WWE is celebrating a new episode of Monday Night Raw tonight, this time number 1,729, from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 a Gauntlet Match for an opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship. Additionally, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns will sign the contract for their title match at SummerSlam. 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 the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists: Seth Rollins, Penta, IYO SKY, and The Vision (Bron Breakker, Austin Theory, Logan Paul, and Maxxine Dupri).
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are the ones to open tonight's show. They are accompanied by five police officers, who form a barrier at the bottom of the entrance ramp. Brock and Paul enter the ring. "Oooooooooooooooba, Ooooooooooooooooba!" chant the fans even before Lesnar's theme music stops playing. Heyman takes the microphone to introduce the owner and master of the "Brocktagon," "The Beast" Brock Lesnar. Paul also wants to mention the brave members of the Dallas police force present tonight for one reason only: Oba Femi.
Paul recalls that Femi gave up a title match at SummerSlam just to face Lesnar. And that makes him a man obsessed with his client. Paul makes it clear that "The Ruler" is a fool. However, he understands him in a way. Everyone becomes obsessed with Brock until he kicks their butts. However, this time is different, as Lesnar is also obsessed with Oba. Every time he calls him on the phone, "The Beast" can't stop expressing his impatience to face Oba. This situation worries Paul, which is why he wanted to find a way to avoid violence until the biggest event of the summer. Heyman decided to go to higher authorities than WWE management, specifically to a judge his father knew here in Dallas. That's how he got a restraining order to ensure that "The Ruler" doesn't attack his client. Likewise, out of respect for the friendship he shares with "The Oracle," he can assure that Lesnar will not attack the Nigerian. Suddenly, the lights in the venue go out.
Oba Femi appears on the scene!
"Oooooooooooooooba, Oooooooooooooooooooooba!" chant the fans to welcome the Nigerian. The police officers run into the ring to form a barrier in front of Lesnar and Heyman. "The Ruler" enters the ring with a microphone in hand. Lesnar and Heyman smile. Oba confesses that tonight he comes ready to fight. But before anything else, he wants to know what the hell is going on here. "Do you want an explanation? It's very simple. You, sir, are violating a restraining order issued by a court", Heyman replies. "Gentlemen, do your job," he tells the police officers before leaving the ring. One of the officers approaches Oba to ask him to leave. Furious, "The Ruler" grabs him to throw him out of the ring. Two more officers approach Oba. He catches them. A third officer tries to help his colleagues but ends up receiving the impact of a big boot. Femi ends up with the two officers in his power with a double chokeslam. Oba executes a clothesline on the last officer standing before throwing him over the rest of his colleagues. After that, he picks up the microphone from the canvas to address Heyman and Lesnar, who are already at the top of the entrance ramp. Femi doesn't understand what these games are for. "You are not you anymore. Who are you? Where is The Beast? You used to rule this place. Now all you do is run," he says to Brock. "As for you, Paul. You have the audacity to tell everyone that I threw away a title opportunity stupidly, when we both know that, anyway, he would have cost me the victory if I had gone after it. So this is the deal. SummerSlam! Hell in a Cell! Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar! No more games! No more crap! No more low blows! No more escapes! You won't be able to escape from The Ruler! You won't be able to escape from The Destroyer! You won't be able to escape from The Bringer of War! You won't be able to escape from OBA FEMI!", he exclaims. Brock smiles. Heyman, on the other hand, seems concerned about it. "The Beast" and "The Oracle" return backstage as Oba poses for the fans. And so we reach the end of the first segment of the night.
We see the first part of a video summary of the history of Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, starting with the creation and emergence of The Shield in WWE.
IYO SKY vs. Roxanne Perez (with Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan)
Both women struggle. Perez immobilizes IYO in one of the corners to pull her hair. SKY responds forcefully. The Japanese woman knocks down "The Prodigy" to unleash a rain of attacks, ending with a double knee strike. Roxanne and IYO grab each other's hair. SKY and Roxy exchange roll-ups. IYO executes a dropkick to expel her rival from the ring. SKY is about to perform a suicide dive, but the Texan stops her with a right hook.
IYO and Roxanne struggle on the apron. SKY performs a powerslam on Perez on the apron before launching herself over her with an Asai Moonsault. IYO takes Roxy back into the ring, where the latter is attended to by the referee. Liv and Raquel take advantage to intervene. Morgan grabs the Japanese woman's right leg, allowing Perez to knock her down with a direct kick to her left leg. "The Prodigy" kicks the Japanese woman's injured leg again while Liv watches the scene with a big smile. Perez expels SKY from the ring so that Morgan can continue hitting her behind the official's back.
The action continues. Roxanne performs a Russian Leg Sweep on SKY. 1..2..NO. "The Prodigy" focuses her offense on the Japanese woman's injured leg. Perez hits IYO with a chop block before finishing her off with a Special Satomura. 1..2..NO. Roxanne takes SKY to the top of one of the corners. The Japanese woman hangs upside down. "The Prodigy" takes advantage to attack her opponent's injured leg until she falls onto the canvas. Roxanne performs a springboard moonsault, but SKY receives her with her knees.
IYO unleashes a quick offensive on Perez. SKY performs a double footstomp on Roxy, followed by a backbreaker. 1...2...NO. "The Genius of Sky" seeks height in one of the corners to perform a Missile Dropkick. Roxanne ends up in one of the corners. IYO launches herself with a running meteora, but Perez dodges it, causing the Japanese woman to hit the corner. Roxanne traps her opponent's injured leg in a painful submission hold. IYO frees herself to look for a crossface, but "The Prodigy" doesn't allow it.
SKY knocks down Roxanne with a knee strike. IYO seeks height to execute her Over the Moonsault. Liv and Raquel decide to intervene once again. Rodriguez distracts the referee while Morgan tries to knock down SKY. She kicks the world champion to make her fall. Now it's Raquel who approaches the Japanese woman, only to receive a kick to the head. Roxanne takes advantage of the situation to surprise her opponent with a roll-up with a bridge. 1..2..NO. IYO reverses it into another roll-up. 1..2..3.
Winner: IYO SKY
Liv tries to attack IYO but ends up being expelled from the ring by the Japanese woman. Roxanne surprises IYO with a chop block. The members of The Judgment Day launch a three-on-one assault on SKY, who can do nothing in numerical inferiority. Suddenly...
Sol Ruca appears on the scene to help the Japanese woman!
Sol knocks down Roxy before expelling Rodriguez from the ring with a superkick. Ruca jumps on Raquel looking for a hurricanrana, but the Texan stops her in mid-move. Rodriguez hits the Intercontinental Champion against the public barrier and one of the posts. Meanwhile, Liv surprises SKY with an ObLIVion. Raquel and Roxanne immobilize the Japanese woman so that Morgan can knock her out with her championship. The Judgment Day pose over their victim before heading back to backstage.
We see a video summary of what happened last week on SmackDown, where Jacob Fatu gave an ultimatum to Solo Sikoa.
The Vision (Bron Breakker, Austin Theory, Logan Paul, and Maxxine Dupri) make their entrance into the ring. The fans boo the faction, especially when Paul takes the floor. "The Maverick" asks them to applaud their new Tag Team World Champions, Bron Breakker and Austin Theory, not forgetting that their victory was possible thanks to the invaluable help of Maxxine Dupri. Logan hands the microphone to his new partner, at which point Otis and Akira Tozawa appear on the scene.
Tozawa and Otis step onto the apron. The Japanese man asks Maxxine if they can talk to her. The members of The Vision disagree, but Maxxine convinces them to leave the ring. Breakker, Theory, and Paul leave the ring, at which point the members of Alpha Academy approach Dupri. "Maxxine, what are you doing? This is not you. You are a wonderful human being. I know it. And this guy is not right for you," says the Japanese man as he points to Austin. "Guys, I still love you and appreciate your interest, but you didn't give me another choice," Maxxine replies. "You sold out!" chant the fans. Dupri believes that Otis and Akira are judging Theory without knowing him. Otis insists that he is not a good guy, and he already warned her. Maxxine insists that she doesn't know him. Otis claims he does know Maxxine. He has known her for a long time. And now he needs to confess something to her. "There's something. There's something I want to tell you," says a nervous Otis.
Theory interrupts the conversation with a laugh. Austin wonders if Otis is trying to confess his love to Maxxine, because this isn't a fairy tale. Theory makes it clear that in the real world, girls like Dupri don't end up with guys like him. "Let's make one thing clear, buddy. She's with me now. So keep your fat, disgusting, revolting... have I mentioned fat yet?" Theory asks before a furious Otis grabs him and hurls him onto the canvas.
The fight quickly breaks out. Bron steps in and attacks Otis from behind. Akira rushes to help his partner. The Japanese star sends Breakker out of the ring before launching himself with a suicide dive. Bron catches him and throws him over the announce table. Bron returns to the ring, where he ends up in Otis' grasp. Otis crushes both Breakker and Theory in one of the corners. Otis tosses Bron out of the ring before approaching a defenseless Theory. Maxxine immediately steps between them. Dupri takes Otis by the hands as she tries to calm him down. Maxxine leans in toward Otis' lips, only for Theory to catch him with a low blow!
Dupri laughs. "Did you really think there was EVER going to be an US?" Maxxine asks Otis before turning her back on him. Tozawa gets back into the ring to check on his partner, but he is soon taken out by a spear from Breakker. Dupri hands Austin a golden set of brass knuckles, which he uses on Otis. "You sold out!" the fans chant. Theory goes back after Otis. "You're finished! You're a loser! She never liked you! Nobody likes you! You're finished! Go back to the bottom!" he yells before holding Otis in place for Bron to finish him off with a spear. Austin and Maxxine pose while stomping on Otis. The Vision celebrates as the segment comes to an end.
We see a promotional video for tonight's Gauntlet Match, with a championship opportunity at SummerSlam on the line.
Jimmy Uso makes his way to the entrance ramp. "Where's Solo?" he asks. Jimmy says that his younger brother has done nothing but hide from him over the last few weeks. The reason is that he's afraid of him, especially after Jimmy defeated his friend Royce Keys last week, which led to Jacob Fatu brutally assaulting Keys afterward. Jimmy keeps insisting that Sikoa needs to come out and return to the family. Suddenly, Keys appears behind him and attacks! Several officials rush out to break up the fight. A furious Adam Pearce then appears and makes it clear that he won't tolerate this situation. Since both men still have unfinished business after their match on SmackDown, they'll get the chance to settle it right here and now. The Raw General Manager officially announces the match.
Royce Keys vs. Jimmy Uso
Keys takes control before the action even reaches the ring. Royce hits the Samoan with a suplex before continuing his offense near the ropes. Jimmy catches his opponent with an enzuigiri before following up with a diving crossbody. 1...2...NO. The action spills to ringside, where Jimmy plants Keys with a Samoan Drop onto the announce table.
Jimmy brings Royce back into the ring and locks in a headlock. Keys breaks free. Jimmy avoids a charge in the corner and counters with a corkscrew senton. 1...2...NO. Royce recovers and delivers a suplex. Keys continues the assault on Jimmy. Jimmy fights back with a kick before diving at him. However, Keys stops him with a scoop powerslam. Both men are left laid out on the mat.
Jimmy connects with a side slam on Royce. Uso looks to keep the momentum going, but Keys catches him with another scoop powerslam. As the match continues, we see a vehicle arriving at the arena. Jacob Fatu steps out and immediately heads into the building. "The Samoan Werewolf" heads straight to the ring and attacks Royce.
Winner by disqualification: Royce Keys
Fatu leaves Keys laid out in one of the corners. Jacob exits the ring to grab a steel chair. He returns and places the chair in front of Royce's face. Fatu heads to the opposite corner, ready to deliver a Running Hip Attack, when suddenly Solo Sikoa appears. Sikoa tells him to stop. Solo steps into the ring and admits he was wrong. "I get it now. I was lost. I abandoned my family. I was an idiot, okay? I get it now, but I've always known that blood is thicker than water. So I'm coming home to my family," Solo says. He raises his index finger to the sky. Jimmy and Jacob stand beside him and do the same. Suddenly, a smiling Sikoa catches Jimmy with a Samoan Spike! Royce joins Solo as they fight the members of The Bloodline. Fatu traps Solo in a Tongan Death Grip in the corner. At that moment...
LA Knight storms onto the scene!
Armed with a steel chair, "The Megastar" unleashes a barrage of chair shots on Jimmy and Jacob, sending both men out of the ring. LA Knight grabs a microphone and makes it clear that his story with Jimmy isn't over. His issues with Jacob aren't over either, nor is what he has with Jey. That's why he wants all three of them in the ring. His goal remains to destroy The Bloodline, but now he's realized he doesn't have to do it alone. That's why he proposes a six-man tag team match at SummerSlam: LA Knight, Royce Keys and Solo Sikoa — YEAH — vs. The Usos and Jacob Fatu. After issuing the challenge, LA Knight's music hits, bringing the segment to a close.
We see the members of The Vision walking backstage. Paul Heyman approaches them to congratulate them on their work tonight. Austin Theory asks if that means he's back with them. "You know what? That's a good question. Maxxine has been SO incredible tonight... what the hell do you even need me for?" Heyman asks before walking away.
We see a promotional video for the Hell in a Cell Match between Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi at SummerSlam.
Oba Femi approaches Adam Pearce backstage. The Raw General Manager tells the Nigerian that Paul Heyman was just playing him. The restraining order doesn't exist. On top of that, the police officers he dealt with earlier tonight weren't real law enforcement officers. "I knew it. I knew it. You know what that tells me? They're scared. Because he remembers what I did to Brock at WrestleMania. And if he thought that was bad, just wait until he sees what I do to him inside Hell in a Cell," says "The Ruler" before walking away.
Here is the translation while preserving the HTML formatting:
Byron Saxton interviews Bayley on the entrance ramp. Saxton asks her about the attack she suffered at the hands of Lyra Valkyria two weeks ago. "The Role Model" recalls that last week she asked the Irishwoman to meet her in the ring. That moment has now arrived, so she'd rather discuss the matter there. Bayley borrows Byron's microphone and heads to the ring. "Lyra, can you come out here now?" Bayley asks.
Lyra Valkyria appears. The Irishwoman makes her way to the ring looking completely disheveled. With her hair unkempt and her clothes torn, Lyra climbs into the ring. Bayley offers her a microphone, but Valkyria seems distracted. "The Role Model" presses the microphone against the Irishwoman's chest, forcing her to take it. Lyra remains silent. Bayley says she called her out because it's time for both of them to be honest. They can finally tell each other exactly what they think and apologize. "You're the one who should be apologizing to me for holding me back for an entire year!" Valkyria shouts. She says Bayley is acting the way she always does: pretending to be the victim. Lyra reminds her that she has also been betrayed. Valkyria believes Bayley should stop obsessing over her failed friendships from the past, because then she'd finally realize what's really wrong with her. With that said, she wants Bayley to look her straight in the eyes because she has something to confess: every time she said something to make Bayley feel good, she was lying. "You're not a locker room leader. You're a doormat. Your face doesn't deserve to be on the posters. You drag down every single person you work with. And you've always been the worst of the Four Horsewomen."
Bayley says she's sorry to hear that, because now she can confirm Valkyria is just like everyone else. "The Role Model" reminds Lyra exactly who she's talking to: WWE's first Women's Grand Slam Champion, a Royal Rumble winner, and one-half of the inaugural WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. She'll soon be adding another accomplishment to that list when she kicks Lyra's ass at Madison Square Garden at Saturday Night's Main Event. Knowing this was coming, Bayley had already spoken with Adam Pearce to make the match official. "The Role Model" turns to leave, but Lyra tries to attack her. Bayley drops her with a right hand. Bayley continues raining down punches until Lyra retreats to the ropes. Valkyria fights back with a kick to start a comeback. The Irishwoman drives Bayley's face into the mat before finishing her off with a belly-to-belly. Lyra remains standing over Bayley as the segment comes to an end.
We see the second part of the video package recapping the history between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, this time focusing on the breakup of The Shield.
We see a teaser video featuring Big Cass. "What happens when everyone says you can't fail? What happens when everyone is wrong?" he asks. The video ends by revealing a date: August 3.
Gauntlet Match for an Intercontinental Championship Opportunity
Ethan Page vs. Rusev vs. Dragon Lee vs. Chad Gable vs. Dominik Mysterio (w/ JD McDonagh) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. Joe Hendry
Dominik Mysterio (w/ JD McDonagh) vs. Joe Hendry
Hendry repeatedly takes Dominik down with ease. Mysterio challenges the Scotsman to a test of strength, but it's only a trick to kick him in the stomach. Dom starts mounting a comeback, but his opponent knocks him down once again. The AAA Mega Champion retreats to ringside. Joe follows him and slams him onto the announce table. Hendry warns McDonagh not to interfere. Joe goes after Mysterio, but Dominik catches him off guard and sends him crashing into the steel steps.
Dominik brings his opponent back into the ring. Mysterio violently launches the Scotsman into one of the turnbuckles. Mysterio continues the assault and attempts to hit The Three Amigos, but Hendry blocks it. Joe then counters a tornado DDT attempt with a suplex. Hendry continues his offense before planting Dom with a Freak of Nature. Joe turns toward his opponent, ready to hit his finisher. McDonagh distracts him, allowing Dominik to catch him with a dropkick. Hendry falls across the middle rope. Mysterio follows up with a 619 before putting him away with a frog splash. 1...2...3.
Winner: Dominik Mysterio
Dominik Mysterio (w/ JD McDonagh) vs. Je'Von Evans
Dominik tries to catch Je'Von by surprise, but Evans showcases his athleticism to avoid it. Evans stuns Mysterio with a dropkick before keeping up the pressure. Dominik stops Je'Von's charge by lifting him over his head, causing him to land groin-first on the top rope. Dom sends his opponent to the floor. The referee prevents Mysterio from going after Je'Von, allowing JD to attack him illegally.
The action continues. Evans knocks Dom out of the ring before launching himself with a suicide dive. Je'Von rolls him back into the ring and follows up with a springboard enzuigiri. 1...2...NO. Evans gets ready for his next move, but JD interferes again. The Irishman climbs onto the apron. The referee argues with him. Evans punches McDonagh, knocking him down to ringside. Mysterio catches Je'Von with a dropkick before connecting with a 619. Dom heads to the top rope, ready to hit a frog splash, when Danhausen suddenly appears driving his Carhausen.
Danhausen parks the vehicle on top of the turnbuckle. From there, he curses Dominik with his signature "You Are Cursed!" Suddenly, the pyro goes off... just not on the turnbuckle where Dominik is standing. McDonagh heads toward Danhausen's position, where Danhausen is waiting with a T-shirt launcher. Meanwhile, Evans avoids Mysterio's frog splash before countering with an OG Cutter. 1...2...3.
Winner: Je'Von Evans
Je'Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee
Dragon catches Evans off guard with a quick flurry of offense. Lee sends Je'Von to the outside before diving onto him with a tope. Dragon rolls him back into the ring and follows up with a diving crossbody. 1...2...NO. Lee continues to dominate his opponent. Evans finally halts the masked wrestler's momentum with a beautiful dropkick. 1...2...NO. Evans unloads with a chop on Lee. The Mexican immediately returns the favor, sending Je'Von crashing to ringside. Dragon follows him to the outside to continue the fight.
I've translated the text into English while preserving the original HTML formatting.
The action returns to the ring, where Lee and Je'Von exchange offense. Evans ends up at ringside once again. Lee charges at Je'Von, but Evans uses his opponent's speed against him, sending Dragon flying over the ringside barricade. Evans then builds up momentum and launches himself with a spectacular tope. Je'Von rolls the masked wrestler back into the ring before connecting with a springboard clothesline. However, Dragon stops him with a superkick. 1...2...NO.
Lee catches Je'Von with a hurricanrana, sending his opponent crashing to the mat. Dragon rolls him back into the ring and follows up with a tornado DDT. 1...2...NO. "This is awesome!" the fans chant. Lee surprises Evans with a release German suplex. Dragon traps Je'Von in the corner before delivering a double foot stomp. Lee sets up for a Styles Clash, but Evans counters out of nowhere with a roll-up. 1...2...3.
Winner: Je'Von Evans
Lee congratulates Je'Von on his victory just as Rusev's music hits. Evans turns toward the entrance ramp expecting the Bulgarian, but Rusev attacks him from behind!
Rusev vs. Je'Von Evans
Rusev immediately takes control of the match. The Bulgarian punishes his opponent against the ropes. Je'Von tries to fight back, but Rusev cuts him off with a clothesline. Rusev crushes Evans' neck before locking in a grounded headlock. Rusev sends his opponent crashing into the corner. "Come on! Come on!" Rusev shouts as he taunts him. Je'Von kicks the Bulgarian before sending him out of the ring. Evans follows up with a tope.
Je'Von brings his opponent back into the ring and connects with a springboard enzuigiri. 1...2...NO. Evans launches himself with a crossbody. Rusev catches him in mid-air and counters with an uranage. He then locks in the Accolade. Evans manages to crawl to the ropes, but the Bulgarian drags him right back to the center of the ring. Evans digs deep and powers back to his feet. Je'Von finally breaks free by throwing himself backward onto the mat.
Evans avoids a charging Rusev in the corner, causing the Bulgarian to crash into the turnbuckles. Je'Von goes for an OG Cutter, but Rusev cuts him off with a right hand. Rusev locks in the Accolade once again. Je'Von continues to resist, but eventually loses consciousness. The referee notices Evans is out and immediately calls for the bell.
Winner by submission: Rusev
Rusev vs. Chad Gable
Chad catches Rusev with several German suplexes before heading to the top rope. The Bulgarian catches him in mid-air and plants him with an uranage. 1...2...NO. Rusev sends Gable to the floor. The Bulgarian follows him outside to continue the punishment, but Chad sends him crashing into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Rusev surprises his opponent with a Samoan Drop. 1...2...NO.
Rusev punishes Gable against the ropes. The Bulgarian unleashes a barrage of chops on Chad in the corner. Gable halts the offense with a body drop. "Let's go, Gable!" the fans chant. Rusev regains control and brings Chad to the top turnbuckle, setting up for a superplex. Gable fights him off with repeated elbows before diving off with a diving clothesline.
Both men trade offense. Rusev rakes Gable's eyes to escape an Angle Slam. He follows up with a Machka Kick before locking in the Accolade. Gable escapes the hold and counters with a release German suplex. Rusev crashes into the corner. Chad climbs the same turnbuckle, hooks his legs around the Bulgarian, and catches him with a surprise roll-up. 1...2...3.
Winner: Chad Gable
Rusev immediately locks Chad back in the Accolade as Ethan Page makes his entrance. The Bulgarian finally releases the hold and exits the ring. "He's all yours!" he shouts at Page before heading backstage.
Ethan Page vs. Chad Gable
"All Ego" enters the ring and immediately floors Chad with a big boot. 1...2...NO. Page follows up with a powerslam. 1...2...NO. Ethan rains down punches on Chad. "Stay down! Stay down and make this easy for me!" he yells before striking Gable again. Page takes Gable to the top rope. Chad knocks him off before attempting a moonsault. "All Ego" raises his knees, expecting Chad to land on them. However, Gable anticipated it, lands on his feet, and immediately locks in an Ankle Lock. Ethan escapes and catches his opponent with a facebreaker. 1...2...NO.
Chad recovers and plants Ethan with an Angle Slam. 1...2...NO. Gable heads to the top rope once more. Ethan quickly joins him and rocks him with a right hand. Page attempts a second-rope powerslam, but Gable escapes by trapping his opponent's left leg. Chad cinches in a painful Ankle Lock. "All Ego" desperately tries to break free, but he can't. Unable to endure the pain any longer, Ethan Page taps out.
Winner by submission: Chad Gable
Penta enters the ring and shakes hands with his SummerSlam opponent. The Intercontinental Champion then leaves the ring, allowing Gable to celebrate with the fans.
We see a recap video of the segment featuring CM Punk and Cody Rhodes from WWE SmackDown.
We see Roman Reigns arriving in the arena parking lot. "The OTC" is handed the World Heavyweight Championship, which he immediately places over his left shoulder. Roman then heads into the building, bringing this brief segment to an end.
Byron Saxton interviews JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio on the entrance ramp. Saxton asks them about Je'Von Evans' victory over Mysterio in tonight's Gauntlet Match. A furious JD makes it clear they're not there to talk about Evans, but about another loser: Danhausen. The Irishman reminds everyone that Danhausen electrocuted him and stole a large amount of their money. Costing Dom the match tonight was strike three. That's why McDonagh spoke with Adam Pearce to make a change for Saturday Night's Main Event. The match between JD and Danhausen will now be contested under No Disqualification rules. McDonagh promises that this Saturday he'll prove curses aren't real when "The Irish Ace" finally puts an end to Danhausen. "See you Saturday, asshole," JD says before leaving with his partner.
Adam Pearce welcomes everyone from the ring to oversee the contract signing for one of the main events of SummerSlam. He then introduces the World Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns. "The OTC" soon makes his entrance, greeting fans seated in the front row on his way to the ring. Roman poses with the championship before grabbing a microphone. The fans chant his name. "Dallas, Texas... ACKNOWLEDGE ME!" he shouts. "OTC! OTC!" the crowd replies. Adam presents the contract to Reigns, but before he can sign...
BURN IT DOWN!
Seth Rollins makes his way to the ring. "The Visionary" takes a seat and immediately signs the contract before picking up a microphone. Meanwhile, the fans sing along to his entrance music. Rollins smiles. "I know it has to be hard for you when the sweet melody of my song drowns out all those OTC chants," he tells Roman. Part of the crowd responds by chanting "OTC." Seth continues, saying the current situation must be difficult for Reigns. "Look, there are only a few guarantees in life: death, taxes, and Seth Rollins beating Roman Reigns every single time. So sign on the dotted line and let's get this over with." "The Visionary" then leans back with his feet resting on the table.
Roman says he wishes he'd seen this version of Seth last week because "The Visionary" bored everyone with his previous promo. "I was listening, and you proved me right. Seth Rollins is Roman Reigns' biggest hater." "He's a hater!" the fans chant. Reigns says Rollins is lying to the audience by pretending they're on the same level. "That couldn't be further from the truth. So at SummerSlam I'll show you the difference between you and me. At SummerSlam I'll destroy any illusion you still have that you could ever compete with me. At SummerSlam I'll prove who the true number one really is," Roman says before signing the contract.
Seth picks up the contract and hands it to Pearce, who heads backstage. "Look, I owe you a debt of gratitude," Seth tells Roman. "Thank you for keeping my title warm since WrestleMania. I'll be taking it back at SummerSlam. See you the next time you actually decide to show up for work, brother." Rollins then leaves the ring.
Roman grabs the microphone and asks if that's it. Is Seth really leaving? Doesn't he want to talk about what happens if he wins the championship at SummerSlam? Will he hold it for a couple of months before getting injured again? Because that's what always happens. "Some people would call it self-sabotage, because some people simply can't handle the weight, the pressure, and the burden of being number one around here," says "The OTC." Rollins returns to the ring and gets face-to-face with Reigns. Seth urges Roman to say everything that's on his mind. "The Visionary" doesn't want the Samoan holding anything back. He'll stand right there and listen.
Roman says Seth is still number two because, after all these years, he still needs a briefcase to win a World Championship. And the last time, he even had to fake an injury to pull it off. "If there was ever a time for this guy to become number one... I mean, come on. Your work daddy, Triple H, is basically running the whole show. They tried, man. They really tried. They practically handed you everything I had, and you still couldn't take my place. Let's call it what it is. You're number two, you've always been number two, and you'll always be number two. I'm number one, I've always been number one, and I'll always be number one. You just need to acknowledge it, bitch."
Seth believes Roman can do even better. Roman can say whatever he wants—it doesn't matter. "Come on, Roman! Tell me I'll never be like you! Tell me I'll never make as much money as you! Tell me I'll never be as big a star as you! Tell me I'll never main event WrestleMania as many times as you! Tell me my dreams don't matter because this isn't about me—it's about you! Tell me that! Anything you can say to me, I've already said to myself every single day for the last fifteen years! You know what? You and I aren't running the same race! We're not fighting for the same thing! At one point I had to look myself in the mirror! I had to be proud of who I am! I had to be proud of what that means! I'm proud of what I fight for! Because I'm a Visionary! I'm a Revolutionary! I'm Seth Freakin Rollins!... And I'm glad I'm not you!" Seth says before blasting Roman with a right hand.
Rollins continues beating down "The OTC" as Roman lies on the mat. Seth then calms down and prepares to leave the ring. Suddenly, "The Visionary" stops. He stares at the Samoan kneeling on the canvas. Seth sets up for a Stomp, but Reigns cuts him off with a Superman Punch. Roman looks to powerbomb Seth through the table, but Rollins escapes by smashing him with the microphone. Rollins plants the champion with a Pedigree before finishing him off with a Stomp. "The Visionary" stands tall over Roman as the show comes to an end.
ES
US
