The first Raw of the year is golden!

After reviewing the Absolute Best of 2022, Raw starts with what could be the absolute best of 2023! TWO huge title matches kick off the New Year with gold!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss; Bianca wins by disqualification and retains the title.
• Music City Street Fight: Elias VS Solo Sikoa; Solo wins.
• Six Man Tag: Sami Zayn & The Usos VS Kevin Owens & The Street Profits; Sami & The Usos win.
• Dexter Lumis VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Lumis wins.
• Becky Lynch & Mia Yim VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley; Kai & Sky win.
• WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins; Theory wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Bloodline is disrupting Raw!

Solo Sikoa TOSSES security aside while Sami Zayn & The Usos tear apart commentary! Solo then TOSSES the security guard into the crowd! Jimmy wants us to check it out! The Bloodline is in the building and they’re taking over Monday Night Raw! Last year, this year, it’s all the same! Then they tip the commentary desk over! Sami says this is a message to everyone in the back! The Bloodline runs the show! UNDERSTAND?! But here comes KEVIN OWENS! Fans fire up as The Prizefighter shows up, with a mic in hand. Sami shouts at him first, “Hey! Hey! I see you got your little microphone there, Kev. Don’t open your mouth, and don’t say a word. Listen very carefully.

“Because in case you can’t tell, we’re not in a very good mood tonight. In case you can’t tell, tonight is a hostile takeover of Monday Night Raw by the Bloodline!” Kevin says, “Is that right?” Sami says they’re taking over by any means necessary. People are going to get hurt, and it is all because of Kevin! Kevin says, “Because of me?” Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” but Kevin says, “I could swear I Had something to say when I came out here, that’s why I’ve got the microphone. But just now, after hearing you, all I really wanna do is come punch you in the face, so…” Kevin heads to the ring!

But Adam Pearce is shouting no! He stops Kevin and says The Bloodline is NOT the authority here, PEARCE is! And he’s let them get away with stuff for far too long, and that goes for Roman, too! They’re not doing this tonight or at all in the New Year! The Bloodline are going to leave and they will do it peacefully. Security, please escort The Bloodline from the ring and from the building. The guards rush in but Solo CLOBBERS each and every one of them! The Enforcer and his brothers dare them to try again, so KEVIN rushes in! He fights 4v1, Pearce shouts for reinforcements! And out comes the Raw roster!!

Shelton Benjamin, the Good Brothers, the Profits, you name it, they’re here, turning the tide back on the Bloodline! The Bloodline bails out and retreats! But Pearce says now they’re not getting out of this that easy! In fact, they’re not getting out at all! Bloodline wants to come to work? Then they’ll be put to work! Get your gear, because each and every one of you are in a match tonight! And that is official! Fans are fired up, Sami says what happens now is on Pearce’s hands! But just what happens now that Sami, the Usos and Solo must face the wrath of the Raw roster?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.

Byron Saxton is with the RawEST Women’s Champion, and says that after falling victim to Alexa Bliss two weeks ago, how has this shift in Alexa’s behavior changed their relationship? Bianca says, “With all due respect, Byron, I am no victim.” And she’s done talking to or about Alexa. Their friendship is far beyond repair. Alexa can blame Bray Wyatt all she wants, but we all know Alexa is her own person. She can do what she wants when she wants and no one else can convince her otherwise. So, Alexa wanted the match, and Bianca wants to prove why the title belongs with the EST. Bianca heads out, but will she be ready for whatever twisted thing is lurking in Alexa’s mind?

The Raw roster is riled up!

Adam Pearce tells everyone to calm down! Montez Ford says if Pearce is booking matches, that better include The Profits! Kevin Owens says the Bloodline wants him, so he wants in, too. Pearce understands that everyone wants a piece, but there are only four of them so not everyone gets a shot. Elias says he doesn’t care about any of that. Not Sami, the Usos, just SOLO! That animal smashed Elias with a guitar and tried to end his career! He wants a match with Solo 1v1! He demands it! No, not a match! A FIGHT! Then if no one objects, Pearce will give Elias that. They’re in Nashville, so Elias VS Solo is a Music City Street Fight!

And as for the rest, he thinks Six Man Tag: Sami & Usos VS The Profits & KO! Ford & Dawkins say that’s easy money. Pearce says for everyone else, this is a new year. It is time that we start acting like it. Thank you very much, gentlemen. The roster relaxes, and they hope the Bloodline gets what they deserve. Will the Bloodline face the consequences of their actions here tonight?

Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss!

They were united against Damage CTRL, but ambition and success always divides. Will the EST keep on the road to WrestleMania this year? Or will we see Lil’ Miss Bliss become the newest Raw Women’s Champion?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just how twisted the new year can be!

The bell rings and the two stare down. They approach and Bianca DECKS Alexa! Bianca eggs Alexa on, Alexa rushes in, but Bianca holds her back with one hand! Bianca then DECKS Alexa again! Alexa kicks back, into a kick and a HEADBUTT! Alexa staggers, Bianca has her dukes up. Alexa glares at Bianca, they tie up and Alexa swings! Bianca narrowly avoids it, Alexa avoids the kick, and she SHOTGUNS Bianca out of the ring! Alexa runs, but Bianca catches the wrecking ball dropkick! Bianca brings Alexa up, Alexa fights, but the rana is blocked! Bianca SWINGS Alexa into the barriers! Nashville fires up with Tennessee’s own, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Alexa fires forearms on Bianca! Alexa ROCKS Bianca, runs, but gets run over! Fans fire up while Bianca snarls. Bianca looms over Alexa, brings her up, but Alexa shoves her away. Alexa then slides under, but Bianca handsprings over! Bianca wags her finger, then dares Alexa to bring it. Alexa laughs that off, but tries to run away. Bianca gets her by her hair, but Alexa breaks free to crucifix. Bianca fights and swings Alexa around, but Alexa arm-drags! But Bianca handsprings through that, then goes to the corner to say kiss this! Fans fire up while Alexa sighs. Alexa runs in but Bianca goes up and over to dropkick her down!

Bianca kips up, fans fire up, and Bianca waits on Alexa. Alexa stands, Bianca runs in, but Alexa sends her into the POST! Alexa smiles and there are Bliss fans here. They cheer as she bows and says she’s smarter than Bianca. Alexa stomps away on Bianca in the corner, lets off at 4, and then gives Bianca space. Bianca crawls along the ropes but Alexa steps on Bianca. Alexa stomps Bianca down, then gives her skateboard stomps! The ref counts, Alexa lets off at 4 to cover, TWO! The toughEST isn’t going to be stopped by that, but Alexa brings Bianca up. But Bianca blocks the suplex to suplex Alexa! Alexa throws knees, but Bianca keeps her up!

Bianca gets Alexa back up, but Alexa slips out to use the hair to bring Bianca into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Alexa is frustrated, but she storms up on Bianca to bring her up. Fans rally, Alexa bumps Bianca off buckles then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Bianca pushes the foot away at 4, but Alexa stalks Bianca at the ropes. Alexa brings Bianca up but Bianca throws body shots. Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS and KNEES Bianca, then SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Bianca checks her cheek. Alexa brings Bianca up, but Bianca blocks the DDT! Bianca pops Alexa up into a suplex! And then SLAM!

Fans fire up while both women are down! Bianca grits her teeth and drags Alexa up. Alexa SLAPS Bianca again! Bianca fires off furious fists! She’s the angriEST she’s been, and she bumps Alexa off buckles! And off more buckles! And more buckles! Bianca hits all four corners! Alexa wobbles, Bianca scoops her, and SLAMS her! Bianca scoops and SLAMS again! And then again! Alexa flounders so Bianca stomps Alexa down, then handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Alexa survives and Bianca is annoyed. Bianca drags Alexa up, scoops her again, but Alexa slips off! Bianca rushes in but Alexa dumps Bianca out to the apron!

Alexa kicks Bianca off the apron, goes to the apron, and she CANNONBALLS! Direct hit, both women are down, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Bianca RAMS Alexa into a corner! Bianca RAMS into Alexa more and more, lets off to snapmare, but Alexa gets around to a waistlock. Bianca swings, Alexa ducks to shove and SHOTGUN! Bianca hits buckles and falls, Alexa covers, ONE!! Alexa clamps on with a chinlock! Alexa squeezes tight but Bianca endures. Fans rally up, Bianca fights up and throws body shots, but Alexa throws Bianca by her hair! The ref reprimands, but Alexa drops knees! Insult2- NO, Bianca avoids Injury for the ghost pin! TWO, and Alexa has a cover, TWO! Alexa hooks an arm, but Bianca uses that to lift Alexa!

Bianca has the torture rack, but Alexa fires off elbows! Alexa is free, tilt-o-whirls around, IRON- NO, Bianca powers out of the octopus for a BACKBREAKER! That’s the power of the strongEST! Alexa goes to a corner, Bianca is right on her! Bianca rains down fists! Fans count all the way to TEN! Bianca hits 12, but Alexa slips free! Alexa YANKS Bianca down by her braid!! Bianca tumbles to the floor, fans are torn, but Alexa stalks Bianca to the barriers. Someone’s wearing an Uncle Howdy Mask?! Alexa locks eyes with that man and seems scared of it. Alexa hurries after Bianca, puts her in the ring, and hurries up the corner.

Alexa reaches the top, but then there’s ANOTHER man in an Uncle Howdy Mask?! She’s scared again, but then the White Rabbit symbol flashes on the tron! Alexa tries to resist the power it has over her but she seems to be losing control! SHE CLOBBERS THE REF!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification (still Raw Women’s Champion)

Fans are losing their minds as Alexa rains down fists on the ref! Then Alexa CLOBBERS Bianca! She rains down fists, throws Bianca out of the ring, POSTS her, then RAMS her into the barriers! And then into another POST! Alexa RAMS Bianca into the apron, RAMS her into the steel steps, then drags Bianca onto them. DDT to the steel steps!! Bianca flops off the steel with a bloody mouth! Alexa is no longer concerned about the title, she drags Bianca up for ANOTHER DDT to the steel steps!! Fans boo while Alexa leaves Bianca down on the ground. Medics rush out to check Bianca, has Alexa taken the title from her one way or another?

Backstage interview with Austin Theory.

Cathy Kelley asks how confident he feels going into the huge title defense against Seth Rollins. Theory says it is at an all time high! This is the new year, so new year, new him. NOT. Theory made 2022 his year, and he’ll do the same with 2023. Theory brings up how he got under Rollins’ skin at the end, and then when Rollins wanted a fight with The Bloodline, Theory waited until Rollins least expected it, and he dropped Rollins! Guess that clarifies that Seth Freakin’ Rollins is the past, and Theory is the Now.

But not only does Theory hold the title, and all the cards. Theory is outplaying Rollins every turn! That means the forever reign is just beginning! Not too bad for a kid. But will Theory still have the upper hand? Or will he bust when taking on The Visionary?

Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is in the ring and introduces himself before strumming the guitar. Nashville appreciates his country stylings and Elias shouts out Music City. “Tonight, I’ve got a Music City Street Fight, and I plan on smashing this guitar over Solo Sikoa’s face. But tonight, he is gonna find out what Hardy knows, what you know and what Nashville knows. And that is that WWE stands for…” “WALK WITH ELIAS!” Elias says you better believe he’s come prepared with a song to get us in the mood. But then Solo’s theme song interrupts! Elias is frustrated, but the Street Champion of the Island is never in a good mood! Who will be singing the blues after being beat black ‘n’ blue?

Music City Street Fight: Elias VS Solo Sikoa!

The bell rings and Elias storms up to Solo. They tie up, Solo shoves Elias away, but Elias comes back. Elias headlocks, Solo powers out, but Elias RAMS shoulders with him. Neither man falls, so Elias grabs the headlock again. Solo powers Elias to a corner, digs his shoulder in then RAMS Elias! Solo ROCKS Elias with that uppercut! Solo throws body shots and headbutts! Solo CHOKES Elias because he can now! Fans are torn but Solo soaks up the cheers and jeers. Elias CHOPS back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Elias whips, Solo reverses but Elias turns hip toss into- NO, Solo CLOBBERS Elias out of the hip toss!

Solo has Elias on the ropes, throws hands, then paces around. Elias stands up, Solo runs in but Elias dumps him out! Elias runs, but Solo avoids the dropkick to ROCK Elias again! Fans rally up but Solo brings Elias around. Solo bumps Elias off the apron, then ROCKS him with a haymaker. Solo says this needs more cowbell! But Elias throws a body shot! Elias CLUBS Solo, then he CLONKS Solo with the cowbell! Elias POSTS Solo, ROCKS him with a forearm, then CHOPS again! Solo snarls, Elias grabs the guitar! Solo ducks, the Smash Hit hits the post! Solo ROCKS Elias back, then shouts, “What the hell is wrong with you!?”

Solo whips but Elias reverses, Solo goes through the DRUMSET! Elias grabs the cymbal, and CRASHES Solo into the timekeeper’s area! Fans fire up with Elias as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and they’re fighting up the ramp. Elias SMACKS Solo with a guitar case! Solo stumbles to the stage, and Elias whips him, but Solo reverses! Elias hits the amp! Solo gets the mic, mic check on Elias’ forehead! And again! SUPERKICK! Elias flops over and Solo fires up! Solo drags Elias up to throw him through a DRUMSET! Solo moves things aside, grabs a drum stand, and he JAMS Elias in the ribs! Elias staggers back down the ramp but Solo JAMS him again! Solo admires the stand as he stalks Elias. Solo JAMS Elias again, HEADBUTTS him back to the ring, and they get inside. Solo stalks Elias while fans cheer and jeer.

Elias grabs a keyboard and JAMS Solo! Elias whips, Solo reverses, and Elias hits the buckles hard! Elias staggers into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Elias is still in this but Solo picks up the keyboard. Solo plays chopsticks then drops the board. Solo tosses Elias out of the ring, goes out after him, and they go around the way. Elias grabs a tambourine to SMACK Solo! Elias puts Solo back in the ring, ROCKS him with haymakers, and Solo is a bit busted open. Elias SMACKS Solo with the keyboard! And then again!! Solo writhes and Elias pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Elias has a bloody scratch on his arm but he doesn’t let that stop him form clamping on a chinlock.

Solo endures, fans rally up, and Solo fights up to throw body shots. Solo clinches to BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up as Solo watches Elias crawl to a corner. Solo fires off haymakers, then gets some space. Solo runs in, but Elias dodges! The splash hits buckles and corner! TAMBOURINE SMASH! And again! Elias CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Fans fire up, Elias whips corner to corner then runs in to STINGER SPLASH! Elias keeps moving, STINGER SPLASH again! Elias runs, dodges the lariat to SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up with the Drifter and he has the tambourine again! SMASH! SMACK! SMASH! The tambourine breaks!

Elias clotheslines Solo out of the ring! He brings the keyboard with him, to SMASH it on Solo’s back! Elias looks at what he has left, and Hardy offers his guitar! Elias thanks the country megastar, then goes back to Solo in the ring. SMASH- SUPERKICK!! Solo interrupts the guitar solo to rain down fists on Elias! Hardy says it ain’t going down like that! He gets in the ring, he has the guitar, and Nashville fires up! Solo turns around, into a SMASH HIT from Hardy!! But he doesn’t fall!?! Hardy done messed up! Hardy runs for it, but then Solo turns around into a SYMPHO-KNEE!! Elias grabs the scraps of that guitar and climbs up top!

FLYING SMASH- SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Elias sputters while Solo roars! Solo drags Elias to the piano! SPINNING SOLO through the piano!!! Cover, Solo wins!

Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall

The Street Champion of the Island stands tall, and he scares Hardy off. Will someone be playing Taps for Elias after this one?

Six Man Tag: Sami Zayn & The Usos VS Kevin Owens & The Street Profits!

The Honorary Uce lost alongside The Tribal Chief to end 2022, but now he and the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions look to start 2023 on the right foot. Will the Bloodline sweep the night even after incurring the wrath of Raw? Or will KO, Ford & Dawkins be the ones that send the Bloodline packing back to SmackDown?

The teams sort out and nevermind, it’s a brawl! The ref tries to get this to calm down, but the Profits toss the Usos and Kevin tosses out Sami! The brawl continues outside, Kevin CHOPS Sami and shouts, “You don’t think I know your tricks?!” Dawkins puts Jimmy back in and now the match begins! Dawkins fires off fast hands in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and Dawkins whips Jimmy to ropes. Jimmy runs Dawkins over, things keep moving, and Dawkins hurdles! Dawkins hurdles, again, then FLYING ELBOWS Jimmy down! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Dawkins throws off his jersey to CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGURI! Jimmy falls, Dawkins covers, TWO!

Dawkins drags Jimmy up, tags Ford, and fans fire up as the Profits whip and dropkick Jimmy down! Ford stares Sami down, mocks the Bloodline’s “we the ones” finger, and he kicks Jimmy back tot he corner. Tag to Dawkins, the Profits mug Jimmy and whip him to ropes. Jimmy reverses, Dawkins holds ropes to BOOT back !Jimmy distracts the ref so Jey can ENZIGURI Dawkins down! Jimmy tags Jey, Jey drags Dawkins up and ROCKS him with haymakers! Jey stomps Dawkins to the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and Jey eggs everyone on, even the fans. Jey drags Dawkins over, tags Sami, and they mug Dawkins.

Sami stomps Dawkins around, brings him up for haymakers, then he brings Dawkins back. Tag to Jimmy as fans chant “SAMI USO!” Jimmy & Sami mug Dawkins, then Jimmy tags Jey. The Usos drag Dawkins around, then they split the wishbone! Sami mocks Dawkins’ pain, Jey covers, TWO! Jey snarls, he drags Dawkins up and talks trash, but Dawkins ROCKS Jey with a right! Both men are down, Dawkins hot tags Kevin! Kevin rallies on Jey with clotheslines and haymakers! Kevin whips Jey to ropes then CLOBBERS him! SENTON! Kevin BLASTS Jimmy, then tells Sami to “SUCK IT!” Kevin goes back to Jey and says Sami Uso is more like Sami Bitch!

Kevin brings Jimmy over but Ford is checking on Dawkins. Jey uses that opening to RAM Kevin into an open corner! Jey ROCKS Kevin with an uppercut, then he tags Jimmy. They mug Kevin in the Bloodline corner, then Sami tags in. Sami and Jimmy stomp away on Kevin now, then raise the fingers. Ford is still distracted as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Kevin fires haymakers on Jimmy! Jimmy ROCKS Kevin with an uppercut! Jimmy drags Kevin over, tags in Jey, and Jey stomps Kevin down. Sami says that’s what Kevin gets. Jey taunts Kevin as he rises, and Kevin ROCKS Jey with rights! Jey ROCKS Kevin back! Kevin sits back in a daze as Jey raises the finger. Kevin crawls to ropes, but Jey SUPERKICKS Dawkins! Ford loses focus again but Kevin SUPERKICKS Jey down! Fans rally up, Kevin and Jey crawl, hot tags to Sami and Ford! Sami rushes in, Ford ROCKS him! Jimmy runs in, into a GAMANGIRI! Ford goes up, CROSSBODY on both of them!

Fans fire up with Ford and he clotheslines Sami in the corner! Ford ducks ‘n’ dodges Sami to hit a BIG back suplex! Kip up and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Sami escapes but Ford stomps him back down. Ford goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Sami ROCKS him first! Sami climbs up after Ford, but Ford holds off the superplex! Ford pries free to ROCK Sami! And again! Sami falls down, Ford resets! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Jey breaks it in time!! Dawkins slides in to ROCK Jey, then toss him out! Dawkins goes out after Jey, runs in, and he POUNCES Jey into the barriers! Jimmy rushes Ford but is sent back out!

Ford mule kicks Sami, throws him out next to Jimmy, and he builds speed! FORD FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! But Solo’s back?! The Enforcer SAMOAN SPIKES Dawkins! But Kevin attacks Solo! Fans fire up but Jey SUPERKICKS Kevin!! Kevin flops against barriers, Ford drags Sami up and in, but Jimmy distracts! Ford DECKS Jimmy, but Sami hits a HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, The Bloodline wins!!

Winners: Sami Zayn & The Usos, by pinfall

The Enforcer was an insurance policy, and he helps his brothers win! And now the Usos & Sami mug Kevin! Fans boo as they throw down fists and stomp away. Solo fetches a chair! Solo gives the chair to Sami, but here come the BRAWLING BRUTES! Drew McIntyre 7 Sheamus are here, having followed the Bloodline from SmackDown! They mug Solo then RAM him into barriers! Then they brawl with The Usos! The Undisputed Tag Title match is happening this Friday, Sheamus KNEES Jey! McIntyre HEADBUTTS Jimmy! McIntyre clotheslines Jimmy out to join Jey, and fans fire up for the Celtic Connection!

McIntyre & Sheamus help Kevin up while Sami has the Usos & Solo retreat. Will there be any stopping McIntyre & Sheamus from taking those titles from Jimmy & Jey? Or will the Usos still be the ones in the new year?

AJ Styles has a tweet update.

After a nasty spill at a house show, Styles lets everyone know that he just has a broken ankle. It won’t need surgery, just recovery time, but this will be the longest he’s been away from the ring. He also thanks fans for the prayers and well wishes. We all certainly hope Styles gets well soon, will he make it back in time for the Royal Rumble? Or will he just have to wait for WrestleMania?

Dexter Lumis VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!

The Tortured Artist was screwed out of two big bags of cash by The Miz and big bad Bronson Reed. Will Lumis learn how to deal with a big mouth and a big sidekick by taking on “Master” Gable? Or will even Lumis be told to “SHOOSH~” tonight?

The bell rings and Lumis rushes Gable! Gable runs away, they go around the ring, Gable gets around and waistlocks. But Lumis runs to throw Gable out, then he slithers out! Gable can’t even right now, so Otis stands in Lumis’ way. Gable slides into the ring but Lumis slithers in after Gable! They stare down, Gable swings on Lumis but Lumis dodges! THESZ PRESS! Lumsi fires off fast hands, then runs to drop an ax handle! And another! And another! Otis is furious but Lumis slithers up to him! The tree trunk is scared of Lumis, too! Lumis whips, Gable reverses and FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Lumis!

Gable CLOBBERS Lumis, Otis says he’s not that scary. Gable CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Gable whips Lumis to the ropes, kitchen sink knees, and says “A THANK YEW~!” Lumis sits up but Gable hooks an arm to hit an elbow breaker! And another! Gable SLAMS the arm down, then clamps on a top wristlock. Lumis endures and Otis talks some trash. Lumis fights up, Gable tells the fans to “SHOOSH!” but they rally. Gable wrenches, whips Lumis to a  corner, but Lumis BOOTS Gable away! Lumis swings but Gable spins him around, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Otis tells Gable not to worry, he has this.

Gable tells fans to “SHOOSH~!” and he drags Lumis up, But Lumis whips Gable into the ropes! Gable tumbles out but skins the cat. Lumis CLOBBERS Gable! And again! Pop-up UPPERCUT! Lumis runs in to clothesline at the corner and hit a BULLDOG! Gable swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Lumis kips up to a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Otis can’t even but Lumis clinches Gable. Gable elbows free, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Lumis flounders out of the ring, Gable rushes out to KNEE him into the POST! Gable and Otis coordinate, and Gable goes into the ring to distract the ref. Otis rushes Lumis, but Lumis sends him into the POST!

Lumis runs in at Gable, Gable turns the clinch into an arm-drag! La Magistrol, TWO! Lumis has the cover, LUMIS WINS!

Winner: Dexter Lumis, by pinfall

The Alpha Academy is shocked! Their new year is off to a bad start! But will 2023 be Lumis’ year to win more than just Miz’s money?

WWE looks at Cody Rhodes’ journey back.

It was April 2, 2022, when the American Nightmare returned home to the WWE at WrestleMania. Cody never thought he would, but you can never say never. And coming out of WrestleMania, Cody felt everyone understood that he has another shot at living the dream. Cody wants to make his father proud. He can’t bestow the WWE Universal Championship to his father, but he can certainly hold onto it for his father. But just as Cody was finally ready, a pectoral injury has slowed him down. The story continues.

Damage CTRL is here!

Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai still have the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, and are still in a good mood from screwing over The Man, Becky Lynch, to end their 2022. Bayley gets a mic to say, “DING DONG, Happy New Year’s, TRASHVILLE!” Fans boo but Bayley says they should be proud to be from the city where DMG CTRL was born. Or don’t they remember that little show called SummerSlam? Yeah, finally something good came from this town. But don’t ruin Bayley’s night. She can’t think of a better way to kick off 2023 than alongside Bayley’s heroes, Kai & Sky!

But before celebrating, we should all address the “Irish elephant” in the room. Bayley did beat Becky Lynch. And she isn’t saying it was easy, Becky is one of the best ever. But it sure was fun! And best of all, Bayley did it all by herself! It is almost unfair, Bayley is so good! She beat everyone, including- Wait! Here comes Becky! 2023 just entered the Big Time as Becky has a mic of her own! “Shut up, Bayley, ya dope. You’re out here talking like you invented the wheel, but you’ve just been on a hamster wheel ever since coming back. It’s been the same thing week in and week out. You’re a coward and you’re a fraud, unable to do anything by yourself!”

That is the thing, Bayley feels most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. It took Bayley years and years to get out of those shadows, but only took her one year to put herself back there. Becky recalls calling Kai & Sky the lackeys, but perhaps it’s the other way around. They do all the work, they have the gold, but Bayley takes all the glory. And well, hmm… It’s only a matter of time before someone turns on someone. Bayley tells Becky to shut up. Becky’s just upset from losing! No, no, when Becky loses, she doesn’t get mad, she gets better. But Bayley did bring up a good point. This did all start back in Nashville at SummerSlam. So then how about Becky and Bayley end it in Nashville?!

Bayley laughs that off. That’s a ding dong, NO~! Bayley’s already won! Fans boo but Bayley says they can’t be serious! Bayley won fair and square! But since Becky has an obsession with Kai & Sky, how about they have a match with Becky. Becky can even find a partner! Oh, wow, gee, Becky doesn’t have her phone on her to call anyone. But Becky doesn’t mind a 2v1! The Man storms down to the ring, but is this too big for even Big Time Becks to handle?

Becky Lynch & ??? VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley!

Raw returns and the bell rings as Becky starts against the Evil Genius. It seems Adam Pearce still wants this to be a tag match, but Becky just doesn’t have a partner right now. Becky circles with Sky, ROCKS her, then she DECKS Dakota! Becky fires off forearms and uppercuts and a SOBAT on Sky, then whips. Sky reverses, Becky reverses back to then BOOT Sky! Bayley is annoyed as Becky runs to WRECK Dakota! Becky is on the apron, Sky rushes in but into a KICK! Becky HOTSHOTS Sky away a la Bayley! Bayley is even more annoyed but fans cheer. Becky runs in at Sky but Sky waistlocks. Becky bucks the O’Conner, and ENZIGURIS Sky down! Cover, TWO!

Becky keeps cool and she keeps Sky from Kai. Becky steps over but Sky rolls Becky up! TWO, and Sky drop toeholds Becky into buckles! Tag to Kai and she runs, but Becky dodges the boot! Becky elbows Sky, JUMP KICKS Kai, then hip toss SLAMS Sky onto Kai! Becky covers Kai, TWO! Fans rally up for Becky but Bayley tells them to shut up. Becky drops a leg, brother, then an elbow! Then another leg! Fans fire up and Becky taunts Bayley. Becky runs into forearm Kai, then whips her corner to corner. Kai dodges, Becky elbows Kai, but then Sky catches Becky’s kick. Becky still shoves Sky down but Kai hits a BOOT! Cover, TWO!

Kai drags Becky over while Bayley tells Becky she’s down. Kai tosses Becky out, then whips Sky in to CLOBBER her! Bayley taunts Becky, but Becky ROCKS Sky! Bayley hurries away but Sky SHOTGUNS Becky down! Sky pushes Becky in, covers, TWO! Sky is annoyed but she tags Kai. Kai hooks Becky up into a camel clutch, but she also fishhooks Becky’s mouth! The ref reprimands but Kai SLAMS Becky down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Sky, Kai tosses Becky out and Sky goes out after her. Sky whips Becky hard into barriers, then drags her back up. Sky whips Becky into the POST! Bayley smirks and Sky tells Becky she has no friends!

Sky DECKS Becky, then drags her up with a facelock. Sky puts Becky in the ring, covers, TWO! Bayley mocks the “Let’s Go, Becky!” chants and Kai covers, TWO! Wait, here comes MIA YIM! Michin won’t let DMG CTRL do what they want! Becky JAWBREAKERS Kai, and Mia is on the corner! Kai and Becky crawl, hot tags to Sky and Mia! Fans fire up as Mia dodges Sky, CLOBBERS her, then BOOTS her down! Mia ROUNDHOUSES Sky, drop toeholds Kai, then whips Sky to FLAPJACK her onto Kai! Fans fire up, Mia runs to dropkick Sky down! Cover, TWO! Mia drags Sky up, Bayley has no idea what’s going on!

DMG CTRL bails out, but Becky CLOBBERS Kai, and Mia DIVES onto Sky! Fans fire up as we get a big time assist, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kai whips Mia into the DMG CTRL corner. Mia BOOTS Kai, elbows Sky, but Kai SCORPION KICKS back! Mia staggers to the corner, Kai tags Sky, and DMG CTRL double whip Mia. They BOOT, sweep and AX KICK, to then SHOTGUN Mia down! Cover, TWO! But into a CROSSFACE! Mia clasps hands to fight off the stretch. Fans rally, Mia throws elbows and she fights free. Mia whips but Sky reverses to tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Into the CROSSFACE! Mia endures, reaches out, and powers her way to a cover, TWO! Sky lets Mia go, runs in but Mia tosses her out! Sky hurries back in to drag Mia from Becky!

Mia BOOTS Sky away, and the tag knocks Kai down! Mia hurries up, but Sky brings her away! Mia throws body shots, ROCKS Sky then hits a NECKBREAKER! Both women are down, Kai grabs at Becky’s feet! Becky stays standing, and Mia tags her in! Becky mule kicks Kai away, then brings her into the apron for a LEG DROP! Becky ROCKS Kai, then hits a FLYING FACEBUSTER! Becky POSTS Kai, RAMS her into the barriers, then SMACKS her off them! Sky runs in but is sent into Kai! Fans rally up and Becky drags Kai up. Becky tosses Kai back into the ring, goes up the corner, and fans fire up!

Kai stands, Becky MISSILE DROPKICKS her down! Cover, TWO! Bayley is worried for her team but Becky drags Kai up. Becky RAMS Kai into the corner! Becky puts Kai up top, she tags in Mia, and both of them go up after Kai. Fans fire up for the DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! All three women are down but Mia crawls to a cover, Sky breaks it! Bayley is relieved and Sky goes after Becky. They throw forearms back and forth, Becky clinches but Sky slips free! SHOTEI! But Mia SHOTGUNS Sky! Kai HOTSHOTS Mia! But then Mia SPIKE-RANAS Kai!! Cover, But Bayley gives Kai the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo and Mia grabs at Bayley!

But Kai tags Sky! Becky CLOBBERS Bayley and fires off hands! Mia makes Kai EAT DA FEET, but Sky hits the OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Sky & Kai win!

Winners: Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, by pinfall

Becky got back-up, but it wasn’t enough when DMG CTRL rolls three deep! The Man is left on the losing end again, what will it take to stop DMG CTRL from taking control?

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Rollins says, “Nashville! Who’s ready to sing tonight?” 2023 already looks like 2022: Bloodline is trying to take over Rollins’ show, Theory is trying to take Rollins’ spot. Cathy Kelley, as long as Rollins is bleeding, breathing and doing it all, Monday nights will still belong to him. HAHAHA! And in just a few minutes, so will the WWE United States Championship. Theory will do everything in his power to hold on to the title, and Rollins digs that. That is how much that title means! But as good as Theory is, and as good as he will be, there is one thing that he ain’t, and that’s Seth Rollins. He is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!

Rollins promises a party on Broadway tonight, but will things go his way? Or will it be more of a pity party after the main event?

Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.

Byron wants to get insight as to what happened earlier tonight, and says she seemed to have lost control. Lost control? No. She gained control over Bianca’s headspace. Now she knows the only threat is really Alexa, and that the title actually belongs with her. Can we trust what Alexa was saying just now? Or is someone still pulling her strings?

The Mysterio Familia Telenovela continues!

As if crashing Thanksgiving wasn’t bad enough, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio crash Christmas at Grandpa’s house! Rey told Dom & Rhea this wasn’t going to happen again. Dom says he’s just here with open arms to celebrate with the family and Mami Rhea. Rey says they should take this outside. They go outside, Dom shoves Rey! Mama Mysterio goes to slap but Rhea blocks her! So Mama SLAPS Mami! Rhea is pissed, but cops are here! The police arrest Dominik for intruding! Rhea protests, she got hit! Dom told Rhea to get Finn and Priest! He won’t make it in jail! Rhea is furious, this is ruining Christmas! Dom did make bail, but will the Judgment Day learn not to be Grinches from now on?

Dominik speaks.

“Sadness. It’s not a bad thing to feel. But it’s that cold absence of feeling, that’s what prison was like. You think I’m playing a game? You think this is a game to me? I served hard time! And I survived! Prison changes a man. And you guys might think that it’s over for me. But no. I’m just getting started. And Mami, I’ll see you soon. Because you know you’re my mamacita.” Is Dominik only more dangerous after living live behind bars?

Bronson Reed is back.

The Colossal Aussie, the Top Dog, and Miz’s mighty new friend is ready to steamroll Raw. Will he crush all those who oppose him and the Hollywood A-Lister?

WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins!

The youngest TWO-TIME US Champion says he’s no longer the next big this or the future that, but he is the NOW of the WWE! Will he still be the Now? Or will he end up the Former when facing the Visionary, the Revolutionary, THE Seth Freakin’ Rollins?

Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the new year will have a new champion!

The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Theory rushes Rollins but Rollins evades, and the fans keep singing. Theory frowns but Rollins is having fun. Rollins and Theory circle, feel out a grapple, knuckle lock, and Theory kicks low! Theory headlocks, thrashes around, but Rollins fights up. Rollins powers out, things speed up, and Rollins hurdles to then go the other way and SLINGBLADE! Theory staggers up, Rollins clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans sing more and Rollins conducts the choir. Rollins runs to WRECK Theory with a dropkick! Theory hits barriers then falls, but Rollins puts him back in the ring.

Theory bails out the side and fans boo. Rollins goes to the apron, avoids the sweep, and hits a FLYING KNEE! Theory goes down and fans fire up again as Rollins picks Theory up. Rollins SLAMS Theory down onto the barrier, leaving him there as he goes up the announce desk! FLYING KNEE GUILLOTINE! Nashville fires up again as Rollins stands tall, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Rollins CHOPS away on Theory against the barriers! Fans fire up for the MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Rollins lets off, Theory flounders away while clutching his stinging chest, but Rollins puts him in the ring. Theory rushes up but Rollins ROKCS him! SPRINGBOARD FLYING KNEE! Theory flops down under the ropes but Rollins tells the “kid” to get up. Rollins drags Theory up from the apron, but Theory HOTSHOTS him! Then slingshots and somersaults to SHOTGUN Rollins down! Cover, TWO! Theory rains down fists while fans boo. Theory lets off and drags Rollins up to snapmare.

Theory jumps and stomps Rollins down! “You are the past, you hear me? You are the past!” Theory bumps Rollins off buckles then says he’s the one on top. Theory grinds Rollins into buckles with his knee into Rollins’ head! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and he brings Rollins up to whip corner to corner hard! Rollins bounces back off buckles, then Theory drags him around. Theory throws down hands, kicks Rollins around, but fans rally up. Rollins fires off haymakers on Theory, whips him, but Theory reverses. Rollins stops himself in the corner, comes back, but into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! But Theory clamps on a chinlock!

Rollins fights up, moves around, but Theory wrangles him down. Fans rally up as Rollins endures. Rollins fights up, throws body shots, then hits a BIG back suplex! Fans rally again as Theory goes to the corner. Rollins runs in but Theory dodges the splash! Rollins flounders, Theory covers, ONE!! But it’s back to the chinlock! Theory grinds Rollins down, talks trash, but fans continue to rally behind Rollins. Rollins fights up, throws body shots, but Theory snapmares and jumps, only to miss the stomp! Rollins hits a JAWBREAKER! Then a BOOT! Theory tosses Rollins out of the ring! Theory hurries out after Rollins, brings him up, and smacks him off the desk! And again!

Theory RAMS Rollins into the apron, then TOSSES him over the desk! Rollins hits an armchair, then the barriers! Theory makes Rollins look at the title belt and says, “I am the champ! You will not, NOT, disrespect me!” Theory rains down fists, then he storms off while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Theory pie faces Rollins around. Rollins gets angry, he eggs Theory on so Theory pie faces him again. Rollins ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, and again! And CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Rollins fires off over and over, whips Theory to ropes, but Theory reverses, only for Rollins to reverse back! LARIAT! LARIAT! Mule kick, front kick, ROLLING ELBOW! Nashville fires up with Rollins but Theory bails out. Rollins conducts the choir and the singing returns. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on Theory, and he puts Theory back in the ring!

Rollins kick slow, underhooks the arms, but Theory back drops! Rollins sunset flips, TWO! Theory kicks low, whips Rollins but Rollins reverses again to knee low! Rollins hooks a leg for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rollins is annoyed, but he hurries to the corner. Fans rally up as Rollins climbs, but Theory ROCKS Rollins first! Theory climbs up after Rollins, fans boo but he grins. Rollins slips under to bring Theory off the corner! Theory fights free of the bomb to hook a leg, but Rollins knees free! Rollins suplexes, Theory slips off, Rollins ducks the haymaker but the ELBOW rocks him! Theory fisherman’s, but Rollins cradles! TWO!!

Theory kicks, Rollins blocks it and slips under, but Rollins’ own leg won’t let him keep Theory up. Theory reels Rollins in but Rollins fights! Rollins slips out to ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins tries again, the leg holds this time, but Theory grabs the corner! Rollins lets Theory go, hobbles, and Theory DECKS Rollins from above! Theory adjusts his position, but Rollins springs right up after him! SUPERPLEX! And roll through, but Theory suplexes! AOI SHOUDO!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins survives and fans are thunderous! Both Theory and Rollins are down, and fans rally up behind the Visionary.

Theory stands, he calls his shot! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN- NO! Rollins slips free, but Theory blocks the superkick! Theory KICKS Rollins in return, but Rollins SUPERKICKS Theory! Theory ROLLING ELBOWS, Rollins PELES!! Both men are down and fans are fired up again! Rollins and Theory stir, fans build back up and sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Theory ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Theory! Theory ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Theory! The haymakers go back and forth, fans cheering Rollins on! But Theory kicks low! Theory underhooks the arms, but Rollins slips out to ROLLING ELBOW!

Rollins reels Theory in, turns him, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Theory falls down, but Rollins takes aim from the corner! Fans fire up, Rollins runs in, CURB- NO, Theory dodges! Rollins’ leg jams again and he leans against the ropes. Theory says he’s done with this, and he grabs his belt. Fans boo that Theory wants to use Champion’s Advantage. But Rollins pursues! Rollins grabs Theory by his face to TOSS him back to ringside! Theory runs away into the ring, Rollins follows! SUPERKICK!! Theory flounders, Rollins goes up top! Rollins FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!?!? Theory survives by nanoseconds!

Rollins is furious but he goes to a corner again. Rollins aims as Theory flounders about, Nashville is thunderous as Rollins runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Rollins slips off, Theory switches, and Theory shoves Rollins into the ref! Theory back suplexes, Rollins lands out of it but the leg buckles! Theory storms over, but into a kick! PEDIGREE!!! But between the bad knee and no ref, there’s no count! Wait, a spare ref rushes out! Cover, TWO?!!?! The delay saves Theory!! Rollins is angry with the new ref but he refocuses. Theory stirs, Rollins aims again. CURB- NO, Theory dodges again! Theory shoves Rollins at the new ref, but Rollins stops himself!

LOW BLOW!!! Theory gets away with one, then he CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

The “kid” steals one, proving he knows all the tricks of the trade! Will Theory continue to be The Now by any means necessary?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw to open the year, even with the status quo being kept. As I’ve said before, status quo with the titles is fine, so long as they book it in an interesting way. And in the case of the Raw Women’s Championship, that was a great match with a really wild ending. If Alexa is to be believed, she was apparently just pretending to be triggered by the White Rabbit, and she got randos to be fake Uncle Howdy cultists or whatever. Now, I have a feeling some of that is exaggeration, because if Alexa was really in charge of herself, she would’ve won the belt, not cost herself the match. But depending on Bianca’s kayfabe injury, she’ll definitely want a rematch with Alexa at the Royal Rumble to settle this. And then we can see if Bianca retains the title or loses it to Twisted Bliss.

In the case of the US Championship, we got good promos from Theory and Rollins to hype up the main event match, and that match was definitely worthy of the main event. But as things went on, I had the sneaking suspicion that Theory was going to retain. It was a fitting move for Theory to win with cheating, as he is the Heel. This ramps up his heat, and who knows who is next for him. Maybe MVP negotiates Lashley’s return from suspension and Lashley will go after the title for the Rumble. But at the same time, it’d make sense if Rollins wants another shot after being cheated here and he has to fight his way to earn it.

The Bloodline showing up again and “hijacking” the start of Raw was great stuff, and it was smart to have those they attacked a couple weeks ago come back for revenge. I wish we could’ve gotten Good Brothers VS Usos but Karl Anderson is in Japan so he can defend (and most likely lose) the NEVER Openweight Championship at NJPW WrestleKingdom 17 on Wednesday. But Elias VS Solo was a great match with the “Music City Street Fight” (basically just Symphony of Destruction). And of course a piano is in the finish, that was a great urenage that just busted the legs off that thing.

And we got a great Six Man Tag, with Ford taking a sort of zoned out approach to how Bianca’s injury was affecting him in that match. He could’ve been a bit more animated seeing Dawkins go down, but him coming alive to rally on the Bloodline was great stuff. But as usual, The Bloodline always has each other as distractions and that helps them win. I suppose it makes sense, as the Profits had their title opportunity in 2022 and will have to fight their way up rather than jump the line with a win on the champs. But McIntyre & Sheamus showing up was also great, it helps hype up the tag title match on Friday. Though, I see the Usos using Bloodline assists again.

I like the little promo bit from Dominik to add on from the “arrested for Christmas” promo we got last week. It’s a bit comical that Dom says he’s all hard now, as I’m pretty sure he only spent the Christmas weekend in what was probably a nice neighborhood’s jail. But Dom will surely play it up when he returns, and we’ll get some good promos off of that. And I think Lumis VS Gable was mostly because Styles got hurt and The OC couldn’t continue their feud with the Alpha Academy. But that’s alright, we got a really good, really fun match from Lumis and Gable. I just wish we’d get more matches from Gargano. Maybe we can get Lumis & Gargano VS Gable & Otis next week?

And good stuff from Damage CTRL, Becky and apparently now Mia. Good promos for Becky and Bayley, but I’m a bit surprised that if they were going to throw Mia out there partway, why not just kayfabe a way for Mia to have contacted Becky about taking on DMG CTRL together? And even if they played it out this way, it seems a shame that Becky & Mia lose. But at the same time, three still beats two, and they didn’t want Kai & Sky owing a title match to Mia & Becky. Maybe Mia brings in a friend from somewhere and that team takes on Kai & Sky while Becky goes after Bayley 1v1, all blowing off at the Rumble. Or maybe even in the Rumble, so that someone can win a WrestleMania title shot in the process.

My Score: 8.5/10