We are live from the WWE Thunderdome at the Amway Center in Orlando, FL, as the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre makes his way to the ring.
Before Drew speaks, we take a look back at what Drew did to Randy Orton last week.
Drew says Randy Orton broke his jaw but he is back. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist that you intended to do so much more so I feel lucky it was only a fractured jaw. Randy should feel lucky his head is still attached to his body after those three Claymores. Drew says he is going to give a medical update. WWE Medical Personnel told him to take some time off but if he did, he would have to forfeit his title. One bad strike to the jaw could displace his jaw and it would be wired shut. He would rather leave the Thunderdome in an ambulance than give up his title.
Drew says Randy should ask the nurse to turn up the volume to hear that. We have both gone in an ambulance over the WWE Championship so we should have to go into an ambulance for the Championship. Drew suggests an Ambulance match for the WWE Championship. Drew says Randy might not make it to Clash of Champions after three Claymores. I made this move by mistake when I tried to avoid a wardrobe malfunction. I figured if I could develop this move, I would have something.
Drew shows a clip of the people who fell victim to the Claymore.
Adam Pearce comes out and apologizes for the interruption. Adam says the injuries and severity of them is unknown. It is unlikely that Randy will be here tonight and we might say the same at Clash of Champions. Randy Orton might not be able to enter the match at Clash of Champions. Your match tonight means something. If Keith beats you tonight and Randy cannot make it to Clash of Champions then Keith Lee faces you for the WWE Championship. Drew wonders who put Adam in charge.
Keith Lee‘s music interrupts and he makes his way to the ring. They shake hands and Drew starts to walk away but Keith doesn’t let go. Drew doesn’t let go either. We go to commercial.
The Street Profits vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
Back from the break and out come RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits – Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins. They stop on the stage as red cups falls from the rafters as Mike Rome does the introductions for this non-title Champions vs. Champions match. Thanks to the Brand To Brand Invitational, out next are SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura.
We see a pre recorded video. Cesaro says they were asked about his match and he destroyed his breakfast. They ruined their Champions’ Lounge on Friday so they will destroy the perception that the Street Profits are the best tag team.
Cesaro with a running European uppercut to Dawkins as the bell rings. Cesaro drops Dawkins on the turnbuckles and Nakamura tags in and connects with a running knee. Nakamura with a knee while Cesaro hits a gutwrench suplex. Nakamura gets a near fall. Nakamura with a kick to the head and a knee to the midsection. Nakamura with an Irish whip but he runs into a knee and Dawkins follows with a clothesline. Ford tags in and hits a drop kick. Dawkins drops Ford onto Nakamura for a splash and he gets a near fall. Dawkins and Ford with a double drop kick to Cesaro and both men goe to the floor and Ford with a flip dive but Cesaro and Nakamura catch Ford and drop him on the ringside barrier.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cesaro with a reverse chin lock on Ford. Ford with elbows but Cesaro with a double sledge. Cesaro goes shoulder first into the ring post when Ford moves. Cesaro kicks Ford and tags in Nakamura. Dawkins tags in and clotheslines Nakamura. Dawkins with a back elbow to Nakamura and a flapjack to Cesaro. Dawkins with an exploder to Nakamura for a near fall. Nakamura with a kick in the corner followed by a sliding German suplex. Nakamura goes for a running kick but Angelo with Low Down and Ford with a frog splash but Nakamura gets his knee up and Nakamura gets a near fall. Cesaro with a Giant Swing followed by knees from Nakamura for a near fall.
Nakamura with a kick to Dawkins to send him to the floor. Ford with a rollup to Cesaro for a near fall. Cesaro with a pop up European uppercut for a near fall. Nakamura misses a knee on Dawkins and hits the ring steps. Cesaro sends Ford into the turnbuckles and connects with a flurry of European uppercuts IN HIS FACE. Cesaro sets for a superplex but Dawkins makes the tag as Cesaro hits the move. Dawkins with a frog splash for the three count.
Winners: The Street Profits
– We take a look at Mickie James with a video package.
Backstage:
Lana is backstage with Angel Garza. She can’t believe Mickie James already has a title shot when it should be Natalya. She goes on praising Natalya. Garza agrees that this is unfair, and says Lana’s passion for justice is intoxicating, the fire in her eyes… Zelina Vega walks up with Andrade and asks Lana to give them a minute. Vega rants at Garza and he tells her he’s tired of being blamed for every set back they have, when Andrade lost a match. The tension continues as Andrade steps to Garza. They argue and Vega gets in between them, yelling that this is enough. She says she can’t do this anymore, then she walks off. Garza and Andrade brawl a bit as we go back to commercial.
– We are back and Dominik Mysterio is in the back with the the Kendo Klub known as his mother, sister, and Father.
Cedric Alexander vs. Ricochet
We go back to the ring and out comes The Hurt Business – Cedric Alexander with MVP, Shelton Benjamin and WWE United States Champion Bobby Lashley. We see how Cedric joined the group last week. MVP takes the mic and makes an official announcement – business is booming. He goes on about why life is good for each of them. Cedric talks about how his social media was blowing up last week after he turned on Ricochet and Apollo Crews. He says this is his job and he does whatever it takes to succeed. He goes on about getting beat up every week by The Hurt Business, and then being too beat up on Tuesdays to play with his kids. He goes on but is interrupted by the music. Out comes Ricochet with Apollo Crews.
Crews yells at Cedric for turning on them and selling them out. He says Cedric is too weak minded and now he has to live with the consequences from the decision he made. The arguing continues. Ricochet says last week’s turn hurt more than any beating. Ricochet says now he and Crews are coming for Cedric. He drops the mic and here we go. The bell rings and Ricochet immediately takes Cedric down. They go at it and trade offense. Ricochet sends Cedric to the floor. Ricochet follows with a big kick to the face from the apron. Ricochet with a second rope moonsault but he lands on the floor. Crews comes over and drops Shelton at ringside but Lashley levels Crews. Erik runs down and saves Crews from Lashley, who he will face tonight. Erik and Lashley brawl up the ramp as we go to commercial.
We are back and Alexander with a waist lock. Ricochet with punches to get out of the hold. Cedric with a forearm and Ricochet with a punch. Ricochet with forearms. Alexander with a knee to the midsection followed by a drop kick to the back for a near fall. Cedric with forearms to Ricochet followed by kicks. Alexander with punches to the midsection and a forearm. Ricochet with a drop kick to Alexander and both men are down. Ricochet with punches and forearms followed by a European uppercut. Ricochet with a running chop.
Ricochet with a full nelson but Alexander with a snap mare. Ricochet with a super kick and then he goes for a Dragon Suplex and hits it for a near fall. Ricochet goes to the turnbuckles and Benjamin distracts Ricochet for a moment. Ricochet misses a shooting star press and lands on his feet. Alexander with a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Alexander with a Lumbar Check for the three count.
Winner: Cedric Alexander
After the match, the lights go out and Retribution shows up on the TitanTron. They say they are the product of open promises, lies, and betrayal. We see what you are. Waste, scrap, byproduct. We pledged loyalty to a product and got cast aside like garbage. We used to believe our time at the Performance Center would lead to success, but we refused to suck up. While you enjoy your last days of oblivion. We will show you who we are. We are Retribution.
Alexander, MVP, and Benjamin stand in the ring waiting for Retribution to show up.
Backstage:
Sarah Schreiber is in the back with Mickie James. Mickie is asked about her match against Asuka and what emotion fills her. Mickie says she loves this business with every bit of her heart and soul. She says she has given everything. She is excited for what Asuka brings out of her. Mickie says she would have had a different answer at different points in her career. With experience comes wisdom and with wisdom comes clarity. She knows whe always had what it takes to be champion. She knows this could be her last time to be Raw Women’s Champion. We go to commercial.
Backstage:
Back from the break and Adam Pearce is yelling at security in the back over Retribution. The Hurt Business walks up and MVP says he knows Pearce’s job comes with high pressure, but he also knows Pearce will be out of a job if he doesn’t find a solution to the Retribution problem. Pearce says this is not MVP’s concern. Lashley says it is their concern if they say it is. MVP tells Pearce to listen to Lashley. MVP tells Pearce to let them help upgrade his security from boys to men because The Hurt Business isn’t scared of Retribution. MVP goes on and tells Pearce to let The Hurt Business help him keep his job. Pearce says you’re right, thanks for volunteering. He extends his hand for a shake but they just laugh at him. MVP talks more about this being their business, and then walks off as the others laugh at Pearce some more, mocking him. We go back to the ring and Asuka waits as Mickie James makes her way out. We get formal ring introductions from Rome.
RAW Women’s Title Match: Mickie James vs. Asuka
They lock up and go at it to start. Mickie takes Asuka down for a quick pin attempt. Asuka turns it around and does the same. More back and forth now. James trips Asuka and hits a neckbreaker in the middle of the ring. Asuka kicks out at 2. They tangle off the ropes and Asuka ends up nailing a big kick to the face for a close 2 count. Asuka goes for a Hip Attack but Mickie moves and Asuka gets stuck on the middle rope. James rocks Asuka and sends her out to the floor. James also falls to the mat and we go to commercial with both competitors down.
We are back and both women are down. Mickie with a forearm and Asuka fires back. Mickie with a crossface chicken wing but Asuka backs Mickie into the corner to escape. Asuka with elbows and Mickie with a boot and elbow. Mickie with a head scissors take down. Mickie with a kick and a bicycle kick but Asuka with a hip attack. Mickie with a flapjack and Mickie does some dancing. Mickie goes up top and Asuka stops her. They fight on the turnbuckles. Mickie knocks Asuka off the turnbuckles and Mickie with a Thesz Press for a near fall. Asuka with a near fall.
Mickie with a forearm and Asuka with punches. Asuka misses a back fist and Mickie misses a Mick Kick. Asuka with a back fist and kicks. Mickie with a drop toe hold into a single leg crab. Asuka tries to get to the ropes but Mickie pulls Asuka into the center of the ring. Asuka with a rollup for a near fall. Mickie with the Mick Kick and Asuka grabs the bottom rope to stop the count. Asuka goes for a cross arm breaker but Mickie has the ropes but the referee does not force a break and Asuka gets a near fall.
Mickie goes for the MickDT but Asuka escapes. Mickie with a rollup for a near fall. Asuka applies the Asuka Lock but Mickie rolls over but the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Asuka
After the match, it’s announced that Asuka wins as Mickie can no longer continue. The referee hands Asuka the title as her music hits. The music interrupts as Zelina Vega comes marching to the ring to boos. Zelina says she has been thinking about her future. Today it dawned on her that she wasted some of the best years of her career managing those selfish little ingrates, just like you. You are an ingrate. You were handed that Raw Women’s Championship and you have been wreckless with it. The Empress of Tomorrow is so focused on the superstars of yesterday that you forgot about one of the best of today. I’m ready for that as she touches the title belt.
Asuka takes the mic and speaks in Japanese. Vega rocks Asuka and drops her with a slap. Asuka looks to come back but Vega exits the ring, taunting Asuka. Asuka’s music starts up as the two Superstars continue taunting each other.
Backstage:
Charly Caruso is in the back with Keith Lee. Keith is asked about his chance tonight. Keith says it is an opportunity to face Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. They have known each other for a long time and they have been honest about having to face each other at some point. Keith says he has been honest about Drew interfering in his matches. He knows Drew will do what it takes to keep the title, but I will do what it takes to become the WWE Champion. Keith is asked if he will take advantage of Drew’s injury. Keith says Drew is a friend and he does not want to take advantage of an injury but to become WWE Champion, he will do what he must. Lee walks off and we go to commercial.
Erik vs. Bobby Lashley
Erik misses a knee and Lashley with punches and elbows in the corner. Lashley with a not quite straight line shoulder into the corner. Erik with punches. Lashley with an Irish whip and Erik with an elbow and a running double knee strike. Erik with a hip lock and a knee for a near fall. Erik with knees and a forearm but Lashley with a spinebuster and a Dominator for a near fall. Lashley with a full nelson and he takes Erik to the mat and Erik taps out.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
Backstage:
Kevin Owens is backstage when Sarah Schreiber asks him why he thinks Aleister Black developed a personal vendetta against him. Owens goes on about how there could be several reasons why. He also takes shots at Black and says he doesn’t care about why, just how… how he’s going to inflict enough pain on Black tonight to feel like they are even, to make sure Black doesn’t just walk, he runs back to his hiding spot, and how he’s going to give a beating that constantly reminds Black what happens when you pick a fight with Owens. Owens isn’t really worried about any of those things, do you know why? Because he’s Kevin Owens. Owens turns and walks away. Black appears and stares him down, with the eye covering still on.
– We see the crew setting up the steel cage around the ring. Back to commercial.
– We are back and Shane talks to Jordan the RAW Underground doorman and Braun Strowman shows up. He says he is pissed off and there is some poor son of a bitch whose head he can cave in. He wants the door to be opened.
– We have a video package for the Mysterio/Rollins feud.
Backstage:
Seth Rollins is in his locker room and Buddy Murphy enters and Seth asks where has he been. He has been waiting to see him all night. Buddy mentions what happened to him last week. Seth says the Mysterio family ganged up on him and beat him senseless. Atonement and forgiveness are the path. We have to look to the future. Tonight is an opportunity. He is locked inside a steel cage with Dominik Mysterio. No one is getting in and no one is getting out. It is the perfect opportunity to teach this man and the world a lesson. Seth asks Buddy if he is prepared for his role tonight? Seth says he has something important to do tonight and he needs Buddy to be ready. Seth slaps Buddy IN HIS FACE and he tells Buddy his role is to stay back here so I don’t have to deal with any of your stupid mistakes again. He asks Buddy if he understands him. Buddy says he understands but Seth slaps him again. We go to commercial.
– Back from the break and WWE 24/7 Champion R-Truth is backstage talking trash to a Kit Kat chocolate bar, threatening to break it. Liv Morgan walks up and helps him break it, then walks off. The commercial ends with Truth talking more trash to the candy.
– The announcers talk about how Mandy Rose has been traded to RAW from SmackDown, thanks to The Miz. They are a brief “coming soon” promo.
Steel Cage Match: Dominik Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins
We go back to the Steel Cage and out first comes Seth Rollins as the crowd boos. MVP is still on commentary. Charly is backstage with The Mysterio Family now. Dominik Mysterio says he can’t back down from any challenges if he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps, even if it’s Rollins in a cage. Rey Mysterio talks about how he and his wife Angie are more worried for their son. He mentions they will be at ringside to support Dominik. Rey goes on and says the real question is should Rollins be worried about Dominik? They walk off and Dominik makes his way to the cage with his father, mother and sister right behind him. Dominik enters the cage for the first time in his career.
The bell rings and the cage is closed. Rollins laughs as they go to lock up. Rollins kicks him and beats him down. Dominik counters a move and nails a side Russian leg sweep. Dominik climbs the cage to escape but Rollins stops him. Dominik counters with a big DDT for a close 2 count. Dominik starts trying to escape again. Murphy appears and slides a kendo stick in to Rollins. Rollins nails Dominik with it, knocking him off the cage wall. Rollins unloads with kendo stick shots now. Rollins sends Dominik face-first into the steel. Dominik’s family cheers him on as we go back to commercial.
We are back and Seth runs Dominik’s face against the cage and then Rollins hits a splash to the back. Seth tells Rey to watch but Dominik sends Seth into the cage. Dominik climbs the cage again but Seth stops Dominik but Dominik counters a power bomb into a rana that sends Seth into the cage. Rey gives a kendo stick to Dominik. Dominik hits Seth in the back. Dominik sends Seth into the cage a few times and hits a sit out power bomb for a near fall.
Dominik tries to hit Seth with a kendo stick but Seth with a double leg take down and then he catapults Dominik into the cage and Dominik starts to climb the cage. Seth drops Dominik and Dominik is crotched. Seth is crotched and both men fall to the mat. Rey tries to help Dominik out of the cage but Murphy pulls Rey into the ringside barrier and he slams the door into Seth. Dominik climbs the cage and Murphy climbs the cage but Murphy is knocked off. Dominik with a frog splash for a near fall.
Dominik climbs the cage again but Rollins grabs Dominik’s ankle. Seth pulls Dominik into teh cage again but Dominik is on top of the cage. Rollins grabs Dominik and hits a superplex into a Falcon Arrow. Rollins gets a near fall. Seth takes time to mock Rey and Dominik with a rollup for a near fall. Rollins with Black Out. Rollins with another Black Out for the three count.
Winner: Seth Rollins
After the bell, the music hits as Rollins stands tall over Dominik, staring out at the family and taunting them. Murphy opens the cage door as Rollins makes his exit with the kendo stick in hand. Rollins turns and looks at Murphy. Rollins drops the stick and grabs Murphy by his cheeks. Rollins has a few words for Murphy and then kisses him on his forehead. Rollins suddenly ends Murphy into the barrier, then drops him by slamming the door into his face. Rollins yells at Murphy as the crowd boos. Rollins walks up to Rey’s wife and daughter. He tells Angie she did a hell of a job with Dominik, but he hopes the daughter Aliyah turns out better. Rollins walks off. The family enters the ring to check on Dominik but Aliyah briefly stops at the door to check on Murphy. Rey and his family check on Dominik in the ring, calling for a medic to come help.
– We go back to Shane McMahon at RAW Underground. Dolph Ziggler is in the ring with an enhancement talent, going back & forth on the mat. Ziggler beats the man with elbows while mounting him and the bell is rang. Shane asks who wants a piece of Ziggler next. Riddick Moss steps up and they go at it. Ziggler nails a big punch but Moss catches him with a Spinebuster. Braun Strowman suddenly storms the ring and runs over both of them. He delivers a big chokeslam to Moss. Ziggler comes back at him and Strowman decimates him with a move. Strowman stands tall and yells out as Shane asks who wants Strowman next. Back to commercial.
Backstage:
Charly is backstage with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, bringing up how Keith Lee earlier made it clear that he will do what he has to to get a chance at the WWE Title. Drew hopes he would do anything it takes. Drew goes on about Lee and Randy Orton, when Lee appears. Lee asks Caruso to excuse them and she does. Drew asks if he can help Lee. Lee says it would be helpful if Drew didn’t drag his name and reputation. He thought they were supposed to be friends. Drew says they are, but Lee shouldn’t be spinning his words. Lee goes on and says Drew seems a little concerned that Lee may beat him tonight and then again at Clash of Champions. Drew mocks Lee and says he doesn’t get concerned about nothing, and he’s certainly not afraid. The tension picks up between the two friends and Drew rocks Lee in the mouth with a right hand. They start brawling and Drew sends Lee into a bathroom door. Lee counters an Irish whip and sends Drew into a production cart. Officials show up to get between them and the brawl is broken up as the two competitors yell at each other.
– We go back to RAW Underground. Titus O’Neil is stopped by Shane’s security but he’s hyped up and wants to get in. Titus is allowed in and the door is closed. We see Strowman dominating in the ring again. Riddick Moss makes another go for him but Strowman takes him out once again. Titus appears out of nowhere and charges Strowman, taking him down. Strowman ends up beating him down and unloading while he’s down. Shane and security have to get Braun off Titus. Braun stands tall as Shane asks who wants a piece of him next.
Kevin Owens vs. Aleister Black
We go back to the ring and out first comes Kevin Owens. Aleister Black suddenly attacks from behind, beating Owens down before the bell. Fans boo and the referee backs Black away as we go back to commercial.
We are back and the match is joined in progress and Owens with a clothesline and back senton. Owens with punches. Owens sends Black into the turnbuckles. Black with a float over and Owens has a kick blocked. Black with a knee and punches. Black with a knee bar. Owens kicks Black. Owens sends Black over the top rope and Black hits the apron before going to the floor. Owens teases a dive but could not hit it and Black with a leg sweep and he slams the leg into the apron.
Black with boots to the injured leg. Owens with a forearm and Black with a kick. Black puts Owens’ leg in the ropes and Black with a kick to the leg. Owens with a punch and Black goes down. Black with a heel hook and Owens tries to get to the ropes and does it. Black with kicks but Owens with a super kick and both men are down. Owens collapses to the mat but the lights flicker and Owens uses that to hit a Stunner for the three count.
Winner: Kevin Owens
– We go the back and Keith Lee finds Drew McIntyre and they continue to fight. Adam Pearce uses his role as whatever it is he does on Raw to tell them that it waits for them to get to the ring or the match is off for Clash of Champions. We go to commercial.
Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan vs. Natalya and Lana
We are back and Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler are on commentary for this next match.
Ruby Riott says together Shayna and Nia are unstoppable and they have a mutual disdain for each other. Liv says they beat Shayna last week and after they are done with Natalya and Lana, they will show what a real team is like.
Natalya with forearms to Liv and she sends Liv into the turnbuckles and kicks Liv. Lana tags in and she gets a near fall. Lana with an Irish whip but Liv with a forearm to Natalya. Lana keeps Liv from making the tag until she sends Lana into the ropes. Ruby tags in and Liv with ObLIVion and Ruby with a Riott Kick for the three count.
Winners: Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan
After the match, Shayna and Nia get into the ring and then they attack Natalya and Lana. Natalya is sent into the ring post. Nia adjusts the announce table as Shayna tells Liv and Ruby to watch. Lana is sent to the floor and Nia with a Samoan drop through the announce table.
– Keith Lee walks in the back and so does Drew McIntyre, as we go to commercial.
– We return to Raw Underground where Braun Strowman is beating up people. Everyone goes after Braun. Dabba Kato enters the ring with Strowman. but Shane says this is what happens next week if you show up.
Drew McIntyre vs. Keith Lee
If Keith Wins and Randy is Unable to Appear at Clash of Champions, Keith will face Drew in the Ambulance Match for the Title Match
Keith runs Drew into the corner and connects with shoulders. Lee with an Irish whip but Drew with a boot in the corner. Lee is sent into the turnbuckles but Drew runs into a boot and Drew goes down. Lee with a shoulder tackle that sends Drew over the top rope to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Drew punches Lee and chops him. Lee with a punch to the jaw and Drew goes down. Drew with a kick and chop. Drew with a flying clothesline and he tries for a belly-to-belly suplex but Lee blocks it. Drew with a head butt and an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Drew goes up top and hits a clothesline. Drew sets for the Future Shock but Lee escapes. Drew with a spinebuster and he gets a near fall. Drew sets for a suplex and Lee blocks it. Drew with punches but Lee with Grizzly Magnum and elbows followed by a clothesline for a near fall.
Drew with a jaw breaker and Drew goes back to the apron and turnbuckles. Lee with a jumping head butt to knock Drew to the apron. Lee goes to the turnbuckles for a superplex but Drew blocks it for a moment. Lee hits the superplex for a near fall. Drew with a kick and chop. Drew misses a boot and Lee sets for a Spirit Bomb and Drew escapes. Both men go for a cross body at the same time and both men are down.
Retribution suddenly appears at ringside, coming through the crowd. They surround the ring and get on the apron now. Drew and Lee attack them but they end up beat down by the masked male and female members of the group. Retribution is heavily booed by the crowd as they stomp away on Lee and McIntyre while they’re down.
No Contest
The assault continues while Lee and McIntyre are down. There are many members of Retribution this week. The music suddenly hits and out comes The Hurt Business, all in suits. Retribution waits for them at ringside and readies for the fight. The Hurt Business gets ready on the stage. Retribution and The Hurt Business start brawling at ringside now. Lee and McIntyre recover in the ring, then run the ropes together and leap out, taking members from both groups down at ringside. McIntyre and Lee get back to their feet while there are bodies down everywhere. The “In Your Face” edition of RAW goes off the air with McIntyre and Lee staring each other down while Retribution and The Hurt Business are laid out.
