WWE Money in the Bank is only six days away, and this is the last episode of Monday Night Raw before the big Pay-Per-View. How will tonight’s events set the tone going in to Sunday night?
Before the show starts, all of the WWE talent stand on the stage and stand in silence to pay their respects for everyone involved in the tragedy in Orlando.
Opening Segment
The New Day kicks off the show addressing their fatal four-way Tag Team Championship match on Sunday against Enzo Amore and Big Cass, The Vaudevillains, and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Enzo Amore and Big Cass join them in the ring, and apparently Enzo Amore had an affair of sorts with Francesca 2, Xavier Woods’s trombone. Right before the “battle of verbal wit,” the Vaudevillains, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows interrupt before their 8-man tag team match.
Enzo Amore, Big Cass, & The New Day vs. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, & The Vaudevillains
Since all four of these teams are competing for the WWE Tag Tag Championship on Sunday, this match is important for whichever 8-man team comes out victorious tonight. The winning team gains momentum going into their big match, and can scout their temporary allies. For the losers of this match, they might have to change their strategies if they want to win gold.
After mostly everyone is laid out outside of the ring, Luke Gallows gets the blind tag, and takes advantage of Kofi Kingston’s confusion to team with Karl Anderson and hit Kingston with the Magic Killer. Winners: Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, & The Vaudevillains
Backstage Segment
Shane and Stephanie McMahon are arguing over who should control Smackdown when it goes live on July 19, when they are interrupted by former Director of Operations, Kane. Kane, like Teddy Long did last week, suggests his services for the General Manager position. He hand them his resume, and even a letter of recommendation from The Undertaker.
Titus O’Neil vs…. nobody
As soon at Titus O’Neil gets to the entrance ramp, Rusev (O’Neil’s competitor for the United States Championship at Money in the Bank) attacks him from behind. The Bulgarian Brute continues the assault, ending it with a vicious Accolade on the entrance ramp.
Ambrose Asylum feat. Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins
The Ambrose Asylum is back, and is still without a replacement for Mitch the potted plant. This return of the Lunatic Fringe’s talk show features the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns, and his challenger at Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins. Rollins never lost the title; he had to instead vacate the title due to an injury he suffered at a house show in November. After Rollins returned at the Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View, Rollins was awarded the title shot he deserves for this Sunday.
This is an interesting dynamic, considering that all three of the men involved in this segment made their main roster debut as part of The Shield, which is perhaps one of the most impactful groups in WWE history.
Charlotte (w/Dana Brooke) vs. Paige
Earlier today, it was announced that Charlotte and Dana Brooke will face Natalya and Becky Lynch at Money in the Bank. What is notable about this match is that the WWE Women’s Championship will not be defended, which does not help the Diva’s/Women’s Revolution.
Dana Brooke “helps” Charlotte back into the ring, and Charlotte goes right into a superkick from Paige. Paige capitalizes with the Ram-Paige for the upset victory. Winner: Paige
Sheamus vs. Zack Ryder
Last week, Sheamus was bragging to some fellow Superstars backstage about his role in the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, when he was decked in the jaw by Apollo Crews. Earlier tonight, Ryder was telling that story and laughing about it, when he was approached by the Celtic Warrior. Tonight, Sheamus has a chance to let out some of his frustrations on Ryder.
Ryder gets things going, but one misstep costs him and he gets hit with a Brogue Kick. Winner: Sheamus
After the match, Sheamus attempts to continue the beatdown on Ryder, when Apollo Crews rushes the ring to send Sheamus packing.
Backstage Segment
Kevin Owens tries to convince Shane McMahon to remove Alberto Del Rio from the Money in the Bank ladder match, but they are interrupted by a flustered Del Rio. Kane suggests a team building exercise for Owens and Del Rio: a tag team match against the Lucha Dragons, where the winners are in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Cesaro vs. Sami Zayn
Both of these men are in the Money in the Bank ladder match, and after Cesaro and Zayn teamed up over the last several weeks, they now square off against each other. They have a long history together, with a 2-out-of-3 falls match several years ago being a top “Match of the Year” candidate.
After hitting a super-duper sunset flip driver (that’s my name for it, at least), Sami Zayn picks up the win over the Swiss Superman. Winner: Sami Zayn
Contract Signing: AJ Styles vs. John Cena
Cena proposes two contracts for Styles to sign, because apparently he has that ability. One contract is what was already proposed, and the other contract prevents The Club from being at ringside. Styles signs the contract that bans The Club, and makes it a true one-on-one match.
Kevin Owens & Alberto Del Rio vs. Lucha Dragons
Owens and Del Rio have had their issues over the last week between what transpired earlier tonight and Thursday night on Smackdown. They are going to set their issues aside, because if they lose, Kalisto and Sin Cara will replace them in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Owens and Del Rio argue and butt heads throughout the entire match, but manage to do well enough to win. Winners: Kevin Owens & Alberto Del Rio
Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho
For some reason, all of the other Money in the Bank ladder match competitors want in on this match. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are on commentary, Alberto Del Rio is the guest timekeeper, and Cesaro is the guest ring announcer. There is no intrigue to this match, considering this has happened several times recently.
After hitting Dirty Deeds on Chris Jericho, Dean Ambrose yet again defeats Y2J, ending tonigh’t episode of Monday Night Raw. Winner: Dean Ambrose
