Is the "Raw after SummerSlam" a thing? We all know WWE makes a big deal out of the first "Raw after 'Mania," usually setting up a few surprises to mark the occasion. For this year's post-SummerSlam show, they'd already promised at least one big return (quite literally). But wouldn't you know it, there wound up being a few other twists along the road as the show rolled through Des Moines, Iowa.
Here's what went down on this week's installment of pro-wrestling's longest-running show.
Tonight's show kicked off with the WWE World Heavyweight Champion making his way to the ring to bask in the glory of Sunday night's superb victory over Seth Rollins. Is it me or did Roman Reigns sound a little husky at first? (Which is perhaps unsurprising after that slobberknocker of a match from last night.)
Of course, the smart folks in Iowa knew the drill: when a victorious champion turns up to gloat, you just know he or she is going to get interrupted by his next challenger before long. But how many of them expected LA Knight to be the man to shoot his shot? Judging by the massive pop that accompanied the start of his theme music, not many.
"The Megastar" was also riding high on his successes from the weekend, having pinned Jey Uso to win the Babyfaces vs. Bloodline match. He worked his usual magic on the mic and even got a chuckle out of Reigns with his impression of The Shield's entrance music. The fact that Knight was wearing his trademark shades brought back instant memories of the last time these two collided, back at Crown Jewel in 2022.

#know #champion #first #match

Tarik Skubal is a Los Angeles Dodger.
Even with advanced warning of this trade being possible if not likely, the baseball world seemed completely stunned it actually happened. As if the season ended, and there's nothing left to play for.
"This is a sad day for a lot of us," one National League executive told USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale. "The Dodgers have Skubal now, and they're going to have him in the future."
"No use playing the rest of the year. It's over," another executive said.
Then, why didn't any of you do something to stop it?

#dodger #league #sports

The New York Yankees were only seen as a fringe contender for ace pitcher Tarik Skubal before his deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Bronx Bombers could be losing out on a much more attainable target as well.
Skubal was dealt to the Dodgers in one of the biggest MLB trades in years, the first time since 2023 that a reigning Cy Young winner was dealt during the season. While the Yankees appeared to be fading in the Skubal sweepstakes, the team was seen as potential frontrunners for closer Mason Miller — before the tides turned on him as well.
The San Diego Padres were seen as reluctant sellers for their closer, who had just joined them on a major trade last season. Any lingering hopes the Yankees may have harbored to land Miller seemed to fade on Saturday, however.
As MLB.com reporter Cody Stavenhagen noted, the Padres made a seemingly decisive call on Miller's future.
"Another sign Mason Miller almost certainly isn't going anywhere: Two days before the trade deadline, Padres manager Craig Stammen has summoned his star closer for a five-out save attempt against the Giants," Stavenhagen noted. "Miller last went more than three outs on June 23, when he recorded a two-inning save versus the Braves."

#miller #skubal #mason #stavenhagen