Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw was full of surprises on a historic night as a new Universal Champion was to be crowned. Not only did a new superstar rise to the top, but a familiar face made a huge return in the process.
The night started off with the four competitors in the main event all in the ring discussing why they deserve to win the championship. Kevin Owens, Big Cass, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns were all in the middle of the ring, surrounding the championship belt.
.@WWERomanReigns can't wait to fight to decide who will leave #RAW tonight as the new #UniversalChampion! pic.twitter.com/tzMEy0iMQZ
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
Chris Jericho fought against Neville ahead of Wrestlemania earlier this year and the latter ended up breaking his ankle. The two met up for the first time since that match and Jericho seemed to pull ahead in the feud with a win after locking on the Liontamer.
Can @WWENeville conquer the cagey veteran @IAmJericho on #RAW? pic.twitter.com/ngEbnGzka6
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
The Women’s Championship and Tag Team Championship pictures were furthered when Bayley teamed up with The New Day to take on the team of Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows and The Protege Dana Brooke. The Hugger and the tag champions were successful in a fun match.
.@itsBayleyWWE is feeling the #PowerOfPositivity as she teams with #TheNewDay vs. Gallows, Anderson & Brooke. #RAW pic.twitter.com/SCmeYr4q7d
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
The Best-of-Seven Series between Sheamus and Cesaro continued with the Celtic Warrior already up 1-0. He continued to build his lead in the match as he pulled off the stunning victory over the Swiss Superman to go up 2-0.
With @WWESheamus up 1-0 in their #BestOf7 Series on #RAW, can @WWECesaro pick up a much-needed victory? pic.twitter.com/ccMztbnlUW
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
Braun Strowman has been dominating Monday Night Raw over the last few weeks and he continued to do so with an impressive victory over Americo.
A stars-and-stripes-wearing luchador was left SEEING STARS after tangling with @BraunStrowman on @WWE #RAW. pic.twitter.com/m0mpE0OyqX
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon made her way down to the ring to confront Brock Lesnar’s advocate Paul Heyman. He came down to the ring and decided to pay his client’s $500 fine in classic Paul Heyman fashion.
"@BrockLesnar provides VALUE to #RAW … What value do YOU provide, @HeymanHustle?" – @StephMcMahon #RAW pic.twitter.com/rP0Zy4erfl
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
It was finally time for the main event elimination match to determine the new Universal Champion and it was a pretty exciting match. Big Cass had the Houston crowd behind him, but he could not overcome the experience of the other three superstars.
Thanks to a massive #FrogSplash from @FightOwensFight, @BigCassWWE has been ELIMINATED! #RAW #UniversalChampionship pic.twitter.com/5tKf3thzR9
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
Reigns, Owens and Rollins carried the match for the next 15 minutes and it looked like the former three-time champion was well on his way to capturing the world championship again. However, Triple H returned to WWE for the first time since Wrestlemania 32 and attacked Regins, allowing Rollins to eliminate the Big Dog.
WHAT THE?! @TripleH just showed up to #Pedigree @WWERomanReigns! #RAW #UniversalChampionship pic.twitter.com/Qcd0jUvGPa
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
It looked like Rollins was on his way to his third world championship before Triple H turned his back, allowing Owens to capture his first world championship in his career.
What did @TripleH just do?! @WWERollins gets hit with a #Pedigree leading to a NEW #UniversalChampion! #RAW pic.twitter.com/0v0TtBXA2q
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 30, 2016
It's a WHOLE NEW GAME!! @FightOwensFight is the NEW @WWE #UniversalChampion, thanks to COO @TripleH! #RAW pic.twitter.com/ubphGf6Fqx
— WWE (@WWE) August 30, 2016
It will certainly be interesting to watch the new developments in this situation over the next few weeks.
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