NEW ORLEANS (June 8th, 2015) - The NXT champ, Kevin Owens, is here and he has his eyes set on the Money in the Bank briefcase. Following last week's confrontation with Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns,
Kevin Owens had one question to answer that was on everybody's minds: is the NXT champion working with The Authority? The answer to the question was never given as Owens simply told the WWE Universe to stay out of his business, and the only thing important for him is winning that briefcase to guarantee himself the WWE World Heavyweight championship. The NXT champion boasted that he was the guy who took out John Cena, and he told a story of an encounter he had with his best friend Sami Zayn in a ladder match before they came to the WWE. "I destroyed Sami Zayn and put him head first through a ladder. If I'm willing to do that to my best friend, just wait and see what I'm going to do to the others who step in my way of that briefcase." proclaimed Owens.
Following that very line, the Man That Gravity Forgot and the newest competitor in the Money in the Bank ladder match,
Neville made his way down to the ring and told Kevin that he's not afraid of him. In fact, Neville was the winner of the first and only ladder match to take place in NXT, becoming the NXT champion in the bout. "A Ladder match is the perfect match for a guy like me, Kevin. And by the end of Sunday night, you will figure that out." said Neville who then challenged the NXT champion to a match, right then and there. Of course, the NXT champion declined at first, but then accepted after blasting Neville from behind with the NXT championship.
Kevin Owens def. NevilleThis isn't the first time these two have competed against one another, but it is the first time they've come face to face on WWE RAW. Both men looked to gain momentum heading into this Sunday's huge Money in the Bank Ladder match, but it was the NXT champion who ultimately got the last laugh in this bout. After targeting the injured knee, which was previously attacked in the past few weeks by Bo Dallas, Kevin Owens managed to Cannonball Neville and follow that up with a ring shaking Pop-Up Powerbomb for the victory.
Nikki Bella def. Summer RaeNikki Bella goes one-on-one against former NXT champion Charlotte this Sunday at Money in the Bank. However, before we get to Sunday, the Divas champion went toe-to-toe against Total Divas alumni Summer Rae. Looking to score the upset victory, Summer tried her best, but after a springboard enziguri, Nikki Bella got the win with the Rack Attack.
Following the match, the New Orleans crowd blew up with 'Woos' as
Charlotte made her way down to the ring, strutting a bit like her father. The former NXT Women's champion told Nikki that her time as Divas champion was coming to an end and that come Money in the Bank this Sunday, the Divas championship will sparkle with flair. Of course, Nikki didn't like what she heard and attempted to connect with a slap, but Charlotte ducked out of the way and ended up in a scuffle that led to Brie Bella being locked into the Figure-Four Leglock as Nikki stared on from the top of the ramp, clutching on to her championship.
Somewhere in a smoky room in the hallowed halls of the Smoothie King Center,
Bray Wyatt had a very special message for the WWE Universe. The creepy WWE superstar informed us that the return will be soon, and that her smile is getting bigger with every single passing day before the resurrection shall commence.
Luke Harper & Erick Rowan def. Los MatadoresLuke Harper and Erick Rowan have been on a warpath ever since they returned to tag team wrestling recently. After beating down Tyson Kidd and Cesaro last week on RAW, Harper and Rowan had one thing in mind for tonight's match: destruction. Diego and Fernando stood no chance as Harper almost took Diego's head off with the Discus Lariat for the victory.
Luke Harper and Erick Rowan had no time to celebrate, in their odd fashion, as
Tyson Kidd and
Cesaro came down to the ring and stood face to face with the disturbed duo. Punches start flying as a brawl between the four men broke out, eventually leading to Erick Rowan and Luke Harper being taken out by a Tyson Kidd suicide dive to the outside! Tyson Kidd and Cesaro challenged Luke Harper and Erick Rowan to a match this Sunday at Money in the Bank, both Rowan and Harper slowly shaking their head 'yes' to accept the challenge.
Before his upcoming WWE World Heavyweight championship match this Sunday at WWE Money in the Bank,
Dolph Ziggler had quite a few things to get off his chest. First and foremost, Ziggler wanted to address his upcoming match. For years, he's been described as the guy who just can't win the big one. No matter how hard he has tried, the brass ring has slipped or been pulled away from his fingers every single time he's tried to grab it. But this Sunday, he will finally achieve what he's dreamed of ever since he was a kid. Ziggler assured the WWE Universe that he will be the one to end Seth Rollins' and The Authority's reign of terror. "I'm tired of my opportunities being taken away from me. This Sunday, I will walk away with the WWE World Heavyweight championship and I will prove why I am more than just a Showoff." added an irate Ziggler. His mood suddenly changed as
Lana came down to the ring and stood behind him, Ziggler's attention being diverted to the stage.
Rusev came out on stage with the help of his crutches. The Bulgarian Brute yelling at both Lana and Ziggler from the stage. "Rusev, you need to stop! I do not want to be with you anymore, you need to understand that." declared Lana from the ring. This, naturally, upset the already pissed off Rusev, who yelled that the "Stupid Cow" should shut up. Rusev threw his crutches off the stage in anger, then suddenly realizing that he needs them. This distraction from The Bulgarian Brute led to WWE World Heavyweight champion's personal security team,
Jamie Noble and
Joey Mercury, to make their way down to the ring for the next match, per orders of The Authority.
Dolph Ziggler def. J&J SecurityJamie Noble and Joey Mercury looked to take Dolph Ziggler down a notch before his clash against Seth Rollins this Sunday. Ziggler had to keep his head on a swivel, as Rusev sat in a chair at the top of the ramp, keeping his eye on Lana the entire time. Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury tired their hardest to please Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, but following a Superkick to Noble, Mercury ate a ZigZag that gave Ziggler the win.
Dolph Ziggler easily disposed of J&J Security, but his attention then turned to an unwanted
Kane who showed up in the crowd showing a ticket. The Showoff told Lana to return backstage, where she would remain safe. As J&J Security circled the ring distracting Ziggler, the WWE World Heavyweight champion
Seth Rollins snuck his way into the ring to plant Ziggler with a huge Pedigree! Rollins stood over his opponent at this Sunday's Money in the Bank pay-per-view, as Kane left the arena.
King Barrett def. Mark HenryThe royal WWE Intercontinental champion had large competition tonight on RAW. Even though the King didn't have his royal horny little person with him, he still fought off the World's Strongest Man with what looked like ease. After missing a big splash in the corner, Mark Henry fell victim to the Bullhammer Elbow, leading to the one-two-three for Barrett.
R-Truth struck again in a moment of deja vu from earlier this year around WrestleMania season. Sneaking his way to the ringside area, Truth snatched the Intercontinental championship away from the timekeeper's area and leaving the area with the championship belt. Later on in the night, an irate Barrett was caught off guard by Truth who still held on to the championship. "I'll give this back if you give me a shot this Sunday, King Booka!" Truth laid down the challenge. King Barrett accepting and snatching his championship back by the grubby hands of Truth.
Randy Orton def. The Miz to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder MatchMaking his return to WWE programming, Randy Orton had one goal in mind: to advance to the Money in the Bank ladder match this Sunday. However, he had to deal with the cocky
loudmouth known as, former WWE champion, The Miz. Surprisingly, The Miz got the upperhand on The Viper on multiple occasions, only for an RKO to crush his money maker that led to Orton advancing to the huge ladder match this Sunday on the WWE Network.
The Apex Predator had secured himself a spot in the monumental ladder match this Sunday as he will square off against Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Neville, Kevin Owens, Sheamus, and an opponent to be decided this Thursday on Smackdown. However, The Viper put a target on his back as The Rogue Irishman
Sheamus made his presence known with a huge Brogue Kick right to Orton's face. What will happen between these two men when they collide this Thursday on Smackdown?
Dean Ambrose had some choice words for his fellow Money in the Bank ladder match competitors, promising that he will throw caution to the wind if it means leaving with the briefcase this Sunday. Ambrose then had a few words for his opponent for later tonight, WWE World Heavyweight champion Seth Rollins. Ambrose promised to avenge his Elimination Chamber loss to Seth Rollins, because around a year ago Seth turned his back on his Shield brethren and he will stop at nothing to make Seth feel how he felt a year ago.
As Dolph Ziggler received medical attention from the WWE doctors, Lana was caught off guard by Rusev. once again. The Bulgarian Brute apologizing for calling his ex-girlfriend a "stupid cow". Lana was having none of Rusev's ongoing apologies, claiming that she if finished with Rusev and his animalistic behavior. Lana entered the medical room, as Rusev threw his crutch across the room. Realizing he needs the crutch to walk, Rusev hobbles back over to pick it up... only for
Summer Rae to pick it up and hand it to him with a smile. Rusev seems to have found himself a new blonde bombshell...
Roman Reigns def. Kofi KingstonWith the Money in the Bank ladder match on his mind, Roman Reigns looked to gain momentum heading into this Sunday. But Kofi Kingston is no slouch in the ring, and wanted to gain momentum for himself and his New Day cohorts ahead of heir match this Sunday. With Big E and Xavier Woods at ringside, Roman Reigns had to keep his head on a swivel, that is until Sin Cara and Kalisto made the save when Big E and Woods tried to interfere. With his ringside buddies taken backstage by
The Lucha Dragons, Kofi Kingston flew off the top rope only to be Speared mid-air, a spectacular finish for Roman Reigns. The Juggernaut showing that he should be a force to be reckoned with this Sunday at Money in the Bank.
Ryback had a few things to get off his chest backstage regarding his opportunity this Thursday on Smackdown, when he faces Big Show in a Money in the Bank qualifier. The Big Guy described his past few years in the WWE, not being able to win his first championship in the WWE. Ryback reminded everybody in the WWE Universe that the Money in the Bank briefcase is virtually guaranteeing yourself the WWE World Heavyweight championship. Ryback declared that he will beat Big Show on Thursday and he will go on to hold that briefcase with pride. Because "That's what the Big Guy does."
Ryback def. Heath SlaterThis week's "Heath Slater's Rocking Open Challenge" led to a energy-fueled beat down by The Big Guy. Heath Slater would've rather played air guitar crying himself to sleep instead of facing off against his fellow former Nexus member. Ryback destroyed Slater with the Shell-Shock for the victory.
Seth Rollins def. Dean AmbroseThe rematch of the year happened just two weeks following their epic clash at the Elimination Chamber special on the WWE Network. Dean Ambrose had revenge on his mind, wanting to finally put a hellacious beatdown on Seth Rollins. The Lunatic Fringe had his chance throughout, often planting Rollins with lefts and rights. After a grueling fifteen minutes of nonstop action,
Kane reappeared in the WWE Universe, causing the distraction that led to Seth Rollins planting Dean Ambrose with the Pedigree for the win.
Dean Ambrose's night didn't stop there as Kane hopped over the guardrail and entered the ring, shocking the world as he shook hands with Seth Rollins. The "not-so-fired" member of The Authority plants Dean Ambrose with a huge Chokeslam, Seth Rollins grinning from ear to ear. That is until Roman Reigns came down through the crowd to try and help his friend, only to fall victim to a Chokeslam. Randy Orton tried to take out Kane and Rollins, only to fall victim to a Pedigree. The WWE World Heavyweight champion celebrated with his championship, only for Dolph Ziggler and Neville to limp out from the back. The fan favorites tried to take out The Authority members, only for Neville to be hit with a Chokeslam and Ziggler be planted with a Pedigree by his opponent at this Sunday's Money in the Bank special. The Fighting Irishman, Sheamus, came out on stage with a grin looking at his fallen opponents for this Sunday's Money in the Bank ladder match. That is until NXT champion Kevin Owens came out on stage to throw Sheamus off the stage! The NXT champion came down to the ring with a chip on his shoulder, clotheslining Kane out of the ring to come face to face with Seth Rollins. "Kiss your title goodbye." were the only words said by the Canadian, both champions holding their respective championships up in the air, Owens looking at the Money in the Bank briefcase to close the show.