WWE RAW is live tonight from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Here’s the latest teaser trailer from the WWE to get you ready for the show:
WWE is advertising two triple threat matches with the winner of each facing each other to determine who will get a title opportunity against Universal Champ Seth Rollins at Money in the Bank. Former SmackDown Superstars AJ Styles, Rey Mysterio and United States Champ Samoa Joe will square off in the first triple threat, while The Miz, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin face each other in the other one. In addition, RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champ Becky Lynch will face Alicia Fox with hints that Lacey Evans could get involved. It also sounds like we will get the return of Bray Wyatt as RAW is teasing a reveal of the “creepy force” infiltrating WWE. Also, WWE announced today that Cesaro is now a part of RAW and he is advertised for a match with former Cruiserweight Champ Cedric Alexander.
RAW Opening Segment
We open with the COO Triple H announcing two triple threat matches to determine who will face Universal Champion Seth Rollins at Money in the Bank. The winners of the triple threats will face each other in the main event of the show to earn the title opportunity. The first match features United States Champion Samoa Joe against AJ Styles and Rey Mysterio. The second triple threat pits Baron Corbin against The Miz and Drew McIntyre.
The Universal Champ’s music hits, and Rollins stomps to the ring. Seth and Hunter shake hands and embrace in the ring. The crowd chants “Burn it down.” Iowa is Rollins’ home state. The Beastslayer says this is so surreal for him to be standing in the middle of this ring in his home state with the championship around his waist. Two weeks ago at WrestleMania, he was in the fight of his life, but he slayed Brock Lesnar and brought the title home. The arena fires up a “Welcome home” chant. Triple H mentions how Rollins stomped the bucket head of Brock Lesnar into the mat. Rollins entered WrestleMania as a Kingslayer and left a Beastslayer. The crowd continues to loudly support Rollins. Triple H then says the landscape has chaged. Rollins became the measuring stick for the rest of the WWE as Universal Champion. The whole world is targeting him. Rollins says he knows that and he knows Money in the Bank is right around the corner. If anyone knows a thing or two about the Money in the Bank contract, it’s Seth. Rollins successfully cashed in and changed his career, but he’s also had it cashed in on him. The Beastslayer will never let that happen again.
Triple H tells him to not put the cart before the horse. Seth should be worried about who he’ll be defending the Universal Championship against at Money in the Bank. Rollins asks if Paul Heyman has been blowing up Triple H’s phone for a rematch. Triple H says he hasn’t heard from Lesnar’s advocate. Rollins asks what is next. Triple H says we’ll figure that out tonight. The best of the best are now on RAW. There will be two triple threat matches with the winners fighting in the main event tonight. The winner of that match will face Rollins for the Universal Championship at Money in the Bank.
Samoa Joe interrupts and says he is now on RAW. Joe climbs into the ring and says Becky Lynch has come up with a real interesting concept with her two championships. Joe says hiss shoulders have enough room for two titles as well. His next title will be Seth’s.
Rey Mysterio’s music hits, and the Master of the 619 says Joe isn’t the only former Smackdown Superstar looking to impact RAW. Rey says he’s not on RAW to hang out and mentor people. He has a match in mind. When all is said and done, Money in the Bank will feature Rollins versus Mysterio.
The bagpipes now hit, and Drew McIntyre says he doesn’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. McIntyre has spent a year cleaning RAW up and got zero title opportunities. It’s his time now. The Scottish Psychopath says the only reason Rollins is Universal Champion is because he got to Brock Lesnar before Drew did. McIntyre will win the triple threat tonight, go to Money in the Bank, beat Rollins, and finally take his place as Universal Champion.
The Miz is out next and says the A-lister is back on RAW. The crowd gives him a good reception. Miz says the more things change, the more they stay the same. Seth once again has something Miz wants. Miz wants to film a movie reboot of sorts. The past few months have shown the A-Lister that he can be a certain man – a man worthy of the red belt. He adds there isn’t a more must-see match that Money in the Bank could feature than Seth Rollins versus The Miz.
Baron Corbin is out next and says he is the most deserving to face Rollins. Seth may have slayed a beast at WrestleMania, but the Lone Wolf retired a legend. Corbin asks if anyone else in the ring can say they’ve defeated a Gold Medalist in his farewell match at WrestleMania.
AJ Styles’ music hits, and the Phenomenal One gets a great ovation from the crowd. Styles makes his way to the ring as an “AJ Styles” chant picks up from the fans. Styles asks Corbin if he ever shuts up. AJ says Corbin’s face is almost as annoying as his voice. Speaking of annoying, it seems like everyone in the ring has forgotten that AJ Styles is on RAW. Styles calls out Seth. AJ says he’ll win his triple threat match tonight. Then he’ll face whoever wins the next triple threat match. Then everyone will find out why SmackDown Live was the house that AJ Styles built. AJ is going to give RAW what they always wanted. At Money in the Bank, it’ll be Seth Rollins versus AJ Styles for the Universal Championship.
Rollins looks at Triple H and says this is what he was talking about as everyone has put a target on his back. Seth says he’s ready. It doesn’t matter who he faces at Money in the Bank. In case all of them forgot, he’s Seth Freakin’ Rollins, and he’s going to burn it down!
AJ Styles will take on Rey Mysterio and Samoa Joe in the first of two triple threat matches tonight, next.
Universal Championship Triple-Threat Match #1
United States Champion Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio
Rey, Joe and AJ are in the ring as we go to commercial.
Back from the commercials and action is underway. Mysterio dives out and takes the US Champ down to the floor. Rey and AJ do battle in the ring. Mysterio blocks a Styles Clash, reversing into a hurricanrana. Joe works AJ over and sends Mysterio to the corner. Joe then drops AJ with a big elbow.
The US Champion goes back to work on Rey, launching him under the bottom rope to the floor. AJ fights Joe off from the corner. Styles leaps at Joe but the champ catches him and counters with a thunderous Uranage to get a 2 count.
After a break in the action, we’re back and AJ drops Joe with a Pele kick. Styles then turns his attention to Rey. Mysterio plants AJ. Then, Joe charges up from out of nowhere, but Rey moves. Joe falls against the ropes to set up the 619. Rey runs for it, but Joe gets out of the ring to the floor. Rey runs and leaps out with a dive. Joe swats at him in mid-air and they both go down. Rey comes back to the apron and goes to the top, but Styles stops his momentum. AJ climbs to the top rope with Rey as they trade shots. Mysterio fights him off with a headbutt. Rey goes for a superplex on AJ from the top rope, but AJ fights prevents it. Joe runs back in the ring and brings them both down with a big powerbomb. All three are on the mat as the crowd chants “this is awesome!” The champ covers AJ for a 2 count.
After yet another break in the action, Joe drops Mysterio, then takes out Styles with a fierce clothesline. Joe gets a 2 count as he covers up Styles. Rey counters an attack from Joe with a Senton. Joe and Rey tangle again but Rey spikes him into the mat. AJ breaks the pin attempt up. AJ gets sent to the floor. Joe decks Rey from behind. Rey counters Joe with a big DDT for a pop. Rey misses the 619 and Joe locks in the Coquina Clutch.
AJ flies in to make the save but Joe locks the Clutch in on him. It’s broken with a 2 count by AJ. AJ with a pele kick to Joe’s head. AJ jumps up but Rey sends him to the ropes for the 619 position. Rey hits 619 on Joe, then springboards in but AJ catches him with a powerbomb. AJ then powerbombs Rey on top of Joe. AJ with a Styles Clash to Mysterio on top of Joe. Styles covers Joe for the pinfall to make the main event.
Winner: AJ Styles
Naomi vs. Billie Kay
Next up, the Glow Queen makes her way to the ring.
Following another commercial break, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, The IIconics, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce make their way to the ring. The annoying Aussies taunt Naomi on the way to the ring, mentioning how Bayley was moved to SmackDown Live. Now, Naomi has no one to have her back. The bell rings and Billie Kay gets the advantage, keeping Naomi grounded.
Naomi comes back with a clothesline and a back elbow. Naomi stuns Kay and keeps going. Royce gets on the apron for interference but Naomi knocks her off. Naomi keeps control and rolls Kay up for the end to the short match.
Winner: Naomi
Universal Championship Triple-Threat Match #2
The Miz vs. Baron Corbin vs. Drew McIntyre
The A-Lister is the first one of the contenders out. The winner of this triple threat advances to face AJ Styles in the main event to crown a new Universal Championship No. 1 contender. We take a commercial break.
The Miz tries to blindside both men and leaves the ring as soon as Corbin and McIntyre appear to get an edge. The RAW heel allies try to cut him off, but Miz gets in the ring and hits them with a baseball slide. The Lone Wolf quickly clotheslines the A-Lister to the floor. McIntyre and Corbin the rain down boots on Miz. McIntyre gets the must-see Superstar in the ring and chops him to the mat. Miz tries to rally, but the Scottish Pyschopath and Corbin quickly take over with that darn numbers game advantage. Corbin punches Miz in the midsection. The former RAW General Manager then throws a right hand to the face of McIntyre. Corbin throws Miz out of the ring and drives him into the barricade. Miz soon reverses a whip into the barricade. McIntyre quickly attacks Miz from behind. McIntyre gets him in the ring and hits a suplex for a near fall.
The Lone Wolf gets in the ring, and McIntyre glares at him. Drew punches Corbin to the mat before turning his focus to Miz. The A-Lister fights back, and Corbin hits McIntyre with an out and in clothesline. Miz quickly rolls up Corbin for a two count. Miz sidesteps Corbin and launches him shoulder-first into the ring post. Miz punches away at Corbin and kicks away at him. Miz hits Corbin and Drew with running double knees before hitting McIntyre with his patented corner clothesline. Miz then drops them both with a springboard axe handle. Miz then fires up his offense, hitting them both with IT Kicks. Corbin eats a big roundhouse, and McIntyre drops Miz with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre puts Miz on the top rope and clubs away at him. Miz quickly punches him off. McIntyre soon sends Corbin into Miz on the top rope. McIntyre goes for a slam off the top rope, but Corbin also catches him with a powerbomb.
We return from the commercial block to see Drew and Corbin brawling at ringside. Miz takes them both out with a dive off the top rope to the floor. Miz then puts Corbin into the timekeeper’s area. In the ring, McIntyre makes a comeback on the Miz. McIntyre hits Miz with an inverted Alabama Slam for a near fall. McIntyre sizes Miz up, but Miz counters into a Figure Four Leglock. AJ Styles is seen watching backstage. McIntyre gets out with a thumb to the eye. Corbin gets in the ring and hits Miz with a Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin cannot believe Miz kicked out. Corbin tries to attack Miz at ringside, but Miz sends him into the ring steps. Miz rolls McIntyre up for a near fall. McIntyre then slams him down and covers for a near fall. McIntyre signals for the Future Shock DDT, but Miz counters into a DDT for a near fall. Miz counters Corbin’s End of Days into a DDT for another near fall. Miz goes for a Skull Crushing Finale on Corbin, but he fights out. Miz clotheslines him over the top rope. McIntyre then wipes Miz out with a vicious Claymore Kick! Corbin quickly runs into the ring and pushes McIntyre out of the ring. Corbin then covers Miz for the win.
Winner: Baron Corbin
Much to the chagrin of everyone in the audience, Corbin advances to the main event to face AJ Styles for the championship opportunity at Money in the Bank.
Backstage with The Phenomenal One
Charly Caruso asks AJ Styles about facing Baron Corbin in the main event. Styles trots out the “not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog” cliche. He adds that Corbin always brags about his accomplishments, but AJ Styles has a pretty strong resume as well. AJ may not have retired Kurt Angle, but he beats up John Cena on a regular basis and he’ll do the same to The Lone Wolf.
Sami Zayn Continues Turning Up the Heel Heat
The Underdog from the Underground yells at the crowd to stop singing along with his entrance music. He says people don’t want to hear the truth about themselves. The WWE Universe is now creating a false narrative about him, claiming he’s a bitter person. Sami says he’s jubilant. He says the past ten months away from the WWE were the happiest times of his life. Zayn shares pictures of himself from his Instagram account featuring his hiking in Switzerland, scenes from Norway, sitting on a beach in Mexico, and a pic in front of a castle in Scotland. Zayn says he enjoyed himself away from wrestling.
He says the closer he got to returning to the ring, the more he started to feel anxiety. What was it about WWE that was making him sick? Was it the corporate structure providing decisions with which he often disagrees? Is it the WWE Superstars that are egomaniacs and delusional? Sami dug down deep and got to the root of the problem. The fans are the problem. Zayn says it’s easier to boo than accept the blame for all this. Zayn says he will make them responsible. He’s holding every member of the WWE Universe accountable. Mob mentality won’t keep them safe from Sami. Zayn says he would much rather be back in Norway or Iceland or Sweden. He’d rather be anywhere than depressed Des Moines, Iowa. Zayn says the fans at Wells Fargo Arena should all take a trip to hell. Then, Sami dances around and leaves the ring.
Cedric Alexander vs. Cesaro
Cedric Alexander makes his entrance as Sami is walking off. The former Cruiserweight Champion enters the ring and strikes poses as we go to a video package for his red brand arrival. Alexander continues posing as they cut to commercials.
When we return, Cesaro hits a big boot to get a 2 count. The Swiss Cyborg takes control and keeps Cedric grounded on the mat now. Alexander tries to roll up Cesaro, but can’t get him. Alexander goes on the offensive, with a back elbow and knees. He continues, hitting a dropkick for a pop. He kips up for a pop. Cesaro sends Alexander to the apron but Cedric fights back in. He goes for the Flatliner, but the Swiss heel catches him. Cedric fights out and nails a Michinoku Driver for a close 2 count.
More back and forth now. Cesaro blocks a backslide. Cedric nails a huge kick to the head. Cedric runs the ropes and leaps out, taking Cesaro down on the outside. Cedric brings it back in and springboards up but Cesaro nails a huge uppercut in mid-air for the pin to win.
Winner: Cesaro
Backstage with The Usos
Charly Caruso asks Jimmy and Jey about the landscape of the tag team division on RAW. Before they can get far into their promo, they are interrupted by Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder. The Usos punk The Revival as the two teams mean mug each other before Jimmy and Jey welcome them to The Uso Penitentiary.
The Viking Raiders vs. The Lucha House Party
WWE changed the War Raiders’ name yet again because The Viking Experience was just dumb. Erik and Ivar are in the ring already as Lince Dorado, Kalisto and Gran Metalik head down the entrance ramp. The Raiders jump the luchas before the bell and lay waste to the three men before the match can begin. After nailing both Kalisto and Lince Dorado with a double team powerbomb, Erik and Ivar hit The Viking Experience finisher on Gran Metalik before the Viking Raider music pipes up and we cut backstage.
Winner: No Contest
Backstage with RAW Tag Team Champs Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins
Sarah Schreiber asks the champs if they are concerned about how the RAW tag team division has changed. Ryder and Hawkins says they aren’t concerned because the Viking Raiders are new. They aren’t about to let a couple smelly vikings take what is theirs.
Non-Title Match
RAW & SmackDown Women’s Champ Becky Lynch vs. Alicia Fox
The champ champ makes her entrance as we cut to commercial.
After the break in the action, The Man is in the ring with a mic. The crowd chants fire up for the double champ. Lynch says she feels something in the air tonight in Iowa. She can feel it. She mentions how Lacey Evans is her next challenger. Fans boo. Lynch calls her the one who likes to suckerpunch The Man. Lynch doesn’t mind being suckerpunched, it’s the woman throwing the punch that she minds. Lynch says she’s made a career of smacking blondes who get backstage favors from corporate. Lynch says that while Evans is in the back “furthering her career,” The Man is out in the ring cementing hers. Lynch goes to call out Alicia Fox, but The Lady of WWE comes out to the stage instead. Evans says she will take both of The Man’s titles at Money In the Bank. Lynch warns Lacey that she will get dismantled at MITB. The music hits and out comes Fox for this non-title match.
The bell rings and they size each other up. Lynch takes control and drops Fox down to the mat. Foxy counters and gets Lynch down with a shoulder for a quick pin attempt. They run the ropes and The Man kicks Fox into the corner. Foxy escapes to the floor for a breather. Lynch trash talks from the ring and kicks Fox back to the barrier. The Man keeps it up, slamming Fox face-first into the apron. The champ presses her advantage, taking Fox around the ring and slamming her face into a barricade again. Fox turns it around and drops her at the 7 count. Fox brings Lynch back into the ring and covers for a 2 count. We go to commercial.
Back from the break and Fox has Lynch down. Fox with a 2 count and another pin attempt. Becky looks to turn it around but Fox shuts her down. Becky comes back with a flying forearm and a Bexploder suplex, and another. Becky misses in the corner and Fox rolls her up for a 2 count. Becky takes Fox down into the Disarm Her for the win.
Winner: RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champ Becky Lynch
As soon as the bell rings, Lacey Evans enters the ring and clubs Lynch with the Woman’s Right to break the hold. Evans delivers another big right hand to Becky and then walks off as her music hits.
Backstage with Baron Corbin
Charly Caruso is backstage with the former RAW General Manager, who is warming up for the main event. Corbin insults Charly and discusses looking forward to a shot at revenge on Seth Rollins. Corbin isn’t worried about The Phenomenal One at all in the main event.
Ricochet vs. Robert Roode
The One and Only comes out first. He will face the Superstar formerly known as Bobby Roode when we get back from the break.
We are introduced to the fresh heel reboot Robert Roode. We see his backstage interview from earlier where he re-introduced himself and took shots at his former “Glorious” partner Chad Gable, and Ricochet. We start off with Roode rocking Ricochet in the corner. Robert with a kick to take control. Ricochet counters and sends Roode flying. The One and Only with more offense as Roode begs him not to hurt him from the mat. They tangle near the apron as Ricochet sends Roode to the floor. Ricochet runs the ropes and goes to leap out but slams on the breaks on the apron as Roode moves out of the way. Ricochet finally takes off from the ring apron to land on Roode on the floor. More commercials again.
After the break in the action, Roode trash talks Ricochet, who is grounded in the ring. Ricochet looks to make a comeback but a knee to the gut stops him. Roode with more offense and a suplex for a 2 count.
Roode keeps control and plays to the crowd, yelling about how glorious he is. Roode keeps Ricochet grounded again. Roode misses in the corner as Ricochet kicks him back and then nails a dropkick for a pop. They get up and trade right hands in the middle of the ring. Ricochet takes Roode down and delivers more offense to get the momentum going. Ricochet sends Roode flying into the corner. Ricochet with the Spear in the corner and a kick to knock Roode back on the mat.
Ricochet springboards up and down at Roode. Ricochet with a standing Shooting Star Press for a close 2 count. Roode fights off the shoulders and delivers an elbow to the jaw. More back and forth now. Ricochet rolls Roode up for a 2 count. Roode catches Ricochet with a big Spinebuster for a close 2 count. Roode signals for the Glorious DDT but Ricochet blocks it. Ricochet drops Roode’s face over his knee and covers for a close 2 count. Ricochet drags Roode over to the corner and he goes to the top now. Ricochet goes for the 630 but Roode moves and comes from behind, sending Ricochet into the corner. Roode hits the Glorious DDT for the pin to win.
Winner: Robert Roode
Bray Wyatt Segment
We are sent to a Firefly Fun House scene. The Mister Rogers version of Bray Wyatt is hosting what looks like a kids show. The Easter of Worlds introduces himself to the fireflies, and talks about how much fun they’re going to have. Wyatt says this is his happy place where all of his fireflies are safe. Bray can’t wait to show us all of what he’s learned. Wyatt adds that he wants to introduce some special friends that he’s made, the ones featured in the recent vignettes – Mercy The Buzzard and Happy The Witch. Wyatt says (viewers) are going to love them. The Eater of Worlds says he used to be a bad man, but he’s been punished in barbaric fashion for his wrongdoings and that part of him is dead now. But he does keep a reminder so he will never turn into that pathetic slob loser again. He shows us a cardboard cutout of the old Bray Wyatt. He then destroys it with a chainsaw and laughs. Remember fireflies, Wyatt will always light the way and all we have to do is let him in. He will see us next week. This was like Wyatt meets Pee Wee Herman meets Nickelodeon. Cole is confused.
Universal Championship No. 1 Contender Match: AJ Styles vs. Baron Corbin
We go to the ring for tonight’s main event and out first comes AJ Styles. The winner of this match will face WWE Universal Champion Seth Rollins at Money In the Bank. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and AJ Styles is wrapping his entrance. Baron Corbin is out next. Corbin gets the grand introduction from Rome. The bell rings and they go at it, sizing each other up. Corbin delivers a big right hand to knock AJ back. AJ fights back and unloads against the ropes, beating Corbin down. Corbin with a knee off the ropes to send AJ to the apron. AJ goes to springboard in but AJ rocks him in mid-air with a big right hand. Corbin stomps away on AJ while he’s down now.
Corbin plays to the crowd and mocks AJ to the crowd as they boo him. AJ goes down after Corbin sends him into the corner and keeps control. Fans chant for AJ as Corbin keeps control. Styles fights back and sends Corbin out of the ring. AJ flies over but Corbin rocks him in mid-move again. More back and forth around the ring and timekeeper’s area. Corbin catches AJ and drops him into the barrier as we go back to commercial.
Back from the break and Corbin continues to dominate for another 2 count. Corbin takes AJ to the top and rocks him a few times. Corbin goes for a big superplex but AJ slides down and brings Corbin face-first into the turnbuckles. AJ with kicks to Corbin now. AJ takes out Corbin’s leg with a kick. AJ with a sliding forearm to the face. Styles with more strikes. AJ tries to scoop Corbin on his shoulders but he can’t get him up. They trade strikes. Corbin grabs AJ by the throat and overpowers but AJ counters the chokeslam – backbreaker combo with a 2 count. More back and forth. AJ goes for the Styles Clash but can’t get Corbin up.
Corbin goes out and back in but AJ hits him with a pele kick. Corbin comes back with a Deep Six for a close 2 count. Corbin shows some frustration. Corbin with a big splash in the corner, and another. AJ counters End of Days and rolls Corbin into the Calf Crusher as fans pop. Corbin crawls for the ropes but AJ tightens the hold. Corbin breaks the hold by decking AJ.
Corbin gets up first but he’s moving slow. AJ is up now. AJ runs into a boot in the corner. Corbin jumps off the second rope and goes to deck AJ against the ropes but AJ moves and Corbin hits the rope hard. AJ springboards in and hits the Phenomenal Forearm for the pin to earn the title shot at Money In the Bank.
Winner: New No. 1 Contender to WWE Universal Championship AJ Styles
After the match, Cole confirms Styles vs. Rollins for Money In the Bank as Styles recovers. His music hits and we get replays. AJ stands tall and plays to the crowd as they cheer him on. AJ’s music stops and the music of the WWE Universal Champion starts up. Seth Rollins comes to the ring as AJ looks on. They stare each other down. Rollins offers his hand for a shake and AJ shakes. They stare each other down and have some words as RAW goes off the air.