DOWN SINCE… DAY ONE, UCE!

Gunther is the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion ever, but Main Event Jey Uso looks to start his own legacy! Will Jey YEET Der Ring General off his throne?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
• Women’s Elimination Chamber Last Chance Battle Royal: Raquel Rodriguez wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
• 8 Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS The Awesome Truth & #DIY; The Judgment Day wins.
• Ivar VS Chad Gable; Gable wins.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso; Gunther wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes VS Drew McIntyre!

The American Nightmare has been on the Scottish Terminator’s radar, and now the two prepare to fight it out this close to Elimination Chamber in Perth! Cody still has a Universal Championship match at WrestleMania, but will McIntyre use this to gain momentum towards a World Heavyweight Championship match?

The bell rings and the fans fire up for “CODY! CODY!” Cody fires up and the fans fire up more, and the two circle. Cody and McIntyre feel things out, tie up, and McIntyre powers Cody back. Cody digs his heels in, the fans rally behind him, but McIntyre puts Cody in a corner. Cody turns things around, the ref counts, and Cody lets off. Cody eggs McIntyre on, the two go again, and Cody waistlocks. McIntyre elbows free, stalks Cody to a corner, and CHOPS! McIntyre ROCKS Cody, then CHOPS again! Cody headlocks but McIntyre powers out, only for Cody to slide under! Cody kicks low, drops, RHODES UPPERCUT!

McIntyre just scowls! Cody fires hands and runs, but into a BOOT! Cody falls over and McIntyre rains down fists! The fans boo but McIntyre CLUBS Cody. McIntyre stalks Cody to ropes, then CHOPS. Cody CHOPS back! McIntyre CHOPS again! Cody CHOPS, McIntyre kicks the legs out then CLUBS Cody again! McIntyre STOMPS a hand! Cody clutches his fingers but McIntyre looms over him. McIntyre hauls Cody up and scoops, but Cody slips free. The fans rally, McIntyre runs in but Cody TOSSES McIntyre out! The fans fire up more and Cody builds speed to DIVE into a forearm! Cody falls back and McIntyre storms up.

Cody DROPKICKS McIntyre in the ropes, then DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS a leg! Cody grabs that leg, gives a “WOO~” then steps through, FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up, McIntyre endures, but he keeps off the mat. Cody pushes as hard as he can and the fans rally behind him, but McIntyre works on turning this around quite literally! McIntyre succeeds and now Cody endures! Cody fights his way forward, ROPEBREAK! McIntyre is free, Cody bails out, but the fans rally up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Cody fights out of a motorcycle stretch. Cody hits low then fires hands! Cody runs, but McIntyre scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! McIntyre grows frustrated, and he stalks Cody to ropes. McIntyre puts Cody in the ropes to CLUB him down! Then McIntyre goes out, drags Cody to the apron, and he digs his boots into Cody’s head, digging Cody into the post! The ref counts and the fans boo so McIntyre lets off, to then ROCK Cody with a right! The fans boo more while McIntyre storms into the ring. McIntyre fires hands on Cody, then CHOPS! Cody eggs McIntyre on so McIntyre CHOPS more!

Cody fires forearms in return! McIntyre kicks the legs out, then he rains down fists! The fans boo but McIntyre stomps Cody down! McIntyre sits and watches Cody rise up, then storms up to CHOP again! The fans “WOO~” as Cody goes to a corner. McIntyre talks trash on Cody, CHOPS him again, then whips corner to corner. McIntyre runs up but Cody BOOTS him! Cody runs to BULLDOG! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Cody storms up, but McIntyre hits low, CLUBS hard, then runs, but Cody follows! Cody ROCKS McIntyre, goes up and over in the corner to then SNAP POWERSLAM!

The fans are fired up again and Cody is feeling it! Cody runs to springboard, DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO! Cody keeps cool as McIntyre flounders. The fans rally for “CODY! CODY!” Cody runs to springboard, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Cody grows frustrated. The fans fire up again as Cody roars, and he dragon sleepers! But McIntyre knees free! McIntyre runs up, Cody ducks to clothesline McIntyre and himself up and out of the ring! They tumble to the floor and Raw goes back to break!

Raw returns again and Cody fires haymakers back and forth with McIntyre! But McIntyre kicks low and reels Cody in! Cody fights the underhooks, wrenches and JABS! JABS! JABS! The fans fire up as Cody flips, flops and flies, BIONIC ELBOW! Cody runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! McIntyre hurries to deadlift SITOUT POWERBOMB Cody! Cover, TWO!! Cody survives and McIntyre is beside himself! Fans know “This is Awesome!” as both men stir. McIntyre rises, he steadies himself with the ropes, and then goes to a corner. McIntyre aims, and here’s the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!”

SUPERKICK from Cody first!! And then a kick, underhooks, and- NO, McIntyre wrenches out! McIntyre underhooks but Cody wrenches out to underhook back! PEDIGREE!! Both men are down, Cody can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous as Cody forces himself back up! Cody drags McIntyre up, whips him to ropes, but McIntyre wrenches. Cody dodges the lariat to springboard, into a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! And then underhooks, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives and McIntyre can’t believe it! McIntyre looks to the WrestleMania sign as motivation, and he goes back to a corner.

McIntyre goes up a corner, but Cody CLUBS him first! Cody climbs to the very top, brings McIntyre up to join him, SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Cody sits McIntyre up, springboards, SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! McIntyre survives and Cody is seething! Cody powers up and the fans are with him! Cody points to the Mania sign, also motivated! McIntyre rises, Cody brings him in, but JIMMY USO is here! Cody DECKS Jimmy, fans boo, but McIntyre swings! Cody dodges, dragon sleepers, but SOLO SIKOA is here, too!! SAMOAN SPIKE!! Just like Mania 39!!!

The fans boo as hard as they can, but The Rock & Roman Reigns said they’d do everything in their power to screw Cody! CLAYMORE!!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

The fans boo but The Bloodline does what The Bloodline wants! Will this be the way this year’s Road to WrestleMania goes, too? Will McIntyre be able to win the Elimination Chamber with how he survived The American Nightmare?

Andrade speaks.

“I am a third-generation luchador. I never had a choice. My grandfather, my dad, my uncles, cousins, my wife, are wrestlers. This is my destiny. However, my family, my coaches, my friends, had many expectations. But I didn’t let that stop me. Look at me. Who I am, where I am. I define my destiny. I control my destiny. Realizing everything I have achieved, everything I am going to achieve. My destiny is here in the WWE. The Era of Andrade El Idolo has begun.” Then what is the first move of The Idol on this Road to WrestleMania?

Cody goes to the medic’s room.

Adam Pearce checks on him. Pearce got Jimmy & Solo outta here, hit them with one hell of a fine. But whatever Cody needs, just tell Pearce. Cody says he’s fine, so Pearce has everyone give Cody some space. But then Seth Rollins walks over. Rollins takes off the sunglasses to look Cody in the eyes. Then he pats Cody on the knee and heads out. Is Cody going to accept Rollins’ offer of being the shield on this Road to WrestleMania?

Women’s Elimination Chamber Last Chance Battle Royal!

Not only are those who lost the qualifying matches (Mia Yim, Alba Fyre, Zelina Vega, Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark) in this match, but so is pretty much every woman on Raw and SmackDown who weren’t in qualifying matches. But with only one spot left in the Chamber, who will rise above the rest to find their way to Perth, Australia?

In a surprising return, Raquel Rodriguez is here! And we all know Big Mami Cool owes “Mami” Rhea a bit of payback! Will Ricky Desperado wrangle and toss the rest of this field to get back on track? We find out, after the break!

Raw returns and Zelina Vega makes her entrance, followed by Chelsea Green, and then followed by Natalya. The Hot Mess and the Queen of Harts just got back from helping open The WWE Experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will they be ready for this experience to head for Perth? The bell rings and it’s chaos! Zelina is after Lopez, Zoey is after Ivy Nile, Chelsea hits Maxxine but then Xia hits them both. Maxxine boots Xia away but Chelsea shoves her! Maxxine body scissors to bring Chelsea out with her! Maxxine BOOTS Chelsea but Sarah Logan BLASTS Maxxine to ELIMINATE her! But then Raquel catches Sarah, DUMPS her and ELIMINATES her!

Fans fire up as B-Fab shoves Xia and Xia bumps into Raquel. Xia dodges Raquel, fires off kicks, then goes up, but Raquel puts her on the apron! Xia ROUNDHOUSES, RAMS Chelsea, but Raquel CLOBBERS Xia and ELIMINATES her! The fans fire up, but Isla Dawn says hi. Raquel dares the wicked witch to do something, but Alba Fyre SUPERKICKS her first! They put Raquel in a corner and Isla HIP ATTACKS! Then feed to Alba’s TORNADO DDT! They get Raquel up but she fights their combo! Raquel goes for ropes but Isla saves Alba! So Raquel TOSSES Isla! Alba helps Isla stay up, but then Raquel BOOTS them both! Raquel ELIMINATES Isla!!

The fans fire up as Raquel has three eliminations already, and she vows she’s the one heading to Elimination Chamber while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and the brawling continues. Alba has Natty in a corner, Mia finds Chelsea and fires hands. Katana Chance tries to help with Natty, and Raquel EXPLODES to get free of Nox, Indi & B-Fab! Raquel TOSSES Nox up and out, but Nox holds on to ropes! Stark storms up, Nox goes after Alba, and Zelina is still after Lopez. Nox whips but Alba reverses! Nox holds onto ropes, Raquel scoops Indi. Lopez whips Zelina into a buckle! Indi holds on desperately, she wants to have her homecoming! Nox saves Natty from Alba, but then goes to whip! Natty reverses that and TOSSES Nox out to ELIMINATE her!

Natty gets payback from the Rumble but Nox smiles since that’s fair. B-Fab fires forearms on Stark, then ROCKS her! But Shayna storms up on B0Fab! B-Fab wrenches to HOOK KICK, but then Stark SUPERKICKS! Shayna & Stark TOSS B-Fab and ELIMINATE her! The Queen of Spades and Hunter work together even here, and look for another target. Lopez and Zelina are up top, and Lopez CLUBS away on Zelina. Zelina fights back with body shtos, then slips under to CLUB Lopez! Zlinea then 619s the legs out! Lopez falls, but Chelsea gets Zelina for a suplex! She puts Zelina on the apron but Zelina GAMANGIRIS back!

But Lopez BOOTS Zelina down and ELIMINATES her! The fans boo as La Madrina talks trash on La Muneca. But then Mia TOSSES Lopez out to ELIMINATE her! Fans fire up and Zelina goes after Lopez for revenge! The refs get these two outta there but they just brawl to the back! Indi stomps Mia, Mia whips Indi but Indi BOOTS! Chelsea and Candice brawl on the apron, but Chelsea CLAWS Candice’s eyes! And POSTS her! Candice falls, Chelsea ELIMINATES her! But then Indi runs up, UPPERCUTS and BOOTS Chelsea, then tries to scrape her off the apron! Shayna brings Indi around but Indi puts Shayna on the apron!

Stark dumps Indi out! Indi holds on, fights off Stark, then slingshots, but Shayna YANKS her down and ELIMINATES her! No homecoming for Indi! Katana helps Raquel with Alba, but then goes after Stark! DIAMOND DUST! Then she runs up, but Stark dodges! Katana goes up and tries to rana, but Stark shoves her down! Shayna KNEES Katana down to ELIMINATE her! Stark & Shayna keep the teamwork up, Alba TORNADO- NO, Raquel stops the DDT to TOSS and ELIMINATE her! Fans fire up as that’s number four just for Raquel! But Natty runs up to fire off! Natty whips, Raquel blocks and reverses!

Natty ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and CLUBS away! Raquel shoves Natty, BOOTS her, then reels her in! But Natty RANAS the bomb! They’re both on the apron, and Ivy SUPERWOMAN PUNCHES Natty down to ELIMINATE her! But then Stark has Ivy! Ivy dodges, kicks, but Stark blocks, only to get the DRAGON WHIP! Shayna runs up, Ivy fires kicks on her! ROUNDHOUSE for Shayna, JUMP KICK for Stark! Tilt-o-whirl but then KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Then a feed to Stark’s SLIDING KNEE! They TOSS Ivy up and out to ELIMINATE her! The final four are now Stark, Shayna, Raquel and Michin!

The fans fire up as Mia looks at the other three. Stark CLOBBERS Mia, she and Shayna mug Raquel, but Mia runs up to GERMAN SUPLEX Stark! Fans fire up as Mia hurries to TOSS Stark! Stark holds on, Mia kicks at her, but Shayna grabs Mia! Mia switches, Shayna switches and feeds the MISSILE DROPKICK! Stark & Shayna DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE Mia up and out to ELIMINATE her! But then Raquel goes after them both! Shayna saves Stark, but Raquel rallies on them both! Shayna dodges one lariat but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel scoops Stark, SNAKE EYES! Stark is on the apron but Shayna fires kicks!

Raquel blocks Shayna’s big knee to DUMP and ELIMINATE Shayna! Now it’s just Raquel and Stark! But then Shayna TRIPS Raquel! Stark slingshots, but Raquel SHOVES! Shayna makes the save, but Raquel BOOTS Stark down! Raquel WINS!! Or, does she? Chelsea was still in this?!? She whips but Raquel reverses!! Raquel TOSSES Chelsea out, and NOW she wins!!

Winner: Raquel Rodriguez

The fans are thunderous for Big Mami Cool going on to Elimination Chamber! Will this comeback story continue all the way down the Road to WrestleMania to face whoever is Women’s World Champion?

Jey Uso speaks.

“Anaheim, California, Jey Uso is now in your city! And tonight, the wait is over, Uce. Tonight, I bring down the empire, right? Tonight, I end the reign of the longest IC Champion in WWE history, Uce. So Gunther, allow me to reintroduce myself. They call me UCE, OOH~ my God, I am the new Intercontinental Champion. YEET.” Main Event Jey is in tonight’s main event, will he finally hold gold that’s all his own?

Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax sit down for an interview.

In different locations for obvious reasons, the Eradicator and Irresistible Force are both asked by Michael Cole about the physicality, and what they think going into this match. Rhea will be in her home country, does she have butterflies? No, she has worked for this, wanted this, and this is the first time she gets to compete in Australia as a WWE superstar. The last time she competed in Australia, she was on the independents, and that was seven years ago. Back then, she just wanted to fit in, please people, do what she was told, and wasn’t really comfortable in her own skin. There were times she even wanted to quit.

But she had a talk with herself and reminded herself who the hell she was. Rhea had to remind herself that she didn’t want to be like everyone else, she wanted to prove the doubters wrong, and that she is Rhea Bloody Ripley, and that she was the most dominant woman in the WWE. Nia mockingly says, “Aww, that’s so cute.” Nia tells “Mami” that Nia is twice her size with three times the talent. But this is so good that this is in Rhea’s homeland. Because when Nia squashes Rhea again, Mami will go home crying to her mommy.

Rhea says Nia can talk all she wants, and attack from behind all she wants, but in the end, when Nia’s in Perth, Australia, face to face with Rhea, and she hears everyone screaming for Mami, even Nia will crumble. All Nia’s momentum is going to fade away into nothing. And her nightmares will become reality when she realizes she’s just not good enough. So see you in Perth. Rhea gets up and leaves, Nia seethes. Two forces of nature are on a collision course, who will survive on the Road to WrestleMania?

Raw presents Truthline: The Truth About The Judgment Day.

Jackie Redmond starts off with, “R-Truth and The Judgment Day, an unlikely pairing whose relationship status has always been… complicated. Was R-Truth ever really in? At times, it appeared to be a match made in heaven. Until it became a match made in hell. Earlier today, I went one-on-one in an exclusive interview with R-Truth to discuss his tumultuous relationship with The Judgment Day.”

Jackie and Truth were walking outside and she knew this was a complicated situation for him. Please take us all the way back to the beginning, the first time Truth met the Judgment Day. When he first met them, their smiles lit up the room. Footage replays of Truth just randomly being in the Judgment Day clubhouse, getting powdered sugar from the jellyrolls all over the place. Truth says it was special. Like the first time John Cena put on a pair of jorts. And it is clear this is an emotional relationship, but how much of what’s gone on does Truth blame on Priest? Priest did say “Everybody loves R-Truth! Except me.”

Footage of Priest throwing Truth all over the place, and even commentary wondering why they were so against having Truth in the group. Truth says Damian broke his heart. Truth hasn’t cried since much since the finale of This is Us. Or when the ducks left Tony Soprano. Priest was Truth’s ducks. Okay… Jackie appreciates Truth’s vulnerability and being so candid. She has one last question: It is obvious Truth’s loyalty was genuine, but after everything he’s been through, will he ever be able to let anyone in again? Truth says that this must be how Genuine felt when he wrote Pony.

But Truth has new friends: HBK, Shawn Michaels; The Game, Triple H; aka, DX! Of course he is mistaken, it’s Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa, aka DIY. But Truth says they’ll show Judgment Day you can’t bully people, can’t silence people, and cannot Nick Mysterio locked away with no access to the internet! And they’ll show them that tonight. Jackie thanks Truth for his time and Truth says Live, Laugh, Love. Will Truth at least get one thing right in that he, The Miz & DIY will teach Judgment Day a lesson?

Michael Chandler is here!

The UFC Lightweight Champion of the world says what’s up to Anaheim, and says we are in the presence of the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet! Now there’s a man from Ireland who has been making him wait way too long for a fight. And he still has one dude on his mind! CONOR MCGREGOR! Get your candy ass back into the octagon, they’ve got unfinished business! God Bless, see you at the top!

Chad Gable speaks.

Master Gable calls out Ivar for this mission he and Sarah Logan have been on in tearing down the Alpha Academy piece by piece. They pick on Tozawa, they pick on Maxxine, and they even managed to slip past the number one guy, Otis. Gable puts an end to that momentum tonight and builds his own. It’s WrestleMania Season, so time to get serious. Ivar, leave Sarah in the back while he leaves his crew in the back, too. Tonight, it’s about Chad Gable.

Ivar responds.

“The gods demand punishment. The gods demand pain! The gods demand that our raid come to a glorious and inevitable end! I’ve vanquished every member of the Alpha Academy, and now the gods turn their gaze to the head of the bow. Chad Gable, I accept your challenge for singles competition. But beware! The gods have chosen our path, and it goes straight through you!”

The War Beard is ready to fight Master Gable 1v1, but who will still be standing by the end?

8 Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS The Awesome Truth & #DIY!

We just heard from Truth about this situation, and now he puts action to his words! But will Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh put him down once and for all? Or will The Miz, Gargano & Ciampa help Truth not only see the light, but see a huge victory over his “former friends?”

The teams sort out and Miz starts against JD McDonagh. The bell rings and the Irish Ace fires off on the Hollywood A-Lister! JD gets around to back suplex but Miz lands out! Miz kicks a leg out, but Finn takes a swipe! Miz stays clear to give “It Kicks” over and over on JD! Miz winds up, Finn barks at him, so Miz DECKS him! Fans fire up but JD avoids the kick! JD and Miz brawl, everyone else rushes in and the fans fire up! Miz, Truth & DIY TOSS the Judgment Day out and tell them to “SUCK IT!” Judgment Day is furious and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Dom has Ciampa down with a chinlock. Ciampa fights up, reaches out, but Dom keeps him from the DIY corner. Ciampa throws body shots but Dom CLUBS him down. Tag to Finn, they mug Ciampa, and Finn ELBOWS Ciampa in the head! Finn CHOPS, whips, but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges then tags Gargano. Ciampa then slides under Finn, CHOPS him, then Gargano CLUBS him! JAWBREAKER and wrench, to a LARIAT! The fans fire up while Finn flounders. Gargano drags Finn up but Finn RAMS him into the Judgment Day corner! Priest tags in as Finn RAMS Gargano more, then Priest ROCKS Gargano!

Priest reels Gargano in for a short arm LARIAT, then he stares down Truth. Priest whips Gargano hard into buckles, then tags Finn. Priest sets Gargano out for Finn to slingshot STOMP! Finn taunts Truth, drags Gargano up, and CLUBS him into a chinlock. Finn grinds Gargano down but fans boo. Gargano endures, even as Finn shifts and almost has a Bully Choke. Gargano fights up as the fans rally, and the fans chant “We Want Truth!” Finn tags JD in, but Gargano snap suplexes free! And he trips JD! Gargano TOSSES Finn, dodges JD, tag to Truth! The fans are thunderous as Truth unleashes the shoulder tackles!

Truth gets JD for the SPIN-OUT BOMB! And then “You Can’t See Me!” Truth runs for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth gets JD in the fireman’s carry but Priest tags in! Truth DECKS Priest, but JD HEADBUTTS Truth out of the ring! Priest is right on Truth, and POSTS him! Fans boo as Judgment Day stands over Truth and talks a lot of trash while Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns again and Truth fights up as Finn has a facelock. Truth reaches for his corner, gets a step closer, and another step, but then Finn DECKS Miz! Truth dodges Finn to hot tag Ciampa! Ciampa rallies on Finn, BLASTS JD and Dom, then dodges Finn! Ciampa rallies with big lariats, then he CLOBBERS JD, too! Ciampa clotheslines Finn in one corner, clotheslines JD in another, and repeat! Ciampa then ducks double lariats to LEAPING LARIAT JD & Finn! Priest gets up but Ciampa KNEES him down! JD runs up, Ciampa ducks and rolls him into the ropes! WILLOW’S BELL! Ciampa keeps going, and he TORNILLOS onto Priest!

The fans fire up with Ciampa, Dom runs up, but into a KNEE! Ciampa gets in the ring, but Finn catches him to a cradle! TWO, and Ciampa swings. Finn gets around, dragon sleeper, but Finn gloats too much! Ciampa turns it around to REVERSE DDT! Cover, JD breaks it! JD stands up, into Gargano’s SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Gargano stands up, into Dom’s SUPERKICK! Miz returns to BOOT Dom! Finn SLINGBLADES Miz! Ciampa dodges Finn, they both run, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans are thunderous as both men are down, and Truth rises up! “This is Awesome!” as both men crawl for their corners! Hot tags to Truth and Priest!

The fans fire up as Truth fires off fast hands on Priest! Truth whips, Priest reverses but Truth ducks ‘n ‘dodges to hit the LIE DETECTOR! Priest ends up in a corner, the fans echo “WHAT’S UP!?” and Truth does the splits! Truth runs in to SPLASH Priest, then clinch! But Priest fights that, choke grips, and SOUTH OF- NO, Truth slips free to kick low! Truth runs, SCISSOR KICK! Dom gets up but Truth DECKS him! Truth then sees Priest in a corner and the fans rally behind him! Truth baits Priest in, ands ends him into buckles! Then the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Truth can’t believe it!

Truth drags Priest up, but the rest of Judgment Day rushes in! Miz & DIY give them TRIPLE SUPERKICKS! Then they TOSS Judgment Day out, TRIPLE PLANCHAS!! The fans fire up and Truth does the splits to dodge Priest! CALF KICK! Priest flounders out and Truth smiles, as he builds speed! But Priest catches him! SOUTH OF- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!!! Priest escapes again, but Truth fireman’s carries! Priest slips free, BELL CLAP! Choke grip! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!

Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall

Truth put his heart and soul into this fight after having his heart broken, but it wasn’t enough to get payback. Judgment Day rolls on into Elimination Chamber, will they completely dominate with both the Women’s World and Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships on the line?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Jackie Redmond is now with The Great Liberator and brings up his loss to Shinsuke Nakamura, with Drew McIntyre being a part of that. How does he respond? Sami says he’s been thinking about it a lot, almost to the point of obsession. And Sami’s made a decision, a hard one, but he feels he have to hit the pause button with McIntyre. Sami’s been down this road before with this kind of obsession, and Sami knows how he gets. He gets fixated on one thing or one person, and he gets stuck. He can’t move forward, can’t see what’s in front of him, and he can’t do that again, not for WrestleMania season.

Sami knows that there is a path. He doesn’t know what it is, but it will present itself, so he has to be there mentally to see it when it comes his way. He knows that sounds crazy, maybe delusional, after losing and facing adversity. But he did not get this far by not trusting his gut, and he feels it when he knows there is a path. And not only to go to WrestleMania, but to do something historic, to cement what he is saying about being a contender! Sami knows he will be a champion again. But when will that time come? Will it be in time for WrestleMania 40?

Becky Lynch is here!

The fans fire up as Raw enters the Big Time! Becky gets the mic and hears the fans chanting for her. Becky says, “The Man has come around to Anaheim! Wow, wow, you guys have been an amazing crowd tonight. And I’ve been lucky enough in my career that I’ve gotten to do some amazing things. So much so, that there’s not a lot of new things for me anymore. Well, except the hat. The hat is new. Do you like the hat?” Fans cheer her hat, so the hat stays. But Becky knows that in five days, for the first time in her career, she steps inside the Elimination Chamber, and with the need to win so that she can face Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship.

Now, Rhea and Becky have been dancing around each other the last year or so, having uncomfortably long stare downs at random intervals, all prolonging the inevitable, and the inevitable is that Mami and The Man will collide. And when they inevitably do, it will inevitably be the fight of their lives! The fans like the sound of that. Becky says she and Rhea both live for this, both love this, but how both of them have been living this has been different. For the last year, Rhea has been front and center for everything, she is the talk of the town. She has been riding a wave of momentum that comes around once in a lifetime.

Rhea’s also been propped up by her band of merry men, the Judgment Day. Fans boo that, and Becky says, “Those Truth Haters.” But then there’s Becky. Fans cheer, and Becky says she is the biggest threat to Rhea’s championship who has been hiding in plain sight. Becky’s been fighting anyone and everyone who wants a go, propping up this division! And Becky can confidently say that at this very moment, she’s the best she’s ever bene. Fans cheer that, too!

Becky continues with the flipside of that. On the flipside of Becky being the very best she’s ever been, so is everyone else. So in five days, stepping inside the Chamber, Becky does that with five of WWE’s most promising stars: Liv Morgan; Bianca Belair; Raquel Rodriguez; Naomi; and Tiffany Stratton. While Becky doesn’t have anything against any of these women- Well, Tiffany’s kinda annoying. And while Becky has beaten most of them, it was never inside the confines of that cage of steel and glass with the ultimate prize on the line, WrestleMania hanging in the balance. Becky says she has worked too hard- Wait! Here comes Liv!

Liv has a mic and tells Becky, “I’m sorry to interrupt. But before I get started, I just wanted to say, I’m a big fan of the hat.” But what Liv isn’t a fan of is having to sit in the back and listen to Becky explain why Becky is the one to defeat Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. Liv joins Becky in the ring and says that Becky wants to prove she’s the best. And Liv gets that, that’s very Becky of Becky. But Liv doesn’t really care about who is the best. This is about revenge! This is about redemption! This is about Liv’s life! Fans cheer, and Liv says here’s a little story. Liv and Rhea used to be tag team partners, were a great team, but then Rhea turned on Liv.

That’s okay, because Liv did move on, found success with other partners, like Raquel Rodriguez, and they became TWO-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions. At least, until Rhea came out, cost them the titles, and then here’s where things get really crazy. Exactly a week after that, Rhea came out to injure Liv and cost Liv six MONTHS of her career, when Liv was at her very best! So while Liv has Becky here, she just wants to remind Becky that Liv was the very last person to defeat Rhea Ripley. And if after all of that- Raquel comes out! Raquel says chicas, they’re both making great points, they really are.

But it seems they’re both entirely focused on Rhea Ripley. After Chamber, who knows who the champion will be! It could be Rhea, but it could be Nia. And Raquel knows one thing for sure, there is only one woman big enough and strong enough to take on either one of them, and that’s Raquel! You saw what she did in the battle royal, right? WAIT! Here’s Naomi! The fans fire up as Becky welcomes Naomi back, and “to this tea party we’re apparently having.” Naomi thanks The Man, and asks, “What’s up, Raw?” Naomi joins the others in the ring and says she didn’t come back to just come back. She came back with a whole new purpose.

See, Naomi’s made a name for herself both in and out of the WWE. This go-around is way bigger than that for her. Naomi is here to climb back up to the top, because that is where she belongs now more than ever. But then “It’s Tiffy Time~!” Becky can’t believe Tiffany Stratton is here now. And Tiff says, “Um, excuse me, it’s Tiffy Time.” Naomi says she’s interrupting Glow Time. Tiff tells Naomi that while she was out there trying to make a name for herself, to which Naomi says, “And did.” Tiff says Naomi left an empty space. The only space Tiff is concerned about is being the Center of the Universe.

“And besides, nobody cares about the past. And looking at all of you, that is all I see.” Fans boo but Tiff says been there, done that, the future is her and her name is- The EST is here! The fans fire up as Bianca says okay, Tiff, she might be new and all, which explains why she doesn’t know what running her mouth gets her. Bianca says don’t get it twisted, she is the EST, and has been at the Tiffy Top for a very long time. And at Elimination Chamber, Tiff finds out she will never be her, do it like her, or be better than her. Now there is one thing that Bianca has done that no one else here has, and that is win the Chamber.

And this year, Bianca will continue her WrestleMania UN-DE-FEA-TED streak! Fans cheer, and Bianca says respectfully, if she has to, she’ll pin Becky, Raquel, Liv, Naomi and definitely Tiff. Because you can’t spell WrestleMania without E S T! The fans cheer, but Tiff tells Bianca that she is so last year. No, no, like literally. She peaked last year! Girl… Uh-uh. Tiff got here on Tuesday. Liv agrees, but then Tiff sucker punches her! Liv and Tiff brawl, and the others figure why not. Becky goes after Bianca and that leaves Raquel to fight Naomi! Fans fire up as things go to corners, Tiff and Liv fall out of the ring, but NIA GETS IN!

Nia CLOBBERS Bianca and Becky, then SPLASHES Raquel! Naomi fires hands but Nia whips her, fireman’s carries, and SAMOAN DROPS! Liv and Tiff are on the ramp but Nia goes after them, too! Nia SHOVES Tiff, then fireman’s carries Liv! Nia POSTS Liv, then catches Tiff to TOSS her! Fans boo but Nia laughs as she gets back in the ring, to CLOBBER Bianca! Nia soaks up the heat, then she hits a LEG DROP on Raquel! Becky runs up, but into a HEADBUTT! HIP ATTACK for Naomi! And then LEG DROP for Liv! And then a LEG DROP for Becky! Nia sends a message to Rhea, will there be nothing to stop this Irresistible Force?

Gunther speaks.

“Tonight is the greatest night of Jey Uso’s illustrious career. Because tonight he can fulfill his big dream of becoming a singles champion in WWE. Now Jey, let me reintroduce myself. I am Der Ring General, Gunther, the longest reigning and greatest Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of all time. And tonight, when that bell rings, I’ll make you understand that you do not belong in the main event. Jey, I’m afraid you’ll have to keep on dreaming.” Gunther is ready for the main event, but will he (not) be ready for Main Event Jey?

Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.

“Sami… Sami Zayn. You want to be a contender? First of all, fighters fight. True fighters don’t whine to everyone and try to get a spotlight. You want a spotlight? I’ll give you one. If you think you’re an underdog, I’ll make sure you stay that way. By defeating you again, by breaking you again, and by dragging you to the very bottom. Then you can bask in everyone’s sympathy. But I will show them that their contender is a pretender! You want more Shinsuke? Anytime, anywhere.” The King of Strong Style is not done with his old rival, will Sami even make it to WrestleMania at this rate?

Ivar VS Chad Gable!

No Sarah Logan communing with the Norse gods, no Otis, Maxxine or Tozawa. This is just about The War Beard battling the Alpha Academy’s fearless leader and who is the better man. Who will still be standing after the raid passes through Anaheim?

The bell rings, Gable rushes in, but Ivar BOOTS him down! Gable flounders, Ivar brings him up to CLOBBER him! Ivar then goes up a corner, but Gable runs up! Ivar shoves him away, but then Gable ROLLING KICKS Ivar to the floor! Fans fire up as Gable climbs the corner, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Down goes Ivar and Gable returns into the ring. “A THANK YEW~!” The fans cheer, Gable goes back out and runs back in, only for Ivar to TOSS him into the timekeeper’s area! Gable lands on his feet, ROCKS Ivar in return, then goes up the barriers. But Ivar sweeps the legs and Gable hits barriers on the way down!

Ivar hauls Gable up, to BARRIER BOMB!! Gable tumbles down and Ivar seethes while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Gable brawls with Ivar on top of a corner. Ivar scoops, but Gable SUPER ARM-DRAG COUNTERS! Cover, TWO!! Ivar is still in this but Gable gets back up. Gable fires knees and an UPPERCUT, then throat chops! Ivar swings, misses, and Gable mule kicks! Gable runs, but Ivar FLAPJACKS him! Ivar underhooks, TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives and Ivar seethes. Ivar waits on Gable, runs up, but Gable ducks the leg lariat! Ivar is caught up, Gable CHOP BLOCKS the other leg! Gable hurries to waistlock, lifts, but Ivar elbows free. Ivar reels Gable back in, hauls him up, but Gable sunset flips it! TWO!!

Gable has the ANKLE LOCK!! The fans fire up as Ivar flails! Ivar rolls, BOOTS Gable away, and Gable tumbles out of the ring. Gable returns, ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY Ivar and himself up and out to the floor! The fans fire up as Gable hurries to bring Ivar up. But Ivar RAMS Gable into the LED apron! Ivar runs up, but Gable dodges and Ivar splashes the LED! The fans fire up as Gable hauls Ivar up, but his back won’t let him suplex! HEEL KICK OF DOOM! Gable is down, but Ivar puts him in the ring at 6 of 10! Ivar climbs a corner, aims, and FLYING SEATED SENTONS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gable survives and Ivar is furious!

Anaheim fires up again as Gable stirs. Ivar goes up the corner again, to DOOMSAULT but he FLOPS as Gable moves!! Gable hurries to waistlock again! The fans fire up as Gable deadlifts for the GERMAN SUPLEX!! Gable stands up, and brings down the straps! Anaheim is thunderous as Gable climbs up, for a MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO?!?! Ivar survives, but Gable has the ANKLE LOCK!!! Ivar flails, reaches out, but Gable drags him away! IVAR TAPS, GABLE WINS!!

Winner: Chad Gable, by submission

The raid has been stopped, and the Alpha Academy hurries out to celebrate with Gable! “A THANK YEW~!” Will this finally settle things between the Alphas and the Vikings? Or will it only escalate things towards war?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Cathy Kelley is with the Scottish Terminator and congratulates him on the win tonight. He says he wants to take a moment to talk about Cody. McIntyre always tells the truth, and Cody has been on the run of a lifetime the last two years. Cody’s built such great momentum, only one person has pinned him up to tonight. The second person is Drew McIntyre, “The Savior of WrestleMania.” Then does McIntyre feel that was all tainted by The Bloodline’s interference? Nope. Not at all. He has heard what people have been saying, calling him a hypocrite. But what do you think went through McIntyre’s mind seeing Jimmy & Solo out there?

Of course McIntyre wanted to attack The Bloodline on sight, but he can’t think like that. This is Drew McIntyre (hands apart), this is everyone else (fingers close together). He thinks on the bigger picture. McIntyre isn’t selfish, he’s doing this for the World Heavyweight Championship, for Raw, and for the WWE Universe. He defeated Cody Rhodes tonight, now he’s going to SmackDown on Friday to face LA Knight, then fly across to the other side of the world to compete in the Elimination Chamber, one of the most brutal matches in WWE. And he is gonna win. Then he’ll go to WrestleMania, win there, because he is the true workhorse of the WWE, and the future world champion.

McIntyre heads out, but will all this truly come to fruition? Or will LA Knight and the other Elimination Chamber entrants be a massive roadblock?

The New Day speaks.

Xavier Woods says, “First thing’s first, let’s get it straight. Tonight, Main Event Jey Uso walks out of Anaheim, California your new WWE Intercontinental Champion. And then next week, it’s our turn.” Kofi Kingston says Imperium tried to end his career. And if he remembers right, they said they wanted to take his head. Well it seems like they didn’t get the job done! What they did do is put New Day into a mindset they don’t want New Day to be in. They’ve been targeting New Day for weeks, and there’s no surprise there. New Day’s been doing this damn near a decade. And there’s a reason teams target New Day when they wanna make a name for themselves.

It’s because The New Day are the industry standard when it comes to tag team wrestling! Ain’t nobody better than ya bois the New Day! And yeah, the New Day won the Six Man Tag, but it ain’t over. Mama ain’t singing. It ain’t over until New Day says it’s over! Because with Imperium, it has been count outs, disqualifications, fighting through the crowd, throwing steel steps and putting each other through tables. So the New Day has a little surprise for Imperium: next week’s match has no rules. Because next week, it will be New Day VS Imperium… IN A STREET FIGHT!

Kofi & Woods have kendo sticks, and they beat out the rhythm, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Will they use those kendo sticks to beat that same rhythm on Vinci & Kaiser as they beat Imperium down once and for all?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Jey Uso!

We’ve heard from Der Ring General and Main Event Jey, and now we see them put action behind those words. All reigns must come to an end some time, but will tonight be that time? Or will even Jey just be another notch on the belt?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see the difference between day 619 and day one, Uce!

The bell rings and the fans are strongly behind Jey with “YEET! YEET!” echoing out. Jey stares Gunther down, tells him to hear that, but Gunther shoves Jey! Jey SLAPS Gunther, just like last week! So Gunther BOOTS him down! Gunther CHOPS Jey, CHOPS again, and Jey ends up in a corner. Gunther scoops Jey onto the top rope, to then CHOP him again! Jey sputters, but Gunther climbs up to STAND on him! The ref counts while Jey is bent back, and Gunther lets off at 4. Jey tumbles out, Gunther goes after him to CHOP again! Gunther then hits a BARRIER BACK SUPLEX! Jey writhes but Gunther hauls him up.

Gunther hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Gunther seethes, Jey writhes, and the fans boo while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Gunther has Jey on the apron. Gunther hauls Jey up but Jey fires hands! Then a GAMANGIRI! Fans “YEET!” with each shot, and then Jey climbs! CROSS- CHOP!! Gunther takes Jey outta the sky, and then NECK TWISTS! Jey writhes and Gunther hauls him up. Gunther scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Jey flounders back to the apron but Gunther kicks him down. The fans rally with “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Gunther goes out to get Jey and reel him in, but Jey fights the bomb! Jey manages to back drop Gunther to the floor! Gunther hobbles to his feet, Jey turns around and ducks the lariat, to SAMOAN DROP onto the desk!

The fans fire up as Gunther tumbles, and “YEET! YEET!” rings out again. Jey feels that energy, hurries after Gunther and hauls him up into the ring. Jey then slides in, takes aim, and he runs in, but the Spear is sent into the corner! Jey UPERCUTS back, ducks the lariat, and mule kicks hard! Jey pops ‘n’ locks to UPPERCUT! Gunther’s in a corner, fans fire up and Jey throws off the elbow pads and wrist tape. “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs in, but into a SHOTGUN DROPKICK! Gunther hauls Jey up, for a GUNTHER BOMB! High stack, TWO!! Jey survives and the fans are thunderous! Gunther is shocked, but he drags Jey right back up.

Gunther stands Jey up, fans rally behind Jey and Jey wrenches out to SUPER- NO, Gunther blocks to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives but Gunther gets the legs! BOSTON CRAB! Jey endures as Gunther sits deep on his back! The fans rally, Jey reaches out, and he works to turn over! The fans still rally as Gunther holds on, but Jey makes it to the ROPEBREAK! Gunther lets go fast and paces in frustration. Gunther storms back up, stands Jey up to whip, but Jey holds ropes! So Gunther UPPERCUTS, runs, only for Jey to DUMP him out! Jey builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and down goes Gunther! The fans fire up again as Raw goes back to break!

Raw returns once again and Gunther eggs Jey on. Jey ROCKS Gunther with a forearm, but Gunther ROCKS Jey back! Jey fires another forearm but so does Gunther! Jey wobbles, Gunther eggs him on, so Jey UPPERCUTS! Jey eggs Gunther on now, so Gunther fires another forearm! The shots go back and forth, “YEET! BOO! YEET!” The YEETS get the edge, Jey pops ‘n’ locks ‘n’ puts some stank on it, for the UPPERCUT! Gunther CHOPS Jey off his feet! Gunther hauls Jey back up, to CHOP again! Jey wobbles and drops to a knee, but Gunther stands him up for another CHOP! Jey staggers, rebounds, and Gunther CHOPS him back down!

Gunther demands Jey get up, then eggs him on. “I told you you’re not good enough to succeed on your own! You’re nobody!” Gunther stands Jey up, makes him look him in the eye, but Jey UPPERCUTS! Gunther CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS from all sides! Then he reels Jey in, for the- NO, Jey slips up and over the bomb, ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives, Jey isn’t quite as strong as The Tribal Chief with that move. Jey goes to ropes and watches Gunther. The fans rally up and Jey goes to a corner. Jey climbs, but Gunther runs up to SLAP him first! Gunther then CHOPS again!

Jey wobbles up top, Gunther climbs up to join him. Gunther brings Jey up for a SUPER HALF HATCH! Jey tumbles into a drop zone, Gunther goes up, GUNTHER SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Jey survives and Gunther is beside himself! The fans rally up as hard as they can while Jey stirs. Gunther hauls Jimmy up to CHOP, then has Jey on the ropes. Gunther CHOPS again, but Jey SLAPS! Gunther CHOPS, Jey forearms, repeat! The fans fire up, Jey dodges a shot, then SPEARS again!! Jey sees Gunther bailing out so he hurries, to APRON SPEAR!! Fans are thunderous again as Jey SPEARS Gunther on the floor!!

Gunther flounders, Jey seethes, and Jey puts Gunther in the ring. Jey runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and SPEARS!! Not the cleanest but it was enough! Jey goes back up, takes aim, USO SPLASH!! Cover, wait who’s ringing the bell!? That wasn’t time yet! JIMMY?!? He just couldn’t help himself! Pearce ejected Jimmy but he snuck back in to screw Jey! Security rushes in but Jimmy runs away, and Gunther CHOPS Jey from behind! SLEEPER, but Jey rolls it back! TWO!!! SUPERKICK!! Gunther falls, but then Jey DIVES onto Jimmy!! Jey gets even with his brother, hurries back up top, and USO SPLASHES onto knees!!! Gunther cradles Jey, Gunther wins!!

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

The Bloodline hit all their targets tonight, and that helps Gunther make it to day 620! Will anyone ever come as close to Jey did tonight? Or will Gunther simply reign until to the end of time?

Wait, Jimmy isn’t done with Jey, he goes right after him! Fans boo as Jimmy beats Jey down, and then lines up the shot! SUPERKICK!! Jimmy tells Jey, “You thought you was gonna reign without me?! No matter how big you get, I’m always the big brother! Always!” Jimmy stands over Jey, his own twin brother, and smiles as the fans boo. But then Jimmy goes up a corner! He mocks the bounce, then hits the USO SPLASH!! Jimmy again stands over Jey, but then just goes back to a corner, for another USO SPLASH!! No mercy from his own twin, will Jey ever get away from The Bloodline’s shadow?

My Thoughts:

An awesome Raw here, especially for a go-home. No Go-Home Syndrome tonight, I think HHH Era is the cure to that. Great continuity with The Bloodline’s promo from SmackDown, with their interference to “ruin” the awesome opener from Cody VS McIntyre, and then more interference to “ruin” the awesome main event from Jey VS Gunther. Great use of continuity with McIntyre, him bringing up the hypocrisy in his promo, and that’s good momentum going into his match on SmackDown with LA Knight that was totally recorded last Friday since there’s no way to be in Perth, Australia in time if they’re still gonna be stateside that late.

Anyway, Jey VS Gunther having Jimmy interfere is a very big tease that we’ll get Uso VS Uso for WrestleMania this year, which can be some awesome stuff, and a way for Jey to neutralize Jimmy from interfering with Cody VS Roman. Meanwhile, Rollins checking in on Cody is a good nod towards them teaming up. I still think they’re going to have an “impromptu” tag match against Grayson Waller & Austin Theory, which then leads to Cody & Rollins VS Roman & Rock, or maybe Solo if Rock isn’t ring ready. There might even be a response from Cody & Rollins on SmackDown after Chamber to keep this going.

Really good interview promo for Rhea and Nia, though it wasn’t even really an interview after they both said their part and then Rhea just left. Awesome return moment for Raquel Rodriguez getting in the Women’s Battle Royal and pretty much dominating. The fans do seem to be coming around on Chelsea (not me yet, sorry) so her trying the sneaky win was clever, but no, it had to be Raquel at this point. Great promo from all six Chamber entrants, and of course it turned into a brawl. Quite the clever surprise of Nia going after all six of them, though. Nia stands tall here because duh, she’s losing to Rhea, but Nia doing that keeps the math even between all six Chamber entrants. Though, c’mon, it’s still gotta be Becky.

Gable VS Ivar being here was a bit of a surprise, but what an awesome match and awesome win for Gable. Since Jey didn’t dethrone Gunther, it’s anyone’s guess as to who gets a shot for Mania, but I’m not sure if it’s Gable. Gable had his shots, did great but obviously he didn’t win, so I don’t know if a super serious shift in Gable’s attitude is enough to make me think he’ll win. Sami is talking about finding a path, but he’s going to have another match with Nakamura first. Maybe Sami wins the rematch and then forces a tiebreaker with Nakamura, and then Sami uses that momentum to earn a shot at Gunther? Sami did mention doing something historic, so ending Gunther’s historic reign at 665 days or whatever would be pretty awesome.

Really good promo from Andrade, too, and he says this is his era now, but a lot of wrestlers say stuff like that. I wouldn’t mind Andrade also being involved in an Intercontinental Championship story, or some other high profile story to bide his time while waiting on titles, just as long as he gets to do something. And great promo from The New Day to set up a Street Fight Tag. It’s rare we get to see intense New Day so this is going to be some great stuff as New Day quite literally fights their way back up the rankings.

And just amazing stuff again out of R-Truth with Judgment Day. “Truthline” was a great bit for the interview promo, and we got a great 8 Man Tag. Truth taking the loss was also fitting in the story, this will get that Face heat on him and The Miz as they perhaps fight their way to a tag title opportunity. Now, Judgment Day stands tall here, but then you can bet Dom & McDonagh lose to Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne this Friday on the prerecorded episode to bring the math back around. Feels like Judgment Day will sweep the night with Rhea beating Nia and then Finn & Priest beating “New Catch Republic.” Maybe HHH will one day figure out how to divide the titles but for now, it seems Bate & Dunne are gonna be fed to the Judgment Day’s reign.

My Score: 9/10