WWE Monday Night RAW Results
April 11, 2016
Los Angeles, California
Report by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
In memory of Robert “Blackjack Mulligan” Windham: 1942-2016.
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
We go live into the Staples Center to hear Shane McMahon’s music hit. The crowd erupts as he makes his way to the stage doing his Shane O’Mac shuffle. They show a tweet that states Shane McMahon is in control of RAW tonight due to overwhelming social media support. The crowd chants “Shane O’Mac.” Shane says it feels good to be out here. Shane is interrupted by another loud chant of “Shane O’Mac.” Shane says his father let him run Monday Night RAW for his own personal amusement, but he must be very amused because he’s back tonight. The credit goes out to the fans because they’re the reason he’s back. Shane thanks them, and they chant “Thank you” back at him. Shane says he wants to keep rolling with what he started last week. We’ll have new superstars, new opportunities, and fresh match-ups. Natalya has challenged Charlotte for the WWE Women’s Championship. That will happen here tonight. We’ll also start a tag team tournament with the winners facing The New Day. That will begin tonight. Congratulations go out to “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles last week because winning that fatal four-way means he’s taking on Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns’ name gets massive boos. Shane says it’s an amazing opportunity, but one was squandered last week. Sami Zayn will get another opportunity tonight, as he’ll face AJ Styles. If Zayn wins, in three weeks time, it will be Sami Zayn versus AJ Styles versus Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat match-up! A light “Holy shit” chant breaks out before a “YES” chant breaks out.
Kevin Owens’ music hits, and he makes his way out to the ring looking disappointed. Owens says with all due respect, it’s a good thing that tonight might be his last night in charge. If Shane thinks Sami Zayn deserves that kind of opportunity, he may have knocked a few screws loose when he jumped off that cell, especially considering how he is absolutely getting screwed over here. Shane wonders why he feels screwed over since he screwed over Sami Zayn last Monday. Owens has had opportunities and last Monday, he lost in the fatal four-way just as he lost at WrestleMania. Owens interrupts him and says he wants to correct him. He was robbed by Sami Zayn at K-O-Mania. He was also robbed last Monday because he never got pinned. That’s just not fair. It’s also not fair that he has yet to receive his rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. In fact, he’s in the ring and ready to fight. Owens demands his rematch for the Intercontinental Championship tonight. Shane says that’s not how things are run here. This may be his last night, but he has to earn it. Owens can earn his rematch, but he has to beat one guy here tonight. Shane has seen this guy since 2:30 in the afternoon going back and forth. The winner of tonight’s match will face Miz for the Intercontinental Championship. That man is the “Swiss Superman” Cesaro. Shane says he’s ready, Cesaro is ready, and Owens says he’s ready this will start right now! Owens can’t believe this and yells at Shane as he gets out of the ring.
Cesaro’s music hits, and he greets Shane McMahon. Cesaro is wearing sunglasses and a full suit. Cesaro then rips it off and makes his way to the ring. He poses next to some fans holding “Cesaro Section” signs before getting in the ring.
-Commercial Break-
#1 Contender’s Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro
The bell rings, and Owens puts himself through the ropes to keep Cesaro away. They lock up, and Owens applies a waistlock. Cesaro turns it around on him and takes him down before rolling around on him. Cesaro goes for a cover, but Owens kicks out and angrily gets out of the ring. The Miz and Maryse are seen watching backstage. Cesaro waits for Owens to get back in the ring. They lock up again, and Owens applies a side headlock. Cesaro hooks his own headlock and takes him down. Owens fights up and clubs out. Owens reapplies a side headlock, but Cesaro gets out and applies a side headlock before showing off. Owens fights out and gets out of the ring before angrily slamming the commentary table. JBL’s hat falls off the table, so Owens puts it back and says he got carried away. Owens cheap shots Cesaro getting in the ring and chops away at him. Cesaro comes back with an uppercut, taking Owens down. Owens rolls to the apron and snaps his arm off the top rope. Cesaro is wearing athletic tape on his shoulder. Cesaro elbows him as he gets back in the ring, but Owens quickly comes back with an arm breaker. Cesaro quickly rolls out of the ring to recover. Owens follows him out of the ring and sends him shoulder-first into the ring post. Owens gets him in the ring and works away at the arm before taunting the crowd. Owens picks up a one count. Owens applies an overhead wristlock. Cesaro soon fights up and forearms out. Owens quickly twists the arm and takes him back down before reapplying the wristlock. The crowd starts chanting for Cesaro. Cesaro fights up and gets out. Cesaro reverses a whip into the corner and connects with a running uppercut. Owens quickly comes back with a boot to the shoulder before putting him in the corner. Owens taunts the crowd and goes for a running uppercut, but Cesaro moves. Cesaro then shows him how its down by connecting with another running uppercut. Cesaro then starts the uppercut train before flooring him with a beautiful dropkick for a near fall. Cesaro clutches his shoulder in pain.
Cesaro sets up for a Cesaro Swing, but Owens fights out. Cesaro then rolls him up for a two count. Owens sidesteps an avalanche by sending him into the turnbuckle shoulder-first. Owens then sends him shoulder-first into the ring post, and Cesaro falls out of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see both men down and struggling to get up. During the commercial, Cesaro connected with a deadlift gutwrench superplex. They trade punches in the ring with Cesaro coming out on top with an uppercut. Owens attacks the shoulder, but Cesaro hits him with a few uppercuts before trying for the swing. Owens kicks away at the shoulder to get out, so Cesaro connects with a double stomp to the chest for a near fall. Owens reverses a whip, but Cesaro twists to the apron and boots him away. Cesaro goes to the top rope and connects with a cross-body block, but Owens rolls through and applies a crossface. Cesaro tries to roll out, but Owens keeps it on. Cesaro finally rolls him up for a two count, and Owens is forced to break the hold. Cesaro then transitions into a Sharpshooter, which is in tribute to Tyson Kidd. Owens claws to the bottom rope to break the hold. Miz and Maryse are seen watching backstage. Owens takes Cesaro down with a superkick and goes to the top rope. Owens connects with a picture perfect frog splash for a near fall!
Owens gets to his feet and says he’s awesome before signaling that this is over. Owens goes for a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Cesaro leapfrogs him, ducks a clothesline, and connects with a springboard spinning uppercut! Cesaro takes him down for a Cesaro Swing, but he can’t spin him too much because his injured shoulder gives out. Owens sends him shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Owens goes for a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Cesaro counters into a hurricanrana, rolls through, and connects with a Neutralizer for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Cesaro
Match Rating: ** 1/2
Cesaro will face The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Cesaro celebrates his big win by celebrating with the fans at ringside. The Miz and Maryse don’t look happy about this backstage.
Footage is shown of Natalya confronting Charlotte last week. Charlotte had just insulted the entire women’s division.
Charlotte is seen talking with her father, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, backstage. Charlotte says she’s always the victim. First the entire women’s locker room ruined her title celebration. It’s only been eight days since she won the WWE Women’s Championship. What has Natalya done to deserve this match? Ric Flair says he doesn’t know who he’s more disgusted with: Natalya or Shane McMahon. If The Authority were running the show, she’d be on vacation. Dr. Phil approaches them, and the crowd boos him. Dr. Phil says he’s watched Charlotte’s rise the whole time. She’s so hard working and committed. Dr. Phil is proud of that. Dr. Phil sees the bond she has with her father, but now he’s holding her back and corrupting her. Flair is getting in her way by giving her dirty tricks. Charlotte cheats every time she’s out there. Dr. Phil says she needs to stand on her own two feet. Charlotte says she’ll chop his hillbilly butt all the way back to Texas. Dr. Phil says she isn’t a victim but rather a victimizer. She doesn’t need Flair. Flair cannot believe this. Charlotte walks off. Flair starts getting pumped up, but Dr. Phil “Woos” in his face. Flair just walks off.
Elsewhere backstage, Kevin Owens is arguing with Shane McMahon. Owens complains that he’s been screwed many times over the past week. Owens says what happens to Sami Zayn is on Shane’s pretty little gray hair. Shane says he will not be threatened. Shane says Owens will be escorted from the building. He is not screwing Sami Zayn again. Owens is furious as he walks off.
-Commercial Break-
“OH L.A., DON’T YOU DARE BE SOUR. CLAP FOR YOUR WORLD FAMOUS TWO-TIME CHAMPS AND FEEL THE POWER!”
The New Day makes their way to the ring dancing and gyrating to a big reception. Xavier Woods says just like a game of “NBA Jam,” as of last week, this tag team division is on fire. There are so many teams that want the same thing, and that is to get a piece of the WWE World Tag Team Champions. Kofi Kingston asks who deserves it. They do their “WHO?” shtick. Big E says we shall see. As Shane McMahon said, tonight will start a tournament to determine their next challengers. Big E tells them to prepare to say goodbye to March Sadness and all their busted brackets and prepare to say hello to this new tournament. Booty O’s sponsors it: They make sure you ain’t booty. They get in the ring. Kingston says eight aspiring teams will compete for the opportunity of a lifetime. This moment will live forever on the WWE Network. One of these teams will have the opportunity to dethrone The New Day. Will any of them succeed? No! Woods says they’ll try before announcing the first match of the tag team tournament will begin right now! Big E then says, “New Day Rocks!” and they gyrate in the ring.
The Lucha Dragons make their way to the ring. They’ll face The Dudley Boyz, next.
-Commercial Break-
#1 Contender’s Tag Team Tournament First Round Match
The Lucha Dragons vs. The Dudley Boyz
We join the match in progress. Kalisto is down at ringside being tended to by a ringside physician. They appear to be concentrating on his collarbone. The Dudleys attack Sin Cara and put him in the ring. D-Von Dudley stomps away at him. Kalisto was the legal guy, but they’re going to allow Cara to become legal. D-Von clotheslines him down and tags in Bubba Ray Dudley. Bubba clubs away at him and talks trash. During the commercial, Kalisto was thrown out of the ring, and he hit the ground hard before being clotheslined down. D-Von tags in, and Cara punches back at him before hitting a springboard cross-body. Cara then hits a springboard back elbow before knocking Bubba off the apron. Cara kicks and chops D-Von before ducking a clothesline and hitting a springboard moonsault block for a near fall. Bubba blind tags in, and they botch a 3D attempt. The do it again and connect with it clean. D-Von covers, but he’s not the legal guy. Bubba then covers for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The Dudley Boyz
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Kalisto is still down at ringside. Other match-ups for the tournament are The Usos versus The Social Outcasts, Golden Truth versus The Vaudevillains, and Enzo and Big Cass versus The Ascension.
Enzo and Cass’s music hits, and they come out to another huge pop from the crowd. Enzo Amore does his introduction by saying he’s a certified G and a bona fide stud, and you can’t teach that. Big Cass is seven-foot tall, and you can’t teach that. The Dudley Boyz watch on unimpressed. Bubba says they’re doing just fine. Enzo needs to shut his mouth and so does the crowd. They have a lot of nerve. They’re The Dudley Boyz. They paved the way for guys like them. D-Von says they need to get it straight. They’re not the best tag team in this business. The only reason they exist is because of them. Enzo says the reason he exists if because his mom and dad got it on (how you doin’?). The crowd laughs and chants, “How you doin’?” Big Cass says if they paved the way, they need to get to the side of the road because they’re coming with jackhammers and putting holes in the ground. There’s only one word to describe them: S-A-W-F-T!
Roman Reigns will be out next.
-Commercial Break-
Kevin Owens is being escorted out of the arena by security.
Roman Reigns’ music hits, and the crowd loudly boos the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion as he makes his way to the ring. Still photos are shown of Reigns defeating Triple H last Sunday at WrestleMania 32 to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Reigns gets in the ring, and the crowd is loudly booing him. Reigns says he wants to start off by saying something to L.A. They boo him even louder. A sign in the crowd says, “Reigns = SAWFT.” Reigns repeats the line that he’s neither a good or bad guy, but he’s THE guy. At WWE Payback, he’s defending this title against AJ Styles… that’s if he can beat Sami Zayn tonight. If he can’t, it’ll be a triple threat match at Payback. Reigns says he respects these two guys because they’ve fought all over the world and won titles, but they’ve never won the title.
The League of Nations interrupts him. Sheamus says he seems pretty confident, which is a good thing. How confident would he be if he had to face one of them at WWE Payback? Reigns asks if they’re supposed to make him nervous. Sheamus says he should be. Last week, they eliminated the weakest link in their chain by taking out King Barrett. The League of Nations is stronger than ever. Neither of them are happy about being left out of the match last week. Rusev says Reigns thinks he’s THE guy, but he’s a man. Rusev is bigger, stronger, and better looking than Reigns. Reigns just laughs. Rusev says he should be the face of the WWE. Reigns says Rusev just proved he’s the ass of the WWE. Sheamus holds Rusev back. Alberto Del Rio says any of them could have won the match last week and any of them could kick Reigns ass for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns says he agrees. They should come down and get all their asses whooped.
The League of Nations charge down to the ring and start brawling with Reigns. The Wyatt Family’s video flashes on the screen and the lights go out. When they come back on, The Wyatt Family is in the ring. They brawl with the League of Nations and clear them from the ring. They then start approaching Roman Reigns. Shane McMahon says he never thought he’d see Reigns fighting alongside Wyatt. Shane says he’d like to see more of that. Tonight, two members of the League of Nations will face the tag team of Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt in tonight’s main event.
Later tonight, we’ll see AJ Styles face Sami Zayn. If Zayn wins, he’ll be inserted into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WWE Payback. Coming up next, Natalya will face Charlotte for the WWE Women’s Championship.
-Commercial Break-
Another vignette for the returning Primo and Epico Colon is shown. They’re putting over Puerto Rico as the greatest place on Earth.
Dr. Phil makes his way to the ring high fiving fans. He wants to watch the next match.
WWE Women’s Championship Match
Natalya vs. Charlotte (c) w/ Ric Flair
Byron Saxton interviews Dr. Phil at ringside. Dr. Phil says he wants to see if she’ll take his advice and win this match with legal tactics instead of going by her father’s advice of cheating. Charlotte is wearing the beautiful robe she wore at WrestleMania 32 to the ring. Lilian Garcia does the introductions in the ring.
They circle the ring, and Charlotte gets in her face with a “WOO.” They lock up, and Natalya takes her down with a front facelock. Charlotte twists out and applies a waistlock. Natalya turns it on her, but Charlotte backs her to the corner and gets out. They circle the ring and lock up. Natalya hooks the leg and takes her down, but Charlotte kicks her in the shoulder to get out. They lock up again, and Natalya wraps herself around her, but Charlotte counters with a spinebuster for a two count. Charlotte clubs away at her, but Natalya surprises her with an arm bar attempt. Charlotte gets to the bottom rope and gets out of the ring to recover. Charlotte tries to sneak up on her, but Natalya blocks her kick. Natalya slams her down, steps on her, and dropkicks her in the face. Charlotte immediately gets out of the ring to recover. Ric Flair gives her some advice as Natalya waits. Charlotte gets in the ring and chops her before hitting a neckbreaker. Charlotte kips up and pulls down her kneepad to drop some knees for a two count. Charlotte chokes her with her shin and argues with the referee.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Natalya trapped in a head-scissor. Charlotte slams her head on the mat a few times before rolling her around. Natalya gets out and goes for an arm bar, but Charlotte fights it and applies the Figure Four Leglock. Natalya rolls over to reverse the hold. Charlotte immediately gets to the bottom rope. Charlotte takes her down and applies the Sharpshooter, which is Natalya’s finisher. Natalya powers out of it after a while. Natalya clutches her back in pain. Charlotte chops the chest, but Natalya comes back with some forearms. Natalya ducks a chop and connects with a German Suplex. Natalya goes for a second one, but Charlotte takes her down. Natalya gets to her feet and catches her with a discus clothesline. Natalya goes for a Sharpshooter, but Charlotte slaps her and rolls her up for a two count. Charlotte quickly takes her down with a big boot for a near fall. Charlotte covers again for another two count. Charlotte tries once more for the same result. Flair is shouting encouragement to her at ringside.
Charlotte takes Natalya down with a northern lights suplex. Charlotte steps on her and goes to the top rope for a moonsault, but Natalya moves. Natalya quickly gets up and applies the Sharpshooter! Flair tries to grab his daughter to pull her out of the ring, but he can’t reach her. Flair then pulls the referee out of the ring. Charlotte begins to tap out as the referee calls for the bell. Lilian Garcia announces that Natalya has won by disqualification, but Charlotte is still the champion.
Winner by Disqualification: Natalya
Match Rating: **
Byron Saxton asks Dr. Phil how he feels about what just happened. Dr. Phil says he’s disappointed because he was hoping she’d stand on her own two feet and be someone women can look up to. Dr. Phil then says the women are going to cement their place in sports history.
A replay is shown of Kevin Owens powerbombing Sami Zayn through a table last week on RAW.
Renee Young is backstage with Sami Zayn. She says that Kevin Owens took him out of last week’s main event, but he’s got another opportunity for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. She mentions that Kevin Owens has been escorted out of the building, but he’s got to be feeling the effects of the powerbomb from last week. Zayn says he’s been preparing his whole life for this opportunity. They call him the underdog from the underground because he’s been fighting in the underground all his life. Kevin Owens tried to take him out, but he’s got heart and soul, two things Owens doesn’t have. Zayn says he’s ready and isn’t going to lose. AJ Styles walks up and says he agrees with Zayn because it’s the truth. Styles was alongside him the whole way. Styles says he’s the only #1 Contender, and he plans on keeping it that way. It seems like Styles forgot his lines for a moment.
The Usos make their entrance. We’ll have another Tag Team Tournament match, next.
-Commercial Break-
#1 Contender’s Tag Team Tournament First Round Match
The Usos vs. Heath Slater and Curtis Axel
Jimmy Uso will start the match against Curtis Axel. They lock up, and Axel powers him to the corner. Jimmy ducks a punch and chops away at him. Axel reverses a whip to the corner, but Jimmy quickly takes him down with a right hand. Jey Uso is tagged in, and he comes off the second rope with a club to Axel’s arm. Axel reverses a whip, but Jey slingshots over him. Axel quickly takes him down with a running knee to the head. Axel stomps away at him before Heath Slater tags in. Slater connects with a suplex before taunting Jimmy. Slater picks up a two count. Slater stomps away at Jey before tagging in Axel. Axel chokes him with his boot. Axel connects with a snapmare and applies a chin lock. Jey eventually fights up, but Axel dropkicks him down. Slater audibly says, “Fight up and go home.” Slater is tagged in, and he dropkicks Jey for a two count. Slater punches him before tagging in Axel. Axel stomps him and talks trash. Slater is tagged back in. Axel avalanches Jey before sending him into a sidekick from Slater for a near fall. The Social Outcasts then start running around the ring celebrating. Jimmy is tagged in, and he rolls Slater up as he gets in the ring for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The Usos
Match Rating: *
As soon as the match ends, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows attack The Usos! Karl Anderson knocks Jey Uso out of the ring while Gallows (they’re calling him Luke Gallows) big boots Jimmy down! The crowd gives them a huge ovation. They hit Jimmy with the Magic Killer, a double-team neckbreaker. They go outside. Anderson clotheslines Jey at ringside before sending him into the barricade. Gallows then sends Jey into the steel steps. Referees run down and admonish them. Anderson and Gallows then leave through the crowd to a huge ovation from the crowd!
Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt will face Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio in tonight’s main event.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows attacking The Usos in the previous segment.
Highlights are shown from the Kevin Owens/Cesaro match earlier in the night. Cesaro won to become the #1 Contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. The Miz is seen backstage with cucumbers on his eyes. Maryse is yelling at a stagehand. She says her husband is the new Intercontinental Champion. She holds up a bowl of M&Ms. His contract clearly states that he doesn’t want blue M&Ms. She also says he wants European water. JoJo walks up and asks about his upcoming title defense against Cesaro. Maryse asks who invited her into Miz’ private locker room. She’s so tired of Miz groupies stalking her husband. Miz is taken. Miz removes the cucumbers and wants to explain something to her. The only controversy is her using Zack Ryder and Cesaro in the same sentence. He drives an Audi R8 while Ryder takes the Long Island Railroad and uses his father’s pass to do so. As far as the Swiss Superman is concerned, she’s looking at the kryptonite. Miz says he can do that better and repeats the same line.
Miz then stops and looks over to see Cesaro. Cesaro says he doesn’t want to stop this miserable performance. He just wants to see the leading man whose spot he will be taking. Cesaro says he’s going to roll out the red carpet version of his uppercuts at WWE Payback. Cesaro walks off. Miz grabs a water bottle and takes a sip, but Maryse says it’s domestic. Miz then spits it out.
AJ Styles makes his way to the ring. He’ll face Sami Zayn, next.
-Commercial Break-
AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn
If Sami Zayn wins, he’ll be put into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WWE Payback.
The crowd is really buzzing for this match as the bell rings. They take their time before going for a test of strength. Zayn hooks the arm and twists it. Styles reverses it and brings him down to a knee. Zayn fights up, but Styles continues to twist the arm. Zayn gets out and connects with a headlock takeover. Styles gets out and executes a headlock takeover. Zayn gets up, and we’re at a stalemate. They circle the ring and go for another test of strength. Zayn rolls him up for a one count. Zayn tries again for the same result. Styles smirks as he gets to his feet. They lock up, and Zayn wrenches the arm. Styles summersaults out and twists Zayn’s arm. Zayn rolls through and takes him down before putting him in an arm bar. Zayn lets him up as the crowd chants, “Olé!” Styles whips him off, but Zayn springboards over him and connects with two arm drags before spinning around and connecting with a third before applying an arm bar. Styles fights up and backs him to the corner. They give a clean break.
They lock up, and Zayn wrenches the arm. Styles twists out, kips up, and arm drags him down. Styles blocks a hip toss and slams him down for a one count. Styles applies a front face-lock, but Zayn backs him to the corner. Zayn gives a clean break before chopping the chest. Zayn then invites him to start brawling. They lock up, and Zayn applies a side headlock. Styles whips him off, leapfrogs him, and dropkicks him down! Styles puts him in the corner and chops the chest. Styles viciously forearms him in the face before connecting with a snap suplex for a one count. Styles digs his knee into the back and pulls on the chin. Zayn fights up and hits the ropes, but Styles follows him in and gives him a back elbow. Zayn falls out of the ring to recover. Styles goes for a plancha, but lands on the apron when he sees Zayn moved. Zayn charges him, but Styles knees him in the face from the apron! Styles throws him into the ring for a two count. Zayn gets out of a body slam and grabs a waistlock, but Styles elbows away at him. Styles charges him, but Zayn falls back and pulls the top rope down to get him out of the ring. Zayn then takes Styles out with a flip dive plancha!
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Zayn trapped in a chin lock. Zayn fights up to his feet and punches out. Styles quickly takes him down with a strike combination and a clothesline. Styles then takes him out with a running forearm. Zayn staggers to the corner as Styles avalanches him. Styles then hits a pump-handle gut-buster for a near fall. Styles gets him on his shoulders and connects with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker to the knee for a near fall! Styles sets up for the Styles Clash, but Zayn blocks it. Styles clubs away at him, but Zayn comes back with a roll-up for a near fall. Styles forearms him and puts him on the top rope. Zayn fights him away and connects with a cross-body block for a two count. Styles comes back with a knee to the midsection and goes for the Styles Clash, but Zayn twists the arm, scales the ropes, and connects with a big tornado DDT for a near fall! Zayn cannot believe he kicked out! Zayn goes for a half nelson suplex, but Styles elbows out and connects with a pelé kick!
Both men are down now. Styles rolls to the apron and springboards over him. Zayn then floors him with a blue thunder bomb for a near fall! That was close! The crowd is really into this match. Zayn waits for Styles to get up. Zayn gets him up, but Styles counters into the Calf Crusher! Zayn screams in pain, but he eventually claws his way to the bottom rope. Styles sets him up and goes to the top rope. Zayn cuts him off and goes to the second rope. Zayn goes for a superplex, but Styles blocks it. Styles goes for a sunset flip powerbomb, but Zayn backflips through and lands on his head, but he quickly pops up and dropkicks him in the face! Zayn waits for Styles to get up for the Helluva Kick, but Styles boots him in the face. Styles then lays him out with the Phenomenal Forearm for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: AJ Styles
Match Rating: *** 1/4
Sami Zayn will not be entered into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WWE Payback. It will be Roman Reigns defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against only AJ Styles.
Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt will face Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio in the main event. Coming up next, we’ll see The Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho.
-Commercial Break-
Seth Green is shown watching the show at ringside. He’s one of the creative forces behind “Camp WWE.”
Highlights are shown of the AJ Styles/Sami Zayn match from moments ago. AJ Styles and Sami Zayn are talking backstage. Shane McMahon thanks them for that performance and says everyone appreciates it. Shane says that was awesome, and he walks off. Styles and Zayn hug backstage.
Chris Jericho makes his entrance for another edition of The Highlight Reel. Jericho tells the crowd to shut their damn mouths and listen to what he has to say. Jericho says tonight is a monumental night. It’s the biggest Highlight Reel of all time because his guest is the biggest star in the history of WWE. He’s a multiple-time world champion, main evented WrestleMania’s, and is a future Hall of Famer. His guest… is Chris Jericho. Tonight, we’ll learn more about Chris Jericho than we’ve ever heard before, so they can stop booing. Jericho asks himself to what he owes his ridiculously huge success in WWE. Jericho says he owes his success to himself. That’s because his name is synonymous with greatness because he’s the best in the world at what he does. That’s why he’s here to let the people bask in the glory of the greatest of all time. Tonight, he gives to them the gift of Jericho. Jericho tells them to drink it in as he poses for them. Jericho says he really is the best in the world. Not only is he a multi-time champion, he’s also the first Undisputed Champion in history when he beat The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the first night. Who else could do that? Who else could beat AJ Styles in the middle of the ring at the biggest WrestleMania of all time? There is nobody on this roster that can touch him right now. Jericho says he’s right.
Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he comes out holding a flowerpot and a cardboard poster. The crowd gives him a nice hand. Jericho asks what the hell he’s doing out here. This is his show. Ambrose says it’s his show now. Jericho says this is The Highlight Reel. Jericho tells him to not touch his potted plant. Ambrose asks if he got the memo from Shane McMahon. Ambrose hands him a piece of paper. Jericho says this is a California speeding ticket. Ambrose says he needs that and hands him another piece of paper. Jericho holds it up, and a hole is burned in the middle of it. Jericho reads that the memo says The Highlight Reel has been canceled and will be replaced by the Ambrose Asylum. Ambrose tapes the poster to the Jeritron and puts a tie on.
Ambrose then welcomes the crowd to the Ambrose Asylum. Ambrose’s first guest is Chris Jericho. Ambrose tells the crowd not to boo his guests. The whole world wants to know what’s up with that scarf. Jericho says this scarf cost $750. Secondly, he knows what Ambrose is trying to do. Ambrose is interrupting him because he interrupted him on Smackdown. Jericho doesn’t have to play by the rules. He’s reached legendary status in WWE. Jericho can do whatever he wants. If Ambrose were smart, he’d keep his nose clean or he’ll bury him. Jericho tells him to look at him when he’s talking to him. Jericho tells him to do the first smart thing in his career and take his stupid ass out of his ring right now. Ambrose asks if he’s really not going to tell them about the scarf. Jericho slaps the microphone out of his hand. Ambrose then kicks him and connects with Dirty Deeds! Ambrose’s music plays as he thanks the people for coming.
Apollo Crews will be out, next.
-Commercial Break-
The #1 Contender’s Tag Team Tournament will continue on Smackdown as The Vaudevillains will take on Golden Truth. Another tournament match with see The Ascension take on Enzo and Big Cass.
R-Truth is in his locker room when Goldust walks up to him. Goldust says R-Truth promised him an audition when they got to Los Angeles, but now they’re in a Tag Team Tournament. They are not a tag team. Whose idea was this anyway? The camera pans over and shows Dr. Phil. He walks up to them, but then just waves his hand and walks off, not even wanting to touch the problems of these two.
Adam Rose w/ Bo Dallas vs. Apollo Crews
They circle the ring and lock up. Crews applies a side headlock and shoulder blocks him down. Crews hits the ropes and cartwheels over him before doing some backflips. Crews ducks a clothesline and connects with a dropkick before clotheslining him out of the ring. Bo Dallas gives Rose some advice. Rose gets on the apron and gets in the ring. They lock up, and Crews backs him into the ropes. Rose gets a cheap shot in and stomps him down in the corner. Rose puts him in the corner and knees him down. Rose connects with a snapmare and applies a chin lock. Crews fights up and punches out. Rose reverses a whip and connects with a back elbow before taking him down with a dropkick for a two count. Rose taunts him, but Crews punches back. Rose goes for a suplex, but Crews blocks it. Crews then connects with a suplex. Crews ducks a clothesline and hits a pair of right hands. Crews avalanches him and connects with a back elbow. Crews kips up and scares Dallas off the apron. Crews blocks a superkick and connects with a step-up enzuigiri. Crews then connects with a Spin-out Powerbomb for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Apollo Crews
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt will face Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio, next.
-Commercial Break-
Primo and Epico are back with another Puerto Rico infomercial.
A highlight package of Baron Corbin is shown. They show him running over Dolph Ziggler in his debut on RAW last week.
Bray Wyatt is shown backstage. Wyatt says they are destined to dance with each other until the end of time. Even though Roman Reigns is his mortal enemy, they have a bond that can never be broken. Wyatt says Reigns can trust him before laughing. Wyatt says, “Los Angeles… I’m here.”
Bray Wyatt makes his entrance. He’ll team with Roman Reigns to face Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio, next.
-Commercial Break-
Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio w/ Rusev
The bell rings, and Reigns and Wyatt go face-to-face before Wyatt opens the ropes for Reigns. Wyatt wants to start the match first. Wyatt will start the match against Sheamus. Sheamus kicks him and applies a side headlock. Wyatt whips him off and connects with a back elbow. Wyatt head-butts him and connects with a short-arm clothesline. Wyatt stomps him and does the crabwalk. Sheamus anxiously gets to the corner, frightened. Wyatt punches away at Sheamus in the corner before hard tagging Reigns in. They stare at each other before double-teaming Sheamus. Reigns begins clubbing away at Sheamus, and the boos are building up louder and louder. Wyatt blind tags in, and Sheamus clubs him before running into a clothesline. Wyatt drops a head-butt for a two count. Wyatt has a whip reversed, and Sheamus turns him inside out with a knee to the midsection. Alberto Del Rio is tagged in. Sheamus hits an Irish Curse Backbreaker, and Del Rio connects with a double stomp off the second rope. Del Rio knocks Reigns off the apron. Wyatt comes back with some right hands, but Del Rio turns it around and punches away at him. Sheamus is tagged in, and he stomps Wyatt. Sheamus hits a snapmare and applies a chin lock. Wyatt smiles and laughs while in the chin lock, and he punches out. Wyatt sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Wyatt then throws Sheamus over the top rope.
Reigns is tagged in, and the crowd boos as he clotheslines Sheamus twice. Sheamus reverses a whip, and Reigns takes him down with a leaping clothesline. Sheamus boots him in the face and hits the ropes, but Reigns takes him down with a big boot. Reigns then knocks Del Rio off the apron. Reigns sets up for a Superman Punch, but Sheamus leaves the ring. Reigns follows him out, but he’s distracted. Sheamus then sends him face-first into the ring post. Sheamus sends him into the ring post again and rolls him into the ring. Reigns holds his head in pain as Sheamus dumps him out of the ring. Sheamus then goes for the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán, but Reigns blocks it. Reigns elbows out, and the crowd boos this. Del Rio then kicks him in the ribs to a big reaction. Sheamus then connects with the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán. Actually, he goes to eleven. Del Rio tags in and connects with a step-up enzuigiri for a near fall. Del Rio puts him in the tree of woe and goes to the top rope. Reigns sits up and grabs Del Rio to pull him off the top rope. Sheamus tags in, and he stomps Reigns from making the tag. Sheamus knees him in the back of the head and taunts the crowd. Sheamus puts him in the corner and connects with a shoulder thrust. Sheamus follows up with a knee to the face before being caught with a Samoan Drop.
Wyatt and Del Rio are tagged in. Wyatt hits a clothesline and gets the crowd going before hitting an avalanche. Wyatt knocks Sheamus off the apron before hitting a one-armed slam and a senton splash. Wyatt gets the crowd fired up before going for Sister Abigail. Del Rio gets out and sends him into the ropes, but Wyatt takes him down with a vicious body block. Sheamus breaks up the pin. Reigns runs in and clotheslines Sheamus out of the ring. Reigns goes for a leaping clothesline off the steps, but Sheamus punches him before sending him into the steel steps to the delight of the crowd. On the other side of the ring, Rusev kicks Wyatt. Del Rio follows up with a Backstabber for a near fall.
The Wyatt Family’s video flashes on the screen and the lights go out. When the come back on, Erick Rowan and Braun Strowman are shown attacking Rusev. They throw him into the timekeeper’s area. Del Rio threatens them with the steel steps before getting back in the ring. Del Rio goes for the Cross Arm Breaker, but Wyatt counters into Sister Abigail. Reigns spears Sheamus before he can break up the pin. Wyatt picks up the win for his team.
Winners by Pinfall: Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns
Match Rating: * 3/4
The Wyatt Family gets in the ring and stares at Roman Reigns. Wyatt and Reigns go face-to-face and stare at each other as the show comes to an end.
——————–
Quick Match Results
Cesaro def. Kevin Owens
The Dudley Boyz def. The Lucha Dragons
Natalya def. Charlotte via DQ in a WWE Women’s Championship match
The Usos def. The Social Outcasts
AJ Styles def. Sami Zayn
Apollo Crews def. Adam Rose
Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns def. Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio
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