THE RAW REPORT SLAM for 06/29/2026

The RAW Report

SLAM!

THE ONLY BLVD WHERE WE’RE ALL BROTHERS

The June 29^th edition of RAW takes place at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. This is the first time Atlantic City hosted a WWE televised event in almost two decades. We’re just a few days after the King and Queen of the Ring were crowned at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Tonight, we’ve got a ton of segments, including the “King” Oba Femi and the “Queen” IYO SKY making their royal appearances, a live musical performance by Joe Hendry with special guest of the new World Tag Team Champions The Street Profits, and your World Heavyweight Champion and OTC Roman Reigns will address the fallout from Night of Champions. We’ve got in-ring action when Jimmy Uso takes on LA Knight, Rey Mysterio continues his luchador issues against Ethan Page, and Chad Gable versus the electrifying (literally) JD McDonagh.

There’s fallout cleaning to do and more – so let’s see what the SLAM all has in store!

We first get a quick replay of Night of Champions, including the Queen of the Ring Finals, the two Intercontinental Championships, Rollins vs Breakker, The Undisputed WWE Championship, and the King of the Ring Finals.

“Hands of Fate” hits as “Oba!” chants fill the hall. “King” Oba Femi struts his way to the ring. Femi says that is a reaction fitting of a ruler. But now, he wants a reception fitting for a king. Femi says he told Jey Uso that destiny was on his side. But Jey didn’t believe him until he stepped into the ring with Femi, so now he knows. But now that destiny has played out, she’s not finished. So now, a choice has to be made.

Cue “Next Big Thing” and out comes “The Beast” Brock Lesnar to cheers. He gets in the ring with Femi and applauds him. He announces Oba Femi as the King of the Ring. Lesnar says he doesn’t watch the show, but that’s a hell of a feat. Lesnar mentions he was once KotR (it was in 2002 during his initial rookie year). Lesnar said that since he doesn’t watch the show he has to rely on Mr Heyman, who tells him that Femi has a big decision to make. Lesnar also said Mr Heyman told him that when he’s not here, Femi calls him a coward and a bitch. Heyman also said Femi cuts a great promo, which he never could which is why he’s got Mr Heyman. Lesnar said that you know what they say? “Talk sh*t, get hit.” Lesnar kicked Femi with a low blow then hit Femi with an F5.

As Lesnar leaves the ring, Heyman tells him that was a great promo. The Ruler gets back up and tells Lesnar this is exactly what he does: shows up, F-5’s, and leaves. Femi said Lesnar called him names behind his back. Now Lesnar is in front of him and Lesnar’s still a bitch. So here’s the deal: they can play cat-and-rat forever (cat-and-mouse for those in the know), or they can settle the score. One-on-one, Femi vs Lesnar at SummerSlam. Lesnar accepts, but on one condition. Hell in a Cell. Femi yelled let’s finish this while Lesnar’s music played.

ANALYSIS: We finally get the return of “Br-r-rawk L-l-lesnar!” I figured he’d have to be on tonight or very soon to finally set up Lesnar vs Femi III. I said before I was really surprised he didn’t show up in Saudi, yet he shows up in New Jersey.

Lesnar vs Femi III in Hell in a Cell was what I wanted. But I didn’t expect it to go on at SummerSlam. It’s a big enough match worthy of the big summer PLE. But Femi still has his SummerSlam Championship opportunity by being KotR. Maybe they’ll have Femi work both nights. That would be a huge weekend for the rising star. Or maybe save the Championship match and do it earlier or later. We still got Saturday Night’s Main Event coming up on July 18^th. Then Saturday, I mean Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6^th. Maybe we’ll see what RAW GM Adam Pearce has to say later.

Our announcers for the evening are Michael Cole and Corey Graves. Our ring announcer was “Amazing Hair” Alicia Taylor (I want to know who does her doo, I don’t think it’s a wig).

They showed some superstar arrivals, including Iyo Sky, Liv Morgan with The Judgment Day, The Street Profits with Joe Hendry were taking pictures, LA Knight walks, and our OTC Roman Reigns is scheduled to be there. Let’s take a break.

Bac from break, we got replays of the Lesnar interruption’s low blow and F-5 on Femi, and the challenge for Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam. Now somewhere backstage, Heyman is yapping away in GM Adam Pearce’s face about the Lesnar vs Femi HiaC match and how great it is. Pearce just asked Heyman he would appreciate a little heads-up. Austin Theory comes up to Heyman saying he doesn’t answer his calls, and he didn’t know Heyman was there. Heyman said now you know.

Pearce walks up to Oba Femi, saying this was a little unexpected. Femi said Pearce heard him right. The Championship match isn’t going anywhere, and he’ll take that when he wants. But this needs to end, and he will end it.

Cole says it’s now official. Lesnar vs Femi III: Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam.

ANALYSIS: And there it is. Femi working both nights would’ve been cool, but I’m okay with just the HiaC match at SummerSlam. Femi can save his Championship choice for later. I said before they could do the HiaC before or after, but they’re going with him waiting until he ends his rivalry with Lesnar first.

We’re back live in the arena with Ethan Page already in the ring. Poor guy just can’t get anyone to show his ring entrance. But Rey Mysterio gets his as he makes his way to the ring. The announcers showed Ethan’s win last Monday over Dragon Lee. Once in the ring, Rey took off his t-shirt and threw it in Page’s face. Page just wipes it on himself and tosses it.

Rey Mysterio vs Ethan Page

Right off the bell Page got Mysterio in a headlock. Mysterio punches out and sends Page into the ropes. Page knocks Mysterio with a knee to the gut. Mysterio takes Page down with a Headscissors and then rams his shoulder into Page in the corner. Mysterio went up to the middle rope, but Page grabs Mysterio and drops his face into the turnbuckle. Page elbows Mysterio into the other corner and gut tackles him. Page sent Mysterio across the ropes but Mysterio halts it as Page charges, then trips him on the middle rope in position. Page counters a 6-1-9 but Mysterio kicked him with an Enzuigiri. Mysterio leaped to the top corner rope and Page knocked Mysterio down as Mysterio gets hung up on the top corner. Page stomps away. Page then pulls Mysterio back up on the top turnbuckle with him and tried to pull Mysterio’s mask off. Mysterio fights back and gets punched back down on the ropes. Page hit a Sideslam on the top turnbuckle and Mysterio crashes out on the floor. That gives us time for a commercial.

Back to the match, Page slams Mysterio into the corner. Page then sends Mysterio to the other corner, but Mysterio tried to leap over his charge. Page countered a Headscissors and slammed Mysterio down and covers for a near fall. Mysterio kicked Page, hit the ropes, and tried for a sunset flip but Page tried to counter with a punch. He missed Mysterio and punched the mat. Page charges, but Mysterio held the top rope sending Page out of the ring. Mysterio then slid under the ropes with a Baseball Slide and splashed onto Page outside the ring. Mysterio threw Page back in the ring and then climbed the corner. Mysterio took Page down with a Senton and then down with a Crossbody, covering Page for two. Page crawled to the corner as Mysterio Shoulder Tackles him before climbing up for ten punches to the head as a homage to the late great Eddie Guererro. Page then whips Mysterio across the ring, but Mysterio elbows a charging page. Mysterio tried a move, but Page caught him and hit a Sit Out Faceplant and covered for a near fall.

Page now put Mysterio on his shoulder and gloats, before Mysterio slid out of it and hit a Step-Up Enzuigiri. Page, dizzily, just fell onto the middle rope in position for Mysterio to attempt another 6-1-9, but Page blasted him with a Big Boot. Page with a Slam and covered for two-and-a-half. Page put Mysterio on his shoulders and climbed the ropes. Mysterio with elbows got out of the hold and hits a Hurricanrana off the top rope and then trips up Page in position to hit the 6-1-9 as he connects this time. Mysterio off the top rope with a Frog Splash and got the win.

WINNER: Rey Mysterio (11 minutes)

ANALYSIS: *** ¼

Another good match by Page who’s been getting quite a bit of time with the luchadores. This time, the HoF-er Mysterio got a clean win, when last week Page had a good match against Dragon Lee but won in dastardly fashion. But I think Page has been doing really well in these matches. He’s a good worker, while the veteran Mysterio really helped carry the match.

I’m not too sure where this is going storyline-wise, as Page is just running the gauntlet of luchas. Rusev need to come back and keep up whatever storyline they have going on. 

Now we are backstage in Danhausen’s mysterious lab. Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh came in looking for him, but he wasn’t around. McDonagh warned Dom not to touch anything. McDonagh gets upset that he has a match and needs to get un-cursed. Dom grabbed the picture the NY Knicks gave Danhausen and said they should send him a message, making Danhausen come to them. McDonagh suggests they wreck the place before they leave.

Elsewhere, LA Knight was shown taping up for his match against Jimmy Uso later tonight.

Back live, Joe Hendry, ready for his live concert, introduces the new World Tag Team Champions The Street Profits. We’re shown highlights from last Monday when they won the titles. Montez Ford asks the crowd if he looks good in a suit. He said they are overwhelmed by the love shown to them. The crowd erupts with “You deserve it!” They have a few people to thank. First, the WWE universe. He thanked the fans for supporting them for the past 10 years. Second, he thanked Seth “Freakin” Rollins. The crowd sang the visionary’s song. Then, he thanks Joe Hendry. Ford said it was all like a beautiful song last week. Angelo Dawkins said it sounded just like this. Hendry started playing. He sang about there’s no Breakker, they won’t hear Paul, no Heyman. Then that leaves Theory and how John Cena destroyed him on the mic.

This brings out Theory. He said The Street Profits stole his tag team titles.  He said he beat Cena at WrestleMania. Theory already talked to Pearce and next week there’s going to be his rematch for the tag team titles. Dawkins wondered if Breakker would be healthy. Theory said that next week, “The Dog” will be off the leash. Theory then said, just like Cena did to him on the mic, he’s going to destroy Hendry in their match later tonight. “Joe says no.” Hendry said since Theory interrupted his concert, they should do this right now.  We go to a break as we get ready.

ANALYSIS: I was a good promo by The Profits. They may disappearr every now and then, but they still remain popular after so long. It’s good to see them back on top as the World Tag Team Champions. Since Theory is the last remaining Vision member still available (his partner Breakker is banged up from his steel cage match against Rollins, Paul still has an injured triceps, and Heyman is busy with Lesnar) it makes sense that he’s the only one out there.  

Joe Hendry vs Austin Theory

The match started during the break. We first saw Theory throwing Hendry hard to the turnbuckle and hitting a Backbreaker. Theory plummets Hendry’s head, throws him to the mat and tries to pin for a two-count. Theory got Hendry into a Headlock until the crowd started to get behind him as he rose up. Hendry hit a Jawbreaker to break free. Theory charged at Hendry in the corner just before Hendry moved, but Theory put on the brakes. Hendry with a kick and a DDT.

Both men are down until they both get back up with Hendry hitting multiple right hands before sending Theory into the ropes. He drops Theory with an elbow and Theory goes into the corner. Hendry with a Clothesline in the corner as he bounced off the ropes, Theory also bounced himself off the ropes and tried for a splash, but Hendry caught him. Fallaway Slam by Hendry. He gets the crowd psyched up and nails the Hit Single for a two-count. Hendry puts Theory on his shoulders, but he slips out towards the ropes. Hendry charges, but Theory moves and gives Hendry a blow to the back of the neck and a hard left hand for a two count. Graves called it the MVP Greatest Of All Hands. Neckbreaker on Hendry for a close two count. Theory is getting frustrated now. Back and forth punches and uppercuts until Hendry gets rocked by an elbow. Theory hits the ropes, but Hendry caught him in what Cole called a Standing Ovation for the win.

WINNER: Joe Hendry (7 minutes)

ANALYSIS: ** ½

Just an average TV filler match. It didn’t have anything behind it other than another way for Theory to try to get back at Hendry for mocking his co-workers, and for Hendry seemingly needing a win over him. Theory lost all the intensity he had when Paul got injured. Ah well.

Now backstage, Raquel Rodriguez pleads her case to Pearce as to why she needs a shot at the Women’s IC title. Pearce tells her she’s not the only one. Maxxine Dupri he mentions. Rodriguez said she’ll go straight through her to get her title shot. Pearce makes it official.

As Pearce walked away, Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez came up to her. Morgan was freaking out and talking fast about worrying about her title match against IYO Sky and the curse by Danhausen. Rodriguez told her not to worry about Danhausen because the boys will take care of him. And don’t worry about SKY because she has her back. They hugged it out.

Next, we see the “Queen” IYO SKY headed to the ring after the break.

Back from break, “Tokyo Shock” plays as the 2026 Queen of the Ring IYO SKY comes out. Sky said she’s super-duper grateful to come back to the US as The Queen. She then says something in Japanese. SKY said she beat Morgan this weekend, and at SummerSlam she’ll beat Morgan again and she’ll be the Women’s World Champion again.

Cue Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan. She asked SKY if she’s proud of herself. She said SKY didn’t beat her fair and square at NoC, and the only reason SKY got lucky is because she got cursed by stupid Danhausen. Morgan promises at SummerSlam things will be different. Now, she doesn’t respect her, she pissed her off. Morgan reminded her of Finn Balor getting turned on by his own group and mentioned Stephanie Vaquer. Morgan said she took everything from Rhea Ripley, and she hasn’t been the same since. At SummerSlam, she will absolutely destroy SKY. And remain the greatest Women’s World Champion of “A-aaaaaa (SKY had to plug her ear) aaaall” time! But, until then, SKY is in for a lot of trouble.

Perez and Rodriguez suddenly show up on the ring apron surrounding SKY. SKY goes right after Perez, she throws Rodriguez to the outside, until just her and Morgan are in the ring. SKY knocks Rodriguez off the top turnbuckle, but Morgan rushes her. Morgan went for the Oblivion but missed and SKY gave her a German Suplex. SKY with a Roundhouse Kick to the head. SKY went up top, but Rodriguez hung her down on the turnbuckle. Perez stomped on SKY’s left knee, which was trapped against the turnbuckle. Rodriguez and Perez held SKY by the ropes and Morgan hit Oblivion. Morgan applied the Half Crab submission, so IYO kept tapping out. Finally, some WWE officials and referees arrive at the ring.  

ANALYSIS: Now that SKY has that left knee injury it’s something the Judgment Day gals can target to get an advantage over her. It’s the typical numbers game of three against one. I also noticed Morgan didn’t seem so cursed anymore. Get well soon before SummerSlam, SKY.

We now go to a brief replay of RAW last Monday during LA Knight vs Jimmy Uso, when Solo Sikoa interfered in their match. Then, on Friday’s SmackDown Knight confronted Sikoa with Sikoa saying he hates the Bloodline. Knight said he can’t trust them. Sikoa says the enemy of his enemy can be his friend. Knight told him thanks. But no thanks.

Back live in the arena, LA Knight comes out for his rematch against Jimmy Uso. After the break, of course.

When we come back, Jimmy and Jey are making their way to the ring. Jey gets on commentary.

LA Knight vs Jimmy Uso (w/ Jey Uso)

Knight and Jimmy locked up as they spun around each corner of the ring, refusing to let go of each other. Jimmy gets Knight caught in the corner and must be counted for a clean break. Knight grabs Jimmy in a headlock and takes him down to the mat as he jawed off at him. Knight was in control until Jimmy got up and gave Knight a headbutt. Jimmy with a Hiptoss and now he’s in control with an Armbar. Knight manages to get back up to whip Jimmy against the ropes and nails a high elbow. Knight pulls Jimmy to the corner and kicked him repeatedly. Knight runs the corner and knees Jimmy. Knight goes for the cover for a two count. Knight whipped Jimmy against the ropes again, this time telegraphing by ducking for an overhead throw, so Jimmy kicked him. Jimmy came back with an uppercut, kick to the gut, and another uppercut. Knight caught Jimmy so Jimmy hit a spinning kick to the head. Knight was in the corner, so Jimmy charged and “backed it up” into Knight. Jimmy climbed the turnbuckle as Knight got up and hit a Cross-Body Lateral Press for two. Jimmy sent Knight to the outside with a Clothesline. He looked at Jey and gives a “YEET~!” as he goes for a Suicide Dive to the outside taking out Knight. Let’s take a break while they get back in the ring.

Both are back in the ring as Jimmy is in control with chops. Knight tried to get back with punches, but he was sent across the ropes and took a Samoan Drop. Knight in the corner and Jimmy charges for another squash, but Knight moves as Jimmy hits the turnbuckles. More punches by Knight, but a single right gives “Big Jim” control again. Jimy throws Knight to the ropes, Knight builds steam as he ducks several Clotheslines and nails Jimmy with one of his own. Side Russian Leg Sweep by Knight. Jimmy is sent face first into the corner and into a Neckbreaker by Knight. Knight goes to the top but leaps over Jimmy as Jimmy got to his feet. Superkick and a spear by Jimmy. Cover only gets two-and-a-half.

Jimmy goes to the second rope, but Knight meets him there. Jimmy shoves Knight back down, but Knight leaps up to the top rope. Knight with a Superplex and covered for two-and-a-half. Jimmy roles outside the ring as Jey is up out of his chair. Knight bounces off the ropes for a Running Dropkick onto Jimmy while Jey keeps screaming he’s cheating. Knight looks like he’s going to throw Jimmy back in the ring but turns it around and acts like he’s going to throw him into Jey. Jey freaks as Knight laughs at him. Knight threw Jimmy into the ring and kicked Jey down before getting in the ring. Inverted DDT on Jimmy. Knight gets to the second rope and delivered an Elbow Drop. Just as Knight closes in to finish Jimmy, Jey shows up on the apron and distracts Knight. Knight Clotheslines Jey back down as Jimmy sneaks up from behind Knight and gets a “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!” for the win.

WINNER: Jimmy Uso (12 minutes)

ANALYSIS: ***

It was still a fun match, and nice to see Jimmy finally get a win even if it was with the distraction and dreaded “ROOLUP OF DEATH~!” The match also furthered Knight’s issues with the Uso twins. Probably the best part of the whole match was Jey on commentary that just wouldn’t keep quiet so Cole and Graves could call the match. Shame they didn’t put him on loudspeaker.

After the match and some complaining by Knight, he punched Jimmy and went after him. Jey came in for the save and worked over Knight in the corner. When suddenly, Solo Sikoa appears from under the ring (How many people we  got crowded under there, anyways?) and gave Jimmy a Samoan Spike. Jey stares down Sikoa until Knight spun him around and hit a BFT. The commentators wonder if Knight and Sikoa are finally on the same page.

ANALYSIS: Knight did say he didn’t want anything to do with Sikoa or his former Bloodline. Maybe Sikoa insists he does and thinks they’re on the same page while Knight is conflicted. Maybe they secretly are working together. The logical next step would be for Knight to face Jey, or perhaps have a tag team match.

Next, a clip was shown from the NoC post-show where GUNTHER argued with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. GUNTHER said that Aldis was jealous of Gunther because Aldis is a failed wrestler. They shoved each other (it looked like Aldis shoved first) and then they got separated by WWE officials. Michael Cole gave us an update via an official statement from WWE HQ. He said that both GUNTHER and Aldis were sent home after the altercation. Aldis was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, so RAW GM Adam Pearce will run both RAW & SmackDown for now.

ANALYSIS: A while back it was rumored they were looking into a match between GUNTHER vs Aldis, as Aldis used to be a wrestler. Maybe GUNTHER will get his next career to kill.

Backstage, we see Chad Gable getting ready for his match when Penta comes up to him to chat a little.

Now backstage, The Usos found Jacob Fatu and asked him where he was. Fatu said he only takes orders from the OTC. He said he’s going to SmackDown to finish this situation with Sikoa. Jey said he’s going to SmackDown to go after Zayn and the title. Fatu said he’ll see him there.

ANALYSIS: Interesting that Fatu doesn’t show up when Sikoa does. Maybe the OTC wants him to beat on his cousins The Usos. Gues we will wait until “Friday” SmackDown to find out.

SmackDown is taped right after RAW tonight, so it’s not like they’ll have very far to get there. That’s why the crowd in attendance doesn’t hear the commentators when they say things like “This Friday” or “Last Monday four days ago”.

Next, a video about Lyra Valkyria and why she turned on Bayley. She said it takes two to lose a tag team title match. She said it takes two to lose a tag team match. Valkyria said she let the anger get the better of her one time, yet everybody forgets she’s been the bigger person for a year. Valkyria said she bit her tongue and carried the load and sacrificed because she wanted to bring Bayley to the top with her. Valkyria said everybody knows she can do it by herself since she was the first ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion. She said she put her trust in someone who’s supposed to be one of the best. Now there’s a huge gap between who she is, and who she could be. Valkyria claimed she never wanted to hurt Bayley, but last week it felt good to close that gap just a bit.

ANALYSIS: I’m looking forward to where this goes. I really think Valkyria would make a great heel.

Elsewhere backstage, Maxxine Dupri walks by Chad Gable as she backs up to speak to him. She said she meant every word she said last week, but she’s sorry for how she handled it. Chad said she doesn’t owe him an apology or forgiveness. He wants Dupri to focus on her match. He wishes her luck in her match which is right now.

Live in the arena, Raquel Rodriquez comes out to the ring. We’re reminded that the winner of this match gets an opportunity at Sol Ruca’s Women’s IC Championship. Let’s break.

We’re back in the middle of Maxxine Dupri’s entrance just as she gets in the ring.

Raquel Rodriguez vs Maxxine Dupri

Rodriquez charges at the bell with a kick, but Dupri bends backwards avoiding it. Elbows and kicks to Rodriquez as Dupri sends her to the outside with a Headscissors. Outside the ring, Rodriquez gras Dupri’s hair and slams her to the floor. Back in the ring, Rodriquez delivered a kick, then lifted Dupri up into a Springboard Slam for a two count. Rodriquez trash talks at Dupri as she delivered back elbows in the corner. Rodriquez applied a Torture Rack on Dupri, but Dupri eventually managed to fight her way out and into a Sunset Flip attempt. Rodriquez pulled her up and nailed her with a Clothesline. Cover by Rodriquez but she gets two-and-a-half. Rodriquez went for another Springboard Slam, but Dupri countered it into a DDT.

Both women get up by the ropes when Rodriquez charged at Dupri but got a boot. Rodriquez charged again and got an elbow. Dupri bounced off the ropes and gave Rodriquez a Clothesline, but she was still standing. She tried again, but Rodriquez still wouldn’t go down. Rodriquez tried a kick, but Dupri caught her into a Roundhouse Kick. Rodriquez is finally on the mat. Leg Drop to Rodriquez for a two-count. Dupri tried a Fisherman’s Suplex, but Rodriquez countered. Rodriquez tried a Suplex move, but Dupri escaped. Dupri tried another Roundhouse Kick but got caught. Tejana Bomb by Rodriquez for the win.

WINNER: Raquel Rodriquez (4 short minutes)

ANALYSIS: **

Man, the crowd was dead for this match. Neither of these women has been in action for a while, especially Dupri, so that may be why. This wasn’t much of a match. Just a showcase of how Rodriquez is a dominant force. It makes sense for her to go after the Women’s IC title. Dupri’s loss hopefully continues her storyline with Gable.

Now backstage in Danhausen’s lab, he enters and notices the mess. JD & Dom left their mark, and he noticed someone stole his Knicks gift. Morgan enters and tells Danhausen they trashed his lab, mentioning everything he did. She tells him to make things right.

Back live in the arena, Chad Gable comes out to the ring for his match. Hit the commercial.

We’re back and JD McDonagh is in the ring alongside Dominik Mysterio, who was wearing the “0” Knicks jersey the NBA Champs gave Danhausen.

Chad Gable vs JD McDonagh (w/ Dominik Mysterio)

The two lock up and Gable slammed McDonagh to the mat as McDonagh quickly gets to the ropes for a break. They lock up again and Gable went for an Armbar as McDonagh turned it around and put Gable in an Armbar on the mat. Gable got back up, did some flips, and tripped up McDonagh into a La Magistral Cradle for two. McDonagh kicks Gable in the gut and tries to throw him into the ropes, but Gable reversed it and gave him a Back Body Drop. Hip Toss by Gable and McDonagh is chopped in the corner. Gable throws McDonagh to the ropes but McDonagh does a Sunset Flip for two. Multiple pin attempts and reversals now by both men until Gable catches McDonagh in an Ankle Lock. Gable moved McDonagh to the middle of the ring, but Dom helped McDonagh grab the ring apron right in front of the ref as McDonagh went to the outside. The ref just scolded Dom instead of kicking him out. Gable followed to the outside and went after Dom, but McDonagh pushed him into the steel steps. McDonagh slams Gable’s knee into the steps again. That’s our cue for a break.

Back from break. Both are back in the ring, but Gable sent McDonagh over the top rope back to the outside. McDonagh ran back in after Gable, but Gable caught him with a German Suplex. And another one. As Gable went for the trifecta, McDonagh punched out of it. Both of them reversed and tried to give each other a German Suplex, but Gable finally manages to nail a third, McDonagh landing face first. Gable sold the left knee injury as he covered for two-and-a-half. McDonagh goes to the corner so Gable charges but gets kicked away. Gable charges again and lands a Running Spin Kick. Gable again with another one. McDonagh falls out of the corner as Gable charges once more right into a Standing Spanish Fly by McDonagh. Gable counters at a two-count and McDonagh has to get out at two as well. Gable with a punch on McDonagh, but McDonagh, almost unconsciously, headbutts Gable as both men fall to the mat. Gable falls on McDonagh for a near fall.

Both men get up and start brawling with punches. McDonagh slides Gable in for a Powerbomb for a two. Brainbuster by McDonagh for another close call. Gable shoved McDonagh into the corner, but McDonagh shoved back. McDonagh charged and got hit with a Belly-to-Belly Suplex into the turnbuckle. Gable went to the top and leapt for a Moonsault, McDonagh tried to lift his leg to block it, but Gable landed on his feet and put McDonagh in the Ankle Lock. McDonagh kept trying to get out but Gable had it locked in until he sent Gable to the ring apron. Gable went up top again. Dom tries for a distraction while McDonagh climbs up top with Gable. McDonagh hit a Spanish Fly from the top for a two-count.

Both men down again. Suddenly, Danhausen appears and teases Dom that he’s got his human monies. Dom chases Danhausen out of the arena as McDonagh is distracted. Gable rolled McDonagh through and tried for a Suplex, but McDonagh countered it for a two-count. Gable goes right for the Ankle Lock and cinches it in on the mat. McDonagh almost immediately taps out.

WINNER: Chad Gable (11 minutes)

ANALYSIS: *** ¼

It was a good match overall. Neither guy has been seen wrestling much, not including Gable as his masked El Grande Americano. Gable really got the crowd going eventually demonstrating his technical prowess, which he should now that he’s not a luchador anymore. And McDonagh barely gets any time to show off his skills, which he did here. Overall, it was right to give the match to Gable to continue his own storyline and have McDonagh take the loss because he’s still cursed.

After the match, Dom helped McDonagh to the outside where they found a briefcase Danhausen left that could have their money in it. Dom opened it and smoke blew in their faces. Danhausen came back, tore his Knicks jersey off of Dom’s back and went into the ring. He celebrated as he went up the ramp. Rodriguez came out and hit him from behind, taking the jersey back. Danhausen vanished so she went over to Dom and McDonagh to help them out, giving the jersey back to Dom.

ANALYSIS: The dastardly deeds of Dirty Dom an Danhausen dives deeper. Or does it?

Now backstage, Dupri is sitting on a crate with an ice pack, looking upset about her loss. Austin Theory comes up to her and asked her about what she said to Gable. She said it’s complicated. Theory said it’s simple. He said if she wanted to go back down that road, then maybe this isn’t working out. Theory left. Otis and Akira Tozawa checked on Dupri, Tozawa asking if she was okay. Dupri said she didn’t know and left.

ANALYSIS: Oh, the drama. It’s like a bad soap opera. But that’s how they like it.

Back live, the commentators said it’s official in Minnesota for SummerSlam: Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi III in a Hell in a Cell match, and IYO SKY vs the Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan.

 “Acknowledge Me” blasts (I like this new theme with the piano beats alongside the orchestral and vocals) as everyone throws their ones in the air. Your World Heavyweight Champion, The OTC Roman Reigns comes out with Fatu (sans The Usos) as the fireworks go off. We’ll acknowledge him after this final break.

Back from break, Reigns and Fatu are in the ring as more pyro goes off. He asks for Atlantic City to acknowledge him. Reigns soaked up the chants. When suddenly, “Burn It Down!” and out comes Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Rollins soaks in the fans singing his song as he enters the ring. Rollins and Reigns have a bit of a stare down as the fans switch between “OTC!” chants and singing Rollins’ song.

Rollins finally said “Hello, my brother.” He said for fourteen years they’ve been tied together to when they formed The Shield. Rollins said it felt very fitting that they were in this moment in Atlantic City. Rollins said that Reigns is in possession of a title that belongs to him. Seth said, “My brother, it is time to collect.”

Reigns said Rollins must be confused. Reigns told Rollins he’s at the back of the line. He said that Rollins hasn’t done anything as of late to earn a shot at the Tribal Chief.

Rollins said you can play that game with everybody else in the back, but when it comes to Reigns, he is always at the front of the line. Rollins claimed that for everything Reigns has done, he owes him. Rollins said that he owns Reigns for everything he has become. Rollins said he owns Reigns in this ring, in his head, and in his heart. Rollins mentioned that at WrestleMania 41, he pinned Reigns and took his Wiseman. Rollins said the year before, WrestleMania 40, he sacrificed himself so that Cody Rhodes could beat Reigns’ reign of terror. He said for four years, Reigns beat everybody except for one person (Rollins). Rollins said, back even further, he made the biggest MITB cash-in in history and took the WWE Title from Reigns and stole his WrestleMania 31 main event. Rollins reminded Reigns he owned him since he ended The Shield with a chair shot to the back. He said that Reigns is that great, he has done it all, he’s won everything you can win, you’ve main-evented everything there is to main event, and your WrestleMania record will never be broken. But there’s one thing Reigns hasn’t been able to do… beat Rollins. Rollins said he’ll give Reigns that opportunity. But this may be his last chance to close that loop. Rollins said they came in this company together, they came through the crowd, they kicked out the previous generation, and they created the greatest generation in the history of this industry, and they did that together. Rollins said they are closer to the end than they are to the beginning. He said, just like it was when they came in, there’s a new generation of young men and women coming in to do the same thing to them. And that’s why they need to do this last dance. He asks Reigns what he wants his legacy to be? Rollins said that Reigns is a future Hall of Famer who can be inducted in his own show and Rollins may be there to induct him. But if Reigns doesn’t accept this challenge, he will never be able to escape the ghost of Seth Rollins. Rollins asked, “What do you say, brother? For old times’ sake?”

Reigns said it’s been a long time since he heard any truth out of Rollins’ mouth, “little brother.” Reigns said he didn’t want to beat him; he needed to beat him. Reigns said he needs his entire family to witness him beat Rollins, and at SummerSlam, that’s exactly what he’s going to do. “I accept… brother.”

Reigns held up the World Heavyweight Title above his head while Seth Rollins stared at him. Reigns left with Fatu while Rollins stood in the ring and stared at Reigns. When Reigns left the ring as the end credits rolled, he said that at SummerSlam they’ll close the door on The Shield… forever. End show.

ANALYSIS: Wow. Just… wow. That’s really all I have to say, but I’ll try to describe it in more detail.

Two veteran superstars of our generation who are at the top of their game in the company doing a promo for a match that feels like a major main event, like the last match of night two for SummerSlam, can really leave chills up your spine. Rollins absolutely crushed his end of the promo, which was pretty much most of it. He went over some great points about their younger story together as The Shield, Rollins stabbing him in the back with the chair shot, how great Reigns has become since, then their history that was linked together to get into Reigns’ head and under his skin. Especially the part about Rollins being the guy he never beat, even though Reigns only fought him once for the big title and lost by DQ. Everything he could do to get Reigns to accept his challenge he did. As for Reigns’ end of the promo, it was short and sweet. He knew Rollins was a ghost of his past that he needed to put an end to. So, saying you don’t just want to win, you need to win, and do it in front of your legendary family really hits it. And that’s all he needed to say.

WWE only put up a just under 4-minute highlight of that segment, with most of Rollins’ beginning promo cut out, on their social. But here it is in case you missed it. I highly recommend you go to ESPN+ or Netflix to watch the replay of that whole ending segment at about the 1:35 mark starting with Reigns’ entrance. The whole promo, minus the entrances, ran for about 9 minutes.

And that’s the SLAM, folks! This week’s SmackDown show is taped right after RAW ends at the same Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ because of WWE giving their superstars the Fourth of July weekend off to spend it with their families. That’s nice of them. The double-show is why the two-hour-earlier start time for RAW was at 6pm ET. This week’s SmackDown will still be broadcasted at its usual time on the USA network at 8pm ET. But we warned of spoilers around the net.

So stay safe, don’ t forget to order the burgers and hot dogs for the fourth, and see y’all along the BLVD!