turns him inside out with a clothesline for a near fall! Ricochet fights out of a uranage attempt and elbows him. Joe flips him over and tries for a Coquina Clutch, but Ricochet gets to the ropes and takes him down. Ricochet goes to the top rope, but Joe avoids the 630. Ricochet lands on his feet, avoids a clothesline, and hits the Codebreaker! Ricochet goes to the top rope and hits a 630 for the win!
Winner and new WWE United States Champion: Ricochet
After the match, fans go wild as Ricochet’s music hits. He can’t believe he won. We go to replays as Ricochet celebrates and clutches the title. We see Ricochet enter the Gorilla Position backstage, being greeted by a group of Superstars, including WWE Hall of Famer Triple H.
Smackdown Tag Team Championships
Heavy Machinery vs. Daniel Bryan and Rowan (c’s)
We go right to the ring as Heavy Machinery’s Tucker and Otis leave Ricochet’s celebration. SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan and Rowan are out next. Bryan gets a big home state reaction, bigger than Tucker, who has family and friends in the crowd. Tom shows us the other international announce teams in the arena.
The bell rings and the big chants for Bryan continue. Otis looks to start off with Rowan but fans and Otis want Bryan. A big “yes!” chant breaks out and Bryan tags in as the loud chants continue.
Bryan and Otis get a feel for each other and Bryan lands some kicks. The loud Bryan chants continue. Otis takes control and lifts Bryan for a big suplex, holding him in the air. Tucker tags in and Otis passes him over with Tucker taking control of the suplex mid-move. Tucker finally drops Bryan to the mat for a 2 count. Fans continue chanting for Bryan as Tucker works him over. Tucker lands a huge clothesline for a 2 count. Bryan ends up countering and tagging Rowan without Tucker seeing it. Rowan comes in and levels Tucker with a big crossbody.
Rowan takes Tucker to the corner and unloads. Rowan with a big splash and a dropkick to Tucker for a 2 count as a “we recycle!” chant starts up. Rowan keeps Tucker grounded now. Rowan with more offense and a tag to Bryan as they take Tucker back to the corner for some big double team moves. Bryan pulls Tucker to the corner and slams his leg around the ring post, and again.
Bryan with more offense and a tag to Rowan. Rowan unloads on Tucker while he’s down, with elbow drops and a big running splash. Tucker still kicks out at 2 and Rowan argues with the referee. Rowan rakes at Tucker’s face in the corner now. Rowan runs into a boot in the corner. Tucker side-steps and Rowan runs into the ring post next. Bryan and Otis tag in at the same time. Otis runs over Bryan a few times and fans boo him.
Otis scoops Bryan for the spinning slam and finally slams him as the boos continue. Otis gets sent face-first into the turnbuckles by Bryan. Bryan with the big running attacks in the corner now as fans cheer him on. Otis scoops Bryan in mid-air for a big sitdown powerbomb but Bryan kicks out at 2. Fans chant for Bryan again. Otis goes to the corner for a Vader Bomb but Bryan moves out of the way. Rowan is still down on the outside after a shot on the apron. Fans chant “yes!” as Bryan delivers the kicks to Otis while he’s on his knees. Otis starts hulking up to his feet and Bryan can’t believe it as he delivers more kicks. Otis just takes the kicks. Otis catches a kick and launches Bryan over his head for boos.
Otis with a clothesline in the corner to drop Bryan. Otis hits The Caterpillar and tags in Tucker. Otis catapults Bryan into a Tucker slam but Rowan breaks the pin up. Rowan sens Otis out of the ring to the floor. The referee orders Rowan out. Bryan delivers kicks to Tucker now. Tucker rocks Bryan with right hands and unloads. Tucker ducks a kick and slams Bryan into the mat for more boos from his own home state. Tucker goes to the top for a moonsault but Bryan rolls out of the way for the most part. Rowan and Otis tag in at the same time, staring each other down as they approach and face off in the middle of the ring. Rowan strikes first and they trade shots.
Rowan and Otis keep colliding in the middle of the ring but no one is going down. Bryan tags in and Otis doesn’t see it. Otis catches Rowan’s crossbody and slams him. Tucker tags in for The Compactor but Bryan sends Tucker to the floor, as the legal man. Bryan goes to the top and nails a flying knee to Otis’ face. Bryan runs the ropes for a dive to Tucker but Tucker rocks him at the ropes. Tucker leaps and takes out Rowan on the floor. Tucker rushes back into the ring but Bryan immediately rolls him into the pin to retain.
Winners: Daniel Bryan and Rowan
After the match, Bryan and Rowan head to the stage with their titles as Bryan’s music hits. We go to replays as Heavy Machinery stands tall in the ring and looks on. Bryan and Rowan pose on the stage with the titles as Heavy Machinery talks trash from the ring.
Smackdown Women’s Championship
Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross vs. Bayley (c)
The bell rings, and Bliss stomps away at Bayley. Bayley powers her to the corner and takes her down for a two count. Bliss quickly shoves her to the corner and shoulders her. Bayley fights out and hits snake eyes on Bliss. Bliss then slams her into the turnbuckles for a two count. There are dueling chants for both women. Bliss chokes Bayley on the ropes and kicks her. Bliss then applies a chin lock. Bliss fights out and stomps away at Bayley. Bliss gets her in the corner and slaps her in the face before bowing to the crowd.
Bayley explodes out of the corner with a clothesline. Bayley stomps her and hits a rolling elbow drop. Bayley charges, but Bliss slaps her in the face. Bayley quickly snaps her off the ropes and knees her in the face. Bayley goes to the top rope, but Bliss avoids her. Bliss hits the ropes, but Bayley knees her. Bayley goes for a sliding dropkick through the corner of the ring, but Bliss avoids it. Bliss then pulls her shoulder-first into the ring post. Bliss gets her in the ring for a two count. Bliss works over the injured shoulder and yanks away at it. Bliss goes for a head-scissor, but Bayley counters into a back suplex for a two count. Bayley then hits a sunset flip into the turnbuckles. Bliss’ head bounces off the turnbuckles.
Bayley wipes out Nikki Cross with a suicide dive. Bliss quickly takes Bayley down on the floor and hits Code Red. Bliss gets her in the ring and goes to the top rope. Cross gets in the ring, but the referee holds her back. Bliss fights Bayley off the ropes and goes for Twisted Bliss, but Bayley gets the knees up. Bayley hits Bayley-to-Belly for the win.
Winner and still Smackdown Women’s Champion: Bayley
After the match, Bayley clutches her title and leaves as her music hits. Cross checks on an emotional Bliss in the ring and hugs her.
– Footage is shown of R-Truth beating Drake Maverick at his wedding for the WWE 24/7 Championship this past Friday.
– New WWE United States Champion Ricochet is taking professional photos when Gallows and Anderson walk up. AJ Styles soon joins them. Styles congratulates Ricochet and says he’ll see him tomorrow on RAW.
– We get a video package for Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre, which is next.
Drew McIntyre w/ Shane McMahon vs. Roman Reigns
While Reigns is making his entrance, McIntyre charges. They begin to brawl before getting in the ring.
The bell rings, and Reigns punches McIntyre before putting him in the corner for the 10 punches. Reigns then clotheslines him out of the ring. McIntyre recovers with McMahon, and Reigns wipes McIntyre out with a WILD diving splash to the floor! Reigns then chases McMahon through the crowd. McMahon gets back to ringside, and Reigns dives over the barricade, but McIntyre punches him.
McIntyre sends Reigns into the ring steps and puts him in the ring. McIntyre hits a belly-to-belly overhead suplex and stretches him out. McMahon gets a cheap shot in while McIntyre distracts the referee. McIntyre picks up a two count. McIntyre then applies an arm bar. Reigns fights up, but McIntyre elbows him down for another two count. McIntyre stomps the neck before stomping the leg. McIntyre then rips at his face. Reigns counters a suplex into one of his own. McMahon quickly snaps Reigns off the top rope, and McIntyre connects with a spinebuster for a two count.
McIntyre connects with a suplex for a two count. McIntyre applies an arm bar, but Reigns fights up and head-butts out. Reigns knees him in the face and hits the ropes, but McIntyre clotheslines him down for a near fall. McIntyre then starts to stretch Reigns out. McIntyre then applies an STF. Reigns fights up and tries for a Samoan Drop, but McIntyre gets out. McIntyre hits the ropes, and Reigns hits a Samoan Drop.
They begin trading punches, and Reigns comes back with two clotheslines and a diving clothesline. Reigns hits the clubbing blows in the corner and takes him down. Reigns gets fired up for a Superman Punch. McMahon gets on the apron, so Reigns hits him with a Superman Punch. Reigns goes outside and jumps off the steel steps with another Superman Punch on McMahon. McIntyre avoids a Drive-By Dropkick and hits an inverted Alabama Slam onto the commentary table. McIntyre gets him in the ring for a near fall.
Drew ends up taking Reigns to the corner and climbing up for a superplex. Reigns rocks him up top and the back & forth continues. Drew finally hits a superplex but Reigns kicks out at 2. Reigns avoids a Claymore Kick but Drew kicks out of the backslide. Drew drops Reigns with a Glasgow Kick headbutt. Drew goes back to the top but Reigns rocks him in mid-air with a Superman Punch. Drew still kicks out at 2. Reigns readies for a Spear but Drew kicks him. They tangle and Reigns nails a big Spear for a close 2 count as Shane pulls the referee out of the ring.
The referee sells a knee injury on the floor. Shane hits the ring and attacks Reigns, positioning him in the corner. Shane goes to the top and hits a Coast 2 Coast, barely connecting. Shane drags Reigns into the middle of the ring and Drew covers. Shane brings the original referee into the ring but Reigns kicks out at 2. Shane and Drew can’t believe it. Fans chant for Reigns as Drew stalks him in the ring. Drew readies for a Claymore now, yelling at Reigns to get up. Drew charges for it but Reigns nails a Superman Punch instead. Shane charges but Reigns sends him back to the floor. Reigns follows up with a big Spear to Drew for the pin to win.
Winner: Roman Reigns
After the match, Reigns stands tall as his music hits and we go to replays. Reigns hits the corners to pose while we see Drew down on the outside. Shane sits up against the barrier and looks on as Reigns makes his exit.
– Back from a break and Tom shows us how Drew Gulak won the WWE Cruiserweight Title on the Stomping Grounds Kickoff pre-show earlier tonight.
– We get a video package for tonight’s Steel Cage match as the structure is lowered into place.
WWE Championship – Steel Cage Match
Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston (c)
We go to the ring and out first comes Dolph Ziggler to the cage as Greg Hamilton goes over the rules. WWE Champion Kofi Kingston is out next to a pop.
Hamilton goes formal ring introductions as Kofi raises the title and taunts Ziggler with it. Ziggler is fired up. The cage door is locked as they size each other up to start the match. Ziggler avoids a kick and they do some more trash talking as the match starts slow. Ziggler shoves Kofi first. Ziggler tries to escape first but Kofi stops him. They tangle a bit and Ziggler lands a dropkick. Ziggler goes for the opened door but Kofi rolls him up for a 1 count. Ziggler catapults Kofi into the cage wall but he uses that to climb up. Ziggler brings him down. Kofi blocks a superkick and nails a dropkick for a 2 count.
Kofi rocks Ziggler in the corner and works him around into another corner. Kofi charges but Ziggler moves and Kofi hits the turnbuckles. Ziggler sends Kofi’s ribs into the steel. Ziggler rakes Kofi’s face into the steel now. Fans try to rally for Kofi but Ziggler keeps control and hits a neckbreaker for a close 2 count. Ziggler launches Kofi face-first into the steel wall again. Ziggler keeps Kofi grounded in the middle of the ring now as fans do dueling chants.
Ziggler sends Kofi face-first into the steel again and covers for a 2 count. Kofi tries to create an opening but Ziggler sends him back into the corner and unloads with body shots as fans boo. Kofi rocks Ziggler with an elbow. Ziggler with a kick to the face. They tangle and Kofi hits a missile dropkick from the corner. Kofi with more offense now. Kofi with a dropkick. Kofi leaps but Ziggler side-steps and sends him into the corner face-first. Ziggler drops Kofi for a 2 count. Ziggler ends up taking it to the corner and disrespecting Kofi, talking trash and taunting him. Kofi comes back and smashes Ziggler into the steel, and again. Kofi rams Ziggler face-first into the steel once again. Kofi with some trash talking and slapping around now. Ziggler with a kick to the knee. Ziggler goes for the Fame-asser but it’s blocked. Ziggler ends up colliding face-first with the steel. Kofi rolls him up for a 2 count.
Kofi goes to the top but Ziggler keeps climbing and grabs his leg. Ziggler brings Kofi back to the top turnbuckle and they trade shots up high. Kofi sends Ziggler to the mat for a pop. Kofi leaps and hits a huge crossbody from the top for a close 2 count. Kofi tries to escape but Ziggler runs up and grabs his legs. Ziggler rams Kofi’s face into steel and sends him to the mat. Ziggler tries to escape now. Kofi runs up and stops him. They both meet on top of the cage now. They both fall back to the mat and keep trading shots. Kofi ends up hitting a SOS but Ziggler kicks out just in time.
Kofi charges with Trouble In Paradise but it’s blocked again. Ziggler goes for the leg and drops back, landing on the leg. More back and forth now. Ziggler with a leg hold but Kofi tries to break it with the bottom rope, but can’t inside the cage. Ziggler connects with a big superkick, almost knocking Kofi out of the cage door as it’s opened. Ziggler pulls Kofi back into the ring and the door is closed again. The referee checks on Kofi as Ziggler keeps the submission tight. Kofi sends Ziggler flying and breaks it. Kofi goes for Trouble In Paradise again but it’s blocked. Ziggler with an ankle lock now as Kofi screams out in pain.
Kingston gets to the ropes and starts to climb while Ziggler still holds the leg. Ziggler superkicks Kingston, and Kingston nearly falls out of the cage through the door, but Ziggler catches him. Ziggler pulls him into the ring, and Kingston fights him off. Ziggler counters Trouble in Paradise into an ankle lock. Kingston fights out and applies an ankle lock of his own. Ziggler gets out and hits a Zig-Zag for a near fall.
Ziggler sizes Kingston up for a superkick, but Kingston blocks it. Kingston takes him down with a front facelock. Ziggler tries to pull himself to the door and starts to slide out while in the front facelock. Kingston pulls him into the ring, but Ziggler gets a burst of energy and nearly escapes the cage. Ziggler gets out of a suplex and nearly gets out of the cage door, but Kingston catches him. Kingston pulls him back into the ring, but Ziggler kicks him in the face. Ziggler nearly gets out of the ring, but Kingston does what is basically a suicide dive through the ropes to hit the ground first.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
After the match, Kofi clutches the title at ringside as The New Day’s music hits. We go to replays. Big E and Xavier Woods rush down to ringside to celebrate with Kofi now. We get another replay of how Kofi leaped over Ziggler to escape the cage. Charly Caruso meets The New Day on the stage and asks Kofi what’s next for him. Kofi talks about how he respects Ziggler and goes on about how he retained the title like he said he would. He does not answer her question. We get one more replay of the finish and go back to The New Day celebrating on the stage.
Backstage:
We see an upset Drew McIntyre walking backstage with Shane McMahon. Kayla Braxton asks Drew if Roman Reigns got the last laugh. Drew doesn’t care about that. Shane says we will find out how bad Reigns is on RAW tomorrow night as he faces Drew and Shane in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match. Shane says we will see whose yard this is – his.
– We get a video package for tonight’s main event.
WWE Universal Title Match
Baron Corbin vs. Seth Rollins (c)
We go to the ring and out first comes Baron Corbin. Corbin enters the ring and has Mike Rome give him a grand introduction. Out next comes WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins to a pop. Rollins waits with a steel chair and raises it in the air as Corbin watches from ringside. Fans boo as Corbin takes the mic to reveal his Special Guest Referee. Rollins takes a mic to interrupt and threatens to use his chair on whoever tries to come out and take his title as referee.
Corbin goes on and introduces Lacey Evans as the referee for tonight’s main event. Evans comes out in her referee gear, as Cole talks about how Evans lost to Rollins’ girlfriend earlier tonight, RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch. Evans hits the ring and gets in Rollins’ face to talk trash as fans chant for The Man. Evans grabs the chair to take it and Corbin drops him to take advantage.
Corbin with chair shots to Rollins now.
Evans finally takes the chair from Corbin as the bell rings. Corbin brings Rollins back in and plants him in the mat for a close 2 count. Rollins goes to the floor to regroup. Corbin drives Rollins back into the barrier and then sends him head first into the barrier a few times. Fans voice their displeasure at Corbin’s referee choice. Corbin brings it back into the ring but Rollins rocks him and fires away with chops. Corbin runs out and back in the ring, leveling Rollins with a clothesline. Corbin keeps control and plays to the crowd for more boos. Evans insults Rollins.
Corbin misses a knee and Rollins looks to make a comeback now. Corbin counters and drops Rollins on his head with a big DDT. Fans have chanted for AEW and CM Punk during this match, among other chants. Corbin keeps control and takes Rollins to the corner for a superplex. Rollins fights back and sends Corbin to the mat. Rollins leaps and lands on his feet and Corbin rocks him with a right to the throat. Corbin drops Rollins once again to continue dominating the match. Fans boo Corbin and Evans some more.
Rollins finally drops Corbin with an enziguri but they both go down. Evans encourages Corbin to get up. Rollins and Corbin trade more shots in the center of the ring now. Evans warns Rollins. Rollins with a Slingblade and then a Blockbuster from the corner. Rollins clotheslines Corbin over the top rope to the floor. Rollins runs the ropes and dives, sending Corbin into the barrier. Rollins sends Corbin in and springboards at him with a knee to the jaw. Rollins goes on and covers for a pin attempt but Evans makes a really slow 2 count. Fans boo and Rollins isn’t happy. Fans chant for Becky again.
Corbin dumps Rollins to the apron. Rollins tries to springboard in but Corbin rocks him in the nose, dropping him on the apron. Rollins counters on the apron and ends up nailing a huge powerbomb through one of the announce tables. Fans pop big. Rollins tells Evans to count Corbin out and she finally starts counting but she’s taking her time. Evans calls Rome over and tells him to announce that there are now no count outs in this match. Fans boo.
Rollins goes back to Corbin and brings him in the ring. Rollins says Evans asked for it as he cranks up for the Stomp and fans chant “burn it down!” now. Rollins kicks Corbin and goes for the Stomp but Corbin rolls to the floor. Rollins runs for a dive but Corbin rocks him. Rollins with a big right hand now. Rollins goes on but Corbin decks him and chokeslams him on the apron. Corbin brings it back in for another chokeslam and a close 2 count. Corbin can’t believe Rollins is still in it.
More back and forth between the two now. Rollins drops Corbin and goes to the top. Rollins nails a big Frogsplash but Evans makes another slow 2 count, blaming it on a shoulder injury. Fans boo Evans some more. Rollins stares her down and leaves the ring but Corbin hits him with steel chair shots as he approaches. Corbin rolls Rollins back in and delivers more chair shots, right in front of Evans as she watches. Evans finally asks Corbin nicely to give the chair up. Evans calls Rome over again and tells him to announce that this is now a No DQ match. The chants for Becky get louder. Corbin goes to drop Rollins onto a chair but Rollins unloads. Rollins with a Falcon Arrow onto the chair. Rollins holds the pin but Evans isn’t even dropping down to count it. Fans boo her.
Rollins stops the pin and he looks like he’s had enough. Rollins stands up and stares Evans down as she talks trash in his face. Evans slaps Rollins in the face. Rollins yells at her as she dares him to hit her. Evans saps Rollins again and kicks him low. Corbin tries to take advantage and Evans comes from behind with a low blow punch to Rollins. Corbin looks to put Rollins away with End of Days but here comes Lynch. Lynch rushes the ring and unloads on Evans as fans go wild. Becky sends Evans to the floor and leaps off the apron with a right hand. Lynch continues destroying Evans at ringside. Lynch with a Bexploder into the barrier. Referees run down to pull Becky off Evans.
Referee John Cone enters the ring to call the rest of the match and Corbin doesn’t like it. Rollins takes advantage and counters End of Days, nails a superkick, then hits the Stomp for the pin to retain.
Winner: Seth Rollins
After the match, Lynch enters the ring and smiles down at Rollins as he’s still on the mat. Rollins’ music hits as Lynch raises his arm in the air. We see Evans and Corbin being escorted away. Lynch and Rollins embrace as she raises his arm again for a pop. Rollins raises Becky’s arm for a louder pop. They laugh as Becky holds the ropes open for Rollins to exit the ring. The WWE power couple sits together on the apron, Rollins with his arm around his girlfriend. We go to replays, then come back to Lynch and Rollins marching up the ramp all smiles. The first-ever WWE Stomping Grounds pay-per-view goes off the air with Lynch and Rollins going to the back together as fans cheer them on.
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