Raw, welcome back to the All Mighty Era!

Bobby Lashley is once again WWE World Champion, but BROCK LESNAR won the Rumble! Will Raw see the Beast choose the All Mighty? Or will he choose revenge on Roman Reigns?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Rhea Ripley VS Nikki A.S.H; Ripley wins.
• The Miz VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio; The Miz wins.
• WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory; Theory wins and enters the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match.
• Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Dolph Ziggler; Dawkins wins.
• Alpha Academy Academic Challenge, Round Two – Scooter Race: RKBRO VS Alpha Academy; Alpha Academy wins and chooses the final Academy Challenge.
• WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Matt Riddle VS Otis w/ Chad Gable; Riddle wins and enters the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match.
• Bianca Belair VS Carmella; Belair wins.
• WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio; Styles wins and enters the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Raw!” And we’re officially on the Road to WrestleMania after the Royal Rumble event and the shocking return of Rowdy Rhonda Rousey! Plus, we saw the crowning of the All Mighty Bobby Lashley, and pure decimation from The Beast, Brock Lesnar. But on this road, there is a road block: The Elimination Chamber! And in just three weeks, the NEW WWE World Champion will step inside the chamber to defend his title! There will be five other competitors- But here comes Lashley! He’s in a shiny red suit, MVP right behind him, and Lashley is in a great mood.

MVP gets a mic for Lashley, and MVP says that is NOT how this works. Lashley pinned Brock Lesnar 1-2-3, already proved his superiority, going to Hell and back to do it. And now Pearce wants Lashley to defend his title inside the Elimination Chamber? That’s not fair! The odds are awful! What Pearce is doing is wrong! The Chamber is the most brutal and barbaric match in the WWE. What is wrong with Pearce?! Lashley then asks Pearce, “Who the hell do you think you are?” He’s supposed to be celebrating his win over Lesnar. He knew he was better all along. Lashley is a better amateur wrestler, a better MMA fighter and a better WWE Champion!

Everyone thought the Beast could not be slain, and Lashley slayed the Beast. Watch the footage if you have any doubts. So all the Lesnar fans, Lashley asks you, “Who’s the conqueror now? Who’s the beast now? Who’s the champion now? Bobby Lashley.” Pearce tries to reason with Lashley but here comes Lesnar! And he’s still dressed for a fight! Lesnar smiles now as Mr. Royal Rumble 2022 and takes a victory lap to fist bump fans. Lesnar then gets in the ring, gets the mic from Pearce, and tells MVP to shut up or he’ll stick that cane up MVP’s ass. And as for “Bobby Who,” he’s gonna stand here and pretend like he’s the champion? C’mon, Bobby!

From one athlete to another, where’s the pride in that? Lashley knows he didn’t actually win. C’mon. Now, they know the only way Lashley won was cuz of Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. Lashley laughs that off but Lesnar says he isn’t mad at Lashley. They’re good. Lesnar is mad at Roman and Heyman. Now, after that little “debacle,” a good contest honestly, kudos to Lashley, but uh… Lesnar took it upon himself to enter the Royal Rumble match. News flash: Lesnar won the Royal Rumble! Ain’t that a knee slapper? But Lesnar won, and because he won, he can choose a champion for a fight at WrestleMania.

“Now, listen. No need to worry, Bobby. It’s not you. Y’see, at WrestleMania, I’m gonna face Roman Reigns.” Fans like the sound of that! Lesnar says what this has to do with Lashley, is that at WrestleMania, Lesnar VS Roman is going to be title VS title. So that’s where Lashley comes back into this. See, Lesnar is dressed to fight. So uh, because of that, Lesnar challenges Lashley for a rematch right here in Cinci-freakin-nati! Lesnar is fired up, he wants Lashley to get that $5 suit off and get in gear. Lashley isn’t a fighter, his manager is holding him back! C’mon, Bobby! MVP says “after conferring” with Lashley, the answer is Lesnar can go to the end of the line and earn a shot! Challenge DELCINED!

Lesnar shouts after Lashley as he and MVP go to leave. But Lesnar says Lashley is just CHICKEN SH*T! That pisses Lashley off, but MVP keeps telling him to use logic. Lashley exits the ring, fans boo, but then Lesnar swipes at MVP! MVP gets away, he and Lashley hurry to the ramp. Lesnar keeps shouting, “CHICKEN SH*T!” but Lashley tunes it out. Pearce says Lashley may have said no to a title match tonight, but he will have to defend the title against five superstars at the Elimination Chamber. So then, one of those five will BE Brock Lesnar!! MVP is furious, but Lashley is ready. Will the All Mighty still be mighty inside the Chamber?

Rhea Ripley VS Nikki A.S.H!

The Nightmare and the Almost Super “Hero” are broken up, and now they’re looking to break the other apart! Will Rhea body slam some sense into Nikki? Or will Nikki ride out the Riptide to leave Rhea in the dust?

Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance. The bell rings, Nikki rushes Rhea but gets run over! Nikki realizes she’s yet to get super strength, but she goes for a leg. Rhea gut wrenches Nikki up to TOSS her! Rhea then drags Nikki back up, scoops, but Nikki slips out and dropkicks the leg. Nikki runs and leaps, but into Rhea’s arms. Rhea pops Nikki around to a suplex! Rhea holds Nikki up there and walks around before she SLAMS Nikki down! Nikki bails out, super durability still not her power. Rhea waits on Nikki but Nikki wants a timeout. Rhea goes out, Nikki slides in. “So you wanna play that game, huh, Nikki?”

Rhea slides in, Nikki slides back out, then traps Rhea in the skirt! Nikki fires off on Rhea, drags her out from the bottom of the skirt, and fans boo while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Nikki grinds Rhea down with a top wristlock. Rhea endures, fights up and fans rally. Nikki whips Rhea to a corner, RAMS into her and stomps away. The ref counts, Nikki lets off but ROCKS Rhea with a forearm! Nikki pushes Rhea, goes up top, and she drags Rhea up and in. Tornado but no DDT! Rhea elbows Nikki, then catches her haymaker in a cording hold! Short arm LARAIT! And then another LARIAT! Nikki tries another haymaker but Rhea catches her again, for a HEADBUTT! Snapmare, basement dropkick! Rhea roars and fans fire up with her. Rhea aims from a corner, runs in but Nikki dodges, roll up! ONE, SUPERKICK!

Rhea hauls Nikki up, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Nikki survives but Rhea gets her up top. Rhea and Nikki brawl with wild haymakers, but then Nikki SMACKS Rhea in the nose! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and Nikki loses her cool! Nikki hurries back up top, Rhea stands, CROSS- NO! Rhea gets under, Nikki rolls, dodges, and CLUBS Rhea on the back. Nikki reels Rhea in, takes a moment to pose, but Rhea slips out of the neckbreaker to pump handle and RIPTIDE! Cover, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Nikki let her super ego get the better of her and now Rhea is standing tall! Will Rhea be able to move on from this and head back for the Raw Women’s Championship?

Alpha Academy Academic Challenge, Round Two – Scooter Race: RKBRO VS Alpha Academy!

Kevin Patrick welcomes us to this special event. Representing the Alpha Academy will be Chad Gable, and representing RKBRO will be Matt Riddle. RKBRO has a 1-0 lead in this best of three series, and Riddle chose this stipulation. Would he like to elaborate on the rules of this race? Riddle would be glad to, KP. This is dedicated to Randy. Love you, bro. Gable grabs Riddle’s crumpled paper and sees it. It just says “Gustavo!” Yeah, that’s the name of his scooter. SHOOSH. Shoosh. This is a joke, and a slap in the face to the Alpha Academy that this is part of an academic challenge.

And that spelling bee was rigged! Accents have given Gable nightmares all week. He oughta dissolution both of them. Bro, save the big words for the master spellers. Don’t even right now. Kevin, hit them with the rules they talked about. Certainly. The first man to complete 50 laps around the arena and arrive at ringside first will be the winner. Gable says that’s easier than he thought. And he called some Olympic friends, the speed skaters. They sent him this speed suit to make him more aerodynamic, bro. Gotta admit, that’s a sweet suit. But more flow means quadruple the acceleration. That’s just science.

Kevin introduces the special guest race starter, R-Truth! Scooterers, to your marks! Ready, get set, GOOO~! Gable takes an early lead, but where will they be after fifty laps?

Raw checks in with Alexa Bliss’ therapy sessions.

The wheels are spinning. What is she thinking about? “Two weeks ago, you mentioned ‘imaginary.’ But Lily was real. Lily’s always been real.” Any time she was pushed around, looked down on, or made fun of, Lily’s been there for her. That was real. Then how would she feel if Lily returned? Really? Well… She’d hug her, play with her, dress her up in her pajamas, maybe have a sleepover and watch scary movies. They always had so much fun. The doctor would like to show her a replica Lily. It shouldn’t mean anything then, since it’s not really her. He brings it out. How does Alexa feel? She smiles, but is that a good or bad sign?

The Miz VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio!

The Hollywood A-Lister may have lost to Edge again, but he won’t let that stop him from stroking his ego. Will he start on re-inflating it at the expense of the Son of Mysterio?

Raw returns and the Mysterios make their entrance. The bell rings, Miz taunts Rey, but then Miz circles with Dom. They tie up, Miz powers Dom to a corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Miz musses Dom’s hair but Dom pushes back. Dom dodges a haymaker to ROCK Miz with one! Miz grins and gets up to circle with Dom again. They tie up, Dom waistlocks but Miz swings an elbow. Dom ducks, fires haymakers, runs and wheelbarrows to body scissor Miz onto ropes! Miz ducks the 619 and asks if Rey thinks this is funny. Dom drags Miz up to the apron! But Miz hotshots Dom back, then shoves Rey!

Miz gets in the ring, has the ref keep Rey back, and Miz laughs at Rey. But Dom runs in to kick, whip, but Miz kicks him back. Miz runs, but then pretends Rey tripped him! Miz is using a Guerrero tactic to get Rey in trouble! The ref EJECTS Rey! Dom is distracted by Rey having to leave. Miz gets Dom in a SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, Miz wins!

Winner: The Miz, by pinfall

The A-Lister outsmarted the Mysterios to get back on the winning track! Will Dom get payback soon enough?

Dana Brooke is on alert.

But Tamina still finds her! They scuffle, Dana pushes Tamina away and gets moving. The scooterers go by, 18 of 50 laps down! Will Tamina ever catch the 24/7 Champion again? Will Riddle make it a 2-0 sweep for RKBRO?

Riddle has the lead in the scooter race!

But wait, he has to stop because Omos is in his way! Oh, hey, Omos. You’ve got beautiful eyes. What? Gable gets the lead back! Oh, sorry, Omos, gotta go! They’re at the halfway point of 25 laps! The finish line is waiting at ringside, who reaches it first?

Kevin Owens heads to the ring!

Before his Elimination Chamber qualifier tonight, The Prizefighter is holding a “Road to WrestleMania” edition of the KO Show! What will Kevin have to say about his journey back to the Grandest Stage of Them All? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Kevin welcomes us back to his show. The last few nights have been very exciting. People were thrown over the top ropes, titles were defended and titles were won. We have a new All Mighty WWE Champion! But Kevin agrees, boo that result. But things are only going to get more exciting because we’re headed to, get this, the most STUPENDOUS WrestleMania ever! Two nights, double the stupendousness! And as exciting as that might be, here’s a little scoop. Kevin Owens is in the Elimination Chamber match! Well, as soon as he beats that protected, sheltered wannabe, Austin Theory. But he’ll get it done.

Enough about that, tonight is about Kevin’s guest. A man who should be here as your WWE Universal Champion. It is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! The Visionary walks out, still moving despite being sore from the chairshots Roman gave him. Rollins goes to the ring and Kevin hands him a mic. Kevin asks how Rollins is feeling. Are they going to sit? Yeah, they’ll sit tonight, Rollins isn’t 100%. Kevin thanks Rollins for accepting his invitation. Rollins says Cincy is the hottest city in the country! He wouldn’t miss this for the world. Fans chant, “WHO DEY? WHO DEY?” Kevin doesn’t get it but Rollins says it’s a football thing.

Kevin wants to remind everyone what happened on Saturday. “Despicable people in the truck, play the footage.” A highlight reel shows us how Rollins used The Shield attire and theme to mess with Roman, and how he came so close to winning the title. Rollins trolling Roman might’ve gone a bit too far with the fist bump offer, as Roman held onto his guillotine headlock during the ropebreak and got himself disqualified. Roman still retained the title despite losing, but that only made Roman snap and recreate the chair attack from the night of the Shield betrayal. Kevin say she can’t sit, he’s all fired up.

What Roman did to Rollins was “disgusting, it was shameful.” But Roman did that on purpose because he knew he couldn’t beat Rollins. And y’know what? While Rollins may not officially be champion, Kevin wants Rollins to look at him when he says he is the Universal Champion of Kevin’s heart. Rollins tells Kevin thanks, that means a lot. Rollins stands up to say that he may not be Universal Champion, he did acquire something else. And that is a permanent piece of real estate int he mind of Roman Reigns. And the net time he goes back, he will bring back that Universal title. But that’s SmackDown business. Tonight is Raw. Yes, that is true.

So it has come to Rollins’ attention that Lashley is defending his title inside Elimination Chamber. Rollins is here with a special announcement for that match. Oh? Rollins didn’t tell Kevin. Well it’s a surprise. Oh, okay. Surprises are good. Go ahead, the floor is Rollins. Drum roll, please. Uh, ok. The speakers give a drum roll, and Rollins says one of the men in that Elimination Chamber will be… SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS! Whoa, so he’s in the match? Automatically? Kevin has to qualify. Well Rollins’ match with Roman was enough. Be happy for him. Kevin is happy for Rollins! He’s pumped!

Kevin says this is well deserved. Rollins in the Chamber, that’s awesome. Kevin will get in, too. But where are Pearce and Sonya? In the back. Well maybe Rollins can tell them to just put Kevin in the Chamber or else Rollins will give up his spot. That way, Kevin can just be in the match, too! Uh… Maybe. Kevin says he’d do it for Rollins. That is 100% truth. Well, Rollins wants to believe that but… Austin Theory shows up! Vince McMahon’s pet project is ready for his chance to get in the Chamber! Will KO make his discussion with Rollins moot by winning his way in? Or will Theory make Vince proud with a big win over the Prizefighter?

WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Kevin Owens VS Austin Theory!

Raw returns and the bell rings. Kevin kicks Theory, CHOPS him, COHPS him more and more, then has him in the corner for more CHOPS! Kevin bumps Theory off buckles, headlocks, but Theory powers out. Kevin runs Theory over, things speed up as Kevin keeps moving, and Theory hurdles. Kevin drops to then CLOBBER Theory, and drop a SENTON! Fans fire up for Kevin as he stands Theory up for more CHOPS! Kevin whips Theory to a corner hard, and Theory bounces off buckles. Kevin stomps Theory, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again. Theory shoves back, kicks and forearms, then throws haymakers.

Theory stomps Kevin in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and wrenches to whip corner to corner. Kevin puts Theory on the apron but Theory hotshots him! Theory slingshots and somersaults to SHOTGUN dropkick! Cover, TWO! Theory keeps cool, drags Kevin up, and Theory ROCKS Kevin with a forearm. Theory throws back elbow after back elbow then haymakers and body shots. The ref counts, backs Theory off, and Kevin CHOPS him! Kevin ROCKS Theory, CHOPS him, whips, but Theory reverses. Kevin kicks Theory and CLOBBERS him again! Theory goes to a corner, Kevin runs in, but Theory bails out.

Kevin keeps cool but Theory trips him and drags him out. Kevin whips Theory into barriers! And then CANNONBALL! Kevin roars and fans fires up with him. Kevin drags Theory up and into the ring, but Theory bails out the other side. Fans boo, Kevin goes out after Theory, but Theory BOOTS Kevin! Theory throws Kevin backwards onto the steel steps! Kevin writhes on the floor as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kevin throws forearms over and over on Theory. Theory shoves, kicks, but Kevin ENZIGURIS back! And DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up! Kevin gets up, goes to a corner and climbs up top. But Theory ROCKS him with a forearm first! Theory climbs up, Kevin hits back and headbutts Theory down! Kevin adjusts, goes up, MOONSAULT! Theory moves, Kevin FLOPS! Theory hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Theory is shocked but he shakes his head. Theory stalks Kevin, fireman’s carries, but Kevin fights free to ROCK Theory, and CHOP him! Kevin runs, Theory ROCKS Kevin back!

Theory gets Kevin reeled in, fisherman and AOI SHODOU! Cover, TWO! Kevin survives and Theory is frustrated. Theory drags Kevin up, tries again but Kevin wrenches out and pump handles for a MADE IN JAPAN USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Kevin can’t believe it! Kevin aims, kicks, but Theory denies the Stunner. Kevin SUPERKICKS back! Theory is down, Kevin goes up, SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Theory survives and Kevin is beside himself! Kevin goes up the corner, reels Theory in, but Theory climbs up to fire off haymakers and forearms! Theory then goes to the very top, but Kevin blocks!

Kevin throws body shots, hooks a leg, SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER! Kevin crawls, covers, ROPEBREAK!! Theory saves himself by mere inches and fans can’t believe it! Theory gets out of the ring while Kevin seethes. Kevin goes out, CLUBS away on Theory’s back, then bumps him off the apron again and again! And then off the announce desk! And then Kevin reels Theory in, APRON POWER- NO! Theory slips into the ring, Kevin hurries in, Theory kicks the ropes! Kevin gets Kevin up, A T L!! Cover, Theory wins!!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (qualifies for the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber)

And Theory takes a victory selfie. Fans aren’t happy about it, but will Mr. McMahon shower Theory with praises for taking down the Prizefighter?

The Street Profits see Riddle scootering up.

They give him a drink as a pitstop, and Riddle says that isn’t a sports drink. But it’ll definitely wash down that tasty burrito from earlier. Thanks, bros! Riddle hurries off, and Gable comes up behind him. He wants a drink, but Angelo Dawkins says NOPE. They’re parched. No! Gable needs a drink! Luckily Otis is there for Gable. Ew, what is this? Steak sauce?! Yes, only the best for Master Gable. No, the sodium will dehydrate him! Gable frowns and scooters on, they’re nearing the last 10 laps! Will Gable be able to come back from behind?

Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Dolph Ziggler!

Cincy’s own is here to represent on the Road to WrestleMania! #WhoDey that thinks they can beat the Curse of Greatness? Will the Show-Off be just the Dirty Dawg to do it?

Raw returns and Ziggler makes his entrance. The bell rings, Ziggler KNEES Dawkins down! Cover, TWO! Ziggler talks trash, scrapes laces off Dawkins’ face, then POSTS him! Cover, TWO! Ziggler grins as he keeps on Dawkins and claws at the eyes! The ref counts, Ziggler lets off at 4, then scrapes laces off the face again. Ziggler stalks Dawkins, scrapes his face again, then covers. TWO, Ziggler hurries to full mount and then shoot the half into a headlock. Dawkins endures, fans chant, “WHO DEY!” and Dawkins fights up. Dawkins throws body shots, gets free, but Ziggler kicks low to turn and NECKBREAKER!

Fans boo but Ziggler grins. Dawkins gets away to a corner and Ford coaches him up. Ziggler runs in to SPLASH! Ziggler soaks up the heat, runs in again and SPLASHES! Ziggler mocks the Icky Shuffle, runs in but Dawkins DECKS him with a right! Ford fires up and the fans do, too, as both men are down. Dawkins and Ziggler crawl around, drag themselves up at ropes, and Dawkins speeds up to LARIAT! Dawkins whips, Ziggler reverses but Dawkins hurdles to FLYING ELBOW! Pump handle EXPLODER! Fans fire up with Dawkins and he runs in to CYCLONE SPLASH! Dawkins keeps moving, BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!

Dawkins keeps cool, brings Ziggler back up, and underhooks. Ziggler slips out, rolls Dawkins up, TWO! Dawkins clinches but Ziggler fires elbows. Dawkins shoves, pops up, SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO! Dawkins survives and Ziggler can’t believe it! Dawkins flounders, Ziggler waits on him. Ford rallies the fans, Dawkins gets up, and he blocks the superkick to spin Ziggler around! Ziggler flips through the backslide but into the underhooks! SILENCER! Cover, Dawkins wins!

Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by pinfall

Who dey? Not Ziggler! Dawkins gets a big singles win, but will he and Ford get back up in the tag division?

The scooter race is still on!

They start restoring to pushing and shoving! We’re entering the final lap! Who will make it to the finish line first?!

Veer Mahaan is still coming.

“I have been patient like a lion. Waiting, watching, biding my time. But now, the hunter has finally spotted its prey. And soon, I will strike.”

Kevin Patrick welcomes us back.

He and R-Truth are at the finish line, waiting for what could be a photo finish here. RKBRO wants to earn that tag title rematch, but who does Truth think will win? The Bengals! Cincy likes the sound of that. Riddle and Gable are making the home stretch to gorilla! Gable has a lead, but Riddle has the stamina! Riddle gets around the corner, Gable goes down! Riddle laughs as he coasts, but then Otis CLOBBERS Riddle feet from the finish! Gable gets up, sees he has a chance, and he hurries back onto his scooter. Gable scoots around Riddle, does some taunting laps around Riddle, then crosses the line!

Winner: Chad Gable

Gable’s number one guy made sure to turn this race into a demolition derby! Riddle protests! That got rid of all the integrity! Randy always said- SHOOSH! Do Gable’s cauliflower ears deceive him, or is Riddle saying Gable’s a cheater? Gable’s never cheated at anything in his life. Not to make the Olympics, not to get a Master’s Degree, and not on his 4.0 GPA, thank you. But if Riddle wants a match, and because Gable is pissed, Riddle has his match with Otis. Will the Dozer demolish Riddle again? Or can The Bro get some semblance of revenge through the ring?

Matt Riddle VS Otis w/ Chad Gable!

Raw returns but then Adam Pearce walks out to officially inform us that this match is now an Elimination Chamber qualifier! Winner joins the WWE World Championship match! Ring the bell!

The bell does ring and Riddle fires off on Otis! Otis knees low, whips, runs, and POUNCES Riddle to the ropes! “For the Academy!” Riddle flounders to the corner, Otis runs in and SPLASHES! Otis whips back the other way hard, and Riddle bounces off buckles! Otis stands Riddle up to CLUB him and fire off body shots. Otis CLOBBERS Riddle, drags Riddle up again and back suplexes for a CLUBBING SLAM! Gable soaks up the heat on Otis’ behalf as he runs, for a BIG SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Otis drags Riddle up again, clamps on a neck wrench, but fans rally for Riddle. Riddle fights up, throws body shots, and then forearms!

Riddle runs, but into the WRECKER ELBOW! Otis drags Riddle back up, CLUBS him back down, and says, “I’m the tree trunk!” But Riddle boots from the corner! Otis CLUBS Riddle again, RAMS a shoulder into him, then digs in. The ref counts, Otis lets off at 4, and he stalks Riddle. Otis kicks Riddle and Riddle falls out of the ring. The ref counts but Gable laughs at Riddle. Otis soaks up the heat but Riddle drags himself up. Riddle shoulders into Otis, slingshots up and over and gets moving, but Otis POUNCES him again! Otis is all fired up while Riddle writhes. Riddle manages to sit up but Otis CLUBS him again!

Otis has the neck wrench again and Riddle endures. Riddle fights up as fans rally, and Riddle throws more body shots. Otis CLUBS Riddle, scoops and SLAMS him, then runs to ELBOW DROP! Riddle flounders and writhes as he clutches his ribs. Riddle sputters, Otis stalks him to ropes. Otis stands on Riddle to choke him on the ropes! The ref counts, Otis lets off at 4, then he stands on Riddle’s chest! The ref counts again, Otis lets off, and Gable mocks Riddle’s pain. Riddle gets to the apron, Otis drags him up, but Riddle HOTSHOTS Otis away! Riddle hurries up, slingshots in and ROCKS Otis with forearms!

Riddle runs, ROCKS Otis again, then keeps moving. But Otis LARIATS Riddle right down! “You can’t run through a brick wall!” Cover, TWO! Otis still gloats, and he sits Riddle up again. Otis clamps onto the neck wrench a third time but fans still rally. Riddle fights up, throws body shots, but Otis CLUBS him yet again. Otis drags Riddle back up, back suplexes, but Riddle lands on his feet! Riddle fires off palm strikes and a ROUNDHOUSE! Riddle fires off KICKS in the corner, but Otis blocks to EXPLODER! Gable says Otis has to shut this down. Riddle dodges in the corner to forearm smash! And then side to side, another forearm smash!

Riddle is slowing down but he dodges Otis to ripcord, FINAL FLASH! Otis drops to a knee, FINAL FLASH again! Riddle hurries to a corner and up top, FLOATING BRO!! On Otis’ leg! Otis hobbles as Riddle fires up and hears the voices, bro! Otis stands, and he blocks the RKO! Riddle elbows Otis away from the corner, goes up, FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Jackknife cover, Riddle wins!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall (qualifies for the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber)

A HUGE win for The Bro! The Viper may not be here, but is he proud of The Stallion here tonight?

Bianca Belair VS Carmella!

The EST didn’t make history with back-to-back Rumble wins, but she’s still the Iron Woman three years running! Will she fight her way to that Raw Women’s Championship on this Road to WrestleMania? Or will the self-proclaimed Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE put her on a detour?

Raw returns, and Mella wants a timeout. She goes to her team to put on the protective mask. Fans boo, Bianca is annoyed, but Mella finally returns to the ring. The bell sounds, they tie up and Bianca waistlocks to SLAM Mella down. Bianca keeps the waistlock, Mella complains and fights up, but Bianca SLAMS her back down. Mella flails but she can’t get away. “Am I still pretty?” Umm… Mella gets up, Bianca picks her up but Mella elbows free. Mella pushes Bianca and says she’s the hottEST. Bianca laughs it off, but Mella shoves her again. Bianca winds up the hair, and Mella freaks! Bianca says GOTTEE, and then shoves Mella down!

Bianca says kiss this, but Mella SLAPS Bianca! Bianca can’t believe Mella did that, and the chase is on! They go around the ring, back in the ring, and Mella stomps Bianca down at the ropes. The ref counts, Mella lets off and says she’s the prettiEST. But Bianca kips up and runs Mella over! Bianca says she’s the prettiEST. And then she RAMS into Mella, but Mella pushes Bianca back. Bianca stomps Mella, storms up on her, but Mella YANKS her into the buckles. Mella stomps away on Bianca then fires off hands. Mella lets off, fans boo, but Mella soaks it all up. Mella clubs and stomps Bianca, then struts around.

Mella has Bianca in a corner, she digs forearms into Bianca’s face then throws back elbow after back elbow. Mella lets off just a second, then elbows Bianca down! Mella drags Bianca up to CLUB her, then pushes her around to a cover. ONE, but Mella clamps on with a chinlock. Bianca endures, fans rally up for the “E S T! E S T!” and Bianca fights up. Bianca scoops but Mella slips out to throw Bianca down by her hair! Cover, TWO, and Mella clamps on with another chinlock. Mella leans on the hold, “I’m the hottEST!” Bianca endures, fans rally up again, and Bianca powers up against Mella’s leverage.

Bianca throws body shots, scoops and hits a BACKBREAKER! Mella gets to ropes, she runs back in but Bianca spins her around for a suplex! Bianca kips up, fires up, and fires off on Mella! Bianca whips, Mella ducks and dodges but Bianca ROCKS her! Torture rack for the KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Bianca wins!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

Mella can have her opinion about her looks, but Bianca proved that she’s still the strongEST with that win! Will Bianca find a way to make it WrESTleMania once again?

Raw checks back in with Alexa.

Her smile at the substitute Lily assures the doctor that they’re making progress. Alexa says she’s missed Lily so much. But this isn’t the real Lily. This is just a replica from WWE’s shop. Now, he will let Alexa hold her just to prove to her it isn’t THE Lily. Alexa holds onto Not Lily and she gets emotional. Alexa cries, but is she finally getting past her past?

Backstage interview with The Alpha Academy.

Chad Gable & Otis split the difference with Matt Riddle, but they did win the scooter race. Gable laughs and says of course he won the race! He’s an Olympian! And that means he gets to choose the final challenge. It’ll be a doozy! It’ll be a QUIZ BOWL! And when Riddle & Orton lose the quiz bowl, just like the Bengals will lose their bowl game, RKBRO can kiss their tag title rematch good-bye. SHOOSH. Do the Stallion & Viper stand a chance in the final Alpha Academy Academic Challenge?

WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Qualifier: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio!

The Phenomenal One was this year’s Ironman of the Rumble, but he still has to fight his way to the world title! Will Styles make the Elimination Chamber that much more phenomenal? Or will the King of Lucha start on his own Road to WrestleMania here tonight?

Raw returns and Rey makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They shake hands to show sportsmanship, and then they tie up. Styles powers Rey to a corner, but he lets off clean. Rey comes back, they feel out the grapple, and Rey shoots in to waistlock. Styles switches, SLAMS Rey, but Rey grabs the ropes. Styles lets off clean again, and he waits on Rey. They circle, feel things out, knuckle lock for a test of strength, but Styles pushes Rey down. Rey kicks up, sunset flips, ONE! Styles sweeps, covers, ONE! Styles has a headlock to keep Rey down. Rey powers up, powers out, things speed up and Styles runs Rey over!

Styles keeps moving, Rey follows and RANAS! Styles gets to a corner, fans fire up with Rey as he runs in, but Styles blocks the monkey flip to put Rey up top. Styles CHOPS, climbs up, but Rey headbutts him back down! Leap frog RANA! Rey whips, Styles reverses but Rey tilt-o-whirls, into a BACKBREAKER! Styles takes a moment to catch his breath, then he drags Rey up. Rey throws body shots, Styles CLUBS and whips Rey to slide him out of the ring! Rey rolls through, that’s new! But Styles slingshots out! Rey dodges, dropkicks Styles down, then builds speed to slide and SPLASH onto knees!

Styles suckered Rey in, and now he fireman’s carries. But Rey RANAS free and sends Styles into barriers! Both men are down while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Styles drags Rey into a chinlock. Rey endures as Styles squeezes tight and leans his weight on Rey. Rey fights up, throws body shots then forearms. Styles shoves, Rey kicks back, and then Rey springboards to QUEBRADA! Styles catches, spins Rey but Rey uses that to DDT! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Rey gets to ropes, drags himself up, and he runs at Styles to tilt-o-whirl headscissors! Rey whips, Styles reverses but Rey ducks and springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Rey keeps his cool, fans fire up again and Rey KICKS Styles’ leg. Rey KICKS, whips, but Styles holds ropes to deny the dropkick! SLIDING FOREARM!

Styles fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Rey is still in this but Styles keeps focus. Styles waistlocks and gets Rey up, but Rey victory rolls to put Styles on ropes! Rey dials it up, but Styles ducks the 619! Styles ROCKS Rey from the apron, springboards in, but Rey gets under! Rey runs in but Styles catches him and rolls him. Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! But Rey collapses, both men are down on the mat! Rey crawls to a cover, TWO!! Rey almost caught Styles sleeping on the job, but he keeps cool as he stalks Styles to the corner. Rey RAMS his shoulder in, hoists Styles up top and climbs.

Rey calls his shot, but Styles blocks the Super Steiner! Styles drags Rey into position, SUPER- NO! No Clash! Rey pops out, elbows back and goes up to leap, RANA onto the ropes! Rey redials, 619!! Rey goes up top as fast as he can, for the FROG SPLASH but he flops as Styles sits up! But Rey still gets him for a ghost pin! TWO!! Styles ducks Rey’s clothesline to PELE! Both men are down again, but Styles hurries to get up. Styles drags Rey up, reels him in, but Rey turns Clash into SEATED SENTON! Rey hurries back up top, SEATED SENTON again, but Styles rolls through! STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (qualifies for the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber)

Once again, a phenomenal finish! Styles finds a way to win, and now he is the sixth and final man in that grueling title match! Will he find a way to take that title from the All Mighty Lashley?

Rhonda Rousey is here!

As promised, the Baddest Woman on the Planet is in Cincinnati, and she’s back as the winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble! Rhonda gets a mic, she smirks as the fans cheer for her, and then she says, “I’ve been debating since Saturday whose title I want to take at WrestleMania. Charlotte’s, or Rebecca’s. I have unfinished business with both. Now, I could choose Rebecca, but… My attention is a compliment she doesn’t really deserve. Because the biggest fight for any woman at any time is always with me. And Rebecca’s stagnating title reign is not my problem. It is hers, though.

“Now, I could choose Charlotte, just to prove that even as a contender, not even a champion yet, that Rebecca is still on my undercard. Then Charlotte will know, Rebecca will know, and everyone will know, that the baddest big time bitch is me!” But here comes Becky! Dressed like a playing card…? “Oh Ronnie, ya little weirdo. I missed ya!” Using her gov’t name and spouting nonsense. Nice to see Rhonda hasn’t changed. But she’s losing credibility with statements like that, when Becky’s the only one who beat Rhonda. And no one’s beat Becky for a title ever since. Wasn’t even sure we’d ever see Rhonda again.

But now that we are seeing her, the biggest match in anyone’s mind is Rhonda VS Becky. But seeing as this is Rhonda’s first WrestleMania back, Becky won’t blame her going for an appetizer like Charlotte before going after the main course. You don’t just sip down a cup of Gazpacho. But if Rhonda wants to go right for the meat ‘n’ potatoes and chooses Becky, Becky’s all game. But if Rhonda could just please decide soon, because this division has never been hotter, and Becky just wants to know who she’ll beat next. So then, who’s it gonna be? Rhonda stays quiet but Becky gets the fans in on it. The fans want to know, that’s why Rhonda came out.

Rhonda THROWS Becky down! Then she takes Becky’s mic to say, “You’ll have my answer on Friday.” Rhonda just gave everyone a reason to watch SmackDown! Well how rude! Becky thought they were catching up. Make it official, Ronnie Fears Becky! Or maybe Rhonda just wanted to get outta Cincy as bad as Becky does! But in that case, Ronnie, run and- LITA?! Lita’s here?! She’s wearing a Big Time Becks merch shirt, and says, “So rude, amirite?” Yes, so rude! What is Rhonda’s problem? That’s what Becky’s said the last four years! Fans are chanting for Lita, and Lita says Rhonda can’t talk like that to the GOAT. Yes, thank you!

Lita knew since day one that Becky would be right here. Becky has set the division on fire. Yes, completely right. And speaking of legends, Becky’s been a fan of Lita’s since she was growing up. She got in trouble wearing a thong outside the pants, but that’s neither here nor there. Well, Lita says the one thing she respects above anything is that Becky’s a fighting champion and never backs down. Yes, Becky never backs down. Wait, what’s Lita getting at? Well, if Becky never backs down from a challenge, Lita was just thinking… Becky VS Lita at Elimination Chamber? Uh, n-no. Fans say, “YES! YES! YES!”

But Becky never backs down, Lita is giving a challenge, so- Yeah, but Lita is putting words in Becky’s mouth, taking things outta context. Lita says it is a lot of work defending a title. If Becky’s scared, just say so. No, she is many things, but she is NOT scared. If Lita wants that match, she’s got it! Then the match is made! The Man takes on the extreme icon, will Becky regret being so big time?

My Thoughts:

After the Royal Rumble has good action but disappointing results, Raw here did a very good job of turning those lemons into lemonade as WWE turns the corner on the Road to WrestleMania. Lesnar setting out his roadmap was some great stuff. He got on Lashley’s nerve but is in the Elimination Chamber for the first time. Just Lesnar and Lashley could demolish that structure if they wanted to. I like that Rollins was automatically put in more as a point of upsetting Kevin Owens than anything. And we got great qualifier matches to give us the other three entries. Theory beating Kevin of course goes in line with Theory legit being Vince’s new favorite, and it could add to Kevin’s frustrations. Maybe Kevin still faces Damian Priest for the US title.

I really like that they found a way to blend Riddle’s tag team story with his singles story. He gets cheated out of the scooter race, which of course brings up round three of the Academic Challenge, but then Riddle wins huge off Otis to get in the Chamber. Riddle will get another chance to interact with Lesnar in the ring, as well as all these other great stars, he’ll definitely be a highlight of the Chamber match. Just no Floating Bro off the top of a pod, though. Styles VS Rey was great stuff as the main event match of the night, and with Theory in the Chamber, Styles getting in makes sense. Plus, Miz cheating Dom in their match, I’m thinking Miz sets something up with Rey for Mania.

WWE finally did something good for hometown wrestlers with Dawkins winning over Ziggler. Depending on how things go between Alpha Academy and RKBRO, I’m sure the Profits will be set back up for another tag title shot. Veer Mahaan’s still on his way so that’s nice to know. He did mention he has a target in mind now, maybe he’s aiming for the US Championship as his return feud. And we got perhaps one Alexa Bliss segment that was cut into two just for the sake of filling time. I have a feeling she’ll be holding onto that replica Lily as a surrogate, and trying to take it from her could trigger her.

We actually got decent stuff out of the women’s matches tonight. Rhea VS Nikki could’ve still been bigger, but we got a good match for just giving it to us so suddenly. Bianca VS Mella was perhaps one of Mella’s best singles matches in a long time. The stuff with the mask is getting old, though, but there isn’t exactly anything motivating her to give it up. Bianca sweeping the tag champs could lead to her going for tag titles, but I wouldn’t know who to give Bianca as a tag partner. And then Rhonda was of course the last segment of the night, in part. What she said was good teasing of the decision but she seemed bored delivering it. Her getting to throw Becky was probably the part she wanted to do most.

What a great surprise with Lita goading Becky into a title match. That is going to be a lot of fun for Elimination Chamber, and just as Charlotte has a win over Trish Stratus as a feather in her cap, Becky will have one on Lita. Then maybe, just maybe, they use WrestleMania 38 being two nights to set up Rhonda VS one champion, then winner of that VS the other, another Winner Takes All scenario.

My Score: 8.4/10