The Memorial Day episode of Monday Night Raw features the return of John Cena. Since The Champ is returning and the brand split has been announced, how will tonight affect what’s to come in WWE?
Opening Segment
Shane and Stephanie McMahon, both of the Raw General Managers, come down to the ring to start the show. They start getting the crowd excited with the brand split and the return of John Cena when they are interrupted by the New Day. Because of the brand “extension,” The New Day is concerned that because each brand will have its own unique roster, The New Day might get split up. Shane McMahon says that nothing is off of the table, but there have not been any decisions made yet.
The New Day starts a dance competition between Shane and Stephanie, but before Stephanie starts, they are interrupted by the Vaudevillains.
The New Day vs. The Vaudevillains
The Vaudevillains failed to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships when they challenged the New Day at Extreme Rules. If they win tonight against the New Day, they will be right back in the #1 Contender spot and will have another opportunity to win the gold.
During the match, Big E is looking to put Aiden English away when Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson come out of nowhere to attack the Tag Team Champions. After laying out Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods at ringside, Gallows and Anderson enter the ring and hit Big E with the Magic Killer. Winner (via disqualification): The New Day
Backstage Segment
Apollo Crews is working out backstage when he is approached by the Big Show. Last week, Sheamus attacked Crews for being a part of the New Era, and Big Show gives Crews some advice. Big Show tells Crews that Sheamus attacked him because he thinks Crews will back down.
The Usos vs. Breezango
Before the match starts, the Golden Truth (R-Truth and Goldust) joins the commentary team at ringside. Since forming, Breezango and Golden Truth have had complete opposite records, with Tyler Breeze and Fandango defeating R-Truth and Goldust twice.
The Usos lay out Breeze at ringside, which distracts Fandango long enough for the Usos to get a crucifix pinfall victory. Winners: The Usos
After the match, Breezango goes to blame Golden Truth for their loss and are layed out at ringside.
In-ring Segment
Roman Reigns comes down to the ring to call out Seth Rollins, who at first seems like he will fight Reigns, but he picks up a microphone instead. After teasing the audience multiple times, he ends up doing nothing and retreats.
Rusev (w/Lana) vs. Zack Ryder
Rusev has been on a roll since leaving the League of Nations, and Zack Ryder has been on the opposite end of it. Several weeks ago, there was a 20-man Battle Royal to determine the #1 Contender for the United States Championship, and Rusev ended up eliminating Zack Ryder to win the Battle Royal. On Smackdown, Rusev would go on to defeat Ryder in singles competition before defeated Kalisto for the United States Championship at Extreme Rules. After Kalisto failed to successfully cash in his rematch clause, Rusev seems to have a new challenger in Titus O’Neil.
Rusev counters a Rough Ryder attempt and locks in a vicious Accolade on Ryder to pick up a dominant victory Winner (via submission): Rusev
After the match, Rusev insults the Americans, and an offended Titus O’Neil comes down to the ring. After one right hand, Rusev is sent out of the ring and walks to the back.
Enzo Amore & Big Cass vs. The Dudley Boyz
Don Parmesan (Big Cass) and Muscles Marinara (Enzo Amore) are back in tag team action since Payback and they are ready to take it to the Dudley Boyz, who they have been feuding with since they debuted one night after WrestleMania 32.
After a big boot to D-Von Dudley, Big Cass tags in Enzo Amore for Air Enzo, putting the 9-time Tag Team Champions away. Winners: Enzo Amore & Big Cass
In-ring Segment
John Cena is back, and he addresses the “New Era” that has arrived since he has been gone. After saying that the future must go through him, John Cena is interrupted by AJ Styles. Styles welcomes Cena back, and while the two shake hands, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson make their way to the ring.
Gallows and Anderson look to attack Styles and Cena, but instead, Styles attacks Cena, reuniting The Club. After Styles attacks Cena, Gallows and Anderson join in and leave Cena laid out in the middle of the ring.
Natalya vs. Dana Brooke (w/Charlotte)
Natalya challenged Charlotte for the Women’s Championship in a submission match at Extreme Rules, and Charlotte retained her title thanks to Dana Brooke coming to her aide.
Charlotte distracts Natalya at the ring apron, and Brooke takes advantage, hitting a modified Michinoku Driver for the victory. Winner: Dana Brooke
After the match, Dana Brooke and Charlotte look to assault Natalya when Becky Lynch runs to the ring to make the save.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin
At Extreme Rules, Corbin defeated Ziggler in a No Disqualification match after hitting Ziggler with a low blow. Tonight, Ziggler challenged Corbin to a “technical wrestling match.”
As soon as the match starts, Ziggler hits Corbin with a low blow and walks to the back. Winner (via disqualification): Baron Corbin
Cesaro, Sami Zayn, & Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens, Alberto Del Rio, & Chris Jericho
All six of these men are competing in the Money in the Bank ladder match, but tonight, they have to form temporary alliances when they face each other in the main event of Monday Night Raw.
All hell breaks loose and after everyone hits their respective finishers, Dean Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Kevin Owens to pick up the victory. Winners: Cesaro, Sami Zayn, & Dean Ambrose
