Will NXT feel the StrongEST Glow?

Bianca Belair & Naomi defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against The Meta Girls! Can Lash & Jakara bring these belts back to NXT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Giulia & Bayley VS Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade; Giulia & Bayley win.
• Trick Williams VS Wes Lee; wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship: Fallon Henley VS Shotzi Blackheart; wins and
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; win and

PLAY BY PLAY

Giulia & Bayley VS Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade!

The Beautiful Madness gets to team up with The Role Model that she greatly respects, and the feeling is mutual. The same goes for how they both can’t stand The Prodigy & the Generation of Jade for acting like NXT needs them. Will the NXT Women’s Champion and the ONLY WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion teach Roxie & Cora a little something about respect?

The teams sort out and Cora & Roxie run up! Bayley & Giulia ROCK them first, and Cora & Roxie bail out! The fans boo, Roxie & Cora storm back in, but Giulia slips around Roxie to shove her to the ropes. Roxie cartwheels, Giulia blocks the haymaker, then she blocks a kick! Giulia spins to backslide Roxie, TWO! Giulia kicks, Roxie ducks it to go for a roll-up! Giulia blocks that, goes for an arm, ends up with a lateral press, TWO! Roxie steps through, LA MAGISTROL to a bridge! TWO, and Giulia has a GEDO CLUTCH! TWO, and Roxie pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Roxie wrenches the hair again and again.

Giulia pulls Roxie’s hair! The fans cheer, Giulia whips Roxie, and then Giulia DROPKICKS Roxie down! Cover, TWO! Giulia keeps Roxie down, drags her away, and tags in Bayley! The fans cheer as Bayley wrenches Roxie’s arm, but Roxie SLAPS Bayley! Bayley scowls, Roxie runs away and Cora tags in. The fans sing for Bayley but Cora talks trash. Bayley SLAPS Cora! Bayley fires off hands in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Bayley then snapmares Cora and runs to basement UPPERCUT! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cora stays in this but Bayley stays on her and puts her in the ropes.

The fans cheer but Cora slips out and slips under! Cora waistlocks, she and Bayley go around and around with switch after switch. Roxie tags in, she fires off in the corner, but the ref counts. Roxie lets off, but Bayley ROCKS her in return! Bayley bumps Roxie off buckles, then puts her in the ropes! STOCK DROP! The fans cheer the shoutout to The Boss, but Cora runs up! Bayley kicks low, whips Cora to a corner, and Giulia joins in! They run, STEREO ELBOWS for Roxie & Cora! Then STEREO SUPELXES! The fans fire up, Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley brings Roxie up, tags Giulia, and they double whip.

Roxie THROWS Bayley down, ROCKS Giulia, then whips her OUT of the ring! Bayley runs up, Roxie DUMPS her out, too! Tag to Cora and then Roxie DIVES! Down go Bayley & Giulia, but Roxie sets them back up! Cora CANNONBALLS! The mean girls stand tall while the fans boo, but NXT goes picture in picture.

Cora drags Giulia up to SMACK her off the apron, then she shoves Giulia in. Cora drags Giulia up just to SMACK her off the mat! Cora soaks up the heat, then IMPLODER STOMPS Giulia down! Cover, TWO! Giulia stays in this but Cora stays on her. Cora reels Giulia in to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Giulia fires forearms in return! Cora CLUBS Giulia down, tags Roxie, and they mug Giulia. Roxie wrenches Giulia’s hair again, then THROWS her down! The ref reprimands, Roxie digs her heel into Giulia’s ribs, then she DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Giulia toughs it out but Roxie throws down hands! Tag to Cora, and the mugging continues.

Cora THROWS Giulia down by her hair! The ref reprimands but Cora drags Giulia up to put her in the ropes. Cora fires knees, but then Giulia blocks to THROW Cora down! Giulia hurries for her corner, but Cora grabs her legs! Giulia BOOTS her away, hot tag to Bayley! Bayley rallies on Cora, and hits a BIG back suplex! Roxie runs up, but into a fireman’s carry! Bayley swings Roxie for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cora is up, Bayley clinches, but Cora switches! Bayley switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! NXT returns to single picture as Roxie gets a SUCKER PUNCH in! The fans boo but Roxie gets away with that one.

“This is Awesome!” even as Cora stomps Bayley. Cora CLUBS Bayley but Bayley puts her in the ropes! HOTSHOT! Cora is stuck in ropes, Bayley drags her out to the drop zone, then she climbs up! But Roxie hurries to anchor Bayley! Bayley KICKS Roxie away, but Cora’s up to SHINING WIZARD! Bayley falls to the apron, and Roxie attacks! The ref is too busy keeping Giulia back, he misses all of this! The fans boo but Cora drags Bayley up to tag in Roxie. They mug Bayley, and Roxie CHOKES Bayley! The erf reprimands and counts, Roxie stops at 4, and she BUMPS Bayley off buckles. Roxie stomps a mudhole, then digs her boot in.

The fans rally for Bayley but Roxie UPPERCUTS, then mocks the wacky waving inflatable arm men! Roxie runs back in, but Bayley catches her! BIG back suplex! Both women are down, the fans fire up, and they crawl for their corners. Roxie grabs Bayley’s foot and then CLOBBERS her! Roxie puts Bayley on ropes, tags Cora, and Cora runs to ELBOW Bayley in the back! Then Roxie goes up, up and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives, this is why she IS a Grand Slam Champion! Cora clamps onto Bayley and squeezes tight with the chinlock. The fans boo but Bayley endures the hold. Bayley fights up, fires body shots, but Cora keeps her from Giulia!

Cora whips Bayley into the ropes, runs, but Bayley avoids the elbow! Cora hurries to BLAST Giulia! But then she turns around into a BAYLEY2BELLY! Both women are down again! The fans rally, Bayley and Cora crawl, hot tags to Roxie and Giulia! The fans fire up as Roxie avoids a boot but Giulia goes Matrix to avoid the slap! Giulia kicks, whips, and winds up, FASTBALL! FASTBALL! Then a hammerlock and NORTHERN LIGHTS! The fans fire up and Giulia runs in. Roxie dodges but Giulia BOOTS her! Giulia goes up, aims, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives but Giulia whips her to ropes.

Cora tags in before Giulia scoops Roxie! Roxie slips free, Cora runs in, but Giulia dodges! Cora DECKS Roxie! Giulia rolls Cora, TWO! V-TRIGGER! Cover, Roxie breaks it! Bayley fires off on Roxie and Roxie fires back! Cora and Giulia brawl, Roxie TOSSES Bayley! Bayley drags Roxie out and sends her into railing! Cora underhooks Giulia, but Giulia wrenches out to HEADBUTT! Cora falls, Giulia calls to Bayley! Tag and Bayley climbs! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, Bayley & Giulia win!

Winners: Giulia & Bayley, by pinfall

A big win for Bayley’s big return to NXT, and Roxie throws a fit! Bayley shakes hands with Giulia, could they be having a dream match against each other in the near future? Or will Bayley have to settle the score with Roxie 1v1 first?

Eddy Thorpe speaks.

“Like my people have for centuries, I’ve been overlooked in NXT. But I chose to stand up, and I forced my way into the NXT Championship picture. And I proved that I belong! I hear the sounds of my ancestors. A great responsibility of any man will exorcise his mind of suffering, will subject his muscles and his bones to hard work, and expose his body to hunger, place obstacles in the paths of his deeds so as to stimulate his mind, harden his nature, and improve wherever he has loss. So you can try to write Eddy Thorpe off, but understand, I didn’t write back. My destiny will not be a matter of chance.

“I will make my mark in NXT. And NXT will understand that Eddy Thorpe cannot be broken.” The Alpha Wolf is still hunting championships, who will become his prey?

The Grayson Waller Effect returns to NXT!

A-Town Down Under is already in the ring of “their” show, and Waller welcomes us all. How about a shoutout to Atlanta’s Favorite Son, Austin Theory? The fans actually do cheer Theory, and Theory says yes, sir! Last night, ATDU partied with Quavo and 2Chainz, but tonight, the party continues! A-Town Down UNDER~! Waller says it’s ATL cuz they can’t spell the full name, but on to the guest tonight. Everyone’s talking about him, from the fans to the superstars backstage. He is the NEW NXT Champion, he is THE RULER, he is Oba Femi! The fans cheer as indeed, the NXT Champion makes his way out to the ring.

Oba takes his seat and Waller welcomes the champ. The fans cheer, Waller says that was a fun little dance. Just don’t get too excited, Atlanta ain’t that smart. Oh, sorry, no offense, Theory. But Waller says Oba is less than two years in NXT and he’s already THE NXT Champion, plus he became the longest-reigning North American Champion. He must be used to having a belt on his shoulder. Yes, very used to it. Oba says this title is exactly where it belongs. Theory hears the fans chanting for him, so he asks, “You want me to talk?” The fans cheer, and Theory says Oba started at just 24 years old, and ever since, he has been taking over.

And that reminds Theory of someone. But coming from the youngest US Champion of all time, everyone in here sees Oba as a main eventer on the main roster. It’s true! But hey, the thing is, there are two guys right here who do NOT see that. The fans boo but Oba smirks. So is that why ATDU invited him? All so they can tell him they don’t see his potential? That’s funny, because Oba never saw them as NXT Champion. And Oba was right, because they never were! It’s safe to say that in two years, Oba’s done more than both of them combined! Waller says hey, don’t get it twisted. Waller understands what Oba’s done.

But Oba is only here tonight because Waller wanted to see it for himself. Waller wants to see if the hype is real. There are levels to this game. Yeah, Oba is NXT Champion, but last year, WrestleMania 40, ATDU was standing tall as WWE Tag Team Champions while Oba was in the suite sipping on a juice box, hoping, wishing and praying that he could do what they did. Theory wants Oba to think about this one: When the ink was drying on Oba’s contract, Theory had already competed in three WrestleManias. Actually, four but who’s counting. But talking about Oba, he went to a great high school, got a full ride to Alabama, and is THE NXT Champion.

But… ATDU aren’t in NXT anymore. They’re on Monday Night Raw. And when it comes to Raw or SmackDown, that’s the big leagues. They’ve seen guys like Oba: A top draft pick that ends up in catering, and six months later, he’s on the indies just trying to sell shirts! The fans chant, “Turn on Grayson!” Theory says well alright, here it is! He turns around! Waller says don’t do that~! But Theory says ATDU has been all around the world, and all they do is create unforgettable moments. Oba says they have all this talk about being champions, climbing the ladder, but uh, he doesn’t see those titles on them.

And that’s the problem! This  is why thy are there they are: their big mouths! Especially Waller! Waller’s lips keep writing checks that his hands can’t cash. Did Oba make it here by running his mouth? Oba is building a dynasty here! Brick by brick! Trust Oba when he says, it will be built! And you know what? Oba stands and says if they like moments, if they like PLEs and title matches, here’s one: in two weeks, Washington DC, February 15th, VENGEANCE DAY! Picture in picture shows us Trick Williams is watching this as Oba dares ATDU to step up. And while Theory steps up, Waller gets in the way!

Waller says he doesn’t speak for Theory, but Waller himself has stood in front of the best! John Cena, Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, and he’s never taken a step back! Waller wants his shot, lad! Let’s do it! But wait, Ava Raine makes her way out here! The fans cheer and Ava wants them to dial it back before it gets out of hand. Trick has seen enough, he’s heading to gorilla! Ava wants to remind everyone, especially Oba, that as much as he wants to, HE doesn’t make the matches, Ava does. But here come Trick! Trick tells Ava that shot is his and we all know it! Trick steps to Oba, they argue, but then Theory & Waller creep up!

Trick ROCKS Theory, ROCKS Waller, then LARIATS Theory up and out! Trick DECKS Waller, then TOSSES him out! But then he turns around into a FALL FROM GRACE!! Trick is down, Oba stands over him with the belt held high, but the match of Trick VS Wes is up next! Will the Cardiac Kid be a vulture picking at the bones? Or can the former champion still #WhoopDatTrick?

Ringside interview with Izzi Dame.

Sarah Schreiber is with The It Girl and says we all want to know, what exactly is going on with her and The D’Angelo Family? Specifically, her and The Don? Oh, Sarah, surely you and everyone does want to know that. But honestly, nothing is going on. She and Tony aren’t even friends, they just share a common enemy in Shawn Spears. Long story short, Tony came to her defense when Spears was stalking her, so Izzi made sure Tony kept his North American Championship during his defense. Bada bing, bada boom, that’s it. But wait, Ridge Holland steps in! And he wants to know what Izzi means by that.

Izzi is a liar! Huh!? Ridge says HE should be North American Champion, but he’s not, all because of this weird situation she’s got going on with Tony. And look at her, standing there with a big smile on her face, like a smug little b- Stacks stops Ridge there. Does he have a problem? You don’t talk to a lady like that. Ridge tells Stacks to shut up, because Ridge doesn’t bother with Tony’s lackeys. So go shine Tony’s shoes or keep the car warm, and stay out of his face. Stacks gets heated now, but security and refs step between them. The Underboss warns Ridge, but will Yorkshire Grit rip through him to get at the gold?

Trick Williams VS Wes Lee!

NXT returns and refs check on Trick. Trick says he’s fine, he still wants this match. Trick hobbles up the steel steps but he doesn’t look all that fine. Wes makes his entrance, Tyriek & Tyson by his side again. Wes says he’s got this, will Trick be easy pickings?

+It’s another massive rematch!

The Royal Rumble is this Saturday in Indianapolis, but tonight, Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre get Raw in Atlanta! Who wins big momentum on a Monday?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio; win and
• Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Rey Mysterio w/ The LWO; Rey wins.
• Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win.
• Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Seth Rollins is here!

Atlanta cheers and sings the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OH~!” as The Visionary struts his way out in a glittering floral pattern suit. Rollins high-fives fans then goes to the ring to get himself a mic. Rollins revels in the singing a little longer, then he tells Atlanta, Georgia, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” The fans cheer as Rollins says he is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he is SETH! “FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!” It is Hotlanta for a reason! It is cooking here tonight! And this is Rollins’ favorite time of year, because it is WrestleMania Season! It kicks off this Saturday when Rollins wins THE Royal Rumble!

Rollins has to be honest, though. 2025 has got off to a real bad start for Rollins. The Raw on Netflix debut, Rollins is down against this rope, suffering the most embarrassing loss of his career. He got a black eye the size of Georgia, blood coming out of his head, and in that moment, he thought to himself, “Who are you?” The fans chant “C M PUNK!” Rollins says yeah, Punk was over there, not looking any better, and Rollins through, “Who am I? Who do I wanna be?” Rollins will tell us again that he is Seth Freakin’ Rollins! He doesn’t stay down for nothing! He stands up. And when he is the most focused version of himself, there is nobody on this planet better than him!

The fans are torn but Rollins says he decided to start his path to redemption. That started last week with beating Drew McIntyre, it continues this Saturday when he tosses everyone else out! The most star-studded Rumble of all time, but he doesn’t care! John Cena? Out! Jey Uso? Out! Drew McIntyre? Out! Sami Zayn? Out! Roman Reigns…! The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Rollins says he is especially tossing Roman out. And Rollins’ hope, his dream, the way he sees it, CM Punk is the last dude in the ring with Rollins so that Rollins can toss him out and CRUSH Punk’s WrestleMania dreams to dust!

Rollins is a man on a mission. The real question is: What title does he go after? Der Ring General, Gunther, the World Heavyweight Championship, that sounds good. Gunther’s one of the best to do it, but he’s just holding onto that title until Rollins comes back for it. But then, there’s the WWE Championship. There’s the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes. And Rollins has been thinking, wondering, wouldn’t it be poetic if Rollins took the same title from Cody that he helped him win last year? Decisions, decisions, Atlanta! He puts it to the fans. When Rollins wins, should he face The American Nightmare? Fans cheer that.

Or should he face- Gunther makes his way out here! Gunther goes right to the ring, grabs himself a mic, and Rollins asks how the title’s doing. Is Gunther keeping her warm? Gunther says if Rollins thinks Gunther is just keeping this warm, then where has Rollins been the last few months? Gunther knows where he’s been. On Saturday, he was in San Antonio, defending the title against “that clown, Jey Uso!” The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Gunther says don’t get too excited. Gunther BEAT Jey’s ass! The fans boo but Gunther says he knows where Rollins has been: Whining, crying, complaining, about all that soap opera drama he’s been in.

Rollins forgot what really matters in WWE. Gunther says Rollins should cancel that noise and focus on winning the Rumble. If he even still has it in him. Rollins tells Gunther that the world title he is wearing now, that wouldn’t exist without Rollins! And that title is not synonymous with Der Ring General. That title is synonymous with Seth Freakin’ Rollins! And with all due respect to the men Gunther beat, Rollins is not Jey, he is not Priest, he is not Finn! Gunther agrees, he knows this is Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Rollins is one of the best wrestlers to ever step foot into the WWE. Rollins achieved all the accolades, created so many moments for the fans.

But it is 2025 and Rollins is no longer the best in the WWE, GUNTHER IS. This title around his waist proves it! And you know what? Please go and win the Rumble, and please challenge Gunther, and please square off with him at Mania. Then Gunther will make Rollins feel the same as the rest: down on his back, looking up at the lights, and he’ll realize the only name synonymous with the World Heavyweight Championship is Der Ring General’s, GUNTHER. Wait, Logan Paul is coming out here? The Maverick was back on the Raw roster, but to think he’d show up while Rollins and Gunther are here.

Logan sees a fan’s “CONOR > LOGAN” sign, and he RIPS it! Fans boo but Logan gets the mic to say, “Well, well, well. Look what we got here. You two think you’re special. You guys (the fans) think they’re unique. Yes, both of you command attention like this because you’re great at wrestling. Sick. I command attention because I’m great at everything!” The fans boo harder, but Logan tells them that this is the Netflix Era! This company needs a new face! “A face oozing with charisma. A face oozing with couth and confidence. These two nimrods don’t got it!” The fans keep Logan wants them to be honest, these two are both great wrestlers. But they hit their ceiling!

Meanwhile, he’s on the first floor and he’s still climbing! Atlanta, Logan can’t hear you, what was that? “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Take notes: that is attention. So if there is anything they should be worried about, it is the guy who built a WWE career faster than them both. And this Saturday, “ya boi” Logan Paul enters the Royal Rumble. And he doesn’t have to worry about throwing 29 guys out, that’s grunt work. He works smarter, not harder, as he always does. And if Atlanta can do the math, that means Logan just has to be the last one in there. And when he wins the Rumble, he is going to main event WrestleMania, meaning he can choose anyone.

Logan could choose Cody Rhodes, or… he could choose Gunther! Gunther says he changed his mind, he wants Logan to win! So that he can go to WrestleMania and EMBARRASS Logan when he slaps that stupid smile off his face. Rollins says he’s actually with Gunther on that. Except the only man getting embarrassed is Gunther when Rollins takes back his title. The Visionary heads out, and Logan laughs, but will neither of these men be able to stop Der Ring General’s reign of dominance?

Backstage interview with CM Punk.

Cathy Kelley is with the Second City Saint and says he is no stranger to the Rumble. This field is stacked with big names, and Logan Paul just added himself. How does Punk feel Logan will fare? Punk says Logan will fare about as well as anyone else. If Cathy was in that match, he’d throw her out, too. Punk plans on winning, but then in steps Sami Zayn. They say hey, and Sami says he wanted to talk about last week. How Sami isn’t on Punk’s level? Sami says that’s true. Because one of them is a WrestleMania, and the other one isn’t. See you Saturday. Punk says indeed he will. Sami heads out, but then Karrion Kross finds him.

Kross says Sami is the talk of the industry! Now relax, everyone knows Sami’s kick on Rollins was an accident. Sami stops Kross there to warn him: just stop. Sami has enough on his plate, he doesn’t need this. Kross understands, Sami doesn’t wanna listen to him. Then he should listen to his friends. Like Rollins! Rollins told Sami to do what is best for Sami. Or listen to Kevin! It could be Sami VS Kevin at WrestleMania. This Rumble is Sami’s best chance in his entire career. Stop thinking with your heart, think with your head, and realize there is a world of opportunity at his feet. Kross leaves, and now Cody walks in.

Sami gets spooked, shakes Cody’s hand, and says good to see him. Sami moves on, but can he first get through Drew McIntyre for the first time in his career?

WWE World Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders VS JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio!

Erik & Ivar thought they were done with Judgment Day, but with The Prince down and out, the Irish Ace teams with Dirty Dom to have this rematch! Will Judgment Day (not) be okay should JD & Dom bring the gold home? Or will no one stop the raid?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and one more time, Raw is WAR!

The teams sort out, and JD & Dom just attack! The fans boo but JD & Dom TOSS Ivar, then they mug Erik! They double whip, double drop toehold, LEG DROP for Erik! Dom DIVES onto Ivar! Dom hurries to tag in, but Erik fires hands on him and JD! The fans fire up as Erik rallies, but JD hits a JAWBREAKER! Dom hits a NECKBREAKER DROP! JD ASAI MOONSAULTS Ivar and they both hit the desk!! Dom POSTS Erik, rolls him, TWO!! Erik survives, Dom wants to check on JD, but JD manages to get up. The fans do cheer JD surviving hitting his head hard, and Dom fires hands on Erik.

Dom tags JD and JD runs up to BOOT Erik! JD wrenches Erik’s arm, KNEES him in the face, then Erik CHOPS! Erik and JD brawl, Dom tags in, and Dom RAMS into Erik again and again! Dom headlocks, whips, but Erik goes up and over! JD tags back in, but Erik tags Ivar! Ivar BACKDROPS JD, SIDEWALK SLAMS Dom, then he SPLASHES down on Dom! The fans fire up with Ivar and he whips JD to a corner. JD goes up and over but staggers, Ivar SEATED SENTONS! The fans fire up while JD bails out and regroups with Dom. Ivar goes out, runs up, but JD ducks! Ivar crashes into barriers! Dom CANNONBALLS, but Erik catches him!

Erik POWERBOMBS Dom into JD! Then Ivar is up on the barriers! CANNONBALL onto JD & Dom on the floor! The fans fire up with the War Raiders while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and JD snapmares Ivar to then tag Dom. Dom slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Ivar stays in this but Dom stays on him. Dom drags Ivar over, tags JD, and they double whip. Ivar breaks the double lariat, then he handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! All three men are down and the fans fire up! Ivar crawls, hot tag to Erik! JD tags Dom but Erik wrenches Dom and clinches to EXPLODER! Then he SWATS the lariat to CHOP Dom! And he deadlifts Dom for a TOSS! JD runs up, Erik dodges, full nelson KNEE to the back! Dom stands into Erik’s kick! Dom wrenches free, runs, but Erik dodges and URENAGES!

The fans fire up and Erik aims from a corner. The fans chant “WAR! WAR! WAR!” Ace Ten Mao! Cover, JD breaks it! The Irish Ace is showing some grit taking all this damage and still fighting, but Erik TOSSES him back out. Tag to Ivar and the Raiders wait on Dom. Dom stands, Ivar sends him to Erik! Pop-up and- NO, Dom fights free! Tag to JD and JD runs up, but into a KNEE! And another KNEE! JD drops to his knees and Ivar tags Erik back in. Erik then tags Ivar, and they haul JD up. POP-UP and waistlock, for the WAR- NO, JD victory rolls through! HEADBUTT for Erik!! JD wobbles, runs up on Ivar, but Ivar BOOTS him!

JD falls, Ivar goes up, and the fans rally again! JD staggers, Ivar reels him in, but JD GAMANGIRIS! SUPER DEVLINSIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Ivar survives but JD crawls to tag Dom. Dom goes up the corner, fans boo, but FROG- NO, Ivar dodges the splash to then LEG LARIAT! Ivar reaches out, the fans rally, JD rolls in and distracts the ref! Carlito YANIKS Erik down, and he SPITS apple chunks into Ivar’s face! Dom dropkicks Ivar onto ropes! 619!! Dom hurries to tag JD, and JD hurries to go up! MOONSAULT!! Tag back to Dom and Dom is right back up! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, ERIK CLOBBERS JD ONTO IT!!

The fans are thunderous while Carlito goes nuts! Carlito coaches his team but “This is Awesome!” as JD runs up. Erik TOSSES JD out hard! Carlito gets on the apron, Ivar DECKS him for it! Dom dropkicks Ivar’s legs out! Dom redials but Erik sneaks the tag! Ivar dodges Dom, pops him up, and Erik has him! Ivar springboards, WAR MACHINE!! Cover, War Raiders win!!

Winners: The War Raiders, by pinfall (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)

Carlito tried to tip the scales, but not even Caribbean Cool could stop the fire inside Erik & Ivar! Will Finn (not) be upset to see this?

Ludwig Kaiser finds Pete Dunne backstage.

And he actually refers to him as “Pete.” Kaiser says last week didn’t go his way, huh? Dunne says be careful with what you say. Kaiser says no, no, he comes in peace. He’s just saying, someone should really show that new guy how they do things around here. The New Day walks over and say that’s just what they were thinking! You can’t trust the guys who wear masks, right? Wow, not even Dunne and Kaiser will fist bump with Kofi & Woods? But then Cathy Kelley walks over and brings up that tonight, Xavier Woods faces Rey Mysterio, just a week after Rey beat Kofi- Kofi stops Cathy there. The biased officiating did that.

But there is a greater issue at hand. Atlanta’s favorite sun has come home! Do they mean Bron Breakker? What? No! Not Bron! Oh, Austin Theory! No, not him, either! Of course! Cody Rhodes! NO! No one’s talking about that paper champion! C’mon, Cathy. Tonight, Woods is back home, and he will beat the brakes off of Rey, not just in front of his city, but in front of his mother, father, sister and family! Speaking of, are they here yet? Woods hasn’t heard anything, but he spent way too much money comping front row tickets so they’ll be here. Because you will NOT miss Woods beating the mess outta Rey! Why would you want to? Atlanta’s Favorite Son!!

Well, family or no family, will Woods be the one standing tall tonight? Or will the King of Lucha Libre sweep the New Day in back to back weeks?

Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Rey Mysterio w/ The LWO!

Raw returns and New Day has made their entrance, only to find the Woods Family is NOT here… The bell rings, Woods and Rey circle. The fans chant, “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods and Rey tie up, and Woods headlocks. Rey endures the grind, but Woods wrenches, hammerlocks, then headlocks. Woods hits the takeover, but Rey headscissors. Woods fights around, rolls Rey over, and traps the legs into a leglock. Woods floats to a headlock, snapmares Rey, then talks trash. Rey KICKS from below! Rey then ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! The fans fire up and Rey wrenches to headlock again.

Woods endures, fights up and powers out to then run Rey over! The fans boo but Woods flexes. Kofi says you see Woods putting on that muscle! Woods CHOPS Rey, the fans still taunt New Day, but Woods UPPERCUTS! Rey sits down, but Woods stands him up to whip corner to corner. Rey rebounds to LARIAT Woods! The fans cheer and Rey brings Woods up again. But Woods ROCKS Rey! Woods CLUBS Rey, has him in a corner, and then CHOPS! Kofi fires up but the fans boo. Woods pulls at Rey’s mask! The ref reprimands, Woods stops, and then Woods CHOKES Rey on ropes! Woods stops as the ref counts, and he brings Rey around.

Woods whips, Rey KICKS him, and then Rey runs to RANA! Woods flounders, Rey runs up, but Woods puts Rey on the apron. Rey RAMS into Woods, slingshots to sunset flip but Woods rolls through! Woods has Rey’s legs, puts him in the ropes and CLUBS away on him! Rey is stuck and Woods goes up, GUILLOTINE STOMPS!! The ref checks Rey and somehow Rey’s okay, but Woods & Kofi are feeling good now as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Woods CLUBS away on Rey again. Woods has a cravat but Rey fights free! Rey and Woods trade haymakers! The fans cheer Rey, they boo Woods, and then Rey gets the edge! Rey runs, but Woods catches the slide with a facelock! Woods suplexes Rey, holds him up, and he marches around! The fans boo as Woods then SLAMS Rey down! Cover, TWO! Woods & Kofi still feel good, and Woods brings Rey up to CHOP! And then he stomps a foot, KNEE LIFTS, and CHOPS, JABS, and RAMS Rey into a corner! Woods RAMS into Rey again and again, then dusts his hands off as he walks away.

The fans boo more but Woods runs in, only for Rey to BOOT Woods! Woods staggers, comes back, but Rey ELBOWS him! Rey goes up, up, but Woods stops the rana! Woods puts Rey on the apron but Rey GAMANGIRIS! Woods falls, Rey climbs, and Rey FLYING SEATED SENTONS! Then he tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Woods ends up in a corner, Rey goes corner to corner, and Rey rains down fists! The fans fire up but Woods TRIPS Rey! Rey hits buckles and then Woods brings him in. Woods hoists Rey up top, ROCKS him, then climbs up to get him. The fans boo as Woods lifts, but Rey fights the superplex! Rey fires body shots, then he CLUBS Woods!

Rey shifts to SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Then Rey hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, TWO! Rey’s shoutout to Zelina Vega doesn’t quite finish it, but the fans fire up for Rey. Rey DROPKICKS Woods onto the ropes! Rey dials it up, but Woods bails out! So Rey just slides, only for Woods to sidestep and SHOVE Rey into the desk! Woods hauls Rey up, throws kidney shots, then he puts Rey in the ring. Woods’ family has finally arrived, and he asks what took them so long. But then they reveal they have “NEW DAY SUCKS” shirts!! The fans cheer and Woods can’t believe it! Woods’ sister throws a shirt at him!

The fans cheer on Mama Woods, Papa Woods, and Woods’ sister, but Woods says they’re ungrateful! Woods goes after Rey, but Rey wheelbarrows him onto the ropes! Dial it up, 619!! Rey slingshots to SPLASH! Cover, Rey wins!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

The fans are thunderous as Rey wins again! The LWO celebrates and even fist bump with the Woods Family! Rey puts on that New Day Sucks shirt, will Kofi & Woods ever understand who’s really in the wrong here?

Sami and Rollins talk backstage.

Sami again tells Rollins that Helluva Kick was an accident. Rollins believes him, right? Rollins hesitates, so Sami says Rollins knows him, he wouldn’t do that. Rollins says yes, he does know Sami, they go back a long way, that kick was definitely a mistake. But also, Sami needs to understand why Rollins felt it might not have. Whatever this friendship Sami has with Roman, it doesn’t sit well with Rollins. Last week, that was an accident. But if it happens again, then we can’t say it’s a mistake. Fair enough. Are they good? Yeah, they’re good. They shake hands and Rollins tells Sami to get that W over McIntyre. Can the Underdog from the Underground finally get one on the Scottish Terminator?

Jey Uso is here!

And not only that, but he makes his way through the concourse with Atlanta’s own Quevo! They and the fans all bounce for the song, “It’s just me, Uce! Day One Ish!” Pat and Maggle YEET along with ’em, and Cole paces himself better this week. Cole struggles with the special handshakes, though. But ATL is ready to be YEETL as Jey gets on the desk and Quevo high-fives fans. The fun finally calms down a bit, and Jey gets a mic to say, “I needed that. ATL, I needed that. I appreciate y’all.” “YEET!” “Thank y’all.” “YEET!” “I rock with y’all.” “YEET!” “Me and Quevo love y’all.” “YEET!”

But everyone saw Saturday night, right? Jey lost. He did. Dust it off, y’all. But Der Ring General was that good. But Jey is telling us all, he can beat him! Jey can beat Gunther! Rollins has Jey’s name in his mouth. Gunther’s got his name in his mouth. So this Saturday, Jey knows what he needs to do! Jey gonna throw all they asses over the top rope, and he’ll win the Royal Rumble, y’all! “YEET! Then Jey goes on to main event WrestleMania and become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! And his name will be Main Event Jey UUUUSO~! Jey drops the mic, and he helps Quevo stand up on the desk.

The fans fire up as we get to YEET some more, but can Jey YEET anyone and everyone in his way on this Road to WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.

Jackie Redmond is with The Morrigan, the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion and congratulates her on the win. Lyra did say she’d be a fighting champion, so she has some big news for us. Yes, she does! There is so much talk about who will be the first challenger for this title. In the meantime, Lyra’s going to the next big fight in front of her. She is officially declaring for the Royal Rumble! She’s defied the odds and- Team American Made interrupts. Chad Gable says that title looks good. It does. Just don’t get used to having it. Because Ivy Nile is taking that from Ivy for Gable! Er, the team.

Lyra says then enjoy it. This is the closest Ivy or Gable will ever get to an Intercontinental Championship. Ivy says Lyra is not ready for Ivy to take that title from her, from eliminating her in the Royal Rumble, or from clipping those little wings. Brutus laughs but Lyra says see you Saturday. American Made moves on, only to see The Alpha Academy doing the Peewee Herman dance for social media. Gable asks Otis how the leg’s doing. Good enough to do a stupid dance, it seems. Are they proud of themselves? They’re pathetic! They’re failures! They should be embarrassed! Especially Miss Twinkle Toes!

America Made leaves for real, but they aren’t really helping themselves with the locker room. Will they be the ones failing on this Road to WrestleMania?

Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

While the StrongEST Glow have their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match tomorrow night for NXT, they’re ready to put lil’ Liv and Big Ricky in their place! Will Bianca & Naomi be rolling on their own Road to WrestleMania? Or will the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour be next in line for these titles?

The teams sort out and Liv starts with Bianca. Liv swings, but into a wrench! Bianca torture racks, but Liv fights fere! Bianca RAMS Liv into a corner, then climbs up to rain down fists! Liv slips out at 5, grabs the braid, but Bianca uses that to reel Liv in! Liv slips free of the scoop to YANK Bianca down by the braid! But Bianca kips right up! Liv runs away to tag in Raquel! The fans boo but Bianca dares Raquel to bring it. They circle, tie up, and Raquel powers Bianca to a corner. But Bianca powers her way out! Raquel knees low, reels Bianca in, and Raquel suplexes! Bianca fights that to suplex Raquel! Raquel fights that, and Bianca dodges a lariat!

Bianca has to watch out for Liv, but that lets Raquel SPLASH her in the corner! Raquel bumps Bianca off buckles, then whips her corner to corner. Bianca stops herself, ELBOWS Raquel away, then goes up and over. Bianca runs, tags Naomi, then dodges Raquel! Ripcord and double wrench, for a DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Then they shake hands and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi keeps Raquel from Liv but Raquel blocks the whip. Raquel CLOBBERS Naomi, tags Liv, and then Raquel sends Naomi into the corner. Liv taunts Bianca, Raquel sends her in and ELBOWS Naomi!

Raquel adds a SPLASH, then she snapmares Naomi for Liv to cover. TWO, and Naomi DROPKICKS Liv! Naomi drags Liv over, tags Bianca, and they double whip Liv. DOUBLE HIP TOSS, then the LEG DROP MOONSAULT COMBO! Cover, TWO! Tag back to Naomi and the champs double suplex Liv. But Raquel makes the save! The brawl is on and the fans fire up! The ref reprimands but Liv puts Naomi in a corner, Raquel has Bianca in the other. Raquel and Liv run up, but Bianca and Naomi BOOT them both away! CROSSBODY for Liv, then CROSSBODY for Raquel! The fans fire up with the tag champs while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Naomi fights free of a bearhug. Naomi fires elbows and knees on Raquel, then she dodges a lariat, only for Raquel to SOUTHPAW! Cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this, but Raquel hauls her up and SWINGS her in the facelock! Raquel then TOSSES Naomi away and the fans boo. Raquel storms out after Naomi, talks trash, and pushes her around. Raquel scoops Naomi, and she LAWN DARTS her into a POST! The fans boo but Raquel mocks Naomi. Raquel steps into the ring, drags Naomi up, and CHOKES her on the ropes! The ref counts, Raquel lets go at 4, and then she reaches for Naomi. Naomi KICKS from below!

Naoim reels Raquel in, HEATSEEKER on the APRON! The fans fire up while both Raquel and Naomi crawl! But Naoim is inside, so Liv shouts for Raquel to hurry! Raquel grabs a foot, but Naomi hops, hops, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel staggers away and Liv tags in! Hot tag to Bianca! Bianca rallies on Liv with big shoulder tackles, and a DROPKICK! Bianca eggs Liv on, wrenches her and suplexes her, and she holds Liv up before the SLAM! Then a kip up! Liv scrambles to a corner, Bianca runs in, and Bianca RAMS into Liv! Bianca climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Raquel runs up, but Bianca flips up and over!

Raquel almost runs into Liv, but Bianca RAMS into them both! Bianca rains down fists on them both, and she finally gets all TEN! Then she goes past that to hit SEVENTEEN, until Raquel yanks her down! Bianca TOSSES Raquel out, pops Liv up, SPINEBUSTER! And then handspring MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Liv survives but Bianca stays cool. Bianca drags Liv to a drop zone, climbs up a corner, and Bianca leaps, but Liv moves! Bianca rolls through, only for Liv to SHOTGUN! Tag to Raquel and she hauls Bianca up with both hands! GALLOW SLAM, then she picks Liv up! POWERBOMB SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives and the fans fire up!

Raquel is furious, and she hauls Bianca up, for the TEJA- NO! Bianca slips free, tags Naomi, and Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Raquel! Slingshot FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Raquel survives but Naomi AX KICKS her! Tag to Bianca and the champs double whip. Raquel grabs ropes, catches Naomi, and BOOTS Bianca! Raquel FALL AWAY SLAMS Naomi! Tag to Liv, and Raquel scoops Bianca! But Bianca slips free, she and Raquel get under Liv! Liv comes back, CODE BREAKER! Bianca flounders, into OBLIV- NO! Bianca turns that into a torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!! But DOM distracts the ref!! The champs would’ve won by now!

Bianca is furious, she swings on Dom, but Dom runs away! Naomi tags in so Bianca can PLANCHA onto Dom! The fans fire up as Naomi gives Liv the SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT!! Cover, Raquel YANKS Naomi away! And gives her an APRON TEJANA BOMB!! The fans boo but Liv crawls to cover, Liv & Raquel win!!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall

Dom grins, his plan worked out! At least, maybe this is his plan, as he’s been trying to make things up to Liv for weeks now. Either way, this means Liv & Raquel just got a win over the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Will Liv & Raquel be back for the gold regardless of what happens tomorrow night?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.

Cathy Kelley congratulates Mami on retaining the Women’s World Championship against Nia Jax, but how is she feeling after that match? Rhea admits, she’s banged up. Nia is dominant, Rhea gives her that. But hey, Mami’s always on top. And then for the Women’s Rumble, what are Rhea’s predictions as a former winner? Rhea says it doesn’t matter. If they choose Rhea, they get brutalized. But Bayley walks in to say Ding Dong. And Bayley just wants to say, as last year’s Rumble winner that then won at WrestleMania, maybe it will be Bayley facing Rhea at this year’s Mania. Rhea chuckles, and wishes Bayley luck.

Mami and Role Model go their separate ways, but Bayley runs into Iyo Sky. Iyo tells Bayley, “See you Saturday.” Clearly, the Evil Genius hasn’t forgotten how she was the champion Bayley dethroned. Will either of them make it to this year’s WrestleMania? Or will they end up getting in each other’s way?

Penta speaks.

“The Penta Era is here! Thank you for the amazing welcome, but this is only the beginning. To become the best in the world, there is only one way to achieve it, and that is by facing the best in the world. I’ve got to face the best wrestlers in the WWE, all of them, 1v1. Two against one! 29 against one. Penta will be in the Royal Rumble this Saturday, with Cero Miedo! Because after the Royal Rumble is over, listen: I will have my WrestleMania moment! And you know why? Because I AM PENTAGON! And I have CERO MIEDO!”

Paul Heyman is here!

The fans cheer as The Wise Man goes right to the ring, not even saying his introduction yet. Heyman gets the mic while fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Heyman now gives his introduction, and as irony would have it, he is the one behind the one. The one GOAT, the one and only Tribal Chief! And the one who represents the WWE and the entire Island of Relevancy on the cover of WWE 2K25!! The fans cheer as the official banner is revealed! A very dynamic pose from Roman on the cover, with Heyman in the background. Heyman says there is quite the magnitude of responsibility when you’re on the cover art.

Your Tribal Chief can live up to that responsibility, because Heyman is the one behind the one in 29 versus 1! Yes, Roman Reigns is going back to the mindset of One VS All, because that is what this Royal Rumble is all about! Roman Reigns told you that he was going to take back his ula fala. Roman Reigns did take back his ula fala from Solo Sikoa. And now Heyman is telling us that Roman is coming back for his championship. And it all starts this Saturday at the Royal Rumble. Because all 29 are coming after Roman, because Roman isn’t just the biggest star here on Netflix, not just the biggest star in the WWE…

Roman is the biggest star in the whole damn industry! Roman is the biggest star on this planet! When Elon Musk colonizes Mars, Roman will be the biggest star on that planet, too! There are two types of men that are qualified to enter the Royal Rumble: one is the one, Roman Reigns; the other is just some other person from that locker room, whether it’s John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Penta, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. There are 29 Roman Reigns wannabes! They all wanna be the Tribal Chief, the biggest star in the WWE! Every night, they get on their knees and look up to Heaven and say, “Please, Dear God, let me be, I want to be, Roman… Reigns!”

Mic drop, but then here comes McIntyre! A name Heyman didn’t say, and a man you don’t want eyeing you, is now making his entrance. Heyman doesn’t leave the ring as McIntyre steps in, and McIntyre looks at the WWE 2K25 cover art. McIntyre grabs a mic for himself, and he tells Heyman, “You look kinda nervous, Paul.” McIntyre puts a hand on Heyman’s shoulder and says relax. The only person who should be nervous is Sami Zayn. Drew just wants to talk. They never talk! The fans chant, “We Want Roman!” McIntyre ignores that, and he can tell Heyman doesn’t like him. Don’t say anything, just listen for once.

Heyman should love McIntyre! McIntyre is responsible for all the success Heyman’s having. Confused? The fans chant “We Don’t Care!” McIntyre says care about this: McIntyre has to admit, it pains him to say, but he is the Daddy of the Bloodline! What? Yes, he hates being the catalyst, but he’ll show us the chain reaction that started it all. McIntyre won the 2020 Royal Rumble, he eliminated Roman Reigns, main evented WrestleMania where he SLAYED the Beast, Heyman’s client. Heyman was sent out to sea. Heyman says Roman rescued him from obscurity but no, Heyman’s the smartest man in this industry.

Heyman instead swam back to shore, metaphorically of course, found Roman at a low point, got in his ear, harnessed all of Roman’s talent for evil, and they went on the greatest run of Heyman’s life. The Bloodline took over, had more moments than Heyman’s ever had, more money than he’s ever made. Heyman’s even on the damn video game cover now! So all McIntyre is looking for from Heyman is a very simple, “Thank you, Drew.” The fans are torn, Heyman is a bit nervous, but Heyman says, “Thank you, Drew… but you’re crowding me right now.” Oh? Okay, sorry, Wise Man. Drew will give Heyman his space.

McIntyre steps back and says since he did Heyman a favor, maybe Heyman can do him a favor. What’s the favor…? Tell your boy that this Saturday, McIntyre will target Roman, beat him within an inch of his life, and then toss his carcass over and out. Can Heyman do that for him? The fans again chant, “We Want Roman!” Heyman says he gives McIntyre his word, he will pass that message on to his Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman smiles and turns to go, but McIntyre stops him. McIntyre says he didn’t mean Roman. Roman knows McIntyre is coming. McIntyre meant Heyman’s boy, CM Punk.

Heyman smirks and nods, that’s clever. McIntyre tells Heyman to run. Heyman hurries out of the ring, and McIntyre laughs rather sinisterly. The Scottish Terminator has so far had his battles with Jey Uso, with Jimmy Uso, and will again battle Sami Zayn here tonight. Will McIntyre finish up the checklist before finally getting his hands on The Tribal Chief and the Voice of the Voiceless? Or can Sami slow him down on this Road to WrestleMania?

Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre!

Raw returns as Sami makes his entrance and the fans cheer. This is not just a rematch from Saturday Night’s Main Event back in December, but this is the 11th time these two have faced off. Those other ten all belong to McIntyre, can Sami at least get this one?

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally behind Sami. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but then McIntyre shoves Sami to a corner. McIntyre reminds Sami that they’re 10-0. Sami brushes that off as he resets with Sami. They tie up again, but then McIntyre SHOVES Sami away! McIntyre soaks up the heat from the fans while he talks trash on Sami. Sami fires hands on McIntyre! The fans fire up with Sami but the ref counts as he has McIntyre in the corner. McIntyre turns things around, but Sami turns them right back! Sami fires hands, but McIntyre throat chops him! The fans boo but McIntyre CHOPS Sami!

McIntyre whips, Sami stops to then KICK the backdrop away! McIntyre runs up but Sami TOSSES him out! Sami then goes to the apron, and he ARABIAN PRESSES McIntyre down! The fans fire up with Sami and he brings McIntyre back into the ring. Sami stalks McIntyre, but McIntyre DOUBLE CHOPS him down! The fans start to duel as McIntyre scowls. Sami goes to a corner, and he dodges the chop to ROCK, CHOP, and climb! Sami rains down fists on McIntyre, and he goes way past ten! The fans fire up as Sami gets about 14, then he CHOPS! Sami whips corner to corner, McIntyre reverses, Sami goes up but McIntyre KICKS him out of the sky! Cover, TWO!

McIntyre smothers Sami, then he stomps Sami’s face! The fans rally as Sami rises, but McIntyre CHOPS him again! Sami falls over, McIntyre flexes, and the fans are torn. McIntyre drags Sami up again, CHOPS him again, and Sami falls back down! McIntyre flexes more, then stalks Sami to a corner. Sami ELBOWS McIntyre away, goes up, and BOOTS McIntyre away! Sami hits a FLYING AX HANDLE! Then he goes back up, FLYING AX HANDLE! McIntyre drops to a knee, Sami runs and LARIATS! McIntyre stays up, Sami runs, and Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and DDTS! Cover, TWO! McIntyre toughs it out and Sami frowns.

Sami has a bloody bridge of the nose from one of those shots McIntyre got him with, but the fans fire up with Sami as he rises! Sami drags McIntyre around to knuckle lock, CHOP, and then go up, up, only for McIntyre to trip him up! Sami falls to the apron, McIntyre watches with a sadistic smile, and he goes out the side. McIntyre runs up on Sami, but Sami dodges! McIntyre crashes onto the desk! Another Claymore misses wide right but both men are down on the outside, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and McIntyre fires hands and CHOPS! Sami stays up as McIntyre fires those shots, then he comes back with shots of his own! The fans fire u pas Sami fires off! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses, but Sami goes up and over to LARIAT! McIntyre is down and the fans fire up again! Sami aims from a corner, runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! McIntyre doesn’t stop, he deadlifts Sami to a SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives being thrown all around, but McIntyre keeps his cool. The fans rally for “Sami Uso” but McIntyre hauls him up again.

McIntyre fireman’s carries Sami, goes to a corner and climbs up, and then he tucks Sami in, only for Sami to fight through! SUPER SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami shakes his head. Sami shakes the ropes as he rises up, and the fans rally up behind him! Sami waistlocks McIntyre, hauls him up, but McIntyre fights the lift! Sami still tries, but McIntyre fires punches! Sami staggers back, McIntyre runs in, but into a clinch! McIntyre fights the exploder, then he RAMS Sami in, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELL! McIntyre kips up, the fans are torn, but McIntyre glares at Sami. McIntyre runs up, into a BOOT! And BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

McIntyre survives and Sami is frustrated, but Atlanta stays hot for this match! Sami drags McIntyre around, has him right at center, then climbs a corner. McIntyre stirs, and he rises up! McIntyre ROCKS Sami, CHOPS Sami, then climbs up after Sami. McIntyre goes to the very top, but Sami trips him! Sami HEADBUTTS Mcintyre again and again, and then ROCKS him! McIntyre falls back into the Tree of Woe! Sami adjusts, but McIntyre sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX!! McIntyre slips free of the Tree, then aims at Sami. The fans are torn but the countdown is here, “THREE! TWO! ONE!” Sami dodges the Claymore again! Ghost pin, TWO!!

McIntyre is up, runs in, but only gets POST! Sami spins McIntyre for the CORNER EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Sami goes to the far corner! McIntyre rises up, Sami runs in, HELLUVA- NO, McIntyre dodges and rolls Sami, feet on the ropes!! The ref doesn’t see it, McIntyre wins!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Sami is stunned! Not that he’s 0-11, but that McIntyre felt the need to cheat this win! Sami argues with the ref, but McIntyre CLOBBERS Sami! McIntyre scares off the ref, then he rains down fists on Sami! The fans boo as McIntyre CLAWS Sami’s face! But wait! Cody Rhodes hurries out here! The American Nightmare was set to be here tonight, so he’s ready to fight! Cody and McIntyre trade hands, McIntyre shoves Cody, but Cody dodges and springboards, CODY CUTTER! The fans fire up as Cody stomps away on McIntyre! KEVIN OWENS IS HERE! KEVIN DECKS CODY!! The Prizefighter appeared from the crowd side!

Kevin and Cody brawl like they have week after week, and Cody has the edge! But McIntyre CLOBBERS Cody! McIntyre gets in Cody’s face, CHOKES him in a corner, but then Sami runs in! McIntyre dodges, HELLUVA KICK for Cody!! McIntyre did it to Sami again!! McIntyre laughs as he leaves the ring, but this is what Rollins was talking about! Was this really an accident? Kevin stands side by side with Sami, and pats his “brother” on the shoulder. Kevin leaves, and Sami has no idea why this keeps happening. Is there no way for Sami to balance friendships with his own personal success?

Raw returns and…

Cody has the mic, and he says that he’s back in his hometown, but… Well, he’s got a great view, doesn’t he? Hanging above is the WWE Undisputed Championship and the Winged Eagle Championship. Cody spent 39 years, his whole life, wanting to get his hands on that classic belt. But recently, he found out that it isn’t about the physical belt, the belt that Kevin is convinced will make him a champion! It’s not the belt, it’s the mindset, it’s the work! NOBODY has worked more matches than Cody! He shows up first, leaves last, and continues to do so, and he is SO looking forward to the Royal Rumble where he can move past Kevin Owens.

But wait! CM PUNK interrupts! The fans fire up as now Atlanta’s own is face to face with the Second City Saint. Punk grabs a mic and the fans chant his name now. Punk asks Cody, “Are you alright?” It is kinda funny in the delivery but Punk is genuinely Cody’s friend. It seems like all of this is starting to get to him. Punk knows what that belt means. Not Kevin’s little replica, but the title. Punk knows what that can do to a man. He was champion for 434 historic days way back when. And somewhere around 300, it started to weigh on him, he got burned out, and he became someone he didn’t enjoy being back then.

Punk started acting differently, he was losing friends left and right, and now he’s seeing that happen to Cody. Punk gets it. Cody wants to be Bruno, he wants to put on a good face for the hometown, he wants to be Cena. But Cody, none of them are Superman. Cody says he doesn’t have a lot of friends, but CM Punk is his friend, right? Yes. That’s why Punk’s here right now. He isn’t raining on the parade, he’s here to be a friend. And unlike everyone else, Punk promises that he will always be Cody’s friend. Partly because of a promise he made to Dusty, but also became dammit, he loves Cody.

Punk sees the road Cody is on, a road that Punk went down, and he feels he’s let Cody down because he couldn’t prepare Cody for this. The truth is, not even Dusty could’ve prepared Cody for this. Cody is the man, unequivocally, on top of the mountain. There are no friends when you’re a champion in the WWE. And when you’re THE champion in the WWE, it turns into a “heavy is the head that wears the crown” kind of situation. Cody wants Punk to stop, and just cut to the point. Last year, they were in the ring together during the Royal Rumble, and Punk had his prediction. There was a lot of truth to it.

So then, “friend,” tell Cody what is next for Cody. Punk is hesitant, but he says fine, he’ll say what’s next. In the short term, Cody is here in his hometown. Cody gets to sleep in his own bed tonight. That is rare in this business, especially when you’re running as hard as Cody. But Punk bets Cody won’t sleep at all tonight, because he’s got an early call time to do press, to do promotion for what is THE biggest match in his career so far. Maybe not, maybe Cody gets time to be with his wife and daughter. But even then, Cody will find he can’t sleep because he has THE biggest match in his career!

Look at the belts up there! Those mean something to guys like Punk and Cody. Then, Cody’s gonna crisscross this country, because if he makes it past Kevin Owens, who is one of the toughest guys in that locker room, a bit deranged even but was someone who Cody thought of as a friend so Cody might be a bit emotional… IF Cody makes it through, then there’s the next show. Monday Night Raw, Netflix, bigger than ever! Cody is the poster boy and this is what he asked for! So no matter how far spread he is, no matter how early the mornings are or how late the nights are, Cody will sacrifice. That is what’s in store.

Less time at home with his wife and daughter, empty nights despite being in front of sold out stadiums chanting his name, because that title means something to guys like them! All these kids here wearing Cody’s merchandise, Cody going around the country all red, white and blue. Somebody is gonna be busting their ass chasing him, someone will be getting into the best shape of their life, somebody is gonna win the Royal Rumble, see Cody in the main event of WrestleMania, and while Cody is on his way down, that man is on their way up! Then that guy takes that title from Cody! And that is the good news!

Wow, that’s the good news? Yeah! Cody laughs and says give him the bad news! Punk says the bad news is, that man will be PUNK. Unlike all the others, the “friends” who stabbed Cody in the back, Punk will win the Rumble, and see Cody in the main event. And because Punk is his one true friend, he’ll stab Cody in the front. Cody respects Punk for saying that. But let Cody share this with Punk: When Cody first came into the wrestling world, 4400 Shepherds Field Road, OVW, Cody and Punk were the only two willing to learn the basics from Vern Gagne. Punk was the man, “Chick Magnet Punk!” Everyone wanted to be Punk! Everyone chased Punk!

Then Punk got the call up, cashed in, and became a world champion. Cody followed soon after, and he was still chasing Punk. Then there was a TEN YEAR period where Punk sat at home, watched from his couch, while his peers and others were chanting his name. Punk was still the man and they were still chasing him! But that dynamic shifted. The prediction last year, Punk was wrong about something. This dynamic has completely changed, and why is that? Because Cody isn’t chasing Punk, Punk is chasing Cody. The fans cheer that! And friend, Cody wants Punk to know, he hopes Punk wins the Rumble. Because then Punk can catch up.

Cody goes to leave but Punk grabs the jacket and says hold on. Punk wasn’t finished. A lot of men have said they want Punk to catch them, but there’s a graveyard of careers where they wanted Punk to catch them, until he did. Now Punk turns to go but Cody pulls on his arm. Cody wasn’t finished, either. Cody wants Punk to catch up, to win the Rumble, because then Cody wants to see the look on Punk’s face when he finds The Best in the World isn’t the best in the world anymore. Mic drops from both men but the intensity has been turned up to 11! Will Cody make it through Kevin Owens? Will Punk make it through the Rumble? Will this be the main event for WrestleMania 41?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw as the go-home to the Royal Rumble, and while they pushed it longer than last week, they still didn’t hit three hours. That’s still odd to me, but maybe after the Rumble, the Road to WrestleMania episodes have more to really build things up. Maybe a fifth match? That aside, great promo to open with Rollins, Gunther and Logan Paul. Mostly because I enjoyed Atlanta booing Logan that hard. I wouldn’t mind Rollins VS Gunther for the title, regardless of whether Rollins wins the Rumble, but it feels like Logan’s going to have his own opportunity. And as much as fans would love to see Gunther squash Logan, that won’t happen, Logan will actually look competitive.

Jey’s promo was good, but it was more his entrance than anything. Good promo from Lyra to declare for the Rumble, and good stuff from American Made calling her out. But clearly American Made isn’t done with Alpha Academy with them crossing paths and Gable taunting them all. We definitely need one last Gable VS Otis where The Creed Brothers are kept away so that Otis can win out. Lyra VS Ivy will be great stuff, and I would think Lyra retains through that. Good promo from Rhea with Bayley and Iyo, Bayley and Iyo can have some fun in the Rumble. Also, sad news that Dakota Kai is out with a concussion, most likely from that wicked missile dropkick Zoey Stark got her with last week. Dakota won’t be in the Rumble or going for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship any time soon, let’s just hope she has a quick recovery.

We got some really good story intertwining and overlapping, as Kaiser tries to get Dunne on his side against Penta, and then New Day try and fail to bond over their anti-luchador feelings. That of course fails, which I find hilarious. Penta also has a good promo to declare his own entry into the Royal Rumble, and he’s going to have a great first time. Woods VS Rey was great stuff, and it was fun for Woods’ family to get in on the story. Another great win for Rey, and maybe now we end up with a tag match of New Day VS Rey and someone. Dragon Lee has been absent because his wife just had their second child, maybe he and Rey get a win together. Even if they don’t, I would hope Dragon Lee gets something to do on Raw for WrestleMania.

Great tag team championship match, and WOW, JD hit his head hard on the desk, and yet he still finished the match. Let’s hope he’s not concussed, because he needs to be around for the Judgment Day story. Erik & Ivar move on, they can face The Creeds and maybe even A-Town Down Under, and then we might get Judgment Day: Civil War as Finn causes a rift. Finn & JD VS Dominik & Carlito could be some really good stuff. And Dom of course had to help Liv & Raquel tonight. That sets them up for a tag title match for perhaps Elimination Chamber in Toronto, but probably more a special episode here on Raw. Sadly, it feels like Lash & Jakara aren’t winning tomorrow night on NXT, but I still need to see Jade Cargill exposing Naomi as whodunnit.

And more great intertwining of stories as Sami confronts Punk for catching strays last week, then interacts with Kross as another tease for that feud. Sami and Rollins having their moment was also good. Heyman had a good promo to help introduce the WWE 2K25 cover, and McIntyre confronting him was great. McIntyre VS Sami was a great match, but the cheating win surprised me, too. Maybe they wanted to trim time so Cody and Punk could have their closing promo within the three hours? Well, again, they had room to breathe, maybe they’ll be better about that as the Netflix Era continues.

Sami having another accidental Helluva Kick on a friend was good stuff, it teases Sami and Kevin being on the same page for their WrestleMania dream match. Cody and Punk still had a great promo segment, but they maybe went one line longer than they needed. Cody VS Punk is a good possibility, and it could fit into the story of Punk’s favor with Heyman. Punk could ask Heyman to make sure Roman doesn’t do anything about the Undisputed Championship until after Punk gets his shot, but that only happens if Punk wins the Rumble and then we have the whole Road to WrestleMania where Roman can’t even touch Cody, and that’s even with Elimination Chamber in March.

My Score: 8.9/10