5/2 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL’S Complete Live TV Report

WWE follows up on the Payback PPV with both Shane and Stephanie McMahon running Raw, plus a quick turn-around to hyping Extreme Rules in three weeks …

WWE Raw TV Report
May 2, 2016 – Episode #1,197
Live in St. Louis, Mo.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

APP ALERT: If you are reading the Report on our new App, visit the mobile version of the report by HARD-PRESSING ON THIS LINK for the most frequent updates. VIP MEMBERS: Access your ad-free version by HARD-PRESSING THIS LINK.

The Card

• Payback Fall-out
• Week 1 of Shane & Stephanie McMahon running Raw
• Hype for Extreme Rules

***

Raw opened with a video package hyping a “landmark decision” last night at Payback that Vince McMahon decided Shane and Stephanie McMahon will both run Raw. And, it fed into the WWE Title main event when A.J. Styles beat Reigns twice, but Reigns won the third re-start to retain the WWE Title. And, back to Shane and Steph as central characters of the show.

After the Raw intro video played, full pyro and fireworks blasted inside Scottrade Center. Michael Cole hyped a “new era” in WWE tonight. The first music of the night belonged to Stephanie McMahon, instantly making Cole sound like a liar. Three years of The Authority running Raw walked down the entrance ramp holding a red bag as the crowd booed.

Once in the ring, Stephanie shouted out to St. Louis. She said she’s been waiting three weeks to say this. Steph dramatically built to introducing “Monday Night Raw” when Shane McMahon’s music cut her off. Shane bounced down to the ring as Steph sold annoyance waiting for her brother to get in the ring.

Once in the ring, Shane and Steph cross-talked before Shane echoed her shout-out to St. Louis. He walked over Steph by welcoming everyone to Monday Night War. Stephanie said in the seven years that Shane was gone, she learned how to get business done. (boos) And, she also learned how to be a good business partner. (boos)

Steph said she has a little peace offering for Shane in the bag. Shane wasn’t so pleased. A “Raw is War 2.0” sign was on display in the background, then Shane slowly pulled out the photo of Shane and Vince from years ago that Vince stepped on several weeks ago. Steph said she knows how much this photo means to him, and she wanted him to have it.

Steph said now he would like to hear Shane’s ideas for tonight’s Raw. Shane deferred to Steph, wanting to hear her ideas (presumably to lift them). Stephanie turned the polling on Shane, asking the crowd if they want to hear Shane’s ideas or her ideas. Of course the crowd wanted Shane’s ideas. (The idea being Stephanie trying to expose Shane not having ideas.)

Suddenly, Kevin Owens’s music interrupted. Owens walked out sarcastically saying how great this is seeing brother and sister in the ring together, and getting along! She said they’re arguing about ideas, but he would like to present his idea. (boos) Owens said his idea is he wants his Intercontinental Title re-match. After all, he beat – no decimated – Sami Zayn last night. And now that he’s done with Zayn, he wants his title re-match. Tonight.

Owens focused on Steph, buttering her up as a smart businesswoman who knows what the right move is. And, after all, he is owed his title re-match, per the contract. Suddenly, Cesaro’s music interrupted Owens’s argument. Owens marched toward the ring ropes selling frustration with Cesaro’s interruption.

Cesaro entered the ring and said he wants his title re-match from last night since Miz cheated to win last night. Shane said he doesn’t know how things were down the old way, but he thinks this is a good idea. He made the match between Cesaro and Owens, who flipped out yelling over Shane’s music that it’s his title re-match, not Cesaro’s! The match is next.

[ Reax: Nice decision putting Owens in the mix. The dynamic of nice-guy Shane and trying-to-be-nice Steph feels too awkward standing there talking as the energy in the arena dwindles minute after minute. ]

[Q2] [Commercial Break at 8:15]

1 — CESARO vs. KEVIN OWENS — #1 contender match to IC Title

During the break, IC champion The Miz and Maryse came down to ringside to watch the match. As soon as  the bell sounded, Cesaro charged an annoyed Owens and put him in the Uppercut train. Multiple uppercuts into a lariat for a two count. Owens rolled out of the ring looking for a breather. The cameraman got lost trying to keep up, eventually documenting Cesaro doing a forward roll splash onto Owens.

Back in the ring, Cesaro continued to punish Owens. He teased the Big Swing, but Owens blocked. Owens took over, then yelled at Michael Cole, who was in the process of getting an earful from Miz on commentary. Owens went back to Cesaro, who uppercut him. Cesaro then dropped Owens with a deadlift gutwrench suplex for a close two count.

Cesaro wanted to follow up, but Owens caught him in the ropes. Owens then smashed Owens to the floor and jumped onto the ring apron. Owens delivered a frogsplash on the floor, wowing the crowd. Owens sold pain as he rolled back into the ring trying to get a count-out as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 8:24]

Back from break, Owens ran across the ring to deliver a big cannonball splash to Cesaro. But, Cesaro kicked out of a pin. On commentary, Miz complained about Owens sitting on commentary during his match last night at Payback. Back in the ring, Cesaro flew at Owens with a giant spinning uppercut. Majestic.

[Q3] Owens rolled out of the ring to recover, drawing over Cesaro. Miz ended up getting smashed during the melee, ruining his sunglasses and shocking Maryse. Cesaro rolled Owens back into the ring to put him in the Big Swing, but Miz charged the ring to attack Owens, causing the bell to sound.

WINNER: Cesaro via DQ at 11:30. Hot opening match building up the IC Title situation, presumably leading to a four-way match at Extreme Rules…

Post-match, Owens and Miz yelled at each other. Cesaro tried to intervene, but the heels turned their anger toward Cesaro. Suddenly, Sami Zayn’s music played. Zayn stormed the ring and Owens pushed Miz into Zayn, who dropped Miz and went after Owens. Helluva Kick to Owens in the corner. Zayn was the last man standing in the ring.

Zayn wanted another kick for Miz when he came to his feet, but Maryse pulled Miz out of the ring to safety. Now Zayn was the last man standing in the ring. Zayn then slowly picked up the IC Title belt and held it up in the air as the crowd chanted “Yes!” The announcers wondered what’s next for the IC Title after a clear #1 contender was not determined.

Backstage: Dean Ambrose approached Stephanie McMahon in the St. Louis Blues hallway. Steph wanted to know what Dean is looking at. Dean said he doesn’t buy this nice-gal act from Stephanie. She’s the same old Stephanie McMahon. Steph said she expected Dean to be more open-minded than that. Tell you what, I’ll be on Ambrose Asylum and you can ask me anything. Dean said he likes the sound of that. She smiled and walked off. Dean smiled back, then waited for Steph to disappear. He offered a “Kramer from Seinfeld” facial expression selling ickiness over nice-gal Stephanie.

[Commercial Break at 8:35]

– Backstage: R-Truth and Tyler Breeze were hanging out with selfie sticks, following up on events from Smackdown. Actually, Truth had a broken iPhone and stick. Truth tried to teach Breeze how to rap, but Breeze was too into himself to pay attention. Truth said this was much easier with Goldust. In walked Goldust to take exception. Goldust wanted a match with Breeze. Suddenly, Fandango walked in to be Goldust’s tag partner. They competed

– Locker Room: A.J. Styles talked to Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, who buttered up Styles about being phenomenal last night. Styles said he didn’t win the title, though. Anderson said he was this close – this close! – to being champion. Gallows said at Extreme Rules, anything goes for the re-match. Anderson said there is no way Reigns leaves as champion.

“Is that so?” Reigns called out off-camera. Styles held back Anderson and Gallows from fighting Reigns, who said Styles earned his respect last night, but he still doesn’t like Anderson and Gallows. Reigns said he thinks they don’t think Styles can beat him by himself. Karl and Doc took exception, then Reigns brought in The Usos for a showdown. Styles got tough, saying he will beat Reigns for the title at Extreme Rules. Reigns then challenged them to a three-on-three match. Styles said they’re on and Reigns nodded in agreement as everyone held their ground. On commentary, JBL said “the club” might be back together.

In-ring: Goldust’s music played to bring out Goldust and Fandango trying to get their dance steps in order as a new pairing. The tag match is next.

[Q4] [Commercial Break at 8:44]

In-ring: Goldust and Fandango continued to dance in the ring, then Tyler Breeze’s music played to bring out Breeze and R-Truth. Cole said Goldust and Truth each got a new tag partner to make the other jealous. JBL lamented that here in St. Louis, home at Wrestling at The Chase, the likes of Lou Thesz would be rolling over in their graves at the sight of this.

2 — GOLDUST (w/Fandango) vs. TYLER BREEZE (w/R-Truth)

Apparently this is singles, not a tag match. The crowd was so quiet that one guy shouting “Tyler Breeze, you suck!” could be heard as loud as the announcers. Truth gave Breeze a doo-rag, then Breeze walked right up to Goldust like a dolt and took a punch to the face. Goldust kept trying to impress Truth, but he no-sold Goldust. Fandango randomly walked over to Truth, then Breeze eventually rolled up Goldust for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Breeze at 1:48. Utterly ridiculous.

Backstage: WWE tag champions New Day walked up to wrestling artist Rob Schamberger to get a sign. They kept walking and got a p.a. to dance, then shooed him aside. The tag title situation is addressed next.

[Commercial Break at 8:52]

Tag Title Situation

Back from break, New Day made their way to the ring. Cole relayed that The Vaudevillains were awarded the match victory last night against Enzo Amore & Big Cass following Enzo’s injury, so it will be New Day vs. the Vaudes at Extreme Rules in three weeks. That was an anti-climatic announcement.

In the ring, Kofi Kingston wanted to get serious talking about last night’s #1 contender tournament finale. Kofi said Enzo Amore suffered a concussion last night at Payback. WWE showed a replay of Enzo being injured, then taken to the hospital last night. Back in the ring, Kofi, Big E., and Xavier Woods sold concern. Big E. said they have a tweet to accentuate the point. The tweet was Enzo posing in a hospital gown outside of the hospital. “How you doin'” chant from the crowd. “He’s okay!” Xavier shouted.

[Q5 — second hour] Xavier continued that when Enzo is ready to come back, New Day will be waiting for their Tag Title shot. But, as for tonight, the show goes on with the WWE tag champions keeping the positivity train rolling —

The Vaudevillians’s music interrupted to bring out Aiden English and Simon Gotch. They slowly walked down to the ring selling sadness. Aiden said this is a tough business and tough things happen. And, a real man would have gotten back up. Aiden said real men like them represent the skills and values of a bygone era. He reminded New Day that they are #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Titles (which Aiden sang).

Simon Gotch spoke that last night they made Enzo Amore the realest guy in the emergency room. “How are you doing?” Gotch asked. He said they have left zero doubt as to —

Suddenly, The Dudleys’s theme music interrupted. Bubba Ray and Devon marched out on-stage, then stopped at ringside wondering what those two carnies are talking about. Bubba said they didn’t beat anyone last night; the referee had to stop the match. All they did was stand there and twirl their mustaches.

Bubba said as far as he and Devon are concerned, they need to restart this whole tag tournament right now. New Day wasn’t sure about Bubba taking over their tournament. Devon said if anyone deserves this title shot, it’s them.

Suddenly, Enzo’s music played. Big reaction and out came Big Cass to represent Enzo and himself. From the stage, Cass said he’s tired of listening to The Vaudevillains running their mouth about taking out his family. Now, he’s going to have to finish what they started last night. Gotch was unimpressed. As for the D-d-d-d-d-dudleys, they already knocked them out of the tournament. So, there’s only one way to describe all of them – S-A-W-F-T!

Big Cass charged the ring to fight the Vaudes, then New Day fought the Dudleys. Chaos broke out in the ring as Raw faded to commercial. Eight-man tag on the other side of the break?

[Commercial Break at 9:07]

Back from break, an eight-man tag was joined in progress, per a decision made by Shane and Stephanie during the break, according to Cole.

3 — BIG CASS & WWE tag champions NEW DAY (KOFI KINGSTON & BIG E. & XAVIER WOODS) vs. THE DUDLEYS (BUBBA RAY & DEVON) & THE VAUDEVILLIANS (SIMON GOTCH & AIDEN ENGLISH) — eight-man tag match

Simon Gotch found himself in the wrong corner taking the unicorn stampede from Big Cass and the WWE tag champs over and over. Xavier eventually warmed up his trombone to sing a tune as New Day punished Gotch. Bubba eventually tagged himself into the match, getting Gotch the heck out of the ring. Bubba smashed Xavier to the mat to allow the heels to take over the match. In the middle of the match, Bubba demonstrated to the Vaudes how to work a match. Is this Monday Night Raw or a training session at the Performance Center?

[Q6] Devon pounded Xavier, then yelled at Aiden to do something. Aiden worked on Xavier, then tagged in Bubba to punish Xavier. Bubba lost focus wanting to go Stan Hansen on Xavier, who kicked him in the head. Tag to Kofi, who dropped Devon before hitting the Boom Drop. But, the Vaudes knocked Kofi to the floor and posted him. Kofi sold facial pain as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:17]

Back from break, the heels were working over Kofi. Gotch tagged in and yelled at him what to do. Again, is this Raw or a training session at the Performance Center? Gotch eventually wrestled Kofi into the corner and tagged in English after being yelled at by the Dudleys and told what to do by English.

The heels continued to wear down Kofi as the crowd tried to make some noise instead of sitting on their hands. Eventually, Big Cass took a tag and cleaned house. Chaos broke out, then Cass dropped Devon with the East River Crossing as the announcers sold excitement. Cass scored the pin for the win. Afterward, New Day celebrated with Cass as the heels booked it to the back.

WINNERS: Team New Day Cass at 15:48. WWE is obviously high on Big Cass right now, especially as a singles. Overall, though, WWE is going to have to go back to the drawing board of what the purpose of NXT is if they’re going to depend on NXT call-ups to fill three hours of Raw before they’re ready. The middle of this match was embarrassing and did not belong on TV.

Still to come: A battle royal. The winner gets a U.S. Title shot. Ryback was included in the graphic for wrestlers supposed to be in the match.

Plus, Stephanie McMahon on the Ambrose Asylum.

[Commercial Break at 9:28] [..Q7]

[Q7…] Cole voiced-over a birthday shout-out to The Rock.

Announcers: Cole, Saxton, and JBL were shown on-camera. Cole read an essay about how the Payback main event unfolded last night centered on the McMahon siblings. Oh, and Roman Reigns, A.J. Styles, Karl & Doc, and The Usos.

Earlier Tonight: Reigns and Styles wanted to fight. The six-man tag match is now official for later tonight. Cole said this will be the first time Styles, Doc, and Karl have teamed since being in New Japan.

Last Night: An hour-and-a-half into the show, Cole brought up the Women’s Title “controversy” last night. Cole said referee Charles Robinson screwed Natalya out of the title against Charlotte. Cole went to the 1990s when Charles Robinson dressed and wrestled as Ric Flair in WCW after being dubbed Lil’ Naitch. Cole said Charlotte will address what happened later tonight.

In-ring: Becky Lynch was introduced to the ring for Women’s division action.

[Commercial Break at 9:38]

Back from break, Cole noted John Cena’s imminent return on Memorial Day Raw. Cole sounds like he’s trying to pace himself energy-wise for the third hour of Raw doing three-hour broadcasts on back-to-back nights.

In-ring: Becky waited out Emma’s ring entrance as Cole and Co. read some tweets about them having a professional jealousy. It sounded like the crew was doing a book report. The bell sounded to begin the match.

4 — EMMA vs. BECKY LYNCH

Emma quickly knocked Becky to the floor and posed over her international foe. Back in the ring, Emma took over. Becky came back and teased going for the Dis-arm Her, but Emma had it scouted and rolled across the ring to avoid. Becky took the bait and walked into an eye-poke. Emma then dropped Becky with a Michinoku Driver for the pin.

WINNER: Dark Emma at 5:45.

Up Next: Stephanie McMahon is on Dean Ambrose’s Ambrose Asylum. Saxton said Ambrose has been given the green light to ask Stephanie anything.

[Commercial Break at 9:49]

Puerto Rico tourism: This time, Primo and Epico ate some food in a colorful restaurant. Epico said here in P.R., there are no fast food joints or vending machines spiting out food. Saxton, the face, said that made him hungry instead of selling indignation over Epico & Primo looking down on people. JBL, the heel, heeled on the heels wondering isn’t Puerto Rico bankrupt?

Ambrose Asylum

Dean Ambrose woke up the crowd storming the ring one night after beating Chris Jericho last night. Ambrose noted his talk show and potted plant. No attention to his victory over Jericho, then Ambrose said he has some real “investigative journaling” to do here with Stephanie McMahon.

Ambrose welcomed out Stephanie to boos. Steph tried to find some nice things to say about Dean’s interview set. Dean wanted to know about Stephanie being nice. He said that’s not the Stephanie he knows. She must be a boiling pot of woman-rage ready to explode. Steph said he’s just being paranoid. Steph said last night was the first PPV of a new era. We have arrived! The crowd made 1/10 noise. Ambrose noted it’s a little hot under the collar tonight.

Ambrose got down to business. He wanted to know what Steph thought about being speared by Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Steph sold shock at the photo, then quietly admitted to being taught a valuable lesson about not interfering in matches and arguing with the ref. Ambrose wasn’t convinced.

Okay, what about Shane McMahon returning to a hero’s welcome in seven years. He said Shane ran Raw better than The Authority ever did in just one week. Steph said she doesn’t really agree with that statement. Regardless of Shane abandoning the audience for seven years, it speaks to the fans’s loyalty. So, loyalty means everything to you, Stephanie?

Ambrose said Steph has never left WWE and put in so much time and made so many sacrifices because of her loyalty to her dad, family, and the company.  How many birthdays and dance recitals have you missed because you’re sitting in a board meeting or production meeting with Vince and doing charity work and spreading the brand? Steph sold trying not to boil over. Has Shane made the same sacrifices as her? It’s gotta grind your gears that Shane came back and got the same spot as she did?

[Q9 — third hour] Steph calmed herself down before replying. She said Vince taught her a lesson last night about accepting changes. Steph said it’s time to apply her lessons to Dean. She thinks it’s time for a change for the Ambrose Asylum. “So, like an hour, maybe 30 minutes?” Dean asked. Steph smiled and said she’s going to officially cancel the show. Dean glared at her, then Steph asked if that’s the same lesson he wanted her to learn.

Dean said that hurts since he thought he was going to be the next Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, or that English guy. Well, they had a good run. Dean said she can keep all of this stuff and he’ll get out of here. Dean picked up his potted plant and sold soaking in his exit. Stephanie said she can’t leave Raw with a hole in the show. So, she’s bringing back the Highlight Reel…

Out came Chris Jericho glaring at Ambrose one night after Ambrose beat him. Cole finally brought up Ambrose beating Jericho last night as the two wrestlers came within inches of each other about to fight. Jericho slapped Dean’s jacket and the fight was on. Big scrap down at ringside. Jericho tried to toss Dean aside, but Dean rebound-lariated Jericho into the ring apron.

The fight spilled back into the ring, where Dean lit up Jericho with right hands. Big kick to the gut teasing Dirty Deeds, but Jericho reversed into the Codebreaker. Jericho, bleeding from the forehead, posed over Ambrose before pushing him out of the ring.

Jericho left the ring and stalked Ambrose before approaching the potted plant. Jericho picked up the object and approached Dean to smash the plant over the back of his head. Jericho stood over Dean before leaning down next to him to whisper mean things in his ear. Jericho stood up and flashed evil eyes toward the ceiling. Jericho raised his arm in the air as Dean continued to sell on the floor. Raw faded to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:06]

Moments Ago: Stephanie McMahon canceled the Ambrose Asylum, then Jericho and Ambrose brawled. Jericho got the best of Ambrose on this night.

Ringside: U.S. champion Kalisto, in a suit, was on commentary to watch the #1 contender battle royal. Cole noted Kalisto beat Ryback last night to retain his title. WWE showed various wrestlers already in the ring, then Titus O’Neil made his return from suspension with a ring introduction. Sheamus was given a solo ring intro, too. WWE focused on Alberto Del Rio and Rusev already in the ring glaring at Sheamus following the end of League of Nations last week on Smackdown. More solo ring intros. Baron Corbin was introduced, stressing his Andre battle royal victory at WrestleMania. No sign of Ryback, who was included in the graphic for battle royal participants.

[Q10]

5 — U.S. Title #1 contender Battle Royal

Bodies started flying out of the ring as soon as the bell sounded. JBL heeled on Kalisto for being too small. So, Kalisto brought up a “small guy” who beat JBL a long time ago. Kalisto hesitated as if he weren’t sure if he could mention Rey Mysterio. Saxton said his name under his breath. JBL told them to shut up.

Suddenly, Dolph Ziggler eliminated Corbin. Baron, who lost to Dolph last night at Payback, yanked Dolph out of the ring and smashed him into the guardrail, then into the ringpost. Instead of leaving Dolph lifeless on the floor without actually being eliminated, Corbin rolled Dolph back into the ring and told Rusev to eliminate him. Rusev smiled as he picked up Dolph and tossed him clear over the top rope. Corbin stared down at Dolph ready to punish him some more as Raw cut to break in the middle of a battle royal.

[Commercial Break at 10:17]

Back from break, it was basically the same number of guys in the battle royal. What did they do during the break? Meanwhile, Kalisto talked about being honored to be U.S. champion after meeting Harley Race backstage tonight and following Ric Flair, even JBL, and Eddie Guerrero. Bodies started flying again, including all of the Social Outcasts.

Sheamus, Rusev, Zack Ryder, Alberto Del Rio, and Kalisto’s tag partner Sin Cara were the last five. Cole noted three of the five were formerly in League of Nations. Suddenly, Sheamus and Del Rio worked together to beat down Cara. Zack walked into the Irish Curse backbreaker from Sheamus, then Del Rio eliminated Sin Cara.

So, the final Four was the League of Nations and Ryder. Sheamus tried to take the lead organizing everyone, selling sorrow for how things ended last week on Smackdown. Del Rio wasn’t convinced. All three worked together to beat down Ryder, then Sheamus said it’s time to toss him out. But, Ryder hung out, and Sheamus tried to sneakily eliminate Del Rio, but Del Rio held on.

Del Rio came back with the Backstabber to Sheamus, then Ryder dropped Del Rio with Rough Ryder. But, Rusev heel-kicked Ryder to be the last man standing in the sequence.

Del Rio then clotheslined and superkicked Sheamus out of the ring, popping the crowd. Rusev tried to dump out Del Rio, but Del Rio hung on. Suddenly, Ryder dropkicked Del Rio out of the ring, popping the crowd. It was Ryder vs. Rusev. “Woo woo woo!” chants from the crowd before Ryder and Rusev fought in the middle of the ring. Ryder got the upper-hand, then went for the Broski Boot, and he connected. Ryder tried to toss out Rusev, but Rusev reversed and absolutely chucked Ryder over the top rope to the floor.

Post-match, Rusev got big eyes processing what he just won. Down at ringside, Kalisto sold concern and slowly removed his headset. Meanwhile, Lana walked down the entrance ramp and joined Rusev in the ring for a celebration. Rusev went back to yelling at Kalisto, saying the title is his. Rusev and Lana vowed to crush Kalisto.

WINNER: Rusev at 13:38. Are they going to bring back Rusev’s big U.S. Title run from 2014 t0 2015? Rusev is ready for a big spotlight again to perhaps make the title strong again. Kalisto just hasn’t been put in a position to be a strong champion defending the title on the pre-show of back-to-back PPVs. Overall, a good battle royal. Ryback’s absence was newsworthy.

Up Next: Charlotte addresses the Women’s Title situation.

[Q11] [Commercial Break at 10:30]

Exterior Shot: WWE is in St. Louis.

Smackdown plug: Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel will include Sami Zayn.

In-ring: Women’s champion Charlotte was introduced to the ring with Ric Flair. Cole said Charlotte is still Women’s champion because of what happened last night at Payback. WWE highlighted referee Charles Robinson ringing the bell on Natalya when she did not tap out.

In the ring, Charlotte asked Ric for a woo. “Woo!” Flair shouted with a smile. Charlotte said last night at Payback, Nattie and Uncle Bret pushed her to the limit, yet she once again retained the Women’s Title. So, she was more than a little surprised when she went to her Twitter and everyone was talking about them conspiring against the Harts.

Flair said Nattie quit just like all of the Harts. Charlotte lost her place in the promo and laughed to reset the dialogue. She said only one man can resolve this situation. Charlotte asked for Charles Robinson to come down to the ring to explain himself. Charlotte asked him to tell the truth. Awkward pause as everyone stood in the ring looking at each other. Did Natalya submit to the Sharpshooter last night? “Yes, she did,” Robinson said. Charles claimed Natalya was beginning for him to stop the match.

Charlotte said the long relationship he has with the Flair Family and respect for her father had absolutely nothing to do with his decision, right? “Yes,” he said. “I mean no. Absolutely not.” Okay, so that was a no, right? Charlotte yelled over a “cheater” chant, then wooed.

Charlotte asked Robinson that last night’s decision is final, right? Charles smiled and said yes. She dismissed Naitch, I mean Lil’ Naitch. Natalya’s music played to bring her out ready to fight again. Nattie yanked the mic away from Charlotte as Flair glared at her.

Natalya said this is not about Charles Robinson, or Charlotte. It’s about Ric. Nattie said Flair paid a referee to screw her out of the Women’s Title. And, with all of this flashy talk and garbage coming out of Flair’s mouth, everyone knows the truth about Flair. With the Harts and Flairs, the Harts are the best there is, was, and ever will be.

Charlotte held back her dad, then tried to attack Natalya, but Natalya kicked her out of the ring. Nattie then stared down Flair, who removed his coat and watch. Flair got The Look and wanted to lock up with Natalya, who slapped him right in the face. Natalya then put Flair in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring. Charlotte scampered back into the ring to save her dad and drag him out of the ring.

Natalya’s music played as she picked up Flair’s watch and Hall of Fame ring. JBL screamed that she comes from a crazy family in Canada. Nattie flashed Flair’s merchandise toward the crowd as Charlotte tried to get it back. “Bye-bye, bye-bye,” Natalya taunted Charlotte.

Up Next: Team Styles vs. Team Reigns in the main event.

[Commercial Break at 10:43] […Q12]

[Q12…] Announcers: Cole and Co. read a disclaimer about Camp WWE on WWE Network.

Backstage: Charlotte dragged Ric Flair down the hallway as Flair winced in pain. Stephanie McMahon walked up to the Flairs to note how embarrassing things were out there. Steph said Charlotte needs to prove that her finisher is superior to the Sharpshooter, so there will be a re-match at Extreme Rules. And it will be a Submission match. Steph continued that she knows that Ric and her husband, Triple H, go way back. But, Ric is going to be banned from ringside at Extreme Rules. Steph continued to use her nice-gal voice saying some people think Flair is a distraction and not good for Charlotte. Flair sold shock over Steph’s decision, then Steph asked for a woo. Flair looked at her like she had four noses, then Steph said that’s okay and quietly walked off. Charlotte sold being stunned and shocked and scared and confused.

In-ring: A.J. Styles’s music brought out Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows to team up in the main event. Cole plugged Styles on ESPNews SportsCenter tomorrow night.

The Shield’s music then played to produce Roman Reigns to boos. Reigns and The Usos walked out on-stage and then walked down to the ring to face the Styles Club (unofficially). Cole called it a battle of Family vs. Club. JBL said it’s a dream match of Japan’s top tag team against Slammy Award winners.

6 — WWE World Hvt. champion ROMAN REIGNS & THE USOS vs. A.J. STYLES & KARL ANDERSON & LUKE GALLOWS — six-man tag match

Loud dueling chant early on as Reigns and Styles started the match. Gallows tagged in and pounded Reigns, who fought back with right hand strikes into a Samoan Drop. Jey Uso tagged in and Gallows booted him in mid-air. Gallows then tossed Uso over the top rope to the floor. The two sides met down at ringside heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:56]

[Q13 — over-run] The match continued with Styles’s team continuing to work on Jey Uso. Styles then told Karl and Doc to let him handle the match, prompting Styles to walk right into a superkick from Uso. Tag to Reigns, whose presence produced initial shrieks and then loud boos. Reigns attacked all three opponents, then repeatedly clotheslined Anderson in the corner. But, Anderson came back with a kick to the head into a roll-up for a two count.

Reigns slammed Styles before stalking Styles for the Superman Punch, which he instead directed towards Gallows. Chaos broke out in the ring with Styles taking punishment from the Uso brothers. Suddenly, Gallows blasted Reigns from behind on the floor. Gallows and Karl then double-teamed Reigns with a boot into the guardrail.

Back in the ring, Styles sprung on Uso with a springboard forearm smash. Styles pinned Uso for the win.

WINNERS: Team Styles at 11:30. Interesting dynamic of Styles’s team being presented as the default heels, but the sympathy went back to Styles in the post-match…

Down at ringside, Karl and Doc stood over Reigns before tossing him back into the ring. Karl and Doc wanted to blast Reigns with a steel chair, but Styles didn’t like this picture. “What are you doing?” Styles asked. Anderson told Styles to hit Reigns.

Anderson and Gallows held Reigns wide open for a chair shot, but Styles threw down the chair, not wanting part of this. So, Doc and Karl went back to attacking Reigns. Suddenly, The Usos sneak-attacked Styles with a chair shot to the back. Another fight broke out, then Styles hit the Usos with the chair after they sneak-attacked him. Reigns only saw Styles hitting his cousins with the chair.

As Styles sold frustration in the corner, Reigns got up in the background as the crowd booed in anticipation of what was next. Reigns charged Styles and hit him with a Superman Punch, then knocked him out of the ring. Reigns, seething, chucked Styles into the guardrail. Reigns then cleared the announce table as the crowd continued to boo him. Lots of thumbs downs in the background before Reigns picked up Styles in the air and powerbombed him through the announce table.

WWE replayed what set off Reigns, then showed his powerbomb through the table. WWE cut back to live to Styles sprawled out on the announce table and Reigns standing tall over him. Reigns calmed down, took his title belt to boos, and slowly walked around ringside as Raw ended 10 minutes past the top of the hour.

***

LIVECAST ALERT: We’re talking your calls on the Raw post-game show at 11:30 p.m. EST at PWTorchLivecast.com breaking down tonight’s show.

***

APP ALERT: If you are reading the Report on our new App, visit the mobile version of the report by HARD-PRESSING ON THIS LINK for the most frequent updates. VIP MEMBERS: Access your ad-free version by HARD-PRESSING THIS LINK.

Alert: Follow PWTorch staffer’s live, real-time tweets during Raw at Twitter.com/PWTorch/torch-staff.

Reax: We welcome your 0-10 score & comments on this show for a “Raw Reax” feature. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, email to pwtorch@gmail.com.

Shop: Do you shop on Amazon? Support PWTorch by using our ID when shopping. Just click THIS LINK and whatever you buy costs the same, but it gives back to PWTorch!