WWE Monday Night RAW
Location: Memphis, TN
Date: September 19, 2016
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video highlights what happened last week on RAW. Kevin Owens faced Roman Reigns in the main event. If Reigns won, he’d be entered into the WWE Universal Championship match at Clash of Champions. Before the match, Mick Foley warned Seth Rollins to not interfere. Rollins did, and Foley said he’d be having a talk with him. Reigns eventually lost the match after Rusev interfered. Rusev then viciously attacked him after the conclusion.
We go into the arena to hear Roman Reigns’ music, and the Memphis crowd immediately starts booing him. Reigns makes his way to the ring looking none too pleased. Reigns stands in the ring with a scowl on his face as the crowd continues to boo him. Reigns is seething with anger. Reigns starts to talk…
…Until he’s interrupted by RAW Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon. She says she knows Reigns wants to carve his own personal path of destruction, but she has a show to run. She’s been discussing this issue with Mick Foley all week long.
Mick Foley’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring in a cheetah print shirt. A “Foley” chant breaks out, and Stephanie leads the crowd along with it. Foley says they came up with a solution that was his own doing. Last week, Stephanie was in Singapore and the show got away from him. That was on him. Foley thinks he didn’t make himself clear that he didn’t want outside interference dictating the conclusion of the main event. Tonight, he’ll take the two perpetrators, Seth Rollins and Rusev, and pit them against each other in a match. Reigns says that’s great, but what’s that do for him? Three weeks ago, Stephanie’s husband, Triple H, screwed him over. Last week, Rusev did the same. Reigns knows he’ll never see her coward husband again, but he knows Rusev is back there. Foley tells him to wait six days. Reigns will get his hands on Rusev at Clash of Champions for the United States Championship. Stephanie personally guarantees that will happen. Reigns sarcastically thanks her for the guarantee.
Foley says Reigns has no reason not to believe her. Stephanie has been upfront about her personal dislike of Reigns. Stephanie is the only reason he’s standing in the ring. It personally offends him that WWE Superstars are not taking him at his word. Superstars are deciding matches in ways other than inside the ring. Foley watch Reigns and Kevin Owens give it their all, and Foley was wondering how the WWE Universe could boo Reigns. The truth is they’re all part of the RAW family. They’re engaged in a fight for their survival against Smackdown Live. If it doesn’t go well, Stephanie will land on her feet, but he’ll be on his couch and disappear. Stephanie says that’s not true, but Foley says it is. Foley has disappeared from the company for years at a time, but he’s had a major run of great luck. Foley is in favor with everyone and has a reality show on the WWE Network, but if they lose the ratings war, that’s out the window. In the end, all he has is his word. Stephanie says she’s proud to have Foley as the General Manager and asks what he will do. Foley says he’s signing Reigns to face Kevin Owens again tonight! Stephanie looks like she doesn’t like the decision.
Kevin Owens’ music hits, and the WWE Universal Champion comes out to the stage. Owens says this has to be a joke and Foley is preparing his next bit of standup material. Owens beat Reigns twice last week and should be preparing to defend his WWE Universal Championship against Seth Rollins on Sunday. Owens rubs it in to Reigns that he is in the main event at Clash of Champions, not him. Owens asks Stephanie what she thinks. Stephanie reluctantly says what Foley says goes, so he’ll have to compete in a rematch against Reigns, but it will not be for the WWE Universal Championship. Foley says that’s fair, but that non-title match will take place inside a Steel Cage, right here in Memphis, Tennessee. A “YES” chant fires up. Foley says now that we know what the main event is, let’s start the show! Have a nice day!
Seth Rollins’ music hits, and he walks right by his opponent for this Sunday. Rollins will face Rusev, next.
-Commercial Break-
Stephanie McMahon is backstage with Mick Foley questioning the decision to make the Cage Match. Rusev angrily walks up to Foley that Roman Reigns has another shot at his title. Foley says he’s getting what he deserves. Rusev says Foley ruined his wife’s special night since her movie is debuting tomorrow. Rusev says Foley is jealous of the Rusev Family because the “Holy Foley” family hates one another. Foley says that doesn’t change the fact that he has a match against Rollins tonight and one on Reigns on Sunday. Rusev walks off. Foley congratulates Lana, but Rusev yells at him not to congratulate them. Foley then takes out his cell phone and answers a call from Chris Jericho.
Seth Rollins vs. Rusev w/ Lana
The bell rings, and they circle the ring before locking up. Rusev powers him to the corner and gives a clean break. Rollins ducks a lockup and starts punching and kneeing him to the corner. Rollins punches away at him until the referee pulls him off. Rusev looks infuriated. Rusev kicks him down and stomps the head. Rusev punches him before going for a fall-away slam, but Rollins lands on his feet, boots him back, goes to the second rope, and connects with a blockbuster. Rollins then dropkicks Rusev out of the ring. Rollins gets on the apron and goes for a flying knee, but Rusev avoids it. Rusev picks him up and drives him back-first into the ring post. Rusev throws him back into the ring and clubs the back. Rusev takes him down with a scoop slam that Michael Cole refers to as a powerslam. Rusev drops an elbow for a two count. Rusev whips him hard into the corner and taunts the crowd. Rollins tries to fight him off with a right hand, but Rusev shakes it off. Rollins chops him and continues punching him until Rusev takes him down with a judo throw. Rollins rolls out of the way of a falling head-butt. Rollins chops him, but Rusev reverses a whip. Rollins kicks him in the face and charges, but Rusev puts him on the apron. Rollins forearms him back and goes to the top rope, but Rusev throws him off with one arm.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Rollins trapped in a bear hug. Rollins fights up and elbows out. Rollins hits the ropes, but Rusev avalanches him down. Rusev pulls him up, but Rollins plants on his feet and connects with an enzuigiri. Rollins pulls himself up and pulls Rusev into the turnbuckle with a reverse STO. Rollins then takes him down with a Sling Blade. Rollins sets up and connects with a pair of running forearms. Rollins goes for a suplex, but Rusev blocks it. Rollins lands on his feet, kicks him, and takes Rusev down with the falcon’s arrow for a near fall. Rollins goes for a superkick, but Rusev blocks it. Rollins ducks a roundhouse, but Rusev comes back with a knee to the midsection and a kick to the head for a near fall. Rusev screams in frustration.
A “Let’s go Rollins” chant fires up. Rusev signals for the end and goes to stomp the back, but Rollins rolls out of the way. Rollins gets on the apron. Rusev grabs him, but Rollins snaps him off the top rope and kicks him in the head. Rollins then connects with a springboard knee to the head. Rollins goes back to the top rope, but Rusev rolls out of the ring. Rollins immediately takes him out with a suicide dive. Rollins hits the ropes, but Rusev quickly gets in the ring. Rollins pulls down the top rope to get Rusev out of the ring before connecting with a second suicide dive. Rollins and Rusev fight up the ramp. The referee counts them out, and the arena groans.
Double Count-Out
Match Rating: * 3/4
Rusev punches him to the top of the stage and pulls him over to the commentary table. Rusev goes to powerbomb him through the table, but Rollins gets out and knees him in the back to knock him off the platform to the floor. Rollins then climbs on top of the commentary table and gives Rusev a cross-body block to the floor! Rollins gets back on the stage to celebrate with the crowd.
A replay is shown from last week’s triple threat with Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Dana Brooke. It ended in a blatant double pin with Bayley and Sasha Banks. Mick Foley is backstage with Charlotte and Dana Brooke. Charlotte says there is no #1 contender. Dana suggests Foley cancel the tag match and have Sasha and Bayley fight to see who will lose to Charlotte on Sunday. Foley says Dana gave him a great idea and books a triple threat match for Clash of Champions with the RAW Women’s Championship on the line. Charlotte is disgusted and shoves Dana down.
-Commercial Break-
The Steel Cage is shown hanging over the ring.
The commentators talk about the debut of the Cruiserweight Division. A video package highlights two men from the new Cruiserweight Division: Cedric Alexander and Brian Kendrick.
Chris Jericho is talking with Kevin Owens backstage. Jericho says Mick Foley has never liked him and is taking it out on his friends. Owens says it’s ridiculous and complains about a Steel Cage Match six days before his title match. Owens says Foley has had it out for him since he won the title because he is useless. Jericho says he’s rotten and abusing his power. Jericho grabs a clipboard and says he’s going to make a list of everything that’s wrong with Foley as a General Manager. When he shows it to Foley, he’s not going to like… IT!
Sin Cara vs. Braun Strowman
They bump chests, and Strowman shoves him. Cara punches him and hits the ropes, but Strowman picks him up. Cara slides off and keeps peppering him with kicks and punches. Eventually, Strowman just avalanches him. Strowman puts him in the corner and avalanches him. Strowman stomps him before clubbing away at the chest and applying a nerve hold. Cara gets out with a jawbreaker, but Strowman knees him and throws him out of the ring. Strowman follows him out, but Cara gets in the ring and gives him a baseball slide. Cara connects with a suicide dive, the third one of the evening already, but Strowman doesn’t go down. Cara gets in the ring, and Strowman chases him in. Cara goes for a springboard moonsault block, but Strowman catches him and connects with a powerslam for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Braun Strowman
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Sasha Banks is backstage stretching when Bayley comes up to her. Bayley says she cannot express how excited she is to be in the ring with her on Sunday like old times. Sasha remembers the old times when they made history, but that was then and this is now. Sasha says last week, she had Bayley beat. Bayley says she beat her, so that’s why they’re in a triple threat. One of them will become the new RAW Women’s Champion. As far as tonight, they’ll show them how it’s done. This is next.
-Commercial Break-
Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Charlotte and Dana Brooke
Sasha Banks will start the match against Charlotte, but Charlotte immediately tags out. Sasha’s midsection is taped up. They lock up, and Dana applies a waistlock. Sasha gets out of it and applies a side headlock. Dana whips her off, but Sasha shoulder blocks her down for a two count. Bayley is tagged in, but Dana punches her down. Charlotte tags in, and they double stomp Bayley. Bayley quickly puts Charlotte into the corner and bounces her head off the turnbuckle. Dana gets on the ropes to yell, but Bayley sends Charlotte into her. Dana runs in, and Bayley throws her out of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Bayley fight up, but Charlotte pulls her down by the hair. Charlotte taunts the crowd before attacking the back. Dana tags in, and they double stomp Bayley. Dana connects with a snapmare and a handstand elbow for a two count. Charlotte tags in and connects with a snapmare before applying a surfboard stretch. Bayley gets out and goes for a tag, but Charlotte stops her and floors her with a forearm for a two count. Charlotte puts her in the corner and chops her down before letting out a big “WOO.” Bayley comes back with an elbow and a springboard arm drag followed by a clothesline for a two count.
Sasha tags in, and they hit Charlotte with a double-team suplex for a two count. Sasha chops the chest before connecting with a climbing arm drag. Charlotte sidesteps her and kicks her in the ribs before sending her into the corner. Charlotte knees away at her for a two count. Dana tags in and picks up a two count. Dana hits another handstand elbow and clubs away at the injured back. A light “You can’t wrestle” chant is directed at Dana. Charlotte tags in and stretches Sasha around the ring post. Dana tags in and slams her off the mat. Charlotte tags back in and knees her in the back before chopping the chest. Charlotte knees Sasha in the back and applies another surfboard stretch. Sasha knees her in the face and connects with a head-scissor takeover. Charlotte quickly stops her from making the tag and goes for the Figure Eight, but Sasha kicks her out of the ring.
Bayley is tagged in, and she connects with a trio of hammer throws before knocking Dana off the apron. Bayley shoulders Charlotte in the back before elbowing her down. Bayley avalanches her in the corner before going to the second rope for a springboard back elbow. Bayley goes for the Bayley-To-Belly, but Dana holds Charlotte’s ankle. Sasha takes Dana out at ringside. Charlotte big boots Bayley for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Charlotte and Dana Brooke
Match Rating: * 1/4
Tonight’s main event will see Roman Reigns take on Kevin Owens in a non-title Steel Cage Match.
Seth Rollins is standing outside Stephanie McMahon’s office smirking. Rollins then enters the room.
-Commercial Break-
Some players from the Memphis Grizzlies are shown at ringside.
Stephanie McMahon welcomes Seth Rollins to her office. Rollins asks why she threw it all away for Kevin Owens. Stephanie says she didn’t know what Triple H was going to do and was rooting for him the whole time. Rollins says he came for the truth and wants to know why. Stephanie says she can’t explain what she doesn’t know. Maybe Kevin Owens is right. Rollins is the reason the WWE World Heavyweight Championship went to Smackdown Live, and he lost to Finn Bálor at SummerSlam. Maybe her husband, who handpicked him, was tired of him ruining his reputation… maybe. Rollins says maybe her and her husband will figure it out at Night of Champions (his words) when Owens is flat on his back, and he’s holding the title. They put their money on the wrong horse and will come crawling back to him. Maybe not. Maybe he’ll be their worst nightmare because they can’t control him and knows all their moves. Stephanie cannot manipulate her. Stephanie warns him not to threaten her. She didn’t know what her husband was going to do, but right now she wishes she did. Does she think Kevin Owens is the right person to hold the title and lead Monday Night RAW against Smackdown Live? Yes, she does. Does she think Kevin Owens has replaced Seth Rollins as “the man?” Yes, she does. Rollins says she used to be a shrewd business woman, but lately she’s started to crack. It all started with the return of her brother Shane. Rollins walks off.
-Commercial Break-
Gary Graham vs. Bo Dallas
Before the match starts, Dallas says, “The tide has turned and I slowly learned that all our bridges need to burn. As lovers come and go and friends turn to foe, I’ve come to know that only I can Bo-lieve in Bo!”
The bell rings, and he elbows Graham down before punching away at him. Dallas punches him in the back of the head and screams at the crowd. Graham quickly rolls him up for a two count. Dallas immediately knees him down and gives him a front suplex on the top rope. Dallas knees away at him, goes to ringside, and pulls the apron over him before clubbing away at him. Dallas clotheslines him down and connects with the Roll of the Dice for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Bo Dallas
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Cesaro is seen walking backstage. He’ll face Sheamus in Match #6 of a Best of 7 Series. Cesaro is down 3-2 and must win tonight. That match is next.
-Commercial Break-
The commentators talk about Connor’s Cure. They then transition to the Steel Cage hanging over the ring.
A video airs highlighting the new Cruiserweight Division. It highlights the new Cruiserweight Champion T.J. Perkins. The Cruiserweight Division debuts later tonight.
Best of 7 Series – Match #6
Cesaro (2-3) vs. Sheamus (3-2)
Cesaro must win this match or the series is over. A replay is shown of Cesaro squeaking out a win against Sheamus using the ropes for help. An interview with Sheamus is shown from earlier in the day. Sheamus says he’s not feeling any pressure. Cesaro cheated last week, which is why he lost. Sheamus says Cesaro may think he’s great, but he comes up short in his matches. Sheamus says he’ll beat Cesaro and go on to his championship opportunity.
The bell rings, and Sheamus quickly kicks him to the corner and clubs away at him. Sheamus connects with a suplex for a one count. Sheamus hits him with a backbreaker for a one count. Sheamus clubs him in the back until Cesaro comes back with some uppercuts. Sheamus kicks him away and sends him into the ropes, but Cesaro kicks him in the face. Sheamus goes for a powerslam, but Cesaro lands on his feet and goes for a Neutralizer. Sheamus fights out and gives him a back body drop, but Cesaro lands on his feet. Sheamus hits the ropes, but Cesaro uppercuts him down for a two count. Cesaro goes for the Cesaro Swing, but Sheamus grabs the ropes. Sheamus kicks him over the top rope. Mick Foley is seen watching the match backstage.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Sheamus trying to give Cesaro a rolling senton off the second rope, but Cesaro fights out and dropkicks him off the turnbuckle and to the floor. Cesaro then gives him a running uppercut over the barricade. Cesaro grabs him and sends him headfirst into the ring post. Cesaro gets him in the ring and connects with a springboard spinning uppercut for a near fall. Sheamus rolls to the apron to recover. Cesaro grabs him and goes for a deadlift superplex, but his back is too injured. Sheamus pulls him down and gives him White Noise on the apron! Sheamus gets him into the ring and picks up a near fall. Sheamus cannot believe it.
Sheamus sets up for a Brogue Kick, but Cesaro ducks and rolls him up for a two count. Cesaro goes for a Sharpshooter, but Sheamus gets out and connects with an Irish Curse Backbreaker for a near fall. Sheamus follows up with a Celtic Cross backbreaker for a near fall! Sheamus quickly goes to the Cloverleaf, but Cesaro catches him with an inside cradle for a two count. Cesaro flips through an Irish Curse and uppercuts him. Sheamus sidesteps him and rolls him up with his feet on the ropes, but the referee catches him. Sheamus argues with the referee. Cesaro uppercuts him and goes for the Neutralizer, but Sheamus counters with a back body drop. Cesaro avoids a Brogue Kick, and Sheamus gets hung up on the top rope. Sheamus goes for a battering ram, but Cesaro uppercuts him. Cesaro quickly follows up with the Neutralizer for the win! The series is tied!
Winner by Pinfall: Cesaro
Match Rating: ** 1/4
Mick Foley is talking to someone on the phone about how the series is tied 3-3. The final match will happen at Clash of Champions. Chris Jericho walks up to him and says he has been doing a terrible job as General Manager. Jericho mentions that Foley never liked him. Foley says that’s not true because he recommended him to Paul Heyman. Some technical issues prevented me from seeing a bit of this. Jericho says he has a list, and Foley pretends he can’t hear him. Jericho repeats himself. Foley says he’s missing an ear and calls Jericho a stupid idiot. Jericho puts down that Foley steals catchphrases. Jericho criticizes his fashion sense, and Foley comes back by saying he’s not wearing a shirt and is wearing a scarf. Jericho says it’s trendy in Luxembourg. Foley says it may be trendy there, but it’s not trendy right here in Memphis, Tennessee. Jericho writes down that Foley gives cheap, babyface pops. Jericho says if Foley won’t listen to the List of Jericho, he’ll read it in the ring.
-Commercial Break-
Chris Jericho is in the ring with his clipboard and demands that the crowd quiet down. Jericho says Mick Foley has been doing a terrible job as General Manager for the past two months. Foley has been screwing him, his best friend Kevin Owens, and he’s been screwing up the show. Jericho has made “The List of Jericho” and has put all his grievances against Foley down. One thing is Foley is trying to drive a wedge between him and Kevin Owens, which will never happen. Jericho also says Foley has terrible fashion sense. Jericho criticizes a fan at ringside and puts him on the list. Jericho also criticizes Foley for having a friendship with Sami Zayn, a guy that Jericho laid out last week.
Enzo and Big Cass interrupt to a HUGE pop. Enzo goes through his usual shtick to a huge reaction. They get in the ring with Jericho. Enzo says the Enzo Amore GPS has an issue to address. Enzo says Jericho isn’t best friends with Kevin Owens. A real best friend wouldn’t let a best friend go down to the ring wearing that scarf. Big Cass says he and Cass are best friends like Beavis and Butt-head, Bert and Ernie, and Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. Jericho says half those people aren’t real. Did they think of that when they were listening to their Spice Girls CD?
The Shining Stars interrupt. Epico says they look so angry and stressed. Don’t they want to blow off some steam at the Shining Star Resort and Hotel? They can own a piece of the Caribbean by purchasing a timeshare.
The New Day interrupts this. Jericho calls them losers and asks what they’re doing here. Kofi Kingston asks who he thinks he’s talking to. Kingston says they have a good reason for being out here. Big E says they have nothing better to do. Xavier Woods says the timeshares sound good, but on his YouTube channel, he’s giving away two free iPhone 7’s. They’ll call people when they beat Gallows and Anderson at Clash of Champions.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows make their way to the ring. Gallows says they have to be kidding. This is exactly why they’re taking those Tag Team Titles this Sunday. Anderson says they beat New Day last week in the middle of the ring. Their response is to talk about their ridiculous YouTube channel and real estate scams. New Day is also always talking about their stupid cereal. Jericho has had enough. Originally, the List of Jericho was about Foley, but now it’s a List of Stupid Idiots, and they’re all on it.
Sami Zayn’s music hits, and he runs down to ringside and attacks Jericho before sending him into the barricade twice. Zayn gets Jericho into the ring, and a huge brawl breaks out between all the men in the ring.
-Commercial Break-
Chris Jericho, The Shining Stars, and Gallows and Anderson vs. Enzo and Big Cass, The New Day, and Sami Zayn
Xavier Woods will be at ringside for The New Day. The bell rings, and Chris Jericho will start the match against Kofi Kingston. They lock up, and Jericho applies a side headlock. Kingston whips him off and shoulder blocks him down before taunting the crowd. Jericho hits the ropes, and Kingston takes him down with a leaping back elbow. Kingston quickly takes him down with a cross-body block for a two count. Jericho escapes when Sami Zayn tags in and tags in Epico. Zayn connects with a trio of arm drags and transitions to an arm bar. Big E is tagged in, and he applies an abdominal stretch on Epico. Big E rhythmically spanks Epico’s derrière before tagging Kingston in. Big E shoulders him and lets Kingston jump off his back with an avalanche. Big E then clotheslines Epico. Kingston picks up a two count. Kingston wrenches the arm, but he has a whip reversed. Luke Gallows clotheslines him down while the referee is turned. Gallows is tagged in, and he punches Kingston down. Anderson gives him a scoop slam and drops a knee for a two count. Anderson applies a chin lock, but Kingston fights up. Anderson quickly takes him down with a spinebuster for a near fall. Anderson knocks Big E off the apron and tags in Primo. Primo punches him before sending him to the corner for a monkey flip, but Kingston lands on his feet and tags in Big Cass.
Big Cass shoulders Primo down before knocking his teammates off the apron. Cass gives him a fall-away slam followed by a running splash in the corner. Cass body slams him and drops the Empire Elbow, but Epico breaks it up. Enzo punches away at him before charging. Epico throws him over the top rope, and Enzo lands awkwardly on his leg. The ring is slowly being cleared of the competitors. This allows Big E to leapfrog Kingston into a plancha on Gallows and Anderson. Jericho knocks Big E out of the ring. Zayn runs in, and they slug it out. Zayn chops the chest and climbs the ropes for a tornado DDT. Zayn catches Epico with a Helluva Kick. Jericho runs away. Enzo tags in, and he hits the Bada Boom Shakalaka with Cass for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Enzo and Big Cass, The New Day, and Sami Zayn
Match Rating: * 1/2
Footage is shown from earlier in the night when Mick Foley booked Roman Reigns to take on Kevin Owens in a Steel Cage Match.
Two more video highlights are shown of the new superstars in the Cruiserweight Division. The video showcases Gran Metalik and Rich Swann. The Cruiserweight Division arrives, next.
-Commercial Break-
A video highlights the life and career of Eddie Guerrero for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Mick Foley is in the ring. Foley quotes Mark Twain: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” Foley messed it up, but recovered. Foley talks about the Cruiserweight Classic and crowning a new Cruiserweight Champion in T.J. Perkins. Foley talks about their passion and entertainment and will present it only on Monday Night RAW. Out of 32 athletes, they brought four to kick off the Cruiserweight Division.
Out first is Rich Swann, who comes out to a nice reception because of his unique entrance. Out next is Gran Metalik. Metalik was the runner-up in the Cruiserweight Classic. A pre-taped promo is shown. Metalik cannot speak English, so I unfortunately don’t know what he’s saying. Following him is Cedric Alexander from Charlotte, North Carolina. A pre-taped promo is shown with Alexander. He talks about how he’s here because of the fans. Finally, out last is The Brian Kendrick. A pre-taped promo is shown with Kendrick. Kendrick says it’s been 608 days since WWE released him. They thought he was through and so did he.
Foley says for those that watched the Cruiserweight Classic on the WWE Network, they know this is going to be great. For those that didn’t, they can buckle up. Foley says T.J. Perkins’ Cruiserweight Championship will be on the line Sunday at Clash of Champions. This will be a Fatal Four Way to determine the #1 Contender. That match is next!
-Commercial Break-
#1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Rich Swann vs. Gran Metalik vs. Cedric Alexander vs. Brian Kendrick
The bell rings, and Brian Kendrick gets out of the ring and tells them to fight it out. Cedric Alexander attacks and rolls up Rich Swann, but Kendrick breaks it up. Gran Metalik superkicks Alexander. Swann attacks Metalik and sends him into the ropes, Metalik does a handspring into the ropes and lands on his feet. Metalik sidesteps Swann, and Swann does a flip and sticks the landing to avoid a monkey flip, and dropkicks him down. Kendrick runs in and delivers a back elbow to Swann to get him out of the ring. Kendrick forearms Metalik before eating an elbow from Alexander. Alexander chops the chest before sending him into the ropes, but Kendrick gets out of the ring. Alexander baseball slides him down and gives Metalik a sunset flip for a two count. Alexander kicks Metalik in the head and takes him down. Alexander chops the chest and sends him into the ropes, but he quickly comes back with a springboard back elbow. Metalik runs into a boot, and Alexander takes him down with a flying clothesline. Swann runs in and kicks Alexander. Swann connects with a snapmare and kicks him in the spine. Kendrick runs in, but Swann quickly throws him out. Swann applies a modified dragon sleeper, but Alexander fights up. Alexander chops him, but Swann chops him right back. They stand in the ring and trade chops to see who is tougher. They duck kicks. Swann goes for a head-scissor, but Alexander flips and lands on his feet! Swann then floors him with a right hand. Swann chops the chest and sends him to the corner, but Alexander avoids him and does a backflip into a head-scissor takeover! Swann flies out of the ring. Metalik runs in and chops Alexander. Alexander hits the ropes and takes Kendrick out with a flipping plancha and sticks the landing! Swann and Alexander fight at ringside before Metalik takes all three out with a Brillo Dorado!
Metalik gets Alexander back in the ring and goes for a springboard, but Kendrick pulls his legs out from under him. Kendrick gets on the apron and shoulders Alexander back. Swann pulls Kendrick down and punches him. Kendrick comes back by sending Swann into the barricade before sending him into the steps. Kendrick kicks Metalik before wedging Swann’s foot into the hand hole of the steps. Kendrick then kicks him in the head.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Kendrick applying a head-scissor to Alexander. Metalik springboards off the top rope an elbow drop on Kendrick! Metalik covers Kendrick, but Swann breaks it up. Swann grabs Metalik, but Metalik walks the ropes and dropkicks him down. Metalik connects with a standing shooting star press for a two count. Metalik goes to the top rope for a moonsault, but Swann gets the boots up. Swann connects with a tiger bomb into a jackknife cover, but Alexander breaks it up! Alexander grabs Swann and punches him in the face. Alexander sends him into the ropes, but Swann gets a waistlock. Alexander elbows out and connects with a springboard enzuigiri for a near fall.
A “This is awesome” chant breaks out. Alexander punches Kendrick, but Kendrick eventually gets him out of the ring. Kendrick goes for Sliced Bread #2 on Swann, but Metalik grabs him mid-air. Kendrick quickly counters into a DDT for a near fall. Kendrick sets up for the Bully Choke, but Alexander knees him in the face. Swann then kicks Alexander down. Swann gets himself pumped up and connects with a standing 450 splash, but Kendrick breaks it up. Kendrick applies the Bully Choke, now known as the Captain’s Hook, on Alexander, but Metalik breaks it up. Metalik picks up Alexander and gets shoved into Swann. Alexander then gives Metalik the Lumbar Check, a back suplex into a double knee backbreaker. Kendrick quickly runs in and applies the Captain’s Hook on Alexander for the submission victory!
Winner by Submission: Brian Kendrick
Match Rating: ** 1/2
Brian Kendrick will face T.J. Perkins for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at Clash of Champions.
Replays are shown from last week when Nia Jax speared Alicia Fox through the ringside barricade after physically dominating her. Alicia Fox will face Nia Jax on the Clash of Champions Kickoff Show.
Kevin Owens will face Roman Reigns in a Steel Cage Match, next.
-Commercial Break-
Steel Cage Match
Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens
The bell rings and both men stare at each other. Owens talks a little trash and starts circling the ring. Owens immediately goes for the door, but Reigns pulls him back and punches him. Owens ducks a clothesline and tries to run out, but Reigns pulls him back. Reigns pulls Owens down as he tries to climb the cage and punches him. Reigns bounces him off the turnbuckle. Owens kicks him back, but Reigns floors him with a right hand. Reigns sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Reigns comes back with two clotheslines before connecting with a leaping clothesline. Reigns punches him against the ropes before sending him to the corner. Reigns hits a corner clothesline before hitting the ropes. Owens sends Reigns headfirst into the cage and superkicks him down for a two count.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see both men holding the top of the cage while standing on the top rope. They punch it out before Owens rakes the eyes, which causes Reigns to fall to the mat. Reigns then pulls Owens’ legs out, and he’s crotched on the top rope. Reigns hits the ropes and avalanches him against the wall three times. Owens falls into the ring and eats a big boot from Reigns. Reigns sets up for a Superman Punch, but Owens runs for the door again. Reigns pulls him away, and Owens punches him. Reigns quickly comes back with a Samoan Drop for a near fall.
Reigns talks a little trash to Owens before doing the clubbing blows in the corner. Reigns hits the ropes, but Owens avoids a big boot and connects with a German Suplex. Owens then squashes him with a cannonball. Owens tries to leave through the door, but Reigns grabs his ankle. Owens kicks him off and goes for a senton splash, but Reigns gets the knees up. Reigns goes for the door, but Owens holds on. Reigns punches him off, and they begin to trade punches. Reigns comes out on top in this exchange before Owens knees him in the midsection. Owens sends him into the ropes, but Reigns holds on and elbows him. They trade more punches before getting into a hockey fight. Owens knees him in the midsection and superkicks him. Owens goes for a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Reigns counters with a Superman Punch for a near fall. Michael Cole simply says, “What a sequence.” Reigns sets up in the corner, but Owens kicks him in the face as he goes for a Spear. Reigns wildly screams and runs into a Pop-up Powerbomb for a near fall! Owens cannot believe it!
Owens begins to climb the cage and is nearly out. Reigns grabs his leg at the last moment and pulls Owens back to the top rope. Owens bounces him off the cage a few times while talking trash. Reigns stumbles to the top turnbuckle before leaping off with a Superman Punch that floors Owens! Owens goes to leave through the door while Reigns climbs over the cage. Reigns hits the floor moments before Owens does.
Winner via Escaping the Cage: Roman Reigns
Match Rating: ** 1/4
Rusev quickly tries to attack Reigns with a steel chain, but Reigns avoids it and punches him around ringside. Reigns stomps him down before Owens kicks the door of the cage into Reigns’ face! Owens screams at Rusev, “Matchka something!” Rusev puts Reigns in the ring and grabs the chain he brought down to the ring. Rusev gets in the ring and chains the door shut! Owens stands over Reigns and punches away at him as this happens. Rusev locks the door and starts to wildly punch away at Reigns. Rusev stomps the spine and applies the Accolade.
Seth Rollins’ music hits, and he comes out to a big reception. Rollins climbs the cage and punches Owens away. Rusev tries to prevent him from coming in, but Rollins punches him down. Rollins stands on top of the cage and takes out both Rusev and Owens with a cross-body block! Rollins grabs his ribs and looks furiously at Owens as the show comes to an end.
Quick Match Results
* Seth Rollins DCOR Rusev
* Braun Strowman def. Sin Cara
* Charlotte and Dana Brooke def. Sasha Banks and Bayley
* Bo Dallas def. Gary Graham
* Cesaro def. Sheamus in Match #6 of a Best of 7 Series
* Enzo and Big Cass, The New Day, and Sami Zayn def. Chris Jericho, The Shining Stars, and Gallows and Anderson
* Brian Kendrick def. Rich Swann, Gran Metalik, and Cedric Alexander via Submission
* Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens in a Steel Cage Match (non-title)
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Source: www.wrestleview.com