WWE News
Memphis, September 4, 2023 - Here is the live coverage for this week's Monday Night Raw which is scheduled to air on September 4, 2023, live from FedExForum in Memphis, TN. ##
Monday Night Raw currently airs live on Monday evenings on the USA Network from 8:00 ET–11:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE Raw starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Tuesday mornings. ##
WWE Raw Time In Australia: It airs live on Tuesdays at 10 am (AEST) on Fox8 ##
WWE Raw Time In Canada: It airs live every Monday at 8 Am on Sportsnet 360 ##
WWE Raw Time In South Africa: The show also airs live on Supersport in South Africa on Tuesdays at 02:00 am CAT ##
Raw Time In Italy: In Italy, Raw airs live on Dplay 2:00 pm ##
WWE Raw Time In India: Raw airs live on Sony Ten 1 HD and Sony Ten 1 in India at 5:30 am ##
WWE Monday Night Raw, September 4, 2023: Live Coverage
Jey Uso opened the show, and Michael Cole pointed out that Cody Rhodes had brought him to Raw, mentioning Rhodes' past role as an EVP and his ability to get things done.##
Uso talked about his frustration with family conflicts each week and how Cody Rhodes had called him, leading to him being on Main Event Mondays alone. He declared that Main Event Jey Uso was now in town.##
Sami Zayn made his entrance and acknowledged that some backstage might have issues with Uso due to his previous ties with the Bloodline. He mentioned Kevin Owens' absence and expressed his happiness about Uso being on Raw. Zayn praised Uso for breaking free from the Bloodline and going solo, calling him the real Main Event Jey Uso. He offered a handshake, but Uso declined, and Zayn left the ring. Uso commented that it wasn't very Ucey of Zayn.##
As they exited, Drew McIntyre made his entrance, and there was a tense stare-down with Uso. The announcers emphasized McIntyre's displeasure with Uso's presence. Riddle also showed up and had a similar reaction. ##
A video featuring Nakamura played, where he admitted underestimating Seth Rollins but claimed he would ultimately become the World Heavyweight Champion.##
Ricochet had a conversation with Adam Pearce backstage when Seth Rollins arrived. Pearce expressed concern about Rollins being on the show after Nakamura's attack at Payback. Rollins assured Pearce he was fine. Ricochet told Rollins he didn't need to carry the entire show on his own, to which Rollins reiterated his well-being. ##
The Viking Raiders Vs Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre in a no disqualification match ##
The Vikings attacked McIntyre early on but ended up throwing both of them out of the ring. McIntyre shared a hug with Riddle and then tossed him with a belly-to-belly over the ropes, taking down the Vikings. Riddle got back in the ring and asked McIntyre to fetch the tables. McIntyre told Riddle to do it himself, so Riddle did just that. ##
After the commercial break, The Vikings avoided McIntyre's attempt to superplex one of them through the table by pulling the table away. However, McIntyre quickly regained control and tried to finish off Ivar with the Claymore kick. Erik intervened by pulling Ivar out of the ring. Both Vikings then jumped McIntyre outside the ring, but McIntyre swiftly regained control and launched Ivar over the announcer's table. He also gave Erik an overhead belly-to-belly. ##
Erik fought back and splashed McIntyre as they tried to slam him into the table, but Riddle re-entered the match to rescue McIntyre. Riddle set up Erik on the table and climbed the top rope. However, Valhalla's distraction caused Riddle to lose focus, allowing the Vikings to recover. Kofi Kingston rushed to the scene to help but accidentally hit Riddle with the Trouble in Paradise kick. Consequently, The Vikings pinned Riddle after executing a Ragnarok through the table. ##
WINNER: The Viking Raiders ##
McIntyre showed his displeasure about the loss and gave Kingston a stern look after the match.##
They ran a video package highlighting past Intercontinental champions, such as Booker T, Roman Reigns, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, and The Honky Tonk Man, ahead of tonight's title match.##
Seth Rollins made his way to the ring and acknowledged that Nakamura had done exactly what he had promised in their match at Payback. He admitted that during the match, there were moments where he wasn't sure if he could continue. However, he emphasized that he was still the World Heavyweight Champion.##
Rollins mentioned that even though he emerged victorious, Nakamura was able to leave the arena on his own two feet while he had to be wheeled out in a wheelchair with the assistance of his wife. He called Nakamura out and proposed a World Heavyweight title match if Nakamura came to the ring right away.##
Nakamura took a moment to consider the offer and then spoke in Japanese. Rollins assumed Nakamura had accepted, but Nakamura firmly responded with a "no" multiple times. Rollins exited the ring and charged at Nakamura, leading to a brawl between the two. Adam Pearce came out and sent security personnel to intervene and separate them. Nakamura focused his attacks on Rollins' back as Ricochet came out to assist Rollins. Eventually, security managed to escort Nakamura away. ##
Ricochet Vs Shinsuke Nakamura ##
They grappled for a few minutes, and then Nakamura took control with a suplex off the turnbuckle. Following a commercial break, Ricochet seized the upper hand. Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley observed the match from backstage. Ricochet executed a standing shooting star press and headed to the top rope for a 450 splash, but Nakamura managed to evade it. Ricochet followed up with the Recoil, nearly securing a victory. ##
Nakamura halted Ricochet's momentum with a knee strike, but Ricochet quickly countered and delivered a running senton off the apron to the floor. However, Nakamura dodged the move, and they continued their fight near the barricade. It culminated in Nakamura using a steel chair on Ricochet, resulting in a disqualification finish, which added a unique twist to the match. ##
WINNER: Ricochet ##
After the match, Nakamura placed a steel chair around Ricochet's neck, but Rollins rushed into the ring to rescue Ricochet. Rollins forcefully ejected security personnel who tried to stop him and then leaped out of the ring with a high-flying tope, knocking Nakamura down. Nevertheless, Nakamura swiftly regained his composure and rammed Rollins' back into the steel steps. Ricochet used a chair to drive Nakamura away.##
In the backstage area, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley were closely following the unfolding situation. Ripley told Priest, who held his Money in the Bank briefcase tightly, that tonight wasn't the night.##
They aired footage of Zoey Stark betraying Trish Stratus after Stratus had criticized her following their steel cage match at Payback. In a backstage interview, Stark expressed her respect for Stratus but asserted that nobody pushes her around. Shayna Baszler confronted Stark, and both women agreed to a match for tonight. ##
The Judgment Day faction made their way to the ring to address the audience. Dominik Mysterio began to speak but was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. He acknowledged that everyone in the faction now held titles. Finn Balor congratulated Mysterio on his one-year anniversary with The Judgment Day and thanked Rhea Ripley for her voice of reason. He also praised Damian Priest for their tag team title victory and paid tribute to JD McDonagh. Balor highlighted his own achievement of becoming a Grand Slam champion.##
Ripley expressed her happiness about the unity within the faction and emphasized that they were like a family after their success at the recent event. However, she expressed frustration that people were focused on Jey Uso's move to Raw, asserting that The Bloodline had fallen, and The Judgment Day was now the dominant faction in WWE.##
Priest began to speak when JD McDonagh interrupted them. Priest was not pleased with this interruption. McDonagh stated that changes were needed within The Judgment Day, particularly regarding Priest's Money in the Bank briefcase. He presented Priest with a new purple briefcase labeled "Senor Money in the Bank."##
Sami Zayn then entered the scene, addressing the absence of Kevin Owens and expressing his dissatisfaction about losing the titles on Saturday. He referred to the faction as "championship-stealing turds" and singled out Dominik Mysterio as the biggest one. Zayn challenged Mysterio to a match, but McDonagh intervened, refusing to fight Mysterio and instead challenging Zayn, who accepted.##
The broadcast also featured highlights of several Intercontinental champions, including Pedro Morales, The Ultimate Warrior, Razor Ramon, The Rock, Rey Mysterio, Wade Barrett, and Seth Rollins.##
Gunther delivered a promo in which he questioned Gable's place in history. He asserted that someone like Gable didn't belong in the history books, while he would stand as the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion after their match. ##
Shayna Bazler Vs Zoey Stark ##
It may not have been necessary to have Zoey Stark lose immediately after her storyline with Stratus, but it seems like they are setting up something between her and Baszler based on the ending. The crowd was noticeably unresponsive during this match. ##
Baszler focused her attacks on Stark's right arm, relentlessly working it over. She attempted the Kirifuda Clutch, but Stark managed to break free. Their encounter spilled to the outside, with Baszler again trying for the clutch. However, Stark pushed Baszler into the announce table and followed up with a plancha from the ring apron. ##
After a commercial break, Stark made a comeback with a German suplex. She attempted what appeared to be the Z360 move but couldn't execute it properly due to her injured hand. Unfortunately, the crowd seemed disengaged from the match. Baszler eventually trapped Stark in the Kirifuda Clutch. Stark tried to resist the submission, even managing to get back on her feet briefly, but ultimately, after about a minute, she had to tap out. ##
WINNER: Shayna Bazler ##
After the match, Stark managed to stand on her feet. Baszler appeared to have gained some respect for Stark and acknowledged that Stark had put up a tougher fight than Ronda ever did. They exchanged a fist bump as a sign of mutual respect. ##
In a backstage segment, Finn Balor suggested that JD consider joining The Judgment Day. However, Priest felt the need to prove himself first, which Balor agreed with. Mysterio expressed his willingness to go along with whatever decision they made. Ripley advised waiting to see how JD performs in his match against Zayn tonight. As Priest and Balor exited, Ripley reminded Mysterio to ensure that everything goes smoothly during JD's match. ##
Raquel Rodriguez Vs Chelsea Green ##
Green tried to escape, but Rodriguez swiftly went after her and handled her roughly. Rodriguez landed a boot and executed a fallaway slam. Green briefly tried to counter and attempted a crossbody, but Raquel intercepted her, delivered a clothesline, and then secured the victory with the Tejana bomb. ##
WINNER: Raquel Rodriguez ##
Rodriguez mentioned she had a chat with Adam Pence. She told him she's getting her Payback rematch, and Dominik Mysterio won't be allowed at ringside. She also informed Rhea Ripley that they'll meet next week for the Women's World Championship.##
Other Intercontinental Champions include Don Muraco, Mr. Perfect, Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, Kofi Kingston, and Cody Rhodes.##
Chad Gable asserted that he's already made history as a former Olympian with a master's degree. Tonight, he plans to show everyone, including his crew and his family in the front row, that he's more than just a tag team specialist. He believes his desire to take the championship outweighs his opponent's desire to hold onto it. ##
The Miz then took the microphone to address the audience. ##
Drew McIntyre was pacing backstage when Matt Riddle approached him and advised him to cool off. McIntyre warned that if Jey Uso got in his way, he would deal with the person responsible for bringing him in, Cody Rhodes. Kofi Kingston joined the conversation and offered an apology, but McIntyre didn't appear to fully accept it. He told Kingston that he would be vigilant in case of any more 'accidents' in the future. ##
In the ring, The Miz hosted Miz TV and claimed he wasn't defeated by LA Knight at Payback; he felt victimized. He introduced John Cena, who was curiously invisible throughout his entrance, with the cameraman handling all the camera cuts. Miz engaged in a one-sided conversation with the invisible Cena, stating he had seen through Cena for eighteen years. ##
Miz questioned the invisible chair next to him, asking if it had betrayed him and if LA Knight had paid it off. It appeared, in Miz's imagination, that the chair answered in the affirmative. Miz then requested that invisible Cena leave, slapped the invisible Cena, and delivered the Skull Crushing Finale to thin air. After reminiscing about headlining a WrestleMania with John Cena 12 years ago, he concluded by challenging LA Knight to a one-on-one match. ##
The Miz has maintained the same character for many years on this show, without significant changes. ##
Jey Uso strolled through the backstage area, and after a brief encounter with Akira Tozawa, he crossed paths with Adam Pearce. Pearce informed him that due to his trade to Raw, SmackDown would be receiving a trade in return, and the outcome might not please everyone. After Uso departed, Tommaso Ciampa approached Pearce, and the two headed into Pearce's office for a discussion. ##
JD McDonagh Vs Sami Zayn ##
This match could have been better with more time, but considering what they had, it was alright.##
The two wrestlers squared off for a few minutes before McDonagh, on the outside, slammed Zayn into the post before the commercial break. Upon returning, Zayn fought his way out of a rest hold and knocked down McDonagh with a clothesline. Zayn executed a Michinoku driver for a close nearfall. ##
Zayn followed up with an exploder into the ring post while attempting the Helluva kick, but Dominik Mysterio intervened by pulling JD out of the ring. Zayn turned his attention to Mysterio but got distracted momentarily on the outside, allowing McDonagh to roll him up for the victory. ##
WINNER: JD McDonag ##
After the match, Zayn attacked Mysterio, attempting the Helluva kick, but McDonagh pulled Zayn out of the ring and signaled for Mysterio to make his escape. Zayn then directed his aggression towards McDonagh, delivering the Helluva kick to him instead. The commentators emphasized that Mysterio didn't return the favor after McDonagh saved him. ##
A replay of the Tiffany Stratton and Becky Lynch confrontation from Payback was shown, and they promoted Stratton's title defense against Kiana James for tomorrow. ##
Additional Intercontinental Champions include Randy Savage, Tito Santana, Triple H, Edge, The Miz, and Bobby Lashley. ##
Gunther Vs Chad Gable for the WWE Intercontinental Championship ##
The final minutes of this match were fantastic, and the crowd was really engaged. Unfortunately, there were two commercial breaks during the match, so we only got to see the last five minutes without interruption. This bout deserved a spot on the pay-per-view or a premium live event. If I were in charge of booking, I'd schedule a third match, and I believe Gable should win the title at Fastlane next month. ##
After a few minutes, and of course, another commercial break, we saw Gable targeting Gunther's leg outside the ring, working on it until Gunther halted his efforts. Gunther brought Gable down with a powerful chop. Gable tried to retaliate with chops of his own, but Gunther knocked him down with another hefty chop. ##
Following YET ANOTHER COMMERCIAL, Gable attempted to go after Gunther's leg again, but Gunther lifted him up and executed a powerbomb, causing both to tumble to the floor. Gable responded with a German suplex and tossed Gunther back into the ring. However, when Gable entered the ring, Gunther hit him with a powerbomb for a close two-count. ##
Gable executed a superplex and followed it up with a flying headbutt, resulting in another nearfall. He then attempted an ankle lock, but Gunther managed to escape. Gable tried for the Chaos Theory, but Gunther slipped away once more. Gable then delivered a back suplex and successfully executed the Chaos Theory suplex, but Gunther kicked out again. ##
Gable went for a moonsault, but Gunther raised his leg. Gable noticed and transitioned into an ankle lock. After a brief struggle, Gunther trapped Gable in a sleeper hold. Gable cleverly shifted his weight, planting his feet on the floor and pinning Gunther's shoulders for another two-count. Gunther responded with a sleeper suplex, a powerbomb, and a thunderous clothesline to secure the victory. ##
A child in the audience was shown crying as Gunther received the championship. Michael Cole commented that after 35 years, Gunther would break The Honky Tonk Man's record as the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time. The show concluded with Gunther standing at the entrance, while Gable appeared dejected in the ring. ##
WINNER: Gunther ##
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