Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Jul 4, 2017 17:35:34 GMT -6
www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2017/0703/627728/spoilers-wwe-main-event-tapings-for-this-week/
** SPOILERS ** WWE Main Event Tapings For This Week
WWE taped the following matches tonight in Phoenix for this week's Main Event episode:
* Rich Swann defeated Ariya Daivari
* Kalisto defeated Scott Dawson with a roll-up
www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-raw-live-results-go-home-show-great-balls-fire-238506
WWE RAW LIVE RESULTS: GO-HOME SHOW FOR GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
BY JEFF HAMLIN | @hamlin37 | JUL 3, 2017 4:50 PM
The Big TakeawayThe rest of the Great Balls of Fire card is now set. The Miz will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Dean Ambrose. Cesaro and Sheamus will defend the Raw Tag Team Championships against The Hardy Boyz in a 30 minute Ironman match. And it will be Big Cass vs. Enzo Amore. Tonight's show was wrestling-oritented, which led to a good program. The main event was Braun Strowman squashing Apollo Crews, with Roman Reigns coming out to brawl as he was tucked inside an ambulance.
Show Recap:
Amore came out for an inspired interview on Cass. He said that Cass never had his back. He asked Cass what could Cass do to him that hasn't already been done, knock him out cold? He said he isn't the baddest, the strongest or the biggest, but he's one of the toughest guys to step through these ropes in a long, long time. Enzo says he knows exactly who he is, and he gets knocked down a lot but he gets up every time because he's a certitifed G. Enzo said he's confident in his abilities, and he's grateful. He would push his dad down a wishing well and wish him well before he ever joins the dark side. He's grateful for every kid who wears a Certified G wig, t-shirt, or chain because it helps him put food on his family's table. That's why every time he gets knocked down, he gets back up. Enzo says his physical proof that his mouth hasn't dug himself a whole that he can't climb out of. Enzo says he's going to climb new heights and he's climbed out of holes way taller than seven feet.
Enzo said that Cass was nothing more than a seven-foot catchphrase that he wrote. Enzo said Cass believes that Enzo's mouth writes checks that his ass can't cash, but with the WWE Universe as his witness, there's no one in this business who goes harder bouncing a you know what check than Enzo Amore. Cass claimed that he was the where the money was at, but Enzo told him don't be surprised when the merchandise check comes at it reads zero dimes next quarter. That is, unless Cass starts wearing a shirt that reads "Casshole." Enzo dropped the microphone and his music started, but then he picked it up and started again. Enzo told Cass that they were brothers who were "ride or die." That part of him is dead because it rolled down his face with one gangster tear when Cass killed it. But then that Cass boot that touched his lips breathed new life into life. That's why he's wearing a Tupac bandana now because he's an army of one now, and it's all eyes on him.
Charly Caruso was backstage with Cass, who said he's never heard someone talk without saying anything. Cass said Enzo won't be able to talk the talk after this weekend because Enzo won't be able to walk. Cass said he's where the cash is. Enzo jumped on Cass' back and the two had to be pulled apart. It will be Enzo vs. Cass this weekend at Great Balls of Fire.
Sasha Banks and Bayley defeated Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax via submission (10:10)
Nia Jax knocked Bayley off the apron with a right hand, then sandwiched her with a running splash against the dasherboards. The referees helped Bayley to the back, so Banks was forced to compete against Jax and Bliss without a partner after the first couple of minutes. Finish came out of nowhere where Banks kicked Jax to the floor. Bliss teased the DDT, but Banks turned it into the Bank Statement for the tap out.
Kurt Angle talked backstage with Strowman, who wanted to know what Angle was planning if Reigns couldn't be at Great Balls of Fire. Angle said his sources tell him Reigns will be at Great Balls of Fire. Strowman said Angle's sources were wrong, Reigns wasn't here tonight (which got a cheer) and he won't be at Great Balls of Fire. Angle said Reigns would be there Sunday, and he has a locker room full of superstars who already are slated for competition, and he wasn't sure if anyone wants to face Strowman so close to a PPV. Strowman said by the end of the night, he's going to the ring for competition. Strowman said Angle was an intelligent man, so he's sure Angle could figure something out.
Cedric Alexander did a prematch promo on Noam Dar. Last week on 205 Live, Alexander lost to Shawn Daivari when Dar distracted him. Alexander said Alicia Fox keeps calling him a loser, so he was going to put Dar in a neckbrace just like the one Fox is wearing.
Cedric Alexander defeated Noam Dar (2:09)
Alexander pinned Dar with a lumbar check after Fox's attempt at distracting Alexander failed.
The Miz came out with Maryse, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel (both of whom are in suits) for another MizTV. Surprisingly, they played up the LaVar Ball controversy from last week. Miz got a pop from the Phoenix Suns fans when he said Lonzo Ball will be the biggest bust in NBA history. He said Lonzo will let down more fans than Steve Nash ever did. Miz said LaVar Ball was the big loser who walked around like a raving lunatic last week. He couldn't believe that LaVar wanted Dean Ambrose to represent the Big Baller Brand, but the only thing Ambrose represents is wasted potential. When Ambrose first came to the WWE, Miz said everyone thought he would be the breakout star of the Shield, or the next Roddy Piper. But instead, we got the wacky Dean Ambrose, someone who would rather tell a joke than accept the real truth. And the truth is Ambrose can't handle success. Miz said every time Ambrose was a main eventer, he caved under the pressure. It's pressure that the Miz relishes and thrives under. Some fan said something that got the attention of Miz, Maryse, Axel and Dallas as they all turned their heads in his/her direction, but it was never played up.
Ambrose came out and said after that train wreck last week, he thought we would never see a MizTV again. Ambrose said he heard everything Miz said and it was all true. Ambrose said since Miz knew him so well, Miz would know that he doesn't care that Miz is standing behind two bodyguards and just kick his ass right now anyway. He challenged Miz to a match for the Intercontinental Championship tonight. Ambrose came down to the ring but Heath Slater and Rhyno came out. Slater said he didn't mean to be disrespectful to Ambrose, but the last man to beat Miz wasn't Ambrose, it was him. Slater said he's been in the WWE for eight years and he's never had a title shot for any WWE championship. Slater said he has a family and has kids and he's sick of telling them "Don't worry. Daddy's got this." In reality, he needs this opportunity and he's earned this opportunity for his kids. Ambrose said "You got kids?" Ambrose said when he was a kid, he learned a valuable lesson to wait his turn. He told Slater "Go back to the back of the line, sweet Charlie."
Miz started to shoot their offer down when Angle came out to a big pop. Angle said Miz doesn't decide when the Intercontinental Championship, he does. Miz told Angle to go over to Corey Graves and discuss his personal problems. Angle, looking deadly serious, told Miz to watch his mouth. Miz offered to defend his championship at Great Balls of Fire against either Ambrose or Slater. Angle said both. He ordered Miz to face Slater tonight, and the winner defends against Ambrose on Sunday.
Intercontinental Champion The Miz defeated Heath Slater to retain the Intercontinental Championship (12:47)
Ambrose was on commentary. It was a very good match, which was designed to get the Miztourage over as a heel faction. Miz wrestled in trousers since he "wasn't supposed to be wrestling." Midway through the match, he split his pants right down the middle. Maryse could be seen shielding her eyes at ringside. Slater ran up the top rope and gave Miz a powerslam off the top rope that popped the crowd. Slater covered Miz, but Axel jumped on the apron to distract the referee. Rhyno ran over to clothesline Axel and Dallas. He nearly ran into Maryse, but Dallas got up and drove Rhyno into the dasherboards. As Axel and Dallas put the boots to Rhyno, Slater was distracted, and Miz scored the pin with the Skull Crushing Finale.
Postmatch, Miz threw Slater out of the ring. Ambrose ran down, but Dallas and Axel jumped on him, as well. Dallas and Axel gave Ambrose a hoisted reverse neckbreaker. Miz delivered the Skull Crushing Finale to Ambrose, then rubbed the Intercontinental Championship in his face. This week, there was no friction at all between Maryse and Miz as they kissed after Miz's win. As stipulated by Angle, Miz defends against Ambrose on Sunday.
Apollo Crews talked with Titus O'Neil backstage. O'Neil tried to talk Crews into facing Strowman. Crews was hesistant, but O'Neil said no one had heard of Kalisto until he defeated Strowman in the dumpster match two months ago. O'Neil talked Crews into facing Strowman by repeatedly saying "Crews can't lose."
Goldust was in the ring for the world premiere of his masterpiece "The Shattered Truth." Goldust thanked "you little people" for making the film possible. The one person he must thank the most is R-Truth, because without him being so naive, without his jealously, his selfishness, none of this would be possible. With this film, Goldust will do what Truth has never been able to do himself, making Truth a star. The only thing that shines brighter than a star is Gold. That is the shattered truth.
They rolled the film, a Shattered Dreams production. It was basically close-up footage, shot by Goldust's cameraman, of Goldust beating up Truth from last week with music set to "Ode to Joy." As the film ended, Truth was behind Goldust eating popcorn, then beat up Goldust, throwing him into the post. Goldust was sent packing.
Cesaro and Sheamus met with Angle, who told them they would face Jeff and Matt Hardy in a 30-minute Ironman match this Sunday for the Raw Tag Team titles. Sheamus said that was the best idea Angle has had since he became GM. Cesaro said he wanted to have a singles match tonight. Angle suggested Strowman, but Cesaro wanted Finn Balor. Angle arranged it. Angle then took a call on his cell phone, which he has being paying very close attention to throughout the night.
Seth Rollins defeated Curt Hawkins (:09)
The new routine with Curt Hawkins is to ask the fans beforehand "Who thinks Curt Hawkins is going to lose this match?" Of course, everyone cheers. Seth Rollins took the microphone and asked "Whose ready for Hawkins to shut the hell up?" Rollins decked Hawkins with a right hand, then pinned him with his Rainmaker Knee strike.
Rollins cut a promo on Bray Wyatt. Rollins said Wyatt was everywhere, but everytime he's looking for a fight, Wyatt is nowhere to be found. Rollins said the fans don't need to be saved, because his sins, his transgressions, he doesn't hide them. He embraces them because they are the scars that have made him the man he is today. He said Wyatt should be worried about his wrath because he will prove that Wyatt is not a God. After Great Balls of Fire, there will be only one question, is Bray a man or just a coward?
Joe and Lesnar did a head-to-head interview "in opposite corners of the building." Joe interrupted Michael Cole and said all he's done is make statements since he became #1 contender, so now he was ready to ask questions. He started to ask Paul Heyman how it felt when he wrapped his arms around his neck, but Lesnar interrupted him and said Joe was fighting him on Sunday, not Heyman. Lesnar said he's the champ and Joe isn't, and on Sunday he would walk in the ring as the champ and walk out of the ring as the champ. Joe would leave with nothing. Lesnar said Joe was nothing but a coward. Lesnar just laughed at Joe, who said he's been choking out the best for 20 years, reeling off names like Daniel Bryan, A.J. Styles, Reigns, and Rollins. Joe said Lesnar and Heyman were smug, then threw down his microphone and left to find Lesnar. Lesnar stayed where he was while Joe walked around backstage looking for Lenar. Angle and a host of security guards met Joe, who found where Lesnar was stationed. Joe pulled the door open, but about eight guards held him back. Good intensity segment, but it almost made it seem like Lesnar was the heel.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defeated Mustafa Ali via tapout in a nontitle match (6:22)
Good short match. Mustafa Ali attempted the inverted 450 splash twice early, but couldn't hit it. Ali hit a twisting DDT that Neville sold great. It led to Ali going for the Inverted 450, but Neville threw him off the top rope into the barricade. Neville was on offense the rest of the way, using a clothesline to set up the Rings of Saturn for the tapout.
Wyatt cut a promo taped earlier in the day from the Phoenix desert. He said when man first started to worship the sun, it was to show gratitude for subjugating the powers of the night. The sun was a sadistic idol, blinding anyone who dared to look him in the eye. That's when he decided to take control, that is when he decided to give mankind the gift of independence. The world is not made up of black and white, and no one should have to bow down to the light. Wyatt was the chaos that fuels the fire. Since he has come to Raw less than 100 days ago, best friends have become enemies, the beast has been reduced to a mere mortal gasping for air. Why? Because he made it that way. He is Bray Wyatt and he is everywhere. Wyatt kept screaming "Can you hear me, Seth?" Wyatt said he is the wrath that consumes you. Wyatt said Rollins will look into the eyes of a God on Sunday, but Rollins will not go blind. For the first time, Rollins will see, but it will burn.
Bliss was leaving the building when Caruso asked her about losing to Banks tonight. Bliss couldn't believe that was Caruso's question. Bliss claimed she let Banks win to give her a false sense of security. It was a strategy. Caruso didn't think that was true. Bliss said no one cares what Caruso thinks, that's why Caruso was holding a microphone and she was holding the Raw Women's Championship.
Finn Balor defeated Cesaro (15:05)
Another good match. The Hardy Boyz were on commentary. Elias Samson came down and strummed his guitar, distracting Balor. Cesaro nearly got the pin with a hoist uppercut. Cesaro landed two more uppercuts, then went to the second rope, but Balor kicked him on his ear to send Cesaro to the floor. Samson tripped Balor, who was going for a tope. The Hardys came down to brawl with Sheamus and Samson. Balor then did a tope onto about five guys, leading to a wild sequence on the floor. Cesaro sent Balor into the apron. Hardy gave Samson the Twist of Fate, but Sheamus hit Matt with the Brogue Kick. Jeff gave Sheamus a plancha off the apron, but Cesaro hit Jeff with the uppercut. Balor gave Cesaro a dropkick to the chest, rolled him in the ring and pinned him with the Coup de Grace.
The main event segment started when an ambulance, just like the one that hauled Reigns away last week, backed onto the set beside the ramp. Stromwan wasn't in the ambulance and made his standard ring entrance to face Crews. Strowman said there are few things he likes better in this world than hurting Reigns. He likes hurting Reigns, who is too stubborn to stay down so he keeps knocking Reigns down. Strowman said if Angle is right and Reigns shows up at Great Balls of Fire, then Reigns will leave the same way he did last week, in the back of an ambulance.
O'Neil came out and said Strowman was a big man with a big plan. But, as the old saying goes, every man has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. O'Neil said most nights, he wouldn't have a problem going into the ring and punching Strowman in the mouth. But O'Neil tonight is a Titus Worldwide special occassion. He's going to bring out a man whose talented, hungry and a first-time father. O'Neil introduced Crews.
Braun Strowman defeated Apollo Crews (4:30)
Pretty much a burial of Crews. There were a few hope spots, such as Crews knocking down Strowman after a few punches. Crews attempted a standing moonsault, but Strowman got his feet up and Crews nearly landed on his head. Strowman hit an Oklahoma Stampede, but pulled Crews up at 2, just like King Kong Bundy did with various jobbers in the 80s. Then Strowman did the same sequence again before finally choosing to pin Crews.
Postmatch, O'Neil got in the ring and punched Strowman, who no sold it and clotheslined O'Neil. Booker T claimed O'Neil slipped. Strowman gave O'Neil the Oklahoma Stampede. Then Strowman threw Crews into the crowd and tossed him into the back of the ambulance. He hit the back of the ambulance to send Crews on his way, but the ambulance didn't move. Strowman hit the back again, and again the vehicle didn't move. Strowman went to see who was driving the ambulance, and Reigns got out of the front seat to start a brawl. They wound up on the ramp with Reigns landing a Superman's punch, and then he speared Strowman off the ramp into tables set up below. Both men were dazed, but Strowman still got up despite falling through the tables.
** SPOILERS ** WWE Main Event Tapings For This Week
WWE taped the following matches tonight in Phoenix for this week's Main Event episode:
* Rich Swann defeated Ariya Daivari
* Kalisto defeated Scott Dawson with a roll-up
www.f4wonline.com/wwe-results/wwe-raw-live-results-go-home-show-great-balls-fire-238506
WWE RAW LIVE RESULTS: GO-HOME SHOW FOR GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
BY JEFF HAMLIN | @hamlin37 | JUL 3, 2017 4:50 PM
The Big TakeawayThe rest of the Great Balls of Fire card is now set. The Miz will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Dean Ambrose. Cesaro and Sheamus will defend the Raw Tag Team Championships against The Hardy Boyz in a 30 minute Ironman match. And it will be Big Cass vs. Enzo Amore. Tonight's show was wrestling-oritented, which led to a good program. The main event was Braun Strowman squashing Apollo Crews, with Roman Reigns coming out to brawl as he was tucked inside an ambulance.
Show Recap:
Amore came out for an inspired interview on Cass. He said that Cass never had his back. He asked Cass what could Cass do to him that hasn't already been done, knock him out cold? He said he isn't the baddest, the strongest or the biggest, but he's one of the toughest guys to step through these ropes in a long, long time. Enzo says he knows exactly who he is, and he gets knocked down a lot but he gets up every time because he's a certitifed G. Enzo said he's confident in his abilities, and he's grateful. He would push his dad down a wishing well and wish him well before he ever joins the dark side. He's grateful for every kid who wears a Certified G wig, t-shirt, or chain because it helps him put food on his family's table. That's why every time he gets knocked down, he gets back up. Enzo says his physical proof that his mouth hasn't dug himself a whole that he can't climb out of. Enzo says he's going to climb new heights and he's climbed out of holes way taller than seven feet.
Enzo said that Cass was nothing more than a seven-foot catchphrase that he wrote. Enzo said Cass believes that Enzo's mouth writes checks that his ass can't cash, but with the WWE Universe as his witness, there's no one in this business who goes harder bouncing a you know what check than Enzo Amore. Cass claimed that he was the where the money was at, but Enzo told him don't be surprised when the merchandise check comes at it reads zero dimes next quarter. That is, unless Cass starts wearing a shirt that reads "Casshole." Enzo dropped the microphone and his music started, but then he picked it up and started again. Enzo told Cass that they were brothers who were "ride or die." That part of him is dead because it rolled down his face with one gangster tear when Cass killed it. But then that Cass boot that touched his lips breathed new life into life. That's why he's wearing a Tupac bandana now because he's an army of one now, and it's all eyes on him.
Charly Caruso was backstage with Cass, who said he's never heard someone talk without saying anything. Cass said Enzo won't be able to talk the talk after this weekend because Enzo won't be able to walk. Cass said he's where the cash is. Enzo jumped on Cass' back and the two had to be pulled apart. It will be Enzo vs. Cass this weekend at Great Balls of Fire.
Sasha Banks and Bayley defeated Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax via submission (10:10)
Nia Jax knocked Bayley off the apron with a right hand, then sandwiched her with a running splash against the dasherboards. The referees helped Bayley to the back, so Banks was forced to compete against Jax and Bliss without a partner after the first couple of minutes. Finish came out of nowhere where Banks kicked Jax to the floor. Bliss teased the DDT, but Banks turned it into the Bank Statement for the tap out.
Kurt Angle talked backstage with Strowman, who wanted to know what Angle was planning if Reigns couldn't be at Great Balls of Fire. Angle said his sources tell him Reigns will be at Great Balls of Fire. Strowman said Angle's sources were wrong, Reigns wasn't here tonight (which got a cheer) and he won't be at Great Balls of Fire. Angle said Reigns would be there Sunday, and he has a locker room full of superstars who already are slated for competition, and he wasn't sure if anyone wants to face Strowman so close to a PPV. Strowman said by the end of the night, he's going to the ring for competition. Strowman said Angle was an intelligent man, so he's sure Angle could figure something out.
Cedric Alexander did a prematch promo on Noam Dar. Last week on 205 Live, Alexander lost to Shawn Daivari when Dar distracted him. Alexander said Alicia Fox keeps calling him a loser, so he was going to put Dar in a neckbrace just like the one Fox is wearing.
Cedric Alexander defeated Noam Dar (2:09)
Alexander pinned Dar with a lumbar check after Fox's attempt at distracting Alexander failed.
The Miz came out with Maryse, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel (both of whom are in suits) for another MizTV. Surprisingly, they played up the LaVar Ball controversy from last week. Miz got a pop from the Phoenix Suns fans when he said Lonzo Ball will be the biggest bust in NBA history. He said Lonzo will let down more fans than Steve Nash ever did. Miz said LaVar Ball was the big loser who walked around like a raving lunatic last week. He couldn't believe that LaVar wanted Dean Ambrose to represent the Big Baller Brand, but the only thing Ambrose represents is wasted potential. When Ambrose first came to the WWE, Miz said everyone thought he would be the breakout star of the Shield, or the next Roddy Piper. But instead, we got the wacky Dean Ambrose, someone who would rather tell a joke than accept the real truth. And the truth is Ambrose can't handle success. Miz said every time Ambrose was a main eventer, he caved under the pressure. It's pressure that the Miz relishes and thrives under. Some fan said something that got the attention of Miz, Maryse, Axel and Dallas as they all turned their heads in his/her direction, but it was never played up.
Ambrose came out and said after that train wreck last week, he thought we would never see a MizTV again. Ambrose said he heard everything Miz said and it was all true. Ambrose said since Miz knew him so well, Miz would know that he doesn't care that Miz is standing behind two bodyguards and just kick his ass right now anyway. He challenged Miz to a match for the Intercontinental Championship tonight. Ambrose came down to the ring but Heath Slater and Rhyno came out. Slater said he didn't mean to be disrespectful to Ambrose, but the last man to beat Miz wasn't Ambrose, it was him. Slater said he's been in the WWE for eight years and he's never had a title shot for any WWE championship. Slater said he has a family and has kids and he's sick of telling them "Don't worry. Daddy's got this." In reality, he needs this opportunity and he's earned this opportunity for his kids. Ambrose said "You got kids?" Ambrose said when he was a kid, he learned a valuable lesson to wait his turn. He told Slater "Go back to the back of the line, sweet Charlie."
Miz started to shoot their offer down when Angle came out to a big pop. Angle said Miz doesn't decide when the Intercontinental Championship, he does. Miz told Angle to go over to Corey Graves and discuss his personal problems. Angle, looking deadly serious, told Miz to watch his mouth. Miz offered to defend his championship at Great Balls of Fire against either Ambrose or Slater. Angle said both. He ordered Miz to face Slater tonight, and the winner defends against Ambrose on Sunday.
Intercontinental Champion The Miz defeated Heath Slater to retain the Intercontinental Championship (12:47)
Ambrose was on commentary. It was a very good match, which was designed to get the Miztourage over as a heel faction. Miz wrestled in trousers since he "wasn't supposed to be wrestling." Midway through the match, he split his pants right down the middle. Maryse could be seen shielding her eyes at ringside. Slater ran up the top rope and gave Miz a powerslam off the top rope that popped the crowd. Slater covered Miz, but Axel jumped on the apron to distract the referee. Rhyno ran over to clothesline Axel and Dallas. He nearly ran into Maryse, but Dallas got up and drove Rhyno into the dasherboards. As Axel and Dallas put the boots to Rhyno, Slater was distracted, and Miz scored the pin with the Skull Crushing Finale.
Postmatch, Miz threw Slater out of the ring. Ambrose ran down, but Dallas and Axel jumped on him, as well. Dallas and Axel gave Ambrose a hoisted reverse neckbreaker. Miz delivered the Skull Crushing Finale to Ambrose, then rubbed the Intercontinental Championship in his face. This week, there was no friction at all between Maryse and Miz as they kissed after Miz's win. As stipulated by Angle, Miz defends against Ambrose on Sunday.
Apollo Crews talked with Titus O'Neil backstage. O'Neil tried to talk Crews into facing Strowman. Crews was hesistant, but O'Neil said no one had heard of Kalisto until he defeated Strowman in the dumpster match two months ago. O'Neil talked Crews into facing Strowman by repeatedly saying "Crews can't lose."
Goldust was in the ring for the world premiere of his masterpiece "The Shattered Truth." Goldust thanked "you little people" for making the film possible. The one person he must thank the most is R-Truth, because without him being so naive, without his jealously, his selfishness, none of this would be possible. With this film, Goldust will do what Truth has never been able to do himself, making Truth a star. The only thing that shines brighter than a star is Gold. That is the shattered truth.
They rolled the film, a Shattered Dreams production. It was basically close-up footage, shot by Goldust's cameraman, of Goldust beating up Truth from last week with music set to "Ode to Joy." As the film ended, Truth was behind Goldust eating popcorn, then beat up Goldust, throwing him into the post. Goldust was sent packing.
Cesaro and Sheamus met with Angle, who told them they would face Jeff and Matt Hardy in a 30-minute Ironman match this Sunday for the Raw Tag Team titles. Sheamus said that was the best idea Angle has had since he became GM. Cesaro said he wanted to have a singles match tonight. Angle suggested Strowman, but Cesaro wanted Finn Balor. Angle arranged it. Angle then took a call on his cell phone, which he has being paying very close attention to throughout the night.
Seth Rollins defeated Curt Hawkins (:09)
The new routine with Curt Hawkins is to ask the fans beforehand "Who thinks Curt Hawkins is going to lose this match?" Of course, everyone cheers. Seth Rollins took the microphone and asked "Whose ready for Hawkins to shut the hell up?" Rollins decked Hawkins with a right hand, then pinned him with his Rainmaker Knee strike.
Rollins cut a promo on Bray Wyatt. Rollins said Wyatt was everywhere, but everytime he's looking for a fight, Wyatt is nowhere to be found. Rollins said the fans don't need to be saved, because his sins, his transgressions, he doesn't hide them. He embraces them because they are the scars that have made him the man he is today. He said Wyatt should be worried about his wrath because he will prove that Wyatt is not a God. After Great Balls of Fire, there will be only one question, is Bray a man or just a coward?
Joe and Lesnar did a head-to-head interview "in opposite corners of the building." Joe interrupted Michael Cole and said all he's done is make statements since he became #1 contender, so now he was ready to ask questions. He started to ask Paul Heyman how it felt when he wrapped his arms around his neck, but Lesnar interrupted him and said Joe was fighting him on Sunday, not Heyman. Lesnar said he's the champ and Joe isn't, and on Sunday he would walk in the ring as the champ and walk out of the ring as the champ. Joe would leave with nothing. Lesnar said Joe was nothing but a coward. Lesnar just laughed at Joe, who said he's been choking out the best for 20 years, reeling off names like Daniel Bryan, A.J. Styles, Reigns, and Rollins. Joe said Lesnar and Heyman were smug, then threw down his microphone and left to find Lesnar. Lesnar stayed where he was while Joe walked around backstage looking for Lenar. Angle and a host of security guards met Joe, who found where Lesnar was stationed. Joe pulled the door open, but about eight guards held him back. Good intensity segment, but it almost made it seem like Lesnar was the heel.
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville defeated Mustafa Ali via tapout in a nontitle match (6:22)
Good short match. Mustafa Ali attempted the inverted 450 splash twice early, but couldn't hit it. Ali hit a twisting DDT that Neville sold great. It led to Ali going for the Inverted 450, but Neville threw him off the top rope into the barricade. Neville was on offense the rest of the way, using a clothesline to set up the Rings of Saturn for the tapout.
Wyatt cut a promo taped earlier in the day from the Phoenix desert. He said when man first started to worship the sun, it was to show gratitude for subjugating the powers of the night. The sun was a sadistic idol, blinding anyone who dared to look him in the eye. That's when he decided to take control, that is when he decided to give mankind the gift of independence. The world is not made up of black and white, and no one should have to bow down to the light. Wyatt was the chaos that fuels the fire. Since he has come to Raw less than 100 days ago, best friends have become enemies, the beast has been reduced to a mere mortal gasping for air. Why? Because he made it that way. He is Bray Wyatt and he is everywhere. Wyatt kept screaming "Can you hear me, Seth?" Wyatt said he is the wrath that consumes you. Wyatt said Rollins will look into the eyes of a God on Sunday, but Rollins will not go blind. For the first time, Rollins will see, but it will burn.
Bliss was leaving the building when Caruso asked her about losing to Banks tonight. Bliss couldn't believe that was Caruso's question. Bliss claimed she let Banks win to give her a false sense of security. It was a strategy. Caruso didn't think that was true. Bliss said no one cares what Caruso thinks, that's why Caruso was holding a microphone and she was holding the Raw Women's Championship.
Finn Balor defeated Cesaro (15:05)
Another good match. The Hardy Boyz were on commentary. Elias Samson came down and strummed his guitar, distracting Balor. Cesaro nearly got the pin with a hoist uppercut. Cesaro landed two more uppercuts, then went to the second rope, but Balor kicked him on his ear to send Cesaro to the floor. Samson tripped Balor, who was going for a tope. The Hardys came down to brawl with Sheamus and Samson. Balor then did a tope onto about five guys, leading to a wild sequence on the floor. Cesaro sent Balor into the apron. Hardy gave Samson the Twist of Fate, but Sheamus hit Matt with the Brogue Kick. Jeff gave Sheamus a plancha off the apron, but Cesaro hit Jeff with the uppercut. Balor gave Cesaro a dropkick to the chest, rolled him in the ring and pinned him with the Coup de Grace.
The main event segment started when an ambulance, just like the one that hauled Reigns away last week, backed onto the set beside the ramp. Stromwan wasn't in the ambulance and made his standard ring entrance to face Crews. Strowman said there are few things he likes better in this world than hurting Reigns. He likes hurting Reigns, who is too stubborn to stay down so he keeps knocking Reigns down. Strowman said if Angle is right and Reigns shows up at Great Balls of Fire, then Reigns will leave the same way he did last week, in the back of an ambulance.
O'Neil came out and said Strowman was a big man with a big plan. But, as the old saying goes, every man has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. O'Neil said most nights, he wouldn't have a problem going into the ring and punching Strowman in the mouth. But O'Neil tonight is a Titus Worldwide special occassion. He's going to bring out a man whose talented, hungry and a first-time father. O'Neil introduced Crews.
Braun Strowman defeated Apollo Crews (4:30)
Pretty much a burial of Crews. There were a few hope spots, such as Crews knocking down Strowman after a few punches. Crews attempted a standing moonsault, but Strowman got his feet up and Crews nearly landed on his head. Strowman hit an Oklahoma Stampede, but pulled Crews up at 2, just like King Kong Bundy did with various jobbers in the 80s. Then Strowman did the same sequence again before finally choosing to pin Crews.
Postmatch, O'Neil got in the ring and punched Strowman, who no sold it and clotheslined O'Neil. Booker T claimed O'Neil slipped. Strowman gave O'Neil the Oklahoma Stampede. Then Strowman threw Crews into the crowd and tossed him into the back of the ambulance. He hit the back of the ambulance to send Crews on his way, but the ambulance didn't move. Strowman hit the back again, and again the vehicle didn't move. Strowman went to see who was driving the ambulance, and Reigns got out of the front seat to start a brawl. They wound up on the ramp with Reigns landing a Superman's punch, and then he speared Strowman off the ramp into tables set up below. Both men were dazed, but Strowman still got up despite falling through the tables.