Raw has more golden opportunities in store!

The Alpha Academy is coming for RKBRO’s Raw Tag Team Championships, and a Triple Threat determines Becky Lynch’s Royal Rumble challenger!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Alpha Academy; The Alpha Academy wins and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
• Six Man Tag: Damian Priest & The Street Profits VS The Dirty Dawgs & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez; The Dirty Dawgs and Crews win.
• Big E VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
• Omos VS Nick Sanders; Omos wins.
• AJ Styles VS Austin Theory; Styles wins, by disqualification.
• Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Liv Morgan VS Bianca Belair VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Niven wins and will challenge Becky Lynch for the title at the Royal Rumble.

PLAY BY PLAY

Brock Lesnar is here!

Philly just became Suplex City as The Beast and Paul Heyman walk out on stage. Lesnar lets Heyman hold up the WWE World Championship as Lesnar cues the pyro. They then go to the ring, but we see the Hurt Business watching back. Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin are excited to see Lashley have the match. But Lashley says there is no Hurt Business, Lashley works alone. So they can get out of here. Alexander & Benjamin leave, but will this come back to bite the Rocky Mountain Machine? Back to the ring, Heyman has the mic to  give the introductions. And as the Advocate, Heyman has the honor of introducing us to the reigning, defending, undisputed, WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BRRROCK! LENSARRR!

Lesnar’s fired up just hearing that! “Phila-freakin-delphia! I can’t believe we’re back!” But before Lesnar can say more, the All Mighty interrupts! No more just watching, Lashley and MVP stand on stage, then head to the ring. MVP gives an introduction of his own as it is his honor to present the All Mighty Lashley! Lashley takes off the sunglasses to look Lesnar in the eye. Lashley says it is an honor to finally stand in the ring with Lesnar. And it is an honor to be able to share the spotlight with him. “And as one super athlete to another super athlete, it’s an honor to be able to look you right in the eye. And with all due respect, tell you that for twenty years, you have been ducking and running from me!”

With all due respect, Lesnar says it is an honor to be in the ring with himself. And Lesnar apologizes, but for the last twenty years, he’s been winning titles in this ring, and in other rings. So that doesn’t fall on Lashley, that falls on him. Lesnar had no clue who Lashley was until Day 1. It is on Lashley that he didn’t enter the same arenas Lesnar did. Because if Lesnar had already met Lashley, Lesnar would’ve already beaten him and we wouldn’t be in this spot right now. Also, these guys are dressed really fancy! What’s the thread count on MVP’s suit?

Oh, Lesnar’s a comedian, huh? Well at the Royal Rumble, when Lashley wins that title, he and NMVP will be in the front row for Lesnar’s first show. As a comedian, Lesnar’s funny. Yeah, he’s funny and he’s money. Paulie, knock knock! Wow, Lesnar doing a knock knock joke in Philly. Just when you think you’ve seen it all. Alright, then. Who’s there? Bobby. Bobby who? Exactly. Lashley fakes a laugh, but not for long. Lesnar tells Lashley that it is impossible to beat Lesnar. It is even more impossible to beat Lesnar when you’re a Lesnar wannabe! Lesnar drops the mic, but we all know this is far from over! Will Lashley prove to Lesnar exactly who he is at the Rumble?

But then Benjamin and Alexander attack! Lashley fights them off all on his own! He clotheslines Benjamin out, then gives Alexander a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley throws off his jacket, goes out after Benjamin, and POSTS him! Then he gets Alexander up to THROW him into barriers! Lashley then drags Alexander up to POST him, too! And all that in a turtleneck! If this wasn’t a display of power to make Lesnar worry, what can Lashley do to make the Beast fear the All Mighty?

Riddle recites a mantra.

“Summon your inner viper. Summon your inner viper.” Randy Orton snaps him out of it. Riddle says he is trying to transcend to a higher plane of enlightenment. Well, whatever he does on his own time is up to him. But there’s no free time. They lost to the Alpha Academy because Riddle didn’t tag Orton in. But now, they have a second chance, only with higher stakes. They must defend the tag titles against an Olympian and a tree trunk. So if Riddle gets lost out there, Orton has a pen. Randy, this is no time for Pictionary, bro! No, Orton will give Riddle a quick little note on how to figure things out. Wow, he has good handwriting. Shut up. “Tag in Randy.” Got it? Good. Let’s go.

Wait… Orton is sure Riddle wants to say something, so say it. Riddle says after the win, they should go out for cheesesteaks. After all, they’re in Philly. But is Orton more a Pap’s or Gino’s kind of guy? Orton sighs, and says Gino’s. Sweet! Will these two stay golden to go get some sweet Philly cheesesteaks? Or will they be turned into ground beef by “Master” Gable and #4pointOtis?

Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Alpha Academy!

Raw returns and Gable & Otis have arrived in brand new singlets. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if RKBRO pass or fail this rematch with the Academy!

Gable and Riddle start, circle, and Gable stays between Orton and Riddle. They tie up, Riddle waistlocks but Gable pries free to headlock, spin and toehold to then float to a facelock! Gable tries a lateral press, Riddle moves around, Gable gets around but Riddle switches for a mat slam! Grammy roll into the ropes, and the ref has them break. Gable and Riddle reset, tie up, and Gable wrenches to a wristlock. Snapmare, chinlock, and Gable grinds Riddle down. Riddle endures, rolls and has Gable’s arm for an omoplata! Gable gets the ropebreak and Riddle lets off fast. The two reset again, and fans rally up for Riddle.

Gable and Riddle tie up but Gable throat chops! “For the Academy!” Gable whips, Riddle goes up and over to ROUNDHOUSE Gable down! BROTON to Gable’s back! Gable bails out, Riddle goes to the apron, PENALTY KICK! And then springboard FLOATING BRO! Direct hit at the ramp and Riddle is all fired up! Riddle does his best Orton pose, so Orton joins in, and Philly fires up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again, and Gable has Riddle in a cobra clutch. Riddle powers Gable into the corner, breaks free and then hits Otis! Gable ROCKS Riddle, chicken wings, but Riddle victory rolls! TWO, and Gable blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Tag to Otis, and he RAMS Gable into Riddle! Gable feeds Riddle to Otis’ shoulder! Fans boo but Otis soaks it all up. Otis brings Riddle up to back suplex, but Riddle lands on his feet! Riddle elbows Gable, boots Otis, and goes up, FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Riddle hurries, Otis crawls, hot tags to Gable and Orton! The Viper rallies on Gable with clotheslines!

Otis pokes in, Orton KICKS him! Gable runs, into the POWERSLAM! Orton puts Gable through ropes, kicks Otis and hotshots him down, but Gable hotshots back! Gable goes up the corner, but Orton trips him! Orton climbs up to join Gable, goes to the very top now, for a SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Riddle and the fans rally for “RANDY! RANDY!” Orton feels that energy and he hears the voices! But Otis gets in! Riddle goes after him but Otis CLOBBERS Riddle! Gable denies the RKO, Orton hits Otis! Gable runs into Otis, but it’s a tag! Gable denies another RKO, Otis hits the POWERSLAM! The Academy wins!!!

Winners: The Alpha Academy, by pinfall (NEW Raw Tag Team Champions)

Gable & Otis prepared for the RKO, stopped the RKO, and now dethroned RKBRO! What is the next step for the Academy

Damian Priest speaks.

The Archer of Infamy debuted in the Rumble and made an immediate impact. So how does he upstage that? “By winning the whole damn thing.” The WWE US Champion is in the Royal Rumble! He’ll still be US Champion by then, but what other title will he be looking to take?

The Street Profits and Damian Priest meet up backstage.

They’re all going to be in the Rumble, every man for themselves. But tonight, they’re happy to have each other’s backs. They go back like four flats on the Cadillac. And they’re fired up to be in Philadelphia! Plus, what side are they dealing with? Damian, the guy they’ve gotta stay out of the way of? Or Priest, the good side, not they want to offend. But they will bring the Solo cups, is Priest gonna take in the partay? Absolutely hand him a cup! As far as sides, Ziggler, Roode & Apollo have a beating coming from both sides. And since they’re all here, it’s time for one final beat down. Go ahead and tell ’em why. Because the Profits are UP! And #WeWantTheSmoke!

Bianca Belair speaks.

“Last year, I proved exactly why I’m the greatEST, the strongEST, the toughEST, and I not only won the Royal Rumble, but I main evented WrestleMania and walked out SmackDown Women’s Champion. And Becky Lynch, your 26 seconds of fame are coming to an end.” Because last year, she walked out as champion, but this year, she’s walking into WrestleMania as Raw Women’s Champion. After she wins tonight’s Triple Threat, she’ll see Becky at the Royal Rumble, where Big Time gets beat by the EST.

Six Man Tag: Damian Priest & The Street Profits VS The Dirty Dawgs & Apollo Crews w/ Commander Azeez!

Raw returns as Priest joins the Profits in the ring. Ziggler, Roode and the Pride of Nigeria are already there, and the trios sort out. Apollo and Ford start, they tie up and Apollo gets around to CLUB and whip Ford to a corner. Ford goes up and over and shows off the agility before he dropkicks Apollo down! Cover, ONE! Ford wrenches, Apollo kicks low then tags in Ziggler. They mug Ford, Ziggler scrapes Ford’s face, then taunts Priest with a superkick. Ziggler throws hands but Ford blocks to ROCK Ziggler back! Ziggler kicks low, wants Ford to stand, and Ziggler runs in, but Priest saves Ford from the splash!

Priest tags in, DECKS Ziggler, and DECKS him again, then BELL CLAPS! Ziggler staggers up into a FLAPJACK! Roode gets in, but Priest fires off kicks and a haymaker, to a HEEL KICK! Apollo gets in but Priest DECKS him! Priest hits a back elbow on Roode, a back elbow on Ziggler, then he suplexes Ziggler, only for Roode to save him. Priest dodges Roode, Ford ENZIGURIS Roode down! Dawkins dropkicks Apollo out, but Ziggler ducks the heel kick! Ziggler shoves Priest but Priest CLOBBERS Ziggler on the return! Priest and the Profits are roaring as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Apollo has Ford in a chinlock. Ford fights up, throws elbows, but Apollo shoves him to the corner. Ford comes back but Apollo trophy lifts! Apollo DROPS Ford, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Apollo drags Ford up, tags Ziggler, and they mug Ford. Ziggler rakes Ford’s eyes, then eggs him on before he dropkicks Ford down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler gets a leg for a cradle, TWO! Ziggler traps an arm and has the chinlock, but Ford endures. Ziggler claws Ford’s eyes! The ref counts, Ziggler lets off, and he stomps Ford down. Fans jeer but Ziggler SUPERKICKS Priest down! Ziggler then runs at Ford, but Ford powers up to POWERBOMB!

Both men are down, Ziggler keeps Ford from his corner while going to his, hot tags to Roode and Dawkins Dawkins rallies on Roode and Apollo, but Roode kicks low and whips. Dawkins hurdles to CLOBBER Roode! Apollo runs into an EXPLODER! Dawkins gets Ziggler for an EXPLODER! Dawkins runs to BULLDOG Roode! Fans fire up with Dawkins, he runs and CYCLONE SPLASHES in the corner! Then the SILENCER! Cover, Apollo breaks it! Apollo runs at Priest but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Priest goes out after Apollo, brings him around, but Azeez is there. Priest dares Azeez to do something but Apollo ENZIGURIS Priest down!

Ford FLIES to take Apollo and Azeez out! Roode rolls Dawkins up, TWO! Dawkins runs in but into an elbow! Ziggler tags, Dawkins gives Roode a SPINEBUSTER! ZIGZAG!! Cover, the Dawgs and Apollo win!

Winners: The Dirty Dawgs & Apollo Crews, by pinfall

Roode & Ziggler celebrate with Apollo as they get one over on the Profits & Priest! Will this lead them all to big opportunities on the Road to WrestleMania?

Seth Rollins is here!

The Visionary swaggers his way to the ring after being named #1 contender to the Universal Champion. He’ll surely talk about that and more, after the break.

Raw returns and Rollins has the mic. “I am in a great mood tonight, Philly~! And I’ll tell you why! It’s because the Royal Rumble is on the horizon! And you may be asking, ‘Seth, why? Why are you so excited for the Royal Rumble?  Is it because Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar, two nincompoops with the combined brain power of a teaspoon, are going to punch each other in the face until one of them falls over?'” Nope! Then is it the 30 men and 30 women throwing each other over the top rope for a chance to become immortal at WrestleMania? That’s good, but no. The truth is, Rollins is excited because it is the night where he will become the NEW Universal Champion!

Yes! At the Royal Rumble, it’ll be the Visionary VS the Tribal Chief! The revolutionary VS the Head of the Table! Brother VS Brother, Roman Reigns VS Seth Freakin’ Rollins! And you may be asking now, “How?” After Rollins got screwed out of a Day 1 singles match,  how did he get this Universal Championship match? Did he get an Advocate/ A special counsel? No. Rollins doesn’t need a Penguin looking snake oil salesman to do that for him. Rollins took matters into his own hands as Seth Freakin’ Rollins! There are few things in life that are certain: death; taxes; and Seth Rollins beats Roman Reigns!

But here comes Big E! “This is incredible news! I am so excited, I am so thrilled for you. In fact, sir, I am as excited as Gritty after a big Flyers win!” Rollins likes the sound of that! But first, what the hell is a Gritty? He simply doesn’t know. But forget that question. Why is Big E so excited for Rollins? Well of all the world title combatants, Rollins is Big E’s favorite! Big E put a whole “psalm book” down on Rollins. For Big E has put his name in the Royal Rumble match! Of all the things Big E could dream about and fantasize about, close to the very top is doing what Big E intended to do at Day 1, but at the Show of Shows, WRESTLEMANIA~! And what’s that?

That, dear Rollins, is for Big E to beat Rollins and walk out as champion. Rollins laughs and says Big E can dream and all. Rollins could put a psalm book on Big E, too. But it doesn’t matter if it’s Day 1, Day 400, Day 3000, WrestleMania Day, Big E doesn’t stand a chance. Interesting. Because Big E was just thinking they could test that out here tonight. Well, uh, Rollins isn’t so sure. Fans boo but Rollins says he’s just not ready. Maybe next week, in a better town, like in the Midwest. Big E says that is a shame. But let’s not just do it tonight. Let’s do it… right now! Rollins says Big E is putting him on the spot! He wants Big E VS Rollins here and now? YOU’RE ON!

Rollins and Big E throw off their jackets, the ref gets in the ring, it’s happening!

Big E VS Seth Rollins!

The two circle, tie up, and Big E headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, things speed up, Rollins dropkicks! Big E stays up, things keep moving, Big E hurdles and he catches Rollins for a Belly2Belly! Big E just keeps moving, but Rollins gets up to BOOT him! Big E comes back, Rollins sends him out and then DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Big E! Rollins hurries back in, he runs and Big E CLOBBERS him! Big E drags Rollins out of the ring, puts him on the apron by hard came, and fans fire up as they get a good look at the APRON SPLASH!! Big E is all fired up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Big E SMACKS Rollins off the desk! Big E puts Rollins back in the ring, drags him up, and whips him to ropes. Rollins kicks back, CHOPS, then CHOPS again. Big E swings, but Rollins gets around to a waistlock. Big E pries free, back drops Rollins, then whips him into the corner! Rollins tumbles up, back down, and then into another whip. Rollins goes up but gets caught! He slips out to CHOP BLOCK, then basement DDT! Fans rally as Big E bails out but Rollins aims from the apron. Rollins leaps, FLYING KNEE takes Big E down! Rollins puts Big E in, climbs up the corner and leaps, another FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO!

Rollins is annoyed but he takes a deep breath. Rollins clubs Big E with crossface forearms, then clamps on a chinlock. Big E endures, fans rally again, and Rollins leans his weight on the hold. Big E gets a second wind, throws elbows, but Rollins CLUBS him and CHOPS him. Rollins storms in at the corner for a forearm smash! Rollins runs corner to corner, but into the Urenag-E! Big E powers up and he rallies with big clotheslines! He dodges Rollins but Rollins headbutts the Belly2Belly away! Rollins runs, but is dumped out to the apron! Big E runs to SPEARS Rollins off the apron! Both men are down, fans lose their minds, and Big E clutches his arm as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Rollins has Big E down with another chinlock. Big E fights up as fans rally, and Big E arm-drags free! Big E blocks the Slingblade and shoves Rollins, to then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then the SIDE Belly2Belly! Fans fire up, Big E swivels them hips and runs, BIG SPLASH! Big E claps it up and fans join in, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Big E scoops, Rollins slips out and baits Big E into a corner. Rollins runs in, but he counters the Urenag-E with an arm-drag! ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins tries but Big E blocks the suplex, to suplex Rollins!

Rollins slips out, waistlocks, but Big E bucks him away. Rollins ducks the punch to PELE! Roll up, TWO! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Rollins goes to the corner, climbs up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Big E survives but Rollins gets up. Big E sits up, Rollins aims from the corner. Rollins runs in, but Big E pops him up for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO, to a STRETCH MUFFLER! Rollins endures, hammers Big E’s head, and gets the ropes! Big E yanks Rollins up, Rollins fights the back suplex with elbows! Rollins runs, ducks and dodges, into a SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Big E is frustrated but he works to focus.

Fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” and Big E sees Rollins on the apron. Big E runs, but into a KNEE! No spear this time! Rollins goes up, Big E ROCKS him first! And again! Big E hops up, brings Rollins onto his shoulder, but Rollins fights free to throw down elbows! Rollins headbutts Big E away, adjusts, and leaps, but Big E gets under! Tilt-o-whirl scoop, Rollins slips out and kicks low! Rollins hooks the arms, Big E powers out, but Rollins BOOTS and ROLLING ELBOWS! DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! CURB STOMP!! Rollins pushes Big E over to the cover, Rollins wins!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

The Powerhouse of Positivity couldn’t withstand that last string of attacks, and the Visionary stands tall! Will Rollins find a way to do this to Roman Reigns come the Royal Rumble?

Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley head to the ring!

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are in Philly, and fans have great cardboard cutouts of them! Nikki and Rhea are going to be in the Women’s Rumble, what will they have to say about the known field of competitors after the break?

Raw returns and Sarah is in the ring with them to ask them about how their unexpected tag team has an announcement. Nikki and Rhea are officially challenging for a rematch for the tag titles! Uh, no, that’s not what they talked about. Well, then it doesn’t seem they’re on the same page. Many have wondered what was next for the team. Has this partnership run it’s course? Rhea wants to speak but Nikki cuts her off, saying what Rhea means to say is that of course it hasn’t. Actually… Rhea says they shouldn’t talk about this out here. No, they’re going to do it here and now. Nikki gets another mic so they can have a conversation.

Nikki wants to talk the future of the team. What is Rhea doing? Is she going to break them up? Rhea says they had a great run, it’s just time. But teaming together brought out the best in both of them. Yeah, but Rhea is ready- Is this about the tag titles? They’ll get them back! And then they’ll show everyone how great they still are! It’s not about the titles, Nikki. Then what is it…? Oh, okay. Does Rhea think she’s better just because Nikki got pinned? No, Rhea never said that. But she was thinking it! Did it ever occur to Rhea that Nikki did Rhea the favor by staying by her side? That’s what friends through! Even when one is better in the ring.

Rhea never said she was better in the ring. Nikki was talking about herself! What? But it’s so nice to know where Rhea’s head is at. Rhea doesn’t like where this is heading, so she’s leaving. So she’s just walking out on Nikki? Fine. No, but Nikki is making Rhea feel uncomfortable. So for now, let’s just say good-bye. Rhea offers a handshake, hoping to keep this amicable. Nikki says fine, if Rhea doesn’t want to be a teammate anymore, fine. But Nikki can’t shake Rhea’s hand until Rhea tells Nikki that she still believes in Nikki. Rhea has always believed in Nikki and always will. But it was that Nikki believed in herself. So with or without Rhea, Nikki needs to keep believing in herself.

Nikki gets a bit choked up, and Rhea isn’t sure what to do now. Nikki asks if Rhea means that. They can still be friends? Rhea and Nikki hug it out. Nikki and Rhea then fist bump, but Nikki CLOBBERS Rhea! Nikki rains down on Rhea with hammering fists and forearms! Nikki leaves, but is she still Almost a Super Hero? Or becoming Almost a Super Villain?

Dana Brooke and Reggie meet up.

Two of the best Philly cheesesteaks. Wait, something seems off. Reggie’s got like a Spidey Sense about the 24/7 Championship. R-Truth is wheeling up, and then the ref appears! Reggie was right! They throw the cheesesteaks at Truth and Akira Tozawa, but miss and hit Tamina! Tamina is furious, and she knocks the trash barrel over with Tozawa inside! Is Tamina’s rage going to rip into everyone until she gets that belt from Dana?

Omos walks the halls.

But Reggie bumps into him! Reggie apologizes, but Omos lifts him up! Dana demands Reggie put him down! Omos dares her to make him. Dana still shouts at Omos, and he drops Reggie. Omos tells them to watch what he does tonight, because then next week, he’ll do worse to Reggie!

“Doudrop” Piper Niven speaks.

“All last year, Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan cut in front of the line and wasted opportunity after opportunity. But this is a new year, and I’m going to show those two crybabies that their biggest mistake was overlooking me.” Bianca thinks Piper is a detour? The reality is, Bianca’s Piper’s detour on the way tot he title. Becky better not get too comfortable because Piper will see Becky. And then 2022 will be the year The Man gets Doudropped.

Omos VS Nick Sanders!

Raw returns and Omos already towers over his opponent, who is literally shaking in his boots. The ref explains the basic rules, Omos mocks the other guy’s height. The bell rings, Sanders runs but bounces off Omos! Omos stands on Sanders’ foot, then he clamps on a choke grip! DEADLIFT and TOSS! Omos runs in to SQUASH Sanders in the corner! Omos says this is far too easy. Omos hauls Sanders up again, pops him up to a fireman’s carry and a trophy lift for a COLOSSAL DROP! Reggie is watching backstage and is freaking out as Omos clamps onto Sanders again. Omos drags Sanders up by his head, then uses both hands for the COLOSSAL SLAM! Cover, Omos wins!

Winner: Omos, by pinfall

Sanders never stood a chance! Omos beat the Phenomenal AJ Styles, he crushed this kid here, will Reggie just be another victim?

Edge is here!

Philly is ready to get Rated R! The Cutting Edge returns, and the Glamazon with be the special guest, after the break.

Raw returns and Edge is in the ring with a mic. “Hello, Philly~! It is so good to be back in the city of fighters.” And his guest is the most intelligent, gorgeous, vivacious, curvacious guest he’s ever had. And in three weeks, he and his guest face Miz & Maryse in “The It Couple VS The Grit Couple,” so without further ado, welcome WWE Hall of Famer, Edge’s wife, the woman with thighs that could crack coconuts, BETH PHOENIX! Beth makes her way out and joins Edge in the ring. Now, they’re married, and are raising two spectacular little girls. But at Day 1, that was the first time the fans got to see them really interact. At the Royal Rumble, they’re going to do some damage!

Edge wants Beth to remind everyone how much ass she really kicked in this ring. If this was the 1970s, Beth would be on the Broad Street Bullies. She’d be shoulder to shoulder with Dave “The Hammer’ Shultz! And just like the Flyers collected cups, these two have collected 35 championships together! More than any other couple in history, including Miz & Maryse. They’re also the only couple in the WWE Hall of Fame. Plus, Beth is a wrecking machine! Enough of Edge flapping gums about it, roll footage.

The video package plays, with Trish Stratus saying Beth is strong, beautiful, Natalya says Beth inspired her. Bianca Belair knows Beth was doing groundbreaking things as a woman wrestler. She was never afraid to be who she is. Rhea was also inspired, as was Charlotte Flair. Edge is so proud of Beth! But the floor is hers. She’s amazed by that video, too. She isn’t sure if Edge is buttering her up for later tonight, but uh, flattery will get you everywhere. But down, boy, put a pin in that. Tonight, Beth talks business. That video was just a sampling of the platter Beth has set out for Maryse.

The entitlement, the bragging, and the verbal diarrhea from Miz just has to stop! At the Royal Rumble, Edge & Beth finally shut their mouths for good! But speaking of, here come Miz & Maryse to crash the show! Miz has a mic to say, “Hello, Filthy-delphia.” After looking at the crowd, Miz stands with Ben Simmons. He, too, would give up $33 MILLION just to not play here! Have they seen themselves?! And hello, Edge. Miz thought Edge would try to slander the It Couple and make fans believe they’ll beat “the holy hell” out of them. But at Day 1, Miz had Edge beat until Edge used his wife to win! What kind of man does that?! Fans shout, “YOU!”

Edge says that’s rich, Miz used Maryse to avoid a Spear. SLANDER! Edge does realize Maryse is the finest talent to ever put on boots. And Miz’s inside sources here say that Edge & Beth were preparing that highlight video, so Miz has one of his own to show how much BETTER Maryse is! Miz narrates it himself, though. She is the symbol of status and grace. Her stunning debut in the Diva’s Search to the ascent to the top, to finding love with Miz and becoming the WWE’s It Couple. Maryse has always been a beacon of beauty, a paragon of posh, and the embodiment of elegance. She and Miz will lay waste to Beth & Edge! Through the power of their love, Miz & Maryse are unbeatable!

Miz applauds, Philly boos. Miz asks if they realize how big of a star Maryse is? Do they understand how lucky they are to see her live and in person? How Edge & Beth should be honored to even be in the same ring as her?! Edge knows Maryse is a former champion and busted her but to prove everyone wrong, same as Miz. Edge respects them. They’re not taking away from her career. But Beth can deadlift a Buick. She can smash things, mostly people, and if Edge had to face her, he’d have the same look on his face as Maryse. And interesting timing. Suddenly, Maryse is so shy. She’s had no problem hitting Edge from behind when Beth wasn’t around.

But now that Beth is here, Maryse is like a little mouse. The time for apologies is long gone. At the Rumble, Beth is going to wreck Maryse, and every person in the arena will be chanting, “Auvoir.” Oh, really? Beth wants to speak Francais to them, then go ahead! Maryse, tell Beth how bad you’re gonna beat her! How Beth will wish she stayed retired! Tell- Wait, where is Maryse going? Beth tells Miz that before he high tails it outta here, one more thing: If Maryse is too afraid to show up, and if Edge doesn’t get to him first, Beth will take great pleasure in knocking Miz’s teeth in. Miz has no comeback, will there be nothing the It Couple can do to stop the Grit Couple?

Backstage interview with Austin Theory.

Kevin Patrick says Theory goes 1v1 with the Phenomenal AJ Styles tonight, with a big chance at major momentum going into the Royal Rumble. Theory says he also has a chance to impress Mr. McMahon. And Vince reminded Theory that Styles is one of the most decorated stars in the WWE. We can all say it, too: he’s a future first ballot Hall of Famer. But tonight, Theory beats Styles, and Vince will have no doubt but to continue to invest in Theory. Did Vince have any other words of encouragement? Yeah, that Theory shouldn’t screw this up.

AJ Styles VS Austin Theory!

If it isn’t one young upstart, it’s another! Omos physically dominated Styles, NXT’s Grayson Waller is trying to play mind games, will Vince’s new pet project look to take advantage of all this and get the most phenomenal win of his career? Or can Styles start a comeback that’s even more amazing?

The bell rings and Styles ties up with Theory, Theory mule kicks, throws hands, but Styles puts him in the corner to CHOP and CHOP. Styles whips, Theory goes up but Styles stays back to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Styles brings Theory up but Theory ROCKS Styles, puts him in a corner and hits a clothesline! Theory goes to the apron, he shoves Styles down and slingshots to STOMP, then deadlift suplexes! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps on a rear bearhug but Styles fights up. Styles fights free with elbows but Theory knees low. Theory whips, Styles dropkicks him out of the ring! Styles slingshots, Theory gets in but Styles slips under.

Theory throws Styles back out, then somersault DROPKICKS Styles off the apron! Theory says he’s the Phenomenal One now, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Styles CHOPS Theory to a corner, then CHOPS him more. Styles whips corner to corner, Theory reverses but Styles BOOTS back. Styles runs but into a kick! Theory suplexes, Styles slips out and fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! Theory is down, Styles runs for basement forearm! Styles suplexes Theory, lets him land on his feet for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Styles drags Theory back up, CLUBS him down, and reels him in. But Theory slips out, Styles ducks the haymaker but not the back elbow! AOI SHODOU from Theory! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and Theory grits his teeth.

Fans rally, but Theory looms over Styles and brings him up. Fireman’s carry, but Styles gest to the apron! Styles ROCKS Theory, takes aim and fans fire up! Springboard, but Waller is here?! Waller trips Styles up to CLOBBER him!

Winner: AJ Styles, by disqualification

Waller stomps Styles, Theory gets his phone, an Theory makes his introductions before taking the victory selfie. Waller then gets Styles up, but Styles hits back! He bounces Waller off apron, off desk, and then puts him in the ring! Waller runs for it, but he has less than 24 hours left! Will Styles make the 21st Century Success Story regret ever calling him out?

Kevin Patrick interviews Grayson Waller.

Would he like to comment on the underhanded tactics he just used to get the upper hand? Underhanded? Nothing was underhanded there. Waller just gave Styles a preview of tomorrow night’s NXT main event. The Phenomenal One is going to be overtaken by the Grayson Waller Effect.

Liv Morgan speaks.

“I know what it’s like to come so close to victory that you can almost taste it. That’s what happened to me at Day 1.” Liv won’t stop giving it her all. So it may be a new year, but she has the same attitude that got her to the title. When she wins this Triple Threat, she won’t just come close, she’ll finally win the Raw Women’s Championship! But speaking of…

Becky Lynch heads to the ring!

The Man holds up the title while wearing her GOAT jacket, because she wants to watch this main event up close and personal. What will her reaction be to tonight’s Triple Threat?

Alexa Bliss… is in therapy?

She sits and stares at her psychiatrist while the Newton balls clack clack. She looks at them, and they stop… Dr. Scubel welcomes Alexa and asks she take deep breaths. She lets out groaning exhales then giggles. Now, the first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem in the first place. Oh, right. She is melodramatic as she asks he fix her. Well there is no doubt she’s been through a lot of trauma, but time for healing. He will show her things and will gauge her reactions. Before he can say how long it’ll take, he needs to know where she is right now. Video plays of what Charlotte did to Alexa’s doll, Lily. Alexa, how does this make you feel?

She forces a smile, sits up, and takes a glass. It makes her feel thirsty. Well okay. She fills the glass, and then lets it spill over. And then she dumps the pitcher out. Then s he grabs the doctor’s tie and asks how he feels. Not great. Shame. Because she feels pretty dandy. She throws the pitcher against the wall, tips the table over, and then grabs a notebook. If the first step is admitting she has a problem, then she definitely has a problem! Go ahead and write about it! Breathe- Right. Breathe in, then out. And as she exhales, she smashes more things in his office! There’s a line, Alexa! She throws the flowers, then she shrieks! Will this road back be darker than the doctor expected?

Raw returns and Becky is in the ring.

She has a mic to say, “Welcome to the Big Time! Now, we got three women back there who are about to come out for a big time Triple Threat match. Each woman fantastic in their own right. You’ve got tenacious Liv Morgan, who won’t back down even though she really should. You’ve got Bianca Belair, who has undeniable strength. About as undeniable as how quickly I beat her at SummerSlam, huh? And then, and then you’ve got Doudrop. Now, I have to give respect to a fellow Celt for going out to take what she wants.” And with such great competitors, anything can happen. They all have notions of grandeur! That finally, they will overthrow Becky!

Yes, a battle for the ages. All fighting for the right to one day tell their grandkids that they lost to Big Time Becky Lynch! And with that said, Becky will lend her talents to the commentary team, so go ahead and bring out the three. “Have fun fightin’ for me, babes.”

Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Liv Morgan VS Bianca Belair VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven!

Becky reviews how many times she’s beaten Liv and Bianca, but she may have to do it all over again at the Rumble. Or, Piper could get the biggest win of her career yet as she Doudrops the past to become The Man’s future. We find out who gets that golden ticket to St. Louis, after the break!

Raw returns and the bell rings. Bianca, Liv and Piper all start throwing hands! Piper headbutts Liv down, headbutts Bianca, then headbutts Liv again! BIG back suplex for Bianca, then Piper goes to bring her up. Bianca throws Piper out of the ring, but Piper drags her out. They scrap, but Liv SLINGSHOTS to take them both down! Liv fires up, puts Bianca back in, covers, TWO! Fans rally, Bianca shoves Liv and CLOBBERS her! Bianca runs, Liv drops, Bianca handsprings to tell Liv to kiss this. Things keep moving, Liv leaps and RANAS, but Bianca rolls to a corner. Liv runs in, Bianca dodges to RAM into Liv!

Bianca climbs up, rains down hands, but Piper runs in. Bianca leaps over, and adds Piper to the pile! But Piper powers up to bring Bianca away! Bianca fights free, dropkicks Piper into the corner, and Liv gets Bianca for a back suplex! Bianca lands on her feet, back suplexes Liv down, but Piper SPLASHES onto them both! Becky is amazed by that, and Piper drags Bianca up. Piper CLUBS Bianca, scoops her, then hits the MICHONOKU DRIVER! Piper then runs at Liv but Liv BOOTS her! Liv goes up, leaps, but Piper blocks rana for an ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM onto Bianca! Double cover, TWO!!

Piper grows frustrated, but she keeps on Liv with a cobra clutch. Liv endures, fans rally up, and Becky can’t fault Piper for taking what she wants. Becky really isn’t sure how she’d do against Piper, but she’d still win. Liv fights up, Piper ripcords and whips Liv to the corner, for a SPLASH! Piper runs in to CANNONBALL, but only gets buckles as Liv dodges! Liv goes up to double stop, but Piper doesn’t even budge! Liv keeps trying but Piper tosses her out and Liv hits steel steps on the way down! Piper grits her teeth while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again, and Piper fights off the chicken wings to HEADBUTT Bianca down! Piper brings her back up, whips Bianca to a corner and runs in, but Bianca slips out Piper POSTS herself, Bianca goes up, but Liv uses Piper to get up and SUPER STEINER Bianca! O’Conner Roll to Piper, TWO and Liv hits buckles! Bianca runs back in to SPEAR Piper!! Fans fire up while all three women are down! Liv sits up, Bianca goes after Piper but Piper bails out. Bianca and Liv meet, and they start throwing hands! Fans fire up, Bianca shoves then ducks the enziguri to roll up! TWO, RINGS OF SATURN! Liv has Bianca, Bianca is flailing, grabs at Liv’s hair, but Liv throws elbows!

Liv pulls back harder, Bianca keeps pulling at Liv’s hair, but Bianca is still caught at center! Liv throws more elbows, Bianca grits her teeth and powers up! The strongEST and toughEST gets back to her feet! Liv can’t believe it as Bianca swings her around, but into a CODE BREAKER! Liv sees Piper coming, CODE BREAKER! Bianca is up, Liv spins her, WING SNAPPER and a boot into buckles! Liv CLUBS Bianca, gets the arms again and reels Bianca in to hoist her up top. Liv CLUBS Bianca more, climbs up top, but Bianca resists the back suplex! Piper CLUBS them both and Bianca hits POST! Piper brings Liv off the corner, for a POWERBOMB! Cover, EST 450!!

Becky is shocked seeing Bianca breaking that one up, but says it was only “mildly impressive.” Bianca crawls over, covers Piper, TWO! Cover onto Liv, TWO!! Bianca can’t believe it! Bianca says this is hers, and she eggs the others on! She fires off forearms on Piper, then Liv, then SPINEBUSTER for Piper! GlamEST Slam into Piper! Bianca handsprings, for a DOUBLE SPLASH! Bianca gets Liv up, torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!! But BECKY breaks it up!? She throws Bianca out, refusing to let the EST meet her again! Becky throws off her jacket, Bianca gets after her, and the chase is on! Becky swings, Bianca kicks her first! Bianca fires off, but Becky THROWS Bianca over the desk!

Piper capitalizes by putting Liv in a drop zone! VADER BOMB!! Cover, Piper wins!!

Winner: “Doudrop” Piper Niven, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Championship)

The Man gets in and grins as she sees her fellow Celt winning. Becky offers a handshake, but then SLAPOS Piper! Becky tires the Man Handle Slam, but Piper is too big and strong for that! Piper throws Becky out of the ring, and now Becky might be realizing the mistake she just made. Is Becky about to get Doudropped big time?

My Thoughts:

A really good Raw, and much better than last week. Still the same problems of recapping, going to commercial just as matches are about to start, stuff like that, but that just seems to be how Vince wants to schedule things out from now on. But at least the things we got this week were all better quality. The interaction between Lesnar and Lashley at the beginning was really good stuff, especially how Lesnar threw the “ducking” thing onto Lashley. He could’ve delivered his last line a bit better but hey, he’s still got the upper hand on Lashley here. I did like that Alexander & Benjamin were back, but bummed that they’re going to be fodder for Lashley as he builds towards the Rumble.

The Raw Tag Team title match was a great opener, and what a shocker that the Academy won! I’m not sure what’s next for RKBRO, but I would love to see what promo they come up with about this loss. And now with the champions being Heels, it opens things up for a Face team like the Profits or Rey & Dominik Mysterio to go after them and perhaps take those titles come Mania. Profits & Priest VS Dawgs & Apollo was good stuff, all these guys will look good in the Rumble but I don’t see them winning it. Perhaps Profits and Dawgs battle, winner to face the Academy, and Apollo can be Priest’s next US Championship challenger.

As for the Women’s Tag Team Division, RIP another team. I was hoping the direction they were going was Nikki changing gimmicks again. Well, she could still do that if she really does change from superhero to supervillain, but as I’ve said before, I was hoping for SAnitY to return. Corey Graves even set it up on commentary with the usual, “insanity is doing the same thing expecting different results.” But now, who is even around to challenge Vega & Carmella? A team from SmackDown forming out of nowhere? Not to be a broken record, but maybe if WWE didn’t cut so many people, we could’ve had Tegan & Shotzi challenging long before this point.

Big E is looking primed to be a Rumble winner after tonight. Rollins gloats about being Roman’s challenger, he has a great match with Big E, and Rollins wins so he has momentum. Big E can use this to motivate himself to win that Rumble, and he’ll have a killer match at Mania no matter who holds the top titles. Omos crushes a jobber, which again would’ve been another great spot for someone WWE cut. Styles VS Theory was going well but I should’ve known Waller would interfere. More heat for their NXT match, maybe it’ll get fans to check it out. Thankfully the only interaction with Theory and Vince tonight was referenced, not shown. Those segments are almost as bad as Happy Talk.

We got a really good segment from the Cutting Edge. That was a really good video to review Beth’s great career in the ring, and Maryse bailing on Miz was such a great moment. I would think the “Grit Couple” still win, but expect Miz & Maryse to pull out all the Heel stops. Alexa Bliss’ “journey back” of course has her still playing Playground Alexa, but it did work with how she was throwing things around the office. She has a grudge against Charlotte, so Alexa will totally be in the Rumble with the sole mission of keeping Charlotte from winning. Honestly, everyone in the Women’s Rumble should be ready for when Charlotte shows up so they can all throw her out.

And lastly, that Triple Threat was a great main event. Good promos to hype it up during the night, and Becky was really good on commentary. I would’ve liked for Becky to let Piper win this outright in a classic opportunistic way. Piper could’ve broken the pin, thrown Bianca into a post, then still hit the Vader Bomb on Liv. But I suppose on one level, this keeps Bianca strong since Becky is why she was out of the running. On another, Bianca also has a lot of Face power going into the Rumble and is a top choice to win. It was also a great moment for Becky to try and swerve Piper, only for it to fail. Piper is going to have an awesome match with Becky, but pretty sure Becky still wins.

My Score: 8.4/10