WWE RAW Results
August 29, 2016
Houston, Texas
Commentary: Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves
Results by: Adam Martin of Wrestleview.com
RAW opens with a “in memory” graphic for the late Mr. Fuji.
A video package runs showing Finn Balor being forced to vacate the WWE Universal Championship last week and a series of qualifying matches taking place to setup Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Big Cass vs. Kevin Owens tonight to crown a new champion.
We go live to Houston where a quick display of pyro goes off. Corey Graves is in the ring with Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Big Cass and Kevin Owens. The WWE Universal Championship is sitting on a table in the middle of the ring.
Rollins cuts off the introduction of Graves saying the real reason they are all sitting out here right now is because of him. He said if it wasn’t for what he did to Finn Balor at SummerSlam, he wouldn’t have had to undergo reconstructive shoulder surgery and be forced to vacate the WWE Universal Championship. Rollins said he is clearly the favorite to win this match tonight. He offers to donate his speaking time to Kevin Owens.
Owens thanks Rollins and says he’s a fan of Corey Grave’s WWE Network show as it helps him sleep. He mocks having to sit around the title like a group therapy session. Owens said with Sami Zayn out of the picture (Rollins takes credit for that), he talks about being a prize fighter and he’s at his best when the stakes are high. Owens says Reigns fights hard, but he fights smart. He says Big Cass is, just, tall. Cass thinks that is important. Owens said it is great to see he can talk for himself instead of having that idiot Enzo talk for him.
Cass asks Owens if Chris Jericho wrote that joke for him. He talks about being new here, but that he has nothing to lose. “Nobody is expecting me to win,” added Cass. Rollins said he heard even Enzo took out a bet against Cass. Cass said he is no underdog and is the “biggest dog in this fight.” He tells Rollins that sizes “does matter” no matter what he’s been telling himself all these years. The crowd enjoyed that line.
Rollins tells them all to shut up and says he is taking his time back. He talks about this match being under elimination rules and sending Cass and Owens packing. Rollins thinks it comes down to Roman Reigns and how he beats Reigns every single time. He thinks we should hear from Reigns and wants Graves to ask him a question. Reigns stands up to talk and then takes out Owens with an uppercut. Rollins goes after Cass. Reigns cuts off Rollins. Reigns and Cass have a stare down. Rollins kicks Reigns into Cass. Reigns with a shot to Rollins. Reigns tosses Cass out of the ring. Superman to Rollins. Reigns takes a look at the WWE Universal Championship that remains on a table in the middle of the ring. We see a shot of Owens walking up the ramp yelling at Reigns.
Paul Heyman will address the actions of Brock Lesnar tonight.
Backstage, we see Chris Jericho heading to the ring. He faces Neville next.
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Tom Phillips is with Chris Jericho. He asks if he is prepared for a fired up Neville after Jericho interfered in his match last week. Jericho said everyone knew Owens would win the match. He jokes about Neville being Mighty Mouse and here he comes to get a Codebreaker tonight and he’s going to get, not it, “tonight I’m going to give him the gift of Jericho. Drink it in maaaaaaaan.”
Chris Jericho vs. Neville
Chris Jericho with a slap early to Neville. Neville fires back with a right elbow. Neville with a series of charging takedowns on Jericho. Neville catapults Jericho over the top rope preventing a dropkick. Neville hits the ropes, Jericho moves out of the way, Neville hangs on the ropes and flips backwards back inside the ring. Jericho is arguing with fans on the outside. Neville walks out and kicks Jericho in the gut. Neville tosses Jericho back inside, goes up top, jumps and catches Jericho with a huge cross body. Jericho then crawls over and hides behind the referee in the corner. Neville with kicks to Jericho. The referee tries to back Neville off. Jericho with a rake of the eyes and clothesline to Neville.
-Commercial Break-
We are back live as we see Jericho catching Neville with a springboard elbow from the corner. Jericho had dumped Neville off the corner face first countering a superplex attempt. Neville catches Jericho with knees to the head. Jericho fires back with an elbow in the corner. Jericho is back up top and eats a shot from Neville on the way down. Neville with a standing shooting star press on Jericho for a two count. Neville with a chop to Jericho. Jericho bails. Neville with a running dropkick to the face of Jericho and then catches him on the outside with a springboard moonsault bouncing off the second rope. Back inside, Jericho tries to knock Neville off the top and Neville jumps down. Neville with a springboard missile dropkick that results in another two count off a pinfall attempt. Neville counters a running bulldog attempt by Jericho sending him chest first into the corner. Neville with an elbow to the back of the neck. Jericho with a counter and is going for the Walls of Jericho. Neville counters into a small package for a two count. Neville avoids a Codebreaker and lands a superkick. Neville goes up top, misses a 450, Jericho gets Neville in the Walls of Jericho and then drops his knee down over the head/neck of Neville to add more pressure. Neville taps.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Backstage, we see Bayley hug a WWE production assistant. She walks up and sees New Day. They start a “heeeeeeey, we want some Bay-ley” chant. She starts to do the WWE Tag Team Champion line with them when Dana Brooke walks up. Dana said Bayley will never succeed here. New Day brings up Bayley beating her last week. She said she wasn’t ready to compete last week. Dana said she has been talking to Gallows and Anderson recently. New Day suggests she go back to them. Dana tells them to bring it calling them unicorn freaks. Bayley tells Dana it has already been brought. New Day lifts up Bayley celebrating.
-Commercial Break-
Nia Jax is on her way to the ring.
Nia Jax vs. Hyan
Hyan is from Houston. Jax with a huge clothesline early. Jax with more shots on Hyan. Jax tosses Hyan across the ring by her hair. Jax with a corner splash to Hyan. Jax has Hyan up on her shoulders and drives her back down hard on the mat to get the pinfall.
Winner: Nia Jax
After the match, we see highlights of the match. We see Jax smiling watching them.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are now part of a retirement plan that stands for OLD FART (Octogenarian Leisure Destination For Aging Rehabilitation Treatment) . They talk about retiring The Dudley Boyz last week on RAW. Nurse Dana Brooke has joined them. She asks where they would like to begin.
-Commercial Break-
A video package runs focusing on Seth Rollins.
Sami Zayn vs. Jinder Mahal
Sami Zayn with a quick takedown early on Jinder Mahal. Mahal catches him with a series of elbows. Zayn jumps over Mahal and connects with a spin kick. Zayn with chops. Mahal bails and pulls Zayn out by his ankle. Zayn hangs on, Mahal slides back in and gets in a shot. Mahal mounts Zayn and throws right hands. Mahal with a straight right and dropkick to the back of Zayn. Zayn catches Mahal with a quick clothesline. Zayn connects with his corner big boot to Mahal, hooks the leg and gets the pinfall.
Winner: Sami Zayn
Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and Dana Brooke will take on The New Day and Bayley in a six person tag team match later tonight.
We will also get a medical update from Sasha Banks.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte is joining Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves at the announce table. We go to video from the RAW Pre-Show where Sasha Banks reveals her “back went out” during her match with Charlotte at SummerSlam.
Back live, Charlotte said Banks has a bunch of excuses.
Six Person Tag Team Match
The New Day and Bayley vs. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and Dana Brooke
We start with Bayley and Dana Brooke. Dana throws down Bayley early and throws quick right hands. Bayley with a takedown into a cover for a two count. Bayley with another cover on Dana for two. Dana cuts off Bayley with a knee and a shot in the corner. Bayley counters throwing Dana face first off the corner repeatedly. Tags to Karl Anderson and Big E. Big E with a belly-to-belly suplex on Anderson. Tag to Kofi Kingston. Kofi with a kick to the face of Anderson after a snapmare takedown setup by Big E. Tag back to Big E who spears Anderson in the corner. Kofi jumps off the back of Big E and hits a splash. Big E with another belly-to-belly on Anderson. Luke Gallows with a knee to Big E as he hit the ropes. Anderson with a kick to Big E in the corner. Tag to Gallows. Gallows with body shots in the corner. Gallows misses a jumping elbow. Tags to Kofi and Anderson. Kofi with a springboard shot. Kofi with clotheslines and a standing dropkick to Anderson. Kofi with a leaping right hand that drops Anderson. Kofi with his Boom Drop over Anderson. Tag to Big E who stomps away at Anderson in the corner. We get repeated tags with stomps. Bayley tags herself in who also dropkicks Anderson in the corner. Bayley dumps Dana out and celebrates dancing with the New Day as we head to a break.
-Commercial Break-
We are back live as we see Anderson up top with Kofi in the corner. Kofi fights Anderson off and gets in a shot on Gallows. Anderson with a spinebuster cutting off Kofi. Tag to Gallows. Gallows with a corner dropkick to Kofi. Gallows with a back suplex. Gallows drops elbows over the chest of Kofi and keeps him grounded in a headlock. Tag back to Anderson. Anderson pulls down his knee pad, attempts a flying knee and Kofi moves. Kofi dumps Gallows out of the ring and is trying for a tag. Kofi kicks Anderson away. Kofi leaps for a tag and Gallows pulls Big E off the ring apron. Kofi with a double stomp to Anderson. Hot tag to Bayley. Dana is in. Bayley with shots to Dana. Bayley drives Dana to the corner. Bayley with a corner splash and snap suplex on Dana. Bayley with a springboard elbow off the second rope. Anderson pulls Dana out. Big E drops Anderson. Gallows with a big boot to Big E. Kofi leaps over the top rope taking out Gallows. Dana with a roll up for two. Bayley with the Bayley to Belly and gets the pinfall on Dana for the win.
Winners: The New Day and Bayley
After the match, we see a shot of WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte standing up and staring down Bayley and New Day who are celebrating inside the ring.
Later tonight, Paul Heyman will address the actions of Brock Lesnar.
Still to come, Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens vs. Big Cass to crown a new WWE Universal Champion in a Fatal 4 Way match.
Backstage, Tom Phillips is with Cesaro talking about his second match with Sheamus tonight in the best of 7 series. Cesaro says he might be in a rough spot, but any day in WWE is a pretty good day. He said any day you can beat up on Sheamus is a great day. Cesaro said no one likes Sheamus calling him a big bully that throws his weight around.
-Commercial Break-
A video package runs focusing on Big Cass.
Match #2 – Best of 7 Series
Sheamus vs. Cesaro
Sheamus leads the series 1-0. Before the match, Sheamus talks with Byron Saxton about being in a blockbuster movie this year and being better looking. He said no matter how hard Cesaro seems to try, he is just truly better.
Cesaro with a takedown and early pinfall attempt on Sheamus. Sheamus grabs the ropes to break it up. Cesaro with another takedown using the ankle of Sheamus. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle. Cesaro trips him up and then connects with a double stomp. On the outside, Cesaro with uppercuts to Sheamus. Sheamus is complaining about his elbow. Back inside, Cesaro goes to work on the left elbow of Sheamus. Cesaro catches Sheamus with a quick dropkick and then clotheslines him over the top rope. Cesaro then catches Sheamus with a big boot when he jumps back up on the ring apron.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Sheamus locks up the legs of Cesaro going for the cloverleaf. Cesaro breaks it up for a roll up for a two count. Cesaro with a springboard flying uppercut after Sheamus missed with an attempted Brogue Kick. Cesaro attempts a Cesaro Swing. Sheamus pulls himself to the bottom rope. Cesaro pulls Sheamus out with a modified powerbomb for a two count. Cesaro with a high cross body from the top turnbuckle. Sheamus rolls through for a two count. Cesaro with a running uppercut in the corner. Cesaro with another uppercut. Sheamus with a roll up, uses the ropes and the referee sees it stopping the count. Cesaro with uppercuts to Sheamus in the corner. Cesaro with multiple uppercuts to Sheamus and then a dropkick that sends Sheamus falling to the outside. Cesaro jumps out of the ring, charges and Sheamus with a high back body drop to Cesaro against the steel ring post! Sheamus tosses Cesaro back inside, applies the cloverleaf and Cesaro taps out.
Winner of Match #2: Sheamus
Sheamus is now up 2-0 on Cesaro in the best of seven series.
A video package runs looking at the late WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Fuji.
-Commercial Break-
A video package runs focusing on Kevin Owens.
Braun Strowman vs. Americo
Americo is a masked luchadore with American themed attire. Byron Saxton tried to get comments from him before the match, but he got scared when Strowman’s music hit. Strowman with huge knees to Americo in the corner. Strowman tosses Americo on his shoulder and goes corner to corner. Strowman slams Americo down hard on the mat. Strowman puts a hand over Americo and gets the easy pinfall.
Winner: Braun Strowman
After the match, Strowman removes the lucha mask off Americo.
Backstage, we see Stephanie McMahon heading to the arena.
-Commercial Break-
Tommaso Ciampa, Cedric Alexander and Johnny Gargano are all profiled as part of the Cruiserweight Division coming to RAW in three weeks.
Paul Heyman addresses the actions of Brock Lesnar
Stephanie McMahon is on her way to the ring. She welcomes everyone to this historic edition of Monday Night RAW where a new WWE Universal Champion will be crowned.
But first, Stephanie wants to discuss Brock Lesnar attacking Shane McMahon at SummerSlam giving him an F5. She says some people might think she is okay with this attack given the recent competition among the brands. Stephanie says that is the farthest thing from the truth and says no one messes with her family.
Paul Heyman interrupts Stephanie as he starts walking down the ramp. Stephanie wants Heyman to get inside the ring and apologize. A loud “ECW” chant starts up. Stephanie reminds everyone she purchased ECW from Heyman a long time ago. A loud “CM PUNK” chant starts up. Heyman ignores it and talks about his client defeating Randy Orton at SummerSlam, calling it a victory for the RAW brand. He admits to Lesnar crossing a line when he attacked Shane McMahon. Heyman brings up dropping down and trying to protect Shane. He said he is here to pay the $500 fine against Lesnar. Heyman pulls out stacks of one dollar bills and starts throwing them down individually. Stephanie slaps the money away and says Brock Lesnar might provide value to RAW, but wonders what kind of value Heyman provides. She asks Heyman if this is funny or some kind of joke. Stephanie said a storm is coming and it is coming “your ugly way.” Heyman corrects Stephanie saying his client Brock Lesnar is the storm. He said an apology is due tonight and it is for Stephanie McMahon. Heyman brings up the Board of Directors of WWE and understands the compromising position Lesnar put the whole McMahon family in at SummerSlam. He asks Stephanie, he begs her that she accept that money as a fine paid, a lesson learned and an apology delivered. Stephanie says “apology accepted” and drops the mic. Heyman begins smiling as Stephanie heads up the ramp and walks backstage.
Footage is shown of Finn Balor suffering a dislocated shoulder at SummerSlam.
Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young is up next.
-Commercial Break-
Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young w/ Bob Backlund
Darren Young with big right hands early that overwhelms Titus O’Neil. Titus bails and yells on the outside, “Give me a second!” The referee starts the count. Titus returns at 4. Young with chops to Titus. Young with a flying forearm and swinging neckbreaker. More chops by Young. Titus with a huge irish whip sending Young bouncing off the corner and over the top rope. Young caught one of the WWE cameras at ringside. Back inside, Titus plants Young with a scoop slam. Titus works over the head of Young. Titus with a big slap to the chest of Young. Titus lifts up Young and dumps him down over the mat. It’s all Titus as Young gets a roll up crucifix pin on Titus and gets the pinfall. Titus can’t believe it!
Winner: Darren Young
After the match, Darren Young tosses Titus O’Neil out of the ring. Bob Backlund jumps in and starts celebrating with Young. Titus then attacks Young and kicks Backlund. Titus with a Clash of the Titus on Young. Titus exits the ring smiling asking how they like him now.
Backstage, Mick Foley tells Stephanie McMahon that he should have been out there tonight when she confronted Paul Heyman. Stephanie says she can handle herself and appreciates that. Foley suggests they ban everyone from ringside tonight for the main event. Stephanie agrees. Seth Rollins walks up and says tonight will be the best main event RAW has ever had. He promises to bring the title back. Stephanie says tonight is Seth’s night.
-Commercial Break-
Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match – WWE Universal Championship
Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens vs. Big Cass
Back live, we see Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley at ringside.
Roman Reigns is out first to a mixed reaction. Very loud ovation for Kevin Owens in Houston. Strong reaction for Seth Rollins who was out third. Big reaction for Big Cass who is out last. Cass was accompanied by Enzo Amore during his entrance. Enzo did the usual introduced. Big Cass said tonight he shocks the world and a “SAWFT” chant for the other three. JoJo handled the ring introductions for all four men.
-Commercial Break-
We are back live and the bell rings. Kevin Owens immediately bails. Big Cass and Roman Reigns take turns getting in shots on Seth Rollins. Cass clotheslines Rollins over the top rope. Rollins attacks Cass and Owens is back in going after Reigns. Reigns with big rights to Owens in the corner. Cass is chasing down Rollins on the outside. Michael Cole reminds us about no DQ rules tonight during this match. Back inside the ring, Cass with a suplex on Rollins. Cass with body shots in the corner as Reigns tosses Owens back in. Rollins catches Cass with a boot in the corner. Cass responds with a huge smacking right hand that sends Rollins over the top rope. We are back to another stare down between Cass and Reigns. Reigns and Cass exchange right hands. Reigns with a jumping clothesline on Cass. Cass avoids a Superman and then big boots Reigns over the top rope! Rollins with a suicide dive to Cass. Owens drops Rollins jaw first over the ring barricade. Reigns jumps back in and then over the top rope taking out Cass and Owens at ringside. Everyone is down.
-Commercial Break-
We return live as Owens is getting in right hands to Big Cass. Owens gets up on the ring apron and connects with a flying elbow off the apron pointing at Foley at ringside. Rollins cuts off Owens, tosses Cass back in and gets a two count off a pinfall attempt. Owens with a straight right hand to Rollins and dumps him out. Owens with a clothesline on Cass, shot on Reigns and a senton splash over Cass for a two count. Owens with a shot to the back of the knee of Cass. Owens pushes Cass up in the corner, backs up and Rollins pulls him out of the ring. Rollins sends Owens face first into the ring barricade. Rollins sends Cass face first into the second turnbuckle. Rollins with an elbow splash to Cass in the corner. Reigns is back in cutting off Rollins with clotheslines. Owens is back in and eats a flying clothesline from Reigns. Big Cass levels Reigns with a big boot. Cass is clearing house with shoulder tackles. Cass splashes Rollins and Owens in the same corner. Cass with a splash to Rollins and Owens. Cass with a big boot that sends Owens out. Rollins with a roll up for two on Cass. Cass plants Rollins with a scoop slam and drops his jumping elbow. Reigns with a Superman to Cass who had Rollins up. Rollins sends Reigns shoulder first to the corner. Rollins with a superkick to Cass and gets a two count. Owens jumps off the corner with a big frog splash over Cass and gets the pinfall.
Big Cass is eliminated.
We are now down to Owens vs. Rollins vs. Reigns.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, we get a Tower of Doom spot in the corner with Reigns bringing down Owens and Rollins from the corner. Reigns with repeated corner clotheslines to Rollins. Reigns catches Rollins with a quick big boot. Rollins avoids a Superman. Rollins sends Reigns through the ropes and Reigns cuts off a suicide dive with a right hand. Rollins avoids another Superman and plants Reigns with a Falcon Arrow for a close two count. Reigns avoids a Pedigree. Rollins with a kick to the head of Reigns. Reigns catches Rollins with a Superman when Rollins attempted a springboard flying knee. Rollins kicks out! Rollins cuts off a spear with a knee and superkick. Owens with a superkick that drops Rollins. Owens with a cannonball on both Reigns and Rollins. Reigns with a Superman on Owens and Owens somehow kicks out! Owens with a superkick cutting off a spear. Reigns counters a Pop Up Powerbomb with a Superman. Reigns counters a Pedigree into a roll up. Reigns lifts Reigns up and drops him with a sitdown powerbomb for a two count. A loud “THIS IS AWESOME” chant starts up. Reigns exits the ring and connects with his driveby dropkick to Rollins. Reigns catches Owens with a Superman on the outside. Reigns with a spear to Rollins on the outside. Triple H with a Pedigree on Reigns on the outside! Triple H throws Reigns back inside the ring. Triple H picks up Rollins and throws him back in. Rollins eliminates Reigns.
Roman Reigns is eliminated.
We are down to Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens. We see Triple H grabbing Owens and tossing him back inside the ring. Triple H with a Pedigree on Rollins! The crowd can’t believe it. Triple H was looking at Owens the whole time. Owens can’t believe it. Owens drops down and covers Rollins to get the pinfall. Owens is the new WWE Universal Champion!
Winner and new WWE Universal Champion: Kevin Owens
After the match, Triple H grabs the WWE Universal Championship from Mick Foley at ringside. Triple H gets in the ring and hands the title to Kevin Owens. Triple H raises the arm of Owens. Owens is still in shock and celebrates with the title. We see a shot of Triple H leaving the ring, getting in the face of Mick Foley, giving a look at Stephanie and leaving. Foley and Stephanie are upset. We see a replay of Triple H attacking both Reigns and Rollins during the match leading to the finish.
Back live, we see Kevin Owens celebrating with the title as the show goes off the air. A loud “YOU DESERVE IT” chant breaks out in Houston as Owens heads up the ramp.
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Quick Match Results:
* Chris Jericho def. Neville
* Nia Jax def. Hyan
* Sami Zayn def. Jinder Mahal
* The New Day and Bayley def. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and Dana Brooke
* Sheamus def. Cesaro in match #2 in the best of 7 series
* Braun Strowman def. Americo
* Darren Young def. Titus O’Neil
* Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Big Cass in a Fatal 4 Way elimination match to become the new WWE Universal Champion