WWE RAW Results - May 16, 2022

Previously on Monday Night Raw...

We open with a video over the first three to four minutes, catching us up on the drama between Omos, Bobby Lashley and MVP. To sum up for those who are out of the know: MVP was upset that Lashley didn't take him to WrestleMania, so he's now rooting for the newly-dubbed "the Nigerian Giant".

Norfolk Welcomes Raw!

Corey Graves, Byron Saxton, and Jimmy Smith are shown standing beside the ring, which already has the steel cage in place. They hype the battle of the titans coming up shortly, then touch on tonight's card. We're reminded that RK-Bro faces the Usos in a title unifying match this Friday. They announce next that Cody Rhodes will kick off the ten o'clock hour. We're also told that Riddle faces J. Uso and a six-pack challenge will be held to determine the new number one contender for Bianca Belair's Raw title. We waste no further time--it's cage match time!

Steel Cage Match: "the Almighty" Bobby Lashley vs "the Nigerian Giant" Omos w/ MVP

As Omos and MVP make their entrance, the rules of the match are read--you can win by pinfall, submission, or escaping the cage. The first seventeen minutes of our program are the opening recap, recaps of this feud, and MVP cutting a quick promo on Lashley--reciting the same disses and remarks as the last several weeks, all centered around his jealousy. Lashley begins his entrance at 8:09 but is attacked by Cedric Alexander and Omos! They brawl at ringside for several minutes until we go to break. We return at 8:17pm and finally get the start of our match. Omos completely dominates Lashley to start off, taking advantage of the damage done prior to the start of the match. Omos uses his sheer power to treat Lashley like a toy, the way Lashley usually does to others. MVP continues to coach on Omos for another two minutes until Lashley catches him too close to the cage. The distraction allows Lashley to take Omos down and attempt a pin, but he only gets two. Lashley hints at a Hurt Lock but sees Omos isn't quite ready so he pivots and uses a clubbing forearm to flatten Omos.

Again Omos starts to rise and Lashley locks the Hurt Lock in at 8:20! He quickly runs back into the corner, forcing the break. Omos charges Lashley in the corner--and catches a pair of boots to the face for it. Lashley begins to climb the turnbuckles and attempts to use the vertical advantage to lock in an arm bar on Omos! Lashley kicks Omos' head repeatedly. Lashley finally kicks him free and the giant tumbles to the mat. Lashley starts to ascend further up the cage but Cedric again intercedes, preventing Lashley from escaping. Omos takes control of the match again, manhandling the Almighty. Finally a frustrated Omos throws Lashley through the cage; the panel collapses from the top, falling at a 45 degree angle to make a ramp. Lashley lays there for a few as Omos just watches. Finally, Lashley simply gets up and steps off the cage wall. As both feet have thus touched the ground, Lashley is announced as the winner. MVP is in shock as this old cage rule is apparently new to him. Omos is upset but Lashley celebrates up the ramp.

Your Winner, Bobby Lashley!

Singles Match: United States Championship Theory vs Mustafa Ali

"The youngest United States champion in history"--and yes, they're billing him as such--comes on down. Vince's hand-picked star of the future sends us off to a commercial break ahead of this non-title match. When we return, Theory cuts a quick promo as Ali arrives and states that Ali doesn't deserve it. But Theory will give the match, and announces Special Guest Referee the Miz. Corey Graves argues that the Miz simply wants to improve his ref skills after a semi-poor outing last week. Theory gets on the mic as the Miz checks if everyone's ready. "Something just doesn't seem right," states Theory, before tooting his own horn. He states it's not fair for Ali to lose to the champ, and tells Ali the first lesson Theory was taught by Vince was "expect the unexpected." He then tells Ali that his opponent isn't himself (Austin), it's Veer Mahaan!
No Match, No Result

Singles Match: Veer Mahaan w/ United States Championship Theory vs Mustafa Ali

Mahaan comes on out, ready to squash someone who's not a local talent. The ref (the Miz) calls for the bell. Ali immediately rocks the big man with a pair of dropkicks, but a third is countered by a leaping body press from Veer that pancakes Ali. Veer takes about ninety seconds tossing Ali around and showing off his vicious style set. Ali eventually starts his comeback, flying around the ring as he batters Veer to the outside. The Miz begins to do a slow count-out and Ali complains. Ali is slapped by the Miz; the distraction causes Veer to catch an unsuspecting Ali with a running lariat that nearly cuts him in half. Veer slaps on his submission move and Ali taps out. After the match, Theory takes selfies with a downed Ali and with Ali in the submission hold from Veer again, and finally one of Theory, Veer with the hold on Ali, and the ref Miz posing. Corey Graves remarks he's going to make it his screensaver. The Miz then directs Veer, who clears the table top, preparing to put Ali through the table. The Mysterios both hit the ring in matching pink and black gear, making their return to a decent pop. The Mysterios work together to drop Veer outside the ring, leaving Mahaan pissed and pacing outside the ring. Rey seems to ready-up with Dom, and Dom hints and seems to be ready to....not turn on his dad. Yet.

Your Winner by Submission, Veer Mahaan!

Singles Match: Riddle vs Jimmy w/ Jey Uso

After entrances and commercials, we finally get this match under way. Jimmy starts with a chop; Riddle floats over after a whip and drops Jimmy. Riddle with a gut-wrench suplex for a pin attempt that doesn't even garner close to a one. Jimmy smacks Riddle then uses the middle rope to choke him as the ref counts a warning. Jimmy takes the entire count until the ref force shim back, allowing Jey Uso to run over and clock Riddle. The crowd boos loudly and Jey holds up one finger to the roof. Jimmy takes Riddle into the corner but Riddle uses a triangle lock to dump him out of the ring! Riddle looks for a punt kick but Jey steps in the way, taking the hit, and allowing Jimmy to sucker Riddle with a huge right that knocks him to the floor. Jimmy with a suicide dive that wipes out Riddle at ringside. Jimmy whips Riddle into the stairs and Jey holds up one SmackDown tag title and Riddle's Raw tag title as the crowd boos us to a commercial.

We return from break to find Jimmy firmly in control of Riddle, and are informed that's been the situation throughout the break. Jimmy uses working holds, namely a chin lock, attempting to wear down Riddle. We're reminded for the third time that this is a sold-out Norfolk crowd. Riddle battles to a vertical base and uses an overhead kick to stun Jimmy. Riddle kips up and starts his comeback, using two leaping forearms on Jimmy before hitting an Exploder after a failed first attempt! Riddle looks for a Bro-ton but Jimmy gets the knees up and both men are down. The ref checks on both. The action goes back and forth until Riddle looks to counter an Uso Splash with a Super RKO off the top. Riddle is shoved down but manages to get his knees up, blocking the Uso Splash! Jey looks absolutely flabbergasted that Riddle got his knees up. Okay. Both men are down for several long moments before rising simultaneously. Jimmy charges Riddle and runs into an elbow. Riddle hops to the top but Jey chops his legs out when the ref checks on Jimmy. Jimmy rolls up Riddle and Jey attempts to help him with the pin--same as they did months ago when feuding with the New Day--but the ref catches it! The ref sends Jey to the back. Riddle rolls up a stunned Jimmy and steals the victory.

Your Winner, Riddle!

Backstage: Liv Morgan, Los Lotharios, AJ Styles & Finn Bálor

After a video package showing the trouble Styles & Bálor have with Rhea Ripley--neither man wants to fight a woman, yet twice last week she proved to be a physical interference in their respective matches--we find Liv being recruited by Los Lotharios. Styles & Bálor show up and send them off, then extend an offer to Liv to faction-up. Finn insists its the only way they stand a chance against the Judgment Day. We head to break. Reserve your judgement on the judgment.

The Judgment Day Address the WWE Universe

We return from a break to TJD backstage. Rhea and Priest flank Edge, who sits on a throne, and all three are wearing some dapper suits--Rhea included. Looks sharp. Priest speaks to the camera, stating that they do what they want when they want and any "precious heroes (who) want to step up to us will face nothing but Punishment." Rhea then speaks, stating she's embraced the movement. She's done being what the WWE Universe wants her to be and she's done being held back. "Now it's time for complete and utter Eradication." Edge then speaks, telling us to listen to his "Hands of Fate." He states some of us are tired of pretending to be happy, who are happy, and he attempts to recruit them. "Here's our mission statement: Judgment Day equals power." He tells the roster to accept this gift or face their wrath. "more will come to us, more will join us." He extends the offer to AJ Styles, imploring him to think it over. "After everything you've been through, we could use your athleticism, your leadership, your tenacity. Problem is, you try to please everyone else. And I used to jump off 20 foot ladders," he states, then blames the fans for never appreciating him. He implores AJ again, telling him it's not too late for Styles to join them on top of the mountain.

Tag Match: Finn Bálor & AJ Styles w/ Liv Morgan vs Los Lotharios

Morgan is out first, holds up a finger (gesturing "one moment,") and out comes Finn Bálor, followed by AJ Styles. We're informed that the Boss & the Glow have left the building, and we're reminded that the six-pack challenge has been changed to a one-on-one between Lynch & Asuka for our main event. We head to break ahead of this match. When we return, we start with Bálor and Angel. Los Lotharios use frequent tags as they battle the grizzled, not-so-young veterans. Styles comes in off a semi-hot tag and cleans the ring of Los Lotharios then takes it outside. We head to break. When we return, Los Lotharios take another turn in the lead. Los Lotharios seem to edge closer and closer to pulling off the upset, but a missed Superkick leads to Bálor hitting a Shotgun Dropkick to set up a Phenomenal Forearm, followed by a Coup de Grace, moments after our break, ending our match.

Your Winners, AJ Styles & Finn Bálor!

DNA, Meet BBQ Sauce

Kevin Owens wears a "Sami Zayn forever" shirt and awaits the Alpha Academy. Finally they show up with DNA test results. They give the report to Owens, who rips it open and reads out that...the results were contaminated by barbecue sauce, so once again Owens lacks any physical proof that Ezekiel is Elias. He flips out on the Alpha Academy, and Chad Gable states they'll beat the truth out of Ezekiel.

Singles Match: Alexa Bliss vs Sonya Deville

After a video from last week reminds us that WWE Official Adam Pearce stripped Sonya Deville of her power, as well as Deville's defeat at the hands of a returning and repackaged Alexa Bliss. Bliss comes out to new theme music that's closer to Gargano's "Rebel Heart" than any past theme for "the Goddess." We head to break. When we return, Deville's out and we start off. Deville attempts to bully Bliss, slapping her. All she does is anger "the Goddess," who slaps Deville and drops her repeatedly, using a dropkick and strikes to pummel the former WWE Official. Bliss looks for a standing splash but Deville gets the knees up and takes control briefly. Deville yells insults at Bliss as she slams her face into the mat. She yells at the crowd, taunting them while pulling on Bliss' hair. Deville looks for a cover but only gets two. Deville latches on a sleeper, taking Bliss face-down to the mat and wrenching back on her neck. Bliss twists and turns, attempting to wrench free as the crowd cheers her on. Deville uses a snapmare and a running knee to nearly pick up the win, but Bliss gets her right up just in time. The crowd is mostly dead for this match, outside of a few weak chants for Bliss. Deville slams Bliss' face into the turnbuckle and attempts to undo the pad covering a top turnbuckle. Deville is caught by the ref, who ties the turnbuckle. This causes him to be out of position when Deville hits a big Spinebuster for what would have been a three count. Alexa Bliss catches Deville off guard with a DDT and picks up the win! After the match, Sonya Deville attacks the referee and leaves to boos.

Your Winner, Alexa Bliss!

Video Package: Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes

We're shown Seth Rollins "disgusting" attack on Cody Rhodes last week, denying him a special moment (and setting up our next segment).

Cody Rhodes Addresses Seth Rollins, Again

Cody comes out to a decent reaction and dressed in a dapper suit--the suit game tonight is strong. Rhodes poses on the ring post then fires up the crowd as we head to a break before he speaks at the top of the hour! And like clock work, at the top of the hour we return. The crowd comes alive and chants for Cody. Rhodes gets on the mic, acknowledging that he's been told that Rollins is not here. "And although I am surrounded by lovers here in Virginia and millions watching at home, I hope at least that Seth is listening. Last wee, I tried to move forward. I tried to extinguish this chapter in our carer, and Seth, he went ahead and dumped gasoline on the flame." He states that Rollins also claimed Rhodes would never take "it" away from him again. Rhodes questions what "it" is--two matches? A momentary spotlight? He then calls Rollins his own worst enemy. He takes us back to 2012 when Seth Rollins showed up with the Shield. He remembers because he was one of the "bitter boys in the locker room." He applauds Rollins for shattering the "glass ceiling" and winning his way to the top. Rhodes admits his career path was difference; he didn't win much until recently, so he "scratched...clawed...painted my face" until he was dead inside, yet he still endured. He states that he's learned so much from loss. "The difference between a revolutionary interview and an actual revolutionary action and the number one thing I learned...I'm never going to be the American Dream. So why not embrace the Nightmare?" He gets a good pop at this and another Cody chant.

He continues. "I guess you could say that I lost my way to the top, but what this comes down to, truly...to Seth Rollins, is his embarrassment over losing two matches outweigh my quest for vindication and a quest for vindication, and my second chance?" He states you don't take a second chance for granted and if Seth intends on denying him a second chance, "buddy, you're gonna have to kill me. And I'm gonna give you a chance. I say we run it back, I say we lock all that angst in here, we leave it all on the mat. I say we play for keeps. What do you say? Rollins versus Rhodes for the third time but this time inside Hell in a Cell!" The crowd pops big, and Seth Rollins is shown cackling on the screen. Rollins cackles and claims that Rhodes' attempt at stealing Rollins WrestleMania moment was enough, so he stole WrestleMania Backlash from Rollins by "stealing" it. He criticizes Rhodes for challenging him to a Hell in a Cell match, claiming that everyone who's ever stepped in the ring with him has been changed forever. Rollins accepts, stating he'll expose Rhodes "for the fraud that you are."

Singles Match: Ezekiel vs Chad Gable w/ Otis & Kevin Owens

KO and the Alpha Academy make their way out and we head to a break. KO joins the commentary team, who put up a graphic of Ezekiel with his older brother, Elias. Graves and Owens continue to claim Ezekiel is Elias despite the photographic evidence. Gable and Ezekiel lock up to start things off. Gable takes an early lead but Ezekiel seems to match Gable's technical prowess, countering a side headlock with one of his own. Gable whips Ezekiel off and uses an arm drag to drop Ezekiel--but Zeke holds on and rolls through, transitioning it into another hold! KO states that it's proof that Ezekiel isn't a rookie as he claims, but has years of experience. Gable looks for a pin but only gets a two. Otis yells encouragement to his partner and Gable unloads on Zeke. Zeke counters another arm drag with a Gory Special! Impressive as Ezekiel squats while keeping Gable in the painful submission for a few very long moments. Gable attempts to Sunset Flip and roll up but Zeke counters. Zeke takes Gable to the apron, yells "Shoosh," and slams Gable's face into the apron! Gable distracts the ref, allowing Otis to level Zeke and send us to another break.

We return to a graphic stating "Ezekiel vs Chad Gable" and Owens freaks out, yelling that the production are lairs. Meanwhile, Gable uses a Northern Lights suplex to nearly pick up the win. Gable locks onto Zeke's shoulder, working the left arm with a variety of holds and attacks. Gable shoves Zeke's shoulder into the turnbuckle and catches him on the rebound with a snap German Suplex, bridging into a pin attempt. Gable climbs the top turnbuckle and attempts a Moonsault but Zeke moves. Gable and Zeke quickly engage, going back and forth as Zeke fires up for his comeback. Zeke with a Spinebuster for a close two. Zeke positions Gable on the top turnbuckle and chops his chest, then climbs up. Zeke climbs all the way to the top rope and both men jockey for position. Gable counters a Superplex attempt with a headbutt that sends Ezekiel flying. Zeke then catches a diving Gable with a leaping knee straight to the chin that nearly picks up the win--with a move used by his older brother Elias. Gable looks for a rear wrap-up pin and attempts another Moonsault, connecting this time for a close two. Zeke uses a donkey kick to stun Gable. Otis attempts to interfere so Zeke drops him off the apron. Chad tries to use this to roll up Zeke, but Zeke reverses it and rolls up Gable, stealing the win. Zeke runs out the ring as KO hits the ring alongside Otis, angry at Ezekiel pulling off the win.

Your Winner, Ezekiel!

Lacey Evans Addresses the WWE Universe

Lacey Evans makes her way out. It's hard to tell if she's looking to be a face or heel as she plays up her military past and demands acknowledgement while also giving props tot he troops, calling out vets in the crowd and gesturing to them while leading the crowd on a USA chant to thank them for their service. She ends it stating that she's better than the roster or the such. Odd, odd push here.

Video Promos: WWE Unified Tag Team Championship Match Hype

We hear from Riddle in a smoke-filled room, who reminds us that Riddle 4:20 means he just smoked the Usos. We then hear from the Usos, who remind RK-Bro that they're coming into the Usos house this Friday. The months-hyped match is expected to go on this SmackDown Friday!

Number One Contendership for the Raw Women's Championship Main Event Match: Becky Lynch vs Asuka

The winner of this match will face Bianca Belair at Hell in a Cell. This was originally set to be a Six-Pack challenge, with Naomi, Sasha Banks, Doudrop and Nikki A.S.H. as participants but after reports that Naomi & Banks walked out, the match was changed to a singles match. Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair makes her way out to watch this match--after this break. Asuka is out first when we return, followed by Becky "No Belts" Lynch. We have about a minute of action and then go to another break right away. We return and find Asuka taking control, using a jarring kick to lay out Becs. Becs and Asuka slug it out in the ring until Asuka takes control with a spinning back kick to the abdomen. Hip attack in the corner by Asuka leads to a knee to the chin and a German suplex release! Asuka goes for ac over but only gets a two after a sliding knee attack. Asuka pulls up Becs and hints at the Asuka Lock but Lynch uses a modified overhead snapmare to roll up Asuka for two. Asuka uses an arm drag throw counter on Lynch but misses on a Hip Attack. Lynch unloads on Asuka on the apron with rights and an uppercut before using a leg drop from the top rope over a rope-strung Asuka for another close fall!

Lynch looks for a Dis-arm-her but Asuka counters with a roll up. Lynch escapes and attempts a roll up of her own. Asuka converts it into a prone Asuka Lock! Lynch flips over, pinning Asuka's shoulders down to force her to break the hold. Lynch and Asuka battle at the apron, with Lynch using kicks to stun Asuka. Lynch leaps off the top but Asuka moves, then catches Lynch with a jumping arm bar submission! Lynch rolls, getting her feet to the ropes to force the break. Asuka cries out in frustration then pulls Lynch up by her hair. Lynch uses the top rope to assist with a neckbreaker. Lynch wanders over to Belair and taunts her, trying to goad Belair into hitting Lynch (and thus, giving Lynch the default win and title shot). Asuka attacks Lynch but Lynch counters, sending Asuka into Belair at commentary team. Lynch sends Asuka into the ring then kicks Belair in the face to upset her. Lynch runs into the ring, causing Belair to hop up on the apron. The ref is distracted by Belair as he argues with her, and this allows Lynch to retrieve Asuka's umbrella! Lynch swings but Asuka ducks under and spits green mist in Lynch's face! Asuka rolls her up after a roundhouse kick and picks up the win!

Your Winner and NEW Number One Contender, Asuka!

⚡ Sasha Banks & Naomi Walk Out Of WWE RAW Mid-Show, Show Plans Modified Accordingly

We reported earlier tonight that Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out of WWE RAW, and now it appears there is more to the story beyond it being [...]

— Guy Incognito May 16, 2022 10:26PM