Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/27/20)
It’s the Royal Rumble Aftermath!
The Road to WrestleMania gets Rated R!
After an improbable return to the ring, EDGE is back to tell us all about it! Plus, the Royal Rumble match winners, Charlotte Flair and Drew McIntyre, will start planning for their main event matches! Which champions will be chosen? What new champions might be crowned in the meantime?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2v1 Handicap: The OC VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Rey Mysterio VS MVP; Mysterio wins.
- Aleister Black VS Kenneth Johnson; Aleister wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy VS Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens; Rollins & Murphy win to retain the Raw Tag Team Champions.
- WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Humberto Carrillo; Carrillo wins by disqualifications, Almas retains the WWE United States Championship.
- Charlotte Flair VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane; Flair wins, by disqualification.
- WWE 24/7 Championship San Antonio Showdown: Mojo Rawley w/ Riddick Moss VS No Way Jose; Rawley wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- WWE 24/7 Championship San Antonio Sizzler: Mojo Rawley w/ Riddick Moss VS R-Truth; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship San Antonio Sudden Death: R-Truth VS Mojo Rawley w/ Riddick Moss; Rawley wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Liv Morgan VS Lana; Morgan wins.
- Erick Rowan VS Branden Vice; Rowan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Eat, Sleep, Eliminate, Repeat!
That was the new mantra for The Beast, Brock Lesnar, as he started the Royal Rumble and went through half the field! But then, Drew McIntyre appeared as Mr. Sweet Sixteen. With a low blow from Ricochet and a Claymore on top, McIntyre ELIMINATED the WWE World Champion, and then went on to win it all! Where does the Scottish Stud plan on going next as we begin the Road to WrestleMania?
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The winner of the Men’s Royal Rumble didn’t just punch his ticket to WrestleMania, he kicked it! He sent Lesnar out of the ring like a home run and is now poised to have his first ever world championship match in the WWE! As such, he gets to point at the WrestleMania sign! McIntyre gets a mic to speak as fans chant, “You Deserve It!” McIntyre is clearly very touched by that, and says he needs someone to pinch him. He thinks he’s dreaming. And it feels so good to stand here in San Antonio that the winner of the 2020 Men’s Royal Rumble is DREW MCINTYRE. Does everyone know what that means? It means he’s going to WrestleMania!
Now some people play games when in this position, drawing it out and stuff. But that’s not McIntyre’s style. He is going to make an announcement, and he’s going to make a challenge. McIntyre challenges BROCK LESNAR! Fans love that! McIntyre can say for a fact that most of the men are terrified of Lesnar, but not him. McIntyre looked in Lesnar’s eyes and saw a sign that he could Claymore Lesnar out of the ring, and that’s what he did. And there’s more: McIntyre vows to BEAT Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Mania! McIntyre is all fired up but he needs to get this energy out. He wants to give out some Claymores. Let’s have a #ClaymoreParty tonight! So he makes an open challenge to anyone in the back that’s “got the balls” to fight him!
The OC appears! Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows storm their way out, minus AJ Styles after an unfortunate shoulder injury in the Rumble. Anderson says this sounds like an open challenge. That’s because it is. And the Machine Gun accepts! But Gallows says he accepts the challenge. Well if the fans are thinking what Drew is thinking, the Dream Maker will give them both a match! Get a referee!
2v1 Handicap: The OC VS Drew McIntyre!
The Scottish Stud is riding high, but he’s going against the Best Tag Team in the World! Is this wise so soon after his amazing Rumble victory?
The bell rings and Anderson starts with McIntyre. They tie up, McIntyre waistlocks and throws Anderson aside. Anderson is already frustrated and he CHOPS. Anderson isn’t afraid, but that CHOP still floors him! McIntyre dead lift suplexes Anderson! Tag to Gallows and now McIntyre circles with the Big LG. McIntyre powers Gallows to a corner to throw hands and a CHOP! And another! Gallows throat chops and knees back hard, then tags Anderson. The OC want it but no Magic Killer here. McIntyre knocks Gallows down and headbutts Anderson. McIntyre whips and THROWS Anderson overhead! Fans fire up as he does it again! McIntyre heads up top and watches Anderson stand, big leaping ax handle! And a kip up!
Gallows runs in, misses, and gets FUTURE SHOCK! Another kip up and McIntyre is just showing off now. McIntyre aims at Anderson and gives us the countdown. CLAYMORE! But the party isn’t over, it’s just beginning! Gallows gets up, gets a countdown of his very own, CLAYMORE AGAIN! McIntyre stacks and covers them both, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Somehow it seemed like the handicap was in McIntyre’s favor. McIntyre clears the ring, but here comes BROCK LESNAR!? He’s here!? And he gives McIntyre an F5!! The Beast gets payback but he’s just a sore loser. Will Lesnar be even more sore when he and McIntyre finally throw down at Mania?
Raw relives some classic Edge moments.
That is to say, WrestleMania 17 in 2001, THE TLC match where Edge spears Jeff Hardy out of the air! But his moment last night at the Rumble was perhaps his biggest yet. Is Edge going to give us even more iconic moments now that he’s back?
Rey Mysterio VS MVP!
The King of Lucha Libre didn’t last as long as he’d hoped in the Royal Rumble, but he’ll refocus on the Road to WrestleMania. But another return is happening tonight as Montel Vontavius Porter is BACK on Raw! Will MVP become the MVP of Raw?
The bell rings and MVP circles with Mysterio. They tie up, Mysterio headlocks but MVP powers out. They collide but neither falls. MVP dares Mysterio to keep going, and they do. MVP manages to keep up but Mysterio sweeps to cover, ONE. MVP sweeps to cover, ONE, and the two stand off. Fans like the exchange as Mysterio and MVP circle. “You Still Got It!” Mysterio and MVP tie up, Mysterio waistlocks but MVP powers out. Mysterio comes back to waistlock again, MVP powers out to wrench and whip. Mysterio goes up and over, things speed up again, and MVP BOOTS Mysterio down! MVP covers, TWO! He tries again but the ropes are too close. MVP drags Mysterio up to throw hands and forearms.
MVP has Mysterio up and clubs him on the back. Mysterio looks in bad shape and he wobbles to the corner. MVP keeps on him with a mudhole, but then Mysterio drop toeholds him into buckles! Mysterio steadies himself and enziguris MVP down! MVP bails out and Mysterio goes to the apron for a flying headscissors! MVP hits barriers and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and MVP has Mysterio on the ropes. MVP bumps Mysterio on buckles then whips him to ropes. Mysterio kicks back and throws forearms! MVP whips again and Mysterio hits buckles. Mysterio boots back then again, and then hops up the ropes. MVP clubs Mysterio to stop him, then Electric Chairs, only for Mysterio to slip around and headscissor MVP into buckles! MVP sputters as he turns around and fans are rallying for Mysterio. Mysterio kicks MVP in the leg and throws forearms. MVP reverses the whip as fans duel, but Mysterio hits the tilt-o-whirl headscissors! MVP puts Mysterio on the apron but Mysterio hits back to climb up and fly! Seated Senton hits, then Mysterio LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!
Mysterio keeps moving, springboard but MVP catches him for a SLAM! MVP decides to go BALLIN’! Elbow drop! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Mysterio saves himself and MVP can’t believe it. MVP toys with Mysterio now, only giving him scuffing kicks. MVP brings Mysterio around to bring into position, but Mysterio fights out of the bomb to headscissor MVP onto ropes! Dial it up, but MVP gets up, only to get the 619 in the back! Mysterio keeps going, frog splash to the back! Cover, Mysterio wins!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
Mysterio makes it work against the returning MVP, and Mysterio might be returning to rare form. Will Mysterio find his way to a title in time for Mania?
Aleister Black VS Kenneth Johnson!
The Embodiment of the End didn’t make the Rumble #FadeToBlack, but that doesn’t mean Aleister has missed out on gold. With time still to spare, will Aleister find his way to championship vindication?
The bell rings and Aleister rushes Johnson. Aleister gives a testing kick to see how tough Johnson is. The strikes really sting but so does the waistlock throw and BLACK MASS! Aleister is almost upset that he covers and wins!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
Another fast victory for the dark warrior. Aleister takes to the mic, saying “last night, I got eliminated in the Royal Rumble. But before you think that people like Buddy Murphy or Seth Rollins are to blame, the only person accountable for my loss is me.” If Aleister starts and doesn’t finish, that’s on him, and he owns that. There is also something else he is accountable for. He made the mistake of waiting for someone to come pick, a fight, with him. Aleister now sits in the ring to say that starting tonight, everything changes. Raw’s roster doesn’t pick a fight with him, he brings the fight to them! Who will be first to cross paths with the ominous one?
Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy head to the ring!
The Monday Night Messiah and his first disciple are here ahead of their tag team championship match. What will they have to say before throwing down with Samoa Joe and KO? We find out after the break.
Raw returns and Rollins has a mic as he and Murphy stand side-by-side. “Now last night, I was this close from winning the Royal Rumble for the second year in a row!” But it was not in the cards. Rollins was eliminated by the eventual winner, Drew McIntyre. Yes, applaud McIntyre, everyone’s new favorite. But enjoy it while it lasts, McIntyre, because fans stab you in the back so fast. But Rollins isn’t here for the negative, but the positives. Two positives were that Rollins eliminated Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe so that neither goes to Mania. Another positive is the man beside him. Rollins and Murphy dethroned the unbeatable Viking Raiders to become the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions!
Earlier today, Joe and KO put the challenge for the titles. And since Rollins is “a benevolent leader,” the challenge was accepted! Kevin, Joe, come on out to get your asses handed to you! KO appears first, and he also has a mic. Joe is next, and even Joe has a mic. Kevin asks Joe if Rollins still talks too much. He does. But to make Rollins aware of something, Rollins is not only delusional, but these last few months, he’s been an absolute jackass. Kevin means that from the bottom of his heart, Rollins SUCKS. Rich, Kevin, real rich. Kevin talking about someone else talking too much? Then stop talking and fight! Joe wants everyone to wait. Who is this boy putting on his big boy pants? Kevin and Joe have been looking for this fight but Rollins hasn’t. So what is it about tonight? It must be that the AOP are hiding somewhere. Under the ring? In the crowd? Ready to pounce?
Rollins knew Kevin would get like this so he told Akam and Rezar to stay in the back. And there’s a camera back there to keep an eye on them. The Authors of Pain are in the back, and in the locker room. No hiding, no sneaking. Well that’s fine for Joe. It’s not like there aren’t just a bunch of cameras that record things. Is Joe calling Rollins a liar?! Rollins is NOT a liar! Prove that’s a live feed! Akam speaks to Kevin, and now we see Rollins is telling the truth. So then the AOP is back there in Rollins’ dressing room? Yes, right now. Well okay then. But then, thanks for exposing where those two are. What? THE VIKING RAIDERS get at the AOP! Erik and Ivar make sure Akam and Rezar can’t help Rollins out tonight! Referees and security hurry to stop this brawling, but we still have the tag title match! Does Rollins have a back-up plan for this?
Raw relives another classic Edge moment.
The first man to ever cash in the Money in the Bank was Edge! And he did it the biggest way possible: taking advantage of a bloodied John Cena after a grueling Elimination Chamber match! Will the Ultimate Opportunist find an amazing opportunity now that he’s back?
Raw Tag Team Championships: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy VS Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens!
The Architect didn’t have the AOP being neutralized in his designs, and now he and his disciple must go it alone! Will they be able to survive an angry and determined Samoan Submission Machine and Prizefighter? Or will another Monday night miracle happen?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and this semblance of retribution begins!
Rollins and Joe start and circle as San Antonio chants for “JOE! JOE! JOE!” Joe and Rollins tie up, Rollins headlocks to hammerlock to headlock again. Rollins wrenches and laughs, but Joe just sneers as he works on the escape. Joe DECKS Rollins and Kevin laughs as Rollins bails out. Murphy checks on Rollins’ jaw as the ring count begins. Rollins complains that Joe and Kevin are too close, so they back off. Rollins returns but tags out to Murphy. Murphy gives Rollins a quick hug before circling with Joe. They tie up, Murphy waistlocks but Joe pries free with force. Joe headbutts Murphy down and Rollins is annoyed. Joe CHOPS Murphy down and Rollins is stunned.
Joe jabs away on Murphy in the corner until Murphy sits down. Joe drags Murphy up and throws a BIG forearm! Murphy wobbles but Joe is on him with another forearm. Murphy hits back then runs, but gets run over! Joe drags Murphy up and tags in Kevin, they mug Murphy in the corner! Kevin fires off but lets up at 4, to tell Rollins to “SUCK IT!” Rollins is furious but the ref keeps him back. Kevin places Murphy in a drop zone for a Vader Bomb elbow! Cover, TWO, but Kevin puts Murphy in the corner to CHOP! Tag to Joe and Joe snapmares Murphy to CHOP him on the back and Penalty Kick him from the front! Running elbow drop and a cover, TWO! Murphy survives but Joe won’t let up. Joe drags Murphy back to the corner to tag Kevin, and Kevin gives a big corner clothesline.
Kevin reels Murphy out of the corner for another clothesline! Kevin mocks Rollins and Murphy to reach for each other, but then Kevin drags Murphy around to whip hard into buckles. Cover, TWO, but Kevin keeps his focus. Kevin brings Murphy back to tag Joe again. Joe headbutts Murphy then CHOPS him against ropes. Murphy hobbles over but Joe keeps him from Rollins. Joe uses a Russian Leg Sweep to take Murphy down, then covers, TWO! Murphy is proving his toughness but Kevin tags back in. KO and Joe mug Murphy more and then Kevin gives Murphy a backbreaker. Cover, TWO! Kevin puts Murphy in the corner, tags Joe, and Joe back suplexes. Murphy slips out but walks into a CHOP. Joe whips, Murphy dodges, Rollins tags in. Joe is ready and punches them both away, but Murphy mule kicks. Murphy and Rollins double whip to double elbow!
Rollins CHOPS and punches and stomps Joe in the corner, and Rollins gets all fired up! Fans boo but Rollins doesn’t seem to hear it. Tag to Murphy and together they double whip Joe corner to corner. Murphy whips Rollins in but Joe puts Rollins way out! Joe dodges Murphy, then dodges the crossbody with ease! Joe clotheslines Murphy out of the ring, and Kevin CANNONBALLS onto Rollins! Joe DIVES to hit Murphy into barriers! The champions are in trouble as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rollins now mocks Kevin about where Joe went. It seems that dive took more out of Joe than it did Murphy. Rollins stomps Kevin then tags in Murphy. The champs double suplex Kevin up and down then Murphy covers, TWO! Murphy knees Kevin in the back over and over then wraps on a chinlock. Kevin endures but this is basically a handicap match now. Fans rally because they’re still on Kevin’s side, and Kevin fights up to fight out with body shots. Murphy kicks but is blocked, Kevin kicks back and SPIKES Murphy with that DDT! Both men are down but there’s still no one for Kevin to tag! Murphy crawls and tags Rollins back in. Rollins runs at Kevin but misses! Rollins only gets buckles, Kevin goes up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!
All three men are down, from Kevin to Rollins to Murphy on the apron. But Murphy gets up because Rollins needs him again. Tag and the Aussie Juggernaut heads at Kevin again. Fans rally and Kevin SLAPS Murphy then CHOPS him! Kevin keeps throwing haymakers and forearms then runs, into a calf kick! Murphy kips up and covers, TWO! Murphy can’t believe it, but he still has the advantage. Rollins tells fans to shut up with the cheering for Kevin, but Murphy puts Kevin in the corner. Tag and Rollins throws hands. Kevin throws them back! Kevin fights back but Rollins throws big hands. Rollins brings Kevin around but he can’t powerbomb. Kevin back drops and POP-UP BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and Kevin was so close!
Fans rally as Kevin and Rollins are down again. Rollins heads back to his corner, tag to Murphy. Murphy goes after Kevin and they brawl. Murphy gets the edge then gets Kevin up top for a sharp enziguri! Murphy climbs up to join Kevin, but Kevin blocks the superplex! Kevin powers up and fights back with body shots. Kevin headbutts Murphy a few times then SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Kevin adjusts, to SWANTON! Cover, but Rollins breaks it! Rollins saves the reign as he drags Kevin up and off Murphy. But Kevin throws Rollins out first, and then FLIES! Direct hit with the tope and Kevin gets back in. KNEE TRIGGER! Kevin is on the ropes and the ref backs Murphy off. But Kevin saw last week and avoids the apron stomp. Kevin wants a stunner, but Murphy denies it. So Kevin just gives Rollins the STUNNER! But Murphy rolls Kevin up, Murphy and Rollins win!!
Winners: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy, Murphy pinning;Â still Raw Tag Team Champions
The Messiah and his disciple win, but mostly because Kevin no longer had Joe watching his back. Will Joe make a recovery so they can try again? Or are Rollins and Murphy coasting their way to WrestleMania?
Raw has another classic Edge moment.
The 2010 Royal Rumble was also a night of a Rated R return, and another night Edge got the better of John Cena! Ten years went by so fast, but will we get more unforgettable moments after tonight?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch!
The Man is still Raw Women’s Champion, and her win over Asuka means so much to her. The win means even more than she thought it would. She had been doubting herself, so finally getting even with Asuka brought about a profound realization. Becky held the belt and it hit her. ” I really am in a whole different league than those dopes!” She can’t believe she ever doubted herself! She called her shots, beat them all, and she has done it all! But now that she’s clear of debts, the next arse she beats will be because she wants to, not that she has to! And with that, Charlotte Flair won the Women’s Rumble, guaranteeing her spot to Mania. What if it were Charlotte? Well it won’t be the first, but it will be the last. Becky is now the GOAT, but will that be enough to finally get rid of the Queen of Queens?
WWE United States Championship: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Humberto Carrillo!
From one title match to another! El Idolo remained El Campeon in Houston, and he did it cleanly! But that was still a close one, will Almas have La Muneca help make sure Ultimo Ninja loses once and for all? Or is the third time the charm for the young Latino superhero?
Raw returns as Carrillo makes his entrance. Carrillo gets in the ring, ready for this newest opportunity at redemption. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the newest chapter in this budding rivalry begins!
Carrillo rushes Almas and dropkicks him down! Carrillo punches and stomps away but backs off at the ref’s count. Then he comes back to stomp Almas more! ALmas bails out and Vega protests, but Carrillo SUPERKICKS Almas! Carrillo clubs Almas then throws him into barriers! The ring count climbs and Vega shouts at Carrillo, but then Almas shoves Carrillo into the post! Almas CHOPS Carrillo and the count reaches 7 before the two go in the ring. Almas dares Carrillo to stand, and then he just hits a big knee in the corner! Cover, ONE, and Almas seethes as he stomps Carrillo in the corner. The ref backs Almas off and Almas gets mad. Carrillo throws hands back on Almas but Almas knees and forearms and CHOPS back.
Almas grinds and chokes Carrillo on the ropes but lets up at 4. Almas backs off to then come back and stomp both feet into Carrillo’s face! Fans boo and jeer but Almas tunes them all out. Almas whips Carrillo corner to corner then runs in, but Carrillo dodges! Almas tumbles over and out to the floor! Vega panics as Carrillo dropkicks Almas back down. Carrillo builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and Almas is on the defensive! Vega is in shock as we go to break.
Raw returns again and Almas knees low. Almas whips but Carrillo kicks back! Carrillo springboards but is thrown down on the mat! Vega coaches Almas as he drags Carrillo into that modified surfboard from last night. Cover, but Carrillo bridges out at ONE. Carrillo endures as fans rally up, and Carrillo sits up out of the surfboard, only to get BOMBED! Almas sits Carrillo up in the corner for mudhole stomps and big forearms. Almas runs corner to corner, but Cien Shadows hits buckles! Carrillo crawls away but Almas hobbles after him. Almas brings Carrillo up and back suplexes but Carrillo slips out to speed up, only to get a SPINE BUSTER! But Carrillo headscissors right back! Carrillo springboards and crossbodies! Almas dodges the dropkick but Carrillo dodges the lariat to enziguri! Somersault moonsault hits! Cover, TWO!!
Carrillo and Almas are down but fans rally up. Carrillo waistlocks but Almas elbows out hard. Almas brings Carrillo around to suplex but Carrillo slips out to springboard, only for Almas to trip him up! Cover, TWO! Vega protests but then tells Almas to keep focused. Carrillo is in the corner, but Almas doesn’t want to go corner to corner. Almas drags Carrillo up, but Carrillo slips out. Roundhouse misses but not the enziguri! Or the springboard roundhouse! Carrillo positions Almas in the drop zone and climbs up, MOONSAULT! Cover, but Vega gets in!!
Winner: Humberto Carrillo, by disqualification; Andrade Almas is still WWE United States Champion
But Carrillo has had it! He snaps and goes after Almas with stomps and punches! Vega protests but this is her fault! Carrillo throws Almas into steel steps! And now, to return the favor, Carrillo exposes the floor! Carrillo drags Almas to the bare patch of concrete as Vega freaks out! Vega begs for mercy, but Carrillo uses Almas’ on HAMMERLOCK DDTÂ onto the concrete!! Ultimo Ninja may have just destroyed El Idolo! Will the wrath of Carrillo only continue to build until he finally gets that US title?
Raw relives a sadder moment for Edge.
It was a Monday Night Raw in 2011 that Edge had to retire because of a very concerning neck injury. That moment in itself is why his return is so miraculous and shocking. We said “Thank You, Edge!” before, and now we say, “Welcome Back!” But just what does his return really mean?
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!
Drew McIntyre already made his decision and it seemed pretty easy. But what will the winner of the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble decide? Charlotte grabs herself a mic and points to the sign. For those who didn’t watch the Rumble, Charlotte won! Charlotte did something that she said she would. She doesn’t want to brag too much, but she is Charlotte Flair. Check out the highlights! Alexa Bliss and Bianca Belair were impressive as long lasting first and second entrants in the Rumble, but Charlotte was a sinister 17 as she eliminated them and even the Queen of Spades, Shayna Baszler!
“I did that. I outlasted 29 other women.” So in just 10 weeks, Charlotte gets to face a champion of her choice at WrestleMania. She does not take this decision lightly because it means so much. At Mania, Charlotte will challenge…Â for a championship. She’s still thinking about it, of course. But wait, here come the Kabuki Warriors! Asuka introduces herself and Kairi Sane in Japanese, and then uses English to congratulate Charlotte! But “I don’t think so!” Asuka won’t let Charlotte hog the spotlight just for winning the Royal Rumble. Asuka did that her first year, and it was easy peasy! The Kabuki Warriors get in the ring with Charlotte and fans are cheering for Asuka! Charlotte knows all that, but maybe they can celebrate together. Sure, sure. But if Asuka is sure she would’ve won the Rumble twice. So is this some kind of challenge? No, it’s a fight! The Kabuki Warriors double suplex Charlotte down! Raw goes to break, will someone come to Charlotte’s aid?
Charlotte Flair VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane!
It seems no one saved The Queen, but she’ll happily take on the Empress of Tomorrow on her own! There is a lot of history already between these two, and now that they’ve both won a Women’s Rumble, will we see who is truly the superior?
The bell rings and the two tie up fast and furious. Charlotte gets Asuka down but Asuka gets up to bring Charlotte down. They go around and around and then into a corner. Charlotte lets up and then they tie up again! Asuka headlocks but Charlotte powers out. The two collide with shoulders and start shoving. Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but Asuka ducks to run, only to get run over! Charlotte drags Asuka up again to whip and hip toss. Charlotte runs to Penalty Kick Asuka down! Kairi coaches Asuka but Charlotte is on her with knees tot he back. Charlotte drags Asuka to whip her to a corner. Asuka reverses but Charlotte tumbles over and out to shoulder and slingshot back in. Charlotte arm-drags Asuka down into an armlock!
Fans rally and duel, with Kairi tipping the scales in Asuka’s favor. Asuka fights her way up but Charlotte wrenches. Asuka rolls and sweeps the legs to then run and Shining Wizard! Cover, TWO, but Asuka grits her teeth. Asuka throws off armbands and heads after Charlotte. Asuka kicks Charlotte in the back and against the ropes. The ref reprimands so Asuka runs, but the hip attack misses. Asuka hits Charlotte with a forearm, but runs into the backbreaker! Charlotte clotheslines Asuka down and the fans are divided. Asuka boots Charlotte but Charlotte forearms back. Charlotte puts the leg on the ropes but Asuka gets clear to give back more forearms. Asuka headlocks but the bulldog is denied, and a shotgun dropkick puts Asuka in a corner!
Fans rally and duel as Charlotte goes after Asuka’s leg with knee drops. Charlotte puts the leg on the ropes now and wraps it around! The ref counts and Charlotte lets up at 4. Kairi shouts for Asuka to get up, and Asuka kicks the Figure Four away! Asuka waistlocks for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Charlotte sits up in a daze while Kairi coaches Asuka back in this. Asuka climbs up top and missile dropkicks Charlotte down! Cover, ONE, and with some force. Asuka keeps on Charlotte with a waistlock but Charlotte resists suplexes. So Asuka climbs on for an Iron Octopus Stretch! Charlotte endures being bent and twisted around, then powers out! Asuka sunset flips but Charlotte slips out to basement dropkick Asuka down! Charlotte CHOPS Asuka and shouts, “I already beat you!” Charlotte keeps giving CHOPS as Asuka ends up in the corner!
Charlotte hoists Asuka up top and then climbs up to join her. Kairi grows concerned as Charlotte goes up, but then Asuka shoves her down! The Queen is down and the Empress is on top as we go to break.
Raw returns again and Charlotte brawls with Asuka! Forearm for forearm but Asuka runs, into Charlotte’s waistlock and back suplex! Both women are down but Asuka gets to a corner. Charlotte kips up and fires up! San Antonio fires up as Asuka dodges and back kicks to hit the bulldog! Cover, TWO! Charlotte survives but Asuka keeps close. Asuka brings Charlotte up for forearms and elbows. Asuka heads to the corner and up top, but Charlotte avoids the missile dropkick to dropkick Asuka! Asuka is on the apron and Kairi shouts her concern, but Asuka hotshots Charlotte! Charlotte BOOTS Asuka down! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives her head being knocked off her shoulders but Charlotte won’t let up. Charlotte puts Asuka in a drop zone, walks all over her, and climbs up top. Charlotte MOONSAULTS but FLOPS!
Asuka grabs Charlotte in a modified submission, some kind of inverted triangle hold! Charlotte flops around to pop free, but ends up in a normal triangle. Charlotte covers, ONE, and Asuka shifts again to get a better grip. But Charlotte dead lifts Asuka up for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Asuka still lives and Kairi breathes in relief. Charlotte backs away to a corner and watches Asuka rise, Natural Selection misses, and Asuka wrenches. Asuka runs and gives Charlotte a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Asuka can’t believe it! But Kairi helps her focus and she brings Charlotte back up. Chicken wing and sleeper hold, but Charlotte rolls back to cover, TWO! Asuka misses a kick but dodge the boot, Charlotte SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Tom Philips is losing his voice while Kairi is losing her cool.
Charlotte grabs a leg, Figure Four but Asuka cradle counters! The counter slips off, Charlotte has the hold! Charlotte wants to bridge but Asuka drags herself backwards towards the corner! Charlotte bridges, FIGURE EIGHT! Kairi drops anchor, InSANE Elbow!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by disqualification
Well that’s a familiar sight, as far as Kairi dropping in like that. But now Charlotte is defenseless as Kairi hammers away from all sides! Kairi stomps and hammers Charlotte in the corner then clubs her down. But Charlotte throws Kairi into buckles! And BOOTS Kairi down! Asuka hurries to get Kairi to safety, and shouts at her in Japanese! Nothing has been settled between these fierce warriors, but will Charlotte forget her Mania goals to take care of the royal pains in her side?
It’s Raw and the Street Profits are hyped again!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins have been loving this! Charlotte and Asuka, Lesnar and McIntyre, and it is live and Rated R! But speaking of surprises, it’s KELLY KELLY! Holla holla~… But theme songs aside, Dawkins introduces himself. The Dawk Night, the Dawk Father, and even… Dawk Vader. Um, okay. Ford thinks this is so cute. But with just 10 weeks away, the WWE 24/7 Championship is going to make an appearance! As always, #WeWantTheSmoke!
WWE 24/7 Championship San Antonio Showdown: Mojo Rawley w/ Riddick Moss VS ???
The newest and most brutal 24/7 Champion yet seems to have some back-up tonight. One half of the Outliers made it back to the States from the UK, but will Riddick be able to protect Mojo like a football lineman? Or can Mojo’s opponent manage a strip sack fumble to take the title to the house?
Raw returns as Mojo grabs the mic to ask, “Is the 24/7 Champion actually about to defend the title inside a ring?” Whoa…! But Mojo said he wasn’t going to run and hide! This is no longer the Hide and Go Seek title. Anyone can bring it any time, any place. It can be in the ring, backstage, the gym or yo mama’s house! Like any franchise quarterback knows, you need a strong offensive line to watch your blindsides. So introducing to Raw for the first time ever, it IS Riddick Moss! So if anyone wants to take this from Mojo, just know that you’ll get blocked. No Way Jose turns out to be the opponent. Will he need more than the starting 11 to take this win?
The bell rings and Mojo chop blocks Jose! Then he goes side to side to FOREARM! Then he fireman’s carries and SLAMS Jose down! Cover, Mojo wins!
Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall;Â still WWE 24/7 Champion
That was a quick three-and-out, but the burger clown gets in the ring! The burger clown rolls Mojo up and wins!! That burger clown is R-TRUTH!!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall;Â NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
So much for Moss being a good blocker. The Truth Whopper gets the title back to become a whopping 32-time 24/7 champion! But Truth celebrates too long and gets flanked by Moss. Truth breaks it down, but then turns around into Mojo’s FIREMAN SLAM! Cover, Mojo wins again!
Winner: Mojo Rawley, by pinfall;Â NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
And Mojo gets the ball back. Moss may need to work on his defense but surely he’ll intercept challengers next time. Will Mojo continue to stack days rather than reigns? Or will Truth return later in the season like a division rival to spoil Mojo’s run?
Liv Morgan VS Lana!
The Ravishing Russian’s karma is catching up to her as the LIVing Embodiment finally gets a match with her. Rusev and Bobby Lashley are banned from ringside given their volatility. Will Lana and Liv finally settle the score? Or is this just the first stop on the Road to WrestleMania?
Raw returns as Liv storms right to the ring. The two want at each other, and the bell lets them loose. They tie up, Liv puts Lana on the ropes but backs off. Lana SLAPS but Liv kicks! Liv whips Lana to the corner then hits a big back elbow! Liv snapmares Lana hard to kick her in the back even harder. Cover, ONE, but Liv slaps Lana around. Liv hops up but Lana shoves her down! The Ravishing Russian talks a lot of trash before going out to fetch Liv into the ring. But Liv hits back with forearms, only to get a ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, TWO! Lana is furious as she drags Liv up for a suplex. Lana shouts that she is the best in the world, but fans all boo in disagreement. Lana wraps Liv up in a chinlock and thrashes her around. Fans rally up for “Rusev Day!” as Liv gets up and arm-drags Lana off her.
Liv lariats Lana again and again, then throws her down by her hair! Lana wobbles up into an enziguri! Liv roars and runs in to DOUBLE STOMP Lana face down! Cover, TWO, but Liv doesn’t slow down. Liv lifts but Lana cradle counters, TWO! Liv rocks Lana with rights and then uses the ropes for a draping Complete Shot! Cover, Liv wins!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
Vindication for Liv! That unique use of the ropes in the facebuster gives Liv the retribution she’s wanted, but will she find satisfaction so easily?
Erick Rowan VS Branden Vice!
The Big Redwood has been having some problems making his pet behave. Will he take his frustrations out on the defenseless creature in the ring with him?
The bell rings and Rowan dropkicks Vice right out of the ring! Rowan then goes outside and runs around the way to BODY CHECK Vice down! Rowan drags Vice up to haul him back into the ring, and then runs corner to corner to CRUSH him! Rowan scoops Vice up into a suplex and JACKHAMMER! Cover, but Rowan lets up on purpose! Rowan wants to make Vice suffer, IRON CLAW SLAM! Cover, now Rowan wins.
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
Mortal men don’t stand a chance against the raging redwood that is Erick Rowan. Will Rowan and his pet be feasting tonight?
Edge is FINALLY HERE!
San Antonio erupts and Edge gives commentary high-fives as the Rated R Superstar is back on Raw! As is his insane amount of pyro! Edge goes to the ring and gets his official introduction. Not quite Chimmel but good enough. Edge gets a mic for himself and fans are still thunderous as they welcome him back. Edge is of course very touched by this ovation, and takes a moment to collect himself. “As a performer, as an athlete, as an artist, and trust me, wrestlers are all of those things. The reaction I got last night at the Royal Rumble” and here tonight, he can’t put into words what it means to him. But that is why we do this, so he thanks them. Fans assure him, “You Still Got It!” “You’re damn right I do.”
Edge wants to address the elephant in the room. How is he here just a day removed from the Rumble? Nine years ago, he was medically disqualified from ever doing this again. But Edge refused to life in a world of “What If?” The second he asks that, he gets to work to make that question disappear. Over the years, Edge felt pretty good. Edge then asked himself, “What If?” That is to say, what if Edge came back home? So Edge got to work. And fans now chant, “Welcome Home!” Edge worked hard, got another surgery, and busted his ass. He got in the best shape of his life at 46 years old and is back! He wants to end his career on his terms! Fans love the sound of that! Edge ended up in the Royal Rumble, saw some familiar faces and some new ones. A familiar one was Randy Orton, a newer one was Roman Reigns. There was AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Aleister Black, Matt Riddle, so on and so forth. He hopes to see them all again real soon.
But Edge knows this might not last. Who knows how much he has. But Edge sure hopes that the fans are with him on this ride. They certainly are! Well that’s the first Yes chant, so thanks Daniel Bryan. But Edge also knows that he’s older, grayer, wrinkled, but it is the road map that got him here. So Edge has one thing that no one can fabricate, fake or force someone’s throat. And the way you know you have it is you look someone in the eye. That thing Edge has: grit. “If you knock me down, I get back up.” But here comes Randy Orton! Rated RKO reunited in the Royal Rumble, but it also imploded as Edge got one over on The Viper. Orton gets in the ring with Edge now, and they hug it out!
Orton gets himself a mic to say, “It’s no secret that I have somewhat a self-destructive personality.” But driving around, when there was a hole Orton dug too deep, there was a guy that’d help drag him out of it. That one guy was Edge. Orton officially welcomes Edge home. They’re brothers, and last night, that energy of Edge’s music hitting and feeling the chemistry that only they have, “that was special.” Edge is talking about What If. Orton has one for us. He doesn’t know how anyone will feet about this, but what if Rated RKO really reunited? Fans are freaking out and thunderous with “YES! YES! YES!” Edge looks Orton in the eyes, to get an RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! Of course that happened… Fans are angry with Orton now as he grabs a chair! Orton keeps it away from Edge to sit it up. But then Orton changes his mind and uses it to SMACK Edge on the back! Orton is going to break Edge all over again!!
Orton watches Edge crawl and writhe for a moment before going to a corner. Fans chant, “You Suck!” but Orton just said he had a self-destructive tendency. Orton is destroying all the good will he’d gathered up, and the friendship between him and Edge, as he takes the chair and opens it up. Fans fear what is coming next, and even Orton hesitates… to put Edge’s head inside the chair! Orton already did damage, but he could do something far worse tonight! Orton hops up onto the ropes and looks down at the defenseless man he just called a brother. Fans shout for Orton to stop this, but Orton stands up on the ropes, only to hop back down. Orton takes the chair off Edge’s head and tosses it aside. A moment of compassion is just a guise for something sinister! TWO chairs, because there’s something Edge used to do that Orton wants to use now!
Referees rush out to shout at Orton but he still sets Edge’s head on one chair. Orton raises the other for… a CON-CHAIR-TO!!! Some fans call Orton names, but many more are just in shock over what they witnessed. Did the Rated R Superstar return just for The Viper to end his legacy?
My Thoughts:
Well, this was definitely a shocking Raw After Rumble. Opening with McIntyre was a great move, I love that he’s Face but with the same attitude he had before the Rumble, and while it’s a shame The OC have to suffer, it was great to see McIntyre win a handicap match. I have a feeling we were supposed to get a strong match between McIntyre and AJ Styles, but Styles hurt his shoulder during the Rumble match so it’s more important Styles recovers and has a chance at being back around Mania. At the same time, Lesnar coming back for revenge also fit. It definitely adds to the Heel Heat on Lesnar, and the heat between these two. I fully expect McIntyre to have a rant in return for either social media or Raw next week. Mysterio VS MVP was alright, but I feel like MVP forgot some of the cues. Either way, good start for MVP’s return and a good win for Mysterio’s seemingly last run.
Aleister winning his squash match to then give that promo about changing strategies was pretty good. I still feel like Aleister should be joining Joe and Kevin against Rollins and his team down the line. Murphy & Rollins defending and retaining those titles against Joe and KO was pretty interesting, but I really loved how the whole bit about checking if the AOP would stay out was just so Viking Raiders could get after them. We’re definitely getting an 8 Man Tag at some point, too, given all that. The United States Championship match was a surprise and a really good one. This time it’s fine that Almas wins thanks to Vega, since he already got his clean win over Carrillo at the Rumble. But then Carrillo snapping like that was amazing, I love it. I really hope we still get a US Championship Chamber match.
Becky’s promo showing her confidence was restored was great. It really sells that there is a fresh start for her, as I was hoping. I really liked seeing Charlotte taking on the Kabuki Warriors, and especially seeing that amazing, title/PPV worthy match from Charlotte and Asuka. I don’t know if they’d do this, but what if Charlotte were to challenge the tag team champions per her WrestleMania moment? The Women’s Rumble doesn’t stipulate it has to be a singles championship, does it? And it’d be pretty great if Charlotte got her Grand Slam on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Though, that would bring into question if Becky would be along for the ride again, or someone comes to Raw to be that perfect partner for Charlotte. Oddly enough, I wonder if Charlotte and Sarah Logan could come to an understanding given the gritty fights they’ve had lately.
The brief moment with Street Profits and Kelly Kelly was fun. I do like that Mojo Rawley is bringing some seriousness to the 24/7 Championship, that is the next phase for this title. And while Truth keeps grabbing up short reigns, I do appreciate that this story will now benefit a guy like Riddick Moss, who has been under the radar for quite some time. I do wonder if the other Outlier, Dorian Mak/Dan Matha will be joining Mojo’s line-up so that Mojo becomes the unofficial leader of that team. I think it’d be pretty unique if Mojo also brought that title to the other brands, like NXT or NXT UK. Then Liv VS Lana was mercifully short, though not sure why they had it this late in the show. It’s good that Liv won, she really needs that, and she also needs to get out of this story to get serious. And something something Erick Rowan won another squash match.
Edge was obviously going to be the big moment of the night, given all the recaps of his return and those classic moments from his career. It worked that he’d be the last moment of the night, but WOW what a moment. Just when we were all excited to see Rated RKO get in on the tag division, the moment I thought, “But the titles are stuck in a story, who would these two even face?” is when Orton RKO’d Edge, as we all should’ve guessed. I just didn’t think Orton would go back to his uncomfortably violent phase like he had when he first returned. I suppose this is Edge ending his career on his terms since Orton got to use the ConChairTo on him. But at the same time, Orton VS Edge for that one last match in the Rated R Superstar’s career, that would be some awesome stuff for WrestleMania 36.
My Score: 8.5/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will the landscape change again?
Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; wins and
- NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; wins and
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXTÂ and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
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