Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Results & Report! (3/19/19)
Can Kofi Kingston run the gauntlet and win a title opportunity?
SmackDown is going big! Kofi Kingston must run the gauntlet against five heavy hitters if he wants his WWE Championship opportunity! Can he do it?!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sasha Banks & Bayley VS The IIconics; The IIconics win.
- Gauntlet Match: Kofi Kingston wins and will challenge Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania.
- Kofi Kingston VS Daniel Bryan; Bryan wins and is no longer facing Kofi Kingston at Wrestlemania.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Miz is here!
The Hollywood A-Lister is in a foul mood after the beating Shane O’Mac gave him after losing at Fastlane. Miz simply skips the introductions to get to footage of last week. Shane declares himself THE Best in the World, and says the reason he beat down Miz was because he was sick and tired of helping others. Shane feels he was born to be Best in the World, so he will only ever do things for himself now. He didn’t challenge Miz, he’s ordering Miz to have a Wrestlemania match so Shane can give another Best Beating in the World.
Back to present, The Miz says that for over 10 years he was focused solely on the Road to Wrestlemania. “But at what cost?” He’s taken advantage of people, taken shortcuts and sacrificed all his friendships. That’s what Wrestlemania means to The Miz, but that’s how important his friendship with Shane was. Fans cheer Miz on and he thanks them for that. Miz says it was all to prove to his father that there is something he could be proud of his son for. Papa Miz finally said he was after becoming tag team champion, and it was thanks to Shane. Shane said that it was his own dream to be a tag team champion, and Miz wanted to do that for Shane. People actually said, “Watch yourself.” There were warnings about Shane that “behind the scenes”, he’s a little different.
Miz refused to believe them, but then Shane proved them all right. Shane attacked Miz in front of Papa Miz. “What kind of human being would do that?” And then Shane went after Papa Miz! Miz has to live with that memory. Miz was helpless at Fastlane. Shane is a “vile, disgusting human being”, just like his father, Vince. Shane wasn’t born Best in the World, he was born The Worst. If Shane thinks he’s so special just because he has money and power, he’s not! The McMahons own this company, but they don’t own Miz! They don’t own Kofi, either! Miz wasn’t born privileged, he was born for burgers at his dad’s restaurant. People said he wasn’t going to be anything, but Miz found his way through the real world and has become the Most Must-See WWE Superstar ever! And he did it on his own!
No one can deny Miz’s work ethic. Miz works harder than everyone else to prove that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t put in the work. Miz is a proven success story and is proud of it! He didn’t just get this love and respect, he earned it! And right here, right now, he has earned it! Fans cheer more to prove he’s right. “You Deserve It!” “You’re darn right I do.” As for Shane, Miz feels he deserves the one thing he finally earned all on his own: an ass whooping at Wrestlemania! Miz drops the mic, and fans are fired up behind him. Will Miz drop Shane on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
The Boss & Hug Connection are here!
Sasha Banks & Bayley promised on Raw that they’d be here, and not even the beat down Nia Jax & Tamina put on them will change that! They confront Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a match, after the break!
Sasha Banks & Bayley VS The IIconics!
SmackDown returns as Billie & Peyton make their entrance. But as they walk out to the ring, they’re surprised! The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions have finally come to SmackDown! But they look strange and small and scared in The IIconics’ ring. Like kids whose parents buy a way into an Ivy League school. They even went back to NXT to feel important, but it didn’t work. And now they’ve been chased off their own turf, and have no other choice to face the best team in the WWE! They saved the best for last, and the last will be… IICONIC! Strike the pose. Sasha & Bayley are not bothered nor impressed, and we finally have this match.
Teams sort out and Billie starts against Bayley. They tie up and Billie powers Bayley to the corner. Tag to Peyton but Bayley escapes the IIconics. Peyton and Bayley circle but Indianapolis is on Bayley’s side. They tie up and Peyton knees low. She clubs and stomps Bayley down then swings on Sasha! Bayley hits Peyton back with big forearms. Bayley whips but Peyton bails out, only to have Sasha after her. Peyton gets back in but Bayley knocks her down. Cover, TWO! Bayley drags Peyton up and tags in Sasha. The Boss & Hug double whip and again, assisted dropkick knocks Peyton down! Peyton tags in Billie and Billie talks trash, only to run into a drop toehold! Sasha drags Billie up and tags Bayley in. The Boss & Hug crisscross and throw Billie back. Bayley adds the sliding clothesline, cover, TWO!
But wait, is that Lacey Evans? The Sassy Southern Belle struts her stuff but distracts both Bayley and Billie. Bayley elbows Billie but Peyton tags in. Bayley doesn’t see it, the IIconics double team! Cover, TWO! The champions are in trouble while we go picture in picture.
Peyton elbows away on Billie then wraps on a chinlock. Peyton thrashes Bayley around but Bayley endures. Bayley powers her way up and fights out, but Peyton bumps her on buckles. Peyton runs in but into an elbow. She tries again but gets boots. Bayley runs out but into Peyton’s spinning heel kick! Cover, TWO! Peyton drags Bayley over and tags in Billie. The IIconics double wrench, kick, and mule kick Bayley down. Billie stomps Bayley then goes after the face! The referee reprimands Billie but she drags Bayley back to her corner. Tag to Peyton and the IIconics choke Bayley on the ropes. Peyton tops it off with a kick, then drags Bayley up. Bayley fights back with body shots but Peyton whips her away. Bayley goes up and over and rolls Peyton, TWO! Peyton tackles Bayley out of the ring to prevent the tag!
Sasha protests but Peyton talks trash. Peyton fetches Bayley and puts her in the ring. Peyton kicks Bayley then tags Billie. The IIconics double knee Bayley down then Billie wraps on an armlock. Billie grinds her forearm into Bayley’s face but fans rally up. Bayley powers her way up but Billie wrangles her down by her ponytail! Billie pulls on Bayley’s arm then rakes the face! The ref reprimands her again but Billie stops at 4. Bayley powers up again but Billie throws her into a post! Tag to Peyton and the IIconics feed Bayley boots. Billie clotheslines Bayley down on the apron, then Peyton puts Bayley in the Motorcycle Stretch! Peyton stops at 4 and grinds in a boot. Bayley pushes Peyton away and crawls for her corner! She shoves Peyton away but Billie tags in.
Billie grabs Bayley and whips, but Bayley hits Peyton! Both Bayley and Billie throw each other down by their hair! Hot tags to Peyton and Sasha! The Boss rallies on Peyton with clotheslines and dropkicks. She blocks Peyton’s kick to give her a kick. Sasha runs corner to corner for the meteora, then throws her out for a flying meteora! Cover, but Billie breaks it. Sasha throws Billie out but Peyton rolls Sasha, TWO! Backslide from Sasha, TWO! Sasha SLAPS Peyton, then trips Billie! Peyton grabs Sasha to throw her but Sasha swings around for kicks! Sasha puts Peyton in, slingshot but Billie disrupts. Bayley runs in but Billie boots her down! Peyton rolls Sasha, Billie helps on the backside! The IIconics win!!
Winners: The IIconics, Peyton Royce pinning
SmackDown’s best friends work together to steal a win from Raw’s best friends! Are the IIconics now on the fast track to a title match at Mania?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
The King of Lucha Libre has a huge announcement. He brings in his son, Dominic, and Rey is glad to have him here for this announcement. After having pinned Samoa Joe last week in the tag team match, Mysterio now challenges Samoa Joe for the WWE United States Championship! How does Dominic feel about this? Well Joe is just a bully, but his dad will do what he always does: bring a championship home! With Dominic front row for that match, will Mysterio make his son proud?
The Kevin Owens Show returns!
The Prizefighter brings back his hit WWE talk show, and it’s new and improved! New graphics, an improved wardrobe, but the tie is a bit tight. The Road to Wrestlemania has been a bumpy one, and what is usually KO-Mania is now KOFI-Mania! Kevin will be watching Kofi Kingston run the gauntlet and then watch his WWE Championship match very closely. But another match everyone wants to see is for the Raw Women’s Championship. Therefore, his guests tonight are two of those superstars. First, The Man, Becky Lynch! Indianapolis is glad to see her! And second, The Queen, Charlotte Flair! Fans aren’t as pleased to see Charlotte, but that doesn’t really matter to Charlotte.
Charlotte and Becky take their seats in the ring and Kevin thanks them for being here. Kevin knows better than most that sometimes friendships just go… wrong. No one gets under your skin like a best friend, right? Right! Things have been said, and KO has cue cards so he can quote these. Ronda Rousey isn’t anyone’s friend here, but Ronda has called Becky a “joke”. That the WWE could make it a 2v1 and she’d still win. Ronda said- Oh no, can’t say that, that’s disgusting. Well just last night, Ronda attacked security and her own husband had to intervene. Well Ronda isn’t here but Charlotte is. Kevin has quotes that Charlotte says Becky will be back to carrying her bags by Summerslam. But then Becky said that Charlotte and Ronda are the “Chosen Ones”, and The Queen was simply shoehorned in.
The point is, these two have said a lot back and forth, and Kevin speaks for the WWE Universe when he says, “Nobody really wants to see you guys talk anymore.” But on the KO Show, it’s #FightOwensFight! No wait that’s not it for tonight. Tonight is #FightBeckyFight! And #FightCharlotteFight! What do they think about that? Charlotte and Becky stand up and Charlotte grabs a mic. “I would beat the holy HELL out of Becky!” And Becky, before you respond, let Kevin get out of the way. Becky responds with FISTS! They fight over the table! Fans love these two throwing fists back and forth. Charlotte gets Becky down but Becky turns it around! They spill out of the ring and Charlotte rams Becky into the apron. And then the barriers! Referees appear but fans want to “Let Them Fight!”
Becky returns the favor by throwing Charlotte into the announce desk! Security hurries out to pull these two apart. Charlotte hits one of them! Becky throws another! And then they’re back after each other! Security keeps trying to stop them but Becky and Charlotte have hold of each other. They again break free of the referees and security to scrap their way back to the announce desk. Reinforcements come and Becky takes the ring. If this is what it’s like with just these two, will the arena be enough for them and Ronda?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One has a grudge match with Randy Orton coming at Wrestlemania! And by his own words, Orton was built by the WWE. What does Styles think he has that can beat Orton? Well Orton is third-generation, 6’5″ and 250, but just as agile as anyone. Orton isn’t just good, he’s great. It’s why Orton is a multiple time champion. Orton is a first round draft pick and Styles is a walk-on. But look at him now. Styles may not have all those advantages, and this may be Orton’s House, aka this is home field advantage. But Styles isn’t coming to build, he’ll look to tear the house down! And Styles also wishes Kofi good luck against Orton in tonight’s gauntlet.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan head to the ring!
The Planet’s Champion awaits a contender at Wrestlemania, but he has some words about that, after the break.
SmackDown returns as Bryan picks up the mic. “Injustice.” Kofi Kingston being in this gauntlet match is an injustice, in Bryan’s opinion. Because Kofi Kingston doesn’t deserve an opportunity for the title. Bryan knows what it’s like to be against a stacked deck, to be against the Authority! And despite the delusion, this has not happened to Kofi. Kofi was chosen to replace Mustafa Ali in the Elimination Chamber. He was hand-picked out of the Tag Team Division for an opportunity he did not earn. Granted, in the Elimination Chamber, Kofi fought his heart out, but he also lost! Kofi has earned NOTHING! Because unlike Bryan, Kofi is a B+ Player. But that’s okay for the fans, because B+ is “good enough”! That should be on a shirt! Sell it with pancakes, Booty O’s and other crap no one needs to buy! But B+ is NOT good enough.
And no matter how much the fans chant for Kofi, which they do now, it won’t change the fact that Kofi lost a gauntlet match, that he lost the Elimination Chamber, and he lost the handicap match at Fastlane! But awwwww~ Indy~! Don’t you dare be sour, clap for your world famous five-time champs, and feel~ the power~! Because The New Day is here! Kofi Kingston is here to fight for his right at the world title! Big E and Xavier Woods give him final encouragement as the gauntlet finally begins!
Gauntlet Match!
The fans are fired up for Kofi Kingston as he starts against The Bar! It will be one at a time, but who is first? We find out after the break.
Kofi Kingston VS Sheamus w/ Cesaro!
SmackDown returns and Kofi starts the gauntlet against the Celtic Gladiator! Kofi and Sheamus circle and tie up. Sheamus puts Kofi in the corner and grinds him into buckles. He backs off at 4 but comes back to do some more. Kofi puts Sheamus in the corner, then they circle again. Sheamus goes for a leg but Kofi gets a waistlock. Sheamus gets a ropebreak and Kofi lets up. The rest of the New Day watch backstage, because they’ve been barred from ringside. Fans taunt Sheamus but he knees Kofi and gets a headlock takeover. Cover, TWO, but Sheamus tries again. TWO, and Kofi works to make a pin on Sheamus. The two stand up and Kofi pries his way out of the hold. Kofi hammerlocks Sheamus back as fans cheer.
Sheamus endures the hammerlock and works his way up. He elbows and reverses the hammerlock. Kofi works his own way to a reversal, then kicks Sheamus. Sheamus arm-drags but Kofi holds on to make it a cover! ONE, but Kofi keeps on the arm. Sheamus powers his way up and whips Kofi off. Kofi goes up and over and arm-drags Sheamus back into the armlock! Sheamus keeps his shoulders up as Kofi works to make it a cover. Kofi gets the cover, ONE, but Kofi keeps the arm. Sheamus forearms Kofi away then runs in, but Kofi dumps him out. Kofi runs and FLIES! The Trust Fall takes out Sheamus! Kofi and fans fire up while Cesaro glares. Kofi puts Sheamus back in but keeps his eyes on Cesaro. Sheamus knees Kofi on the way back in! Cesaro applauds while Kofi falls over.
Sheamus drags Kofi up for Beats of the Bodhrain! He gives about half a dozen before punch Kofi down. Cesaro laughs and applauds while Sheamus looms over Kofi. Fans rally up and Kofi slips out of the back suplex. Kofi heel kicks Sheamus down! Kofi has to catch his breath before kicking Sheamus more. He stomps Sheamus against ropesbut lets up at 4. Sheamus yanks Kofi into ropes then chokes him against them. Sheamus backs off but Cesaro gets a cheap shot in! Cover, TWO! Sheamus keeps his cool as he drags Kofi to the center of the ring. Sheamus drops a knee and covers, TWO! He wraps Kofi up in a chinlock, but fans rally as Kofi endures. Kofi powers up and fights out, but runs into Sheamus’ elbow! Kofi is in trouble while we go to break.
SmackDown returns as both Sheamus and Kofi slowly stand up. Sheamus is on Kofi but Kofi CHOPS Sheamus! Kofi bobs ‘n’ weaves and CHOPS away on Sheamus! Kofi dropkicks Sheamus down then speeds things up for a leaping lariat! Fans fire up as Kofi hits the Boom Drop! Kofi takes aim from the corner and points at the Wrestlemania sign. Sheamus stands and Kofi spins, but he’s caught! Kofi powers out of the Cloverleaf and boots Sheamus away. He hops up and up and hits a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Sheamus survives but Kofi keeps his cool. The Bar regroups but Kofi drags Sheamus back in. Sheamus yanks Kofi into the ropes! Irish Curse Backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kofi lives but Sheamus goes for the legs. Sheamus gets the Cloverleaf! Kofi endures and fans rally up again! But Kofi flips and rolls Sheamus, TWO!! Sheamus knees Kofi hard! Cover, TWO!!
Both men are down but stirring, this first round already taking so much out of Kofi. Sheamus gets to the corner while The Usos join The New Day in watching, as well as eating pancakes. Sheamus fires up and takes aim at Kofi. He drums his chest while Kofi slowly stands. Sheamus runs out but misses, roll up! TWO!! TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Cover, Kofi ELIMINATES Sheamus! The first one is down, and now Mustafa Ali and the Hardy Boyz are part of the Team Kofi viewing party. But immediately Cesaro European Uppercuts Kofi in the back!
Kofi Kingston VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus!
Cesaro covers, TWO! Kofi survives that sneak attack but Cesaro keeps on him with EuroUppers! Cover, TWO! The Swiss Cyborg throws haymakers and body shots in the corner. He gives more EuroUppers, but the ref gets him to let up. Cesaro gut wrench throws Kofi and covers, TWO! Cesaro goes right after the leg in an inverted Half Crab! Kofi endures as fans rally up. Kofi turns and shoves Cesaro away! Cesaro comes back and whips Kofi corner to corner. Kofi boots Cesaro and hurries up the corner. Cesaro is on Kofi again with haymakers. Kofi counter punches from the other side of the ropes, then springboards, but into a catch! Tilt-o-whirl backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives again and we go picture in picture.
Cesaro looms over Kofi as he clutches his back and gasps for air. Cesaro drags Kofi up for another backbreaker, then bends Kofi across his knee. Kofi endures and fights his way out with ax handles. Cesaro lets Kofi go but brings him back around for haymakers. Cesaro knees Kofi into ropes but Kofi fires back, only to get a BIG EuroUpper! Kofi collapses but Cesaro drags him onto the apron. Cesaro slams Kofi’s chest on the apron! Then he catapult guillotines Kofi into the bottom rope! And he drags Kofi in for an elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Kofi continues to survive but Cesaro keeps his cool. Cesaro stalks Kofi but Kofi hits back with haymakers! Kofi whips while we return to single picture. Cesaro reverses but Kofi crossbodies Cesaro down! Cover, TWO!
The viewing party is joined by R-Truth and Carmella while Cesaro gives Kofi another backbreaker. Cesaro bends Kofi across his knee again, but Kofi refuses to quit. Kofi fights out again, then starts kicking. Cesaro blocks one kick for a takedown, into the Swiss Swing! Kofi goes around and around and around maybe a dozen times before Cesaro shifts to a Cloverleaf of his own! Kofi endures the hold all over again, and drags himself towards ropes. Cesaro drags Kofi away and sits down deep! Kofi grits his teeth while fans rally up. Kofi finds room to turn and climbs his way up Cesaro’s body. Cesaro makes it a suplex! Cover, TWO!!
Cesaro says Kofi’s never going to get that title match. Cesaro tries to turn Kofi over but Kofi grabs a leg. Kofi and Cesaro fight against each other, and Cesaro shifts to a Lion Tamer take on the Crab. Kofi uses his free leg to kick free, but Cesaro just gets him in Gotch position. But Kofi back drops out! And hits SOS!! Cover, Kofi ELIMINATES Cesaro! Kofi sweeps The Bar, but now he has the Big Red to deal with!
Kofi Kingston VS Rowan!
The right hand man of the Planet’s Champion storms to the ring, ready to pick apart what’s left of Kofi. Kofi gets to a corner, checks his laces and catches his breath. This third round begins and Kofi goes right at Rowan! Rowan shoves Kofi away to run him over with a lariat! Rowan puts Kofi in a corner for a double CHOP! And clubbing forearms, before going corner to corner for a big splash! Rowan tosses Kofi out then follows behind to crossbody Kofi down! Kofi barely stirs but Rowan drags him up for headbutts. Rowan refreshes the ring count before whipping Kofi into barriers! Rowan tells fans to get out of his way as he whips Kofi to their side!
Fans boo as Rowan gets a steel chair! Rowan SMACKS Kofi!! He ELIMINATES himself! It seems Rowan was only in this match to hurt Kofi, because he keeps going! Rowan lifts Kofi for a big bearhug, then rams him into the post! And tosses him into the timekeeper’s area! The viewing party, which ash added Heavy Machinery, are all furious over this! This is probably why The New Day was barred from ringside! Rowan clears off the announce desk, then clamps on the claw, IRON CLAM SLAM through the desk!! Fans boo and Kofi’s friends are beside themselves after the completely one-sided destruction. But the Gauntlet doesn’t end here, because up next: the WWE United States Champion, Samoa Joe! Does Kofi stand a chance of surviving the Samoan Submission Machine?
SmackDown returns again, and Kofi fights out of Joe’s neck wrench. Kofi staggers up but Joe runs him over with an elbow! The viewing party, which has now added Nikki Cross, are all fired up for Kofi even as Joe jabs and knees him to a corner. Joe drags Kofi up for more fast hands and elbows. The referee backs Joe off but Joe soaks up the heat from the fans. Joe drags Kofi up to make him look at the Wrestlemania sign. Joe mocks Kofi’s dreams before punching him to the other side of the ring. Kofi CHOPS back! And punches and kicks! Kofi backs Joe down then whips but Joe reverses. Joe hits the back elbow and PELE! Kofi flops onto the ropes but Joe drags him into a cover, TWO!
Joe says Kofi should just let this end, or else it’ll end in more pain. Joe drags Kofi up for a neck wrench, trapping one arm behind him. Fans rally for Kofi and he escapes to swing wild on Joe. Kofi runs but Joe flips him over with a clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but he might still be out. Joe drags Kofi up into a modified cobra clutch. Fans and friends won’t give up on Kofi, so Kofi doesn’t give up, either. Ricochet joins the other superstars in cheering Kofi. Kofi fights free but runs back into a sleeper! He jawbreakers back! Joe staggers back but Kofi runs into the urenage! Cover, TWO! Kofi is proving to be superhuman, but Joe is his super villain right now with another neck wrench.
Kofi fights up and out again, but Joe headbutts. Joe suplexes but Kofi slips out, and trips Joe up! Kofi runs in but misses in the corner, Joe CHOPS his back! Joe puts Kofi up top, Muscle Buster roll through! Kofi ELIMINATES Joe!! He has gotten through four, and just has one man left! But that man is perhaps the most dangerous of all, because it’s The Viper, Randy Orton! Not that Joe is done with Kofi! He puts on the Coquina Clutch against the ropes! No one can help Kofi as he fades out. Referees go after Joe and get him to let Kofi go, but the damage is done.
Kofi Kingston VS Randy Orton!
The viewing party try to will Kofi back up, but The Viper is on his way to pick the bones. Is this gauntlet going to be over thanks to the three most dangerous letters in pro-wrestling?
SmackDown returns again, and Orton throws Kofi into barriers. Orton mocks the fans as he drags Kofi up. “He ain’t your guy, trust me.” Orton whips Kofi but Kofi reverses and sends Orton into steel steps! Kofi somehow has more to give as he drags himself to the ring. The ring count begins but Orton and Kofi both get in at 4. EC3 has joined the viewing party as Orton bumps Kofi off buckles. Orton throws EuroUppers into Kofi over and over. He stomps away on Kofi, picking him apart, then scrapes his laces on Kofi’s face. Orton drags Kofi around to stomp Kofi more. Cover, TWO, but Orton grins. Orton grabs Kofi’s hair and drags him up into the chinlock. Kofi endures and fans build to another rally.
Orton grinds and squeezes as tight as he can, but Kofi refuses to give up. Kofi stands up and powers out of the hold! He throws body shots and forearms, and then CHOPS Orton off his feet! Orton stands but Kofi CHOPS him down again. Kofi dropkicks but Orton deflects. Orton stomps away on Kofi, then drags him up. Orton puts him in the corner and rains down punches. He throws more EuroUppers, and is basically toying with Kofi now. Orton whips but Kofi reverses. Orton dodges, but Kofi denies the RKO! TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Orton is down but far away! Kofi crawls for the cover, but Orton rolls out of the ring. Kofi feels his title shot slipping away as we go to one last break.
SmackDown returns once again, and Orton punches away on Kofi on the top rope. Orton throws EuroUppers, then climbs up to join him. Kofi throws body shots back then clubs away! Kofi knocks Orton down then adjusts, big crossbody! But Orton rolls through, TWO!! Orton kicks low and puts Kofi through the ropes. Orton gives Kofi a draping DDT! And now The Viper hears the voices in his head. Orton stalks Kofi as Kofi slowly stands. Kofi rolls up the RKO!! KOFI WINS!!
Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall; NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Championship
HE DID IT!! Kofi did the impossible, and now he has a chance! The New Day celebrates with Kofi Kingston! But wait, Vince McMahon is here?! The Chairman congratulates Kofi Kingston on this victory. Kofi IS going to Wrestlemania! As long as he can defeat just one last man. WHAT?! Big E, Woods, please leave or else Kofi forfeits the opportunity. And Kofi, good luck.
Kofi Kingston VS Daniel Bryan!
Kofi has to defeat the champion to prove he can beat him at Wrestlemania?! Bryan is picking the bones even more than anyone tonight, can Kofi hope to win?!
The bell rings and Bryan fires off kicks on Kofi in the corner! Fans chant “NO! NO!” but Kofi kicks back! Kofi whiops but Bryan reverses to knee Kofi down. Bryan puts Kofi on the top rope and in a Tree of Woe. Bryan gives Kofi more No Kicks in the Tree! Then he sits Kofi up for a SUPER BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Kofi still lives! But Bryan goes after him with the Lebell Lock! Bryan wrenches back as hard as he can, but Kofi moves around, ROPEBREAK! Bryan lets Kofi go, but comes back with more No Kicks! Kofi takes kick after kick after kick, then ducks the buzzsaw! SOS!! Cover, TWO!! Kofi barely got that move off, but both he and Bryan are down. Kofi crawls and Bryan stalks over.
Bryan kicks and kicks then runs corner to corner for the dropkick! And another! And then a roll up!! TWO, and Kofi is exhausted. Bryan runs into an uppercut, but disrupts Kofi’s jump! Bryan drags Kofi up for stomp after stomp after stomp! Fans boo and chant “NO! NO!” as Bryan aims at Kofi. Bryan hits the KNEE PLUS!! Cover, Bryan wins!
Winner: Daniel Bryan, by pinfall; no longer faces Kofi Kingston at Wrestlemania
The New Day storm back out but Bryan gets away. Kofi’s dream was just crushed, is it dead for good?
My Thoughts:
While Raw spun its wheels to stay put, SmackDown actually hits the gas to accelerate. They advertised the gauntlet would open, but it was actually good they saved it for last. The Miz gives a great Face promo and he really gives some passion to this coming match with Shane. Bayley & Banks VS IIconics was a great match, and it was actually a good move for the Heels to cheat and win. Now we’ll surely have that Triple Threat/Fatal 4 Way for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Also it was a good move for The IIconics to finally say WWE Women’s Tag Team Division. With two weeks and four shows left, hopefully this escalates where the IIconics will confront the Divas of Doom and/or the Samoan Dynasty, or vice-versa, across both Raw and SmackDown.
It was great to see Kevin Owens brings his talk show back while Miz is busy with Shane. And it was great for him to be self-aware about setting up a fight and needing to get out of the way. That was a great brawl between Charlotte and Becky to keep things going on SmackDown, but I don’t see this changing anything in the Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat. Becky will win, Ronda will leave either on her own or by “suspension”, and we go from there. Kevin himself might not have anything for Mania unless he wants to resort to the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. Rey Mysterio VS Samoa Joe is official, and it will be great just on the action. Having Dominic ringside will be interesting, but the match can go either way to me.
Another amazing Gauntlet Match, but of course Kofi was going to make it to the end. He really impresses lasting this long, and then still having a match with Bryan. This puts some serious heat on Vince and Bryan for further screwing Kofi over. I’m pretty sure something happens that gets us Bryan VS Kofi in the last two weeks we have. It will either be something that compels Vince to change his mind, or angers Bryan into giving Kofi a match. The New Day wrecked four tag teams already, they should really turn it up and just wreak havoc for the first hour until Vince shows up and gives in. At this point, it’s the only thing I can see because Kayfabe Vince doesn’t seem to care otherwise.
My Score: 8.5/10
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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
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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