Shane McMahon promised to shake things up, and he did just that, introducing Raw Underground, an anything-goes battleground for WWE’s toughest Superstars, something The Hurt Business took full advantage of. Plus, Drew McIntyre called out Randy Orton, Montez Ford may have been poisoned, a masked crew set fire to the WWE Performance Center’s generator and more!
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Raw results: Aug. 3, 2020
United States Champion Apollo Crews def. MVP
Despite The Hurt Business lurking at ringside and the lights in the WWE Performance Center flickering on and off during the match, Apollo Crews persevered and pinned MVP with the Toss Powerbomb to retain his United States Title and take hold of the new championship.
The Riott Squad def. The IIconics
On “The Kevin Owens Show,” Ruby Riott was finally able to speak to Liv Morgan, apologizing for the way she treated Morgan upon her return to Raw. The apology was cut short, though, as The IIconics arrived, upset that they weren’t invited to be on “The KO Show,” setting up the tag team showdown. In a spirited battle, Morgan rolled up Kay for the three-count. The IIconics tried to blindside Morgan after the bell, but Riott came to the rescue, and The Riott Squad showed some teamwork, putting Kay down with a double-team maneuver.
Drew McIntyre confronted Randy Orton
After being dropped by Randy Orton with an RKO last Monday, a passionate WWE Champion Drew McIntyre took to the ring, running down The Viper for having everything handed to him during his illustrious career. Orton arrived and mockingly dared the WWE Champion to have an original thought, and McIntyre called him out for failing to act as a locker room leader during his time in WWE before vowing to end The Legend Killer’s reign of terror at SummerSlam. But unlike the RKO from last week, Orton will see this coming.
Nia Jax was suspended indefinitely without pay
After her actions last week resulted in a fine for an undisclosed amount of money, Nia Jax was expected to apologize to WWE official Pat Buck for attacking him. Instead, Jax challenged him to a match. But when he refused, Jax berated him. Buck revealed that if Jax wasn’t going to apologize, there were repercussions – namely, that she has been suspended indefinitely, without pay. The Irresistible Force tried to take the news in stride, but she instead dropped the official with a headbutt before storming off.
Akira Tozawa def. R-Truth and Shelton Benjamin to become 24/7 Champion
After discovering that his 24/7 Championship was stolen, Shelton Benjamin quickly found out that R-Truth had nabbed it and headed to the ring for what turned into a Triple Threat Match for the title. Thanks to his ninjas swarming Benjamin, Akira Tozawa connected with a senton from the top rope onto R-Truth to reclaim the title.
Sasha Banks vs. Shayna Baszler ended in a no-contest when Asuka came looking for payback
Shayna Baszler was tired of waiting in line for a Raw Women’s Championship opportunity, and she went right after Sasha Banks, setting the stage for this huge non-title bout. But before a winner could be determined, Asuka attacked Bayley at ringside, resulting in a no-contest. The Empress of Tomorrow challenged Sasha to a match at SummerSlam, but The Boss responded by telling Asuka that she will only get her wish if she can defeat Bayley next week.
Shane McMahon revealed Raw Underground to the world
Shane McMahon promised to shake things up, and he did just that, revealing Raw Underground to the world. Raw Underground will serve as a battleground for WWE’s toughest fighters to prove themselves with few, if any rules. Shane-O-Mac then introduced the towering Dabba-Kato, who ruthlessly and brutally knocked out two opponents in rapid-fire succession.
Angel Garza def. Angelo Dawkins
Ahead of their Raw Tag Team Title Match at SummerSlam, both champions and challengers squared off in separate singles matches on Monday night. First up was Angelo Dawkins against Angel Garza. Though Garza may have been preoccupied with flirting with Demi Burnett of “The Bachelor” fame before the match, once the bell rang, it was all business. Dawkins put up a good fight, but Garza walked away victorious after Montez Ford collapsed at ringside, causing Dawkins to turn his attention to his partner. Unfortunately, Dawkins turned back into a superkick and dropkick to the head from The Lethal Lothario.
Montez Ford vs. Andrade ended in a No-contest after Ford collapsed
Though there was cause for concern after Montez Ford collapsed at ringside during Dawkins’ match, Ford was initially able to compete, and he looked to be extra fired up in battling Andrade. However, when Ford appeared to be on his way to victory, he again collapsed inside the ring, leaving the referee with no choice but to call the match. It was later revealed that doctors believe Ford may have been poisoned earlier in the night, which sent his wife Bianca Belair into a rage, as she accused Zelina Vega and her charges of this heinous act, something Vega vehemently denied.
Erik of The Viking Raiders fights in Raw Underground
The fights don’t stop at Raw Underground, as Shane McMahon welcomed Erik of The Viking Raiders to the mayhem. The furious Viking manhandled his opponent, and Ivar was at ringside to toss his hapless foe back into the fight, where Erik dropped him with a vicious knee to the face.
Five masked assailants set fire to the WWE Performance Center’s generator
On a night where technical malfunctions spread throughout Raw and chaos seemingly reigned, security cameras captured a crew of masked assailants setting fire to the WWE Performance Center’s generator.
Dominik Mysterio came to Samoa Joe’s aid to fight off Seth Rollins & Murphy
Seth Rollins took issue with Tom Phillips’ commentary last week, specifically how he “cheered” for Dominik Mysterio. When The Monday Night Messiah threatened to sacrifice Phillips, Samoa Joe stood up for his fellow announcer. That led to Rollins challenging Joe to a match, which Joe accepted. But no match took place, as Rollins & Murphy cornered Joe with steel chairs. Fortunately, Dominik arrived on the scene with Kendo stick in hand, striking The Monday Night Messiah and his disciple and forcing them to retreat. However, Rollins gave Dominik his wish, accepting his challenge for SummerSlam.
The Hurt Business crashed Raw Underground
Things did not quite go The Hurt Business’ way on Raw, so they made their way to Raw Underground to take out their frustrations on anyone and everyone who dared to step in the ring with them. It was utter demolition as MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin pummeled their opposition. No matter what happened earlier in the night, they made it clear, and in devastating fashion, that The Hurt Business is booming.
Shane McMahon to return to Raw tonight
Shane-O-Mac is BACK!
Shane McMahon will return to Raw tonight in his first WWE appearance in nearly a year. The Best in the World put his career on the line in a Ladder Match against Kevin Owens last October, and his contract was terminated following his loss on the Friday Night SmackDown premiere.
What will Shane have in store for his return on the red brand?
Tune in to Monday Night Raw on the USA Network at 8/7 C to catch his return tonight.
Apollo Crews and MVP will battle for the United States Title to kick off Raw
Will the real United States Champion please stand up?
Apollo Crews and MVP will settle that question to kick off tonight’s Raw as they battle for the United States Title.
The storied prize has been clouded in controversy lately. Crews was originally set to defend the Championship against MVP at The Horror Show at WWE Extreme Rules, but wasn’t cleared to compete as a result of Bobby Lashley’s attack.
As a result, MVP declared himself the new Champion, even unveiling a new title.
With Crews ready to go — and likely fed up with the braggadocious MVP’s antics in recent weeks — can he finally silence his boisterous rival? Or will MVP solidify his claim to the gold?
