What do you see~? CM Punk on your TV!

With Monday Night Raw coming to Chicago, it was only natural that CM Punk would be here! What will he have to say this close to WrestleMania?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Ricochet VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Ricochet wins.
• Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile; Candice wins.
• The New Day VS #DIY; No Contest.
• Andrade VS Giovanni Vinci; Andrade wins.
• Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
• Jey Uso VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Jey wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

Chicago fires up for the American Nightmare and sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets both rounds of pyro, then steps into the ring. The fans cheer in him and he revels in it a moment before saying, “So, Chicago…! What do you wanna talk about? I mean, I could say nothing. You get it, right? We’re in that final, awkward two weeks before WrestleMania where the time for talk is really over, the time for action has arisen, the wagon is in the barn. Last week on SmackDown, well even before SmackDown, in his media rounds, Roman Reigns…” The fans boo here. “Roman Reigns said a lot, particularly on my friend, Pat McAfee’s show. Let’s hear it for Pat.” The fans cheer here.

Cody says there’s 15 THOUSAND here, let’s hear it for Pat! The fans cheer more, and Cody has them dial it back, it’s just Pat. What about Michael Cole? The fans cheer for Cole, and Cody says see, that awkward two weeks. There are people freaking out backstage, Cody isn’t sure where they’re going with this. Oh, right, Roman Reigns. The fans boo again. Cody says yes, Roman Reigns, he referred to Cody as a politician. The fans chant “Roman Sucks! Roman Sucks!” Cody continues by saying Roman would double down in their face-to-face and say Cody’s been making promises he cannot keep, and that got under Cody’s skin.

The reason being: this city more than any other that when Cody makes a promise, he absolutely, 100% keeps it! The fans are all in on that! Cody says there was a unique ask. A man last night used a sign to ask Cody if he’d be the best man and the guy’s wedding. So explain that to Cody’s wife: Cody is going to this guy, Anthony’s wedding, and paying for the bachelor party. Honey, who is Anthony? No idea. But he’s still doing it! A little boy named Hudson is having a birthday party, asked if The American Nightmare would be there, and Cody said absolutely!

The Wrestling Club, men and women just wanting to attend WrestleMania, both nights. Cody says this and asks for nothing in return. The reason Cody does what he does is lost on Roman Reigns. Roman thinks it is desperation. Maybe it should be, as this is Cody’s final crack at the Universal Championship. But it isn’t desperation. Cody dresses how he dresses, talks how he talks, walks how he walks and spends all this time for a simple reason. He pretends to be the champion because the champion isn’t here! The fans fire up and chant for Cody again.

Cody says he has filled the air, filled the ring with positive platitudes. He clearly respects The Tribal Chief. But make no mistake, Cody is fully aware that Roman Reigns is the man who screwed Cody out of the biggest dream he’s ever had in his life last year at WrestleMania. So while Cody respects Roman, please understand that he also hates Roman’s guts! And it is totally fine if Roman hates Cody, too. It is Cody’s fault that Roman and his cousin can’t have this “wank fest” they were hoping to have at Mania. And it is pretty simple: It is Cody’s fault because he won the Royal Rumble! Not once, but twice!

Now, everyone knows the winner of the Rumble points at the sign. And if Cody has learned anything, pointing at that sign, WrestleMania 39 and now WrestleMania 40, Cody cannot do it alone. He said he’d ask for nothing back but this time, he is. April 6th, the biggest tag match in WWE history, Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins VS Roman Reigns & The Rock, will you, the fans, ride with him? The fans cheer yes! Cody says on April 7th, hopefully what will be a fair fight with Roman Reigns, will the fans fight with him? The fans cheer yes again! Then how about we have a little moment here with 15 thousand strong.

If Cody is going to point at the WrestleMania sign, please point along with him. Cody looks around and asks if they’re ready. The fans cheer, and Cody points. Everyone points with him! And pointing at the sign means just what Cody said: WrestleMania 40, two main events, defeating The Final Boss, defeating- WAIT! The Rock is here tonight!? The Final Boss promised he’d be here on April 1st but maybe that was the prank all along! Chicago can’t believe it, but The Rock, in another Versace vest, goes right to the ring. The Rock hits his pose on the corner, then steps inside. The Rock walks past Cody to pose on another corner.

The Rock then paces around Cody, and the fans are torn between cheers and jeers. The Rock stares Cody down, the fans start losing their minds, and then they calm down as the stare down continues. “This is Awesome!” as The Rock and Cody continue to stand still. The Rock finally steps forward, and now Chicago chants for “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” The Rock then holds his hands out to his side, showing that he comes in peace. He even puts his hands behind his back before stepping closer. The stare down intensifies and The Rock says something without a mic. Fans want to know what he said, but then The Rock steps away.

Cody seems confused, and then The Rock exits the ring. Fans boo, hoping there was more to this surprise than just the surprise. Cody’s confusion shifts to frustration but The Rock just goes up the ramp to take his leave. The fans chant “ROCKY SUCKS! ROCKY SUCKS!” but The Rock just smirks and chuckles. The Final Boss exits to the back, but just what was this visit about?

Backstage interview with The Rock.

Jackie Redmond waves him down and asks what we all want to know: What exactly did he just say to Cody out there? The Rock says to go ask Cody. The Rock continues making his exit, will we be able to get an answer out of Cody?

The Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.

Priest is throwing darts with Finn while Rhea & Dom talk. Rhea gets it, Dom has unfinished business with his dad, but he could’ve told them his plan. Rhea would’ve loved to join in. Plus, communication is key. Dom says Mami’s right, sorry. Won’t happen again. Priest says cool, and now to the business at hand tonight. JD, you better handle Ricochet like they know he can. Finn is sick and tired of JD & Dom being made to look like fools against that clown! Priest has Finn calm down, and they trust JD will take care of things. Priest also has a plan for how the odds can be in their favor at WrestleMania. Finn loves it!

JD says no worries, he’s got Ricochet’s number tonight. Rhea says just win. Please? Dom assures Rhea that he will make sure things go their way. Good. They all fist bump and the boys head out.

Ricochet VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!

The One and Only is currently 2-0 with Judgment Day, having beat The Prodigal Son 1v1 then beating the Necessary Evil at the start of the Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet. Will it be a hattrick for the human highlight reel? Or will the King of Flight fail to trump the Irish Ace?

The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Ricochet puts JD on ropes but JD turns things around. The ref counts, separates the two, and the fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” Ricochet gets distracted by Dom and JD sucker punches him! JD brings Ricochet up to whip, then he ELBOWS Ricochet down! Dom cheers, the fans boo, and JD lifts Ricochet up. JD back suplexes but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet rolls off JD’s back, rolls under then handsprings back to headscissor! Kip up and DROPKICK!

JD tumbles outside, Ricochet builds speed, but he fakes JD out with the handspring! Then he FLIES the other way! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Ricochet is feeling it as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and JD has Ricochet in a corner. JD RAMS into Ricochet, stands him up, and the fans rally for Ricochet as JD CHOPS! Ricochet fires forearms in return! Ricochet runs, but JD kitchen sink knees! The fans boo but JD clamps on a rear bearhug! Ricochet endures the squeeze, throws elbows, then reaches out, tot he ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, JD holds on, but Ricochet fires elbows! JD lets go, Ricochet swings, but into an URENAGE! STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Ricochet moves! The fans fire up and Ricochet dodges a haymaker to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Both men are down but Chicago rallies up!

JD goes to ropes, Ricochet stands, and JD swings! Ricochet blocks, fires shots in return then a JUMP KNEE! JD goes to a corner, Ricochet runs corner to corner, but JD puts him on the apron! Ricochet RAMS into JD, springboards and FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this, but Ricochet stays cool. Ricochet waits on JD to rise, the fans rally behind him, and JD stands. Ricochet fireman’s carries, pop-up, but JD blocks the kick! JD stands Ricochet up but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS then ENZIGIRIS! Ricochet runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!

JD hurries to suplex, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and Dom is beside himself! JD goes to ropes, Dom coaches him up, but the fans rally for Ricochet. JD storms back up on Ricochet, drags him up, and puts him in a corner. JD puts Ricochet up top, CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! JD climbs up after Ricochet now, but Ricochet fights the clinch! Ricochet CLUBS JD again and again, then adjusts his position. SUPER POISON-RANA!! Ricochet fired up, he runs in, RECOIL!! Cover, Dom helps with the ropebreak!! The fans boo as Dom saves JD! Ricochet is mad at Dom but Dom gets away.

Ricochet hurries to springboard and 450 onto knees!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and the fans are thunderous as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Ricochet trades forearms with JD. Ricochet BOOTS JD, but JD ducks the heel kick to DISCUS LARIAT! JD reels Ricochet in to SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Ricochet stays in this! JD is beside himself, but Dom coaches him back up. JD has an arm, but Ricochet ROCKS JD first! JD kicks Ricochet, Ricochet fires SLAP after SLAP, but JD fires Kawada Kicks! Ripcord, but DESTROYER!! Ricochet turns things around on JD and he hurries up a corner! The fans are thunderous ag Ricochet climbs! Dom panics, he gets on the apron! The ref tells him to stop!

The fans boo, but Dom SLAPS the ropes to trip Ricochet! The ref says that was blatant, so he EJECTS Dom! The fans fire up as Dom gets what he deserves! JD panics now, but he hurries to go after Ricochet! But Ricochet shoves him back down! SHOOTING STAR CROSSBODY!!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

Dom tried to screw Ricochet over but he just gave Ricochet the highlight of the night! Now that he’s 3-0, does The One and Only just have Judgment Day’s number?

CM Punk is here!

Chicago’s own gets a warm welcome as he steps out on stage in the Allstate Arena. His arm is in a brace, but he’s still able to check and say, “It’s Clobbering Time!” Punk also high fives and shakes hands on his way down the ramp and around the ring. Punk gets a mic then stands on top of the desk! The fans cheer, then Punk hops down to get in the ring. “Oh, I gotta lot of things I wanna say and a lot of business I gotta get to, but before that, is it good to be alive in Chicago on a Monday night or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk continues by saying everyone is asking Punk if he’s gonna be at WrestleMania. The short answer is: YES!

Punk says everyone is asking how his elbow is doing. Not great, not 100%. Not medically cleared, but dammit, his mouth works. We’re not on Netflix yet, April knows what he’s talking about. But not only are people asking if he’ll be at Mania, but people have suggestions. Is he gonna host it? Who knows. Ten years ago, he would’ve thought hosting Mania was beneath him. But he wants to be in front of the fans, he wishes Mania was in Chicago. Hint hint. But people say Punk’s great in the ring, on the mic, at commentary, why not be a referee? He thought, “Hmm… Is there a title match that maybe needs the ‘most impartial’ referee?” Who knows.

But is seems people also talk about him. A lot of people talk about him. Even if they hate him, they certainly need to talk about him. Pat McAfee! You got a little program, right? Punk apologizes for not being a regular listener, but he had a guest on that show by the name of Roman Reigns. Fans boo Roman again, as they did earlier. Punk sat back and thought why did Roman need to bring little ol’ one-armed Punk up? Roman earned that right, Punk respects him for it. But Punk has a feeling that him coming back and climbing his way up, while Roman’s on the way back down, they’ll see each other soon.

Another guy that likes to talk about Punk is Seth Rollins. Fans are torn here but Punk says they go way back. They don’t see eye to eye, mostly because Rollins wears high heels now and has somehow found a way to make himself taller than Punk. But LOL’ing that Punk hurt his arm paying the price of being a pro-wrestler since he was 15 years old, maybe Rollins has earned that right. Though coming from someone with two bad knees, that’s funny. Someone who has NOT talked about Punk, not a word, is The Rock. Maybe because 10 years ago, The Rock remembers coming face to face with The Second City Saint, and realizing his arms were just too short to box with God!

The fans fire up remembering back to those days. Punk says, “Then there’s Drew McIntyre.” Punk hasn’t said a word, because he doesn’t perpetually live on the internet. Punk handles business live and in living color! Because when you’ve got a problem in Chicago, you handle it face to face like a man! Well speak of the Scottish Terminator, and here he comes! Punk tells them to turn off that stupid song off, no one wants to listen to it! The fans cheer that! Punk says he ain’t medically cleared but he ain’t looking for a match, so McIntyre should get his b*tch ass in here! Fans chant “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” for that one.

McIntyre says he would love to get into that ring and beat Punk’s arse, but doesn’t he remember what happened the last time? McIntyre stomped that stupid little arm because Punk deserved it. McIntyre prayed for this, and it happened. Punk asks if McIntyre is really the Scottish Psychopath in a kilt, or just a troll in a skirt? Let’s find out! McIntyre says this is 2024, you could get canceled for talking like that. But no, tonight is perfect. McIntyre couldn’t have prayed for better. Punk is in the ring, hurt, we’re less than two weeks to Mania, we’re in Chicago, McIntyre is in the World Heavyweight Championship match. This is divine intervention!

McIntyre realizes he’s wearing the shirt, this was bad manners. McIntyre shows off that first on the checklist that’s on the back is “Injure CM Punk.” Punk tells McIntyre that he never had to put another man’s name on a shirt just to sell it! McIntyre takes off that shirt to show off his other shirt, the tombstone meme. McIntyre says that was a struggle because of his big biceps, something else Punk’s never had. McIntyre then gets on the desk so everyone can see him. McIntyre the most ironic thing about this: Punk is straight edge. Never drinking, never doing drugs, yet he spends all his time in rehab.

McIntyre sees in Punk’s eyes that he doesn’t like McIntyre. And Punk thinks McIntyre hates Punk like Rollins does. Maybe at one time, McIntyre did hate Punk. And maybe those issues do need resolving. But right now, McIntyre doesn’t hate Punk. Punk completes him! Punk says boo this man, tell him who you paid to see. But McIntyre says no, when he can’t get that last rep using weights Punk could never manage in his prime, that weight magically goes up. In the Elimination Chamber, when McIntyre was the first man up, 30 minutes in, burst eardrum, equilibrium shot, couldn’t possible win, McIntyre thins of Punk and he gets the job done! Punk is his muse!

Punk says he can’t hear a word McIntyre’s saying from way over there. Maybe get in this ring and say it right into Punk’s good ear. C’mon, coward! McIntyre says he’d love to get into the ring, but he knows what Chicagoans are like! Punk probably has a weapon to shank McIntyre with before Mania! Punk rests on the mat, but then McIntyre sits cross-legged. Don’t look up the kilt, pervs. But c’mon, Punk, listen to McIntyre. McIntyre knows Punk wants to be at Mania, so does McIntyre. McIntyre wants Punk to be in the front row. Punk honestly believes he should be in McIntyre’s spot, but he shouldn’t.

People are starting to realize what McIntyre has known all along, and that is that McIntyre has always been The Chosen One! Chosen One?! Who chose you!? Who?! What was that guy’s name?! You got the balls to say that? Then what paragon of virtue chose McIntyre back in the day? It ain’t anyone in Chicago! It ain’t anyone in San Antonio, when they went off the air chanting “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” McIntyre says yes, please, get it all in while you can. Punk’s still gonna be out for months anyway! McIntyre’s all excited, he feels like a fan right now.

But maybe, since McIntyre is on commentary, if Punk wants to be part of the show, and he’s only good at talking, Punk could be guest commentator for the World Heavyweight Championship! Then he’d have to watch as McIntyre finally has his moment when he raises the world title in front of live fans! But wait, here comes THE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins! The fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins struts his way down to ringside. Rollins steps into the ring with Punk, looks him up and down, then gets a mic for himself. The fans continue to sing as Rollins also looks at McIntyre.

Rollins turns around to stare Punk down, the singing giving way to “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” Rollins then tells Chicago, “Welcome to Monday… Night… Rollins! And now that we’ve firmly established whose show this is, whose show this has been, and whose show this is going to be…” The fans continue to chant “CM PUNK!” “If you two children…” Punk says this may be Rollins’ show but this is HIS city. Rollins says yes, this may be an away game for him, but if Punk and McIntyre are done trying to out troll each other, let’s get to business.

If these morons had even one brain cell between the two of them, they’d know they don’t make decisions in regard to the world title match when you’re NOT in it! Rollins then says since they wanna take everyone’s opinion’s into account aside from the champ’s, why not take a poll of the entire city of Chicago? So, WrestleMania 40, Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, should Punk be on commentary? Chicago starts chanting “REFEREE! REFEREE!” Punk smiles at that. But Rollins says if you don’t know, the bad arm is his counting arm. Punk then gets down and uses his left arm to count three!

The fans cheer, and Punk says in all fairness, he probably wouldn’t be able to be fair “with these two dip*hits” anyway. McIntyre says keep it PG, Punk. Rollins is amused and the fans continue to chant for Punk. Rollins says you wanna know what he thinks? Nope. Oh, well, that’s ironic. Because Rollins doesn’t think about Punk. In fact, Punk hasn’t crossed Rollins’ mind since the last time they were in this ring together. Rollins doesn’t give a damn about Punk. If Punk wants to be on commentary, a referee, it doesn’t matter! But the irony is, Punk talks about everyone needing him, but the fact is… Punk needs Rollins to have a WrestleMania moment.

Commentary is great to Rollins, as the irony of Punk narrating Rollins’ finest hour is not lost on Rollins. And truthfully, the way things are going for Punk, that’s about as close to a world title as Punk’s gonna get again. So look, Punk can do whatever he wants at Mania, but the one thing Rollins needs him to know and to do… is stay out of Rollins’ way. Punk nods and says okay, it is decided. Punk will put some cans on, sit with Michael Cole and the Cole Miners, and even Pat, do some commentary.

And Punk will guarantee, he will do something that McIntyre, with the lipstick on his boots, polish in his beard and that stupid sword, and something that Rollins, with his bellbottoms, his world title, his wife, and Punk’s ten year absence could never do: Make these two interesting! Now hit the music! Cult of Personality plays, Punk takes his exit, but McIntyre says no, Punk doesn’t get the last word! He’s not even in the match! McIntyre says the only thing he is obsessed with is the title! Punk is obsessed with McIntyre because McIntyre is living the dream! Punk is McIntyre’s biggest stan, write him back just to chill. Truly yours, This is Phil.

Rollins SUPERKICKS McIntyre! The fans fire up, and Rollins runs up, to CURB STOMP!! McIntyre may have had the last word, but Rollins is the one who sends a message! If Punk is going to be on commentary, will he have to eat his words when The Visionary makes it through Mania? Or will he have to eat his words when the Scottish Terminator stands tall?

Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.

“Jey Uso gets to go to WrestleMania XL to have his dream match against his brother. It’s unfair. Why? Why does Jey’s dream get to come true? What about Shinsuke Nakamura’s Dream? Tonight, Nakamura is going to turn Jey’s dream into a nightmare!” The King of Strong Style wants to ruin the Road to WrestleMania, but will nothing stop Uso VS Uso from happening?

Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile!

The Poison Pixie has been getting more and more toxic, and the Diamond Pitbull isn’t standing for it anymore! Will Ivy get back at Candice for how she treated Maxxine Dupri? Or will Candice find a way to get through this tiny titan?

The bell rings, the two rush in, and Ivy hits a SPINEBUSTER! Ivy rains down fists on Candice, then runs up to run Candice over! Candice goes to a corner but Ivy runs up to DROPKICK! Ivy then brings Candice around, suplexes, and she holds Candice up! The fans fire up and Candice tries to get free, but Ivy SLAMS her down first! Cover, TWO! Candice flounders to ropes, Ivy runs up, but Candice drop toeholds her onto ropes! Candice dropkicks Ivy to the floor, wants the ring count, but also wants Indi to get involved. Candice distracts the ref, and Indi hesitates. Ivy gets int he ring but Candice hammers away on her!

Candice TOSSES Ivy back out, again distracts the ref, and again wants Indi to get toxic with her! But Maxxine gets on the apron tot ell Candice to stop that. Candice BLASTS Maxxine, then she fakes a knee injury! She blames Maxxine for it! The ref is distracted again, this is Indi’s third chance, but she doesn’t do anything. Ivy runs up but the ref holds her back! Candice then trips Ivy, high stack with feet on the ropes! Candice wins!

Winner: Candice LeRae, by pinfall

Another win by bending the rules of decency, and Candice celebrates all the way up the ramp! Indi has no idea what to make of this, is Candice losing her way?

The New Day talks with #DIY backstage.

Kofi Kingston wants to know why is it DIY, Do It Yourself, when there’s two of them. It makes no sense! Ciampa laughs that off and says why’re they still The New Day when they’re no longer new. Wait, is that Paul Heyman in the back talking with McIntyre? Anyway, Woods says what’ll be new is DIY at Mania, since they’ve never been good enough to get there before. Gargano says New Day has how many wins at Mania? ZERO! Kofi says tonight is friendly competition, okay? But Mania will be real interesting. Wait, in step The Awesome Truth, with R-Truth sporting the Chicago Sox MLB Legacy title, as made by WWE.

Truth says this is gonna be the best match ever! Yeah, the Six Pack Ladder Match is gonna be something else. No, Truth is talking about tonight. The NEW~ DAY~ VS DX! Truth is so hyped, he told JBL that Miz & Truth are going to join commentary. Miz says it’s McAfee, and Truth says gesundheit. What? Miz tries to explain to Truth that it isn’t JBL, it is McAfee now. Oh so JBL changed his name again? Never mind… Truth is still hyped! Will “DX” be able to do it themselves tonight? Or will the New Day show they’re still as fresh as they were on day one?

The New Day VS #DIY!

Raw returns as these teams are already in the ring, with The Awesome Truth on commentary. Truth asks where JBL’s cowboy hat went, and McAfee tries to explain he’s Pat. Kofi starts against Ciampa, they circle, tie up, and Ciampa headlocks. Kofi tops wristlocks, then spins to a headlock, then spins to a waistlock. Ciampa throws elbows to get free, runs up and CHOPS! The fans rally as Ciampa goes up to MONKEY FLIP, but Kofi flips through to land on his feet! Kofi then dodges and DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Kofi brings Ciampa up to whip, Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges then tags Gargano! Ciampa slides under, CHOPS, and Gargano LARIATS!

Ciampa JAWBREAKERS, Gargano ripcords and Ciampa LARIATS! The fans fire up and Gargano CHOPS Kofi in a corner. Gargano whips, Kofi reverses but Gargano goes up and rolls Kofi to schoolboy, but Kofi ducks the kick to FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Gargano, HEADBUTTS him to the corner, and Woods says it is time to turn up! The stomping stampede begins! Kofi tags Woods, stomp stomp stomp, then tag back to Kofi. Kofi stomps again, then Woods tags back in. Woods stomps away, then tags back to Kofi. Ciampa runs up, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Ciampa falls into a corner, New Day runs to DOUBLE HYDRAULIC DROPKICK!

The fans fire up, and Truth says we’ll be right back with action after this break!

Raw returns again and Ciampa has New Day in corners! He clotheslines Woods, clotheslines Kofi, then back to Woods! Ciampa keeps going, he dodges New Day to DOUBLE LARIAT them down! The fans fire up with Ciampa and he tags in Gargano. Ciampa & Gargano ENZIGIRI-KNEE COMBO on Kofi! Then Woods runs up, but Ciampa catches him! ENZIGIR, FOREARM, and ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! New Day ends up on the apron, Ciampa KNEES them down! Ciampa holds the ropes open for Gargano to DIVE! Down goes New Day! But then JUDGMENT DAY attacks them all!

No Contest

The fans boo and Truth says they’re on commentary, they can’t fight right now! Woods is sent into steps, Finn & JD have Gargano and Kofi int he ring, then Priest CLOBBERS Kofi! And he stomps Gargano! Ciampa gets in to DECK JD! Ciampa fires off on Finn but Priest POSTS Ciampa! The fans want Truth to do something but Finn hits a DDT on Gargano! Dom goes up top to FROG SPLASH! Miz has had enough! Miz and Woods get in to fire hands! Truth says he’s on commentary, he wasn’t gonna fight! FLATLINER for Woods! Miz gets mugged! SOUTH OF HEAVEN for Miz! Then they see Truth and Truth panics! They owe him money!

Truth wants this to go to break but it doesn’t work like that. Finn tells Truth if he wants a break, they’ll break him! Priest puts Truth in the ring! But Truth DECKS Finn! And DECKS Dom! And CALF KICKS JD! And TACKLES Finn! Priest storms in, drags Truth up, and has him right up for the RAZOR’S EDGE!! Priest then drags Truth into position for Finn’s COUP DE GRACE!! Priest’s plan of beating the absolute snot out of Raw’s contenders is a success, but will this really make things easier for them at WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Jackie is with the American Nightmare and of course everyone is talking about that moment in the ring with The Rock. The Rock told us to ask Cody for what he said, can Cody share that? Cody apologizes to everyone but it isn’t something Cody would like to repeat. However, it was a promise that The Rock cannot keep. Cody heads out, is nothing going to stop The American Nightmare from finishing his story?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Cathy Kelley is with the Intercontinental Champion and says in a few moments, we will see Giovanni Vinci face Andrade. But before that, Cathy wants to ask his thoughts on what Sami Zayn said last week, that Gunther is looking in the eyes of the man that will take him down at WrestleMania 40. Gunther says he would’ve answered directly, but Sami then stormed out like a child. So Gunther has thought to it, there isn’t much to say. Those words were empty. Deep down, Sami doesn’t believe he can win. And we’re in Chicago tonight. There are thousands of “shlubby nerds” sitting out there who are just like Sami Zayn. And all of them don’t believe Sami can win, either.

Matter of fact, Gunther doesn’t believe Sami can even beat Bronson Reed tonight. Then will Gunther be out there to watch that match and scout Sami tonight? Gunther chuckles and again says he doesn’t believe Sami will win tonight. Gunther takes his leave, but will he regret underestimating the underdog?

Andrade VS Giovanni Vinci!

El Idolo promises to make this his era, but he’s still gotta prove it. Will this be the first big step towards making WWE tranquilo? Or will Imperium make the mat sacred?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, then Vinci pie faces Andrade! So Andrade CHOPS Vinci! Vinci throws hands, CHOPS, and whips, but Andrade reverses. Vinci whips Andrade away but Andrade tranquilos int he ropes! Vinci runs up, but Andrade blocks a kick to CHOP and whip. Vinci reverses, runs up, but is put on the apron! Vinci ROCKS Andrade, springboards in, but into a DROPKICK from Andrade! Vinci bails out, the fans rally up, and Andrade hurries to the corner. Andrade smiles as he climbs, and SUPER MOONSAULTS! A shoutout to his Queen, and Andrade puts Vinci back in.

Andrade goes up the corner again, to MOONSAULT, land on his feet, and MOONSAULT again! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Andrade stalks Vinci. Andrade hauls Vinci up, snap suplexes, Uno Amigo! Andrade brings Vinci up but Vinci throws hands! Vinci suplexes, Andrade lands out but Vinci UPPERCUTS! Vinci runs, into a BOOT! Andrade runs, Vinci follows and CROSSBODIES! Vinci fires up while fans boo, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Vinci has Andrade in a cobra twist. But Andrade powers out to hip toss Vinci away! Andrade ROCKS, CHOPS and CHOPS again! Vinci kicks, Andrade blocks, and DRAGON SCREW! Andrade gets that leg again, another DRAGON SCREW! Andrade runs, CLOBBERS Vinci, then kips up! The fans fire up and Andrade aims as Vinci goes to a corner. Andrade runs corner to corner and back again, CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO! Vinci survives but Andrade stays cool. Andrade drags Vinci up, waistlocks, but Vinci throws elbows. Vinci puts Andrade in a corner, blocks a boot and CLOBBERS Andrade!

Vinci hauls Andrade up, reels him in, but Andrade slips out of the bomb! Andrade waistlocks, Vinci fires elbows and a CHOP! Vinci runs, into the boot feint and ELBOW! Underhooks and ANARCHY SUPLEX! Or as Andrade calls it, THE MESSAGE! Cover, Andrade wins!

Winner: Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall

The Message was sent and it was clear! But will anyone heed that message? Or will Andrade make his way to the top of the WWE despite no one listening?

Rhea Ripley heads to the ring!

Chicago fires up as The Women’s World Champion, with Dominik Mysterio by her side, makes her way down the ramp. They step into the ring and fans cheer for “MAMI! MAMI!” as Rhea gets the mic. Rhea tells Dom, “I feel like I’m not getting enough attention.” Fans cheer more, but Rhea says she feels like a certain someone isn’t giving her their full attention. Dom says it’s not him. Rhea says Becky Lynch continues to fight week after week, and honestly, Rhea could’ve gotten Becky’s attention by attacking her. But no, Rhea was being respectful. But now she’s getting impatient! WrestleMania is just around the corner, and don’t you think Becky should be giving Rhea her full attention?

Tell ’em, Dom. Dom takes the mic and fans boo. Dom says Becky- IS HERE! The Man interrupts Dirty Dom since no one wanted to hear him anyway, and Chicago fires up as she heads to the ring. Becky gets in the ring, checks all sides to get the fans cheering, but Rhea just smiles. Becky gets a mic to say “The Man has come around to Chicago!” The fans cheer, and Becky says look at her coming out here when Rhea’s fresh as a daisy. Becky doesn’t have to wait until Rhea’s wrestled a 20 minute match before feeling confident enough to confront her, which is what Rhea’s done the last month now.

But no, no, Rhea, Becky could never do that to Rhea. Because Rhea doesn’t wrestle on TV anymore! Rhea laughs that off and asks, why would she want to compete before the biggest match in her career? Rhea doesn’t have to get in this ring just to get these people’s attention. She could just post a photo or video online, and watch the freaks eat it up! Right, Dom? Exactly. It is that easy for Rhea. Rhea doesn’t have to prove herself again and again, week after week- Becky fakes gagging and says listen to yourself, Rhea! This is the problem! They have very different interpretations of what it is to be a champion.

Rhea thinks all she has to do is post her ass on the internet. But for Becky, it is about busting her ass night in and night out! The fans seem to be of both minds, but Becky says this is the thing: there will always be someone newer and younger, someone hotter. But the long game in this business is skill and merit. And survival! It is how you come back after you are in the muck, when the chips are down, and when you’re not “The Chosen One” anymore. But Rhea hasn’t felt that yet. But at WrestleMania, The Man will give Rhea that experience. Rhea says okay, yeah, Becky’s right. Becky’s been through everything. We get it.

Becky IS a survivor, no one can take that from her. In fact, she reminds Rhea of something! Becky’s a roach! Really hard to kill, but it isn’t impossible. Now while Rhea won’t take it that far, she wants to leave Becky alive to sit on the couch and watch Rhea do what she does, with her daughter calling Rhea “Mami!” The fans fire up now as Becky squares her jaw. Becky tells Rhea this is her one pass. You mention Becky’s daughter again, those will be the last words you ever say. You think that’s just a fun little line you can throw out? It’s not funny! Understand, Becky’s dad never got to meet his granddaughter.

Becky knows her dad was proud of her for everything she’s ever done in this ring, but the one thing he would’ve been most proud of is the mother she’s become! So that might be a joke to you, but that ain’t a joke to her! The fans fire up again but Rhea rolls her eyes. Becky says again that is NOT a joke to her! And Rhea says she didn’t attack out of respect? There is nothing respectful about Rhea! Rhea didn’t attack because she knows when she throws the first punch, there’s no going back. At WrestelMania, neither one of them will ever be th esame gain. The mics drop and the two get face to face. Dom has Rhea stand down and fans boo.

Becky says yeah, hide behind your boy. That’s a first. Dom gets up in Beck’s face now, so Becky DECKS him! Then the hands start flying between Man and Mami! Rhea shoves Becky, BOOTS her down, then POSTS her! Becky falls back and Rhea says you don’t do that to HER Dom! Rhea goes out to help Dom up and they retreat. But Becky runs out to CLOBBER them both!! The fans fire up as Becky and Rhea brawl on the ramp! Refs rush in to stop this, Dom hurries to get Rhea to safety, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Becky gets free and DECKS Dom again! The brawl resumes and more refs hurry!

Dom again gets up to keep Rhea back but things are explosive to say the least! Who will be standing when they’re finally allowed to have it out?

Chad Gable and Sami Zayn cross paths.

Gable finishes his talk with Maxxine to then talk with Sami. Gable wants to talk about how they ending things last week. Sami says no, there’s nothing to say. Gable said his part, thinking Sami can’t beat Gunther, and that’s his opinion. Gunther feels the same, and that’s his opinion. Gunther even thinks Sami can’t beat Bronson, so tonight is about proving Gunther wrong. Gable says no, it’s not about Gunther. Bronson Reed is who is in front of Sami, and this is what Gunther wants. Gunther wants to ruin Sami’s focus! Sami’s gonna let him? Focus on the task at hand, get your head outta your ass!

Sami stares Gable down, and says yeah, he’s right. WrestleMania is two weeks away, Sami knows what he needs to do tonight. And he appreciates that Gable said it. They shake hands, Sami heads out. But will the Great Liberator be able to avoid the Tsunami? Or will he be crushed by the Colossal Aussie heading his way?

Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed!

Raw returns as Sami makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Sami headlocks, but Bronson picks Sami up. Sami thrashes the hold, the fans sing “Ole~ Ole ole ole~!” Bronson powers out and he runs Sami over! Bronson drags Sami up, HEADBUTTS him, then whips. Sami holds ropes to stop himself, then ELBOWS Bronson away! Sami dodges Bronson, drops down, then hurdles over, to bypass and TOSS Bronson out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Bronson! The fans fire up again as Sami stands again. Sami puts Bronson in the ring, then goes to the corner.

Sami climbs, leaps, but Bronson catches him! But Sami fires elbows to get free! Sami CHOPS ROCKS and whips, but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Sami, Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges but Bronson CLOBBERS him! Bronson stalks Sami, drags him up, and then ROCKS him with a right. Sami leans against ropes, and Bronson CHOPS him! Sami sputters and falls out of the ring, but Bronson goes to the apron! Bronson waits as Sami rises, and then runs to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Sami takes a tumble while Bronson soaks up the heat, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Sami fights up from a facelock. Sami throws body shots, forearms, but Bronson scoops to SLAM! Bronson then runs to ELBOW DROP! Sami sputters, Bronson has a bloody nose, but Bronson stands up and brings Sami around. Bronson whips, Sami KICKS back! Sami runs up, LARAITS, but Bronson stays up! Sami CHOPS, CHOPS and runs, to LARIAT again! Bronson is still standing, so Sami fires more CHOPS! Bronson CHOPS in return! Bronson whips again, Sami goes up and over! Then LARIAT!! Bronson falls and the fans fire up! Sami stands, but wait, Gunther is on stage!

The fans boo as Der Ring General ends up scouting after all. Sami stares Gunther down, but Bronson waistlocks! Sami fires elbows, gets around, but he can’t lift Bronson! Or can he!? Bronson fights with elbows, then HEADBUTTS! Bronson runs in at the corner, but Sami dodges the splash to roll Bronson up! TWO!! Bronson escapes, Sami is frustrated but Gunther smirks. Sami brings Bronson up, kicks low, and clinches. Sami scoops, but falls over under Bronson’s weight! Bronson then kicks Sami, gets him up, ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Sami stays in this but Bronson snarls.

The fans rally for Sami as Bronson has him in a corner. Bronson CHOPS, CLUBS and repeat! The ref counts, Bronson puts Sami up top but Sami fires hands! Sami kicks and kicks and kicks, then he reels Bronson in! TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Bronson ends up in a corner! Sami glances at Gunther, runs in, but into a LARIAT! SENTON! Bronson puts Sami in the drop zone and goes up! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!

Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall

Gunther said Sami couldn’t beat Bronson, and his very presence made that a reality! Can Sami win the mind games Gunther is playing? Bronson says he should be the one going to Mania, will this win make sure he’s first in line on the other side?

Jey Uso speaks.

“Okay! C’mon, Shinsuke Nakamura Uce! Huh!? You hating on me, saying my dream match about to become a nightmare. Look! The problem is, you’ve been sleeping on Main Event Jey Uso for way too long. And tonight, you about to get woke, Uce!” But then in steps Solo Sikoa. And Jimmy Uso. Jimmy says, “No Yeet.” The Bloodline leaves, simply giving Jey a warning. Will Jey stay strong going towards Uso VS Uso? Or will the King of Strong Style make his own dreams come true?

Sami Zayn is furious backstage.

Gable finds him and has him calm down. Also we can see Dom talking with Andrade in the background, perhaps working on that recruitment spiel. Sami says he let Gunther get in his head. He knew what Gunther was doing and still let him get in his head! How?! How does Sami let that happen!? With everything at stake, how… Gable says this is what Gunther does, he’s been telling Sami. Gunther plants the seeds of doubt. Gable was in the ring with Sami, Sami showed physicality and resilience. Sami is one of the best Gable’s ever been in the ring with. But with Gunther, it’s about m ore than physicality. It is mental!

Gunther will beat you down again and again with those doubts, and you can’t do that. You wanna make it to the other side of Mania with your hand raised? You need a different approach. And if that’s what Sami wants to talk about, he and Gable can talk. Sami says okay. Is Gable going to help Sami do things the Alpha way?

Rollins finds Jey at gorilla.

Jey’s getting ready for the main event but Rollins says something doesn’t feel right about tonight. Rollins and Cody have Jey’s back if he needs it, but just get that W. They fist bump and Jey says, “YEET!” Main Event Jey heads to the ring, will he be able to handle the King of Strong Style before The Bloodline decides his time is up? We find out, after the break!

Jey Uso VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

Raw returns as Nakamura makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans fire up already. The two tie up, Nakamura puts Jey in a corner, and the ref counts. Jey turns things around, but Nakamura pulls hair! Nakamura swings, Jey dodges and he fires body shots and haymakers! “YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Nakamura reverses but Jey stops himself to come back and UUPPERCUT! Nakamura bails out, Jey builds speed and he DIVES into a GAMANGIRI! Nakamura runs in to AX KICK Jey down! Nakamura then whips Jey to a corner, but Jey reverses! Jey runs in but Nakamura dodges the splash, and Jey hits post!

Nakamura puts Jey on the top rope, then runs up to TOP SHELF KNEE! Jey is still up there, so Nakamura hushes the fans and runs in to TOP SHELF KNEE again! Jey tumbles to the floor, Nakamura mocks the bounce, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and both men are down. They both stand, Jey blocks a haymaker to fire haymaker! “YEET! YEET! YEET”! Jey pops ‘n’ locks and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! Jey whips, Nakamura reverses but Jey ducks and mule kicks! Then UPPERCUTS! Then kicks, but Nakamkura blocks! The DRAGON WHIP still hits! Nakamkura falls into a corner, the fans fire up and Jey says “UCE! OH!” HIP- NO, Nakamura dodges the hip attack! Nakamura comes back, blocks boots, puts Jey in ropes and KICKS, to then SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura hurries in to cover, TWO! Nakamura is frustrated but the fans rally.

Nakamura goes up a corner, takes aim as Jey rises, and FLYING- NO, Jey gets away! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up but Nakamura BLINDSIDE KINSHASAS!! The fans fire up, but then they boo as Jimmy & Solo storm over the barrier! But wait! Cody & Rollins intercept! They brawl with the Bloodline, and Cody brings Jimmy up the ramp! Cody sends Jimmy into the LED boards and then backstage. Meanwhile, Rollins POSTS Solo, then CLOBBERS him over the barrier! Only for McIntyre to attack Rollins! Now Rollins meets POST! And then FUTURE CSHOCK to the floor! The fans chant for Punk but what can he do?

Jey snarls at McIntyre, but Nakamura gets him for a SLEEPER! INVERTED EXPLODER but Jey lands out! SUPERKICK! And SPEAR!! Cover, Jey wins!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall

The Bloodline tried to ruin Main Event Jey’s night, but he comes away with a win! Rollins still got got for it, and we see Jimmy and Cody brawling even in the back! Cody ROCKS Jimmy with haymaker after haymaker, then THROWS him into doors! But Solo has caught up! Cody fights Solo, SMACKS him off a table, then rains down fists! But then THE ROCK sucker punches Cody!! The Rock SMACKS Cody off the table! “Look at you now, boy!” The Rock SMACKS Cody off trash cans, then shoves him around. The Rock CHUCKS the can at Cody! You think Rock was just gonna let Cody talk trash!?

The Rock brings Cody around to RAM him into production cases! The Rock dumps a toolbox’s contents all over Cody and continues to say, “Look at you now.” The Rock whips Cody into spare railing! And he chucks another trash can! They spill out into the parking lot in the back and The Rock says this is perfect, Chicago! They were upset The Rock didn’t say anything? He’s got your attention now, doesn’t he? The Rock cusses Chicago out, and he stalks Cody into the rain. The Rock rips Cody’s shirt up, and kicks him around in the puddles. The Rock stands Cody up to ROCK him with another right, and eggs him on.

Cody hobbles and crawls but The Rock just kicks him down. The Rock says he’s the Final Boss. You wanna run your mouth and be a hero? The Rock has Cody against the ledge! The Rock then whips Cody into the side of his own buss! Cody staggers around, and The Rock says just look at your hero now, world. The Rock tells Mama Rhodes to look at her son. The Rock has a special gift for you now, Mama! Another throw into bus! The Rock stomps Cody’s legs, and says this is what happens. The Rock again throws Cody into the Nightmare Express one more time!

The Rock tells the world that if they wanna know why The Rock is the Final Boss, “Did you think for one single, solitary second that The Rock was gonna let this piece of trash talk a bunch of s*it? NO! Not by a long shot! Because at the end of the day, to all you Cody Crybabies, to him, to Mama Rhodes, and to everybody, at the end of the day, it didn’t have to be like this. But it is like this now, because of him, of Cody Rhodes! He stuck his nose in The Rock’s business. Oh, and the prophecy has come true. Look at this.” Cody sits up, forehead bloodied. The Rock DECKS Cody, then looks at the blood on his hand.

The Rock wants Mama Rhodes to watch as he SMACKS Cody off the picture of Pharaoh. And then SLAPS Cody! Mama Rhodes, here is that special gift. The Rock brings out a custom weight belt, but it now has “MAMA RHODES” on it instead! The Rock is a man of his word! He said he’d put Cody’s blood on this belt, and then her tears. The Rock makes sure the cameraman looks at this as The Rock smears Cody’s blood all over the white leather. There’s the blood, and then The Rock brings Cody up. Look at your son, Mama Rhodes! The blood on his face! This is gonna happen at Mania, too! Cody’s blood, on The Rock’s hands.

Cody’s dad talked about hard times, and Cody’s gonna learn about hard times. The Rock will learn you some hard times, for life! This is what happens, MOTHER EFFER, when you mess with The Final Boss! The Rock RAMS Cody into the door of the bus one last time, and lets him fall over. The Rock spits on Cody, then looks to the camera. “Look at your son, Mama Rhodes. It didn’t have to be this way. But now, this is the only way.” Is this how Cody’s story will end at WrestleMania 40?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here, though the major bulk of what was so great was The Rock. He surprised us during Cody’s promo to open the show, and then holy crap everything we just saw to end the show. Cody getting beat down, bloodied, in the rain, like a gritty action movie, was definitely not expected, but it definitely amped things up. At the same time, how can Cody not be winning in the end? The Rock cut a promo aimed at “Mama Rhodes” the entire time, put Cody’s blood on the belt, Cody has to win the Universal Championship belt from Roman. And that is regardless of what happens on Night One in the dream team tag match. Cody will win if it’s fair and square, he will win if it’s Bloodline Rules, because that is what the hero does after facing all this adversity.

On the side of all that, great stuff with Bloodline. Jimmy & Solo showing up wasn’t just to intimidate Jey, they wanted after Jey, too. Great match of Jey VS Nakamura even with that, and with how Cody & Rollins set both men up for taking falls. Heyman talking with McIntyre after that really good promo segment of McIntyre, Rollins & Punk was a great detail in this story, as this HHH Era has been great about doing. Now, there’s still next week, so you can’t say McIntyre standing tall tonight automatically means Rollins wins. Go-home math might not even apply to this feud with Punk now on commentary, and let’s be honest, even Priest still being Mr. MITB is a factor on this title.

As such, great stuff from Judgment Day all night. Great group promo before the great match of Ricochet VS JD, and great win for Ricochet. Great promo from New Day, DIY & Awesome Truth with Truth again being a comedic genius. But then Judgment Day “ruining” the great tag match of New Day VS DIY was of course the move Priest was talking about. They wipe out the Raw field but I wonder if they try to do the same this Friday on SmackDown to at least one of the winners in the little tag tournament that’s going on. Maybe to New Catch Republic since those guys came super close to winning 2v2.

We got an awesome promo segment turned brawl with Rhea, Dom & Becky. That punch to Dom was so good, and kudos to him for taking it. And in relation to Judgment Day, Andrade got a great match out of Vinci and a great win. The match was originally supposed to be against Ivar, commentary said Ivar wasn’t cleared to compete, hopefully it isn’t anything serious for Ivar, he just got going again. Maybe part of this was they didn’t want Andrade beating Ivar, and also that Andrade’s new finisher wouldn’t work on a man as big as Ivar.

Candice VS Ivy went pretty quick but Candice faking the bad leg was very clever, especially with how she didn’t show mercy to Katana’s “bad leg” last week. Indi has to confront Candice and have it out with her, even if it isn’t at Mania or in a kickoff show. I’d also appreciate if there was some connection between this story and DIY, Gargano should also be concerned why Candice is getting like this. Meanwhile, great stuff with Sami, Gable, and Gunther. Good promos, great match from Sami VS Bronson, and it was actually a good move for Sami to lose. Sami is frustrated, but Gable is there to apparently be his coach now, so that’ll be good stuff.

My Score: 9/10