We’re on the Road to WrestleMania 40!

With the Royal Rumble come and gone, all of the WWE now turns their eyes to Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia! Who gets in on the opportunity of a lifetime?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & Damian Priest VS #DIY; Finn & Priest win and retain the titles.
• Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven; Shayna & Stark win.
• Jey Uso VS Bronson Reed; Jey wins.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Kofi Kingston; Gunther wins and retains the title.
• The Kabuki Warriors VS Tegan Nox & Natalya; The Kabuki Warriors win.
• Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

This first hour of Raw is COMMERCIAL FREE!

Damage CTRL arrives backstage!

The winner of the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble, Bayley, leads Dakota Kai, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, the Kabuki Warriors, and THE WWE Women’s Champion, Iyo Sky, into the arena as they’re all ready to take over all of the WWE!

Pat McAfee is here!

He returned to WWE commentary, and even in-ring action, for the Royal Rumble and now he’s here to join Raw! And wouldn’t you know? Corey Graves is nowhere to be found because of it. Because BREAKING NEWS, Pat and Maggle are carrying commentary on Raw from here on out!

CM Punk is here!

The fans in Tampa fire up as the Best in the World makes his way out, but uh oh, his arm is in a sling. Punk still autographs a belt for a young fan and high-fives the rest, but clearly things aren’t looking good for Punk. Punk steps into the ring, the fans chant for him, and he grabs a mic. He stares at the WrestleMania 40 sign, and sighs before he says, “I came real close Saturday night. And I felt like I had it in the palm of my hand. And I’m not mad at anybody, really. I’m not mad at Cody Rhodes. I’d actually like to take this time off the top to congratulate Cody.”

Fans cheer that, and Punk says sometimes it isn’t about what you deserve but what you earned, and Cody busted his ass. Punk wants to see Cody finish his story in Philadelphia. Going back to back in the Rumble is no small feat. It’s a lot like the Tampa Lightning going back to back to win the Stanley Cup. Fans cheer that! But Punk continues with, “And while I came close, close don’t count in this business. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. And I’ve never believed in luck. But I feel a little bit unlucky. In the course of the Rumble, I tore my right tricep.

“And as much as I tried and I asked, ‘Maybe I can just tape it. Maybe I can make it to Elimination Chamber, and I can try to win that and I can get my main event at WrestleMania.’ But it’s just not in the cards. And I don’t want anybody to feel sorry for me. Because when I think of this situation and how much it bums me out, how much I have talked from the highest mountains about how my goal and my dream ever since I was a little kid was to main event WrestleMania, maybe it’s just not ever gonna happen.” Fans boo but Punk doesn’t want pity. Realistically, is this a problem?

He has a friend, Chad Gilbert, who he loves to death and thinks about a lot. Chad has cancer, has been dealing with it for a long time. He’s got a beautiful wife, a beautiful daughter, and Punk visits Chad while he gets chemo. Chad’s always in a good mood, never down about any of it, even though it’s soul crushing. That is a fight! This here is just a flesh wound. When Punk says he is Best in the World, that’s not because he always wins. Did you see him in the UFC? Yeah, not great, huh? But dammit, Punk had a dream and a chance, and was asked, “Do you wanna do this?” And he said yes BECAUSE it scared him!

Fans cheer Punk on as he gets emotional. It scared him as much as coming back after 10 years in a place he never wanted to leave in the first place, but he had to! It scared him! Mania scares him! This might be a goal that haunts him for the rest of his life! But this is just a bump in the road. Best in the World is the people who fight things like cancer! Who put their lives on the line like Matt Flannigan in Chicago, a firefighter! Punk just entertains people, and for some reason, y’all love him. He promises he is gonna keep doing it until the wheels fall off. This is a bump in the road, it is adversity, and he has overcome that countless times!

Punk doesn’t focus on the negative, on those who says “You can’t!” Not tall enough, not big enough, not the right hair or tattoos. That doesn’t matter! Because everyone watching around the world, they wake up, they do their jobs, and they just keep on going! You put food on your family’s tables, so that is what he’s gonna do. Mania 40 might not be in the cards, but he’s a Cubs fan, and this isn’t the first time or the last time he says this: There’s always next year! But then DREW MCINTYRE walks out! Punk says he should’ve known… The Scottish Terminator makes his way to the ring, staring down the man who eliminated him from the Rumble.

McIntyre goes right into the ring, Punk ready to hit him with the mic if he has to. But McIntyre gets his own mic, and while fans are torn, he says, “I’ve said some terrible things about you since your return to WWE. And I meant them. You were a terrible person to me in the past, you’re a poison to the locker room, but I’m listening to you now and I can relate to everything you’re saying.” McIntyre has had his dreams taken away, too. He was fired from WWE, and hearing about Chad, he can relate. McIntyre isn’t sure what he believes in anymore, he went through recent changes, and was never much of a spiritual person.

But he wants Punk to know this: McIntyre prayed for this and it happened. At the Rumble, McIntyre targeted Punk, assaulted him, didn’t want him to win. Seth Rollins is gonna take his title until his body falls apart but who’s gonna take it to the net level? McIntyre couldn’t let it be Punk, but then Punk eliminates him! McIntyre was so angry that he couldn’t sleep. But then he heard the news the next day, and he slept like a baby. Punk won the battle, but not the war. McIntyre exorcised the demon that is CM Punk! Now McIntyre will find his way to the World Heavyweight Championship at Mania, and he will live Punk’s dream, again!

Punk sighs while McIntyre smirks, but the fans are on Punk’s side. McIntyre says c’mon, look him in the eyes. Punk does look McIntyre in the eyes, and he says his heart hurts more than his arm. Punk will rehab, he will come back, and he will main event Mania. But first will be McIntyre, and Punk will be coming right at him. Punk drops the mic, McIntyre says okay, then takes a swing! Punk dodges, fires forearms, and even hits with the bad arm! But a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT drops him! McIntyre STOMPS the bad arm! Fans boo, but McIntyre wants Punk to scream in pain! But here comes SAMI ZAYN!

Fans fire up as Sami runs in, slides and dodges to fire off haymakers! McIntyre runs away! Sami shouts at McIntyre to get back here but McIntyre grins. Sami helps Punk to his feet and the fans cheer. McIntyre takes his leave, but has he just made sure Punk will be out much longer than before?

The Judgment Day is watching backstage.

JD McDonagh says that was rough. But Rhea Ripley says it doesn’t matter what McIntyre does. It’s not their business. They have bigger things to handle. Dom says yeah, like Bayley being dumb enough to show up tonight. Mami has nothing to sweat. Rhea says yeah, if Bayley chooses Rhea, it’ll be Bayley’s funeral. Tonight, it is about sending a message that wasn’t sent at the Rumble. Are the boys gonna remind everyone who they are? Or are we gonna let distractions get in the way? Priest says it’s agreed, they’re done letting distractions get to them. And Rhea doesn’t have to worry about Priest. After tonight, NOTHING can stop them!

Finn says exactly! Everyone is getting too comfortable challenging them. So tonight, they show just how vicious they are! Rhea likes that. Priest & Finn head out, but will the Punisher & Prince still be undisputed?

#DIY speaks.

Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa are on the move as Gargano tells Tampa, Florida, “Two hours from where DIY was born, we’ve waited seven years for this moment.” Ciampa says it isn’t just seven years, this is a lifetime in the making! Two little kids sat down watching Saturday wrestling dreaming about this moment here. This is about the tag team titles! This is about showing the world who they are! And they are… D I Y!! Johnny Wrestling & The Sicilian Psycho are ready, will they be undisputed?

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & Damian Priest VS #DIY!

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Judgment Day sends that message to the WWE Tag Division!

The teams sort out and Ciampa starts with Priest. They tie up, Priest puts Ciampa in a corner then grinds forearms. Priest lets off, then ROCKS Priest! Priest bumps Ciampa off buckles, ROCKS him again, then tags Finn. They mug Ciampa, Finn CLUBS Ciampa then facelocks. Finn whips but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges! Finn still ROCKS Ciampa with rights! Finn CLUBS Ciampa, whips, but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges. Gargano tags in, Ciampa CHOPS then Gargano LARIATS! JAWBREAKER to feed, LARIAT! Then DIY DOUBLE LARIAT Priest! They TOSS Finn out to join him, and then DOUBLE PLANCHA! Double direct hit!

Fans fire up as DIY applaud and pat themselves on the back! Fans rally and Gargano puts Finn in. Gargano ROCKS Finn, tags Ciampa, and Ciampa sends Gargano in to ELBOW! Gargano feeds Finn to Ciampa’s ELBOW! Finn bails out and fans boo, but Ciampa pursues. They go into the ring, Priest sneaks a tag, but Ciampa ROCKS Priest! Finn DECKS Ciampa, and Priest goes out with Ciampa to scoop and SNAKE EYES off the apron! Fans boo but Priest refreshes the ring count to then put Ciampa in. Priest stalks Ciampa, brings him up, tag to Finn. They whip, mule kick, front kick and mid-kick! SCISSOR KICK from Finn! Cover, TWO!

Finn clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Ciampa down. The fans rally for Ciampa but Finn squeezes tight. Ciampa fights up, reaches out, but Finn facelocks. Ciampa powers up, powers Finn back step by step, but Finn grinds the hold! Ciampa still fights, but Priest distracts! The ref misses the tag! The ref says go back! Finn whips Ciampa, Priest ROUNDHOUSES him! The ref misses that, too! Finn covers, TWO! Ciampa survives and fans cheer. Finn tags Priest and Priest stands Ciampa up to ROCK him! Priest taunts Ciampa, “You feeling like a champion? Is that what you are?” Ciampa SLAPS and CHOPS and throws hands!

Fans fire up as Ciampa fights out of the corner! But Priest picks him up! But Ciampa sunset flips, TWO! Priest ROLLING HAYMAKERS! Tag back to Finn and he brings Ciampa up, but Ciampa ROCKS Finn! And again! And again! And again! Ciampa swings, but into the dragon sleeper! But Ciampa turns that around, REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ciampa and Finn crawl, hot tag to Gargano! Priest runs in, but into a GAMANGIRI! Gargano rallies on Finn with big hands, then he DOUBLE KNEES Priest! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Gargano and he runs in at Finn!

Finn puts Gargano on the apron, but Gargano RAMS into him! Gargano avoids Priest’s sweep to SUPERKICK! SLINGSHOT SPEAR into Finn! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives but the fans rally with Gargano. Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Finn stops La Mystica to EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Tag to Priest, he and Finn get Gargano up. They double whip, Gargano duck sunder and Ciampa trips Finn! Ciampa sends Finn into barriers! Gargano rolls Priest up, TWO!! Gargano baits Priest in, tag to Ciampa before Priest hits buckles! Then DIY work together, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Ciampa drags Priest up and reels him in. Priest fights the underhooks and back drops free! ROUNDHOUSE to Gargano! Priest runs in, BIG back elbow! Tag to Finn, then snapmare to STOMP! Finn tags Priest back, they get Ciampa up again, BACKBREAKER LEG DROP COMBO! Priest covers while Finn flexes, TWO! Ciampa survives and the fans fire up! Priest storms around while Ciampa rises. Priest aims, choke grips, but Ciampa KNEES free! Ciampa DECKS Finn, but Priest scoops! TOMBSTONE! Cover, GARGANO BREAKS IT! The fans fire up but Priest is furious! Priest TOSSES Gargano!

Priest goes back to Ciampa, and Finn says let’s finish this! Priest aims, Finn tags, and SOUTH OF- NO, Ciampa slips free to trip Finn! Ciampa LEBOWS Priest, into Gargano’s ONE FINAL BEAT!! Ciampa goes up to get Finn!! SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finn survives and shocks everyone! Gargano tags back in, and the fans are thunderous as DIY aims at Finn! Finn sits up, for them to MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, PRIEST DRAGS FINN OUT! Gargano and Ciampa are stunned! Ciampa PLANCHAS, but into a HAYMAKER! Gargano DIVES and sends Priest over the desk!

Gargano hurries in but Finn cradles him! TWO!!! Gargano escapes, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn aims, SHOTGUNS and Gargano goes down! Finn climbs up, COUP DE- NO! Gargano moves, he runs back in, LA MYSTICA! Then GargaNO Escape!!! Ciampa intercepts Priest to a CROSSFACE!! Both Priest & Finn endure while fans go nuts! Priest powers up to SIDEWALK SLAM Ciampa onto Gargano! All four men are down and “This is Awesome!” The teams regroup, Finn and Gargano crawl for their corners, and the fans rally hard for DIY. Hot tag to Priest, and he runs to DECK Ciampa!

Priest hauls Gargano up, Canadian Rack, but Gargano fights free! Hot tag to Ciampa! Ciampa fires off fast hands, he puts Priest in a corner, Gargano and Finn start to brawl! The ref reprimands, but Gargano gets the edge on Finn! ROLLING ELBOW! But Finn PELES! Ciampa KNEES Finn! Priest SUPERKICKS Ciampa! Ciampa falls out of the ring, Priest says it is done! Priest goes out after Ciampa, brings him around, and aims for the desk! No, not the table! But Gargano DIVES! Priest catches Gargano, FLATLINER on the desk!! Priest hurries back in, but Ciampa gets him for a cradle! TWO!!! Priest escapes, and DECKS Ciampa!

Priest tags Finn, gets Ciampa up, RAZOR’S EDGE!! COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, THE JUDGMENT DAY WINS!

Winners: Finn Balor & Damian Priest, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

The Prince & The Punisher showed that vicious edge, just as Mami wanted! Dom & JD join in the celebration, and then Priest gets the mics. Finn says, “Who’s the Undisputed Tag Team Champions? The Judgment Day!” Priest says, “Alright, alright. For weeks, you’ve all seen a different side of The Judgment Day. And we all know who’s the reason for that. it’s the same person I feel like everybody in this ring owes an apology to. In fact, after the Rumble, I feel like I should apologize to him. Yeah, you guys know who it is. It ain’t a secret. Truth, I know you can hear us. Come join us in the ring.”

R-Truth makes his entrance and the fans fire up! Truth heads to the ring and Finn even joins in on the “What’s up? What’s up?” Priest says it is okay, Truth, c’mere. The music cuts and Priest says Truth has his word, he won’t attack. Priest knows Truth wants to say the deal. Truth joins the others in the ring, has a mic now, and he says he’s glad he gets to say it cuz it never works when Priest says it. He just isn’t nice enough. So, ALL RISE for the Judgment Day! The fans cheer and Priest says that was good. But look, Truth, at the Rumble, Priest was thinking about last Monday. Truth says that’s fine, they can talk about that later.

Truth hasn’t been able to sleep, this has been bothering him. He relocated Priest’s cash to crypto, don’t worry. He even filed the taxes and liquidated the assets, Priest is good to go! Priest sighs and says there’s no way Truth knows what any of that means. But what Priest is saying is that they’re a family. Yeah, that’s what Truth is saying! They’ve been family the whole time! Priest is like Truth’s older brother. But Truth, you’re older than all of them! Truth says Finn is “that weird uncle,” unpredictable but they still love him. What more is there to say “Tom ‘n’ Nick?” Fans boo Dominik and Truth is confused. Sorry, his bad.

But then, there’s JD. He’s that stepbrother who they don’t wanna admit is in the family. Priest says Truth has to let someone else talk. Priest was gonna say that the Judgment Day was family. But sadly, Truth ain’t Judgment Day. He’s not? No, he never was. But Priest has always liked Truth, he is very funny. So that’s why Priest isn’t the one who is gonna do this. Dom? JD TAKES INITIATIVE! Fans boo as JD smacks Truth around, kicks him, but wait! Here comes The Miz! Miz wants to save his friend, but he just gets mugged, too! It’s a 4v2 beating! Fans boo but then Priest & Finn set Miz up for Dom! Dom goes up, to FROG SPLASH!

JD drags Truth over to put next to Miz, and The Judgment Day stands tall. United and undisputed, will anyone ever bring them down now?

Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark VS Chelsea Green & Piper Niven!

The Queen of Spade & The Hunter want the tag titles, but the Hot Mess & The Scottish Viper want those titles back! Will Shayna & Stark tear through the former champs to get at the current champs? Or will they refuse to #TapNapOrSnap?

The teams sort out, and Piper SPLASHES Stark in the corner at the bell! Piper CLOBBERS Stark, fans are torn, but Stark JAWBREAKERS back! Piper goes to ropes, she ELBOWS back, but Shayna KICKS Piper from behind! Stark HEEL KCIKS Piper from the front! Tag to Shayna, she storms in and CLUBS Piper down! Shayna fires off hands, the fans fire up, and Shayna pulls on an arm. Shayna isolates that arm to STOMP it! Shayna drags Piper around, wrenches to a double wristlock, but Piper endures. Piper scoops, Shayna slips free to waistlock, but Piper fights! Piper RAMS Shayna into the corner!

Shayna and Piper are down, but Piper crawls to hot tag Green! Hot tag to Stark! Chelsea isn’t sure what to do, so she dodges Stark, then drop toeholds her into ropes! Green smiles, but Shayna has the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Chelsea TOSSES Shayna, dodges Stark’s dropkick, then hits a ZIGZAG! Cover, TWO! Stark survives and Chelsea is upset. She hurries to tag but Shayna YANKS Piper down! And Stark hits Z 360!! Cover, Stark & Shayna win!

Winners: Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark, by pinfall

Well that was fast! If they can put away former champs that fast, will Shayna & Stark be unstoppable going for the titles?

Cody Rhodes is here!

Tampa fires up for the back to back winner of the Men’s Royal Rumble, The American Nightmare, as he heads to the ring, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets the mic but takes a moment as he hears the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Cody then asks Tampa Bay, “What do we wanna talk about?” He had something in mind to say, first in response to his own question. But on the way out, he heard something for the very first time that was music to his ears. Samantha Irvin, could you do him the honor of saying it one more time? Samantha smiles and grabs the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome of the 2023 AND 2024 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The American Nightmare~! CODY! RHOOODES!”

Fans cheer and Cody is feeling it now! He thanks Samantha, and then says we have a lot of people here tonight. Cody knows that they come to Raw, to the WWE shows, to SmackDown and the PLEs, and the expectation is on the superstars to give us the best time of their lives and to escape for a moment. But some don’t realize that even the WWE superstars need to escape. The last 48 hours of Cody’s life outside of here have been rather… challenging. It’s all good, all is well, but on Saturday, you will never know how much he needed the fans. Cody is endlessly grateful for that, but let’s get to it.

“Let’s make WrestleMania 40 official.” But then Seth Rollins makes his way out here?! The Visionary, the Revolutionary, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, has fans singing his song now, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~! OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” while he makes his way to the ring. Rollins gets a mic of his own, the fans continue to sing, and Rollins revels in it a moment before telling Cody, “Tampa Bay is right, you do deserve it, man.” Rollins says that because these two haven’t always seen eye to eye, but the past year, they’ve developed a… mutual respect for each other. So man to man, back-to-back Royal Rumbles, congrats! That is special.

They shake hands, but then Rollins wants to be real. Sunglasses coming off now. If Cody chooses Roman Reigns at Mania, that is a mistake. Rollins thinks Cody should fight him instead. Fans are surprised to hear that, and are torn on that. Rollins understands the concerns. But all he is asking is for Cody to hear him out. Rollins watched Cody at the Rumble press conference. Cody said unequivocally that he is “The Guy.” And Rollins isn’t trying to be a jerk, but no, Cody is not The Guy. Roman Reigns isn’t even The Guy anymore! Rollins is The Guy. Rollins is The Guy, and the World Heavyweight Championship is THE title in the WWE!

Fans are again torn but plenty still sing for Rollins. Rollins says see, we’re getting there. Now last year, Cody won the Rumble, it made perfect sense to go after Roman. But that was when there was only one champion. The landscape has changed. But Rollins gets it. Every single day, all Cody has thought about this past year is Roman, Roman, Roman. But Rollins and Cody have been together on this ride. Rollins won this belt, Cody’s been on the road with him, town after town, city after city, show after show. And who was there int he main event? Cuz it sure wasn’t Roman. And what title was Rollins defending? Cuz it sure wasn’t the WWE Universal Championship! It was the WORLD HEAVYEWIGHT TITLE!

And does Cody remember why this title came to be? It was because every single one of these people was sick and tired of Roman Reigns. They were sick and tired of Roman showing up every other week, then every other month. Then every six months, never defending the title and then cheating to win when he had to instead of being an honorable man! The WHC is THE PEOPLE’S TITLE! It is for the us, by us, and has been built up by us! Broken bones, bad backs, blown out knee, all of them, Cody included, has leveled the playing field.

So they don’t need to pretend Roman is “The Guy” anymore, cuz he’s not. We don’t need to pretend Roman is on some untouchable pedestal. Hell, we don’t need Roman at all! So Rollins just has to ask: What title does Cody want? The Hollywood title? The Hogan title? The one for posers and frauds? The one for those who politic to the top? Or does he want the Dusty Rhodes title? The workhorse title, the blue collar title, because that is what the WHC means! It is about who is the very best between these ropes!

And Rollins could try and ask what title Dusty would want, but it wouldn’t matter, because he’s not here, this isn’t about him, and hasn’t been for some time. This is about Cody and Cody’s decision. And Rollins doesn’t need an answer right now, but he wants Cody to think on this because this is the biggest decision in Cody’s entire life. Just ask yourself, “What’s in here (your heart)? What kind of man do you wanna be?” Rollins steps back and Cody isn’t sure what to make of that. Cody tells Seth, “I have an insane amount of respect for you. And this is the last thing I woke up thinking that we would be talking about, that I would be thinking about.

“But let me tell you this. I’ll think about it.” Fans cheer and Rollins is a little surprised. Did Rollins just redirect the Road to WrestleMania towards him? Or does Cody still want to #FinishTheStory that badly?

Kofi Kingston speaks.

“Hey! I’m still on Cloud Nine because what we did last week to Imperium. We took ’em on and we took ’em down!” Now Kofi said it before and he’ll say it again: When you think about New Day, you talk about pancakes, Booty-O’s, ice cream, bright colors. But the one thing you forget o talk about, the most important thing, is the fact that they win championships! Talk about that! That is what Kofi is about to do here tonight when he beats Gunther for the Intercontinental Champsionship! FIVE-TIME, BRO! Xavier Woods is just as fired up, will Kofi end the reign at just short of 600 DAYS?!

Jey Uso VS Bronson Reed!

Main Event Jey wants after singles gold, but so does the Colossal Aussie! Will Jey manage to YEET Reed out of the way? Or will the Uso Splash not compare to the Tsunami?

Raw returns and Reed makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Reed puts Jey in a corner, lets off, but Jey avoids the haymaker to fire off hands. The fans “YEET! YEET!” and Jey runs, but Reed runs him over! Reed paces, drags Jey up and HEADBUTTS back! Reed drags Jey up to HEADBUTT again! Reed clotheslines in the corner, to then short arm LARIAT Jey down! Fans boo but Reed stalks Jey to ropes. Reed HEADBUTTS again, then mocks the yeet. The fans rally for Jey but Reed drags him up to ROCK him with a right. Reed brings Jey around to CLUB him in the chest!

Reed whips, Jey holds ropes, and then Jey dumps Reed out! Jey builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Reed hits barriers! The fans fire up with Jey and he gets Reed up, only for Reed to POST him! Reed runs in, but Jey ducks and Reed POSTS himself!! Fans fire up while Raw goes picture in picture.

Jey slides into the ring, lets the ring count climb, and Reed drags himself up at 6 of 10. Reed rolls in at 8, but Jey runs up to fire haymakers! Jey ROCKS Reed, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! Reed wobbles, Jey runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Reed ELBOWS him down! Reed flexes, soaks up the heat, then goes back to Jey. Reed runs to ELBOW DROP! Jey sputters, Reed stalks him, then he drags Jey up into a neck wrench! Jey endures, fights up, and throws body shots! Jey throws haymakers, but Reed HEADBUTTS again! Jey falls into a corner, Reed steadies himself, and then storms up on Jey.

Reed stands on Jey at the ropes! The ref counts, Reed steps away, and then he drags Jey up. Reed CHOKES Jey on the ropes, thrashes him, then lets off as the ref counts again. Reed stands Jey up in a corner, ROCKS him with a right, then whips him corner to corner. Jey bounces off buckles and falls to his knees, but Reed soaks up the heat. Reed drags Jey up, CLUBS him to another corner, then CHOKES Jey on the buckles. The ref counts, Reed lets off, and he mocks the “UCE! OH!” chant. Reed goes corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! Jey flounders and Reed grins. Reed drags Jey into a chinlock!

Jey endures as Reed squeezes tight. Jey fights up, Raw returns to single picture. and Jey throws body shots. The fans rally as Jey counter punches! And counter punches! And counter punches! Fans “YEET! YEET!” and Jey pops ‘n’ locks, before he ROCKS Reed again! The fans fire up as Jey runs in, but Reed puts him on the apron. Jey GAMANGIRIS then climbs up! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Reed is tougher than that but Jey keeps cool. Reed stands, into a mule kick! UPPERCUT! Reed blocks a kick, spins Jey and blocks the Dragon Whip to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Jey is tougher than that, too!

The fans rally up, Reed hauls Jeyu up but Jey ducks the ripcord lariat to SUPERKICK! Reed growls but Jey SUPERKCIKS! Reed roars, but Jey CALF KICKS! Cover, TWO! Reed is still in this but Jey hurries to a corner. Jey climbs but Reed trips him up! Reed climbs, brings Jey up, but Jey fights the superplex! Jey fires body shots and forearms, then a HEADBUTT! Reed falls down! Jey adjusts, to USO- NO, he has to bail out of the splash as Reed moves! Reed gets Jey in a fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Reed is furious! Reed says time to end this!

Reed drags Jey up, fireman’s carries again, but Jey slips free! Reed still SPLASHES in the corner! Jey falls, Reed climbs! Fans fire up as Reed aims, TSUNAMI FLOPS as Jey moves! Fans fire up and Jey rises! SUPERKICK! Reed stays up, so Jey runs and SPEARS Reed down!! Jey hurries back up, and he hits the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jey wins!!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall

Truly a huge win for Jey! And while Kofi is facing Gunther later tonight, will this help Jey be right in line for his own Intercontinental Championship match?

Adam Pearce meets with Andrade Almas.

El Idolo signs on the dotted line, he is officially Raw! Pearce appreciates this, they shake hands, and then in walks Nick Aldis. Well, just the man Pearce wanted to see. Pearce introduces one of the biggest free agents in WWE history, a former NXT Champion and United States Champion, and is now the newest member of Raw. Aldis congratulates Andrade on the deal, but says it is a shame, as SmackDown had a very handsome offer. Pearce says maybe SmackDown should’ve been a little quicker. Yes, evidently. But Andrade shakes hands with Pearce and Aldis one more time, and wants Aldis to say hola to Santos for him.

Andrade heads out and Aldis says he loaned Pearce Bayley for the night so that Raw could have both Rumble winners for a very special night, and it’s like that, is it? It’s just business. Oh, well, speaking of business, they need to discuss Elimination Chamber. But then Aldis’ phone rings and he says he has to take it, it’s Bron Breakker. Aldis heads out, and it seems SmackDown is going to sign their own big name soon enough.

Gunther speaks.

Der Ring General tells Kofi, “I want to speak firm to you. Good on you for challenging me, because tonight, you’re about to have the biggest fight of your career. You’re fighting for your name, you’re fighting for your legacy, you’re fighting for every accomplishment you’ve ever made. You will remember this night for the rest of your life. But I? After tonight, I will forget about you. So here’s some advice: Leave it all out there in the ring tonight. Because when I’m done with you, nobody will be speaking about you anymore, and I will carry on being the longest reigning and greatest Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of all time. Good luck, Kofi.”

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Jackie Redmond is with The Man and says obviously Plan A was winning the Rumble, but that isn’t how things went. What is Plan B? Becky says the she let a lot of people down, including herself. But the only way she stays down is if she gives up and that ain’t in her nature. Then Plan B is to train harder, think smarter, fighter a little dirtier, but she does not stop until she’s back at the top, and takes that women’s title back into the main event like it deserves. The Man is planning to still be Big Time in time for Mania, how will she fight her way into Philadelphia?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Kofi Kingston!

Der Ring General continues add to his historic reign, having now reached just shy of 600 DAYS! But just as Kofi said, the New Day always gets gold! Will Kofi become a FIVE-TIME Intercontinental Champion? Or will he be just another notch on the belt for Gunther?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just who (who who who) brings gold down the Road to WrestleMania!

The bell rings and Kofi rushes Gunther with fast hands! Gunther shoves him away but Kofi comes back for more! Kofi climbs up a corner to rain down fists but Gunther throws him away. Kofi ducks ‘n’ dodges but Guntnher scoops to a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally while Kofi writhes, and Gunther gets the legs to go righ tinto a BOSTON CRAB! Kofi endures, reaches out, but Gunther sits deep while Raw goes picture in picture!

Kofi fights around, slips under, but Gunther stomps him down! Gunther stalks Kofi to ropes, then bends him against them! The ref reprimands, Gunther CLUBS Kofi as he lets off, then he stalks Kofi to a corner. Gunther drags Kofi up but Kofi body shots and mule kicks! Kofi fires hands but Gunther CHOPS him down! Gunther stalks Kofi, drags him up, and then CLUBS him down! Kofi goes to ropes, Gunther stomps away on him, but Gunther lets off as the ref counts. Gunther soaks up the heat, stalks Kofi to a corner, and then Gunther drags Kofi up again. Gunther shoves Kofi to ropes to then CLUB him in the back on the rebound!

Kofi falls, Gunther hip drops him down more! Gunther paces around. Kofi crawls, Gunther stalks him, then drags him up. Gunther shoves Kofi to ropes again, but this time Kofi ROCKS Gunther! Gunther staggers, Kofi fires more hands, but Gunther CLUBS him again. But Kofi dodges the hip drop to get a leg! Gunther grabs Kofi’s leg, stands up, and stomps Kofi down again! Kofi crawls while Gunther soaks up heat from the fans. Gunther storms up in the corner, but Kofi slips fere to ROCK and CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Gunther turns things around to CHOP! Kofi falls and sputters, but Gunther kicks him to the floor!

Gunther paces while Kofi drags himself up. Kofi gets in the ring but Gunther is on him with a snapmare. Gunther KICKS Kofi in the back! Kofi writhes, flounders to ropes, and Gunther stalks him. Gunther KICKS Kofi, Kofi is in the ropes again, and Raw returns to single picture as Gunther bends Kofi back! Gunther ELBOWS Kofi in the nose! Gunther eggs Kofi on, taunts him, but Kofi throws body shots and haymakers! Kofi HEADBUTTS, but Gunther CHOPS! Kofi falls back and Gunther storms up again. Gunther whips corner to corner hard and Kofi falls! Gunther taunts Kofi, stalks him to a corner, then drags him up.

Gunther brings Kofi up to whip him hard into the corner again, and Kofi again falls! Gunther grabs the legs but Kofi resists. Kofi BOOTS from below, and BOOTS again! Kofi is free, he goes to a corner, but Gunther storms up on him again. Gunther scoops to SLAM Kofi! Gunther taunts the fans and he taunts Kofi. He asks where Kofi’s fight is now, and then he drags Kofi up. Gunther UPPERCUTS Kofi, UPPERCUTS again, and Kofi goes to a corner. Gunther storms over and stands Kofi up, but Kofi fires haymakers! And a CHOP! Gunther CHOPS back! Gunther whips Kofi corner to corner, grins, but Kofi runs up to DECK Gunther!

Fans fire up as Gunther is staggered now! Kofi fires off haymakers and HEADBUTTS! The fans rally behind Kofi as he goes to a corner. Gunther runs in but Kofi BOOTS him away. Kofi then PENDULUM KICKS and Gunther falls back! Kofi goes up, and leaps, but into Gunther’s arms! BACKBREAKER! BOSTON CRAB! Kofi endures as Raw goes back to picture in picture!

Kofi fights up but Gunther puts more pressure on the back! Kofi crawls, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Gunther lets go, and he catches his breath while Kofi drags himself up. Gunther stomps Kofi, then brings him around to CHOP down! Kofi flounders to another corner, and Gunther soaks up the heat. Gunther mocks the fans as they cheer Kofi, and then he storms after Kofi. Kofi mule kicks back! And THRUST KICKS! But Gunther waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gunther scowls as he looks at Kofi writhing, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Gunther ripcords Kofi, but Kofi ducks the lariat! V-TRIGGER! Fans fire up as Gunther is stunned! Kofi goes to a corner, stands back up and he runs up to DOUBLE CHOP! And DOUBLE CHOP! And DROPKICK! Gunther wobbles, Kofi keeps moving, but Gunther gets around! SLEEPER!! Kofi flails, reaches out, but then Gunther spins Kofi around to lift and- NO, Kofi fights the bomb! Kofi goes to ropes to RANA Gunther to the floor! Fans fire up as Kofi builds speed, and Kofi DIVES! But Gunther catches him, to SLAM him into the apron!! Gunther drags Kofi up, lifts, but Kofi RANAS again, and Gunther hits POST!

Kofi and Gunther stagger, Kofi slides into the ring first and he builds speed! Kofi DIVES and Gunther hits the desk! Kofi keeps moving, he DIVES again, and again Gunther hits the desk! The fans fire up but this time Gunther follows! Kofi ducks ‘n’ dodges, RUNNING TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Kofi crawls, but Gunther crawls away, and out of the ring! Gunther saves himself and Kofi can’t believe it! Kofi hurries outside to KICK Gunther, SMACK him off steel steps, and CLUB away on him! Fans fire up with Kofi, but the ring count is climbing. Kofi goes up the barriers?! Kofi aims, to leap, GUILLOTINE AX HANDLE OFF THE STEPS!!!

Kofi shoves Gunther in the ring and then he goes up the corner! Kofi aims, to SUPER BOOM DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and no one can believe it! Kofi aims from a corner, he spins, but Gunther BLOCKS Trouble in Paradise! Gunther tries the Crab but Kofi cradles it! TWO!! Gunther LARIATS outta nowhere!! Gunther powers up the arm again and fans boo, as Gunther runs to- S O S!!! Cover, TWO!!! Gunther survives again and Kofi is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as Kofi and Gunther rise again, and then Gunther LARIATS!! And then SHOTGUNS Kofi into a corner! Gunther drags Kofi out, up, and GENERAL BOMB!! Cover, Gunther wins!!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

And that secures Gunther past 600 days! Woods checks on Kofi, but then the rest of Imperium pounces! Vinci & Kaiser were just waiting, and Gunther smiles as his soldiers beat down The New Day! Vinci BOOTS Kofi down, but then Woods rises! Woods runs up to CLOBBER Vinci and fire fast hands on Ludwig! But that’s still a 2v1 situation! They mug Woods, drag him out, and then double whip him into a POST!! Gunther taunts The New Day, then he and Imperium make their leave. Will nothing stop Der Ring General and his reign of terror?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Jackie is now with the returning Great Liberator, and notes that just 48 hours removed from his return, he is facing the man who put him on the shelf in Drew McIntyre. How is Sami managing his emotions going into tonight’s main event? Sami says that’s a good question, because this has all been emotional. It is hard to just sit on the sidelines when it was an injury at the hands of a man like McIntyre, especially when McIntyre always has an excuse for why he does anything. And then, the moment of a lifetime, to come out as Number 30 in the Rumble, even that was somehow taken away by McIntyre.

Now, if it was just Sami, he could deal with it. But when it comes to McIntyre, he is targeting everyone, including CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Seth Rollins. McIntyre points the finger at everyone except himself. So as far as Sami is concerned, it is time for a reality check, and he’ll be the one to give it! Sami is ready for a fight, will he be able to bring down the Scottish Terminator?

The Kabuki Warriors VS Tegan Nox & Natalya!

The Empress of Tomorrow & The Pirate Princess are once again WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and they’re ready to fight to prove they’re still that dangerous! But will the Welsh Firecracker and Queen of Harts find a way to grab some golden tickets? Or will they not be ready for Asuka & Kairi?

Raw returns and Nox & Natty make their entrance. The teams sort out and Nox starts against Kairi Sane. They circle, Kairi uses the ref as a shield, plays some peekaboo, then she kicks Nox low. Kairi headlocks but Nox powers out. Nox trips Kairi, Oklahoma Rolls, ONE!! Nox clinches, Natty tags in, and they double whip Kairi. They drop toehold then basement dropkick, and Natty covers, TWO! Natty scoops but Kairi slips free to throw Natty down by her hair! The ref reprimands, but Kairi tags Asuka. Kairi bumps Natty off Asuka’s boots, then Asuka grins as she whips. Natty reverses to send Asuka hard into buckles!

Tag to Nox, she runs up to fire hands on Asuka! Nox whips, Asuka reverses but Nox goes up and over. Nox runs back in to UPPERCUT! Nox then GAMANGIRIS Asuka down, and she goes corner to corner for a CANNONBALL! Asuka flounders but Nox stalks her. Nox drags Asuka around, but Kairi runs in! Nox dodges, Natty is there and she snapmares Kairi. Natty & Nox coordinate, they both run, then DOUBLE BASEMENT BOOT! The fans fire up with Natty and Nox kicks Kairi out while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Asuka kneels on Nox’s neck! The ref counts, Asuka steps away and tags Kairi. The Kabuki Warriors mug Nox, double whip, then bypass to kick, AX KICK and BULLDOG, into the BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans cheer and Kairi drags Nox up. Kairi CHOPS Nox, CHOPS again, and Nox sits down. Kairi puts Nox in the corner, stomps a mudhole in, then lets off as the ref counts. Natty rallies the fans for “Tegan! Tegan!” but Asuka tags in. Asuka stalks Nox, stomps her around, scuffs her, then taunts Natty. Asuka scuffs Nox more and more but Nox snarls. Nox blocks and spins Asuka but Asuka ROCKS Nox first!

Asuka whips, Nox BLASTS Kairi! Asuka runs in but Nox ROCKS her! Nox DECKS Kairi, then BOOTS Asuka! Nox hobbles, but Kairi runs up! Nox spins Kairi around to throw her out, then dodges Asuka, only for Asuka to block the kick! ANKLE LOCK! Nox rolls but Asuka holds on! They roll again, but Nox fights her way forward! Natty reaches out, but Kairi YANKS Natty down! Asuka reels Nox in, but Nox wheelbarrows! Victory roll, TWO! HEADBUTT! Asuka wobbles, kicks, but Nox duck sit to UPPERCUT! Nox and Asuka are down, they crawl, hot tag to Natty! Natty fires hands on Asuka, then snap suplexes!

Natty hurries to snap suplex again! Natty bumps Asuka off buckles, fires off hands, and the fans fire up more. N atty runs, Asuka swings, but Natty gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! DISCUS LARIAT! Natty drags Asuka around, steps through, and fans fire up, but Asuka fights the Sharpshooter! Asuka calls to Kairi, Kairi sneaks in from behind to CLUB Natty! Natty TOSSES Kairi out for that, then asks for a tag, but Nox goes to kick Kairi! Kairi blocks to trip Nox up! Natty is upset, she WRECKS Kairi with a dropkick! Asuka runs in, Natty dodges and drags her into a cradle! TWO!! Natty gets the legs but Asuka BOOTS her!

Asuka gets up, ROUNDHOUSE! Tag to Kairi and she climbs! Asuka hooks Natty up, and we saw this on Friday! In-SANE DDT!! Cover, Kabuki Warriors win!

Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, by pinfall

Natty and Nox were close, but one misstep cost them. Is this as far as their team can go? As for Asuka & Kairi, will they be ready for any and all challengers that come their way?

Backstage interview with Kayden Carter & Katana Chance.

Jackie is with the former tag team champions, and notes that it was only a few days ago that they were holding those belts. How do they plan on getting back into the picture? Katana says they talked with Adam Pearce, and the Life of the Party gets their rematch. Kayden says Asuka & Kairi have one more week to enjoy the reign, because those belts are coming back home to the Party. And that’s next week on Raw! KC Squared just gave us a scoop, but will they get things lit again on the Road to WrestleMania?

Bayley heads to the ring!

Samantha Irvin gives the winner of the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble a great introductions, and now the Role Model joins the Kabuki Warriors, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai in the ring. What will she have to say about her big win? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Bayley points to the WrestleMania sign while she has the mic. The fans cheer her on, and Bayley says, “Before I get into the nitty gritty, I’m gonna give you all a rare opportunity to take a picture of us. I mean, c’mon, let’s ask ourselves, when’s the last time you saw the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, the WWE Women’s Champion, and your Women’s Royal Rumble winner standing int he same ring together, huh? Uh, the answer is never because it’s never been done! This right here is history, and it’s all thanks to ME!” The fans cheer and Bayley says she’s been telling all you idiots that DMG CTRL was going to take over, and nobody believed her!

Everyone thought Bayley’s idea was a flop. That Bayley’s not as good as she used to be. That Bayley’s been losing all of her matches. But luckily, she doesn’t listen to opinions, because she sees the bigger picture. She may not have been on the poster for the Royal Rumble, but she stands tall as your 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble winner! Fans cheer that! Bayley says in a time when we have the most stacked, talented WWE Women’s Division, Bayley came out on top! HA! She beat 29 other women on Saturday! Not only that, she beat Rhea Ripley’s precious little record as she was in that match for a total of 63 minutes and 3 seconds! DING DONG, HELLO!

“So at WrestleMania-” Wait! Here comes Rhea! And Rhea says, “Aww~, Bayley. You think that you’ve accomplished something? That’s very cute. You might’ve beat my time in the Rumble, but that’s only because I wasn’t in it. And I see that the rest of DMG CTRL has gold, and if you decide to challenge me at WrestleMania, then it’s gonna stay that way. You wanna know why? Because Mami-” GETS BLINDSIDED BY NIA JAX! Fans boo as Nia and Rhea brawl, DMG CTRL cheers it, but then things get in the ring! Rhea stomps Nia, runs, but Nia runs Rhea over! Nia then runs, and she drops the leg, brother!

Fans boo as Nia runs again, for another leg drop, brother! DMG CTRL stays way back as Nia hits a third leg drop! Fans boo as Nia then goes up, for the A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia stares DMG CTRL down, and Bayley is the only one that stays in the ring! Bayley looks around, realizing she got left behind, and Nia storms up to her. Nia takes the mic to tell Bayley that she can pick Iyo Sky or anybody else. But Rhea Ripley isn’t making it to WrestleMania. Nia pushes the mic back into Bayley’s hands, and Bayley says hold on, Nia didn’t let her finish. Bayley’s gonna make her official announcement on Friday Night SmackDown.

Nia backs away, and while Rhea sputters and coughs, both Bayley and Iyo look worried. Is Bayley still going to dare to choose the Women’s World Championship? Or will she end up choosing the Evil Genius by default?

Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!

The Scottish Terminator shows no remorse about what happened to CM Punk, and was even happy about it! He also injured Sami and enjoyed it, but will he come to regret it now that Sami’s back? Or will the Master Strategist’s return be cut short?

Raw returns and Jackie is with McIntyre at gorilla position. She notes Sami saying McIntyre needs a reality check. What is his response? McIntyre says all he has ever done is tell the truth, and all his actions are justified. As for Sami’s reality check, they have had countless matches. And McIntyre isn’t the best with math, Sami has beaten him exactly… ZERO times! And that ain’t changing tonight. So hit his music! McIntyre’s theme song plays, he makes his entrance, is there a first time for everything?

The bell rings and Sami runs in, only for McIntyre to RAM him into a corner! Sami gets free to CHOP and CHOP but McIntyre shoves him down. Sami dodges the lariat to JAB, JAB and CHOP! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami holds ropes. McIntyre runs in but Sami dumps him out! Sami then PLANCHAS, but McIntyre catches him! McIntyre brings Sami over to TOSS him over the desk! McIntyre leaves Sami behind, the ring count climbs, and McIntyre counts along. McAfee says Sami will be fine but McIntyre gets impatient. McIntyre goes out after Sami, drags him back up, and pushes him into the ring.

McIntyre tells Pat not to talk trash, but then Sami DIVES! Now McIntyre goes flying over the desk! Fans fire up with Sami and Maggle tells Pat to be more careful with what he says while Raw goes picture in picture.

Sami catches his breath, then fires back up as he fetches McIntyre. Sami SMACKS McIntyre off the desk, and SMACKS him off it again. Sami refreshes the ring count, brings McIntyre around, but McIntyre CHOPS! McIntyre whips Sami to the barriers, but Sami goes up to QUEBRADA! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! Sami gets up on the desk as he’s all fired up and the fans are with him! McIntyre sits up in a huff, Sami refreshes the ring count again, and Sami brings McIntyre around into the ring. Sami stalks McIntyre to a corner and fires body shots. The ref counts, Sami wrenches and whips, but McIntyre reverses.

Sami goes up, but McIntyre KICKS him out of the air! McIntyre soaks up the heat while Sami sputters. McIntyre drags Sami up to DECK him! McIntyre stomps Sami on the face, then puts him in a corner. McIntyre CHOPS Sami, stalks him to ropes, then CHOPS him again! Sami falls over and McIntyre paces around. McIntyre smirks as he stands Sami up again, to CHOP him back down! Sami sputters but McIntyre looms over him. McIntyre stands Sami up to CHOP him again! Sami shakes his head as he refuses to fall! McIntyre CHOPS Sami again, but Sami shouts! Sami CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS in return! McIntyre DOUBLE CHOPS Sami off his feet!

McIntyre rains down fists and just HAMMERS away on Sami! The ref has McIntyre back off so he can check Sami, and Raw returns to single picture. Sami is okay to continue, so McIntyre CHOPS him to a corner! Sami sits down but says he can still go. McIntyre stands Sami up again, to CHOP him back down! McIntyre wants this to end already but Sami refuses to stay down. Sami CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but McIntyre RAMS him! And CHOPS! And CLUBS! McIntyre hoists Sami up top, then CHOPS again! Fans “WOO~!” but McIntyre has a murderous glare. McIntyre climbs up and he hauls Sami up.

Sami resists the lift, throws down elbows, then CLUBS away on McIntyre! Sami SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives but Sami is too sore to be upset. The fans rally up as both men rise, and Sami fires haymakers! Sami whips, McIntyre blocks to CLUB and underhook! Sami wrenches out, knuckle locks and CHOPS, then he goes up and up and TORNADO DDTS! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives again but Sami stays focused. Sami aims from a corner, he runs in, but McIntyre picks Sami up for a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! McIntyre deadlifts Sami to SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up as Sami survives and McIntyre is fuming. McIntyre looms over Sami, pie faces him, but Sami rises up to CHOP! McIntyre is angrier now, he runs in, but Sami moves! McIntyre POSTS himself! Sami reels McIntyre in, suplexes, but McIntyre’s so big! Sami still tries, but McIntyre fights free to GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre goes to a corner, and he decides to go up?! Sami stands, and he trips McIntyre up! Fans rally as Sami climbs, he brings McIntyre to the top, and fans fire up for the SUPERPLEX!! Both men are down and “This is Awesome!” Sami and McIntyre stir, and Sami rises first!

Sami leans against ropes but he makes it to a corner. The fans fire up as Sami runs in, but McIntyre LARIATS Sami down! McIntyre aims from a corner now, “Three! Two! One!” CLAY- NO!! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives yet again and Sami is beside himself! Sami rises again, he brings McIntyre in, but McIntyre RAMS him into a corner, then OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES him! McIntyre kips up, storms up, and he fireman’s carries Sami to climb up! Fans freak out but here comes SUPER WHITE NOISE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sami survives and shocks McIntyre! McIntyre glares, Sami reaches up at him.

McIntyre asks why Sami has to do this. Sami has balls, sure, but he’s just out of his league. McIntyre pie faces Sami but Sami ROCKS him with haymaker after haymaker, and from all sides! The fans are thunderous, but McIntyre just GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS again! Then a forearm in the corner! McIntyre keeps moving, Sami follows, but McIntyre guards! LOW BLOW!? But was that by accident? The ref can’t be sure what really happened, and then McIntyre CLAYMORES!!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Perhaps a serendipitous shot down low, and the Scottish Terminator takes this one away from Sami! McIntyre doesn’t really care how it looks, he just knows he’s won. Will McIntyre fight his way to the top of the WWE by any means necessary?

My Thoughts:

An awesome Raw right here to follow Royal Rumble and get us going on the Road to WrestleMania. They also did a good job pivoting things after unintended change of plans. For one, a damn shame that just as CM Punk got going again, he’s hurt, again. As great as Punk still is on the mic, maybe his body just isn’t able to keep it up anymore. I mean, his AEW run, if he wasn’t hurt, he was suspended, and those suspensions maybe helped him not get hurt worse. But he still gave an amazing opening promo, and then McIntyre had a great promo that just pissed all over Punk. I’m sure they wanted McIntyre VS Punk, but Sami taking McIntyre on tonight was great stuff, too.

Great promos, awesome main event, and what a clever finish because I’ve never seen someone do that guarding low blow to Sami like that. With Punk injured, someone else has to face Rollins at WrestleMania, maybe it’s McIntyre. I do like that Rollins interrupted Cody’s promo segment to perhaps tease an audible there, too. Rollins wanting Cody to choose him, harping on how Roman’s not “The Guy” anymore, there are elements of Rollins just wanting to puff up his own ego. But as it stands, there are plenty of other guys who can face Rollins at Mania but no one has been built like Cody to go after Roman again, so Cody surely tells Rollins, “Thanks but no thanks.”

Similarly, great stuff out of DMG CTRL. Kabuki Warriors of course beat Nox & Natty, which seems to be falling apart as a team. And Bayley shows up to brag about winning, about how DMG CTRL has lasted this long, but I did not think Nia would beat down Rhea right in front of them all. Bayley being intimidated into not choosing the Women’s World title and basically having no other choice but choosing Iyo is creative, but it also seems to take away the dynamic I was seeing in the DMG CTRL story. I thought Bayley was going to get dumped and then chooses Iyo as revenge, not Bayley choosing Iyo and then being dumped because DMG CTRL has had enough of her.

But clearly, Bayley VS Iyo is still gonna be the plan with Becky talking about fighting her own way to a title match. Nia VS Rhea is definitely the title match for Elimination Chamber: Perth, surely even the main event, while Becky is getting in the Chamber match and winning her shot for Mania. Also, Kayden & Katana getting their rematch next week, yeah that’s not gonna go well for them, I would think. Shayna & Stark got a fast win on Chelsea & Piper, they are surely contenders for the tag titles. I kinda hope they’ll get a contender from Raw and one from SmackDown for a Triple Threat at Mania to really do things up big.

Really good match out of Jey VS Reed, and I figured Jey was getting the win to build himself up towards a title match. Gunther and Kofi had great promos before their awesome title match, they really went the distance. Also I like that picture in picture returned for tonight, it helped the matches feel bigger. Gunther wins, of course, and Imperium beating New Day down, I was so hoping Big E was making a miraculous return. But no, Big E’s neck is still a major concern, we gotta give him time, if he’s ever coming back at all. But Gunther VS Jey could be awesome stuff as Jey goes for his first singles title and Gunther aims for… oh no, WrestleMania’s gonna be on Day 666 of his reign…

Well, speaking of titles, Finn & Priest VS DIY was an awesome tag title match, DIY coming so close and yet still so far from the win. But clearly, the story with R-Truth is not over. Priest lures him into a beatdown, Miz makes the save, Awesome Truth VS Finn & Priest for the titles? Truth has been a serious competitor before, and a tag champion before with Kofi Kingston, he and Miz could be a pretty fun championship team. I just don’t know the chances of that actually happening, but some team somewhere has to get these belts off Judgment Day some day.

My Score: 8.9/10