WWE is celebrating a new episode of Monday Night Raw tonight, this time number 1,728, from the All State Arena in Chicago, Illinois. The red brand show will continue paving the way towards SummerSlam and will be broadcast live on Netflix. Solowrestling will bring you the results in this news as every week.
Tonight's episode will feature several matches and segments of interest, including three title defenses. Highlighting a clash between Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. In addition, Sol Ruca will defend the Women's Intercontinental Championship against Raquel Rodriguez. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happened on the show.
WWE Raw begins on Netflix!
We see a video recap of the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn with the Undisputed WWE Championship at stake.
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists at the venue: Oba Femi, The Judgment Day in full, The Street Profits, and Sami Zayn.
Cody Rhodes greets Zayn at the venue entrance. The Canadian believes he knows what Cody is thinking. "'There's no way Sami can hold onto the WWE Championship'. You're going to crash and burn, and the 'Golden Boy' will be champion again, right?", says Sami. "I'm telling you now, Cody. That's not going to happen. I'm going to leave Chicago still as WWE Champion," replies Rhodes. "We'll see, right?", Sami responds before leaving.
Suddenly, Gunther appears out of nowhere to attack Rhodes. "The Ring General" delivers a powerbomb to Cody on a catering table, which ends up shattered. Several referees appear on the scene to separate the Austrian from his victim. Gunther approaches Zayn. "You're welcome, Sami," he says. "Cody is no longer your problem. Now I am. And you better know that I think you're a disgrace. You're a champion by chance. To begin with, you should never have won the title. Sami, I'm coming for you. And when I do...", says Gunther before kicking the door of the Canadian's car. Rhodes, who was trying to get up, receives the impact of the door on his head. Rhodes is left lying on the ground with blood coming from his ear. Several officials take the Austrian away from the scene as the segment comes to an end.
Seth Rollins is the one to open tonight's show. The fans welcome him with a great ovation. "The Visionary" heads to the ring, where he delights in the chants of the audience. Seth welcomes them to "Monday Night Rollins" before mentioning how much he likes the city of Chicago. "CM Punk! CM Punk!", chant the fans. Seth can't help but smile. Rollins understands the audience's reaction. After all, CM Punk is the local hero. However, he must confess something to them: CM Punk doesn't matter to him at the moment. The only thing that matters to him is to regain the world title he never lost and defeat Roman Reigns. "My goal is to remain the owner of Roman Reigns," he says. "OTC, OTC!", chant the fans. Seth informs them that the Samoan is not here tonight. "Roman Reigns didn't come here tonight because, A, he thought there was nothing for him here, or B, the check wasn't big enough," he says.
Rollins recalls that The Shield started with three members. However, only one of them was chosen as "the chosen one" from the beginning. And it didn't matter that that man was the least talented, or the one who showed the least confidence on the microphone, because the company wasn't going to change its mind about it. Rollins admits that decision infuriated him. He never agreed with it, but he couldn't do anything about it. Seth looks at the younger fans in the venue, pointing out that at his age, he already had a very clear dream: to walk down that entrance ramp, address the audience from the center of the ring, and, of course, compete in the main event at WrestleMania and be the biggest superstar in the business. "Those were my dreams, and seeing them handed to someone else broke something inside me," he says. And that was the reason he destroyed The Shield. The same reason that led him to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 31. Because that way he could be close to the Samoan.
Despite everything, Seth still believes that hard work and dedication can lead you to achieve those dreams, which leads him to think that both he and Reigns are running the same race. Rollins recalls some recent statements by "The OTC", who proudly admitted that he had worked ten times less than Seth, but achieving ten times more than "The Visionary". However, he believes that Reigns still doesn't get it. Because unlike the Samoan, he doesn't do this to amass a fortune. The work itself is his reward. And that's how both men arrive at SummerSlam. "Reigns needs to beat Seth to prove something to the world and to himself: that he hasn't been a fraud for the past fifteen years," Rollins, on the other hand, also needs the victory at the biggest event of the summer, because only that way can he prove that working hard and sacrificing can still lead to greatness.
LA Knight interrupts the segment!
"The Megastar" heads to the ring to face off with Seth. LA Knight points out that he couldn't stay backstage. And that's because, the story of Seth and Roman bores him to death. Last week, "The Visionary" came out to confront Reigns, but they just talked. And so, out of nowhere, Seth got a title shot. Why? Nostalgia? Because Roman and Seth are the greatest? "The greatest at what?", LA Knight asks. The fans applaud "The Megastar". However, he can't deny Rollins' talent, nor his long list of achievements. Nevertheless, he wants to remind everyone that when this business reached its peak, the most acclaimed by the public were not Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns, but Cody Rhodes and LA Knight. The latter recalls how he was rising when Rollins and The Vision decided to crush him. Despite that, his goal hasn't changed, and this time Seth won't be able to stop him from continuing to rise, because he MUST do it. "¡LA Knight, LA Knight!", chant the fans.
Rollins acknowledges that he doesn't like LA Knight. However, he respects him because he is the perfect example of a hard worker who never gives up. However, now he doesn't have time to worry about him, because he has a title to regain at SummerSlam. One he never lost to begin with. "When I regain that title, if you want to stand in front of me again, you can be the first person I bury," says "The Visionary" before throwing the mic on the mat. Rollins leaves back to the backstage under the watchful eye of LA Knight. Suddenly, Jimmy Uso appears behind "The Megastar" to surprise him with a superkick. The Samoan leaves through the crowd area to end the segment.
Adam Pearce and two security members accompany Gunther towards the exit of the venue. Furious, Pearce reminds the Austrian that his presence tonight had a purpose: to meet with Nick Aldis, not to kick anyone. Aldis appears on the scene to confront "The Ring General". "You know what, Nick? We all know that you failed as a wrestler. Now you're failing as a General Manager," says Gunther before being escorted out of the building. Pearce asks Aldis if he's trying to get fired from the company. Nick points out that his goal is to look out for SmackDown's interests, especially now that Raw's General Manager has messed up tonight's main event. "Save it. The industry is bigger than your ego, and your ego is the reason we've come to this," says Adam. "Don't talk to me about ego, 'Mr. Both Shows', because you're doing pretty badly, right? Because Cody has been attacked and could be seriously injured, and it's your fault, 'Mr. Both Shows'," says Aldis before leaving.
Jackie Redmond interviews The Vision (Bron Breakker, Austin Theory, and Logan Paul) in the Gorilla Position when Paul Heyman appears on the scene. Heyman reprimands his colleagues for their recent failures. Bron lost to Seth Rollins at Night of Champions, while Theory couldn't even finish off Joe Hendry. "Tag Team Championships. Street Profits. Come back with something worthy of your Wiseman, or don't come back to me at all," says Heyman before leaving. The Vision heads to the ring.
Tag Team Match
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) (c) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Austin Theory) (with Logan Paul)
Montez and Bron start the match. Breakker charges with Ford to his corner, where he tags in Theory. He applies a backbreaker to Montez for Breakker to finish him off with a standing moonsault. Austin covers him. 1..2..NO. Ford uses his agility to take down Theory with a dropkick. Montez tags in Angelo. Both combine against Austin.
Bron receives the tag, only to receive the impact of a dropkick from Dawkins. Theory distracts Angelo, allowing a recovered Bron to take him down with a well-loaded clothesline. Breakker and Theory take turns punishing Dawkins. Austin taunts Ford so the referee has to intervene. This way, the challengers can launch an illegal two-on-one assault on Angelo.
Breakker traps Dawkins in a Steiner Recliner. The champion manages to free himself, but is immediately taken down with a body drop. The Vision combines against Angelo again. He surprises Theory with a suplex. As a result, both men are left lying on the mat. Austin and Dawkins crawl to their respective corners to tag in their partners. Montez unleashes a flurry of attacks on Bron before crushing him with a diving crossbody. 1..2..NO.
Breakker recovers to perform a bodyslam on Ford. After that, he tags in Theory. The Street Profits regain control of the match. Angelo and Montez combine to perform a Doomsday Blockbuster on Austin. 1..2..NO. Bron interrupts the count. Breakker throws Montez out of the ring, only to be surprised by Angelo. He takes down Austin, and both are left lying on the mat. Logan Paul takes advantage of the situation to approach the apron.
"The Maverick" calls Theory, whom he tries to hand a golden brass knuckles. However, the referee notices it and confiscates the weapon. While the referee hands the brass knuckles to one of the WWE staff at ringside, Paul heads towards Bron to hand him another one. Breakker puts on the weapon on his fist, ready to use it against Dawkins, but he knocks him out with a right hook. Meanwhile, the referee argues with Logan in the apron area.
Bron ends up at ringside, where he soon receives the impact of a tope from Montez. Both are left lying on the ground. Angelo picks up the brass knuckles from the ground with the intention of using them to his advantage. Paul tries to warn the referee, but he keeps insisting that he get off the apron. Dawkins approaches Austin, who backs away to one of the corners. Suddenly, Maxxine Dupri appears out of nowhere to apply a low blow to Angelo, who is left lying on the mat. Theory covers Dawkins. 1..2..3.
Winners and NEW World Tag Team Champions: THE VISION
Maxxine jumps into Austin's arms. Both embrace in a kiss before celebrating with the rest of the faction.
Cody Rhodes is attended to by the WWE medical team. Adam Pearce approaches the place to inquire about Rhodes' condition. The doctor indicates that more tests still need to be done before determining if the wrestler can compete tonight. Cody makes it clear that he is fine. Pearce understands how he feels, but both will have to follow the doctor's orders. He takes Rhodes away for further tests, thus ending the segment.
Byron Saxton interviews Joe Hendry in the crowd area. The Scotsman says there are three things in life that are inevitable: death, taxes, and the fact that The Vision will always do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Saxton asks Hendry when he expects to wear championship gold on the main roster. Joe boasts that his song "Can We Fire Logan Paul?" has made its way into "The Maverick's" subconscious, to the point where he wakes up in a cold sweat dreaming about it. However, Joe didn't come to WWE Raw just to sing. He has been a champion everywhere he has worked, including TNA Wrestling and NXT. And now he wants more. Hendry sets his sights directly on the Intercontinental Championship. Joe knows many people will think it's an impossible goal, but he believes he can do it. Everyone believes he can do it, and whoever the champion is when the time comes, they'll have no choice but to hear the words, "We Believe."
The Vision celebrate their victory backstage. Paul Heyman approaches them to congratulate them. However, he makes it clear that tonight they have only taken the first step. "Wait. I've been too harsh. At least one of you accomplished something tonight," he says. Austin Theory thanks him for his words. "I was talking to her," Heyman replies as he points at Maxxine Dupri. "The Wiseman" then walks away. Meanwhile, Breakker, Theory, Logan, and Maxxine get into their vehicle to continue celebrating outside the arena. At that moment, Otis and Akira Tozawa appear to watch their teammate leave with the faction.
Liv Morgan hypes up Raquel Rodriguez inside The Judgment Day clubhouse. Liv says the faction has all the momentum in the world after what happened last week. Not only did they take care of IYO SKY, but they also taught Danhausen a lesson, and Raquel earned an opportunity at the Women's Intercontinental Championship. "So tonight, we'll do everything in our power to make sure you leave Chicago as our new Women's Intercontinental Champion," says Morgan. "Tonight, I won't let this opportunity slip through my fingers. Tonight, I'm taking that title right off Sol Ruca's waist. Tonight, that championship will be mine!" Rodriguez exclaims before heading to the ring.
Jackie Redmond interviews Penta backstage. The masked star is excited about next week's Gauntlet Match, which will determine the next challenger for the Intercontinental Championship. Penta mentions several possible opponents before being interrupted by Ethan Page and Rusev. "All Ego" boasts that he's the reason Rey Mysterio can't be on that list. Dragon Lee appears to defend the masked legend, with Penta quickly taking Lee's side. The tension continues to rise until Chad Gable arrives. "Is there a problem here?" Chad asks as he gets face-to-face with Rusev. Lee and Page quickly step in to prevent a fight. However, "All Ego" has an idea. Ethan suggests that he and Rusev go find Adam Pearce to secure a tag team match for later tonight. Page also invites Penta to sit back and enjoy the show. Ethan and Rusev leave the area. Meanwhile, Penta asks Lee and Gable for one favor: face their enemies with "zero fear." The three men tap fingers to bring the segment to an end.
Women's Intercontinental Championship Match
Sol Ruca (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
The two women lock up to start the match. Rodriguez showcases her superior strength while Sol displays her incredible athleticism. Raquel catches the champion and drives her into one of the turnbuckles. Rodriguez unleashes a barrage of elbow strikes on Ruca. Sol manages to send the Texan to the outside. The champion kicks Rodriguez from the apron before launching herself with a tornillo. Sol brings her opponent back into the ring and goes for the cover. 1...2...NO.
Rodriguez recovers and levels her opponent with a thunderous clothesline. 1...2...NO. Raquel punishes Ruca against the ropes. The Texan sends Sol crashing into the corner before crushing her with a corner splash. Rodriguez follows up with a powerslam. Raquel hits the move again. "Get up!" she yells as she kicks the champion. Rodriguez lands several elbow strikes on Ruca before trapping her in a painful submission hold.
Raquel takes Ruca down before following up with an elbow drop. 1...2...NO. Rodriguez traps Sol in a Torture Rack. Raquel hurls Ruca into one of the turnbuckles, where she drives several corner spears into her. Sol avoids one of the charges and counters with a sunset flip. Ruca connects with a springboard crossbody. 1...2...NO. Sol and Rodriguez trade strikes in the center of the ring. Ruca drops the Texan with a Missile Dropkick before following up with a Shining Wizard. 1...2...NO.
Rodriguez avoids a springboard 450 splash and answers with a big boot. 1...2...NO. Roxanne Perez appears at ringside. Sol blocks a Texana Bomb by sending her opponent crashing into the turnbuckles. Ruca charges at Raquel, looking to finish her with a Sol Snatcher, but Perez climbs onto the apron to distract the referee. Liv Morgan suddenly appears and grabs Sol's legs. Raquel takes advantage by flooring the champion before planting her with a spinning slam. 1...2...NO.
IYO SKY rushes to ringside to take care of Liv and Roxanne. "The Genius of the Sky" launches herself off the crowd barricade with a diving crossbody onto Perez. She then knocks Morgan out with a superkick. SKY climbs onto the apron. Rodriguez tries to strike her, but IYO evades the attack and wipes out Liv and Roxy with an Asai Moonsault. Ruca capitalizes by catching Raquel with a Sol Snatcher. 1...2...3.
Winner and STILL Women's Intercontinental Champion: Sol Ruca
Byron Saxton interviews Je'Von Evans on the entrance ramp. Evans admits that after his loss in the King of the Ring tournament semifinals, he felt he wasn't ready to appear on WWE Raw. That's when he received a call from Adam Pearce informing him that he would compete in the Gauntlet Match to determine the next challenger for the Intercontinental Championship. Je'Von admits that maybe he wasn't ready to win the King of the Ring tournament, but he proved he could go toe-to-toe with talents like Jey Uso and Seth Rollins. That's why he can promise that next week he'll defeat whoever stands across the ring from him. With that said, he addresses Penta directly, assuring him that he'll be his opponent at SummerSlam, where Penta will have to hear the words, "And new Intercontinental Champion..."
Paul Heyman makes his way to the ring. Heyman introduces himself as the "Advocate" for the greatest combat sports athlete in history, Brock Lesnar. And that's exactly why he's here tonight. Paul says that Oba Femi arrived in WWE acting like he owned the place. But he doesn't. "The Ruler" walks down the entrance ramp like a king... until Lesnar kicked him right in his "little Femis." The Nigerian undoubtedly felt the pain shoot upward while his voice got just a little higher. But that's nothing compared to what will happen to him at SummerSlam. "Oba Femi has inspired Brock Lesnar. Oba Femi has unleashed The Beast inside Brock Lesnar. Oba Femi has motivated Brock Lesnar. Oba Femi made the biggest mistake of his life by accepting Brock Lesnar's challenge. You're not walking out of Hell in a Cell, Oba. Not a chance. Brock Lesnar will destroy Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell," he says. Paul tosses the microphone onto the canvas, seemingly bringing his promo to an end. But before he can leave...
Oba Femi makes his entrance!
"Ooooooooooooooba, Ooooooooooooooba!" the fans chant as "The Ruler" makes his way to the ring. Heyman remains motionless in one of the corners. Oba knows Paul loves to talk. And that's exactly why he's here tonight. "Let me give you a face to talk to," says the Nigerian. Heyman describes himself as a valuable man because he gives good advice and keeps people from making bad decisions. And Femi undoubtedly made a very bad decision last week. Even so, Paul has to give him credit for what he accomplished at WrestleMania. "You proved to the entire world that Brock Lesnar can be beaten," he says. "Then, in Italy, Brock Lesnar proved that Oba Femi can be beaten too. So now we come to the trilogy match, and we have to find out which one of you will remain the unbeatable superstar, don't we?" says Paul. That match will take place inside Hell in a Cell. And Oba won't be facing just any opponent. He'll be standing across the ring from a man who has defeated The Undertaker inside Hell in a Cell twice. "You didn't accept a challenge to step inside a Cell. That Cell is the Brocktagon. And inside that Brocktagon, Brock Lesnar is The Bringer of Pain. He's the beast you cannot conquer. He's the mountain that you, Oba Femi, cannot climb. Only one man will walk out of SummerSlam. Only one man will walk out of Hell in a Cell with his reputation intact as WWE's true unbeatable superstar. And that man isn't a man at all. He's a beast, and his name is BROCK LESNAR. And the man who can be beaten will be... Oba Femi," Heyman says before tossing the microphone onto the canvas.
"The Ruler" believes Brock's appearance last week made one thing perfectly clear. "The Beast" was fully aware of everything the Nigerian had said about him over the past few weeks. Words that undoubtedly got under Lesnar's skin. Which means that, no matter how much he denies it, Brock really does watch WWE Raw. Heyman, meanwhile, can spend all day listing his client's accomplishments, but the truth is that none of the men he's mentioned are Oba Femi. And that's why "The Wiseman" is here tonight: to do damage control, because deep down he's afraid. Paul fears that SummerSlam could be the final chapter of Brock Lesnar's story. "This is the final chapter! This is where the book ends! This is Oba Femi versus Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell! And what bigger stage could there be than SummerSlam in Minneapolis, Minnesota? In front of his friends, in front of his family, in front of his wife. I'll beat him in front of his children! Because only one thing has stood between Destiny and me. Between Salvation and me. And now I've learned a valuable lesson: you have to go through Hell to get to Heaven. So tell your client I'll see him in Hell," Femi says, bringing his promo to a close. Heyman cautiously exits the ring as Femi's entrance theme echoes throughout the arena.
Jackie Redmond interviews Sami Zayn backstage. Redmond informs the Canadian that Cody Rhodes will not be able to compete tonight. Zayn can't hide his relief, though he makes it clear he's not happy about the situation. In fact, he was ready to face WWE's self-proclaimed "quarterback." At that moment, Adam Pearce appears to inform Sami that he will still be defending his championship. He promised the fans in Chicago a title match, and that's exactly what they're going to get. The General Manager advises Sami to get ready for the main event. "Sami, it's official," Adam says before walking away.
Tag Team Match
Ethan Page and Rusev vs. Dragon Lee and Chad Gable
Ethan and Rusev attack their opponents the moment they step into the ring. The referee calls for the bell. Ethan sends Chad to the outside while Rusev kicks Lee. The latter two officially start the match. Page and Rusev take turns punishing Dragon. The Bulgarian connects with two consecutive suplexes on Lee. Dragon escapes his opponents and tags in Chad, who comes in throwing suplexes left and right. Rusev and Page retreat to ringside while their opponents prepare another attack. Gable delivers a belly-to-belly suplex to his own partner, launching him onto their opponents.
The action continues in the ring with Chad and Rusev. The Bulgarian catches his opponent with a suplex before tagging in his partner. Together they hit a double-team suplex on Gable. "All Ego" locks Chad in a headlock. Rusev tags back in and unloads with a series of corner spears. Rusev chokes Chad against the ropes, forcing the referee to intervene. Ethan takes advantage of the distraction to land an illegal cheap shot on Gable.
Rusev strikes Dragon in his own corner before returning to Chad, whom he drops with a Fallaway Slam. "Bangaranga!" he shouts into the camera. Rusev continues to wear Gable down. Chad suddenly catches the Bulgarian with a DDT. Both men collapse to the mat. Chad and Rusev crawl toward their respective corners and tag in their partners. Lee comes in on fire, taking the fight to both opponents at once. Dragon plants Ethan with a tornado DDT before trapping him in the corner and crushing him with a double foot stomp. 1...2...NO. Rusev breaks up the count.
Gable prevents Dragon from being hit by a double-team suplex. Chad strikes Rusev before planting Page with an Olympic Slam. Rusev catches Chad off guard with a Machka Kick. Dragon then surprises Rusev with a German suplex. Lee kicks the Bulgarian before climbing to the top turnbuckle. The Mexican dives at Rusev, but the Bulgarian catches him in midair and counters with an uranage. Rusev follows up with a Machka Kick before locking in the Accolade. Lee has no choice but to tap out.
Winners by submission: Ethan Page and Rusev
Rusev refuses to release Dragon, forcing Gable to rush in and save his partner. Chad attempts a German suplex on the Bulgarian, but Ethan stops him with a blindside attack. Rusev then traps Chad in the Accolade, while Page rains down punches on Gable's face. At that moment...
Say his name and he will appear!
Joe Hendry rushes to the ring to rescue Chad! However, he is soon overwhelmed by his opponents. Rusev locks the Scotsman in the Accolade. Several officials rush to the ring and force the Bulgarian to release his hold. A satisfied Rusev and Page pose in the middle of the ring as the segment comes to an end.
Jackie Redmond interviews Jimmy Uso as he prepares to leave the arena. LA Knight suddenly appears, ready to confront Jimmy, but Jacob Fatu knocks him out with a right hand. The Samoans leave the area, with "The Megastar" laid out on the floor. The brief segment then comes to an end.
Byron Saxton interviews The Judgment Day's women on the entrance ramp. Saxton asks if they feel The Judgment Day's momentum has been halted after everything that happened tonight. Clearly annoyed, Liv Morgan snatches the microphone away to make it clear that it hasn't, because The Judgment Day is still the greatest faction of aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaall time. Liv says she's disappointed in Saxton for asking such a question, but not nearly as disappointed as she is in IYO SKY for ruining their night. Raquel Rodriguez insists that her goal remains winning the Women's Intercontinental Championship, and nothing will stand in her way. Roxanne Perez, meanwhile, tries to calm her teammates down. "The Prodigy" understands that SKY wanted to send a message. Next week, she'll send one of her own when she faces the Japanese star, promising that IYO won't make it to SummerSlam. That's how she'll prove that The Judgment Day still runs WWE Raw.
Bayley stars in a pre-recorded promo aimed at Lyra Valkyria. An emotional "The Role Model" recalls how the Irishwoman helped her get back on her feet during the most difficult period of her career. Lyra's friendship and encouragement brought out the best version of Bayley week after week. "You constantly reminded me of who I was and everything I had accomplished. Despite all the heartbreaks I've been through, I never doubted you. I shared my experiences and my stories with you. I thought they would help guide you. But instead, you simply used them against me. And I can't understand why you couldn't be honest with me about everything that was going through your mind. Instead, you took the easy way out. So, Lyra, I'll give you one chance to prove you're not like everyone else. Meet me face-to-face next week," Bayley says to end her promo.
We see a visibly nervous Adam Pearce sending text messages. A relaxed Nick Aldis approaches him to let him know that he's found a Superstar to replace Cody Rhodes tonight. "That Superstar is already in the building. So all that's left to say is... you're welcome," the Brit says before walking away.
Byron Saxton interviews Ethan Page and Rusev on the entrance ramp. Both men are still celebrating their success from earlier in the night. Rusev says they should celebrate with Bulgarian food like the winners they are. Ethan tells Saxton that this is the kind of energy he should have interviewed him with last week. He then praises his partner for taking out three men tonight. "All Ego" promises that everyone who crosses their path will meet the same fate. Rusev says it's a shame Penta wasn't there because he would have ripped his mask off. Still, there will be time for that, since he also plans to take the Intercontinental Championship from him. Page asks the fans if they enjoyed tonight's show, because they'll enjoy next week's even more when they win the Gauntlet Match. Rusev promises he'll destroy every opponent one after another. Saxton asks what will happen if the two of them are the final competitors left in the match. Page answers that when that moment comes, the better man will win. "Trust me," says "All Ego." Rusev remains silent, deep in thought, as the segment comes to an end.
JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio cut a video promo directed at Danhausen. Mysterio reminds him of what happened last week when they confiscated his New York Knicks shirt and trashed his laboratory. Dominik advises Danhausen to do the right thing. All he has to do is pay back the money he owes them and remove the curse hanging over McDonagh. Otherwise, they'll continue making his life a living hell.
Sami Zayn makes his entrance. The Canadian greets the fans in the front row as he heads to the ring. Sami waits for tonight's opponent. "CM Punk! CM Punk!" the crowd chants. At that moment, the cameras turn toward the arena entrance. A rolling shutter begins to rise, revealing a silhouette behind it. It's "The Best in the World," who immediately heads to the ring. The crowd erupts. CM Punk enters the ring, where an irritated Sami quickly shoves him. The referee steps between them to restore order.
Undisputed WWE Championship Match
Sami Zayn (c) vs. CM Punk
The two men lock up to start the match. CM Punk knocks Sami down with a shoulder tackle. Zayn responds by backing Punk into the ropes and unloading with a loud chop. CM Punk fires back in the corner. Sami regains control with a series of corner spears. CM Punk escapes the Canadian's pressure before hoisting him up into an Electric Chair.
CM Punk rains punches down on Sami in the corner. The champion sends him tumbling to ringside. Zayn builds momentum for a suicide dive, but CM Punk grabs his legs and pulls him out of the ring. CM Punk slides back into the ring, rebounds off the ropes, and launches himself at his opponent with a suicide dive.
CM Punk brings Zayn back into the ring and plants him with a Russian Leg Sweep. 1...2...NO. "Sami sucks!" the crowd chants. The champion recovers and drops the challenger with a clothesline. Zayn follows up with an elbow drop. 1...2...NO. Sami continues his assault on "The Best in the World," whipping him into the corner. The two men battle for a suplex, with CM Punk ultimately winning the exchange. CM Punk charges at Zayn, but the champion stops him with a big boot. "Sami sucks!" the crowd chants once again.
Sami continues controlling the match amid heavy boos. Zayn kicks CM Punk, who struggles to get back to his feet. Sami locks in a headlock. "The Best in the World" breaks free and launches a comeback. CM Punk lands a running knee strike before connecting with a spinning neckbreaker. 1...2...NO. Punk goes for the GTS, but the Canadian blocks it. CM Punk responds by leveling the champion with a lariat. 1...2...NO. "CM Punk! CM Punk!" the crowd chants.
CM Punk heads to the top rope. A recovered Sami cuts him off. Zayn catches CM Punk and delivers a superplex. Both men crash hard onto the mat. "This is awesome!" the fans chant. Sami drags the challenger to the center of the ring before climbing the turnbuckles again. As he dives, Punk meets him with a kick. CM Punk covers Zayn. 1...2...NO. Now it's CM Punk who soars with a diving crossbody. 1...2...NO. "CM Punk! CM Punk!" the crowd continues to chant.
CM Punk and Sami trade blows until they collide with simultaneous crossbodies, leaving both men down. Champion and challenger continue exchanging strikes despite their exhaustion. CM Punk lands a running knee strike before attempting a bulldog, but Sami counters with a Blue Thunder Bomb. 1...2...NO. CM Punk blocks an exploder suplex, kicks the champion, and connects with another running knee strike. Punk follows with a bulldog before hitting a diving elbow drop. 1...2...NO.
CM Punk traps Sami in an Anaconda Vise. Zayn refuses to submit. Punk cranks up the pressure. The champion escapes by catching Punk in a headscissors. Sami blocks a GTS and surprises the challenger with a roll-up. One... Two... Thr... NO. Zayn and CM Punk exchange punches. Sami blocks another GTS and answers by hitting his opponent's own finishing move! 1...2...NO. The crowd erupts.
Zayn tries to rally the crowd, but he's met with loud boos. CM Punk blocks a Helluva Kick and counters with an Exploder Suplex. CM Punk goes for a Helluva Kick, but Sami stops him and nails a second GTS, followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb. 1...2...NO! The Canadian can't believe it. "CM Punk! CM Punk!" the crowd chants, cheering on their hometown hero.
Zayn slaps CM Punk across the face. "I'm the champion now! Do you understand?" the Canadian shouts as he continues striking the challenger. CM Punk fights back with a flurry of punches. He lands another running knee strike before setting up his next move. Sami attempts a Helluva Kick, but "The Best in the World" avoids it at the very last second and fires back with his own Helluva Kick! CM Punk follows up with the GTS. 1...2...3.
Winner and NEW Undisputed WWE Champion: CM PUNK
An exhausted CM Punk celebrates in the ring with the championship as fireworks explode throughout the arena. Meanwhile, a devastated Sami sits silently at ringside, lost in thought. CM Punk hops over the barricade to celebrate with the fans. With that, this week's episode comes to a close.
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