Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/14/20)
Raw is IN YOUR FACE!
It’s a packed and powerful Monday Night Raw!
Raw gets In Your Face as Clash of Champions draws closer! Will Mickie James be ready for Asuka in their women’s title match showdown?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Champions VS Champions: The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura; The Street Profits win.
- Ricochet w/ Apollo Crews VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business; Alexander wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mickie James; Asuka wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
- Erik VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins.
- Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio; Rollins wins.
- Raw Underground – Ziggler goes 1-1; Braun Strowman wins.
- Raw Underground – Braun Strowman goes 5-0.
- Aleister Black VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
- The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Lana; The Riott Squad wins.
- Raw Underground – 2v1: Riddick Moss & Dolph Ziggler VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
Dolph Ziggler is on commentary!
Taking over for Samoa Joe, the Show-Off looks to show that he can do it all!
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The WWE World Champion is back, and clearly cleared to compete since he has a match with Keith Lee, a man who is both training partner and friend. But for now, McIntyre is dressed in his suit shirt and slacks to address the back and forth between him and Randy Orton. “Now Randy Orton broke my jaw. But I’m back. And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out he intended to do so much more.” McIntyre is lucky all he got was a fractured jaw. But Orton should be so lucky to still have his head on his body after the three Claymores he got. Everyone wants to know how McIntyre is doing, so he’ll say this once and only.
WWE medical personnel told him to take time off because of the fracture. But that would mean forfeiting the title, so McIntyre said no. “one bad strike to the jaw could displace that fracture, then my mouth would be wired shut.” McIntyre would rather leave in an ambulance than ever give up this championship! Maybe Orton can ask his nurse to turn up the volume for this part. Both men have taken ambulance rides all because of the WWE World Championship. So the most appropriate match to have is to ride in an ambulance for the WWE World Championship. McIntyre wants him and Orton in an AMBULANCE MATCH! Because clearly mate, the rules don’t apply to us anymore.”
But what if Orton doesn’t make it? McIntyre kicked him as hard as he possibly could with those Claymores, “the most deadly weapon in all of sports entertainment.” Technically that move was made by mistake. His leather pants were a little tight, and as he was running to boot an opponent in the head, he didn’t want to rip the crotch open. ANd being Scottish, but they’re allergic to underwear, and it’d be an international incident. So McIntyre jumped, hit the opponent and almost knocked himself out. But he knew that if he could develop that move, it’d be something. Here’s a picture show of the victims. Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, The Big Show, Brock Lesnar, Dolph Ziggler, and of course, Randy Orton. McIntyre tries not t to smile because it hurts.
But Adam Pearce interrupts! He wants to get this down to what it’s really about. The severity of Orton’s injuries are unknown, but he won’t be here tonight. He might not even be here at Clash. Oh, poor Orton. Pearce says that this changes the gravity of tonight. Tonight’s match with Keith Lee is for far more than bragging rights. If Keith Lee wins tonight, and Orton can’t make it to Clash, Keith faces McIntyre for the WWE World Championship. Well who put Pearce in charge? But speaking of, here comes the Limitless One! Ziggler likes the situation McIntyre has gotten himself into, but also wants Keith to prove himself worthy.
Keith stands face to face with his friend and the two circle. Keith eyes the title, McIntyre move sit away. They shake hands to show there’s still good sportsmanship, but Keith holds on! McIntyre gets he wants to show he’s serious, so McIntyre doesn’t let go of Keith. Will these two still be friends now that there’s a golden opportunity on the table?
Champions VS Champions: The Street Profits VS Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura!
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins accepted this challenge of Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions when the Swiss Cyborg and King of Strong Style visited via the Brand to Brand Invitation. They also returned the favor by partying in the Champions’ Lounge. But will the Profits still be up for a party after going toe to toe with their blue brand contemporaries?
The teams sort out, Cesaro and Dawkins start, and the bell unleashes a BIG European Uppercut from Cesaro to Dawkins! Cesaro drags Dawkins up, fireman’s carries and dumps Dawkins onto the top rope. Nakamura tags in to get that Top Shelf Knee! And then Cesaro gut wrenches, Nakamura KNEES into the suplex! Cover, TWO! Nakamura taunts Ford and has Dawkins in a corner. Nakamura throws knees, whips Dawkins corner to corner, and runs in, but Dawkins boots back! Dawkins runs Nakamura over with a clothesline! Dawkins tags Ford and whips Nakamura. Ford dropkicks Nakamura down, Dawkins gives him the back suplex splash! Cover, Cesaro stomps it apart!
Dawkins goes after Cesaro with haymakers, he and Ford double whip and double dropkick! The Profits are fired up as the Artists regroup. Ford FLIES but into the arms of Cesaro and Nakamura, for a DOUBLE BARRIER BOMB!! Ford is down and Raw’s champs are in trouble as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Cesaro grinds Ford down with a chinlock. Ford endures as fans clap. Ford fights up, fights out, but Cesaro uppercuts and shoves Ford to a corner. Cesaro runs in but only gets post! Ford crawls, Cesaro stomps him, then tags in Nakamura. Ford still tags Dawkins! Dawkins unleashes the Curse of Greatness as he rallies and hits a flying elbow! Dawkins flapjacks Cesaro, then EXPLODERS Nakamura! Cover, TWO! Dawkins keeps his cool and stalks Nakamura to a corner. Dawkins whips Nakamura to another corner, but misses the cyclone! Nakamura enziguris then sets Dawkins in the ropes. SLIDING GERMAN!
Nakamura gets in and aims from a corner! But Dawkins hits the CASH OUT! Tag to Ford and he goes up top, FROM THE HEAVENS onto knees!! Cesaro dumps Dawkins out, Nakamura covers Ford, TWO!! Tag to Cesaro and Ford goes for a Swiss Swing into a knee! Cover, Dawkins breaks it! Cesaro stomps Dawkins for getting back in but lets up at the ref’s count. Cesaro puts Dawkins on the ropes for Nakmaura’s DYNAMIC DROPKICK! Ford tries to roll Cesaro up, gets him on the second chance, TWO! Cesaro pups Ford up for a BIG EuroUpper!! Cover, TWO!?! No one can believe it! Meanwhile, Nakamura rushes at Dawkins on the outside but is sent into steps!
Cesaro sees he has Ford all alone as Ford struggles to rise. Cesaro drags Ford up the rest of the way to bump off buckles and fire off EuroUppers from all sides! The ref counts, Cesaro stops at 4 to BLAST Ford again! Ford flops to the apron, Cesaro argues with the ref, but Cesaro then drags Ford up the corner. Dawkins tags in before the DEAD LIFT SUPERPLEX! Dawkins is up top now, for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, The Profits win!!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall
The Raw Tag Team Champions defend home turf! Ziggler tells the veterans they should’ve known better. Will there be a rematch to see if the SmackDown Tag Team Champions can redeem themselves?
Angel Garza is talking with Lana backstage.
The Ravishing Russian doesn’t want to make this all about her, but why is it that Mickie James has a title shot when all she’s done is show up again? The obvious choice was Natalya, #BOAT, the winningest woman in WWE of all time! Did he know that? Of course he did! He agrees this is unfair. And Lana’s passion for justice is intoxicating. But then Zelina Vega and Andrade show up. Vega asks Lana give them privacy. Lana obliges and then Vega reprimands Garza. This is what she was getting at last time! Garza abandons Andrade two weeks in a row, their chances at the Raw tag titles are completely gone, and now Garza is flirting with Lana?
Enough! Garza is tired of being blamed for ever setback only because her “golden boy” lost! Andrade got pinned, not Garza. So yell at him. Who is Garza to talk to her like that? Andrade asks what Garza has ever done, and they argue, but Vega tells them to SHUT UP! Vega can’t do this anymore! She storms off, and now the two start shoving!! El Idolo and the Lethal Lothario knock trunks over as Raw goes to break! Is this the end of the business partnership?
Ricochet w/ Apollo Crews VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business!
The One and Only was the most hurt by the Age of Alexander’s betrayal, and now he’ll be the one to confront Cedric 1v1! But will they be the ones to regret fighting against such bad odds?
Before the match, each member of the Hurt Business gets a mic. MVP starts by saying, “Attention, WWE Universe. This is an official announcement from the Hurt Business. Business is booming! The CEO, Bobby Lashley, is firmly in possession of the United States Championship. Shelton Benjamin has upgraded from the Gold Standard to Platinum Status. And as I understand it, Cedric Alexander has spoken to his tax attorney. His W9 is completed, and he is officially a member of the Hurt Business. Life is good.”
Alexander says life is good, but last week blew up! Everyone was salty on social media. “Why’d you turn your back on your friends? They were your brothers!” NO. This is his job! Alexander has to do what he must to succeed. No one knows what it is like to be beat down by three of the baddest. But then he wakes up Tuesday, unable to play with his kids because he’s all broken. What fans don’t understand is that being with Ricochet and Apollo left Alexander broken and broke. But now- Ricochet and Apollo interrupt with their entrance! Apollo wants to call it how it is. They treated him as a brother and he sold out! Alexander is too weak minded and he was manipulated! But now he has to live with the consequences! They always had his back-
WRONG!! How many times was Alexander beat up while Apollo was champion? Answer that! Benjamin says Alexander doesn’t owe them anything. Just look at that jealousy. Ricochet tells Benjamin to do us a favor and mind his own business. And Alexander, this wasn’t for an explanation. It is what it is: he joined the Hurt Business for money. But stabbing Ricochet in the back hurt worse than anything! Ricochet and Apollo aren’t begging anyone to come back or #WhyCedricWhy. If you thought it was bad to have the Hurt Business after you, he’ll see how bad it is with them coming for him. The Hurt Business mocks how “scary” that sounds, and things sort out for the grudge match.
The bell rings and Alexander rushes but Ricochet tackles him! Ricochet rains down rights but Alexander gets up to kick low and whip. Ricochet holds ropes to then back elbow Alexander away. Ricochet throws Alexander out then slingshots. Alexander moves but Ricochet BOOTS him down! Ricochet then goes up to MOONSAULT and take Alexander down! Apollo intercepts Benjamin but Lashley LARIATS Apollo! Lashley fireman’s carries Apollo but Erik attacks! Erik stands alone after Ivar took that bad spill last week, but he wants after the Rocky Mountain Machine all the same! These two fight up the ramp as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Alexander has Ricochet down with a bearhug. Ricochet endures, Apollo coaches him up and fans rally up. Ricochet reaches but Cedric drags him away from ropes. Ricochet punches Alexander away, gets up but Alexander DECKS Ricochet! Alexander drags Ricochet up but Ricochet throws forearms back. Ricochet rocks Alexander and runs, but into a stiff knee! Alexander basement dropkicks and covers, TWO! Alexander goes back to the rear mount and rains crossface forearms down. Ricochet covers up, fights back but Alexander stomps him down. Alexander has Ricochet in a corner, fish hooks his face and throws body shots. Alexander brings Ricochet out, throws forearms, and ROCKS Ricochet!
Alexander puts Ricochet on the ropes to throw heavy shots into the ribs. Ricochet reverses the whip and dropkicks Alexander down! Both men fall, MVP tells Alexander to get up and whoop Ricochet! Fans rally as both men slowly stir. Alexander leans on ropes, Ricochet wobbles to his feet, and Ricochet throws body shots back! Ricochet throws uppercuts and fires up through the pain! Ricochet CHOPS Alexander on the ropes, MVP shouts at Alexander but Ricochet whips. Alexander reverses, Ricochet dodges but Alexander arm-drags but Ricochet SUPERKICKS! Alexander goes down but Ricochet drags him back up for a waistlock. Alexander grabs for ropes but Ricochet DRAGON SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!!
The Hurt Business is worried for Alexander as Ricochet has him in a drop zone. Ricochet fights through the pain but Benjamin distracts. Apollo runs around to run Benjamin off, but Ricochet is still slow to getting up. Shooting Star but Ricochet lands on his feet as Alexander moves! Alexander scoops Ricochet for a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Alexander just gives him a LUMBAR CHECK! Cover, Alexander wins!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall
The newest member of the Hurt Business is victorious, but there’s no time for celebrations as RETRIBUTION takes over the screens and lights again! “Listen up, you and all the other so-called superstars. We are the product of empty promises. The results of lies, greed and betrayal. We once trusted, but now we walk with eyes wide open.” “We see what you are: waste! Scrap! Byproduct!” When you show loyalty to an entity that treats you like garbage, YOU are garbage! When you sell your souls, YOU are corrupt. They once believed their time at the Performance Center would lead to fame and fortune. But they refuse to suck up to an entitled machine! While everyone else enjoys their last days, they will show you exactly who you are! “We are Retribution!” And there’s many more than once realized.
The Hurt Business is on high alert, but Retribution does not come. Will Retribution come for everyone soon enough?
Backstage interview with Mickie James.
Sarah welcomes the six-time women’s champion as she prepares for her match with Asuka tonight. What emotions fuel her? Mickie loves this business, with every bit of her heart and soul. She has given every ounce of her soul. It drives hr to be the best her every single day. Especially for the high stakes competition like Asuka brings out in her. Now, what drives her? Different stages of her career have had very different answers. But with experience comes wisdom,and with wisdom comes clarity. It is clear now more than ever that she has always had what it takes to be champion! But if you ask her what motivates her tonight, is that this could be her very last chance to win a championship. Will this motivation be enough for Mickie to dethrone the Empress of Tomorrow?
Raw returns to Adam Pearce grilling his security staff.
“Somebody tell me what it is we can’t do our job!” The Hurt Business walks over to speak with him. Pearce being a high level official comes with very high pressure. But it’s also clear that if he doesn’t get to the bottom of this Retribution problem, Pearce will have the added pressure of having to find a new job. Pearce says that is not their concern. It is if they say it is. Pearce should listen to the Hurt Business. Up the security from boys to men. The Hurt Business doesn’t run from anyone. They don’t fear Retribution because MVP has Lashley, Benjamin and Alexander. Now let them help Pearce keep his job. Pearce thanks them for volunteering. Volunteering? Pfft. They’re the Hurt Business. They’ll send him their bill.
Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Mickie James!
The moment of truth has come for Mickie! These two met in NXT before Asuka was ever a champion, but she’s only sharpened her skills since that day! Will Mickie be ready for THIS Asuka?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and lucky number seven could be on its way!
Asuka and Mickie circle, tie up, and go around. Asuka puts Mickie on the ropes, but Mickie powers back and arm-drags Asuka to the mat. Cover, ONE, and the collar and elbow stays on. Asuka gets Mickie down for a cover, ONE! They’re in a deadlock but Mickie pushes Asuka away. They go again, Mickie rolls Asuka, ONE! Mickie stays low to trip up and jackknife, TWO! Mickie gets in Asuka’s face with how close that just was, but Asuka grabs that arm! Mickie gets to ropes, Asuka lets off fast, and Mickie comes back fast with a headlock. Asuka turns it into her own headlock, Mickie throws body shots and powers out. Asuka runs Mickie over with a shoulder and runs, but Mickie trips her!
Mickie and Asuka get up, Mickie spins Asuka to a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Mickie keeps her cool and clamps onto Asuka with a cobra clutch. Asuka endures, fights up and powers out. Mickie hesitates but her hip toss is blocked to Asuka’s knee! Asuka grits her teeth as she throws forearms, but Mickie knees and forearms back. Mickie whips, Asuka reverses and gets a cleaner pop-up knee! Cover, TWO! Asuka keeps her cool while catching her breath. Mickie flounders and fires herself up, but both women are slow to standing. Asuka aims, runs but her hip attack misses! MICK KICK!! But Asuka flops out of the ring!! Asuka lucks out as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns, Mickie has Asuka back in the ring but both women flounder about again. Mickie throws forearms, Asuka throws forearms back! They brawl and fight to their feet. Mickie ducks to get a hammerlock and chinbar! Is Mickie trying to steel the Asuka lock? Asuka backs Mickie into a corner to throw elbows, but then she runs into a boot! Asuka comes back, runs into an elbow but keeps trying. Mickie goes up for a RANA! Asuka gets up, Mickie back kicks then boots! Mickie runs but Asuka dodges and comes back to HIP ATTACK! Asuka fires up, tells Mickie she is the champion, but runs into a FLAPJACK! Mickie kips up! And she’s feeling all fired up!
Mickie goes to a corner, heads up top, but Asuka rises. Asuka stops Mickie with an uppercut! Asuka climbs to join Mickie, Mickie fights her off and shoves her down, then adjusts. Mickie leaps for a SUPER THESZ PRESS! Cover, TWO to a sunset flip, TWO! Mickie throws forearms, Asuka gives back palm strikes! Asuka fires off from all ends but Mickie ducks the back hand! Mickie spins but Asuka ducks the kick! Asuka’s back hand lands! Mickie flounders, Asuka sits her up, for KICKS! And more kicks! Mickie eggs Asuka on as she sits up again and again but Asuka just keeps kicking her down! Asuka runs, Mickie ducks the buzzsaw to get the leg! HALF CRAB! Mickie sits deep, Asuka crawls and reaches! Mickie drags Asuka from ropes, gets both legs, but Asuka twists for a victory roll, TWO!
Asuka stands up, MICK KICK! That might not have been enough but she still covers, ROPEBREAK!! Asuka survives and Mickie can’t believe it! Mickie wants Asuka to get back up, but she drags Asuka up. Asuka drags Mickie down for an ARMBAR! They move around, Mickie reaches for ropes, it’s also a cover, TWO! Mickie moves around to get a cover back, ONE! Mickie is free, kicks low but Asuka spins out of the DDT to get the arm! Mickie drops down out of the hammerlock to victory roll, TWO! FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Into the ASUKA LOCK!! Mickie pops free, moves around to cover, but the ref says she tapped out?!
Winner: Asuka, by submission? (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Mickie was ruled unable to continue?! What was it that happened that she could no longer wrestle? But that’s besides the point for now, as Vega storms out to the ring! La Muneca gets right in Asuka’s face as she gets a mic. “I’ve been thinking. Thinking about the future. Thinking about MY future! And then it donned on me.” She wasted the best years of HER career managing selfish little ingrates! “Just like you.” Asuka? Yes! Asuka is an ingrate because she was handed the title, and has only been reckless with it. She’s been fighting everyone and her mother. But the Empress of Tomorrow is so focused on the stars of yesterday, she’s forgotten one of the best in the business today: VEGA!
But don’t even bother to ask if she’s ready for Asuka. Because Vega says she is ready for the title. Asuka laughs as she takes the mic from Vega, and talks trash in Japanese that Vega thinks she’s ready. Vega SLAPS Asuka! And then runs away before Asuka could go after her! Asuka is again laughing but Vega is grinning. What happens when there’s no running from the Empress and her wrath?
Backstage interview with Keith Lee.
Charly Caruso quickly adds that Vega stepping to Asuka, not a good idea. But first, a competitor whose title aspirations are a bit more realistic. The Limitless One has a chance to face McIntyre for the world title. Many work entire careers for this opportunity. Keith and McIntyre were honest in knowing there would come a day when they’d face each other. Just as Keith has been honest about not appreciating McIntyre interfering in his matches. Keith gets it: “The goal is to be WWE Champion, and that’s a goal that drives all of us.” That said, Keith knows McIntyre will do whatever it takes to stay champion, and Keith will do whatever it takes to become champion.
Then Keith’s job may be easier. McIntyre has a fractured jaw. Will Keith take advantage of that? Keith doesn’t want to take advantage of a friend. But to come this far and to become champion, he will do what he must. Will the Scottish Stud force the hand of the Limitless One?
Erik VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!
So far, business has been booming, as Alexander got the win over his former friend. Now will the CEO of the Hurt Business throw the last viking standing to the wayside to make a statement?
The bell rings and Erik rushes a distracted Lashley with double knees! Lashley moves, fires off hands and knees in the corner but lets up as the ref counts 4. Lashley digs forearms into Erik’s face, then runs to RAM into Erik! Lashley nods to MVP on commentary, then digs his forearms into Erik. Erik pushes back, fires forearms back as well as haymakers and knees! Erik lets up, whips Lashley but Lashley reverses. Erik elbows Lashley back then shotgun knees him down! Erik growls as he stalks Lashley, for Ace Ten Mao! Cover, TWO! Lashley survives but Erik stays close. Erik drags Lashley up, kicks and knees and forearms then runs, into a SPINE BUSTER!
Lashley hauls Erik up to the Canadian rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!?! Erik survives, MVP respects that, but Lashley stalks Erik. Lashley clamps on the full nelson! Body scissors added on, the Hurt Lock is complete! Erik taps, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
Lashley holds on until Erik fades out! The United States Champion is rolling, but who will it be to stand in his way at Clash of Champions?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Does he have any idea as to why Aleister Black has this vendetta against him? No, he doesn’t. Because there could be many reasons. Did he say something that set him off? Or maybe Hot Topic wouldn’t honor those 40% off coupons he had for the shirts of the band that he likes so much. Maybe it was the frustration that even though Aleister sat in a dark room for a year and a half, wanting someone to knock on his door and fight him, no one cared enough to do it.
But either way, Kevin doesn’t really care why. He cares about how. As in, how will he inflict enough pain on Aleister to feel like they’re even? How will he make sure Aleister doesn’t walk but run back to his hiding spot? And more importantly, how can Kevin make sure the beating he gives Aleister tonight reminds Aleister here on out of what happens when you pick a fight with Kevin Owens? Kevin isn’t actually worried about any of that, because why? Because he’s Kevin Owens. Will the Prizefighter give Aleister the fight of his life?
Shane McMahon and Jordan Omogbehin talk at the Raw Underground door.
Last week’s brawling of Aleister and Kevin was fantastic stuff. Wait until tonight! Wait, Braun Strowman is here?! Seems Raw Underground is open to all, even if they’re not from Raw. The Monster is here to vent his anger, and he knows on the other side of that door is “some poor son of a b*tch that I can cave his head in.” So get out of his way or be in the wake of his destruction! Open the door or he’ll use Shane to do it! And tell the best fighters you’ve got to come see the Monster and #GetTheseHands, so Strowman can send them all home to their mamas with pockets full of teeth! This week is even better already!
Seth Rollins meets with Buddy Murphy backstage.
Where has he been? Rollins was waiting for Murphy to come see him. Murphy says the Mysterios, what they did- Please, please. Rollins understands, they ganged up on him and used kendo sticks. Atonement, forgiveness, that is part of the process. But it’s also the past. Now we look to the future! Tonight is an opportunity! Rollins and Dominik will be inside a steel cage, and no one can go in or out. “This is the perfect opportunity to teach the young man, and the world, a lesson.” Murphy nods, but Rollins asks if Murphy is prepared for his role tonight. Because Rollins has something very important for him to do and he needs to be ready. Is he ready? Yes. Rollins is glad to hear him say that.
Rollins SLAPS Murphy and then tells him to stay back here so Rollins doesn’t have to deal with any “stupid mistakes.” Does Murphy understand? Yes, sir… Rollins SLAPS him again and makes sure Murphy means it! Rollins then calms down, pats Murphy on the shoulder, and heads for gorilla.
Mandy Rose has been traded to Raw!
Apparently this is the favor The Miz called in on Friday Night! The show is about to become #MandyNightRaw, but will Otis stand for Miz messing with his love life?
Steel Cage Match: Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio!
The Monday Night Messiah’s one last disciple took a beating from the entire Mysterio Family, but it was not enough! This still has to be settled between Rollins and El Hijo del Rey! Will the sinister steel be what is needed to finally put an end to all this?
Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance, and Charly interviews the Mysterio family. Rey and Dominik have weighed the risks and rewards. If Dominik wants to follow his dreams of following his dad’s footsteps, he can’t back down from anything. Rey and Angie are more concerned than Dominik, and Rey knows how difficult a cage match is. The family will be out there to support Dominik. But once that cage door shuts, Dominik is on his own. But so is Rollins. Dominik has fire when it comes to getting even with Rollins, so maybe Rollins should be the one worried about this match. The Mysterio family head out, and this grudge looks to finally be settled!
The bell rings, Rollins soaks up the moment as he and Dominik circle. They tie up, Rollins kicks low and clubs Dominik over and over and over! He stomps Dominik down, laughs as Dominik gets to ropes, then whips him to the other side. DOminik ducks and tilt-o-whirls to a Russian leg sweep! Rey says that’s good, and Dominik climbs! Rollins trips Dominik up, brings him back with a fireman’s carry, but Dominik hits a tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO! Dominik hurries to climb again! Rollins gets up, but Murphy appears to give Rollins a kendo stick?! What happened to those orders!? Rollins SMACKS away on Dominik, then throws him into steel! Rey is furious but he keeps Angie and Aalyah calm as Dominik writhes. Rollins looms over Dominik as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Rollins is grinding Domink’s face against steel! And then runs to SMASH Dominik in harder! Rey coaches Dominik while Angie wants Rey to stop this. Rollins drags Dominik up and tells him, “When are you gonna learn?!” Rollins tells Papa Rey to watch as he whips Dominik, but Dominik reverses to send Rollins into steel! Dominik flounders, gets to a side and climbs, but Rollins hurries after! Rollins grabs Dominik, drags him off the steel but Dominik fights back and RANAS Rollins into steel! Rollins writhes but Murphy is there to coach him. Dominik gets the kendo stick and SMACKS Rollins! Rollins kicks back but Dominik keeps swinging on him!
Dominik keeps Rollins from climbing, then whips him into more steel! And more steel! And more steel! Then a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! The family has confidence again as Dominik gets back up. Dominik aims at Rollins again but Rollins wants mercy. Rollins trips Dominik up and catapults him, but Dominik climbs! Rollins hurries after, they’re both on the top rope and throwing hands! Rollins rocks Dopminik but Dominik bounces Rollins off steel! And again! Rollins trips Dominik and Dominik crotches on the ropes! But Dominik trips Rollins up to return the favor! Both men flop off the rope to the ring floor and MVP respects the savvy.
The fans and the family rally for Dominik as he crawls to the door. The door is open, but Murphy grabs Rey to SLAM him into the barriers! Rollins drags Dominik away and goes through the doorway, but Murphy slams the door closed!! Murphy didn’t realize Rollins had switched places! Murphy freaks out as Dominik climbs the far side! Murphy climbs the outside but Dominik fights him off! Murphy falls and hits hard! Dominik hits a FROG SPLASH on Rollins! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and MVP has respect for Dominik’s heart. Dominik goes back to climbing, but Rollins crawls after. Dominik is up top, Rollins hurries after, and Rollins catches up to grab a foot!
Dominik has to go back inside and Rollins falls. Dominik keeps trying, but Rollins springs up to grab his head! SUPERPLEX!! Float through, FALCON ARROW! Rollins crawls to the cover, TWO!! Dominik survives and shocks Rollins! Angie coaches her son on and Rey does, too. Rollins stares at Rey and Rey glares back. Rollins laughs and grins as he mocks the applause. Rollins gets cocky, Dominik rolls him up, TWO! CURB STOMP!! But Rollins won’t cover, he wants the entire family to suffer! ANOTHER CURB STOMP! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Architect had a plan, and though there were missteps, it still worked out in his favor. Rollins grabs the kendo stick before exiting the cage, with Murphy holding the door for him. Rollins glares at Murphy, but he spares the kendo stick to thank his disciple. Rey gets in to check on Dominik, but then Rollins throws Murphy around ringside! “When are you gonna learn?! Do what I tell you to do!!” Rollins lets off, to then SMASH the door into Murphy! “How does it feel!? It sucks! I know because you did it to me!” Murphy begs for mercy, and Rollins tells Angie that hopefully Aalyah turns out better than her brother. The Mysterios check on Murphy before regrouping around Dominik. Will there never be vindication against Rollins?
Raw Underground begins again!
Shane welcomes us back as Dolph Ziggler is back in the ring and out wrestling another opponent. Ziggler gets around to a rear mount, shoots for an arm and drives in elbows at the same time. The ref calls it, Ziggler wins! Ziggler gets serious as he takes off his shirt, but here comes Riddick Moss! The Riddick Regimen wants some and they circle. Ziggler gets a leg, Moss pries him off and backs off. They go again, Ziggler gets the leg again but Moss throws haymakers to get free! Ziggler uppercuts! But Moss SPINE BUSTERS back! Moss rains down hands but Ziggler gets a leg to get back around to a sleeper hold!
Ziggler grinds Moss, Moss throws body shots and pries free. Moss elbows HARD, but the two start throwing hands! Moss tries to lift, but here comes STROWMAN!! Braun brawls with Moss and pushes him to the edge of the ring! Then CHOKE SLAMS him down! Ziggler returns, but Strowman scoops him for a DOMINATOR! Braun dares anyone to get in and #GetTheseHands! Raw Underground and Raw go to break while The Monster stands tall!
Raw returns with a backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
Now dressed to compete, McIntyre responds to Keith’s comments. McIntyre hopes Keith will do whatever it takes to win the championship. But what McIntyre can’t get his head around is that while he could have struck any time he wanted, he waited until Orton hit Keith with an RKO. McIntyre doesn’t want ot make it sound like Keith couldn’t have kicked out of an RKO. After all, Orton has only won 13 world championships with that move and could’ve won his 14th at SummerSlam if he hit one. Keith comes in and asks for alone time.
Keith doesn’t want McIntyre dragging his name through the mud. What does he mean? He means that McIntyre acts like he’s doing Keith a favor. Keith and McIntyre are friends, Keith is new to Raw, but don’t twist McIntyre’s words. Twisting his words means what McIntyre is saying is not what it sounds like. But it sounds like McIntyre thinks Orton beat Keith. But the only match McIntyre didn’t interfere with was Payback, when Keith won. Furthermore, McIntyre needs to be more concerned with Keith beating him tonight, and again at Clash of Champions. “Hi, I’m Drew McIntyre. Nice to meet you for the first time ever.” McIntyre does not get concerned, and is not afraid of anyone. Keith says he should be.
These two have known each other longer than anyone, so Keith knows McIntyre very well. Such as that weak spot right around- Don’t put your hand up. Oh, is McIntyre concerned about his jaw? Keith keeps putting his hand up and McIntyre keeps swatting it away. Well if McIntyre thinks he can warn the Limitless One… McIntyre JABS Keith, Keith TACKLES McIntyre! They brawl in the spare ring and it spills out! McIntyre throws Kieth into the bathroom! Then drags him out to POST him! McIntyre whips Keith but Keith reverses to send McIntyre into trunks! Security and referees rush over but the brawl just fires off again! McIntyre wants this fight now, but will have to wait for the main event! Has the friendship suddenly crumbled?
We return to Raw Underground!
Omogbehin sees Titus roll up and stops him at the door. Titus wants in on “this fun!” Alright, then! The Real Deal gets in while Braun is mangling some schmo. Strowman wins again, but here comes Moss! Moss wants revenge! Strowman shoves and BOOTS Moss into the crowd! But her comes TITUS! Titus tackles Strowman and rains down rights! Strowman gets up, facelocks and grinds Titus, Titus fades out! Strowman drops him to fall on him! Shane and the ref have Strowman stop! Shane says Braun is still up for more, but we’ll see if anyone takes him up on that later!
Aleister Black VS Kevin Owens!
The Embodiment of the End knows the Prizefighter wants to hurt him, and the feeling is mutual. And Aleister makes sure to hit first and attacks Kevin during his entrance! Aleister stomps Kevin in the ring, the ref backs him off and Raw goes to break! Will Kevin be able to compete after that ambush?
Raw returns and Aleister whips Kevin. Kevin kicks back, rebounds and LARIATS! And drops a senton! Kevin rains down rights and goes back to ropes. Kevin stomps Aleister, bumps Aleister off buckles, then whips him corner to corner. Aleister goes up and over, blocks the superkick and sweeps the legs! Aleister drags Kevin back up, throws fast hands and knees the leg. Aleister keeps on that leg for a modified half crab, but Kevin endures. His shoulders are down for a cover, ONE, but Aleister holds on. Kevin kicks Aleister with his free leg and gets the other free. Fans rally, Kevin is in a corner but he kicks Aleister back. Kevin dumps Aleister over and out and Aleister hits the apron hard! Kevin runs but can’t jump with the bad leg, Aleister sweeps the legs!
Aleister drags Kevin tot he apron, fires off elbows on the bad knee and slams the leg on the apron! Aleister paces as the ring count climbs then gets back in the ring to stalk Kevin. Aleister stomps the leg, clamps on again but Kevin punches him away. Kevin sits up but Aleister brings him up. Aleister throws forearms, Kevin hits back. Aleister boots Kevin at ropes and Kevin flounders to a corner. Aleister drags Kevin back up, puts the bad leg on ropes and KICKS the leg! Kevin flops down and clutches the knee while Aleister paces. Aleister drags Kevin back up, but Kevin ROCKS him with an uppercut!
Kevin hobbles to a corner while Aleister is in a daze. Kevin comes back, drags Aleister up, but Aleister drops down for a KNEEBAR! Aleister cranks on the foot, Kevin endures, reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Aleister holds on until 4, and then stomps away at the ropes. The ref has to back Aleister up, and then Kevin SUPERKICKS him down!! Both men are down, Kevin gets up first but he can’t run! Aleister grins, but the lights start to shut off. Kevin uses the distraction to get a STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
If that was Retribution, they just helped Kevin out! Will this be enough to settle things between the Prizefighter and the man who wants to fight?
McIntyre finishes preparing for his match.
But he’s not prepared for Keith to come back for more! Keith and McIntyre brawl backstage, push security aside, but Pearce gets them to stop! If they don’t stop now, he’ll cancel the match and they don’t go to Clash of Champions! That’s enough for Keith, but McIntyre is more than ready to end this. Will McIntyre do everything he has to in order to deny Keith his championship opportunity?
The Riott Squad VS Natalya & Lana!
Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan Liv2Riott and Riott2Liv, but Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler are watching very closely on commentary. Will the contenders build momentum off the #BOAT and the Ravishing Russian to head for the dysfunctional duo bound to self destruct?
The teams sort out, and Natty blindsides Liv! Natty clubs away on Liv while Shayna and Nia mock Liv’s pain. Natty stomps away on Liv in the corner, tags in Lana, and they work together to whip Natty in to RAM Liv! Lana adds a heel kick, covers, TWO! Lana stomps Liv, drags her up and whips her into a corner. Liv hits Natty but Lana kicks Liv back! Lana brings Liv up but Liv breaks free to slip under. Liv reaches for Ruby, Lanan grabs a foot but Liv rolls to send her into ropes! Ruby tags in, CODE BREAKER to RIOTT KICK!! Cover, the Riott Squad wins!
Winner: The Riott Squad, by pinfall
Well that was fast. The champs are done on commentary, too, and make sure the Squad understands who hold the gold right now. And they pick on Natty and Lana to do it! Natty gets POSTED, Nia rips up the announce desk and Shayna toys with Lana! Shayna whips Lana out of the ring for Nia to bring up. Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS Lana through the desk!! There’s one thing Nia and Shayna agree on: destruction! Will they bring that to Clash of Champions to destroy the Riott Squad’s dreams?
We return to Raw Underground one more time!
Braun is mauling another man and gets another win! Moss wants a third turn!? He’s crazy but Braun has faced crazier. Braun JABS Moss down, but here comes Ziggler! Braun rocks Ziggler, but the two work 2v1 now! They get Braun down, but Braun grabs Moss to push him awy! Braun throws Ziggler off and DECKS Moss! Ziggler gets up, to get a MONSTER SLAM! Braun is unstoppable, but here comes… DABBA-KATO! Dabba is someone on Braun’s size level, but Shane says they need this to happen next week! See you next Monday!
Drew McIntyre VS Keith Lee!
Whether the Scottish Stud meant to make the Limitless One seem lesser or not, it’s about how his actions looked to his friend. That might be “former friend” now after the brawling backstage now. But will Keith do everything to make sure McIntyre becomes a former champion at Clash of Champions? Or will McIntyre refuse to #BaskInHisGlory?
The bell rings and the brawl continues! Keith tackles McIntyre to a corner, rams him over and over then throws body shots. Keith whips corner to corner, McIntyre boots back! McIntyre throws haymakers and forearms, but Keith pushes him back. Keith runs in but only gets buckles. Keith boots and gets McIntyre’s jaw! Keith runs to POUNCE McIntyre out of the ring! The champion is down in a bad way as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once more and Keith hammers away on McIntyre. McIntyre gets to a corner, Keith drags him up but McIntyre hits back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Keith throws haymakers and the jaw hurts again! Keith whips, McIntyre kicks back and CHOPS again! McIntyre brings Keith around to whip but Keith reverses. McIntyre ducks and dodges and forearms Keith down! McIntyre gets Keith up but can’t overhead suplex, and Keith elbows him away. Keith grabs McIntyre, McIntyre body shots and HEADBUTTS back! The Glasgow Kiss rocks Keith enough for McIntyre to OVERHEAD SUPLEX!
McIntyre gets to a corner, goes up top, and he watches Keith rise. McIntyre leaps, for the ax handle! And the kip up! McIntyre fires up and powers through the pain in his jaw as he glares at Keith. McIntyre drags Keith up, underhooks, but Keith powers out to push and run, into a SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!! Keith and McIntyre both slowly rise but McIntyre has Keith up first. McIntyre goes to suplex but Keith is too big and too strong for that! Keith pries free, but McIntyre body shots and JABS! GRIZZLY MAGNUM! Keith forearms, elbows, runs and LARIATS McIntyre down! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives but Keith keeps his focus.
Keith and McIntyre rise again, McIntyre jawbreakers Keith away! McIntyre goes back to a corner, climbs back up but Keith leaps to headbutt back! Keith has McIntyre stunned on the apron as Keith climbs up. Keith brings McIntyre up, but McIntyre fights back! McIntyre and Keith brawl up top, Keith powers up and SUPERPLEXES! Keith crawls to the cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Keith is too tired to be frustrated. Keith crawls to ropes and uses those to stand up. McIntyre stands, too, and kicks low! McIntyre CHOPS and runs, but Keith dodges the boot to pop McIntyre up! McIntyre slips out of the Spirit Bomb, both men run, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES take them out!
Both men crawl as fans build to a rally. But here comes RETRIBUTION!! They’re rushing the ring again! Commentary gets away but Keith and McIntyre fight back! They both get mugged, 6v1 at the very least!! It’s hard to tell just how many there are, but it’s no less than a dozen! They mock McIntyre and Keith, and keep on beating them down! The fans give thumbs down and boo but no one is coming to help McIntyre or Keith! Wait! The Hurt Business finally arrives! MVP brings back Benjamin, Lashley and Alexander to do the job they signed up for. The suit jackets come off, the four rush the ramp and it’s a HUGE brawl with Retribution! The four take on all 12 or 15 in a chaotic mess at ringside!
But then Keith AND McIntyre FLY!! They wipe out Retribution and the Hurt Business all at once! But it looks like nothing is settled between the Limitless One and Scottish Stud. What comes of the Clash of Champions situation? Will Retribution reconsider running in on a Raw main event?
My Thoughts:
This was a bit of a wild Raw, and maybe not always the good kind of wild. The most confusing thing about tonight was how the Raw Women’s Championship match ended. The referee said Mickie James couldn’t continue, but that definitely did not seem the case. Perhaps there was an injury that will be addressed later, but it could also have been because they realized they were going to run out of time for other things. Because the WWE doesn’t operate with time limits on their standard matches, there was probably no easy way to say they need to make time for Vega calling Asuka out so they just kayfabed a reason. Vega ditching Almas and Garza is actually a great part for her and them, and that brawl Garza and Almas had was a great touch.
Everything else was still fairly smooth and great progress towards Clash of Champions. I really thought Murphy was going to turn on Rollins but it seems Rollins is the one turning on Murphy. Rollins and Dominik have a great cage match, but I probably should’ve seen Rollins was going to win. Dominik is left in bad shape, in kayfabe at least, but maybe Murphy redeems himself by helping the Mysterios get back at Rollins. The Riott Squad beats Lana and Natalya because, well, Lana was on the team. I was surprised Nia and Shayna did anything to Natty and Lana, but it does help add some kind of heat. I don’t see Ruby and Liv winning without Shayna and Nia falling apart, but I would like for Shayna and Nia to at least get one defense under their belts before losing.
Kevin and Aleister have a good match, but obviously Retribution was a factor there. The timing is probably just a case of the writing unable to keep Aleister strong but still losing to Kevin. I feel like things are out of order on this story. These two should’ve had a regular match last week, then this week was about using Raw Underground to settle things without rules holding them back. Instead, Strowman got to bust some heads without using the Brand to Brand, and setting up a fight with Dabba-Kato is a bittersweet way to end Raw Underground for the night. The Champions VS Champions match was great, and I’m actually surprised the Profits won. I get home field advantage, but maybe this means the rematch is this Friday, where Nakamura and Cesaro tie the series up and Clash of Champions is a tiebreaker that could be for both tag titles.
Retribution, The Hurt Business and the world championship story were all major parts of tonight, and I think this is the first week Retribution didn’t feel like a goofy nuisance. It is reassuring to see the major players in Retribution are staying the major players. Dijakovic, Dio Maddin, and Mia Yim seem to be the core, but it’s hard to tell if they’re suddenly using Mercedes Martinez even though she’s been doing great in NXT and really only just got to WWE. Retribution attacking Keith looks to kill my theory that he’s their leader, but it could be a red herring. The Hurt Business get good wins over Ricochet and Erik, and them stepping up to fight Retribution was great, as it keeps the Heel/Face dynamics of things uncertain to a degree.
McIntyre and Keith coming to blows even before the main event was great, and just felt logical after everything. Them closing out by wiping out everyone was great, but I bet things just start up again next week to settle things. McIntyre VS Orton in an ambulance match would be great, but I feel like there might be a Triple Threat in the works here. That way, just about anything can happen, and no one would really come out too weak or too strong if, say, Keith got the title because Orton and McIntyre took each other out. Or the other way around, should Orton go after Keith after McIntyre was Pounced.
My Score: 8.3/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will the landscape change again?
Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; wins and
- NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; wins and
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXTÂ and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
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