The RAW Report
SLAM!
THE ONLY BLVD THAT SHOWS YOU WHAT NUMBER ONE LOOKS LIKE
The July 13th edition of Monday Night RAW is at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Because everything’s bigger in Texas, we have an exciting show for you tonight. Buckle up because Chad Gable, Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, Joe Hendry, Dominik Mysterio, Ethan Page and Rusev are all set to collide in an Intercontinental Championship No.1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match with the winner facing Penta for the Intercontinental Title at SummerSlam. 2026 Queen of the Ring IYO SKY will go one-on-one with Roxanne Perez of The Judgment Day. Bayley has invited Lyra Valkyria to meet her face to face (maybe they’ll hug it out). Once Shield brothers turned bitter rivals, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, are set to take part in a Contract Signing for their World Heavyweight Championship Match at SummerSlam. And as “The Beast” and “The Ruler’s” collision draws near, Brock Lesnar is opening the show to discuss his Hell in a Cell match at SummerSlam against Oba Femi.
We’ve got all this and more to go – because things are bigger so let’s SLAM the show!
We are first shown some superstars arriving, including Seth Rollins, Penta, IYO SKY, and The Vision (sans Paul Heyman).
Live in the arena, Brock Lesnar’s music hits and the crowd cheers while he comes out with his advocate Paul Heyman. Lesnar’s pyro hits and he makes his way to the ring while Heyman calls out some police officers in tactical gear (local indie wrestlers) who stand guard at ringside. Lesnar is wearing his brand new off-the-press, “TALK SH*T, GET HIT” T-shirt. Once he’s in the ring, the fans began a loud “Oba!” chant. Heyman introduced the champion of the cage and the beast of the Brock-tagon, “BR-R-RAWK L-L-LESNAR~!” He then introduced the Dallas, Texas police officers. Heyman said the reason why the cops are here is because of Oba Femi. Femi turned down a championship title match because he’s obsessed with Lesnar. He repeated that and said that was stalker level. He then called Femi the biggest dummy he has ever met in his life. Heyman called Femi a big, Nigerian dummy because he’s like a psycho ex-girlfriend coming after Brock Lesnar. Heyman said everyone wanted Lesnar. Everyone wants to “talk sh*t”, then they “get hit” and they’re not so obsessed anymore. He then said his client is also obsessed with Femi. Heyman said he called Lesnar on his hunting trips and during his training and asked how he was doing, but Lesnar said, “I can’t wait to get inside Hell in a Cell with Oba Femi!” Lesnar being obsessed with Femi leads to violence. Heyman said he’s trying to protect his money, so he asked for a no-touch clause from WWE going into Hell in a Cell. Heyman also said he pulled in a few favors and went to a Texas judge (the laws are a bit more laxed in Texas) and got a restraining order on Femi. Then Heyman said he also got a restraining order on Lesnar, and he knows Lesnar will adhere to the restraining order because he is a law-abiding citizen.
Suddenly the lights go out and “Hands of Fate” hits while the crowd chants for “Oba!” Here comes Femi down the ramp. The cops leaped into the ring and surrounded Lesnar and Heyman. Femi had a mic and said he came for a fight, but he gave them an opportunity to explain what all this is. Heyman said Femi is in violation of his restraining order and told the cops to do their job. The middle cop tried to talk to Femi, but Femi grabbed him and threw him out of the ring. Two cops charge him, but Femi Chokeslams them. Another cop gets a Clothesline. Then he takes the last cop and throws him to the outside on top of the others on the floor.
Lesnar is now at the top of the ramp smiling at Femi, so Femi asked what he’s playing at. Running, BS’ing, low blows, attacking from behind. Where is The Beast? Lesnar used to run this place, now he just runs away. Femi then addresses Heyman, saying that they both know if he went for a championship opportunity Lesnar would have cost him anyway. Femi said that at Hell in a Cell, no more games, no more low blows, no more running, you can’t run from the ruler, the destroyer, the bringer of war, and you can’t run from Oba Femi.
ANALYSIS: Another great promo between Heyman and Femi for the Femi/Lesnar HiaC match at SummerSlam. I noticed Lesnar didn’t speak at all in this one. He went back to letting Heyman do all the talking while he hopped up and down getting psyched up. There wasn’t any physical altercation between Lesnar and Femi, either. That’s good, because they need to save it for SummerSlam. Femi taking out the indie wrestlers dressed as cops satisfied everyone’s need for violence. This is probably one of the best feuds we’ve had all year. Every RAW they do a promo for it they get me even more psyched up for it. I really hope their third and final HiaC match is a good back-and-forth long one and a great match between two powerhouses that want to bloodily tear each other apart.
My pick is still for Femi to win. Lesnar doesn’t need the win as he’ll probably leave again after SummerSlam. Femi could use this win as momentum for picking his champion to go against, which he earned at King of the Ring.
Those indie guys also did a great job of taking Femi’s bumps, and Femi did a good job protecting them. Much props to the “Texas cops”.
Our commentary team is Michael Cole and Corey Graves. The ring announcer is “Amazing Hair” Alicia Taylor.
We’re now shown the first part of a series of video shorts preparing us for Reigns vs Rollins at SummerSlam. Chapter One is The Shield. It’s first narrated by Rollins, saying from day one they set out to make history, and they did just that. Then Reigns narrated that they changed the way the game is played, and the WWE hasn’t been the same since. He called it the future.
ANALYSIS: These lil’ vignettes are a fun way to promote what they want to be a huge main event at SummerSlam and the closing of their history together.
They showed some tweets on social media that Reigns will be at Saturday Night’s Main Event this Saturday and he invited NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks to join him, which he accepted.
Back in the arena, “Tokyo Shock” and the 2026 Queen of the Ring IYO SKY comes out to the ring. Her match against The Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez is next.
After a break, we’re shown what happened at last Monday’s RAW in the Intercontinental Championship match between Sol Ruca and Raquel Rodriguez. The Judgment Day tried to interfere on the outside, but IYO SKY arrived to even the odds and distracted Rodriguez so Ruca could get the win and retain.
IYO SKY (w/ Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez) vs Roxanne Perez:
They started by circling each other and locked up. They rolled around into the corner where Perez got to the middle turnbuckle and yanked the hair of SKY until the ref got her off. SKY charged at Perez and tackled her down with punches on the mat. SKY hit a double knee and covered only for a one. SKY grabbed the arm of Perez and twisted it around. SKY tried to lift up Perez, but Perez slipped out from behind and slapped SKY. They both start pulling each other’s hair. SKY ran to the ropes and did a bunch of back flips before taking out Perez’s legs. SKY hit the ropes again, but Perez grabbed her legs and got her into a pinning combo, SKY reversed it for a pin of her own, they got up and Perez kicked her in the gut. Now Perez tried to run the ropes, but SKY Dropkicked her to the outside. SKY tried a Suicide Dive through the middle rope, but Perez gave her a right hand to stop it. Both are on the apron now. Perez tried twice to get SKY up for a Suplex, but she blocked it. SKY punched Perez in the gut and gave her a Powerslam on the apron. SKY with a Springboard Moonsault onto Perez on the outside. SKY threw Perez into the ring, but that was the cue for Morgan to grab SKY’s foot while the referee was looking at Perez. Perez ran over and tripped up SKY on the apron, then stomped SKY’s left knee on the ropes.
After the break it was all Perez working on SKY’s knee taking control. Perez went for a springboard moonsault, but SKY got her knees up to block although it might have done more damage to her knee. SKY hit a Flapjack, rolled Perez through and hit a stomp to her ribs. SKY hit a Double Underhook Backbreaker for a two count. SKY nailed a back kick to Perez’s head to push her back and SKY hit a Missile Dropkick off the top. The fans were cheering for SKY, who was fired up. SKY went for the Bullet Train Attack, Perez moved as SKY landed on her bad knee in the corner. Perez applied a Half Crab submission move on the left leg/knee, but SKY got out of it with a Crossface submission on Perez and hit a knee to the face. SKY went to the turnbuckle, kicked Morgan down then kicked Rodriguez down. Perez sneakily went for a “ROLLUP OF DEATH~!” but SKY rolled through and sat on top of Perez for the win.
WINNER: IYO SKY (10 minutes)
ANALYSIS: *** ¼
A pretty good match by two very talented female wrestlers. Despite it being your typical 3-on-1 distraction with The Judgment Day all being there it’s good that Sky sill got the win. The crowd was really behind her.
After the match, Morgan tried to Clothesline SKY, but SKY ducked, punched Morgan and hit a Roundhouse Kick sending her out of the ring. Perez and Rodriguez attacked SKY’s bad knee. Sol Ruca made the save and cleared the ring. Ruca tried to jump on Rodriguez, but Rodriguez caught her and slammed Ruca into the barricade then a Powerbomb into the ring post. Back in the ring, Morgan hit Oblivion on Sky. Rodriguez and Perez held SKY while Morgan hit SKY with the Women’s World Title. Morgan posed over Sky to end it.
ANALYSIS: Another successful beatdown by The Judgment Day gang. Last week Rodriguez failed to win with the numbers in her favor thanks to SKY. The week before they beat up SKY. So, I guess that means next week they’re going to fail beating someone up again. So predictable.
A video aired from last Friday’s SmackDown. Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu tried to call out Solo Sikoa, but Royce Keys came out instead. Keys repeated to Fatu that loyalty makes you family. Jimmy said that “we’ll put the worst beating The Bloodline has ever put on anybody!” Fatu grabbed the mic and said there’s no “we” here and it’s on him. Jimmy and Keys had a match. During the match, Solo appeared and attacked Jimmy, which brought Fatu back out to attack Sikoa. The chaos distracted Keys and Jimmy gave him a spear for the win. Afterwards, Fatu was beating up Sikoa when Keys spun him around arguing that was his family. Fatu Superkicked Keys and hit a Samoan Drop. Fatu placed a chair around Sikoa’s neck and just stopped himself from splashing it into Sikoa. Fatu yelled at him he had better show up on Monday for the family.
Now live, the new World Tag Team Champs The Vision, along with Maxxine Dupri, came out to the ring. We’ll hear from them after a break.
Back from break, The Vision is in the ring for a promo. Logan Paul told the fans to give it up for your new World Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory and Bron Breakker. Paul said they could not have done it without The Vision Queen, Maxxine (Dupri). Akira Tozawa and Otis walked down the aisle to confront their friend Dupri.
Tozawa got on the apron and wanted to know if they could talk. The fans chanted for Otis while Dupri told The Vision guys to get out of the ring. Tozawa wondered what she was doing because she’s a wonderful human being. Tozawa said that Theory is wrong for her. Dupri said she still loves them and the fans booed. Dupri said Tozawa and Otis gave her a choice. The fans chanted, “You sold out!” at Dupri. Dupri said that they told her if she is with Theory, then she can’t be with them. She said that’s not fair and they don’t even know him.
Otis spoke up and the fans cheered. Otis said he told Dupri that Theory is bad news. Dupri said you literally do not know him. Otis said that he knows Dupri. Otis told Dupri he’s known her for a long time, and he had to get something off his chest. Otis had something to say to Dupri.
Theory got on the apron and laughed at Otis. Theory wondered if Otis was confessing his feelings for Dupri. Theory told Otis to look at you. He said that people like Otis don’t end up with people like Dupri. Theory said that Dupri is with him, so keep your fat, disgusting, nasty, musty, crusty… and Otis grabbed Theory, threw him into the ring and into the corner. Bron went after Otis and Tozawa leapt onto Breakker. Tozawa sent Breakker out of the ring. Tozawa went for a Suicide Dive, but Breakker caught him on the floor and gave Tozawa an Overhead Suplex over the announce desk. Bron and Theory beat down on Otis, but Otis fired up and unloaded with Clotheslines. Otis splashed Breakker and Theory. Otis clotheslined Breakker out of the ring. Otis confronted Theory, so Dupri got in front of him to a chorus of boos. Dupri said that none of this had to happen. Dupri teased kissing Otis, so then Theory hit a low blow on Otis. Dupri screamed at Otis if he really thought it would ever be them and she shoved Otis down. Theory punched Tozawa, but Tozawa punched back. Breakker got back in the ring and hit a Spear on Tozawa. Dupri handed the brass knuckles to Theory. Theory punched Otis with the brass knuckles. Theory told Otis he was a loser and said no one liked him, so back to the bottom he went. Theory held Otis, so Breakker ran the ropes at super speed and hit a running Spear to put Otis down. Theory and Dupri both posed with their feet on Otis before The Vision left.
ANALYSIS: This was a way to not only feature the new tag team champs, but further Dupri’s storyline with Tozawa and Otis. This solidified her allegiance with The Vision as the “Vision Queen”. I’m okay with this. They really needed to further this storyline for a while and get Dupri away from Chad Gable and the team of Tozawa and Otis.
I was a little surprised The Street Profits didn’t run in and make a save. If they do get a rematch, I would expect The Vision to retain so Tozawa and Otis can chase the champs. Having Dupri turn on her friends makes it so Tozawa and Otis can become a tag team again. How the fans really reacted to Otis as a major face showed that.
A video aired for 2026 Survivor Series: WarGames, the 40th anniversary of the PPV/PLE. It officially announced Survivor Series will take place at Daikin Park in Houston, TX, on Saturday, November 28th. They officially revealed the location on Triple H’s social media accounts.
Now a video featuring promos from all seven wrestlers in the Intercontinental Championship No.1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match. Dominik Mysterio, Rusev, Chad Gable, Ethan Page, Dragon Lee, Joe Hendry and Je’Von Evans all hyped up themselves during their promos.
ANALYSIS: I’m still going with Chad Gable. SummerSlam is in his hometown of Minneapolis, plus he’s a great technical wrestler and a former luchador, so it would be awesome to watch him and Penta go at it for the IC title. Maybe even have him win it in another “feel good” moment. They seem to be focused more on those lately.
Jimmy Uso vs. Royce Keys:
That’s right. After we went on a breakity-break, suddenly we were in the middle of a rematch between Jimmy Uso and Royce Keys. With Keys in control and Jimmy lying over top corner taking punches from Keys, we get a picture-in-picture of how it all started. Apparently, Jimmy came out to call out Sikoa. While coming down the ramp, he bragged about putting a beating on Sikoa and Keys last week. Keys came out and attacked Jimmy from behind. Officials broke it up until RAW GM Adam Pearce came out and made the rematch official.
Back to the action, Jimmy was on the apron taking chops from Keys. Jimmy hung up Keys on the top rope. Kick to the head by Jimmy as he climbed to the top. Cross Body on Keys for a one-count. Jimmy tried to chop Keys, but it just made him angry. Kick to the gut by Jimmy. Jimmy threw Keys to the corner, but Keys bounced off and hit a vicious Clothesline. Keys threw Jimmy into the corner and charged but Jimmy leaped over. Jimmy hit a Step Up Enzuigiri knocking Keys out of the ring. Jimmy tried to leap off the ring apron, but Keys caught him and tackled him against the apron. Then he turned around and tackled Jimmy against the commentary table. Keys picked up Jimmy, but he slipped out behind Keys and tried to shove Keys into the ring post. Keys put on the brakes and tried to go after Jimmy, but Jimmy grabbed Keys with a Samoan Drop onto and over the commentary table. Break (do we really need one for this match that started with a break?)
Once we return, both men are back in the ring as Jimmy gave chops to Keys again. Keys threw Jimmy to the ropes and hit a Powerslam.
As Keys tossed Jimmy into the corner and was giving him punches (it’s a delay tactic so we can focus on the other action going on), we get a “live” picture-in-picture of a truck arriving in the back. Fatu comes out. He sees the match in progress on a TV screen and marches towards the ring.
While we get a continuous pic-in-pic view distracting from the action in the ring, Keys threw Jimmy to the other corner and hit a splash. He picked Jimmy up, but Jimmy slid out. Superkick to the gut and an Uppercut Punch to Keys. Jimmy hit the ropes but got caught with the Sky High by Keys. Jimmy just kicked out in time for Fatu to leap into the ring and attack Keys. There’s the cheap DQ finish.
WINNER: Royce Keys (7 minutes)
ANALYSIS: ** ¼
Normally, I think Jimmy and Keys have good chemistry together. Jimmy can take a beating from Keys and still make a comeback and do some good moves. But not only has this match already been done, it was quicky and sloppily put together, not given much time thanks to the cheap DQ finish, and all it served was a way to further the Bloodline story rather than have a decent match. Their match on SmackDown was really good despite the distraction finish. But this one? This is when you get up from your seats to go refill your drink cups.
Jacob Fatu attacked Keys with vicious strikes and headbutts. Fatu brought a steel chair into the ring. Fatu said he didn’t want to do this to Keys. Fatu jabbed the chair into Keys’ ribs. He sets up the chair on Keys’ head in the corner and gets ready, but suddenly Sikoa showed up to tell his cousin Fatu to stop. Sikoa told Fatu to leave him alone. Sikoa went in the ring and told Fatu that he gets it and understood now. Sikoa said he was lost, he left his family, he was stupid and now he understands. Sikoa said he has always known that blood is thicker than water, so he’s coming home to the family. Sikoa pointed his finger to the sky along with Jimmy and Jacob. Jimmy said he knew it. Sikoa smiled… and hit his brother Jimmy with a Samoan Spike. Sikoa attacked Fatu with punches. Jimmy took off Sikoa’s jacket but Sikoa just laughed and punched Jimmy into the opposite corner. Sikoa went back to Fatu and Fatu hit an uppercut. While Fatu was kicking down Sikoa, Keys got back into it and gave punches to Fatu. Jimmy hit a superkick on Keys. While Jimmy attacked Keys in one corner, Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip on Solo in the other.
“Welcome To LA” hits and out comes LA Knight with a chair. Once Knight got into the ring Jimmy charged but Knight tossed him to the outside. LA Knight with a chair shot to the back of Fatu, who completely no-sold it. Fatu turned around and charged at Knight but got hit in the gut with the chair, then across the spine again. One more chair shot sent Fatu to the outside.
Knight said that he owed both of them from last week, so if you want to come up and get another piece, come and get it “YEAH~!”. He said if you think that was enough, everything he needs to get out of them… “NAH-NAH!”
Knight said he needed Jimmy and Fatu in this ring. Knight told them to call Jey because he needs him there too. Knight said he’s done with the games, and he’s done with The Bloodline. Knight realized he doesn’t have to do it by himself. Knight said he’s thinking The Usos and Jacob against Royce Keys, Solo Sikoa and LA Knight at SummerSlam. Knight said that they can put The Bloodline in the rearview mirror with everybody saying L–A–Knight “YEAH~!”
ANALYSIS: This is an interesting mix-mashup 6-man tag match for SummerSlam. I’m not too sure where the line is drawn here as far as the faces/heels since they’ve all been playing faces for a bit. It seems like Knight/Sikoa/Keyes are supposed to be the faces here, but the Usos are also faces and Fatu has been majorly over with the crowd. Even though Sikoa and the Usos have been acting sort of heel-ish as of late. But faces vs faces could still work. And putting on a 6-man tag match puts more superstars on the card.
Now backstage, The Vision was walking down the hallway when Heyman came up to them clapping. Heyman said they are The Vision of the future. He said Breakker showed everyone you don’t mess with Breakker. Paul is healing faster than Connor McGregor. Theory stood by his woman. And Maxxine… Wow! Theory asked if they were all back together now. Heyman said Dupri was so magnificent, what do you need him for?
ANALYSIS: And that’s the end of Heyman with The Vision. We figured that was coming eventually. So now he’s strictly an advocate to Lesnar. Will he come back to The Vision? I really don’t know. If Lesnar does indeed lose to Femi at SummerSlam and leave, Heyman may be looking to get back with some of his Paul Heyman guys. I think it would be fun to watch them all turn him down one by one, the same he did to them.
Now a video package aired about the Hell in a Cell structure to promote the Lesnar-Femi 3 in HiaC match. For 29 years (October 5th, 1997, when Undertaker battled Shawn Michaels) It has been called the most barbaric structure. Unforgiving, demonic, and a steel prison are words they used to describe it. It’s 20 feet tall. And it changes, even shortens, careers forever.
ANALYSIS: The last HiaC match was at Bad Blood on October 5th, 2024, celebrating the exact date on its 27th anniversary. Drew McIntyre and CM Punk finally ended their long feud nearly two years ago. I’m glad they’re bringing it back for Lesnar vs Femi III.
New we’re backstage with RAW GM Pearce and Femi. Pearce told Femi that Hayman was bluffing. The restraining order, and the police officers were phony. All mind games. Femi said that Heyman and Lesnar are afraid. Femi said that if they think what he did to Lesnar at WrestleMania was bad, wait until you see what he does to him inside HiaC.
Now live, Bayley is already in the ring (there might have been a break somewhere). Let’s hear from Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.
Bayley immediately called out Valkyria. Valkyria’s music hits and slowly out she came. She looked like an absolute mess. Cole said she looked like the sea hag from Widow’s Bay (if ya know, ya know). Once in the ring, Bayley had to practically shove the mic into her hands. Bayley asked if Valkyria was going to say anything. Bayley said she thought they could be honest with each other and say what they truly mean and apologize.
Valkyria started to freak out. She said Bayley is the one who should apologize to her for holding her back for an entire year. She said Bayley comes out here and makes it look like she’s the victim. Valkyria said that she’s been stabbed in the back, but she doesn’t make it her entire personality. Valkyria said that if Bayley wasn’t so obsessed with her failures, she might realize her own problems. She said she was lying about everything she made Bayley feel good about. She’s not a locker room leader, she’s a doormat. Valkyria said that Bayley has dragged down every woman she worked with, and Bayley has always been the worst of the Four Horsewomen.
Bayley knew that Valkyria being out there was a mistake because she’s just like everyone else. Bayley bragged about her accomplishments as the first Women’s Grand Slam Champion, a Royal Rumble winner and one-half of the first ever Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bayley said she’ll add to that by beating Valkyria at Madison Square Garden. Bayley said she spoke with Pearce and she’ll face Valkyria at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Bayley tried to leave and Valkyria attacked from behind, but Bayley hit her with a forearm. Bayley beats down Valkyria, but Valkyria kicked her away and knocked Bayley down. Valkyria hit a Bayley-to-Belly to stand tall.
ANALYSIS: Good promos by both women. Valkyria being the psychotic heel releasing her tension, and Bayley showing off her accolades. Both women know each other fairly well, Bayley being the veteran mentor and Valkyria being the student, so it’ll be interesting to see how well they work on opposing sides in the ring. I think Valkyria might win, perhaps by dastardly tactics, because she needs this win over her former partner and mentor to continue her heel momentum.
Now we’re shown the second part of a multi-part series of video shorts preparing us for Reigns vs Rollins at SummerSlam. Chapter Two is The Breakup. We’re shown the three Shield members side-by-side: Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley in AEW), Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins with a chair. Reigns narrated that they had everything in front of them, and there was no reason to ruin what they had. Cue the chair shot by Rollins that broke up the Shield. Rollins narrated that It was the hardest decision he ever had to make, but it was the best decision. They showed Rollins winning the 2014 Money in the Bank and Reigns winning the 2015 Royal Rumble (which lead to the “Heist of the Century” at WM 31).
Now live, we begin the IC Championship No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match. “Dirty” Dominic Mysterio comes out to the ring first with JD McDonagh. Break.
When we come back, we’re shown a vignette of the return of Big Cass on 8/3 (August 3rd, the Monday Night RAW after SummerSlam).
Video © CrispyWrestling
ANALYSIS: “Big Bill” in AEW let his contract expire recently as of the first week of July. This solidifies those rumors that the 7-foot-tall “you can’t teach that!” superstar is on his way back. Not to mention there’s been reports of Enzo Amore being at the WWE Performance Center. Are we getting the “realest guys in the room” back in the WWE? How you doin’…
Now back live, someone said Joe Hendry’s name during the break because he’s already in the ring. And away we go!
Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match #1: Dominik Mysterio vs Joe Hendry:
They circle and lock up as Hendry threw Mysterio into the corner. After they locked up again, they traded Armbars until Hendry twisted Mysterio upside-down with the Armbar and backed off again. They tried to lock up once more, but Mysterio kicked and punched Hendry. Mysterio with a headlock, but Hendry threw Mysterio to the ropes and Shouldertackled him down. Another Shouldertackle by Hendry and a Hip Toss. Neckbreaker on Mysterio for only a one-count. Mysterio rolled to the outside for a time-out. Hendry follows him and smashes him against the announce desk. Hendry got distracted by McDonagh but still grabbed Mysterio for an Uppercut. Mysterio sends Hendry shoulder-first into the steel steps. Mysterio threw Hendry back into the ring. Hendry got punched down and the Irish Whipped into the turnbuckles hard. Kicks and punches by Mysterio to keep Hendry down. They both fight for a Suplex but Mysterio kneed Hendry in the midsection. Mysterio went for a Tornado DDT but Hendry fought out of it. Vertical Suplex by Hendry onto Mysterio. They both hit the ropes, but Hendry caught Mysterio and gave him a Fallaway Slam. McDonagh with the distraction and Mysterio hits an Enzuigiri on Hendry. Hendry in position for the 6-1-9 and Mysterio hit it along with a Frog Splash to eliminate Hendry.
ELIMINATED: Joe Hendry
Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match #2: Dominik Mysterio vs Je’Von Evans:
Je’Von Evans comes out as we go to an unusual time for a break.
Once back, Evans is outside the ring holding his head as Mysterio is inside the ring. The way Cole was complaining, Evans was attacked by McDonagh behind the ref’s back during the break. Evans slid back into the ring and punched Mysterio. Mysterio threw Evans to the ropes and charged but Evans sent Mysterio outside. Evans hit a Suicide Dive through the middle rope and sent Mysterio into the announce table. Evans threw Mysterio back into the ring and hit the Red Dot for a close call. Another distraction by McDonagh but he got caught by the ref. Evans took out McDonagh, but Mysterio hit a Standing Dropkick and a 6-1-9.
Just as Mysterio climbs to the top, Danhausen came out in the Hausen-mobile. He cursed Mysterio, but sparks came out of the wrong ring post. Oopsies. Mysterio sent McDonagh after Danhausen. Mysterio leaped from the top after Evans, but Evans moved. Evans went up and nailed the OG Cutter and the elimination.
ELIMINATED: “Dirty” Dominick Mysterio
ANALYSIS: Two possible botches just in this one elimination match. Don’t know if Danhausen cursing the wrong ring post was a botch or just a comedy skit because he’s still having trouble with The Judgment Day. But Evans’ OG Cutter looked like he landed awkwardly on his spine as he looked hurt before he went for the pin. Ouch.
Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match #3: Je’Von Evans vs Dragon Lee:
Evans went for a kick right away, but he got caught in the ropes and Lee kicked him in the head. Lee went up top, but Evans charged and Lee rolled through to the corner. Evans charged again but Lee tossed him up on the turnbuckles and kicked him. Lee hit the ropes and hit a Hurricanrana on Evans which sent him to the outside. Lee with a Suicide Dive over the top rope onto Evans as we take another break.
Back now as both men are back in the ring. Lee hit a Cross Body Block off the top rope onto Evans. Lee and Evans exchanged kicks. Lee jumped over the top to deliver a kick. Evans hit an impressive Dropkick for a two count. Lee chopped Evans, who took a great bump over the top to the floor.
The action continued with Lee in control, while Evans was on the floor. Lee charged and Evans Hiptossed Lee over to the timekeeper’s area at ringside. Evans hit an incredible leap over the barricade to tackle Lee, but Lee couldn’t hang onto Evans, so Evans’ momentum sent him over the front row barricade into the fans who got more than their money’s worth (most moved just in time). Back in the ring, Evans Springboarded off the top and Lee hit a Superkick for a close call. While Evans was on the apron, Lee jumped over the top and hit a Hurricanrana on Evans on the floor. Back in the ring, Lee hit a Tornado DDT for a two-and-three-quarters count. “This is awesome!” chants. Lee hit a Reverse German Suplex. Evans punched Lee and went to the turnbuckle, where Lee tripped him up. Lee trapped Evans against the turnbuckle and hit a Double Foot Stomp. Lee then set up a big move, but Evans countered and sat on top of Lee while holding the legs for another elimination.
ELIMINATED: Dragon Lee
ANALYSIS: That last elimination match was intense. Evans surprisingly worked well with Lee as they’re both highflyers. And the big spots and near falls were exciting. Especially when Evans introduced himself to the fans in the front row by the timekeeper’s area. That’s why you get your money’s worth for those insane floor ticket prices. I’d like to see the two have a one-on-one match soon.
Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match #4: Je’Von Evans vs Rusev:
Rusev’s music hits, but as the lights came back on, Rusev suddenly appeared behind Evans pushing him into Lee. Rusev threw Evans into the ring post. Fallaway Slam on Evans. Another break.
We’re back and Rusev used his power to throw Evans into the corner. Rusev smacks him around and grabs Evans by the hair out of the corner. Evans started to come back with multiple elbows to Rusev’s head, but Rusev took back control. Rusev picked up Evans, but he slipped out the back and pushed Rusev into the turnbuckle then rolled up for only a one. Evans with a kick then went for a Sunse Flip (which never works on Rusev). After a bit of a balancing act, Rusev tried to sit on Evans but missed. Kick to Rusev’s shoulder for another one-count. Rusev got sent over the top rope by Evans. Evans with a Suicide Dive over the top onto Rusev. Evans threw Rusev back into the ring. Rusev missed a Clothesline and Evans nailed a Red Dot right between the eyes of Rusev for a close near fall. Evans charged out of the corner and leaped, but Rusev caught him with a Sidewalk Slam for a two count. Rusev tried to lock in the Accolade, but Evans wiggled out and made it to the bottom rope. Rusev pulled Evans to the middle of the ring, kicked him in the back, and locked him in the Accolade again. Evans got psyched up, got to his feet with Rusev on his back, and back slammed Rusev off of him. Rusev charged at Evans in the corner, but Evans moved sending Rusev head-first into the steep ring post. Evans went for an OG Cutter, but Rusev stopped it with a punch. Rusev applied the Accolade again, and this time Evans passed out.
ELIMINATED: Je’Von Evans
Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match #5: Rusev vs Chad Gable:
Gable ran to the ring and immediately started with punches to Rusev. Rusev swang wildly for a Clothesline, but Gable ducked and hit a few German Suplexes. Rusev runs to the corner to get Gable off then charged, but Gable hit a Belly-to-Belly for a near fall. Gable goes up top, but Rusev caught him in a Uranage Slam for a two. Shall we break yet again? Why not.
We’re back and Rusev is dominating Gable in the corner. He planted Gable up top and punched him. Gable blocked a Superplex and punched and headbutted Rusev to the mat. Gable hit a Flying Clothesline on Rusev from the top. Rusev and Gable punched back and forth, with Gable swinging wildly getting the upper hand. Gable tried an Angle Slam, but Rusev secretly raked the eyes to stop him. Machat Kick on Gable and Rusev put him into the Accolade submission. Gable slipped out of it and caught a charging Rusev by the corner for a German Suplex onto the turnbuckles. Gable goes up and rolled up Rusev into a Victory Roll for the elimination.
ELIMINATED: Rusev
After the elimination, Rusev put Gable into the Accolade again. He held it until his buddy Ethan Page came out for the final match. Rusev went to the outside and told Page to go get it.
Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match #6: Chad Gable vs Ethan Page:
Page ran into the ring and kicked Gable down for a two-count. Codebreaker on Gable but Page only gets two. Page yelled trash at Gable to stay down and to stop making him work. Gable started to come back with punches, but a Clothesline knocked Gable back down. Page hits Gable’s head on the corner turnbuckle and lifts him up. Page tried for a Suplex from the ropes, but Gable punched him down. Gable went for a Moonsault, but he saw Page get his foot up just in time so Gable landed on his feet. Ankle Lock on Page. Page rolled through and sent Gable into the corner turnbuckle. Page charged but Gable kicked him. Gable charged, but Page hit Confidence Breaker for a near fall. Page tried for an Ego Plex but Gable reversed into an Angle Slam. Gable goes up top, but Page punches him. Page gets into position for the Avalanche Bodyslam and got too cocky, so Gable slipped out and applied the Ankle Lock in the middle of the ring. Page tried to roll through, but Gable hung on. Page taps!
ELIMINATED: Ethan Page
WINNER: Chad Gable (39-minute Gauntlet Match)
ANALYSIS: *** ¾
The Gauntlet Match as a whole was really well done and entertaining. It really didn’t feel that long or dragged out at all. Each match had its good points, each one telling a story, and everyone got their chance to shine. And it was booked really well to maintain the face vs heel for each match, except for the high-flying Evans vs Lee match which I think was the best one of them all. I would love to see those two in a regular match. “Dirty” Dom had a good showing, Evans stole the show, Rusev showed some great dominance, and Gable was the overall favorite including mine. Danhausen showing up and botching his own curse was a little bit too ridiculous (silly Danhausen!) But it matched the storyline of McDonagh vs Danhausen at SNME this weekend. I still like the guy.
Overall, I wouldn’t call it a four-star special Gauntlet Match. It would’ve taken an awful lot to reach that level. But it was pretty close. Great job by everyone.
After the match, the Intercontinental Champion Penta came into the ring with Gable. They stared at each other and shook hands as Penta held the title high.
ANALYSIS: I have high hopes that Penta vs Gable will be a top star quality match. And I think we’re going to have a new IC Champ at SummerSlam. See you in your born and raised hometown of Minneapolis, Gable. Can’t wait to hear the crowd noise for this match.
Now, a video package aired that showed CM Punk defeating Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship on RAW last week as Punk talked about it on the last SmackDown. Then they showed Cody Rhodes confronting Punk about it and it set up their Summer Slam match.
Now, presumably live in the back parking lot, a black SUV arrived and Roman Reigns got out. A stagehand handed him his World Heavyweight Championship Title as he walked towards the ring. The contract signing is next.
Once back, we’re shown the card for Saturday Night’s Main Event. Here’s what’s on tap:
- The World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will be present along with Jalen Brunson of the 2026 NBA Champions the New York Knicks
- CM Punk & Cody Rhodes vs Gunther & Sami Zayn
- Bayley vs Lyra Valkyria
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Scream Mode (Brie Bella & Paige) (c) vs Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
- No Disqualification Match: Danhausen vs. JD McDonagh
The “No DQ” part of Danhausen vs McDonagh was made during the break while McDonagh was being interviewed.
Now live, RAW GM Pearce is in the carpeted ring with a table and two chairs (probably not for long, you know how these contract signings go.) He said at SummerSlam, we will all bear witness to one of the most anticipated championship matches in recent history. He welcomed the World Heavyweight Champion, the OTC, Roman Reigns. “Acknowledge Me” hit and Reigns came out to the ring with his WHC around his waist and his new “Aura” T-shirt. His pyro hit on the ramp. Once in the ring, “OTC!” chants filled the arena. He told Dallas, Texas to acknowledge him. Reigns sat at the head of the table because that’s who he is.
“The Vision” hit as we burn it down and Seth Rollins came out In his signature all black suit to the crowd singing his song. Rollins is conduction the fans on his way to the ring. Rollins gets on the ring post and the fans sing louder. He finally sat at the table and immediately signed the contract while handing it to Reigns as the fans were still singing. Rollins said it must be hard when the melody of his song drowns out the OTC chants. It sounded like some fans are singing Rollins’ song while others are chanting “OTC!” Rollins said he knows this has got to be difficult for him and he understands what he’s going through. Rollins said there are just some things in life that are certain: death, taxes, and Rollins beats Reigns every single time. He told Reigns to sign the contract so they could get this over with. More signing of Rollins’ theme by the fans.
Reigns told Dallas he wishes they were all here last week because Rollins came out and bored them half to death. He said while Rollins what putting everyone to sleep, Reigns was listening. Reigns said that Rollins proved him right because Rollins is the Tribal Chief’s number one hater. “He’s a hater!” chants. Reigns said that Rollins is laughing about it, but it’s the only thing he is number one at. Reigns said that Rollins has the people confused thinking they are on the same level, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. At SummerSlam, Reigns said he’ll show the difference between them, he’ll end what makes Rollins think he could compete with him. Reigns said that at SummerSlam, he’ll show Rollins what number one looks like. Reigns signed the contract. Pearce was handed the contract as Rollins got the fans psyched up about the contract. Pearce then left. Rollins thanked Reigns for keeping his title warm for him since WrestleMania, and said he’ll take it back at SummerSlam. Rollins said that, my brother, he’ll see him next time he wants to show up for work.
Rollins left, so Reigns asked where do you think you’re going? Reigns said they can play Seth’s game. Reigns said what if Rollins did beat him at SummerSlam. Is he going to carry It for a couple months and get hurt again? Reigns stood up and said that’s what happens every single time, and some would say it’s self-sabotage. Reigns said that some people can’t handle the weight, the pressure and the burden of being the top guy around here. Rollins walked back into the ring to join Reigns. Reigns poked Rollins in the shoulder. Rollins said if you have something to say then just say it and spit it out. Rollins told Reigns to say it and don’t hold back. He’s not going anywhere.
Reigns told Rollins how he knows that he is number two because, after all these years, Rollins still needs a Money in the Bank briefcase to become champion. Reigns added that Rollins had to fake an injury in order to use the damn thing. Reigns told Rollins that, if there was ever a time for him to be number one, his work daddy, Triple H, is damn near running the joint. Reigns told Rollins they gave him all of Roman’s stuff, and Rollins still couldn’t walk in his shoes. Reigns said Rollins will always be a number two, Reigns will always be a number one, and Reigns told Rollins to acknowledge it, b*tch. The fans chanted “OTC!”
Rollins asked if that’s all he’s got and all he can come up with. Rollins wanted Reigns to tell him he’s never going to be him, never going to draw as much money, never going to main event as many WrestleManias. Rollins told Reigns to tell him his dreams don’t mean a damn thing, because none of this is for him, it’s for Reigns. Rollins said he’s told himself the same thing for the last 15 years. Rollins and Reigns are not on one in the same, they are not fighting the same fight. Rollins talked about how, at some point, he had to be proud of who he is and proud of what he stood and fought for. Rollins said he is a visionary, a revolutionary, he is Seth “Freakin” Rollins. And he is so glad that he is not Reigns.
Rollins attacked Reigns down, punching and kicking. Rollins grounds and pounds on Reigns, yelling where his Bloodline is at now. Rollins yelled “I know who I am!” Rollins started to leave but got back in and tried for a Stomp. Reigns jumped back up and gave Rollins a Superman Punch. Reigns adjusted the table in the ring. Rollins picked Reigns up for a Powerbomb through the table, but Rollins had a mic and punched Reigns with it. Rollins with a Pedigree on Reigns. Rollins is now in the corner and hit a Stomp on Reigns. Rollins stood over a fallen Reigns as we got the end credits.
ANALYSIS: That was just as intense as when they set up their match at SummerSlam on RAW two weeks ago. This time it felt a lot more personal with them going back and forth with words. Reigns called out everything Rollins did over the years, while Rollins only got about one shot in about Reigns only showing up for work when he wants to. Reigns tried to trash Rollins by saying he will only ever be a number two, but Rollins admitted that he said everything Reigns said to himself over the years so he’s glad he’s not Reigns. I think Reigns won the verbal battle here. That’s probably why Rollins won the physical confrontation. They even spared the poor table. Awesome promos from two veteran superstars of this generation.
It would be nice if Rollins would take the title back. But Reigns will probably win, even though Rollins never lost the WHC (he eventually was legit injured) and the WHC was made in the first place in spite of Reigns holding the WWE Championship hostage when he left with it.
Video © WWE
And that’s the SLAM, homies! Friday Night SmackDown at the MVP Arena in Albany, NY, is this Friday, July 17th, and serves as the go-home show for Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Saturday Night’s Main Event takes place at the infamous Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. As a reminder, here’s the card:
- The World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns will be present along with Jalen Brunson of the 2026 NBA Champions the New York Knicks
- CM Punk & Cody Rhodes vs Gunther & Sami Zayn
- Bayley vs Lyra Valkyria
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Scream Mode (Brie Bella & Paige) (c) vs Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
- No Disqualification Match: Danhausen vs. JD McDonagh
The Next Monday Night RAW will be from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI, on July 20th. This will serve as the fallout show for SNME.
So stay safe, take care of the number one in your lives, and see y’all around the BLVD!
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