8/29 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW RESULTS: Keller’s report on Kurt Angle’s return, Seth-Riddle face-to-face, Rodriguez & Aliyah vs. Kai & Sky in Women’s Tag Title Tournament Final, Usos & Sami visit

KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT
AUGUST 29, 2022
PITTSBURGH, PA. AT PPG PAINTS ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK

Commentators: Jimmy Smith, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves

Ring Announcer: Mike Rome

---

[HOUR ONE]

-The “Then, Now, Together, Forever” brand stamp aired. Then the Raw opening still featuring Brock Lesnar but not the current champion Roman Reigns.

-Jimmy Smith introduced the show as the camera panned the audience. He hyped the Women’s Tag Team Title final.

(1) DOLPH ZIGGLER & A.J. STYLES vs. DAMIAN PRIEST & FINN BALOR (w/Rhea Ripley)

As A.J. Styles made his ring entrance, Smith hyped Kurt Angle’s appearance later. Corey Graves hyped Sami Zayn and the Usos would appear. Byron Saxton plugged the Women’s Tag Title final. Dolph Ziggler’s entrance then took place. A video package aired on Edge vs. Damian Priest last week. The Judgment Day then made their entrance. The bell rang to start the match nearly eight minutes into the show. Priest stomped away Styles in the corner early. Styles fought back and landed a dropkick and a slingshot forearm to Priest at ringside. They cut to a break at 1:00. [c]

Balor had Ziggler down on the mat after the break. Styles hot-tagged in and went after Priest. Styles countered a Priest attempt at South of Heaven into a roll-up for a two count. Styles applied a Calf Crusher a minute later. Balor pushed the bottom rope toward Priest so he could reach to force a break. Ziggler went after Balor at ringside. Graves said Ziggler is fighting fire with fire. Styles ducked a spin wheel kick and landed an enzuigiri. There was some awkwardness in this sequence by Priest. Ziggler tagged in and rolled up Priest, but then had to fend off Ziggler. Priest then gave Ziggler his South of Heaven for the win. Graves acknowledged “it wasn’t pretty.”

WINNERS: Priest & Balor in 8:00.

-They cut to the parking lot where Edge stepped out of an SUV. Judgment Day decided to get back in the ring and wait for Edge as they cut to a break. [c]

-Ripley called for Edge to come to the ring so she can slap what’s left of his manhood. Balor complained about Edge and Rey Mysterio getting documentaries about them. He said he wants an A&E special. Priest told Balor to take it easy, then took the mic and said Balor told no lies. Priest said Beth is the only one who wears pants in the family, but she’s not there. He said they’re not in Toronto and he doesn’t have his friends, so let him finish him now and give him his judgement day. Edge’s music started and he came out and played to the crowd. An “Edge!” chant broke out. He told them they made some valid points, but also some ridiculous points. Edge said he didn’t come back to steal their glory because he already had it. He said their ego was too big and got in the way of seeing things clearly. He said he’s not in his hometown, and he doesn’t have Beth Phoenix with him. He told Priest that he and his wife Beth both wear pants because it’s 2022 and not caveman times. He said Priest will be single the rest of his life.

Edge took digs at their style choices and mocked Priest’s voice. He said he didn’t come there alone. He stood on the ring apron. Dominik and Rey Mysterio then entered the other side of the ring and smashed The Judgment Day with kendo stick shots. Edge joined in. He brawled with Priest at ringside. Dominik and Ripley were left standing. Dominik was wearing a new “Mysterios” t-shirt, indicating a break-up isn’t likely imminent. Ripley taunted Dominik and dared him to take a swing. Dominik held his ground as Ripley talked to him and eventually got him to let go of the stick. Edge and Rey then re-entered the ring as Ripley wound up with the stick in hand. Priest and Balor pulled her out of the ring like Sheamus and Ridge Holland might do to Butch. Priest yelled, “We ain’t done yet.” Edge’s music played.

(Keller’s Analysis: Some good in this segment, but it fell apart at the end. They seemed to be going for the idea that Ripley has some sort of spell or influence over Dominik. It all slowed to a crawl, though.)

-They aired clips of Dexter Lumis dragging The Miz out of the arena last week.

-Kevin Patrick approached Miz and Ciampa “earlier today.” Ciampa said Miz isn’t in the mood to talk. Patrick persisted and said everybody is surprised to see him after what happened last week. Miz said he wouldn’t talk about Dexter Lumis and what happened to him. He said Lumis isn’t even a WWE Superstar. Patrick mentioned Dexter was arrested on NXT. Miz tensed up more and said he didn’t want to talk about it.

-They showed Bianca Belair, Asuka, and Alexa Bliss backstage. [c]

-A brief promo aired with Raquel Rodriguez and Aliyah predicting victory later.

(2) ALEXA BLISS & BIANCA BELAIR & ASUKA vs. DANI MO & KAYLA SPARKS & KATIE HART

The stars dominated the “local wrestlers” (jobbers) with Asuka eventually getting a tapout with the Asuka Lock.

WINNERS: Asuka & Bliss & Belair in 3:00.

-Belair, Bliss, and Asuka did a post-match promo about taking control at Clash at the Castle. They each talked briefly.

(Keller’s Analysis: I like the idea of the squash followed by an in-ring promo when the adrenaline is still flowing.)

-Backstage Adam Pearce approached Ciampa and Miz backstage. Ciampa said Miz would like some time alone. Pearce said they were offering Miz any resources or counseling he needs. Miz said he didn’t want to talk about it and wanted to focus on his match. Pearce said without Miz’s cooperation, they couldn’t press any charges and hold Dexier. Pearce said Miz not talking is making it easier for him to get away with it. Pearce said he was just trying to help. Miz asked how it’s helping him to book him against Lashley later after all he’s been through. Pearce asked what he’s been through. Ciampa told him to just go.

-Mike Rome introduced Kurt Angle. Angle came out to nice cheers and then said it was great to be back in Pittsburgh. He was interrupted by Chad Gable and Otis. They cut to a break. [c]

-Gable and Otis were in the ring after the break. Gable said Angle was a personal hero of his. He said Alpha Academy are looking for a new member. He said unfortunately there are no candidates among “the moronic mouth-breathers” in Pittsburgh. When fans booed, Gable asked fans to show respect because “there’s an Olympic hero in the ring, and also Kurt Angle.” Gable offered Angle membership. Angle turned them down. Gable “shooshed” him. Angle asked if he just “shooshed” him. Gable said, “Shoosh, please.” Angle “shooshed” Gable. Gable said he can’t do that to him. They went back and forth yelling “shoosh” ten times. Gable told Otis to show what happens when you disrespect the Alpha Academy. The Street Profits then ran to the ring in black and gold, the colors of the local NFL team, the Steelers.

The Profits said they’re looking for a fight. Gable told the crowd to “shoosh the hell up.” He said they have conditions before they accept. Gable said after they beat them, Angle has to join The Academy and do whatever he orders him to do as he “coaches him to the next level, baby.” Montez Ford asked if it’s true. Angle said, “Oh it’s true, it’s damn true.”

(Keller’s Analysis: They sure didn’t give Angle much to say, but there probably wasn’t much for him to say. Gable was a blast here. Angle 20 years ago would have been an absolute blast to watch interact with Gable. Even if he’s lost a step, it was fun seeing him interact with Gable like that.) [c]

[HOUR TWO]

-They went to the announcers at ringside who announced Edge & Rey Mysterio vs. Priest & Balor at Clash at the Castle.

(3) THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins w/Kurt Angle) vs. CHAD GABLE & OTIS

A few minutes in, Dawkins landed a flying flip dive at ringside. He scored a two count on Gable back in the ring. Gable took over and leg whipped Dawkins. Otis tagged in and took over. Ford tagged in and went on a flurry against Gable. Otis yanked on his leg as he climbed the top rope. Gable then got up and tossed Ford hard to the mat with an overhead suplex. They cut to break with both down and slow to get up. [c]

Dawkins rallied against Gable after the break and scored a near fall. Ford leaped off the top rope onto Gable with a crossbody, but Gable rolled through for a near fall. Gable eventually locked on an Anklelock in front of Angle. Smith said it was a sign of disrespect to do it in front of Angle like that. Ford stood and flipped out of it. Ford then applied an anklelock and Gable yelled in pain. Otis ran in and splashed Ford to break the hold. Otis yelled at Angle and told him to join the Academy. Dawkins charged at Otis and knocked him over the announce table. Ford surprised Gable with a small package. Gable suplexed Ford, who landed on his feet. Dawkins tagged in and set up Gable, then tagged in Ford who landed a top rope splash for the win. Angle stood and smiled. Smith exclaimed, “Angle is safe!”

WINNERS: Street Profits in 16:00.

-The Profits gave Angle a red Solo cup and Angle took a swig, but then spit it out. Grave said, “I thought Angle gave that stuff up.” Angle then pulled out three bottles of milk and they drank together. Fans cheered. As Angle left with his chest covered in milk, they went to the announcers at ringside. Otis stood and stumbled away.

-They showed a split-screen of Seth Rollins and Riddle being mic’d up for their interview segment. [c]

-They showed postcard shots of Pittsburgh and photos of local pro athletes. Smith said he got to watch the Steelers in a preseason game yesterday. Then they showed some Steelers in the front row. They went to Smith and Saxton at ringside. Smith said Graves wasn’t by their side because the animosity between Riddle and Seth is 100 percent real. (That didn’t really explain why he wasn’t there.) They cut to a fan video clip from a phone of Riddle in the parking lot. Seth then showed up and started yelling. WWE officials separated them as they began to scuffle.

(Keller’s Analysis: That proves the animosity is 100 percent real! Actually, sarcasm aside, I liked that creative way of filming something that felt more candid than typical hype for a feud.)

-Graves asked Seth and Riddle what went down between them earlier. Seth accused Riddle of “creeping by my bus.” Riddle talked over him and denied it. (The closed captioning service exploded here.) Riddle said he was on the phone talking to Randy as Seth talked about how expensive his bus is. Seth said Riddle’s been a thorn in his side since Money in the Bank. He said he’s on the tip-top of the food chain whereas Riddle is on the come-up, so this clash was bound to happen. He said it’s his time, though, not Riddle’s. Riddle said Seth is afraid that he’s going to embarrass him like Roman Reigns and Cody did. Seth got worked up and said this isn’t about Cody and Roman. Seth said nobody likes Riddle and he’s going to beat him for his own satisfaction and everyone else’s. Seth said he’ll put him on the shelf right next to Cody. He said then he’ll move on to the Universal Champion. Seth said he’ll show him once and for all what a man really. Riddle said he’ll show there’s only one man in his marriage and she’s named Becky. Seth stared ahead and looked to be holding in his anger. Graves said they were out of time.

-They went backstage to Miz and Ciampa. Miz turned quickly when he sensed a security guy near him, acting paranoid. Ciampa told him to stay razor focused. [c]

-Smith threw to a clip from during the break of Riddle taking off his mic. Seth then kept talking and said if he wants to bring up his family, he’ll talk about Riddle being divorced and taking his kids and they don’t want to see him anymore. Riddle asked where he was and said, “I’m not going to beat you up, I’m going to f— you up… Keep playing games.” Seth got up and left. Riddle took some deep breaths and stormed off.

-Smith apologized for the language. Graves said those two want to destroy one another. Saxton said it won’t be pretty what those two do to each other this Saturday.

(4) BOBBY LASHLEY vs. THE MIZ (w/Ciampa)

Lashley made his entrance first. As Miz came out, Saxton said he actually feels for Miz. Graves said he’s traumatized. Miz revealed his “My Balls Are Massive” t-shirt under his neon green jacket. The announcers agreed it’s not easy to face Lashley when you’re not totally focused. When Lashley threw Miz to the floor, he bumped into Ciampa. Miz turned suddenly and wound up to punch Miz. Ciampa told him to get his head in the game. Lashley then charged and knocked Miz down. They cut to a break as Lashley threatened Ciampa. [c]

Back from the break, Lashley was about to ram Miz into the ringpost when Ciampa blocked it. Lashley threw Miz into the ring, then turned to go after Ciampa. Miz then landed a wrecking ball kick and rammed Lashley into the announce table and then the ringside steps. Miz dominated Lashley with some methodical offense including kicks. Lashley eventually took over and set up a spear. Ciampa yanked Miz by his boots to safety. Miz was going to hit Ciampa with the necklace but the ref intervened. Miz played dumb and threw it to the floor. Ciampa gave Lashley a cheap shot behind the ref’s back. Miz then hit a DDT for a two count. Miz stood and noticed Dexter Lumis in the crowd. Miz yelled at Ciampa that he’s in the stands. Ciampa didn’t believe him. When Ciampa turned to look, he was gone. Lashley then put Miz in the Hurt Lock for the win.

WINNER: Lashley in 11:00.

-Edge approached Angle in the back with a stack of poster board with photos of some of their greatest moments. As Angle held them up, they had writing on the back side with messages Edge wrote about beating Angle for titles and getting the “You suck!” chant started. The last poster had an arrow pointed up at Angle and it said, “You still suck.” Angle went to show it to the Mysterios, but then he noticed the writing. “Christ on Friday, he did it again!” Angle said. The Mysterios laughed. Dominik then asked his dad why Clash at the Castle wasn’t a family thing. Rey said it is because Edge is like family. He said he still needs Dominik in his corner, though. Dominik said he’ll be by his and Edge’s side at the Clash.

(Keller’s Analysis: I hope in 2026 they’re still teasing a break-up between Dom and Rey.)

-They showed the Usos and Sami backstage heading toward the entrance. [c]

-A Conor’s Cure video aired. They showed some Conor’s Cure kids with Titus O’Neal in the crowd.

-The Usos and Sami made their entrance. They aired a clip from Smackdown last Friday of Reigns, Drew McIntyre, Sami, and the Usos fighting, closing with Reigns sitting on a chair over Drew.

-They showed the photo Drew posted on Twitter of his bloodied back covered with welts from the beating he took. The caption read, “Still breathing.”

[HOUR THREE]

-Jey Uso said, “The Bloodline is now in your city!” Sami raised his finger in the air with Jey and Jimmy. Jimmy said this Friday, it’s a big celebration for Reigns, “your Tribal Chief!” Sami said he wanted to add that Reigns has personally appointed him as the Master of Ceremony for the night. He said that’s huge. Jey gave him a look. Sami enthusiastically talked up the Usos, calling them the most dominant tag team in history. Kevin Owens’ music interrupted.

KO said Raw is still The Kevin Owens Show, so the Bloodline isn’t running anything. He said he’s glad that they’re there because he wants to remind them to tell his boss that he still owes him one. The Usos asked Sami if he’s KO’s boy. KO chuckled and asked Sami if he still is. Sami said he is, but he wants to let KO know that Reigns doesn’t owe him a thing, ever. “That’s how it is?” KO said he didn’t think he could do anything to make himself look stupider than when he “grew his insane hair out.” He said he shouldn’t let the Bloodline treat him the way he does. He said he is genuinely sad to see that he has forgotten that he is one of the greatest in-ring performers of all-time, and how he’s the Bloodline’s clown. He said it’s sad to see what he’s become. He called it pathetic, but he said he still sees him as a best friend and a brother. He said he should look in the mirror and reassess things. Sami said he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He said he’s like everybody online who taunts him, but he can’t wrap his head around the fact that the Usos like him. He slapped hands with Jimmy to prove it. He turned to Jey and said, “Well, we’re working on it.” He said most of all, Roman Reigns likes him, and that’s why he invited him to his personal dressing room last Friday.

KO stepped onto the ring apron and said he hasn’t forgotten that the Usos and Paul Heyman are the only reason he didn’t put an end to Reigns’s title 18 months ago. He said they can celebrate Reigns’s 730 days as champion, but Jey can celebrate two years of having his head shoved up his cousin’s ass. KO entered the ring. Sami told him he’s trying hard to keep the peace, but the way he’s talking right now, he’s begging for Jey to kick his ass. Jey pulled Sami aside and stepped up. KO said, “Yeah? You know what, Jey? This is the time we drop the microphones, get a referee out here, and just fight, isn’t it?” A ref ran out. Graves said it’s official. [c]

(5) KEVIN OWENS vs. JEY USO (w/Jimmy Uso, Sami Zayn)

The bell rang after the break. KO took it to Jey at ringside and whipped him into the ringside steps a minute in. Jey took over until KO avoided a corner splash. KO landed a cannonball. Jey rolled to the floor. KO set up a powerbomb at ringside, but Jimmy stepped toward him. When KO turned to Jimmy, Jey superkicked KO and then Samoan dropped him onto the ringside steps. They cut to a break as Sami celebrated with Jimmy at ringside. [c]

Back from the break, KO countered Jey on the top turnbuckle into a fisherman’s buster to the mat. Owens landed a top rope flip senton for a near fall. They blocked each other’s signature moves. Jey eventually landed a superkick and a top rope frog splash for a near fall. KO lifted his knees on the next splash attempt and scored a two count with a roll-up. KO then superkicked Jey, superkicked Jimmy off the ring apron, and then landed a top rope frog splash for a convincing near fall.

At ringside, KO set up a powerbomb on Jey. Sami walked up to him. KO shoved Sami. Sami said he didn’t do anything. Jey then recovered and leaped onto KO at ringside, knocking him hard into the desk. The Usos told Sami to grab a chair. Sami asked, “What chair?” They said any chair. The Usos then propped KO over the second rope and asked Sami to hit him. Sami hesitated and then dropped the chair. Jimmy yelled at Sami. Sami said the ref was looking at him. KO then gave a distracted Jey a quick stunner for the win.

WINNER: Owens in 13:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: First of all, a good competitive match. Sami was great at the end, clearly not wanting to injure KO but making sure he had a cover story not wanting the ref to see him do it which would lead to a DQ loss.)

-Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Iyo Sky cut a promo about the main event. Kai said they’re going to take over the entire company.

-They cut to the parking lot where Ciampa chased down Miz as he was about to get into an SUV. Ciampa asked if he was okay to drive. Miz said it was all good. (It never is “all good” when people say that.) Patrick approached Miz and asked what he saw during his match with Lashley. Miz closed the door. Then a light came on in the back seat area revealing that Dexter was there riding with Miz. Fans cheered as Miz drove off. [c]

-A sponsored clip aired of Johnny Gargano’s surprise Raw appearance last week and interaction with Theory.

-They went to an interview with Gargano in the stands earlier in the day with an off-camera interviewer. Gargano said the fans chanting “Johnny Wrestling” gives him goosebumps. He said wrestling is his life, and he’s been out of the ring for nine months, the longest time since he was eight years old. He said he wants to get back into arenas and do what he thinks he was put on his planet to do. The interviewer asked if Theory ruined it. Gargano said not at all. He said he was excited to see him and he’s like family to him. He said Theory is more of a gifted athlete than me. He said success affects people differently, and those who start at the bottom feel differently than those who have the gifts that Theory has. He said Theory didn’t even call when his baby was born. Theory showed up behind him and asked why he didn’t call him when he won the U.S. Title. Gargano said he was busy with a baby. Theory said he has excuses, but he thinks he was jealous. He said he was jealous watching him compete at WrestleMania and become the youngest Mr. Money in the Bank. He said he expected more from him, but he’s learning it’s true what they say about it being lonely at the top. He told Gargano that he’s swimming with sharks now.

-They went to the announcers at ringside who ran down the Clash at the Castle line-up.

-A video package previewed the main event and recapping the tournament with Graves narrating.

-Kai & Sky made their entrance with Bayley. [c]

(6) DAKOTA KAI & IYO SKY vs. ALIYAH & RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ – Women’s Tag Team Tournament Final

When Aliyah and Rodriguez walked out, Graves said they were a dark horse team going into the tournament. Saxton said Aliyah and Rodriguez have been friends for years at the Performance Center and that has worked to their advantage. The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour. They cut backstage to Doudrop, Nikki, Tamina, and Dana Brooke watching on a monitor backstage. (They were needlessly lined up so we could see all of them instead of a more candid looking gathering around the monitor. There’s still room for improvement when it comes to backstage monitor viewing in pro wrestling.) They fought at ringside at 3:00. Kai whipped Sky into Aliyah against the steps. They cut to a break. [c]

Back from the break, Kai was in control against Rodriguez. Rodriguez tossed a charging Sky onto Kai. Aliyah was still knocked out at ringside and wasn’t in place to receive a tag. Rodriguez fought back herself against both heels at once. The crowd wasn’t really reacting to this, unfortunately. She landed a swinging elbow out of the corner on Sky for a near fall. Sky fought back, but Rodriguez clotheslined her into a flip bump. Next, Bayley intervened as Kai distracted the ref. Sky then stomped Rodriguez. Kai took a cheap shot before leaving the ring. She then landed her Over the Moonsault for a two count. Bayley yelled at the ref for a slow count. Belair, Bliss, and Asuka chased Bayley into the crowd. Smith pointed out it’s still two-on-one until Aliyah gets up. Aliyah got up and tagged in. The heel duo didn’t see it. Aliyah dropped to the floor and hid as the heels went after Rodriguez. Aliyah then rolled up Kai from behind for the win.

WINNERS: Rodriguez & Aliyah in 12:00 to win the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

-Belair, Asuka, and Bliss celebrated with them in the ring afterward. A fan held up a prominent sign at ringside that said, “Bring Back the 30 Day Defense Rule – No More Part Time Champs.” The announcers closed by plugging Clash at the Castle including the six-woman tag match.

(Keller’s Analysis: Message sent by Paul Levesque. He’s not going to always go with the presumed predictable outcome. The crowd energy in this match wasn’t encouraging. It’s ambitious of Levesque to put these four in a TV main event when they’re not anywhere near the top of the Women’s Division in terms of star power and history with the fans. It’s likely they’re short-term champs before Kai & Sky win them.)