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KELLER’S WWE RAW REVIEW
AUGUST 29, 2016
HOUSTON, TEX. AT TOYOTA CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
NOTE: PWTorch assistant editor James Caldwell is live at Raw tonight in Houston, so check out his report elsewhere here at PWTorch.com.
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[HOUR ONE]
INTRODUCTORY SEGMENTS
-They acknowledged Harry Fujiwara, a/k/a Mr. Fuji 1934-2016.
-A video package aired on the Finn Balor injury and having to relinquish the Universal Championship the night after he won it.
-The Raw opening aired. They went to a wide shot live inside the arena of the new stage set and the crowd cheering as Michael Cole introduced the show. He was joined by Byron Saxton.
IN-RING SEGMENT – UNIVERSAL TITLE HYPE
-Corey Graves stood inside the ring with the Universal Title belt on a pedestal mid-ring, with Roman Reigns far left, Kevin Owens mid-left, Big Cass mid-right, and Seth Rollins far-right, all sitting on chairs like it was storytime at school, something not lost on Owens. Graves introduced the segment, but Seth interrupted him and thanked him in his signature sarcastic syrupy way that he did a fantastic job with that introduction. He said he left out the real reason they were all sitting there. He went on to brag, perhaps with a little too much truth, that it is was due to him that Balor had to relinquish the Universal Championship. He said the world knows he is the favorite to win, noting he was the no. 1 overall pick in the draft. He then donated his speaking time to someone who needs it to prove something. He then picked Owens.
Owens said it’s incredibly generous. He told Graves he is a big fan of his show on WWE Network, “Culture Shock,” adding that he watches it every night because it helps him sleep. He said tonight so exciting. Graves interrupted and asked for his thoughts on the match. Owens said he thought he wanted him to be nice because they arranged the chairs like a group therapy session. When Owens said Sami Zayn was out of the picture, Seth interjected that was due to him, too. Owens said he is a prize fighter, so he is at his best when the stakes are high like tonight. He said Seth talks big, but he delivers big.
Owens turned to Reigns. The crowd booed. Owens said Reigns fights hard, but he fights smart. He turned to Cass and said he is just really tall. “Do you think that actually counts for something?” Cass said, “Yes it does.” The crowd chanted, “How’a’ya’doin!” Owens acted amazed he could talk without Enzo Amore. Cass asked if he came up with that or did Chris Jericho come up with it while he is out shopping for Jericho’s scarves. Owens said it wasn’t funny. Cass said he thought it was. Owens was right. Cass said he is new around there and hasn’t won a championship yet, but that means he has nothing to lose. He said nobody is expecting him to win. Seth cackled as he said he heard Enzo even took out a bet against him. Cass said he’s not the underdog, he’s the biggest dog in the fight. He told Seth that no matter what he’s been telling himself all these years, “size does matter.”
Seth told everyone to shut up because he’s taking his time back. He said he is glad this title match is under elimination rules so he can shove his words down his seven foot throat. He told Owens he’ll send him back to “your best friend, the Bert to your Ernie, the little scarf-wearing jabroni Chris Jericho.” Seth shifted to Reigns. He said everyone knows it’s “death, taxes, and Seth Rollins beats Roman Reigns every single time.” He told Corey to ask Roman to change up his gameplan so he can beat Seth. “Do your job!” he told Corey.
Corey asked Reigns for comment. Boos started. Reigns stood as Owens laughed. Reigns saw that and decided to punch Owens and not talk. Seth went after Cass. Reigns tossed Seth aside. Cass stood opposite of Reigns and they had a staredown. Seth kneed Reigns from behind. Cass tried to toss Reigns out of the ring, but Reigns reversed him and tossed him out. Then he gave Seth a Superman Punch. Cole said Reigns is all-business tonight.
(WK Reax: This was fine. Some of it worked, some didn’t. Owens was the star, followed by Seth. Reigns doesn’t really count, but it was probably smart to not have him talk. Cass was a bit shaky, but mostly his material was poor. As far as setting the stage for the main event, it’s par for what WWE does in these situations.)
-They showed Jericho walking backstage, really amping up his heel personality with his frown, scarf, and strut. [c]
-Neville’s ring introduction aired. Then backstage, Tom Phillips interviewed Jericho. He said he always has Owen’s back and that’s the only reason he got involved in Neville’s match against Owens last week. He said Owens will go on to become Universal Champion tonight. He said Neville will get embarrassed and get the Code Breaker. He then asked Phillips what else he’ll get. Phillips guessed: “It?” Jericho said that’d be stupid and “it” doesn’t even mean anything. He said Neville will get the gift of Jericho, so “drink it in, man.”
(WK Reax: I like the backdrop for the interview. I hope that’s a new normal.)
(1) CHRIS JERICHO vs. NEVILLE
Neville catapulted Jericho over the top rope a minute in. Jericho moved out of the way before Neville could dive at him. He then began telling fans to shut their mouths. Neville came up behind him and played up the tap on the back for laughs, turning slowly. Neville landed a crossbody block. Jericho hid behind the ref, which Graves called “ingenious veteran behavior.” Jericho raked Neville’s eyes as the ref was trying to back a too-aggressive Neville out of the corner. They cut to a break as Jericho took control. [c]
Back from the break, Jericho blocked a superplex attempt and then leaped off with an elbow to Neville for a two count. Neville came back with a punch to the gut of Jericho as he leaped off the top rope, then landed a standing shooting star press for a two count. Jericho ducked to the floor, which Cole called wise. Neville then gave Jericho a running boot off the ring apron followed by a springboard moonsault which looked pretty but basically made no contact with Jericho other than Jericho putting his hands up to break his fall and move to the side. Back in the ring, Neville climbed to the top. Jericho popped up. Neville, though, remained on offense. Jericho avoided a Red Arrow after which Jericho blocked a huracanrana and turned it into a Walls of Jericho mid-ring, then he shoved his knee onto the side of Neville’s face to add extra pressure. Neville tapped out. Cole called Neville very “game.” That’s code for “loser” in pro wrestling.
WINNER: Jericho in 11:00.
(WK Reax: Good match. This probably isn’t the setting to weaken Jericho as a way to try to boost Neville, so this finish makes sense.)
-Backstage, they showed Bayley giving a hug to someone on a headset. He seemed pleased, but a little surprised. He must not watch NXT. She happened upon New Day who were eating Booty-Os and cradling their tag team title belts. They saw her and began singing her name. She did their hip gyration. In walked Dana Brooke who talked about how unprofessional it was to try to spring a championship match on Charlotte, “like you’re the host of Swerved or something.” She said she will never succeed because she doesn’t belong here. When New Day taunted Dana that she lost last week, Dana said she wasn’t prepared to wrestle. Dana threatened to go get Gallows & Anderson. New Day said they’re ready for them, so bring it on. She called them “unicorn freaks.” [c]
-Cole touted that The Rock was the highest paid actor last year at over $64 million.
-Andrea interviewed Jax’s opponent backstage. She asked if she had any final thoughts – pause – “before the match, that is.” Hyan said she’s from Texas and she has a big heart, too. Andrea said she hopes her heart is beating after this match.
(2) NIA JAX vs. HYAN
Via ProWrestling.net, Hyan is Hyaneyoung Olvera, whose Twitter page (@_Hyaneyoung). Jax won decisively and quickly with her finisher, although this version of it looked a little off in its execution.
WINNER: Jax at 1:20.
(WK Reax: The return of squash matches like this is so welcome, and effective. This is building anticipation over time to see Jax face someone who can be her match. I wish Bayley had more time to establish her character and moves in the ring with the majority who haven’t seen a lot or any of her work in NXT. The Sasha Banks injury probably rushed Bayley’s push.)
-A segment aired with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson who said they are no longer doctors, but are now in the Octogenarian Leisure Destination (space) For Aging Rehabilitation Treatment (the joke here is it stands for FART). They pitched that it is important to plan ahead for retirement. They showed a clip of what they did to the Dudley Boyz. They said they are playing table tennis and reminiscing about when they really mattered. They said New Day should prepare for retirement, at least as tag team champions. Gallows guessed endless marathons of Matlock and the Lawrence Welk Show or pudding bars, but Anderson said the answer lies in the hands of their able staff, Nurse Dana Brooke. She came in dressed as a nurse and asked, “Where do we begin?” She snapped a rubber glove.
(WK Reax: I’m a bit tempted to cancel cable and watch Hulu’s version of Raw to avoid these segments. They’re mildly clever, but more groan-inducing, and just not what I think most people tune in WWE to watch.) [c]
-A video package aired on Seth Rollins, presumably the first of four dedicated to each Universal Title fatal four-way participant.
KELLER’S RAW REPORT CONTINUED BELOW… BUT FIRST, SUGGESTED READING AT MMATORCH.COM
(3) JINDER MAHAL vs. SAMI ZAYN
Sami warmed up and stretched his ankle before the match. He sold it throughout, but persevered and finished Jinder with a Helluva Kick.
WINNER: Zayn in 4:00.
-Graves hyped the mixed tag match up soon. Saxton said Sasha Banks would update her condition next.
-A video package aired on the Cruiserweight Classic. [c]
-They went to the announcers on camera for the first time (this is way way too late to show the faces of the voices we’ve heard for 55 minutes) along with Charlotte. They threw to a clip from the Raw Pre-show featuring Sasha saying her back gave out in that match. Lita was asking questions. Sasha said she’s been working her butt off since Day One and when she’s healthy, she’ll be back better than ever and show Charlotte who the real boss is no matter how many friends she has at ringside. Back to Charlotte live, she said Banks got hurt against her despite neither her dad Ric Flair nor Dana getting involved.
-Ring introductions took place for the mixed tag match. New Day came out with Bayley to Bayley’s music; Bayley did wear the unicorn horns.
[HOUR TWO]
(4) BAYLEY & NEW DAY (Kofi Kingston & Big E w/Xavier Woods) vs. LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON & DANA BROOKE
Charlotte said Bayley is “a good kid,” but everyone should ask why she wasn’t part of the Diva Revolution. Cole noted that Charlotte was once part of the Four Horsewomen in NXT with Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, and Bayley, but their relationship has changed. Charlotte said there’s only room for one at the top. The heels got in some sustained offense, but Kofi got the hot tag. Xavier played his trombone at ringside as Bayley tagged in and Kofi swung her with a basement dropkick into Anderson in their corner. Brooke then entered, but got dropkicked immediately. She rolled to the floor to regroup as Bayley and New Day danced. [c]
A little distraction by Gallows gave Anderson time to recover and then give a spinebuster to Kofi to take control. Kofi again dove to make a hot-tag late in the match after side-stepping a charging Gallows, but Gallows yanked Big E off the ring apron just as Kofi’s hand neared his. Bayley wasn’t within range, either. Kofi came back with a cool leaping double-stop to Anderson’s chest as Anderson charged at him. He then tagged an eager Bayley for a nice pop. She went to work on Brooke. She did her signature flurry of offense including her flying elbow off the second rope (which Cole keeps mistakenly calling a “springboard” elbow). When she went for the pin, Anderson yanked Dana to safety. Big E clotheslined him at ringside. Gallows gave Big E a boot a second later. Kofi flew at Gallows over the top rope and badly overshot him, so Gallows basically caught him mid-air and sort of back suplexed him to the floor mat. Graves just laughed. Dana then schoolgirled a distracted Bayley, but only got a two count. Bayley then hit the Belly-to-Bayley for the win. They cut to an unhappy Charlotte who said, “I can only do so much for Dana.” Ouch!
WINNERS: New Day & Bayley in 13:00.
-Cole hyped that Paul Heyman will address Brock Lesnar’s actions at Summerslam live tonight, on orders of Commissioner Stephanie.
(WK Reax: Stephanie and Mick Foley conspicuous by their absence so far. I’m not complaining. Fewer appearances by authority figures is better.)
-Phillips interviewed Cesaro backstage, saying if he loses to go down 0-2 to Sheamus, he’ll be in a rough spot tonight. Cesaro said he’s already in a tough spot being down 0-1. He said he plans to win the best of seven series and get the title shot Mick Foley promised the winner. He said any day he’s in WWE is a good day, and any day he has a chance to beat Sheamus is a great day. He said nobody likes Sheamus because he’s a big bully who likes to throw his weight around. He said tonight he’s going to throw Sheamus’s weight around… and around and around and around and around. [c]
-They aired highlights of The Miz’s promo against Daniel Bryan last week on Talking Smack. They hyped that Bryan will address Miz after their volatile confrontation last week.
(WK Reax: That got great buzz and went viral, so it’s smart parlay it into something bigger in front of a larger audience on Talk Smack last week. That felt about as real as anything does in pro wrestling, drawing on a lot of reality in a way that now has to be translated into boosting Miz’s character in some way. I’m curious to see where this goes.)
-Graves congratulated Fifth Harmony for their VMA Awards last night, noting they sang “America the Beautiful” at WrestleMania 32.
(WK Reax: This is worth doing. It reminds fans that top music acts associate with WWE’s biggest shows. The segment earlier with The Rock about his movie success was smart, too.)
-Cole hyped the main event for the Universal Title.
-A video profile feature aired on Big Cass. He said everything has been worth it. He said he feeds off the people and their energy, and if they give it to him, he’ll give it back. He said he gets so jacked up when he goes out there, he feels he can burst through a brick wall.
(WK Reax: It seems so simple, but what Cass just did would have helped Roman Reigns immensely 18 months ago or anywhere along the way. Reigns has never seemed to feel any genuine need or desire to feed off of the fans’ energy or tell the fans their cheers help drive him to victory.)
-Sheamus made his ring entrance. Byron Saxton tried to interview Sheamus in the ring, but Sheamus took the mic and responded to Cesaro’s interview earlier. He said he knows Cesaro is desperate because wrestling is all he has; he’s not charming, witty, or handsome like him, nor has he starred in a blockbuster Hollywood movie. He said he has spent Cesaro entire life trying to become WWE Champion, so he wonders how he’ll truly feel when, as good as he is and as much as he sacrificed, he realizes that he – Sheamus – is better than him. Cesaro’s ring entrance followed.
(5) SHEAMUS vs. CESARO
Cesaro dominated early and clotheslined Sheamus to the floor at 2:00. When Sheamus tried to return, Cesaro gave him a boot off the apron. They cut to an early break. [c]
Back from the break, Sheamus was in control. At 8:00, Cesaro made a comeback by ducking a Brogue kick and then delivering a springboard uppercut. He went for a Cesaro Swing, but Sheamus grabbed the bottom rope. Cesaro yanked Sheamus off the ropes and basically powerbombed him into a near fall. Sheamus ate a boot in a sloppy spot, then rolled through on a body press. Sheamus only got a two count despite a yank of the tights. Cesaro came back with uppercuts. Sheamus came back with a pin attempt with his feet on the middle rope for extra leverage. As Sheamus complained to the ref, Cesaro made a comeback and delivered ten uppercuts as the crowd chanted along. He whipped Sheamus from corner to corner and delivered uppercuts, then dropkicked Sheamus off the top rope to the floor. Graves put over Cesaro’s vertical leap, but when Cesaro charged him at ringside, Sheamus backdropped him into the post. Cesaro grabbed at his back and writhed in pain as the ref checked on him. Sheamus threw Cesaro back into the ring quickly and applied the Cloverleaf. Cesaro tapped out immediately.
WINNER: Sheamus in 11:00 to go up 2-0 in their series.
(WK Reax: It wouldn’t be a Best of Seven Series without the babyface going down and having to fight back against the odds. There’s heat on WWE for delivering so many matches between these two when there wasn’t apparent demand, but that said, these two are putting together different matches each time. The convincing, decisive win for Sheamus was accentuated by Cesaro’s convincing selling and frustration manifesting afterward.)
-They went to the announcers who addressed the death of Mr. Fuji. They cut to a video package on his career in WWE. Lots of salt throwing and, of course, clips of Fuji Vice on Tuesday Night Titans. [c]
-A video profile feature aired on Kevin Owens. He said he wasn’t going to wait until his turn, so he went right after John Cena when he arrived. He said he’s willing to stab someone in the back to become champion.
-Saxton interviewed jobber Americo regarding why his match with Braun Strowman won’t end the same as everyone else’s. He was interrupted almost immediately by Strowman’s music. Americo went speechless once he saw him. Cole said Americo looks like Max Moon. Actually, it looks like The Patriot (Del Wilkes).
(6) BRAUN STROWMAN vs. AMERICO
Cole laughed that Americo is about 4-foot-11. Strowman decimated Americo with power moves out of the gate. He tossed him around easily and scored a three count. Strowman unmasked him afterward. Cole said masks mean everything to Luchadors without any sense he felt it really mattered at all.
WINNER: Strowman in under 1:00.
-There she is! Stephanie walked past some workers backstage, smiling and waving. The two workers smiled and waved back like their professional futures depended on it.
-A commercial aired for Smackdown hyping the Backlash match featuring the six-way match for the Smackdown Women’s Title. [c]
-Stephanie was standing in the ring as her music faded. She welcomed fans to “this historic edition of Monday Night Raw,” noting the Universal Championship match coming up. She mistakenly said they’d be crowning the first-ever Universal Champion later. I hope poor Finn Balor wasn’t watching. She said first she wanted to address the Brock Lesnar attack on her brother. She said nobody messes with her family. Heyman interrupted. He introduced himself to the crowd and asked Stephanie to kindly indulge him. She said she is not there to indulge him, he is there to indulge her. “Now get in this ring and apologize,” she said.
Heyman entered the ring. He called her “Madame McMahon.” She told him not to call her that. When an ECW chant broke out, she said she purchased ECW a while back from Heyman and said she welcomed that reminder by the fans. That shut that down, but they got revenge with the next chant: “C.M. Punk! C.M. Punk!” Heyman said he didn’t want to be so presumptuous as to call her Stephanie. He tried to convince her that Lesnar’s win over Randy Orton was “a win for your brand, our brand.” He said he understands that Lesnar crossed a line and there is no excuse for it. He said he got on his knees and begged Brock to stop and protected Shane. He said that’s why he is there to pay the most reasonable fine of $500 on behalf of his client. He pulled out a brick of one dollar bills. He began tossing them to the mat one at a time as he counted aloud. She slapped them out of his hand once he got to six.
[HOUR THREE]
She said it’s true Lesnar provides value to Raw, but what value does Heyman provide? She said he should consider the moment he has to tell his kids he can’t provide for them anymore because he decided to patronize Stephanie by offering her one dollar bills. She said this isn’t a joke and there are no depths she won’t resort to in order to avenge what was done to her brother. “A storm is coming, Paul Heyman, and it is coming your ugly way.” Heyman replied: “So an angel came down from the Heaven’s above and warned The Advocate that he will not survive the impending storm to wit The Advocate offered, ‘No, my client, Brock Lesnar, is the storm!” He said there is an apology to be offered and it is eight days too late. He said the apology he is there to deliver goes straight to – he pivots to Stephanie – “straight to Stephanie McMahon.”
He said he understands the compromising position they put her in with the Board of Directors, whom she must answer to. He said one day she will dictate to that board, despite her brother’s opposition. He said she must demonstrate to them she can “control every WWE Superstar and the one fighter on her roster, on her brand.” When he brought up the female empowerment movement. She interrupted and said it is a women’s revolution and he is staring that reality in the face. He said he is staring in the face the heir to the boardroom and the entire McMahon Family Fortune. He said they have put her in a position where the entire WWE Universe questions her integrity, which is beyond reproach. He said all he can ask her, beg her, supplicate her is to accept that as a fine paid, as a lesson learned, and as an apology most sincerely delivered. There’s that signature triple construction. She said apology accepted, dropped the mic, and left. Heyman snickered in delight and smug satisfaction that his plan worked as she strutted to the back.
(WK Reax: It is always such fun to see Heyman and Stephanie interact, given their history as opposing forces who agitate each other going on 15 years. I’m not sure I fully understand her position in this situation, though, fining Lesnar only $500. I suppose we’re supposed to believe she is insincere in her vows to avenge what happened to her brother, but it wasn’t entirely obvious. Paying the fine with one dollar bills would only be done by someone with the backing of Brock Lesnar and the leverage and lingering intimidation that involves.)
-Back to the announcers, they threw to the injury to Balor. They showed footage of Balor’s surgery and resulting stitches up shoulder. [c]
-A video profile aired on Roman Reigns. The only words from Reigns: “Thee champion will be thee guy.” The rest was slo-mo footage of his highspots.
(7) TITUS O’NEAL vs. DARREN YOUNG (w/Bob Backlund)
(WK Reax: I am so very disappointed there’s no live mic for Titus this week. That was camp classic awful last week from Titus.)
Titus called for a time out seconds into the match. Cole said there is no such thing in WWE. That’s been a go-to line for announcers going back decades whenever a heel would call for a timeout. Nice to see it back, although it’s mitigated a bit by “WWE” replacing “pro wrestling.” Titus powered Young into the corner and Young flip bumped wildly to the floor. Titus dominated including a long nerve hold mid-ring like it was a 1975 WWF house show, but Young surprised Titus with a roll-up for the win, then tossed Titus to the floor when he charged at him afterward. Backlund lifted Young in celebration. Titus attacked Young from behind, then kicked him. He gave Young a Clash of Titus. Graves said it was Backlund’s fault for celebrating in the ring. Titus said, “How do you like me now?”
WINNER: Young at 4:05.
-Backstage Mick Foley made his first appearance. He told Stephanie he should have had her back. He said perhaps they should consider banning all friends and tag partners from ringside in this Fatal Four-way later. She reiterated again that it is the first-ever Universal Title match “and there must be a winner.” Seth walked up and said tonight will be the best ever night for them when he wins the Universal Title. She said they believe in him because that’s why they made him the first draft pick and tonight is his night. He hugged Steph and said he won’t let her down.
-An NXT commercial hyped Shinsuke Nakamura, the new NXT Champion. [c]
(8) ROMAN REIGNS vs. KEVIN OWENS vs. SETH ROLLINS vs. BIG CASS – Universal Title match
They showed Foley and Stephanie at ringside holding the vacated Universal Title belt. Reigns came out first. Then Owens. Then Seth. And finally Cass, along with Enzo, who did their mic routine on the ramp. Cass said he will shock the world. [c]
The bell rang as they came back from the break 35 minutes into the third hour. Cole noted this is an elimination match, and there are no countouts and no DQs.
(WK Reax: It is really stupid to have a no DQ rule in a title match without any backstory to justify it. It “sounds special and exciting” except it’s neither and it undermines the very idea of rules being in place for a reason – to better determine who is best at wrestling and not just best at cheating or using weapons or interference to get the win. Anyway…)
Cass drove Seth to the floor with a hard chop. Saxton said that was quite a message sent. He turned to see Reigns and the crowd chanted “how’a’ya’doin!” Reigns took the first shot. Cass fired back. The crowd was on Cass’s side. Reigns took Cass down with a clotheslines and then showboated. He signaled for the Superman punch, but Cass caught him. Reigns elbowed himself free, but Cass gave Reigns a big boot that sent Reigns over the top rope; Cass tumbled over after him. Great spot. Both were slow to get up. Seth dove through the ropes and nailed Cass as soon as he stood. Owens then lifted and dropped Seth over the edge of the ringside barrier. Reigns then launched himself over the top rope onto Owens and Cass. They cut to a break with “bodies strewn everywhere!” said Cole. [c]
Back live, Seth had Cass in a headlock mid-ring. Cass rallied a couple minutes later and landed the Empire Elbow. Cass celebrated, but Reigns ran in and gave Cass a Superman punch. Seth threw Reigns shoulder-first into the corner, then superkicked Cass for a two count. Owens then landed a frog splash on Cass for a three count.
FIRST ELIMINATED: Big Cass at 14:00 [c]
Back live, Owens set up a superplex on Seth, but Reigns entered and yanked both hard to the mat, the scored two counts on Owens and then Seth. Owens rolled to the floor. A minute later Seth avoided a Superman punch and hit the Falcon Arrow for a two count. Reigns caught Seth flying mid-air a minute later for a near fall. The crowd chanted “This is awesome!” Reigns waited for Seth to stand and charged for a spear, but Seth lifted his knee and then gave him a enzuigiri. Owens entered and superkicked Seth, then opportunistically gave Reigns a cannonball in one former and then Seth in the other. Reigns gave Owens a Superman punch for a believable near fall. “What a match!” exclaimed Cole. They showed Stephanie and Foley applauding.
Owens superkicked a charging Reigns and then went for a Pop-Up Powerbomb, but Reigns turned it into a Superman Punch. Seth entered to set up a Pedigree, but Reigns countered with a schoolboy. Reigns powered Seth up and down for a powerbomb and a two count. “The will of all of these men!” Cole yelled. “Nobody’s giving up, nobody’s giving in!” Another louder “This is awesome!” chant as Seth and Reigns recovered in the ring and Owens looked on from the ring apron. Reigns speared Seth on the floor. Triple H then came in through the crowd and kicked Reigns and gave him a Pedigree. “What in the hell is he doing here?!” exclaimed Cole. He rolled Reigns into the ring, then threw Seth into the ring after a brief pep talk. Seth covered him and scored the pin. “You got to me kidding me!” said Saxton. Graves said: “Death, taxes, and Rollins beats Reigns every time.” Cole said, “We haven’t seen Triple H since WrestleMania.”
Hunter rolled Owens into the ring. He walked over to Owens and seemed to set him up for a Pedigree by Seth. Instead, he turned and set up Seth for a Pedigree. He looked over at Owens first, nodded, and then delivered the move. Owens covered Seth and scored the pin. He looked up at Hunter in shock.
WINNER: Owens in 37:00 to become Universal Champion.
-Afterward, Hunter went over to yank the belt from a shocked Foley. Steph looked shocked. He helped Owens up and handed him the belt. Owens stared at it in awe. Hunter then raised his arm. “KO-mania is upon us! said Cole.
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Instead of leaving well enough alone and letting Owens, Reigns, Rollins and Cass do their thing, WWE once again decides to put HHH in the mix and put the spotlight on him.
Didn’t you know it’s all about the Game?