WWE Raw live results: Fallout from Payback
The Big Takeaway: The Miz became the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship by winning a three-way match over Finn Balor and Seth Rollins. It was a great main event. Looks like many of the programs from Pay Back will continue for a while longer. Samoa Joe interfered in the main event, attacking Rollins and warned that they weren’t done. Wyatt also interfered, going after Balor in a program that’s been teased since the day after WrestleMania. Neither Roman Reigns or Braun Strowman appeared on the show. Both were selling their respective injuries suffered during the Pay Back main event. New Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss pinned Bayley again in the eight-woman tag team opener.
Bayley, Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, Emma, Alicia Fox, Dana Brooke and Mickie James were in the ring as Alexa Bliss came out for her coronation as new Raw Women’s Champion. They had plenty of close-ups of Bayley looking ashamed of losing the championship in her hometown last night. Bliss, with a Olympic-style medal podium behind her, said the Queen is dead, “Long Live Alexa Bliss, the one and only goddess of WWE.” She talked about how she deserved a proper coronation, not just being given the champion after winning by the referee. She thanked James, then poked fun of her age. She said James’ contemporaries were Mae Young and the Fabulous Moolah. She thanked Banks, who Banks claimed didn’t know who Bliss was last night. Bliss said Banks can call her “the one who pinned you to get to where I’m at.” Jax lurked behind Bliss, who kissed up to Jax. Bliss simply said she looked forward to tagging with Jax.
Bliss stood on top of a podium when she noticed Bayley, who got heavy chants. Bliss said if it wasn’t for Bayley, who else would she beat for the championship. Bliss said she was surprised to see Bayley’s entire family at ringside last night. Bliss said when the referee raised her hand, she saw Bayley’s nephews crying, bawling their eyes out. It was a moment that almost took awawy from Bliss’ moment. Bliss said that now, Bayley’s family has a real role model to look up to, referring to herself as she held up the belt. Bayley turned over the podium and a huge brawl erupted as they went to a commercial. This led to an eight-woman tag. Sheamus and Cesaro are now heels feuding with the Hardy Boyz.
Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Alicia Fox and Emma defeated Bayley, Sasha Banks, Mickie James and Dana Brooke (13:53)
Bliss kept herself out of the ring as much as possible. After Banks got the heat, Bayley got the hot tag and unloaded on Bliss. Bayley hit a back suplex, but Jax made the save. James gave Jax a plancha and the match broke down. Banks and Fox swung wild punches against each other. Bayley picked up Bliss for a slam, but Bliss raked Bayley’s eyes, then pinned Bayley with a DDT. Michael Cole claimed the referee didn’t see Bliss’ rake of the eyes because his view was obstructed. The replayed showed he was looking right at the whole thing.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass came out. Amore said they were tired from giving Big Al and Andy a beating last night. As Cass as about to do his catchphrase, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows came out of the crowd and jumped the faces.
Luke Gallows defeated Enzo Amore (5:46)
Amore sold his left arm the whole way, with Gallows delivering an Anaconda Vice as a rest hold as well as Divorce Court. Enzo hit his DDT off the second rope. Amore hit the field goal, which is Randy Orton’s punt. Gallows barely sold it before going for a suplex, which Enzo turned into a small package. Enzo went to the top rope, where Anderson distracted him. Gallows pinned Enzo with a Fireman’s Carry Flapjack.
Neville talked with T.J. Perkins backstage. Perkins talked about Austin Aries nearly making Neville tap out last night before Neville grabbed the referee for the DQ. Neville told Perkins to tread carefully. Neville said he’ll give Perkins a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship down the line if he makes the most of his opportunities. But he said Perkins has to prove himself, starting with his match against Aries tonight.
Rollins came out after his win over Joe. He said it was the first time in a long time he’s felt really good. Rollins said he’s been on a roller coaster the past six months, and the fans have been with him the entire way. Rollins said he’s felt the times where he’s belt low and wanted to crawl in a hole and cover it, but that’s not the way to move forward. He looked in a mirror and realized he’s still Seth Freakin’ Rollins. At WrestleMania, he slayed the King, and last night he got revenge against Joe. Now, there’s one thing left to do. “I want the Beast.” Crowd chanted “Yes” at a potential match with Brock Lesnar. He said he’s been to Suplex City, and he’s not afraid to go back.
Balor came out and said they’ve been on the same page lately. Balor said Rollins earned his respect by being the one-legged man who won at WrestleMania, but he was the one-armed man who became the first Universal Champion. Balor asked Rollins if he remembered that Balor had one-armed hanging from Balor’s body and he still beat Rollins. So when it comes to facing Lesnar, the line starts behind Balor.
Dean Ambrose came out and said Lesnar doesn’t fight all that often. He said Raw should be about fighting champions and the Intercontinental Championship was the number one championship on Raw and hinted he wanted to fight Balor and Rollins. This brought out Miz and Maryse. Miz said Rollins and Balor haven’t earned anything and Ambrose was an embarrassment as a champion. Miz said he deserved to be the Intercontinental Championship because he made it relevant again. Balor said Miz had just become the latest member of the “Finn Balor Kicked my Ass Club.” Miz said Balor cheap shotted him and he was a coward. Miz said when he was Intercontinental Champion, he defended it nightly, but Ambrose didn’t even defend it at Pay Back. Miz said Rollins now hobbles around on one leg. Rollins said he could still run laps around Miz.
Miz said he was the biggest threat on Monday Night Raw. Ambrose, Rollins and Balor told Miz to shut up in unison. Ambrose said there were two things for certain: he would defend the Intercontinental Championship and everyone wants to see the Miz beaten up. Ambrose asked the fans if they wanted to see Balor beat up the Miz, then asked if anyone wanted to see Rollins beat up the Miz. Ambrose pulled out his cell phone and allegedly called Kurt Angle in the ring. Ambrose said Angle ordered the Miz vs. Balor vs. Rollins in a Triple Threat match with the winner becoming #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship.
Cole gave an update on Kalisto, who is recovering from “hip and cervical trauma” after Strowman threw the dumpster he was in off the ramp last week.
Jack Gallagher, Rich Swann and Akira Tozawa defeated Noam Dar, Brian Kendrick and Tony Nese (10:35)
Crowd grew into the match after a cold opening. Jack Gallagher had William the Third umbrellas for Akira Tozawa and Swann. Tozawa delivered a stiff scissor kick to Brian Kendrick, and Swann, Gallagher and Tozawa backdropped Tony Nese onto Noam Dar and Kendrick outside the ring. Swann got the hot tag from Tozawa and landed on Kendrick’s face with a somersault legdrop. Gallagher tagged Swann and nailed Nese with a head butt. Gallagher appeared shaken up, and Kendrick put Gallagher in the Captain’s Hook, but Swann made the save. Tozawa and Swann delievered stereo topes on Nese and Dar. In the ring, Gallagher pinned Kendrick following the Gentleman’s Dropkick.
They aired the spot from the Hardy Boyz vs. Sheamus & Cesaro match where Sheamus’ stiff kick knocked a tooth out of Jeff Hardy’s mouth. Cesaro and Sheamus were backstage. Cesaro is no longer adorned in a three-piece suit. Instead, he’s wearing matching black leather jackets with Sheamus, both total heels. Sheamus said he felt set free. He’s been living in a fog of delusion, he’s never really liked any of the fans because they’ve always treated him like a red-headed step child. Sheamus said Cesaro had his Cesaro-section, and he believed that they would propel them to success they had never realized. Sheamus believed him until WrestleMania, when the Hardy Boyz stole their moment. Crowd chanted “delete.”
Cesaro said people felt a rush of nostalgia, just like every time some shiny new trinket shows up. Fans would rather live in the past instead of paying attention with what’s right in front of you. Cesaro said he and Sheamus proved the Hardys are a nostalgia act that don’t belong in the same ring with the Swiss Superman. Sheamus said “that was the tooth of it.” This is the WWE that belongs to Sheamus and Cesaro. Cesaro vowed to win back the Raw Tag Team Championship because they don’t just set the bar, they are the bar.
Hardys came out with Matt flashing his Broken smile. Matt thanked them for the explanation and said he couldn’t understand they believe those asinine absurdities. They wanted to respond to Cesaro and Sheamus with one word. They didn’t say the word, but made the “Delete” motion with their arms while the crowd said it for them. Hardys rushed the ring, but Cesaro and Sheamus bailed before anything happened.
Miz and Maryse did an interview with Charly Caruso. Miz said Rollins cost Balor eight months of his career. Balor had to relinquish the Universal Championship because of Ambrose. Miz looked off to the side, and when he turned his head to the right, it was Ambrose holding the microphone instead of Caruso. Ambrose asked Miz if the hair gel he wears ever gets in his eyes when he wrestles. Miz and Maryse walked off, and Ambrose threw it back to “Gene and Bobby back at ringside.”
In footage from earlier. Heath Slater and Apollo Crews talked backstage. Crews is about to become a father and joked with Slater about having seven kids. Titus O’Neal walked in upset at Crews that “he was talking to the enemy” and when Crews wants advice, Crews should come to him.
Apollo Crews defeated Heath Slater (3:35)
O’Neal was in Crews’ corner, Rhyno in Slater’s. Crowd chanted “He has kids” supporting Slater. Crews won a face vs. face match with the Spinning power bomb. Crews and O’Neal did a selfie afterwards that Rhyno photobombed.
Angle came out and said the match with Reigns and Strowman at Pay Back had to be the most physical match he’s ever seen. Reigns suffered rib injuries and other internal injuries. Strowman suffered a torn rotator cuff. They made it clear they aren’t done with each other. Angle has consulted with other WWE officials on how to handle this situation. Just then, Bray Wyatt’s video flash by and he came out.
Wyatt told Angle they’ve never been properly introduced and he introduced himself. They shook hands. Wyatt said he understood Angle’s apprehension but he means Angle no harm, at least not yet. He was here as a savior. Wyatt said he closed the chapter of Randy Orton last night. Wyatt said Orton will forever be trapped in his House of Horrors as he pays for his sins. Now, Wyatt has written something new on Raw, he is reborn, rising from the hell of his own creation with burnt wings. Wyatt hears the cries of salvation, he knows what ails each and every one of the fans. He can fix all of them. Wyatt said the cure is in his mind, his soul and his hands. Angle needs Wyatt. Wyatt wanted to know if Angle was going to allow him to do his work, is Angle going to walk by his side or stand in Wyatt’s way?
Angle said he doesn’t know what Wyatt has planned, but Wyatt should remember this is his show. Wyatt laughed and said that Angle should understand that this is his world. They cut to a break.
Ambrose kept interviewing people backstage, this time sneaking up on Rollins. Ambrose claimed the WWE Network is thinking about giving him his own show and thought up some potential names, such as “The Today Show,” “The Daily Show.” Rollins mentioned those were already taken and he has already appeared on one of them. Ambrose asked Rollins if he wins tonight, does he have what it takes to beat Ambrose. Rollins said he’s already beaten Ambrose. That led Ambrose to respond that that was two years ago. Rollins said he’s learned some new tricks since then. Ambrose said Rollins can’t fool him twice, then threw it back to “Gorilla.” Cole said “Thanks, Sean Mooney.”
Austin Aries defeated T.J. Perkins via tapout (11:18)
Perkins was constantly referred to as “TJP.” After a missile dropkick, Aries went for the Last Chancery. TJP crotched Aries, whose left knee was hung up on the top rope. TJP worked on the leg with a butterfly lock. For some reason, Booker T congratulated Cole on his victory over Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler in a Country Whippin Match. They didn’t mention Cole’s partner was Jack Swagger. TJP put a half crab on Aries left leg while standing on the top rope. TJP tried to crotch Aries against the post, but Aries pulled his legs in and TJP went into the post face first. Aries hit a elbow suicidia. Aries, still selling his leg, hit a gut buster, STO combo into a Pendulum elbow. Aries caught an elbow off the second rope to TJP’s neck for a two cunt. TJP missed a roundhouse kick, and Aries hit a shinbreaker into a back suplex. Aries went for the Discus Fivearm, but TJP kicked his leg. TJP went for the Detonation Kick, but Aries countered into the Last Chancery for the tap.
Postmatch, TJP dropkicked Aries leg, then locked in a heel hook until the referee forced him to stop. TJP got some heat.
Balor was interviewed by Ambrose, who asked if he was nervous. Balor said he eats nervousness and produces results. Ambrose handed Balor a donut to prove he has a vein. Balor took a bite of the donut, gave it back to Ambrose and walked off. As Ambrose stood with the donut, the Drifter walked through playing his guitar again. Ambrose asked if he knew any Pearl Jam.
Goldust and R-Truth talked with Angle backstage. Goldust said he had an idea for a movie that would be bigger than “Baywatch” or “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” It would be a Shattered Dreams production called The Golden Quest. R-Truth said he could see it. Truth then asked Angle for a championship match against the Hardy Boyz. Angle said their win-loss record isn’t good enough. Goldust said he understood, but since Angle returned, he’s lit a fire under them. They just want a chance to prove they can be great again. Angle said a tag team turmoil match would be held next week with the winner becoming the #1 contender for the Raw Tag Team Titles.
The Miz pinned Finn Balor to become the #1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship in a three-way match that also included Seth Rollins (22:25)
Miz left the ring at the opening bell, encouraging Balor and Rollins to face off one-on-one. After a couple of minutes of this, Balor and Rollins surrounded Miz, who did some Larry Zbyszko stall tactics. Rollins climbed the top rope, but Miz threw him off and Rollins landed against the dasherboards. During a commercial, the three men all clotheslined each other. Rollins attempted a springboard crossbody on Balor, but he was off-balance. Instead of hitting Balor with his torso, he hit him with his knees. Rollins almost landed on his head, and Corey Graves freaked out on commentary. Miz had to go on offense for a few minutes while Balor rested outside the ring.
Balor got the upperhand when he threw Miz into Rollins, then dropkicked Rollins, who gave Miz an accidental DDT. Balor kicked Miz off the top rope, then clotheslined Rollins to the floor. Balor gave Miz a soccer kick to the face, then ran around ringside with a dropkick to Rollins. Balor gave Rollins the 1916, but Miz made the save. Balor hit the Sling Blade on Rollins, but Miz grabbed Balor by the legs and crotched him against the post. Miz caught Rollins with a dropkick to the knee and a DDT for a good near fall. Miz put Rollins in the Figure Four leglock, but Balor kicked Miz across the face to break it up, then covered Miz for two. “This is awesome” chants. Rollins absorbed a Pele kick from Balor and nailed a superkick on Balor for another near fall. Rollins, selling his right knee, gave Miz a Downward Spiral into the corner, and hit both Balor and Miz with a blockbuster. Rollins landed a frog splash on Balor for a great false finish. Rollins got some serious height on the splash.
Great sequence where Rollins teased his new Rainmaker finisher on Balor, but Miz climbed the top rope from behind. Rollins knew that Miz was coming, so he threw Balor out of the ring, crotched Miz, gave him a Superkick, and rolled into a Falcon Arrow, but Miz kicked out. Fans were stunned by that one and went wild. Rollins went nuts, giving Balor and Miz topes on opposite sides of the ring. As Rollins got up, Joe showed up and planted Rollins with a uranage outside the ring. Joe screamed at Rollins that they weren’t done yet.
As Miz watched in wonder at Joe, Balor hit several dropkicks on Miz. He was setting up for the Coup de Grace when Wyatt showed up and pushed him off the top rope. Wyatt gave Balor Sister Abigail, then vanished. Miz pinned a motionless Balor to conclude among the best Raw matches of the year.