WWE Monday Night RAW Results
April 25, 2016
Hartford, Connecticut
Report by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
In memory of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer: 1969-2016.
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video recaps the events from this past Monday’s RAW. AJ Styles confronted Roman Reigns in the ring, and they had a very civil verbal exchange. When Styles left the ring, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows attacked Reigns from behind. It was insinuated that they may be in cahoots with Styles due to their past in the Bullet Club while they were a part of NJPW.
The RAW video plays, and we’re treated to a pyrotechnics display. Tonight, we’ll see AJ Styles take on Sheamus. We’ll also see Roman Reigns face Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match.
Shane McMahon’s music hits, and he makes his way out to the ring to another great reception from the crowd. Shane soaks in the great reception from the crowd. They are very pumped up about him being there. Shane says he’s still here because of the fans. WWE Payback is this Sunday. It is the first PPV of a new era in WWE. Tonight, he’d like to welcome everyone to Monday Night RAW. Shane then asks, “What’s up, Hartford?” The action is going to keep rolling with new faces, new match-ups, and we’re going to have some fun.
Stephanie McMahon’s music hits, and the crowd boos her as she makes her first appearance since WrestleMania 32. Stephanie asks if they heard Shane say he wants them to have some fun. Stephanie asks if Shane really thinks he can just pander to the crowd. They’re from Hartford. They’re tough, savvy, and tired of politicians with smiling faces feeding them lies. She knows because she’s one of them. She was born right here in Hartford Hospital. These are her people. By listening to them, she thinks many of them are not naturally from Hartford. Shane says she really knows how to take the air out of the room. Shane figured her and her husband would rear their self-important heads at some point. Stephanie says many recognize her importance, including the local government. The town of Hartford wants to recognize her with many things, but she doesn’t want to gloat. She has something important to tell him: this is his last night running Monday Night RAW. A “NO” chant breaks out. This Sunday at Payback, their father, Vincent Kennedy McMahon, will decide officially once and for all just who is running Monday Night RAW. A “Shane O’Mac” chant breaks out. Shane says the Chairman’s decision is final, but he wants to do some polling of his own. Shane asks if the crowd wants Stephanie and The Authority to run RAW, and they loudly boo. Shane then points to himself, and they loudly cheer. Shane does this a few more times and looks like he’s having fun.
Stephanie says their father is smart enough to not put the decision in these people’s hands. Shane says he’s still here, so obviously he’s listening. Stephanie says in six days, she has it on good authority that things won’t exactly go Shane’s way. Shane says it’s time that she goes on her way judging by the reaction. Shane politely asks Hartford’s favorite daughter to leave the ring. Stephanie says she’s not going anywhere. She’s going to hang out in her ring. Shane says whatever the decision on Sunday is, it is. As of tonight, he’s still in charge. Since she won’t politely leave, he calls security down. The crowd loudly cheers this. Stephanie looks at him incredulously. Shane tells her to leave their ring. Stephanie drops the microphone and angrily walks off with security trailing her. Stephanie slaps the ever loving crap out of one of them, so the other two haul her off. Shane then starts singing, “Kiss Her Goodbye.”
Shane says that was fun, but its time for action. We’ll start it off with the #1 Contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles. AJ Styles makes his entrance to a nice reception. He’ll face Sheamus, next.
-Commercial Break-
AJ Styles vs. Sheamus
They circle the ring and lock up. Sheamus quickly powers him to the corner and goes for a right hand, but Styles ducks it. Sheamus clubs him to the corner and stomps him down. Sheamus sends him into the ropes for a back elbow. Sheamus gives him an uppercut before hitting the ropes, but Styles leapfrogs him and drops down before hitting a dropkick. Styles punches him before chopping the chest. Styles connects with a snapmare and kicks him in the back. Styles grabs the arm and twists it, but Sheamus connects with a punch to the midsection. Sheamus uppercuts him down, but Styles comes back with some chops. Styles shoulders him in the corner a few times before eating a pair of boots. Sheamus picks up a one count. Sheamus then applies an overhead wristlock. Styles fights up and elbows out, but Sheamus knees him in the midsection. Sheamus sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Styles then connects with a running forearm that sends him out of the ring. Styles grabs him, but Sheamus punches him in the ribs. Sheamus tries for the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán, but Styles elbows out and dropkicks him in the knees. Sheamus hits the apron face-first. Styles connects with a running knee from the apron before going for a standing moonsault off the apron, but Sheamus moves. Styles lands on his feet, but Sheamus grabs him and sends him into the steel steps.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Styles trapped in a chin lock. Styles soon fights up and counters with a jawbreaker. Styles gives him some forearms before running into an Irish Curse Backbreaker. Sheamus continues to hold him, and he hits it a second time. Sheamus then shoots him into the ropes to apply the bear hug. Styles tries to head-butt out, but Sheamus shoves him to the corner. Sheamus goes for a running shoulder, but Styles moves. Sheamus hits the ring post shoulder-first. Styles goes to the top rope, but Sheamus crotches him up there. Sheamus uppercuts him and climbs to the top rope. Sheamus goes for White Noise off the second rope, but Styles counters into a sunset flip powerbomb!
Both men are slow to get to their feet. Styles connects with some forearms before Sheamus punches back. Styles then connects with a quick striking combination before hitting a low running forearm. Styles kips up and avalanches him in the corner before viciously kicking away at the shoulder Sheamus just injured going into the ring post. Styles picks him up, but Sheamus slides off and sends him face-first into the turnbuckles. Sheamus then powerslams him for a near fall. Sheamus stomps the midsection before going for the Irish Cloverleaf, but Styles fights out of it. Styles ducks a clothesline and connects with a pelé kick. Styles forearms away at him before going for the Styles Clash, but Sheamus fights out. Sheamus blocks a kick and connects with a clothesline for a near fall. Sheamus immediately goes to the Irish Cloverleaf and locks it in. Styles screams in pain, but he eventually claws to the bottom rope.
Sheamus stomps away at him as he rests on the apron. Sheamus goes to Brogue Kick him off the apron, but Styles moves. Styles kicks away at the leg before snapping it off the top rope. Styles then connects with the Phenomenal Forearm for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: AJ Styles
Match Rating: ** 1/2
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows make their way out to the stage to give him a round of applause.
Roman Reigns is seen watching backstage. The crowd loudly boos at the sight of him. The Usos walk up, and the crowd boos them even louder. They talk about how it’s one versus all, but sometimes the one needs help from the all. Reigns says sometimes the all needs help from the one. They bump fists.
“AWW HARTFORD! 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. We’ll hear from them, next.
-Commercial Break-
The New Day is still happily dancing and gyrating in the ring when we return from the break. Xavier Woods says the #1 Contenders’ Tag Team Tournament (that they started) is off to a booming start. Kofi Kingston mentions that Booty O’s sponsors it. Big E says this Sunday, you will respect the name of the #1 Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Woods says the winning team with party like it’s 1999, which is obviously a tribute to the recently departed Prince.
The Vaudevillains interrupt. Aiden English says they will become the #1 Contenders for (he sings this part) the WWE World Tag Team Championships. English says they will party like it’s 1899. They represent the values and standards of a bygone era, which they plan to bring back to the WWE. Simon Gotch says at Payback when they beat Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, they will stand on top of the WWE…
Enzo and Big Cass interrupt them. Enzo goes through his whole shtick, which the crowd continues to completely eat up. English calls them Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumber have something to say. Enzo says the Vaudevillains want to be the #1 Contenders. Enzo wants to run down the beach into his own arms, but that’s impossible. A loud “How you doin’” chant breaks out. Big Cass says there’s only one team walking out as the #1 Contenders, which is them. There’s only one word to describe The Vaudevillains: S-A-W-F-T! Woods says you can cut the tension with a knife, but at the end of the day they’ll still be the champions because New Day Rocks! The New Day happily dances and gyrates as the two other teams stare at one another.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows are seen leaving AJ Styles’ locker room. They’ll be in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
John Cena will return on the Memorial Day edition of Monday Night RAW.
The Usos vs. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows
Replays are shown of The Usos being attacked by Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows in their debuts two weeks ago.
Jimmy Uso will start the match against Karl Anderson. They trade right hands before Jimmy knocks him to the corner and chops the chest. Anderson reverses a whip to the corner, but Jimmy slingshots over him, ducks a clothesline, and takes him out with a sloppy Sling Blade. Jey Uso tags in, and he connects on Anderson with a running forearm. Jey chops the chest a few times before hitting the ropes, but Anderson lays him out with a sloppy dropkick. Anderson punches him down in the corner and tags in Luke Gallows. Gallows punches away at him before sending him into the ropes. Jey ducks a forearm, but Gallows grabs him. Jey gets out and gives him an enzuigiri. Jimmy is tagged in, and both Usos connect with running forearms. Jey tags back in, and Gallows turns him inside out with a clothesline for a near fall. Gallows forearms him in the head as a “Bullet Club” chant breaks out. Gallows stomps Jey down in the corner and tags Anderson back in. Anderson stretches the injured shoulder out before dropping three knees on it for a near fall. Anderson applies an arm bar, but Jey fights up and gets out with an arm bar. Jey punches him in the face. Anderson reverses a whip and clotheslines him down for a near fall. Gallows tags back in, and he punches away at Jey, who looks like he’s out on his feet. Gallows knees him in the head before dropping some elbows for a two count. Gallows knocks Jimmy off the apron before ripping at Jey’s face. Anderson is tagged in, and he goes outside to club Jey in the chest. Anderson gets in the ring and picks up a two count. Anderson reapplies the arm bar before hitting an arm breaker for a two count. Gallows tags back in, and he punches Jey down. Gallows stretches the arm out over the ropes before clubbing him down. Gallows applies a wristlock before putting him on the top rope. Jey elbows him back and kicks Anderson down. Gallows then pushes him off the top rope into the barricade as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Gallows shove Jey into the corner to punch him down. Gallows sends him to the opposite corner, but he runs into a boot. Jey then goes to the second rope and takes him out with a missile dropkick.
Jimmy and Anderson are tagged in. Jimmy clotheslines him down before knocking Gallows off the apron. Jimmy hits another clothesline on Anderson before giving him an uppercut. Jimmy then connects with a Samoan Drop. The crowd is booing Jimmy. Jimmy hits a running hip toss before pulling the top rope down to get Gallows out of the ring. Jimmy goes for a running plancha, but Anderson takes him out with a vicious clothesline. Anderson dropkicks Jey to the floor. Gallows big boots Jey down on the floor before sending him over the barricade. Jimmy then takes Gallows out with a suicide dive. Anderson clubs Jimmy and sends him into the ring post. Anderson puts him in the ring and tags in Gallows. Gallows big boots him down before tagging Anderson back in. They then connect with the Magic Killer for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows
Match Rating: * 1/2
Anderson grabs Jey and pulls him back into the ringside area. Anderson throws him back into the ring. Anderson and Gallows start double-teaming the Usos. Roman Reigns’ music hits, and he runs down to a chorus of boos. Reigns clotheslines Anderson on the floor before punching Gallows. Reigns ducks a right hand and clotheslines Gallows out of the ring. Anderson gets on the apron, but he avoids a Superman Punch. Anderson and Gallows walk off as Reigns angrily stares at them. Reigns then checks on his cousins.
Later tonight, we’ll see Roman Reigns take on Alberto Del Rio. At WWE Payback this Sunday, we’ll see Sami Zayn take on Kevin Owens. We’ll take a look back at their fourteen-year friendship that was lost due to jealousy, next.
-Commercial Break-
Renee Young is backstage with AJ Styles. She asks how he has been preparing for this Sunday. Styles says this is the biggest opportunity of his career. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows walks up to him and ask for a word. They ask about the Roman Reigns situation. Styles asks if they really can’t stay out of trouble. Anderson says they didn’t start this fight because Reigns came after them. Gallows says they won’t jeopardize his opportunity. Anderson says they just want to make sure it’s a fair fight. Gallows says Reigns and The Usos will make sure the title doesn’t change hands. Anderson says they’ve got his back. Styles asks if that’s all they have planned. Gallows says their friendship is forever. They shake hands and hug.
A tremendous video package plays to highlight the feud between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. It also acclimates the casual viewer with them and their history. This was very well done.
Sami Zayn makes his entrance to the ring. He’ll face Rusev, next.
-Commercial Break-
Sami Zayn vs. Rusev w/ Lana
The bell rings, and they circle the ring. Zayn avoids the grip of Rusev before Rusev kicks and punches away at him. Rusev kicks him in the ribs before stomping the midsection. Rusev then talks trash to him while choking him against the ropes. Rusev connects with a snapmare before picking him up. Zayn punches him before Rusev knees him in the midsection. Zayn ducks a clothesline and connects with a head-scissor takeover. Zayn applies a side headlock and takes him down. Rusev gets out with a vicious knee to the head. Rusev then sends him into the ropes for a shoulder block. Rusev talks a little trash to him as Michael Cole talks about Samoa Joe becoming the new NXT Champion. Zayn springboards over him before pulling the top rope down to get him out of the ring. Zayn goes for a plancha, but Rusev catches him and presses him face-first into the apron. Rusev sends him into the barricade, but Zayn jumps to the top and connects with a moonsault block. Zayn gets him in the ring, but Rusev throws him to the apron. Zayn shoulders him in the midsection and hits the ropes, but Rusev takes him out with a rolling wheel kick. Rusev puts him on the top rope and punches him. Zayn fights him back, but Rusev kicks him in the side of the head. Zayn then collapses off the top rope to the floor.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Zayn trapped in a front facelock. Zayn fights up, but Rusev clubs him and connects with a gutwrench suplex. Rusev connects with a second one before hitting the ropes, but Zayn clotheslines him down. Rusev looks absolutely confounded by that. Zayn wildly punches away at him before having a whip reversed on him. Zayn connects with another clothesline and tries to get the quiet crowd going. Rusev goes for a back suplex, but Zayn shifts his weight mid-air for a near fall. Zayn goes to the top rope for a cross-body block, but Rusev kicks out. Zayn sets up for the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Rusev elbows out. Rusev then hits a fall-away slam for a near fall. Zayn goes for a top rope arm drag, but Rusev moves before giving him a superkick for a near fall! Rusev sets up for the Accolade, but Zayn slides out and rolls him up for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Sami Zayn
Match Rating: * 3/4
Lana angrily throws her shoes at Zayn, but he just smiles back at her. Zayn backs up the ramp celebrating until Kevin Owens clotheslines him in the back of the head! The crowd boos as Owens stands over his former friend.
Renee Young is backstage with Apollo Crews. She mentions how he’ll stand out in the new era of WWE. Crews says he can do things no one can do. Stardust comes up and hisses like a cat to drive Renee away. Apollo calls him Cody and says Dusty Rhodes helped him out so much and even created his name. Stardust says he’ll find out that not even Dusty Rhodes could make him a star.
-Commercial Break-
Stardust vs. Apollo Crews
They lock up, and Crews applies a side headlock. Stardust whips him off, but Crews shoulder blocks him down. Crews hits the ropes and cartwheels over him and does a backflip. Crews then takes him down with a dropkick for a two count. Crews goes for a delayed vertical suplex, but Stardust gets out. Stardust puts him on the apron and counters a shoulder thrust into a neckbreaker for a two count. Stardust puts him in the corner and punches him down. Stardust stomps him and taunts the crowd. Crews comes back with a right hand, but Stardust controls him. Stardust knees him in the midsection before hitting a snapmare and applying an arm bar. Crews quickly fights up, but Stardust knees him. Crews goes for a sunset flip, but Stardust sits on the shoulders for a near fall. Crews comes back with a pair of clotheslines followed by a running kick to the side of the head. Crews avalanches him in the corner and hits a leaping back elbow. Crews kips up and connects with a standing moonsault for a near fall. Crews stumbles him with an enzuigiri before hitting a Spinning Sit-out Powerbomb for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Apollo Crews
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Dean Ambrose is seen walking backstage. We’ll hear from him, next.
-Commercial Break-
Dean Ambrose makes his way to the ring to a nice reception from the crowd. Footage is shown from last Monday’s RAW when Chris Jericho connected with a Codebreaker after Ambrose fought a tough match against Kevin Owens. Ambrose says he was out here to host another edition of The Ambrose Asylum, but he told Shane McMahon that it wasn’t happening tonight. After getting attacked from behind last week, he’s not in the mood for fun and games. Even though he makes a good talk show host, at Payback there won’t be any talk shows. This Sunday, he faces a six-time World Champion and one of the best superstars ever. This Sunday, he faces Chris Jericho. Jericho loves to say he’s the best in the world at what he does. He says this a lot. Ambrose says he’s pretty good at what he does as well. Jericho loves to talk about how great he is. Ambrose says he fights for respect and earns it. Jericho likes to cheap shot people from behind. Ambrose says he’ll do it to your face. Whenever he sees a problem, he takes care of it while Jericho complains. Ambrose says he’ll give Jericho the opportunity to see what he does up close and personal. Ambrose calls Jericho out.
Chris Jericho’s music hits, and he saunters out to the stage looking a little befuddled. Jericho says Ambrose is a disrespectful, stupid idiot. Jericho says he’s not going to waste his time fighting Ambrose in a dump like this town. The crowd loudly boos that. Jericho tells them to shut up. Jericho asks if Ambrose has forgotten whom he is dealing with. Jericho IS the best in the world at what he does. Jericho asks if Ambrose understands him. In case he’s like all the idiots that can’t get it through his brain about what he does, he’ll explain further. Jericho wins matches and elevates his opponents. This Sunday at Payback, he’ll give Ambrose the match of his career. Being in the ring with Jericho puts him on a different level. Jericho tells him to get on his knees for allowing Ambrose to be associated with him. Jericho tells him to kiss his $1,500 boots. Jericho says he actually wants Ambrose to apologize to him. Jericho calls him an “idiot” and demands an apology for disrespecting him and stealing The Highlight Reel. Jericho says he’ll be sorry if he doesn’t. Ambrose thinks about it before saying, “I’m sorry, Chris. I am sorry that you paid so much money for those ugly ass shoes!” Ambrose says he’s sorry Jericho walks around wearing a scarf and his Bon Jovi hair. Ambrose says he’s sorry that Jericho pisses him off so much he has to beat him at Payback, but he’s not sorry for this.
Ambrose punches Jericho and tosses him out of the ring. Ambrose bounces him off the commentary table before taking out the monitors. Ambrose gets him on the table, but Jericho pulls the leg out to send him face-first into a monitor. Jericho punches away at him on top of the table. Jericho says Ambrose made a mistake before applying the Walls of Jericho on top of the table. Referees run down to get Jericho off Ambrose. Jericho looks at the crowd as they boo him. Jericho then smirks and taunts them as his music plays.
Replays are shown of Stephanie McMahon telling Shane McMahon that their father will make a decision on Sunday as to who will run Monday Night RAW.
Later tonight, we’ll see Roman Reigns take on Alberto Del Rio.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of what just happened between Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose.
Natalya vs. Emma
Before the match begins, Charlotte makes her way to the ring with her WWE Hall of Famer father, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Charlotte and Flair will watch from ringside.
The bell rings, and they circle the ring before locking up. Natalya takes her down and rolls around on her before applying a front facelock. Natalya then takes her down with a takeover and applies an arm bar. Emma gets out with a head-scissor, but Natalya kips up out of it. Emma then elbows her in the face and leaves the ring. Emma gives her a chop block as she leaves the ring and gives her a double arm suplex on the floor! Emma says it’s all about her. Emma puts her in the ring and dropkicks her in the head for a two count. Emma applies a full nelson, but Natalya fights up. Emma bounces her off the turnbuckle a few times before hitting a short-arm clothesline. Emma gets her to her feet, but Natalya takes her down and applies the Sharpshooter for the win out of nowhere.
Winner by Submission: Natalya
Match Rating: 3/4 *
Natalya quickly walks over, and Charlotte hides behind her father. Flair smirks at her and teases her as the referee tells Natalya to just go to the back.
They play a video package commemorating the life and career of Joanie “Chyna” Laurer. This was classy and very well done.
-Commercial Break-
Replays are shown of Baron Corbin viciously attacking Dolph Ziggler before their scheduled match on Smackdown. Corbin laid him out with the End of Days on the floor. They’ll face this Sunday at WWE Payback.
Damien Sandow vs. Baron Corbin
As Corbin makes his entrance, Dolph Ziggler attacks him from behind, and they brawl around the stage. Referees quickly run out and try to separate them. Corbin quickly runs off holding his head as referees hold Ziggler back.
Tonight’s main event will see Roman Reigns take on Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match.
-Commercial Break-
Primo and Epico are back with another video advertising for Puerto Rico.
The Miz and Maryse are in the ring. She calls him the world’s most handsome man. Miz says she is gorgeous. This Sunday at WWE Payback, he will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Cesaro. It has come to his attention that people think Cesaro will actually beat him. This appalls him not because they don’t like him. He’s used to being criticized by trolls. What appalls him is they don’t see the benefit of having the Intercontinental Championship. Maryse tells him to educate them because they are hungry for knowledge. Miz says he’s hungry for her. If they understand anything, they can understand this: this is more than a title and accomplishment. It is legendary. The greatest competitors in the industry have held it while Cesaro never has. People think holding up “Cesaro Section” signs make them rebellious. Miz says they’re better than that. Miz brings the title prestige and celebrity. People think they’re empowered by making a sign. Don’t they think they’re better than that? They sit there with the nerdy, lonely, and Internet trolls. The Miz Section looks like Maryse.
Cesaro’s music hits, and he comes out doing a really cool James Bond entrance. Cesaro asks if he’s really trying to convince the WWE Universe to root for him. Cesaro says they’re way too educated to fall for that. Miz starts impersonating Robert De Niro in “Taxi Driver.” Cesaro says the only movie Miz belongs in is “Jackass.” Miz is right about something. The intercontinental Championship is legendary and some of the best have held the title. This Sunday at WWE Payback, he’ll make sure the credits roll on The Miz being champion. Miz says this title means so much to him. There’s only one question Cesaro needs to ask himself at WWE Payback: “Do you feel lucky, punk?” Cesaro tells him to make his day. Miz backs up and leaves the ring with Maryse. Miz tries for a sneak attack, but Cesaro takes him out with A Very European Uppercut. Cesaro goes for the swing, but Maryse throws herself onto The Miz to protect him. Cesaro then picks up the Intercontinental Championship and drops it near Miz. Cesaro then walks off.
Roman Reigns is walking backstage when AJ Styles walks up to him. Styles says he’s taking his title at Payback. Reigns says he must’ve bought ringside tickets for Gallows and Anderson before walking off. The main event is next.
-Commercial Break-
The WWE Payback Kickoff show will feature Kalisto taking on Ryback with the WWE United States Championship on the line.
Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio
Before the match, Roman Reigns goes up to a child whose wish he granted earlier in the day.
They lock up, and Reigns applies a side headlock. Del Rio whips him off, but Reigns shoulder blocks him down. The crowd is mostly booing Reigns. Del Rio kicks and punches him. Reigns sends him to the corner and clotheslines him down. A “Roman sucks” chant breaks out. Del Rio drops him on to the apron, and Reigns head-butts him back. Del Rio then takes him out with a running enzuigiri. Del Rio then double stomps the back.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Reigns trapped in a chin lock. During the commercial, Reigns ran shoulder-first into the ring post. Reigns breaks the grip and powers out, but Del Rio kicks him in the spine to bring him back down. Del Rio kicks him in the side before talking some trash. Del Rio then poses for the crowd. Reigns punches back at him, but Del Rio puts him in the corner and kicks him down. Reigns comes back with some head-butts, but Del Rio plants him with a DDT. Del Rio waits for him to get up and stomps the mat. Reigns avoids a kick and goes for a Samoan Drop, but Del Rio gets out. Reigns clotheslines him twice before reversing a whip and connecting with a leaping clothesline. The boos are really picking up. Reigns hits nine clubs in the corner and uppercuts him down. Del Rio quickly gets out of the ring before Reigns hits a Superman Punch. Reigns goes outside and hits a Drive By Dropkick into the ring post.
Reigns puts him in the ring, but Del Rio kicks him in the leg as he gets in the ring. Del Rio absolutely cleans his clock with a kick to the face for a near fall. Del Rio props him up on the top rope and hangs him in the tree of woe. Del Rio kicks him in the ribs and goes to the top rope, but Reigns avoids the double stomp. Del Rio goes for the Cross Arm Breaker, but Reigns gets out and connects with a Superman Punch. In a rare miss for the WWE production crew, the shot shows him clearly whiffing on it.
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows come out to the stage to distract Reigns. Del Rio rolls him up for a near fall. Reigns avoids an attack and spears him down for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Roman Reigns
Match Rating: * 3/4
Anderson and Gallows run down and double-team Reigns. AJ Styles runs down and pulls them off Reigns. Styles then orders them to the back. Reigns then takes Styles out with a Superman Punch. Anderson and Gallows come back in the ring, and Reigns takes care of them. Eventually Styles gets to his feet and surprises him with a Phenomenal Forearm! Styles holds his mouth in pain as he stares at Reigns, who is still down on the mat.
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Quick Match Results
* AJ Styles def. Sheamus
* Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows def. The Usos
* Sami Zayn def. Rusev
* Apollo Crews def. Stardust
* Natalya def. Emma via Submission
* Roman Reigns def. Alberto Del Rio (non-title)
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