Earlier tonight, Byron Saxton announced on Twitter three matches that are going to take place tonight: Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio, AJ Styles vs. Sheamus, and Sami Zayn vs. Rusev. This is on the heels of the apparent disbandment of the League of Nations, according to Alberto Del Rio. Along with these matches, we have the in-ring debut of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows as they take on the Usos. To top it all off, it has not been announced who will be in charge of Monday Night Raw tonight. Will it be Vince McMahon, The Authority, or Shane McMahon?
Before Monday Night Raw starts, WWE announces on Twitter that Kalisto will defend the United States Championship against Ryback on the Payback Kickoff.
Opening Segment
Shane McMahon comes down to the ring, so it is safe to assume that he is in charge until otherwise stated. Shane starts talking about the “new era” that has been ushered in since he has taken control, and he gets interrupted by his sister, and co-owner of WWE, Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie informs Shane that it might be his last night, because this Sunday at Payback, Vince McMahon will make a final decision as to who will control Raw.
Shane asks Stephanie to leave the ring, and since she refuses, Shane has security escort her from the ring.
AJ Styles vs. Sheamus
Although Sheamus is not being accompanied by Del Rio and Rusev tonight, Lillian Garcia and Michael Cole have both mentioned that he is part of the League of Nations, so apparently that still exists. Whether or not Sheamus is on his own, this is a great opportunity for the Celtic Warrior to gain momentum that he has lost since losing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This match is also the first time that both of these men are facing each other, so even if you find either of these men (or both) boring, you can’t deny that this isn’t something fresh.
AJ Styles is currently the #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, and Michael Cole notes that this is the fastest a male newcomer to WWE has earned a title opportunity. If you include women’s wrestlers, Paige has the record by winning the Divas Championship from AJ Lee on her first night.
AJ Styles dodges the Brogue Kick, and hits the Phenomenal Forearm on The Celtic Warrior for the victory. After the match, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson appear on the stage to applaud Styles in his victory. Winner: AJ Styles
The Usos vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
When Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows made their WWE debut two weeks ago, they interrupted the Usos’s post-match celebration by attacking them all over ringside. Tonight is the in-ring debut for Gallows and Anderson, and the Usos have a chance to get some revenge.
After Gallows hits Jimmy Usos with a big boot, he tags in Karl Anderson to hit the Magic Killer, putting the Usos away. Winners: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
After the match, Gallows and Anderson go to continue the assault on the Usos, but Roman Reigns comes down to the ring to make the save.
Backstage Segment
AJ Styles is about to be interviewed by Renee Young, when he is interrupted by Gallows and Anderson. If Styles needs anything, Gallows and Anderson will be there for him. Whether the three are in cahoots is yet to be answered, but perhaps that might be answered at Payback.
Sami Zayn vs. Rusev (w/Lana)
Now that Rusev is back with Lana at his side, perhaps he will find more success than he has had in the League of Nations. Zayn, however, has found quite a bit of success since debuting on Raw about a month ago. Zayn is scheduled for a match at Payback this Sunday, where he will take on his former best friend, Kevin Owens.
Sami Zayn slips out of Rusev’s attempt at locking in the Accolade, and rolls up the Bulgarian Brute for the win. Winner: Sami Zayn
After the match, while Zayn is celebrating on the entrance ramp, Kevin Owens comes out of nowhere to attack Zayn from behind.
Stardust vs. Apollo Crews
This is the first time that Stardust has been seen since being put through a ladder at WrestleMania 32. Since debuting on the main roster, Apollo Crews has been undefeated (excluding his match on NXT against Samoa Joe), so a win for Stardust would be great for his return.
Well, there goes Stardust’s chance. After hitting Stardust with an enzuigiri, Apollo Crews connects with the spinning sit-out powerbomb to continue his winning streak. Winner: Apollo Crews
In-ring Segment
Dean Ambrose comes down to the ring to address his match at Payback against Chris Jericho, but this time, this is not the Ambrose Asylum. After telling Jericho to “lace up [his] scarf,” Ambrose calls out Jericho. Jericho wants Ambrose to apologize for disrespecting him and taking over the Highlight Reel. Instead of giving Jericho what he wants, Ambrose attacks Jericho and sends him ringside. Ambrose looks to put Jericho through the announcer’s table, but Jericho counters, and locks in the Walls of Jericho on the table, with only the referees and officials able to stop him.
Natalya vs. Emma
Natalya is the #1 Contender for the WWE Women’s Championship, and she will face Charlotte for the title on Sunday at Payback. Since Charlotte always has Ric Flair in her corner, who always wins her matches for her, Natalya has evened the odds by having Bret “The Hitman” Hart in her corner. Instead of focusing on who is not even in the match, the Women’s Championship match could have been a cage match to focus on the competitors and get rid of the Ric Flair factor.
After Emma gets in some impressive offense, Natalya turns things around quickly, locking in the Sharpshooter to make Emma tap out. Winner (via submission): Natalya
Damien Sandow vs. Baron Corbin
Over the last few weeks, Baron Corbin has put his opponents away quickly and effectively, while constantly attacking Dolph Ziggler. This Sunday at Payback, Ziggler will take on Corbin to hopefully get some revenge.
Before the match starts, Ziggler attacks Corbin from behind at the entrance ramp, sending Baron Corbin to the back. Result: No Contest
In-ring Segment
The Miz and Maryse are in the ring to promote themselves, and insult Cesaro and his fans. The Miz attempts to attack Cesaro from behind, but instead, Miz is hit with a Very European Uppercut, showing how their match at Payback could end.
Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Del Rio
Roman Reigns is defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship this Sunday against AJ Styles, and a win tonight will keep him on track to look strong going into Payback. Considering both of the recent patterns of Reigns and Del Rio, it is safe to say that Roman Reigns has this one in the bag.
Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Del Rio, and Gallows and Anderson start coming down to the ring. Even though he was distracted, Reigns hits the spear on Del Rio for the win. Winner: Roman Reigns
After the match, Gallows and Anderson attack Reigns, but AJ Styles comes down to the ring to stop them. After Reigns attacks Styles, Gallows and Anderson rejoin the fight, leading to Styles hitting the Phenomenal Forearm on Reigns to end Monday Night Raw.
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