The last Raw before Elimination Chamber throws down the gauntlet!

Before defending his WWE World Championship inside the Elimination Chamber, Drew McIntyre and his challengers will run the gauntlet!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party VS The Hurt Business; Riddle & Lucha House Party win.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Interview Interception: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Instant Karma: Akira Tozawa VS Bad Bunny w/ Damian Priest; Bunny wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans w/ Ric Flair; No Contest.
• WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber Final Spot: Kofi Kingston VS The Miz; Kofi wins and joins the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match.
• Lana w/ Naomi VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Shayna wins.
• Gauntlet Match: Sheamus wins and enters the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match last.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw presents an all new Miz TV!

Mr. Money in the Bank and one of the entrants in tonight’s Gauntlet Match heads to the ring, but John Morrison is conspicuous by his absence. Even so, the Hollywood A-Lister welcomes us back to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show in History, and explains that tonight’s guest defends the WWE World Championship inside the Elimination Chamber! Please welcome the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre! The sword plunges in and sets off the fire before McIntyre goes to the ring. Miz says he’ll let him be, even though he has his MITB contract briefcase on-hand. McIntyre joins Miz in the ring for the rest of the pyro to go off, and Miz asks if he can call Drew “Andy.”

Miz apologizes for Morrison’s absence, Morrison is busy making a Bad Bunny diss track. And this Sunday is Elimination Chamber. McIntyre has beaten the lines of Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, Seth Rollins, and Randy Orton, but this time he will face FIVE former WWE Champions, Miz included, all at the same time. Has McIntyre realized, statistically speaking, his Road to WrestleMania could end Sunday? Miz cuts McIntyre off by saying he’d be panicking! How does McIntyre remain focused when two week sago, his best friend, Sheamus, stopped watching his back and stabbed him in the back!

But Sheamus wasn’t really “Andy’s” best friend, he was waiting for a chance to strike. McIntyre let his guard down, and BAM, BROGUE! But #WhySheamusWhy? That is the mystery, solved by Sheamus challenging McIntyre for a title match! The stage was set, McIntyre VS Sheamus for the WWE World Championship, Elimination Chamber PPV! But then management had different plans, didn’t they? McIntyre goes to speak but Miz says he would be SO upset! He’d be FURIOUS! Miz would want to rip someone’s head off! Not only was McIntyre robbed of proving Sheamus wrong for betraying him, but now he has five challengers chomping at the bits-

McIntyre shouts “WOULD YOU SHUT THE HELL UP!?” Miz apologizes to McIntyre, and was simply setting up how tonight’s Gauntlet- McIntyre tells Miz to shut up. If he interrupts again, Miz will regret it. McIntyre is sick and tired- Miz is sick and tired, too! He just th- GLASGOW KISS! And McIntyre TOSSES the MITB briefcase once again! Clearly, the Scottish Warrior is ready to ear people’s heads off, just as Miz said. But is McIntyre going to do that to his five opponents in the gauntlet?

Miz says a little bit of pressure, and we’re seeing McIntyre start to crack. How can you blame “Andy,” though? He has to defeat FIVE top tier superstars just to get to WrestleMania. But y’know who doesn’t have any pressure on him? The Miz. Because The Miz brings the pressure in the form of his MITB contract! And before he was rudely interrupted, he was going to tell “Andy” that there are so many variables that something could go wrong for McIntyre’s reign. But Miz only needs one thing to go right and he will cash in! Understand that just because Miz is saying he’s going to cash in doe snot mean he will! Miz is thinking on a completely different level than anyone can even fathom because he is a master strategist!

Miz wants every single superstar, vying for either World or Universal Championship, to be on notice and hear his footsteps coming! Miz is adding to the pressure and is in control! And when the dust settles, whether the WWE World or Universal Championship, when Miz cashes in, he will be standing THE champion, “content being awesome!” Edge wants to talk high stakes poker? Here’s a move for you: Miz is removing himself FROM the Elimination Chamber match!! What?! So now there is an opening in that match, just six days away?! Who gets in on this huge opportunity Miz is giving the roster?

Six Man Tag: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party VS The Hurt Business!

Before being part of the United States Championship Triple Threat with Keith Lee and champion, Bobby Lashley, The Bro and his amigos take on MVP, Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander together! Will Riddle prove to be a problem rolling into the PPV? Will Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado prove they’re worthy of another Raw Tag Team Championship opportunity? Or will Bobby Lashley’s associates make sure he has one less challenger to worry about this Sunday?

Riddle talks with LHP backstage. What better way to ring in his championship opportunity than to stick it to the Hurt Business tonight? But who is your favorite president? Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter? Or Teddy Bro-sevelt, cuz that stache is sweet. Or, Harrison Ford! He saved Chewbacca! Lince and Metalik say all the presidents are #LuchaLit, but it’s time to get it! #LuchaBroParty go to the ring, the teams sort out and the Golden Lynx starts with the Gold Standard. They tie up, Benjamin kicks low then clubs Lince to whip him to ropes. Benjamin runs him over with a shoulder then stomps him around.

Benjamin puts Lince in the corner, stomps away, then tags in Alexander. Alexander throws haymakers while Lashley watches backstage. Alexander brings Lince up to snap suplex hard, then covers. TWO, but Alexander taunts “kitty cat” and stomps him. Alexander brings Lince up to DECK him, then covers, TWO! MVP says Alexander needs to stay on Lince to wear him out. Alexander throws more forearms, wrenches Lince to a hammerlock, and grinds Lince down. Lince fights up to flying-mare, then he runs. Springboard, and Lince clips Alexander to then dropkick him down! Tag to Metalik, and he gets a boots from Lince for the crossbody!

Metalik drags Alexander up, Alexander mule kicks and whips. Metalik springboards to elbow Alexander out! Benjamin runs in but is also sent out! Riddle kicks at Benjamin but Benjamin blocks to trip him up! Lince DIVES but Benjamin catches him to TOSS him! Alexander ROCKS Metalik and the Hurt Business is in charge as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Alexander dropkicks Metalik! Cover, TWO! Alexander keeps on Metalik as he wrenches and hooks him up for a modified cobra twist. Metalik endures, Alexander makes it a cover, TWO! Alexander drags Metalik over, tags in Benjamin, and Benjamin stomps Metalik. Benjamin whips and shoulder tackles Metalik to send him flying! MVP tags in, he covers, TWO! MVP covers again, TWO! Again, TWO! MVP looms over Metalik, steps over the arm and taunts him by having Metalik reach for his corner. MVP jams the arm, drags Metalik up and tags Alexander in., The Hurt Business mugs Metalik, Alexander snapmares and then tags in Benjamin. They mug Metalik, and Benjamin drags Metalik up to put in the corner.

Benjamin fires off hands, tags in MVP and MVP adds on. The ref reprimands, Alexander tags in to fire off, then he tags Benjamin. Benjamin drags Metalik up, snap suplexes, cover, TWO! Benjamin whips Metalik to a corner, runs in but into a boot! Benjamin runs but Metalik dodges and the splash hits buckles! Metalik rolls back to get up and TORNADO DDT! Lince and Riddle fire up, both men crawl, hot tags to Alexander and Riddle! The Bro fires off, spins Alexander around and PELES! Riddle kips up, forearm smashes Alexander then hits MVP! BROSPLODER for Alexander, followed by a BROTON! PENALTY KICK!

Riddle fires up but MVP tags in. Alexander BOOTS Riddle, Riddle DECKS Alexander but MVP CLOBBERS Riddle! MVP hobbles with a bad leg but he DECKS Riddle! MVP runs, is still BALLIN~, and drops the elbow! Cover, but LHP break it up! LHP stomp MVP, Alexander gives Metalik a LUMBAR CHECK! Lince SUPERKICKS Alexander but Benjamin BOOTS Lince! Benjamin reels Lince in, Riddle FINAL FLASH to Benjamin! Riddle has MVP, Lince FLIES and takes out Benjamin! Riddle ripcords to FINAL FLASH MVP! Riddle goes up, FLOTING BRO! Cover, LHP and Riddle win!

Winners: Matt Riddle & Lucha House Party, by pinfall

The bromigos are rolling! But Lashley storms out and CLOBBESR Riddle! Then he mauls Metalik and TOSSES Lince! Lashley picks up Metalik to TOSS him at Lince!! Down goes LHP, and Lashley looms over Riddle. Lashley hurt Keith Lee, and he puts the HURT LOCK on Riddle again! The ref reprimands but Lashley only thrashes Riddle more! Riddle goes limp, Lashley throws him down! Will any of Lashley’s challengers even make it to Sunday?

The Miz complains to Adam Pearce.

His MITB briefcase is all dinged up, and he has a headache from that headbutt! But Miz also wants to thank Pearce for even giving him that opportunity in the Elimination Chamber. Miz understands why: There is no one quite like Miz, the A-Lister! But to be honest, Miz wants to give back. Someone who is deserving should take his spot. A must-see attraction, a young up-and-comer ready to grab the brass ring! The person that should take Miz’s spot is… John Morrison! Well, a compelling argument if nothing else. But Pearce promises to take it unto consideration. They shake on that and Miz leaves. Will things go the way the “master strategist” wants? Or does Pearce already have different plans in mind?

Mandy Rose says hi to Bad Bunny.

She has to say, he did great during the Royal Rumble. And she’s repping the new shirt. Does he have one for her friend, Dana Brooke? Yes, he’ll be sure to get one. Thanks! And good luck on SNL! Mandy heads out, and Damian Priest comes by to tease Bunny. Sarah interviews the two now and asks about the last two weeks. What else can they say? Priest debuted at the Rumble, is now on Raw, and is hanging with his friend and musical hit, Bad Bunny. Wait, what’s going on over there? Akira Tozawa tackles R-Truth and covers him! Tozawa wins the 24/7 Championship!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But Tozawa realizes who he just bumped into! Priest grins, and SLAMS Tozawa off the road case! Priest tells Bunny to hurry! Really!? Well okay…! Bunny covers, and wins!

Winner: Bad Bunny, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Priest just helped his best bud become a champion! Truth tells #DP and Bunny to take care of his baby! And tell Lorne Michaels to stop blocking Truth’s calls! But will Bunny have this belt all the way to Saturday Night Live?

The New Day find Pearce backstage.

PLEASE tell them he is NOT actually considering Miz’s “offer” a replacement in the Chamber match in the form of his friend, Morrison! Why would they think that? Well, this was before Pearce’s tenure, but Kofi Kingston does happen to be a former W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~! But no, of course Pearce doesn’t get it, because he can’t even give Xavier Woods the last match of his Retribution series, against Reckoning!! So no way does Pearce understand that Kofi had the world title much more recently than four entrants in the Chamber match! How could you overlook Kofi!?

Bottom line: If Miz is out, Kofi wants in! But the Miz comes by and wants to double check. What were Kofi and Woods talking about? Keep on walking, Miz, Kofi is taking that spot in the match! No, that is Miz’s spot, and there is an understanding here. No there isn’t! Morrison hasn’t even been world champion! Well he is a former ECW Heavyweight Champion of the world! That doesn’t change that Miz shouldn’t be picking! Pearce shouts down the arguing and suggests this: Miz VS Kofi; if Miz wins, Morrison is in, but if Kofi wins, he is in.

Aww snap, here we go again. Kofi’s gotta fight his way into a world title opportunity! But that’s okay, all gravy, all Gucci. Kofi gonna do whatever he has to do to take it back! #KofiMania Part Deux! Well sequels suck! Oh? Miz would know, he’s made The Marine 4, 5, and 6. THOSE ARE CLASSICS! WWE Studio just gives you money, don’t they? Miz don’t need that money! He’s got Miz & Mrs, and Cannonball, and- Well anyway, the spot is on the line, will Miz hand it to his best friend? Or will KofiMania 2 be just as big as the original?

Charlotte Flair & Asuka VS Peyton Royce & Lacey Evans w/ Ric Flair!

While the Queen has the personal problem with the Sassy Southern Belle spending time with the Nature Boy, it’s going to be the Empress’ problem on Sunday! Asuka will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Lacey, but will Charlotte make sure to help soften Lacey up first?

As Lacey, Ric and Peyton make their entrance, Lacey has a mic. “Char, I wanna kindly thank you for getting disqualified last week and ensuring that I get exactly what I rightfully deserve: a chance at the Raw Women’s Championship.” And Lacey has been listening to Ric’s “sweet sweet words,” really taking it all in. Ric thinks Lacey’s ready to be champion! But Char-Char, it was so obvious that she was heartbroken, so Lacey and Pey-Pey have a late Valentine’s Day treat: a SweetHearts candy that says, “Bite me.” There were other ones, but Lacey ate those.

Oh and Asuka! They should’ve gotten her a gift. Because after all, come Sunday, Lacey will get the gift of that gold. And Lacey has wanted that for a long, long, long time! With that, the Nature Boy helps the Lady of WWE and Venus Flytrap to the ring, and we go to break!

Raw returns, Asuka and Peyton start the match and the fans cheer on their ThunderDome screens. They tie up, Asuka hits a headlock takeover but Peyton headscissors. Asuka kips free, roles reverse but Peyton kips out of the headscissors now. Peyton and Asuka reset, circle, and tie up. Peyton pulls hair to put Asuka in a corner, but she lets off as the ref reprimands. Asuka shoves then elbows then kicks Peyton, but Peyton arm-drags back! Asuka fires up and gets in Peyton’s face, to then speed things up and run Peyton over! Asuka drags Peyton up, wrenches the arm and yanks on it, then tags in Charlotte.

The Queens of Tomorrow hand off the wrench, and Charlotte RAMS Peyton into the other corner! She dares Lacey to tag in but Lacey talks to Peyton about something. Peyton tells Charlotte to back off and deal with her instead. They tie up, Charlotte blocks the takedown to step over and roll Peyton up. Peyton rolls free to throw a forearm! Peyton then dodges Charlotte to throw more forearms and a kick. Peyton runs, into a scoop! Charlotte tells Lacey she’ll kick her ass, then she hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up but Lacey hides behind the post! Tag to Asuka, Asuka and Charlotte KICK and CHOP Peyton on repeat! Peyton drops, Asuka dances at Lacey then looms over Peyton.

Peyton drop toeholds but Asuka stays up to chinbar Peyton! Asuka fires off haymakers and body shots, then whips Peyton. Peyton holds ropes to kick and KICK back! Peyton rains down rights on Asuka, then covers deep, TWO! Peyton says she’s doing this for Lacey, and she drags Asuka up to throw clubbing elbows! Asuka kicks back, Peyton hits her, then bumps Asuka off buckles. Peyton stomps away, the ref counts but Peyton stops to snap suplex! Float to a cover, TWO! Peyton grows annoyed but Charlotte coaches Asuka. Peyton pushes Asuka around, Asuka gets mad, and Asuka blocks a kick to get around and waistlock!

Peyton fights free, runs, but Asuka dodges, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES take them both down! Lacey and Charlotte coach their partners, but only Charlotte reaches. Hot tag to Charlotte, and she throws Peyton down! Charlotte scoops Peyton to an EXPLODER! Peyton flops out of the ring while Lacey talks trash to Charlotte. Charlotte bounces Peyton off the announce desk! And then puts her back in, and Peyton scrambles away! Peyton tags Lacey and Lacey has no choice but to face “Char-Char!” Charlotte dares Lacey to do something, but Lacey is walking away?! Charlotte wants to give chase but the ref keeps her back.

Lacey gets a mic to say Charlotte is NOT putting her hands on Lacey! Because Lacey is PREGNANT?!?! That surprises Ric, but is this to imply Ric’s having another child?!? WHAT!?! The match is thrown out, but just what in the hell is the Sassy Southern Belle playing at?!

No Contest

Backstage interview with Sheamus!

The Celtic Warrior will be in the gauntlet match tonight, how would winning tonight help him be the odds on favorite? Well Sheamus shouldn’t even have to fight for the odds. McIntyre agreed to have a match with Sheamus! A fella’s word is his bond! But now things are one-in-six. But what will Sheamus do? WIN! Sheamus will chill in the Chamber and watch the other five “knock the holy hell out of each other.” Then when Sheamus enters, it doesn’t matter who is left standing, they’re going to be ripe for the picking. Sheamus will be fresh as a daisy and Brogue all their heads off. At this stage, McIntyre might already be eliminated, making the victory that much easier. But the outcome would be the same: the NEW WWE World Champion, SHEAMUS!

WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber Final Spot: Kofi Kingston VS The Miz!

Two former world champions compete to see who joins that stacked field in the Elimination Chamber! But will #KofiMania2 be debuting this Sunday? Or will the Hollywood A-Lister be casting the Guru of Greatness for that part?

Raw returns and The Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings and they tie right up! Miz wrenches to a wristlock, Kofi spins through to wrench back and waistlock. Miz moves around, elbows free then switches. Kofi throws Miz over with a wristlock but Miz tries to fight things off. Miz gets up, pulls Kofi’s hair, but Kofi spins Miz around to waistlock. Miz wrenches free, headlocks, but Kofi powers out. Miz runs Kofi over with a shoulder, things speed up, but Kofi hurdles and hurdles to elbow, into a full nelson! Kofi arm-drags free before the Finale, but Miz gets clear of Trouble in Paradise! These two know each other well!

Kofi and Miz tie up again, Miz puts Kofi in a corner but pie faces as he lets off. Kofi SHOVES Miz down! Miz goes to the ropes for defense, then gets around to SLAP Kofi on the back. Miz waistlocks, Kofi pries free, but Miz kicks low. Miz whips, Kofi boots from the corner, and then ROCKS Miz with a forearm! Kofi goes up top and leaps, and ax handles Miz down! Cover, TWO! Miz bails out, Kofi climbs again, but Miz gets far away! Kofi hops down and pursues, there’s some cat ‘n’ mouse, but Kofi avoids the dropkick to BOOT Miz and PENALTY KICK him from the apron! Kofi then goes up and leaps, SUPER AX HANDLES! Kofi is fired up as he puts Miz in, covers, TWO!

Kofi stalks Miz to ropes, drags him up and whips him, but Miz reverses to kitchen sink knee! Miz catches his breath, glares at Kofi and runs, but Kofi ducks the boot to roll Miz up! TWO, and Kofi mule kicks! Kofi whips, Miz reverses, but Kofi goes up and missile dropkicks hard! Cover, TWO! Miz still lives but Kofi sits him up for another PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi stays close, drags Miz up, but Miz jawbreakers free! Miz whips, Kofi kicks back, and Kofi runs again, but Miz side steps! Kofi rebounds to dropkick Miz again! Miz bails out, Kofi runs in but Miz KICKS him at the ropes!

Miz turns Kofi for a HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER to the apron! And then a DRAPING NECKBREAKER to the floor! Mr. MITB is in control again as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Miz throws haymakers on Kofi. Miz gives Kofi It Kicks, stomps, and more haymakers! Miz fires up and aims, but Kofi blocks the buzzsaw! Kofi trips Miz, jackknife bridge, TWO! Miz kicks the legs out, to hit the BASEMENT DDT with some force! Cover, TWO!! Miz rains down furious fists on Kofi then paces about. Miz drags Kofi up, throws him out hard, then goes out to bounce him off the announce desk! Miz brings Kofi around, and scoops him to throw him into the barrier! Miz puts Kofi in at the count of 6 out of 10, then climbs up top. Miz leaps to drop his own ax handle! Cover, TWO!

Miz still grins as he watches Kofi. Miz clamps on with a cravat, Kofi endures and fights up, but Miz throws knees. Miz grinds the hold, Kofi throws body shots and snapmares free! Miz staggers to a corner, Kofi runs in and throws hands! Kofi runs but misses and only gets POST! Miz BOOTS Kofi, covers, TWO!! Miz looms over Kofi, dares him to get up, and then DECKS him! Fans give thumbs down but Kofi counter punches Miz! Kofi fires off kicks and fists, runs, but into a kick down low! Miz runs but Kofi gets up to DOUBLE STOMP him down! Both men are down, fans fire up on their screens and the two start to rise.

Miz goes to a corner, runs at Kofi but Kofi rallies with CHOPS! Dropkick! Kofi runs, leaping lariat! Kofi fires up, runs, and hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps from the corner as he aims at Miz. Miz stands, Kofi spins, but Miz ducks Trouble to roll Kofi up! TWO, Miz runs back in, into SOS! Cover, TWO!! Miz survives but Kofi keeps his focus. Miz goes to a corner, Kofi runs in but Miz dodges. Kofi goes up, and up and CROSSBODIES! But Miz rolls through to cover, TWO!! Kofi slips out, swings but Miz catches the leg! Miz wraps the leg on ropes then HOTSHOTS it! Kofi falls into the ring and clutches his knee while the ref reprimands Miz.

Miz drags Kofi by the leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Kofi endures, flails, keeps his shoulders up, but Miz adds pressure! Kofi drags himself and Miz over to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Miz lets go at 4, but he scowls as he drags Kofi back up. Miz has the full nelson but Kofi victory rolls through! Cover, TWO! Miz swings into TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Cover, Kofi wins!!!

Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall (enters the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match)

Is it happening?! Is #KofiMania2 building up?! But there’s no time to rest, Kofi will now be part of tonight’s Gauntlet Match! Can Kofi survive that to have the best odds in the Chamber match?

Backstage interview with Lana and Naomi!

The #RavishingGlow swept Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler last week! They say Nia and Shayna think they’re the best of all time, but Lana just wants to be her best. Maybe luck helped Lana put Nia through a table, but Lana gave it her all. Lana tries to reach her full potential each week, and winning is just the cherry on top. Plus, Naomi is Lana’s lucky charm, who also keeps her on track, in check, and checks in on her as a friend. Naomi says that after everything Nia put Lana through, Nia deserved to go through that table, and a whole lot more! Lana whole heartedly agrees. Get it? But tonight, they’ll be ravishing, bring the glow, and bring it to the Queen of Spades! Will Lana and Naomi get one more point on the scoreboard before going for gold?

Randy Orton speaks.

“After last week, thanks to Sheamus, the business between Drew McIntyre and myself remains unfinished. But that’s okay. That’s okay, because tonight, I am going to win the Gauntlet match and become the final entrant at the Elimination Chamber.” Orton has proven that time and time again, he will do what it takes to get what he wants. The Gauntlet is a daunting task for anyone not named Randy Orton. Orton would walk to the edge of the earth and back! Look at what he did to The Fiend! The Fiend was a problem but Orton lit him on fire and is no more!

But now Orton’s sights are set on something else: the WWE World Championship, and main-eventing WrestleMania! As far as Orton is concerned, tonight or Sunday, Orton will not be in the ring with five opponents, but five victims. Victims of the three most deadly letters in sports entertainment: R, K- Um, wait. Is that the Firefly Fun House? And Alexa Bliss is meditating inside? She’s remembering exactly what Orton is talking about: The Fiend being set on fire. Alexa opens her eyes and they’re stark white. “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” In the fire, The Fiend was destroyed. But in the future, he will be reborn!

Alexa sits inside a pentagram, and the candles go out, to be replaced by red light! Alexa laughs, but what does this mean!?

Lana w/ Naomi VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax!

Lana looks to continue the payback on the bullies of Raw, but will the Queen of Spades and Irresistible Force stop her momentum already?

Raw returns and Shayna makes her entrance with Nia. The bell rings and Shayna circles with Lana. They tie up, Shayna gets a waistlock and slams Lana down. Shayna shifts around and gets the arm to twist the wrist. Nia mocks Lana’s pain already as Shayna stands on and YANKS the arm! Lana tries to fight with the good arm but Shayna drags her down to get a leg. Shayna pulls the leg back while digging a knee and forearm into Lana’s head. Lana endures, Shayna lets her go to stomp her down! Shayna drags Lana back up to throw elbows, but Lana SLAPS Shayna! Naomi likes that, but then Shayna CLOBBERS Lana! Cover, ONE!

Shayna drags Lana around to throw more elbows, then she ties up the legs to wrench the neck. Lana endures, pulls on Shayna’s fingers and fights her way up. Shayna kicks Lana’s leg, shifts her around, but Lana cradle counters the suplex! TWO, and Lana roundhouses! Shayna blocks and throws Lana down, and Lana checks her nose. Naomi coaches Lana up, Shayna runs in but Lana dodges the knee! Shayna holds off the roll up and drags Lana up by her hair, but Lana drop toeholds Shayna into buckles! Lana hurries up, Shayna runs but into an ax kick! Lana runs but the bulldog is denied and Shayna TOSSES Lana into a corner!

Shayna puts Lana up top, Nia wants her to finish this. Shayna climbs up, but Lana resists the gut wrench! Lana pulls fingers then throws forearms! Shayna falls down, Lana adjusts, and Lana LEAPS for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Lana keeps on Shayna but Shayna pushes free. Lana ROUNDHOUSES, Shayna ROUNDHOUSES, and both women are down! Naomi fires up but Nia runs over! Naomi throws hands but Nia RAMS Naomi into the apron then into the barriers! Nia wants Naomi to pay for those jokes, but Naomi slips out of the scoop and dropkicks Nia into the post! Shayna grabs at Naomi but Lana roll Shayna up! TWO, and Shayna KNEES Lana down! Cover, TWO!!

Shayna grabs Lana for the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Lana is caught, she taps out, Shayna wins!

Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission

The Queen of Spades makes the Ravishing Russian suffer before letting go! Will Shayna and Nia make Naomi and Lana suffer for putting them through a whole lot of grief?

Braun Strowman finds Adam Pearce backstage.

The Monster Among Men is seething and asks why he’s not in the Elimination Chamber match. Pearce says he has no time to talk but Braun asks who he does have to talk to. Shane McMahon is making it seem like Pearce was the one behind all of this, so does Pearce think it’s funny to snub Braun? Does Pearce remember what happened the last time he pissed Braun off? Of course he does and he doesn’t want a repeat. But the Chamber had to have a sixth man and it had to be a former world champion. Well, Braun’s a former Universal Champion, so what the hell?

Pearce understands, point taken, but it isn’t the same. Pearce doesn’t want to be the one to tell him but he is. Well since Pearce is a messenger, send this to Shane: Shane needs to make this right. If Shane doesn’t, Braun promises it’s not going to be pretty. What will Braun do to #GetTheseHands on an opportunity?

Gauntlet Match!

A colossal match for a huge opportunity is about to begin, and the first one out is the Phenomenal AJ Styles! And with the massive Omos in his corner, will Styles have a huge advantage securing that precious final entry?

Raw returns and Styles has the mic. “What were we just talking about? Kofi Kingston! Are you kidding me? Is he trying to recreate KofiMania? Or is he trying to create KofiMania 2! Because somehow, someway,” Kofi found- er, no, fought his way into this match. He did beat The Miz. But it’s almost like it’s destiny! Except it isn’t because Styles is going to destroy all of Kofi’s hopes and dreams and fantasies of ever becoming world champion again! It’s just what Styles does! But let’s be positive about this experience. Styles considers this a warm-up, it sharpens his senses and somehow makes him even more… Phenomenal! Exactly, Omos! They’re like PB&J! Grits and M&M’s. Just try it, trust him.

But Styles promises to mow through everyone tonight, and ride that momentum all the way to the title! Because Joseph Parks did some number crunching, and statistically, Styles can’t lose! Styles will be champion, it’s a fact! Not just a fact, not just good, it’s… PHENOMENAL~! They did it again! They’re so synched up! But wait, Styles’ opponent to start IS Kofi Kingston!! Will Kofi prove he is the Iron-Man of Raw and not just beat Miz but five other men in one night?

AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods!

The bell rings, the two circle, and Kofi is wary of Omos. Styles gets a leg, Kofi clubs away on him, but Styles puts Kofi in a corner. Kofi knees back and Styles staggers away. Styles hits back from the corner, bumps Kofi off buckles, then throws haymakers. Styles lets off as the ref reprimands, and Styles whips Kofi corner to corner! Styles runs in, Kofi dodges and Styles hits buckles! Kofi mule kicks, throws haymakers, then ROCKS Styles to a corner. Kofi stomps Styles, headbutts him, and then runs back in to BOOT Styles down! Kofi snapmares Styles to a cover, ONE! Kofi keeps on Styles but Styles throat chops!

Styles throws hands, back suplexes high and hard, then paces. Styles drags Kofi up, whips him to the apron, but Kofi hangs on. Kofi shoulders but into Styles’ grip! Styles KICKS Kofi’s sore leg but Kofi ROCKS Styles back! Styles runs in but Kofi dumps him out! Kofi gets up, tells Omos to get his “big ass” out of the way, and then Kofi springboards to TRUST FALL! Down goes Styles, Woods hops up on the announce desk to play his trombone, but Omos choke grips Woods!! Omos holds Woods up with one hand!! Omos is just playing with Woods until he CHOKE SLAMS Woods over the barriers!

Kofi runs out to get in Omos’ face about that but Omos warns him he’ll squash Kofi if he doesn’t back off. The ref EJECTS Omos! Omos just ruined the point of him being out there for Styles, but what about Woods? Styles lets the ref be busy with Omos as he CHOP BLOCKS Kofi!! Does Style still have a phenomenal advantage in this match? Kofi writhes as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Styles is wrenching Kofi’s bad leg! Styles stomps and yanks on the leg but Kofi fights with his good leg! Kofi reaches up to headscissor but Styles counters to a Half Crab! Styles sits deep, but Kofi drags himself over. Kofi slips through, gets Styles in a cradle, TWO! Styles KICKS the bad leg and Kofi falls over! Styles aims at Kofi, but swings into SOS!! But Kofi can’t cover from the bad leg holding him back! Kofi hobbles up, runs at Styles but Styles CHOP BLOCKS the leg out from the front! Kofi clutches his knee all over again as Styles storms over. Styles drags Kofi up and puts Kofi in a corner, then KICKS the leg!

Styles hoists Kofi up top, climbs up to join him, but Kofi fights back with body shots! Kofi GOURD BUSTERS Styles to the mat! Kofi adjusts, Styles gets right up, Kofi SPLASHES Styles back down! Kofi crawls to the cover, TWO!! Styles survives, partially from Kofi’s bad leg bothering him again. Kofi tries to walk it off and he rallies with CHOPS! Kofi can’t run, and his dropkick is caught, to a LEG DDT! Styles goes to the apron, he aims at Kofi and prepares his arm, to springboard and PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles ELIMINATES Kofi!! But look who is next!

AJ Styles VS Drew McIntyre!

The Scottish Warrior is still seething from Miz TV earlier tonight, and now he could make sure one of his biggest threats isn’t in any shape for Sunday! The ref gives the green light and McIntyre runs Styles over! McIntyre bumps Styles off buckles, CHOPS him down, then drags him back up. McIntyre TOSSES Styles corner to corner! Styles stirs, McIntyre drags him back up, and dead lifts him to hang him out to dry on the ropes! Styles goes to the apron, McIntyre BOOTS him down! McIntyre watches Styles sit up in a daze, then BOOTS him again! Styles is a rag doll on the apron as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and McIntyre DECKS Styles in a corner! The ref counts, McIntyre brings Styles out of the corner to DECK him again! McIntyre storms over, Styles drop toeholds McIntyre into the corner! Styles fires off Kicks and CHOPS, then whips, but McIntyre reverses to send Styles into buckles hard! Cover, ROPEBREAK! McIntyre stomps Styles’ hand! And then stomps Styles’ head! Styles bails out, McIntyre pursues but Styles ROCKS him with a haymaker! Styles whips, McIntyre reverses and sends Styles into the steel steps! Styles tumbles over, McIntyre fetches him back into the ring and stalks him to a corner.

McIntyre scoops Styles and hits a BACKBREAKER, but holds on to shift to a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! McIntyre clamps onto Styles to grind him down with a chinbar and armlock. Styles endures, fights up, and gets a ropebreak! The ref counts, McIntyre lets Styles go to stomp him again. McIntyre drags Styles up but Styles throat chops him! Styles CHOPS and throws hands, then puts McIntyre in a corner to ram his shoulder in. The ref counts, Styles whips but McIntyre reverses to hit a back elbow! McIntyre brings Styles up in the inverted Alabama, for the INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM!

McIntyre just glares at Styles as he aims from a corner. Styles slowly stirs and slowly rises, McIntyre runs but into a dropkick! McIntyre staggers, Styles hurries and runs to dropkick McIntyre out of the ring! Styles slingshots to FOREARM McIntyre down! The ref checks on both men, they’re okay to continue, so a ring count begins. Styles stands at 3, hobbles in, but McIntyre gets up at 5. Styles aims again, goes to the apron, and SLIDING KNEES McIntyre down! The ref reprimands while Styles looks down on McIntyre and the ring count begins again. Styles lines up another shot, and FOREARMS McIntyre into the post! McIntyre is down again as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Styles has McIntyre in a chinlock. McIntyre fights up as fans clap on their screens, but Styles throws McIntyre down hard! Styles grinds McIntyre but McIntyre endures and fights up again. McIntyre throws body shots, then CHOPS Styles down! And then rallies with LARIATS! Styles goes to a corner, McIntyre whips him corner to corner, runs in to splash then OVERHEAD SUPLEX Styles away! McIntyre gets up to bring Styles down with a neckbreaker! McIntyre kips up and fires up! He goes to a corner, climbs up top, and leaps, into an ENZIGURI! Styles takes McIntyre out of the air and both men are down!

McIntyre and Styles slowly stir as fans go nuts on their ThunderDome screens. Styles and McIntyre sit up, but Styles PELES McIntyre down! Cover, TWO! Styles is too sore to be frustrated, but he gets up to hobble over to McIntyre. Styles drags McIntyre up to reel him in, but McIntyre back drops out of the Clash! McIntyre hobbles after Styles, CHOPS him in the corner, then whips him to ropes. Styles tilt-o-whirls through and wants the leg! He drags McIntyre down, McIntyre resists but Styles has the CALF CRUSHER!! McIntyre shouts in pain, endures but Styles keeps pulling back! McIntyre reaches back and HEADBUTTS Styles off the hold!

Styles flounders while McIntyre slowly rises. Styles goes to the apron and aims as McIntyre struggles to stand. Styles springboards but McIntyre gets under! Styles comes back but is thrown into ropes! McIntyre runs and CLAYMORES!! Covers, McIntyre ELIMINATES Styles! But now the Charismatic Enigma is here!

Drew McIntyre VS Jeff Hardy!

Hardy gets the fans fired up and he rushes McIntyre! The ref backs him off, but then lets them go. Hardy haymakers, kicks, runs and clobbers McIntyre! McIntyre gets up, Hardy reels him in but McIntyre scoops. Hardy slips off, waistlocks but McIntyre switches to shove. Hardy elbows McIntyre away, goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! It just gets McIntyre, and Hardy covers, TWO!! McIntyre is still in this but Hardy isn’t frustrated just yet. Hardy gets moving, and he basement dropkicks McIntyre out of the ring. Hardy then swings to WRECK McIntyre with another dropkick! Hardy goes to the apron and LEAPS to clothesline McIntyre down! McIntyre is down again as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns yet again as Hardy keeps on McIntyre with buckle bumps. Hardy has three corners, then the full set of four! McIntyre shoves Hardy away but Hardy hits the spinning back kick! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps cool as he stomps McIntyre down. Hardy stomps McIntyre to the apron but the ref has him back off. McIntyre stands, Hardy hits him with haymakers, then a hotshot! McIntyre flops back into the ring but Hardy brings McIntyre up to jaw- NO! McIntyre knees Hardy then runs him over with short clotheslines! McIntyre whips, and SNAP OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Both men rise slowly, and McIntyre gets Hardy for another OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

McIntyre glares as Hardy rises. McIntyre hits another leaping neckbreaker and another kip up! McIntyre fires up through the pain and he waits for Hardy to rise. Hardy sits up, McIntyre brings him the rest of the way, but Hardy trips McIntyre up! Leg splitting leg drop then basement dropkick! SPLASH, cover, TWO! Hardy gets back up and fires up as McIntyre slowly stands again. Hardy kicks low but No Twist! McIntyre kicks to FUTURE SHOCK! Cover, TWO!! Hardy survives and McIntyre is beside himself! Hardy flounders up but right out of the ring! McIntyre pursues, fetches Hardy, and suplexes him hard to the floor!

The ref’s ring count is at 5 of 10, McIntyre hauls Hardy back up and in. McIntyre covers, TWO! McIntyre is starting to grow a bit frustrated, maybe a bit desperate. Hardy drags himself away, McIntyre storms over to the corner and he drags Hardy back up. McIntyre bumps Hardy off buckles then hoists him up top. McIntyre CHOPS Hardy, climbs up to join him, but Hardy hits back with body shots! McIntyre throws hands back and they brawl up top! McIntyre headbutts then clubs Hardy, to bring him up for an Orton-esque SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Hardy survives and McIntyre grits his teeth in frustration!

McIntyre goes to a corner, watches Hardy stir, and takes aim as Hardy stands. Hardy turns around and ducks the Claymore! TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy throws off the jacket and heads up top! SWANTON BOMB onto knees!! McIntyre saves himself, takes aim again, and as Hardy stands up, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre ELIMINATES Hardy! We’re now halfway through the Gauntlet, and McIntyre’s next opponent is… RANDY ORTON!! What horrible timing for the “Unfinished Business” to come back around!

Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton!

The Viper takes his time slithering to the ring, and he stares McIntyre down the entire time! We see if this unfinished business will finally be settled, after the break!

Raw returns once again, and the two start throwing hands! Orton kicks low, throws McIntyre out then pursues. McIntyre kicks back, goes to bump Orton off steps but Orton blocks, kicks and gives that bump instead! Orton whips but McIntyre reverses to send Orton into barriers! And then the lights start changing… The screens play Alexa Bliss laughing! She’s haunting Orton with her words! The ring count is climbing and Orton isn’t hearing it! Orton gets COUNTED OUT AND ELIMINATED!! Orton runs in to argue this, but gets a CLAYMORE! Well, finished or not, business must move on to the last man!

Drew McIntyre VS Sheamus!

But he attacks from the opposite end! Sheamus throws McIntyre out then throws him around into barriers! And more barriers! And still more barriers! Sheamus sends McIntyre over the barriers and pursues to throw hands! Then he throws McIntyre back over! Sheamus POSTS McIntyre! The Celtic Warrior drags the Scottish Warrior up and in to then stomp away at the ropes! The ref counts and backs Sheamus off and fans give thumbs down on their screens. The ref checks on McIntyre but Sheamus knows McIntyre won’t give up because of this. McIntyre does exactly that and demands that this still happen! McIntyre gets up, Sheamus runs in and fires off hands!

Sheamus stomps McIntyre, drags him up, and reels him in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus stomps McIntyre, drops knee son him, then digs his knee into McIntyre’s head! He finally lets off and McIntyre is clutching his jaw. Sheamus stands on McIntyre’s head at the ropes! The ref counts, Sheamus steps off to then whip McIntyre corner to corner hard! Cover, TWO! Sheamus doesn’t let up, and he clubs away on McIntyre’s chest! Sheamus shifts to an armlock and he digs a knee into McIntyre’s head. Sheamus taunts the champ but McIntyre fights up. McIntyre throws body shots, whips him to a corner but Sheamus reverses. McIntyre goes up but gets caught! Sheamus hits a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Sheamus looms over McIntyre, kicks him while he’s down, and taunts him to get up. McIntyre CHOPS and CHOPS, but Sheamus gives the CHOPS back. McIntyre hits a GLASGOW KISS! Sheamus runs in, but into a FUTURE SHOCK!! But McIntyre is too tired! He can’t cover and both he and Sheamus are down! McIntyre and Sheamus slowly rise, but Sheamus is up first. Sheamus runs but is put on the apron! McIntyre DECKS Sheamus with a forearm! McIntyre goes out after Sheamus to POST him in return! And then POST him again! McIntyre puts Sheamus back in the ring, drags himself in, but Sheamus KICKS McIntyre in the ropes!

Sheamus whips, McIntyre reverses and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Somehow McIntyre still has the power to do that! Sheamus gets up, into another clinch, but he fights off the overhead throw. McIntyre staggers, Sheamus runs in, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down again but McIntyre gets up to a corner. McIntyre dares Sheamus to stand, runs in, but Sheamus dodges to BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!!!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall (will enter the WWE World Championship Elimination Chamber match last)

The Fella foretold his future and made it come true! Sheamus grabs a mic to shout, “I did it! I just beat Drew McIntyre! I just beat the WWE Champion!” And that makes Sheamus the final entrant into this Sunday’s chamber match! That makes Sheamus the odds on favorite! McIntyre can’t beat Sheamus, never will, and this won’t be a fluke when Sheamus becomes the NEW WWE Champion!! Will the rest of the prophecy come true as Sheamus gets to sit back, relax, and watch the other five superstars demolish each other?

My Thoughts:

A strong episode from Raw, go-home or otherwise, but a lot of that goes to the world title story and the Gauntlet Match. Miz TV was a very effective segment this week, with Miz pissing McIntyre off to no end and paying for it with that headbutt from McIntyre. I thought it very clever of Raw to have The Miz essentially make an emotional decision but play it off like it was logical. Miz does have a good point, though, with how it’s easier for him to cash in with the MITB contract if he isn’t worn out from the Chamber match. And it’s his emotional response to Edge getting in his face last week, so it makes sense if we’re going to get a Miz VS Edge story after Mania. Miz might even cash in on Edge, as an attempt to be better than Edge.

And the continuation of the story, with Kofi wanting in on the open spot was a good move. Kofi is a former WWE World Champion, he should’ve been considered in the first place (in kayfabe), and that match with The Miz was incredible! Kofi wins, he’s back in, but I am really surprised Retribution didn’t even try and mess with him with an entrance fake out. Maybe this can be used to add fuel to the fire and Mustafa Ali goes after Kofi the second he’s outside the chamber. Kofi VS Styles was a great start to the Gauntlet, especially with the moment Omos and Woods had. Maybe Omos’ in-ring debut will now be against the New Day?

McIntyre had a great performance tonight through the Gauntlet, but it was mostly with Styles, Hardy and Sheamus. I do appreciate that Orton’s story with The Fiend and Alexa is why he didn’t even last that long in the Gauntlet, but it was also a little disappointing that it was just a bunch of screens and audio. Orton should’ve at least gotten in the ring to take that Claymore and then be pinned. Sheamus winning the Gauntlet works towards the story he put forward with sitting in the pod and waiting the match out while McIntyre and the other four fight it out. At this point, McIntyre really should be in the match until Sheamus enters, it’s for the story of McIntyre getting back at him, and then we can go either way with it, for the proper 1v1 match at Fastlane.

Riddle & LHP VS Hurt Business had a good Six Man Tag, and from the sound of things, Keith Lee might still not be cleared for Chamber. They’re at least playing it up in kayfabe to cover up that it’s COVID concerns. Lashley still stands tall today, so going by usual go-home math, this has to mean someone else has the US Championship after Elimination Chamber. And of course the 24/7 Championship ends up the celebrity title again as Priest helps Bad Bunny. This will surely bring things to Saturday Night Live for the first time ever, and I am not going to watch that entire show, I’ll wait for WWE or NBC to upload a YouTube video.

The better Women’s Division story tonight was surprisingly the one with Lana in it. She and Naomi have a good interview segment, which logically makes fun of the “MY HOLE!” moment from last week, and they have great stuff with Shayna and Nia in the ring. Now, there is no WWE Women’s Tag title match for Elimination Chamber, but if you factor in NXT TakeOver just determining their own contenders to the titles, what if Fastlane gave us Jax & Baszler VS #RavishingGlow, winners go on to WrestleMania to defend against Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez? I think that’d be the best way to integrate both brands and the stories, as the WWE should be doing.

The rough part of tonight was everything with Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans. For one, Asuka and the Raw Women’s Championship were merely going to be vehicles for telling the story with Charlotte, Lacey and Ric. And now, Lacey Evans is shoot pregnant with her shoot husband, not the Nature Boy, things must change last minute. Congratulations to Lacey but it being worked into the story is just cringe worthy. Chances are a paternity test will also be used to work-shoot the fact it isn’t Ric’s child, letting Ric off the hook and putting heat on Lacey, and then Lacey just goes on maternity leave. Ric could probably become Peyton’s manager just so there’s a reason to keep on the tension between Ric and Charlotte.

My Score: 8.5/10