Look in my eyes~, what do you see? CM Punk’s free agency!

He returned at Survivor Series, showed up on Raw, SmackDown, and even NXT Deadline! Where in the WWE will CM Punk choose to sign full-time?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso; McIntyre wins.
• Rhea Ripley VS Maxxine Dupri w/ Ivy Nile; Rhea wins.
• Bronson Reed VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan; Bronson wins.
• Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell; Carter & Chance win.
• Six Man Tag: Imperium VS #DIY & ???; DIY & The Miz win.
• Cody Rhodes VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso!

After what the Scottish Warrior did to him last week, Main Event Jey isn’t waiting until the main event! This is about to explode, who will be left standing when the smoke clears?

Before the match, Jey gets the mic while fans chant “YEET! YEET!” Jey welcomes us to Monday Night Raw, and he’s got his YEET back! He’s excited about that, for real. But he’s also excited for CM Punk being in the building, and tonights Punk decides if he’s Raw or not. But if y’all wanna see Punk be Raw, lemme hear ya say “YEET!” “YEET!” They’ll gain a real one of he do. But we also lost a real one. Jey’s dwag, Sami Zayn, get well soon. Fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI!” Jey says it was by McIntyre’s hand, though. McIntyre went after Sami, went after Rollins and Jey after a hell of a main event last week.

But if you ask Jey, McIntyre ain’t being honest. His actions show different. He’s two-faced. But now McIntyre’s face to face with the Yeet Master! And tonight, he about to get got! But here comes McIntyre! McIntyre has the mic but fans boo as he stands on stage. McIntyre says, “Alright, enough of the arse kissing, Jey. Don’t you think that locker room is in a rough state with you in it? Adam Pearce, please hear me right now and trust me, let him go. Nick Aldis, you can have him on SmackDown, cuz trust me, we do not want CM Punk in that locker room! He will destroy this place from the inside out!

“Oh, I’m sorry, you acrtaully know him?” McIntyre has traveled with Punk, he knows how the story ends. But for now, this is about Jey. The fans chant for “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” McIntyre says Rollins deserved what he got. But Sami, Jey might have a point. MciNtyre knows Sami is at home, and maybe MciNtyre had a little to do with why. Sami did run his mouth a lot, talked bout McIntyre’s afmily. But McIntyre let Sami with one leg. So he’s sorry. SEE? That’s an apology! Not a good one but still! So you wanna keep booing him like he’s wrong?

Cleveland, imagine if you can someone hurt a family member of yours, they hurt you, your mom, dad, brother, sister. Woudn’t you want revenge? Imagine they never apologized. Now be honest, wouldn’t you want to take revenge on them? For a few of you, the truth will set you free. Guys, get a shot of this kid. He doesn’t care, he’s a coward! Aww… McIntyre tells he’s had enough of Jey’s half-arsed apologies, stupid made up word and this bouncing crap and it’s all forgiven? Jey says it ain’t like that. And clearly, McIntyre can’t dance. But if you wanna see McIntyre catch this YEET Down, lemme hear ya say “YEET!” “YEET!!”

The bell rings and Jey fires haymakers! Fans fire up with “YEET! YEET!” Mcintyre shoves Jey, Jey dodges and then clotheslines McIntyre up and out! Fans fire up with Jey, and McIntyre is furious while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Jey counter punches McIntyre! And again! Fans “YEET!” with every shot, then Jey whips. McIntyre reverses, Jey stops himself and UPPERCUTS! McIntyre kicks low, CLUBS Jey, and then drags him up to TOSS him out! Jey is on the apron, he GAMANGIRIS! Jey climbs up, leaps and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! McIntyre scrambles to a corner Fan srally for Jey and he runs up to whip. McIntyre reverses, then runs in to kick Jey down! McIntyre rains down fists, Jey guards but McIntyre still hammers away! Fans boo but McIntyre watches Jey. McIntyre deadlift suplexes Jey away!

Fans rally for Jey but McIntyre storms up on him. McIntyre stomps Jey, looms over him, then talks trash. McIntyre stomps Jey again, and says he doesn’t wanna just win, he wants to hurt Jey. Fans rally for Jey but McIntyre paces. Mcintyre swings, Jey UPPERCUTS! And again! And again! “YEET! YEET!” Jey CHOPS, whips, but McIntyre reverses and CLOBBERS Jey! McIntyre drags Jey up and puts him in a corner, to CHOP! Jey sputters and drops to his knees, but McIntyre has him in the ropes for a punch across the face! Jey flops to the floor but McIntyre goes out and runs in, but Jey dodges! McIntyre flies onto the desk!

Jey gets in the ring, builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! The fans fire up again while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Jey trips McIntyre up on the top rope! Jey throws hands and fans “YEET!” with each shot. McIntyre falls back, but then sits right up to SPIDER SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! The ref checks both men but McIntyre rises up first. McIntyre snarls and storms over while fans rally for Jey. McIntyre drags Jey up, Jey counter punches again! And again! And again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops ‘n’ locks and UPPERCUTS! But McIntyre hits a GLASGOW KISS! Then he runs in, but is put on the apron. McIntyre ROCKS Jey, climbs up, then FLYING- NO, Jey dodges!

Jey mule kicks, drops and UPPERCUTS! McIntyre swings, Jey dodges and SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Jey keeps his cool. McIntyre goes to a corner, Jey goes to the opposite. Fans rally up as Jey says “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs in, but McIntyre dodges the hip attack! McIntyre stands, dodges, NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, but then McIntyre kips up! Fans are torn and McIntyre takes aim. “Three! TWo! One!” SUPERKICK first! And then another SUPERKICK! Jey hurries to a corner and climbs up! USO SPLASH onto KNEES! McIntyre reels Jey in, FUTURE SHOCK! Cover, TWO!!

Fans are thunderous and McIntyre is fuming! McIntyre unties a buckle pad while the ref is checking Jey! Fans boo but McIntyre is willing to go to any depths to win this! McIntyre waits on Jey, CLAY- SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Jey is shocked but McIntyre survives! The ref then sees the bare buckle, and McIntyre CLAWS Jey’s face while the ref was busy with the pad! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

If this is The Scottish Warrior’s true self, then he’s been a snake the entire time! But McIntyre still takes the win, is he not going to stop until he’s World Heavyweight Champion?

Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.

“Cody~. Cody~. Cody. I have watched you, week after week, time after time, talk about finishing your story. Yet you are no closer. You are a dog chasing a car. As great as you are, you are not enuogh. And never will be. You say you don’t respect me. That is your weakness. You strive for the admiration of others. I freed myself from that burden long ago. I draw my own destiny. I paint my own story. Shinsuke Nakamura has been reborn thanks to you, Cody. But now, I will bring your story to an end. I am the real nightmare. Always remember, you asked for this.”

The Judgment Day is in their clubhouse.

And no one is happy. Finn Balor tells McDonagh & Dom to listen up. He and Rhea aren’t here for one week, and they let the wheels fall off! McDonagh wouldn’t say it’s that bad, but Finn tells him not to back talk. Rhea tells JD to shut up. R-Truth continues to break into the clubhouse! Yeah, lock the doors, will ya? And then Dom & JD lose to the Creed Brothers. And it is a sensitive subject and all, but her Latino Heat lost his North American Championship at Deadline! Damian Priest says Dom losing that title does suck. People not showing up, that sucks. Clearly things haven’t been going their way.

But as far as The Creeds go, Priest & Finn are not gonna take those two lightly. They will handle business Judgment Day style. Rhea says that’s good, but saying you’re the leader is a lot easier than being the leader. Priest gets mad but Rhea says she isn’t talking just to Priest. She’s talking to the family! And she is sick of the disrespect. Time to remind everyone who runs Raw! Rhea will not let HER division disrespect her, so tonight, she makes an example out of Maxxine Dupri! Rhea heads out, is Mami going to put her foot down?

The Alpha Academy talk backstage.

Coach Gable knows Maxxine is up against Rhea, but that’s nothing to be nervous about. The Creeds & Ivy show up and they fire up! Ivy then says she’ll be in Maxxine’s corner, just in case. They like that, too! R-Truth walks in? He has a roll of Christmas lights? He’s gonna add these to the Judgment Day clubhouse. About time to get decorating for the holidays. But Truth… Please be careful. Judgment Day is dangerous. And not to break yoru heart, Truth, but you’re not in the group. Whoa, whoa, guys. You got them all wrong. Truth IS Judgment Day, and the others just misunderstood. Truth’s gotta go now. Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, Truth aside, the group goes back to encouraging Maxxine. Will the Alpha Queen stand a chance against a very angry Women’s World Champion?

Rhea Ripley VS Maxxine Dupri w/ Ivy Nile!

Raw returns and Maxxine makes her entrance, the Diamond Pitbull at her side. The bell rings and Rhea circles with Maxxine. Maxxine dodges Rhea, dodges her again, then SLAPS her! Fans fire up but Rhea is mad! Rhea reels Maxxine in, short arm LARIAT! And another! ANd another! Rhea drags Maxxine up again, “You wanna slap me, huh, Maxxine?!” Rhea gets Maxxine up, but Maxxine fights the bomb! Rhea CLUBS her, tries again, but Maxxine flails and RANAS! Rhea is fuming as she gets back up. Rhea turns around but Maxxine DROPKICKS her! “A THANK YEW~!” Maxxine then runs, dodges, and waistlocks!

They go to ropes, Rhea bucks the O’Conner to BOOT Maxxine down! Rhea drags Maxxine up, pump handle and RIPTIDE! But Rhea asks, “You think this is funny?” Maxxine wants to have a match with Rhea? She’s NOTHING but a stupid little girl! Rhea kicks Maxxine around, gets the legs, PRISM TRAP!! Maxxine flails, but taps, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by submission

Rhea even leans on the hold to bend Maxxine more! Ivy storms into the ring and Rhea lets Maxxine go to stare Ivy down. Fans like the look of this match-up, will Ivy get her chance to go a round with Rhea?

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance speaks.

“It always seems impossible…” “…until it’s done.” The Life of the Party says if they accepted no for an answer, they wouldn’t be where they are today. The music concert party life, but also former tag team champions. “Every door that’s closed, we’ve ripped them off their hinges.” “And chased our dreams no matter what.” Now they want to get the tag team titles back, and that means it is only a matter of time. If you think you’ve seen everything they can do, you ain’t seen nothing yet. They take on Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell later tonight, will KC Squared find their way to the top?

Adam Pearce looks over his contract.

He walks the halls, and he finds CM Punk’s room. He knocks, is allowed in, and it’s almost time! Which brand will CM Punk choose?

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the time for a sales pitch is over.” After talking with Aldis and HBK, the man Pearce is about to bring out needs no introduction, but will make a decision. Ladies and gentlemen, The Best in the World, C M PUNK! Fans fire up as Punk makes his way to the ring. Pearce hands over the mic while the fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Punk says he thought he was in a bit of a sullen mood and then he sees all the signs and hears all the people. Truth is, Punk does have a huge decision to make. “We, if I may, have a huge decision to make.”

Punk’s been thinking about it, and the reason he’s been so worrieda bout it is because he loves the fans. But the truth is, Cleveland, this building specifically, hasn’t always been kind to Punk. He walked back in here, there’s a lot of ghosts. He’s doing his best to face them head on. People may not know this, but Punk debuted in this building. Was anyone there? He had Mickie James with him, they both got in here, and it was so good, Punk went back and they said he was gonna go to Louisville, Kentucky to be in OVW, have luck.

Punk didn’t wanna go but he did, but while he was there, he embraced being uncomfortable and learned how to love it. Exactly like when Punk came to the WWE for the first time. He didn’t know what he was in for but he embraced being uncomfortable and learned to love it. He triumphantly returned to Cleveland, this building, as World Heavyweight Champion. He was ready to put on a show! And then Randy Orton kicks Punk in the head, and he wakes up to learn he was stripped of the title because he couldn’t compete, and is not the champ. He was like “CLEVELAND! AGAIN!?”

Was anyone here 10 years ago for the story he’s about to tell? He won’t bore us with details, a lot of it is the past, he’s focused on the future, the now, and everyone here. But Punk took himself off the wheel. For better or worse, he made the hardest decision of his life. He doesn’t regret it, he doesn’t look back, but there was always that part of him that wondered… If anyone paid to CM Punk, he walked out, were they disappointed? He saw Indi Hartwell, she told him she felt betrayed back then. He told her a story about how he saw Roddy Piper on WCW and as a young fan, he felt that exact same way.

So if you’re here now, or watching at home, disappointed about CM Punk’s walkout, he understands, and he apologizes. The fans cheer that! Punk listened to Aldis, he put together a very substantila offer. Punk hung out with HBK in NXT, there’s a 15 year old Punk that’s tickled to death that he got the offer to mold the next generation. Pearce has put up a deal that honestly is head and shoulders above those other deals. But can he just be very real and very honest right now? Punk’s mind was probably already made up when he saw Cleveland on the calendar. He is here to bury the ghosts, right some wrongs, and his future starts now!

Fans cheer and Punk says “You couldn’t write a better television show, ladies and gentlemen! 10 years, almost to the day, CM Punk walked out. And regardless of how you feel about it, CM Punk walks right back in! And if you’re happy about it, if you’re mad about it, you better learn to love it. Because congratulations, Adam Pearce. The newest Raw Superstar is named C M Punk, and C M Punk is home!” Punk and Pearce shake hands, hug it out, and fans are all fired up as Punk signs on the dotted line! But wait, here comes Seth Rollins! Fans sing ‘OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” as the Visionary makes his way to the ring.

Rollins throws his sunglasses aside, perhaps free souvenir for a fan. Rollins steps in to be face to face with Punk, even as Pearce tells him to keep it civil. The fans are going nuts seeing these two stare down. It’s a chaotic mix of “C M PUNK!” “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” and “HOLY SHID!” and yet neither Rollins or Punk makes a move. Rollins then grabs himself a mic to finally speak. “Cleveland, Ohio. C M Punk. Welcome to Monday… Night… Rollins. I hope you know how incredibly fortunate you are to even be standing in this ring right now, but could you do me just one little favor, just one thing. One thing, please. Don’t you dare call this place your home.”

Fans start up again with the chants and the singing, but Rollins says Punk abandoned the WWE 10 years ago. Not only that, but he actively tried to tear it down. Punk spent 10 years slandering Rollins, slandering every single person back in that locker room, and Punk wants to walk in here to call this his home? This is NOT Punk’s home, this is ROLLINS’ home!! Fans keep the chanting and singing going, and Rollins says he has been here. Those people back there are his brothers and sisters. The fans here and watching at home are his family so this is THEIR home! Rollins will do everything in his power to protect it from people like Punk!

So to make one thing perfectly clear, Rollins doesn’t want there to be any confusion. He knows he’s worked up, he wants us to undersatnd. He will say it plainly with every fiber of his being: Rollins hates Punk. But… If Punk is going to be part of the WWE again, then Rollins wants Punk on Raw. Because the truth always comes out. The truth always comes out! Rollins knows, Punks knows, everyone knows, this is Punk’s last chance. And so, one of two things is gonna happen: Either Punk exposes himself, self-destructs like always, and Rollins will be the first person to slam the door shut on Punk’s legacy…!

Or if by some miracle, Punk has changed, and he has any gas left in that old tank, then maybe one day Punk will be lucky enough to stand across the ring from Rollins in a World Heavyweight Championship match. And then Rollins will expose Punk for the fraud that he is. Rollins will show Punk there are levels to this, wrestle circles around Punk, and let him understand in real-time what it means to BE The Best in the World. The chans and singing return, but Punk just shrugs. “Are you done?” This is Rollins’ one pass to speak like that without Punk coming after him. Punk never asked for anything to be handed to him, and always did things the hard way.

Pearce, where’d you go? Punk says if this is to be made official, let’s make it all official! Punk is entering the Royal Rumble! And WHEN Punk wins the Rumble, maybe it is Rollins Punk comes after! Punk drops the mic as he thrwos down the gauntlet! Will Punk win it all and make WrestleMania into Clobbering Time?

The Viking Raiders and Bronson Reed speak.

Sarah tells “Big” Bronson Reed that the Norse gods have spoken, and Bronson will be the sacrificial lamb that awakens the beast within “The One True Warrior,” Ivar! And Ivar says the first time, they were stopped before Ivar could destroy Bronson. But let those wounds be a warning, for tonight, Ivar puts Bronson down in agonizing defeat!

But Auszilla tells Ivar that he is not some chosen one. You think those useless guardsa nd suits were out there to stop them? They were there to save Ivar from Bronson! This time, no one is going to save Ivar! This won’t be Clash of the Titans! Tonight is a Viking FUNERAL! These kaiju collide once again, will anything be left standing?

Bronson Reed VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan!

Raw returns and Ivar makes his entrance, “Valhalla” leading the way. The bell rings and the behemoths RAM each other! Ivar BOOTS Bronson, puts him in a corner and fires off elbow after elbow! The ref counts, Ivar lets off with a roar, and he runs, but into a BODY CHECK! Bronson runs to ELBOW DROP! Bronson fires haymakers on Ivar in a corner, then CHOPS! Bronson whips corner to corner hard and Ivar tumbles up and down the corner! Sarah coaches Ivar and he slowly rises. Bronson HEADBUTTS Ivar, Ivar ROCKS Bronson! Bronson ROCKS Ivar back, the haymakers fly! Bronson then fireman’s carries!

Ivar fights free, shoves Bronson but Bronson dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Ivar bails out on one end, Bronson goes out the other. They stand, glare at each other, and they roar as they run in around the corner! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES bring both men down!! The fans are all fired up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and the forearms are flying back and forth! Fans rally up with “MEET! MEET!” as the lariats go back and forth! Bronson SUPERKICKS, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bronson flounders to a corner, Ivar runs in, but Bronson avoids the Bronco Buster! And now Bronson goes up top! But Ivar UPPERCUTS first! Bronson goes to the apron, Ivar fires hands then LARIATS Bronson down! Ivar then goes up!? SUPER CANNONBALL!! Fans are thunderous and Sarah is loving this! Ivar puts Bronson back in, goes to another corner and climbs again. But Bronson hurries up to CLUB Ivar!

Bronson throws hands on Ivar, climbs up after him, but Ivar throws hands! Bronson hits back, they brawl, and Ivar CHOPS! CHOPS! Bronson HEADBUTTS! Bronson goes to the very top, brings Ivar up with him, for a SUPERSIZED SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Cover, BRONSON WINS!

Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall

There wasn’t a Tsunami or Ragnarok, but this battle took a lot out of both monsters! Bronson wins this round, but is this only one battl ein a war?

CM Punk finds Judgment Day backstage.

Punk says hey and asks them where Rhea is. Hah, funny guy. But welcome to their show, Punk. And just between everyone here, they’re kinda hoping it’s Punk who finishes his story around here. Because if he does, Priest will be the one waiting. Have a good night. Judgment Day leaves to go to the ring, will they handle business like Mami wants? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns with The Judgment Day in the ring.

Everyone has mics, and Priest starts by saying he can’t help but feel the need to remind everyone just who they are! ALL RISE for the Judgment Day! Finn says, “And ALL RISE for the only two-time Undisputed Tag Team Champs, Damian Priest & Finn Balor! So Cleveland, the Judgmetn Day are in town. Step up, and get put down.” Priest says they have a simple message for every WWE superstar, and that is it doesn’t matter if you’ve already beem dealt with, it doesn’t matter if you’re returning, and it doesn’t matter if you’re new like The Creeds, you’re ALL officiall put on notice!

Dom starts and fans boo even harder. McDonagh says it’s alright, and Dom says The Creeds- Wait, Truth shows up? Fans cheer as Truth and his Christmas lights are here. Truth went by the clubhouse to do some decorating and they went and got a lock for the front AND back doors! How y’all gonna have a holiday party and he don’t get an invitation? McDonagh shouts at Truth that this isn’t a party he’s walking into! And even if it was, Truth wouldn’t be invited! Priest has JD calm down. But Truth, c’mere, Priest wants to hear what you have to say. Fans cheer as Truth joins the guys in the ring.

Truth says hold on, y’all. He has a lot of ideas he wants to share to help the group out. Can he? Finn says let’s hear ’em. Truth says first, he thinks they gotta kick JD out. Dom keeps JD back while everyone else laughs, even Finn. Truth says no one likes JD! And second, DP, you gotta stop calling yourself the boss. No, no, you are a fantastic boss, Truth likies you as the boss, but it makes Mami mad. Mami getting upset and confused, we- Truth, no, man… You’re funny. Priest gets why everyone likes Truth. Finn likes him, too. Pretty sure everyone in Cleveland likes Truth. Truth says, “WASSUP!” “WASSUP!” Everybody loves R-Truth!

Except Priest. Huh? Priest CLOBBERS Truth! And then JD fires off! Dom and Finn join in, but here come The Creeds! Fans cheer as Julius & Brutus rush in, fight the Judgment Day, but they’re getting mugged 4v2! Julius gets thrown ou, JD & Dom go after him while Finn & Priest focus on Brutus! JD & Dom double whip but Julius reverses that to DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS! Fans fire up as now Julius gets at Finn! Finn whips, Julius reverses and TOSSES Finn out, to then DROPKICK him down! Priest choke grips Julius, then Brutus! But Brutgus braeks free to SMASH! And then the Creeds DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER!

The Judgment Day bails out and regroups to fall back! They’re furious, Dom says he told them how they’ve gotta be careful! Priest says he gets it. Will Prince & Punisher have to game plan for Julius & Brutus?

CM Punk comes across McIntyre backstage.

McIntyre says he doesn’t care about Punk’s story, or Cody’s story. He wants to finish his story. And they got it figured out, didn’t they, Pearce? Yes they did. McIntyre leaves and Pearce honestly thought McIntyre would be happier. But it’s nothing Punk did. McIntyre is getting his World Heavyweight Championship match with Seth Rollins on the “Day One” edition of Monday Night Raw. Well good for him. And then Kofi Kingston is here! Punk says Jamaican him crazy! No, man, he doesn’t do that anymore. But good to see ya. Gable & Ricochet are there, too, to say hey. Punk says he has heard a lot about them both, such as Ricochet is bad at video games.

Punk says he’ll catch up more later, he’s gotta lots to do. Pearce is happy Kofi, Gable & Ricochet are all here now, because he has an idea involving the Intercontinental Championship. They can all talk about it in his office. All three walk in and they’re ready for whatever this idea might be. But what will this idea be for it to involve all these former champions?

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell!

It’s party time! KC Squared won big last week, will they keep winning big until they get their shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships? Or will the Poison Pixie & #IndiWrestling simply get in the way?

Raw returns and Chelsea & Piper are on commentary as Candice & Indi make their entrance. The teams sort out and Indi starts against Carter. They tie up, Indi headlocks and Carter powers out. Indi runs her over, does her own hip swivel, but Carter trips Indi! Carter shows Indi how it’s done, then dropkicks her! Carter runs up in the corner, SPLASHES and tags in Chance. Indi shoves Carter away, then shoves Chance, but Chance & Carter dosido. Chance trips Indi, Carter BOOTS! Chance slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Chance drags Indi up but Indi lifts! Chance sunset flips but Indi stays up!

Indi drags Chance up, takes a swing, but Chance dodges and combines with Carter for SILLY STRING RANA! Candice tags in, Indi BOOTS Chance but Carter SUPERKICKS Indi! Candice blocks the superkick to trip and STEP-UP SENTON! cover, ONE!! Chelsea is upset with Maggle roasting her over last week’s scuffle. We also see Natty & Nox watching backstage, having lost last week to KC Squared. Candice whips Carter to the corner, runs in to back body block, then tags in Indi. Feed to the half nelnson and GUTBUSTER, then BACKBREAKER NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, Chance breaks it!

Candice throws Chance out, Indi whips Carter, Carter dodges the boot and comes back, into a SPINEBUSTER! Tag to Candice, and they set up, wheelbarrow SPLASH onto knees! Indi is flustered, she hurries to wheelbarrow Carter, but Carter victory rolls and SUPERKICKS! Tag to Chance, she goes up, for the AFTER PARTY!! Cover, KC Squared win!

Winners: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, by pinfall

Chelsea is upset, saying the fans only care about the champions, aka her and Piper! And these titles are NOT for KC Squared! But will Carter & Chance look to change that when they get their chance?

#DIY talks backstage.

Johnny Gargano has the Cleveland Browns NFL Legacy title, and says it is Victory Monday! Big Browns win, Gargano smashed the guitar, and he is here in his hometown! Ciampa loves the sound of all that, but uh… Can DIY trust “him?” Gargano doesn’t like it any better, and he wants the match anyway. Imperium walks in and Ludwig says this is interesting. All day, they’ve heard about this mystery partner. Who would possibly team up with DIY? So tell us, who is this mystery man? Oh, they shouldn’t worry about that. Worry about what Der Ring General will say when Imperium disappoints him, again.

They argue about this, but Gunther walks in. He smirks, and says they’re very confident. Good luck. But he doubts they’ll find someone who wants to publicly associate with two “weirdos” like them. Imperium heads out, but will the answer be more obvious than they think?

Becky Lynch is here!

The Land fires up as The Man heads to the ring! Becky gets a mic to say, “The Man has come around to Cleveland! And I’ll cut to the chase, I’ve come out here to call out Nia Jax.” They’ve never gone 1v1, but the last five years, they’ve been linked together because of this. Flashback to November of 2018, the huge brawl between Team Raw and Team SmackDown, and the right hand from Nia that broke Becky’s nose giving us the iconic moment of bloody Becky becoming “The Man.” Becky says it may be petty, but well, she’s petty!

Considering the last five years, nearly everyone else has tried to use that moment as a burn on Becky, it is time to get to the root of the problem. The last five years, they’ve kept missing each other. Becky went on to main event WrestleMania, Nia went on to get double ACL surgery because Nia is so unlikeable, even her own knees won’t stand up for her. Then Becky had a baby, Nia got fired, but now it’s 2023, they’re both here and- Well, Nia actually makes her way out here! Fans boo as the Irresistible Force storms her way down to the ring.

Nia gets a mic for herself, says she’s not fired anymore, and is right here, in front of Becky, better than ever. And y’know, that punch? That was a lucky swing that almost ended Becky’s career. A lucky swing that Nia didn’t even get all of. But imagine if Nia had Becky right in front of her and punched with her full force. Becky wouldn’t even get up. And everyone’s so mad that Nia broke Becky’s face, but this is a contact sport. What else did Becky expect? Becky didn’t expect anything less. She doesn’t even hold it against Nia! Everyone knows Nia is the most dangerous in the ring. They’v all been injured, hospitalized, some almost had their careers ended.

And that is why people haven’t stopped talkinga bout Nia the two years she’s been gone. And ironically, talking about the careers she nearly ended, Becky has Nia to thank for hers. See, this is what Becky does hold against Nia. This is the narrative Becky needs to change. If it was just about the broken face, the people would’ve chedk out the moment the blood dried. But it is about what that night represents, what “The Man” represents. It is about getting knocked down, dusting yourself off and fighting like hell! Because that is what Becky has done her whole life, it is what she did that night and has done every since.

But Nia and her minions have been going around saying Becky isn’t a main event star. But then she proved them wrong! So they said Becky is only a star because of Nia. That is a lie! That lie needs to end, and if Becky can’t end the lie, then she’ll just end Nia! Fans fire up but Nia just laughs. She gets it. Becky needs Nia. Becky needs to prove that she isn’t just about that one moment. More importantly, Becky needs to prove to herself that her career wasn’t just some accident after Nia broke her face. Otherwise, Nia will always be the woman who made The Man.

Becky says what she needs now is for Nia to shut the hell up. Because Becky didn’t just come here to talk, she came here looking for a fight! Fans fir eup as Becky puts the mic down and her hair up! She dares Nia to do that punch like she promised! Fans fire up, Nia is flustered, but Nia says Becky needs this a lot more than she does. Nia drops her mic and bails out. The fans boo, but will there be no running from this forever?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Jackie Redmond wants to start with the news that CM Punk has officially signed with Raw. Cody says congrats to Pearce for getting it done. Cody is happy for the fans, for USA Network, and for Punk. But Royal Rumble is right around the corner. Can’t finish two stories at once, so certainly Cody and Punk will clash. Then to tonight. After last week, what is going through Cody’s mind as he prepares for Nakamura? Cody says if we strip this back, had Nakamura not misted Cody in the eyes, Cody would be much more excited to talk about this first-ever match.

Nakamura is a former Royal Rumble winner, is a former champion, and has a 14 year legacy in Japan before he ever came here. But what Cody has discovered for himself is that Nakamura is vicious. And that is okay by Cody. Got a problem? Cody knows where to solve it. It is Monday Night Raw here in Cleveland, Ohio! Stardust debuted here, did you know that? Talk about Undesireable to Undeniable! But Nakamura says Cody asked for this? Damn right he did. Cody heads out, will the American Nightmare be able to trump the King of Strong Style?

Six Man Tag: Imperium VS #DIY & ???

Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci have been a bit curt with each other over both trying to impress Gunther time and again. But will they all be united against their common enemies and their mystery man? Who is the third man, brother? We find all of that out, after the break!

Raw returns as Gargano & Ciampa make their entrance. And then their partner is… THE MIZ! Another Cleveland star is here, and he’s way more excited about it than Gargano or Ciampa. But they all go to the ring, the teams sort out, and Gargano starts against Vinci. Fans rally for “Johnny Wrestling!” but then Gunther tags in. The Intercontinental Champion smirks as Miz gets all fired up now. Miz reaches out, but then Gunther CLOBBERS Gargano! Fans boo as Gunther drags Gargano away, wrenches and CHOPS! Tag to Ludwig and Ludwig bumps Gargano off buckles. Ludwig talks trash, then UPPERCUTS!

Ludwig bumps Gargano off buckles, tag sVinci, and they argue. Gunther tells them to stop already. Vinci brings Gargano up but Gargano fires off forearms! Vinci knees low, CLUBS Gargano, and scoops, but Gargano slips free to waistlock. Vinci elbows free, Ciampa tags in! Gargano dodges a boot, ROCKS Vinci, Ciampa CHOPS, Gargano CLUBS, CIampa JAWBREAKERS! Ciampa runs while gargano clinches Vinci, feed to the LARIAT! Fans fire up and Miz cheers. Ciampa taunts Gunther, whips Vinci, but Vinci reverses. Ciampa dodges but Ludwig dumps Ciampa out! Fans boo as Gunther goes out to BOOT Ciampa!

Fans boo more as Imperium stands tall over Ciampa. Miz and Gargano coach Ciampa up but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Ciampa CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Ludwig! Lludwig shoves Ciampa away, then fireman’s carries on the rebound, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tag to Gunther and he smirks at Miz and Gargano as he stands between them and Ciampa. Gunther pushes Gargano then BOOTS Miz! Ciampa fires hands while Gargano checks Miz. Ciampa reaches out, Gunther keeps him from Gargano, and knees low! Tag to Vinci and builds speed, Gunther sets Ciampa up for the CROSSBODY! Vinci stomps Ciampa in the corner, taunts Gargano, then runs in, but only gets buckles! Ciampa hurries, hot tag to Gargano!

Fans fire up as Gargano BOOTS Ludwig and CLOBBERS Vinci! ENZIGURI for Ludwig! forearm for Vinci! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! Fans fire up with Gargano, then he runs in at Ludwig. Ludwig puts him on the apron but Gargano GAMANGIRIS back! And SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Cover, Vinci breaks it! Fans boo but Vinci & Ludwig regroup. Vinci runs in but Gargano dodges, Vinci’s knee hits buckles and he tumbles up and out! Gargano BOOTS Ludwig, goes up and leaps, into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig fireman’s carries, but Gargano slips free to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Miz rises!

Gargano and Ludwig crawl, hot tags to Gunther and Miz! The A-Lister dodges to fire off haymakers on Gunther! The fans fire up as Miz hammers away in the corner! The ref backs Miz off but he runs corner to corner, A-LIST LARIAT! The fans fire up with Miz, he GAMANGIRIS Gunther, then springboards to CROSSBODY! And he rains down more fists! Miz BOOTS Gunther and Gunther goes to ropes! The fans fire up as Miz KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Miz then powers up, runs in, but Gunther blocks a kick to CHOP Miz down! And right into a BOSTON CRAB!! Ciampa KNEES Gunther down!

Ciampa hobbles, but Vinci & Ludwig get in, HIGH LOW!! They kick Ciampa out, but Gargano and Miz are up! They dodge Imperium to DOUBLE TILT-O-WHIRL DDT!! The Cleveland boys are all fired up but then Gunther BOOTS Gargano! Miz DRAGON SCREWS Gunther, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! The fans are thunderous as Gunther flails! Gunther endures, reaches out, Ludwig gets in but Gargano catches him, LA MYSTICA into GargaNO Escape!! Vinci reaches out ot tag in! MACHO ELBOW on Miz! Vinci stomps Gargano then reels Miz in! POWER- NO, Miz slips free, slips around, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, MIZ & DIY WIN!!

Winners: #DIY & The Miz, by pinfall

The Land rejoices as their hometown hero wins this one for the team! Will this momentum help Miz & DIY get after the gold?

Imperium regroups backstage.

Gunther chews Ludwig & Vinci out, but then turns around to see The Miz. Miz says he wants his title match. Gunther says Miz is a pain in the… Well, fine, but under one condition. If Gunther beats Miz again, Miz can NEVER challenge for this title again while Gunther is champion! Done. Gunther chuckles and grins while Miz takes his leave. Will Miz’s next chance be his last chance?

Cody Rhodes VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The American Nightmare being the catalyst to the King of Strong Style’s transformation is certainly an interesting angle to take. There are parallels in their stories, but there are also major differences. Will it be those differences that help Cody be one step closer to finishing his story? Or will Nakamura take the pen from him and write his own ending?

Raw returns and Cody makes his entrance. Fans sing the song, “WHOA~ OH!” and Cody gives his weight belt to a young fan and his parents in the front row. Cody gets in the ring, “WHOA~ OH!” and the pyro goes off. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Cody headlocks. Cody hits a takeover, Nakamura headscissors but Cody kips free. The two reset, Nakamura kicks Cody’s hand away but Cody comes back. They knuckle lock, Nakamura kicks low, wrenches and wristlocks, but Cody puts him on the ropes. The fans rally behind Cody, the ref counts and Cody lets off, egging Nakamura on.

Nakamura gets in Cody’s face, but Cody kicks low, drops but Nakamura avoids the uppercut! Cody avoids the Penalty Kick, things speed up and Cody DROPKICKS! Cody then drags Nakamura up to a corner, and climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along all the way to TEN! Cody then hops down to hip toss Nakamura away and he goes up. But Nakamura trips Cody up! TOP SHELF KNEE! Cody flops to the apron, Nakamura runs to BASEBALL SLIDE! Cody hits the floor and Nakamura soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Nakamura gives Cody BAD VIBRATIONS! Then he stomps away! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off, and he drags Cody up. Cody throws body shots, Nakamura snapmares and drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Nakamura brings Cody up, Cody throws hands and he CLUBS Nakamura. Cody runs but Nakamura GAMANGIRIS! Nakamura then wraps on a chinlock. Cody endures, fights up, and fans rally. Cody throws elbows and body shots, but Nakamura throws a knee! Nakamura clinches, REVERSE EXPLODE, but Cody lands on his feet! Cody kicks low, drops and RHODES UPPERCUT!

Cody springboards, but into an ARMBAR!! Nakamura pulls, Cody clasps hands, and then they roll! Cody drag sleepers, but Nakamura drops down to drag Cody down again! ARMBAR!! Cody flails, reaches out, claws at the legs and moves around again. Cody kicks his way over to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Nakamura lets go, and Cody goes to a corner. Nakamura runs in, blocks Cody’s boots and puts him in the ropes! SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura grins as he returns into the ring, and he goes up a corner. Cody rises, into the FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is furious but he goes to the other corner.

Nakamura aims, runs in, but Cody dropkicks the legs out! Cody hurries to get that leg, and he DRAGON SCREWS it! Nakamura flounders, goes to the apron, but Cody drags him up. Cody has the leg, to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Nakamura is stuck in the ropes, so Cody drags him back up. Cody suplexes but Nakamura fights it! Cody still tries, and he gets Nakamura up for the GOURD BUSTER! Cody grabs the leg, pulls on it, and he turns Nakamura over! HALF CRAB! Nakamura endures, flails, reaches out, crawls his way forward, and has the ROPEBREAK! Cody lets go in frsutration and Nakamura bails out.

Cody builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit and both men hit barriers! The fans fire up again while Raw goes back to break!

Raw returns once again and Nakamura ENZIGURIS Cody! Cody staggers, but he ducks the roundhouse! DOUBLE LARIATS collide and both men are down again! The fans fire up and rally as Cody stirs. Nakamura sits up, Cody goes after him with a forearm! Nakamura forearms in return! Cody hits back, Nakamura hits again! They go back and forth, the fans behind Cody. They go faster and faster, then Nakamura gets the edge! Strike fest! Nakamura runs, Cody follows and CLOBBERS him! Cody then goes to a corner, baits Nakamura in, and goes up and over to then SPIN POWERSLAM!

Fans fire up as Cody rises again, and he gets the leg! Cody steps through but Nakamura drags him down into a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Cody flails but he’s caught in body scissors! Cody fights the sleeper, moves around, and he stands up with Nakamura as a backpack. Cody BACKPACK SENTONS! Fans fire up as Cody is free, huffing and puffing. Cody drags Nakamura up, runs, and BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! Cody dares Nakamura to get up, and Nakamura rises, into JAB! JAB! JAB! Flip, flop, fly and BIONIC ELBOW! Cody roars and the fans fire up again! Cody runs again, CODY CUTTER!!

Cody is all fired up and the fans are thunderous! Cody drags Nakamura up, dragon sleepers, CROSS- NO, Nakamura slips out, and RED MISTS!!! The ref calls it!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification

But Nakamura doesn’t care, he throws KNEE after KNEE into Cody’s side! Then he kicks and stomps Cody around! The ref gets Nakamura to back off, but Nakamura then shoves Cody! Cody comes back and swings wild! Nakamura dropkicks a leg out! BLINDSIDE KINSHASA!! Fans boo and the ref reprimands but Nakamura grins with the red still in his teeth. Wait, Nakamura then gets a chair! Fans boo as Nakamura gets in the ring with it, but more refs are here. The Creeds rush out! Nakamura leaves, the refs get Cody a towel and some water, but will Cody still be seeing red as he looks for revenge on Nakamura?

The Creeds help Cody out of the ring, then refs help Cody up the ramp. But Nakamura returns to KINSHASA Cody down!! The fans boo but the King of Strong Style is deaf to them. Will nothing stop Nakamura from making this his story?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Raw, and of course Punk “signs” with Raw. Because of course he and Rollins interact to tease their feud, and Punk entering the Rumble. And Drew McIntyre beats Jey in an awesome opening match, with a very clever Heel way to win. McIntyre gets to face Rollins on “Day One 2024” Raw, no idea if that is when McIntyre wins the title, but between McIntyre, both Punk and Cody in the Rumble, and Priest still Senor MITB, it definitely feels like Rollins has the walls closing on him. Which in a way, that’s how it should be for the Face champ, or any champ really.

Chelsea is starting to feel that, as Carter & Chance are building momentum with a great win against Indi & Candice tonight. Natty & Nox were still watching, too, but we still need input from SmackDown’s side in the form of Fyre & Dawn making their presence known again. Great promos from Becky and Nia to hype up their coming match, with Nia of course backing down per usual Heel tactics. That match is going to be great for the story, but I can’t see them stretching this out for over a month just so it can interweave with Royal Rumble. Nia VS Becky 1v1 needs to happen on that Day One Raw, and then maybe fallout is explored in the Rumble.

Bronson VS Ivar was awesome stuff, too, especially with the finish not being anyone’s finisher but just a super heavyweight superplex. I hope we get more of this, with special stipulations like Falls Count Anywhere or Last Man Standing. I also like that there’s something cooking for the Intercontinental Championship with Kofi, Gable and Ricochet being involved. Imperium VS DIY & Miz was great stuff, as I knew Miz would join DIY against Imperium, their common enemies. Miz going for that last chance match, he’s definitely losing that to force him out of the story and bringing Pearce’s match idea in.

Great stuff out of Judgment Day tonight. For one, McDonagh’s shirt specifically added his name to the team via tape and pen. The tensions are running high as Rhea and Priest have their comments about who is/isn’t leading the team, and of course Truth is amazing no matter what he does. The Judgment Day does agree on beating Truth down, though, and Rhea squashes Maxxine, but it seems Diamond Mine is ready to take them all one as we’re getting Priest & Finn VS Creeds and more than likely getting Rhea VS Ivy. Diamond Mine is going to have awesome showings in those matches, but I don’t see them winning any of the titles just yet.

And then a great main event from Cody VS Nakamura. Both guys had great promos tonight, this match was great, and I didn’t see that red mist happening. Creeds making the save was an interesting move, too, but I suppose with Sami injured, Jey getting beat hard by McIntyre and Rollins not really his friend, there wasn’t gonna be anyone else to save him. At this point, I expect Nakamura to enter the Rumble to not just try and win it but to make sure Cody doesn’t. If anything, making sure Cody doesn’t win might be more important to Nakamura than winning, given how he just threw this match to beat Cody down.

My Score: 8.8/10