We are just six nights away from Money in The Bank, where not only a new wrestler will hold a contract for a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship up to one year, but also Seth Rollins puts said WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line in another Ladder Match against Dean Ambrose.
Ambrose still has the title in his possession, so will The Authority/Rollins be able to get it back tonight before the Pay-Per-View? As well, which of the seven participants in the MITB bout – Roman Reigns, Kofi Kingston, Neville, Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler, Kane, or Sheamus – will gain a last advantage on Raw?
Paige is embarked on another feud with The Bella Twins, particularly after Nikki pulled the switch with Brie last week to retain her championship; so will this lead to a Divas Championship match at Money In The Bank? What will Nikki and Brie have to say about using “twin magic” again?
The Big Show made his return last week, challenging Ryback for the Intercontinental Championship – will “The Big Guy” accept? Also, Bray Wyatt came back too, so who will he target next?
All this and much more, so read on!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for June 8th, 2015 – “All Bets Are Off”
Introduction Segment: Welcoming
Michael Cole greets us from New Orleans, Louisiana, and then John Cena’s music plays. Cole lets us know that Cena is putting his United States Championship on the line right now in another Open Challenge
Segment #2: Arena Promo
Cena cuts a promo putting over Money In The Bank, and his impending rematch with NXT Champion Kevin Owens. He proclaims that “there’s no safer bet on Sunday than John Cena.” Owens now walks out to the ramp and calls Cena “delusional” for thinking he’s going to defeat Kevin and that the people want to see Cena start off Raw with another U.S. Open Challenge. Instead, Kevin wants to have an NXT Open Challenge, so Cena quickly takes him up on it. Owens denies Cena that opportunity, as they will already be squaring off again this weekend.
Cena calls himself a “fighting champion,” and still issues the challenge. Owens proposes another one, saying that whomever answers, can pick which title he wants to wrestle for – the NXT or U.S. Championship.
Adrian Neville is the man to respond, and picks Owens and the NXT Title for the reason of Owens “disrespecting” the championship.
Commercials.
Match #1: Single for the NXT Championship – Kevin Owens (Champion) VS. “The Man That Gravity Forgot,” “The New Sensation” Adrian Neville (Challenger)
(Note: U.S Champion John Cena is on commentary.) Adrian starts out fast, but Owens quickly takes control and slows Neville with kicks and shoves. He clothesline Neville in the corner, then runs at him with a Cannonball. Kevin tosses Neville against the top rope, which he bounced off of. He wears him down with a grounding rear chinlock, then hits him with a knee-to-the-gut out of a fireman’s carry. He chucks Adrian to the floor for a break.
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Owens is still in control until Adrian counters a fireman’s carry into a DDT! Owens tumbles to the outside, which allows Neville to springboard-moonsault him! (although he basically tagged Owens’ arm and no more). Adrian missile-dropkicks Owens for a two-count, then kicks away. Owens counters and drives Adrian down with a shoulder-breaker. 1 – 2 – Neville kicks out! He whips Neville into the ropes, but Neville holds on and kicks back. He clasps Owens around the waist and German-suplexes him for a near-fall. Neville ascends the turnbuckle, but is met by Kevin. He fights him away, then climbs again, but Owens rolls. Adrian kicks Kevin down and steps to the top, but is tripped up by Owens, who then capitalizes with the Pop-Up powerbomb and covers for the victory!
Winner and STILL NXT Champion: Kevin Owens
Post-mach, Owens and Cena stare each other down; then Owens offers for Cena to come in the ring. John obliges, but Kevin vacates and backs up the ramp.
The commentators – Cole, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, and Byron Saxton – recap the recent events between Dean Ambrose and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins that lead up to their second encounter for the title at Money In The Bank.
Commercials.
Segment #3: Locker Room Promo
Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins are discussing Dean Ambrose’s pictures from around town with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. HHH and Stephanie remind Rollins that he said he doesn’t want them. This concerns Rollins at first, but they reassure him that he can do it.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
Rene Young is with Divas Champion Nikki Bella and asks her about Paige’s comments regarding “Twin Magic.” She insinuates that Paige gets whatever she wants, but when she doesn’t, she complains about those who do get what they want. “Maybe this is ‘her house,’ but she’s living in ‘The Bella’s World.’”
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Match #2: Single – Summer Rae VS. Divas Champion Nikki Bella (Non-Title)
Nikki tries a couple of quick roll-ups for counts, but Summer makes a comeback with a clothesline and roundhouse kick. It doesn’t last long, as Nikki nails a springboard-kick and finishes this one promptly with the “Rack Attack” (Torture Rack drop).
Winner via Pinfall: Divas Champion Nikki Bella
Up next, Roman Reigns will be out to chat about Money In The Bank!
Commercials.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
Roman Reigns makes his way through the fans and steps into the ring. He is all too happy that the MITB case is no longer in the possession of Seth Rollins; Reigns declares that he will win it on Sunday and then go on to face his pal, Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Kane now walks out and informs Roman that he is in the MITB to keep the briefcase in The Authority’s place. Dolph Ziggler interrupts, He makes a few jokes at Kane, to which Kane retorts until R-Truth interjects. He talks about the WrestleMania Ladder Match and overcoming his fear of heights, but Kane promptly corrects him that he is not in this MITB. Truth apologies and walks off. Kane tries to continue, but The New Day cut him off too. They talk about “the power of positivity” and predict that when Kofi wins, all three win and will all be “Mr. Money In The Bank.”
The Director Of Operations wonders if anyone else is going to come out, so of course, Sheamus makes his presence felt. He says he will be the one to win MITB and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion again. Kane then reminds everyone in the ring that both Neville and Orton are also in the bout. Orton saunters to the squared circle and will take on Sheamus, next!
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Match #3: Single – “The Celtic Warrior” Sheamus VS. “The Viper” Sheamus
Orton is all over Sheamus to begin, then joins him on the outside where he is punched away at. Randy reverses a whip into the barricade, but is soon punished in the ring with more punches and uppercuts. Orton counters, jawbreaking Sheamus with the top rope, but is elbowed hard out of the corner. He works over Randy’s arm with a lock, but Orton hits back with a dropkick.
Commercials.
Sheamus is back dominating, kneeing Orton as he runs off the ropes. He drops another knee then covers for two. Sheamus continues to slug away, but Orton soon matches him with fists too. “The Viper” gets the better, dropping Sheamus with the DDT off the second rope. He gears up for the R.K.O., but Sheamus shoves him off. He goes for a Brogue Kick, but Orton moves and clotheslines Sheamus over. Sheamus throws Orton into the barrier, but Randy hits him with a chair, causing the dq.
Winner via Disqualification: “The Celtic Warrior” Sheamus
Post-match, Orton continues the beating, slamming Sheamus against the steel steps and RKO’ing him in the ring.
Segment #6: Locker Room Promo
J & J Security walk up to Seth Rollins and offer their forgiveness to Rollins for the way Rollins talked about them last week. Seth goes off the handle insulting them, and reiterates that he made them, and he “never needed either of you.” This infuriates J & J for once, and Jamie lays into Rollins verbally, saying it was all because of them that Seth is where he is at today. Rollins decides to take them both on later tonight, then slaps Jamie, who slaps back in turn. Joey suddenly and finally speaks up; “you think we’re a couple of ‘jokes?’ We’re not. We’ve had your back since day one. Tonight, we’re kicking your ass!”
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Match #4: Single – “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler VS. Director Of Operations Kane
(Note: Lana stands on the ramp, observing.) This contest is somewhat even or a bit until Kane clotheslines Dolph in the corner. He wears down Dolph with a grounding chinlock and stomps away in the corner. Ziggler hits back with a kick, but is planted again with a sidewalk slam.
Commercials.
Dolph is gain momentum, driving Kane down with the Fameasser. He jumps out of a chokeslam attempt and superkicks Kane! Rusev hobbles out on crutches and forces Lana off the ramp by not letting her walk away. She appears to have hurt her ankle, which also distracts Dolph as he falls to a chokeslam and loss.
Winner via Pinfall: Director Of Operations, Kane
Post-match, Dolph, referees, and other personnel tend to Lana.
Up next, The Miz will host MizTV with Intercontinental Champion Ryback and The Big Show!
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Segment #7: Backstage Promo
Lana is still being taken care of, with ice being placed on her ankle.
Segment #8: Arena Promo
The Miz is in the ring and soon brings out his first guest, Intercontinental Champion Ryback. The IC Champ gets right into it and takes a quick shot at Miz. “The Awesome One” doesn’t like it, but Ryback cuts him off quickly, telling Miz that always states his usual accomplishments over and over. He asks if he’s correct and the crowd cheers. “You should be thankful what The Big Show did to you last week, ‘cause had you wrestled ‘The Big Guy’ Ryback, I would’ve taken years off of your career.” They insult each other about their looks and catchphrases, with the fans siding with Ryback more and more.
As they go on, The Big Show connects with them, at first telling The Miz he hated tag-teaming with him, then touting his strength. “If I need something broken, I break it. If I want to take something, I take it.” Ryback says he is not afraid of The Big Show, like The Miz is, then shows off his Intercontinental Title to Show.
Big gets to his feet, telling Ryback “you can’t stop me, I’m a giant.” Miz tries to egg on Ryback, but Show puts him in his place quickly. Miz pushes Show, but he is quickly taken out of the ring. Ryback then impressively gives Show the Shellshock Marching Samoan Drop and then celebrates with the fans.
Commercials.
Match #5: Tag-Team – Los Matadores (Fernando and Diego) (with El Torito) VS. Luke Harper and Erik Rowan
The Matadores muster some offense on Rowan, who starts out. He hammers one of the Matadores from behind, and then he and Luke control, finishing Los Matadores with the 3-D!
Winners via Pinfall: Luke Harper and Erik Rowan
Segment #9: Locker Room Promo
Kane walks into Rollins’ locker room and laughs at the shenanigans that Dean Ambrose is up to with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He tells Rollins of his plans to win the M.I.T.B. Ladder Match, then cash in on either him or the new champion, Dean Ambrose. Kane calls it a “lose-lose” for Seth and a “win-win” for himself. He “stacks the deck” more against Rollins and says he will be in J & J’s corner.
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Match #6: Single – Tag-Team Champion Big E. (with New Day Tag-Team Champion partners Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston) VS. “The Big Deal” Titus O’Neil (with Prime Time Players partner “Mr. No Days Off” Darren Young)
Big E. controls for a bit, but Titus comes back with a tossing fall-away slam! The New Day and Darren brawl on the outside, which turns Titus’ attention and allows Big E. to plant him with the Big Ending and get the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Tag-Team Champion Big E. (with new Day Tag-Tam Champion partners Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston)
Roman Reigns now makes his entrance and will face Kofi Kingston, next!
Commercials.
Match #7: Single – Tag-Team Champion Kofi Kingston (with New Day Tag-Team Champion partners Big E. and Xavier Woods) VS. Roman Reigns
Reigns gets the best of Kingston to start, so Kofi goes to the floor and discusses with his friends. Big E. and Woods hop the apron, while Kofi sneaks from behind and begins an attack. Reigns tries a Samoan Drop, but Kingston wiggles out of it. Roman nails a couple clotheslines, then rams Kofi’s head off the announce table. He runs at Kingston with the front-dropkick against the apron. Reigns rockets over the steps and takes down Woods, but Kingston gives Roman a baseball slide.
Ads.
Kofi is back in control, clamping on a grounding rear chinlock. He hits a high-dropkick for two, then stomps on Reigns. He trips up Roman then flies off the top turnbuckle with an axe-handle. 1 – 2 – Roman raises his shoulder! Kofi misses a splash in the corner, which Roman capitalizes. He clotheslines Kofi in the corner then, awkwardly, gives him a tilt-a-whirl slam. He reverses Kingston’s S.O.S. move into a single-leg/half-crab powerbomb! 1 – 2 – Kofi kicks out!
Roman fends off another attack from New Day, then Superman Punches Kofi as he was in the air from the top turnbuckle! Reigns takes this one!
Winner via Pinfall: Roman Reigns
Post-match, collects a chair and waits for his friend Dean Ambrose. “The Lunatic Fringe’s” music blares and he walks through the fans with the WWE Title. Triple H and Steph are watching with Seth Rollins. They want to know if Rollins needs them, but he doesn’t say anything, so they tell him to “go get them.”
Commercials.
Match #8: Two-On-One – WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins VS. J & J Security (Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) (with Director Of Operations, Kane)
(Note: Dean Ambrose, with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, is watching ringside with the fans.) Joey begins, flipping out of an armlock into a wristlock.
Kane distracts the referee, allowing J & J to double-team Seth. On the outside, Ambrose pours some popcorn on Rollins, then Mercury hits a beautiful dropkick in the ring! Rollins soon gets control and punishes Joey. He goes to splash Mercury in the corner, but Joey moves and gets the hot-tag to Jamie. He’s “still got it” as Noble gives Seth a couple shoulder-tackles and a swinging neckbreaker! 1 – 2 – Rollins gets his shoulder up! Noble climbs the turnbuckle, but is crotched. Rollins suplexes Jamie from the apron to the canvas, but Jamie lands on him and Joey holds his feet, but Rollins still gets out of it. He kicks Noble hard, then powerbombs Joey into Jamie in the corner.
Seth slaps Noble around and sets up for The Pedigree, but Ambrose hops the barricade and distracts Rollins’ attention by throwing him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This allows Joey to roll him up for the upset victory!
Winners via Pinfall: J & J Security (Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) (with Director Of Operations, Kane)
Post-match, J & J huddle out with Kane, while Dean drops Seth with the Dirty Deeds DDT. He takes back the WWE Title and then props a ladder in the aisle while, climbs it, and holds the championship above to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was okay Raw, with it of course being all-build to Money In The Bank. There were a couple good matches, a couple surprises, but felt averages/”going through the motions” just to get to M.I.T..B. Let’s look at the particulars:
Excellence: Promos by Cena, Owens, and Neville. Owens/Cena is the second (maybe first) hottest feud (other than Ambrose/Rollins); it was also a great bout between Owens and Neville.
Still liking the Lana/Rusev rivalry, and glad they are using Rusev/keeping him relevant despite his injury.
The MizTV segment was well-done, and Ryback has really stepped up is promos in recent times. Miz was also superb, as he truly annoyed me with some of his remarks, so he did his job great too!
Big E./Titus, Reigns/Kingston, and the Two-On-One were pretty-good matches. I really liked that they went completely through with a potential face-turn of J & J; I thought the whole scenario was well played out after all, but at first was going to be a ruse, much like Nash/Hogan and nWo from WCW in 1999. This was a nice turn-of-events!
Bogus: not as into The Bellas/Paige feud, particularly with no reasoning of Nikki & Brie’s sudden heel-turn again; still should be a decent match between Nikki and Paige for the Divas Championship.
The “everyone in the M.I.T.B. talks” segment was nothing special and the usual; also felt that way about Orton/Sheamus. Hopefully their rivalry will amp up once M.I.T.B. is over, as these two have the ability to put on hard-hitting/ferocious matches.
Definitely missing Bray Wyatt’s promos and him being in a meaningful feud. Also, as much as I like Harper/Rowan, their match could’ve been cut or saved for next week, to allow more time for build to those who are on M.I.T.B. (longer matches, perhaps.)
Too bad both R-Truth and King Barrett have been relegated to the pre-show; I thought Truth would’ve been the 8th and final competitor in the M.I.T.B. and he would’ve been good; with Barrett, winning the King Of The Ring should been something (I.C. Title to main-event push?), but unfortunately he has going downhill since.
Money In The Bank Predictions: New Day to retain with some trickery; all signs point to Roman Reigns winning M.I.T.B, so I will go with him too; Cena to beat Owens, and continue this feud for one more pay-per-view; Nikki to keep her Divas Championship until another NXT woman is called up; Ryback beats Big Show by DQ when Miz interferes; Rollins squeaks by another challenge and escapes with his WWE Championship.
Until next week, after a new man holds the briefcase, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
