Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/27/23)
Look in my eyes~! What do you see~?
CM Punk is back in the WWE?!
Just as the smoke settled at Survivor Series: WarGames, we witnessed the shocking return of CM Punk! On top of that, he’s going to be on Raw tonight!! What will the controversial “Best in the World” say about his return?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil: The Creed Brothers win and will challenge The Judgment Day for the titles.
- Bronson Reed VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Nia Jax VS Zoey Stark; Nia wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Natalya & Tegan Nox; Chelsea & Piper win and retain the titles.
- Randy Orton VS Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh; Orton wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The first hour of Raw is COMMERCIAL FREE!
Randy Orton is here!
Nashville fires up as The Viper is back! Orton came through for Cody Rhodes and the team in WarGames and they all defeated The Judgment Day plus Drew McIntyre, and he is feeling good being back on Raw. Orton signs a young fan’s action figure box, then goes to the ring. Orton thinks about how long it has been, and he steps up to finally and once again hit his pose! The fans cheer, and they chant for “RANDY! RANDY!” as Orton gets a mic. “Well, it seems, or I should say it sounds like a few of you missed me.” Fans cheer again, and Randy says, “I’m back! I’m back for as long as I can stay here. Now without any further ado, let me cut right to it. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Raw!”
Fans cheer again and Orton says he was gone awhile, wasn’t he? Nashville chants “Welcome Back!” and Orton nods. He thanks them and says the whole time he was gone, it gave him plenty of time to think about all his accomplishments and accolades. They already know all that and he won’t bore us to day, but he had never done one particular thing. And it was WarGames. So when his dear friend, Cody Rhodes–fans cheer a lot–called, of course Orton was in! But there was another reason he wanted in. It is because WarGames was invented by the late, great American Dream, Dusty Rhodes! To be part of that match is to be part of pro-wrestling history!
And guys, that is what it is all about. Making moments. Two nights ago at Survivor Series, he got to make a moment. But he also came back because he has unfinished business to attend to. And that business has to do… with The Bloodline. Now, if anyone gets where those guys are coming from, it’s him. Orton’s the Legend Killer, he made a living out of putting people on the shelves. He can forgive, but he can’t forget. So point of the matter is, he has a bag full of receipts for every single member of The Bloodline, and he means every single member! Now, he is sure they know what form the receipts come in, right?
These receipts are in the form of the three most dangerous letters in the WWE. NO, the most dangerous letters in ALL of Sports Entertainment: R K O! Fans fire up for that! But then Rhea Ripley makes her way out here? Mami waves hi to Randy as she struts down to the ring. Rhea is still Women’s World Champion after dealing with Zoey Stark, but she welcomes Orton back. What a performance he had at Survivor Series. She didn’t think he was the kind to do favors for others, or to team with someone who tried to end his career. Or have his big return a year in the making upstaged.
But hey, don’t get Rhea wrong. Randy looks more dangerous than ever, so it’d be a shame to have all of that wasted. Because Randy doesn’t realize that the landscape here has changed. The Bloodline has fallen, and the Judgment Day has risen as the most dominant force here in the WWE. Fans boo but Rhea says when it comes to WarGames, that was just a bump in the road. The reality is, Randy, they’re all dripping in gold! Rhea wiped the floor with Zoey, Her Dirty Dom is THE NXT North American Champion, and when it comes to Finn & Damian, they hold those Undisputed Tag Team Championships that Randy lost everything trying to get.
And if not for Randy, Damian would be the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! So he’s come in here, made all these enemies that could make his life a living nightmare. He needs to stop focusing on The Bloodline because unlike them, The Judgment Day gets the job done, and they will put Randy out permanently! Fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Randy looks around. He stated how he kept in touch and watched for a year and a half. It’s Mami this, Mami that, blah blah blah. Guess what, Mami? Daddy’s back! Fans fire up for that! They chant “Who’s Your Daddy?” Randy says yeah, things have changed. A lot of things.
But the one thing that hasn’t changed, the one thing that will never, ever, EVER change as long as Orton is here, is that no one tells Randy Orton what to do. Rhea laughs and says he’s made his bed. She tried to warn him, tried to give him an out, but Orton has made them his enemy. And the Judgment Day attacks from behind! Dom, and McDonagh in a neck brace, stomp away on Orton in a corner! Orton fights back, POSTS McDonagh and puts Dom in ropes! Fans fire up as Randy drags Dom along, but McDonagh CLUBS Orton! RKO FOR JD!! Fans fire up as The Viper keeps the Irish Ace down and gets the mic back.
“Don’t you go too far, Dom. Don’t you leave this damn arena. Cuz as soon as I leave this ring, I’m gonna find Adam Pearce, and I’m gonna make damn sure I get you in this ring, one on one, TONIGHT!” Fans love the sound of that! Rhea freaks out, is her Latino Heat about to end up snakebit?
The Raw Tag Division gathers backstage.
Chad Gable says tonight is the night! For the first time ever, Otis & Tozawa team up! You guys ready? OOOH YEAH~! Woods & Kofi can’t believe this, the New Day’s been at this a decade and a team that literally just got put together is facing them? Maxxine & Ivy walk in, and no pressure but they have a very special guest. He is a CMA award winning, Grammy nominated and multi-platinum artist, it’s JELLY ROLL! Everyone’s excited to say hey, and Otis brings it for a belly bump! Jelly is excited to see them all in his hometown, but then R-TRUTH is here! Wassup, guys? Where’s them jelly rolls? His sweet tooth’s got a sweet tooth.
Uh, no, Truth, this guy is Jelly Roll. He’s got ’em all? He can’t have ’em all. Truth say she gotta go check catering. Tozawa, hit ’em with the roll. Ooooooh, that’s naaaaaaasty~! Truth’s confusion aside, will this Tag Team Turmoil be sweet and spicy?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil!
Judgment Day held onto the titles on SmackDown last Friday, all thanks to Mami. The Profits are down, so who steps up to go after Finn Balor & Damian Priest next?
First out, Gable’s guys, Otis & Tozawa! And their opponents? Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano! Will the Psycho Killer and Johnny Wrestling finally get on track towards former glory?
Otis & Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy VS #DIY!
Ciampa and Tozawa start, tie up, and Ciampa headlocks. Tozawa throws body shots and powers out, but Ciampa runs him over! Things keep moving, Tozawa jumps but Ciampa catches him! Tozawa slips free, SOBATS, but Ciampa ducks the spin kick. Tozawa slides under, “A THANK YEW~!” Ciampa swings, Tozawa dodges and CHOPS! Then he does his Tozawa Shuffle! But Ciampa knees low in return. Ciampa whips, Tozawa reverses but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, tag to Gargano! Ciampa slides under, CHPOS, Gargano LARIATS and Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Whip and LARIAT! Gargano does his shuffle, then puts Tozawa in a corner.
Gargano CHOP LARITS, whips corner to corner, but Tozawa reverses. Gargano BOOTS him away, goes up and leaps, but into a GUT BUSTER! Fans fire up, Tozawa and Gargano crawl, hot tags to Otis and Ciampa! Otis blasts past DIY, does it again, then rolls under to CLOBBER them both! Fans fire up as Otis whips Gargano, WRECKER ELBOW! Clinch on Ciampa, whip and WRECKER ELBOW! Otis ELBOWS Gargano in a corner, then SPLASHES Ciampa in another! DIY falls over, and Otis rips off the shirt! Tozawa joins in, but his shirt is a bit tougher… Otis rips it off for him! The fans fire up as they DOUBLE CATERPILLAR ELBOW!
Nashville fires up as Otis tags Tozawa back in. And then Tozawa gets on Otis’ shoulders! But Gargano SPERKICKS, and Tozawa falls into a JUMP KNEE! Ciampa DUMPS Otis out, tags Gargano, and DIY sets up! MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, DIY ELIMINATES Alpha Academy! But that only brings out Indus Sher! Will the Modern Day Maharaja’s menacing proteges pulverize DIY?
#DIY VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!
DIY attacks first, DROPKICK and BOOT sends Veer & Sanga down! But then the brawl continues on the outside, and Indus Sher pick DIY up, to SANDWICH and POST! Jinder approves as Veer stomps away on Gargano in the ring. Fans boo but Veer whips Gargano to ropes. And then THESZ PRESS! Tag to Sanga, and Indus Sher double whips to CLOBBER Gargano! Sanga BOOTS Ciampa for good measure, then tags Veer back in. They drag Gargano up from the apron, have him along the ropes, and Sanga runs to BOOT Gargano down! Fans boo but Indus Sher shouts “NAMASTE!” Veer then runs in, but Gargano dodges!
Gargano manages a sunset flip, and high stack! DIY ELIMINATES Indus Sher!! But while Indus Sher is furious for getting caught off guard, here come The Creed Brothers!
#DIY VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile!
Ciampa hurries to reset, and he starts against Julius. They feel thigs out, Julius hits a fireman’s carry takeover and then an armlock. Tag to Brutus, and they hit a fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus sends Ciampa into Julius’ fireman’s carry takeover! Then they DOUBLE fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus has a cording hold to keep Ciampa back from Gargano, tag to Julius. Julius wrenches but Ciampa fires shots! Julius scoops, Ciampa slips free and hits a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up as both men crawl, hot tags to Brutus and Gargano! Gargano rallies on the Creeds! ENZIGURI for Julius! CHOP in a corner for Brutus! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO!
Fans fire up and Gargano runs in at Brutus. Brutus puts him on the apron but Gargano PENALTY KICKS Julius, the SLINGSHOT SPEARS Brutus! Cover, TWO!! Brutus survives, Ivy is relieved, and fans rally up for “Johnny Wrestling!” Gargano feeds off that, tags in Ciampa, but Brutus sends DIY into each other! Ciampa sends Gargano back to ELBOW Brutus, then assisted SLICED BREAD! SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Julius breaks it! Gargano runs in, Julius TOSSES him out! Ciampa SLAPS Julius down, then goes back for Brutus. Brutus ROCKS Ciampa, SPLASHES him in the corner, and tags in Julius.
Julius feeds Ciampa to Brutus’ underhooks, then Julius runs, LEAP FROG FACEBUSTER! Cover, Gargano breaks it! Gargano TOSSES Brutus, then PLANCHAS! Fans fire up, Julius storms up on Ciampa and throws hands. Ciampa hits back, they go back and forth. Nashville is on Ciampa’s side, and he BOOTS! Then roll up! TWO!! Ciampa goes to a corner, Gargano tags in, GAMANGRI for Julius! Another BOOT, and DIY sets up again! MEET IN THE- BRUTUS POUNCES! Julius picks Gargano up, POWERBOMB! And deadlift, to then fireman’s carry! Tag to Brutus, and another pop-up, for the BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Creeds ELIMINATE DIY!
Fans are stunned, but “it’s a New Day, yes it is!” The Creeds take on ELEVEN-TIME Tag Team Champions, who will make it through to face Imperium?
The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS The New Day!
Woods starts against Julius, they tie up and Woods arm-drags! And SHOTGUNS! And then forearms! Tag to Kofi, Woods CHOPS and CHOPS and then feeds Julius into Kofi’s DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi drags Julius up, brings him over, wrench and tag to Woods. Woods CLUBS the arm, wrenches it, and tag back to Kofi. Kofi goes up to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Kofi pushes Julius down, covers, ONE!! Julius hangs tough but Kofi snapmares. Tag to Woods, PENALTY KICK! SLIDING LARIAT! IMPLODER SPLASH! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Julius survives the speed blitz but fans rally behind the “NEW~ DAY~!”
Woods climbs up on Julius, rains down fists, but Julius stops him at five! Julius fights out of the corner but Woods trips Julius! And then Kofi SPLASHES in outta nowhere! Cover, TWO! Kofi clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Julius down. Julius endures, fights up, and reaches out. Julius has Kofi as a backpack as he storms over, but Kofi slips around to knee low! Kofi cradles Julius, TWO! Julius has the cradle, then deadlifts Kofi from the mat! And the SLAM! Fans rally up as Julius crawls, as does Kofi. Hot tags to Woods and Brutus! Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides to ROLLING ELBOW! Brutus rebounds, blocks the superkick and clinches! EXPLODER!
Fans rally as Woods goes to the apron. Brutus storms over, drags Woods up, and uses the ropes to deadlift Woods for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Woods toughs it out but Brutus tags Julius. The creeds whip to scoop and POWERSLAM! Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS, and Julius STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Woods is still in this and the fans fire up. Julius drags Woods over, tags Brutus, and Brutus fireman’s carries. Julius runs, but Woods slips free and kicks Julius, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Brutus hangs in there, but Kofi tags in. Woods lifts Brutus, Kofi goes up, BACKBREAKER and the DIVING STOMPS! Cover, Julius breaks it!
Woods runs up on Julius to CLUB away on him! But Julius TOSSES Woods out! Kofi TOSSES Julius out! Kofi claps and the fans join in, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Brutus stands, but ducks Trouble in Paradise! Tag to Julius, he runs but Kofi trips him! Kofi hurries up top, CROSSBODY! But Julius rolls through and lifts Kofi! Woods is back but Julius BOOTS him! FALL AWAY SLAM for Kofi! Brutus MOONSAULTS out onto Woods! Tag to Brutus, Julius has Kofi up, BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, CREEDS ELIMINATE NEW DAY!! But now, here comes European Elegance! Will Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci make Gunther proud by taking the golden tickets?
The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Imperium!
The brawl is on and fans fire up! Ludwig TOSSES Brutus, then he and Vinci mug Julius. The ref reprimands and counts, but Ludwig soaks up the heat. Vinci CLUBS Julius, Ludwig stomps Julius down, and Vinci stays legal. Ludwig sends Brutus into the desk! Julius whips, Vinci springboards to CROSSBODY! Vinci kicks Julius around, drags him up, and short arm LARIATS! Tag to Ludwig, he and Vinci taunt Julius, but Julius fights back! Fans fire up but it’s 2v1! Shove and SPINEBUSTER, then a PENALTY KICK! Ludwig shouts “NEIN!” but fans boo. Tag to Vinci and Ludwig goes up! Vinci hauls Julius up, IMPERIUM BOMB!! Cover, BRUTUS BREAKS IT!
Fans fire up but Ludwig tosses Brutus out. Ludwig tells Vinci to focus on Julius, but then Julius dumps Vinci out! Julius crawls, but he has no one to tag. Ludwig goes for legs, Julius boots him away! Julius hurries, Brutus is back, but Vinci intercepts! Julius dodges, hot tag to Brutus! Tag to Ludwig, but Brutus SMASH! He rallies on Imperium, clotheslines Ludwig up and out, and then SPINEBUSTER for Vinci! Brutus SMASH SMASH SMASH! Brutus snarls, gorilla crawls, then gets under Vinci to fireman’s carry! Ludwig CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Ludwig rains down fists but he isn’t the legal man! The ref counts, Ludwig fires off more furious shots, but lets off at 4.
Ludwig stands Brutus up to whip him into the corner. Ludwig runs in, blocks the boot, “NEIN!” And UPPERCUT! Vinci gets Brutus up, BACKBREAKER and a cover, TWO! Vinci clamps onto Brutus with shoulder claws but Brutus endures. Fans rally, Brutus fights up, and he arm-drags Vinci away! But DOUBLE BOOTS bring both men down! Vinci and Brutus crawl, hot tags to Ludwig and Julius! Julius clinches to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Vinci! Another OVERHEAD for Ludwig! And another for Vinci! Ludwig fights the next one, Vinci adds on, but Julius DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS!
Fans fire up for Julius, and he scoops to POWRSLAM Ludwig! Cover, Vinci breaks it! Vinci gets Julius up but Julius TOSSES Vinci! Ludwig rolls Julius up, TWO! Julius facelocks, Ludwig wrenches out and UPPERCUTS, then fireman’s carries. But Julius slips free to gut wrench and lift, POWERBOMB! Tag to Brutus, and they drag Ludwig up. Another Electric Chair, but Ludwig claws eyes! Vinci SHOVES Brutus down! Ludwig POSTS Julius! DISCUS LARIAT for Brutus! Tag to Vinci and Ludwig goes up. Vinci lifts Brutus, but Julius uses Vinci as a step up to get to Ludwig! Brutus runs with Vinci, SHELL SHOCK! Julius has Ludwig for a SUPERPLEX!!
Fans fire up again, “This is Awesome!” Brutus tags Julius back in, and they get Vinci up. Brutus climbs, Vinci fights desperately but can’t get free! BRUTUS BALL!! Cover, THE CREEDS WIN!
Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the Undisputed Tag Team Championships)
Diamond Mine doesn’t break, they thrive under pressure! But will Julius & Brutus be able to take down The Prince & Punisher to take those titles?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Rhea says Randy is dangerous, so Dom has to be absolutely focused. Finn walks in, he just finished watching Tag Team Turmoil. Those Creed Brothers are the real deal. Priest, we can’t take them lightly. Priest, you hearing them? Priest snaps out of his funk. He hears them. And he sees the look on their faces. Go ahead, say what you wanna say. They made him WarGames captain and he let them down. He lost the match, embarrassed them, let them all down. Go ahead, say it. Finn wasn’t gonna say any of that. Priest says no, he can tell. But Rhea says no, they’re a family. They all rise together and they all fall together.
Finn says yeah, don’t sweat it, it was one loss. They’re still champions, right? Dom says yeah, it’s all good. This is real? Yeah, 100%. Rhea says that just because Priest made himself team leader for WarGames and it didn’t go their way, that doesn’t mean they are gonna hold a grudge. Just relax. Priest says okay, that’s what families do, he appreciates it. And on that subject, how is McDonagh? Still getting checked out. Finn & Priest should go check on him. Good idea. The tag champs head out, but will their tensions be eased by the time they have to defend the titles?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Nashville fires up and sings along as the American Nightmare makes his way to the ring, “WHOA~ OH!” Cody goes to the ring and gets his pyro, “WHOA~ OH!” before he gets the mic. Fans cheer Cody on, and he gets fired up! Then he smiles and asks Nashville, “Whaddya wanna talk about?” Cody says so many stories stemming from this weekend. Here is one of gratitude. His team in WarGames was able to secure the victory, and Cody wants to thank each and every one of his teammates. Sami Zayn, #YeetMaster Jey Uso, the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” And let’s not forget the man who came through, the Legend Killer, Randy Orton!
Fans cheer again, and Cody says Randy was a mentor, is still a mentor, and is a dear friend. They had a handful of memories before but they got a new one. Orton fed Priest to Cody for the Cross Rhodes and let him have the 1-2-3. But not just in any match, it was in his dad’s match. Fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” and Cody gets a little teary eyed. The other story from Survivor Series: The WWE return of C M Punk. Fans are a bit torn, but plenty chant for Punk. Cody says no one knew that was gonna happen, and no one knows what will happen. That is why tonight, we’re all tuned in to see what Punk has to say. Here’s what Cody has to say: Welcome back.
But what’s the saying? Fishermen always spot other fishermen from afar. That is why Cody feels this news being made, all these stories, well Cody wants to make some news and make it right here. At this point, everyone here truly knows him. So there is only one destination for Cody now. And that is why, granted by Adam Pearce, Cody is the very first to declare for the 2024 Royal Rumble match!! Fans fire up for that! But then wait, the lights start going down? And then SHINSUKE NAKAMURA is on screen! “Cody… You are a brave hero who has won his battle. Now you say you need to continue your story. But, I need you to set me free. To awaken me. To evolve!”
Nakamura was patient to wait week after week, btu no more waiting! He will bring CHAOS to Cody! And then the REAL Nakamura is already behind Cody!! RED MIST!!! Cody writhes and fans boo but Nakamura grins a sinister smile. The King of Strong Style takes a bow, will he destroy the American Nightmare’s dreams?
Bronson Reed VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan!
As if tonight wasn’t already a big night, things are about to get massive! Will Auszilla wipe out the War Beard with a Tsunami? Or will the chosen warrior slay this real life kaiju?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Ivar shoves Bronson, he and Ivar RAM! They throw clotheslines back and forth, and fans rally up with “Let’s Go, Meat! Let’s Go, Meat!” Ivar runs, Bronson swings but Ivar dodges to RAM him! But Bronson comes back, BODY CHECK! Fans rally up again and Bronson ELBOW DROPS! Ivar goes to a corner, Bronson runs in, but into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar drags Bronson up, reels him in, but Bronson blocks the suplex, to suplex! Fans fire up, Ivar bails out, and Bronson goes to the apron. But Sarah stands in the way! Then Ivar YANKS Bronson down, and HEEL KICKS him down!
Bronson sits back, Ivar SPLASHES him against the LED apron! Fans boo but Sarah revels in it as Raw goes picture in picture.
Ivar drags Bronson up and into the ring, then kicks him to a corner. Ivar throws elbows, then body shots! Ivar snarls as he sets Bronson up for more elbows. Ivar ROCKS Bronson, DECKS him, then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Ivar clamps on to CLUB Bronson in the chest. Ivar clamps on a chinbar to twist the neck, but Bronson endures. Bronson fights to his feet, but Ivar Viking Chops! And he fires off hands! Ivar whips, Bronson reverses and Ivar hits buckles hard! Ivar tumbles up and down the corner even! Bronson storms up on Ivar, brings him up to HEADBUTT, and has him in a corner. Bronson RAMS into Ivar, but Ivar CLUBS in return!
The ref counts, Bronson lets off to HEADBUTT Ivar, and then he CHOKES Ivar on the ropes! The ref counts, Bronson lets off, and he brings Ivar up to HEADBUTT! Bronson clamps on a chinlock now and he squeezes tight. Ivar endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Bronson ROCKS Ivar, whips him to ropes, but Ivar ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both behemoths down! The fans rally while both men stir, and Bronson sits up. Ivar follows, and Ivar throws hands! Bronson hits back, they throw shots back and forth. Raw returns, fans chant “BEEF!” with the shots! Bronson HEADBUTTS Ivar to a corner, then SPLASHES!
Bronson CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up, but Bronson swings again. Ivar dodges to ELBOW! And ELBOW, ELBOW, ELBOW! Fans fire up and Ivar spins, but the kick is blocked! Bronson SUPERKICKS! Ivar goes to a corner, Bronson runs in but into a BOOT! Ivar runs, into a SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up as Bronson then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Bronson stalks Ivar. Ivar rises, Bronson ripcords but Ivar dodges! Ivar scoops to SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Bronson survives and Ivar grows frustrated. Ivar drags Bronson to a drop zone, then he climbs up the corner!
Fans fire up as Ivar reaches the top, for the DOOM-SAULT! But he FLOPS as Bronson moves! Bronson now goes up and fans fire up again! Sarah distracts and fans boo! The ref reprimands, Bronson hurries down, and Ivar goes to the far side. The ref EJECTS Sarah! The fans fire up for that, Bronson runs at Ivar, but Ivar dodges! Ivar clotheslines Bronson out of the ring! Then Ivar goes to the apron, to CROSSBODY, but Bronson catches hiM! And SLAMS him! And then TOSSES him over barriers! Fans rally, a ring count starts, and Ivar BOOTS Bronson in return! Ivar drags Bronson over railing, we’re at 5 of 10!
Ivar DECKS Bronson, goes up the barrier, but Bronson hits him low! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER through the barriers!! And the count is TEN!!
Double Count-Out Draw
Fans fire up for more, and Ivar SMACKS Bronson with a chair! Ivar ROCKS Bronson, and this goes into the crowd now! Bronson HEADBUTTS, but Ivar sends him into the technical staff! The forearms fly, Bronson throws more HEADBUTTS! Ivar throws more forearms, security rushes in, but they get CLOBBERED! Adam Pearce reprimands, but Bronson scoops a guy to TOSS him at Ivar!! Fans cheer and Bronson revels in it, but Ivar goes up onto a road case! CANNONBALL onto Bronson and security!! Producers rush out here, they get Ivar away from Bronson while Nashville loses their minds! Bronson and Ivar shout that this isn’t done, but then when and where will this end?
Zoey Stark stalks with Shayna Baszler backstage.
Stark feels how close she was to beating Rhea. Shayna says yeah, she gave Rhea a good fight. She’ll get another shot, just relax. Right, Shayna’s right. But Nia walks in and sarcastically applauds. “Congrats, champ. Oh, that’s right, Zoey, you had a great match against Rhea at Survivor Series, and you took her to her limit, but you fell a little short, didn’t ya? And ya lost.” It should’ve been Nia against Rhea because then she’d be champ. But Nia will still tear through the division, so every woman should be on notice. That includes Zoey and Shayna. Shayna tells Nia to do us all a favor and “shut your hole,” before someone breaks your arm and puts you on the shelf, again.
Zoey says she’s got this, she doesn’t need someone standing up for her. So Nia, if you want a fight, then they can go 1v1 tonight. Nia says that’s exactly what she wanted. Nia heads out, Zoey and Shayna can’t deal, but will the Irresistible Force turn the Hunter into the Hunted?
Judgment Day regroups again.
But Priest, Finn & McDonagh can’t believe it. R-TRUTH is on their couch, eating jelly rolls, and has gotten powdered sugar EVERYWHERE! And all he can say is, “Wassup, dawg?” Finn asks what the hell! Truth found a comfy place to eat this award winning jelly rolls. Truth… This is THEIR clubhouse! And now it’s a mess! Yeah, and they don’t have a TV. But he heard they wanted a fifth member for WarGames, and so sign him up. Truth… That was Saturday! No! Yep. Did they win? How’d he do? Priest says Truth wasn’t in there, and they lost anyway, thanks for the reminder. Oh, sorry. Cheer up, though. Randy Orton’s back! Ain’t that cool?
The Judgment Day tell Truth to get out! Are they sure they don’t want any jelly rolls? NO!! NOW GO! Truth leaves, the couch is ruined, and McDonagh says he’ll take care of Truth. Is the Irish Ace going to make Truth wish he had stayed gone?
Nia Jax VS Zoey Stark!
Raw returns and Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and Nia runs in! Zoey slide sunder, KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, then runs to ROCK Nia! But Nia grabs Zoey to lift her up and TOSS her to a corner. Nia runs in, into a BOOT! Zoey boots again, Nia blocks to put her on the apron, but Zoey ROUNDHOUSES! And slingshots, but Nia ROCKS her! Fans boo but Nia tells them to shut up. Nia storms up on Zoey, drags her up, and TOSSES her, but Zoey handsprings through! Zoey runs back in, but Nia catches her, for a POWERSLAM! Nia mocks the fans cheering on Zoey, tells them to shut up, then TOSSES Zoey again!
Zoey ends up in another corner, Nia runs in to SPLASH! Nia throws Zoey away, then runs at her, but Zoey sends her out! Nia is furious and shouts at Maggle. Zoey goes up and up and FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up and Zoey stomps Nia as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nia has Zoey in a torture rack! Zoey endures, throws elbows, and gets free! Then she JAWBREAKERS! Nia wobbles, but she still ELBOWS Zoey down! Nia storms up on Zoey, stalks her and stands on her, then drags her up. The fans rally but Nia hoists Zoey up. Zoey fights with fists! Zoey tries but Nia stops the Rana, to SWING Zoey into buckles! Fans boo but Nia soaks it up. Nia drags Zoey out, dribbles her off the mat, then drags her up to scoop. Zoey slips free to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! Zoey kicks the legs out, runs, but into a BODY CHECK! Nia snarls, runs in at the corner, but Zoey dodges to POST Nia!
Fans fire up as Zoey pushes Nia down, and ARABIAN CORKSCREW SENTONS! And then SLIDING BOOT! Cover, TWO! Nia is still in this but Zoey grits her teeth. Zoey drags Nia up but Nia HEADBUTTS her away. Nia runs in to SPLASH at the corner, and Zoey sits down. Nia runs in to HIP ATTACK! And then Nia drags Zoey into a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Zoey moves! SUPERKICK to the legs! Nia gets stuck, Zoey STOMPS her down! Deep stack, TWO!! Nia gets free, but Zoey goes to the apron. Zoey springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Nia is tough but the fans are behind Zoey!
Zoey CLUBS away on Nia, then roars! Zoey goes up a corner, fans rally as she climbs, but Nia hits ropes to trip Zoey up! Fireman’s carry to a SAMOAN DROP! Nia isn’t done, she runs to drop a SENTON! And that’s still not enough! Nia drags Zoey into a corner and climbs up! A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
The Irresistible Force could not be stopped, she puts another name on the list! Will it only be a matter of time before she steamrolls even Rhea Ripley?
Imperium regroups backstage.
Ludwig and Vinci argue over their loss, and Gunther walks over. Der Ring General expects them both to go to Adam Pearce and sort out this DIY issue. Vinci promises- Oh, Vinci promises?! Ludwig says HE promises to get it done. They head out together, Gunther grumbles, but then he turns around to see The Miz. Miz asks if there’s trouble. What does Miz want? Miz says he heard Gunther’s comments during the Survivor Series press conference. Gunther said his next challenger should be someone who challenges him to his face. Well here Miz is! Gunther chuckles. Is Miz sure about this? Oh, he’s real sure.
Miz is sure he CAN beat Gunther and take that title. Miz know sit, and now Gunther knows. Gunther knows that Miz is no threat to his legendary reign. But Miz did stand up for himself so Gunther gives him that. Miz came prepared for a fight. Miz can claim he belongs in that ring, just not with Gunther. So is that a no on a rematch from their great Survivor Series showdown? Or will the Hollywood A-Lister find a way to get that sequel made?
Seth Rollins is here!
Nashville fires up and sings along “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” as the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring. The Visionary is feeling good after the WarGames win, but might be feeling some kinda way after seeing CM Punk return. We hear what is on Rollins’ mind, after the break.
Raw returns and the fans are still singing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins has the mic to say, “NASVILLE~! Welcome… to Mondaaay! Niiight! Rolliiins!” And he is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! The singing returns, but there are also some “C M PUNK!” chants. Rollins takes off his sunglasses and says go on then. Come on with it. Is that all they got, Punk fans? Yeah, get it out of your system, because tell you what. Rollins won’t spend one more second, one more ounce of energy, on that hypocrite! Fans get riled up and Rollins says instead of talking about someone who don’t matter at all, let’s talk about what matters most!
Let’s talk about the title that for the last six months, Rollins has built into the most IMPORTANT title in this entire industry! Fans cheer that, and the singing returns. Now, Nashville, Rollins has to be real. Two days out from WarGames, he is not feeling too good. But he’s starting to get that itch again. He’s starting to get the itch to be a fighting champion again. And he went and saw Adam Pearce earlier today. They sat in the office, talked about- DREW MCINTYRE!? The Scottish Warrior walks down to the ring and Nashville is a bit torn. McIntyre gets a mic to say it has been a crazy 48 hours around here, hasn’t it?
Goodness, people are talking about a lot of things, about what happened outside the ring with McIntyre and Rollins, but they both know what is more important: what happens in the ring. So McIntyre wants to shake Rollins’ hands to congratulate him on the win in WarGames. Rollins accepts, and McIntyre then says Judgment Day had some master plan. They promised Jey Uso on a silver platter, but McIntyre didn’t get Jey, and the real plan was losing, so that’s one hell of a plan. Jey’s been driving McIntyre mental, and McIntyre realized these last 48 hours that he needs to refocus. Jey is on the backburner, McIntyre will focus on what is most important: the World Heavyweight Championship.
Now does Rollins remember what he said before their match at Crown Jewel? Rollins chuckles and says yes, he does. He told McIntyre that when Rollins beats McIntyre, McIntyre would have no one to blame but himself. And that it’d be the best thing to ever happen to him. Was Rollins right? Yes, 100% right. McIntyre has no one but to blame but himself for losing at Crown Jewel. And Rollins surely remembers that one point in the match. If anyone wants to watch it back, there was a point where McIntyre had Rollins on the steps, dropped him on the apron, and Rollins rolled into the ring. McIntyre could see it in Rollins’ eyes that he was finished.
That is where McIntyre should’ve struck. But something came over him as he saw Rollins writhing in pain. It was sympathy and compassion. Something about thinking of Rollins with his daughter backstage, it felt the urge to tell Rollins it was okay and it was over. McIntyre took Rollins by the face to say that, and Rollins SLAPS him! McIntyre deserved that slap, that was on him. Acting like that with Rollins, Rollins was always gonna win. To swim with shark, you gotta become the biggest shark of all. So no more sympathy, no more compassion, forget Jey Uso, McIntyre wants a damn rematch!
Rollins says if there’s one thing he has always respected from McIntyre, it is his honesty. And to be honest with McIntyre, Rollins does believe McIntyre deserves a rematch. The problem is, Rollins also believes there are some others who deserve an opportunity more. And that, Nashville, is why Rollins came out here tonight. He talked with Pearce, and he wanted to tell everyone right here, next week, Rollins defends the World Heavyweight Championship LIVE on Monday Night Raw! Fans cheer, McIntyre sighs, and he says Rollins is the champ, he calls the shot. But can McIntyre ask who the match is with?
Rollins is hesitant. Rollins says okay, he’ll just say it. It’s Jey Uso. Fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and McIntyre looks dumbfounded. Rollins says this wasn’t personal, it- GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT!! Fans are stunned as McIntyre busts his own forehead open with that shot! And as he said, no more compassion! He RAMS Rollins into a corner, then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! McIntyre gets in Rollins’ face again and asks if this really isn’t personal. JEY USO of all people?! McIntyre BEAT Jey two weeks ago!! He should be head of him! McIntyre throws down another HEADBUTT! But here comes Jey!
Fans fire up as Jey storms up to the ring, slides in, and he dodges McIntyre to fire off haymakers! The fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with every shot! Jey pops ‘n’ locks and ROCKS McIntyre! Then SUPERKICKS! Rollins is up, he and Jey DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Fans fire up while McIntyre is in retreat. Jey then picks up the world title, looks at it, but smiles and hands it over to Rollins. Fans cheer but will Main Event Jey finally reach the mountaintop next week?
Sami Zayn confronts McIntyre backstage.
McIntyre tells him not now but Sami says no, he needs to hear this. Sami doesn’t know what’s going on with McIntyre, but c’mon. He can’t beat Rollins so he has to headbutt him when he’s not ready? McIntyre says Rollins has something against him, and Sami doesn’t know what he’s going through. Oh, Sami doesn’t know? Guess what? You’re not the only one who’s had disappointments around here! McIntyre lost out on the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in front of his family? So did Sami! McIntyre came up seconds short of beating Rollins? So did Sami! Every disappointment McIntyre’s had in his career, Sami’s had that times TEN!
The difference is, when Sami falls down, he dusts himself off, picks himself up and keeps moving forward because he knows the endgame for him is becoming World Heavyweight Champion! McIntyre has already been a world champion twice, and he’s 6’6″, 300 pounds of pure muscle! He has everything going for him, but he’s acting like a spoiled little brat. Sami says McIntyre is better than that. McIntyre says maybe Sami’s got a point. Maybe McIntyre should be taking everyone’s advice, including his own, and fighting his way up the ladder. He can go talk with Pearce to get a match next week. With Sami.
McIntyre heads out, and while Sami stood up to do the right thing, did he also just step on a landmine? Or better yet, in front of a Claymore?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Natalya & Tegan Nox!
The Hot Mess & Scottish Viper have been avoiding a fight with the Queen of Harts & Welsh Firecracker but there’s no running from it now! Will Chelsea & Piper be able to survive the Raw after Survivor Series? Or will Natty & Nox finally shut them up?
Raw returns and the champs make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really runs the Women’s Tag Division!
The teams sort out and Chelsea starts against Natty. They tie up before the bell, then go around. Natty trips Chelsea, floats to a facelock but Chelsea wrenches out. Chelsea grinds forearms into Natty’s face, puts her on ropes, then whips. Natty reveres but Chelsea reverses back, but Natty rolls over the dropdown. Chelsea whips again but Natty ELBOWS her, then DISCUS LARIATS! Natty goes for the legs but Chelsea kicks her away! Tag to Piper while fans boo. Piper storms up on Natty, she and Natty tie up but Natty waistlocks. Piper pries free, HEADBUTTS Natty to a corner, and runs in, but Natty POSTS her!
Tag to Nox, she runs up to wheelbarrow and STUNNER! Nox keeps going, PENALTY KICK! Tag back to Natty and Nox brings Piper up, for the CROSSBODY! Natty cheers herself and the fans join in as Raw goes picture in picture.
Natty tells Chelsea to kiss this, then she gets the fans cheering again. Natty stomps Piper, drags her from ropes, and steps through. Chelsea distracts the ref, Nox tells her to stop it, but now the ref is busy with Nox. Piper kicks Natty away and Chelsea is there to cheap shot her! Piper then runs up to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Piper tags Chelsea, Chelsea climbs and Piper sets Natty up, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Chelsea taunts Nox, drags Natty up and taunts her, but Natty throws body shots! But Chelsea throws Natty down by her hair! Chelsea mocks the fans cheering Natty on, then stalks her to ropes.
Chelsea drags Natty over, tags Piper, and Piper scoops Natty to SLAM her! Then Piper scoops Chelsea to SLAM her onto Natty! Chelsea wants to go again, so Piper scoops and SLAMS her onto Natty again! Nox protests, the ref keeps her from getting involved, and then Chelsea tries to scoop Piper? Yeah, not that easy… Piper scoops Chelsea to SLAM her onto Natty a third time! Cover but the ref is busy telling Chelsea to go. The ref finally sees the cover, TWO! Piper keeps cool and she HIP DROPS Natty down! Piper taunts Nox, keeps Natty from Nox, but Natty and Nox reach out! Piper reels Natty in, short arm LARIAT!
Piper tells the rf to deal with Nox but the ref knocks to watch Chelsea. Chelsea plays innocent but Piper bumps Natty off buckles. Piper tags Chelsea, and Chelsea RAMS into Natty! And again! Tag back to Piper and Raw returns to single picture. Piper cobra clutches and ripcords so Chelsea can SLAP Natty, then Piper CLOBBERS her! Fans rally but Chelsea drags Natty back to the corner. Chelsea puts Natty up top, climbs up after her, but Natty hits back! Natty hits Piper, too! Natty sends Chelsea down, adjusts, but Chelsea is back up! Natty slips under to carry Chelsea out, SIT OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Chelsea survives but Natty hurries for her corner! Hot tag to Nox! Fans fire up and Nox rallies on the champs! Nox fires off hands, then LARIATS Chelsea! And again! And UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up with Nox and she runs up, but Chelsea SLAPS her! Nox just laughs! Nox HEADBUTTS, then reels Chelsea in. GOURD BUSTER, and then a KNEE for Piper! Piper tumbles down, Chelsea runs in at the corner, but Nox slips out to the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Chelsea wobbles, Nox goes up, MOLLY-GO-ROUND! Cover, Piper breaks it! Piper drags Chelsea to their corner and tags herself in. Chelsea staggers after Nox but Nox rolls her up!
Chelsea rolls through to CODE BREAKER! Piper SENTONS onto it all! Cover, Natty breaks it! Fans cheer, Natty drags Piper up but Piper ROCKS her and TOSSES her! Piper tags Chelsea back in, and Chelsea storms up on Nox. Chelsea has the arms, but Nox shoves her away! Piper tags back in, Chelsea TOSSES Nox! Nox drags Chelsea out with her! Chelsea kicks Nox away, then CROSSBODIES, but Nox & Natty catch her! They DOUBLE SUPLEX her into barriers! Fans fire up, but here comes Piper! CANNONBALL!! Fans fire up and Piper puts Nox back in the ring. Piper runs, for the BASEMENT SPLASH!! Cover, Piper & Chelsea win!
Winners: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Once again, Piper does all the hard work to keep these belts on her and Chelsea. Chelsea smiles and celebrates, but will there come a time when even Piper isn’t enough to save this team?
Jey Uso talks with Randy Orton backstage.
Jey doesn’t want any trouble. Just wanted to find Orton before Orton found him. Is that so? Yeah. Jey wants to thank Orton for having their back at WarGames. And if it means anything, Jey heard about those receipts. He is sorry how everything went down back in the day. Cody gave Jey a second chance here on Raw, Jey is trying to do right by everyone. He wants to leave the past in the past. Orton understands that. Listen, Uce, Orton has been watching. He’s seen how these past few months, hell maybe longer than that, but Jey has had Cody’s back. Jey has had a lot of people’s backs. Cody trusts Jey, those other guys trust Jey, that goes a long way.
So as far as Orton is concerned, bygones are bygones. But Orton is handling unfinished business with The Bloodline. So long as Jey is out, they’re good. They shake hands on it and Jey wishes Orton luck. Orton thanks Jey, and now he has one less name on the list. But will Jey’s name just be replaced by Dirty Dom’s? That main event happens next!
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Jackie Redmond is with The Man, and notes that just 48 hours ago, she was in her own WarGames match in Chicago, and came out the winner. How is she feeling now after such an epic battle? Well, she feels like she went to war in an epic battle, and she hopes she looks it. But Saturday was a night about making amends. There is a thin line between love and hate, and she never knows when one switches from one side to the other. But enough about that, she wants to talk tonight! The Man has come around to Nashville. And there’s a couple fights on the horizon, one more pressing than the other. Becky heads out, what fight could she mean?
Randy Orton VS Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh!
Raw returns and Orton makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans cheer on Orton. Orton and Dom circle, they tie up, and Orton powers Dom to a corner. The ref counts, Orton pushes Dom around and lets off. Dom sucker punches Orton! Fans chant “Who’s Your Daddy?” Dom runs, but gets run over! Dom bails out and regroups with McDonagh. McDonagh coaches Dom up, Dom rushes back in, but Orton fires haymakers! Orton has Dom on ropes, UPPERCUTS him, then whips Dom to back drop! Dom writhes from the crash landing and fans fire up as Raw goes picture in picture.
Dom bails out, wants mercy, but Orton storms up to the ropes. Dom gets away, so Orton strikes his pose. Dom wants a mic? No, there’s no time for that. Dom storms around, complains about something, maybe he’s missing his Mami. Orton smirks as Dom keeps pacing around but the ring count starts. Orton goes out after Dom to CLOBBER him! Orton chases McDonagh away while mocking his bad neck. Dom staggers up but Orton UPPERCUTS him down! Orton brings Dom around, Dom throws hands, but Orton SMACKS him off the desk! Orton puts Dom in and then stalks him, to trip him and have the leg.
Orton brings Dom around to stomp him in the stomach! Orton digs his heel in, then stomps a leg! Dom writhes and flounders to a corner but Orton is on him again. Orton whips corner to corner hard and Dom bounces off buckles. Orton drags Dom to a cover, TWO, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Orton drags Dom up while fans again chant “Who’s Your Daddy?” Orton TOSSES Dom out, storms out after him, and McDonagh hobbles away. Orton stands Dom up, to back- NO, Dom slips out of the back suplex, CLUBS Orton and RAMS him into steel steps! Fans boo while Orton writhes, Dom is after that repaired back and shoulder! Dom puts Orton in the ring, covers, TWO! Dom is annoyed by the count but the ref says his count is fair. Dom clamps on a chinlock, he squeezes Orton’s neck, but Orton fights up. Fans rally and Orton throws body shots. Dom CLUBS Orton, whips him to a corner, but Orton comes back to CLBOBER him!
Orton rallies on Dom, ducks him and SPIN POWERSLAMS! Fans fire up with Orton and he is feeling it! Orton puts Dom in the ropes, brings him out, and he grins at McDonagh as he hits the DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up again and Orton soaks it up. Because Orton’s hearing those voices! McDonagh drags Dom to safety! Fans boo, McDonagh asks what they’re all looking at. Wait, Jelly Roll is up front! Fans cheer as Jelly stands up. Jelly and JD argue, and Jelly shoves JD! Fans fire up as now Dom gets mad! So Jelly shoves Dom! Orton high-fives Jelly, goes back for Dom, and hits that BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK!
Dom writhes and flops off the desk but fans want that one more time! Orton drags Dom up, brings him back around, and indeed, another BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK! Orton puts Dom in, but McDonagh gets on the apron. Orton gets him for a DRAPING DDT! McDonagh writhes, Dom DROPKICKS Orton onto ropes! Dom dials it up, 619! Dom hurries up top, FROG SPLASH FLOPS! Orton aims, R K O!! Fans are thunderous, Orton covers, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
The Viper had a successful return to the ring at WarGames, and he has another successful return here tonight! Dom & McDonagh retreat, will Mami not be happy about this?
CM Punk is here!
Nashville fires up one more time and sings along with Cult of Personality. Punk goes to the ring, and gets a mic as the fans chant his name. Punk then says, “Looks like Hell just froze over.” Fans cheer that! And Punk means that as in, this is him, standing in a WWE ring, on Monday Night Raw, with a mic in his hand. He doesn’t mean that apparently, a Blackhawks fan is actually getting love inside the Predators’ territory. Sorry, had to say it. He’s gotta be himself. And lately, he’s been feeling a little more like himself ever since Saturday. That is a career highlight for him, and he’s been trying to come up with the words to explain exactly how he feels.
He has two words that he’s afraid to say. Not because they’re not true. It’s because he’s scared of how true they actually are. It is a bit corner, it won’t sound like CM Punk, but he’s a changed man. Once upon a time, an American Dream taught him that as long as you speak from the heart, you cannot go wrong, because it is the truth. So this is the truth: “I’m home.” Fans cheer that! Punk says he has come back to this familiar place, and he didn’t know how he was gonna react, he didn’t know how it was gonna go, but it has made him feel like himself again. Because this is where Punk belongs! This is home! And he’s been gone for TEN YEARS!
And yet for those ten years, no one ever forgot him, even when he maybe wanted to forget himself. And that is powerful stuff. The fans are all powerful. A bunch of continents, countries, arenas all over the world, people watching at home, they never stopped chanting his name. The fans chant it now! Punk says the Voiceless found their voice, and he couldn’t be more proud. He heard them, that is why he is back. Because he loves them! He loves them! He loves them, missed them, missed all of this, and wishes he could say he didn’t have to leave. But once upon a time, a Wise Man told him that for him to get everything he wants out of this place, he’d have to leave it and come back.
Hate to say it, but the Wise Man was right. But that is why Punk is back. He wants to get everything he needs out of this place. He is back for the fans because the fans are home. Fans cheer that! Saturday was an amazing moment, Monday is an amazing moment. He wants the words to explain how it feels, but in front of and behind the camera, it’s nothing but love, nothing but hugs. It feels like a family reunion. Everybody back there is happy to see Punk, a few kissed him, it is all “Welcome back, welcome home, we’ve missed you, we’re happy to see you. How’s AJ?” And AJ lee is fabulous and sends her regards. Fans cheer that most of all!
Punk says everyone has welcomed him back with open arms. Except… Some are afraid. They’re afraid of the truth, of what they don’t understand, but Punk understands. Everything he has ever wanted has always been right here. The competition, week in and week out, competes to be the Best in the World, but the Best in the World hasn’t been here in almost ten years. Punk understands being afraid. They’re afraid he’s set the bar to an unobtainable level, that he has the brass ring in his back pocket. That the most dangerous and controversial, feared man in this business, walked in and there’s nothing they can do about it.
Some are afraid that tomorrow, they’ll have to come to terms with how their best efforts at being the Best in the World in this ring, on this mic, even at commentary, isn’t just false, but a lie! Because the Best in the World is back, standing in this ring, live and in living color, in Nashville, Tennessee on a Monday night, and his name is… C M PUNK!! He’s baaack~! “I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to make money.” Will Punk prove he is still the Best in the World? Or will that be hard to do even for him?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow Survivor Series, especially with everything they had to build upon. A touch disappointed Tag Team Turmoil wasn’t pretty much the entire commercial free first hour to give everyone a lot of time, and rather surprised that the Creeds won out. But at the same time, not that surprised, given that DIY and Imperium still have to settle things. But I’m a little surprised they didn’t give New Day a shot at Judgment Day, that feud is probably simmering for WrestleMania season. Creeds can still have a good feud with Judgment Day, Ivy can even step to Rhea, but I don’t see them winning the titles.
Great promos throughout the night with the winners and losers of WarGames. Orton and Rhea interacting was really fun, and of course Dom gets in trouble because of it. Great main event match from them with McDonagh of course there to also get whooped. And also good interaction of Jey and Orton to bypass Jey VS Orton happening. Orton is going strong, but I don’t expect him to just shoot up to the world title. Maybe he has a good showing in the Royal Rumble, but I bet he alters course to go after like the Intercontinental Championship and Gunther. Gunther had a good promo with Imperium and also with Miz, that’ll be a fun rematch before Gunther gets on his Road to WrestleMania.
Speaking of Rumble, great promo from Cody to not just declare for Rumble, but to also put WarGames into a heartfelt perspective. And then Nakamura going after Cody, great move there to help them both build momentum to Rumble. Awesome promo stuff with Rollins and McIntyre to give McIntyre’s Heel turn more heat, I busted up laughing that it was Jey getting his shot against Rollins next. McIntyre and Sami also have a great promo, and that rematch of the two of them is going to be great, too. And I just about died laughing during R-Truth’s promo with the Judgment Day. What a great way to bring Truth back, he is a national treasure.
Also really good promo from Becky, and maybe, just maybe, she’s saying she’s gonna go after Rhea now? Thought it was gonna be Nia, but she and Zoey had a good promo and match, maybe Nia has to get through the others first, meaning Shayna is next. Really good women’s tag title match but that could’ve been a touch better. Something seemed a touch off, who knows what. But Chelsea & Piper retaining is fine, because this is all leading to Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn taking those belts back. I kinda wished something had happened while we lingered on Chelsea smiling and waving after the win. Maybe they start on that build this Friday.
Awesome stuff from Bronson VS Ivar, though the crowd didn’t get into it right away. Great move to have it be a count out draw and then a brawl, they’re definitely gonna up the ante next time. And then CM Punk of course had the closing moment tonight. I had another laugh when Punk said he was “back home” in the WWE, perhaps out of surprise and how that buries his time in AEW. But whatever any of us think about Punk, from egotistical to hypocritical to emotional to passionate, he’s back, but also, this is it. He messes up here, he is done. He can’t go back to AEW, likewise can’t go to AEW’s friends like NJPW, and he clearly doesn’t want to go anywhere “small time” like Impact or NWA. He needs to keep it under control this time or lose whatever’s left of his legacy.
My Score: 8.8/10
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El Phantasmo defeated cancer, and he won the NJPW World Television Championship! But will this feel good story take a Tour of the Island?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Katsuya Murashima VS Masatora Yasuda; Murashima wins.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Daiki Nagai; Tanahashi wins.
- Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS The United Empire; Shota, Taguchi & Wato win.
- Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma; Naito & Hiromu win.
- Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Clark Connors; Sanada & Connors win, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Bullet Club wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, YOH, Tomohiro Ishii & El Desperado VS TMDK; Goto, Hashi, Yoh, Ishii & Desperado win.
- NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS Jeff Cobb; ELP wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, YOH, Tomohiro Ishii & El Desperado VS TMDK!
We saw The Fierce Warrior and Front Man lead teams before in a Six Man Tag, but now we raise the bar! Will Chaos plus Despy defeat The Mighty? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa, Robbie Eagles, Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out, and we get tense stare downs. ZSJ and Goto, Oiwa and Hashi, Fujita and Despy, Eagles and Yoh, Hartley and Ishii. The ref tells everyone to settle down, and eventually it’s Despy and Fujita starting off. The bell rings and the fans rally. Chants “FU-JI-TA!” and “DE-SU-PEY!” are fairly even, and the two circle. They feel things out, Fujita goes for a leg but Despy facelocks to counter. Fujita spins to use his leg guard but Despy gets around to go for the headlock again. Fujita waistlocks, Despy wrenches an arm, but Fujita slips away. The fans cheer as the two reset. They circle, tie up, and Despy wrenches an arm.
Fujita fires elbows, wrenches back, but Despy slips around to wrench and hammerlock. Fujita wrenches out to hammerlock in return, and they switch the hammerlock onto each other again and again. Despy wrangles Fujita with a top wristlock and grinds him down. Fujita fights up, Despy cording holds, but Fujita whips him, to then wrench and wrangle in return! Fujita STOMPS Despy’s arm and the fans cheer. Despy storms up on Fujita, then CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS, but Despy doesn’t flinch! The CHOPS go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans fire up as they just keep going! Despy starts to feel that stinging, but then he YANKS Fujita’s arm!
Despy drags Fujita up, CHOPS him again, then brings him over to the corner. Tag to Yoh, but Fujita fires forearms on Despy! Yoh CLUBS Fujita, Despy stomps Fujita down, then Yoh stomps Fujita. Yoh drags Fujita up, kicks him low, then fires a forearm. Eagles sneaks a tag and Fujita whips Yoh away! Trip, KICK, SENTON, and basement DROPKICK! Fujita then BLASTS the Chaos corner! Eagles drags Yoh by a leg, steps through, but Yoh fights his way to a ROPEBREAK! Eagles drags Yoh back, Yoh scrambles to another ROPEBREAK! Eagles drags Yoh back again, but Yoh scrambles to yet another ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts, Eagles finally lets go, and he follows Yoh to the center. Eagles CHOPS Yoh to a corner, then runs in, only for Yoh to put him on the apron! Eagles ROCKS Yoh first, then springboards, but Yoh dodges! Yoh then drop toeholds Eagles, and basement DROPKICKS him! The fans cheer while Eagles scrambles away. Eagles tags Oiwa, so Yoh tags Hashi. Mighty Mullet and Headhunter RAM, and RAM, and then Oiwa runs, but Hashi dodges to BLOCKBUSTER! Goto & Ishii BLAST ZSJ & Hartley! Then Bishamon whips Oiwa to a corner! Goto LARIATS, then feeds Oiwa to DOUBLE SHOULDERS from Hashi & Ishii!
Goto sits Oiwa up for a CHAOS TRIPLE KICK! Cover, TWO! Hashi brings Oiwa up, but Oiwa CHOPS! Oiwa fires a forearm, Hashi CHOPS, and the fans fire up! Hashi brings Oiwa up but Oiwa CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS, Oiwa CHOPS, repeat! The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth! Oiwa runs, but into a CHOP! And then DOUBLE CHOP! Hashi runs, but Oiwa RUNS Hashi over! The fans fire up and Oiwa tags in #BigJag! Hartley CHOPS Hashi! And then he suplexes Hashi high and hard! Then BIG ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives but Hartley BLASTS the Chaos corner! Then Hartley plays defense while TMDK swarms Hashi!
ZSJ and Oiwa have Hashi’s arms, Fujita & Eagles have Hashi’s legs! Then they rotate! And rotate! And rotate again! The ref reprimands and counts them all, and all five TMDK members put their hands up, even though Hartley wasn’t doing anything. But then Hartley SENTONS onto Hashi! The fans cheer, Hartley covers, but Yoh & Despy break it! TMDK throws Yoh & Despy back out, then Hartley tags ZSJ. The fans cheer as ZSJ brings Hashi up in a cravat. Hashi endures the neck wrench, throws body shots, then a CHOP! ZSJ eggs Hashi on, then blocks a chop to JAB low! ZSJ facelocks Hashi, but Hashi powers out with a suplex!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Hashi and ZSJ crawl, hot tag to Goto! The Fierce Warrior runs ZSJ over, intercepts Goto, and snap suplexes him onto ZSJ! Goto then BLASTS Hartley & Fujita! Goto brings ZSJ up, fires forearms, then whips him to a corner. ZSJ reverses, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! ZSJ keeps moving but Goto LARIATS ZSJ in the corner! The fans fire up with Goto, but ZSJ stops the hip toss to THROW Goto down! And NECK TWIST! ZSJ then runs to PENALTY- NO, Goto blocks the kick! Goto ROCKS ZSJ, but ZSJ fires up! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, but Goto fires up!
Goto fires a forearm, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, repeat! The forearms fly, Goto ROCKS ZSJ again and again! But ZSJ UPPERCUTS right back! ZSJ runs, but Goto follows, only for ZSJ to wrangle him! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! TMDK BLASTS the Chaos corner! Goto endures, ZSJ shifts, DISARMER! Goto still endures, so ZSJ shifts to trap that arm and grab the other! CLARKY CAT! Goto endures, reaches out, but ZSJ pulls that arm way back! Goto still kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets go in frustration. ZSJ drags Goto up, reels him in, ZACK- NO, Goto slips out, but ZSJ elbows him away.
ZSJ runs up but Goto dodges to schoolboy with some stank on it! Cover, TWO! ZSJ escapes, but Goto fireman’s carries! Goto feints Ushigoroshi to have the dragon sleeper! G T- NO, ZSJ drops down to victory roll and EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!! Goto escapes but ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Goto rises to LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! ZSj and Goto crawl, hot tags to Hartley and Ishii! The big meaty men DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Ishii ducks a lariat to LARIAT back! Hartley DROPKICKS Ishii!! Hartley SPLASHES in the corner, then short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO!
Hartley reels Ishii in but Despy LOCO MONOS! Fujita runs up, Despy dodges, but then Fujita dodges Despy! Despy blocks a kick, knees low, then sends Fujita at the corner. Eagles puts Fujita on the apron, BOOTS Despy, then Fujita MISSILE DORPKICKS Despy! Fujita runs, into Yoh’s SUPERKICK! Eagles SOBATS and ASAI- NO, Yoh slips free! But Eagles avoids the elbow to ROUNDHOUSE, SUPERKICK and PELE! But Yoh says I’LL BE BACK, SUPERKICK!! Yoh aims, but Hartley stops the plancha! Yoh elbows free, but Hartley CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up as Hartley now has Ishii! Fireman’s carry, but Ishii fights free!
Ishii waistlocks, but Hartley is too big to German Suplex! Hartley elbows free, then sends Ishii to Oiwa. Ishii ROCKS Oiwa first! Then Ishii dodges to send Hartley into Oiwa! The fans fire up as Ishii feeds Hartley to Hashi’s SUPERKICK! Then Ishii GERMAN SUPLEXES Hartley!! The fans are thunderous, and Hashi dodges Oiwa to feed him to Ishii’s forearm! Hashi mule kicks, then he and Ishii whip Oiwa, but Oiwa DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans are thunderous as now Oiwa hauls Ishii up, THE- NO, Ishii swats the Grip, dodges again, but Oiwa DROPKICKS Ishii down! Oiwa hauls Ishii up, for the DAIGO SHIKI SAIDO!
Oiwa sets Ishii up for Hartley, BIG JAG DEATH VALLEY!! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous again! Hartley hauls Ishii up, reels him in, BIG JAG BOMB!! Cover, GOTO BREAKS IT! ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto, UPPERCUTS again, and again! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses, USHIGOROSHI! Hartley is up, he DOUBLE LARIATS with Goto! Goto HEADBUTTS Hartley, Ishii HEADBUTTS Hartley, then Ishii LARIATS Hartley down! High stack, TWO!! Hartley survives but Ishii hauls him up. No way! Ishii suplexes Hartley!? BRAINBUSTER!!! Cover, CHAOS WINS!
Winners: Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Yoh & El Desperado, by pinfall
That was definitely a mighty battle, and while The Mighty Don’t Kneel, Hartley sure fell hard! Eagles still goes after Yoh on the outside, their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship battle still to come. The Young Lions separate them, but will Yoh & Rocky Romero revise who is on top? And what about Fujita and El Desperado? They battle tomorrow for THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, will the Rogue Luchador still be the Best of the Super Juniors?
NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo VS Jeff Cobb!
The Headbanga fought cancer, and won. He fought three opponents in one match, and won! But now, he and the Imperial Unit are going to go 1v1, can ELP still win? Or will his “season” be over already?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s the real main character of NJPW World!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally up as Cobb and ELP step up. ELP and Cobb shake hands and the fans cheer. The two tie up, Cobb headlocks, but ELP powers up and out, only for Cobb to run him over! Cobb runs but ELP stays low, then ELP DROPKICKS Cobb! Cobb staggers to a corner while ELP kips up. The fans cheer and ELP goes to Cobb, but Cobb POUNCES him away! Cobb throws hands to put ELP in a corner, then he RAMS into him! Cobb then TOSSES ELP across the ring! Jado coaches ELP up and ELP stands. Cobb runs in, ELP goes up and over, then dodges to springboard, but Cobb catches him!
Cobb pops ELP up into a suplex, then THROWS him away! Cobb flexes and the fans cheer, but Jado still coaches ELP. Cobb drags ELP up, HEADBUTTS him to the corner, then whips corner to corner. ELP goes up and over, then spins to CHOP! ELP knuckle locks Cobb, CHOPS again, then goes up, up, jumps around, and FLYING- NO! Cobb stops the rana to then bring ELP up. ELP fires hands, and he manages to RANA Cobb out of the ring! ELP skins the cat, the fans cheer, and ELP builds speed. ELP DIVES, and he sends Cobb into railing! The fans cheer and ELP DUMPS Cobb into the front row! The fans step aside while ELP brings Cobb back up.
ELP ROCKS Cobb, Cobb ends up taking a seat, so ELP goes up the corner! The fans fire up already as ELP spells it out! “E! L! P!” SUPER ARIHARA MOONSAULT but no Cobb!? Cobb let the Young Lions take that hit for him! ELP crawls and Cobb drags him up from the chairs. Cobb brings ELP around to and tosses him to the orange seats! Cobb stalks ELP up the bleachers, brings him up, and he suplexes!? The fans freak out, but then Cobb carries ELP as he marches up the steps! The fans cheer, but ELP manages to slip free! ELP shoves Cobb into the side of the stairwell! ELP then uses Cobb as a step to get onto the ledge!
The fans freak out already as ELP takes aim, “E! L! P!” SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Both men are down and Red Shoes wants them to get to the ring. However, the time hits five minutes, this is already working in ELP’s favor. ELP and Cobb stand, and ELP fires a forearm! Cobb staggers away, ELP follows, and ELP CHOPS! Cobb staggers away again, and ELP struts over to CHOP again! Cobb stumbles down the stairs, ELP pursues, and we return to the ground floor. ELP uses a fan’s ELP towel to blind Cobb, and ELP CHOPS him! ELP gives the towel a kiss before giving it back to the fan.
But Cobb fires body shots! Cobb POSTS ELP, then brings him around to APRON BACK SUPLEX! ELP writhes but Cobb slips into the ring. Cobb storms over, drags ELP up from the apron, and Jado already doesn’t like where this is going. Cobb deadlifts ELP for the stalling- NO, ELP slips free again! And he gets under, to carry Cobb out for a POWERBOMB! The fans fire up and ELP high stacks, TWO! Cobb survives that but the fans rally for ELP. Time is still ticking away, but ELP tunes up the band! ELP aims as Cobb rises up, SUDDEN- NO, Cobb blocks the kick and reels ELP in! FALL AWAY SLAM!
ELP flounders to a corner and Cobb flounders to the other. Both men drag themselves up, and Cobb runs in, LEAPING BACK ELBOW! Cobb huffs ‘n’ puffs but he clearly has a bloody nose. Cobb wipes the blood away, but ELP kicks from below! Cobb grabs the legs and he YANKS ELP right up into an ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! ELP stays in this and the fans cheer. Cobb hauls ELP back up, whips him to ropes, but ELP grabs ropes to stop! ELP BOOTS back, runs up, but Cobb catches him! ELP BELL CLAPS free, then ROCKS Cobb! Cobb DOUBLE CHOPS, ELP mule kicks, front KICKS, then ENZIGIRIS!
The fans fire up and ELP throws off the elbow pads! ELP winds up and LARIATS! LARIAT! And LARIAT! ELP runs, but Cobb dodges to come back and LARIAT! Cobb hits so hard, he tumbles to the apron! ELP sputters while Cobb rises up. The fans rally for ELP, but Cobb climbs the ropes!? “JEFF! COB-BU!” THUNDER FLOP!! ELP rolls Cobb up, TWO! Cobb is still in this but ELP steps over, LA MAGIST- NO, Cobb smothers it to a cover, TWO!! ELP escapes, then hooks Cobb, but Cobb fights the backslide! Cobb switches the hooks to FLIP ELP! Cobb HEADBUTTS ELP, ELP staggers and rebounds, and Cobb SUPERKICKS!
ELP leans against ropes, Cobb reels him in, TOUR OF THE- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN! TWO!! Cobb escapes again! SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP covers, ONE?!? Cobb survives so ELP tunes up again! Cobb staggers up, into SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Cobb survives again and ELP is stunned! Jado and the fans continue to rally for ELP and ELP vows to finish this! Three minute warning as ELP hooks Cobb up, but Cobb wrenches free! TOUR OF- DDT!! ELP hits a shocking counter, then goes to the apron! ELP climbs up, Cobb rises, CROSSBODY! Then he goes up the ropes again, THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, ELP WINS!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
Cobb put a powerful fight worthy of a former champion like him. But in the end, he couldn’t “cancel” the Headbanga Show. ELP shows Cobb respect by helping him stand, but Cobb doesn’t want it! Cobb snatches the title, so that he can give it to ELP himself. Cobb shows ELP respect in return, but will Cobb be moving on to another title scene?
As for ELP, after catching his breath a bit, he grabs the mic to tell Korakuen Hall, “Daisuki desu! <I really like you~!>” The fans cheer that! ELP grabs a second mic so “Papa Jado” can also speak. Is he feeling good? Jado says yeah, he’s feeling good! ELP asks Korakuen if they feel good, and the fans cheer that they do. “Sugoi. <Amazing.>” ELP apologizes, he knows little Japanese. But ELP knows Jado knows a lot of Japanese! Maybe Jado can translate? Jado says yeah, it’s all good! The fans applaud, and ELP says it has been a long time since he was in the main event of NJPW! And yes, Jado translates.
The fans cheer, and ELP says he won’t use this time to put himself over. Jado hesitates, he isn’t sure how “put myself over” would translate… Jado just goes with, “Good luck with that.” ELP says he doesn’t want fans to cheer him, he wants fans to cheer for all the guys in the back who drove the bus for 9.5 HOURS to get here from Morioka. Jado translates that, and the fans do cheer. ELP wants fans to cheer for the cameramen who film this all day, while ELP only has to wrestle 15 minutes. The fans cheer already, and Jado still isn’t sure how to translate. ELP simplifies it to: I love the cameramen who work so hard. Jado can do that.
ELP wants cheers for Milano Collection AT and Hiroshi Tanahashi on commentary. They do way more work than him, so cheer them. The fans do cheer, but Jado’s translation is more about teasing Milano & Tanahashi than praising. ELP also points to the timekeeper, and English commentary’s Walker Stewart, who is doing this for like, the 12 English speaking fans who watch this live! The fans do cheer, and ELP says F Clark Connors, the guest commentator. ELP thanks the referees and office staff who help set up the ring and tear it down every show, and Jado translates. ELP says there are a lot of people who deserve more love than him.
So for everyone who isn’t a wrestler, but who makes NJPW run on a daily basis, make some noise! The fans cheer, and ELP says hold on, this is for the Osaka fans. ELP isn’t on the New Beginning show, but he will do an autograph signing there because of all the love they showed when he had his little cancer thing back then. “Osaka, see you soon.” The fans cheer, and ELP tells Korakuen, “I am the Headbanga! I am the NJPW World TV Champion! And I am… E! L! P!” The fans join in on that! Will The Headbanga Show continue to be the people’s show?
My Thoughts:
A great continuation of Road to New Beginning, though about as much filler as before, too. I do appreciate that Tanahashi is doing this series of “Final Road Connection” matches. With these Young Lions still in that phase of their career, Tanahashi will never get to wrestle them when they’re established stars, so this is nice of him as a veteran, an icon, a legend, to be giving back and paying it forward. Good stuff in the other matches, too, and Sanada finding another way to get Taichi disqualified is actually hilarious. Sanada is really leaning into being a sneaky, underhanded Heel, I feel like his blowoff with Taichi should be No Disqualifications just so he can’t frame Taichi.
The 10 Man Tag was good stuff, and with TMDK having won last time in the main event, it made sense for Goto’s team to win this time. It was also mostly to build momentum for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match tomorrow, and the tag title match for New Beginning in Osaka. Desperado VS Fujita is going to be great, but I don’t know if Fujita & Eagles really become a Junior Heavyweight Two Man Power Trip. The NJPW World TV Championship was a great main event, and that was a great win for ELP. ELP also gave a great promo where he showed love and appreciation for all the NJPW non-wrestler and production staff. Naturally he has a new lease on life, he’s learning to be grateful for everything, so this was a great way to show that.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Turning the corner on the Road to WrestleMania!
Charlotte Flair and Jey Uso are headed to WrestleMania 41, but will they choose the champions they’re after tonight on Raw? Or will they wait it out?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Ludwig Kaiser; Penta wins.
- The New Day VS Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee; The New Day wins.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Iyo Sky; Liv wins, by disqualification, and advances to Elimination Chamber.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: CM Punk VS Sami Zayn; Punk wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is here!
And the winner of the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble is in the pavilion as he asks the production truck to hit his music! Uh, YEET! Cleveland is all fired up as Jey makes his way out through the crowd, and it’s time to YEET in The Land! Jey high-fives as he makes it to ground level, then high-fives with Pat McAfee and Michael Cole before going to the ring. The fans continue to bounce as Jey stands on the corner, then he goes to the other corner! Jey then grabs a mic, but the fans still wanna “YEET!” The fans now chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” Jey says sure why not! Jey gets on the corner and everyone YEETS again!
Jey goes back to the mic, and the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Jey soaks it all in, then takes a breath before taking off the sunglasses. The fans then chant for “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey goes to speak, but the positive energy is overwhelming. Cleveland continues to “YEET!” and Jey says, “Thank you guys for that. To be honest, I don’t even know what to say.” The fans say “YEET!” and Jey says besides that. Jey wants to rap at ya. Jey came in the game, like almost 15 years ago. Nah, he tried to make a good living with his twin brother to become pro-wrestlers. As far as carrying their family legacy, they did that, and that was cool.
Fast forward, pandemic, Jey goes with his family, The Bloodline. That was fire. They did cool chapters in his career. Jey was so scared, not confident in himself, to try and do this as a singles star. He didn’t have it, bruh. He didn’t. But coming out here tonight, Jey’s got it now! The fans cheer that! They again chant, “You Deserve It!” and Jey takes a breath. Jey says he worked, and worked, really hard, just to get to this spot. He worked hard to get in this position. But look. Jey’s got it. Jey has it because of every single fan. From his heart, from his family, thank you everyone! Every week with him! Jey gets teared up and the fans cheer more.
Jey says because of the fans, he is the 2025 Royal Rumble winner! EY EY! YEET!! And now, bruh, Jey is going to WrestleMania, the main event, and it’s just him, Uce! But wait! Gunther is here! Der Ring General, the World Heavyweight Champion, makes his way to the ring to stand across from Jey, a very familiar sight. The fans boo and Jey is frustrated, but Gunther tells Jey he’d offer congratulations here. But for what? In reality, Gunther is disappointed. Because honestly, this possible match up here, it doesn’t appeal to Gunther. Let’s be honest, Jey! Jey can’t even lace Gunther’s boots!
Gunther is the World Heavyweight Champion, he learned box office, and he learned how to make the fans all believe he’s barely holding on, when in reality, he is always in control! And y’know what? This time, Gunther refuses to do this with Jey again. Gunther asks if Jey even knows what it means to hold this world title. It means Gunther is in the process of building a legacy for himself. And quite honestly, beating Jey at Mania doesn’t add a thing to his legacy. Now, Jey, don’t give him that look. See Gunther’s expectations. Beating Roman, Cena, CM Punk, that would’ve added something to Gunther’s legacy.
So Jey, the situation here is clear. Jey has everything to gain and Gunther has everything to lose. So if Jey chooses Gunther, that forces Gunther into a position where he has to give himself something to gain. Gunther wants Jey to understand: If Jey chooses Gunther, every week is going to be Hell, With WrestleMania being the most horrible display of violence this business has ever seen! Gunther will hurt Jey. Gunther will put Jey down like a diseased dog! The fans boo, but Gunther says the good thing is, Jey has options. Gunther’s advice is to consider them. Gunther goes to leave but Jey says hold up, hold up.
Is Gunther not tired yet? Jey is. Cleveland, are you tired? YEET! Everyone telling Jey what he can and can’t be. YEET! Tag team guy. YEET! Not supposed to be in the main event. YEET! Not supposed to win the Royal Rumble! YEET! But Gunther, Jey is going to Friday Night SmackDown, holla at Cody, but he promises this: Whoever Jey chooses, he walks into WrestleMania as the 2025 Royal Rumble winner, and he guarantees us he walks out as Main Event Jey Uso, and as a champion! YEET! Jey hits the mic drop, but then who will he choose to main event with in Las Vegas?
WWE shares John Cena’s words from the Royal Rumble Post-Show.
John Cena announces now that he will compete in the Elimination Chamber. Because after 23 years of loyal service, that opportunity is earned. he is going in to win, and he is going to main event his final WrestleMania and win that 17th championship. Not for him, but to someday shake the hand of the person who wins 18. That is one spot already filled, who will win their way into the other five?
PENTA VS Ludwig Kaiser!
The Man with No Fear made the Impeccable German the man with a lot of embarrassment after only lasting six seconds in the Royal Rumble. Kaiser might hate Penta more than he does Sheamus now, but will he get his Royal Rumble revenge? Or will Kaiser learn how dangerous #CeroMiedo really is?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Kaiser CLAWS Penta’s eyes through the mask, puts him in the corner, then UPPERCUTS him down! Kaiser stomps away on Penta, but the ref counts. Kaiser backs off, but then stands Penta up to whip. Penta KICKS Kaiser in return, then ducks ‘n’ dodges! Tilt-o-whirl RANA and Kaiser tumbles to a corner. The fans cheer, Penta runs up, GAMANGIRI! Penta sits Kaiser down, headstands, but Kaiser gets up to GAMANGIRI in return! Penta falls in a heap but Kaiser kicks him around. Kaiser shouts, “You wanna embarrass me?!” Kaiser pushes Penta around, then SPITS on him!
Kaiser stands Penta up to whip, but Penta reverses, and it’s a replay from the Rumble! The fans fire up and Kaiser is furious! Kaiser storms back up, but Penta blocks a shot to SOBAT! Penta then triangle jumps, but Kaiser UPPERCUTS first! Kaiser drags Penta up, fireman’s carries, and APRON KAISER ROLL! Penta falls to the floor, Kaiser dares Penta to embarrass him now, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Penta CHOPS Kaiser! And CHOPS again! Penta whips, Kaiser reverses, but Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, only for Kaiser to SLAM him down! Sliding LARIAT! Kaiser rains down forearms on the back of Penta’s head! The fans boo but Kaiser drags Penta to his feet, short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Penta, but Kaiser PENALTY KICKS! Penta stays up and the fans rally more. Penta eggs Kaiser on, so Kaiser KICKS! Kaiser mocks Cero Miedo, but Penta shakes his head. The fans boo Kaiser, Penta eggs Kaiser on! “Listen! CERO! MIEDO!” Kaiser runs, but Penta CHOPS him down!
Penta CHOPS again, and again, and again! Penta whips, kaiser reverses, but Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Kaiser sputters his way to a corner, but Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta sits Kaiser down, handstands, and he hits the SWINGING DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kaiser stays in this, Penta is a bit frustrated, and the forearms go back and forth. Then Penta CHOPS! Kaiser CHOPS! Penta CHOPS again! Kaiser CHOPS again! They go CHOP for CHOP, then Kaiser knees low. Kaiser CLUBS Penta on the neck, then brings him up to the ropes. But Penta DUMPS Kaiser to the floor!
Penta builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes Kaiser at the ramp and the fans fire up! Kaiser gets in the ring first, but Penta goes to the apron at 5 of 10. Penta climbs a corner, Kaiser turns around, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated again but Kaiser CHOPS! So Penta CHOPS! The CHOPS go back and forth again, then Kaiser CLUBS Penta! Penta SUPERKICKS, and SUPERKICKS, then whips! Penta drops down, then jumps up, but Kaiser has him! KAISER ROLL again! Cover, TWO! Kaiser is furious but the fans fire up! Kaiser paces around, storms up on Penta, clinch and SIDE- NO, Penta slips free!
Penta half nelsons, Kaiser has the ropes, and then Kaiser elbows Penta! Kaiser uses ropes to roll Penta, but Penta slips through to trap the arm! FOR THE SACRIFICE!! Kaiser clutches his arm, but Penta clinches! PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
Another big win on Raw and the Penta Era is undefeated! Jackie Redmond interviews Penta in the ring, congratulating him on the win streak. Penta said this is his era, so what can the WWE expect next? Penta thanks Jackie, but then Pete Dunne interrupts! The fans boo as The Bruiserweight makes his way out, but then Kaiser attacks Penta from behind! The fans boo as Kaiser is a sore loser, just like Dunne! Kaiser clinches Penta for the SIDEWINDER! The ref reprimands but the damage has been done! Will Kaiser and Dunne actually become an alliance over their disdain for the new kid on the block?
Judgment Day talks backstage.
While none of them won the Rumble, Liv is excited to get in on the Elimination Chamber. But then Finn Balor barges in, and wants to get this right. He’s gone for two weeks, recovering from that brutal Street Fight, and everything just falls to pieces. Not only did Dominik steal Finn’s tag title rematch, Dom stole Finn’s partner, JD McDonagh. And in the process, Dom got JD hurt! In the future, if Dom wants to call the shots, maybe he needs a babysitter. Dom says, “Is that so?” and Finn says yes it is. Liv & Raquel step in, and Liv says that’s not true! Dom had to step in or another team was going to get the title match. And The War Raiders hurt JD, not Dom.
Liv knows things are looking grim, but after tonight, she’ll qualify to be in the Elimination Chamber, and Liv & Raquel are promised a tag team title match! All thanks to Daddy Dom. Wow, so Dom does all this for Liv and nothing for Finn? Liv says no, Dom got Finn a Chamber qualifier, too. That was Dom? Yeah, cuz they’re family. And they will listen to Finn from now on. But Liv has to get ready for her match with Iyo, so she’s gotta go. Liv nuzzles noses with Dom before heading out, Raquel at her side. Dom says he told you so. Carlito asks what Dom got him. Dom got Carlito the apples. Will Finn make the most of Dom’s gifted qualifier? Will Judgment Day still (not) be okay?
Charlotte Flair is here!
The Land cheers as The Queen, the 2025 Women’s Rumble winner, the first-ever TWO TIME Women’s Rumble winner, is here! But much like Jey, she has a choice to make. Will Charlotte choose the champion she’s after? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Charlotte has a mic. “Hi, Cleveland.” The fans are a little torn now, but Charlotte says here’s the thing. A year and a half ago, the booing would’ve bothered her. But she actually missed the fans. No, really, it has been a year and two months. She missed the booing and the cheering. Last year sucked! Actually, up until last year, she really thought she was unbreakable, but last year broke her mentally and emotionally. There was even a point last year, she didn’t know if her knee was ever going to be better. She didn’t know if she’d make it to Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, or even WrestleMania! They just don’t get it!
The fans continue to be torn, and Charlotte says she’ll embrace the boos, because she still loves all the fans. And do they know why she still loves them all? Because whether they’re wooing or booing, love to hate her, hate to love her, it doesn’t change the fact that she is the GREATEST WWE Superstar in the history of this industry! So boo her now. Or is that not what they wanted? Did they not want her saying how hard last year was for her? Because it broke her, yet she still fought every single day to get back here. This is what she loves, this is her passion, this is what she wants to be the very best at!
So when she was able to walk that aisle again and punch her ticket to WrestleMania, she knew she was- RHEA RIPLEY is here! Charlotte smiles and the fans cheer as the Women’s World Champion makes her way out. Mami grabs a mic to then stand face to face with The Queen. Charlotte says she was trying to have a moment with Cleveland, but hello, Mami. Rhea says okay, but this is her show. And now we seem to have the possibility of these two once again. Rhea says when you go to war with someone, that is when you earn their respect the most. So Rhea does respect Charlotte.
So then please, please pick Rhea. Because the last time they faced off at WrestleMania, Rhea beat Charlotte. Charlotte says that is a good point, and makes no excuses, but there was the first time they fought, and Charlotte beat Rhea. The fans didn’t like that, huh? Rhea says it’s fine, because it’s true. But then, Charlotte might not understand. Back then, Rhea was just a kid. Charlotte is aware, but she came out here just to get things started. Rhea’s jumping the gun. Rhea wants an answer, but Charlotte has nothing but time. Charlotte is going to NXT tomorrow night to see if Giulia “inspires” her. Then she goes to SmackDown to see if Tiffany Stratton “inspires” her.
Because Charlotte needs, wants, to be inspired. But Rhea came out here, jumped the gun, got impatient. That showed Charlotte that Rhea is still just a kid. So on that note, see you next week. But then Rhea steps in Charlotte’s way. Charlotte saying Rhea is still a kid shows she doesn’t respect Rhea the way Rhea respects Charlotte. So please, pick Rhea, so that Rhea can beat that respect into her! The fans like the sound of that! Did the Queen’s gambit pay off? Or will she take a different course of action?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie Redmond is now with the Underdog from the Underground, and notes that while the Rumble was rather rough with him being eliminated by good friend, Jey Uso, he does have an Elimination Chamber qualifier tonight against CM Punk. Hard to believe these two have never been 1v1 before, but how is he feeling about it? Sami says yeah, it was difficult. He really thought this was his year to win the Rumble, he had the most momentum he’s had, but it happens. And he can still punch his ticket to WrestleMania through the Elimination Chamber, but that means getting through CM Punk. That is the only thing on his mind.
Well, the other big question is Kevin Owens’ status. Has Sami had a chance to talk with Kevin since Saturday and that brutal ladder match? Sami sees someone else and apologizes to Jackie, he has to go talk to them. Sami walks over to Jey Uso! Jey tells Sami that he wasn’t aiming for him that night, but sorry for kicking him in the face. Sami says stop! They hug it out and Sami is so proud of Jey! Jey did it when no one else thought he could. This is Jey’s moment. So it doesn’t matter if it’s Gunther or Cody, this is Jey’s time, so go out there and do it! Jey thanks Sami for that, they do their handshake, and Jey wishes Sami luck against Punk.
They hug it out again, Jey heads out, but Karrion Kross steps in. That was a very touching moment. Kross wants to ask, though: What is it like to watch everyone else live out Sami’s dreams? Sami says maybe he wasn’t clear. He is getting real sick seeing Kross. If Kross keeps coming up, they’re gonna have a problem. What? No, Kross isn’t here to be a problem. But he could be, at any given time. Kross heads out, will Sami be able to watch his back while trying to move forward?
Rhea Ripley returns backstage.
But then, Mami crosses paths with Iyo Sky. The Evil Genius says maybe she sees Rhea at WrestleMania. Rhea says maybe. Rhea continues on, only for Liv to attack Iyo! Rhea runs back up to run Liv off, but then Raquel CLOBBERS Rhea! The Judgment Day laid the trap and it worked out! Liv mockingly says she’ll see Iyo later, but has she only added fuel to the fire?
The New Day VS Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods finally have a new theme song to go with their new bad attitudes, but they look to settle the score with the King of Lucha & The Boy Wonder! Will Kofi & Woods prove New Day doesn’t suck? Or will we be calling the 619 here in The Land?
Raw returns and the LWO makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Lee starts against Woods. They circle, tie up, and go around. Lee headlocks but Woods pulls on the mask! The ref reprimands, but Kofi tags in. Woods powers out, Kofi trips Lee, and Woods fist drops! Kofi slingshot stomps! Kofi whips Lee to a corner, then runs in, but Lee dodges! Kofi hits buckles, but he puts Lee on the apron! Lee RAMS, bumps and ROUNDHOUSES Kofi away! Lee goes up and CROSSBODIES! Lee builds speed, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS Kofi! Kofi goes to a corner, Lee runs in, and he JUMP KICKS! Leg sweep! COMBINACION CABRON! Cover, TWO!
Lee keeps on Kofi and he tags in Rey. LWO double whips Kofi, mule kicks, front kicks, then dropkicks the legs! Rey basement DROPKICKS then covers, TWO! Rey brings Kofi up, but Kofi powers Rey to the corner! Tag to Woods, New Day mugs Rey! The fans boo but Woods kicks Rey down. Woods stands on Rey in the corner! The fans boo but Woods soaks up the heat. Woods hops down to “apologize,” then he whips corner to corner. Woods runs up, but into an ELBOW! Rey goes up to FLYING RANA! Woods flounders, Rey RAMS him into the corner, then Rey rains down fists! The fans count to nine, Lee tags in, and SUPERKICK for ten! Cover, TWO!
Woods stays in this but Lee stays on Woods. But then Woods FLAPJACKS Lee! Tag to Kofi and he KICKS Lee to a corner! Kofi fires off, then hoists Lee up top. Kofi ROCKS Lee, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans boo, but Kofi goes to the very top. But Lee slips down to trip Kofi up! Lee KICKS Kofi, then runs corner to corner, DROPKICK! Lee then goes out to the apron, but LOGAN PAUL is here? Well, okay, he is Cleveland’s own, but he also wants to mess with Rey, his future opponent for an Elimination Chamber spot. But this distraction lets Kofi sit up to THROW Lee down, and then Woods SHOVES Rey into barriers!
The fans boo while Logan grins and asks what happened. Logan laughs at Rey’s pain while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Woods has Lee down with a chinlock. Lee endures, fights up, and Logan watches from ringside as Lee fires body shots. Woods CLUBS Lee, shoves and mule kicks him, then tags Kofi. Woods whips Lee for Kofi to drop toehold! Woods goes out to trap Lee on the ropes, and Kofi APRON SENTONS! While Logan argues with a fan, Kofi puts Lee in the ring and goes up the corner, AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Lee toughs it out but Kofi rains down fists! Kofi and the ref argue, then Kofi puts Lee in the ropes. Kofi runs side to side to knee lift! Tag to Woods, and he goes up the ropes to GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMP!
Woods soaks up the heat, then struts around before he flexes. The fans boo but Woods drags Lee up. Lee breaks free to ROCK Woods! Woods ROCKS Lee! Woods whips Lee, Lee slips through the lariat to lift and SITOUT POWERBOMB! The fans fire up while both men are down! Lee and Woods crawl, reach out, hot tags to Kofi and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey rallies on Kofi with LARIAT after LARIAT! Rey whips, Kofi reverses, but Rey tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi ends up in a corner, Rey ROCKS him with a forearm! Rey then whips corner to corner, runs up, but Kofi slips out to SWING KICK!
Kofi goes up, up and leaps, but Rey dodges! Rey RANAS Kofi onto ropes! The fans fire up and Rey dials in, but Woods gets Kofi outta there! The fans boo, but Rey SEATED SENTONS Kofi instead! Only for Logan to get up in Rey’s face. The fans boo, Logan pats Rey on the head, but Rey SHOVES Logan down! The fans fire up, Rey ROCKS and POSTS Kofi! Woods kicks, Rey blocks, and Rey SLINGS the leg into the POST! Then Lee gives Woods a FLYING RANA to the floor! Rey puts Kofi in, but Kofi distracts the ref for Logan to YANK Rey out! Logan TOSSES Rey back in, and Kofi hits TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Cover, New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall
When you’re on the same wavelength as Logan Paul, you know that’s a bad thing! But New Day doesn’t care, they still won. Will they use this to get back to the WWE World Tag Team Championships? Will Logan be smiling when he and Rey fight next week for a spot in the Elimination Chamber?
Medical update on Roman Reigns.
They explain that they can really only share what The Tribal Chief is willing to disclose. They therefore cannot share what injuries Roman sustained when Seth Rollins attacked him after they both lost the Royal Rumble match. However, it would seem Roman Reigns will be out for the “foreseeable future.” Is Roman going to miss out on his first WrestleMania in years?
Backstage interview with CM Punk.
Cathy Kelley is with the Second City Saint and brings up how he didn’t get the win he wanted in the Royal Rumble, either. The good news is, he can go on to Elimination Chamber, after a match with Sami Zayn. Punk says the real good news is that while he didn’t win the Rumble, neither did Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. But yes, his course of action is facing Sami in a qualifier. Apologies in advance for Sami’s fans, but it won’t be Sami winning tonight. Punk has goals he has set, he needs WrestleMania, and maybe he put too much pressure on himself before. But this time, the pressure will be on everyone else. Punk excuses himself to go get ready, will he have his WrestleMania moment after all?
Iyo Sky heads to gorilla.
She’s still sore and upset from Liv’s ambush earlier, but we can also see Pure Fusion Collective watching. If Liv doesn’t put Iyo down, will Sonya, Shayna & Stark finish the job?
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Iyo Sky!
Raw returns with Iyo already in the ring, trying to work out her left shoulder from Liv’s attack. And speaking of, Liv now makes her entrance, Raquel naturally by her side. The bell rings and Liv runs away from an angry Iyo! Iyo still grabs at Liv in the ropes, but Liv uses that to trip Iyo! Iyo still ROCKS Liv, bumps her off barriers, then THROWS her into more barriers! Iyo SMACKS Liv off the apron again and again, then shoves her in. Iyo hurries in now, blocks a kick, and CLUBS the leg! Iyo fires forearms, Liv shoves her away, but then Iyo FLAPJACKS Liv! Iyo runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!
Iyo is annoyed, but she drags Liv up by her hair. Iyo whips Liv to a corner, runs in, but Liv STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO! Iyo stays in this but Raquel coaches Liv. Liv CLUBS away on Iyo, talks trash that she’s going to the Chamber, then Liv whips Iyo to a corner. Liv runs in for a back body block, then she SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Iyo stays in this but Liv stays on her with a clinch. Iyo fires body shots, but Liv shoves her away. Iyo returns, Liv ROCKS Iyo! And KICKS Iyo! Liv runs, Iyo dodges, but Liv avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to SHOTGUN Liv down!
Iyo kips up, the fans fire up, but then Liv TOSSES Iyo out! The fans rally, Liv runs, but Iyo slides in and ROCKS Liv first! Iyo runs, but Liv follows, only for Iyo to SHOTEI! Liv falls out of the ring and the fans fire up! Iyo builds speed, then DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up with Iyo while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Iyo snapmares Liv, but Liv gets up to BOOT Iyo down! Liv grins, then brings Iyo up to reel her in. Liv suplexes, then brings Iyo back up, that’s Una Amiga! Another suplex, Dos Amigas! Then THREE AMIGAS! Raquel cheers and Liv gives some Latina Heat. The fans boo but Liv runs, only for Iyo to duck the enzigiri! Iyo KNEES Liv down! The fans fire up while Liv sputters. Liv crawls away but Iyo roars as she rises up! The fans fire up with Iyo, and she SHOTEIS! SHOTEIS! And then DROPKICKS! Iyo hauls Liv up, whips her, but Liv reverses. Iyo slips out to the apron, blocks Liv’s punch and HOTSHOTS the arm!
Iyo climbs, the fans cheer, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Liv! The fans fire up with another kip up from Iyo! Iyo waits on Liv, then runs in, wheelbarrow and STOMP 182! Liv sputters, Iyo pushes her to a cover, TWO! Liv toughs it out and Iyo grows frustrated. Liv crawls to a corner, Iyo says all aboard! SHINKAN- NO, Liv dodges, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Iyo tumbles, Liv lines up a shot! But Iyo stops Oblivion to have the CROSSFACE! Liv fights free, but Iyo BUZZSAWS her down! Iyo steps on Liv as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, but Raquel is on the apron! The ref reprimands but Liv SHOVES Iyo down!
The fans boo but Liv RAMS Iyo, then runs up, SLINGSHOT SUNSET FLIP, but Iyo holds on! Iyo STOMPS Liv! Liv sputters, Iyo lines up a shot, but then Liv YANKS her down! Liv swings, Iyo dodges, and Iyo GERMAN SUPLEXES Liv to the floor! Liv is dazed, Iyo goes back to the ring, and then Iyo goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Iyo drags Liv back into the ring, goes up the corner again, and Liv stands. Iyo MISSILE- CODE BREAKER!! Liv covers, TWO!!! Iyo survives and Cleveland is thunderous! Raquel is furious and Liv is despairing! Liv hurries to put Iyo in a corner, then runs up, but Iyo dodges!
“This is Awesome!” as Iyo has the waistlock. Liv elbows free, then goes up, but Iyo GAMANGIRIS! Iyo roars, climbs, and brings Liv up. SUPER STEINER Liv flounders to the far side, and Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!! Then Iyo puts Liv in the drop zone to go up, up, but Raquel is there again! The ref backs Raquel off, Iyo resets, OVER THE MOON0 KNEES! Liv hurries, but Iyo dodges! Liv clings to ropes, but Iyo still GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Liv flops over, Iyo can’t make the cover, but RHEA rushes out here to CLOBBER Raquel!! The fans fire up as Mami gets the better of Big Mami Cool with a HEADBUTT!
Rhea stomps away, Liv grabs Rhea! Rhea SLAPS Liv, the ref sees that!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by disqualification (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Rhea realizes in trying to help Iyo, she only helped Liv! Liv & Raquel run away, having the last laugh! Will Liv find a way to get back to the championship? Iyo asks Rhea what happened, and Rhea apologizes for how it went down. Iyo pushes past Rhea, Rhea defends it was an accident, but will Iyo just have to look for another Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with The War Raiders.
Cathy Kelley is with Erik & Ivar, the WWE World Tag Team Champions, and congratulates them on retaining their titles. But she does have to ask, what is next for them? Ivar says he never thought he’d say this, but last week, JD McDonagh actually won some respect from them. Erik says that no one on this planet knows what it takes to fight through injuries like the War Raiders. But then Chad Gable walks in, leading Team American Made, and he says he’s heard enough from the two of them. Just listen to themselves! They hurt JD McDude and just run away clinging to their belts. The Creed Brothers are real championship material, and they’ll wrestle circles around them.
Erik says he’ll just let Gable assume what he wants. But what will Julius & Brutus do when this becomes a fight? Ivar says if Gable’s boys want these titles, they better be ready to go to war. Erik & Ivar head out, and Gable says he must let his boys do this alone. He is going on a quest to conquer the dark arts of lucha libre. When he returns, he wants to see Ivy with the Intercontinental Championship, the Creeds with tag team gold, and American Made flourishing. Don’t disappoint him. Gable puts on sunglasses, and says, “I’ll be back.” Gable heads out, Julius asks if he really just quoted the Terminator, but Ivy has him let that go. But just who is Gable going to learn lucha libre from?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Cathy is with the Raw General Manager and brings up the rumblings that there’s a massive announcement tonight. Pearce says “massive” is an understatement. And while the Transfer Window has closed with Royal Rumble weekend, Pearce managed to make one more deal. Welcome to the Monday Night Raw roster, the PHENOMENAL AJ Styles! That IS big! But in steps Bron Breakker. Bron says Styles is on the roster now. Yes, and he’ll be here next week. Then do Bron a favor and keep that guy away from him. In fact, let’s talk about Bron. Who is next for him? Because it doesn’t seem to matter.
Pearce says Bron knows he respects Bron and that title. Then let’s go talk business about how much it matters to him. And now, please. Pearce excuses himself and Bron, they go off to talk business, so who will be next for the Badass Intercontinental Champion?
Seth Rollins is here!
The Land fires up for The Visionary as he looks like a cross between The Undertaker and Neo from The Matrix. Rollins was eliminated from the Royal Rumble alongside Roman Reigns by CM Punk, then took his anger out on them both. But what will he have to say as we continue down the Road to WrestleMania? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Rollins has a mic to tell Cleveland, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~! I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary! I am SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! And oh, baby, Cleveland, I’ve got a lot to talk about tonight. Some of it, you guys are gonna love. Some of it, you’re gonna hate. But I gotta get it off my chest.” Firstly: Jey Uso. He won the Royal Rumble, punched his ticket to WrestleMania. It stings for Rollins, but he is happy for Jey, he is proud of Jey, and he loves to see good things happen for good people. He loves seeing people getting what they deserve. That brings Rollins… to CM Punk.
Rollins says yeah, the Punk fans won’t like this. Punk LOST the Royal Rumble, his future for WrestleMania is up in the air, and Rollins loves to see it! That scumbag piece of trash embarrassment getting embarrassed by getting dumped out by that idiot, Logan Paul! Third: Roman Reigns. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Rollins says they really won’t like this. OTC LOST the Royal Rumble, and he may not even make it to WrestleMania at all. Now, you guys have been getting the vague updates about “out indefinitely,” untold injuries. Roman is hurt. Roman won’t admit it, Heyman won’t admit it, WEW won’t admit it, but Rollins will, because Rollins is the one who hurt Roman!
And yeah, he told you that you wouldn’t like it! Blame him all you want, but Rollins wasn’t wrong. For the past four years, Roman has done nothing but hurt everyone close to him. Friends, family, and he wouldn’t done the same to Rollins if he had the chance. The truth is, Roman and Heyman just love talk about the limited schedule, so Rollins just did Roman a favor. Now, he saved the best for last: himself. Rollins LOST the Royal Rumble… And that hurts. But luckily for him, that is the past, and there is a future that lies ahead. There are many different paths to WrestleMania, and his will go through Elimination Chamber.
Now, he has a qualifying match in a couple weeks against his old rival, Finn Balor. Rollins will handle that later. But there is someone else in a qualifier tonight that needs to handle business, and that man is Sami Zayn! The fans cheer Sami, and Rollins knows Sami is having his match real soon. But if Sami could come out here a few minutes early, Rollins wants to tell him some things, so Sami Zayn, c’mon down! Sami does make his way to the ring, and the fans cheer and sing along with the song. Sami joins Rollins in the ring, then Rollins starts a “Sami! Sami!” chant. Rollins says Sami is his guy! They go back a long ways, a LONG ways.
Rollins knows Sami will be at his best, he always ins. But it has been a tough month, especially between them. But the past is the past, the future is ahead of them, and it could be Elimination Chamber, it could be WrestleMania, but the immediate future is CM Punk. Now, the world knows Rollins hates Punk, that is a fact and Rollins isn’t afraid to admit it. These two are very different people, they handle problems differently. But what Rollins knows is that Sami hates Punk, too. And Sami puts on a good face, he did at WarGames, but tonight is not the night for that. Tonight is for the fight of his life!
Rollins knows Sami doesn’t like Punk! And after what Punk said weeks ago, that thing about Sami not being on Punk’s level, saying that to Sami’s face, that delusional narcissist, saying Sami isn’t on Punk’s level? No, this is SAMI ZAYN! Sami is a WrestleMania main eventer! He is a good man, and that is something Punk will never bee. So yeah, Sami isn’t on Punk’s level, he is levels above! So tonight is Sami’s night. Rollins wants the absolute best out of Sami to keep Punk out of the Elimination Chamber! People like Sami deserve to be in that match, and people like Punk, who don’t care about the fans, or about this company, do not!
Tonight, Sami, is your night! Put Punk’s WrestleMania dream in the dirt for good! Then he and Rollins can fight in that chamber! LET’S GO!! Rollins is fired up, will that help spark something in Sami Zayn? Wait, here comes Punk! Rollins turns around slowly to scowl at Punk, then he throws off his duster! Refs rush in to stop this, but Punk and Rollins get a couple shots in on each other! Rollins moves on for now, will Sami get rid of Punk for both their sakes? Or will Punk keep his Mania dream alive a little longer?
Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: CM Punk VS Sami Zayn!
Raw returns and the bell rings on this main event. The fans fire up already as the two circle. Punk headlocks and grinds the hold, but Sami powers up and out. Punk runs Sami over, covers him, ONE! Punk says if there’s levels to this, show him what level you’re on, Sami! Sami and Punk reset, tie up, and Sami headlocks to grind the hold. Punk endures, fights up and powers out, only for Sami to run him over! Cover, ONE! Sami headlocks for the takeover, the fans duel as Punk headscissors, but Sami kips free. Punk hits the headlock takeover now, and he grinds the hold. Sami fights around, finds the ROPEBREAK, and Punk lets go.
Punk looms over Sami, so Sami shoves Punk, then SLAPS him! The fans rally as the two reset, tie up, and then Sami just pie faces Punk! Punk hits back, they clinch and end up on ropes. The ref counts, Punk and Sami go along ropes, and fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Punk RAMS Sami, CHOPS him, but Sami CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! And again! The fans “WOO~” then Sami fires a forearm. The fans rally more as Sami whips corner to corner. Punk reverses to RAM Sami, then he wrenches the arm. Sami fights but Punk still hits the ELBOW BREAKER! Punk keeps the wristlock, and he stands Sami up to RAM his shoulder again.
Punk wrenches to RAM Sami yet again, then wrenches Sami to CHOP! Sami sits down and shakes out the arm. Sami goes to a corner but Punk’s on him with a CHOP! The fans “WOO~” again, and then Punk wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts, Punk lets off at 4, and Punk brings Sami up. Sami fires a forearm, a CHOP, and repeat! Punk kicks low, then whips Sami to ropes. Sami goes up and over, LARIATS Punk down, and the fans fire up! Punk goes to a corner, Sami CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Sami bumps Punk off buckles, then Sami climbs up. Sami rains down fists, the fans count along, and Sami goes past ten to get to about TWENTY!
Punk sits down in the corner while the fans fire up. Sami hops down to then bring Punk up. Sami wrenches, whips, but Punk comes back to LARIAT! Punk then DECKS Sami, wrenches Sami, and hits a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! The fans are torn as Punk stands over Sami again. Punk goes up the corner, Cleveland gets louder, and Punk says hail to the king! But Sami ROCKS Punk first! Sami goes up to CLUB away on Punk, then hoists him up for a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men writhe and The Land fires up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami ROCKS Punk, but Punk wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS! Punk hammerlocks the arm and RAMS Sami into buckles! Punk knuckle locks to wrench the arm, but Sami fires CHOP after CHOP! Sami goes up, up, and TORNADO DDTS! Sami has to drag Punk from the corner, but he can’t turn Punk over with the bad arm. The fans rally up, Sami shakes out the arm, and Sami drags Punk to his feet. Sami waistlocks Punk, but Punk fights the lift! Punk throws down elbows, then fireman’s carries. Sami fights free, ducks a shot, and hits a BLUE- NO, Punk fights free and ROUNDHOUSES!
Sami goes to a corner, Punk runs in, and he RAMS Sami in! Then SHINING WIZARDS! Then BULL- BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Punk survives and Sami is stunned! “This is Awesome!” as Sami rises up. Sami drags Punk up, but Punk breaks free! ARMBAR DDT! Sami clutches the elbow as he goes to a corner. Punk runs in, but Sami dodges, Punk POSTS himself! Sami goes to the far side, the fans fire up, and Punk turns around, HELLUVA- NO, Punk rolls Sami up, TWO!! Sami escapes, but Punk hits a headlock takeover! ANACONDA VICE!! Sami flails, reaches out, and the fans rally harder!
Sami kicks around, moves around, and now the “SAMI! SAMI!” is louder than the “C M PUNK!” Sami fights and fights, and finally has the ROPEBREAK! Punk lets go in frustration, but then he stomps Sami’s arm. Punk looks to the WrestleMania sign, and the fans duel as hard as they can. SHINING WIZARD in the corner! SHINING WIZARD again! Punk headlocks Sami, tells him to look at the WrestleMania sign, and says that’s for him! Punk runs, Sami follows! HELLUVA- NO, Punk dodges in time! Sami falls back, Punk says night-night! Fireman’s carry, GO TO- NO, Sami snatches Punk to a cradle! TWO?!?!
Even Punk has to check, and is relieved to find he is safe, if only barely. Punk ROCKS Sami with a haymaker, then ROCKS him again! Punk points to the sign, fires another shot, then another shot! Sami fires back! Sami fires forearm after forearm, but Punk hits back! They ROCK each other, then ROCK each other again! Sami runs up, into a fireman’s carry! Sami slips free, catches Punk, CORNER EXPLODER!! The fans are thunderous as Sami goes to the far corner! Punk rises, Sami runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, Punk wins!!
Winner: CM Punk, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)
Sami tried so hard, but maybe he went too hard, because Punk used that to his advantage! John Cena and CM Punk will be in the dreaded Elimination Chamber, both fighting for one more opportunity to go to WrestleMania. However, Punk does go back to Sami to show him respect. Sami does take the handshake, but then KEVIN OWENS ATTACKS THEM BOTH!? Kevin is somehow still walking after what happened at WrestleMania, and he reels Sami in!! PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!!! Kevin sits back, blackeye and battered ribs, and even wearing a Sami Zayn Forever shirt, but why did he do this?!
My Thoughts:
A great episode to follow the Royal Rumble and quickly shift towards Elimination Chamber. John Cena just taking a spot in that match is fairly fitting. For one, he’s not gonna wrestle to qualify for it, this is his last year and so why waste one of his appearances on Netflix? We then got great intertwining of stories in the qualifiers tonight. Then Judgment Day had a good promo to show their growing dysfunction. Dom doing his best to make amends is good, it really paints Finn as the troublesome element in this group. And when they said Finn has a qualifier, I could just feel it was going to be Seth Rollins, because that is just an awesome match anyway.
Speaking of Rollins, they apparently used what he did to Roman to write Roman off through Elimination Chamber. Like Cena, Roman’s not wrestling to qualify for that, and he can come back on the other side to set up something Rollins, maybe even with Punk. Punk had a good promo, and Rollins had a really good one, all to hype up Punk VS Sami. Kross and Sami also had a good promo, and between what Kross said and what Rollins said, that could explain Sami being so gung-ho by the end. Punk of course wins, though, that adds star power to the Chamber match. But I did NOT think Kevin would attack like he did, that was wild. Kevin VS Sami one more time?
We got parallel promos from Jey and Charlotte, in that Raw’s world champions confronted them to tease matches. Jey was definitely feeling real emotions, that’s why his promo was a bit hesitant at first. But then when it became kayfabe with Gunther, he was able to smooth it out. Though, that also felt the same as their other promos, with Jey getting the last word. Charlotte may have also been dealing with her own real emotions, given how the fans really were booing her that hard. But she played it off well, and she had good stuff with Rhea. I do appreciate Charlotte teases going to even NXT, since she did do that before when it was her and Rhea the first time around.
Liv & Raquel of course attacked Iyo ahead of Iyo VS Liv, and in kayfabe, Rhea may have been a bonus for them. Rhea going after Raquel only to cost Iyo was some clever stuff. There’s a lot of time between now and WrestleMania, I could see them give us Rhea VS Iyo as a title match at Elimination Chamber or something. It’d be a way for Rhea to make things up to Iyo, but also it teases that things could change for WrestleMania. And even though Charlotte namedropped Giulia and Tiffany, they literally pointed out how Rhea and Charlotte are tied for title matches at WrestleMania, so this year would be a great tiebreaker between them.
Very good tag team match from New Day VS Rey & Lee, but I should’ve figured Logan Paul would show up tonight given he’s from Cleveland. Logan helping the New Day win works given New Day kinda does need a win, and then Logan VS Rey for next week has some extra heat now. I have a bad feeling Logan wins that so he can get in the Chamber, mix it up with Cena, Punk, and whoever else. Good promo from War Raiders with American Made to start on a tag title story there, but also to start on Gable’s lucha libre “dark arts” training. Penta VS Kaiser was a great match, and a great win for Penta, but Dunne and Kaiser as a duo seems really odd.
AJ Styles joining Raw is great stuff, and good stuff from Bron talking with Pearce. I feel like Styles will end up challenging Bron for the Intercontinental Championship at some point, though. At the same time, I hope we get a huge match, where we can get a lot of big names in the match at the same time. Hell, intertwine stories here and make it Bron, Styles, Penta, Kaiser, Dunne, and… Sheamus! Sheamus can surely win a Six Pack Challenge to finally get that title, right? Right?
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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