By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Money in the Bank
London, England at O2 Arena
Streamed live July 1, 2023 on Peacock
There were no matches on the Kickoff Show. It was announced that the men’s MITB match will open the show. The most notable part of the Kickoff Show was a somber Paul Heyman cutting a great promo about how determined Roman Reigns is to destroy the Usos. He said it won’t be PG and the Usos will be shipped out of WWE permanently. Heyman said there’s nothing he can do to stop it…
A James Bond style video package aired with a British narrator. It included shots of London and focused on the MITB ladder matches and then the other matches…
Michael Cole and Wade Barrett were on commentary. Cole said the event was sold out and said there were 18,885 in attendance… Ring announcer Mike Rome stood in the ring and read through the basics of the MITB ladder match and then entrances for the match took place.
Butch was accompanied by Sheamus and Ridge Holland, who walked him partially to the ring, fired him up, and headed backstage. Shinsuke Nakamura was out next with some cool CGI effects used as part of his entrance. Santos Escobar came out to the LWO theme and had some black face paint over his eyes and trickling down his face.
Damian Priest wore a cool shoulder pads and cape combo and had new gear. Ricochet made a pretty standard entrance and slapped hands with fans on his way to the ring. LA Knight was out next and had a new vest and trunks. The fans chanted his name loudly. Logan Paul was out last to massive boos…
1. Logan Paul vs. Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar vs. Butch vs. Damian Priest in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Cole said the fans and all of the entrants in the match resent Paul’s involvement because he didn’t have to qualify for the match. The wrestlers ganged up on Paul to start the match and put the boots to him before tossing him to ringside.
The other wrestlers fought to ringside. Paul returned and tried to set up a ladder, but Nakamura cut him off and put the boots to him. Priest dropped Nakamura with a kick to the head. Priest grabbed the ladder and hit Nakamura with it. Escobar and Ricochet pushed the ladder to dive Priest into the corner.
Knight put Butch down with a DDT and the crowd erupted with cheers. Nakamura put Knight down with a kick and the fans booed. Nakamura did his “come on” bit to Butch and then they traded punches until Escobar performed a top rope crossbody block on Nakamura.
Paul returned and ran Escobar into a ladder in the corner of the ring. Paul set up the ladder and started to climb it. Ricochet patted his leg. A group of wrestlers pulled Paul down and put the boots to him before sending him to the floor.
Butch pulled a table out from underneath the ring while Cole reminded viewers that everything is legal. Butch also pulled out a cricket bat and then used it as a weapon. Butch made a play for the briefcase that was hanging above the ring, but Priest pulled him down and took him to ringside where he dropped him with a punch.
Paul begged off when Priest approached him. Paul told Priest they could work together and mentioned that they were both tall. Priest and Paul set up two tables next to one another on the floor. Priest hit Ricochet. Paul wanted a high five from Priest, who dropped him with a punch and then tossed him over the ring steps.
Ricochet performed a big dive onto wrestlers on the floor. Knight made a play for the briefcase, but Paul cut him off. Paul went for a pescado on Priest, who blasted him with a punch on the way down. Priest created a ladder bridge over the apron and on half of the ring steps that were set up on their side.
Nakamura ended up putting Priest on top of the ladder bridge, but Paul tripped him up and then splashed onto Priest. The fans chanted “you still suck.” Nakamura set up a ladder in the middle of the ring and then Ricochet cut him off. Ricochet tried to hit Nakamura with another ladder, but he moved and the ladder wedged in between the rungs of the standing ladder. Nakamura put Ricochet on the bridge and performed a sliding German suplex.
Nakamura climbed the middle ladder and was met by Escobar on the other side. Escobar knocked Nakamura down, but Butch climbed onto his back and put him in a chinlock. They both ended up lying on the bridge and then Ricochet hit them with a springboard 360 splash.
The fans chanted “this is awesome” as all seven men stood in the ring and then traded punches. Priest took out Butch with a Flatliner. Priest climbed the main ladder, but Knight pulled him off with a side suplex. Paul performed a Blockbuster on Knight. Ricochet performed a standing shooting star press on Paul. Escobar put Ricochet down with a Michinoku Driver.
Nakamura knocked Escobar out of the ring with a kick. Butch pulled Nakamura to the floor. Butch climbed a ladder on the floor and then moonsaulted onto a pile of wrestlers below him. Butch made a play for the briefcase, but Paul cut him off and then climbed the ladder until Ricochet pulled him down. Paul dropped Ricochet with a punch.
Paul went for the briefcase and was cut off by Escobar, who then climbed the ladder and got his hand on the briefcase. Nakamura pulled Escobar down and then made his own play for the briefcase. Escobar climbed up the other side of the ladder. Knight bashed Nakamura with a ladder and then set it up next to the center ladder.
Escobar jumped off of one ladder and performed a huracanrana that pulled Knight from the other ladder. Escobar and Nakamura climbed up the ladders. Ricochet and Paul springboarded onto the ladders with them and all four men fought and took turns reaching for the briefcase.
Knight tipped over the Nakamura and Escobar ladder with help from Ricochet and Paul. Knight pushed over their ladder and they both caught themselves on the ropes. Ricochet grabbed Paul and performed Sliced Bread from the ropes and through the two tables that were set up on the floor.
Paul and Butch fought on top of a ladder in the middle of the ring. Butch used his joint manipulation, causing Knight to fall from the ladder. Butch grabbed the briefcase, but Priest cut him off and ended up tossing him off the ladder and into another ladder that was set up in a corner of the ring.
Knight threw Priest off the ladder. Escobar ran in and took Knight’s finisher. Knight tossed Nakamura out of the ring. Knight climbed the ladder and the fans cheered loudly when he got his hands on the briefcase. Priest returned and threw Knight off with a Broken Arrow. Priest climbed the ladder and pulled the briefcase down to win the match…
Damian Priest defeated Logan Paul, Ricochet, Shinsuke Nakamura, LA Knight, Santos Escobar, and Butch in 20:25 to win the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Powell’s POV: Excellent MITB action from start to finish. The only time I bought into one of the briefcase teases was when Knight was alone on top of the ladder. That said, Priest winning was a surprise. He was probably a distant third in damn near everyone’s confidence rankings behind Knight and Paul. Obviously, with this match opening the show, Priest winning adds a new wrinkle to the World Heavyweight Championship later in the show.
Ring entrances for the WWE Women’s Tag Title match took place after ads and a Ronda Rousey video package…
2. Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler vs. Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Liv Morgan wore Union Jack gear. Cole noted that she was returning from a partially torn rotator cuff and a partially torn labrum. Morgan performed an early springboard kick that knocked Baszler off the apron. Rodriguez threw Rousey to the floor. Rodriguez picked up Morgan and tossed her powerbomb style onto the champions on the floor.
Back in the ring, Baszler stomped Morgan’s bad shoulder. Rousey checked in and continued to attack the shoulder. Basler tagged in and delivered a running knee to Morgan that led to a two count. The isolation of Morgan continued. Rousey put Morgan in an ankle lock. Morgan eventually kicked her way out of it and rolled up Rousey for a two count. Cole noted that it was similar to the way she beat Rousey at MITB last year.
Rodriguez tagged in and worked over Rousey and Baszler. She slammed Rousey and got a two count. Rodriguez went to the ropes and was cut off by Rousey, who applied armbar while Rodriguez was seated on the top turnbuckle. Rodriguez powered Rousey up and then powerbombed her from the ropes and had her beat, but Baszler returned to break up the pin.
Rousey and Baszler applied simultaneous submission holds on Morgan until Rodriguez broke them up. Morgan dropped Baszler with a step-up enzuigiri, but Rousey pulled Rodriguez off the apron to prevent Morgan from tagging out. Baszler put Morgan in the Kirifuda Clutch. Morgan got to her feet and used a jawjacker to escape the hold.
Rousey tagged in and acted cocky as she approached Morgan. Suddenly, Baszler blasted Rousey from behind and ended up putting her in the Kirifuda Clutch. Rodriguez released the hold and left the ring. Rodriguez performed a Tejana Bomb on Rousey. Morgan followed up with Oblivion and then scored the pin…
Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan defeated Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler in 9:00 to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Powell’s POV: Rousey took Morgan’s finisher awkwardly and clutched her neck while she was being pinned. Hopefully she’s okay. I don’t think anyone saw this turn coming, but I’m happy to see it. Rousey and Baszler should both mean so much more than they do. Rousey hasn’t felt like a star on WWE television for some time now and holding the tag titles wasn’t going to change that. The only negative is that it wasn’t the type of win that makes the new champions look good.
A SummerSlam video aired for the event that will be held in Detroit, Michigan at Ford Field on Saturday, August 5 with a 7CT/8ET start time…
MITB winner Damian Priest was interviewed by Kayla Braxton backstage. He played up various titles that he could challenge for said the one sure thing is that he will be a champion…
Solo’s POV: Great, kid, don’t get cocky.
After some ads and a sponsored movie trailer, entrances for the Intercontinental Title match took place with Matt Riddle coming out first with his bad ankle taped. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni stood on the stage and then Kaiser introduced Gunther…
3. Gunther vs. Matt Riddle for the Intercontinental Championship. Cole said only Honky Tonk Man and Randy Savage had longer Intercontinental Title reigns than Gunther’s current reign. Riddle was the early aggressor until Gunther knocked him down with a big chop to the chest.
Gunther mauled Riddle for the next few minutes. Gunther put Riddle down with a German suplex and then applied a heel hook. Riddle used his good leg to kick free. Riddle executed a nice suplex on Gunther and then went for a Broton, but Gunther caught him in a sleeper. Riddle rolled onto him to break the hold and only got a one count.
Gunther performed a German suplex. Riddle landed on his feet and then sold his ankle. Gunther dropped Riddle with a big clothesline and got a two count. Riddle came back with a flying knee for a two count of his own. Riddle kicked Gunther while he was down and then hit the Floating Bro for a near fall.
Gunther stuffed a Riddle move attempt and put him down with a chop. Gunther went for a top rope move, but Riddle caught him in a triangle hold on the way down. Gunther powered up Riddle and slammed him to the mat to break the hold. Gunther covered Riddle for a two count and then immediately applied a half crab on the bad leg. Riddle tried to kick his way out of it. Gunther hit Riddle’s ankle several times and then put him in the heel hook and got the submission win.
Gunther defeated Matt Riddle 7:45 to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
After the match, Drew McIntyre made his entrance to a massive pop. McIntyre walked out in street clothes and stared down Gunther. Cole said the rumors of McIntyre’s demise in WWE are not true. McIntyre entered the ring and then he and Gunther jawed at one another.
Gunther hit McIntyre, who dropped him with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre did the countdown and then put Gunther down with a Claymore Kick. McIntyre picked up the Intercontinental Title and raised it above his head…
Powell’s POV: The surprises continue. It’s great to see McIntyre back and how can you not be excited about him facing Gunther? The actual match was fine. The ankle injury angle was designed to protect Riddle, but it really just made the challenger who felt like a big underdog feel like he had even less of a chance to win.
A video package recapped the Cody Rhodes and Dominik Mysterio feud… Entrances for the mach took place. Ripley had “Dirty Dom” written on her upper left cheek. Cody received a massive babyface reaction…
4. Cody Rhodes vs. Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley). There were “Cody” chants when the bell rang. Cody still had a cast on his left arm. Dom stalled by playing to the crowd. Cody lunged at Dom, who ducked him and then punched him.
Dom ducked to the floor. Cody chased him and then Dom returned to the ring. Cody followed and was slapped by Dom. Cody ripped the cast off of his arm. Dom left the ring and ran up the entrance aisle. Cody chased and caught him and then threw him back inside the ring. Cody put the boots to Dom in a corner of the ring.
Cody hoisted up Dom and powerslammed him. Dom retreated to the floor and hopped the barricade. Cody followed him and tossed him back to ringside. Dom returned to the ring to break the count, then rolled back to the floor. Cody went for a suplex that Dom escaped.
Ripley stepped up and jawed at Cody. Meanwhile, Dom went after one of the turnbuckle pads. While the referee was caught up with the pad, Ripley hit Cody with a cheap shot. Dom ran Cody into the ring post (they don’t have the usual casing). The crowd chanted “Dom is a wanker.”
Back in the ring, Cody went for a suplex, but Dom landed on his feet and then dropped Cody with an elbow. Dom covered Cody, who kicked out quickly. The crowd chants continued. Dom performed two of the Three Amigos. Cody blocked the last one and dropped Dom face first.
Cody powerslammed Dom. Ripley banged on the mat. Cody glared at her and then fired up while Ripley expressed concern from the floor. Cody put Dom down with a Disaster Kick and covered him for a two count.
Cody tried to set up for Cody Cutter, but Ripley climbed onto the apron and created a distraction. Dom got Cody against the ropes and went for a 619 that Cody blocked. Cody hoisted up Dom and spun around repeatedly before executing an Alabama Slam. Cody followed up with a Cody Cutter and then played to the crowd. Cody hit CrossRhodes and scored the pin.
Cody Rhodes beat Dominik Mysterio in 8:40.
Afterward, Cody knelt down and kissed the mat before exiting the ring…
Powell’s POV: Boooooo!!!!! Sorry, I really wanted Brock Lesnar to interfere and help give Dom a cheap victory. But this was the logical finish if Lesnar isn’t in the building. I look forward to hearing what Dom’s excuse for losing will be on Monday. I wonder if they have a rematch and I get the finish I was hoping for. Obviously, they need to start the build to Cody vs. Lesnar at SummerSlam soon.
Cole hyped the WWE video game, which he’s done throughout the night, and noted that it’s the highest rated wrestling game…
John Cena made his entrance. Cena held up one of his towels and looked into the camera and said, “Surprise, let’s go to work.” Cena ran to the ring. “Surprise,” Cena said over the mic once he was in the ring. He said he was the the one surprised because he’s used to the crowd chanting that he sucks. He said they flipped it around by singing his song.
Cena told the fans to look around. He said it was the first WWE PLE in London in twenty years. Cena said he felt the energy and it made him wonder what took so long. Cena said it hit him. He said it’s not up to him, it’s up to the decision makers. The fans booed. Cena said they don’t necessarily know how to feel about London.
Cena said the decision makers think that London is a hostile environment and that the fans are a distraction. Cena said they think that the fans even try to take over the show. The fans cheered. Cena said they are the voice, the heartbeat, and they are the show. The fans popped big.
Cena asked why he was there. He said he was there on behalf of the fans. He said he knew the world was watching and he wanted the world to know that they are under appreciated. Cena said everyone knows he’s big on respect and he said he was there because the fans earned his respect. A “Thank you, Cena” chant broke out.
Cena said the fans cheer, chant, and care. He said in his mind, there’s not a more exciting audience than an audience in the United Kingdom. “So I’m here to try to bring WrestleMania to London,” Cena said. The fans popped huge again. “Oh, I struck a nerve on that one, didn’t I?” Cena asked.
Cena said he wasn’t there for one more match. He said he knows what people listen when he talks. He said he wants the fans to tell the world and the people who make decisions what WrestleMania will sound like in London. The fans cheered loudly until they were interrupted.
Grayson Waller’s entrance music played and he walked out in street clothes with a microphone in hand. Waller said it was an absolute honor to see Cena. He said he would introduce himself, but he knows Cena watches and knows he’s the Aussie Icon and the most of the Grayson Waller Effect.
Waller said he loves everything about Cena, including his jorts. A “shut the f— up” chant broke out. Waller gushed over Cena’s movies. Waller entered the ring and said he was disappointed that Cena was lying to the people.
“WrestleMania in England?” Waller asked. “You’ve gotta be kidding me, man. We both know this place is a hole.” Waller said the fans boo the people they are supposed to like and cheer the people they are not supposed to like. Waller said they should have WrestleMania in Australia instead.
Cena said things haven’t been going so well for Cena. He recalled Cena losing to Austin Theory at WrestleMania and Roman Reigns and The Fiend before that. Waller said the people are simple and only remember the last thing they saw.
Waller said Cena needs a viral moment. Waller asked Cena to let him help save his career. Waller proposed having Cena as his guest on the Grayson Waller Effect at WrestleMania in Australia. The fans booed.
Cena recapped Waller saying no WrestleMania in London and that Waller wants him to fly to Australia so that he can get a rub from Waller. Cena said he would pass and started to leave. Waller stopped him and said nobody says no to him. Cena played to the crowd about WrestleMania in London.
Waller hit Cena from behind and then hit him a few times while he was down. Waller removed his shirt and got cocky. Cena stood up and put him down with an Attitude Adjustment. Cena removed his own shirt while Waller was down and selling at ringside. Cena left the ring and slapped hands with fans on his way to the back…
Powell’s POV: The surprises continue. WWE is really setting the bar high with these PLEs. As much as I’d selfishly like to see WrestleMania come to U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, I would love to see the annual mega event held in London. I assume it would be a Wembley Stadium show and one has to wonder if the success that AEW All In has been from a ticket sales standpoint will help motivate WWE to follow through with Cena’s tease.
After some ads, ring announcer Samantha Irvin stood in the ring and handled introductions for the women’s MITB match. Bayley came out first with MITB themed gear. Iyo Sky was out next. Zelina Vega’s entrance followed. Zoey Stark came out and waited for Trish Stratus. Becky Lynch was out last in MITB colors (Dot Net contributor Chris Vetter wrote to say that her gear was inspired by Siryn, a lesser-known Marvel X-Men character from Ireland). Stratus and Star attacked Lynch in the entrance aisle and were rewarded for it when the referee rang the bell to start the match…
5. Zelina Vega vs. Becky Lynch vs. Zoey Stark vs. Bayley vs. Iyo Sky vs. Trish Stratus in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Vega was pinned under a ladder on the floor. Stratus and Stark worked together and got the better of the other entrants early on.
Stark stood by while Stratus climbed a ladder in the middle of the ring. Bayley and Sky showed up and tipped the ladder over. The crowd sang their once fun and now tired Bayley song. Bayley told them to shut up. Vega made a play for the briefcase, but Bayley cut her off.
Vega was under the ladder. Bayley and Sky took turns reaching through the rungs and pulling Vega into it. Bayley and Sky took turns trying to position the ladder the way they wanted it in a tease of dissension. Lynch stopped them from going after the briefcase.
Lynch put Stark in a Disarmer through the rungs of the ladder. Stratus showed up and performed her head-scissors takedown on Lynch. Stratus made a play for the briefcase, but Sky quickly pulled her down. Sky and Stratus ended up climbing up opposite sides of the ladder. Trish knocked her down with a kick.
Vega set up a smaller ladder next to the main ladder and took shots at Trish, who ended up propped over both ladders. Vega walked over her like a bridge to get to the main ladder. Stark cut off Vega. Sky pulled Vega down.
Lynch ended up getting a hand on the briefcase, but Bayley slammed her head on the ladder and knocked her down. Bayley dropped an elbow on Lynch from the smaller ladder. Sky climbed the main ladder, but Stark and Vega pulled it from under the briefcase.
Sky climbed to the top of the ladder and performed a moonsault onto the other participants in the ring. An “Iyo” chant broke out. Trish climbed the ladder while Cole yelled that she was going to win, making it obvious that she would not win. Sure enough, Lynch cut her off and pushed her down. Lynch jumped from the ladder and hit Stark before tossing her to the floor.
Vega performed a crossbody block from the ladder onto Lynch and Stratus. Vega avoided Sky diving at her from the ropes and then tossed her to the floor. Vega climbed the ladder, but Lynch and Stratus pulled her off and powerbombed her together. Stratus clearly had nose damage.
Lynch and Stratus traded punches. Lynch got the better of it, but Stratus got up and fired more punches at her. Stratus performed Stratusfaction on Bayley over a ladder bridge in the ring. Stark ran Lynch into the ring post. Stark pulled a pair of handcuffs out from underneath the ring while Stratus laughed.
Stratus and Stark put the boots to Lynch put the handcuff around one of her wrists. Stark tried and failed to handcuff her to the turnbuckle. Lynch fired back at both foes. A “we want tables” chant broke out. Lynch ducked Stratus and Stark trying to hit her with a ladder. Lynch sent Stratus over the broadcast table and then dumped Stark onto a ladder that was propped up on the apron.
Lynch created a ladder bridge and put Stark on top of it. Stratus joined Lynch on the broadcast table and they fought while Stark moved. Lynch executed a Manhandle Slam on the ladder. Stark took out Lynch and then returned to the ring and stopped Vega from getting the briefcase.
Vega used a flip flop on Stark and then performed a Code Red from the ladder onto a ladder bridge. Barrett noted that Vega’s cousin Amazing Red made the move famous. A “this is awesome” chant broke out.
Sky returned to the ring and climbed the main laddder. Sky got her hands on the briefcase, but then Bayley tipped the ladder over. Bayley set up the ladder again and went for the briefcase, but Lynch returned and cut her off. Lynch fish hooked Bayley with the handcuff and got her off the ladder.
Lynch climbed back up the ladder. Bayley followed on the other side. Sky pulled Lynch down after Bayley fell. Lynch fought off Sky and went for the briefcase. Bayley cut her off again. Lynch and Bayley climbed opposite sides of the ladder. Sky reached in between the ladder and put the other side of the handcuffs on Bayley’s wrist. Sky climbed over Bayley and took the briefcase down to win the match.
Iyo Sky defeated Zelina Vega, Becky Lynch, Zoey Stark, Bayley, and Trish Stratus in 18:05 to win the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Sky sat on top of the ladder with the briefcase while a “you deserve it” chant broke out…
Powell’s POV: The match started a little slow, but it turned out to be a hell of a ladder match. The handcuffs finish was really creative. The fans eventually got behind Sky, but it did feel like the crowd was a little subdued early on because they didn’t have a big favorite like they did with LA Knight in the men’s match. I really like the call to go with Sky. Lynch doesn’t need MITB and no one else really stood out in terms of being a compelling MITB contract holder.
A video package set up the World Heavyweight Championship match… Finn Balor made his entrance wearing a face mask along with the hood from his jacket over his head. He removed both once he got close to the ring. Seth Rollins made his entrance while the crowd chanted his theme song. Samantha Irvin delivered introductions from the floor once both men were inside the ring…
6. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor for the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins had tape over his left ribcage to sell Balor’s previous attacks. Cole noted that Balor’s last attack came one night earlier at a live event. Balor went right after the ribs to start the match. Balor performed an early standing double stomp on the ribs.
Rollins eventually battled back and put Balor down with a knee strike. Barrett noted that Rollins was in too much pain to make a cover. Balor came right back and covered Rollins, who kick out at one and fired up. Balor went right back to work on the ribs with punches and knees.
Balor went for his Coup De Grace finisher, but Rollins avoided it. Rollins went for a Stomp, but Balor avoided that. Rollins ended up putting Balor down with a Pedigree. Rollins was slow to cover and only got a two count.
Damian Priest walked out with the Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. Rollins spotted him and asked if he was going to try him. Balor rolled up a distracted Rollins for a two count. When they stood up, Rollins superkicked Balor, who tumbled to the floor.
Rollins left the ring and approached Priest, who was standing by the broadcast table. Priest set up a chair and took a seat. Balor dropkicked Rollins into the barricade. Balor performed Coup De Graces from the broadcast table and then from the ring steps.
Back inside the ring, Balor put Rollins down with a dropkick and then went up top. Priest stood up. Balor noticed him and was distracted for a moment before he went for his finisher, which Rollins avoided. Rollins put Balor out with a Stomp and pinned him.
Seth Rollins defeated Finn Balor in 12:30 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
After the match, Balor barked at Priest while Rollins stood in the entrance aisle…
Powell’s POV: Balor targeting Rollins’ ribs repeatedly throughout the build to the match boosted my interest in the match, but they never sold me on the idea of Balor actually winning once the bell rang. Priest coming out for a potential cash-in ended up giving Balor an out for losing. I guess the story of the friction between Balor and Priest that seemed to start and stop is on again.
Cole hyped Edge appearing on the Grayson Waller Effect on Friday’s Smackdown and then an Edge video package aired… Cole hyped the post event press conference with Triple H, Cody Rhodes, Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan, Damian Priest, and Iyo Sky…
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were interviewed by Kayla Braxton in a luxury box. Owens put over London and the show. Braxton brought up the main event. Zayn said it’s a mach he’s waited to see for a long time. Zayn said tonight would be the night that Roman Reigns would get exactly what was coming to him. Zayn’s entrance theme played…
Cole and Barrett hyped SummerSlam being held in five weeks. They also announced Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya for the Women’s World Championship for Monday’s Raw… A video package set up the main event… Cole noted that Reigns issued a tweet to tease that he would stack and pin both Usos just as he did with Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania…
The Usos made their entrance first and played to the crowd once they were inside the ring. Barrett said the Usos are not the same team without Roman Reigns at their side. He said he might change his tune if they pull off a miracle. Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman entered to Roman’s theme. Cole noted that Reigns has been champion for 1,035 days. Cole said the last time Reigns was pinned or submitted was on December 15, 2019. Cole also played up the possibility of Reigns being distracted by Damian Priest being in the building with the MITB contract…
7. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso. Mike Rome delivered introductions from the floor once all four wrestlers were inside the ring. A “f— you Roman” chant broke out and then the bell rang. Siko and Jimmy started the match. They locked up and then Sikoa threw Jimmy to the mat.
Solo got the better of Jimmy again, but Jey caught Solo with a kick to the back of the head from the apron while the referee was looking at Jimmy. Jey tagged in. Solo teased going after Jey. Roman yelled no. Solo stopped and looked back at Reigns, who held his hand out and said “now.” Solo walked to the corner and stared at Reigns before tagging him into the match.
Reigns and Jey locked up. Reigns put him in a side headlock and then barked at the crowd. Jey shot him into the ropes and Reigns knocked him down with a shoulder block. Reigns walked over and said “the only one” before shoving Jimmy’s head. Jey went after Reigns, who put him down again. “Nothing,” Reigns said.
Jimmy tagged in and the Usos went for a double superkick, but Reigns avoided it and exited the ring. Reigns spoke with Heyman, who asked Reigns if he wanted his son to eat at Jey’s table. Reigns got pissed and returned to the ring. Reigns worked over Jey with punches. Referee Dan Engler barked at Reigns, who indicated that he would keep his cool.
A short time later, Sikoa and Jimmy were legal when Sikoa knocked Jimmy down with a forearm strike. The crowd started singing. Reigns sat on the apron and told Heyman that it’s the dumbest place of all-time. Solo got the better of Jimmy. Reigns tagged in and hit him with a Drive By kick from the floor. Reigns entered the ring and covered Jimmy for a two count.
Reigns and Sikoa continued to isolate Jimmy. Solo pulled Jey from the apron once Jimmy broke free from Reigns and dove to his corner. The broadcast team spoke about how dominant Reigns and Sikoa had been to this point.
Reigns went for a Superman Punch, but Jimmy avoided it. Jimmy clotheslined Reigns and they both tumbled over the top rope to the floor. When they returned to the ring, both men tagged out. Jey caught Solo with a kick and a punch and followed with an enzuigiri.
Jey performed a crossbody block from the ropes and got a two count. Reigns made a blind tag. Jey spotted it and clotheslined Reigns to the floor and then hit him with a suicide dive. Jey returned to the ring and performed a suicide dive on Sikoa, who was on the other side of the ring. Jey went for another on Reigns, who hit him with a Superman Punch.
Back inside the ring, Reigns put Jey down with another Superman Punch. Reigns went to his corner and let out the war cry. Jimmy tagged in and then both Usos speared Reigns. Jimmy had Reigns pinned, but Sikoa broke up the pin.
All four wrestlers entered the ring and paired off. Solo and Jey went to ringside. Jey ran Solo into the ring steps. In the ring, Reigns and Jey traded big punches. Reigns ducked an enzuigiri and then hit him with a Superman Punch for a near fall.
Reigns told the crowd to shut up and then let out his war cry. Reigns charged Jimmy, who hit him with two superkicks. Jimmy went for a top rope splash, but Reigns caught him in a guillotine on the way down. Jimmy started to fade, but he held his arm up when the referee checked on him.
Jimmy powered up to his feet and drove Reigns into the corner to break the pin. Jey tagged in. Reigns put Jimmy in a guillotine, but Jimmy drove him into the referee, who tumbled to the floor. REF BUMP!!! The Usos hit 1D on Reigns. Jey covered him and got the visual pinfall while the referee was still out on the floor.
The Usos went to the top rope in opposite corners. Sikoa returned and it halted whatever the Usos were going to go for. Reigns and Solo performed double uranage slams on the Usos. Sikoa held Jey in place. Reigns ran the ropes and speared Jey while Solo simultaneously hit him with the Samoan Spike.
Solo hit Jimmy with the Samoan Spike and then dragged him over and placed him on top of Jey. Reigns made the cover while Barrett credited Reigns with calling his shot, but both Usos kicked out. Reigns, Sikoa, and Heyman all flashed looks of surprise.
Sikoa threw punches at Jey, which snapped Reigns back into attack mode. Sikoa took Jimmy to ringside and ran him into the ring post. Reigns told Solo that they don’t need Jimmy anymore. Sikoa cleared the broadcast table and then Reigns told Solo to destroy him. Sikoa superkicked Jimmy, who ended up lying on the broadcast table.
Sikoa climbed onto the barricade and looked to Reigns before going for a splash that Jimmy avoided. Jey superkicked Reigns, who bounced off the ropes and hit him with a Superman Punch. Jey came right back with a superkick and then Reigns speared him and got a great near fall. A “this is awesome” chant broke out.
Cole watched the replay and pointed out that Jey hit Reigns with a low blow when he kicked out, just as Reigns had done many times. The Usos hit Reigns and Sikoa with superkicks and then Jey performed a top rope splash and pinned him clean.
Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso defeated Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa in 32:10.
After the match, Heyman looked in in shock. Jey was also wide-eyed to start as he and Jimmy sold the effects of the match. They got to their feet and hugged. Jimmy squatted down and appeared to pray. The Usos celebrated their win while Reigns seethed at ringside. A video package recapped the event to close the show…
Powell’s POV: A very satisfying main event with Reigns finally being pinned after all this time. I assume this leads to Jey challenging Reigns at SummerSlam. I’m still waiting for all four of these guys to end up at odds so that we can have the true civil war in the form of a four-way match, but we’re not there yet.
Overall, an excellent show filled with some surprising in-ring moments, as well as the surprise return of Drew McIntyre, and the surprise appearance by John Cena. Rollins vs. Balor was the only match that fell below my expectations, so there was a lot to like about this show. I will have more to say when I team up with Jake Barnett and Will Pruett shortly for a Dot Net Triple Threat audio review of MITB for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of MITB by voting for the best match and grading the overall show.
IF LA KNIGHT DOESNT WIN…WE RIOT!!!
What the hell are these ladders made out of?
I think I’ve become desensitized to these stunt matches. That was mostly a waste of 30 minutes and they might have actually injured a few people. Priest is a solid choice but Knight has got to stay in the picture for a title soon.
I don’t love gimmick matches. But that was really something else
Soooo when does the riot start?
It’s already started here! Look for the updates on your local news!!
Liv looks like someone put Bruiser Brody’s boots on a Union Jack phone booth, and somehow she’s still adorable.
Riots as in pouting until momma calls you out for dinner.
Awful match made up for it by Livs spice girl outfit
I hope they have a good explanation for Baszler turning after helping Ronda multiple times in that match.
Gunther is phenomenal and Riddle is a perfect contrast for him.
I guess the writer’s strike gave Cena some unexpected free time.
I’m in the arena and have never heard a pop like that in the UK as for the wrestlemania tease. I got goosebumps – the crowd was great. Quite emotional after all these years
Since when is Bayley a member of Judgement Day?The announcer really screwed up there..
I liked the women’s MITB match more than the men’s. Not sure about Iyo as the winner, but the way they worked the handcuffs in, and the visual at the end, were both very good.
I agree @greatest1. the last 10 min really drew me in
This bloodline BS shouldn’t have been the main event because the match is slow and dragging down an otherwise hot show
Anyone think that Priest would cash in? Roman hurt? Solo incapacitated. Seemed like the perfect time to take the title off him.
Cody is taking the belt off Roman next year in Philly unless there’s some sort of injury. Priest cashing in on Rollins would have been interesting.
The Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match was my favorite match of the night and I felt it was way better than the Men’s MITB as the women really went at it and the crowd was really hot for it as there was a lot of good spots to makeup for the expected botches. I’m okay with Iyo as the winner as this finally gets her out of Damage CTRL and she can cash in on Asuka, but I do like the fact that Bayley can now get a new member in Damage CTRL to replace her and they can pick on Iyo for a little bit especially once Dakota Kai comes back. I’m calling for Jacy Jayne to get called up after SummerSlam and join Damage CTRL and they can build the story of her taking over Damage CTRL in the future.
Shayna turning on Ronda was the most unpredictable thing of the night as I definitely can’t wait for the reason , but it’s probably to get out of Ronda’s shadow. If she can get a run like she had down in NXT. I’m all for it. I didn’t know what they were going to do with Liv if they lost because Raquel could’ve gone after Becky or Rhea in solo action.
I was disappointed that Judgment Day didn’t get the sweep, but I like the fact that Damian got the MITB to build that story between him and Seth. The LA Knight bandwagon fans are just like Cody after he lost to Roman. I’m getting sick of WWE crowds fanboying after one guy and crying about their guy losing. I’m glad the WWE isn’t giving them what they want.
Main Event Jey against Roman will be good, but I expect the newest member of the Bloodline to help Roman win.
Just left the arena, what a night. The crowd was popping from beginning to the end. The only part of the show that seemed to lose us was the womens tag match until the Bazler attack. The noise was deafening when Cena came out and I have to say it was a massive surprise. I think myself and the guy next to me were both expecting balor/rollins to end with both being laid out and Priest cashing in but then we can’t have everything. Not sure if it was heard on camera when Reigns was taking abuse from the crowd (we were next to the announce desk) that he told someone to f*** off. We were all surprised but hey he’s only human after all. Personally best match of the night was the mens money in the bank and worse was definitely the womens tag match. Biggest pop of the night = Cena, biggest Boo = Logan Paul.
Overall though a great night out.
Women’s MITB beat the men’s MITB tonight as this was one of the best if not THE best Women’s MITB ever. Crowd seemed super hot for it from start to finish. Zoey Stark is really adding value in that women’s division better than anybody expected, but Iyo is just great.
Looking forward to hearing from Shayna as well on Monday.
Worst match of the night was Cody vs Dom, probably, seemed like the crowd did not care about that match either.
Best match was the women’s MITB and honestly the worst was the men’s MITB. Way more compelling work done in the women’s match and the men’s match was just people disappearing for long stretches of time while the others set up whatever stupid, career shortening stunt was next. The only real positive was Priest winning it.
I agree the worst match was the Men’s MITB, I can’t believe some people were thinking that was any good and the only positive was Damian Priest winning.