Welcome one and all to the season premiere of Monday Night Raw! Coming to you live is the ever-loquacious Monday Night Mikessiah Mike "Hulk" Hogan and the official preview is packed full of info this week!
As previously reported here, we'll see an eight-man tag match as the Hurt Business versus Retribution. We'll see the Raw debut of Matt Riddle as he takes on AJ Styles.
Keith Lee will battle the Monster Among Men Braun Strowman tonight, and Asuka will defend her Raw Women's Championship against Lana. We've been promised a concert by Elias who's back to his evil ways, and the Firefly Fun House comes to Raw as does the Fiend! We'll see more drama in the McIntyre/Orton buildup for this weekend's Hell in a Cell, and Kofi Kingston takes on Sheamus in singles competition! All this and more on tonight's Go-Home Edition/Season Premiere of Raw! Bold for emphasis!
WWE Monday Night Raw Season Premiere Live Results (10/19/2020) - ThunderDome, Orlando, FL
Show Opener
We open with a video package, accompanied by the new hip-hop Raw theme, showcasing Keith Lee, Jeff Hardy, the Miz & Morrison, the Fiend, the New Day and all of the other new additions to Monday Night Raw. We see various shots of fireworks and Superstars before cutting to the ThunderDome. The announce team of Byron Saxton, Samoa Joe, and Michael Cole's clone welcome us to the season premiere of Monday Night Raw. The the cover the announced card (above) and hype up the matches.
In the Ring: The Fiend & Alexa Bliss
The Fiend's music sounds, and the lights go red. We cut to the ring where a leather and chain Alexa Bliss awaits in the ring. She tells us that "he's here" then commands us to "let him in!" After a pause, the music cuts in and the Fiend makes his gloriously crimson entrance. He carries with him the Bray-Head lantern. The Fiend takes his sweet time getting down to the ring. He really makes the 'Taker's entrances feel rushed. Finally, five minutes later, the Fiend gets in the ring and stands behind Alexa Bliss, arms outstretched as the music blares and the piped-in crowd cheers for him. Finally the red lights stop and the RETRIBUTION entrance theme begins!
In the Ring: The Fiend & Alexa Bliss, Retribution
Retribution storm down the ramp and surround the ring. Ali grins up at the Fiend and Bliss as his forces surround them. The Fiend and Bliss remain unmoving. Ali and Retribution enter the ring, encircling the Fiend & Bliss. Ali raises his hand, signalling for the attack when the lights cut out. When they come back up, the Fiend & Alexa Bliss are gone! Then suddenly sounds the music of the Hurt Business, who come down to the ring.
In the Ring: Retribution Brawls w/ the Hurt Business
The Hurt Business hit the ring and throw all the members of Retribution out of the ring. Cedric Alexander gets a running start and dives over the top rope, taking out Retribution at the ringside! We go to commercials.
Video Package: The Original Bro
We get a video package, narrated by and focusing on Matthew Riddle, that highlights his biggest moments in NXT and WWE to date.
8-Man Tag Team Match: The Hurt Business vs Retribution
All eight men are in their corners and the bell rings. Bobby Lashley and T-Bar square off first. Lashley starts off hot, taking T-Bar down with a suplex, a block and an attempted spear. T-Bar fights back and tags in Slapjack. Lashley hits the long stalling suplex on him, then tags in Cedric Alexander. Alexander hits the ring and takes Slapjack down before sending him into the Hurt Business corner. MVP is tagged in and stomps Slapjack down in the corner. MVP with the strong Irish whip into the corner, and Slapjack is grounded. MVP covers for two. MVP tags in Alexander, who takes Slapjack down in the corner and keeps him there, working him over and pounding him.
The other members of Retribution try to distract Cedric Alexander when he goes up top, buying Slapjack enough time to knock Alexander down and make it to his corner. Ali is tagged in and kicks Cedric in the face. Ali gets Cedric face down on the mat and stomps his shoulder, then hits a middle rope seated senton before attempting a cover. Ali gets a two. Alexander tries to fight back, but Ali counters an attempted springboard move, dropping Cedric's face across the top turnbuckle. Ali takes Alexander to the outside, driving his neck into the barricade. The Hurt Business all run around to check on their man and Retribution lines up to fight when suddenly the Fiend's music sounds in the arena. Must mean it's a perfect time to take a commercial break, because we cut to commercials!
We come back from the break and Shelton Benjamin is slugging it out with Mace. Benjamin hits a release German suplex from the corner. They struggle more and Benjamin floors Mace with another suplex, attempting a cover but getting only a two. They lock up and Benjamin takes them back to the Hurt Business. Lashley tags in as Benjamin restrains Mace. Lashley whips Mace into the ropes and ducks down, looking for the back body drop, but Mace counters by kicking Lashley in the face. Lashley comes up and roars, then spears Mace out of the ring! Lashley attacks the rest of Retribution, knocking them all down. Lashley corners Ali but T-Bar is now suddenly the legal man and comes in to grapple Lashley from behind. Lashley counters, and locks T-Bar in a submission. T-Bar taps out!
Your Winners by Submission, the Hurt Business!
After the Match: the Fiend Attacks!
The lights immediately go out and when they come back up, they're all red. The Fiend is on the apron in the middle of the Retribution members! The Fiend attacks Retribution, shoving Ali off the apron. The Fiend takes out Mace, T-Bar, Slapjack and Ali, beating them in and around the ring. The Fiend gets in the middle of the ring and stares up the ramp at the Hurt Business, who stand united and facing him down. The Fiend's shriek sound starts and we see Alexa Bliss on the Titantron with the Fiend's voice saying "let him in." We go to commercial.
Match: Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles w/ Jordan Omogbehin
AJ Styles comes out, accompanied by the 7'3" Nigerian giant Jordan Omogbehin! Omogbehin is decked out in an expensive ash purple suit and a black garb with gold chain. AJ stands with his new apparent guard in the ring, and says he has to give credit to the WWE management for drafting a true leader like AJ Styles. AJ makes a crack about Monday Night losing it's Messiah. AJ tells us that the real redemption of Raw was the return of the prodigal son, AJ Styles. He tells us that he beat Jeff Hardy and Seth Rollins in a triple-threat match last week to prove that this never was Monday Night Rollins. He goes on to say that when he beats Matt Riddle tonight, it'll be much more than the season premiere of Raw. It'll be a new era that belongs to the face that runs the place--AJ Styles! Finally, out comes Matt Riddle. Jordan stands still in the ring, refusing to leave. The referee tries to talk to him and pleads with him to please leave the ring, pointing out that he doesn't care what happens after the match as long as Jordan will leave so they can have their match. Finally AJ gets Jordan to leave. Jordan stands at ringside, a silent monolith.
In the ring, AJ and Riddle clash. Riddle gets the upper hand and hits a gut-wrench suplex, holding on to Styles at the end so that he can hit it again...and again! Styles rolls to the outside. Riddle gets on the apron, yells "c'mon bro!" and runs along it towards AJ--until Jordan stands in his way, causing Riddle to hit the breaks and drop to his butt. The giant stands there, unmoving, simply using his body to serve as a barrier between Riddle and Styles. We go to break.
We're back from break and Styles has Riddle locked in a bear hug submission. We see a clip from during the break when Styles took control of the match from Riddle. Styles Attempts to lift Riddle up but Matt counters with elbow blows to the face. Riddle escapes and sends AJ into the corner. Riddle off the ropes to splash Styles; off the opposite ropes to splash Styles again! Riddle sends Styles down to the middle of the ring. Riddle sets up the standing Bro-ton but AJ gets the knees up to counter! Both men get up at the same time. Riddle hits the Final Flash (bicycle knee strike). Styles with a Pele Kick. Styles attempts the Styles Clash but Riddle counters and holds on, nailing a textbook fisherman suplex and wrapping his leg around Styles', getting a VERY close two. Riddle gets up and ascends to the top rope but Styles jumps to his feet and shoves Riddle, dropping him hard on the top turnbuckle. Styles goes up top and sets Riddle up for a top-rope back suplex but Riddle kicks out of it. Riddle goes up top and punches Styles; Styles backhands Riddle then climbs up. Both men fight on top of the ring post itself before they both fall off, crashing to the ground. The giant Jordan approaches Riddle, distracting him. Styles catches Riddle off guard, then hits the Styles Clash to pick up the win!
Your Winner, AJ Styles!
Video Package: Randy Orton & Drew McIntyre
We see Randy, who reminds us that Orton lost at Clash of Champions in an Ambulance Match against Drew McIntyre. The Legends that Orton had attacked earlier this year all showed up, sans Edge, to take advantage of Drew destroying Randy. Orton tells us that there are repercussions for our actions, and we see the Legends downed in a backstage room as Orton leaves. We see Orton beat Drew, hitting the RKO and becoming the first person to pin Drew McIntyre in a single's match in nearly a year. Orton tells us that when he's locked inside the Hell in a Cell cage, he's going to take McIntyre's WWE Championship by hitting him with the three most dangerous letters in the English alphabet, R-K-O. We see McIntyre telling Orton that all the suffering he's going to cause Orton will be for himself (and not the Legends, whom he represented last time).
Backstage w/ Charly Caruso & Drew McIntyre
Charly welcomes Drew. She tells him that Sunday is Drew's first Hell in a Cell match whereas Orton's fought in the cage before. She asks what his thoughts on this are. He asks her if he can take over her microphone so that he can speak directly to Orton. He then goes on to run down Orton, both praising his intelligence and deriding his venomous agenda. McIntyre says that Orton's attack on the Legends was a tactical maneuver to goad McIntyre into accepting Orton's challenge for a match at Hell in a Cell. McIntyre says that Orton thrives in Hell matches and has the veteran's advantage. Drew tells us that would give any other superstar a massive advantage, but Drew is not any other superstar. He says that he fought to win this title with honor and respect. Orton doesn't deserve this respect, and McIntyre will go through hell and drag Orton through hell if need by to retain his WWE Championship. He then says that he's heard Orton has a little interview later on tonight, and he wouldn't be surprised if he (McIntyre himself) showed up for it.
Raw Women's Championship Match: Asuka(c) vs Lana
We cut to the ThunderDome and out comes Lana, wearing her pink and black vinyl outfit. We're shown clips of Nattie walking out on her last week after their defeat. We also see a clip from the elimination match last week in which Lana eliminated Nattie after the eliminations of Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax, becoming the number one contender. Asuka is out next! She dances in the ring to her music. The official announcements are made and the bell's rung. This championship match is now under way!
Lana and Asuka lock up, and Asuka pulls Lana into a side headlock. Lana shoves Asuka off and into the ropes, and Asuka hits her with a shoulder, flooring Lana. Asuka runs and bounces off the ropes, setting up something but Lana quickly gets to her feet. Lana rolls up Asuka and gets a two. Asuka, angered by this, chases her but Lana grabs the bottom rope. Finally both women square up in the ring and Asuka drops Lana, then hits her with kicks. Lana attempts to roll up Asuka again, but Asuka kicks out. Lana is up quick and hits Asuka with her own kicks. She attempts a cover. Lana sends Asuka to the corner and kicks her more until Asuka fights out with strikes of her own. Asuka quickly gets the Asuka-lock on Lana and after a brief struggle, Lana taps.
Your Winner by Submission and STILL Raw Women's Champion, Asuka!
After the Match: Jax & Baszler Attack
The Raw Women's Tag Team Champions attack both competitors. JJax rams Asuka from behind to flatten her then throws Lana outside. Jax again puts Lana through the announcer's table (like she has a four other times now). Baszler attacks Asuka in the ring. After a few moments, Asuka is able to escape up the ramp with her title. We get a brief promo for Uso vs Reigns in the Cell at HIAC this Sunday, then we head to commercial.
In the Ring: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (& Co.)
Nia is on the mic when we return and says that while she and Shayna might not be friends...then proceeds to dispute the use of the word for the amount of dislike she has with Shayna. Shayna gets on mic and says it doesn't matter if she and Jax are friends, they're the tag team champions. They're going to dominate the division. Jax says if anyone has a problem with it, they should come on out. So out come Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke. Both women pose at the top of the ramp and come down to the ring, flexing and posing. Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce both come out as they are now a tag team, apparently. They make their way to the ring together, with both women jockeying over who should walk first. They seem to not get along but are working together. The ref gets in the ring and it looks like we're having an impromptu match. And then the Riott Squad comes out to join the cluster of women in the ring. The ref has to restrain the Riott Squad from attacking the Raw Women's tag team champions. We've now got an impromptu fatal four-way match.
Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Championship Match: Nia Jax & Shayna Basler vs the Riott Squad vs Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke vs Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce
The announcers mention that the women's tag titles are cross-brand so it makes sense that Smackdown superstars would show up tonight. Hello, Wild Card Rule 3.0. Each team takes a moment to hit a big move before we go back to commercials.
Back from the break Lacey Evans is tagged in by Peyton Royce and lifts up Liv Morgan for a powerbomb. Morgan, however, hits something akin to a hurricanrana to escape. Morgan takes Lacey to the Riott Squad corner and tags in Ruby Riott. Riott is sent down by Lacey. We're told only two teams are legal at any one point and anyone can tag themselves in off of any competitor. This leads to a bit of confusion. The team of Mandy Rose and Dana Brooks try to double-suplex Nia Jax but she blocks it. They try again but Jax counters by suplexing them both. Dana Brooks shows off her strength and takes on Jax. Close pinfall by Brooks. Riott comes in and takes out an entering Peyton Royce. Evans comes in and hits the Woman's Right to flatten Riott. Evans gets on the apron and Liv Morgan fights Jax. Evans tags herself in and charges Liv, but Liv Morgan dodges and Evans goes into the ring post. The Riott Squad double-team Evans and Riott goes for the cover! Riott gets a close two when Baszler drags her out of the ring. Shayna slaps a kirifuda clutch on Liv Morgan. Nia Jax tags herself in and hits a slam on Evans and steals the win.
Your Winners and STILL Women's Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler!
Previously on Raw: Elias Returns
We get a very quick recap about Elias. We're reminded that he was taken out supposedly by Jeff Hardy (but really, it was Sheamus) five months ago on Smackdown. We're shown last week where Elias returned, taking out Jeff Hardy. We cut to the back and see Elias with his band, directing them as they get ready to come out for a concert after these words from our subliminal message sponsors!
A Night w/ Elias (Concert)
At the top of the ramp stands Elias with his band, amps set up and drums ready. Elias tells us that his new album, The Universal Truth, drops next week. He tells us the Universal Truth is that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias." He's going to start things off with a little medley from his album, and this first song is called "Amen." He plays with his band as we see the album cover, the title, and release date (next Monday). He actually performs the song with the full band and backup singers as the cameras swoop around and dry ice fog surrounds the band. The song sounds like Sister Hazel would have collaborated with Cake on. Not bad, but about twenty years too late for the mainstream. They then switch to "Lead Me Home" the second song from his album. Again, not a bad song at all and if you grew up in the 90's, it's probably your jam. Elias thanks the WWE Universe, the ThunderDome, plugs his album and tells them goodnight. The crowd suddenly begins to boo him after just cheering for him. Elias looks back at the top of the ramp, then goes out to the mic. "I hear ya, I hear ya, you want an encore. And Elias is not one to disappoint so I'm going to do another song from my new album that drops next week. Brother, hand me my guitar."
The guitarist has his back to the camera and totally doesn't have the body shape of Jeff Hardy. Instead of giving the guitar to Elias, he plays a heavier riff. Elias calls him a big shot and demands to be given his guitar back. The masked guitar player pulled his hood open and sure enough, it's Jeff Hardy! Hardy attacks Elias and takes a swing at him with the guitar, missing. Hardy's music plays as the announcers hale Hardy's Raw return and "revenge" on Elias.
Backstage w/ the Miz & Morrison and Tucker
The Miz and Morrison are blowing smoke up each other's rumps until Tucker comes over. Tucker gets on to them in the nicest tone ever, as he's very upset that they're trying to ruin Otis' life. He's not fond of the fact that the Miz used his pull at USA to get both Mandy and Tucker transferred to Raw while Otis remains on Smackdown. Tucker challenges them to a match and the Miz says if Tucker can find a partner, they'll happily take him on.
Pre-Match: Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods
We cut back to the arena and the new duo of the New Day make their way out to get ready for Kofi's match against Sheamus. We're reminded that this is also Sheamus' Raw debut as well as Kofi's. We head to commercial.
Backstage w/ Charly Caruso & Elias
Elias is stalking backstage, where Charly catches up with him. She starts to ask him about what just happened. Elias lets everyone know that he's tired of people constantly interrupting him and he's hereby challenging Jeff Hardy to a match at Hell in a Cell.
Match: Kofi Kingston (w/ Xavier Woods) vs Sheamus
We go back to the arena, where Xavier Woods laments over the events of a year ago when he was injured. He starts to stress out and Kofi tries to comfort him. Sheamus comes out during this. Sheamus says its been four years since the New Day were on Raw. He remarks that Big E is on Smackdown, so what's standing in the room is simply two turds. He tells them that they're nothing but turds. Kofi tells everyone that just because Big E is on Smackdown, it doesn't mean the New Day are over with. In fact, Big E is holding it down on the blue brand while they represent the New Day on the red brand. They dance and say they're spreading their seed...of positivity everywhere in the WWE and call themselves Johnny Appleseed. Sheamus tells them that they've fallen from grace. Kofi and Xavier ask him about a fall--when last week, Big E dropped Sheamus on a car. Xavier says Sheamus got dropped on his "ashy ass" by Big E. They tell him that he's welcome to come down and get his ass beat now, and Kofi's going to win because.... Sheamus asks them not to see it, then pinches the bridge of his nose as the New Day starts a "New Day Rocks" chant. The bell rings and we finally get started.
Both men begin by clashing in the middle of the ring. Kofi takes control early, striking Sheamus around the ring. Sheamus takes the lead and fires off several kicks to Kofi's gut, flooring him. Sheamus pulls Kofi up and whips him into the ropes, ducking down for the back body drop. Once again, however, that cursed move fails and Kofi counters by kicking Sheamus. Kofi sends Sheamus outside then dives over the top rope--only for Sheamus to catch Kofi mid-flight, slam him down onto the apron and slam us into a commercial break!
We're back from the break and Sheamus is firmly in control over Kofi. He slams Kofi down to the mat, then uses the ropes to restrain Kofi as he hammers down the Ten Beats of the Bodhran, mocking Xavier at ringside. On the ThunderDome we see Big E, and we're reminded that he's watching as he's on Smackdown. Sheamus with a brutal fist to Kofi's gut, then hits a belly to back suplex and covers for a two. Sheamus slaps on a head lock immediately, and Xavier tries to pump up Kofi. Xavier notices Big E on the ThunderDome screen and yells for Kofi to look and see. Kofi uses this to hulk up and fights out of the hold, then drops Sheamus with a beautifully hit leaping throat kick. Very well executed. Kofi slaps Sheamus, chops him, then with the dropkick! Sheamus off the ropes and flattened. Kofi hits the New Day Boom Drop then sets up in the corner and starts a "New Day Rocks" chant. He charges the corner; Sheamus dodges, and Kofi counters by turning it into a cross body and taking Sheamus down for a close two. Sheamus catches Kofi as he leaps off the top, going for a second cross body, and slams Kingston for a close two count. Sheamus grabs Kofi's legs and attempts to spread them for the cloverleaf, but Kofi shoves him off. Sheamus again goes for it and locks the cloverleaf in the middle of the ring! Xavier Woods tries to encourage Kofi as he struggles to crawl towards the ropes. Sheamus stands to walk them forward but Kofi whips his own body around to land on Sheamus' shoulders and takes him down! Kofi goes for the Trouble in Paradise but Sheamus catches him and counters it with a beautiful Alabama Slam, getting a close two count!
Xavier yells strategy to Kofi. Sheamus is up and takes his time walking to Kofi, catching his breath. Sheamus picks up Kofi then climbs up the corner to the middle rope, possibly looking for White Noise off the top. Kofi escapes and attacks Sheamus, climbs up behind Sheamus and hits a modified Russian side leg sweep off the top rope! Kofi tries to cover but took too long to get in position. Both men are spent and make their way slowly to their feet. Kofi sets up for the SOS but Sheamus rolls him up, holding on to the tights. Kofi escapes. Sheamus goes for a backbreaker but Kofi counters into a crucifix pin for a two. Both men up fast. Kingston hits the Trouble in Paradise on Sheamus! Kofi covers and picks up the win!
Your Winner, Kofi Kingston!
After the Match
We see Mark Henry was watching from the ThunderDome virtual crowd. We get replays of what was a solid match between these two long time competitors. Big E dances on the ThunderDome screen for his teammates as both men pose with their Raw Tag Team Championship belts.
Earlier Tonight: The Hurt Business/Retribution Match
We're shown our first recap of what happened earlier tonight and it's after ten! Wow! We're treated to a recap of the end of the aforementioned match, followed by the Fiend single-handedly destroying the careers of Retribution. Ali tried to escape; the Fiend went for the Mandible Claw but T-Bar sacrificed himself to save Ali, and took the Claw for Ali.
Backstage Promo: Retribution
Ali tells us that the Fiend and Hurt Business made the mistake of thinking that the power of Retribution was in numbers. Ali says that the power is in information. He then goes on to basically blame the company for not knowing how to make a dollar off someone named Mustapha Ali, and he spent the summer watching how this evil company pitted the members who are now Retribution against each other. He then confessses to being the Smackdown Hacker. He says due to the company's greed, talent are being abandoned and their dreams are left to die. But Ali found them and promised them that their truth will be heard. He then says that anyone, whether it be the Fiend or the Hurt Business or anyone else on Raw, if you try to stop the truth from being heard "we will shut you down!"
Pre-Match: The Miz & Morrison vs Tucker & ???
We cut to the 'Dome and the Miz & Morrison come out as Michael Cole's saddest clone calls them the "greatest tag team of the 21st century." They're announced and greeted as multiple-time tag team champions. We still don't know who Tucker's partner is as we go to break!
Backstage w/ the Hurt Business & Titus O'Neil
The Hurt Business are congratulating themselves backstage, all four wearing nice suits, when Titus walks up. Titus says that he'd be a great addition to the Hurt Business and he could help them take the business...worldwide! MVP tells him they need a moment to talk and after exchanging a glance, MVP tells Titus that they've already discussed it and "we're in business!" Titus shakes their hands before MVP clarifies that "we" (indicating the Hurt Business) "are in business." The Hurt Business proceeds to beat down Titus and what was left of his career.
Back to the Pending Match...
We cut back to the ring and Tucker comes out. He tells us that he's found the greatest luchadore ever to help him fight, and its....El Gran Gordo! The Miz and Morrison point out that it's obviously Otis in a mask. Otis speaks in basic Spanish. The Miz points out that El Gran Gordo is holding the Money in the Bank lunch pail. Tucker says El Gran Gordo has a big heart and is holding it for Otis. Morrison asks how Tucker had time to scour the Earth as he made the challenge just thirty minutes ago. The Miz tells them that they're wasting his time and they're wasting the Money in the Bank opportunity. The Miz tells us that when he and Otis stand side by side, the Miz looks like a champion--not Otis. The Miz goes on to promote his career and how he's done it all in his fifteen year career in the WWE. He tells Otis he's tired of the underdog story and reminds Otis that when people say they're pulling for the underdog, they feel sorry for someone. He says that he'll bring prestige back to the Money in the Bank contract. Miz says you can put a pig in a mask but it doesn't change the fact that he's a pig. Tucker and El Gran Gordo hit the ring and clear the Miz and Morrison out. We go to commercial break with the promised match up next!
Match: The Miz & Morrison vs Tucker & El Gran Gordo
We return and the bell rings. Tucker starts things off with Morrison, backing him into the corner. Tucker sends Morrison into the opposite corner and chases; Morrison uses the corner ropes to float over Tucker and take him down. Morrison takes Tucker to the heel corner, holding him as he tags in the Miz. The Miz comes in and stomps away at Tucker, keeping him in their corner. Morrison comes in and hits a running leg lariat before the standing shooting star press, covering for a two. Tucker throws a few fists up, trying to fight up from his back, but Morrison smacks him. Morrison brings him up and both men exchange clubbing blows in the ring. Morrison begins to punch away at Tucker's face, then locks in an arm bar and drops back. Morrison then uses Tucker's arms to put him in a ripcord choke. Tucker gets to his feet and rams Morrison back into the corner. Miz tags in. Tucker tries to fight off Miz and Morrison, and makes the hot tag to El Gran Gordo! El Gran Gordo (EGG, fyi) takes down Morrison and then Miz. EGG arm drags Miz off the top rope then does a cartwheel. EGG hits a powerslam and covers Miz, but Morrison breaks it up at two. Tucker comes in and takes Morrison out of the ring. The Miz & EGG are left standing int he ring when suddenly R-Truth runs through the ring, begin chased by Akira Tozawa, Lucha House Party and others. LHP see EGG and stop to watch him for a moment as he hits a Spanish Caterpillar then goes up top, hitting a splash off the top rope and picking up the win!
Your Winners, Tucker & El Gran Gordo!
Backstage w/ the New Day, Tucker & El Gran Gordo
Tucker and EGG dance with the New Day. Mandy Rose comes up with the world's biggest burrito or whatever--seriously, massive--and gives it to El Gran Gordo and they all dance.
The Firefly Fun House
We see "Raw" stamped on a cardboard box and Bray is unpacking, as they've just moved to Raw. He pulls out a few gag items, tossing them aside before waving at the camera. "Hi fireflies! Welcome to the season premiere of Firefly Fun House on Monday Night Raw! You know, it makes me sad to leave all my friends on Smackdown. But I cannot wait to make some new friends right here on Raw!" We see clips of the Fiend, washed in red light, confronting Retribution and the Hurt Business earlier. We cut back to Bray. "Looks like we're off to a nice start!" He laughs until Abbie tells him to keep it down. He tells her not to be so crabby as they're new to Raw. The various puppets tell us it's all about new beginnings and they're going to make new friends, and Ramblin says he thinks it'll make him be a better husband. Bray tells Ramblin he never knew Ramblin had a wife; Ramblin tells Bray "you never asked." Bray promises to be a better friend. We then get a black and white video package of all the times Bray has killed Ramblin via sledge hammer, blender, etc. We cut back to Ramblin and Bray. Bray says that the past is behind them and now the future is in their hands. Ramblin says all he wanted was a fresh start, and the vulture then proceeds to murder Ramblin. Bray laughs, commenting "Fresh start? More like fresh meat!" A knock sounds at the door. Alexa Bliss comes in wearing a torn sweater, shredded over a black piece. She says the fun's just beginning and they both say goodbye to us, ending the segment.
Main Event Match: Keith Lee vs Braun Strowman
We cut to the ring and hear Braun's roar as he makes his way out to the ring for tonight's main event as these two titans prepare to clash. We go to commercial. When we return from commercial, Keith Lee makes his entrance. Braun paces in the ring awaiting the Limitless one. We get replays from two weeks ago when both men battled each other to a double count-out, taking apart part of the arena as they tossed each other around and eventually charged each other off the stage.
The bell rings and Strowman yells at Lee that "you picked the wrong one!" Strowman takes Lee into the corner then hits a big splash. Lee wanders along the ropes and Strowman clotheslines the big man over the top rope. Strowman heads outside and charges, ramming Lee into the apron. Strowman takes it back in the ring, yelling for Lee to get up. Strowman lifts Lee up for a powerslam but the ribs, injured by Roman Reigns in their championship match just three days ago, cause an issue and Strowman collapses with Lee. Lee stomps away at Strowman then hits a standing splash on Strowman, covering for a quick two. We see Ric Flair in the ThunderDome audience as Keith Lee throws his shoulder into the injured midsection of Strowman. The announcers reiterate that Keith Lee can't have any mercy for Strowman because a win over Braun would be huge for him. Lee takes too long, though, and Strowman fights back. Strowman goes for another corner splash but Lee takes Strowman down hard! Lee yells "I ain't done yet" and starts to pull Strowman up, and Strowman headbutts Lee in the crotch. The ref didn't see it! Strowman slams Lee and pins, picking up a rather easy win.
Your Winner, Braun Strowman!
After the Match
Lee kicks Strowman in the junk, and stands over him, yelling at Strowman and telling him that he picked the wrong one to mess with. Lee's music plays as he adjusts his junk repeatedly (seriously) and stands over Strowman. We get replays of the cheap shot from Lee to Strowman. We're told Orton will join us in the Hell in a Cell structure, next after these messages from our sponsors.
Promo: Randy Orton in the Hell in a Cell Structure
The Cell lowers as our announce team plugs the Raw after-show on the Network, and this weekend's Hell in a Cell pay per view event. Orton finally comes out and enters the Cell. We're reminded that he's a thirteen-time champion and has experience fighting in eight Cell matches, whereas it's Drew's first Cell match. Randy closes the door, locks himself in with a chain and climbs in the ring to address us.
Orton sets up a chair in the middle of the ring and says that he came out here to reflect and to remember. He tells us that ever since he joined the company, he's heard that whomever enters the Hell in a Cell always leaves a piece of themselves behind. Randy reminds us that this will be his eight HIAC match and it didn't take a piece of him--it reminded him of what he's truly capable. He says that as he sits here, he remembers standing toe to toe with the world's strongest man. He remembers surviving the Celtic warrior right here, and he remembers mutilating Jeff Hardy right about here, and he remembers beating Danny O'Brien right about here (indicating different spots of the ring). He says that despite what Drew McIntyre says about Orton never earning a damn thing in his life, Orton remembers facing Cena in it twice, he remembers staring the Deadman in the eye "right about here" and earning his respect. He says that the list of people he's fought, if they're not already Hall of Famers, they will be. He says that the first word that comes to mind when he thinks of "Hall of Famers" is "legend." But the word "legend," he adds, gets thrown around rather loosely these days. He says there's legends, and then there's legendary moments. He says that a legendary moment, for example, is when Drew beat Brock at WrestleMania. Drew McIntyre comes out to the ring.
Drew shoves the entrance as he and Orton stare face to face through the cage. Orton yells at him "you ain't breaking in here" then yells repeatedly for Drew to come get him. He tells Drew that Drew has to wait until Sunday. Drew says, "Come get you? Okay, I'll come get you." Drew then reaches behind the barricade and produces a pair of bolt cutters. Drew cuts the chain/lock and enters the Cell! Randy grabs his chair in the ring and smacks the ring with it, readying himself for Drew. Drew closes the door behind him and says "Randy, your ass belongs to me!" We then fade to black and end on that cliffhanger.
In Closing
The Raw season premiere was actually one of the better Raws we've seen this year. Y'all stay safe out there, stay frosty, and don't forget to vote. If you don't know for who, just write in my name for everything. See y'all Wednesday for NXT!
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