9/5 WWE RAW TV RESULTS: Doucette’s “alt perspective” report on Clash at the Castle fallout, Lashley-Miz cage match, Dominik turn aftermath

WWE RAW TV REPORT
SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MO. AT T-MOBILE CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY DANNY DOUCETTE, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Commentators: Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves, & Byron Saxton

Ring Announcer: Mike Rome

[HOUR ONE]

-The Raw intro played as Smith hyped Clash at the Castle fallout.

-Edge’s music hit to a huge ovation from the crowd. Edge made his way out to the stage and posed for the fans. Footage then played of Dominik turning on Edge and Rey at Clash at the Castle. Edge mentioned Dominik’s name to boos. Edge said he met Dominik went Rey first came to WWE and Dominik was five years old. Edge said he calmed down Dominik before his first match and he felt that he was a nephew to him. Edge said Dominik must have not felt the same way. Edge continued and wondered if it was the errant spear that caused Dominik to betray them. Edge said it was an accident and he should have fixed the mistake, but thought he didn’t have to worry about it because of his relationship with the Mysterio family. Edge said he thought Rey raised him better than that. Edge said he will let Rey and Dominik handle things between themselves. However, Edge said doesn’t look at Dominik like the kid he watched group up. Edge said that he will handle Dominik like a WWE superstar and called him out threatening to beat his ass.

Rey’s music hit and Rey came down to the ring holding his chest from Dominik’s lariat on Saturday. Rey apologized on Dominik’s behalf begged him to spare Dominik. Edge wasn’t buying it. Edge said he’s old enough to drink, he’s old enough to drive, he’s old enough to get in the ring, and he’s old enough to stand for his actions. Edge angrily called out Dominik again.

Rhea Ripley’s music hit and Ripley came out to the stage. Ripley criticized Edge and Rey for treating Dominik like a child. Ripley said she saw Dominik’s potential and made him into a man. Ripley gestured toward the entryway and Dominik joined Ripley. Dominik had slicked back hair and an all black outfit. Rey urged Dominik to make amends with Edge. Ripley said Dominik isn’t listening to him anymore and Rey can’t fight his battles anymore. Ripley said Edge’s time is up and he can’t stop his Judgment Day. Ripley and Dominik walked down to the ring. Rey said he doesn’t want to be a part of this and headed towards the stage. Rey faced off with Dominik and tried to talk some sense into him. Ripley laughed as Dominik showed no emotion and wouldn’t even look at Rey. A small “Eddie’s kid” chant could be heard in the crowd. Rey continued up the stage to the back.

Edge stared down Dominik and Ripley, but then Edge turned around to fight with Finn Balor and Damian Priest, who attempted a sneak attack. Edge fought them off, but then Dominik clipped Edge’s knee. Balor and Priest beat up on Edge as Dominik and Ripley headed back up the stage. Rey came back out, but Dominik held him back from helping Edge and Ripley clotheslined him from behind. Priest chokeslammed Edge in the ring. Dominik handed Balor a chair given to him by Ripley and Balor hit Edge’s lets with it. Priest held Edge down as Balor jumped from the top rope stomping a chair into Edge’s knee. Rey got into the ring as Balor and Priest ran from the ring. Rey tended to Edge as Priest, Balor, Dominik, and Ripley headed up the stage seemingly proud of Dominik. [c]

(Doucette’s Analysis: I was surprised to see that Dominik actually joined the Judgment Day. He seemed to turn on his own accord at the PLE, not under any influence of the heels. This was pretty standard post-turn stuff, so I don’t have a strong opinion on it yet. The only difference was that instead of wearing bright colors and smiling, Dominik was wearing black and frowning. Edge and Rey were good here though and the angle has potential.)

-Clash at the Castle highlights were shown. Smith said that Edge had been transported to a medical facility. Graves hyped the Miz-Bobby Lashley steel cage match set to come.

-Sarah Schreiber attempted to interview Miz and Ciampa about Dexter Lumis in the parking lot earlier in the day. Miz cut her off and talked about his vacation over the week. Schreiber tried to ask more question and Ciampa cut her off as well and chastised her for trying to stir up drama. Miz said why didn’t Schreiber ask how he was doing. Schreiber asked how he was doing, to which Miz said it was none of her business. Miz said he has to get ready for the title match. Miz and Ciampa walked off to see a car flipped over and smoking. They looked confused and then continued walking.

-The commentators hyped the Miz-Lashley match further as the cage was shown hanging above the ring.

-The New Day’s music hit as Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods came down to the ring to compete in a tag team title number one contenders fatal four way match, according to Rome. Otis and Gable were next to enter. Angel and Humberto were the third team to enter, last were the Street Profits. Kofi and Xavier actually danced with the Profits before the match.

(1)THE NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. ALPHA ACADEMY (Chad Gable & Otis) vs. LOS LOTHARIOS (Angel & Humberto) vs. THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) – Number one contender fatal four way match

Angel and Xavier started things off with some athletic chain wrestling. Angel tagged in Kofi with Xavier still in the ring. Xavier and Kofi pretended to square off. Suddenly, Xavier laid down and Kofi pinned him, but all the other competitors ran in to break it up. The commentators noted that The New Day would have won if Kofi had gotten the three count. The other three teams brawled to the outside, then Xavier and Kofi dove from the ring on to all of them. [c]

Dawkins tackled Kofi over the top rope onto Humberto and Angel. Humberto attempted a moonsault, but Ford got his feet up and Humberto bounced into a German suplex by Gable. Otis splashed Ford from the second rope for a near fall, but Kofi broke it up. [scc]

Ford and Otis were in the ring after the commercial. Ford scoop slammed Otis down and went to the top rope. Ford was attacked by Angel and Humberto. Ford recovered and hit a Frog Splash on Otis. Gable had tagged in and put Ford in an ankle lock. Braun Strowman’s music hit and Strowman marched down to the ring. Strowman in his new attire looks like an even bigger Bobby Lashley. Gable stood in the middle of the ring confronting Strowman.The crowd gave Strowman a nice ovation as he clotheslined Gable. Strowman then took out Los Lotharios.

WINNERS: No contest in 15:00.

(Doucette’s Analysis: It’s good to see Strowman back as he is certainly a better fit for WWE than anywhere else. He looked great and the crowd is still into him. Of course, his appeal has always been causing havoc and destroying everyone. However, this was a very good and (should be an) important match within the WWE ecosystem. Why not have 24/7 title shenanigans or some other lower card wrestlers for him to dismantle?)

-Some security guards ran into the ring and Strowman disposed of them as well. Strowman roared and cracked a smile as he spun his finger and ran around the ring. Strowman tried to hit Gable first, but Gable seemed to move and Strowman tripped a bit. Strowman tackled Otis through the crowd barricade and powerslammed Ford through the announcer’s table. Strowman went back into the ring and posed for the fans. [scc]

-Some officials came out to remove Strowman from the ring during the commercial. Strowman grabbed Gable, bought him into the ring and powerslammed him. After the commercial, Strowman finally left the ring.

-Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah made their entrance as footage was shown of their tag title win last week. Nikki A.S.H. and Doudrop entered next as their opponents.

(2) RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ & ALIYAH vs. NIKKI A.S.H. & DOUDROP

Doudrop got offense in on Aliyah. Iyo Sky, Bayley, and Dakota Kai (now known as Damage Control) were shown watching the match backstage. The three were turned at an awkward angle towards the monitor. Rodriguez hit a Tejana Bomb on Doudrop from the top rope for the win.

WINNERS: Rodriguez & Aliyah in 4:00.

(Doucette’s Analysis: Nice quick win for the champs. I was hoping under Triple H the “wrestler turned uncomfortably towards the monitor while in still recognizable to the camera” thing would be retired. I hope Nikki gets rid of the remnants of the superhero gimmick as she and Doudrop already have a new thing going as a team. On another note, it always looks devastating when Doudrop takes big moves from the top rope. She is awesome at selling that spot in particular.)

-Megan Morant interviewed Rey backstage. Morant asked Rey where things stand between him and Dominik. Rey said he doesn’t have much to say about it and he and Dominik will talk in private. Rey blamed the Judgment Day for poisoning his Dominik’s mind, taking out Edge, and trying to ruin his life. Rey said he will never put hands on his son, but nobody deserves their ass handed to them more than the Judgment Day. Rey challenged either Priest or Balor to a one-on-one match for later in the night. [c]

-Footage of Sheamus receiving a standing ovation after his match with Gunther at Clash at the Castle.

[HOUR TWO]

-Austin Theory came out to the ring selling his jaw after being punched by Tyson Fury on Saturday. Theory said despite that not cashing in, Crown Jewel was a success. Theory corrected himself and told the fans to shut up. Graves commented that Theory got his bell rung. Theory said he still has the Money in the Bank briefcase to he is guaranteed to be the next Undisputed Universal champion. Theory said the difference between he and everyone else is that after he gets knocked down, he gets back up even after a sucker punch from a world champion boxer like  Fury. Theory stumbled over his words a couple of times, but covered it up by saying it was because of his injured jaw. Theory said he was glad Roman Reigns won at Clash at the Castle so he can be the one to end his two-year reign.

Kevin Owens’ music interrupted Theory and Owens made his way out to the stage. Owens asked Theory what was wrong with his jaw and said oh yeah Theory got knocked out. Owens said Theory got K.O.’d. The fans laughed and taunted Theory. Owens commented on Theory getting his first name back and that he can call him Austin again. Owens said there are a bunch of delusional people in WWE and Theory is at the top of the list. Owens said Fury did Theory a favor. Owens said by knocking him out, he spared Theory from getting beaten by Reigns or McIntyre and taking away his title shot. Theory shot back by saying Owens always talks about titles but he hasn’t won one in years. Theory offered Owens a shot at the title after he cashes in. Owens said he knows that McInytre and Reigns would have beaten him. Owens comments that he had McInytre and Reigns beat at different times if it hadn’t been for the Usos and Paul Heyman. Owens said if he had been in the Money in the Bank ladder match, he would’ve won and taken Reigns down. Theory said he is the handpicked future and Owens is trying hard to stay relevant. Owens agreed that he is doing everything to stay relevant and thats why he is where he is. Owens said Theory was the handpicked future and he knows where this is heading. Owens said a referee will come down (which one did and Owens remarked that he could’ve come faster) and they will stop talking and fight.

(3) KEVIN OWENS vs. AUSTIN THEORY

The bell rung and Theory jumped out of the ring to take off his entrance gear. Owens ran after him and attacked. Theory got the upper had as things moved back into the ring, but Owens fought back with a clothesline. Owens hit Theory with a cannonball and Theory rolled to the outside. Owens then splashed him from the apron. [scc]

Theory had the advantage offensively on Owens as Fury’s punch was shown again. Owens made a comeback as Theory retreated to the floor again. Owens attempted a Swanton Bomb off the apron, but Theory got his knees up. Owens writhed in pain as Theory caught his breath. [scc]

During the split screen commercial, Theory slammed Owens’ head into the announcer’s desk (which was rebuilt after the Strowman segment, I suppose) and hit Owens with strikes.

Back from the commercial, Owens successfully landed another Swanton for a near fall. Theory hit Owens with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count and signaled for A-Town Down. Theory attempted the move, but Owens fought out with elbow strikes. Theory fought back with some elbows as well, but Owens superkicked him. Owens tried a Pop-Up Powerbomb, but Theory escaped and landed a big boot. The action moved outside where Theory slammed the back of Owens’ head into the ring stairs. Owens came back once again and hit a Fisherman’s Buster from the top rope. Smith said, “They call him K.O. for a reason!” to which Graves replied, “They’re his initials”. Owens hit a Pop-Up Powerbomb and a Stunner for the win.

WINNER: Owens in 17:00.

(Doucette’s Analysis: Owens is super over right now. It seems like they’ve leaned into him being a babyface a bit more this week. Good choice as the fans are going to cheer him regardless. I think we have another dark horse to take the titles off of Roman. I’m also very happy that Theory got his name back. I’m assuming Theory’s line flubs weren’t intentional, but they worked as aftereffects of Fury’s punch on Saturday.)

-Miz was warming up with Ciampa backstage until Schreiber startled him seeking another interview. Miz said he’s already told Schreiber he doesn’t want to talk about Lumis. Ciampa and Miz referred to Lumis as “he who we shall not mention”, but him causing a distraction last week. Ciampa said the cage is not because of Lumis or because he’s scared, it’s because one-on-one Miz will beat Lashley. Miz said there will be no escape or distractions in the cage match with Lashley and he will be the new United States champion. [c]

-Highlights of Clash at the Castle were shown.

-Damage Control was shown walking towards the ring. In the background, Nikki was shown taking off her mask and throwing it at Doudrop. [c]

(Doucette’s Analysis: Yes. I CAN see the future.)

-The commentators hyped Kansas City sports teams as some Chiefs players were shown in the crowd.

-Damage Control (complete with new music) walked down to the ring. However, Rome introduced them under as Sky, Kai, and Bayley not mentioning the Damage Control moniker. Bayley said, “Ding-dong hello, idiots!” Bayley gloated about their win of Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss at Clash at the Castle. Kai said imagine what they can do to everyone if they beat the best. Sky said they will be the next tag team champions. Kai said she wasn’t legal in the match last week, so Aliyah and Rodriguez are pretending to be champions. Bayley continued to brag about pinning Belair, who hadn’t been pinned in over three hundred days.

Belair’s music hit and she walked to the ring with a microphone. Belair said despite losing, she still showed up and challenged Bayley to a match tonight. Bayley said it’s Labor Day, so she’s not working. Bayley said tonight was about celebrating beating Belair. Belair said Bayley has her minions, but she has the title. Belair continued and said without the title, Bayley is in control of nothing. Damage Control left the ring as Bayley said she has nothing to prove because she already beat her. Bayley said Belair still has the same fragile ego as she always has. Bayley said she knew Belair couldn’t handle one loss. Bayley said she will get the title one way or another, while putting Sky and Kai in front of her.

(Doucette’s Analysis: I liked this exchange. Belair seemed ready and confident, but Bayley is not tipping her hand to gain a psychological advantage.)

-Rey walked through a hallway towards the ring to face Damian Priest, who accepted his challenge. [c]

-A commercial for Smackdown aired centered around Reigns and the Bloodline. Solo Sikoa will presumably be appearing as he was shown prominently.

-McIntyre’s entrance from Clash at the Castle was shown. Quick note – while watching McIntyre’s entrance at the PLE, he kind of look of disappointment before the match. Like he knew the fans were going to be let down. Maybe it was just me?

-Schreiber interview Johnny Gargano backstage. Schreiber asked Gargano about Theory’s comments to him last week. Gargano said he’s used to swimming with sharks and Theory must’ve forgotten all the he’s accomplished. Gargano continued saying he is excited to remind everyone what he is capable of.  Theory interrupted and mocked Gargano and called him “Johnny Talking”. Theory said Gargano has been talking and not wrestling since he came back. Gargano said he’s right and he will be returning to in-ring action next week.

[HOUR THREE]

-Rey’s music hit and he made his entrance as a recap of Judgment Day’s earlier attack was shown. Like Ripley, Priest entered to his solo theme.

(4) REY MYSTERIO vs. DAMIAN PRIEST

Rey attacked Priest to start, but Priest gained the upper hand after a big boot. Priest dominated, but Rey showed got a few brief comebacks. Dominik, Balor, and Ripley walked down to the ring, which distracted Rey. Rey jumped off the apron onto Priest, but Priest countered with a punch to the midsection. [scc]

At one point during a split-screen commercial, Priest had Rey in a submission hold. Rey’s pained face was shown close-up as Dominik could be seen in the background looking on stoically. It was a good shot. Rey fought back after the commercial and hit a tope on Priest at ringside. Rey got a nearfall from a Lionsault and locked eyes with Dominik. Priest nailed Rey with a superkick for a two count. Rey fought off Priest on the top rope and landed a big hurricanrana for a nearfall. Rey attempted the 6-1-9, but Priest ducked and hit Rey with a brutal spin kick. Priest tried the Razor’s Edge, but Rey slipped out and gave him another hurricanrana into the second rope. However, Dominik stopped Rey from doing the 6-1-9, Ripley distracted the referee, and Priest hit him with a clothesline. Priest hit a chokeslam for the win.

WINNER: Priest in 14:00.

-Ripley grabbed a mic and said that since Priest is done with Rey there’s one man left in the way. Ripley said Dominik will send Edge back into retirement. Ripley capped it off by saying, “Because what Papi wants Papi gets” as if these are her orders. Ripley said Dominik challenges Edge to a match for next week.

(Doucette’s Analysis: An okay match technically, but the story told throughout was good. An underlying theme appears to be Ripley having some type of hold on Dominik and is commanding him.)

-Schreiber interviewed Lashley backstage. Schreiber asked what Lashley thought about Miz saying he would defeat him. Lashley said Miz thinks the cage will keep him safe from Lumis, but he’ll be standing across from the most dangerous man in WWE. Lashley said he doesn’t know what his issue with Lumis is, but the only person he should be afraid of is him. [c]

– A recap was shown of Strowman’s return. Strowman was shown backstage and a cameraman ran up behind him asking for a comment on his return. Strowman said the monster of all monsters is back and no one is safe. Strowman said he’ll be on Smackdown this Friday.

-A recap of the Seth Rollins-Matt Riddle match from Clash at the Castle was shown. Schreiber was shown interviewing Riddle backstage after the event. Riddle said he let his emotions get the best of him and Rollins took advantage. Riddle said he wants a rematch as soon as possible. Schreiber was then shown interviewing Rollins afterwards and told Rollins that Riddle wanted a rematch. Rollins laughed and said he got 60,000 fans to sing his song and stomped Riddle’s head into the mat twice. Rollins said he admires Riddle’s determination, but he’s moving on to bigger and better things.

(Doucette’s Analysis: This was a quick, effective way to build towards their rematch. I liked it.)

-A split-screen of Lashley and Miz with Ciampa walking towards the ring was shown. [c]

-A graphic for Rodriguez/Aliyah vs. Sky/Kai next week for the tag titles was shown. Graphics for Gargano’s in-ring return and Edge-Dominik were also shown.

-The steel cage lowered around the ring as Miz’s music hit. Miz made his entrance accompanied by Ciampa. Lashley entered next. As he posed in the ring, pyro blasted above the cage. Rome announce that the match can be won by pinfall, submission, or escaping the cage. Miz grabbed the belt from the referee and hit Lashley from behind with it before the match began. Miz and Ciampa pulled Lashley outside the cage and attacked him. [scc]

During the commercial, Miz and Ciampa continued their attack, using the ring stairs and a chair.

(5) THE MIZ (w/Ciampa) vs. BOBBY LASHLEY – U.S. title match

Back from the break, the match was official started with both competitors inside the ring. Lashley was down as Miz attempted to climb out of the cage. Lashley recovered and pulled him down. Lashley’s arm was injured, but he managed to hit Miz with a one-armed suplex. Lashley threw Miz into the walls of the cage and nailed a Flatliner for a two count. Lashley set up a spear, but Miz dropped to the mat and crawled for the door. Ciampa tried to help Miz get out, but Lashley stopped Miz. Lashley tried to put on the Hurt Lock, but his injured arm prevented proper execution. Miz climbed the cage wall, but Lashley followed him and slammed his head into the cage. Miz fell to the mat, but Ciampa hit the cage wall with a chair to get Lashley back into the ring. Miz hit Lashley with a running knee for a near fall. [scc]

During the commercial, Miz and Lashley both climbed to the top of the cage. They traded punches and Miz dropped down and was able to pull Lashley down with some help from Ciampa.

Back from commercial, Miz had Lashley in a crossface. Lashley powered out with Miz on his shoulders and threw Miz into the cage. Lashley set up another spear, but Miz stopped it with a kick to the arm. Miz climbed again, but Lashley pulled him back in despite help from Ciampa. Lashley executed a big superplex on Miz. Lashley tried a third spear, but Miz threw him into the cage. Miz hit a Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall. Miz crawled towards the cage door, but Lashley pulled him back into the middle of the ring. Lashley went for the door and Ciampa tried to hit Lashley with the door. Lashley blocked it and hit Ciampa with the door instead. Miz recovered and hit Lashley several times with the door. Miz climbed again, but as he looked down to the floor, Lumis slid from under the ring and was laying on the ringside floor. Lumis stared Miz down and Lashley hit Miz with a spear for the win.

WINNER: Lashley in 15:00.

-Lumis climbed into the cage and Miz tried to crawl out of the open cage door, but Lashley shut it. Lumis choked Miz out and stroked his hair as the show went off-air.

FINAL THOUGHTS: That was an interesting ending and the match was good. I still don’t get what Lumis’ obsession with Miz is or what this storyline is supposed to convey. The crowd was pretty hot for it, though. Owens continues to be a highlight and Lashley is always dynamic as well. The Judgment Day-Edge/Rey story has been quite intriguing, which I didn’t think was a possibility a month ago. Not a very newsworthy show otherwise, but it was fine.