WWE Monday Night RAW Results
July 13, 2015
Atlanta, Georgia
Results by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.
A video opens up the show that highlights what happened last week when Brock Lesnar met a $55,000 Cadillac. Lesnar destroyed the Cadillac in Chicago as Seth Rollins and J&J Security watched on helplessly from the ring. J&J Security tried to attack, but Lesnar fought them off. Jamie Noble had his arm broken in a Kimura Lock, and Joey Mercury was suplexed onto the hood of the car and through the windshield. Rollins was chased through the crowd.
The destroyed Cadillac is at the side of the stage as we go live into the arena.
Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the crowd explodes as he makes his way to the ring with Paul Heyman. The crowd chants, “Suplex City” for quite a bit as they soak it all in. Heyman starts off by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman, and I am the advocate for the Cadillac crushing, J&J conquering – I’m not done yet – badass avenger who this Sunday night makes Seth Rollins pay for his sins, the Beast of Battleground, Brock Lesnar!” The crowd gives him a tremendous round of applause. Heyman says his heart is pounding through his chest. It’s not because he’s fat. It’s because of this Sunday where history will be made again. Brock Lesnar will enter the ring as a challenger. How many times in history have they had the opportunity to see Lesnar come to the ring as a challenger? As a rookie, he walked into the ring as a challenger, victimized Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and walked out as the WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World. When he went to UFC, he stepped into the octagon against the great Randy Couture, conquered him, and walked out as a champion. Last summer at SummerSlam, he walked into the ring as a challenger. What happened to the champion John Cena? “Eat. Sleep. Suplex. Repeat.” Brock Lesnar walked out as the champion. Lesnar would still be champion today if not for the sneaky, disgusting, thief in the night Seth Rollins. This Sunday night, he doesn’t beg or plead a lot, but he begs them to circle July 19 on their calendar. Lesnar will enter the ring as a challenger and will not leave the ring the same way. This Sunday night, Rollins is going to get beat up by Brock Lesnar. Rollins will get his ass kicked by Brock Lesnar. He’ll be suplexed by Brock Lesnar. He’ll be F-5ed by Brock Lesnar. He’ll be pinned by Brock Lesnar. When Lesnar puts his foot on Rollins’ chest, the announcement will be…
…Seth Rollins’ music interrupts, and he makes his way to the stage with Kane. Rollins surveys the damage done to the Cadillac. A “Justin Bieber” chant breaks out. Rollins asks if Lesnar is really proud of himself. Rollins is happy this puts a smile on Lesnar’s face because he’ll wipe the smile off his face this Sunday. Last week, Rollins gave him every opportunity to come out and conduct himself like a man, but he chose to be a coward. All of that aggression inside him, he chose to take out his aggression on an inanimate object. Rollins gets tongue twisted and tells the crowd to shut up as they laugh at his misfortunes. Rollins says he’s still shaken up about this now. What’s worse is Lesnar is parading the car around the country like a trophy. Lesnar talks about it being a symbol of what he’ll look like after Battleground. Rollins says he can have the car as a symbol because the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is his symbol. Rollins is everything that’s right about WWE. He’s a real champion. Lesnar is a thug, criminal, and a vandal. This Sunday at Battleground, he’ll take a trip to Suplex City, bring the matches and gasoline, and he’ll burn it to the ground.
Lesnar grabs the microphone and says, “I can take you to Suplex City tonight, bitch.” Kane says tensions are justifiably running high, but he urges them to stay calm. At the end of the night, there will be a contract signing between Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match this Sunday at Battleground. It’s his job to ensure the contract signing goes smoothly and not devolve into chaos. The WWE World Heavyweight Championship match is best for business. If Heyman’s client does anything to spoil the match… Heyman cuts him off and asks if Kane is about to threaten Brock Lesnar. Heyman tells Lesnar that they’re about to be threatened by The Undertaker’s baby brother. Heyman giggles and apologizes. Heyman asks if he wasn’t supposed to say that. A “Baby brother” chant breaks out. Heyman sarcastically tells the crowd to have some respect for Kane. Heyman says his client, Brock Lesnar, conquered Kane’s brother’s Streak at WrestleMania. Heyman knows he’s not supposed to talk about Kane’s family. Heyman assures him that this is a wonderful idea. His client, the Beast, the Conqueror, will be in a contract signing. What could possibly go wrong in a scenario like that? His client will come to the signing with peace, love, and respect in his heart unless Rollins breaks the 11th Commandment: Thou shalt not intentionally provoke Brock Lesnar. If he does, Suplex City will come to Atlanta! Lesnar’s music hits as Rollins looks on in disgust.
The commentators talk about what could happen in the contract signing. Later tonight, we’ll see Dean Ambrose take on Bray Wyatt. Coming up next is what Michael Cole says is the WWE’s version of the All Star Game – Randy Orton and Ryback will take on Sheamus and Big Show.
-Commercial Break-
The Miz will be the guest commentator for the next match. A replay is shown of Sheamus giving Randy Orton a Brogue Kick last month. Last week, Randy Orton returned to assault Sheamus. They’ll face this Sunday at WWE Battleground.
Ryback and Randy Orton vs. Sheamus and Big Show
Ryback will start against Sheamus. They lock up, and Sheamus applies a side headlock. Ryback quickly counters out with a back suplex. Sheamus quickly rolls to the apron and shoulders him in the midsection. Sheamus starts clubbing the chest, but Ryback elbows him off the apron. Ryback then flattens him with a plancha! Ryback gets in the ring and starts a “Feed Me More” chant.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Randy Orton and Sheamus trading punches. Orton kicks and uppercuts him before sending him to the corner hard. Sheamus falls the mat before begging Orton off. Orton blocks a kick and slams him off the turnbuckle. Orton starts the 10 punches, but only gets to nine. Sheamus then takes him out with an inverted atomic drop. Orton quickly comes back with a clothesline before stomping the midsection. Ryback is tagged in, and he drops an elbow before attempting a suplex. Sheamus blocks it and fights him to the corner. Sheamus has a whip to the corner reversed, and Ryback stomps him down. Sheamus goes to the apron to recover. Sheamus quickly snaps Ryback off the ropes and knees him in the midsection. Big Show is tagged in, and he punches Ryback in the midsection. Big Show then stands on his back and chokes him on the bottom rope. Big Show viciously chops the chest and tags Sheamus back in. Ryback quickly picks up Sheamus and tags in Orton. Ryback connects with an inverted atomic drop, and Orton dropkicks him down. Orton then kicks him out of the ring. Orton follows him out and gives him a back suplex on the barricade. Sheamus blocks a shot into the steel steps, as does Orton. Orton puts him in the ring, but he runs into a knee to the midsection. Sheamus shoulders him in the midsection and hits a knee lift followed by a clothesline. Sheamus is sporting a new nose ring through his septum. Orton is down as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Orton trapped in a chin lock applied by Sheamus. Orton fights up, but Sheamus grounds him with an Irish Curse Backbreaker for a near fall. Big Show is tagged in, and he steps on Orton’s midsection. Big Show sits on his midsection twice and smiles as he walks around Orton. Big Show signals for a Chokeslam and grabs him by the throat, but Orton counters into a DDT. A “Feed Me More” chant breaks out.
Ryback and Sheamus are tagged in. Ryback floors him with a pair of shoulder blocks before sending him into the ropes. Sheamus ducks a clothesline, but can’t avoid a Lou Thesz Press. Ryback hits a big splash before splashing him in the corner. Ryback sends him to the opposite corner, but he runs into a boot. Sheamus hits the ropes, but Ryback comes back with a spinebuster. Ryback gets the crowd going, but Miz gets off commentary and tells him to stop pandering to the crowd. Sheamus quickly rolls Ryback up for a two count. Ryback quickly comes back with a Meat Hook Clothesline. Big Show grabs him by the throat. The Miz tells Big Show to rock him. Big Show pulls Ryback down and hits him with a Knockout Punch. Big Show then chases Miz to the back. Sheamus signals for the end, but Orton turns him around and drops him with an RKO. Ryback then comes off the top rope with a big splash for the win!
Winners by Pinfall: Ryback and Randy Orton
Match Rating: ** 1/4
Seth Rollins is backstage with Kane. Rollins says Kane was directed by The Authority to protect him, but it seems like he’s doing the opposite. Rollins isn’t happy about being in the ring with Brock Lesnar later tonight. Kane says he has a plan. Rollins says he’d like to be let in on the plan. Rollins hopes it isn’t that he has to provoke Lesnar because he tried that last week. It didn’t end well for J&J. Kane says if he keeps this up, it won’t end well for one of them. Kane then walks off.
Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he comes out to a fantastic reception from the crowd. He’ll face Bray Wyatt, next.
-Commercial Break-
A replay is shown of Roman Reigns punching what he thought was Bray Wyatt last Monday on RAW, but it was a diversion. Wyatt appeared on the titantron laughing. We also see a replay of Wyatt attacking Reigns at Money in the Bank.
Bray Wyatt makes his entrance. Immediately after the lights come on from Wyatt’s entrance, Roman Reigns runs up from behind and attacks him! The crowd explodes as Reigns sends him into the barricade before slamming him into the apron. Reigns punches him and clotheslines him into the barricade. The crowd is really buzzing as he sends Wyatt into the ring post. Reigns dropkicks him in the head before punching away at him on the floor. Reigns puts him in the ring, and Wyatt fights back. Reigns forearms him in the face before going for a Samoan Drop, but Wyatt fights off. Reigns then hits him with a Superman Punch. Wyatt falls out of the ring. Reigns tries to bring him back in, but Wyatt smacks the lantern off his face. Wyatt retreats up the ramp as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
Team Bella is in the ring. Team Bella consists of the eponymous Bella Twins and Alicia Fox. Nikki Bella says on November 23 of last year, she defeated AJ Lee and became the WWE Divas Champion. For the past 232 days, she has defended this title against every single challenger. She’s given every Diva a chance and has taken no shortcuts. She’s the definition of fearless. Whether it’s in the ring, on red carpets, reality shows or movies, she is THE Total Diva. Now with her lovely sister Brie and Foxy by her side, Team Bella is dominant. They have all the power because she has the Divas Championship. They make the decision in this division and run it. Whether Naomi or Paige…
Stephanie McMahon’s music interrupts what she was about to say. The Principal Owner of WWE makes her way to the ring. Stephanie says the way Nikki was talking made it sound like she owned the Divas division and WWE. Stephanie wants it clear that she owns WWE. The legacy WWE leaves behind is on her shoulders, which includes the Divas Division. Nikki is right in that Team Bella has been unstoppable. There hasn’t been that level of competition that everyone has been looking for. There is a revolution with women in sports. Whether it’s in women’s soccer, UFC, or tennis, women are dominating. It’s time for a change in the Divas Division right now.
Stephanie says she won’t do it alone. Stephanie then brings out the woman who is trying to make a difference – Paige. Nikki says she doesn’t understand why Paige is out here. Nikki can’t even count the amount of times she’s failed. Stephanie says Paige is out here because she wants her out here. Paige wants the revolution, but she needs backup. For some reason, nobody has been willing to stand by her side. “WOO” chants are breaking out. Stephanie says she knows someone who isn’t afraid of the fire and would want her in the foxhole with her. Joining Paige right now is Becky Lynch! Becky Lynch makes her entrance to a nice reception from the crowd. Lynch runs down to the ring and poses for the crowd before shaking hands with Paige.
Stephanie says they’re still outnumbered, as there are three on Team Bella. Joining Team Paige is a woman who is bred for this business. The crowd pops huge. She is high styling and profiling. She is genetically superior. Stephanie then introduces Charlotte to the ring! Charlotte, the daughter of “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, makes her way to the ring. Team Bella doesn’t look happy. Stephanie lets out a “WOO” as the crowd chants, “NXT.”
Naomi’s music hits, and she comes out to the ring with Tamina by her side. Naomi says they’ve got some unfinished business with The Bella Twins and Paige. Stephanie says she’s glad Naomi is out there. Naomi says they’re the competition Stephanie wants. When will they get what they deserve? Stephanie says they should be out here taking their place, but there’s someone else who thinks a lot like they do. This person isn’t afraid to stand up for themselves and seize an opportunity and moment. This person calls herself “The Boss.” She’s the current NXT Women’s Champion, Sasha Banks! Banks makes her entrance to the ring as the crowd gives her a nice hand. Stephanie asks if this is what Nikki meant by competition. Stephanie has set the table of opportunity and wants to know who will take it. She leaves the ring as three factions stare at each other.
It’s Team Bella, Team Paige (Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch), and Team Naomi (Naomi, Tamina, and Sasha Banks). Team Bella tries to leave, but they’re trapped between the two factions. The crowd is chanting, “This is awesome!” Sasha Banks slams down Nikki Bella, and a big brawl breaks out. Charlotte throws out Tamina before dropkicking Brie. Charlotte kips up, ducks a clothesline from Nikki, and chops her. Charlotte takes down Alicia and chops Nikki again. Naomi takes Charlotte down with a step-up enzuigiri. Paige kicks Naomi down and applies the PTO. Naomi kicks her in the head. Nikki takes Tamina out as Brie takes down Naomi. Banks hits a pair of running knees on Brie and Alicia. Lynch avoids it and takes her down. Alicia goes for a Scissor Kick on Charlotte, but she avoids it. Charlotte applies the Figure Eight on Alicia as Lynch applies a Fujiwara Arm Bar on Brie! Sasha Banks then applies the Bank Statement on Nikki Bella! The crowd loudly chants, “NXT” as all three have their submissions on. They then release them and clear Team Bella from the ring. A loud, “This is awesome” chant breaks out. Team Bella retreats as Team Paige and Team Naomi bicker.
Later tonight, we’ll see a WWE World Heavyweight Championship contract signing with Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins.
-Commercial Break-
The New Day is in the ring. Xavier Woods says Atlanta is his hometown and says it’s the greatest city on Earth. They know how to stay positive. Big E says this entire city shutdown because of one inch of snow, but they still stayed positive. Woods says even though the Atlanta Hawks were the number one seed, they choked in the NBA Playoffs and lost, but they still stayed positive. Kofi Kingston says they’re positive they’ll defeat The Prime Time Players this Sunday and win back their WWE Tag Team Championships. Big E says at Battleground, Prime Time is out of time. Kingston really loved that line. Woods says, “It’s because New Day Rocks.” They try to get the chant going, but the crowd chants, “New Day sucks!”
The Prime Time Players make their way to the ring followed by their tag team partner Mark Henry.
The New Day vs. The Prime Time Players and Mark Henry
Titus O’Neil will start against Kofi Kingston. Kingston kicks away at him, but O’Neil quickly slams him down. Kingston kicks him in the head and tags in Big E. O’Neil slams Big E and connects with a leg drop. Darren Young is tagged in, and O’Neil front suplexes him onto Big E. Young hits a cannonball before clotheslining Big E over the top rope. Kingston tries to hit O’Neil with a cross-body, but O’Neil catches him and hits a backbreaker. Henry then press slams Woods over the top rope onto the rest of The New Day.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Woods take O’Neil down. Big E is tagged in, and he stomps O’Neil. Kingston is tagged in, and he stomps O’Neil. Woods is tagged in, and he stomps O’Neil. Big E tags in, and he once again stomps O’Neil. Kingston is tagged in, and Big E sends him into O’Neil with a dropkick. O’Neil rolls him up as he celebrates for a two count. Kingston quickly dropkicks him down for a one count. Kingston kicks O’Neil in the chest before Woods hits a running knee to the face. Big E tags in and hits a big splash for a near fall. Woods tags back in, and he punches O’Neil before covering for a near fall. Woods applies a chin lock, but O’Neil fights up. Woods jumps on his back and punches him down. Woods mocks O’Neil’s bark and eats a clothesline.
Henry is tagged in, and he clotheslines Woods before elbowing him in the head. Henry clotheslines him a second time before knocking the rest of The New Day off the apron. Woods kicks Henry in the midsection, knee, and head to take him down. Young breaks up the pin. Kingston takes Young out with a Trouble in Paradise. O’Neil then floors him with a big boot. Big E takes him down with a belly-to-belly side suplex. Woods gets Henry to his feet and gives him a boot. O’Neil pulls Big E off the apron as Young leaps into a World’s Strongest Slam. Henry picks up the win.
Winners by Pinfall: The Prime Time Players and Mark Henry
Match Rating: *
The Prime Time Players celebrate in the ring with Mark Henry by getting him to do the “Millions of Dollars” dance.
The camera shows a shot of the annihilated Cadillac on the side of the stage. The commentators talk about the damage that was inflicted by Brock Lesnar. A video then highlights how Lesnar destroyed the car last week. Later tonight, we’ll see a WWE World Heavyweight Championship contract signing with Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins.
-Commercial Break-
R-Truth vs. King Barrett
A replay is shown of King Barrett defeating R-Truth last week on RAW. R-Truth was parading around as “King What’s Up.”
Charles Robinson, my favorite referee ever, is the official for this tired match-up. They circle the ring, and R-Truth asks, “What’s up?” They lock up, and R-Truth applies a side headlock. Barrett whips him off, but R-Truth floors him with a shoulder block. R-Truth goes into the ropes, but he holds on and gyrates. R-Truth splits under a clothesline and rolls him up for a two count. Barrett takes him down with a big boot and punches away at him for a two count. Barrett sends him to the corner and nearly botches a backbreaker for a two count. Barrett hits a short-arm clothesline before stomping him. Barrett goes to the second rope and yells, “All hair King Barrett” before dropping an elbow for a near fall. Barrett chokes him on the middle rope before kneeing away at him. Barrett then boots him in the face. Barrett drags him into the ring for a two count. Barrett applies a chin lock, but R-Truth fights up. R-Truth punches him to the corner before avalanching him. Barrett reverses a whip to the corner, but R-Truth takes him down with a head-scissor into the turnbuckle. R-Truth follows up with the Lie Detector for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: R-Truth
Match Rating: *
R-Truth goes under the ring and pulls out a white towel. R-Truth puts the towel on as a cape. R-Truth then puts on a tin foil crown and holds up a plunger as a scepter. Barrett is furious as R-Truth celebrates with his royal garb.
Replays are shown of Rusev viciously assaulting Dolph Ziggler last week on RAW. Rusev’s ankle is supposedly fully healed.
John Cena’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a great reception from the crowd. Cena says the John Cena US Open Challenge is next.
-Commercial Break-
Rusev, wearing wrestling boots, answers the challenge. Summer Rae is by his side. Rusev says he’s the greatest United States Champion ever. Rusev says he’d still be the champion if it weren’t for that blonde headed, snake of a witch Lana. A “USA” chant breaks out. That’s why he broke her stupid boyfriend, Dolph Ziggler. Rusev says he’ll break John Cena tonight.
Kevin Owens’ music hits, and he comes down to the ring. Owens says he’s said many times that if anyone will beat him for the title, it’s going to be him. Owens says he’ll beat him for the United States Championship tonight. At Battleground, Cena can have his rematch. Owens gets in the ring. Rusev says, “Listen you stupid French American… whatever you are, I was here first! Besides, you have two stupid first names. Kevin and Owen. Make up your mind!” Owens tells Rusev to take his stupid Lana knockoff out of here, take his flag, and stick it up his Chernobyl. Rusev yells at Owens until Cesaro’s music hits. The crowd gives Cesaro a tremendous pop. Cesaro goes face-to-face with Cena. Owens pushes Cesaro, and Cesaro punches him back. Rusev gets involved as well. Cesaro clears the ring of the two of them. It’s unclear who will face Cena, next.
-Commercial Break-
The Authority has ruled that Rusev, Kevin Owens, and Cesaro will face in a triple threat match to determine who will face John Cena tonight. John Cena will be on commentary for this match.
Rusev w/ Summer Rae vs. Kevin Owens vs. Cesaro
The bell rings, and Owens and Rusev attack Cesaro. They stomp him down in the corner and choke him. They take turns punching Cesaro until he starts to fight back. Rusev viciously whips Cesaro to the opposite corner. Owens then attacks him. Rusev head-butts him down before missing a clothesline on Cesaro. Cesaro dropkicks Owens in the corner. Rusev quickly kicks Cesaro and goes for a suplex, but Cesaro blocks it. Cesaro connects with a suplex before being dropped on the apron by Owens. Owens hits Rusev with a cannonball in the corner. Cesaro then uppercuts Owens. Cesaro sends Owens to the corner and hits a second uppercut. Rusev ducks a clothesline from Cesaro and hits Owens with a cannonball of his own! Cesaro then floors Rusev with a Very European Uppercut, but Owens breaks up the pin. Cesaro punches away at Owens before running into a forearm. Owens then connects with a Codebreaker on Cesaro while hitting Rusev with a senton splash! Owens picks up a near fall for that. Owens body slams Cesaro down before going to the top rope. Owens goes for a senton bomb, but Cesaro gets his knees up. Rusev superkicks Owens, but Cesaro breaks up the pin. Cesaro then pins Owens for a two count.
All three men take their time getting to their feet. Cesaro punches Rusev to the corner before having a whip to the corner reversed. Cesaro boots him in the face. Rusev blocks a second boot before connecting with a swinging back suplex for a near fall. Rusev looks stunned that Cesaro kicked out. Rusev stomps Owens and Cesaro a few times. Rusev body slams Cesaro before going to the top rope. Owens quickly punches away at him before going for a superplex. Cesaro gets up and hits a sunset flip powerbomb as Owens superplexes Rusev! Cesaro covers both, but only picks up a near fall. The crowd chants, “This is awesome!” Cesaro powers Rusev up to the top rope and dropkicks Owens. Cesaro then uppercuts Rusev. Cesaro goes for gutwrench superplex, but Owens picks him up for an electric chair. Cesaro slides off and sends him to the corner, but he soon eats an elbow. Owens then comes off the second rope with a leaping tornado DDT. Rusev breaks it up with a flying head-butt! Rusev covers Owens for a near fall. Rusev then covers Cesaro for another near fall. Rusev screams in frustration.
Rusev punches away at Owens, but Owens answers back with a punch of his own. They trade punches until Rusev kicks him. Rusev punches him to the corner before attempting a German Suplex. Owens elbows him in the face and goes for a German Suplex. Cesaro then comes up and gives both of them a German Suplex for a near fall! Rusev and Owens roll out of the ring to recover. Owens grabs Rusev, and Cesaro floors them with a twisting plancha! Cesaro celebrates as the crowd gives him a nice hand. Rusev is back in the ring as Cesaro goes to the top rope. Cesaro takes him down with a cross-body block for a near fall. Cesaro goes for the Cesaro Swing, but Owens takes him out with a superkick. Owens sets Rusev up and hits a moonsault onto his face for a near fall! Owens charges Cesaro, but he pulls the top rope down to get him out of the ring. Rusev attacks Cesaro and hits a fall-away slam. Rusev stomps the spine and goes for the Accolade, but Owens superkicks him. Owens points at Cena as he goes for a powerbomb on Rusev. Rusev counters into an Alabama Slam before stomping Owens’ spine. Rusev stares at Cena before locking Owens in the Accolade. Cesaro kicks Rusev in the chest before hitting a massive delayed vertical suplex him!
They take their time before getting to their feet. Owens punches both of them before screaming that Cena is his. Owens slaps both of them in the face, and they double-team him down. Cesaro uppercuts Rusev and Owens before eating a clothesline from Rusev. Rusev then clotheslines Owens over the top rope. Owens starts backing up the ramp. Rusev implores him to get back in the ring. Owens says, “Screw this! I’m taking the title on Sunday!” Owens walks out on the match as the crowd boos. This will continue, next.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Rusev and Cesaro continuing to fight. Kevin Owens has removed himself from the match, but it’s still contested under triple threat rules, meaning no count-outs or disqualifications. Cesaro ducks a clothesline and floors Rusev with a springboard spinning European Uppercut! Cesaro hits a pair of running uppercuts on Rusev in the corner before hitting some standing uppercuts on him. Cesaro then dropkicks him in the face. Rusev is on the apron, and Cesaro goes for his deadlift superplex, but Rusev blocks it. Rusev then hits a nasty suplex onto the apron! Rusev throws Cesaro into the ring. Rusev points at Cena before going to the top rope. Cesaro pops up and uppercuts him up there. Rusev head-butts him to the canvas, but Cesaro comes back with a dropkick. Cesaro goes for a superplex, but Rusev counters with a front superplex. Rusev goes for a diving head-butt, but Cesaro moves before locking him into the crossface! Rusev powers out and hits a swinging sidewalk slam for a near fall! Rusev cannot believe he kicked out. Rusev is bleeding from his tongue.
Rusev stomps the spine, but Cesaro hooks the leg and takes him down for a Sharpshooter. Rusev fights him off, but he misses a clothesline. Rusev comes back with a rolling heel kick. Rusev immediately follows up with a rolling senton splash. Rusev stomps the spine and goes for the Accolade, but Cesaro rolls over and fights it. Cesaro then takes him down and executes the Cesaro Swing with five revolutions! Cesaro then applies the Sharpshooter, and the crowd is on their feet! Rusev claws his way to the bottom rope. Cesaro won’t let go, so Rusev pulls himself out of the ring. Cesaro then annihilates him with a suicide dive! Cesaro hits a running uppercut before throwing him into the ring. Cesaro goes to the top rope, but Rusev quickly rips him off. Rusev hits a superkick to the chest for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Rusev
Match Rating: *** 3/4
John Cena starts doing some warm-up stretches. He’ll face Rusev with the WWE United States Championship on the line, next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE United States Championship Match
Rusev vs. John Cena (c)
Rusev looks absolutely spent as he’s slumped over in the corner while Lilian Garcia does the in-ring introductions.
The bell rings, and Cena circles around him while peppering him with a punch. Rusev looks exhausted as Cena easily takes him down with a headlock takeover. Rusev fights up, but Cena takes him down with another headlock takeover. A “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks,” chant breaks out. Rusev fights up, but Cena body slams him for a two count. Cena jumps around him before hitting a fisherman’s suplex for a near fall. Cena is bouncing around and looking very confident. Cena then applies a side headlock. Rusev fights up, but Cena takes him down with a belly-to-belly side suplex for a near fall. Rusev rolls to the apron to recover. The referee checks on him, but Rusev shoos him away. Cena hits Rusev with a running elbow in the corner and backs up. Rusev invites him to do it again, so Cena connects with a second elbow. Cena hits a flying shoulder tackle, and Rusev stays down. Rusev slowly gets up, and Cena floors him with a second shoulder tackle. Cena grabs him and connects with a back suplex powerbomb. Cena hits a 5 Knuckle Shuffle and waits for Rusev to get up. Rusev slowly pulls himself up to his feet. Cena goes for the Attitude Adjustment, but Rusev counters into an Accolade! Cena looks stunned! Cena pulls himself up with Rusev on his back and slams him into the turnbuckle, but Rusev holds on. Rusev brings him back down with the Accolade! Kevin Owens then runs in and boots him in the head! The crowd loudly boos him.
Winner by Disqualification: Rusev
John Cena retains the WWE United States Championship
Match Rating: *
Owens viciously hits Rusev with a Pop-up Powerbomb. Owens stand over Cena and yells, “I told you nobody is taking it from you except me! It’s my title!” The crowd loudly boos Owens as he stands over Cena doing the “You Can’t See Me” taunt.
Kane is talking with a production assistant when Seth Rollins walks up. Rollins asks if everything is set up, and Kane assures him that it is. Rollins says this plan had better work out because if it doesn’t, it’s on Kane. Rollins walks off.
-Commercial Break-
The remaining “Tough Enough” competitors are on the stage. Lita’s music hits, and the WWE Hall of Famer makes her way to the ring to a nice reception. Lita says it is good to be back in Atlanta before putting over how tonight has seen some great competition. The crowd chants her name. Lita says there’s a lot of fresh blood in the ring tonight. Keeping with that theme, she wants to introduce them to the cast of “Tough Enough.” Amanda, Josh, Chelsea (the new girl), Mada, Gabi, Patrick, Giorgia, Tanner, Sara Lee, and ZZ are introduced to the crowd. ZZ got a great reception from the crowd.
The commentators show replays of the key moments in the Roman Reigns vs. Bray Wyatt feud. They’ll face this Sunday at WWE Battleground.
Stardust’s music hits, and he’s shown in a video. Stardust talks about the forces of gravity that Neville thinks he’s conquered. Stardust says those forces that he neglects will bring him crashing down. One by one, heroes fall. In their wake, a new star will rise. Stardust says, “Embrace the strange” before hissing at the camera. Neville will face Stardust, next. They have a comic book style cartoon showing their match-up.
-Commercial Break-
King Barrett will face R-Truth in a Battle for the Crown on the WWE Battleground Kickoff Show.
Neville vs. Stardust
Michael Cole acknowledged that this is Stardust’s first match back since the passing of his father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. The crowd chants, “Cody” before turning it to a light “Dusty” chant. Neville shakes hands with Stardust before Stardust kicked and punched him down. Stardust body slams him and hisses at him. Stardust wrenches the arm, but Neville fights back. Stardust quickly comes back with a slam and hisses at the crowd. Stardust throws him to the apron and forearms him. Neville fights back and kicks him in the head. Neville goes to the top rope, but Stardust moves. Neville springboards off the top rope, but Stardust moves. Stardust then takes him down with a side effect. Stardust does a cartwheel before applying a chin lock. The crowd chants, “Cody” at him. Neville fights up, but Stardust takes him down for a one count. Stardust kicks him in the head before bowing at the crowd. Stardust kicks him in the back and wrenches the neck. Neville fights up and kicks him in the head before hitting a running forearm. Neville forearms him in the corner before having a whip reversed. Neville slingshots over him and does two quick flips before catches him with a roll-up for a two count. Neville catches him with La Magistral for a two count. Stardust then reverses a roll-up and grabs the tights for the win. Neville’s music plays before they change it to Stardust’s.
Winner by Pinfall: Stardust
Match Rating: 1/2 *
Brock Lesnar is seen walking with Paul Heyman. The contract signing is next.
-Commercial Break-
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Contract Signing
The ring is dressed with a black carpet and a conference table in the center. Seth Rollins’ music hits, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring with Kane. Rollins says he’s sick and tired of seeing the footage of Brock Lesnar destroying the Cadillac he gave J&J Security over and over all night long. Rollins says he’d like to take a moment to remind everyone and more importantly Brock Lesnar the destruction that he is capable of. A video then showcases Rollins, Kane, and J&J Security assaulting Lesnar three weeks ago on RAW. Rollins says in this world, all a man really has is his word. Rollins is proud to give his word: he is not afraid of Brock Lesnar. This Sunday at Battleground, Rollins says he’ll conquer the conqueror again. He’ll defeat the one in 21-1. He’ll be the wrecking ball that demolishes Suplex City and will be the fire that burns it to ashes. This Sunday, he’ll stand in the remnants of Suplex City still the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and he comes out to another nice reception with Paul Heyman by his side. Lesnar gets in the ring as a “Suplex City” kicks up. Lesnar takes a seat and stares at Rollins. Rollins cautiously takes a seat. Rollins looks at Heyman, and Heyman warns him to never take his eyes off The Beast. Rollins does have to listen to what he has to say. Ever since Rollins betrayed his brothers of The Shield, Heyman has wanted to see someone get their hands on him. Ever since Rollins sold his soul to bill himself as the undisputed future of WWE, the crowd has wanted to see someone get their hands on him. Ever since Rollins violated the 11th Commandment, “Thou shalt not intentionally provoke Brock Lesnar,” ever since he cashed in Money in the Bank, and stole the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Brock Lesnar has wanted to get his hands on him. The problem as Heyman sees it is that the pressure is on Rollins. We’re six days away. This Sunday night, everyone paying to watch Battleground is paying to see Rollins get his ass kicked. Heyman swears by his god of retribution, every single person is going to get their money’s worth. This Sunday night at Battleground, Rollins will get his ass kicked. Rollins will get beat up, hurt, slapped, punched, suplexed, F-5ed, pinned, and dethroned. This Sunday night at Battleground, Rollins is going to Suplex City. Rollins will be dragged down there by one Beast, one Conqueror, and the real future of WWE, Brock Lesnar.
Heyman drops the microphone and tells Rollins to sign the contract. A “Suplex City” chant breaks out. Rollins signs the contract and shoves it toward Lesnar. Heyman informs Lesnar that he already read it and it’s safe to sign. Lesnar signs it, and Rollins begins to reach under the table. Heyman yells at him to get his hands on the table. Rollins says Heyman has a devious mind. Rollins asks if he’s paranoid. Out of nowhere, Lesnar flips the table over. Rollins looks terrified as Lesnar stands up and reaches down to pick up an axe handle. Kane takes a big gulp. Lesnar holds it up before flipping the table upright with one hand, sits down, and places the handle on the table. Heyman says, “Oh my god did you screw up!” Lesnar simply waits for Rollins to make a move.
Rollins quickly grabs the axe handle and shoves the chair aside. Lesnar throws the table into Rollins’ face and attacks Kane! Rollins attacks him from behind, but Lesnar counters with a massive German Suplex! Lesnar clotheslines Kane out of the ring, but Kane lands on his feet and pulls Lesnar out. Lesnar punches him away and catches Rollins attempting a plancha. Lesnar goes for an F-5, but Kane big boots him. Rollins and Kane stomp him before sending him into the ring post. Rollins hits him with the axe handle before holding him up for Kane to hit with the steel steps. Kane slams the steps off his back before booting him in the head. Rollins goes for a Pedigree on the steel steps, but Rollins pops up and slams him into the barricade! Lesnar leaps off the steps into a Chokeslam attempt from Kane, but Lesnar gets out! Lesnar then gives Kane an F-5 on the floor! Rollins quickly runs away before Lesnar can get him. Lesnar then sets up Kane’s foot on the lower half of the steel steps before slamming the top half off his foot! Kane screams in pain Lesnar just stares at him. Lesnar holds up the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as the crowd loudly cheers him! Lesnar drops the title and walks off with Heyman as replays are shown.
Rollins returns to the ring and throws the table. Rollins throws a chair out of the ring and grabs the microphone. Rollins says from day one, Lesnar has come in here and thought he was untouchable. Lesnar ran through The Undertaker, John Cena, and Roman Reigns, but he hasn’t run through him. At WrestleMania, he took the title from him because he’s better than Lesnar. The crowd boos this. In six days at Battleground, he’ll do what no other man on this earth can do – he’ll prove that Lesnar is not a machine or a monster. Lesnar is a man with a pulse that can be beat. Rollins says he’ll rip that stupid sword tattoo off his chest, cut him in half, and forever be known as the man who slayed the beast!
Rollins goes to leave the ring with the title before looking over at the EMTs that are treating Kane. Rollins yells at Kane and mocks him for the big plan. Rollins asked how it worked out for him. This is just like Kane’s career – one big disappointment. Kane is nothing without him. Now Kane is without him, so he’s nothing. Rollins told him when it didn’t work out it was on Kane. Rollins calls him a piece of crap and wannabe Hall of Famer. Rollins says, “Well, it’s on you” before dropping the microphone and walking off. Rollins turns around and stomps the supposedly fractured ankle of Kane. Kane screams in misery as Rollins storms off with the title. Rollins holds it up as the crowd boos him.
———-
Quick Match Results
Ryback and Randy Orton def. Sheamus and Big Show
The Prime Time Players and Mark Henry def. The New Day
R-Truth def. King Barrett
Rusev def. Kevin Owens and Cesaro
Rusev def. John Cena via DQ in a WWE United States Championship Match
Stardust def. Neville
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