Will Bobby Lashley be part of Day 1?

After ambushing the WWE Champion and challengers on last week’s Raw, Bobby Lashley will be here this week to explain exactly what he wants!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton VS Otis w/ Chad Gable; Otis wins.
• Bianca Belair VS “Doudrop” Piper Nivens; Bianca wins.
• All Mighty Gauntlet part 1: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Kevin Owens; Lashley wins and advances to part 2.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Tis the Season: Dana Brooke retains the title.
• Finn Balor & Damian Priest VS The Dirty Dawgs; The Dirty Dawgs win.
• Rhea Ripley w/ Nikki A.S.H. VS Zelina Vega w/ Carmella; Vega wins.
• All Mighty Gauntlet part 2: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins by disqualification.
• All Mighty Gauntlet part 2.5, No Disqualifications: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Seth Rollins; Lashley wins and advances to part 3.
• All Mighty Gauntlet part 3, No Disqualifications: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Big E; Lashley wins and joins the WWE Championship match at Day 1.

PLAY BY PLAY

Bobby Lashley heads to the ring!

The Rocky Mountain Machine is in a red suit as he and MVP strut out in front of the St. Paul crowd. Lashley and MVP get mics, and Lashley starts by saying, “Last week, I showed these guys exactly what happens when you disrespect the All Mighty.” MVP adds that Lashley is the single most terrifying man in the entire WWE. And MVP knows that because people are terrified to even say his name. It’s like the Candyman! But instead of three times, you just say his name once and he shows up, and bad things happen. But there is an issue of respect in this generation of superstars. Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins come out, complain and backstab to get into a WWE Championship match.

But do you know who doesn’t complain? Bobby Lashley. Do you know who doesn’t whine Bobby Lashley. And he made a statement! Not just to Big E, Rollins and Kevin, but also to management. It is imperative that Lashley be added to that WWE Championship match at Day 1 on New Year’s Day. There is no better way to start off the new year than with this man as your ALL MIGHTY WWE Champion! Fans boo but then here comes Kevin Owens! Kevin has a mic, and he says, “You’re out here talking about how I’m disrespectful?” Kevin hasn’t even paid attention to Lashley the last two years. Until last week when Lashley saw fit to attack everyone from behind!

And now Lashley is weaseling into Kevin’s title match. As much as Kevin doesn’t want to, he gives credit to Rollins for earning his way to the match. Just like the greatest superstar in this industry, Kevin Owens, did! But Lashley hasn’t earned anything! In 19 days, Kevin NEEDS to become WWE Champion so he can give the fans a champion they can be proud of! He’s doing this as a good example to the fans! Lashley has no place in the match! It is already tough against two top tier superstars. Lashley doesn’t belong, Kevin is going to talk to Pearce & Sonya- But here comes Seth Rollins!

The Visionary is in lavender and says we can’t start this show without the STAR! And the star is Seth Freakin’ Rollins! Now, while Rollins admires Lashley’s suit game tonight, and as much as Rollins despises Kevin, Rollins has to agree with Kevin. Lashley should NOT be in Rollins’ match, just like Kevin shouldn’t be! Kevin earned it! MVP says these two are terrified! Lashley says they can come in here and do something about him. They can talk or they can get in the ring! Kevin and Rollins are agreeing right now, so they should agree to work as one against Lashley. Lashley can’t take them both. Rollins agrees here, too! So deal! Rollins first then.

Wait, why Rollins first? He’s in a suit. But Rollins is faster. MVP says Lashley will hit Rollins and Kevin will run. Kevin and Rollins pretend they didn’t hear that. Should they rock-paper-scissors? But here comes Big E! The WWE Champion has his own mic, and he says, “Well, if it isn’t my favorite collection of idiots.” Rollins and Kevin are quaking in their boots at the mere idea of being in the ring with Lashley, Big E will remind us all that he beat Lashley to become champion! While injured, but sure. Big E tells Lashley to hush cuz Big E won inside a steel cage, and has no problem doing it one more time!

Rollins and Kevin argue but Pearce & Sonya appear to stop this. If anyone touches anyone, there will be severe consequences. Pearce & Sonya are not afraid to deal out fines or suspensions. Sonya says they’ve heard everything and have decided: A Fatal 4 Way sounds like a great idea! But with that being said, Lashley will be officially added to Day 1! MVP and Lashley like that! But wait, MVP, they aren’t finished. Lashley will be added, IF Lashley can defeat, in no particular order, Big E, Kevin Owens AND Seth Rollins. Simple: If Lashley beats them all in a GAUNTLET, he’s in! MVP says Lashley ACCEPTS! Is the Rocky Mountain Machine going to steamroll the field to go to Day 1?

Matt Riddle inspects the blazers.

Randy Orton asks why these are still here. Well Riddle was a little distracted. There’s a lot of sentimental value. And Riddle’s been watching tape. There’s ideas flowing. Then Orton hopes he means he was watching his potential opponents, and not just wearing blazers and watching literal tape. Riddle says he’s been watching all the different versions. Riddle, your broadcasting career was over before it began. And your number one priority needs to be these tag titles. Right. Next move: podcasters! Pat McAfee is raking it in! They could be swimming in cash like Scrooge McDuck. Or they could be shamans to give advice to people!

No, no podcasts, no shamans, and no more Jackass guys. But it was pretty sweet hanging out with them. And imagine if Riddle was in a movie like that! Orton says Riddle is on to something. He is a jackass and could’ve been in that movie. But Riddle’s reality is that he’s facing Otis, the human wrecking ball. Focus on Otis tonight, get that done, and then one day, in the distant future, Orton will allow Riddle to wear the blazer. YES! Riddle is so focused! Will the Bro be able to shut down the Dozer? Or is Otis going to win one #ForTheAcademy?

Update on the RKBRO-nament.

Injuries suffered by the Street Profits and the Mysterios make both teams unable to compete, so the #1 contender’s match finals will be postponed!

Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and Big E talk with Sonya and Pearce backstage.

Rollins shouts that no one wants Lashley at Day 1! Sonya says that’s why it’s only if Lashley beats them all tonight. That means even one loss is enough to eliminate him. But since Kevin was last one added, he’s first one up. What?! Why!? But then Rollins grumbling makes Kevin fire up. Kevin beat Rollins so he can beat Lashley. Rollins sarcastically says he believes Kevin. Kevin storms off, and Rollins goes to get dressed. Big E understands adding Lashley makes it harder to retain, but whether Triple Threat or Fatal 4, he will STILL walk out champion. Big E heads out, will Big E and Rollins even be needed if Kevin gets the job done?

Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton VS Otis w/ Chad Gable!

Raw returns as the Alpha Academy makes their entrance. The bell rings, Otis and Riddle circle while Gable gets a seat by commentary. Otis ties up with Riddle then throws him to a corner! Otis eggs Riddle on, they tie up, and Riddle jumps on to get an arm! But Otis scoops and SLAMS Riddle down! Gable says, “That’s my number one guy!” Otis swings on Riddle in the corner but Riddle dodges to fire off KICK after KICK! Otis shoves Riddle but Riddle runs to forearm smash! Riddle runs again but Otis CLOBBERS him! Otis then drags Riddle up to throw him out of the ring. The ref wants Otis to stay in, but Orton keeps Gable back.

Otis goes out after Riddle after all, and CLUBS him right in front of commentary. Otis puts Riddle in, Gable cheers him on, but Riddle hits a FINAL FLASH knee! Then he jumps to the apron, but Otis yanks Riddle down to RAM him into the barriers! Gable is fired up and so is Otis as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Riddle fights out of a chinlock, only for Otis to CLOBBER him with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Otis drags Riddle up while Orton coaches him up. Otis has a neck wrench and he leans on Riddle. Orton gets the fans to fire up, and Riddle fights up with body shots. Otis CLUBS Riddle, whips him to the corner, but Riddle goes up and over and Otis POSTS himself! Riddle goes out to the apron to KICK Otis back from the corner! Riddle goes up and CROSSBODIES, into Otis’ arms! But Riddle slips out to fire off palm strikes! Otis shoves, Riddle FINAL FLASH KNEES! Then FLYING CHUCKS! Riddle powers out but Otis blocks the roundhouse to shove Riddle.

Riddle elbows Otis away, goes up top, FLOATING BRO takes down Otis! Fans fire up and so does Orton! Gable panics as Riddle hears voices in his head, bro! Otis staggers up, but he blocks the RKO to pop-up and POWERSLAM! Cover, Otis wins!!

Winner: Otis, by pinfall

The Dozer just crushed Riddle! Orton gets in, Otis denies the RKO so Orton RKO’s Gable! But then Otis CLOBBERS Orton with the back elbow!! The Alpha Academy’s top student just demolished RKBRO! Will Gable & Otis have their shot at the gold even outside of the RKBRO-nament?

Bianca Belair VS “Doudrop” Piper Nivens!

The EST gets a rematch with Doudrop, who literally walked away from the fight to avoid the loss last week. Will Bianca make sure Piper doesn’t slip through her fingers this time so that we get an actual finish?

Raw returns as Doudrop makes her entrance. The bell rings and fans rally up for the EST. Bianca and Piper approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock in the power game until Piper shoves Bianca away. Piper says Bianca isn’t the strongEST anymore! They tie up again, Bianca pushes Piper back slowly, but Piper pushes back and has Bianca in a corner! Bianca goes up the buckles to then arm-drag Piper! Bianca waistlocks, Piper bucks the O’Conner Roll, and then Piper scoops. Bianca slips out, waves hey, then bobs ‘n’ weaves to shove and hurdle! Bianca tells Piper to kiss this, then eggs her on. Piper runs in, Bianca sidesteps and gets around to redirect again and again, to then dropkick!

Piper stays up but Bianca brings her in. Bianca tries to scoop but can’t, Piper’s too big! Piper scoops and SLAMS Bianca! Cover, TWO! Piper stomps Bianca to a corner, stands her up and CLUBS her in the chest, then runs in to SPLASH! Piper CLUBS Bianca again, then again. Fans rally behind Bianca but Piper CLUBS her more in the corner. Piper brings Bianca around, whips her to a corner, then runs in again, only to get a BOOT! Bianca goes up to RANA Piper into the ropes! Piper tumbles out of the ring, a ring count starts but Bianca hurries to get Piper up. Bianca fires BIG forearms, but Piper ROCKS Bianca back! Piper rings Bianca to the corner but Bianca bumps Piper first!

Bianca runs and handsprings, but Piper catches the legs to have them against the ropes! The ref counts as Piper pulls the legs and KICKS Bianca in the head! Piper pushes Bianca down, then step-in ELBOW DROPS! Piper sneers as Bianca falls out of the ring and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Bianca fires back forearms and a dropkick! Bianca kips up and runs in to RAM Piper in the corner! Bianca clubs up to club away but Piper slips out. Bianca kicks Piper away and leaps, but Piper catches her and moves her around. Bianca slips off, shoves, but Piper holds ropes. Piper back elbows, then scoops Bianca again, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Piper is seething all over again but fans rally for the EST. Piper crawls and stalks Bianca, “This is Awesome!” as Piper drags Bianca up. Piper tells Bianca she ain’t better than her! Piper slaps Bianca around while mocking the EST chants.

Piper has Bianca by her jaw, but Bianca blocks the slap to ROCK Piper! But Piper wrenches, reels Bianca in, SAIDO! Bianca writhes to a corner, Piper crawls and covers, TWO!! Bianca barely gets out of that one and Piper is fuming again. Piper looms over Bianca, drags her to a drop zone and then climbs up the corner. But Bianca BUMPS Piper off the buckles! And then gets in to SUPER POWERBOMB Piper down!! Fans are fired up as Bianca climbs! EST 450! Cover, Bianca wins!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

That was perhaps the hardEST match Bianca has had in a long time, but she came out the winner! Is Bianca moving on to bigger and better now? Wait, Piper attacks Bianca at the ramp! It seems Doudrop is the saltiEST in the WWE, will she crush Bianca and take away that spotlight?

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.

Kevin Patrick wants a word before his match with Lashley. How about, “Trash?” This whole thing is trash! Lashley adding if he wins is trash, Kevin going first is trash, and St. Paul is trash! But the good news is Kevin going first means he can just end this here and now, and then go on to win the WWE Championship at Day 1. And that is no lie. But will the Prizefighter end up trashed by the Rocky Mountain Machine?

Gable Steveson is in the crowd!

The Olympic Gold Medalist and future WWE superstar is here to watch how it’s done in the squared circle. When and where will the WWE’s second-ever gold medalist wrestler finally get between the ropes?

All Mighty Gauntlet part 1: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Kevin Owens!

Raw returns as Lashley makes his entrance. Lashley fist bumps Steveson, then gets in the ring with Kevin. The bell rings, Kevin jumps Lashley while he’s talking to MVP! The ref counts as Kevin fires off in a corner, and he headlocks. Lashley powers out, they ram shoulders, then things speed up. Lashley runs Kevin over and Kevin flounders to a corner. Lashley brings Kevin up to fire off haymakers, then he reels Kevin in to “take him for a ride,” as MVP says. Stalling suplex and SLAM! Lashley high-fives MVP, then takes aim. Kevin dumps Lashley out to avoid the spear! Lashley gets up but Kevin hotshots him down! Kevin aims from the apron, to CANNONBALL and WHIFF!

Lashley says that’s one, and he gets in the ring. Kevin writhes on the floor, Lashley lets the ring count climb to 6 before he goes out and CLOBBERS Kevin! Kevin leans against barriers, gets back in the ring, but Lashley gets in, for a SUPERKICK! Kevin hurries to get Lashley up and POST him! Kevin goes corner to corner and CANNONBALLS! Rollins is watching backstage, he’s surely worried, but Kevin drops a SENTON! Cover, ONE!! Big E is watching and taking notes as fast as he can as Kevin throws forearms. Lashley whips Kevin away, runs in but into a BOOT! Kevin goes up and reels Lashley in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!

MVP says Kevin is disrespecting Lashley, an Lashley gets up. Kevin CHOPS him in the corner, but Lashley gets mad! Kevin kicks and whips but Lashley reverses and Kevin tumbles up the corner to fall down hard! Lashley drags Kevin up, RAMS him in the corner again and again, then runs corner to corner to RAM into him again! Lashley brings Kevin around to NECKBREAKER! Lashley looms over Kevin, Kevin stands up but Lashley counter punches! Lashley gut wrenches Kevin to the Canadian rack and DOMINATOR! Lashley says it’s done, and he gets a half nelson! Kevin rolls Lashley up, TWO!! Kevin kicks and- NO, no stunner! MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER!!

Lashley stalks Kevin, and clamps on the HURT- Wait, Kevin taps before the full nelson!?

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (advances to the next match)

Kevin spared himself the pain, and Lashley still moves on to round two! Kevin couldn’t stop Lashley, and Rollins is furious! But Sonya lets Rollins know that he’s next. She wishes him luck, but will he need far more than that to shut down the Rocky Mountain Machine?

Veer Mahan is coming.

The lion is the king of the jungle, but the lion must hunt its prey, kill it, and eat it. But in Veer’s case, it’s just for fun. When and where will the million dollar arm strike down its first target?

Becky Lynch is here!

The Man comes around to St. Paul still Raw Women’s Champion after holding the ropes and keeping Liv Morgan down. But what’s next for Big Time Becks? We’ll hear from her after the break.

Raw returns and Becky welcomes us to the big time! It is a big night for St. Paul with Becky in the building. A lot of the fans thought it was going to be a big night for Liv Morgan. And it was! First-ever championship match for her, and what a match it was! But Becky’s still here as our champion, just as she said she would. Some fans are happy, a lot of them wish Liv would’ve won. But say on the off chance Liv did win, if she was here with the title tonight, the fans would find every reason to doubt the same woman who got them to believe in her. Is Becky wrong? No, she’s never wrong! Fans don’t know what they want! Remember when they wanted Becky back? “We Want Becky!”

And then Becky came back and a lot of them had opinions about how she does her job, even though they’ve never stepped foot in the ring or changed the game or broke down barriers to become the biggest thing in the industry! No one ever left their careers and then came back better than ever! They never had to evolve. If you don’t evolve, you get left behind and disappoint all the fans, just like Liv! Becky has the new “Miz girl” with the girl from last week! All the Liv fans can get used to that face. Becky will be holding onto the title for a very long time. But speaking of, here comes Liv! Liv says she’s not getting used to anything, and St. Paul is sick and tired of Becky’s broken record.

Becky keeps saying people would doubt Liv if she were champion. But the only person that’s doubting Liv is Becky! And y’know what? Becky doubting Liv is the exact thing why Becky almost lost, and why she had to cheat to win! Liv’s prepared her own little photo to prove it! Becky holding the ropes during the cradle! Becky should be so proud of herself. But y’know what? Becky is the best, at cheating to win. Liv cried a little last week after that match, but not because she’s weak. It’s because she’s human, and because she was disappointed. She was disappointed, but snapped out of it, because she knows she can beat Becky! Just like that #LivGirl, Liv believes in herself!

So does Becky think the photos would embarrass Liv? No. It just reminded Liv why this isn’t over! Liv won’t give up until she makes the title to mean something for everyone, just like that little girl! And if Becky’s really big time, then she’ll accept a rematch at Day 1! Becky says no. She didn’t do that because she had to, but because it was easy. Don’t blame Becky for grabbing ropes, blame yourself for not doing it first! Blame yourself for not being ready for it! If Liv were ready, she’d know Becky would pull that, but Liv isn’t ready. Liv’s just proven she has no killer instinct. Instead, Liv’s doing the same thing she always does: NOTHING.

Liv rushes the ring! And dodges the punch to THESZ PRESS! Liv fires off hands, gets up and kicks low to then KICK and ENZIGURI! Liv roars, chases Becky out and goes after her by the commentary. But then Becky RAMS Liv into steel steps! Becky puts Liv’s hand in between steps and post and stomps away on the arm! Then Becky BOOTS the steps! And again! Liv can’t get her arm out so Becky stomps away on it! Refs appear and tell Becky to back off! Becky leaves Liv crying in pain as she gets the mic. “Oh no, Liv. Looks like you went and injured yourself. Well if you still want that match, you’re on!

“And now, seeing as there are no other able bodied women to challenge me for my title, I’m gonna go home, I’m gonna train, I’m gonna hang out with my hot husband and my beautiful baby. Maybe you should put some ice on that.” Becky holds her belt up as she struts away, but will she still make 2022 big time?

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

Styles & Omos haven’t been working as well as they used to. They’ve gone from tag team champions to having dysfunction, does he care to comment? Well, he admits they were at odds last week, but it was disrespectful for Omos to walk out on him, but Styles hasn’t given up on the team. Omos’ raw talent, Styles’ guidance, you can’t give up on that. This is just growing pains. We’ve seen them at their best, so Styles won’t give up. He’s been in the business a long time and has never seen anyone like Omos. Things go off the rails, that’s on Styles. He’s the one having to show Omos how to do things the right way.

Styles bringing in Omos wasn’t to boost Styles’ career, but an investment. Styles knows Omos is a good kid and wants to see him succeed in the business. Omos then walks over and says they’re good. Styles says he’s not giving up on the team, and neither is Omos! Will the Phenomenal and the Colossus still make it work?

Reggie and Dana Brooke walk around St. Paul.

Reggie is a sucker for the holidays. Dana is, too! She appreciates that he helped her last week. He’s just happy to have been of help. he was 24/7 Champion for over 100 days, and he’d pass on what he learned. If she wants. Maybe over some hot cocoa? She’d like that, and would love to hear any advice. A snowman sneezes and a tree says gesundheit. It’s R-Truth and Tozawa in disguise! They’re supposedly spreading cheer for the holidays, fa la la la. Dana, run! But then Tamina’s there! Dana ROCKS Tamina but Tamina waistlocks! Dana elbows free, kicks and fires off forearms! Tamina staggers and Dana runs for it! Dana JUMPS into a snow pile, then Reggie launches in after her!

Every time! Tamina says Truth and Tozawa messed it up! Stay outta her way! Truth says Tamina meant Tozawa. No, she meant Truth. No, you! NO, YOU! Will anyone get the title off Dana with Reggie watching her back?

Finn Balor & Damian Priest VS The Dirty Dawgs!

The Prince joins the Archer of Infamy in taking on some common enemies in Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. Will Finn & Priest be able to work together despite their history in NXT? Or will the Show-Off & the Glorious One be able to divide and conquer?

Raw returns and Priest makes his entrance. The Dawgs are already in the ring and the teams sort out. Priest starts against “Big Bob” and they circle. Roode kicks low, bumps Priest off buckles and throws haymakers! The ref counts, Roode lets off, and he brings Priest up. Priest ROCKS Roode, Roode kicks back! Roode brings Priest over but Priest powers up to head for his corner! Roode digs in his heels, CLUBS Priest then DECKS Balor! Fans boo but Priest dodges Roode to WHEEL KICK him down! Ziggler gets in but gets a BELL CLAP! Priest ripcords and FLAPJACKS Ziggler! Fans fire up and Priest runs in to back elbow Ziggler! Then he runs to back elbow Roode!

Priest goes back to hit Ziggler, then he BOOTS Roode out of the ring! Priest dumps Ziggler out to join Roode, and then fans fire up as Priest goes outside. Priest runs to leap off the steps, and he CLOBBERS the Dawgs! Fans fire up with Priest as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Priest CLOBBERS Roode! Both men are down and fans fire up! Priest and Roode crawl, hot tags to Ziggler and Finn! Finn rallies, whips but Ziggler reverses, only for Finn to CLOBBER him! Finn DECKS Roode, he trips Ziggler and DOUBLE STOMPS! Fans fire up with Finn and he CHOPS Ziggler in a corner! Finn whips, Ziggler reverses but Finn reverses ack to ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, Roode breaks it! Priest drags Roode out to choke grip! Roode slips out to SPINEBUSTER Priest! “That’s why I’m Big Bob!” Finn clotheslines Ziggler out, then he FLIES to take out the Dawgs! Fans fire up with Finn and he gets Ziggler back in the ring!

Finn aims from a corner, SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Ziggler hits buckles, falls to a drop zone, but Austin Theory shows up to get a selfie! Finn CLOBBERS Theory, Ziggler hits a ZIGZAG!! Cover, Dirty Dawgs win!!

Winners: The Dirty Dawgs, by pinfall

Theory cost Finn that win, and then gets himself another selfie! Priest rushes in to run Theory off, but will this be enough to impress Vince McMahon?

Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H meet up backstage.

Nikki says Rhea’s got this! She’ll make Zelina Vega pay! It’s what she does best. Unlike Nikki… What? Nikki barely slept because of what happened last week. She was so close and yet she lost. She’s really trying her best but she keeps letting Rhea down. Nikki, snap out of it. Rhea is her tag partner because of Nikki’s fire. Nikki beat seven other competitors to win Money in the Bank and she cashed in on Charlotte! Nikki beat Charlotte 1v1, something not even Rhea’s done. Rhea wants that Nikki back. Nikki appreciates Rhea trying to cheer her up. Nikki has Rhea’s back. Good. Because it’s time to shut these Muppets up and get those tag titles back!

WWE and American Red Cross want to help those affected by the tornados.

Text “TORNADO” to 90999 to donate $10 to the relief efforts.

Rhea Ripley w/ Nikki A.S.H. VS Zelina Vega w/ Carmella!

The Nightmare takes on the Queen of the Ring, will she avenge Almost a Super Hero and their tag title defeat? Or will Zelina continue to be a royal pain in the butt?

Raw returns as the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, Carmella, makes her entrance. She wants fans to take off their “cheap, tacky earmuffs” to pay attention to her. For we are about to be graced by the presence of Her Majesty, QUEEN~ ZELINA~! Zelina makes her entrance now, with a new, regal remix of her song. Zelina thanks the fans and her “glamorous and glorious partner” for that introduction. And as our queen, Zelina feels it is her royal duty to grace the frozen tundra with her presence. She will accept applause now. She gets boos instead so she tells them to shut up. Guess they’ve chosen sides, huh? Low class trash sides with low class trash!

Zelina calms down and apologizes to her loyal subjects. For as sorry as she feels for Rhea carrying the deadweight in Nikki, it will be her duty to show why while some deserve to be on top, others deserve to be buried in the snow in a “flyover state” like Minnesota. Zelina gets in the ring, has someone take her scepter, cape and crown, then the bell rings. Rhea and Zelina approach, Zelina dodges and bows. Rhea dropkicks her down! Rhea drags Zelina up, scoops and carries her. Mella tells Rhea to put Zelina down, so Rhea SLAMS Zelina down! Nikki chases Mella, they end up in the ring! FABULOUS KICK for Nikki!

Rhea chases Mella out, checks on Nikki, but gets a METEORA to the back! Roll up, Zelina wins!!

Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall

Is that an upset!? Rhea is definitely upset by it, but Nikki seems to see it as her fault. Will Nikki ever get her head right?

Rollins thinks about how to fight Lashley.

He’s faster and- Wait, what is Kevin doing here? What does he want?! Rollins has to do what Kevin couldn’t and defeat Lashley! Kevin doesn’t understand why Rollins is yelling and raising his blood pressure. Rollins has to calm down. They have to handle this. Kevin will go out to help Rollins since Lashley has MVP. No, Rollins doesn’t want Kevin anywhere! Kevin tapped out before he even got put in the hold! Well everyone knows there’s no escape from the Hurt Lock, so Kevin wasn’t going to let Lashley lock on the Hurt Lock and potentially get hurt by the Hurt Lock before his match at Day 1! Hurt Lock.

Kevin is smart, so he should be there with Rollins. Rollins doesn’t get what’s in Kevin’s stupid little brain but Kevin’s plans don’t work for Rollins. Rollins will figure this out on his own. Bye. That’s a mistake! Kevin keeps talking as Rollins walks away. Is Kevin right? Should Kevin be in Rollins’ corner to cancel out MVP?

All Mighty Gauntlet part 2: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Seth Rollins!

Lashley heads back out to the ring, and he looks like he’s got plenty left in the tank! Will he make it through this round to go after the WWE Champion? Or can the Visionary see a way to defeat the All Mighty and deny him a part in the title picture?

Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Rollins waistlocks, headlocks, but Lashley powers up to lift and SLAM Rollins down! Rollins bails out and Lashley is already annoyed. Lashley grabs at Rollins but Rollins grabs at Lashley’s foot. Rollins then DECKS Lashley, drags him out and fires off haymakers! Lashley fireman’s carries but Rollins slips off to POST Lashley first! Rollins then brings Lashley around to POST him again! Rollins gets in the ring at 6 of 410, but MVP coaches Lashley up. Lashley gets in at 9, Rollins CLUBS him down! Rollins turns Lashley, ROLLING ELBOW! And then DREAM SMASHER ELBOW!

Lashley flounders, Big E is taking more notes, and Rollins aims from a corner. Rollins runs but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Lashley gets Rollins for another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly, then the COMPLETE SHOT! MVP says the angrier he gets, the stronger Lashley gets! “BOBBY SMASH!” But Rollins bails out to avoid the Dominator! Rollins catches his breath, but Kevin comes out to DECK Rollins! And stomp away! That’s a disqualification!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification

Wait, doesn’t that mean Lashley doesn’t get to complete the gauntlet?! Rollins gets it now! Kevin gives thumbs up, and now Day 1 STAYS a Triple Threat! Wait, Sony and Pearce see through that. It was clever, they’ll give Kevin that. Rollins did win, but not fair to St. Paul. So we’re going to restart this match, and it’ll be NO DISQUALFICATION! Ring the bell!

All Mighty Gauntlet part 2.5, No Disqualifications: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Seth Rollins!

Rollins turns around, into a SPEAR!!! Cover, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (advances to the final round)

And now Lashley is one step closer! Big E’s got an even harder challenge on his hands, will he be the one to stop the Rocky Mountain Machine’s momentum?

Vince McMahon meets with Apollo Crews & Commander Azeez.

The Chairman promises these two that Raw will be seeing a lot more of them in the ring. Theory barges in and hopes Vince saw what happened. Finn sure didn’t expect the unexpected! Wanna see? Vince excuses Crews & Azeez, and is in fact impressed by the selfie. NOT. Did Theory think he was going to get something for that? Like a pat on the back? Or a trophy or something? Anything! Oh, well then maybe something really important, like an autograph on a doily. Uh… Okay? No. Well, then maybe if Theory had a match, he could show Vince what he’s really capable of. Well, Theory did barge in during an important meeting like they’re friends or something. Theory wants that, right?

Theory just thought that if he followed Vince’s lessons- SHUT UP! Vince and Theory are not friends. Vince has no friends, because he doesn’t want any. Theory hasn’t impressed Vince yet. And he doesn’t know what to say, right? What Vince will do, and he doesn’t really want to, but he’s in the frame of mind to… use one of his most deadly weapons in the world. Huh? Vince brings out a PENCIL! Wait, a pencil? Yes, a pencil. Not the lead, but the eraser. Theory still isn’t quite sure what Vince is getting at, but will it be very bad for him?

Maryse heads to the ring!

And that’s because tonight, she is the special guest for tonight’s Miz TV!

Raw returns and she welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and says tonight is a very special edition. That’s because she’s the host! Oh? Yes, it is very interesting looking out at St. Paul. They’re not really quite used to seeing a woman like her around here. And that they don’t know what a real man looks like, so let’s get to it! Ladies and gentlemen welcome her husband, the father of her children, and the Most Awesome Human on Earth, THE MIZ! Miz makes his entrance, and Miz says Maryse looks astonishing. Only someone as hot as Maryse can make a cold Minnesota night feel like paradise.

Miz & Mrs. have a kiss, and Miz says you don’t get the finer things in life without being proactive. Miz wants to be proactive and formally endorse the first, headlining name in the 2022 Hall of Fame class! This person has done so much in and out of the ring, so influential to future generations, and so for your consideration, “the most must-see inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame is…” MIZ! “His unprecedented journey” could not be stopped. “A stratospheric rise” and an A-lister darling of Hollywood. But how can you make the best even better? What do you give a man that already has it all? “A legend in the ring, a global icon, a true role model,” and now a WWE Hall of Famer!

Miz and Maryse are emotional over the video package they surely put together themselves. Let’s raise a glass or whatever you might have, “Here’s to beating Edge at Day 1, and sending him back into retirement, highlighting my resumé once again.” And hopefully this time, Edge’s retirement will be permanent. But speaking of, here comes Edge! Fans fire up for the Rated R Superstar, and Edge goes to the ring. “Sometimes, the squeaky wheel doesn’t get the grease. It just squeaks and squeaks and squeaks, and squeaks and squeaks and squeaks, and squeaks and squeaks,” so on and so on.

Is he done?! Oh did he find that annoying? YES, VERY! Good. Then Miz knows how we all feel when he opens his mouth. Miz, you’d get all the pats on the back and praise and so on that he craves, if he would just shut up! Edge knows Miz is good, but he knows why Miz acts the way he does. Oh, Edge thinks he knows Miz. Well played. But yes, Edge does. Miz broke through, but Edge has seen so many like him crash and burn. The layers of BS and “me first” is all to hide insecurities. Face it, Miz, you’re afraid. Oh he’s afraid? Of Edge? Old Edge? Sure! But this old Edge, meh.

Edge knows Miz has been told he’s not good enough so often, he deep down believes it and overcompensates by being an obnoxious, overbearing jagoff. But the thing is, Edge knows Miz IS a future hall of famer. Edge isn’t taking this match lightly. But Miz, at the end of the day, Edge will have to teach Miz a lesson. Miz says Edge didn’t hep him enough, and maybe he didn’t. Edge will show Miz he still has lessons to learn, and knock that stupid, constipated look off his face. That one right there. Miz throws champagne in Edge’s face and fires off hands! Edge shoves Miz back, kicks low and hits the IMPALER! Edge throws the director’s chairs out, tips the table, and aims from a corner!

But Maryse ends up a shield for Miz! Miz BOOTS Edge, then hits the SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Fans boo that Miz would do that just to get one over on Edge! Even Maryse pulls away from Miz for that. Miz says it’s fine, Edge wasn’t going to hit her. She was where she was supposed to be! Maryse is still upset, and she SLAPS Miz! Maryse storms off, Miz hurries after to try and talk to her.

Kevin and Rollins find Big E backstage.

They’re giving him a pep talk of sorts because he’s their last hope. Look, you idiots! Don’t come anywhere near the ring. He doesn’t want nor need their help. He can and will, will, WILL beat Lashley without them. If they want to keep this a Triple Threat, just stay far, far away. But they have a plan! STAY FAR AWAY! Kevin has a PowerPoint to show him, though! Rollins and Kevin argue about this but Big E is ready. Will he be the one to keep the Rocky Mountain Machine out of Day 1?

Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley & MVP.

Lashley’s successfully won against Kevin and Rollins, but this final match will be No Disqualifications. MVP says what Lashley has already done tonight, not even an extraordinary individual could do that. This was a Herculean task, but Hercules has nothing on Lashley! When they make it three for three, there will be no denying we’re in the All Mighty Era! No DQ just means Lashley is free to inflict as much pain and damage as he wants. The new year’s resolution for everyone will be to bow down to their new champion!

All Mighty Gauntlet part 3, No Disqualifications: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Big E!

This is it! Either the All Mighty completes the sweep and ups the Triple Threat to a Fatal 4 Way, or he’ll have to wait until after Day 1 to go for the gold. Will Lashley succeed? Or will he feel~ the power~ in St. Paul?

Raw returns as Lashley once again makes his entrance. The bell rings, they tie up and Big E fires off clubbing forearms! Big E throws body shots then he CLOBBERS Lashley! Lashley bails out so Big E slips out the side. Big E decides to bring the No DQ stipulation up first, and he brings out a TABLE! Fans are loving that, and Big E props the table up. But Lashley CLOBBERS Big E! Lashley RAMS Big E into barriers, then RAMS him into more barriers around the way. Lashley puts Big E in the ring, MVP puts the table away! Fans boo, but Lashley runs into an Urenag-E! Cover, TWO! Big E goes out and walks past MVP to bring the table back out!

Big E gest the table in the ring, he CLUBS and stomps Lashley down, then he sets the table up in a corner. Big E CLUBS and scoops Lashley, but Lashley slips off! Big E stops himself, only to turn around into a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Lashley goes out and looks under the ring, and MVP points out the chairs! Lashley brings a chair into the ring, wedges the chair in a corner, and hen he goes to Big E, But Big E hits him for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! And then he doges for the SIDE Belly2Belly! Fans fire up as Big E swivels them hips! Big E runs side to side to BIG SPLASH but flop! Lashley gets Big E up to whip, but Big E reverses and Lashley CRASHES into chair!!

Lashley tumbles out of the ring and MVP checks on him as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Lashley drags Big E up. The table is set up on both legs, Big E resists the suplex, to suplex Lashley away! Big E covers, TWO! Big E drags Lashley out to the apron, CLUBS away on his chest all the way to nine, then winds up for TEN! Then Big E gets on the apron, for an APRON SPLASH! Lashley flounders into the ring, then to the other apron. Big E goes out after Lashley, only for Lashley to fireman’s carry! Big E slips off, Lashley elbows him, cameraman is down! Lashley fireman’s carries and POSTS Big E! Fans boo but Lashley soaks up the heat. Lashley leaves Big E behind to go looking under the ring. He brings out another TABLE!

Big E gets in the ring as MVP also gets a table! Lashley sets his table up by ringside, goes up the steps and brings Big E up at the ropes. Big E resists the suplex and throws body shots! Big E ROCKS Lashley with a forearm, then ROCKS him again! And a third time! Lashley wobbles, Big E builds speed! Lashley KNEES Big E away, to get in and MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER Big E through the table!! Cover, TWO!! Big E survives and Lashley can’t believe it as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more, Lashley stalks Big E on the outside as they go around the corner. Lashley whips Big E, Big E reverses and Lashley hits steel steps! Big E pulls the steps apart, drags Lashley up and scoops, to SLAM him on the base steps!! Lashley writhes but Big E gets Lashley up to put in the ring. Lashley crawls, fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” and Big E scoops again. Lashley slips off to go for the nelson! Big E resists, arm-drags free, and then gets up, into a SPEAR!! Lashley has to crawl to a cover, but here come Rollins and Kevin! They attack and take advantage of the No DQ stipulation! Big E didn’t want their help but they’re doing this for themselves!

Big E goes after Rollins and Kevin to win this his way, so they mug him now! But Lashley gets up and he attacks Rollins and Kevin in return! It’s become a 2v2 brawl! Kevin kicks Big E out and RAMS him into barriers! Rollins has Lashley down, Kevin brings Big E around, but Big E resists the powerbomb! Big E gives Kevin an URENAGE through the table! Lashley kicks Rollins to SPEAR him through the table!! Lashley does his best to get out of the wreckage as Big E gets in the ring. Fans are thunderous as Big E wants Lashley to get up! Lashley rises, Big E says they can end this! Lashley stands, MVP CLUBS Big E with his cane!! Lashley SPEARS Big E down!! Cover, Lashley wins!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (joins the WWE Championship match at Day 1)

Even with Rollins and Kevin “helping,” it was Montel Vontavius Porter that becomes Lashley’s ace in the hole! Now we have a FATAL 4 WAY for the title on New Year’s Day! Have Big E’s chances of winning now dwindled to almost nothing? Or can he prove he’s mightier than the mightiest when he defeats three top opponents in one match?

My Thoughts:

Once again, when WWE has to make a change and adlib stuff, they actually give us some great stuff. Granted, the way the world title story went tonight could’ve still gone this way even if the RKBRO-nament continued, but I feel like making it one match per hour was to fill time. Great stuff from all of them, and Lashley having three matches in one night was definitely a great feat in itself. I like that Kevin pulled the “attack the other guy” move, and I have to give them credit for also seeing through that by giving Lashley a second try against Rollins. Lashley VS Big E could’ve just been the one match and tonight would’ve still been great.

I feel like Big E was being too Face here, but I suppose it is a point of pride that he defeats Lashley himself. Which he doesn’t because he forgot MVP is there. But I figured as much last week that WWE wants to make Day 1 be a big deal so they gotta go bigger with the WWE World Championship. And as I also figured, WWE is going to have Big Time Becks on the card. She and Liv had a good promo segment, though maybe Liv was a bit weaker than Becky. Kinda hard with a diehard Becky fan who is also a little kid right there… But Becky going after Liv’s arm in the steps was pretty hardcore, and I hope this leads to something big for Becky VS Liv at Day 1, like a No DQ stipulation.

Riddle VS Otis tonight was also something that was probably going to happen even if we got more RKBRO-nament. Otis winning was quite the shocker, though. Maybe with the RKBRO-nament pushed back, we’ll see Alpha Academy get a “Championship Contenders Match” to see if Alpha Academy can just skip the line and get a shot anyway. Then, I’m a little torn on Styles and Omos making up as a team already. I was hoping there’d be a little bit more to that tension, but at least there’s still another team in the tag division. Then Balor & Priest VS Dirty Dawgs was a decent tag match but it turned out to be just about Theory getting at Balor.

Theory and Vince had a decent segment this time, and Vince using the pencil was a visual metaphor for how he’s in charge. He could take Theory out of stuff as easily as he could put him into stuff. Maybe this is just the meta of Vince pushing Theory. Still no idea where it’ll go, outside of Theory VS Finn, and maybe Theory wins to move on to the US Championship. We also got a decent segment for the 24/7 Championship, and I like that it was another on-location one. But it was so obvious Reggie and Dana had a trampoline to jump into the snow. I kinda hope Tamina just bulldozes Truth, Tozawa and Reggie to get to Dana and get the title.

Bianca VS Piper rematch tonight was great stuff, and I am glad it had a real finish, but I guess Bianca had to win for Piper to be a sore loser Heel and escalate things for another match. I feel like Piper should win the third one, because the only next step from this feud would be the Raw Women’s Championship. Bianca already faced Becky, and I feel like Becky could just pivot to Face in order to have a match with Piper. The WWE Women’s Tag title story is very clearly isolated to Raw, and it should’ve been clear that Vega was going to win in part thanks to Mella and Nikki being a distraction. I still hope with that loss, and with the promo Rhea and Nikki had before, Nikki goes back to being Nikki Cross, and her SAnitY appearance so that she and Rhea can go heavy metal hog wild on Mella & Vega.

We got quite a great bit from Miz, Maryse and Edge here to build their story. Maryse “hosting” Miz TV to welcome Miz, and then they had a very well made video package to show, in all honesty, Miz’s great career. Edge pointing out Miz (the character) has just been this heat magnet was great stuff, too, and just when I thought this was where Beth Phoenix was going to appear, we instead get quite a twist with Maryse getting mad at Miz over the human shield bit. I’m intrigued in how they’ll use that for the story, and we’re going to have a very good match out of Edge VS Miz with this growing heat.

My Score: 8.4/10