WWE Monday Night RAW Results
August 31, 2015
Tampa, Florida
Report by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video airs that recaps what happened last week on RAW. The Authority was due to unveil a statue to celebrate Seth Rollins being the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and WWE United States Champion, but when the cover was lifted, Sting was underneath. Sting beat up Rollins and hit him with a Stinger Splash before clotheslining him out of the ring. Triple H then put Sting into a match against Seth Rollins at Night Of Champions for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The RAW video plays, and we’re brought into the arena with a big pyrotechnics display. Ryback will defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship against The Big Show. Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch will compete in Beat The Clock Challenges to determine the #1 Contender to the WWE Divas Championship. Braun Strowman will make his in ring debut against Dean Ambrose. We’ll also see The Dudley Boyz have their first RAW match in a decade against The New Day.
Sting talks about his WWE World Heavyweight Championship match
Sting’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a nice reception from the crowd. Sting grabs the microphone and lets out a big “Woo!” The crowd chants his name. Sting says it feels good to be back in Tampa. The last time he was competing in this ring was at WrestleMania against Triple H. Triple H pushed him to his limits, but he pushed him as well. No matter what happened that night, he’ll always have respect for Triple H. That was then and this is now. This is Monday Night RAW. Sting says he has his sights set on the sell out Seth Rollins. As good as he is – and he is really good – he’s no Triple H. Since WrestleMania, one injustice after another and another as Rollins has run roughshod over the most prized and sacred possession today – the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Whether it’s The Authority watching his back or Jon Stewart assisting, Rollins always manages to hang on. On top of that, Rollins believes that he somehow deserves the right to be mentioned in the same breath as wrestling legends like Bruno Sammartino, André The Giant, and The Ultimate Warrior. That is an injustice because Rollins is a legend in his own mind. He’s wrestled legends all over this world and won titles. There is one that has eluded him and that is the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. That’ll change at Night Of Champions when the last chapter of his career is written and he beats Seth Rollins for the title. At WrestleMania, Triple H was man enough to stand up and shake his hands after he beat him. At Night Of Champions, he’ll prove that on his best day, Seth Rollins is not half the man that Triple H is. He’ll prove that Seth Rollins is not the man. He’s a little boy, and that little boy is living in his world right now. Sting tells him to buckle up because he’s in for a hell of a ride. Sting’s music plays, and he walks off.
Seth Rollins is seen shaking his head backstage with Stephanie McMahon. Rollins asks if she can believe that “relic.” Sting is basically spitting in his face. Sting is spitting in The Authority’s face. Stephanie tells him to frame it in another perspective. The Authority was angry, but if he beats a legend like Sting, it’ll cement his legacy. Rollins says this has been his year. Sting talks about injustice, but he was at WrestleMania and should have seen him cash in his Money in the Bank contract. Rollins burned Suplex City to the ground and destroyed John Cena’s face. Sting says he doesn’t belong with the legends, but when he’s in the ring, he’s better than anyone. Stephanie reminds him that Sting said he wasn’t better than Triple H. Sting said he isn’t half the man Triple H is. Stephanie says Rollins isn’t. They think he’ll get there because legends are built over time. Rollins says, “With all due respect, they build statues for legends.” Rollins asks where his statue is. Rollins says he wants it front and center at Night Of Champions. Stephanie has a look of incredulity on her face. She tells him if he wants his statue, then he can ask Sting. Rollins walks off.
Dolph Ziggler makes his way to the ring with Lana by his side. He’ll face Rusev in a SummerSlam rematch, next.
-Commercial Break-
Dolph Ziggler w/ Lana vs. Rusev w/ Summer Rae
The bell rings, and Ziggler applies a waistlock. Rusev quickly shakes him off. Ziggler tries to get around him, but Rusev grabs him and tosses him across the ring. Rusev talks a little trash in his native tongue. Rusev backs him into the corner, but Ziggler circles around him and dropkicks him. Rusev quickly gets out of the ring to recover. Rusev consults with Summer Rae before getting in the ring. Rusev attacks Ziggler and stomps him before picking him up and kicking him in the face for a two count. Rusev applies a chin lock, but Ziggler quickly fights up. Rusev quickly takes him down by the hair and talks trash to the crowd. Rusev kicks him in the spine before stomping him. Ziggler rolls to the apron, and Rusev punches him down. A “Let’s go Rusev/Rusev sucks,” chant breaks out. Ziggler stuns him with a jawbreaker and goes for an avalanche in the corner, but Rusev sidesteps him. Rusev drops a trio of elbows for a two count. Rusev gets Ziggler to his feet and goes for a back suplex, but Ziggler flips through and lands on his feet. Ziggler then jumps on his back for a sleeper hold. Rusev then backs him into the corner to break the hold. Ziggler goes to the apron, and Rusev knocks him off into the barricade.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Rusev go for a falling head-butt, but Ziggler rolls out of the way. Ziggler punches him a few times before Rusev blocks it and swats him down. Rusev then applies a bear hug. Rusev holds Ziggler up while staring at Lana. Ziggler tries to fight out, but Rusev knees him in the ribs. Rusev then whips him into the corner hard. Rusev repeats it to the opposite corner before backing up. Rusev goes for an avalanche, but Ziggler moves. Ziggler then spikes him with a big DDT. Ziggler pulls himself up, ducks a clothesline, and hits a pair of flying clotheslines. Ziggler avalanches him in the corner and goes for a neckbreaker, but Rusev counters into a swinging back suplex. Rusev follows up with a jumping summersault senton for a near fall. Rusev cannot believe he kicked out.
Rusev waits for Ziggler to get up, but he misses a thrust kick. Ziggler rolls him up for a near fall. Rusev immediately follows up with a rolling wheel kick for a near fall. Summer Rae shouts at the referee. Rusev scoops Ziggler up and drops him throat first on the top rope. Rusev hits the ropes, but Ziggler flatten him with a superkick for a near fall. Rusev rolls out of the ring to recover. Ziggler follows him out, but Rusev stuns him with a throat thrust. Rusev slams his face off the steel steps and backs up. Rusev charges, but Ziggler sidesteps him. Rusev hits the steps hard shoulder first. The referee is counting them out, but they get in at the count of nine. Rusev throws a tantrum in the ring before standing Ziggler up and hitting a big thrust kick. Rusev yells, “Rusev, crush!” Rusev stomps the spine and goes for the Accolade, but Ziggler slides out. Rusev blocks a superkick and spins him, but Ziggler surprises him with a Zig-Zag. Ziggler covers, but Summer Rae runs in and pulls his hair for the disqualification.
Winner by Disqualification: Dolph Ziggler
Match Rating: **
Lana gets in the ring and tackles Summer down. They roll around the ring with a catfight before Ziggler pulls Lana off. Summer charges, but Ziggler lifts Lana up to kick her in the face. Ziggler and Lana then back up the ramp before kissing. Rusev screams in anger.
Ryback will defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship against The Big Show. The Beat The Clock Challenges with Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch start next.
-Commercial Break-
Dolph Ziggler is seen talking to Lana backstage when Renee Young walks up. Renee congratulates him on his victory. Lana walks off. Ziggler says that’s not the way he wants to win. That won’t be the last they see of the Bulgarian Brute and the fake Lana. Ziggler says he has to hit the shower and goes in his locker room. Renee talks about The Dudley Boyz making their in ring return. Coming up next, we’ll see Becky Lynch face Alicia Fox. In the background, Summer Rae sneaks into Ziggler’s locker room.
The Bella Twins and Alicia Fox are in the ring. Lilian Garcia announces whichever member of Team PCB wins their match the fastest will face Nikki Bella at Night of Champions for the WWE Divas Championship. Nikki says being the fearless face of the Divas Division is an honor. She wants to share every moment in time with the Bella Army and the WWE Universe. She asks the crowd to join them in counting down each precious moment until she becomes the longest reigning Divas Champion in WWE history. She then presents the “Bella Tron.” She has fourteen days until she’s the longest running champion. AJ Lee is the current record holder.
Beat The Clock Challenge Match
Alicia Fox w/ Team Bella vs. Becky Lynch w/ Paige and Charlotte
In a pre-taped interview, Becky Lynch says PCB will blow the roof off the building. One of them is walking out the new number one contender. Alicia Fox shouldn’t think about stopping her. The “B” in PCB can be a real “B” when she has to.
The bell rings, and Becky quickly rolls Alicia up for a two count. Becky takes her down for another one count. Alicia slaps her in the midsection and hits a snapmare for a one count. They trade sloppy covers for another few moments. Becky takes her down with a hammerlock and really stretches it. Becky tries for the Dis-arm-her, but Alicia rolls to the apron. The referee backs Becky up, and Alicia takes her down with a big boot for a two count. We’re 1:20 into the match. Alicia throws her by the hair and stomps the hand. Alicia smothers her with her knee. Becky quickly rolls her up for a one count. Alicia takes her down with a hideous dropkick for a one count. Two long minutes have passed. Alicia applies a chin lock, but Becky whips her off. Becky hits some uppercuts before catching her with a pair of clotheslines. Becky hits another clothesline for a two count. Becky hits a springboard kick and follows up with a suplex. Alicia rolls her up, but Becky counters into the Dis-arm-her for the win in 3:21. That is the time to beat.
Winner by Submission: Becky Lynch (3:21)
Match Rating: 1/2 *
The Dudley Boyz will face The New Day later tonight in their first RAW match in ten years.
-Commercial Break-
Rich Brennan is backstage with Ryback. Brennan asks for his thoughts on facing The Big Show. Ryback says this match is a few months in the making. It’s The Big Guy versus The Big Show. The championship means the world to him. The Elimination Chamber couldn’t keep him down. A staph infection couldn’t keep him down. A triple threat match couldn’t keep him down. Tonight, he’ll prove he’s bigger and better than The Big Show. Ryback is interrupted by what sounds like a child laughing. Summer Rae is seen running away. Ziggler comes out in a towel looking angry.
The Big Show makes his entrance to the ring. Ryback follows soon after. Still photos are shown of Ryback winning the triple threat at SummerSlam. The Intercontinental Championship will be defended, next.
-Commercial Break-
The Miz will be on commentary for the next match.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Big Show vs. Ryback (c)
The bell rings, and Big Show kicks and punches Ryback. Big Show goes for a chop, but Ryback punches out of the corner. Ryback hits the ropes, but Big Show shoulder blocks him down. Big Show puts Ryback in the corner and viciously chops the chest. Ryback avoids a second smack and hits some shoulder thrusts. Ryback clubs him in the corner before running into a chop. Big Show chokes him on the bottom rope before sending him into the corner for a clothesline. Big Show steps on Ryback and talks trash to The Miz. Big Show hits a falling elbow drop for a two count. Big Show chokes him with his boot again before viciously sending him into the corner. A light “Please retire” chant fires up. Big Show asks for a microphone and tells them to find someone to make him retire. Ryback lifts him up, but Big Show’s weight brings him down. Big Show covers for a two count. Big Show stomps away at Ryback before picking him up. Big Show clubs him before hitting a DDT for a near fall. Big Show elbows him in the neck before applying a cobra clutch. Ryback fights up and punches out. Ryback hits the ropes, ducks a clothesline, and takes him down with a diving shoulder block.
Ryback punches Big Show, but Big Show sends him to the corner. Big Show hits a running butt bump before hitting the ropes. Ryback takes him down with a Lou Thesz Press and goes for a big splash, but Big Show grabs him by the throat. Ryback gets out of the Chokeslam and hits a spinebuster for a near fall. Ryback sets up in the corner and a light “Feed Me More” chant breaks out. Big Show grabs him by the throat and hits a Chokeslam for a near fall. Big Show goes to the top rope, but Ryback punches him and slams him to the mat. Ryback goes for the Meat Hook Clothesline, but Big Show spears him down for a near fall. Big Show stands over Ryback and balls up his fist. The Miz gets on the apron so Big Show scares him off. Ryback then hits Shell Shocked for the win.
Winner and still WWE Intercontinental Champion: Ryback
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Dean Ambrose will face Braun Strowman in his in ring debut. Coming up next, Charlotte will face Brie Bella in a Beat The Clock Challenge. The time to beat is Becky Lynch’s 3:21.
-Commercial Break-
Beat The Clock Challenge Match
Brie Bella w/ Team Bella vs. Charlotte w/ Paige and Becky Lynch
A pre-taped promo with Charlotte is shown. She says tonight is more than just an opportunity at the Divas Championship. She wants this and was born for it. She’ll seize this moment with blood, sweat, and a little bit of flair. Charlotte lets out a “Woo!”
The time to beat is 3:21. The bell rings, and Brie puts herself through the ropes and is trying to avoid Charlotte. We have less than three minutes as Brie is stalling. Brie runs away and gets out of the ring. Charlotte follows her outside, but Brie takes her down on the floor. Brie gets in the ring and celebrates. Charlotte punches her back, ducks a clothesline, and goes for the Figure Eight, but Brie grabs the bottom rope. There is less than two minutes left. Brie kicks her in the knee, but Charlotte catches her with a hanging neckbreaker. Charlotte hits Natural Selection to win with 1:41 left.
Winner by Pinfall: Charlotte (1:40)
Match Rating: 1/4 *
A replay is shown of The Dudley Boyz returning last week on RAW from Brooklyn. They put Xavier Woods through a table with the 3D.
Renee Young is backstage with The Dudley Boyz. She says they haven’t competed on Monday Night RAW in a decade. Bubby Ray says they’re straight out of Dudleyville and back in the WWE Universe. They plan on putting everybody through a table, but the most important reason they came back is for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Everyone knows they are 9-time champions and the most decorated tag team champions in WWE history. The magic number is ten. They want to be ten time champions. They have to go through The New Day. They’re at the head of the table. They don’t plan on knocking them off. They plan on putting them THROUGH the table. What is New Day going to do when they’re in the middle of the ring with 20,000 people screaming, “Get the tables”? D-Von screams for Bubba Ray to testify.
Cesaro and Kevin Owens will have a SummerSlam rematch, next.
-Commercial Break-
Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens
They circle the ring, and a “Fight Owens Fight” chant breaks out. Owens talks a little trash, so Cesaro catches him with a few uppercuts for a no count. Cesaro uppercuts him to the corner before chopping the chest. Owens punches him to the ropes, but Cesaro comes back with an uppercut. Cesaro goes for a suplex, but Owens blocks it. Owens punches him before running into a nasty big boot. Cesaro then lifts him up for a delayed vertical suplex. Owens tried to punch out of it, but Cesaro still finished the move. Cesaro immediately follows up with a double stomp to the chest for a near fall. Owens chops him back, but Cesaro boots him in the face. Owens punches him down before chopping the chest. Cesaro reverses a whip, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Cesaro immediately fires back with a clothesline for a two count. Cesaro sends him into the ropes, but Owens holds on and pulls himself out of the ring. Cesaro teases a suicide dive, but Owens avoids it. Cesaro then takes him down with a running uppercut on the floor. Cesaro rolls him into the ring and goes to the top rope for a cross-body block. That gets him a near fall. Owens quickly rolls out of the ring to recover. Cesaro follows him out, but Owens sweeps the feet on the apron. Owens hits a senton splash before kicking him in the spine. Owens punches him back and chops the chest. Cesaro punches him back, but Owens quickly whips him to the opposite corner. Owens talks trash and asks where the Cesaro Section is now. Cesaro punches back at him before having a whip reversed. Owens clotheslines him in the corner and hits a cannonball. Owens talks trash to the crowd before pulling Cesaro into the center of the ring for a two count.
Owens punches him before kneeing him in the back of the neck. Owens applies a chin lock, but Cesaro elbows out. Owens elbows him in the face and sends him shoulder-first into the ring post. Owens hits a torture rack neckbreaker for a near fall.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Cesaro attempting to superplex Owens. Owens fights him off, but Cesaro uppercuts him. Cesaro goes for the superplex again, but Owens fights him off a second time. Cesaro quickly uppercuts him and hits a deadlift gutwrench superplex for a near fall! Cesaro sends him into the corner and hits an uppercut. Cesaro repeats it two more times before Owens attempts a kick. Cesaro blocks it and hits a torture rack slam for a near fall. Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer, but Owens counters with a back body drop attempt. Cesaro rolls through and goes for the Sharpshooter, but Owens kicks out. Owens quickly kicks him in the face for a near fall. Owens screams to Michael Cole, “Watch this you little jerk!” Owens goes for a cannonball, but Cesaro moves out of the way!
Owens punches away at Cesaro and slaps him in the face. Cesaro punches away at him, but Owens elbows him back. Owens goes for a springboard tornado DDT, but Cesaro blocks it! Cesaro swings him into position and hits an inverted swinging sidewalk slam before applying a crossface! Cesaro blocks him from grabbing the rope, so Owens uses his foot. Owens stuns him with a punch and sends him into the ropes, but Cesaro twists to the apron. Cesaro boots him in the face and goes for a suplex out of the ring. Owens counters it and snaps him off the top rope. Owens then hits the ropes and knocks Cesaro into the commentary table. Cesaro slowly gets into the ring. The referee keeps Owens back. Cesaro goes for the Cesaro Swing, but he can’t pull it off with the injured ribs. Owens kicks him in the ribs and hits the Pop-up Powerbomb for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Kevin Owens
Match Rating: ** 3/4
Replays are shown of the final moments of the match. Owens celebrates the win by celebrating on the turnbuckle.
Braun Strowman will make his in ring debut to face Dean Ambrose, next.
-Commercial Break-
Dolph Ziggler is backstage with an angry Lana. Ziggler says he wants to explain himself. He was in his locker room and came out of the shower to see Summer Rae standing there. He grabbed a towel and told her to get out. Lana says Summer saw him naked. She asks, “How do you think that makes me feel?” Ziggler explains himself again, but Lana walks off.
Bray Wyatt makes his way to the ring with Braun Strowman and Luke Harper. Replays are shown of Braun Strowman debuting on RAW last week to viciously take out Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. On Thursday Night Smackdown, Reigns tried to get even, but Strowman manhandled him again and knocked him out. Wyatt says he wants to thank Sister Abigail for giving him his greatest gift, “The Black Sheep” Braun Strowman. This is Braun’s moment. Tonight, he will show the world what he stands for. Tonight, he will share with the entire universe why it is he exists. For thousands of years, mankind has attempted to predict when the end of the world will be. Wyatt says after tonight, there will be no time for guessing. The seven trumpets will sound and they’ll walk among the people undisguised. Wyatt tells Strowman to show the world the face of their destruction. Strowman removes the black sheep mask and takes the microphone.
Braun Strowman says, “This isn’t the beginning. It’s the end… the apocalypse.” Wyatt’s video flashes, and we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
Braun Strowman w/ The Wyatt Family vs. Dean Ambrose w/ Roman Reigns
The bell rings, and Ambrose stares at Strowman. Ambrose punches away at him before Strowman pushes him into the ropes and shoulder blocks him down. Strowman throws him across the ring twice before staring at Bray Wyatt. Ambrose quickly boots him in the face, but Strowman immediately takes him down with a right hand. Strowman drags him by the arm to the center of the ring. A light “Let’s go Ambrose” chant breaks out. Ambrose punches away at Strowman before running into a goozle. Strowman takes him off his feet with a punch to the midsection. Strowman hits the ropes and hits a running kick that sends him out of the ring. Strowman goes outside and sends him into the barricade. Strowman smothers his face into the barricade before throwing Ambrose into Reigns. Strowman then shoves Reigns. Reigns punches back at Strowman for the disqualification.
Winner by Disqualification: Braun Strowman
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Strowman viciously sends Reigns into the barricade before sending Ambrose over the commentary table. Reigns tries to fight back, but Strowman shoves him into the timekeeper’s area. Ambrose jumps off the table onto his back, but Strowman whips him off. Reigns comes out from the timekeeper’s area, and Strowman throws him into the ring through the middle rope. Reigns punches him as he gets in the ring, but Strowman comes back with a head and arm choke. Ambrose hits him with a chair, but Strowman barely feels it. Ambrose is stunned. Strowman grabs the chair and tosses it before head-butting Ambrose. Strowman approaches Reigns, but thinks he did it too soon, so he makes himself stumble. Reigns punches Strowman, but Luke Harper runs in and superkicks him. Strowman grabs Ambrose and applies the head and arm choke. Bray Wyatt is watching on from ringside. Strowman then lifts Reigns up for a modified dominator. Wyatt gets in the ring and asks if the people can see. They hold Reigns up as Wyatt arches his back in the corner. Wyatt yells, “Thank you, Abigail” before dropping Reigns with Sister Abigail. Wyatt kneels in front of Reigns and yells “Follow the buzzards!”
Still photos are shown of Seth Rollins beating John Cena at SummerSlam with a timely assist from Jon Stewart. Replays are shown of Sting from earlier in the night. Sting says he’s going to prove that Seth Rollins isn’t half the man Triple H is.
Renee Young is backstage with Seth Rollins. She asks if he’s had any luck finding his statue. Rollins asks if she finds this funny. Rollins says the statue isn’t representative of everything he’s accomplished in the past year. It’s representative of all the hard work that everyone has put in to make this company what it is. Sting stealing it disrespects every legend that has been immortalized in bronze. Since this is his show, he’s going to call out Sting later tonight and demand that he returns his statue. Renee asks about Sting saying that Rollins is no Triple H. Rollins says Sting should get a description to the WWE Network to see what he’s about. Triple H was great in his day, but he is the first man to ever hold the United States and WWE World Heavyweight Championships at the same time. That means he’s the man now.
Coming up next, we’ll see Paige face Sasha Banks in a Beat The Clock Challenge. The time to beat is Charlotte’s 1:40.
-Commercial Break-
Beat The Clock Challenge Match
Paige w/ Charlotte and Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks w/ Team B.A.D.
A pre-taped promo is shown with Paige. She says the Divas Division has been misrepresented for far too long. It’s not about high heels and high school drama. They are athletes. Tonight is her first step in taking down Nikki Bella and taking back her house.
The time to beat is 1:40. Paige immediately tackles her at the sound of the bell and covers for a one count. Banks sends her face first into the turnbuckle and stomps her. Banks slams her down for a near fall. Banks sends her into the ropes, but Paige attempts a sunset flip. Banks sits on her shoulders, but Paige rolls through for a two count. They trade covers, and we have less than 50 seconds. Paige sends her to the corner and hits a high running knee. Paige hits another running knee for a near fall. Banks elbows her and goes for a hurricanrana, but Paige holds her up. Paige then hits the Ram-Paige, but Team B.A.D. pulls Banks out of the ring. Paige tries to get her into the ring, but time expires. Paige does not beat the clock.
No Contest
Match Rating: 1/4 *
Charlotte is the new #1 Contender for the WWE Divas Championship. Paige looks frustrated. Team Bella comes out to the stage. Nikki Bella holds up the championship as the “Bella Tron” shows how much longer she has until she’s the longest reigning Divas Champion ever.
Seth Rollins will call Sting out later tonight. We’ll also see The Dudley Boyz have a match against The New Day.
-Commercial Break-
Renee Young is backstage with Lana. Renee is looking for a reaction to her Summer Rae interview. During the commercial, Renee interviewed Summer Rae. She claims that Dolph Ziggler asked her to come into his locker room before getting undressed. She says his body captivated her, but then she remembered Rusev and ran away. Lana is seen sniffling before walking off.
The New Day makes their way to the ring. Xavier Woods’ hair is down. Woods says The Dudley Boyz are menaces to society, culture, the Tag Team Championships, and furniture across the world. Kofi Kingston says the good news is their support can save a table’s life. Big E asks them to remember those times sitting with their grandparents at the Thanksgiving Table. How about cleaning up at the Poker Table or the Pool Table? Woods says there wouldn’t be anything in the world without the Periodic Table. Big E then goes through the Times Table with some multiplication. These memories wouldn’t exist if The Dudley’s broke their table. That is exactly why they have this table. A bubble wrapped table is brought out from under the ring. Woods says this is the last table here. That means The New Day will do everything in their power to protect it from the “table poachers,” The Dudley Boyz. They try to start a “Save The Tables” chant. They’ll face The Dudley Boyz, next.
-Commercial Break-
The Prime Time Players will be on commentary.
Big E and Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods vs. The Dudley Boyz
Big E will start the match against D-Von Dudley. They lock-up, and D-Von wrenches the arm. Big E twists out and wrenches the arm. D-Von applies a side headlock, but Big E fights out. Big E sends him into the ropes, but D-Von comes back with a spinning back elbow. D-Von ducks a clothesline and connects with a neckbreaker for a two count. Kofi Kingston is tagged in, and D-Von hits him with a hip toss. Bubba Ray Dudley is tagged in, and Kingston runs to the ropes. Kingston starts a clap, but Bubba starts a “New Day sucks” chant. Kingston applies a side headlock, but Bubba whips him off. Kingston ducks a pair of clotheslines and a big boot. Kingston leapfrogs him and kicks him in the midsection. Kingston then runs into a clothesline where he was supposed to flip, but barely made it. Bubba sidesteps Big E and tags in D-Von. They sandwich Big E and Kingston in the corner before they take turns hitting splashes. The Dudley’s throw them out of the ring and stare at Woods, who is protecting the table.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see D-Von punching away at Big E. Woods gets on the apron and distracts D-Von. D-Von cuts Big E off with punches, but Big E soon kicks him. Kingston is tagged in. They send D-Von into the ropes, but D-Von comes back with a diving double clothesline. D-Von hits the ropes, but Woods pulls the top rope down to knock him out of the ring. Woods kneels next to D-Von and combs his Kat Stevens inspired hair. Kingston comes off the apron with a stomp. Kingston uppercuts D-Von before tagging in Big E. Big E drives D-Von into the barricade and does a jig. Big E puts him in the ring and punches him down. They take turns tagging in and out stomping D-Von each time. Eventually Kingston dropkicks D-Von. Kingston hits a running knee to the face. Big E tags in and hits a big splash for a near fall. Big E applies an abdominal stretch before releasing it. D-Von punches him and hits the ropes, but Big E drops him with a back elbow for a two count. Kingston is tagged in, and he stomps D-Von before applying a chin lock. D-Von fights up, but Kingston takes him down. Kingston goes to the top rope and jumps into a mid-air clothesline.
Bubba Ray is tagged in, and he hits a pair of clotheslines before hitting a back body drop. Bubba hits an avalanche before clotheslining Big E off the apron. Bubba catches Kingston with a sidewalk slam before bringing in Woods the hard way. D-Von then gives Woods a hip toss to the floor! Bubba hits some jabs followed by a Bionic Elbow. Bubba then body slams Big E for the “Wassup?” head-butt. Kingston attacks Bubba from behind. D-Von tags in, and they hit Kingston with the 3D for the win!
Winners by Pinfall: The Dudley Boyz
Match Rating: * 1/4
D-Von goes outside and grabs the bubble wrapped table. They rip the tape off it and set it up. They wait for Big E to get up, but New Day pulls him out of the ring. The crowd boos as The Dudley’s stare at them.
Seth Rollins will call out Sting and demand his statue back, next.
-Commercial Break-
Seth Rollins demands Sting return his statue to him
Seth Rollins makes his way to the ring to a light reaction, which is the theme of the night. Rollins says he wants to make something perfectly clear. Up until last week, he had no problem at all with Sting. As a matter of fact, he revered him as a legend and icon in the industry. Then Sting hijacked his statue, ruined his ceremony, and it became painfully obvious to him why WCW went out of business. Rollins cackles and says he is nothing like Sting. He is a real man that doesn’t hide in the shadows. He’s in the center of the ring to call Sting out. Rollins wants two things from the face painted freak. He wants Sting to take back what he said earlier in the night when he said Triple H was better than him. Everyone knows that’s not true. Rollins says he is just as good as Triple H and maybe even better. Secondly and more important, Sting has something that belongs to him. The statue that he took from him symbolizes so much more than he could ever understand. That statue is representative of the greatest champion in WWE history. Rollins says if Sting has the guts, he dares him to bring himself to his ring and tell him where he put his statue.
Stephanie McMahon’s music hits, and she comes out to almost no reaction. Stephanie says she knows she’s the one who told him to call out Sting, but she strongly advises that he stops talking about her husband, Triple H. Rollins says Triple H was the leader of Evolution. If anyone would have compared him to Ric Flair, Triple H would have flipped his lid. At that time, Triple H is the man. That time has passed and now he is the man. Triple H is a thirteen-time champion. Stephanie says Rollins has let Sting get into his head. She thought he was smarter. This isn’t about who is better or some statue. Rollins is the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and the WWE United States Champion. He’s the first man to ever hold the two together. Rollins is the man. Rollins says he won’t let Sting distract him from what’s important. Rollins demands that Sting come out and tell him where his statue is.
John Cena’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a decent reception. People are standing, but there isn’t any real audible noise. Cena says they’re taking it easy on him. Cena says he’s probably the last person Rollins wants to see. Rollins says he has no business out here. Cena says Rollins probably thinks Stephanie will ban him from the arena again. Cena says Rollins is about to find out how expendable he is. Stephanie won’t throw him out. As a matter of fact, she’ll be the one who makes Rollins’ life a living hell. These people know him. Whether they’re on his side or not, they know he’s big on respect. Cena says he’ll give Rollins his respect and say he’s great in the ring, but he’s the biggest idiot he’s ever met in his life. Rollins thinks he’s friends with The Authority. Cena asks why they chose Rollins. They chose him because he’s the only one who would stab his friends in the back. A “You sold out” chant breaks out. Rollins tells him to get to the point. Cena says The Authority does what’s best for business. They chose Rollins and took everything they could. Cena doesn’t like The Authority and they don’t like him. Rollins buys into their bullcrap. If they really had his back, they’d never allow him to do what he’s about to do.
Rollins has a match against Sting for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Night Of Champions. The Authority said every title would be on the line at Night Of Champions. Cena says he has a rematch for the WWE United States Championship. He’s going to cash in his rematch clause. At Night Of Champions, Rollins will face Sting for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but he’ll also face him for the WWE United States Championship. Rollins shakes his head in the negative. Cena says that isn’t for Rollins to decide. Now it’s time to talk to Stephanie. Cena says this is a simple one-word answer. Does he have a match against “Captain Morgan” at Night Of Champions for the United States Championship? The crowd chants, “YES!” Stephanie looks conflicted before saying, “Yes.” Cena drops his microphone and leaves the ring triumphantly.
Cena poses at the top of the ramp when Sting’s music hits. Sting stands side-by-side with Cena and stares at Rollins. Rollins looks back at both his opponents at Night Of Champions and looks at his two titles. Rollins looks very uneasy as the show comes to an end.
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Quick Match Results
Dolph Ziggler def. Rusev via DQ
Becky Lynch def. Alicia Fox via Submission in 3:21 (Beat The Clock)
Ryback def. Big Show to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Charlotte def. Brie Bella in 1:40 (Beat The Clock)
Kevin Owens def. Cesaro
Braun Strowman def. Dean Ambrose via DQ
Paige NC Sasha Banks (Beat The Clock)
The Dudley Boyz def. The New Day (non-title)
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