WWE Monday Night Raw returned to the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, with all the latest build-up to the upcoming Payback Premium Live Event. The show promised a thrilling night of action, including Gunther defending his Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable, Shinsuke Nakamura revealing what he whispered to Seth Rollins last week, and a tag team match between Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle and The New Day.
The show kicked off with Sami Zayn making his entrance to a thunderous reception from the Quebecois crowd. He soaked up the love from the fans before welcoming them in French. However, things quickly took a turn when the Judgment Day faction surrounded the ring. Zayn asked the crowd if they really thought he would come alone and, to everyone’s surprise, Kevin Owens made his entrance. Owens cleared the ring of the Judgment Day members, finishing with a Stunner on Damian Priest. Owens then announced that he and Zayn would face any two members of the Judgment Day faction in a tag match later in the night.
In the first match of the night, Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle faced off against The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The match was hard-fought, with both teams showcasing their skills. In the end, The New Day emerged victorious, with Kingston hitting a Trouble in Paradise on Riddle for the pinfall victory. However, the Viking Raiders made their presence known after the match, attacking both teams and sending a message.
Next, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh were interviewed backstage. McDonagh expressed his desire to make Judgment Day stronger, while Balor acknowledged McDonagh’s help in taking out Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio then approached Balor to discuss their team for the tag match against Owens and Zayn. Ripley forced McDonagh to stay back, citing Judgment Day business.
In a highly anticipated match, Gunther defended his Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable. The match was intense, with both competitors giving it their all. However, the match ended in a count-out victory for Gable, as Gunther was unable to make it back into the ring in time. Despite not winning the title, Gable showcased his skills and proved that he is a formidable opponent.
Backstage, the members of Judgment Day argued over who should face Owens and Zayn. Dominik Mysterio remained neutral, refusing to make a decision. Rhea Ripley grew tired of the indecision and warned them that she would make the decision for them if they didn’t decide before her return.
The show continued with various matches and segments, including a match between Akira Tozawa and The Miz, which Tozawa won by pinfall. LA Knight made an appearance, attacking The Miz after the match. Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle were seen discussing the future of their team when The New Day approached them, offering their support and suggesting a team name, McRiddle.
Becky Lynch made her entrance and addressed her upcoming match against Trish Stratus at Payback. Lynch talked about her legacy and how it will be determined by survival. Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark interrupted Lynch, with Stratus challenging Lynch to a steel cage match. Lynch accepted the challenge and announced a falls count anywhere match against Stark for the following week.
Other matches and segments took place throughout the night, including a match between Rhea Ripley and Candice LeRae, which Ripley won by submission. Raquel Rodriguez made her return and attacked Ripley after the match, setting up their match for Payback. The show ended with a chaotic tag team match between Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn against Judgment Day. Rhodes,