Tonight’s WWE Monday Night Raw is live Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas. Jimmy Smith welcomes us and joined with Corey Graves and Byron Saxton at ringside. We see footage from earlier today of John Cena arriving backstage.
He greets dozens of wrestlers, medics, and other employees, including The Mysterios, Alpha Academy, several referees, Nikki A.S.H., Doudrop, Shelton Benjamin, a special hug for R-Truth, The Street Profits, Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka, a special hug for Dolph Ziggler, Becky Lynch is shown looking bored and annoyed, Mustafa Ali, Omos, Adam Pearce, Michael Cole, Ezekiel, Bobby Lashley, The Miz, Ciampa, WWE Hall of Famer Michael Hayes, Shawn Daivari, Reggie, Tamina Snuka and many others. Cena speaks to the camera and skips away.
Here The WWE Monday Night Raw Full Results:
– Riddle won the Money In the Bank Second Chance Qualifier Battle Royal by defeating Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, Veer Mahaan, Shanky, Shinsuke Nakamura, Riddle, R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler, Ciampa, Jinder Mahal, Ricochet, Mustafa Ali, Akira Tozawa, Shelton Benjamin, T-BAR, Reggie, AJ Styles and The Miz.
– The announcers hype tonight’s Monday Night Raw, which will include a six-way Second Chance Elimination Qualifier for the Women’s Money In the Bank Ladder Match. They also announced that Kevin Owens’ MITB qualifier against either Elias, Ezekiel or Elrod has been postponed.
– The Street Profits are backstage hyping up the show and John Cena’s 20th anniversary when Cena himself shows up. They ask him for advice for their match against Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos and Cena hypes them up as former WWE NXT, RAW and SmackDown champions, with all the energy. Cena goes on, telling them to remember who they are, and to never give up.
– Montez Ford defeated Jey Uso via pinfall and earned the chance to pick the stipulation for the WWE Undisputed tag team titles match at Money In The Bank.
– Finn Balor and Damian Priest approach The Mysterios at backstage. Finn talks about how Rey Mysterio also has a career anniversary coming up, not just John Cena. Finn talks about some of Rey’s achievements and asks what is it that he’s not teaching his son Dominik Mysterio. Priest says all they’re saying is… Judgment Day is about to take over all of WWE and their door is open, especially for those who are tired of hearing the same tired leaders who claim they can lead them down the right path.
Priest is looking at Dominik. Rey speaks up but Finn interrupts and says maybe it’s not bad luck Dominik has, maybe it’s a bad father. Rey wants to fight but Dominik holds him back as Balor and Priest walk off. Rey proposes a tag team match for next week in his hometown of San Diego.
– we got a nice, lengthy video package looking at John Cena and his 20 years with WWE.
– Kevin Patrick in the ring and gets fans to give it up for John Cena. He then introduces his guest and out comes The Miz. Patrick mentions how Miz is an avid social media user, so he must’ve seen how Logan Paul is planning a return to the ring. We see Paul’s weekend tweets showing him in a wrestling ring, perhaps at the WWE Performance Center.
Miz says he set that up. He announces that he and Paul will reunite as the most must see tag team at WWE SummerSlam, and will continue their winning ways after beating The Mysterios at WrestleMania 38. Patrick asks about Miz’s relationship with Paul and brings up how Miz turned on Paul right after their WrestleMania win. We see footage of the turn. Miz says if this is Patrick being a journalist, it’s just cute.
Miz goes on ranting about how he’s must-see, announcing that he will be on NBC’s The Today Show this week, adding that no one else was asked but him. He mentions his hit show, Miz & Mrs., and says when celebrities come to WWE, they want to use his star power and they demand to be associated with him. Miz says after dropping Paul at WrestleMania, he told Paul that the turn was a teaching moment, and Paul understood.
Miz says one day he and Paul will become the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Patrick asks if Paul would’ve been disappointed in Miz’s Battle Royal performance earlier. Miz rants about the only disappointment was AJ Styles, who has had a downturn in his career as of late. They bring up the recent MizTV happenings, and Patrick goes to mention the “tiny balls” joke but Miz cuts him off and says we are not making that a thing. Miz starts describing how big his balls are but the music interrupts and out comes AJ. He enters the ring and immediately drops Miz with a punch to the jaw.
– AJ Styles defeated The Miz via count out.
– Ezekiel introduces himself to John Cena at backstage and says his older brother Elias always talked about Cena. Cena asks if Elias is here, and Ezekiel says he’s showing their younger brother, Elrod, around. Cena says that makes sense. Ezekiel says he loves Walking With Elias, and he can’t wait to Prod With Elrod, but he wants fans to Speak With Zeke, and he wants some advice from Cena.
Cena tells him to never forget who you are. Ezekiel says that’s perfect. He thanks Cena and says it was great to meet him. Ezekiel walks off and Cena turns around to WWE United States Champion Theory. Theory says he didn’t introduce himself because Cena already knows who he is. Cena apparently goes to speak but Theory cuts him off and says tonight we will celebrate Cena, but it should be Theory like every week Theory is celebrated because he’s been putting it down for A-Town.
Theory says Cena talks about never giving up, but Theory can do this all day. Theory says at 24 he’s the youngest WWE United States Champion in history, and how many titles did Cena have at 24? None, he wasn’t even in WWE. Theory goes on about how he’s Mr. McMahon’s protege, and his body, arms and the title can’t be touched. Theory says it’s 2022 and Cena is a grown man still wearing jorts. Theory turns to pull out his phone for a selfie and Cena looks like he changes his mind in putting Theory in his place. Cena walks off and Theory doesn’t realize he’s gone until he goes to take the selfie.
– we get more messages for John Cena, this time from WWE Hall of Famers Kurt Angle, Steve Austin and JBL, plus Randy Orton, Interim WWE CEO & Chairwoman Stephanie McMahon, and AEW star Chris Jericho.
– The Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair makes her way to the ring for Money In the Bank contract signing. Kevin Patrick is in the ring with Belair now. He asks about the title match at Money In the Bank. Belair says she wishes Carmella was out here so she can say what’s on her mind to Carmella’s face.
Belair brings up how Carmella hit her with a cheap shot last week. She says Carmella will always resort to dirty tricks and cheating because that’s what she feels she has to do. Belair says no one respects Carmella, but not because she’s not any good, but because she doesn’t respect herself. Belair goes on about how good Carmella is in the ring, and how she has “IT” but she’s too focused elsewhere.
Belair says Carmella better bring “IT” to Money In the Bank or not waste Belair’s time. Belair asks why are we waiting until Money In the Bank. She calls Carmella to the ring to come and show she can step to Belair’s face. The music hits and here comes Carmella. She says Belair is so wrong about her – she’s not insecure at all. She’s smart, she has it all – beauty and brains. Carmella says she’s the total package and she will not apologize for that, that’s for damn sure.
Carmela enters the ring and flips her hair in Belair’s face. Carmella goes on about how her resume speaks for itself. Carmella says if she’s not given the respect she deserves, she will take it, just like she will take the Raw Women’s Title this Saturday at Money In the Bank. Because… Mella Is Money. Carmella drops the mic and walks out as Belair looks on. Patrick asks Belair about respecting Carmella, but Belair turns and blocks a sneak attack attempt by Carmella. Belair sends Carmella back out of the ring to the floor, then raises her title.
– Sarah Schreiber at backstage with Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan now. Bliss agrees that they are friendly, but she doesn’t have any friends in WWE. Bliss says she likes Liv because she’s resilient and has other positive qualities, and one day that will make her a champion, but not this Saturday at Money In the Bank. Bliss mentions how she got Lilly a suitcase to carry her own title when they fly out of Las Vegas this weekend.
Liv says Bliss is right – she will be champion one day, and they are not friends because friends would help each other up and on Saturday, she’s knocking Bliss down, then climbing for the MITB contract that will change her career forever. Liv sometimes you’ve got to step to someone in your way and let them know their time is up. Liv says her time is now. Bliss tells her to bring it and she says she will. Liv says she will win on Saturday but she will also defeat Bliss tonight. Bliss says that’s not going to happen. She taps Liv on the nose with Lilly’s hand. Liv tells her to watch her, and does the same and walks off.
– Liv Morgan defeated Alexa Bliss via pinfall and qualified for the Women’s Money In The Bank Ladder match.
– “No Chance” music hits and Vince McMahon makes his way to the ring. Vince enters and grabs a mic. The entire roster is lined up on each side of the stage. Vince is in the ring with the mic. Vince says there are so many accolades that could be said about the man he is about to introduce, so he will just say it’s an honor and a privilege to introduce… John Cena! The music hits and here comes John Cena to a big pop. Cena stops on the stage as the roster applauds. Cena holds up a “Never Give Up” towel, says it’s time to go to work, then rushes the ring.
John Cena takes the mic and comments on how raucous the crowd is. He says today is his WWE birthday and as he looks around, you can see the people, feel the energy and certainly hear the noise. He couldn’t think of a better place to have his birthday. Fans chant “Cena!” now. Cena points to a “20 Years of Jorts” sign and says you can’t always be right.
Cena points to another sign that says he’s been out of touch for 20 years… Cena says the fan looks to be about 6 years old, so according to the sign, Cena has been out of touch for 14 years longer than the fan has been alive. Cena has never been one for celebrating milestones because he’s always looking ahead to what’s next. If you listen to stuff like that, tonight has nothing to do with anything he’s ever done, nothing to do with any moment or any match, tonight has everything to do with the fans.
Cena says this 20th anniversary is so important to him because it means the fans have allowed him to do this for two decades. Cena says it’s never been lost on him that every time he stands in the ring, it’s because fans allow it. Cena says fans have created an environment where he can be his complete self, they’ve also told him when he sucks, and been kind of enough to tell him when he doesn’t suck. Fans chant Cena’s name again.
Cena says he’s always wanted to say thank you, but he always missed the moment, but this right here feels like that moment. A “thank you Cena!” chant breaks out next. Cena says his heart is beating out of his chest, he’s filled with energy and excitement, and he needs to thank the fans for moments like those, and for making him who he is.
Cena says he always tells people that WWE has prepared him for anything, and he’s not talking about something like Fast & Furious or Peacemaker, he means because of the fans and their reactions and their investments in him, fans have made him a better human being, and because of the fans, Cena is a better professional, a better husband, a better person, and being in WWE and spending moments with the Make-A-Wish families like he did today have taught him empathy, caring, kindness… you guys ave certainly taught me humility and perseverance, drilling into his head how every time he steps in the ring he gets nothing less than he gives, because the fans shower the Superstars with everything they’ve got, every night.
Cena says this isn’t about a last name, it’s about people coming together, and it’s been 20 years and he’s 45 years old, and he only says this because he’s not sure when we will see him in the ring again. He’s not saying we won’t, he just doesn’t now when that will be.
Cena needs to say this now – it won’t be just one match, don’t worry, but he’s not sure when, so he needs to say this now – anything he does outside of WWE, it’s never just him, it’s about us coming together, it’s all about we. Cena asks the fans, moving forward, to say something if you see good, say something if you see something that sucks, because it’s never been about Cena, it’s always been about us.
Cena says if you’re watching at home or here in Laredo tonight… he gets Laredo to get louder. Cena says that’s the sound of us, and we’re never giving up, we’re just getting started… and if you want some, come get some and tosses the mic. Cena greets some fans at ringside and then poses with some fans by the stage. Cena runs the stage and poses one more time as fans cheer him on. Cena turns to the camera and thanks fans one more time, then waves goodbye to the crowd as he heads to the backstage.
– Bobby Lashley defeated Otis and Gable via submission in 2-on-1 handicap match. After the match, Theory immediately rushes the ring and attacks Lashley. They triple teamed on Lashley. Now, Alpha Academy holds Lashley so Theory can snap a selfie. Lashley fights back and he’s snapped now. Lashley takes out Gable, levels Otis with a big Spear, and then goes for Theory but the champ retreats to ringside.
– We go to a pre-recorded interview with Cody Rhodes, who was doing physical therapy and training. Rhodes says rehab is a game of highs & lows, but it pales in comparison to where he was three weeks ago, when he defeated Seth Rollins at Hell In a Cell, in the highlight of his career. He wanted to parlay that momentum into Money In the Bank, but he was flying maybe a little too close to the sun as they say.
Rhodes says doctors have told him he will be out for 9 months and he’s trying to respect that, but it will be bittersweet to watch Money In the Bank this weekend. He says MITB is an awesome concept and this year they have one of the most talented groups in the match. Rhodes praises each of the Men’s MITB competitors this year, and imagines how it would be if Rollins cashed in to become champion. Rhodes says he’s not rooting for anyone, but if Rollins were to take the win, Rhodes says he’d be the first to congratulate him. Rhodes asks the camera man to excuse him, and he gets up to leave.
– John Cena at backstage talking to a crew member now. Seth Rollins walks up laughing. Rollins asks if Cena remembers the time Rollins put his knee in Cena’s nose and broke his face into a bunch of tiny pieces. Rollins says it’s good to see Cena and hear his little speech tonight, and Cena is the best… Rollins says they’ve had their differences over the years but they’re also a lot alike – they’re worldwide mega-stars, fashion icons, and Money In the Bank contract winners.
Rollins recalls how Cena failed miserably when he tried to cash in, but everyone knows what happened when Rollins cashed in, making his the greatest ever. Rollins says history will repeat itself this Saturday in Las Vegas… for him, not Cena. Omos walks up with MVP. Rollins turns around and looks up at the big man. MVP says much like Rollins, he too is a visionary and he has a vision of Omos winning Money In the Bank. MVP says it’s a forgone conclusion… The Nigerian Giant is inevitable and there’s nothing Rollins or anyone else can do to stop it. Cena looks up in awe at Omos, then wishes Rollins good luck and quickly hurries off. Rollins stops laughing.
– Becky Lynch defeated Doudrop, Nikki A.S.H, Xia Li, Tamina Snuka and Shayna Baszler in Money In the Bank Second Chance Elimination Qualifier. After the match, Lynch stood tall and fans cheer her on. Becky Lynch now joins Asuka, Lacey Evans, Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez in the Women’s Money In the Bank Ladder Match. Lynch standing tall and celebrating the win, and Monday Night Raw goes off air.
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