WWE Monday Night Raw Results – April 9 2018

Welcome to our coverage of the always-eventful Raw After ‘Mania!

WrestleMania 34 is in the books and it continued WWE’s current streak of great and memorable ‘Mania’s. Of course, there are many who weren’t happy with some of the choices made and the outcomes, but nobody can say they weren’t fully entertained for the majority of the seven hours. Hell, even Vince Russo said it was a great show.

Brock Lesnar is still the WWE Universal Champion. There’s a sentence I don’t think anyone expected to hear, say, or read today. The main event to last night’s show was probably the most controversial and disliked of all the matches. Brock Lesnar threw Roman Reigns around the ring like a ragdoll and hit him with F5 after F5, literally five F5’s and Roman kicked out of all of them. It was astoundingly bad booking in so many ways; not the least of which showed that WWE truly doesn’t understand why fans don’t like Roman. Regardless, just when we thought Reigns was going to pull off a cringe-worthy comeback and pin Brock, he didn’t. Even though we all know Brock shouldn’t be Champion because he’s a part-timer, the fans still couldn’t stomach a Reigns win. So, in the end Brock walked away with the title and everyone was left wondering why? Why was that the main event? Why have the match if Reigns wasn’t going to win? Why book such a one-sided match that pissed on Brock’s finisher? Well we’re unlikely to ever get the answers to those questions but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a swerve tonight, perhaps even a rematch.

One of the biggest talking points going into WrestleMania was the mixed tag match that served as Ronda Rousey’s debut. Everyone was curious to see if Ronda would succeed or fail in her newfound career and some even wished to see the latter. However Ronda proved everybody wrong, including the most optimistic of folk, by having, probably, the match of the night. Sure the match was probably planned out to the nth degree in the back but it still came off without a hitch and was an entertaining thrill-ride throughout. Ronda looked amazing, her moved were slick and believable, Triple H was his usual fantastic self, and Stephanie is incredibly talented for someone who has only ever had a handful of matches. The only mark on the match, for me, was Kurt Angle. I love the Olympic Gold Medallist as much as anyone but I find it very difficult to watch him these days; he’s lost a step or two, and I cringe for his health. Hell, he even looks like an old man when he’s trying to go toe-to-toe. It’s a a sad sight to behold but I for one don’t want to see him wrestle again. However, the story of the night was, most certainly the incredible debut of Ronda Rousey.

Also on last night’s show, John Cena got squashed by The Undertaker, Matt Hardy won the Andre The Giant Battle Royal with help from Bray Wyatt, Nia Jax defeated Alexa Bliss, and Braun Strowman won the Tag Team Championship’s with a 10-year old fan. Yep, those are all things that really did happen. Lots more happened, but they were SmackDown-related, so I won’t get into them here. Tonight’s show is likely to be a wild one, with rematches from last night, NXT call-up’s, new feuds, and lots more. Remember to join the conversation on the Ringside Talk app and enjoy the show!

Monday Night Raw opens with Stephanie McMahon making her way to the ring. Steph has her arm in a sling and she limps down the ramp, all thanks to the handiwork of Ronda Rousey. We see still images from the match last night.

Stephanie gets into the ring and the fans chant “you tapped out”. She says she expected more of the fans. The crowd the night after WrestleMania has a certain international flavor, she smelled it on the way down, but she didn’t expect this. Most crowds have sympathy but not here in New Orleans. She says the fans have to admit they were surprised because there was a lot of speculation as to whether or not a certain person could make the transition but she did it – referring to herself. McMahon says she was amazing and thanks them for their accolades. McMahon knew what she was doing. She knew when she challenged Ronda Rousey in her world that she’d get the best out of her and show the world what she’s made of. McMahon says she deserves that pat on the back. McMahon knows the crowd wants Ronda Rousey. McMahon couldn’t be more proud of what this woman accomplished last night. McMahon then introduces, “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey with surprising enthusiasm.

Ronda’s music hits, and she makes her way to the ring to a huge ovation from the fans. Rousey high fives fans and gets in the ring smiling, clearly happu with her performance last night. McMahon congratulates her on making her tap out and says the better woman won. A loud “Ronda Rousey” chant fires up. McMahon says Rousey is a role model for young girls and people everywhere. McMahon says she got beat by the best in the world, so she doesn’t feel bad. Rousey has to know that as a WWE superstar under contract to her, there’s nowhere they can’t go. They can blaze new trails the world hasn’t seen, and together they can put the entire WWE machine behind her. With her in Rousey’s corner, they will all support her and their message. The fans start chanting “bull$hit” and McMahon says Rousey is smarter than the crowd. Rousey taught her a valuable lesson, and she paid the price. McMahon then tells the crowd to give it up for Rousey. Stephanie looks for a handshake but Ronda hugs her and the fans boo. As they start to pull apart Ronda’s smile fades to a snarl and she flips Stephanie over to the mat! Rousey rips off McMahon’s arm bar and applies the devastating arm bar to the delight of the crowd.

Rousey climbs out of the ring and walks up the ramp, smiling, to cheers. EMTs help McMahon out of the ring while the crowd sings, “Kiss Him Goodbye” to McMahon. JoJo asks the crowd to show a little respect, and they loudly boo. I get the feeling this crowd is going to be obnoxious.

Later tonight, we will hear from Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins will be out to celebrate his title win. Up next though, Nia Jax will be in action.

*Commercial Break*

We return and see more still images from last night’s show. Next week, there will be a Superstar Shake-Up that takes place on Raw and SmackDown Live.

The new WWE Women’s Champion, Nia Jax makes her way to the ring with a big grin on her face. Nia gets into the ring and the fans chant “you deserve it” – she can’t stop smiling. Alexa Bliss makes her way to the ring.

Alexa comes out with Mickie James, neither showing any signs of injury – they could learn something from Stephanie. Bliss calls Nia Jax a bully that likes to throw her weight around… which is clearly a lot of weight because it’s two-times the size of Mickie and three-times the size of her. An “a$$hole” chant picks up as the crowd continues to be annoying. Bliss says Jax beat up James for no reason last night, which left her distraught, which is why she lost last night. Bliss says she’s a compassionate woman and when she saw Jax decimate her friend, she competed under emotional stress. Jax tells her to shut up, which the crowd likes. Jax says she did enjoy every second of what she did to Bliss and James last night. Jax says, “I’m you new RAW Women’s Champion.” Jax says Bliss is wrong about tonight. She does have a partner tonight… Ember Moon! Ember Moon comes out to a huge ovation. This match takes place after the break!

*Commercial Break*

Alexa Bliss & Mickie James Vs. Nia Jax & Ember Moon

The bell rings, and we start with Jax and James. Nia Jax quickly grabs Mickie James and throws her across the ring like a doll. Jax avalanches her in the corner, then goes for a second but James moves. Mickie kicks her in the back of the knee to take her down.

Alexa Bliss tags in and they go for a double-team, but Jax reverses them. Jax holds James by the hair and points to Ember Moon. The crowd pop loud as Moon is tagged in. Moon hits a forearm followed by a double-arm suplex. Moon kips up and sends her to the ropes, but she lowers her head and eats a kick. Bliss is tagged in, and Moon kicks her down with an enzuigiri.

The crowd loudly chants, “NXT.” Moon hits a handspring forearm followed by a springboard cross-body for a near fall – she almost botched that. Moon punches James off the apron and sweeps Bliss’ feet. Moon goes to the top rope and hits Bliss with the Eclipse for the win!

Winners: Nia Jax & Ember Moon

We see Kurt Angle on the phone backstage. He’s talking about Ember Moon and says she will set the division on fire and that the Raw roster is getting better and better. Braun Strowman walks-in and Angle congratulates him and says hits partner was a surprise. Angle asks where his partner is, and Strowman moves aside to reveal Nicholas to a huge ovation. Strowman says it pains him to say it, but they’re relinquishing the RAW Tag Team Championship – the fans boo loud. Strowman says Nicholas has a scheduling conflict: he’s still in the fourth grade. Strowman says, however when Nicholas is out of school, they’re coming back for the titles. Nicholas shouts at Angle “they’re going to get these hands!” The fans go nuts as the duo walk-off, that’s probably the last time we’ll see Nicholas.

After the break, No Way Jose will debut!

*Commercial Break*

No Way Jose makes his way to the ring with his posse of dancers – which honestly just looks like Adam Rose. There’s a jobber in the ring waiting for Jose.

No Way Jose Vs. John Skyler

No Way Jose hits Skyler with a hip toss right off the bat. He dances around a little, then throws him up in the air and punches him for the win.

Winner: No Way Jose

That sucked. Anyway, Jose dances around the ring again to end the segment.

We see Kurt Angle backstage, watching Jose on the TV. Sheamus and Cesaro walk into the room and ask what the deal is with the titles now that Strowman and the kid have relinquished them. Sheamus asks if Angle wants to give them the belts now, or do it in the ring in a more formal fashion. Angle is astounded, he reminds them they lost to a “friggin’ 10-year old kid!”  He says they will have the chance to fight for them in two weeks at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia. There will be two tag matches tonight with the winners facing each other next week. The winners will face The Bar at the Greatest Royal Rumble event. Sheamus and Cesaro are not pleased.

*Commercial Break*

The Revival Vs. The Club

We join this match in progress. Luke Gallows sends Scott Dawson to the corner and hits a back body drop. Dash Wilder runs in, but Gallows gets the better of him. Gallows punches Dawson in the corner before hitting an uppercut. Wilder runs in, but Gallows throws him over the top rope by his throat. Dawson then chop blocks him. The Bar is watching backstage. Dawson works on the leg of Gallows. Wilder tags in and works on the leg. Gallows fights him off, but Dawson tags in and stops him from making a tag. Wilder tags in and goes to hit Karl Anderson, but he gets off the apron. Gallows then kicks him down.

Anderson and Dawson tag in. Anderson takes Dawson down before knocking Wilder off the apron. Anderson hits Dawson with a karate kick before hitting a neckbreaker. Anderson hits Wilder with a plancha before going to the top rope. Anderson hits a cross-body, but Dawson rolls him up with a handful of tights for a near fall. Anderson hits a spinebuster, but Wilder breaks up the pin. Gallows gets Wilder out of the ring, but he’s soon taken down at ringside. Wilder makes a blind tag. The Revival soon hits Shatter Machine for the win!

Winners: The Revival

Glad to see The Revival win but I was hoping they’d move over to SmackDown Live.

We get a really cool commercial for Make-A-Wish with John Cena, in which he gets beaten-up by kids with superpowers. Seth Rollins will be on Raw with his Intercontinental Championship, next!

*Commercial Break*

We get a trailer for the Andre The Giant documentary that airs tomorrow night on HBO.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins makes his way to the ring. Rollins is the latest Grand Slam Champion in WWE. Rollins stands in the center of the ring as the fans chant, “You deserve it.” Rollins says that was the loudest “Burn it down” he’s ever heard. Rollins says he can finally say, “Seth Freakin’ Rollins is back, baby!” Rollins says this crowd is a bunch of fun. He then says that Grand Slam Rollins has a nice ring to it, which of course the fans start chanting. Rollins has finally caught up for Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. Every Shield member is a Grand Slam Champion. The best part is he finished the last leg of his Grand Slam at WrestleMania.

Finn Balor’s music hits, and he comes out smiling. Balor apologizes for interrupting him. Balor wants to get something off his chest. Rollins invites him into the ring. Balor congratulates Rollins and says he deserves it. Balor says Rollins was the better man last night… but last night was a triple threat match. There was a winner, there was a loser, and there was him left wanting more. Balor is here to tell him that he wants to be the first person to step up and challenge him for the Intercontinental Championship. Another “YES” chant fires up. Balor extends his hand. Rollins thinks about it and shakes hands with him.

The Miz’ music hits, and he comes out to a bigger reception than either guy. Miz is not happy as he storms to the ring.

Miz is happy to interrupt this celebration because Rollins does not deserve it. Miz gets in the ring. Miz says he made the title the most prestigious and relevant title in all of WWE. That gets a loud ovation. Miz says he walked down the ramp last night by himself because he knew if The Miztourage was there, he’d never hear the end of his complaining when he beat him. Rollins asks if he means to say he can’t win without The Miztourage. Miz says he’s a changed man after becoming a father to his beautiful daughter. That gets a nice ovation. A “He’s got kids” chant fires up. Miz says he realizes everything he does in life affects her life. His baby watched the match last night in the arms of his wife, Maryse. Maryse told him when Monroe saw the pain in Miz’ eyes after Rollins stole his title, it made her cry. Miz says, “You made my little princess cry.” That made his wife cry. When that happened, Miz cried as well. Rollins says he’s proud of Miz. That’s big of him to admit that he cries. Rollins says that’s what everyone does when they watch him try to wrestle. Miz won’t get the title back because as good as he is, he can’t lace his boots.

Miz says he’s owed a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. Rollins says he was hoping he’d mention it. If he wants to invoke his rematch clause, they can do it right here and now. A “YES” chant picks up. Miz asks the crowd if they want him to invoke his rematch clause, and they do. Miz declines. Miz says he’s in a custom suit. He’ll invoke his rematch clause whenever he wants. Miz will invoke his rematch clause at Backlash. Miz puts his hand up, so the crowd should shut their mouths in theory. They don’t. Miz says they need to learn to negotiate from a position of strength. Miz suggests if they want a match tonight, him and The Miztourage will face Rollins and Balor.

Out of nowhere, Jeff Hardy’s music hits and he comes out to a massive pop! Hardy gets in the ring, and Miz looks confused. Hardy stands along with Rollins and Balor. The Miz and his Miztourage prepare for a fight but nothing happens, so they leave the ring. I guess Jeff is back to fight for the IC title, not joining Matt. That’s kinda weird but Jeff is great in any area.

Later tonight, we’ll hear from Roman Reigns on his loss to Brock Lesnar. Sasha Banks will face Mandy Rose, next.

*Commercial Break*

Later tonight, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, and Jeff Hardy will take on The Miz and the Miztourage.

Mandy Rose w/ Absolution vs. Sasha Banks

Before the match begins, Bayley’s music hits, and she comes out to a light reaction. Bayley will be in Banks’ corner, although Sasha doesn’t look happy about it.

The bell rings, and Banks quickly sends Rose out of the ring and hits a baseball slide. The crowd then starts to sing to Bayley. Banks takes Rose down and punches her. Banks boots her in the corner before hitting a textbook suplex for a two count. Banks then applies an arm bar. Rose fights up and knocks Banks down. Rose bounces her in the corner, but Banks soon turns it on her. Banks slams her head into the turnbuckle, but Rose quickly comes back with the same. Sasha turns the tables and hits Mandy’s head off of the turnbuckle again, repeatedly. This match looks like it’s happening in slow motion. Sasha then says something to Bayley and Rose takes advantage and hits a stun gun on the top rope.

*Commercial Break*

We come back from the break to see Banks trapped in an abdominal stretch. Banks gets out with a hip toss and hits some forearms. Banks hits a diving forearm followed by a dropkick. Rose puts her on the apron, and Banks knees her back. Banks then comes off the top rope with double knees for a two count. Rose leaves the ring to recover.

They completely botch a move, and that was cringe-worthy. Rose shoves Bayley. Bayley goes to hit her, but Rose ducks. Bayley then accidentally hits Banks in full view of the referee. Bayley apologizes. Rose then knees Banks in the face coming in the ring for the win.

Winner: Mandy Rose

Bayley sadly walks off. Banks looks furious and follows after her. Absoluton leave as well…except for Paige.

Paige grabs a microphone and says it was hard for her to sit on the sidelines yesterday at WrestleMania. This is her house and life. Unfortunately, due to neck injuries, she can no longer perform as an in ring competitor. This is the hardest thing she’ll ever say in her career. The fans chant, “Thank you Paige”. Paige is trying hard to hold back tears. Paige would like to thank every single female superstar. She’s proud to be part of this division. They worked hard to build it into what it is. Paige then thanks her family. Paige also thanks Daniel Bryan for coming back from a career threatening injury. Paige thanks him for giving her hope. Paige also thanks Edge for talking to her backstage today. Edge showed her that there’s life outside of this. Edge has a wife, family, and acting career. Paige says she’ll have to find something else now. Paige thanks WWE for letting her do this and allowing her to entertain for the past four years. This is where she debuted four years ago. New Orleans is where she wants to retire. Paige thanks the crowd. A loud “Thank you Paige” chant fires up. Paige starts to tear-up again. The fans respond with a nice “This is your house” chant fires up. Paige thanks them and says this will always be her house. Paige puts the microphone down and lays her t-shirt next to it. Paige then leaves the ring and goes up the ramp. Paige bows before the crowd and goes to the back.

That sucked but if it’s the best thing for her health then God speed. Hopefully Paige can find happiness doing other things. Up next, fittingly, The Undertake rises from the ashes.

*Commercial Break*

Still photos are shown of The Undertaker’s return and his quick defeat of John Cena. They talked like The Deadman would be here but I guess that’s all we’re getting.

Elias is in the ring strumming his guitar. Elias has one question: Who wants to walk with Elias? After last night, it’s an undeniable fact that WWE stands for Walk With Elias. The crowd loudly roars it back. Elias likes it and says he’s the biggest musical act on the face of this planet. Last night, they paid to see an Elias performance. The crowd chants, “OHH WALK WITH ELIAS.” Elias looks pleased. Elias says he’ll perform tonight. It’s essentially the same crowd full of unappreciative scumbags from last night (they chant, “We are scumbags.”). Elias tells them to silence their cellphones, hold the applause, and shut their mouths. Elias sings about the crowd and says while they all clap, he wants to punch them in the face.

And the night’s surprises continues as Bobby Lashley makes his entrance to a crazy ovation! Lashley comes down the ramp looking happy. Lashely then stares at Elias. A “Welcome back” chant picks up. Elias goes for a cheap shot, but Lashley hits him with a neckbreaker. Lashley then holds Elias up for a while before dropping him with a suplex. Lashley then leaves the ring. That suplex was awesome, check it out:

Kurt Angle is talking to someone on the phone about Bobby Lashley’s debut. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn then walk in. The crowd loudly cheers them. Owens doesn’t know if Angle follows Smackdown Live often, but they had a falling out with management. Angle asks if they came here looking for a job. Owens and Zayn say they are. Angle asks if they got fired for attacking the General Manager and Commissioner. Zayn says there was a personal vendetta against them. They realize they need to be team players. Angle says his tag team division is full, but TNA is hiring. LOL! Owens says they don’t have to hire them both. Owens says he has a family. Zayn says he has a family too. They both want an opportunity. Angle says he has one spot on RAW. They can wrestle each other for it tonight. They can take it or leave it, to which they agree and walk off. Angle says this will be interesting.

*Commercial Break*

More still images of ‘Mania are shown after the break.

Heath Slater and Rhyno are in the ring. Slater says he’s mad they’re not in the Tag Team Eliminator. They were the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions. Slater says he’s got kids. Slater needs this job. If there is any tag team man enough to try to take them out, please come on down. Well….

Authors Of Pain Vs. Slater & Rhyno

Slater tries to charge Akam and hits him with a side kick. Rezar takes him down and punches away at him. Akam tags in, and they hit a sidewalk slam/diving leg drop combo. Rezar then big boots Rhyno off the apron. Rezar tags in, and AOP hits The Last Chapter for the win.

Winners: Authors Of Pain

After the match, the AOP leave the ring. They start walking up the ramp but stop and both grab Ellering by the jacket and push him back. They walk up the ramp without him. I guess he isn’t with them from here on, that sucks but I’m going to assume Ellering can’t do the endless travel required of the main roster. Why else would you take the mouthpiece away from two guys two can barely speak English.

Roman Reigns will be out next to talk about his loss to Brock Lesnar.

*Commercial Break*

We return and the announcers talk about the upcoming Greatest Royal Rumble PPV, where Roman will face Brock for the Universal Championship in a steel cage. I’m guessing they do the title switch there to make that event huge and grab headlines.

Roman Reigns comes out next and he’s moving gingerly – Cody says he has a couple of gashes that required lots of stitches on his head. Cole puts him over though, saying he almost beat Lesnar regardless. Roman enters the ring Reigns goes to speak, but the crowd loudly boos him. Reigns says, “As you can see, I got my ass kicked last night.” The crowd cheers. Reigns then says he’s here tonight but Brock Lesnar isn’t. To be honest, he doesn’t really know what happened. When he arrived at the Superdome, everything felt off. People were talking behind his back, but what upset him most was Vince McMahon couldn’t look him in the eye and smarten him up. Lesnar is one hell of a businessman. Last Wednesday, it was announced Lesnar was going to UFC. Now he’s re-signed with WWE and he’s facing him in a Steel Cage Match, which he didn’t know about until he found out on the internet. If they keep putting him in matches with Lesnar, the story will end with him becoming Universal Champion.

Samoa Joe’s music hits, and he comes out to the stage. The crowd gives him a massive pop. Joe says it’s time to break out the tin foil hats because Reigns thinks there’s a conspiracy. Joe will bring him back to reality. Brock Lesnar didn’t just beat Reigns. Lesnar exposed him. For over a year, he said he was the only one that could beat Brock Lesnar. The reality is no matter how many whispers he heard or eyes that couldn’t meet him, he failed. That makes Reigns a failure. A “Failure” chant picks up. Joe says it also makes him a liar. Reigns lied to the fans, his family, and himself. Reigns is still lying. Every time Reigns gets in the ring with Lesnar, he gets jacked up. Reigns gets put through tables, stretchered out, and broken. Lesnar just gets richer. No matter how many times they tell the story, it’ll be the same thing. When the Big Dog meets The Beast, he gets conquered before making excuses for why it happened. Joe says the vicious cycle will end. When Lesnar is done rag dolling him against the cage and Reigns fails, he’ll be waiting at Backlash to put him to sleep! Joe then walks off and Coach says Roman will have Brock, then Joe, that’s harsh.

Still to come is a six-man tag team main event. Kevin Owens will take on Sami Zayn for a spot on the RAW roster. Coming up next, Titus Worldwide faces a mystery tag team in the Tag Team Eliminator.

*Commercial Break*

Titus Worldwide are in the ring waiting for their opponents for the tag team eliminator. “WOKEN” Matt Hardy is shown backstage with the André the Giant Trophy talking to it. He’ll start his expedition for gold. Bray Wyatt is shown next to him laughing. Wyatt stops and says, “We’re here.” The lights go out. When they come back on, “WOKEN” Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt are behind Titus Worldwide but don’t attack.

Titus Worldwide vs. Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt

Matt Hardy will start against Titus O’Neal. Hardy approaches him in the ring and talks some gibberish to him. Hardy and O’Neal have dueling “Worldwide” and “DELETE” chants. Hardy applies a waistlock, and Bray Wyatt tags in. Wyatt gives O’Neal a full nelson before running O’Neal into Hardy’s boots. Wyatt clotheslines him down.

Apollo tags in and powers Wyatt to the corner. Apollo does a handspring. Hardy and Wyatt shout, “WONDERFUL.” The crowd loves this. Wyatt big boots Apollo down. Wyatt uppercuts him and hits a senton splash. Wyatt grounds Apollo and wildly forearms him in the back of the head. Hardy tags in and punches away at Apollo. Hardy then shouts, “WONDERFUL!” Apollo fights back, but Hardy knees him. Apollo reverses a whip and goes for a dropkick, but Hardy holds the ropes. Hardy says it’s time for him to be deleted. Wyatt tags in and bounces him off the turnbuckles before giving him an uppercut.

Hardy tags back in and whips Wyatt into Apollo. Hardy follows up with a Side Effect, but O’Neal breaks it up. Wyatt tags O’Neal out. Hardy starts a “DELETE” chant. Apollo avoids a Twist of Fate and dropkicks him. Hardy quickly tags Apollo. Apollo hits a step-up enzuigiri. Apollo comes off the second rope, but Wyatt catches him with a uranage. Wyatt arcs himself in the corner. Wyatt puts Apollo in position for Sister Abigail before slinging him into Hardy, who gives him a Twist of Fate for the win.

Winners: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt

After the match, Bray and Matt celebrate their win with a pose in the centre. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt will face The Revival next week. The winners will face The Bar at the Greatest Royal Rumble event.

News coverage is shown of Ronda Rousey’s WrestleMania match last night. Replays are shown of Rousey applying an arm bar to Stephanie McMahon earlier in the night.

*Commercial Break*

Kevin Owens and Sami make their way to the ring. The winner of this match between the best friends gets a contract for Monday Night Raw.

Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn

The bell rings, and Owens quickly avoids a Helluva Kick. Zayn smiles and nods at him. Owens kicks him and sends him to the ropes for a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Zayn holds the ropes. They fight, and Zayn knocks him out of the ring.

Zayn looks for a dive onto Owens but KO slides in and attacks him. Zayn quickly knocks him back out of the ring and hits a summersault plancha. Kurt Angle is seen watching backstage. Zayn gets him in the ring and goes for a springboard, but Owens hits him off the apron with a big forearm.

Owens goes outside and tries for an apron powerbomb, but Zayn counters with a catapult into the ring post. Before looking for the powerbomb, Owens shouted “there’s a job on the line buddy”/ They both get in the ring. Zayn goes for a rope climbing arm drag, but Owens crotches him. Owens hits a slingshot elbow drop for a two count. Owens covers two more times for the same result.

*Commercial Break*

We come back from the break to see Zayn knock Owens to the mat from the second rope. Owens makes a comeback and tries for a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Zayn leaps over him and hits a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Durin the break, Owens hit him with a senton splash for a near fall. Zayn sets up for a Helluva Kick, but Owens gets out of the ring.

Zayn goes outside and tries to dive between the turnbuckles for a DDT, but Owens superkicks him. Owens hits a cannonball to Zayn’s skull and follows up with a frog splash for a near fall! Owens catches Zayn with two corner clotheslines and goes for a third, but Zayn follows him and connects with a Helluva Kick! Owens falls to the apron. Zayn tries to lift the dead weight. Owens holds the ropes and knocks Zayn back. Owens then hits a Pop-up Powerbomb. Owens’ momentum sends him out of the ring.

Owens gets on the apron and shouts that he needs this. Owens goes to the top rope, but Zayn big boots him. Zayn goes for a superplex, but Owens counters with a huge swinging fisherman’s superplex from the top. The referee begins counting and neither man gets to their feet before 10!

Draw

The referee leaves the ring and tells Jojo the result. She informs us that the match ended in a draw and therefore, neither man gets a contract. The fans boo loud.

Jeff Hardy is walking backstage with Finn Balor and Seth Rollins. “WOKEN” Matt Hardy stops his brother. Matt says he’s happy to see Jeff has returned from his broken condeetion. Jeff says he called him, but the voicemail probably got DELETED. Bray Wyatt walks up and hugs Jeff, calling him, “Brother Nero.” Rollins and Balor look confused about what just happened. Balor asks what that was all about, to which Jeff just shrugss and walks off.

The Miz and The Miztourage head to the ring for the six-man tag match. Miz’s new ring gear makes him look incredibly ridiculous.

*Commercial Break*

We return from the break and out comes Jeff Hardy, followed by Seth Rollins and The Miz.

The Miztourage Vs. Jeff Hardy, Finn Balor & Seth Rollins

The Miz starts the match with Seth Rollins but before they can lock-up, Miz tags-in Axel. Rollins and Axel lock-up and Seth hits the ropes, only to be knocked down with a shoulder tackle. Axel keeps control of Rollins and tags Dallas. They attempt to double-team Rollins but he counters them both and tags Finn. Balor immediately tags Jeff, who then hits Poetry In Motion using Rollins, meanwhile Balor knocks Dallas into the opposite corner and bends down for Jeff to hit Poetry In Motion off of his back. The babyfaces are in charge as we head to the break.

*Commercial Break*

We come back from the break to see Dallas applying a chin lock to Rollins. Rollins fights up and elbows him before tagging in Balor. Balor knocks Miz and Axel down before hitting Dallas with a double stomp to the midsection. Balor chops the chest and hits a falling elbow drop for a two count. Miz distracts Balor, so Dallas attacks him from behind. Miz is tagged in, and he stomps away at Balor before hitting a running boot. Miz applies a chin lock. Balor fights up, but Miz puts him down with a Reality Check for a near fall. Miz then stares at Rollins and Hardy.

Axel tags in and hits Balor with a rolling neck snapper. Axel knees him in the back before applying a chin lock. Balor fights up, but Axel takes him down. Dallas tags in, and he drops a knee on Balor. Dallas then drives some quick knees into him. Dallas then goes to a chin lock. Balor fights up, but Dallas keeps him grounded. Dallas really cinches it in. Balor fights up and gets out, but Dallas stops him from making a tag. Balor fights and finally takes him down. Miz tags in and knocks Rollins off the apron. Miz goes for a sunset flip, but Balor rolls through and dropkicks him.

Jeff Hardy and Axel are tagged in. Hardy punches and drops him with a running forearm. Hardy sweeps the feet and hits a double leg drop to the midsection. A “Brother Nero” chant fires up. Hardy goes for a Twist of Fate, but Axel pushes him off. Axel attacks from behind before tagging in Dallas. Hardy fights them off and hits Whisper in the Wind on them both. Rollins and Miz are tagged in.

Rollins hits a springboard clothesline followed by a blockbuster. Rollins ducks a clothesline and hits Axel with a suicide dive. Rollins gets in the ring and clotheslines Miz out of the ring. Miz then hits Miz and The Miztourage with a second suicide dive! Rollins gets Miz in the ring. A “Burn it down” chant fires up. Miz avoids an avalanche, and Rollins is down. Miz goes to the top rope, but Rollins scales the ropes and hits a superplex followed by a falcon arrow, but Dallas breaks up the pin. Balor hits Dallas with a Sling Blade. Axel runs in, and Balor clotheslines him over the top rope. Balor then takes The Miztourage out with a summersault plancha. In the ring, Miz rolls Rollins up, but Rollins gets out and hits a Curb Stomp for the win.

Winners: Hardy, Balor & Rollins

After the match, the beating continues: Jeff hits Dallas with a Twist of Fate, and Balor finishes him off with a Coup de Grace. Hardy then goes to the top rope and hits Dallas with a Swanton Bomb. Rollins then hits Dallas with a Curb Stomp and superkicks Axel. Balor hits Axel with a Coup de Grace. Hardy then connects with another Swanton Bomb. Rollins gets the crowd fired up and hits Axel with a Curb Stomp. Rollins, Balor, and Hardy celebrate in the ring.

The commentators talk about the Superstar Shake-Up next week and that’s it for tonight’s show. Let us know what you thought and be sure to come back tomorrow night for SmackDown Live! Until then, safe travels!