WWE: Way It Should've Gone

Monday Night Raw begins with WWE Champion John Cena. Cena provides a speech of him being blessed with a great career and topping the record held by Flair last night against Orton was the greatest moment of his life. Cena says he was afforded that opportunity to win his first world title in 2005. Now, he'll relinquish his spot at the top and let another young guy get the title. Cena lays the title on the mat and walks away - vacating the richest prize in the WWE just 24 hours after winning it.

Back from commercial, Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Tyson Kidd react to the bombshell dropped and unsure of the future of the WWE Championship. In the ring are WWE Tag Team Champions Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder of The Revival. The champions say another day at the office is just another win for them. They're so confident to issue an open challenge by putting their titles on the line. In response, it's the Hardy Boyz!

The Revival(c) vs. The Hardy Boyz for the WWE Tag Team Championships
24 hours after their losses in the Intercontinental Championship and Money in the Bank Ladder Matches respectfully, Jeff and Matt Hardy gave their all against The Revival to capture the titles. Trying to win the titles for the eighth time, Jeff is caught for a Shatter Machine to lose the opportunity.

Scott Dawson gets back on the mic to gloat of their win, saying they're still the best and the train won't stop - when the music hits. The presence of Akam and Rezar, a collective known as The Depths of Despair from NXT, step out and step inside the ring. The stare down is intense before The Revival begin backing away, but Akam and Rezar charge and attack. The Depths of Despair throw the tag team champions around before hitting Wilder with a Super Collider, making their presence known on the flagship brand.

Backstage, Triple H confronts John Cena and shouts down his throat for letting go of the WWE Championship, saying it puts he, Stephanie, the company in a shamble. Cena orders Triple H to give a young guy an opportunity at the title but what's done is done. Triple H then says if Cena wants a young guy to have an opportunity, he can go back to the ring later and wrestle one of these young guys like Angle did for him.

Baron Corbin vs. Carlito (with Chris Masters)
Corbin rode down to the ring in the motorcycle debuted last night at WrestleMania and he comes out with much power. Chris Masters and Carlito's veteran experience are two factors that kept Mr. Cool in it, but once Masters is caught by the official putting Carlito's foot on the bottom rope, he's kicked out. Corbin then hits the End of Days on Carlito to win the match.

Paul Heyman is walking down the hall and Charly Caruso stops him to ask Heyman about Baron Corbin. Heyman says he is finished with Baron Corbin, wishing him luck in his future endeavors because he'll need it because "the kid doesn't have brains." When asked about what's next for Brock Lesnar, Heyman acknowledged the shocking announcement of John Cena vacating the WWE Championship and letting Caruso know that the next name on the gold will be Brock Lesnar.

In the ring, Lita recalls her and Trish Stratus starting to change the way people see women wrestling. But since their retirement, progress still needed to be made and some have helped in that, and some have staggered it. Lita presents someone who has made progress as the new Women's Champion, 'The Anti-Diva' Paige! Paige says the Diva Era is truly over. Paige says someone she admires for not fitting the diva mold and wants to introduce to the WWE Universe, Rubi Riot! Riot comes to the ring and thanks Paige and Lita for paving the way. However, Brie and Nikki Bella come out and say they feel slighted by them labeling the Diva Era with negative connotations. Rubi Riot speaks up and says the Bellas made it harder for girls who actually want to wrestle, not those who want to shack up with the top guys. Nikki steps up before Brie pulls Nikki back and slaps Rubi Riot and a brawl ensues. Paige tackles Brie Bella and Nikki forearms Rubi Riot, but the rookie fights back. The chaos ensues with a Riot Kick to Nikki followed by a Paige Turner.

Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) vs. Rubi Riot (with Lita and Paige)
Brie is showing Rubi Riot that the "Divas Era" can go in the ring as well, while Rubi is trying to prove herself to the entire WWE Universe for the first time. But Brie got too confident, shoving Rubi's face down before Riot snapped and went on a run before finishing Brie off with the Riot Kick.

John Cena is sitting in his locker room when he hears a knock. Cena stands up and greets Jason Jordan. Jordan says he hears he's wrestling tonight against a "young guy" and wants that opportunity. Cena agrees to it, accepting that match for later this evening.

Joe Hennig comes to the ring and issues another open challenge that's answered by a guy not happy with last night's Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal defeat, Kane.

Joe Hennig vs. Kane
This is a complete wash as Kane dominates Hennig. Kane grabs Joe Hennig by the throat and nails him with the Chokeslam for the quick victory.

Cole, Graves, and Kidd react to the news released earlier today on Twitter about Kelly Kelly's retirement from the WWE. The trio wishes her the best of luck in her new stage of life.

Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor comes to the ring and commends what he's seen from the champions tonight. Paige has ushered in a new era for the women, The Revival held an open challenge for their titles and defended them successfully, and John Cena dropped his title to give younger guys an opportunity. Balor says he won't be outdone and he issues an open challenge to anyone in the arena. Balor's looking out toward the crowd until this man comes out - and it's a familiar face to Balor. It's Jordan Devlin, a participant in the Cruiserweight Classic.

Finn Balor(c) vs. Jordan Devlin for the Intercontinental Championship
The two men obviously know each other well based on their counters of each other's moves. An impressive showing for Devlin, not officially signed to Raw, but working the 64-man tournament. Devlin is close to becoming Intercontinental Champion twice, but it's a run by Balor that finishes with a Coup de Grace to retain.

After the match, Finn Balor extends a handshake to Devlin in which he accepts. While the handshake's going on, the music hits for NEVILLE! Neville's back! Neville has been out for months with a torn Achilles and he's back. Neville comes down and he wraps Devlin up in his arms and raises his hand as it's noted all three are friends. Devlin departs and Neville then embraces Balor as he then jokes around about the title on his shoulder. Neville then sweeps Balor's leg from underneath and punts Balor in the head. Neville locks in a submission hold on the mat, much like an octopus, and keeps it locked in as his facial expression's went a 180. The Intercontinental Champion loses consciousness and Neville finally lets go. Neville looks down at Balor and grabs the title off the ground to hold it in his hands before Neville viciously stomps Balor's head into the mat countless times. Neville lays the title over Balor and exits, not looking a sole person in the eye as he walks past the crowd.

Charly Caruso asks Mickie James backstage about her friend Kelly Kelly retiring from the ring. James mentions she'll be missed and her contributions were huge, when Rubi Riot and Women's Champion Paige comes by. Riot and Paige refute the claim she made any contributions, but Kelly Kelly was the setback they were talking about. Mickie James says she considers herself a part of that diva era, but she's also a woman that can kick her ass, challenging either one to a match next week. Paige accepts and James says after she wins, she's first in line for the title.

Jason Jordan vs. John Cena
Gable isn't at ringside due to an injury sustained during last night's kickoff event at WrestleMania. Jason Jordan is giving his all against John Cena and mid-match it's announced that Kurt Angle will have a retirement ceremony on SmackDown this week. Jason Jordan showed incredible athleticism and was compared to a young Angle with his grit and drive, but a rookie mistake of him getting too confident. Jordan took too long and tried doing an Angle Slam, but Cena countered with an AA to pin Jason Jordan.

Joe Hennig barges into Stephanie McMahon's office and asks that since John Cena's no longer WWE Champion that he can get a title opportunity. Stephanie busted out laughing and suggested he win one of his open challenges and then they can talk. Advertised after a commercial break is Randy Orton speaking out just 24 hours after losing the WWE Championship to John Cena.

Randy Orton comes to the ring and mentions it's been a crazy 24 hours. Orton claims that John Cena couldn't handle the pressure of being "The Face of WWE" anymore and so that's why Triple H got him to Raw to be the WWE Champion. Orton then sees that after earlier tonight, Cena recognizes that pressure and gave it up. Orton says the fix is simple: to give the title back to its previous owner. Daniel Bryan comes to the ring and commends Cena for what he did, because without Cena, he wouldn't have gotten his opportunity a few years ago. Bryan then recalled beating Orton and Batista four years ago for the title, so if anything Orton is not worthy. Bobby Lashley then makes his way to the ring and says since Orton lost, maybe it shouldn't go to him, and Bryan also lost at WrestleMania, but Orton countered with Lashley being a spot monkey in a ladder match. Braun Strowman came and said he's the only one in the ring to have won last night, including beating Bryan, so he should be the next WWE Champion. Up next, is Emperor Roman Reigns, who barely limps to the ring after last night's Unsanctioned Match with Dean Ambrose. The Emperor says he won the biggest match of last night and is still standing to show he's the new Face of WWE. Cesaro comes to the ring and says the opportunity by Cena was created for those who haven't been world champion yet. Rusev and Lana come to the ring next and mention Cesaro's choke job a couple years ago at WrestleMania and says the time is of the Bulgarian Brute. Paul Heyman then interrupts Rusev and Lana, saying between those two and Cesaro, his ears are bleeding. Heyman says Brock Lesnar has done it all and he's ready to become WWE Champion for a sixth time and that none of these men stand a chance. This is a full argument into the commercial break.

Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, and Rusev vs. Bobby Lashley, Braun Strowman, and Randy Orton
During commercial, Stephanie McMahon announced a six man tag match. Emperor Roman Reigns was left out because he's been advised not to compete after last night's Unsanctioned Match but he's at commentary with Paul Heyman as Tyson Kidd steps aside for the main event. It's entertaining at the booth while in the ring all six men are going at it. Everything's working well together until Orton smacks Strowman on the back to try and hit an RKO on Rusev, but Strowman grabs Orton and tosses him out of the ring. All hell breaks loose. Each superstar has their big moments, including a Cesaro Superman Swing on Braun Strowman! Cesaro gets ready to hit the Neutralizer on Strowman, but Orton hits a backbreaker. Orton measures Cesaro up for an RKO, but he's pushed into a Knee Plus! Daniel Bryan, the legal man, pins Orton for three.

Cesaro, Bryan, and Rusev celebrate before Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman come and attack the three. The three stand them off, but then Rusev turns on Cesaro by kicking him in the back of the head. Rusev and Bryan square off and ends with Bryan hitting a Knee Plus. Bryan stands tall, before an Emperor Punch! Roman Reigns slid in, struck, and slid out as he makes his claim to be the next WWE Champion.

SmackDown! starts with Tessa Blanchard demanding answers from Sasha Banks, calling her out for being a coward. Instead of Banks, Matrons Champion Becky Lynch comes out and stays at a distance, placing herself at the top of the ramp from a boiling mad Blanchard. Lynch promises she had nothing to do with Sasha's actions at WrestleMania. Lynch tries making up for it by extending Blanchard a rematch in two weeks at Backlash. Blanchard is skeptical until Emma comes out and says if it's that easy, and if Blanchard doesn't want it, she'll take Becky up on her offer. Tessa calls Emma to the ring to settle it then and there.

Emma vs. Tessa Blanchard
Tessa showed the same fire as last week, and Emma used that against Blanchard to get in her head. But in the end, Tessa became laser focused and finished Emma off with Magnum, securing a Matrons Championship rematch at Backlash.

The New Day are approached by Triple H who are still asking about Kofi's opponent tonight. Triple H smirked and said that Kofi would actually be genuinely surprised by who he secured for the title match.

Michael Bennett's pre-recorded message with Maria by his side about tonight's match. Bennett says he is the Silver Medalist of WWE and tonight will be handed to him on a silver platter. Bennett promises the Silver Medalist will be the top dog in this company after winning tonight and going on to beat Nakamura.

Christian speaks to the camera with Tomko backing him up about winning the Six-Pack Challenge tonight and facing WWE Universal Champion Shinsuke Nakamura at Backlash. Christian says he's went from a near career-ending injury to a career-versus-career match (reminding everyone he ended Kurt Angle's career) and defying those odds when everyone else doubted him. Now, he'll win a career-defining match and become the new WWE Universal Champion.

Luke Harper (with Wyatt Family) vs. Sami Zayn
Bray Wyatt coaches Harper on as he battles Sami Zayn and Zayn had the advantage early on before a big boot drives Sami into the mat and Harper took control. Towards the end, Sami was gaining momentum back when the lights went out. The lights came back on and Rowan had the official cornered, blocking his view, as Bray Wyatt hit a Sister Abigail on Zayn! The lights go off again, turning back on and Rowan had left the ring along with Bray. Luke Harper then waited for a resilient Zayn to get up for a Discus Clothesline and he wins the match.

Murphy is talking to Blake about tonight's tag team match scheduled, stating he wants this to be a one time thing to put Alberto Del Rio behind them once and for all. Blake agrees, as their match against Del Rio and Elias Samson looms.

Dolph Ziggler speaks on his match tonight, stating "it should've been him" wrestling Nakamura at WrestleMania. Ziggler also says it should be him to face him at Backlash to win the WWE Universal Championship - and it will be.

United States Champion Kofi Kingston awaits his opponent with fellow New Day members with him... ain't no stopping me, nooo!!! It's Shelton Benjamin! The New Day go crazy as Shelton Benjamin receives an enormous pop from the WWE Universe. Shelton Benjamin is back in WWE! Benjamin comes to the ring with a swagger before he stands in the ring with The New Day, taking the atmosphere in. Kingston sends Big E and Xavier Woods to the back for this match.

Kofi Kingston(c) vs. Shelton Benjamin for the United States Championship
Benjamin and Kingston shake hands after the opening bell before locking up. Kingston and Benjamin put on a great performance as Benjamin looks to be in the prime of his career. Benjamin has Kingston in a T-Bone Suplex, but Kingston leaps up into the corner and hits a diving crossbody instead. Kingston then gets on a roll before he gets ready for the Trouble in Paradise. Then Desmond Xavier and Tashard Wiggins runs down. They threaten to hop in the ring but Kingston and the official fends them off. Wiggins tries getting in the ring but the official holds him back. Benjamin gets to his feet and is tossed the United States Championship by Xavier. Benjamin looks at this and shakes his head, tossing it back to Xavier on the outside. Benjamin turns around, and ducks a charging Kofi only for Xavier to clock Kingston in the head with the belt. Benjamin doesn't know what to do as Xavier puts the belt back in the timekeepers area and pulls Wiggins off. The official looks back in and sees Benjamin go, reluctantly, for the cover and the title changes hands.

Benjamin has his hands on his hips as he's handed the United States Championship in his return. Big E and Xavier Woods come down and argue with the official. They turn to Benjamin, trying to get Benjamin to be a good sport, before Benjamin hits Paydirt on Big E! Xavier Woods is shocked before he's attacked by Desmond Xavier and Tashard Wiggins from behind. The three beat them down before they set up Benjamin to hit a Paydirt on Woods. Benjamin stands tall in the ring with Xavier and Wiggins on either side, shocking the world as Benjamin has returned to WWE and won the United States title.

Watching in his office, Triple H is smiling and Renee Young walks in to ask if this was Triple H's plan all along. Triple H shrugs and says if it was or not, it's best for business. Triple H explains they have a new United States Champion and there seems to be a new trio formed to challenge The New Day. Triple H says he'll book the WWE Trios Championships match for Backlash.

The Miz speaks of tasting the WWE Universal Championship for a short time last fall, until Shinsuke Nakamura ruined it. Now, The Miz says he plans to ruin this reign of Nakamura for good.

Alberto Del Rio & Elias Samson vs. Blake & Murphy
Del Rio and Elias are getting along, but it's nothing compared to the chemistry Blake and Murphy have. Del Rio tries avoiding the offensive attack as much as possible, but he gets caught in a hot tag as Murphy is going off on Del Rio before Del Rio tags himself out to a recouping Elias laying on the apron. Del Rio gets out of dodge and looks back as Murphy hits Murphy's Law on Elias, staring a dagger down Del Rio as he makes the cover.

Murphy asks Blake for a microphone and Murphy calls Del Rio back out. Del Rio peaks his head out from the curtain as Murphy says he challenges Alberto Del Rio to a match next week on SmackDown. Del Rio steps out further with a microphone and says that on one condition - Blake is banned not from ringside, but from the arena the entire night. Murphy doesn't like the sound of that, but Blake grabs a hold of the mic and says he'll stay away. Del Rio smirks as Murphy isn't so sure about the stipulation.

Sheamus in his pre-recorded message explains his actions last week about this being a dog-eat-dog world. Sheamus says he feels no remorse for kicking Cody's head off, because that's what will happen to everyone tonight in the Six-Pack Challenge as he seeks to become the WWE Universal Champion.

Cody Rhodes speaks to the camera about him feeling like a failure. Rhodes says the pressure's enough being the Son of the American Dream, but he has everyone doubting his capabilities. But tonight, he wins the 6-Pack Challenge and will be the next WWE Universal Champion at Backlash.

Tom Phillips and JBL review a big night for SmackDown. Shelton Benjamin returns and wins the United States Championship, aligning himself with Desmond Xavier and Tashard Wiggins. At Backlash, two big title matches were announced with that trio challenging The New Day, as well as Tessa Blanchard getting her rematch at Becky Lynch's Matrons Championship. But next week, Alberto Del Rio battles Murphy AND breaking news that Sasha Banks vows to speak out about her actions from WrestleMania.

Christian vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Michael Bennett vs. The Miz vs. Sheamus
Mr. Money in the Bank Kevin Owens joins Tom Phillips and JBL once more. Owens continues to berate Cody Rhodes at every chance he gets, and while he says he doesn't care who wins, he cheers Christian his fellow Canadian each big move. Owens made it clear he'll be WWE Universal Champion soon and any of these guys feeling they'll be the face of SmackDown are "gravely mistaking." Toward the end, Ziggler and Miz were one-upping each other with the other four men before going off on each other. Ziggler and The Miz went at it and action spilled on the outside before Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on both men. Sheamus stared down Miz after laying him out and got a suicide dive by Bennett. Bennett threw Sheamus in the ring and tried hitting Divine Intervention, but got Brogue Kicked as well. Sheamus goes for the cover but Cody comes and gets his revenge for last week and hits a Disaster Kick! Cody, seeing no one else around, hits a Cross-Rhodes. Cody goes for the cover but Christian breaks it up. Christian tries for the Killswitch but Cody counters it with the Cross-Rhodes. Cody's amped and signals for a Disaster Kick but runs right into a Popup Powerbomb by Owens! Owens pulls Christian over to Cody, laying his arm over him, as Owens walks away. The official counts three right before Ziggler can get back in the ring.

Christian's music hits as Owens heads back to get his briefcase. Being questioned, Owens ignores the comments by Tom Phillips and walks away. Tomko heads down to pick Christian up as the looks of defeat are shown on everyone's faces at ringside while SmackDown goes off the air this Tuesday night.

Monday Night Raw begins with Randy Orton blaming John Cena for the "downfall of Raw" and there not being a world champion. Orton says if Cena was crumbling under the pressure, he should have never competed at WrestleMania. Orton now fears a champion like Daniel Bryan, who he's tried to put in his place for the last 5 years. Orton says the thing Raw needs most, more than a worthy WWE Champion, is to get rid of John Cena. Orton vows to get rid of John Cena.

Chris Masters (with Carlito) vs. Finn Balor in a non-title match
Masters is handling his own against the Intercontinental Champion, taking advantage of his power. However, Balor fought back and was in the Masterlock but slipped out into a pin and almost got a 3-count! But Balor uses this distance and begins to gain momentum, hitting a Slingblade and a corner dropkick. Balor goes up top for Coup de Grace and hits it! Balor makes the cover, but he's pulled out by Carlito. Carlito misses a clothesline to get hit with a Pele Kick. The official's calling for the bell.

Balor goes back up top to hit another Coup de Grace and does! Balor makes the cover, only for the official to say he's called the match due to interference. Balor's upset before he is decked from behind... it's Neville! Neville assaults Balor before putting him in the Rings of Saturn submission. Neville wrenches back until Balor taps, and continues to apply pressure until the Intercontinental Champion is put to sleep. Neville forces the title out of the timekeepers hands and poses above Balor's body. 

Backstage, The Revival are in Stephanie McMahon's office and present their concept to her. The Revival thank Stephanie for signing Depths of Despair because they desperately need competition, but they feel Raw should squeeze out all the first-time matchups while they prove themselves. The Revival say they've already beat New York's Finest, but presents the list of The Hardy Boyz, The Vaudevillians, Carlito and Masters, and The Usos. The Revival say after they're finished with them, they'll be glad to put their tag titles on the line. Stephanie ponders it for a moment and decides to run with their idea, with the Depths of Despair first taking on The Vaudevillians tonight.

Charlotte vs. Peyton Royce (with Billie Kay)
After defeating Billie Kay last week, Charlotte has her hands full with a vengeful Peyton Royce. Royce is struggling though and gets caught with the Natural Selection. Charlotte goes for a Figure Eight and Billie Kay comes in and nails Charlotte with her heel, causing a DQ.

Billie Kay continues to beat Charlotte with her heel before Nikki Cross from NXT runs in and jumps on Billie Kay! Nikki Cross doesn't let up and Billie Kay rolls under the bottom rope as Nikki turns around to Peyton Royce, who just stood to her feet and is creeped out. Nikki Cross runs at Royce who gets out of dodge as she then turns to Charlotte, who is sitting in the corner watching all this unfold. Nikki crawls over to Charlotte and gives her a prolonged hug before she backs away as everyone tries to piece together what just happened.

Emperor Roman Reigns is standing by with Charly Caruso who asks about his match tonight and his placement in the Tournament of Opportunity. Reigns acknowledges that The Shield was the most dominant faction of the 21st Century and nobody could stop them. With Seth's brains, Dean's unpredictability, and his entire package they were unstoppable. Reigns mentions that both Rollins and Ambrose have made it to the top and been world champion, even Ambrose being the inaugural WWE Universal Champion. Reigns says it's long overdue, that it is his turn.

Daniel Bryan vs. Matt Hardy in the WWE Championship Tournament of Opportunity
For the first time ever, Bryan and Hardy square off and it's a classic. Matt's showing he can still go at this stage of his career and even did a moonsault to the outside of the ring on a standing Bryan. Matt taps into his vicious side when he can't get Bryan to stay down as Bryan just keeps getting his shoulder up, then Matt begins working on the shoulder that's caused problems in the past. Matt tries several submission moves, including the Yes Lock on the injured shoulder, but Bryan gets to the ropes. Matt measures up for a Twist of Fate, but he's pushed off and a Knee-Plus is hit! Instead of the pinfall, Bryan locks in the Yes Lock to show how it's done and pulls back until Matt gives up the match and the opportunity to win his first world title.

After the match, Daniel Bryan begins to celebrate with one arm before he's turned around into an RKO. Orton strikes two weeks in a row! Orton shouts down at Bryan before he is chased out again by John Cena. Orton bails, just like last week, and asks if he has Cena's attention now.

With the fallout, Charly Caruso catches John Cena and Daniel Bryan backstage and Cena's fired up. Cena says Orton definitely has his attention now and if he wants a fight, he'll be in the center of the ring tonight ready for a fight. Cena also quickly congratulates Bryan on his win and advancement in the tournament.

Depths of Despair vs. The Vaudevillians
In the first conquest for the Depths of Despair in The Revival's Checklist, Akam and Rezar have no issues after a Super Collider and pinning Simon.

The Bella Twins are backstage together and bring up Nikki's match tonight against Dana Brooke. Mickie James then walks up to them and ask to chat. Brie and Nikki look around before walking into a closed room with Mickie.

Cesaro vs. Emperor Roman Reigns in the WWE Championship Tournament of Opportunity
Cesaro and Reigns both are displaying incredible feats of power. Cesaro's superplexed Reigns from the apron into the ring, Reigns tossed Cesaro from the ring to the barricade in a hard crash. It's been a hard-hitting fight to advance. At one point Reigns tried a Spear, but Cesaro utilized a drop toe-hold to have Reigns hit the mat and Cesaro used the Superman Swing right into a Sharpshooter! Tyson Kidd takes credit for that as Reigns struggles to get to the ropes, but manages to do so. Cesaro cracks his neck before pulling Reigns away for a Neutralizer, but Reigns counters with a back body drop. Cesaro pops back up into an Emperor Punch and this startles Cesaro enough to bounce off the ropes and get hit with a Spear. Reigns makes the cover and advances!

Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor heads into Stephanie McMahon's office and Stephanie offers her sincerest apologies for the 3-on-1 that happened earlier tonight. Balor says he needs a second guy, he needs Jordan Devlin. Stephanie calls Devlin lucky he wasn't kicked out of the Cruiserweight Classic. Balor says he deserves to be here and he needs the help, he can trust him. Stephanie scratches her head and says she'll make a six-man tag next week: Neville, Carlito, and Chris Masters versus Balor and The Revival. Balor's not a fan of the idea, but Stephanie insists that champions stick together.

Dana Brooke vs. Nikki Bella (with Brie Bella)
Mickie James joins Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Tyson Kidd at commentary and while James is interrogated about her meeting earlier with the Bella Twins, she gives no details. Nikki handles business against Dana Brooke, overcoming the athleticism, with the Rack Attack.

After the match, Brie Bella got on the microphone and called out Rubi Riot and Women's Champion Paige for a tag team match at Vengeance - that they have seven days to answer.

Next week's Raw is big with the six-man tag team match made earlier which will pair the Intercontinental and WWE Tag Team Champions together. Plus, the WWE Championship Tournament of Opportunity continues with Baron Corbin battling Emperor Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan facing Braun Strowman in a WrestleMania rematch. The winners of these two semifinals will submit spots at Vengeance on May 13th for the vacant WWE Championship. 

John Cena comes to the ring and awaits Randy Orton. After a few moments pacing back and forth, Cena grabs the microphone and calls Randy Orton a coward. Cena says each time he's approached Orton, he flees. Cena addresses Orton's comments about not being able to carry the company or crumbling under the weight, but Cena gives a passionate speech of him doing that the last 16 years. Cena then says Orton can blame himself for not being WWE Champion right now. Cena says Orton keeps running from him, so he challenges him to a Hell in a Cell Match for Vengeance! This concept hasn't been seen in the last few years. Cena drops the mic and as soon as he does, Orton comes from behind with the RKO! Orton stands over a stunned Cena before picking up the very same mic and accepting the Steel Cage Match for Vengeance as Raw goes off the air.