WWE Raw is live tonight from Brooklyn with fallout from Sunday’s SummerSlam pay-per-view show, including an appearance by WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, who won his fatal 4-way match with Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe, and new champions Sasha Banks, Neville and Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.
We open right away with the WWE Universal Champ and his advocate Paul Heyman. Heyman says he doesn’t make predictions, he makes spoilers. Lesnar is still the reigning, defending Universal Champion. We all witnessed a grand conspiracy that was almost perpetrated last night. Lesnar was carted off the battlefield for the first time ever. Lesnar walked back down the aisle to conquer or be conquered. The best part? Lesnar pinned Roman Reigns. If there is beating to be done, it will be done by Lesnar. If there is victimization to be done, it will be done by Lesnar. If there is conquering to be done, no one in the WWE or UFC can conquer like Brock Lesnar. Braun Strowman power walks to the ring.
Braun Strowman came out and looked at Lesnar face-to-face. There was a loud Strowman chant. Lesnar screamed at Strowman “You’re looking at the champ.” Strowman grabbed Lesnar by the throat and tried to give him a choke slam. Lesnar got free and came off the ropes, but Strowman kneed Lesnar in the midsection and gave Lesnar a powerslam. Strowman gave Lesnar another powerslam for good measure and left him flattened. The Monster Among Men grabs the WWE Universal Title and raises it in the air as Heyman looks on shocked. Braun makes his exit.
Hey, @BrockLesnar, it looks like @BraunStrowman just sent a message…and it reads: “I’M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU!” #RAW pic.twitter.com/YZ5FcFBUP7
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Brooklyn Street Fight: Enzo vs Big Cass
On the way to the ring, Enzo complains about Cass turning on him. Their story began in New York and it’s going to end in New York. Enzo goes backstage and comes back with a shopping cart full of weapons.
Cass runs up the ramp as Enzo tosses weapons at him. Cass hits Enzo with the shopping cart. Cass latches his hands around Enzo’s neck. Cass launches Enzo into the barricade. Cass rolls Enzo into the ring. Cass brings a chair into the ring and gives it to Enzo. Enzo picks up the chair and Cass almost boots Enzo’s head off his shoulders.
Back from the break and Cass continues to dominate Enzo. Cass works Enzo over in the corner. Enzo looks to get a cheap shot in. Enzo goes for the steel chair but Cass cuts him off. Cass whips Enzo into the corner and follows up with a big splash.
Cass stands tall for more boos. Enzo comes back with a right hand but Cass just unloads on him again. Cass goes for a running big boot but Enzo pulls the top rope down and Cass lands on the floor, possibly hurting his knee. Enzo crawls for the steel chair but here comes Cass to cut him off again. Cass goes for an Empire Elbow but his knee goes out. A trainer ends up coming down to check on Cass as Enzo recovers. The match is called because Cass can’t continue.
Winner: Enzo Amore
#StreetFight READY! #RAW @real1 @BigCassWWE pic.twitter.com/Zoh7WSlcdx
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 22, 2017
Backstage With Emma, Nia Jax
Emma is backstage with Dana Brooke and she’s tired of hearing about Sasha. She rants and says to watch what she does to Nia Jax in their match tonight. Nia appears behind Emma now. Emma goes on dissing Nia until she sees her and asks how long she’s been standing there. Nia says the new hashtag after tonight will be “#GiveEmmaCPR.” Nia walks off and we go to commercial.
Nia Jax vs Emma
Emma slaps Jax in the face. Emma lands a few punches before Jax just runs over her. Jax tosses Emma clear across the ring. Emma stumbles to her feet. Jax crushes Emma in the corner. Emma dropkick Jax in the knee. Jax picks up Emma and hits a Samoan drop. Emma is out.
Winner: Nia Jax
Be careful what you say, @EmmaWWE…
The Australian Superstar faces @NiaJaxWWE NEXT on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/yD9s0OcudY
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Elias vs. R-Truth
Back from the break and Elias is in the ring with a spotlight and his guitar. He was going to sing about Brooklyn but they all hate living here, so he’s going to sing about his opponent R-Truth. He starts mocking Truth’s music and changes his mind, saying it’s time for some real music. Elias breaks out into a song but the music interrupts and out comes Truth.
The bell rings and Truth goes to work. Elias fights him off but Truth unloads. Truth catches Elias in a big spinebuster. Elias ends up turning it around with an elbow out of the corner.
Truth goes on and hits the heel kick. Truth backs Elias into the corner and unloads again. Elias with a kick to the gut. Truth keeps coming at him but Elias turns it around and drops Truth for the win.
Winner: Elias
Is @IAmEliasWWE about to find out WHAT’S UP courtesy of @RonKillings on #RAW?! pic.twitter.com/rQNkgMVk63
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Angle’s Surprise Guest: John Cena
Kurt Angle comes out on the ramp. Angle thanks the crowd. Angle says he promised them a surprise tonight so here it is. Angle introduces John Cena. Cena comes out and runs to the ring. Cena asks the crowd if they were expecting him. a loud “let’s go Cena/Cena sucks chant breaks out. Cena asks why he is here. Cena says he says Angle at SummerSlam. Angle asked Cena if he wanted to come to Monday Night Raw. Cena immediately said yes. Not because there is anything wrong with Smackdown. Cena has waited a long time to stand in this ring, face-to-face with a certain superstar. Roman Reigns music hits.
Reigns stops on the stage and stares down at Cena in the ring, then scans the crowd. Reigns marches to the ring now. Cena says this is Mr. Roman Reigns… exactly who he was looking for. Reigns asks if Cena has been looking for him. Reigns says the only time Cena looks for him is when he runs his mouth on Twitter but now that Cena is in his yard, the question is – will Cena run his mouth to Reigns’ face? Fans chant for The Undertaker before Cena can respond. Cena says it looks like the RAW audience can hold a grudge. Cena says the problem is, he didn’t come to talk. Cena takes off his shirt and gets ready for a fight as fans pop. The music interrupts and out comes WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz with Maryse and The Miztourage.
A “Thank you, Miz” chant could be heard. Cena tried to crack Miz up with the way Miz pronounced the “Barclays” Center. Miz asked how many moments do these two get. Fans started cheering. Miz said in life, you’re always told if you work hard, then your moment will come. Miz said he was sick of waiting for his moment while Reigns and Cena get their moment week after week. Miz was a total babyface by this point. Miz said Angle thinks Raw needs an addition while the Intercontinental Champion rides the pine at SummerSlam. Miz asked the fans if Raw needs Cena. Most fans said no. Cena pretended he was going to leave, but Miz told him he wasn’t done talking to Cena. Miz said Cena turns his moments into a joke, then looked at Reigns and said if this was Reigns yard, but it was his show.
Miz started heeling on the fans saying the fans didn’t know what they wanted because he was the only champion in this ring. Miz said he wanted the respect he deserves and he’s earned it for 12 damn years. Miz asked “Where is my moment?” Some fans chanted “You deserve it.” Cena said he had an idea, Miz and one of the members of the Miztourage could face him and his new tag team partner, Reigns. Miz said that wasn’t a moment for him, that was a moment for Cena. Miz said he was in a three-piece suit clearly not ready to fight.
Then Samoa Joe walked down to “Joe” chants. Joe glared at Cena and said he had an opinion about this situation. If anyone is going to be Miz’s partner, it is going to be him, whether Miz likes it or not because he was sick of Reigns saying this was his yard. Joe said he owes Reigns. Joe started to address Cena, but flattened him with a right. Reigns took out Dallas and Axel while Joe brawled with Cena. For a moment, Cena had Joe up in the AA, but Joe got behind Cena in the Coquina Clutch. Reigns sent Joe out of the ring with a Superman punch. With Cena and Reigns alone in the ring, the crowd was united with a “You both suck” chant that you could have heard in Madison Square Garden.
WHAT A MOMENT. #RAW @WWERomanReigns @JohnCena pic.twitter.com/h92fryyTpy
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Drew Gulak, Noam Dar, Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese vs. Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, Mustafa Ali and Gran Metalik
We go to the ring and all 8 cruiserweights are already out. Gulak starts off with Gran Metalik.
Daivari and Ali go at it next. Ali ends up hitting a crossbody for a 2 count. More back and forth. Dar won’t tag himself in. Nese tags in and takes control of Swann as we go to commercial.
Two reasons why #205Live is the most exciting hour on television? @WWEGranMetalik and @CedricAlexander! #RAW pic.twitter.com/hug59HRU2O
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Back from the break and Gulak has Swann down on the mat. Swann fights back and drops him with a kick to the jaw. Alexander finally gets the tag and kicks the heels off the apron. Nese is legal now but Cedric takes control of him. Cedric springboards in from the apron for a 2 count as Gulak breaks the pin.
Gulak charges Metalik but gets dumped to the floor. Metalik goes to the top and nails a moonsault to the floor, taking out Gulak and Daivari. Cedric and Nese go at it now. Cedric with a big kick for a 2 count. Cedric hits the Lumbar Check for the pin.
Winners: Cedric Alexander, Mustafa Ali, Gran Metalik and Rich Swann
Charly Caruso is backstage with new WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville. He talks about winning at SummerSlam until Akira Tozawa and Titus O’Neil interrupt. Titus says they have one word – rematch, which will take place on 205 Live.
.@TozawaAkira is invoking his rematch clause for the #Cruiserweight Title, and he’s doing it TOMORROW NIGHT on #205Live! @WWENeville #RAW pic.twitter.com/5qX1WroLIi
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Backstage With Kurt Angle & Jason Jordan
Angle is backstage when Jordan walks in. Jordan says he doesn’t want any special treatment but he wants a match tonight. Angle says The Miz is already in a match tonight. Jason wants Finn Balor. Angle asks if Jordan thinks he’s ready for that level of competition. Jordan does. Angle makes the match and wishes him good luck.
.@JasonJordanJJ wants a challenge… and a challenge HE WILL GET! @RealKurtAngle‘s son will face @FinnBalor TONIGHT! #RAW pic.twitter.com/y61f8JghnT
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
In Ring With New Raw Tag Team Champs Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose
We go to the ring and JoJo introduces the new RAW Tag Team Champions Rollins and Ambrose. Out they come to a pop.
Rollins talks about how good it feels to be in the ring right now. They got back together, ran the show and now they are the RAW Tag Team Champions. Ambrose admits it feels good and says he never thought this would happen. Rollins says this feels a little like old times. Rollins says it’s time to celebrate and the whole Barclays Center is invited. Ambrose says everyone is invited except Sheamus and Cesaro. He knows they’re coming for their rematch but everyone knows how he and Rollins roll – they take on anyone, anywhere. The music hits and out come The Hardys to a pop.
Fans chant “delete!” as Matt and Jeff Hardy head to the ring. Jeff says they don’t want to end the party before it gets started, they just want to say congratulations. Jeff says they did it. Matt talks about how it can be a “beeaautiful” thing when brothers get on the same page and fight, which is why they came out to issue a challenge. Rollins asks if they’re serious, saying they grew up idolizing The Hardys. An “obsolete” chant starts up. Matt says there’s a reason they chant – because they have been revolutionizing the tag team division for years and tonight, they want to do it in Brooklyn. Rollins accepts the challenge and here we go.
This is HAPPENING! @WWERollins and @TheDeanAmbrose vs. @MATTHARDYBRAND and @JEFFHARDYBRAND RIGHT NOW on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/2EWitCbOVt
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Raw Tag Champs Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs The Hardy Boyz
Ambrose locks in an armbar. Matt reverses it into a top wrist lock. Matt elbows Ambrose in the jaw. Matt tags in Jeff. The Hardyz hit a modified spin cycle. Ambrose dropkicks Jeff. Rollins hits the ropes and kicks Jeff in the face. The Hardyz tripe Rollins and hit a dual wheelbarrow suplex. Matt puts Rollins in a side headlock. Matt whips Rollins into the corner. Rollins complete shots Matt head first into the turnbuckle. Rollins tries a springboard knee but Matt moves out of the way. Jeff tries the Twist of Fate but Rollins pushes Jeff right into a dirty deads attempts by Ambrose. Jeff avoids it. both teams face-off in the middle of the ring. Each team lays into each other. Ambrose and Rollins gets dumped to the outside. diving clothesline by Jeff.
After the break, Ambrose misses a dive to the outside. Rollins tries to attack but Matt back body drops him over the top rope. Matt and Jeff hit poetry in motion from in the ring to the outside. Jeff goes up top for the whisper in the wind. Ambrose runs into the ring and pulls Rollins out of the way.
Rollins suplexes Jeff. Ambrose is in. Ambrose puts Jeff in a modified STF. Jeff struggles to his feet. Ambrose whips Rollins into the corner onto Jeff. Ambrose and Rollins are making quick tags, taking turns beating down Jeff. Jeff manages to hit the whisper in the wind on both Rollins and Ambrose. Jeff tags in Matt, who dumps Ambrose over the top rope. Matt grabs Rollins and slams him head first into each turnbuckle. Running clothesline followed by a running bulldog. Second rope elbow by Matt. Ambrose tags in a behind Matt’s back. Ambrose and Rollins hit the Hart Attack Slingblade. Jeff breaks up the pin. Ambrose and Rollins send the Hardyz out of the ring. Double suicide dives by Ambrose and Rollins.
Jeff tags in Matt, who dumps Ambrose over the top rope. Matt grabs Rollins and slams him head first into each turnbuckle. Running clothesline followed by a running bulldog. Second rope elbow by Matt. Ambrose tags in a behind Matt’s back. Ambrose and Rollins hit the Hart Attack Slingblade. Jeff breaks up the pin. Ambrose and Rollins send the Hardyz out of the ring. Double suicide dives by Ambrose and Rollins. Matt side effects Rollins on the apron! Ambrose goes for the lunatic lariat but Matt counters into the side effect. Matt hits the Twist of Fate. Rollins runs into the ring and superkicks Matt. Jeff tosses Rollins out of the ring. Jeff attempts the swanton but Ambrose gets his knees up. Rollins hits the ripcord V-Trigger Jeff falls into the Dirty Deeds by Ambrose. Ambrose pins Jeff.
Winners: Raw Tag Champs Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose
In a battle of BROTHERS, your #RAW #TagTeamChampions stand tall as they defeat The #HardyBoyz! #RAW @WWERollins @TheDeanAmbrose pic.twitter.com/yY951HMXyU
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Raw Women’s Champ Sasha Banks Addresses WWE Universe
Sasha Banks hits the ring as we see shots from her win over Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam.
Banks says she may be from Boston but she’s left her heart in Brooklyn for the past few years. She mentions how everyone is pulling for WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Banks says what the world doesn’t need is a fake goddess and she proved that there is no goddess in WWE last night, just a boss. Banks says she plans on defending her title the right way. She doesn’t need to talk her way out of a match, she doesn’t need Nia Jax to interfere on her behalf. Sasha talks about how she has all she needs, the fans, but the music interrupts and out comes Bliss.
Bliss speaks from the stage and brings up how Banks has never successfully defended the title, even though she’s a four-time champion. They have word and fans chant “you tapped out” at Bliss. Sasha suggests Bliss use her rematch clause right now. Bliss says that’s a thought and maybe she should but she’s going to go with no. Fans boo. Bliss says none of these Brooklyn fanboys deserve to see an Alexa Bliss championship celebration. Bliss says she’s also not in the mood to break Banks’ heart. Bliss says she wants her rematch next week. Bliss talks some more trash to end the segment.
“This is no goddess, there’s only ONE Legit Boss!” – NEW #RAW #WomensChampion @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/IkTyahhEP0
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
Jason Jordan vs Finn Balor
Jordan picks up Bálor and drops him to the mat. Bálor tries to roll out of it but Jordan rolls with him. Jordan picks up Bálor and drops him again. Side headlock by Jordan. Jordan hits the ropes but ends up eating a dropkick by Bálor. Jordan tries to shake Bálor’s hand. Bálor kicks Jordan in the gut, snapmares him to the mat, then dropkicks him. Bálor tries a leapfrog but Jordan catches him in midair. Running slam by Jordan. Bálor dumps Jordan to the outside. Bálor calls for the PK on the apron. Jordan rolls into the ring to avoid it.
After a short break, Bálor is working over Jordan’s leg. Wasit lock takedown by Jordan. Elbow drop by Jordan for a near fall. Belly-to-belly suplex by Jordan. Bálor kicks out. Jordan snitches in a butterfly lock. Bálor back body drops Jordan but Jordan pulls Bálor down in a sunset flip. Bálor rolls through and dropkicks Jordan. Bálor sends Jordan out of the ring. PK on the apron by Bálor. Bálor brings Jordan back into the ring. Bálor attempts the sling blade but Jordan counters it into a belly-to-belly suplex. Corner spear by Jordan. Jordan sets up his finish. Bálor reverses it into a pin. Jordan kicks out. Jordan elbows Bálor in the head. Bálor overhead kicks Jordan. Jordan and Bálor are both down. Jordan picks up Bálor and drives him into the turnbuckle over and over again. Bálor gets a boot up, then hits the sling blade. A torpedo dropkick by Bálor leads to the Coup De Grâs for the win.
Winner: Finn Bálor
A #CoupDeGrace seals the deal as @FinnBalor secures the victory over @RealKurtAngle‘s son @JasonJordanJJ! #RAW pic.twitter.com/BN5ZJeNnpt
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
John Cena and Roman Reigns vs. The Miz and Samoa Joe
Back from the break and out comes WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz with Maryse, Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas. Samoa Joe is out next. John Cena is out first for his team. Graves talks about how this is his first time calling a Cena match. Roman Reigns is out next.
Back from another break and Cena starts with Miz. Cena immediately hits a running bulldog. Miz tags Joe in. The beach ball returns and distracts everyone for a minute. Cena turns around to Joe dropping him. Joe goes to work on Cena and unloads in the corner. Miz tags back in and keeps Cena down. Miz with a running boot to the face. Miz has words with Reigns while Cena recovers on the mat. Miz with another running boot to the face. Fans do the wave in the crowd and it distracts Miz. Cena finally turns it around and plays along with the wave in the crowd. Miz takes advantage and apparently drops Cena for a 2 count as my Sling feed is having difficulties. Joe comes back in and takes over on Cena.
Joe works Cena over in their corner before Miz tags back in. Miz takes his time and drops Cena again for a 2 count. Miz wastes time and talks trash to the crowd. Miz charges in the corner but gets hung up when Cena moves out of the way. Reigns reaches for a tag and Cena finally makes it. Reigns comes in as does Joe.
Reigns unloads on Joe, then knocks Miz off the apron. Reigns with big shots to Joe in the corner. Reigns floors Joe with a big boot. Reigns calls for a Superman punch but Joe side-steps and nails the Uranage for a 2 count. Joe stomps on Reigns and in comes Miz. Miz chokes Reigns on the middle rope and tosses him out to the floor. Dallas runs over and clotheslines Reigns on the floor. Miz brings it back in for a 2 count on Reigns.
Miz with the “yes!” kicks to Reigns now. Reigns ducks the roundhouse and rolls Miz up for a 2 count. Reigns powers up and hits a one-armed powerbomb. Reigns and Miz are both down in the middle of the ring now. Joe tags in and drops an elbow, stopping Reign from tagging. Joe stomps on Reigns now and keeps him grounded. Reigns gets up and fights Joe back but Joe floors him for another 2 count. Miz comes back in and keeps up the attack on Reigns, talking trash to him. Miz turns and taunts Cena while Reigns recovers. Miz sends Reigns to the floor. Reigns ducks a clothesline from Bo and hits a Drive By on Axel. Reigns with a Superman punch. Reigns pulls the top rope down, causing Miz to hit the floor as well.
Reigns finally tags in Cena. Cena unloads on Miz as he comes back in. Cena calls for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Miz rolls to safety as Joe comes in. Joe faces off with Cena. Joe ducks a swing and applies the Coquina Clutch. Reigns accidentally hits Cena with a Superman punch. Joe sends Reigns out but runs the ropes and runs into a right hand from Reigns. Joe falls to the floor with Reigns. Cena is still down from the Reigns punch. Miz sees this and readies for the Skull Crushing Finale. Cena slowly gets up as Miz waits. Cena blocks the Skull Crushing Finale and scoops Miz for an Attitude Adjustment. Cena covers for the pin.
Winners: John Cena and Roman Reigns
After the match, Cena stands tall as his music hits and Reigns returns to the ring. The referee raises their arms in the middle of the ring. Reigns looks at Cena, who is still clutching his jaw from the Superman punch. Reigns says that was his bad. We go to replays. Cena and Reigns continue staring each other down and mouthing words to each other as RAW goes off the air.
How is @JohnCena faring on #RAW for the first time in over a year? He and @WWERomanReigns are trying to defeat @mikethemiz & @SamoaJoe! pic.twitter.com/61KFT2sIfa
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017
They might have been successful tag team partners, but @JohnCena and @WWERomanReigns are FAR from being friends! #RAW @mikethemiz @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/y046uLZGm8
— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2017