Will the All Mighty stop a Tsunami?

As the Road to WrestleMania takes its twists and turns, Bobby Lashley battles “Big” Bronson Reed for a spot in the Elimination Chamber match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Jey Uso & The New Day VS Imperium; Jey & New Day win.
• Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Bobby Lashley VS Bronson Reed; Lashley wins and advances to Elimination Chamber: Perth.
• Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Zoey Stark; Liv wins and advances to Elimination Chamber: Perth.
• R-Truth VS JD McDonagh w/ Judgment Day; JD wins.
• Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: LA Knight VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan; Knight wins and advances to Elimination Chamber: Perth.
• Sami Zayn VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: Jey Uso & The New Day VS Imperium!

Main Event Jey Uso opens the night alongside some of his greatest rivals to take on some common enemies! Will it be #NewDayOneIsh in Kentucky? Or will Der Ring General and his soldiers make the mat sacred?

The teams sort out and Kofi starts against Ludwig Kaiser. The fans rally with “YEET!” as Kofi and Kaiser tie up. They go around, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Kaiser turns it around on Kofi then he ROCKS Kofi! Kofi fires back, Kaiser ROCKS him back, and they brawl! They CHOP and CHOP, Kofi CHOPS and CHOPS and fires forearms! Kaiser knees low, CLUBS Kofi down, then brushes himself off. Kaiser then PENALTY KICKS Kofi down! Kaiser sits Kofi up to PENALTY- NO, Kofi ducks that kick to DROPKICK back! Fans fire up as Kofi LARIATS! Tag to Woods, the speed blitz! PENALTY KCIK, SLIDING LARIAT, IMPLODER SPLASH and ELBOW DROP!

Woods puts Kaiser in the corner and the fans fire up again. Woods stomps and scrapes Kaiser, then says it’s time to turn up! The stampede begins! Tag to Kofi, he stomps away on Kaiser now! Tag to Jey, he gets some stomps in! The fans fire and “YEET!” with each one, then Woods tags in. Woods stomps away, tag back to Jey! Woods whips Jey in to HIP ATTACK! Gunther frowns as Jey grins, and the fans fire up. Jey dares Gunther to get in so Gunther tags! The fans fire up as Jey and the Intercontinental Champion circle. Then Gunther tags to Giovanni Vinci, and he CLOBBERS Jey! Vinci stomps Jey but lets off to mock the bounce.

Gunther wants in now? Tag to Gunther, he rips off the Yeet shirt to CHOP Jey down! Fans boo but Gunther looms over Jey. Gunther stomps Jey, tags to Kaiser, and the Impeccable German rains down fists! The fans boo but Kaiser lets off to glare at Kofi and Woods. The fans rally with “UCE! OH!” and Jey UPPERCUTS! Jey DECKS Vinci, UPPERCUTS Kaiser, and Gunther avoids the haymaker! Kaiser CLOBBERS Jey out of the ring and Gunther BOOTS him down! The fans boo but Imperium soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Kaiser has Jey in a cravat. Jey throws body shots and the fans “YEET!” with each one. Jey then powers up to a BIG back suplex! Both men are down, the fans fire up, and both men crawl. Hot tags to Vinci and Woods! Kofi tags in just as Woods rallies on the Pride of Italy! Woods BLASTS Kaiser, and Kofi SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES Vinci! SWINGING NECKBREAKER then a FAMOUSER! Tag back to Woods so that he can tag back to Kofi! STEP-IN DDT and then a FLYING SPLASH! Down goes Vinci, Kofi covers, TWO! The fans rally up and Kofi waits on Vinci. Kofi brings Vinci up but Kaiser distracts!

Woods runs up to trip Kaiser and he fires off haymakers! The fans cheer but Kaiser claws Woods’ face! Kofi WRECKS Kaiser with a dropkick, then dodges Vinci! LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up and Kofi hits the “NEW~ DAY~!” BOOMD DROP! The fans fire up and clap along with Kofi, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” But Kaiser anchors a leg! Kofi kicks at Kaiser but Vinci DUMPS Kofi out! Kaiser then brings Kofi up to RAM into the steel steps! Kaiser puts Kofi in and Vinci BOOTS Kofi back out! The ref reprimands but Vinci fetches Kofi into the ring. Cover, TWO! Kofi toughs it out, but Gunther tags in. Gunther stomps Kofi, then stalks him to ropes.

Gunther stands Kofi up to UPPERCUT him down! Gunther stares Woods down, then goes back for Kofi. Gunther smirks but fans boo as he bends Kofi back against ropes. Gunther ELBOWS Kofi down, then he soaks up the heat. Gunther taunts Jey, stands Kofi up, and CLUBS Kofi on the neck. Kofi goes to the Imperium corner and Gunther brings him up. Gunther UPPERCUTS, then taunts Jey more. But Kofi fights out of the corner, leaps, but Gunther catches him! Gunther keeps Kofi away from his corner, then CHOPS him down! Then Gunther sucker punches Jey! Gunther has the legs and he turns Kofi over, BOSTON CRAB!

Fans boo while Kofi endures, but Gunther mocks Jey! Jey storms in to SLAP Gunther! They brawl, the ref gets in there to stop it, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kofi fires hands on Kaiser, but Kaiser throws him down by hair! Kaiser DECKS Woods but Jey avoids the sucker punch. Kaiser turns around, into a back drop! Fans fire up as both men crawl, hot tags to Vinci and Jey! Jey rallies on Vinci with LARIAT after LARIAT! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, and then a dodge to the SAMOAN DROP! Kaiser returns but he gets a SAMOAN DROP, too! Gunther stares Jey down and the fans fire up! Jey says “UCE!” “OH!” “UCE!” “OH!” HIP ATTACK for Kaiser! HIP ATTACK for Vinci! Jey swings on Gunther but Gunther gets away again. Kaiser runs up, into a SUPERKICK!

Vinci springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Jey dares Gunther to do something so Gunther calls to Kaiser. Kaiser crawls over, tag to Gunther! The fans fire up as Jey and Gunther stare down. Jey dodges the chop to haymaker again and again! Then the pop, lock ‘n’ – CHOP!! Gunther takes Jey down, then drags him back up for a ripcord! Jey dodges the lariat, but Gunther blocks the superkick! Gunther spins Jey but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Jey fires hands, then runs up, but Gunther puts Jey on the apron. Jey ROCKS Gunther, goes up, and Jey CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Gunther is still in this but Jey keeps his cool.

The fans rally as Gunther flounders. Jey aims from a corner, runs up, and GUNTHER SMOTHERS THE SPEAR! Gunther turns Jey to CHOP him! Gunther BOOTS Woods, DECKS Kofi, then hauls Jey up! Ripcord, RAINMAKER! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives, Gunther is stunned! Gunther puts Jey in a drop zone, goes up a corner, and Gunther grins. Gunther mocks the bounce, then GUNTHER SPLASHES onto knees! Jey gets up to SPEAR!! Cover, Kaiser breaks it! The fans boo but Woods leaps in to BOOT Kaiser down! Vinci reaches out, Kofi POSTS Kaiser, Gunther tags to Vinci! Vinci hurries up to get Jey!

Vinci reels Jey in, lifts, but Jey slips free of the bomb! Vinci BOOTS Jey, but Jey SUPERKICKS back! Woods & Kofi get in, they pop Vinci up, ONE AND DONE!! Then Woods WRECKS Kaiser with a dropkick! Kofi FLIES to take Kaiser down! Jey goes up to USO SPLASH Vinci! Cover, New Day & Jey win!

Winners: Jey Uso & The New Day, by pinfall

Kentucky bounces in celebration while Imperium regroups and retreats. Is it only a matter of time before Gunther has to face Main Event Jey with the gold on the line?

Andrade speaks.

“Life has taught me I had to decide. What I want, what I deserve in this life. I love this business. I had my first match when I was 13. Yes, 13 years old. I became a champion many times. The next step, I had the opportunity to go to the WWE. And again, I became a champion. First, the NXT Champion. Then, United States Champion. But the titles were not enough. Three years ago, I needed to leave to remember who I was. Now, I am back.” The real Andrade is back, and his direction is clear. Where will El Idolo go on this Road to WrestleMania?

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Bobby Lashley VS Bronson Reed!

As if the Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia wasn’t big enough, a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship is on the line, and two titans are about to battle for a spot! Will the All Mighty storm his way Down Under? Or will there be a colossal homecoming in the near future?

Raw returns as Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. The two tie up, Reed powers Lashley toa  corner but Lashley turns it around. Reed turns it back around, the ref counts, but Reed HEADBUTTS! Then Reed CLUBS away on Lashley, runs up and SPLASHES! Lashley wobbles, Reed brings him up with a fireman’s carry, but Lashley slips free! Lashley clamps on a half nelson, Reed resists so Lashley throws knees! Lashley still tries the nelson but Reed RAMS him into a corner! Reed CLUBS Lashley, whips him corner to corner but Lashley comes back! Lashley LARIATS, Reed stays up!

Reed swings, Lashley dodges then hurdles, to CLOBBER Reed! The fans fire up and Lashley aims! But Reed dodges, the Spear hits buckles! Lashley falls out of the ring, the ring count begins, but Reed goes to the apron. Reed FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Lashley, sending him over the barriers! Fans fire up while Lashley is down in the front row, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Lashley is in a corner. Reed storms up on him, and fires point-blank lariats! The fans rally for Lashley but Reed then short arm LARIATS Lashley! Reed soaks up the heat then drags Lashley up. Reed reels Lashley in, suplexes, but Lashley slips free! Lashley mule kicks, runs, and CLUBS Reed! Reed roars, runs up, but into a FLATLINER! The fans fire up with Lashley and he hauls Reed up, to SUPLEX! The fans fire up and Lashley covers, TWO! Lashley keeps his cool as he watches Reed go to a corner. The fans rally and Lashley runs up to clothesline! Then clothesline again! Lashley keeps moving and he RAMS into Reed!

Lashley brings Reed around, but Reed powers out of the neckbreaker to SUPERKICK! Reed fireman’s carries, to DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Lashley survives and Reed seethes, but he then aims at the corner. Reed runs in but Lashley dodges the splash! Lashley then runs but Reed ROCKS him at ropes! Reed runs, but Lashley hits a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Reed survives and Lashley grits his teeth. Lashley aims from a corner, he wants Reed to get up! Reed rises, Lashley runs in, but Reed KNEES him away! URENAGE! SENTON! Fans are gasping for breath after that one!

Reed goes up the corner, but Lashley rises up! Lashley ROCKET LAUNCHES Reed! The fans fire up and Lashley takes aim again! SPEAR!! Cover, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)

The All Mighty did indeed stop the Tsunami and he takes the spot from the Colossal Aussie! Will Lashley conquer the entire field inside that sinister structure? And who else joins the match with another qualifier happening tonight?

Jackie Redmond has a sit-down interview with Sami Zayn.

Like last time, the two sit in the bleachers before the show began. He was adamant that he is a contender, but since then, he lost on SmackDown and did not qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Now he goes against Shinsuke Nakamura over how things went down after Raw went off the air. Jackie asks, “How shaken is your confidence right now?” Sami says if you talk to any contender in any sport, when they vow to do something and then fall short, there’s a bit of embarrassment. If Sami said he was gonna beat McIntyre and then he loses to McIntyre, there’s a part of him that feels embarrassed, that wants to just stay in bed and not show up for work.

That is a feeling Sami has felt many times in his career. But every single time, even this time, that feeling is always overtaken by a much stronger feeling, an unwavering believe in himself. Last week, he talked about where he was this time last year. And this time last year, he was face to face with Cody Rhodes, and he told Cody that Sami if he wants to main event WrestleMania, he has to believe in himself or nobody else will. And that believe in himself has carried Sami to WrestleMania, has carried him throughout his entire career. So yes, he still believes what he said about being a contender and future champion. That is a promise.

And it won’t be an easy path, but it is one he is willing to walk to get there. If he gave in to despair- Wait, Shinsuke Nakamura got on the tron to call Sami out? “What’s wrong with you? You’ve had the glory, the moments. Have you forgotten that? Oh, I see. You act like you’re in misery. You want people’s sympathy! Such a clever guy you are. Just like Cody. But, I’d love to see your true self in the ring. The real you that tries to swindle people and stay in the spotlight. But if you don’t let your real emotions out, I won’t tolerate it. Your chance is gone. But don’t worry. I’ll pick up your soul, and continue my warpath forward.”

The King of Strong Style accuses the Great Liberator of putting on a facade, but will Sami prove that the REAL Sami is unstoppable?

Cody Rhodes is here!

Kentucky fires up for the American Nightmare as he heads to the ring, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets the mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “So, Lexington, Kentucky…! What do we wanna talk about? I believe we could talk about how, in the main event at WrestleMania 40, I will be challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship against Roman Reigns!” The fans fire up for that! Cody says it took him awhile to be able to even say that. And the only reason he can is because… of the fans. The fans cheer that! Cody says the fans certainly made their voices heard, because for a full week, trending worldwide, screaming and shouting and whispering, spreading the word, and the word was…

The fans chant it now! “WE WANT CODY!” Cody thanks them for that, and says that he really doesn’t know how he could ever repay the fans. Actually, there really is only one way. He looks to the Mania sign and says aw, they’re making him emotional! Cody gets it, he is a passionate man, he is passionate about the WWE and his legacy within it. Cody’s astrological sign is Cancer, so he’s often wearing his heart on his sleeves. But he doesn’t wanna get too emotional, or else he’ll be a… crybaby. Fans boo the nickname, and then chant “ROCKY SUCKS!” Cody says while so many were saying “WE WANT CODY,” there was certainly one man who absolutely, 100% did NOT.

That same man happens to be the most famous human being alive, a potential presidential candidate, the original People’s Champion, and even the man who coined the term, “Cody Crybabies.” Cody shares with us footage from last Thursday’s Pat McAfee Show, where Rock pointed out three units: Cody, his fans, and his “crybabies.” For every 10 tweets, they’re shoving a chicken nugget in their mouth, and for every 20 tweets, they’re shoving two up their candy asses. The Rock says all you gotta do is sit back, shut your mouth, know your role and enjoy the ride, so hashtag that! #CodyCrybabies!

Fans boo and Maggle blames Pat for this! Cody says he knows promos have changed since the last time The Rock was here, and people can’t even fathom matching The Rock on the mic, but Cody does have to ask… “What’re we supposed to do with the nuggets?” Pat was there, what was that again? Pat says something about asses. Cody says don’t mistake his levity for weakness, and that he isn’t still a fan of The Rock. We all have been a fan at one point or another. Fans boo because they aren’t now, but Cody says one thin The Rock doesn’t do is listen. At the press event, Cody said nothing to insult the ancestors, and yet The Rock still slapped Cody in the face!

Fans boo but Cody continues that you can hear the river overflowing. He saw the look in The Rock’s eyes. It wasn’t “The People’s” energy, that was malevolence. The Rock and Roman Reigns together, that’s the perfect storm. But please, make no mistake, The Rock put his hands on Cody. The Rock slapped Cody in the face, and what that means now is… “I’m going to hit you back.” The fans fire up hearing that! And then Seth Rollins makes his way out here! The Visionary swaggers his way out in a white suit and leopard print jacket, and he joins Cody in the ring as the fans sing his song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”

Rollins gets himself a mic, revels in the singing a moment, then takes a bow. Cody says yes, absolutely take a bow. And before we get started with whatever this is, Cody wants to thank Rollins for coming to his aid at the press event. The fans cheer, and Rollins says, “What can I except… you’re welcome.” But first thing’s first, as much as Rollins was looking forward to defend his title against Cody at Mania, he understands Cody’s decision. Rollins understands why Cody chose Roman Reigns, why he needs Roman’s title. #FinishTheStory. And there are millions of people around the world who want Cody to finish his story!

But now that the decision has been made, Rollins wants to make this very clear: Cody NEEDS to finish the story. Cody needs to, for himself, for his dad, for Rollins, for every single person here tonight! And this is why: If Cody does NOT beat Roman at Mania and take the Undisputed Championship from Roman, the landscape on the other side is very, very dark. Cody has the most powerful champion of the modern era, Roman Reigns, only getting more powerful, with more leverage. That means Roman shows up less, he defends that title less, and that glass ceiling gets thicker, and the brass rings are raised higher.

“This is probably the last real chance that any of us has to take that title, to take that power, and to give it to the people!” The fans cheer that! The fans chant for Cody, he smiles, and Rollins continues by saying Cody might just be the man for the job. “But Cody… What’s your plan? Because last year, you got screwed out of the title in the main event of WrestleMania. The Usos were there, Paul Heyman was there, Solo was there, Roman Reigns, you couldn’t get the job done. But you fought your way back, you won the Royal Rumble again. The deck’s stacked against you just the same. Except now, the bar has been raised.

“Because you’re not just dealing with Heyman and Solo and Jimmy and Roman, you are dealing with the biggest star, the most influential man in the entire entertainment industry. You’ve got to deal with The Rock.” Fans chant “ROCKY SUCKS!” again and Rollins says he tends to agree with the fans. That is why Rollins is here to tell Cody, “You do not have to fight this battle alone.” The fans like the sound of that! Rollins and Cody haven’t always seen eye to eye, but a couple weeks back, Cody told Roman that he doesn’t want to just take the title, he wants to take everything. And deep in Rollins’ soul, he felt that!

That is why at the press event, when Rock laid hands on Cody, Rollins stepped up! Rollins is sick and tired of people like The Rock, like Roman Reigns, these arrogant and entitled pricks who think they can do whatever they want, throw their weight around and make any decision they want with no consequence, Rollins is sick of them getting away with it! Rollins cools off, and wants to admit something. The man Roman is today is partly Rollins’ fault. Nearly 12 YEARS ago, he and Roman came down those stairs, “we were brothers forged from the same fire.” Rollins taught Roman everything he knows.

But he couldn’t have imagined the monster Roman has become. “And now, that monster has got two heads. Because he is standing side by side with the only person on this planet who is as entitled and selfish as he is. But when it comes to fighting The Bloodline, when it comes to fighting The Rock, when it comes to fighting Roman Reigns, there is only one man on Earth who is uniquely suited to be your shield. I’ll give you a hint: he was once an Architect, he is now a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he is SETH!” “FREAKIN’ ROLLINS!!” The fans love this idea, and Cody seems intrigued. Could we get a tag team match for the ages?

Backstage interview with The New Day & Jey Uso.

Cathy Kelley is with the trio coming off their big win tonight. Cathy got word that next week, Gunther will defend his Intercontinental Championship against- Who? Who who who who? Wait, is it him? Yes, it is Main Event Jey Uso. WOO~! Jey is all fired up now! Big W tonight for him and the NEW~ DAY~, and a big W coming next week! Soon, there will be a NEW Intercontinental Champion, and it will be Jey UCE-OHHH~ mah gawd, did Jey slap the hecc out of Gunther. Gunther had that crab cooking Kofi’s back, Kofi appreciates it. The trio heads out, will Jey end Gunther’s historic title reign at 619 days?

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Zoey Stark!

The revenge tour begins as Liv looks to make her way right to Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley! However, the Hunter is hunting down her own title opportunities, and what better place than inside the Chamber? Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair are already in, who joins them on this Big Time Road to WrESTleMania?

Raw returns as Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Liv rolls Stark up, TWO! Stark is annoyed, she swings, but Liv dodges to fire off haymakers! the ref counts, Stark shoves Liv away then bumps her off buckles. Stark runs up, Liv dodges and kicks low. Liv stomps a mudhole in, the ref counts and Liv says okay! Fans fire up with Liv and she brings Stark out, but Stark waistlocks. Liv switches, shoves Stark but Stark bucks the O’Conner to CLOBBER Liv! Fans rally while Stark stomps Liv, then rains down forearms! Cover, TWO! Stark stomps Liv to ropes, drags her up and reels her in.

Stark scoops, Liv slips free and dodges the backhand, then RANAS Stark away! Fans fire up and Liv baits Stark in. Stark ends up on the apron, Liv RAMS into her, then bumps her off buckles! Liv runs side to side to triangle jump GAMANGIRI! Stark falls to the floor and the fans fire up! Liv then DIVES into a haymaker! Stark storms up to the apron, springboards, but Liv ROCKS her right back! Liv goes up the corner, but Stark anchors her! Liv CLUBS Stark, Stark fires forearms, then Stark fireman’s carries! APRON DEATH VALLEY! Stark tells Liv this is about Stark, not her, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Liv runs in to back body block! Liv then runs back in, SHINING WIZARD! Liv pushes Stark out of the corner to go up, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Stark survives and Liv is frustrated but the fans rally up. Stark goes to another corner, Liv runs up, but Stark blocks shining wizard to RUNNING POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Stark is frustrated but the fans rally up again. Liv goes to ropes, Stark aims from across the way. Stark springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Liv still lives and Stark is beside herself! Stark pushes Liv around, says no one likes her and asks why she’s even here!

Stark scoops but Liv fires forearms! Stark body shots Liv away, then runs in, but Liv goes up and over to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Stark escapes and Liv can’t believe it! Liv glares at Stark as she rises, and runs up, but no Code Breaker! Stark SLAMS Liv, then CATAPULTS her into buckles! Liv wobbles, Stark runs in, but Liv STOMPS her down! Liv then aims again as Stark drags herself up the ropes. Liv runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and Stark is furious again! Stark drags Liv to a drop zone, stomps her, then goes up the corner. Stark aims, PHOENIX SPLASH FLOPS as Liv moves!

Liv runs up, CODE BREAKER, into ObLIVion!! Cover, Liv wins!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)

And with that, the revenge tour continues! Will we all watch Liv take this tour to Philadelphia?

The Judgment Day heads for gorilla position.

And so does R-Truth? Truth says this group looks good together, but will be even better once JD faces reality. McDonagh needs to realize he’s not in Judgment Day. JD?! Facing reality!? Truth, enough of this! But Damian Priest has JD hold on so he can handle this. Priest tells Truth that this is enough. They’ve had laughs together, but no more jokes. Truth is NOT part of the crew. Truth never has been! Every beating Truth got was just a beating, no other reason! No initiations, no re-initiations, nothing! Not even a pre-initiation? NO, nothing! They’re being serious! It might be hard for Truth to understand, but Priest will be very clear and make the message simple.

Tonight, this is an execution. Can Truth get that through his skull? The actual Judgment Day heads out, but will the Irish Ace truly erase Truth?

R-Truth VS JD McDonagh w/ Judgment Day!

Raw returns as Truth is on the phone. Adam Pearce walks over but Truth asks him to hold on. How long does it take to fly from Los Angeles to Lexington? Never mind, Truth got Miz’s voicemail. Truth tells Miz the match will probably already be started, but he needs Miz’s help! Just hop on a plane and fly here now! Miz was right all along, Judgment Day gonna kill Truth! Pearce pushes Truth out through the curtain, and Truth has no choice but to face reality alone. The bell rings and JD runs up to kick Truth low! JD CLUBS Truth, snapmares and rains down elbows! JD bumps Truth off buckles, but Truth fires back!

The fans fire up for Truth, he bumps JD off buckles, then bumps him off more buckles! Truth bumps JD off a third corner, and calls for the final! But JD kicks low, only for Truth to block and bump him off buckles after all! The fans rally for Truth, they cant “JD SUCKS!” and Truth whips to hip toss JD down! The fans fire up and say, “WHAT’S UP!” Truth does the splits, runs corner to corner and SPLASHES! Truth whips again, then back drops JD away! The fans fire up and Truth says “You Can’t See Me!” Truth fireman’s carries JD, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! But Dom gets JD outta there! Fans boo but Truth is on top as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and JD has Truth down with a chinlock. Truth fights up as the fans rally, and Truth throws hands! JD returns the shots, they brawl, and Truth gets the edge! JD kicks but Truth blocks to then shove JD into a corner! JD staggers, Truth runs to shoulder tackle! And shoulder tackle! The fans fire up as Truth hits the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth says “You Can’t See Me!” But JD KICKS Truth from below! Truth does the splits to duck the lariat, then CALF KICKS JD down! And Truth resets, “You Can’t See Me!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! JD staggers around, Truth fireman’s carries, but Priest storms up the apron!

Truth is distracted, JD slips free to O’Conner Roll with tights! TWO!?! Truth escapes, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and hits the LIE DETECTOR! Fans fire up as Truth kicks low, runs the ropes, but JD avoids the Scissor Kick! JD kicks low, reels Truth in, DEVLINSIDE! Cover, JD wins!

Winner: JD McDonagh, by pinfall

The Irish Ace finally avenges that loss to Truth months ago that started this whole mess, and Priest even hugs it out with him. The fans boo as Finn runs in, but Truth dodges! Truth fires hands on JD, on Dom, TACKLES JD, but Finn drags Truth away! Truth TOSSES Finn! Truth stares Priest down, but JD storms up! Truth DECKS JD and JD ends up on ropes! Then Priest DECKS Truth! Priest stomps Truth, Dom and Finn join in, then JD gets up to add kicks! Fans boo as they rip away Truth’s shirt, but here comes DIY! Ciampa & Gargano have chairs, and the fans fire up as they run Judgment Day off!

Ciampa & Gargano dare the thugs to do something but Judgment Day retreats. Seems Truth has more allies in this fight, will he and DIY tear down The Judgment Day?

Cody Rhodes finds Sami Zayn backstage.

Cody thanks Sami for having his back last week with Nakamura & McIntyre. Sami says he always has Cody’s back, and Cody says it’s the same for Sami. And Cody heard what Sami had to say earlier. Sami isn’t the only one who believes in Sami, Cody does, too. And more importantly, the fans believe in Sami. Sami hugs Cody and thanks him. Cody wishes Sami luck, will Sami be able to take down the King of Strong Style?

Becky Lynch is here!

The fans fire up as Raw enters the Big Time! Becky goes to the ring, gets the mic, and smiles as the fans chant her name. Becky says, “The Man has come around to Lexington, Kentucky! And I just saw a very interesting sign over here. I guess I’m going to the prom in 2034. We are officially on the Road to WrestleMania, and it has been crazy! It has been wild, it has been chaotic, it has been confusing at times, but it’s been unpredictable, and I love that about this. And man, I love this. I love this business so much. I was 15 years old the first time I stepped foot in a wrestling ring, and I have been obsessed ever since.

“And that obsession has been great, at times. Most of the time. It is the reason I have gotten to travel around the world, it is the reason I am in front of you fine people.” The fans applaud, and Becky says that it is also the reason a girl who once failed gym class went on to main event WrestleMania! The fans cheer that, and Becky says it is how she met her husband, why she has her daughter, but it is also why she’s missed loved ones’ birthdays, weddings, and her own father’s funeral. And Becky’s daughter may only be three years old, but she’s already had to have very difficult conversations with her.

Becky has had to explain to her daughter why her mother’s face is busted open and bloody, why she couldn’t pick her up with her separated shoulder, why Daddy wants to fight Maui from Moana. Becky will also be going to Elimination Chamber, so she knows her daughter will see her face smashed against steel, body bruised and broken, but her daughter will also see the brutality her mother is capable of. Fans fire up for that! Becky says she is obsessed with this, and she has never been more obsessed with getting a title back, something she has not held in almost two YEARS, and it starts with the Elimination Chamber, and then facing one of the most dominant champions we’ve ever seen.

Becky knows a lot of people love “Mami.” You dig Mami, and think no one can beat her. The fans do chant for “Mami! Mami!” But Becky knows she ain’t just anyone. And Rhea ain’t ever faced anyone quite like Becky. So whether you love Rhea, hate Rhea, love Becky or hate Becky, Becky wants to make a little toast here. Can she get a drink? They hand her a cup of lemonade, and she toasts the wild ride we’re about to go on all the way to Mania. So if you’ve got a drink, or even popcorn or just a fist, raise it high! Cheers to Rhea Ripley, “enjoy your last few weeks as champion.” Bottoms up!

But wait, here comes Nia Jax! Fans boo as the Irresistible Force makes her way out to the ring with a mic of her own. Nia tells Becky, “I know we’ve had our differences. But I have something to say to you, and I’d like to get in the ring with you, please.” Becky allows it and Nia steps inside. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Nia but Nia tells Becky, “I have so much respect for you.” Fans boo, sensing the fakeness. But Nia says if her mom was half the mother Becky is, Nia would be so lucky. God willing, if Nia ever becomes a mother and can lead an example like Becky… “My God, you’re gonna win that match at Elimination Chamber. I know it.

“With that passion and that drive for your little girl, there is nothing that’s gonna stop you from winning that match and going to WrestleMania.” Fans boo the crocodile tears and then Nia says, “Just like nothing’s gonna stop me from beating Rhea Ripley and becoming Women’s World Champion. And at WrestleMania, it’s-” RHEA IS HERE! The fans fire up as THE Women’s World Champion storms her way down to the ring! Rhea slides in, dodges Nia, and TACKLES her! The fans fire up as Rhea rains down fists! Nia hits Rhea back, HEADBUTTS her, then SHOVES her at Becky! Becky and Rhea stop from colliding, but Nia SPLASHES them both!

The lemonade spills, Nia fireman’s carries, but Rhea slips free! Nia DECKS Rhea, but Becky MISSILE DROPKICKS Nia! The fans fire up as Nia is sent tumbling! Becky and Rhea stare down now and the fans are torn. But then Rhea gets around Becky to BOOT Nia off the apron! Rhea says Nia will have to KILL her to take the title! One way or another, Nia and Rhea will collide in Perth, but will Becky be waiting on the other side?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Jackie Redmond is with the Scottish Terminator, and congratulates him on qualifying for the Elimination Chamber match. But before then, he will face Cody Rhodes 1v1. How does it feel to be one step closer to the World Heavyweight Championship? McIntyre says all he’s ever done is tried to give the fans what we want. Cody was second guessing himself about his story, and no matter what Cody says, the reason Cody chose Roman is because McIntyre pushed him in the right direction. Now, Rollins is playing hero, but he wanted Cody in a match for himself, even though the fans didn’t want it. That’s selfish!

“Ask yourself: who’s really the bad guy here?” Cody should be thanking McIntyre, not fighting him! People are saying McIntyre just wants Cody VS Roman so McIntyre can have the match with Rollins. That’s not how this works! McIntyre is the underdog! He had to beat AJ Styles, one of the best in the world, just to get into the Chamber, one of the most dangerous matches ever! McIntyre is doing things the right way. The Drew Way! McIntyre tells Cody, mate, get yourself out of this match with him while you still can. Cody doesn’t need this right now.

Two things Cody should be avoiding: being in McIntyre’s prayers; and being in a fight with him. Because then, Cody might not even make it to Mania. Just like CM Punk. McIntyre sneers, but will the American Nightmare not run away from this fight?

R-Truth regroups with DIY.

Truth appreciates them making the save. Well, their ol’ pal, The Miz, gave them a call, knowing Truth might need the help. And plus, they weren’t going to pass up a chance to mix it up with Judgment Day again. Yeah, who would’ve thought? Truth being saved by DX! The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, and The Cerebral Assassin, Triple HHH! How’s Road Dogg doing, by the way? But anyway, Truth’s got two words for ya~! Thank you! Oh. Well at least it wasn’t the other two words. And Gargano does see himself as a sexy boy. But will Truth ever get his head right if he’s going to win this fight?

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: LA Knight VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan!

The Mega Star of SmackDown is looking to get Raw in Lexington, YEAH! But will the Elimination Chamber know whose game it is? Or will the War Beard bring the raid to Perth?

Raw returns and Ivar makes his entrance. The bell rings and Knight circles with Ivar. Then Sarah takes a swipe! Ivar RAMS Knight into the corner, stomps away, but lets off to haul Knight up. Ivar underhooks and lifts but Knight slips free! Knight JABS, JABS, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight dodges Ivar’s clothesline to kick and DDT! Ivar flounders out of the ring but Knight builds speed to WRECK Ivar with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Knight smacks Ivar off the desk! And again, and again, and again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight winds up for one last SMACK, but Ivar staggers away and slides into the ring.

Knight drags Ivar back out, fires more hands, then RAMS him into the barriers! The fans fire up but Sarah stares Knight down. Knight goes back for Ivar but Ivar FLAPJACKS him onto the barriers! Ivar snarls, the fans boo, but Sarah smiles as Ivar runs in, SPLASH against the barriers! Knight sputters and the Viking Raiders soak up the heat as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ivar goes up a corner, but Knight ROCKS him first! Knight goes up after Ivar, but Ivar resists the superplex! Ivar throws body shots, shoves Knight away, but Knight comes back and springs right up top! SUPERPLEX! The fans are thunderous, Knight crawls to the cover, TWO! Ivar survives and even Sarah seems shocked! Sarah shouts for Ivar to get up, “This is Awesome!” as Knight throws hands! Ivar ROCKS Knight right back! But Knight ducks the leg lariat, to scoop!? But the back gives out! Ivar runs up, into an ELBOW! Knight runs up, but into a scoop and SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Knight survives and bails out but Ivar pursues. Ivar drags Knight up but Knight HOTSHOTS him back! Knight hurries back up, RAMS but into underhooks! Ivar brings Knight back into the ring, TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives again and Sarah is fuming! Ivar aims from a corner while the fans boo, but he runs in, only for Knight to avoid the Bronco Buster! Knight KNEES Ivar, then scoops! POWERSLAM!! Knight keeps moving, BIG ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Ivar isn’t done yet and Sarah looks around in concern. Knight stomps a mudhole, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!”

Knight goes to the far corner, but Sarah gets on the apron! She shouts at him, but Ivar storms up! Knight dodges, Ivar almost runs into Sarah! Knight cravats but no BFT! LEG LARIAT O’ DOOM!! Ivar drags Knight to a drop zone and climbs! DOOMSAULT misses!! Knight gets Ivar for the B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

“YEAH!” The War Beard flew too high and came crashing down, and now The Mega Star has a spot in the Chamber! And that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life! Will Knight then take that world title match for WrestleMania in Philly?

Sami heads to gorilla, but comes across McIntyre.

They stare down, but McIntyre says he’ll make it simple: “Keep my name out of your mouth, and your nose out of my bloody business.” Sami says McIntyre’s in his way. McIntyre scoffs, and steps aside. Sami heads out, ready to face Shinsuke Nakamura. Will Sami still find that path to WrestleMania? Or will Nakamura keep his promise of tearing Sami’s soul away?

BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Raw!

After “DX” made the save, they will team with The Awesome Truth against The Judgment Day in an 8 Man Tag! Will Gargano, Ciampa, Miz & Truth be able to slow Finn Balor & Damian Priest down before the Undisputed Tag Team Championships are on the line at Elimination Chamber? And speaking of, after SmackDown sorts out Shotzi VS Tiffany and Naomi VS Zelina, the losers of those matches join Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark & Mia Yim in a Last Chance Battle Royal! Who will be lucky enough to still join Becky, Bianca and Liv inside the sinister structure?

Adam Pearce talks with Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell.

He assures them that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships will- Chelsea Green interrupts. She heard about that Last Chance Battle Royal. So before she speaks to “upper management,” she will assume that Pearce did the right thing and put her in it. Why is it so hard for her to understand that Pearce IS “upper management?” And no, there is no final decision, there are a LOT of other women who want this opportunity, too. Chelsea explains this to him: WrestleMania 40 is to be the biggest WrestleMania of all time, and it can NOT be that without Chelsea! Indi tells Chelsea that not everything is about Chelsea!

Indi needs this shot for herself, so she can compete in her home country! Pearce says he and Aldis are working together on something big, it will involve both Raw and SmackDown, so there is a lot to consider. CONSIDER?! Chelsea is a (former) champion, Adam! She should not be “considered!” She needs a 1v1 match, not some Loser Battle Royal with people like Indi and Candice and Zoey and Shayna! FIX IT! But then she turns around and sees Zoey & Shayna. They were stopping in to talk about the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, but Shayna would love to take Chelsea’s hopes and dreams and do to them what she’ll do to Chelsea: tear them apart, limb by limb!

Chelsea nervously smiles and tells Adam to tell her that his glasses work. Please tell her he did not see them there. She has to speak to management! Well he needs a drink. Just what is cooking between the GMs of Raw and SmackDown? Will it be a Hot Mess like Chelsea?

Sami Zayn VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

This match may have come about because of last week’s off-air confrontation, but this story dates back to when both men were in NXT. There has been a lot of history between these men in those eight years, this could be another instant classic. But will Sami keep his path to WrestleMania clear? Or will the King of Strong Style be far more than just a speedbump?

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Sami wrenches to wristlock, but Nakamura puts Sami on ropes. The ref counts, Nakamura lets off slowly but Sami pushes him away. They reset and circle again, then feel things out. They tie up, Sami headlocks, but Nakamura powers Sami to ropes again. The ref counts, Nakamura lets off slowly but then KICKS Sami! The ref reprimands but Nakamura tells Sami, “C’MON~!” Sami snarls, still runs in after all, and Nakamura throws knees! Nakamura headlocks and grinds Sami but the fans rally up. Sami powers up and out, things speed up, and Sami hurdles to then DUMP Nakamura out!

The fans fire up and Sami builds speed to then fake Nakamura out! Sami says “C’MON~!” and Nakamura is mad now, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Sami paces around Nakamura. Sami headlocks, then bumps Nakamura off buckles. Sami pushes Nakamura out, goes up, and he AX HANDLES Nakamura down! Stack cover, TWO! Sami keeps cool, he drags Nakamura up but Nakamura RAMS him into the corner! Nakamura fires off knee after knee, then digs his boot in for BAD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura lets off, fireman’s carries to put Sami on the top rope, and then runs to TOP SHELF KNEE! Nakamura shoves Sami down, covers, TWO! Nakamura tries another cover, TWO! Nakamura is frustrated but he scuffs Sami around. Fans rally for Sami as Nakamura paces, then Nakamura KICKS!

Nakamura scuffs, then KICKS! Nakamura grins as Sami sputters, and then Nakamura KICKS! And KICKS, but Sami blocks! Only for Nakamura to ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Nakamura clamps onto Sami with a chinlock but the fans rally up. Sami fights to his feet, reaches out, and he snapmares free! Sami goes to a corner, Nakamura runs up but into an ELBOW! Sami boots but Nakamura blocks! Nakamura puts Sami in the ropes, KICKS him, and runs to SLIDING GERMAN! Fans boo but Nakamura just soaks it up as he covers, TWO! Sami survives and Nakamura seethes. Nakamura clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Sami down.

Sami fights up, but Nakamura reels him in! INVERTED EXPLODER, but Sami lands on his feet! Sami waistlocks, Nakamura elbows free and runs, but Sami scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives but Sami stays focused. The fans rally up behind Sami, he brings Nakamura up, and he ROCKS Nakamura with haymakers! Sami fires hands, whips, but Nakamura reverses. Sami goes up and over and clotheslines Nakamura out of the ring! The fans fire up as Sami builds speed, and Sami FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! A hard landing for both men, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Nakamura KICKS away on Sami in a corner! The fans boo but Nakamura just KICKS Sami more! Sami blocks one and the fans fire up! Sami CLUBS the leg, fires forearms, but Nakamura hits back! They brawl, the fans fire up behind Sami but Nakamura gets the edge. Sami gets the edge in return! Nakamura throws more shots, but Sami eggs him on! Nakamura fires a strike fest but Sami gets around! Nakamura grabs ropes, ELBOWS Sami, Sami ducks the roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura aims from a corner, “YAO~!” KINSHA- NO, Sami dodges to BLUE THUNDER!! Cover, TWO!!

Sami can’t believe it but Nakamura survives! Nakamura and Sami crawl to corners, and Sami runs up, only for Nakamura to bail out! The fans boo but Sami goes out after Nakamura, to bring back a classic! DAREDEVIL DIVE into a GAMANGIRI! Nakamura remembered back to eight years ago! Sami flops into the ring, Nakamura goes up! FLYING KNEE to the back! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Nakamura is furious! Nakamura KNEES away on Sami’s head ‘n’ shoulders! Nakamura scuffs Sami, slaps him and knees him, then BOOTS him! Sami sits up but Nakamura stomps him down at the ropes!

Nakamura goes back up the corner, aims again, another BLINDSIDE FLYING KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Sami survives and shocks Nakamura! Nakamura slaps Sami over and over, taunts him, then pushes him down. Sami shakes his head and the fans rally up again. Nakamura makes Sami sit up, but Sami pushes Nakamura away. Nakamura slashes his throat, vowing to end this! But Sami KING KONG LARIATS first!! Sami is all fired up and Lexington is with him! Sami rises, drags Nakamura up and JABS! SLAPS! And fires off more palm strikes! Nakamura ends up in a corner as Sami hammers away!

The ref backs Sami up, but Nakamura runs in! Sami catches him, CORNER EXPLODER! The fans fire up again as Sami goes to the far corner! Nakamura rises, but here comes McIntyre! Sami stares McIntyre down, but Nakamura dropkicks a leg out! BLINDSIDE KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

Fans boo as “The Drew Way” seems to mean “screw over people you don’t like just because you can!” Sami had this one in the bag until the Scottish Terminator showed up, and now McIntyre & Nakamura look to do to Sami what they were doing to Cody last week! They stomp away on Sami, throw down fists, and fans boo as hard as they can! But then here comes Cody! Cody returns the favor and he DECKS Nakamura! Cody brawls with McIntyre, getting a jump on next week! McIntyre kicks low, scoops, but Cody slips free! Springboard, CODY CUTTER!! And then Nakamura gets in, but Cody catches him for a CROSS RHODES!

The fans cheer as the American Nightmare sends the Scottish Terminator running! Will Cody put McIntyre in his place on the Raw before Elimination Chamber? Or is this fight just a trap game before WrestleMania?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw with a lot going on, and not just for Elimination Chamber. The Six Man Tag was a great opener, with a great win for Jey. I’m surprised the Intercontinental Championship is now next week, but at the same time, there’s talk of Gunther having Visa issues so he can’t leave the USA right now. And I suppose it’s just too much to stretch this out another month so it can happen at Mania, so might as well have the title match happen on TV. I don’t know if that changes the outcome, but it’d be amazing if Jey got to win his first singles title, off of such a historic and dominant champion as Gunther, and it’s on cable.

Great Elimination Chamber qualifiers tonight. I came in here thinking storylines would get in the way of Lashley AND Knight making it through, yet both of them won without any issue. I’m learning to be patient in this HHH Era, so perhaps there’s something still to come in terms of AJ Styles VS LA Knight. But mostly, I really thought Bronson Reed was getting in so he could be the Australian in the match for Perth to cheer. At the same time, hometown hero pops might mess up what’s supposed to happen in the match as far as tone. As for Liv VS Stark, a really good match, and Liv was of course winning, she’s got her own reasons for going after Rhea.

Speaking of, awesome promo from Becky, really good promo from Nia being all fake, and then great little brawl. Rhea and Becky stand tall, you can bet that’s still the Mania plan. Really good promo involving Pearce, Indi, Candice, Chelsea, Shayna and Stark right after the news of the last chance battle royal. As it looks, Tiffany and Naomi are advancing to the Chamber match, so Shotzi, Zelina, Shayna, Stark, Mia Yim and however many others are in that match are gonna have a good one. Of just the five known names, something seems fitting that it’d be Shotzi getting in so she can just go wild in the Chamber, but maybe Indi could get in for that hometown pop?

At the same time, I do like the hint at something brewing for RawDown, possible a big Women’s Tag match to determine WrestleMania challengers. Meanwhile, great stuff with R-Truth and Judgment Day, really good match from Truth VS McDonagh, and I like the 8 Man Tag they set up for next week. But just when you think Truth can’t outdo himself, he has a new misunderstanding over DIY/DX, which legitimately cracked me up. Maybe Judgment Day wins the 8 Man Tag, given they’re going into a tag title match, but who knows, maybe British Strong Style shows up on Raw to get at Finn & Priest and that puts the math in Judgment Day’s favor.

And great stuff out of the ongoing world title story. Awesome promo segment from Cody and Rollins that definitely keeps the dream team tag match idea alive. If that match happens, it definitely has to be part of Night One before both top titles are on the line on Night Two. Great promo from Sami and Nakamura, though I wish they did better about subs when looking away from the tron, and an awesome main event to hearken back to NXT TakeOver: Dallas. McIntyre also had a good part to play, and of course he cost Sami here. If McIntyre doesn’t win the Chamber, there’s a very good chance he and Sami have a grudge match at Mania. Sami had that hilarious and awesome match with Johnny Knoxville, he and McIntyre can definitely have an amazing and serious match.

My Score: 8.9/10