Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (1/28/19)
It’s the Raw After Rumble, and Seth Rollins is heading to Wrestlemania! Will the Architect switch sides? Or will he stay red to go after The Beast?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Nia Jax & Tamina VS Alexa Bliss & Mickie James; Nia & Tamina win and enter the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match.
- Kurt Angle VS Baron Corbin; Corbin wins.
- The Revival VS Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins; The Revival wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: The Riott Squad VS Dana Brooke & Natalya; The Riott Squad wins and enter the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match.
- Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Ronda Rousey VS ???; Rousey wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre; Strowman wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw is Monday Night Rollins!
And Phoenix is ready to “Burn It Down!” with the winner of the 2019 Men’s Royal Rumble all over again! Rollins is fired up, too, because last week he talked about the 30 men going into that match and laying it all on the line. He said the reason he’d survive is because of heart. Rollins gets to say that he won the Rumble, and Seth Freakin’ Rollins is going to Wrestlmania! Fans say “You Deserve It!” And Rollins promised that he wasn’t going to do this no matter what, but now that he’s said it, he’s going to point at the sign! Some kids grow up wanting to be astronauts or football players, but all Rollins has ever wanted was to point at that sign. Winning the Rumble isn’t the end but the beginning of his journey, because now he has a choice to make.
Rollins could go to SmackDown for the WWE Championship, against an old friend in Daniel Bryan. Or he could stay on Raw and go to Suplex City to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. Fans chant “Take His Belt!” while Rollins says he’s going to take time to think on this. But wait! Here comes Triple H! The Game walks out to the ring and fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” HHH is glad Rollins got to live a dream and point at the sign. He would’ve been disappointed if Rollins didn’t. At the end of 2018, HHH challenged to bring back that Seth Rollins. HHH knows that same dream. Rollins is getting HHH emotional right now. HHH had that same dream, it’s Rollins’ dream and it’s why HHH wanted Rollins to step up. Rollins did, and HHH is proud of him.
The Royal Rumble is meant to test the limits of every star and push them beyond their own expectations, until there is only one. And now we know who that one is: Seth Freakin’ Rollins! And now comes the decision. Becky Lynch has this same decision to make after winning the Women’s Rumble, but she’ll do that on SmackDown. Rollins needs to make his here on Raw. HHH knows Rollins knows how fast this machine moves. And this machine is moving. HHH wants to know, he needs to know. Rollins has until the end of the show, because Daniel Bryan and Brock Lesnar are going to arrive. And HHH wants to know whose ass Rollins will kick at Wrestlemania. Rollins hears the fans chant “Slay The Beast!” and Rollins says he still wants some time, but here comes Dean Ambrose!
The Lunatic Fringe is sickened by this father-son thing! HHH didn’t believe Rollins was “the guy” back in the day. Ambrose always believed! And they came up together and went to takeover, but HHH stood in their way. Oh wow, Ambrose is going to use the brother card after stabbing Rollins in the back? Sorry, this conversation doesn’t concern you, HHH. Everything in the ring concerns him. Ambrose wants everyone to see what’s going on. HHH is a suck-up and Rollins is a kiss-ass! But go ahead, beat Lesnar or Bryan. Because Ambrose has always been able to beat Rollins. “So what about it, chuckles?” HHH should make a match, Ambrose VS Rollins. Fans wouldn’t mind seeing that, but HHH leaves without a word. Does HHH need a permission from his father-in-law? Fans chant “Yes He Does!” HHH calls for a referee. The Shield brothers do battle, after the break!
Dean Ambrose VS Seth Rollins!
Raw returns as the bell rings, and Rollins goes right at Ambrose! He throws hands and CHOPS all around, then stomps away in a corner. The referee backs Rollins off but Rollins goes right back for more. Rollins whips and runs Ambrose over, then snapmares him for a Penalty Kick! Rollins drops a knee and Ambrose rolls away. Ambrose checks his face but gets wrecked by a dropkick! Rollins keeps on Ambrose by throwing him into other barriers! Rollins CHOPS but Ambrose CHOPS, so Rollins CHOPS back! They go around as the ring count rises. Rollins refreshes the count and returns to Ambrose, only to get dumped into the front row! Rollins hits Ambrose away then leaps for a lariat! Fans fire up with Rollins as he stands tall.
Rollins puts Ambrose back in the ring then springboards, but into a kick! Ambrose throws Rollins by his hair, then grimaces as he rains rights down. Ambrose stomps a mudhole into Rollins but the ref backs him off. Fans boo as Ambrose seethes. Rollins gets up to SUPERKICK Ambrose! Fans fire up again and chant “Burn It Down!” as Rollins stomps. Rollins aims to mule kick, but Ambrose bails out before the stomp. Ambrose shoulders in but Rollins kicks him. Rollins slingshots for the sunset flip but Ambrose fights back. Ambrose throws Rollins into the post! Ambrose drags Rollins up and throws him into another post! Rollins gets back in and Ambrose covers, TWO! Ambrose keeps his focus as he puts on an STF! Rollins endures as fans build to a rally.
Ambrose taunts Rollins as he wrenches, but Rollins frees his leg. Rollins stands and throws hands, then CHOPS again. Rollins whips but Ambrose reverses to kitchen sink knee. Cover, ONE, and Ambrose starts taunting Rollins again. Ambrose drags Rollins up and whips, but Rollins boots back. Rollins dumps Ambrose out then builds speed, but runs into a right hand! Ambrose hurries back in, denies the slingblade and chicken wings for the facebuster! Cover, TWO!! Rollins lives and Ambrose is frustrated, but we go to break.
Raw returns and Ambrose clubs away on Rollins on the top rope. Ambrose claims he’s going to Wrestlemania but Rollins shoves him away. Ambrose comes back to hit Rollins again, then underhooks Rollins’ arms! Rollins fights free and headbutts Ambrose down. Rollins adjusts and hits a BIG crossbody! He bounces off the cover! Rollins grits his teeth while he and Ambrose slowly stand. Fans rally up as Rollins CHOPS Ambrose. Ambrose CHOPS back and we have another chop fight! Rollins ducks to chop and forearm, then runs to slingblade Ambrose down! Ambrose bails out but Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit sends Ambrose into barriers! Rollins put Ambrose back in, clotheslines him back out, then DIVES again! Fans fire up as Rollins puts Ambrose in again.
Rollins suplexes, but Ambrose slips out. Rollins elbows and PELES! Ambrose tumbles out, but Rollins just builds speed again. Rollins DIVES and hits the hat trick! Phoenix cheers as Rollins puts Ambrose in again. Rollins climbs, leaps, Frog Splash FLOPS! Ambrose La Mahistrols! TWO!! Rollins survives but Ambrose is too sore to be upset. Ambrose and Rollins slowly stand as fans build to another rally. Rollins grabs Ambrose but Ambrose kicks back. Rollins denies Dirty Deeds to hit the Revolution Knee! And Buckle Bomb! SUPERKICK! “Burn It Down!” with the Curb Stomp!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Architect proves he can defeat the Lunatic! But who will Rollins choose to face at Wrestlemania? And will he prove he can beat them, too?
Dean Ambrose is still in the ring.
Because he has something serious he wants to tell to the fans. When he signed- Nia Jax interrupts! And she’s got her cousin and tag partner, Tamina! The Samoan Dynasty has a chance to enter the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber, but that match is up next. Nia and Tamina stare Ambrose down in the ring, and we saw at the Royal Rumble that Nia isn’t afraid to step to male superstars after she invaded the Men’s Rumble. Tamina gets Ambrose’s attention and Nia sucker punches him! Referees back Ambrose down but fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Ambrose backs down, and the team of Alexa Bliss and Mickie James arrives!
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Nia Jax & Tamina VS Alexa Bliss & Mickie James!
The Samoan Dynasty faces the Goddess and her bestie in a match headed for history! Alexa and Mickie are logically the best choices for those titles. Alexa has wanted those titles since the moment she revealed them. Titles on any other team is like putting lipstick on a pig, as Mickie says. But these teams still have to earn their spot in history, who takes the first tonight?
The teams sort out and Tamina starts against Alexa. Alexa shoves Tamina but it does nothing. She shoves harder, then ducks a slap to give a slap! But Tamina shakes that off, and shoves Alexa down! Alexa keeps her cool but then runs right into a right hand! Tamina whips Alexa and hip tosses but Alexa rolls through to a cover, ONE, Insult2Injury! Cover, TWO! Alexa goes after Tamina but Tamina scoops her. Nia tags but Alexa slips away, only to get squashed in the corner! Mickie gets blasted off, too, and Nia is all smiles as we go to break.
Raw returns as Alexa gives Tamina more Insult2Injury, but she misses the last part. Tamina gets up to SUPERKICK Alexa! Cover, TWO! Tamina rains down rights on Alexa then drags her up into a chinlock. Tamina thrashes Alexa around but she endures as fans rally up. Alexa fights her way up and pulls hair. Tamina throws body shots and puts Alexa in a corner. Alexa elbows Tamina away, then goes up and sunset flips, TWO! Tamina clubs Alexa back down then drags her back up. Tag to Nia, and Nia headbutts Alexa down. Alexa scrambles away but Nia mocks her as she chokes her against ropes. Nia lets up at 4 then soaks up the heat, before hitting Alexa with a hip attack! Nia grinds her hind quarters in, then yanks Alexa up to drop her down. She toys with Alexa before putting on a seated cobra clutch.
Fans rally up as Alexa endures the thrashing. Fans also taunt Nia with “RKO!” given how Randy Orton helped take Nia out. Nia throws Alexa to her corner and tags in Tamina. Tamina drags Alexa up for another headbutt. Alexa crawls away but manages to boot Tamina back. She goes up and over, Sunset Flip Powerbomb! Cover, TWO! Alexa and Tamina crawl, fans rally up, but Tamina yanks Alexa away. Tamina swipes at Mickie then goes after Alexa. She scoops but Alexa slips out to grab hair! Tamina breaks free but Alexa dodges, hot tag to Mickie! Mickie kicks Tamina then hits a seated senton! Mickie rallies with forearms but Tamina shoves her. Tamina runs into a back elbow, then walks into the Mickanrana! Mickie aims, ducks, and hits a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!
Mickie keeps on Tamina, dodges a kick to give the Mick Kick! Nia tags in and catches Mickie. She puts her in a corner but misses. Mickie kicks more, and wants her Mick DDT, but Nia shoves her away! Nia scoops Mickie to the fireman’s carry but Alexa’s up top. But then Alexa reconsiders, until Nia scoops her, too! She does some squats before a DOUBLE Samoan Drop! Nia covers, Nia & Tamina win!
Winners: Nia Jax & Tamina, Nia pinning; qualifies for the Eliminatino Chamber Tag Match
The Samoan Dynasty looks to add more gold to the collection! Will Nia and Tamina be too irresistible for the rest of the competition?
Backstage interview with Kurt Angle.
Why did he ask for a match with Baron Corbin? Because being Raw GM was one of the best times of his career. And if it wasn’t for Baron Corbin manipulating things, Angle might still be GM. Angle and Corbin were meant to face off before and Angle got Drew McIntyre instead. McIntyre basically humiliated Angle, and Angle hasn’t been back since. Is he worried that will happen again against Corbin? Angle took a long time to get over that defeat, but he isn’t over losing his job to Corbin. The only one who should worry is Corbin. Oh it’s true, it’s DAMN true! And that match is next!
Kurt Angle VS Baron Corbin!
The Olympic Gold Medalist wants revenge on the Lone Wolf for taking his position as Raw GM, but will he get it?
Raw returns as Kurt Angle makes his entrance and fans give him a standing ovation of “You Suck!” Corbin mocks how exciting this is. Angle is one of the greatest of all time, back in the day. Corbin knows angle believes he has one more great run, one more great match, left in him. The fans make him believe that, but it’s not true. No one is going to be there for Angle when Corbin hurts and humiliates- Angle hits Corbin! The ref rings the bell and Angle fires off more! Angle has Corbin reeling, then throw shim with a German Suplex! Corbin knees low then whips, but Angle reverses. Corbin slides out then in to clobber Angle! Cover, ONE, and Corbin can’t believe it!
Corbin goes after Angle on the ropes with heavy hands and feet. He backs off at 4, then has Angle in a corner. Corbin brings him out for knees and elbows, then stomps. Corbin throws hands on Angle, grinning between each one. Fans boo and jeer but Corbin soaks it up. Corbin sits Angle up for elbows and a half nelson. Angle endures as fans rally up. Angle feeds off the energy but Corbin knees low. Corbin whips Angle into a corner, but runs into an elbow! Angle boots Corbin away, then dodges him. Corbin hits the post! Angle gets Corbin in another German, then holds on for a second. He gives Corbin the third German! Cover, TWO! Corbin slowly stirs but Angle is on him with the Angle Slam. Corbin slips out and boots Angle down! Cover, TWO!!
Corbin mockingly applauds Angle’s resilience, then mocks Angle. Angle SLAPS and then SLAMS Corbin! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Angle keeps his focus. Angle brings the straps down and fires up, ANKLE LOCK! Corbin endures, reaches, but rolls and shoves Angle away. Angle runs into Deep Six! Cover, Corbin wins!!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall
The Lone Wolf shocks everyone by winning! But Corbin isn’t done with Angle, he goes back to hit End of Days! Corbin laughs even as he limps on a bad leg, but will he have the last laugh on this Road to Wrestlemania?
Finn Balor heads to the ring!
The Extraordinary Man went toe to toe with The Beast just last night, but not even his fast and furious attack could stop Brock Lesnar. However, Finn is here despite being worse for wear to speak. Fans chant “Too Sweet! Woop Woop!” for him, and he says that last night, for ten minutes, he went head to head with Lesnar. He will make no excuses, Lesnar beat him. And then Lesnar went and beat Finn up after. Finn never felt speed or power like Lesnar, and certainly not combined. Finn’s hurt right now. But not with his head held low. Finn’s here with his head held high, because Lesnar may have beat Finn and then beat Finn down, but it was because Lesnar now believes! But wait, here comes Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush!
The Rocky Mountain Machine is in a bad mood after Seth Rollins eliminated him in only 12 seconds. But even so, Lashley is still WWE Intercontinental Champion, and both he and the Man of the Hour join Finn in the ring. Lio takes up the mic for Lashley to say “it’s a disgrace that a twerp like you even got an opportunity at the Universal Championship.” We all know Finn almost won, but Finn wouldn’t stand a chance of beating Lashley. Lashley is bigger, faster, stronger than Lesnar will ever be! And that ass whooping from Lesnar will not compare to what Lashley would do. Finn still lasted longer than Lashley did in the Rumble.
Lashley kicks Finn down! And then hauls him up to whip him and SLAM him! Lashley lifts Finn for another spinebuster, but he’s not done there. He drags Finn up for a third spinebuster! The All Mighty Lashley and Lio Rush leave Finn down and out, but will they regret messing with the Extraordinary Man?
The Revival VS Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins!
Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson wanted another shot at the Raw Tag Team Championships, and they roped Mr. Losing Streak in to be their unbiased referee. However, what they really wanted was someone who would ignore their cheating ways. That didn’t happen, and after losing the match, the #TopGuys bullied Hawkins. But in stepped Long Island Iced Z to save his old friend! Now the Edgeheads are reunited, but will it feel good? Or will Dash & Dawson #SayYeah to a much needed win of their won?
The teams sort out and Hawkins starts against Dash. They brawl and Hawkins puts Dash in the corner. Tag to Ryder and Ryder whips Hawkins in for a clothesline. Hawkins feeds Dash to Ryder for a flapjack! Dawson runs in but gets hands! Ryder clotheslines Dawson out and fans fire up. Hawkins whips Ryder and Ryder wrecks the Revival with a dropkick! Ryder puts Dash back in but brawls with Dawson. Dash gets Ryder on the return, and tags in Dawson. The Revival give Ryder the dropkick suplex combo! Cover, TWO! Dawson keeps on Ryder with leg and elbow drops, and even a falling headbutt. He back suplexes Ryder down then tags Dash back in. Dawson helps Dash with the leg drop, Dash covers, TWO!
Dash keeps on Ryder with a chinbar but fans rally up. Ryder gets up and fights back but Dash knees him low. Dash suplexes but Ryder counters to a neckbreaker! Both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Dawson and Hawkins! Hawkins rallies with haymakers! Hawkins whips but Dawson reverses, only for Hawkins to dropkick him back! Dropkick for Dash, too! Enziguri for Dawson! Fans fire up behind Hawkins as he whips Dawson. Dawson reverses and clobbers him with a clothesline! Dawson hits Ryder for good measure but gets caught into a cradle! TWO!! Hawkins rolls Dawson but Dash tags in, SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, The Revival wins!
Winners: The Revival, Dash Wilder pinning
The #TopGuys get that win, but Ryder tries to keep his friend confident. Will Dash & Dawson get another fair and square chance at the tag titles? Will Ryder & Hawkins finally get themselves something good?
Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan.
Considering Big Red got involved to help the Planet’s Champion stay the world champion, does Bryan feel he can defeat Seth Rollins? Bryan can’t believe Charly is asking that. Bryan would’ve won no matter what happened. As for Rollins, who celebrates air pollution with his “Burn It Down” catchphrase, here’s what happens if he chooses Bryan. Bryan won’t wait until Wrestlemania, because they- Er, Bryan will end Rollins’ Wrestlemania hopes tonight. Bryan and his muscle head out, but are they on Rollins’ radar?
WWE teams up with UNICEF in celebrating Kid Power!
Help along by joining at UNICEF Kid Power’s website, and by spreading awareness of both healthy food and exercise.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter returns to Phoenix after opening the Men’s Rumble match, and has a brand new guitar to play after smashing his other one on Jeff Jarrett. But as always, he asks “Who Wants to Walk With Elias!?” Phoenix still does, and sings so. Elias is intrigued, because he’s been testing us. He gave us all a chance but we let him down. The WWE Universe needs to be better. By the time Elias strums and we know it’s him, we should be giving him a standing ovation. There should be wild cheers and signs held up all over the world! Fans do admit to that. Being in the presence of Elias means being in the presence of greatness. “But it’s too late.”
Fans say “We’re Not Worthy!” And Elias says they’re right! To think he wrote songs for them. But not anymore. No, Elias’ songs are for him alone now. And he’s got a good one right now. So please silence phones, hold applause, and shut mouths because- Jeff Jarrett returns!? And he’s got a guitar of his own this time. Double J says “Listen up, Slap Nuts!” If Elias thinks he can get away with cracking Jarrett with a guitar just to have a concert for himself, don’t you worry about the people. He has a problem with Jarrett now! J E Double F, J A Double R E Double T is here, but oh you didn’t know?! It’s the Roadie, Road Dogg himself!
Dogg asks Elias that if he’s not performing for the fans, but just for himself, then do us a favor and play with yourself somewhere else. And one more thing, “If you’re not down with that, we’ve got two words for ya: SUCK IT!” Fans lose their mind and Dogg apologizes. But Jarrett and Roadie are gonna sing for the fans! Hit the music! Roadie gets commentary in on singing the theme song as they head down the ramp. Elias takes matters into his own hands and SMACKS Road Dogg! Jarrett goes after Elias now, but Elias gets the upper hand. Elias drags Jarrett up but Jarrett throws counter punches! Jarrett rocks Elias with haymakers then whips, but Elias reverses, only for Jarrett to come back with an uppercut!
Phoenix fires up for Double J as he goes for his guitar! Jarrett aims, but Elias hits back! Elias snags the guitar to SMASH Jarrett! Fans boo and jeer but Elias doesn’t care about anyone but himself. Will the Drifter be the curtain call for Jarrett’s return?
Natalya and Dana Brooke meet backstage.
Dana knows she’s not Natty’s first choice, but Ember Moon got hurt so it’s on to Plan B. Dana vows to hold up her end. She’s just as good, right? Natty says it isn’t that, it’s about trying your hardest. Dana’s better than Ember, and maybe better than Natty. So are they going or what? Clearly there’s tension, but can that help Natty and Dana be a better team than the Riott Squad tonight?
Mojo Rawley speaks.
“This is your fault that this has happened.” He has no one to blame but them. If they weren’t so accepting, he wouldn’t be in this mess! Mojo is the greatest combination of size, strength, speed and intelligence, but he’s a nobody because of “you!” He’s talking to himself?! Mojo ends this now! “Soon, everyone will see who I really am.” What is going on in the mind of the Hype Bro?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: The Riott Squad VS Dana Brooke & Natalya!
The Juvenile Delinquent and Kentucky Viking want to bring the Riott to the Chamber, but they’ll be going against the very skilled Queen of Harts, and highly self-touted Total Package. Who joins the Samoan Dynasty in the historic tag team championship chamber match?
The teams sort out and Natty starts with Sarah. Natty gets Sarah in a snap suplex right away! And then another! She drags Sarah over and Dana tags in. Dana and Natty work together to double snap suplex Sarah down! Sarah shoves Dana away and tags in Liv. Dana enziguris Liv down and out. She goes to fetch Liv, and shows off her agility as she dodges a sweep from the apron. Dana blasts Liv into the LED board! Ruby checks on Liv and gets her back tot he Squad’s territory. Dana and Natty talk strategy while Sarah tags in. Dana’s ready and rocks Sarah with a right. Sarah whips Dana hard into buckles! Sarah blasts Natty now, then drags Dana over. She rolls Dana with a wheelbarrow then tags in Liv. Liv climbs and adds a bulldog to the wheelbarrow! Cover, but Natty breaks it!
The Squad is furious and they take it out on Dana. Liv toys with Dana but Dana shoves back, only to get an enziguri from Liv! Tag to Natty! Natty rallies on Liv and Sarah! Discus folds Liv, Natty whips. Liv reverses but Natty dodges. Natty gives Liv the atomic drop to the mat, then walks all over her. Ruby swipes at Liv and Liv rolls Natty! TWO, to Sharpshooter! Natty has it in but Ruby gets on the apron. Dana hits Ruby away, but Sarah pushes Dana into Natty! Liv rolls Natty, the Squad wins!
Winners: The Riott Squad, Liv Morgan pinning; qualifies for the Elimination Chamber Tag Match
Dana and Natty were not on the same page, but they were also outnumbered. However, numbers won’t matter for The Squad, only number of entry. Will Liv & Sarah be able to survive five other teams to make history?
Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Ronda Rousey VS ???
The Baddest Woman had quite the challenge in the Legit Boss, Sasha Banks, but the baddest is still the champion. And as fans cheer for “Becky! Becky!” who won the Women’s Rumble, Ronda says that “If you can’t dream big and ridiculous dreams, what’s the point of dreaming at all?” Ronda stepped into the ring last year at the end of the inaugural Women’s Rumble. She dreamed big, and a year later, she is THE Raw Women’s Champion. Sasha gave Ronda the fight of her life, with the passion and desire like Ronda had never seen. Ronda thanks Sasha for that. But on to what’s next: Wrestlemania. Becky Lynch is definitely watching. Becky has a choice to make about who to face. But as always, Ronda is willing to defend any time, anywhere, and answering the call is Bayley!
The Huggable One knows she’s not Becky, but she is part of the Boss & Hug connection. Sasha gave Ronda the match of her career, and Ronda wants another? Well Bayley wants that fight, too! Let’s have that match here tonight in Phoenix! Ronda’s game, will Bayley be the WWE Horsewoman that gets the job done?
Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Ronda and Bayley circle, and Ronda gets Bayley down quick! Ronda wants the armbar but Bayley gets to the ropes. The ref has Ronda back away, and the two circle again. Bayley gets around and clubs Ronda’s bad arm! She whips Ronda out of the ring and then pursues to put her on the apron. Bayley throws body shots then wants the hotshot, but Ronda gets Bayley’s arm! Ronda has a hanging armbar! She lets go at 4, but fans boo as Bayley clutches her arm. Ronda gets back in, but Bayley hotshots her! Cover, TWO!
Bayley keeps on Ronda with a whip to a corner. Ronda goes up but Bayley knows she’d do it, and Ronda’s arm gives out. Bayley gets Ronda with a chopblock! Now Ronda has a bad arm and a leg as Bayley kicks her in the corner. Fans sing for Bayley as she puts Ronda back on the apron. Bayley dragon screws Ronda’s leg through the ropes! Ronda drops and Bayley fires up while we go to break.
Raw returns as Bayley goes after Ronda’s leg. Bayley drops elbows on the knee and fans duel as she wrenches the knee. Ronda endures as Bayley twists. Ronda sits up and wants a sleeper but Bayley fights her off. Bayley stomps the leg more then stalks Ronda to the ropes. Bayley puts Ronda in a corner and throws body shots. She backs away to run back in, but gets an elbow. Bayley still gets up to snapmare Ronda to a cover, TWO! Fans still sing for Bayley as she drags Ronda up for forearms. Bayley powers Ronda to a corner for shoulders to the ribs, then she rolls back, only for Ronda to tackle her! Ronda can’t capitalize because of the bad arm and leg, so Bayley whips, Ronda comes back to tackle Bayley again!
Ronda grabs Bayley to throw her around! She gets a couple but then her bad leg gives out! Bayley brings Ronda up but Ronda kicks her with the good leg. Ronda eggs Bayley on and throws punches with her good hand. She throws Bayley again, and hits the SUPERWOMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Both women are down but fans rally up. Ronda drags Bayley up for big knees, then a shove, but her boot gets caught into a kneebar!! Bayley has Ronda’s bad leg but Ronda spins and slips around to her own hold. Both women roll to ropes and to the floor! The ref starts a count while both women slowly stir. Bayley and Ronda stand and Bayley throws Ronda into barriers! But things need to get back in the ring! Both women stir again while we go to break.
Raw returns and Bayley climbs up top. Ronda scrambles over but Bayley jumps over. Bayley eggs Ronda on, and tackles her back into the corner for shoulders. Bayley brings Ronda to ropes and dumps her back out. Fans fire up as Bayley goes out and dives through the corner! Ronda’s down but Bayley puts her back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Ronda narrowly gets out but Bayley heads back up top. Macho Elbow!! And then a Bank Statement crossface!! Bayley shouts out Sasha as she pulls Ronda back! Ronda holds on, drags her way over, and gets a ropebreak! Bayley lets go at 4, and puts Ronda in a corner. She hauls Ronda up top, but Ronda slips out and throws hands! Ronda climbs but her legs give out! But she comes back for a SUPER takedown, into the ARMBAR!! Bayley taps, Ronda wins!!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission;Â still Raw Women’s Champion
The Rowdy One manages to hold on so soon after a powerful match against The Boss. Ronda shows Bayley respect the same way she did Sasha last night, and Bayley accepts the handshake. But here comes Becky!! The Man has everyone on their feet, even as she lips out with a bad leg of her own. Becky joins Ronda in the ring and picks up a mic!
“Look at this. The Man is back on Raw.” And Becky told Ronnie she’d find a way back. For about a year now, there’s been talk about the Baddest Woman on the Planet, but Becky dropped Ronda in the ring. And yet Ronda didn’t come looking for Becky. Becky’s come looking for Ronda to prove she’s not the baddest. Fans are definitely on Becky’s side as Becky reminds Ronda who won the Women’s Rumble. Unlike Rollins, she doesn’t need much time to think. She chooses Ronda. Fans LOVE this idea! At Wrestlemania, Becky vows to break the Rowdy mystique, take that title, and kick Ronda’s ass in front of the whole world.
Fans chant along, “Kick her Ass!” but Ronda gets a mic again. Ronda wants the world to hear this. How’s the leg? Because unlike Becky, Ronda wants to fight the best. She wants to beat the best version of Becky there is. And to be completely honest, everyone knows that Ronda could re-break Becky’s face faster than you can say “Nia Jax”. And everyone knows that Ronda could kill with her bare hands without breaking a sweat. The only thing stopping her is her decision not to.
But turns out they’re the same age. That means while Becky was still training, Ronda was main eventing a sport where women weren’t even wanted. Becky was in the kickoff show while Ronda was on THE show! Ronda’s been a household name for a decade! She owns the ring she steps into and she’ll own Becky at Mania! Ronda doesn’t drop the mic, she throws it down! The gauntlet has also been thrown, who wins when the Baddest Woman and The Man collide?!
Braun Strowman finds Seth Rollins.
The Monster Among Men says Rollins earned his win, so he shakes his hand. Now go make the right choice, and make it count at Wrestlemania. Which championship does Strowman mean? And will Rollins choose right?
Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre!
The Monster Among Men and the Scottish Terminator were allies only long enough to break The Shield apart. Then McIntyre became one of Baron Corbin’s allies in his crusade of becoming permanent Raw GM, and would help in injuring Strowman’s elbow before TLC. But now Strowman is 100% and ready for revenge! Will McIntyre #GetTheseHands? Or will he prove he’s the King of the Jungle?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Strowman pushes McIntyre away then roars. They go again and McIntyre gets a headlock. Strowman powers out and they collide, but Strowman just brushes it off. McIntyre kicks and chops but Strowman throws him to a corner. McIntyre boots Strowman again, then chops and whips. Strowman reverses but McIntyre kicks back. McIntyre throws hands but runs into a BIG shoulder from Strowman! Strowman kicks McIntyre out of the ring! Strowman then goes out to run, but McIntyre dropkicks his legs out! The Monster hits barriers and McIntyre catches his breath while we go to break.
Raw returns and McIntyre has a sleeper hold on Strowman. Fans rally and Strowman feeds off the energy to get up and drop McIntyre with a sidewalk slam! Strowman and McIntyre slowly stand and Strowman rocks McIntyre with a right! McIntyre gets to a corner but Strowman squashes him with a splash! Strowman clubs McIntyre down, then clotheslines him out! Strowman goes back out to pursue McIntyre, he scoops but McIntyre slips out to shove him into a post! McIntyre climbs up and in but Strowman grabs his foot. McIntyre kicks Strwoman but Strowman throws him to the floor! Strowman grimaces as he looms over McIntyre. He picks up the steel steps! Strowman lifts but Baron Corbin attacks!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by disqualification
The Lone Wolf throws Strowman into the post as revenge for the things Strowman has done to him! Corbin uses a steel chair to SMACK Strowman’s back! But then Strowman punches the chair out of Corbin’s hand! And then he throws Corbin into barriers! Strowman throws Corbin into the other steel steps! Fans chant “Get These Hands!” as Strowman goes around the corner to run McIntyre over! Then he keeps going to run Corbin over! Fans want another lap but Strowman picks up the base steps first. Strowman drags those over, then picks Corbin up. He brings Corbin over by his dress shirt to bounce his face off the steps. Then again! But McIntyre returns to BOOT Strowman down!
McIntyre and Corbin retreat but Strowman gets up. McIntyre and Corbin go back to finish him with a rain of rights. They haul Strowman up and double choke slam Strowman on the steps! Fans boo and jeer but McIntyre and Corbin mock the Strowman roar. Are they incurring the wrath of the Monster? Or will they leave him behind on the Road to Wrestlemania?
Seth- Er, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman head to the ring!
The Men’s Rumble winner is going to give his decision, but the Beast and Advocate don’t want to wait. As such, Heyman gives the usual introduction for himself and the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion and the main event of Wrestlemania, BROCK LESNAR!” The premise of tonight’s episode is absurd to Heyman. This should be the easiest decision of Rollins’ life. It is easy to make a choice when there are no options. The only real option is that Rollins should challenge for the world title and Daniel Bryan. Heyman says this is for Rollins’ own good. Bryan and Rollins will have a great match, because the last thing anyone wants is to get into a fight with Lesnar!
Heyman assures the fans that it takes a “special kind of being” to withstand the beatings delivered by Lesnar, especially when you go to “his house” and try to take away- BURN IT DOWN! Seth Rollins makes his entrance to shut Lesnar up. Rollins goes right into the ring, and right up to Lesnar! Lesnar laughs in Rollins’ face but fans hope Rollins can “Slay The Beast!” Rollins decks Lesnar! And kicks the gut! Rollins runs but into a fireman’s carry and an F5!! Lesnar still grins as he looms over Rollins. Then he drags Rollins up for another F5! Rollins sputters and crawls but Lesnar is there to haul him up again, for a third F5! And a FOURTH!
Lesnar sets the Universal Championship down, and gives Rollins a FIFTH F5, on the belt! Lesnar lifts up his title high over his head as fans boo and jeer. But Rollins sits up to shout, “Is that all you got?!” Lesnar fires off on Rollins, then throws him for a SIXTH F5!! Raw goes off the air before anything more happens! Will Rollins regret ever choosing to go after The Beast?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good episode to follow the Royal Rumble. I liked the opening segment with Rollins and HHH getting just a touch emotional over the Wrestlemania dream, and Ambrose even did great here to ruin the moment. Ambrose VS Rollins was great, too bad this wasn’t how their previous Intercontinental Championship singles match went. Rollins wins to move on in his own story, so who knows where Ambrose ends up come Wrestlemania. Raw also did great in stretching the story of Rollins’ decision for the whole night, but of course Rollins is going to go after Lesnar. Rollins wants to stay on Raw and he wants to be the guy to finally #SlayTheBeast. The fight at the end was a good way of declaring that, and good ol’ Lesnar stands tall. Really hoping this means Rollins gets it done.
Lashley and Lio going after Finn was an interesting move, but I suppose Finn really should get another shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Lio calling Finn the twerp is a bit dumb, though, because Finn’s still bigger than Lio. And Lashley comes out a bully because he picks on a bruised Balor. I’m thinking this match happens at Elimination Chamber, and Finn won’t need Demon to win. Even if they decide to throw in four more men for an IC Chamber match. Ambrose, EC3, maybe even Dolph Ziggler could be thrown in because they’d all want that title. I’d add Lars Sullivan but he’s still got his anxiety problems keeping him off air. But a replacement call-up might work.
Corbin beating Angle seemed like a disappointment, but seeing Corbin help McIntyre against Strowman makes me think Angle and Strowman will team together to beat Corbin and McIntyre. Elias having another segment with Jarrett, and then adding Road Dogg on top, definitely says we’re getting Elias VS Jarrett and more than likely at Wrestlemania. Granted, Jarrett and Roadie should stay away until after Fastlane and then they can return to get back at Elias. I’m also kinda hoping it’s some kind of guitar smashing match, first person to get hit loses. Naturally Ryder & Hawkins lose, Hawkin’s first win in 250+ matches has to be a Mania moment in itself. I’m also very curious as to what Mojo’s new character is talking to himself like that.
I was really surprised there would be multiple tag team qualifiers for the Women’s Tag Title match, but I guess everyone that wants in deserves a chance. Obviously this means some makeshift teams, such as Dana Brooke joining Natalya, and next week’s combination of Alicia Fox and Nikki Cross. Naturally in the case of Dana and Natty, they lose to the established team of the Riott Squad. Meanwhile, I was surprised to see Heel VS Heel in Nia-Tamina VS Alexa-Mickie. It was natural for Nia and Tamina to win, they are the powerhouses of the entire Women’s Division, and that adds a great element to the Chamber match. I’m pretty sure Bayley and Sasha beat Alicia and Nikki next week, they’ve been the ones pushing these titles all along.
Speaking of, glad to see I’m right about Ronda going through the WWE Horsewomen. Ronda had a rough time setting up her Open Challenge, fans were really behind Becky, but also surprisingly against Ronda. Likewise, Bayley had the fans on her side, and her match with Ronda started rough but got better by the end. Ronda and Becky having that confrontation was amazing, because Ronda turned it on. With Ronda taking her time off after Mania, that already tells us Becky wins, as she should, but I really hope Ronda returns Heel to join up with her MMA Horsewomen. That match can happen at Survivor Series to A) give Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir time to improve, B) give them and Shayna time to be on the main roster, and C) allow all eight women to participate in the match. A feud as big as that deserves all that.
My Score: 8.3/10
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
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