4:10
Welcome everybody to Monday Night Raw. (upbeat music) You suck. We are live tonight in Jacksonville, Florida, two weeks away from SummerSlam. (upbeat music) Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Constable Darren Corbin and the general manager of Monday Night Raw Kurt Angle.
You saw Kurt Angle having fun guys with the WWE universe, but I know for a fact that he was humiliated and embarrassed after being attacked by the universal champion last week. I know it's been seven days, but even Kurt Angle, I'm sure has gone through every gamut of the emotional scale to arrive here tonight. Can't wait to hear what he has to say. Welcome to Monday Night Raw.
Tonight will be an historic night because making her Raw in ring debut tonight is the baddest woman on the planet, Ronda Rousey. And unlike some other former UFC champions, Ronda has no problem competing on Raw. I don't have to beg her or she doesn't whine or complain, but I could tell you what, whether she wins or loses tonight or beats Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam, Ronda, just like every other superstar on Raw that shows up each week as a champion in my book. I wish I could say the same about Brock Lesnar.
Watch it, Kurt. Whoa, hold on. I need to get this off my chest. Brock Lesnar has no class. You saw what he's done to the WWE universe, to the Universal Championship, to me. Okay, I'm a man of my word. And since Paul Heyman was able to get Brock Lesnar down to the ring before the end of the night last week, Paul Heyman's job is still intact. Now he will be interviewed by Renee Young later on tonight. But as far as Brock Lesnar's attack on me, this is what I'm gonna- (upbeat music)
Well, the big dog has come to Monday Night Raw. Roman Reigns, who in two weeks at SummerSlam renews his years old rivalry against the universal champion, Brock Lesnar. The most polarizing superstar in WWE today. Let's remember, Michael Corey, that Roman Reigns left the building a week ago. He wasn't even inside in Miami. Roman Reigns left the building at the request of Kurt Angle so that Kurt could make an effort to draw Brock Lesnar into the ring, which eventually happened.
Roman Reigns, I'm certain, is a man with a lot on his mind. Roman Reigns has said this week that whenever I'm in the ring, I hear the noise. It doesn't shake me, it doesn't anger me, I don't run from the noise, I thrive in it. He said, "I hope that Brooklyn is ready to get loud "because I'm ready to give you a show "and win the Universal Championship "in two weeks at SummerSlam." Cole, Roman Reigns has had a lot of big nights in his career, but you can argue, I know it's not WrestleMania, but you could argue that two weeks from last night will be the biggest night in the career of one Roman Reigns.
(upbeat music) Now, Kurt, you know I got a lot of respect for you as our Raw general manager, but you should have known better. If you kick the big dog out, who's gonna protect the yard? Exactly, nobody, and that's why Brock Lesnar rag dolled you all around this ring last week.
What are you smiling at? What are you laughing at? What did you do? When he was getting beat down, what did you do? You just stood there, didn't you? And then what happened? As soon as Brock looked at you, what'd you do? You ran. You ran like a scared little old- Listen, Roman, nobody likes what Brock Lesnar did last week, and that starts from the top down with the WWE. Hold on, top down, hold on. Please tell me you're not gonna say what I think you're about to say. Please tell me y'all aren't gonna suspend Brock Lesnar indefinitely.
Please tell me you're not gonna try and postpone this match at Summer Slam, man. You cannot do that. Listen, that's not gonna happen. I made sure that Brock Lesnar did not get suspended. And I made sure that you will compete against Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. I just hope you kick his ass. Wow, that's a soundbite. That's also really unprofessional for the general manager. You can't pick sides, you can't play favorites. And if Brock Lesnar was here, he would.
He'd what? He'd do what? He'd look at you one more time so you can run off like a coward again. I didn't run off. I chose to be the bigger man. That's something you know nothing about. Plus, I'd already competed that night. I was worn out from beating little tiny Finn Balor. You know the guy that actually won the Universal Championship unlike you. And I mean, I'm pretty much already doing everything around you. I can't possibly think of anything else I could do. Well, you could have acted like a man last week.
Act like a man? Are you an example of what a man acts like? You shuffle out here week after week and greet these people and welcome them like it's your show? Stephanie McMahon is the commissioner of Raw. You, you just make matches and Stephanie put me in place as constable to watch over your every move because you can't be trusted. You're right. I just make the matches.
And you know what? I see a match right here. As a matter of fact, I want a referee to come out here right now because Constable Corbin is gonna take on Roman Reigns and the match starts right now. Oh, I love it. This is not fair to Corbin. How's Corbin gonna get- Ring the bell. Oh. Oh, cheap shot. Bell rings, match underway as we await for the official to make his way down to the ring. I love the fact that Corbin didn't wait to yell at Kurt Angle and he took a shot at Roman Reigns. Baron Corbin with a cheap shot after this match was made official by our general manager here tonight and that right hand shocking Roman.
I'd say this quote unquote cheap shot from Corbin was warranted. The constable didn't come out here right now to compete, he came out here to make sure that Kurt Angle did his job properly. And now raising the Superman punch and the constable's down. Here's the cover. Hook of the leg, official in play, and a kick out at two by Corbin. Roman Reigns and Baron Corbin underway and tonight we're gonna see the Raw in-ring match debut of Ronda Rousey. Reigns and Corbin continues live next. We're back live on Monday Night Raw, an impromptu matchup set up by our general manager, the Constable Baron Corbin in control of the number one contender for the Universal Championship Roman Reigns.
Of course, Reigns meats Brock Lesnar in two weeks for the title at SummerSlam, and Reigns goes up for the Samoan drop here. Corbin lands on his feet, Reigns into the corner. There's the quickness again of Baron Corbin. Ridiculous athleticism from the Constable. The cover, hooks both legs and a kick out. Cole, I want to go back to something you said earlier on, and it was a great point that SummerSlam may be the biggest night in the career of Roman Reigns. And I tend to agree with you on that
because at some point he has to beat Brock Lesnar for the championship. Take another look at this incredible athleticism from Baron Corbin just taking Reigns' head clean off and nearly walking out with a W. And this is a great, I guess you could call it warmup for Roman Reigns because Rock Lesnar is very much like Constable Corbin. Whoa, I'm gonna cut you off. No, don't. I'm gonna cut you off because this isn't a warmup. This is Baron Corbin, the constable of Monday night- Can I please complete my point?
No because, nevermind. Thank you. He's big, he's strong, he's quick. You never let me explain, thank you. Now, for Roman Reigns, he's had so many opportunities over the last few years, and who knows how many more, Michael, he's gonna get if he's not victorious at SummerSlam. Well, this could be his last opportunity at the universal title at SummerSlam as Corbin again has taken control of this match. And Corey, I have talked about it for a long time as well that because of the way that the match ended at the Graves Royal Rumble where Reigns really ended up being the uncrowned champion, this could be the final opportunity for Roman.
Oh, Roman certainly earned every opportunity that he's received at Brock Lesnar, but historically speaking, Brock's sort of had the number of the big guard. We'll see if that can change in Brooklyn and look at my doubts. Reigns unloading with the right hand, trying to climb back into this. Corbin, with a hard elbow to the jaw. How's that for a warmup coach? Cover by the constable. Oh, and he wrapped the arm and the leg, but Reigns is able to kick out, and now Corbin right back into control.
Even though Corbin was not prepared to compete tonight, a victory over Roman Reigns would do wonders for Baron Corbin's career. As we're seeing right now, how physical the constable can be. These are the sorts of opportunities Baron wanted when he signed up for the job with Stephanie McMahon. There is no question he has elevated his game to an elite status, a star status, and even though he loves to talk and he loves to put Kurt Angle in the corner, so to speak, you know deep down, he's relishing this opportunity here tonight.
We also heard from general manager Kurt Angle that Brock Lesnar's advocate, Paul Heyman, still employed by WWE, Paul will be here later on tonight. It's gonna be interesting to get his take after, oh, his client, Brock Lesnar, put his hands on Heyman in the ring last week. If there was any question if the confidence in Brock Lesnar, because we hadn't seen him in some time, had wavered, that was clear last week. He didn't care, he had swag, he was cool, and then at the end, he didn't care about anybody. A different attitude last week as Corbin continues to control and punish Roman Reigns.
12-6 elbows right on the forehead of Roman Reigns, incredibly dangerous and painful. And Corbin, once again, just cranking on the neck and shoulder of Roman. And as for Constable Corbin, and you heard him say it earlier tonight that he is here to provide checks and balances over the general manager for Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, Baron with this new attitude. He struts around the locker room in the backstage area like he owns the place ever since being put in charge by Stephanie.
I don't think we can emphasize enough how much confidence can help somebody who was just on the cusp of stardom or even super stardom. It can really help a great deal. We're seeing proof of that in Constable Corbin. Reigns back to a vertical base and we're gonna create some separation here. Corbin has been really controlling this matchup since the get-go when he took a cheap shot on Reigns. There's a kick right to the face of Corbin.
You mean returned a cheap shot from last week like Roman Reigns did when he punched Corbin in the mouth backstage. Good to say that Corbin didn't deserve it, right? Yeah, I mean, he really did. And look at Reigns and sending Corbin over the top rope. Roman Reigns and you can feel the momentum starting to build. And the big dog's gonna hunt. And Reigns gonna drive by.
Corbin down and out outside the ring, and now Roman Reigns continues the attack. And this is a classic Roman Reigns here. Wear, wear, wear your opponent down. Michael, you hit the nail on the head. Oh. Loves Roman Reigns- Oh, right into the post. Wow. And just like that, Corbin's taken control. This match continues live on Raw. Gentlemen, I have been so impressed with Constable Baron Corbin tonight.
He has been in control of almost this entire match with Roman Reigns, and this is how he turned things around right before the commercial break. Listen to this and right into the steel post. There Corbin seizing the opportunity to show the entire WWE universe what he's been saying for years, that he is a top tier superstar, that he belongs among the elite. It doesn't get much more elite than Roman Reigns. Yeah, Roman Reigns loves deep waters. I'm not sure he wanted to go this deep here tonight, but here we are.
Two weeks away from Roman Reigns' matchup with Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Brock Lesnar last week in a mood that we have not seen from Brock in quite a long time. Created complete chaos in the ring attacking our general manager. His own advocate, Baron Corbin, luckily got out of harm's way. Yeah, Paul Heyman can't control Brock Lesnar, nobody else is gonna be able to. Gonna hear from Paul Heyman later on tonight about his relationship with the Universal Champion as Roman catches Corbin in the jaw with a high elbow.
And Roman Reigns takes down Corbin. Roman's still feeling the effects of the beating The Constables inflicted up to this point, but the big dog's still in the fight. Sumo dropped by Roman Reigns. Cover on Corbin. There it is. One leg hook and a kick out. Roman tried for two and couldn't do it. I know we weren't expecting to start the night with these two, but I got to tell you, they are impressing me, and I think everybody here in Jacksonville, a great deal.
An impromptu match set up by our general manager, Kurt Angle, as we kicked off the show tonight. A very cocky Baron Corbin. Very confident Roman Reigns. Exchanging words leading this match. Let's not forget, Roman Reigns with the right hand of Corbin last week in the locker room area as Reigns was being escorted out of the building. And Roman, oh, a big boot. And now Reigns is starting to feel it.
Corbin with a valuable few moments to try to get his wits back. It seems like a mistake to me, but we might have questioned Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns locked and loaded. Measuring the Constable, went for the Superman punch. Corbin caught him, went for the choke slam back breaker and Reign's able to counter. Uh-oh. Is it enough to put Reigns away? What a win this would be for Baron Corbin. But a kick out at two. So close for Corbin. And I agree with the reaction. That was as close to three as you're ever gonna get.
Look at this. The big dog, full head of steam. Corbin just too powerful using Roman's own momentum to drive him right through the center of the ring. Constable Corbin getting frustrated after he could not put Roman Reigns away. Well, I wouldn't be frustrated, I would be encouraged because he has been special here tonight. Yeah, Constable Corbin giving Roman Reigns everything he can handle live on Monday Night Raw.
Reigns has been absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment and that punishment continues. (wrestlers yelling) Boy, these two are just going back and forth, back and forth. Oh. Corbin had the end of days in mind, but Roman saw it coming. Counter with a couple big right hands. Oh. Look at the cameraman. Just wiped out a cameraman and he ran into a Superman punch. Roman Reigns cover, then a kick out. A kick out by Corbin at two. Near fall after near fall in this match. Incredible way to kick off Monday Night Raw.
I think if it weren't for that cameraman, Corbin would've connected with his intended attack. Either way, Reigns was able to counter. Now whichever man can get to his feet first will most definitely have the upper hand as these two men have now been going, what guys? About well over 20 minutes. Incredible stuff. And yeah, you're right Coach, it's been an incredible match to kick off Monday Night Raw here tonight live in Jacksonville, Florida.
Is it Roman Reigns' turn? Can Roman Reigns feed off the WWE fans and take out the constable? Well, they are into it here tonight. And Corbin wisely rolling out of the ring. Michael, that's the second time that Roman Reigns has done that. Because it works. And Corbin now will bring a halt to the momentum of Roman Reigns. I'm talking about Roman Reigns waiting on Constable Corbin. Should have stayed on him. Oh, Corbin now, looks like he has no interest in finishing this match.
(upbeat music) Wait just a minute. Another man Corbin's had serious issues with, the guy he calls Little. The tiny Irishman. Finn Balor. And now Corbin has nowhere to go. Yeah, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Balor on one side, Reigns on the other. Now Constable Corbin brought all this out. Oh that's Reigns, launching himself off the steps with a Superman punch. What are you talking about, brought this on himself?
Corbin was out here doing his job looking after Kurt Angle, he didn't ask for any of this. How about Roman giving Finn a little props? Now that was super cool. Give him some love. Spear, boom, cover. Roman Reigns with the win. (upbeat music) Here is your winner, Roman Reigns. (upbeat music) I can't say I blame Finn Balor coming out here and taking a closer look. (upbeat music) Couldn't happen to a nicer guy to Constable Corbin.
I'm trying to figure out exactly who Constable Corbin. Oh. Corbin was on his way out of here and Roman Reigns would take him out with a Superman punch, send a little love, Finn Balor's way, and then the spear. And if Roman Reigns can connect with a spear in two weeks at SummerSlam, we could be crowning a new universal champion. Yeah, he's in great shape. He's got that laser focus, he's got that game face. And I think Roman Reigns is certainly ready for 13 days from tonight. (upbeat music)
That had to feel sweet for Finn Balor. (upbeat music) Oh, wait a minute. Oh, Finn Balor, he owes Corbin a little payback from last week as well, gentlemen. Corbin just competed in a match. This is classless. I would say a lot of payback. The verbal and physical abuse that Balor has suffered at the hands of Constable Corbin. And Balor now dropping Corbin into the corner.
Yeah, attack the Constable after a match. Real heroic Balor. And Corbin's in the drop zone. And Balor can add insult injury with a carnivore. Balor Club has come to Jacksonville. (upbeat music) I don't think anybody here tonight doesn't think that Constable Corbin deserved exactly what he got. (upbeat music)
