Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (1/14/19)
The Raw Women’s Champion named her challenger, but both of them have a common enemy to deal with. Can Ronda and Sasha coexist against The Samoan Dynasty?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ronda Rousey & Sasha Banks VS Nia Jax & Tamina; Rousey & Banks win.
- Lucha House Party VS The Revival; The Revival wins.
- Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Bayley, Natalya & ???; Bayley, Natalya & Nikki Cross win.
- Jinder Mahal w/ Samir Singh VS Finn Balor; Finn wins and stays in the #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins VS Bobby Lashey w/ Lio Rush; Lashley wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
- WWE Universal Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Baron Corbin VS Drew McIntyre VS Finn Balor VS John Cena; Finn wins and will face Brock Lesnar for the title at the Royal Rumble.
PLAY BY PLAY
Now arriving in a limousine…
It’s Vincent Kennedy McMahon! The Chairman is here for Raw, but he wants his driver to make sure the limo is perfectly clean. Vince then heads in, what will he have to do and say tonight in Memphis?
BRAUN is here, too!
The Monster Among Men awaits his second chance against The Beast at the Royal Rumble, but he was hoping to get a fight out of Brock Lesnar last week. Strowman tried goading Lesnar into reacting, but Paul Heyman and Lesnar simply brushed off all Strowman’s insults. Memphis chants “Get These Hands!” for Strowman has he picks up a mic. “You know he’ll never admit it, but Brock Lesnar has always been afraid of me.” When Strowman was the Monster in the Bank, Lesnar was constantly looking over his shoulder. When Strowman was about to beat Roman Reigns, Lesnar came down to bust the door of the Cell. And when Strowman was gonna beat Lesnar directly at WWE Crown Jewel, Baron Corbin rigged the match.
“Hey, Beastie Boy, I hope you’re watching this from training camp. Because I’m all healed up.” And Corbin is no longer in power, so there’s no one to save Lesnar now. Lesnar’s biggest fear will come true in Phoenix, because Strowman will get the Universal Championship, and Lesnar will #GetTheseHands! But speaking of Baron Corbin, he comes out on stage. Fans boo as Corbin tells Strowman that he may not run raw anymore– Because he got fired! But as Corbin was– Strowman gets it. “You Got Fired~!” Corbin says fans can chant all they want but they’ll still have to listen to him, even if he has to be out here all night. In fact, if Corbin’s out here for just another five minutes, that’ll be longer than Strowman lasted against Lesnar!
Corbin tells Strowman needs to stop lying. Fans believe in him but all he does is let us down. Strowman can’t win, and he knows it! Corbin will then win the Royal Rumble and go to where Strowman never will: the main event of Wrestlemania! But Strowman rushes Corbin on stage! The chase is on and ends up backstage. Strowman demands to know where Corbin is, and the Singh Brothers can’t decide which way, so he throws them both into catering! Strowman continues his hunt, where will the Monster Among Men find The Lone Wolf? The Drifter appears to sing as the bard of WWE. He knows where Corbin went, saw it with his own two eyes. Now the Monster’s on a chase, there’s something he should know. Corbin’s hiding in that limo. Strowman thanks Elias with a nod and closes in on his target.
Strowman goes right at the limo, and smashes the mirrors off! He drags out the driver and tosses him! The doors are locked, so Strowman demands Corbin get out. Corbin doesn’t, so Strowman finds himself a pipe! And he smashes the windows! Corbin screams as Strowman pulls the door right off!! Corbin escapes the other side and runs away. But then Strowman encounters the limo’s owner, Vince McMahon! McMahon is naturally angry, and perhaps for the first time in his life, Strowman is worried. What will the consequences be of demolishing the Chairman’s car?
Raw returns, and Strowman tries to fix the limousine.
It doesn’t work. McMahon sees this human wrecking ball, a walking danger zone. Look what he did! Strowman will have to pay $100,000. For this piece of crap?! If Strowman wants to raise his voice and be a bad guy, then his title match is off! Strowman is furious, so he decides to take it out on what’s left of the limo! He gets it up and over! But vehicular destruction aside, who will take Strowman’s shot at Lesnar?
Braun Strowman is escorted out of the building.
The Monster is out, and Corbin is laughing it up. Will the Lone Wolf capitalize on this opportunity?
Ronda Rousey & Sasha Banks VS Nia Jax & Tamina!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet challenged The Boss to be her next challenger, but the Irresistible Force wouldn’t let herself be passed up. Banks beat Nia in a #1 Contenders match and now Ronda and Sasha will have that title match. However, to keep the Samoan Dynasty out of their business, the #RowdyBossAlliance has been formed for tonight! Will they be able to coexist and survive to reach the Royal Rumble?
Raw returns as the teams sort out. Sasha starts against Nia as a rematch from last week, but Nia and Tamina talk it over first. Nia circles with Sasha and Nia says she wants Ronda. Fans like the sound of that, but Sasha hits Nia with forearms! Nia shoves Sasha but Sasha comes back to huricanrana Nia to a corner. Sasha runs in for double knees, then does it again. But Nia catches those and puts Sasha up top. Sasha boots back then runs to sunset flip. Nia lifts her up and puts her back in the corner. Sasha dodges to rock Nia with a chop. Sasha goes acrobatic to arm-drag, but Nia blocks! Nia yanks Sasha up but Sasha slips into a sleeper hold! Nia puts Sasha on buckles again, but Sasha hops back on! Sasha is a backpack but Nia tosses her off.
Nia runs in but Sasha dodges. Sasha hits a knee, then climbs up. She boots Nia again to hit a bulldog! Sasha keeps going, shining wizard! Cover, TWO! Sasha tags to Ronda and the Rowdy One kicks away! She throws hands, too, but Nia powers her to the corner. Tamina tags in and Tamina throws headbutts. She rocks Ronda, but Ronda comes back with a takedown into the armbar! Tamina flails and Nia saves her! The Samoan Dynasty regroups as fans boo and jeer. Ronda waits for Tamina, but she and Nia make Ronda wait a little longer as they talk strategy. Tamina finally returns, then ducks back out. Fans boo and jeer but the Samoans simply smile. Tamina slowly returns, but Sasha Meteoras Nia! Sasha saw through their plan, and things continue after the break.
Raw returns as Nia thrashes Sasha about in a bearhug! Fans rally for Sasha as she endures the squeeze. Sasha fights out but Nia pushes her away. Sasha rolls up but into a powerbomb! High stack, TWO! Nia barrels into Sasha with a senton! Cover, TWO! Nia is shocked but keeps on Sasha with a cobra clutch. Fans rally up again and Sasha continues to endure. We go picture in picture as Sasha feeds off the rally. Sasha stands but Nia wrangles her right back down. We return to single picture as Nia leans on Sasha. Sasha stands and jawbreakers out! Sasha runs but into a back elbow! Nia drags Sasha up and over, then tags in Tamina. Tamina stomps a mudhole into Nia, then drags Sasha up again.
Tamina scoops but Sashas slips out to roll up! TWO, and Tamina catches Sasha’s leap! Sasha’s so close but Tamina shoves her away from Ronda. Tamina hits Ronda down, and the ref has to keep Ronda back! Tamina runs into Sasha’s boot! Sasha fights out, goes up and over and Tamina hits Nia! Rolling leg sweep into the crossface! Tamina taps, Sasha and Ronda win!
Winners: Ronda Rousey & Sasha Banks, Sasha by submission
The Boss and the Baddest make it a win as a team, but now they’re back to being opponents. Charli Caruso interviews them in the ring and comments on that teamwork. It’s easy to trust each other when there’s respect. Sasha’s a great superstar, and it will be Ronda’s honor to defend against her. Ronda winning against Sasha will be the best win yet. Sasha heard that comment. Ronda didn’t mean it in a bad way. The way to show her respect is to make her tap out. Tap Sasha out? Again, that’s not how it sounds.
Sasha doesn’t like Ronda thinking she’s the only submission star here. Just ask Nia and Tamina what Sasha did. Sasha is ready to go any time, any where. And she’ll be the one teaching Ronda how to lose with class. Then teach by example, because Ronda’s not about to become the world’s classiest loser. Again, Ronda tries to say it’s not how it sounds, but Sasha won’t let her forget who she called out. Ronda said Sasha’s the best. Sasha isn’t afraid. And Ronda will get used to not having eh way around here, because Sasha’s gonna tap Ronda out and take back that title. #BankOnIt. Sasha leaves, but Ronda wants to apologize. This is meant to be respectful. Sasha isn’t listening, this is her house. But will that be her title again after the Rumble?
Mr. McMahon has a line outside his door.
But coming out of the office is Jerry “The King” Lawler! No Way Jose passes by with his conga line and King is clearly confused. But what is all this business about?
An argument breaks out backstage!
Ronda and Sasha won’t stop, so their friends Bayley and Natalya step in to keep the peace. Natty tells Ronda to just cool off in the locker room while Bayley tells Sasha to go somewhere else. Natty says Sasha needs to learn how to control herself. Bayley takes offense and says it’s Ronda who riled Sasha up. Ronda is the one talking out of both sides of her mouth. Natty says Ronda didn’t do anything, it’s just Sasha being sensitive. Now these two argue!
And the Riott Squad come by to tease everyone for “falling apart”. This isn’t any of their business. Oh sorry, is Bayley upset over Sasha dumping her for the Raw Women’s Championship? Again, this has nothing to do with them. Oh it has everything to do with them. Because they love making bad situations worse. If Bayley and Natty can find themselves another friend, they can have a match. Natty accepts for the both of them, but is that a wise move right now?
Lucha House Party VS The Revival!
The #TopGuys cry conspiracy over the two times they lost in Raw Tag Team Championship matches controversially, but also all those Lucha House Rules matches they were stuck in. Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson say LHP saw the ropebreak last week, but instead of saying anything, they just turned their backs. Tonight, they’ll pay the price for that. Will Dash & Dawson #SayYeah to some of their own personal justice?
The teams sort out, and Lince Dorado is the odd amigo out. Dash starts against Kalisto and circle. They tie up and Dash arm-drags Kalisto fast. Dash mocks the lucha chants, then hugs Dawson. Kalisto and Dash tie up again and Dash powers Kalisto to ropes. Dash arm-drags but Kalisto cartwheels through. Things speed up and Kalisto dropkicks Dash. Kalisto chops and goes acrobatic, for a big arm-drag! Kalisto tags in Metalik and they double whip Dash. They hip toss Dash down, then add the wheelbarrow senton! Cover, TWO! Metalik keeps on Dash and tags Kalisto. Kalisto climbs and hits the elbow. Kalisto wrenches but Dash tags Dawson. Atomic drop dropkick combo! Cover, TWO! Dawson drops leg drops while we check on Mr. McMahon’s office.
Dawson drags Kalisto up to whip and elbow him down while Dasha Fuentes notes that everyone wants that title match with Brock Lesnar. Dasha interviews one hopeful in Apollo Crews. Dawson drags Kalisto to a corner while Apollo says this line is crazy. That’s how important the Universal Championship is! Dawson rocks Kalisto with European Uppercuts and CHOPS. Dawson snap suplexes Kalisto then covers, TWO! Curt Hawkins comes in and says everyone is deserving. But no one brings what he brings to the table: The Streak! “You feel me?” No… Dawson keeps on Kalisto with a chinlock while The Top One Percent is spotted in line! EC3 just grins, because he doesn’t need to say anything more.
Kalisto endures the chinlock as fans rally up, but The B-Team speak to Dasha. The B stands for Brock! Wait, what? So who will face him then? Is that what this is for? Kalisto fights Dawson off with body shots, then slides under. The B-Team is undecided and will get back to Dasha on that. Kalisto kicks Dawson away, hot tag to Dash! Dash stops Kalisto from tagging Metalik while Slater and Rhyno walk up. Slater does NOT want to face Lesnar, he’s got kids. But Rhyno might give it a try. Kalisto kicks Dash away, hot tag to Metalik! Metalik swing kicks Dash then springboards to crossbody! Metalik boots Dawson and slingdogs him! Then he handsprings at Dash to huricanrana! Dawson tag sin but gets a dropkick!
Dash avoids Metalik, and the Revival regroup. They double suplex, but Kalisto saves Metalik. Kalisto rolls Dash for a Listo Kick! Dawson clobbers Kalisto! Metalik runs, springboards and sunset flips! TWO!! Metalik runs and walks the ropes, but Dawson ducks under. Dawson misses, Metalik ducks, but Dawson makes it a DDT! Cover, and Dash denies a ropebreak! The Revival win!
Winners: The Revival, Scott Dawson pinning
Poetic justice or bending the rules in their favor? It doesn’t matter to the #TopGuys, they got a win! Will they continue to “correct” the wrongs against them?
More stars wait outside Mr. McMahon’s office.
Vince comes out and sees Dasha. They want to know the scoop, right? Well he’s going to tell us, in the ring. Who has The Chairman chosen to be the Monster Among Men’s replacement?
Mr. McMahon heads to the ring!
Memphis is happy to see The Chairman in person as he picks up a mic. But before Vince can say anything, JOHN CENA appears! Cena stands across from Vince and tells him we already know what happened. The Universal Championships match is in jeopardy on the Road to Wrestlemania, so Vince wants someone to step up. Cena saves Vince the time and the trouble. When everyone else left Vince high and dry, from Stone Cold to The Rock, and even Brock Lesnar when he said “I’m going to play football”, Vince told the rejects and misfits to step up. Cena came up like a man and said “You give me a chance, I will not let you down.” Vince gave Cena that chance, and Cena didn’t let him down.
And then another chance and another chance. Cena missed birthdays, weddings and funerals for the WWE. That’s not for sympathy, but because he stepped up. So Cena just wants another chance, and promises not to let Vince down. Cena vows to walk in, defeat Lesnar, and become a 17-time world champion!! How does Cena know? Because he has something no one else has: RUTHLESS AGGRESSION! “No, no, no!” Drew McIntyre says this stops right now. How dare Cena do this. McIntyre doesn’t care about the title reigns, about the movie plugs or book deals, but he will not stand for Cena standing here with a straight face and claim that he still has that ruthless aggression. McIntyre will show us real ruthless aggression! Cena’s time is up, and McIntyre’s time is now! So like Stone Cold, just like Rock and just like Lesnar, Cena should just leave.
But Baron Corbin comes out now, and says that his life was threatened by Strowman. He’s not the kind of guy who has a lawyer on speed dial, but if he was, Mr. McMahon and Corbin could come to an agreement. Give him that Universal Championship match! Whoa whoa whoa. Finn Balor doesn’t want to interrupt, but he’s tired of being left out of the conversation. These three can claim a lot of things, but Finn is the only one who was ever Universal Champion. Vince likes the guts, but he’s not big enough for “all this beef.” Finn knows Vince never believed in him. But the fans did! And still do! Finn knows Vince is stubborn, and nothing he says will work. “So how about I show you.” And a fight breaks out! Finn rocks Corbin and McIntyre rocks Cena, but then McIntyre Claymores Finn!
The Scottish Terminator takes aim at Cena again, and hits another Claymore! McIntyre glares at Vince, and Vince likes what he sees! Each one of these men wants the title, so let’s find out who gets it! A Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match! McIntyre stands tall in the scrum, but will he stand tall at the end of the night?
Vince McMahon encounters Jinder Mahal backstage.
The Modern Day Maharaja is honored to be in Vince’s presence. And Mahal is a little offended he wasn’t considered for that contenders match. He was a great WWEÂ world champion, and was a finalist in the Mixed Match Challenge tournament. Plus, the WWE Universe was robbed of Lesnar VS Mahal a couple Survivor Series ago. So Mahal wants at the title? Yes, he wuold’ve been part of that argument if not for Strowman attacking the Singhs! Please, just one shot. Vince says that Mahal can choose one of those other four men. If he beats them, he takes their spot. Mahal accepts, and chooses Finn Balor! Then good luck. Will Mahal be able to rob Finn of his chance to grab his?
Six Woman Tag: The Riott Squad VS Bayley, Natalya & ???
Ruby, Sarah and Liv poked fun at the Huggable One and the Queen of Harts while they were in the middle of arguing about the argument between Sasha and Ronda. They were dared to find a third “friend” to make this match, but who did they find? It’s NIKKI CROSS!! The Loony Lass is on Raw as a free agent, will she make a major impact in her debut?
The teams sort out, and Sarah Logan starts against Bayley. They circle while Nikki runs about on the apron. But then Bayley thinks Nikki should have her turn, and fans like that idea! Tag to Nikki and she goes right at Sarah! Nikki hops on but Sarah throws her off, only for Nikki to dropkick Sarah down. Liv tags in but Nikki throws her around! Nikki grins as she slaps herself, and Ruby tags in. These two revisit their time in NXT together, but the Squad backs her up. Natty and Bayley come in, but Nikki tells them she’s got this, “Let Nikki play~!” Natty and Bayley let her play with the entire Squad! Nikki tackles Ruby and the Squad hurry to get their leader to safety. But then Bayley and Natty wreck Liv and Sarah with dropkicks!
Nikki drags Ruby under the ring! Nikki has Ruby in the apron skirt and hammers away! The wild one is in control, sorta, while we go to break.
Raw returns and Sarah toys with Bayley. Sarah drags Bayley up but Bayley fights back with forearms. Sarah whips but Bayley goes up and crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Sarah catches Bayley to toss her! Sarah runs and cartwheel knee drops! She scrapes Bayley out then goes out to fetch her. Sarah stomps Bayley and throws her back in. Bayley rolls Sarah, TWO! Sarah drags Bayley by her ponytail and tags in Liv. Liv climbs up and Sarah feeds Bayley to the knees and bulldog! Cover, TWO! Liv grins as she stalks Bayley to the ropes. Fans rally as Liv hops on for a sleeper pulling Bayley back. Liv lets up but Ruby gets in a cheap shot. Liv adds her dropkick then high stacks, TWO! The Squad keeps their cool as they toy with Bayley. Liv drags Bayley back but Bayley kicks her. Sarah tags in and stomps Bayley out.
Sarah drags Bayley up in a cobra clutch, but fans rally. Bayley endures and sits up. She fights back but Sarah gives her a backbreaker and toss into buckles. Sarah stomps Bayley then whips her to a corner. Bayley hits buckles hard, and Sarah roars as she runs in. Bayley gives her snake eyes! Sarah grabs Bayley but Bayley evades to hot tag Natty! The Queen of Harts rallies and German Suplexes! Then the discus clothesline! Natty keeps going with a whip, but Sarah wheelbarrows. Natty powers through to facebuster! Cover, but Ruby breaks it! Ruby drags Sarah away but Bayeley knees her down! Liv still tags Sarah, and runs to headscissor Natty! Cover, but Nikki breaks it! Liv swings but Nikki screams at her. Liv turns around into the Sharpshooter! But Liv pushes away, Nikki tags in!
Natty picks Liv up, Nikki climbs, SUPER Hart Attack! Nikki thrashes Liv around, then sees Sarah coming. Nikki gives her a neckbreaker, Natty gives Ruby a German! Ruby and Sarah end up in the same corner, Nikki sandwiches them with a splash! Bulldog for Ruby! Natty whips Nikki back to monkey flip Sarah! Natty adds a basement dropkick, then Nikki DIVES onto Ruby and Liv from the apron! Fans fire up with the frenzied Nikki, but Liv kicks her back. Liv brings Nikki back to the ring, but Nikki blocks the kick. Liv goes Matrix to dodge Nikki’s clothesline, then rolls Nikki up! TWO, and Nikki tags Bayley. Nikki gives Liv a draping neckbreaker! Bayley climbs, Nikki positions Liv, Macho Elbow! Cover, Bayley and team wins!
Winner: Bayley, Natalya and Nikki Cross, Bayley pinning
The crazy Cross makes a successful Raw debut! Will Nikki stay red or go to SmackDown blue tomorrow? And what of the issues between Bayley, Natty and each of their best friends?
Dean Ambrose speaks.
“Right versus wrong.” Right: Ambrose, all the time about everything. Wrong: a Triple Threat match for the title! Wrong: Seth Rollins is one of those two men! Also wrong: Bobby Lashley being the other! And the most wrong: defending it here in Memphis. But the odds could be 50-50 or 33 and one third chance, Ambrose will still win because no one is taking his title. Right or wrong, will the “Moral Compass” still be champion?
Finn Balor heads to gorilla.
Who is that talking to Mickie James and Dana Brooke? Why it’s the Lady of NXT, Lacey Evans! The Model Soldier talks her fabulous wardrobe, but when will she bring her ring gear to Raw and SmackDown?
Jinder Mahal w/ Samir Singh VS Finn Balor!
The Modern Day Maharaja is down a Singh after what Braun Strowman did, but he will soldier on in his attempts to become champion. He wants to remove the Extraordinary Man from tonight’s Fatal 4 Way, but will that be easier said than done?
Raw returns as Finn makes his entrance, but he doesn’t get to finish it! Samir Singh anchors Finn’s foot on the top rope, and Mahal blasts Finn off it! Mahal goes after Finn on the outside as fans boo and jeer. Mahal throws Finn into the apron again and again, then into the barriers! The referee tells Mahal to back off, but Mahal says he’s going to the Rumble to face Brock. Mahal throws Finn into more barriers, then back into the apron. He puts Finn in the ring, and tells the ref to ring the bell. The ref checks on Finn first, and Finn wants this match to happen, too. The bell rings, Mahal runs in, and boots Finn down! Cover, TWO! Mahal is furious this match isn’t over already, but he drags Finn back up for haymakers. He adds clubbing crossfaces, then puts on a chinlock.
Finn endures as fans rally for him. He fights his way up but Mahal wrangles him back down. Mahal and Samir trash talk but Finn fights his way up again. Finn fights but Mahal knees low. Mahal whips but Finn reverses. Mahal sunset flips but Finn rolls through to dropkick! Finn grits his teeth while Mahal rolls away. He fetches Mahal but Mahal back suplexes him up! Finn fights out and swing kicks Mahal! Mahal falls to the floor and Finn aims from the apron. Finn kicks but Mahal blocks it to sweep the legs! The Maharaja has the odds in his favor while we go to break.
Raw returns as Mahal drops knees at the ropes! Mahal stops to grind his knee into Finn’s face, then backs off at 4. Finn gasps and sputters while Mahal uses Shanti to keep focus. Mahal stomps Finn then drags him up. He whips Finn corner to corner and Finn hits buckles hard. The ref checks on Finn but Finn refuses to quick. Mahal drives elbows into Finn’s forehead, then pulls him back in a partial camel clutch. Finn endures as Mahal shifts to a half nelson. Fans rally again and Finn fights his way up. Mahal lifts for a big back suplex but Finn makes it a crossbody! TWO, and Mahal gets the chinlock again. Finn endures all over again, but fans rally up again. Finn jawbreakers free, and then throws hands! Mahal shoves and they collide, PELE! Both men are down and fans rally up!
Samir coaches Mahal up as both he and Finn stand. Mahal runs but into Finn’s feet. Finn hits a big forearm smash! Finn whips but Mahal reverses, only for Finn to hit another forearm. He trips Mahal up and hits the double stomps! Fans fire up with Finn as he aims from the corner. Finn runs but Mahal denies the slingblade. Finn sees Samir get up so he dropkicks him down! Mahal kicks Finn but Finn back drops him out of the ring! Finn builds speed to FLY! Direct hit hit on Mahal and Samir! Finn flexes and roars as he puts Mahal back up and in. Fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” as Finn hits the slingblade! And the blasting dropkick! Mahal’s down while Finn climbs up, COP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall; stays in the #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way
The Extraordinary Man was truly extraordinary to survive this match! But he’s still banged up going into tonight’s match with Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre and John Cena. Will Finn be able to be even greater than extraordinary and punch his ticket to Phoenix?
Lio Rush speaks.
“In order to step up, you need to be willing to step on others.” Both he and Bobby Lashley understand that. They’ve suffered that, but now they’ll make others suffer. That includes Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins. Lashley is the man Raw needs as champion, because Lashley is a fighter. Lashley will become Intercontinental Champion whether fans like it or not. Ambrose and Rollins better come correct or not at all, because Lashley is here to dominate and collect. That triple threat for that title, is next!
WWE Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat: Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins VS Bobby Lashey w/ Lio Rush!
The Lunatic Fringe doesn’t like anything about this Triple Threat match, but he doesn’t have much of a choice. Will he be able to settle things with The Architect while also denying the Rocky Mountain Machine? Or will one of them end his reign to bring that title down the Road to Wrestlemania?
Raw returns as Lashley makes his entrance with Lio. Rollins has a quick backstage interview. Is this his last chance to win back the title? Maybe it is, but that’s life. You need to make the best out of opportunities, and Rollins vows to do that when he kicks Ambrose’s teeth down his throat. Rollins is still hurting from Ambrose’s horrifying betrayal on the night of Roman Reigns’ life altering announcement. Ambrose betrayed six years of friendship, and Rollins cannot forgive him. As for Lashley, he’s impressive and intimidating, but all that only gets you so far. What matters is what you do, and no one on this planet does what Rollins does. If this is his last chance, then Rollins will lay it all on the line to take that title back. Rollins makes his entrance, and Memphis is ready to #BurnItDown!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! The fans are on Rollins’ side as the three men circle. Ambrose tells Rollins that they can still work together against Lashley. Rollins seems to accept, but then he throws Ambrose at Lashley! Rollins didn’t fall for anything, and got Ambrose first! Lashley throws Ambrose out but Rollins throws hands and chops. Rollins whips but Lashley reverses, and things speed up. Rollins dropkicks Lashley out of the ring, then slingshots out! He takes Lashley out but Ambrose comes around. Rollins senses him coming and hits Ambrose first. Rollins puts Ambrose in, shoulder shim away, then leaps for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Lashley runs in but Rollins throws hands. Ambrose hits Rollins then grounds ‘n’ pounds. Lashley throws Ambrose off to rain down on Rollins.
Ambrose talks with Lashley, and now he talks an alliance between them. Lashley goes with it and puts Rollins in the corner hard. Ambrose throws haymakers then lets Lashley pick Rollins up. Lashley suplexes and floats over, ONE! Ambrose tells Lashley to take it slower, and they work together to mug Rollins. Lashley drags Rollins up for a neck wrench, then helps Ambrose mug Rollins again. Rollins gets to the apron but Ambrose drags him back in. Ambrose chokes Rollins on the ropes with Lashley’s help. Lashley holds Rollins for Ambrose to hit a forearm smash in the corner. Fans rally for Rollins while booing Lashley and Ambrose. Lashley puts Rollins in the corner to run and ram a shoulder in! Ambrose keeps on Rollins, then whips Lashley in. Rollins dodges and then rallies on both enemies! Rollins runs, but into a BIG spinebuster!
Ambrose shoves Lashley out and covers Rollins, but Rollins small packages! TWO, and Rollins clotheslines Ambrose out! Then he DIVES on both opponents! Rollins keeps going, but Lio Rush gets in! Rollins stops the kick to flip Lio. Lio dodges and the chase is on! Rollins runs into another spinebuster! Lashley catches Ambrose and throws him overhead! The former Shield brothers are down while we go to break.
Raw returns and Lashley has Rollins in a chinlock. Fans rally as Rollins endures. Ambrose returns but Lashley throws Rollins down to go after him. Ambrose gets away, and Lashley runs into Rollins’ boot. Lashley staggers into Ambrose’s clothesline! The former brothers use a familiar string of moves as Ambrose hits the sliding lariat and Rollins drops a knee! Ambrose drops the elbow, and even as enemies, they’re still in sync. They stomp away on Lashley a la The Shield! Rollins and Ambrose clothesline Lashley out of the ring, but they keep on him. They go to the steel steps and pull off the top. They aim at Lashley, and ram him with the steel! Lashley is down and Rollins returns to the ring. Ambrose and Rollins stare down, and the fight is own!
Rollins chops, Ambrose chops, repeat! Rollins gets an edge but Ambrose knees low. Ambrose runs but into Lashley’s roaring elbow! Rollins lifts Ambrose but Ambrose back drops out. Rollins sunset flips, TWO! Ambrose has the suplex, but Rollins reverses to a Falcon Arrow! Cover, but Lio breaks it on Lashley’s behalf! It’s legal because of No Disqualifications, but now Lio regrets getting everyone’s attention. The chase is on, again! Lio gets Rollins on the return, but Rollins grabs Lio. Ambrose runs in but only gets Lio! Rollins rolls Ambrose, TWO, SUPERKICK! Lashley clotheslines Rollins out! Cover on Ambrose, TWO!! Lashley is furious, but he refocuses from a corner. He aims at Ambrose, runs out, but into a kick! And an eye poke! Ambrose underhooks but Rollins springboards in!
Rollins goes after Lashley with the enziguri! Then he climbs up top. Frog Splash! But Ambrose throws Rollins out! Cover on Lashley, TWO!! Ambrose can’t believe it, but he’s not finished yet. Memphis admits “This is Awesome!” as Ambrose climbs up top. Ambrose aims but Rollins leaps up to join him! Lashley stands up and grabs Rollins! Electric chair leads to an unlikely Doomsday Device! But Rollins lands on his hands and knees to spring up and SUPERKICK Lashley! Mule kick for Ambrose, but Lio dumps Rollins out! SPEAR from Lashley to Ambrose! Cover, Lashley wins!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall;Â NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion
The Almighty Fighter finally has this title on his record! Lio helps Lashley celebrate, but he does share part in this victory. Will the Rocky Mountain Machine dominate even more as we roll down the Road to Wrestlemania?
Alexa Bliss’ assistant brings her her latte.
But she doesn’t respond right away, so he enters the dressing room. To find Alexa’s in the middle of changing!! She didn’t hear him at the door, and tells him to put the coffee on the table. He explains she’s up next then hurries out of the room. The second Moment of Bliss is up next, but will The Goddess be able to compose herself?
It’s time for a Moment of Bliss!
The Goddess welcomes Memphis to the second episode ever. And this past Christmas, Vince McMahon announced the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. But he didn’t tell us when and where. Bliss promises the inside information: Five weeks in Houston Texas, three teams from each brand, will compete in a Tag team Elimination Chamber Match! The surviving team will walk out the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Champions! And Alexa reveals the belts! Exciting, right? But that’s what Moment of Bliss does: make history!
Now to business. Welcome the special guest, the greatest manager in WWE history, who now introduces himself. “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman.” And yes, please welcome him, he’s very welcome in Memphis. Heyman congratulates Bliss on interviewing the Advocate for the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar.” Give him your best shots. Bliss says it’s a wild night. Bobby Lashley is the new Intercontinental Champion. And Heyman was to talk Lesnar VS Strowman, but Strowman’s out. Lesnar defends against a new contender. With all this chaos, what are Heyman’s emotions? Emotions play no part, but it’s strategy that “practically guarantees” that the Universal Champion will still be Brock Lesnar.
The four challengers could line up and be defeated individually or all at once. But why clear out the entire Heavyweight Division at once? There can only be one, but who will that one be? Will it be the great John Cena? Heyman must remind everyone that “The Foundation of Suplex City” was built on Mr. Hustle, Loyalty & Respect. Will it be the ruthless Drew McIntyre? Heyman would be a liar if he didn’t admit he’s had his eye on McIntyre since his return. We all should be watching McIntyre! That man is almost guaranteed to be a future Universal Champion, just not now. Or what about the conniving Baron Corbin? Heyman knows Corbin isn’t that popular right now, but admit it, he was almost permanent GM but-
Wait, who is that making his way out on stage? It’s Otis Dozovic of Heavy Machinery! “Hashaaa!” The Dozer is ready, but what is he doing here now? “Boom shaka loo, yeah~!” Otis, no, this is not a Moment of Dozer. But Dozer says he and Tucker are COMIN~! Tucker Knight comes out to fetch his overenthusiastic friend away form the “pretty lady”, this is not their time to debut, either. But anyway, that ends the Moment of Bliss. And now it’s time to see who exactly faces Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble! The main event is after the break!
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Baron Corbin VS Drew McIntyre VS Finn Balor VS John Cena!
The Lone Wolf, the Scottish Terminator, the Extraordinary Man and the Franchise Player all want their shot at the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Champion, but must prove themselves strong enough to make it through this match! Finn was roughed up by Jinder Mahal both before and during their “qualifying” match earlier tonight, but he still manages a smile as he enters. Will he be a factor in this match? Or will he fall to “all this beef”?
The bell rings and Corbin goes right at Finn! McIntyre goes at Cena and throws him out while Corbin puts Finn in a corner. Finn dodges and slips to the apron to kick Corbin back. Corbin’s down, Finn climbs, but Corbin grabs him first. Corbin brings Finn down for the choke slam backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Cena and McIntyre return, and Cena finds himself between a Terminator and a Lone Wolf while we go to break.
Raw returns and Cena throws hands with Corbin. Corbin knees low then runs in, but gets nothing but post! Corbin falls out of the ring but McIntyre returns to stalk Cena. McIntyre drags Cena up to throw at Finn, but Finn dodges. Cena hits the floor while Finn slingshots and sunset flips McIntyre. TWO, and McIntyre runs, but Finn throws him out. Finn wrecks McIntyre with a dropkick, but Corbin blasts Finn off the apron! Corbin runs but into Cena’s feet. Cena leaps for a tornado DDT! Cover, McIntyre breaks it! McIntyre grounds ‘n’ pounds Cena with heavy rights. McIntyre says “You Can’t Bloody See Me!” and laughs. He runs but Cena dodges to hit the shoulder tackles! Cena hits the spin-out bomb, then tells McIntyre “You Can’t See Me!” Five Knuckle Shuffle hits! Cena lifts McIntyre, Attitude Adjustment! Cover, but Corbin breaks it!
Everyone is down, but Corbin and Cena are in the ring. Corbin clubs away on Cena with shots to the lower back. But Cena goes to lift! Corbin slips out and suplexes back, but Finn comes in to help Cena double suplex Corbin! Cena decides to work with Finn to mug Corbin in a corner. They haul Corbin up top, then climb up together. They want to superplex but McIntyre comes in to add on, DOUBLE Super Powerbomb! Corbin drags McIntyre up but McIntyre hits back. McIntyre climbs now, but Corbin trips him up! Corbin throws hands and McIntyre is in the Tree of Woe! But McIntyre sits up to throw Corbin off! McIntyre takes aim, but we go to break!!
Raw returns one more time, and Finn is in the ring. He builds speed but runs into End of Days! Cover, but McIntyre breaks it! Corbin and McIntyre stare down, and the brawl is on! McIntyre shoves Corbin, Corbin slides out then in, but into the Glasgow Kiss! Cena climbs up top and leaps! But into a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! McIntyre can’t believe it! All four men are down from exhaustion but “This is Awesome!” Cena and McIntyre stir, then Corbin and Finn follow. McIntyre and Corbin crawl with Cena and Finn. Corbin stomps away on Finn while McIntyre stomps Cena down. Fans boo and jeer as McIntyre stomps Cena’s hands. Corbin drags Finn up for haymakers, then McIntyre does the same. But Cena and Finn fight back! They go back and forth and pick up speed. McIntyre runs but is dumped out, Finn slingblades Corbin!
Cena lifts Finn, but Finn slips out. Finn boots Cena down then climbs up! But Cena stops Finn with fists! Cena climbs up to join Finn, and fireman’s carry. Finn fights back, but Cena keeps going. Cena hits a SUPER AA!! But Corbin throws Cena out to cover Finn! TWO!! Fans rally for Finn while Corbin is frustrated. Corbin gets up and goes outside to fetch a chair. This is No Disqualifications, after all. Corbin jabs and SMACKS Cena! He SMACKS McIntyre, then jabs him while he’s down. Corbin goes back to Finn in the ring, and grins as he looms over Finn. Corbin waits for Finn to sit up, before he SMACKS Finn back down! And SMACKS him again! Cover, but Cena breaks it!
Cena goes after Corbin but Corbin punches back. Corbin picks up the chair again, aiming for Cena. Cena dodges, lifts, AA!! CLAYMORE fro M McIntyre! Finn runs, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cena’s down, Finn climbs! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, FINN WINS!!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall; will face Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble for the Universal Championship
Extraordinary is now an understatement! Finn Balor wins two matches in one night, and now has new life in the title hunt! Cena tells Finn that you fight to earn respect. Vince didn’t believe in Finn, but Finn said the fans did. “For what it’s worth, you’ve got one more person that believes in you.” Cena hopes Finn gives Lesnar Hell at the Rumble, and then raises his hand in victory. Will the endorsement of an all-time great give Finn the momentum to be greater than extraordinary against The Beast?
My Thoughts:
What an interesting episode for Raw. Vince arrives but mostly to shake up the hyped up Lesnar VS Strowman rematch. We’re not getting that match any more, but I hope that means Strowman can enter the Royal Rumble match and earn his opportunity that way. Sasha & Rousey VS Nia & Tamina was a decent tag team match, and we should’ve expected Ronda and Sasha to start losing that friendly attitude. All of Ronda’s friendly rivalries, outside of Natty’s, turns sour so this is just natural. And it continues to plug the possibilities that Ronda will finish up with the NXT Four Horsewomen and go into Horsewomen VS Horsewomen.
I wasn’t surprised to see Bayley and Natty arguing, that’s natural progression, too. I wasn’t surprised to see The Riott Squad to get at them. But I was surprised to see the third partner wasn’t Ember Moon! Nikki Cross makes her Raw in-ring debut and it was great! She got a much better Raw appearance than Lacey Evans and her cameo, or EC3 in that backstage segment. For that matter, that backstage segment was wasted being picture-in-picture with The Revival VS Lucha House Party. While it was hard to pay attention to that tag match, it was clear Dash, Dawson, Kalisto and Metalik were doing well. Revival wins by cheating, but that’s fine, they’re the Heels. I’m thinking they’ll cheat their way back to the tag titles, and maybe even cheat to finally win them, which will actually be great for them anyway.
But then, things got really good with the latter half of the show. The Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat was great, and I’m actually happy to see Lashley gets the title. Rollins and Ambrose never really needed that title for their feud, so it’s good to get it out of the way. Lashley can take that title with him against all sorts of Faces. Lashley VS Apollo or Lashley VS EC3 would be a lot of fun. Moment of Bliss was great with Heyman’s promos and the reveal of those amazing looking Women’s Tag Titles. Heavy Machinery’s cameo was pretty funny, too. The Women’s Tag Elimination Chamber match will be great, and I think we can all predict Sasha losing at the Rumble to fall back to this match with Bayley. And given that, they might not even win, and it’ll be The IIconics or Riott Squad winning instead.
Then the story of Strowman’s replacement was pretty well done. McIntyre stands tall after that brawl, but clearly Cena VS McIntyre is the story coming out of this. Mahal VS Finn was good, because of Finn toughing it out to win. And then I was shocked but excited to see Finn wins it all! Cena giving him props is also great, and brings Cena kinda full circle in his career from when he got the nod from American Badass Undertaker. I have no idea if Finn wins at Royal Rumble, but he better show up as Demon Balor to make a strong showing plausible. And if Finn does somehow win, I feel like Chase Field will explode, the internet will be broken, and I myself might truly, truly mark out. The Fresh Start is not real until Lesnar loses that title, and the sooner the better.
My Score: 8.5/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will the landscape change again?
Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; wins and
- NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; wins and
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXTÂ and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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