Monday Night RAW Episode 7

 

- Welcome everyone to a new era with Monday Night RAW! After the epic events of last night’s SummerSlam and with the new brand split in full effect, we’re in for a treat tonight and apparently, we are starting with one of those shocking moments with the NEW WWE Champion Roman Reigns coming down to the ring to tremendous boos. “The Big Dog” surprised the whole world when he cashed in his Money in The Bank contract on then champion Seth Rollins after “The Architect” retained the gold in a gruelling match against Triple H. Reigns asks for the microphone and asks the fans if that’s all they got, referring to the negative reaction they are giving the new champion. “The Power House” laughs and says it feels great because now he doesn’t have to pretend he isn’t listening or that he even cares for what the fans think of him. Reigns states he only cares for himself and his family while the rest are simply little marks that like to make their voice be heard for the sake of attention. The WWE Champion points to the crowd and says they are all killing this business bit by bit with their obsession for vanilla midgets and indy darlings, such as Kevin Owens who not only hates the fans but also cheats all the time and yet the same fans cheer for him. Just like they now cheer Seth Rollins, the same guy who weaseled his way to the top and now spits on those who made him who he is. Roman states that he doesn’t get why but honestly he doesn’t care anymore because right now, it’s time to embrace the truth in front of them: He is the WWE Champion in spite of what the fans think and wish. The crowd boos without mercy. 

- Suddenly, Seth Rollins theme plays to a huge pop with “The Architect” coming down the ring. He quickly congrulates Reigns for taking the title and tells him he’s being honest. He has done the exact same thing so he definitely relates to what happened and even calls it karma. Rollins then changes the topic to what Reigns was saying about him earlier. The former champion acknowledges that he has done quite a few mistakes in the past but wonders if what Reigns is doing isn’t exactly the same. He took an opportunity and now feels like he’s unstoppable but in reality, he’s just another puppet in Triple H and Stephanie’s hands. He calls out Reigns on being against The Authority and being someone who took pride in going against the machine but it seems he let the fans get to this head. Reigns stops him right there and says they are nothing alike. Notes how he has been screwed time and time again and still had to endure crap from the fans so enough was enough. Reigns states he never needed help to get to the top unlike Rollins and goes as far as to say that he’s the chosen one by the Chairman himself so Rollins and the smarky fans need to get used to it. Rollins says it’s hilarious seeing the transformation right in front of him, noting how everyone criticizes until they see themselves in the same position, doing the same things. Seth then says it doesn’t matter, what matters is that he’s invoking his rematch clause TONIGHT, as the crowd cheer. Rollins and Reigns get face to face until...... 

- It's….. It’s….. It’s Shawn Michaels!! The crowd erupts as “The Show Stopper” goes down the ramp and one must wonder what brings him to RAW. HBK says it’s great to be back and it seems the fans still haven’t forgotten about him. A big “HBK” chant start. Michaels then says it’s time to get right down to business and wastes no time in announcing that he’s at Monday Night RAW because he is the NEW General Manager! The crowd now chant “YES” while both Reigns and Rollins seem surprised. Shawn says with the brand split, everyone gets a fresh start and because of that, he wants to see what everyone is capable of. He admits that Rollins is correct and does have a rematch but it will not be used tonight, much to the dismay of “The Architect”. HBK says that Rollins isn’t above anyone else and so he needs to prove he deserves that same rematch so in tonight’s Main Event, Seth Rollins will be in action against an opponent of his choosing! “The Heartbreak Kid” then ends by saying that he will follow that match extremely close and says it’s time for RAW to go wild!


- Back at the announcers table, Michael Cole and JBL hype the announced of Shawn Michaels as RAW’s General Manager, stating that HBK seems keen to changing the direction of the show by somewhat evaluating his talent. Cole brings the fact that Rollins didn’t seemed pleased over the announcement, especially for putting in question his own rematch for the WWE Championship. JBL then changes topics and informs us that the newly reinstated Intercontinental Championship will be on the line tonight! The new champion Cesaro will be defending the gold against The Miz later on but right now it’s “The Superior Athlete” Apollo Crews against “The One Man Band” Heath Slater! Next! 


Match 1 -    VS 

Highlights

- Apollo Crews started the match with full energy, hitting Slater with a beautiful dropkick and a high risk over the top rope jump to the outside!

- "The One Man Band" finally managed to counter the motivated Apollo and delivered a surprise Russian Leg Sweep!

- Slater tried to keep the pressure on and went for his signature Missile Dropkick from the top rope but in incredible fashion, "The Superior Athlete" countered mid-air into The Apollo Landing!

 - Instead of going for the cover, Crews took the time to show appreciation to the crowd, which proved to be fatal with Heath Slater rolling up the debuting superstart for the win!


                                                          Winner: Heath Slater



- Crews can't believe it, knowing that he had the match won but perhaps displaying some inexperience here, he let his guard down long enough for the resourceful Slater to grab the opportunity and the victory! An unfortune debut for Apollo right here.



                                   

- Backstage we see the new RAW General Manager Shawn Michaels talking on the phone until Batista and Randy Orton approach. They congratulate Michaels on the new position but soon warn “The Heartbreak Kid” that they are hoping he treats them well just like Triple H would. Batista quickly tells HBK that this new era crap is all fine and dandy until they notice how no one cares for these new chumps and that ratings are falling down week by week. Orton goes on and says it’s no secret that now with the Brand Split, HBK needs to show the board what he can do and he definitely knows he needs them, the ones who actually draws viewers, to be positioned in the Main Event. Michaels stops them and lets both men know that he doesn’t need to be told what to do and he sure as hell doesn’t want or need to be compared to Triple H. He goes on about his friendship with “The Game”, saying that it won’t affect his job and they shouldn’t pull that trick on him. Still, “The Show Stopper” admits that they are right, RAW needs ratings and they need to get a head start over SmackDown Live and both of them are proven to be stars at the eyes of the fans. Despite this, HBK tells them the same thing he told Rollins earlier; everyone is being evaluated and they are no exception so that’s why tonight, Seth Rollins will face Randy Orton in the Main Event, stating that he wants to see if Orton still have what it takes to be the face of the show. As for “The Animal”, he lets him know that next week he will be involved in a Nº1 Contender Match for the Intercontinental Champion against an opponent yet to be determined and he better take the best out of this opportunity because he knows for a fact that the board of directors are not happy with him. HBK tells them both good luck and walks out while the Evolution members look at each other with a smirk. 



                                                       

- We return backstage with Renee Young, whos waiting for Apollo Crews for a quick interview. She asks what are his thoughts about his negative debut on tonight’s RAW. Apollo says it wasn’t his night but that it was just the beginning and he’s sure he will turn it around next week. Renee then asks about some of the criticism he received over the few months about not showing some personality and always smiling. Crews says he doesn’t understand why people think that and it’s up to him to change that perception and that everyone will eat those words soon enough. He then storms off and leaves Rene a bit perplexed. Coming up next, “The Celtic Warrior” Sheamus goes one-on-one against “The Real American” Jack Swagger! 

Match 2 –   VS    

Highlights

- A stiff contest that Sheamus started by controlling, hitting a nasty knee strike to the face!

- "The Celtic Warrior" kept the domination going and delivered a painful Powerslam on Swagger!

- Showing all of his amateur background, Jack Swagger counters Sheamus and hits a strong Gutwrench Slam!

- Quickly gaining momentum, "The Real American" hit an incredible Running Bulldog!

- Sheamus quickly turned things around and went for his signature Beats of the Bodhrán!

- Again turning the tables, the All-American went for a vicious German Suplex!

- Swagger then went to target the leg and hit a powerful Knee Slam!

- The Irishman got reckless and tried a Brogue Kick but it was brilliantly reversed into a Patriot Lock!

- Showing great resiliency, "The Celtic Warrior" managed to get to the ropes and surprised Swagger with a Brogue Kick! Even with a hurting leg, Sheamus managed to secure a hard fought win!


                                                                            Winner: Sheamus   



                                                         

- Once again backstage we see a very upset Seth Rollins pacing around until Renee Young goes to “The Architect” and asks what’s in his mind right now. Rollins quickly says it’s more of the same. More people trying to use their power to get things their way and that in the end, it didn’t matter that he disbanded The Authority. They are still here, in the form of Shawn Michaels. Seth goes on to say it’s a damn coincidence that it was HBK, Triple H’s best friend, to get the job and quickly targets him by putting into question his rematch clause. He calls “The Heartbreak Kid” nothing more than a puppet in Triple H hands and it seems it’s a new era everywhere else besides RAW. The same old crap, it just changes the person. The former WWE Champion then ends by saying he won’t be denied and Shawn Michaels should take what he did to “The King of Kings” and The Authority as a warning before storming off. 



- We return to the broadcast team where Michael Cole analyses Seth Rollins harsh words towards RAW’s General Manager Shawn Michaels. JBL goes on and says once again Rollins lack of respect will get him in trouble and he should know his position, especially when questioning those in charge. Cole states how he understands Seth’s frustrations considering he does have an official rematch clause for the WWE Championship and all of the sudden, he’s apparently under evaluation. Both announcers wonder what will these strong words from Rollins mean in the future and how HBK will take them. They once again hype tonight’s Main Event between “The Architect” and “The Viper” Randy Orton! Coming up next, The New Day will face the debuting Lucha Dragons in tag team action! 

Match 3 –   VS   

- After their signature introduction, the WWE Tag Team Champions await The Lucha Dragons for a couple of minutes but without anyone coming out. Suddenly, Erick Rowan appears on the stage alone, as his former Wyatt brothers are now all on SmackDown Live. He points at The New Day as they look confused until the lights go out....

- As the lights go back up, two men appear from behind and begin assaulting Kofi and Woods, while Big E is pulled to the outside by Rowan!

- They keep beating up the WWE Tag Team Champions, with Rowan hitting a devastating Big Boot into the post on Big E!

- In the ring, the two men, who appear to be former NXT superstar Eric Young and independent wrestler Tommy End, keep brutally assaulting the rest of New Day, hitting an Uppercut into a Running Neckbreaker combination on Kofi and a devastating kick to Woods! The crowd boos but it’s mostly confused about what just happened and why.....

- Back at ringside, Michael Cole and JBL discuss the events that just transpired. They wonder what happened and why did Eric Young and Tommy End attacked The New Day. JBL reminds that Erick Rowan was targeting the WWE Tag Team Champions ever since The Wyatt Family lost the titles but with his Family on SmackDown Live, one must wonder if there’s something going on between "The White Sheep" and those two. Michael Cole then informs us that Big E was taken to a local hospital after that brutal Big Boot in the ring post, apparently suffering from what it seems to be a concussion. Moving on, Cole hypes the upcoming RAW PPV Clash of Champions and informs us that Renee Young is backstage with no other than John Cena! 

                                                       

- Backstage, Renee Young is ready to interview “The Cenation Leader”, John Cena! Renee asks Cena about the brand split and his big SummerSlam match last night against AJ Styles. Cena says he’s excited about the brand split returning and admitted in missing it because it’s when people make the most of the opportunities presented to them and he loves nothing more than to see people stepping up their game and aiming for the top. He then changes the topic to SummerSlam and AJ Styles, noting how he knew Styles was a world-class performer but he got to see that first hand, giving props for the match and that Styles deserved to take that one because he was definitely the better man. He then goes to say how that’s in the past and he’s always looking at the future and the future is bright. Everything looks new and that means it’s a fresh start for everyone, including himself and that’s exactly what he will do. As Cena is ready to finish it off, Baron Corbin steps by and stares at Cena before leaving… Next, John Cena will be in action against the retuning Bo Dallas! 

Match 4 –   VS   

Highlights

- John Cena wasted no time in this bout and quickly went for a Fisherman Suplex!

- As "The Cenation Leader" was putting the pressure, Bo Dallas managed to get a reversal and hit a great Snap Suplex!

- Dallas then went for an Inverted DDT but it wasn't enough to put Cena down!

- Cena had enough and pulled one of his new tricks, a Springboard Stunner!

- "Big Match John" then put it all to rest with a tremendous AA, clearly showing that he's still "the man" in WWE!

                                                                 Winner: John Cena 

- As John Cena celebrates his victory, Corbin suddenly appears from behind and hits a powerful End of Days! He then looks down at Cena and shouts “Your time is UP!” Strong words from yet another debuting superstar! 

                                  

- We go to the locker room area where The Miz is with R-Truth. Both men say how it was an outrage Miz not winning the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam and that we now have to endure a man who can’t even speak proper English as champion. The Miz goes on and says it’s all part of the conspiracy against them and how they want to hold them back since everyone knows they are the best thing on WWE but they want to show otherwise. R-Truth comments that Little Jimmy told him it’s because of the new era crap. They talk about the new superstars that come and forget about the true MVPs of this company. The Miz says Truth is correct but that will change because he won’t be left behind anymore. He won’t be denied his rightful position as the biggest star of this show and he will step om anyone, new star or not, to accomplish his goals and that will start tonight when he becomes the new Intercontinental Champion! R-Truth ends by screaming that Cesaro is “gonna get got!" 

- We return to ringside where Michael Cole makes a big announcement! Coming directly from RAW’s General Manager Shawn Michaels, next week John Cena will face the man who attacked him tonight, “The Lone Wolf” Baron Corbin! Apparently, Cena requested the match right after the assault and HBK has made it official! JBL wonders if Corbin made a mistake by going for Cena, especially after John defeat at SummerSlam, which means “The Cenation Leader” is eager to show everyone he’s still “The Face that Runs the Place”. Despite that, JBL applauds Corbin’s courage for going after the biggest guy on the yard and making a name for himself. Michael Cole then moves on and hypes the Intercontinental Championship match! The newly crowned champion Cesaro defends against the self-proclaimed “A-Lister” The Miz, NEXT! 

                                        

Match 5 –   VS   

Highlights

- The Intercontinental Champion started off strong, hitting an impressive Powerslam!

- It was short lived as The Miz found a weakness on Cesaro's left shoulder, the same one that required surgery in the past!

- Wasting no time, "The A-Lister" continued to punish Cesaro's shoulder without mercy!

- He's not called "The Swiss Superman" for nothing! Cesaro counters a top rope move into a superb German Suplex, even with a bad shoulder!

- With adrenaline kicking in, the champion overcomes the pain on his shoulder and delivers one of his famous European Uppercuts!

- Another display of power with the Cesaro Swing!

- As Cesaro was ready to end the match, R-Truth managed to distract the referee by throwing a steel chair to the ring, leaving The Miz with an opening for the Skull Crushing Finale! Close call!

- Out of nowhere, "The Swiss Sensation" caught The Miz on The Neutralizer!!

- Before he could deliver the finishing blow, R-Truth got to the ring and delivered a Little Jimmy on Cesaro, causing a disqualification!

                              Winner by DQ and still Intercontinental Champion: Cesaro 

- As Awesome Truth continues the beatdown on the defenceless Cesaro, out comes Enzo Amore & Big Cass to a huge pop from the crowd! The energetic duo quickly rushes the ring and scares The Miz & R-Truth away, who quickly leave through the ramp while talking smack as Enzo helps Cesaro up. It seems the "The Realest Guys in the Room" are here on Monday Night RAW to make an impact! 

                                      

- We return backstage, where Renee Young is at HBK’s office door waiting for “The Show Stopper” to come out. HBK appears as Renee quickly asks him about the rumours going around that The Undertaker is returning to full-time competition on RAW. Shawn Michaels smirks and simply says “no comments”, leaving Renee wondering about the truthfulness of these rumours. 

- Back at the announcers table, Cole and JBL discuss the potential return of The Undertaker. JBL goes on to say that if there’s someone able to make such a comeback, it would be “The Deadman”. Cole reflects on the possible ramifications of seeing Undertaker in this new era, with so many young superstars eager to make a name for themselves at the expenses of veterans, just like Baron Corbin did with John Cena earlier tonight. Bradshaw notes that, just like with Cena, poking these experienced men can be really brave but really stupid as well. Time will tell if these rumours are true or not, so far there’s no confirmation from any reliable sources about this particular situation. Changing subjects, after the surprising return of Shawn Michaels to take the position as RAW’s General Manager, “The Heartbreak Kid” has been making some waves, indicating that everyone is starting from zero and there’s an evaluation going on that applies to all superstars on RAW’s roster, with the goal of improving the show in every way possible, starting with tonight’s Main Event! After a somewhat controversial decision by refusing Rollins rematch clause appeal for Reigns WWE Championship, HBK added that he wanted to personally see if Seth is worthy or not, which didn’t pleased “The Architect” one bit. Adding to this, we were just informed that Roman Reigns was given the night off but next week, “The Big Dog” will be in action! The new WWE Champion will go one-on-one against The Big Show! It’s going to be….. Wait a second.....

- Suddenly, Paul Heyman comes down to the ring, with a preoccupied look in his face as the fans boo. Heyman asks for a microphone and stutters for a moment. He quickly warns the fans not to ask about CM Punk because he’s definitely not here tonight. After the beating he took last night, Punk is currently recuperating from his injuries but he already let him know that he will be here, on Monday Night RAW, next week. Heyman then surprisingly says that might not be a good thing for anyone. Paul Heyman reminds us of what happened at last night’s SummerSlam, with the former ECW boss shockingly hitting a low blow on Lesnar and allowing CM Punk to get a huge upset. Heyman says it’s his fault. He admits it. He made a terrible mistake, perhaps the biggest mistake of his entire life and he says Lesnar has every right to be extremely upset and furious with him. But all he wanted was the damn match to end. He couldn’t handle it anymore, seeing one of his best friends getting obliterated by his client and also one of his best friends. It was unbearable, it was hard, harder than anyone can imagine. Paul Heyman states he made a decision in the heat of the moment and he wishes he could go back in time and undo it. He wishes he stayed out of this mess but he couldn’t. He only hopes that Brock can find, deep down inside him, a way to forgive him for such a disgusting act. 

- As Heyman speaks, Brock Lesnar’s theme plays as the crowd pops! Out comes a furious Lesnar, with the crowd chanting “Brock’s gonna kill you” over and over. A terrified Heyman quickly begs for forgiveness and even gets to his knees, while Brock is fuming and enraged! 

- He keeps looking down at Heyman before grabbing him and shouting “WHY PAUL?? WHY?? IT’S YOUR FAULT!” before picking Heyman on his shoulders for an F-5! The crowd goes wild! 

- Wait a second, that’s Curtis Axel! The third generation superstar and former “Paul Heyman Guy” tries a sneak attack with a chair on Lesnar, allowing Heyman to leave the ring! Axel again tries a punch but only manages to make Brock go berserk!

- “The Beast Incarnate” starts manhandling Axel, hitting a couple of powerful German Suplexes and an F-5 as Paul Heyman looks on in terror. 

- Brock screams and grabs the steel steps from outside and brings them to the ring…. Oh no! Vicious powerbomb on the steel steps! Another! Brock points at Heyman as his theme plays out. The former UFC Champion is on a rampage and Paul Heyman is his target! 



- On commentary, JBL and Cole mention how dangerous Brock is when he’s furious, with Bradshaw remind everyone how he was attacked by “The Beast” at Extreme Rules simply because Lesnar was furious. He admits he’s happy it was Axel and not him this time. Cole agrees and says it’s not the first nor the second time that Brock Lesnar endangerous everyone in the arena and that this time, Heyman escaped but it seems obvious Brock won’t stop and he doesn’t seem to be in a forgiven mood. JBL also states that, according to Heyman’s words, CM Punk will be returning to Monday Night RAW next week and there might be more chaos in order if that happens. Moving on, our Main Event is next! “The Architect” Seth Rollins faces “The Viper” Randy Orton in an Evaluation Match! 

Main Event –   VS   

- As promised, out comes RAW's General Manager Shawn Michaels to ringside to personally check on the match.

Highlights

- After some exchanges, Rollins managed the upper hand and hit a neckbreaker!

- Keeping up the pressure, "The Architect" delivered a beautiful Northern Lights Suplex!

- Finally getting some offense, Orton nailed another one of his extraordinary dropkicks!

- "The Apex Predator" slows down the pace and keeps Rollins grounded.

- Always the risk taker, "The Architect" jumps over the top rope into Orton!

- The experienced Orton managed to turn the tide of the match by pushing Rollins head first against the ring post!

- "The Viper" sends Rollins back into the ring and stalks for the RKO! But in a great display of athleticism, the former WWE Champion counters it into a super kick! Incredible sequence!

- With Randy still struggling to regain his focus, "The Architect" sets up his Diving High Knee but Orton shows great ring presence kicking the ropes and nailing a nasty Spike DDT!

- Out of nowhere, Dolph Ziggler rushes to the ring and begins assaulting Orton! "The Show Off" is back!


                                                       Winner by DQ: Randy Orton

- Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler continue their brawling on the ramp, hitting each other with several strong shots as the crowd cheer! "The Show Off" has been out for months due to Orton's punt kick and he's apparently back with some revenge in mind! They keeping fighting and eventually enter the backstage area.... 

- Wait a second! WHAT?!! Shawn Michaels just hit Sweet Chin Music on Rollins! The crowd looks shocked and are not sure if they are supposed to cheer or boo. RAW’s General Manager looks down on the fallen Rollins and says “Don’t you ever disrespect me again….” What a way to end Monday Night RAW! Thank you everyone for tuning in!