WWE RAW Results
August 22, 2016
Brooklyn, New York
Commentary: Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves
Results by: Adam Martin of Wrestleview.com
A video package opens highlighting the WWE Universal Championship match last night at SummerSlam between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor to crown a first ever champion. Balor was able to overcome Rollins to win a WWE World title in his WWE PPV debut.
The RAW intro hits. We go live inside the sold out Barclays Center in Brooklyn where a display of pyro goes off. Michael Cole is the first to welcome us to the show tonight.
Cole, Byron Saxton and Corey Graves talk about Finn Balor suffering a dislocated shoulder at SummerSlam last night. They talk about Balor waking up in pain and undergoing an MRI. Balor will require surgery for a torn labrum and will be out of action for six months.
Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon are in the ring. They introduce the first ever WWE Universal Champion, Finn Balor. Balor walks out with his arm in a sling and his newly on Universal Championship over his other shoulder.
Balor grabs a mic as the crowd in Brooklyn starts a loud “YOU DESERVE IT” chant. “This championship represents a lifetime of sacrifice,” said Balor. “And it also represents that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve absolutely anything.” Balor talks about achieving the impossible by becoming the WWE Universal Champion at SummerSlam. He adds a sacrifice was made in doing so. Balor wants to thank the WWE Universe, the talent in the back and Seth Rollins “for giving me the match of my life.” He said he most importantly wants to thank all of the fans. A loud “THANK YOU FINN” chant breaks out. Balor said it is him who should be thanking the fans. “But for now, I have to relinquish this title.” The crowd starts up a loud “NO” chant at Balor. He said he is coming back for this title when he is healthy and ready to go. Mick Foley walks over and removes the Universal Championship off his shoulder. Foley gives Balor a hug and raises his arm in the air.
Balor exits the ring and takes one last look back at the fans in attendance when the music of Seth Rollins hits. Rollins walks out smiling and staring down Balor. Rollins heads down the ramp with a big grin on his face. He grabs a mic. “What a shame, what a pity,” says Rollins. Rollins points up at Balor who is still on stage and says now we know who the real winner was at SummerSlam last night. He thinks tonight should be a celebration and points out how he’s been part of some fabulous championship celebrations with Stephanie. Rollins points out how Stephanie is here, Foley is here and the new WWE Universal Championship is here. He suggests we have a championship celebration right here and right now.
Sami Zayn’s music hits to interrupt. Big reaction for Sami in Brooklyn. Zayn gets inside the ring across from Rollins when Chris Jericho’s music hits. Jericho starts begging to Stephanie. Here comes Kevin Owens. Owens enters the ring and gets in the face of Zayn briefly. Owens walks up to Foley and Stephanie and starts yelling. Enzo Amore and Big Cass are on the way out to a big reaction from the Brooklyn crowd. Here comes Roman Reigns. Very loud and mixed reaction for Reigns tonight.
Foley says everyone in this ring is deserving of a championship match. He proposes a series of matches culminating next week to crown a new WWE Universal Champion. Stephanie announces we are starting tonight immediately with Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins. Owens distracts Zayn and allows Rollins to attack Zayn right away.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Universal Championship Series
Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn
We return live as Zayn is landing a series of chops on Rollins. Rollins catches Zayn with a kick and eats a shoulder from Zayn on the ring apron. Zayn with a head scissors takedown on Rollins and Rollins bails. Rollins avoids a shot from Zayn over the top rope. Rollins pulls Zayn out and tries to powerbomb Zayn into the ring barricade. Zayn blocks it and catches Rollins with a springboard moonsault off the barricade. Back inside, Rollins catches Zayn with a quick superkick. Rollins launches Zayn to the corner. Zayn with clotheslines. Zayn lands on his ankle awkwardly after jumping off the bottom rope and over Rollins. Zayn takes a breather in the corner and the referee keeps Rollins back. Zayn tells the referee he is okay. Rollins charges and Zayn dumps him over the top rope. Zayn then flips over the top rope and takes out Rollins on the outside. Zayn is favoring his ankle. Back inside, Rollins catches Zayn with a flying knee. Zayn rolls out of the ring favoring his ankle some more.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Rollins catches Zayn with a dropkick after Zayn attempted a Blue Thunder Bomb. Rollins with chops to Zayn in the corner. Rollins is now up top with Zayn. Zayn headbutts Rollins away. Rollins is back up with Zayn. Zayn fights him off with a series of forearm shots. Zayn with a sunset flip on Rollins off the top turnbuckle! Zayn gets a close two count. Zayn counters a Pedigree into a roll up for another close two count. Zayn with an exploder suplex on Rollins in the corner. Rollins with a running high knee cutting off Zayn. Rollins stomps away at the ankle of Zayn and then puts boots to the face. Rollins with an ankle lock on Zayn. Zayn attempts a Michinoku Driver, Rollins counters and hits the Pedigree for the win.
Winner and advancing: Seth Rollins
Highlights of Brock Lesnar’s TKO finish of Randy Orton is teased.
-Commercial Break-
Photo highlights from SummerSlam last night is shown.
WWE Universal Championship Series
Kevin Owens vs. Neville
Owens with an early Pop Up Powerbomb attempt. Neville counters with a series of body kicks and then dumps Owens over the top rope. Neville with a dropkick to the face of Owens off the ring apron. Neville with a 450 splash on Owens off the ring apron to the floor! Owens is tossed back in and Owens rolls out to the other side. Neville leaps over the top rope and catches Owens on the outside. Chris Jericho walks out down the ramp distracting Neville. Owens out of no where with a clotheslines leveling Neville.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, Owens with elbows to Neville in the corner. Neville falls down and Owens misses a cannonball attempt. Neville with a release german suplex on Owens. Owens misses a frog splash on Neville. Neville is now up top and connects with a spinning corkscrew moonsault off the second rope and gets a close two count. Cole said they have breaking news from Mick Foley that will be revealed following the conclusion of this match. Neville with a german suplex into a bridge for another two count. Neville misses a shot off top, Owens with a superkick, Neville counters a Pop Up Powerbomb and connects with a step up kick to the head. Neville is going back up top. Neville jumps down and kicks Jericho in the face who was yelling at him at ringside. Neville with a kick to the head of Owens. Owens trips up Neville on the top rope, gets Neville on his shoulders in the torture rack and throws Neville down in a neckbreaker. Owens hooks the leg and gets the pinfall.
Winner and advancing: Kevin Owens
Michael Cole reveals that a Fatal Four Way match has been set by RAW GM Mick Foley that will feature Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and two more spots to be filled later tonight. The winner will become the new WWE Universal Champion.
Big Cass vs. Rusev and Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho are the remaining matches tonight.
WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day are headed to the ring next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day are on the way to the ring. Big E has a big bowl of Booty O’s and is pouring it all over fans in the audience. Big E talks about being back. Kofi Kingston talks about New Day being WWE Tag Team Champions for 365 days. Kofi thanks the fans for being vocal during the good times and the bad times. Xavier Woods picks up a piñata filled with Booty O’s. Big E grabs a stick to begin the festivities.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson interrupt. Gallows is calling them stupid. Anderson calls New Day stupid. “Brooklyn, you are stupid.” He questions what New Day is celebrating. Anderson brings up how New Day lost the match last night. Gallows says they are owed a title rematch. Anderson calls Kofi the stupidest. He asks Kofi if he enjoyed the Magic Killer he received last night. Kofi tells Big E to defend him. Big E has nothing.
-Commercial Break-
Big E w/ New Day vs. Karl Anderson w/ Luke Gallows
We are back live as Big E hits a belly-to-belly suplex on Anderson. Big E pushes Anderson to the corner. Anderson catches Big E with a dropkick to the knee and stomps away at Big E in the corner. Anderson drops a jumping knee over the knee of Big E. Anderson again kicks out the back of Big E’s knee and gets a two count off a pinfall attempt. Big E lifts up and launches Anderson over the top rope. Gallows with a big boot and uppercut to Woods and Kofi on the outside. Back inside, Anderson gets a knee up when Big E attempted his spear through the ropes. Woods and Kofi drop Gallows off the ring apron. Trouble in Paradise by Kofi on Gallows. Big Ending on Anderson inside the ring for the win.
Winner: Big E
WWE teases that The Dudley Boyz will say goodbye tonight. We then see video of The Dudley Boyz debuting in WWE back on September 2, 1999.
-Commercial Break-
We are back live and Titus O’Neil has a mic. Titus is having a rough time getting his words out about New Day being WWE Tag Team Champions for a year. He said you may not remember that The Prime Time Players were the champions a year ago. Titus said that turned out to be the best day of his life because he “dropped the dead weight that was Darren Young.” He starts running down Bob Backlund questioning how he can make Darren Young great again when Backlund was never great to begin with. Titus blames Young for preventing him from accomplishing things in WWE. He calls out Young. A loud “WE WANT SLATER” chant breaks out interrupting Titus. Bob Backlund runs out and slides inside the ring. Titus throws Backlund to the corner. Backlund is going for the Crossface Chickenwing. Titus breaks free and drops Backlund with a quick scoop slam. Darren Young hits the ring and checks on Backlund asking Titus what is wrong with him. Titus picks up Young and hits the Clash of the Titus on him. Titus yells down at Young.
A look at Brock Lesnar’s TKO finish of Randy Orton is up next.
-Commercial Break-
A video package runs with highlights from Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton last night. We also see Lesnar giving Shane McMahon an F5.
Backstage, Tom Phillips is with Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie says reprecussions will be coming for Lesnar as a result of his actions at SummerSlam.
Lana is inside the ring and introduces WWE United States Champion Rusev.
WWE Universal Championship Series
WWE United States Champion Rusev w/ Lana vs. Big Cass w/ Enzo Amore
We get a promo from Big Cass and Enzo Amore before the match. Cass said he is going to finish the job that Roman Reigns started last night.
The bell rings and here we go. The ribs of Rusev are taped up. Cass dumps Rusev over the top rope with a quick clothesline as we head to a quick break.
-Commercial Break-
During the break, we see Rusev connect with a spinning heel kick on Cass. Rusev connects with a big kick to the head of Cass as well. Rusev with a chop block charge taking out Cass. Rusev drops a series of elbows over Cass. Rusev misses a splash when Cass moves and Rusev favors his ribs. Cass with rights, shoulder tackles and a splash in the corner. Rusev rolls out of the ring to avoid a big boot from Cass. Rusev with a kick to the back of the head of Enzo on the outside when the referee was distracted. Cass starts chasing down Rusev. Back inside, Cass with a tackle on Rusev. Cass with another splash in the corner and throws right hands to the injured ribs of Rusev. Cass plants Rusev with a big scoop slam. Rusev rolls out again to avoid an elbow from Cass. Rusev catches Cass with a kick on the outside. Cass then sends Rusev ribs first into the steel steps at ringside. Back inside, Rusev catches Cass with a kick. Cass immediately responds with a big boot. Rusev rolls back out. The referee starts the count. Rusev keeps backing up. The referee reaches the 10 count.
Winner and advancing: Big Cass
Backstage, Tom Phillips is with Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho. Tom asks what happens if Jericho defeats Roman Reigns later tonight and they have to take part in a fatal four way. Jericho calls that a stupid question and says of course he will win tonight and next week. Jericho and Owens argue over who will win the fatal four way.
New WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte and Dana Brooke are up next.
-Commercial Break-
New WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte speaks
New WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte and Dana Brooke are on the way to the ring. Dana starts a “YOU DESERVE IT” chant for Charlotte. Charlotte says, “Damn right I deserve it!” She calls herself the greatest female athlete in the world. Charlotte says forget about Serena Williams, Simone Biles and most importantly Sasha Banks. She talks about exposing Banks as being all flash and no cash. Charlotte said she is the money of this women’s division. She puts herself over as a two-time WWE Women’s Champion. “I didn’t need my father. I didn’t need Dana. I did it all by myself.” Charlotte said Sasha’s back injury proved she doesn’t have what it takes to carry this women’s division. She said Sasha is never coming after her title again. Charlotte tells Banks to never come back again. She says the queen has taken back her throne and goes to leave when Mick Foley interrupts.
Foley wants to congratulate Charlotte for raising the bar with Sasha Banks. He informs Charlotte that Banks will be granted a rematch for the WWE Women’s Championship. Charlotte says she will break the back of Banks again. She asks Foley for the night off and doesn’t think anyone else is worthy in the back. Foley says not so fast. He said some aspects of this job are hard like making Finn Balor give up his title. Foley says other parts bring him joy. He informs Charlotte that they have just signed the hottest free agent.
Former NXT Women’s Champion Bayley walks out to a huge ovation. Bayley grabs mic and can’t believe this is really happening. A loud “YOU DESERVE IT” chant starts up for Bayley. Bayley says she’s been waiting for this moment her entire life. She thanks Foley for an opportunity and wants to seal the deal with a hug with Foley. Foley and Bayley hug. Charlotte said there is a reason Bayley got left behind in the women’s revolution. Bayley says she would never disrespect Charlotte, but will challenge her for her title.
The crowd in Brooklyn start up a loud “YES!” chant. Charlotte calls her “sweet Bayley” and says she needs to get in line and earn a shot at “the best.” Charlotte said she isn’t dressed to compete tonight and suggests Dana Brooke take on Bayley tonight. Foley books it.
-Commercial Break-
Bayley vs. Dana Brooke w/ Charlotte
We return live as Bayley gets a quick headlock takedown on Dana. Bayley with a drop toe hold on Dana and then rides on top of her. Bayley eats an elbow from Dana. Dana sends Bayley into the corner a few times. Bayley fires up and does the same to Dana repeatedly. Bayley with a springboard arm drag. Bayley teases attacking Charlotte from the ring apron. This allows Dana to get in a big kick that sends Bayley to the outside. Dana with a baseball slide that launches Bayley back. Dana then throws Bayley back first into the ring barricade, tosses her back inside the ring and applies a submission to keep her grounded. Dana with big right hands over Bayley. Bayley with shoulders to the ribs of Dana in the corner, hits a corner splash, tosses Dana aside, goes to the second rope and connects with a spinning elbow. Bayley connects with her Bayley to Belly and gets the pinfall on Dana.
Winner: Bayley
After the match, Bayley looks down at Charlotte and smiles.
Backstage, Tom Phillips talks with Roman Reigns about comments by Chris Jericho. Reigns says he plans to shut the mouth of Jericho tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Rich Swann, Noam Dar, Brian Kendrick and TJ Perkins from the WWE Cruiserweight Classic are profiled. The Cruiserweights arrive on RAW beginning on September 19.
Highlights of the first match between Cesaro and Sheamus in the best of seven series at SummerSlam last night is shown. Sheamus won the first match. Backstage, Sheamus takes a shot at New York sports teams and says unlike them, he will be a winner.
Braun Strowman vs. Johnny Knockout
Before the match, Johnny Knockout tells Byron Saxton he likes big sweaty men. Knockout with a few shots to Strowman in the corner. Strowman levels Knockout with a clothesline and then a big forearm to the back. Strowman tosses Knockout in the corner and then hits a big corner splash. Strowman with a reverse chokeslam and gets the pinfall.
Winner: Braun Strowman
After the match, Braun Strowman picks up Johnny Knockout, puts him on his shoulders and then drives him down on the mat face first. Strowman yells at the referee to count it. The referee says he isn’t going to count it. Strowman yells at him to count. The referee counts a second unofficial pinfall. Strowman starts yelling at the crowd.
We see footage of The Dudley Boyz returning to WWE last year.
-Commercial Break-
The Dudley Boyz say goodbye
Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley walk out on stage and head to the ring.
Bubba grabs a mic as the crowd in Brooklyn start up a loud “ECW” chant. He says he doesn’t get very emotional, but tonight may be different. Bubba talks about returning to WWE one year ago in this same city and same building. He said it has been a hell of a year. Bubba said they always knew the fans respected them.
D-Von grabs a mic. A loud “TESTIFY” chant starts up. He calls it one hell of a career going up and down the highways with Bubba. D-Von talks about creating legendary matches like the TLC match and how it is considered one of the greatest matches of all time. He name drops Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boyz. A loud “DELETE” chant starts up.
Bubba encourages the crowd to get up on their feet and take a round of applause. He said normally in this industry you don’t get to go out on your own terms. Bubba thanks the crowd very much and this is them going out on their own terms. D-Von leads a loud “TESTIFY” chant. The Shining Stars music hits and they walk out to interrupt.
Primo says this is getting embarrassing tonight. He said it is about time they leave and calls them washed up. A “WE WANT TABLES” chant starts up. Epico is trying to talk and is getting drowned out by the chant. He has a going away present for The Dudley’s. They bought them a pair of economy airline tickets to beautiful Puerto Rico. Primo pities the people that have to sit next to them. Epico jokes about how much food The Dudley’s will enjoy. Bubba and D-Von level Primo and Epico immediately. 3D on Epico. Bubba plants Primo with a scoop slam, lifts up the legs of Primo and D-Von drops the headbutt from the top rope. Bubba has the crowd lead a loud “GET THE TABLES” chant. D-Von grabs a table from under the ring. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson hit the ring and start attacking Bubba and D-Von. Gallows is beating down Bubba with right hands and Anderson launches D-Von into the steel steps at ringside. Magic Killer on Bubba on the outside. D-Von tries to fight back and gets overwhelmed. Back inside the ring, Gallows and Anderson hit a Magic Killer through the table on D-Von.
Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho is up next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE Universal Championship Series
Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho
Lock up and Reigns connects with a shoulder tackle early. Jericho slaps Reigns. Reigns catches Jericho with an elbow and clothesline combo. Reigns with a clothesline to Jericho in the corner. Jericho with a high elbow, but Reigns responds with right hands. Brooklyn starts up a “YOU CAN’T WRESTLE” chant at Reigns. Jericho tosses Reigns out.
-Commercial Break-
Back live, we Jericho dropping Reigns and firing up the crowd in Brooklyn. Jericho stands on the long hair of Reigns and pulls up on his attire. Reigns with right hands. Fans are booing. Jericho with a dropkick and loud cheers. Reigns with more rights. Jericho with a boot to Reigns from the corner. Jericho attempts a bulldog and Reigns pushes off forcing Jericho to crotch himself in the corner. Reigns with clotheslines and then connects with a jumping clothesline. Reigns with clothesline shots on Jericho in the corner. Reigns drops Jericho with a quick uppercut shot. Jericho avoids a Superman and gets Reigns down for a Walls of Jericho. Reigns spins out. Jericho with a kick to the head, hooks the leg and Reigns kicks out. Jericho with straight rights to Reigns. Reigns sends Jericho over the top rope. Jericho hangs on, goes up top, jumps and Reigns catches him with a right hand on the way down. Reigns rolls out and connects with his driveby jumping dropkick to Jericho. Back inside, Reigns has Jericho up and Jericho counters. Jericho catches Reigns with an elbow to the face. Reigns gets knees up during a Lionsault attempt. Reigns with a Superman on Jericho. Jericho kicks out. Reigns is fired up in the corner, charges and Jericho catches him with a boot. Reigns counters a Codebreaker and connects with a sitdown powerbomb on Jericho for a close two count. Kevin Owens runs down the ramp to distract Reigns. Reigns with a shot on Owens. Jericho rolls up Reigns for a close two count. Reigns with a Superman on Jericho. Jericho counters a spear attempt and gets the Walls of Jericho locked in. Reigns is trying to power out. Reigns is dragging himself and gets to the bottom rope to break it up. Cheap shot by Owens. Codebreaker on Reigns. Jericho hooks the leg and Reigns kicks out. Jericho with repeated slaps to Reigns. Reigns is on his feet and throws some slaps at Jericho. Superman to Owens who jumped up on the ring apron. Reigns rolls through a pinfall attempt. Reigns catches Jericho with a spear, hooks the leg and gets the pinfall.
Winner and advancing: Roman Reigns
It will now be Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens vs. Big Cass vs. Roman Reigns in a Fatal Four Way match next week to crown a new WWE Universal Champion.
The show comes to a close with Reigns celebrating his win.
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Quick Match Results:
* Seth Rollins def. Sami Zayn to advance in the WWE Universal Title Series
* Kevin Owens def. Neville to advance in the WWE Universal Title Series
* Big E def. Karl Anderson
* Big Cass def. WWE U.S. Champion Rusev to advance in the WWE Universal Title Series
* Bayley def. Dana Brooke
* Braun Strowman def. Johnny Knockout
* Roman Reigns def. Chris Jericho to advance in the WWE Universal Title Series