WWE Monday Night Raw Results August 21, 2023: Live Coverage, Winners, Commentary, Recap

Quebec City, August 20, 2023 - Here is the live coverage for this week's Monday Night Raw which is scheduled to air on August 21, 2023, live from Centre Videotron in Quebec City, QC.

Monday Night Raw currently airs live on Monday evenings on the USA Network from 8:00 ET–11:00 PM ET in the United States. WWE Raw starts live at 1 am in the UK on BT Sport 1 on Tuesday mornings.

We start by revisiting last week's Judgment Day and examining the potential issues that arose. Sami Zayn strides towards the ring. Once the crowd's chants and songs for Sami die down, he warmly greets everyone in French, marking the beginning of Raw. Just as Sami is about to continue, THE Judgment Day's entrance interrupts, and they make their way to the ring, encircling Sami from all sides. Sami speaks up, asking a question before they proceed with whatever they have in mind. He says something in French, drawing enthusiastic reactions from the crowd. He questions whether they would really choose to appear here, of all places, without any backup.

Suddenly, Kevin Owens' entrance music blares, and he heads to the ring. Kevin strikes Dom with a punch, causing him to collide with the ringside barrier. He swiftly trips Finn, sending him crashing into the ringside barrier as well. Kevin executes a kick and follows it up with a stunner on Priest. Snatching a microphone, Kevin gazes at THE Judgment Day, with the crowd erupting in chants for him.

Addressing the audience's longing, he mentions that it's been quite a while since he had a match on Raw. Proposing an idea, he suggests that right here, tonight, it could be Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn taking on any two members of THE Judgment Day. Kevin delivers a line in French, altering the tone and dynamics of the moment.

The action commences with Woods and Riddle taking the lead. Woods employs a side headlock and follows it up with a cheeky pie face. Riddle swings for a clothesline but misses, allowing Woods to counter with a dropkick. Woods then drives a clothesline into the corner and propels Riddle into Kofi's waiting boot. Following this, Woods executes a belly-to-back suplex, setting the stage for Kofi's incoming splash that nearly secures a pinfall. Kofi's attempt at a belly-to-back suplex is thwarted as he nimbly lands on his feet, subsequently unleashing a well-placed dropkick.

At this point, Drew enters the fray. Kofi employs a side headlock coupled with a crisp dropkick. Taking advantage of the corner, Kofi lands a forearm, but Drew promptly counters with an Irish whip. Demonstrating agility, Kofi leaps off the turnbuckles, only to be ensnared by Drew, who executes an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Not stopping there, Drew repeats the move on Woods. Riddle playfully embraces Drew, who seizes Riddle and effortlessly tosses him over the top rope with a belly-to-belly suplex.

We've returned to the action, and Kofi inches close to securing a pinfall. Riddle employs a double wrist lock that transitions into a waist lock. To thwart Riddle's attempt at a tag, Kofi executes a side Russian leg sweep. Following this, Kofi employs a snap mare followed by a chest-kicking strike. Woods joins the fray with a sliding clothesline, setting up Kofi's springboard splash. Woods follows up with an elbow drop, coming close to a pinfall. He ensnares Riddle with an arm bar and lands an elbow across the bridge of Riddle's nose. Riddle retaliates with a series of strikes, but Woods anticipates a kick and adeptly avoids an enzuguigiri. Woods then executes a sliding DDT, prompting Kofi to tag in. Kofi launches into Shadows Over Hell, nearly clinching a victory. Kofi subsequently applies an arm bar. Scaling the turnbuckles, Kofi readies for a high-risk move, but Riddle counters with a jumping knee as Kofi descends. Woods reenters the ring, delivering an elbow drop to Riddle's back, thwarting his tag attempt.

Riddle dishes out chops to Woods while positioned on the turnbuckles. Setting up for a superplex, Riddle executes a fisherman's superplex. However, as Riddle crawls towards his corner, Woods grabs his ankle. Riddle retaliates with a series of kicks, and Erik intervenes by pulling Drew off the apron. Seizing the opportunity, Kofi tags in and leaps over Riddle, connecting with Trouble in Paradise to secure the three-count victory.

Erik and Ivar launch an attack on Kofi and Woods after the match concludes. Ivar delivers a powerful spin kick to Kofi, knocking him down. Drew retaliates with a headbutt against Erik, but Ivar counters with a kick aimed at Drew. In response, Drew executes a spinebuster on Ivar, followed by clotheslining Ivar over the top rope and onto the floor.

In the backstage area, Jackie Redmond interviews JD McDonagh alongside Finn Balor. She questions JD about his connection with Finn and whether there's increased tension between Finn and THE Judgment Day.

JD responds by stating that he has known Finn his entire life. He believes he can mend the situation for THE Judgment Day. Finn adds that in the previous week, with JD's assistance, THE Judgment Day took down Cody and Sami. Rhea and Dom arrive, informing Finn that they need to determine who will face Kevin and Sami. Rhea asserts that it falls under THE Judgment Day's jurisdiction. The tag match is now officially confirmed. A commercial break follows.

Returning from the break, a Shayna Baszler video package takes the spotlight. She asserts that actions, not mere words, define one's course. Her mood is that of a vendetta, triggered by observing other women in action. She emphasizes that her intention isn't to be a hero but rather to set everything ablaze. Her directive is clear: survive at all costs, as she intends to let the world burn.

We shift focus to Chad Gable's triumph over Giovanni Vinci and Gunther's ensuing reaction. Gunther declares that the world will bear witness to the glory of the greatest Intercontinental Champion ever. Chad, on the other hand, believes time is on Gunther's side, but in reality, it's his ally. Every passing day only adds to his legacy. Gunther won't establish his name at Chad's expense; Chad assures that Gunther's fairy tale ends tonight. Chad Gable stands alongside Otis and Maxxine. Byron Saxton appears, directing a question to Chad.

Otis chimes in, acknowledging Chad's role in lifting him from his lowest career point to becoming a tag team champion. Tonight presents a golden opportunity for Chad. Maxxine shares her perspective, admitting she never anticipated becoming a ring performer, but Chad demonstrated her potential. If anyone can accomplish the seemingly impossible, it's Chad Gable. Chad adds a final note, expressing his gratitude with a simple yet profound "THANK YOU."

They grapple, and Gunther drives Gable into the corner but comes up short with a chop. Gable responds with a chop of his own. Gunther applies a wrist lock, bringing Gable down to the mat and following it up with a knee drop on the arm. Gunther maintains the wrist lock, but Gable maneuvers his way out and executes a drop toe hold. Gable transitions into a front face lock, yet Gunther hoists Gable and tosses him over the top rope, sending him to the floor. Gunther follows with a solid chop.

Upon our return, Gunther sends Gable off the apron with a kick, followed by a forceful back drop driver onto the ringside barrier. Gunther reenters the ring, allowing the referee to resume the count. Gable manages to get back in just in time, right at the count of nine. Gunther executes a delayed butterfly suplex, securing a near fall. Following up, Gunther delivers a harsh Irish whip that propels Gable sternum-first into the turnbuckles. Gable collapses upon being Irish whipped by Gunther, prompting the referee to check on him.

Gunther kicks Gable while he's in the corner. Gable responds with a boot to the head, followed by another one. Gable delivers more kicks to the head. When Gunther attempts a chop, Gable blocks it and ensnares Gunther in a cross arm breaker within the ropes. As Gable leaps off the turnbuckles, he's met with a chop from Gunther.

Gunther executes a clothesline, securing a near fall. Gable responds with a dropkick, but Gunther manages to stay on his feet. Another clothesline from Gunther results in another near fall. Gunther goes for yet another clothesline, but Chad counters with a judo throw, almost getting a pinfall.

Gunther attempts a sleeper hold, with Gable initially blocking his arm. However, Gunther eventually locks in the sleeper and climbs onto Gable's back. Gable rises to his feet, breaking free from Gunther's grip. Gunther strikes with a forearm to the back of Gable's head. Gable retaliates with a series of forearms, but Gunther stands firm. Gunther reverts to the sleeper hold, only for Gable to escape by executing a Saito suplex.

Gable prepares for a deadlift German suplex, but Gunther counters. Gunther aims for a knee strike, but Gable thwarts it and responds with a dragon screw. Gable transitions into an ankle lock. Gunther tries reaching the ropes, but Gable pulls him towards the center of the ring. Gunther kicks Gable away and then delivers a slap. Gable retaliates with a double leg takedown and punches to Gunther. Gable proceeds to slap Gunther and successfully executes a deadlift German suplex for a near fall.

Gunther shoves Gable off the turnbuckles, causing him to collide with the ringside barrier. Gunther descends to the floor, chopping Gable and delivering kicks against the ringside barrier. Another round of chops from Gunther connects with Gable against the ringside barrier. However, Gunther misses a chop, hitting the ring post instead. Seizing the moment, Gable propels Gunther into the ring post and executes a German suplex over the ringside barrier. Gable manages to return to the ring before the referee's ten-count.

After the match, Gunther vents his frustration by unleashing his anger on the furniture around ringside. Vinci and Kaiser ensure that Samantha announces Gunther as the champion.

We shift to THE Judgment Day clubhouse, where Rhea seeks clarity on the team's composition. Finn proposes that he and Dom should be the team. Priest argues that, considering Dom is the North American Champion and he holds the Money in the Bank contract, he and Dom should form the team. Dom defers to Rhea, asking for her opinion. Rhea responds by stating that she has matters to attend to, warning them to figure it out before she returns, or else she'll make the decision herself.

Cody Rhodes is backstage with Byron Saxton. A commercial break follows. We return, and Gunther is seen shouting at Vinci and Kaiser in German before walking away. Kaiser acknowledges Gunther's sentiment and questions Vinci about his course of action. Kaiser then departs. Cody joins Byron Saxton. Byron queries Cody about the conclusion of Raw. Cody questions JD McDonagh's behavior, referring to him as a Funko Pop. He states that the current approach isn't effective and expresses his desire to take a walk. Accompanied by Byron, Cody heads towards the stage.

Speaking in French, Cody asks the Quebec crowd what they'd like to discuss. Byron inquires about Cody's topic of choice. Cody greets the audience, introducing "Wade and Cole." He references a video clip, highlighting the advantage THE Judgment Day holds in numbers. He emphasizes that there's a unique place on the map where numerical superiority doesn't matter, right in the vicinity of Kevin and Sami's hometown. Cody desires THE Judgment Day to feel the energy of the crowd, acknowledging their support for Sami and Kevin. Cody makes it clear that he holds no affection for THE Judgment Day, and he intends to watch closely. Tonight is dedicated to Kevin and Sami, as the rise and potential fall of THE Judgment Day will unfold before all eyes.

Cut to Shinsuke Nakamura. He begins by addressing a question that's been on everyone's minds – what did he whisper to Seth that filled him with fear? Nakamura points out that Seth may appear to have everything: success, charm, and a championship, but he knows Seth's vulnerability. He reveals that he told Seth about his knowledge of Seth's back, the source of his pain. Nakamura asserts that Seth's life is marred by agony, casting a shadow over even the most joyful moments like hugging his wife or lifting his child. Despite his championship status, Seth grapples with daily pain, and now, his worst fears are coming true – there's someone who could snatch it all away from him.

Nakamura acknowledges that they share similarities. Both live by a code, one etched onto Nakamura's back, which he admits is faltering. He criticizes Seth for failing to adhere to that code, accusing him of crumbling under his own vanity. Nakamura challenges Seth's contentment and declares his intent to break him once and for all. He issues a warning to Seth to be vigilant, watching his back. It's confirmed that Seth will put his World Championship on the line against Shinsuke Nakamura at Payback.

They engage in a lock-up, and Rhea quickly forces Candice into the corner, delivering punches. Candice retaliates with a roll-up for a close near fall. Seeking an advantage, Candice ascends the turnbuckle, prompting Dom to step onto the apron. However, Indi intervenes, pulling Dom off the apron. Rhea capitalizes, catching Candice and executing a backbreaker.

Candice counters Rhea's RipTide with a well-timed DDT. She follows up with a quebrada for another near fall. Rhea seizes control once again, applying the Prism Lock submission, and Candice ultimately submits, leading to Rhea's victory.

Post-match, Raquel Rodriguez's entrance music blares as she makes her way to the ring, appearing to rely on a crutch (the authenticity of which remains to be seen). Rhea stands her ground, awaiting Raquel's approach. Just as Raquel passes her, she abruptly hurls the crutch at Rhea and launches a kick. Raquel proceeds to slam Rhea into the ringside barrier and subsequently back into the ring. Rhea responds with a knee strike as Raquel re-enters the ring. Raquel then drives Rhea into the corner, delivering a series of punches. Although Raquel misses her first clothesline attempt, she connects with the second one. A forceful fallaway slam follows, causing Rhea to roll out of the ring.

Raquel grabs the microphone, ensuring Rhea doesn't leave. She announces that she has received medical clearance to compete. Raquel reveals that she conversed with Adam Pearce, and they've scheduled her against Rhea at Payback. She confidently declares her intent to seize the championship from Rhea's grasp.

The focus shifts to the recent events involving The Miz and LA Knight. Tommaso Ciampa speaks up, acknowledging that it's been nine weeks since his return to Raw. He recalls his recent experiences, including watching Chad Gable celebrate with his son. Ciampa expresses his desire for a title shot, revealing his aspiration to be "THE guy" and a catalyst for the change he envisions.

Miz takes the microphone and playfully remarks that Maryse wouldn't come to Quebec City due to her Montreal roots. He then reflects on LA Knight's recent setback in obtaining a US title match and addresses the blame directed at him. Miz asserts that true champions accept the unforeseen circumstances that arise during big matches. He underscores his own evolution and dismisses the notion of being a mere trend, positioning himself as a future Wrestlemania main eventer. In contrast, he characterizes LA Knight as a temporary presence in the wrestling landscape, akin to a "human fidget spinner." Miz reveals that he has handpicked Knight's opponent, someone swifter and more dominant than Knight's previous challengers.

Miz hands Tozawa a microphone and playfully alludes to Tozawa's past as a former 24/7 champion. Miz questions if this is the most significant match of Tozawa's career, to which Tozawa enthusiastically responds, "YEAH." Miz attempts to provoke Tozawa with additional questions, resulting in a spirited exchange of "REALLY" and "YEAH." Growing irritated, Miz questions Tozawa's amusement at being given a career-defining opportunity. In an abrupt turn, Miz kicks Tozawa, marking a shift from the lighthearted exchange to a more serious confrontation.

As LA Knight's entrance music resonates, the match commences, prompting Miz to shift his focus toward the entrance ramp. Suddenly, Tozawa seizes the opportunity, delivering a dropkick that sends Miz tumbling to the outside.

In a swift motion, Miz rushes towards Tozawa, but he overextends and ends up toppling over the top rope, landing on the ringside floor. Tozawa seizes the momentum, launching himself with a well-executed suicide dive that propels Miz into the announce table.

Following a commercial break, the action resumes with Miz unleashing an "Awesome Clothesline" followed by a double sledge from the turnbuckles. Miz proceeds to deliver chest kicks, culminating in a roundhouse kick that secures a near fall. However, Miz's subsequent round kick misses its target, allowing Tozawa to respond with a series of kicks. Tozawa executes a head scissors takedown, followed by a Shining Wizard. Tozawa ascends the turnbuckle, but his attempt is thwarted by Miz, who kicks him off. Miz follows up with a dropkick through the ropes.

LA Knight and Miz exchange words, leading to Tozawa being propelled into the announce table. However, Tozawa counters by utilizing a head scissors to send Miz into the ring steps. Tozawa continues his offensive with a well-placed kick to Miz's back before ascending the turnbuckle once more. He attempts a back senton, but Miz strategically lifts his knees in time. As Miz locks eyes with Knight, he sets up for the Skull Crushing Finale. However, Tozawa seizes the opportunity and rolls Miz up for the surprise three-count victory.

After the match, Miz engages in a heated argument with the referee, leaving an opening for Knight to strike with his signature move, the "Blunt Force Trauma."

In the backstage area, Matt and Drew converse, with Drew emphasizing the importance of listening to him. He expresses his desire to avoid unnecessary drama, suggesting that their partnership might not be sustainable.

Just then, The New Day arrives on the scene, offering their perspective. They commend Matt and Drew for the positive rapport they've built and highlight their potential as a team. Xavier Woods adds that Matt and Drew are scheduled to face The Vikings next week, implying that a rematch could occur following that match. Riddle expresses his desire to continue teaming up, but Drew walks away without responding.

The scene transitions as Becky Lynch strides toward the ring, ready for her next appearance. Back from the break, Rhea inquires if Priest and Finn have resolved their differences. Priest relays that Finn doesn't trust him and insists on talking to THE Judgment Day. Rhea, in turn, points out that Priest doesn't trust Finn either. Frustrated by their inability to find common ground, Rhea asserts that they will follow her approach since they couldn't come to an agreement.

The broadcast revisits the events from the previous week involving Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus, setting the stage for their upcoming steel cage match at Payback. Becky takes the mic and addresses her impending bout with Trish in the steel cage. She delves into the ongoing rivalry and the discourse surrounding greatness and legacy. Becky emphasizes that her legacy isn't determined solely by victories or championships; it's about resilience. She asserts that her legacy isn't shaped by being unbeatable, but by her indomitable spirit.

Becky acknowledges that while her focus is on Trish, there's still unfinished business with Zoey Stark. However, Trish's music interrupts her. Trish Stratus, accompanied by Zoey Stark, makes her entrance. Trish humorously mentions dealing with "USA-holes" and expresses her delight at being in her native Canada. She playfully jests about Quebec City's significance compared to Montreal and Toronto. Trish's banter includes a nod to the Toronto Maple Leafs making the playoffs.

Trish responds to the crowd's chants, admitting she's unsure what they're saying. She conveys both good and bad news to Becky: the good news is that Trish will prove herself as the greatest by defeating Becky, and the bad news is that she'll be trapped in a steel cage, an experience she's never had before. Trish counters Becky's claim of her looking scared, sharing stories of her own career fears and triumphs. She asserts her tiredness of constantly having to prove herself and asserts her determination to unveil an unseen side of herself in the cage match. Becky retorts sarcastically, expressing her lack of fear. She transitions the focus back to Zoey Stark, announcing that they'll face off in a Falls Count Anywhere Match next week.

The action begins with Green and Chance locking up, resulting in Green taking Chance down to the mat. Chance responds with a well-executed dropkick. Carter holds Green in place, allowing Chance to deliver a knee drop. Green retaliates with a kick to Carter and a forearm that knocks Chance off the apron. Green follows up with another forearm. Carter counters with a forearm of her own, leading to Piper's tag-in. Carter kicks both Green and Piper, and then tags in Chance.

Chance enters with a unique handstand maneuver off Carter's assistance, splashing onto Green. Piper intervenes by sending Carter crashing into the announce table. Niven seizes the moment, executing a crossbody on Chance and securing the three-count victory.

Kevin and Sami are shown in the backstage area, preparing for their upcoming match.

A commercial break follows.

Jackie Redmond is backstage with Seth Rollins. Seth chuckles to himself and asks Jackie to let the crowd express their excitement as his entrance music plays. Jackie inquires about Seth's back, and he acknowledges that Nakamura caught him off guard last week by mentioning it. Seth admits he's not fond of discussing it publicly, but he proceeds to reveal that he has been dealing with two fractures in his lumbar spine for over four years. He clarifies that the condition doesn't improve, only worsens, and he's uncertain how much longer he can maintain his current performance level.

However, he acknowledges that this is part of the territory. Addressing Nakamura's mind games, Seth indicates that if Nakamura wants to target his back or involve his family, he better be prepared to face him directly. Seth challenges Nakamura's absence and states that he's willing to grant him one more chance to engage in mind games and prove his honor. Asserting his presence, Seth invites Nakamura to confront him, dressed impeccably with his title, as the world echoes Nakamura's song.

All four individuals engage in a brawl that spills out to the ringside area. Kevin unleashes chops and punches on Priest, who retaliates with his own strikes. Meanwhile, Sami seizes the opportunity to strike Priest from behind.

Once Sami and Priest officially enter the ring, the match officially commences. Priest delivers a barrage of punches, causing Sami to retaliate with a clothesline that sends Priest tumbling over the top rope and to the outside. Sami follows up with punches on the announce table. Balor intervenes, grabbing Sami and receiving punches in response. Priest reenters the fray with a forearm to Sami before guiding him back into the ring. Priest continues with a powerful forearm strike. Finn tags in, and Sami executes a suplex.

Kevin tags in, promptly knocking Priest off the apron with well-placed strikes. Kevin unleashes a flurry of punches and kicks, forcing Finn to retreat to the ringside area. Kevin doesn't hold back, pursuing Finn and delivering a clothesline. He repeats the process with Priest and executes a cannonball onto Priest on the floor. Kevin ascends to the top rope, performing a swanton. As Kevin prepares for his signature stunner, he kicks Finn, but Finn manages to escape and counters with a sling blade.

Priest seizes the briefcase, but Sami intervenes by descending from the ring steps, causing Priest to inadvertently strike Sami. JD intervenes by snatching the briefcase and tossing it to Kevin. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Kevin strikes Finn with the briefcase. As a result, the referee signals for the match to end, prompting the bell to ring.

Following the match, Priest launches an assault on Kevin, while JD targets Sami.

Cody Rhodes makes his entrance and takes action, striking Dom with the weight belt. Cody declares that RAW won't end on that note. With three members on each side, he challenges them to face off. However, THE Judgment Day initially heads up the aisle, but their departure is halted as Adam Pearce directs them to reverse course and enter the ring for an impromptu main event match.

The broadcast proceeds to a commercial break.

The match is already in progress as Cody lands a punch on Dom. Sami gets tagged in and delivers a punch as he leaps off the turnbuckle onto Dom. Sami follows up with more strikes, but Dom counters with a knee strike. Sami retaliates with a back body drop. Dom manages to drive Sami into the corner, and Finn gets tagged in. Finn unloads a series of kicks and then sends Sami into the turnbuckles. Punches and an Irish whip from Finn follow. Sami answers with a clothesline. Kevin gets tagged in and dishes out chops. He executes a side Russian leg sweep followed by a back senton. Finn counters with a knee to the midsection.

Dom enters after a tag and launches kicks and punches at Kevin. Dom delivers knees and more punches, while Kevin counters with a knee of his own. Dom's punches continue, but Kevin drops him on the top rope after Dom tries to jump off the apron. Kevin manages to land punches on Priest and Finn on the apron, but Dom comes down with a punch. Kevin gets hit by Dom and drops to the mat. Priest tosses Kevin into the ringside barrier, followed by Rhea's slamming Kevin. Finn then gets tagged in and executes a slingshot stomp. Priest is tagged back in, and he delivers a clothesline for a near fall.

As we return, Finn strikes Kevin while he's entangled in the ropes, prompting Kevin to roll out to the floor. Finn follows suit, executing a back drop driver onto the announce table. Kevin returns to the ring, as does Finn. Priest tags in and prevents Kevin from making the tag, delivering a double sledge to his back. Finn tags in again, targeting Kevin's back with punches and a snap mare. An elbow to the top of Kevin's head is followed by a reverse chin lock. Despite Kevin's efforts to reach his corner, Finn employs a front face lock to keep him at bay. Kevin manages a jaw breaker and a super kick, but Balor knocks Cody off the apron. Both Kevin and Finn are down. Sami and Priest are tagged in, with Sami unleashing a series of punches. A springboard leapfrog and clothesline demonstrate Sami's agility. He dispatches Finn and Dom from the apron before landing an elbow from the turnbuckles. Sami then executes a wrist lock and a tornado DDT for a near fall.

Sami ascends the turnbuckles, only to be knocked off by Rhea while the referee's attention is diverted. Priest seizes the opportunity, utilizing the South of Heaven maneuver on Sami for a near fall, which is interrupted by Owens. Finn is sent out of the ring by Kevin, but Priest dispatches Kevin to the floor as well. Dom tags in and ascends the turnbuckles, but Sami foils his frog splash attempt with a well-placed knee. Cody enters the fray, executing a Beautiful Disaster on Finn, followed by a Cody Cutter on Dom and Priest. Cody garners a near fall on Dom. Cody sets up for CrossRhodes and successfully executes it on Finn. Dom seizes the moment for a rollup on Cody, but it's just a near fall. Cody responds with a CrossRhodes on Dom. Turning to Sami, Cody tags him in for a Helluva Kick on Dom. Kevin is tagged in, delivering kicks to Dom before landing a Stunner for the three-count victory.

Sami seizes the microphone and addresses THE Judgment Day, offering them his well-wishes for their future endeavors. He boldly states that the red title belt is designated for Canada, while the blue belt is a symbol of pride specifically for Quebec.

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