8/22 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL’S Complete Live TV Report

It’s Summerslam Fallout with a lot happening on the first Raw after Summerslam, including Finn Balor’s injury status. …

WWE Raw TV Report
August 22, 2016 – Episode #1,213
Live in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

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Raw Line-up

• Week 5 of the Brand Split – Raw run by Stephanie McMahon & Mick Foley
• Summerslam fall-out
• Finn Balor’s first & last night as Universal champion – relinquishing the title due to injury
• Brock Lesnar smashing Randy Orton & Shane McMahon fall-out
• Dudley Boys tease WWE exit
• Karl Anderson vs. WWE tag champion Big E.

***

Raw opened with a video package recapping Finn Balor becoming the first Universal champion last night at Summerslam.

Live inside the Barclays Center, Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton were shown at their announce position to introduce the breaking news of Finn Balor being injured during the Universal Title match. They showed Balor taking the running bucklebomb in the barricade, but he finished the match and won the title. Cole said Balor underwent an MRI earlier in the day and it was determined that Balor will be out of action for at least six months. Saxton noted that Balor was forced to relinquish the WWE Universal Title.

Raw authority figures Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley were standing by in the ring. Stephanie welcomed everyone to Raw, then Foley introduced Universal champion Finn Balor. Balor emerged on-stage holding the Universal Title belt with his right arm in a sling. Balor had a smile on his face trying to play off the injury situation. Balor did a one-arm pose with the lights and crowd as his music played.

In the ring, Stephanie applauded Balor as Foley acted sad about this situation. Balor, dressed in a suit, made it to the ring and watched as the crowd did his signature pose with the lights. Balor made his way into the ring and winced at the shoulder pain before standing opposite Foley and Steph.

Stephanie, acting like a total babyface, handed the mic to Balor and gave him the floor. Balor’s smile turned serious. “You deserve it” chants from the crowd. Balor waited out the chants, then spoke. Balor said this title represented a lifetime of sacrifice. And, it also represents that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. Balor said he achieved the impossible by becoming the WWE Universal champion last night at Summerslam.

But, there was a sacrifice. Balor paused. Balor thanked WWE for this opportunity to come out here. He thanked all the talent in the back, and he thanked Seth Rollins, which drew a mix of cheers and boos. Balor thanked Rollins for the match of his life. He said most importantly he wants to thank the fans. “Thank you, Finn!” chant from the crowd.

Balor said for now he has to relinquish this title (boos). But, rest assured, when he is healthy, fit, and ready, he will be back. And he will be coming back for this title. Balor approached Foley, who delicately took the belt off Balor’s shoulder to boos. Foley received the title and hugged Balor, then raised Balor’s hand in the air to applause. Balor’s music played. Steph took the mic from Balor, who paused to soak up the crowd applause. Cole said the silver lining for Balor is that he will always be known as the first-ever WWE Universal champion. Balor left the ring and slowly made his way up the ramp to the stage.

Suddenly, Seth Rollins’s music played as Balor stood on the entrance ramp. Rollins walked out gloating and laughing it up. Rollins glared at Balor and looked down at him before marching to the ring. Balor shot an icy glare back at Rollins, who walked into the ring ready to receive his proper respect.

Rollins hugged Stephanie, then took a mic to boos. Rollins said it’s such a shame. What a pity. But, let’s not live in the past. WWE cut back to Balor on the stage listening as Rollins gloated about the real winner at Summerslam. Seth said they need to have a celebration. He’s here, Steph is here, Foley is here, and this beautiful title (boos) is here. Seth suggested a celebration for the true WWE Universal champion.

Suddenly, Sami Zayn’s music played. Zayn jogged down to the ring as the crowd sang his theme song. Zayn smirked at Rollins, having something to say about the title situation. Rollins told him to go away, then Chris Jericho’s music suddenly played. Jericho approached Steph to beg her and play nice about getting a title shot. Suddenly, Kevin Owens’s music played and Zayn was not too pleased.

[Q2] Stephanie tried to restore order as Zayn, Jericho, and Owens argued while Rollins hung out in the back of the ring. Suddenly, Enzo Amore’s music played to bring out Enzo and Big Cass. There were a lot of people in the ring at this point, with Foley and Steph trying to restore order. Suddenly, Roman Reigns’s music played to boos. Reigns marched down to the ring wanting to say something about this. Rollins just ignored his presence, annoyed by all of these interruptions.

The kids argued with the principals. Meanwhile, some ringside fans chanted for Heath Slater. Foley said everyone in this ring is deserving of a title shot. So, they are going to have a series of matches culminating next week (boos) with the crowning of a new WWE Universal champion. And, the first match in the series will be Seth Rollins vs. Sami Zayn. Zayn was too focused on Kevin Owens and didn’t see an attack from behind by Rollins heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 8:20]

1 — SETH ROLLINS vs. SAMI ZAYN — Universal Title contendership match

The match was joined in progress. Down on the floor, Rollins wanted to end Zayn like Balor with a running bucklebomb into the barricade, but Zayn slipped out and nailed a moonsault off the barricade. Zayn chased Rollins back into the ring, but Rollins kicked Zayn in the face to cut him off.

Zayn then tried a springboard move off the ropes, but he landed on his ankle and dramatically sold an injury. Zayn backed off to the corner and worked the injury, really selling it. Zayn low-bridged Rollins, then decided to just launch himself over the top rope with a plancha. He sold hurting his foot on the way down, then rolled Rollins back into the ring. But, Zayn couldn’t do anything and took a kick to the head. Rollins then smashed Zayn to the outside and Zayn sold and sold heading to break.

[Q3] [Commercial Break at 8:30. Local spot for Raw TV in Houston next Monday advertised Rollins vs. Reigns in the bonus main event and Finn Balor’s Houston Raw debut. Oops.]

Back from break, Zayn tried to fight back against Rollins with a lariat, but he couldn’t capitalize. He was just in survival mode selling the right ankle. Rollins lit him up with right hands in the corner, then took Zayn to the top turnbuckle, but Zayn fought him off. Zayn couldn’t do anything, though, and waited for Rollins to meet him up top. Zayn just clubbed and clubbed Seth, then nailed a sunset flip powerbomb. Zayn made a desperation cover, but Rollins kicked out.

Zayn tried to follow up, but Seth blocked him and teased the Pedigree. Zayn blocked, then caught Seth with an exploder suplex into the corner. Zayn got up selling the ankle like crazy and hobbled into a Helluva Kick, but Rollins nailed him with a knee to the face. Rollins then attacked the ankle and stomped away at Zayn. Zayn tried to block the pressure as he winced in pain. He somehow rolled to the bottom rope, then landed on his feet to stomp and stomp and stomp Rollins.

Zayn went for a one-leg suplex, but Rollins blocked and nailed The Pedigree. Rollins covered Zayn and got the pin to advance to Houston next week, as Cole noted. Post-match, Zayn rolled to the outside clutching his ankle while Rollins gloated in the ring.

WINNER: Rollins at 12:51 to advance to next week’s title match. Epic babyface fight from Zayn in defeat. That was really strong. Meanwhile, WWE has decided to just run with a fictional version of Seth’s rep for being part of matches where someone get injured.

Announcers: Cole started to plug the other title contendership matches happening tonight, but a graphic for Brock Lesnar TKO’ing Randy Orton flashed on the screen instead. Saxton hyped a “special look” at Brock destroying Orton last night at Summerslam later tonight.

[Commercial Break at 8:40]

In-ring: Kevin Owens was introduced to the ring for the next contendership match. Neville was introduced next. He wasn’t in the opening bit of wrestlers wanting a title shot, making it seem like he doesn’t have a chance to win this match.

[Q4]

2 — KEVIN OWENS vs. NEVILLE — Universal Title contendership match

Neville quickly knocked Owens to the floor, then nailed a standing 450 splash off the ring apron. Owens tried to roll to the other side of the ringside area, but Neville knocked him down and nailed a twisting press. Neville was in control, but Chris Jericho suddenly walked down to ringside. That distraction allowed Owens to smash Neville with a lariat on the floor. Neville was in trouble heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 8:47]

Back from break, Owens continued to work on Neville. But, Neville responded with kicks, then he nailed a twisting corkscrew press from the second rope. Neville covered, but Owens kicked out just in time. Neville followed with a bridging German Suplex for a close two count. Neville then saw Owens resting in the corner and looked for the Red Arrow, but Owens moved out of the way and superkicked Neville.

Owens then shot Neville off the ropes looking for the pop-up powerbomb, but Neville blocked and rolled through for a two count. Neville nailed an enziguiri, then climbed to the top, but Jericho ran a distraction. So, Neville kicked Jericho in the face.

Neville tried another top-rope move, but Owens crotched him. Owens then dragged Neville out of the corner into a torture rack neckbreaker. It was good for the pin and the win, sending Owens to Houston.

WINNER: Owens at 8:30 to advance to next week’s title match. Strong work from Neville trying to make it seem like he had a chance to win, but it was about Owens getting the win.

Announcers: Cole and Co. were shown on-camera to relay news about next week’s title match. It will be a fatal four-way match involving Rollins, Owens, and two more competitors. And the two qualifying matches tonight will be Big Cass vs. U.S. champion Rusev. Plus, Chris Jericho vs. Roman Reigns.

Backstage: WWE tag champions New Day were shown walking down the hallway. They did the stunt of dunking on an unsuspecting production worker with a mini basketball goal. New Day is up next.

[Commercial Break at 8:56]

New Day is Cured

One minute before the top of the hour, Big E.’s voice was heard telling Brooklyn that New Day is here. Out came the year-long WWE tag champions. Big E. had a giant bowl and ladle spooning out Booty-O’s cereal to fans along the ring entrance. New Day then entered the ring for promo time.

[Q5 — second hour] Big E. began his promo by declaring that he’s back, baby. Big E. wiggled to show he’s healed from ringpost-itis. Kofi Kingston said New Day loves magic, and the magic they are experiencing revolves around the numbers 365. Because for 365 days, they have been the WWE tag team champions. (Which is also how long the Dudleys have been back in WWE.)

Kofi wanted to get serious about who is responsible for this. Who? Who? Who? The fans. Kofi said the fans were vocal throughout the good times and bad times. Xavier Woods said that in order to celebrate this occasion, they have a unicorn piñata. What’s inside this? “Booty-O’s!” the crowd shouted.

Suddenly, The Club’s music played to bring out Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows calling this stupid. They were out of the lab coats back in their full-length ring jackets. Anderson said this and Brooklyn are stupid. Are you actually celebrating right now? He said they have nothing to celebrate.

Club entered the ring to note that last night at Summerslam, New Day lost. That’s right – Big E. got them DQ’ed by saving Jon Stewart. So, they are owed a WWE Tag Title re-match. Anderson said that’s right. He called Kofi the stupidest of them all. Did he enjoy the Magic Killer he got last night at Summerslam? Kofi stammered. “E!, defend me!” Kofi shouted. Big E. had nothing.

Gallows said that’s right because all the props, toys, and catchphrases aren’t going to mean a thing when they win the Tag Titles. And, it starts tonight when Anderson dismembers the muscle of New Day, Big E. Anderson looked up and own Big E., saying he’s back and cured of ringpost-itis. Big E. shouted that they’ve had enough of that booty chatter and flim-flam. Because they will show Club why New Day Rocks! It’s next.

[Commercial Break at 9:07]

3 — WWE tag champion BIG E. (w/Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. KARL ANDERSON (w/Luke Gallows)

The match was joined in progress with Anderson working on Big E.’s knee, trying to wear down the tag champ. Suddenly, Gallows mixed it up with Xavier and Kofi on the outside. Gallows smashed them with with big boots, but Kofi came back with Trouble in Paradise. Back in the ring, Big E. caught a charging Anderson with the Big Ending. Big E. covered Karl for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Big E. at 3:35. So, is that all for The Club in the Tag Title scene? Pretty decisive ending to the issue. WWE stayed with back-and-forth shots of New Day and The Club after the match to suggest the feud will continue, but no one is taking Karl & Luke seriously right now as a threat to the belts.

[Q6] Still to come: The Dudleys say good-bye tonight on Raw. Maybe.

[Commercial Break at 9:17]

Prime Time Players

Back on Raw, Titus O’Neil was standing by in the ring with a mic. O’Neil stumbled over a promo noting that New Day beat the Prime Time Players for the WWE Tag Titles one year ago at Summerslam. Titus eventually got to the point that it was a great day in his career because he dropped that dead weight, Darren Young.

O’Neil said there is only one Prime Time Player, and D-Young wouldn’t be relevant without him. Titus then asked how Bob Backlund is going to make Darren Young great again when he never was great. He said he would be Universal champion right now if not for D-Young. Titus blamed Young for not being in the main event, then called him out so that he can bury him and move on. No D-Young.

O’Neil said Backlund is probably telling Young to stay back and not come out here. The crowd got restless and chanted for Heath Slater. Titus said he wants Darren. Titus then cut a promo on Backlund being a nobody and crazy old man. This drew out Backlund to the ring. Backlund initially applied the Crossface Chickenwing, but Titus blocked and slammed Backlund to the mat.

D-Young ran out and checked on Bob instead of fighting O’Neil. O’Neil then dropped Young with the Clash of the Titus. O’Neil posed for the hard camera before leaving the ring.

[Commercial Break at 9:27]

[Q7] Backstage: Tom Phillips was shown talking to Stephanie McMahon. Someone handed a mic to Phillips to prepare for an interview with Steph. But, first…

Video Package: Brock Lesnar destroyed Randy Orton at Summerslam. Orton landed an RKO, but Lesnar came back with an F5, then took off his gloves and clubbed Orton in the head with forearms and elbows. Lesnar was declared the winner by TKO. And then Shane McMahon showed up, taking an F5 from Lesnar.

Backstage: Phillips asked Stephanie about Brock vs. Orton, plus Shane being involved. What is her reaction? Steph said she agrees with her brother, Shane, that Brock crossed the line. And there will be repercussions. Steph playing a total babyface tonight.

Announcers: Cole and Co. revisited Finn Balor being forced to relinquish the WWE Universal Title at the top of the show.

In-ring: Lana was standing by in the ring to introduce U.S. champion Rusev for the next contendership match. Rusev limped out to the ring selling rib injuries from Roman Reigns’s attack last night at Summerslam. Enzo’s music then brought out Big Cass, joined by Enzo Amore, to face Rusev.

Enzo walked and talked down to the ring with Big Cass. Cass vowed to finish the job that Roman Reigns started last night. And, he will prove that there’s only one word to describe him. S-A-W-F-T!

4 — U.S. champion RUSEV (w/Lana) vs. BIG CASS (w/Enzo Amore) — Universal Title contendership match

Rusev tried to attack Cass early on to avoid this being a long match because of the ribs. But, Cass absorbed the early attack and pounded Rusev’s mid-section. Cass then clotheslined Rusev over the top rope. Saxton said it’s weird to see Rusev in this type of vulnerable situation. Indeed. Rusev sold on the floor heading to break 30 seconds in.

[Commercial Break at 9:39]

Back from break, Rusev and Cass battled for control. Rusev eventually rolled to the floor selling the ribs. Enzo did his little dance, so Rusev kicked Enzo in the head. That brought out Cass, who blasted Rusev into the ring steps. Rusev winced and sold like crazy. Back in the ring, Rusev kicked Cass in the head, but Cass shook it off and nailed Rusev with a big boot.

Rusev rolled to the floor again holding his ribs. Rusev sold having trouble breathing as the ref applied a ten count. Rusev started to back away from ringside. Rusev was joined by Lana, who sold disgust over the situation as Rusev just walked up the entrance ramp. From the ring, Cass indicated that he’ll take the title if Rusev wants to give up. The ref reached a 10-count, giving Cass the win.

WINNER: Cass via count-out at 8:20 to advance to next week. Everything about this was babyface-ish for Rusev, until the ending when Rusev walked away, separating Rusev from Sami Zayn, who fought and fought through an “injury” earlier in the show. Strong work reinforcing Rusev as a heel after making him very sympathetic in the Reigns feud. As for Cass, not much memorable in this singles role.

Backstage: Tom Phillips brought in Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho. Phillips congratulated Owens on advancing to next week, then asked Jericho what happens if he beats Roman Reigns tonight. Jericho said that’s a stupid question. It will be glorious (the live crowd popped for the subtle NXT Bobby Roode reference). He said he will make a great champion. Owens took exception, but said he has Jericho’s back tonight. Phillips told them only one of them can be Universal champion. “Me,” Jericho said. “Me,” Owens said. They said “me” in each other’s faces, then Jericho calmed everyone down and said they’ll worry about it next week. But, Reigns is going to get … “it” tonight. You stupid idiot!

Backstage: New Women’s champion Charlotte was shown walking down the hallway. She was re-joined by Dana Brooke, who was holding up a “Where’s The Boss?” sign taunting Sasha Banks. They’re next.

[Commercial Break at 9:51]

Smackdown plug: A.J. Styles addresses his big victory over John Cena at Summerslam. Plus, Nikki Bella makes her Smackdown Live debut.

Charlotte Promo

In-ring: Five minutes before the top of the hour, new Women’s champion Charlotte was introduced to the ring in street clothes, joined by Dana Brooke. The announcers recapped Sasha’s back injury affecting her ability to defend the title, leading to the finish of Charlotte rolling onto Sasha to get a surprise three count to win back the title.

Back live, Dana did a one-person chant of “You Deserve It” for Charlotte. Maybe should have scrapped that, sounding like nails on a chalkboard. Charlotte said she is the greatest female athlete in the world, better than Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Sasha Banks. She said Sasha is all flash, no cash.

Charlotte said she didn’t need her dad or Dana to beat Sasha last night, beating Sasha all by herself. She said Sasha’s back injury proves she doesn’t have what it takes to carry this Women’s division. Charlotte called out fans in the crowd, then sent a message through the hard camera that when and if Sasha gets cleared to come back, do everyone a favor and never come back.

Charlotte said the queen has reclaimed her throne. Charlotte’s music played to seemingly wrap up the segment. Suddenly, Mick Foley’s music interrupted. Foley had something else in mind.

Foley walked and talked down to the ring as the crowd chanted for Bayley. Charlotte shouted at the crowd to get over yourselves. Foley said when Sasha is cleared to return, she will get a re-match for the Women’s Title. Charlotte vowed to break her back again when she comes back. Now, after her match last night, doesn’t she deserve the night off? Because no one is left to face her. The crowd broke into a “Bayley, Bayley” chant.

[Q9 — third hour] Foley said there are aspects of this job that are really hard, like asking Finn Balor to give up the Universal Title. But, then there are things that give him utter joy like Raw’s newest free agent signing. Bayley’s music played to a loud pop, which could have been louder and more impactful without the clunky set-up and middleman.

Charlotte sold being upset by Bayley’s arrival as Bayley walked out to the ring soaking up her official Raw debut. Bayley looked around the arena as the crowd chanted her name and held up “Hugger Section” signs. Bayley then asked for a mic as the crowd sang her song.

Bayley said she can’t believe this is really happening. “You deserve it” chants from the crowd. Bayley thanked Mick for this opportunity, then asked to seal the deal with a hug. Bayley held open her arms for Foley to hug her … right here in Brooklyn, New York. A hug was applied as Charlotte sold being disgusted and annoyed.

“This is your new free agent acquisition, Mick?” Charlotte sneered. She said Foley has been spending too much time promoting his little reality show that he’s lost touch with reality. Charlotte said Bayley was left behind while she led the revolution. And now she’s trying to upstage her. Bayley said she would never try to upstage Charlotte because of the respect she has for Charlotte, but she’s here to win that Women’s Title. The crowd broke into “Yes!” chants.

Charlotte said she’s not here to wrestle, but her protege Dana Brooke is always ready for a fight. Dana was like, “Huh?” Charlotte told Dana that she has this match. Foley said that sounds like a fair compromise, so Bayley, you get your Raw debut match next. Bayley was giddy, ready to have her first match as Dana sold being slightly perturbed by this.

[Commercial Break at 10:08]

5 — BAYLEY vs. DANA BROOKE (w/Women’s champion Charlotte)

Bayley wrestled circles around Dana early on, then Dana pulled her hair and smashed Bayley into the corner turnbuckle. But, Bayley no-sold and again. Bayley jammed Dana face-first into the corner buckle, then covered her for a nearfall. But, Charlotte ran interference from the outside, allowing Dana to kick Bayley out of the ring to the floor.

Back in the ring, Dana worked on Bayley, but could not put her away. Bayley then came back with her signature corner attack into the Bayley-to-Belly suplex. Bayley covered Dana for the win as Charlotte sold concern down at ringside. The announcers hyped Bayley next in line for a title shot.

WINNER: Bayley at 4:30. This needed to be a quick intro match with limited offense from Dana to set up Bayley’s comeback. It doesn’t have to be a Nia Jax squash match for an underdog babyface, but the general audience needs to be really impressed in that first match, not just kind of impressed. That combined with the unnecessary use of an introductory middle man took away from Bayley’s debut. Charlotte vs. Bayley should be strong, though, likely at Clash of Champions.

[Q10] Backstage: Roman Reigns was shown walking down the hallway. Tom Phillips relayed Chris Jericho’s words from earlier tonight. Reigns vowed to shut Jericho’s mouth with his own scarf or his fists tonight.

Still to come: Reigns vs. Jericho for the final title slot next week.

[Commercial Break at 10:17]

CW Video Package: WWE highlighted Rich Swann, Brian Kendrick, Noam Dar, and T.J. Perkins part of the Cruiserweight tournament on WWE Network. They announced the Cruiserweight division coming to Raw on September 19 (the Monday after the tournament concludes on Sept. 14).

Backstage: Sheamus was interviewed about his Best-of-Seven series against Cesaro. Sheamus squeezed in as many pop culture references as possible dogging Cesaro. He vowed to win the series. Match #2 is next week.

In-ring: Braun Strowman was introduced to the ring for a late-night snack. Byron Saxton was in the ring with a dude named Johnny Knockout to discuss why he’s taking this match. Knockout paused to think about his answer. He likes big, sweaty men. Saxton sighed and left the ring.

6 — BRAUN STROWMAN vs. JOHNNY KNOCKOUT

Strowman ran over JK with power offense, then nailed a reverse chokeslam. Easy pin for the win. Post-match, Strowman wanted some more. He smashed Knockout with another slam after screaming something unintelligble. Strowman yelled at referee Rod Zapata to count again. Zapata was like, “I already did.” Strowman yelled at Zapata to do it. Now. Strowman covered, but Knockout’s shoulder was up, so Zapata actually stopped his count on the fake pin. Strowman fixed the shoulder, then registered a fake three count.

WINNER: Strowman at 1:18.

Last Year: The Dudleys returned to WWE to go after the Tag Titles held by New Day. But, it didn’t work out, as New Day still hold the titles one year later.

Up Next: The Dudleys say good-bye. Maybe.

[Q11] [Commercial Break at 10:30]

Dudleys Farewell

Back from break, the Dudleys’s music played to bring out Bubba Ray and Devon Dudley. Bubba shook hands with the announcers near the stage, then knocked fists with Devon. The duo walked down to the ring over-selling the moment as the crowd broke into an “EC-Dub” chant.

Bubba Ray spoke first that he doesn’t get very emotional, but tonight might be a little different. He said that one year ago, in this very building, in this very ring, in their very city, that pyro went off and they came to this ring, kicked some ass, put people through tables, and the Dudleys were back home in WWE.

Bubba said it’s been an up-and-down year with a lot of wins and losses. But, he knew that the fans respected them because they busted their asses for 20 years.

Devon spoke next. “Testify, Testify!” chant from the crowd. Devon said it’s been a great year and career, going up and down the highway for 20 years with Bubba. Devon referenced the TLC match, which people around the world still talk about today. He said they created history with Edge & Christian and the Hardy Boys. And, every bump they took in the ring, every chair shot, every ladder shot, he would do again right now. Devon said WWE has been his home and it always will be. If it were not for the fans, there would be no Dudley Boys.

Bubba Ray spoke next. He asked the crowd to get on their feet and give themselves a round of applause. Big over-sell to set up something. Bubba said you don’t always get to go out on your own terms in this business, but being able to say good-bye to the audience in their hometown is their own terms. “Thank you very, very, very much,” Bubba said.

Devon closed out: “Oh my brother, testify!” They high-fived, then Shining Stars’s music played to bring out Primo & Epico to a “what the heck?” crowd reaction. Primo walked and talked to the ring about this being embarrassing. He said it’s about time the Dudleys leave because they’re all washed up. Epico said that since the Dudleys are leaving – the crowd interrupted with a “We Want Tables” chant. Epico said there will not be tables tonight, guys.

Epico said they decided on a going-away present for them. He got the pair of them a pair of economy comfort tickets to Puerto Rico. Primo said he feels sorry for the people who have to sit next to their sorry asses. Epico said P.R. has the finest retirement homes in the world. Primo told the Dudleys to take these tickets and go visit Puerto Rico. Bubba and Devon had enough, popping them in the face. Bubba then threw up the hand signal and the Dudleys hit the 3D. Primo then took a diving headbutt to the crotch from Devon.

Bubba and Devon met in the middle for Bubba to request that Devon get the table. Bubba set up the table in the ring, then Devon stalked Primo for a 3D through the table, but The Club suddenly charged the ring. Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows cleared the Dudleys from the ring, then gave Bubba the Magic Killer on the floor. The table was left alone in the ring.

But, Devon suddenly charged The Club. Karl and Gallows fought off Devon, then dragged him back into the ring. Gallows and Anderson set up Devon for the Magic Killer right through the table, ending Aces & Eights once and for all. Anderson and Gallows stood tall in the ring, getting their heat back after messing around with New Day for a few months.

Up Next: Reigns vs. Jericho.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:45]

In-ring: Chris Jericho was introduced to the ring sneering toward the crowd through his out-of-control facial hair. The Shield’s theme then produced boos and Roman Reigns, officially back in his spot as Raw TV main-eventer following Balor’s exit.

7 — CHRIS JERICHO vs. ROMAN REIGNS — Universal Title contendership match

Jericho did not appreciate an early shoulder tackle, so he stood up and slapped Reigns. Reigns slowly wiped back his hair and glared at Jericho, who bailed from the ring. Reigns chased Jericho back into the ring and elbowed him to the mat. But, Jericho raked Reigns across the face to get control. Jericho knocked a dazed Reigns down to the floor heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:54]

Back from break, Jericho was working on Reigns in the ring while the crowd was doing the wave. Jericho tried to own the crowd reaction by taunting them, which only produced a “Y2J’ chant. Reigns headbutted Jericho to boos, but Jericho cut him off with a dropkick to cheers.

[Q13 — over-run] Reigns made his comeback at the top of the hour, but Jericho cut him off for a two count. The announcers continued to identify Reigns competing through an eye injury. The match slowed as Jericho tried to create movement setting up Reigns for an uppercut. Jericho tried to hit a Lionsault, but Reigns got his knees up to block. Reigns then hit the Superman Punch on Jericho for a two count.

Reigns stood up looking to finish Jericho as the crowd booed. Jericho slowly got up, then Reigns measured Jericho for a spear. But, Jericho kicked Reigns in the face. He went for the Codebreaker, but Reigns caught Jericho and hit a sit-out powerbomb for a two count.

Suddenly, Kevin Owens ran down to ringside for the false teaser of Jericho potentially winning the match. Reigns knocked Owens off the ring apron, then Jericho caught Reigns with the Walls of Jericho. But, Reigns powered out to boos. Owens smashed Reigns from the ring out of the ref’s view, then Jericho hit the Codebreaker on Reigns. Jericho was slow to cover, then Reigns kicked out just before three. Jericho and Owens freaked out. The crowd booed Super Reigns kicking out.

Jericho, frustrated, slapped around Reigns, which angered Reigns. Reigns stood up selling anger, then he slapped around Jericho to boos. Owens got on the ring apron, so Reigns popped Owens off the apron. Jericho tried to roll up Reigns from behind, but Reigns rolled through into a big spear to Jericho. It was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Reigns at 15:00 flat to advance to next Monday. Jericho did his best to make this interesting with the false finishes and close calls, but it’s Roman Reigns in a TV main event after six hours of Summerslam and three hours of Raw. It’s just not going to work.

Post-match, Reigns smiled as he stood up victorious. The crowd booed and Reigns smirked at them. Cole said it’s Owens vs. Rollins vs. Cass vs. Reigns next Monday at the Toyota Center in Houston to determine the new Universal champion. Reigns was shown posing in the ring to boos as Cole signed off nine minutes past the top of the hour.

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