Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
We see footage from after NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia when Dasha Fuentes interviews "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. She says Ember Moon did not beat her; she merely survived. Baszler tells Dasha to head to the locker room and see who really feels like a winner.
We see footage from after NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia where The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly) say that SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, Killian Dain) will pay. Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe will take on Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly for the NXT Tag Team Championships next week.
We see footage from after NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia where The Velveteen Dream says the fans know the Dream is over with the fans.
TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) beat The Ealy Brothers (Gabriel and Uriel Ealy) in their first match in NXT in almost a year.
Christy St. Cloud interviews TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne). Nick Miller says people have gotten to know them in the last few weeks, but now, they are the mighty, and Shane Thorne says the mighty don't kneel.
We see footage from after NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia where Tommaso Ciampa refuses to respond to any questions concerning why he attacked Johnny Gargano on his way out.
We see footage from after Royal Rumble where Zelina Vega says that the old Andrade "Cien" Almas would never have been in the men's Royal Rumble Match. Almas says this is only the beginning. Zelina Vega and Andrade "Cien" Almas also mock Johnny Gargano, saying Gargano was watching the event on television.
WrestleMania is 67 days away!
Next week: Adam Cole vs. Killian Dain!
Roderick Strong beats Tyler Bate to become #1 contender to the WWE United Kingdom Championship.
A bee accidentally keeps entering Mike and Maryse's vehicle.
Nikki Bella heads to Raw with Artem, who is her dancing partner on Dancing With The Stars. Nikki talks with Brie and Birdie, and Brie asks for her to help wedding plan on Sunday. Unfortunately, Nikki is busy with Dancing With The Stars and cannot make it. Nikki and Artem then announce to the live crowd that she will be on the next season of Dancing With The Stars, then Nikki puts Artem in a body slam.
At SmackDown Live, Natalya talks to Trinity about how Lana has gotten TJ to help train her. Natalya is concerned about TJ, as he is now a producer and has not been in the ring since his career-ending injury. He is afraid that TJ will be reminded of everything he has lost and will be set back emotionally.
In Cleveland, Ohio, Mike and Maryse head to Mike's parents' home to tell them personally that Maryse is pregnant. They meet Mike's dad George in town, and they then meet with Mike's mom Barbara at a restaurant to announce that Maryse is pregnant. Mike asks them to keep it a secret, then shows them the footage of the ultrasound. Mike admits that they have sold their house and have not even figured out where they are going to move, and Maryse is slightly worried, especially since she has yet to tell work about it.
Nikki and Artem practice for Dancing With The Stars with Artem, and Nikki finds out that formal dancing is not all that it is cracked up to be.
Lana shows up at Nattie's house and meets Nattie's parents. Nattie feels uncomfortable about TJ training Lana, but TJ says he is willing to help the talent. As Lana talks with TJ, she finds out that TJ is very knowledgeable about wrestling and feels that he can be a good teacher. As TJ and Lana train, Nattie tells her parents that she does not feel comfortable with TJ training Lana, and wants her parents to lie to Lana for her.
In Cleveland, Ohio, Mike goes looking for a house to flip. He shows Maryse the house, and Mike says that the could be theirs. Mark Vittardi, Miz's friend and real estate agent, shows Mike and Maryse through the very spacious house. Maryse likes the house, but the house is in Cleveland, Ohio. She feels anxious, but Mike tells her that they cannot find anything in Las Vegas, Nevada or Los Angeles, California. Maryse tearfully tells Mike that she has a lot on her plate right now, and the house flipping is adding more to it and overwhelming her. Mike tells Maryse he did not mean to pressure her, and Maryse tells Mike they really need to work things out. Mike tells Maryse that he has his doubts some things as well, but they will work things out.
Brie, Nikki, Kathy and Birdie meet in Los Angeles, California for Nikki's Dancing With The Stars premiere. Brie and Kathy watch Nikki and Artem practice, and Brie is impressed with how graceful Nikki looks as they dance. Brie still awnts Nikki to plan for the wedding, but Nikki still does not have time.
Lana trains with TJ. Lana has heard from Nattie that TJ has some sort of rare adult chicken pox, but Lana feels that Nattie is lying to her. Lana brings this up to TJ, and TJ laughs about the whole thing, saying it is absurd.
Nikki and Artem dance on the season 25 premiere of Dancing With The Stars.
TJ sees Nattie going through his things. TJ mentions the "rare adult chicken pox" that Nattie told Lana about. Nattie tells TJ she cares about him, and that she is afraid that TJ will feel he is missing out on something that he still wants to do and cannot do anymore. TJ tells Nattie that he is at peace with not being in the ring anymore, that Nattie may not have gotten over his career-ending injury and that she is being overprotective. Nattie apologizes to TJ.
At Eaw, Mike and Maryse meet with Talent Relations Vice President Mark Carrano and announce to him that Maryse is pregnant. They find out they have to talk to Vince McMahon and the creative team, and that Maryse will be kept outside of the ring while she is pregnant. Afterwards, Mike tells Maryse that he is just as confused about what to do, and says he cannot freak out as it would make things worse. He says that when she sees Maryse freak out, he wants to comfort her and assure her everything will be all right. Maryse is confident that everything will be figured out. Mike and Maryse then talk to Vince.
One week later on Raw, Mike, Maryse, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel are on Miz TV. Maryse's pregnancy is made public for the first time. For once, Mike and Maryse are cheered, and Maryse's pregnancy is made part of a storyline.
At a live event in Little Rock, Arkansas, Lana talks with Nattie backstage. Nattie apologizes for not being up front with her, and Lana apologizes for coming across as intense. Nattie admits she admires her passion, and tells her that she is special to her. Nattie does not know if she and Lana will ever avoid drama, but she knows that while she and the rest of the women in WWE are not perfect, she would not trade it for anything in the world and she just wants to move forward.
In Los Angeles, California, Brie and Nikki head back to the hotel room where Brie has a surprise for Nikki. When they get to the hotel room, Brie shows Nikki a multitude of wedding dresses and jewelry for her wedding. Kathy and a few stylists show up to plan Nikki's wedding, and Nikki is happy that her family is willing to welcome John Cena into their family. Nikki admits that sometimes she gets so busy, she forgets about the special things. Nevertheless, she tries on a bunch of dresses.
To be continued on Total Bellas, returning for Season 3 this spring!
Bonus clip: Nattie is surprised that Lana is hanging out with her parents.
Bonus clip: Nikki teases Brie about not being her maid of honor.
Daniel Bryan shows up to start tonight's show. He is accompanied by Rockstar Spud, and is addressed by that name by the crowd's chants. Daniel Bryan talks about how he was glad to commentate on The Cruiserweight Classic, and introduces a man who will usher in a new era in 205 Live. THe says that under his leadership, the fans will get the action that everybody has always wanted from the division. Daniel Bryan then introduces us to Rockstar Spud, who is now known as Drake Maverick. He says he has worked his entire life and dedicated his entire career to stand before the fans in the WWE. He is proud to be here in front of the fans as the new 205 Live General Manager. He is here to help the show, and the first thing he will do is to solve the Cruiserweight Championship problem. He announces a 16-man single-elimination tournament, with the finals culiminating in a title match at WrestleMania. That tournament will start tonight with two first-round matches. The first match is Cedric Alexander vs. Gran Metalik, and the second match is Tyler Bate vs. TJP. Drake Maverick finishes with the statement "Let the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament begin!"
Cedric Alexander beats Gran Metalik to advance to the next round of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.
We get a closer look at Tyler Bate.
We hear from "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. He hopes General Manager Drake Maverick understands the importance of a gentleman advancing through the tournament and going on to WrestleMania.
General Manager Drake Maverick is talking to someone about the Cruiserweight title tournament when Drew Gulak hands him flowers, hoping that Drake shares some of his ideas of a better 205 Live.
We hear from Mustafa Ali, who talks about his match with Cedric Alexander and how they showed what 205 Live was all about...and how he lost the match. He is okay with the loss, as the tournament is his wake-up call. Instead of being the guy to steal the show, he will be stealing the show and punching his ticket to WrestleMania.
Dasha Fuentes interviews TJP. He says everyone has a short memory around here, as he won the first Cruiserweight Classic and become the first Cruiserweight Champion. Suddenly, General Manager Drake Maverick shows up and introduces himself. Drake tells him that was a long time ago, and tells him of his match with Tyler Bate tonight. He asks if he will see the TJP who won the Cruiserweight Classic or the TJP who whines and complains when he does not get his way.
We hear from Akira Tozawa. He wanted to be GM of 205 Live, but now he can win the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament and win the title. He then pretends to fire some guy who happens to be near him.
TJP beats Tyler Bate after grabbing the tights after reversing the Tyler Driver '97 into a roll-up to advance in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.
Next week in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament: Kalisto vs. Lince Dorado! Hideo Itami vs. Roderick Strong!
Becky Lynch and Sami Zayn are competing for UNICEF, while Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman are competing for Connor's Cure.
Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman beat Becky Lynch and Sami Zayn. At the beginning of the match, Becky Lynch is picked by fan vote to start the match over Sami Zayn with 69% to Sami's 31%. During the match, Bobby Roode and Charlotte Flair are seen watching the match in the locker room on mobile.
Next week: Naomi and Jimmy Uso vs. Mandy Rose and Goldust! (Mandy Rose replaces Alicia Fox, who was injured before the women's Royal Rumble match, and is predicted to be out for months.)
Renee Young interviews Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman. Alexa Bliss takes the credit for the win with her tactics, but Braun says Alexa's personality is as big as he is. He says this was a team effort, and admits he has taking a liking to Alexa Bliss. After Braun says that Alexa is "kinda cute," Alexa says the same of Braun, saying he is like a big Mack truck with a smiley face on the front. She then says "we're going all the way," and Braun is not quite sure how to take that. She then says "All the way to victory on Mixed Match Challenge." Braun smiles as the crowd chants "All the way," then Alexa says she has this from here. Braun then does his signature scream on the microphone.
"The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura shows up to start tonight's show. Nakamura says that at Royal Rumble, Sami Zayn, John Cena, and Roman Reigns got a knee to the face. At WrestleMania, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles will also get a knee to the face and he will become WWE Champion when he does just that. He then points at the WrestleMania sign, then Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up. Owens congratulates Nakamura on his Royal Rumble Match victory, then talks about how he and Sami Zayn were screwed out of the WWE Championship. He says they should be standing in the ring as the first co-WWE Champions; instead, AJ won after pinning the wrong guy. Owens says that once again, they are victims of Comissioner Shane McMahon's vendetta machine bent on keeping them down. Sami Zayn says the referee had one job: protecting the integrity of the match at all costs. He says Owens never legally tagged in, but his passion combined with the referee's incompetence cost them the match. Owens says they have every right at another match at the WWE Champion, and says that Nakamura will be facing them. Sami Zayn leaps around saying "Yep," but Nakamura says Styles is the winner, and they are losers. Suddenly, AJ Styles shows up. Styles tells Owens and Sami that they can complain all they want, but there will be a dream match in New Orleans, Louisiana at WrestleMania 34 between himself and Nakamura. As for tonight, he proposes turning the dream match into a dream match and take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn tonight. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn back out of the ring and leave, but think about it and Sami tells them that if they want the match...nope. Shinsuke and AJ knock Sami and Owens off the apron.
Backstage, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn meet up with General Manager Daniel Bryan. Daniel says "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles cannot make matches, but he can, and makes the tag team match challenge official. Also, the referee's decision from Royal Rumble is final. Owens disagrees, and tells Daniel Bryan to make it right and not to let Commissioner Shane McMahon push them to the back of the line. Daniel Bryan gives them another shot at the WWE Championship. The winner of next week's main event will get a shot at the WWE Championship, and that main event is Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn.
Bobby Roode guests on commentary for the next match.
Rusev beats Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder and Jinder Mahal in a Fatal 4-Way to become #1 contender for the WWE United States Championship and face Bobby Roode for the title next week. During the match, Sunil Singh grabs at Rusev's ankles as he goes for a suicide dive, and Aiden English does not take kindly to this. He shoves Sunil into Xavier Woods and Big E, causing Big E's entire plate of pancakes to fall to the floor. As everyone is about to go at it at ringside, the referee ejects them all from ringside. After the match, Rusev confronts Bobby Roode and makes it clear he wants the United States title.
We hear from The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), who say that they have had the SmackDown Live tag team division on lock. They are about to put everyone on notice next.
It's time for The Fashion Files. Breezango have The Ascension help out with their social media questions. Suddenly, Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin show up and say Breezango is embarrassing the SmackDown Live tag team division. Tyler Breeze brings up Gable and Benjamin's loss at Royal Rumble, then Gable and Benjamin say that Breezango cannot beat them before they topple the nearby table with the laptops. Breeze says that they will handle this in the ring.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. Since Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is "the city of brotherly love," The Usos ask the crowd to show them some love. They brag about their victory against Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin at Royal Rumble, and says they have swept the tag team division since they showed up. A CGI jail cell door slams shut on the screen as The Usos name every tag team they have "locked down." When they talk about "Day One-Ish," they are not talking about money or merchandise, they are talking being themselves and being true to themselves, and that "Day One" represents the struggle of making it day to day. The Usos pledge to share their struggles together, and says this bond makes them better than the rest of the SmackDown Live tag team division. They then brag about being the best tag team in the division, and dare the rest of the division to "run up...and get done up." Suddenly, The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) show up. Harper and Rowan pay no attention to The Usos as they approach the ring for the next match.
The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) decimate two unnamed wrestlers. (It is later revealed that one of them is Rory Gulak, the real-life brother and tag team partner of Drew Gulak as part of The Amazing Gulaks.)
We hear from General Manager Daniel Bryan, who introduces "The SmackDown Top 10 List." The Superstars will vote on who is the most deserving of future opportunities. He and Commissioner Shane McMahon will not have a vote, and Superstars cannot vote for themselves. He says that the Top 10 List will help out making future shows, and he cannot wait to get started.
Commissioner Shane McMahon is met by "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger, who wants to revitalize his career. Suddenly, Baron Corbin shows up complaining about the SmackDown Top 10 List and General Manager Daniel Bryan giving opportunities to Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Dillinger gets in Corbin's business, saying he is still here, unlike Corbin's Money In The Bank briefcase. Before it can get physical, Shane tells them this will be settled in the ring. Corbin leaves, and Dillinger tells Shane that sometimes, the truth hurts.
Charlotte Flair shows up, and she is interviewed by Renee Young. Charlotte could not be more proud of all the women in the locker room, and admits she wanted to face the legends at the Royal Rumble Match to see if she could hold her own. She then talks about the sudden arrival of Ronda Rousey into the WWE. All she knows is that she is walking into WrestleMania as SmackDown Women's Champion, but she does not know who will be standing across from her in the ring. Suddenly, The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan) shows up. Ruby Riott asks Charlotte if she hears herself, and says Charlotte's ego is as big as that of her father "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. She says Charlotte would think she would win the Royal Rumble Match and handpick her opponent for WrestleMania, and that she has seen talented people like her who are entitled. Ruby prides herself on being an individual, and says Charlotte is a cheap imitation of her father. She tells Charlotte her time is over, and if it were up to her, she would not even make it to WrestleMania. Charlotte asks if she is done yet. Charlotte throws the first punch at The Riott Squad, punching Ruby Riott, and Charlotte manages to hold her own against the numbers game. She then takes her jacket off and dares them to take her on. The Riott Squad gets in the ring again, and this time, the numbers game catches up to Charlotte. The Riott Squad lays Charlotte out, and Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan pick Charlotte up so Ruby Riott can hit Charlotte with the Riott Kick. As The Ruby Riott leave, Carmella runs into the ring with a referee. She kicks at Charlotte, then cashes in her Money In The Bank Briefcase. As The Ruby Riott leave, Carmella runs into the ring with a referee. She kicks at Charlotte, then cashes in her Money In The Bank Briefcase. Charlotte gets up however, and when Carmella drop kicks her, she inadvertently boots Charlotte into the referee that she showed up with. After screaming at the referee to get up and call for the bell to start the match does nothing, Carmella gets out of the ring, grabs the briefcase, and runs away from both the ring and an angry Charlotte Flair.
In the locker room, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles meets with "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura. All Nakamura is thinking about is beating Styles at WrestleMania, but that is just him messing with Styles. He tells Styles they will be fine if he just listens to him.
Renee Young interviews Carmella, who admits that her Money In The Bank briefcase cash-in did not go as planned. Nevertheless, the briefcase makes her the most dangerous woman in the SmackDown women's division.
Baron Corbin beats "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger.
We hear from Aiden English and Rusev. Rusev tells Bobby Roode that next week is his swan song as United States Champion. We also hear form Bobby Roode, who says he has an appointment next week. He says the calendar can fill up very quickly as he writes "GLORIOUS" around Rusev Day on a nearby calendar.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are in the locker room. Sami says that the good news is that at least one of them gets a shot at the WWE Championship, but it is a shame that they have to face each other. Sami gives Owens a hard time for being pinned, and Owens gives Sami a hard time for being tossed out of the Royal Rumble in five minutes. Nevertheless, each says that the other will not fail tonight.
Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable beat Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango). During the match, The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) are seen watching the match from backstage.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. During the match, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are at odds with each other following miscommunication with one another, and Sami Zayn watches the match from the stage and has Kevin Owens go it alone. Sami eventually runs back into the ring and clotheslines AJ in the back of the head during a pinfall attempt, but he and Owens are eventually at odds with each other again. Sami leaves Owens high and dry again, and this time, Sami heads to the back. Near the end of the match, Nakamura readies the Kinshasa, but Owens gets out of the ring. He tries to leave through the crowd, but Styles throws him back into the ring and Nakamura hits the Kinshasa. Renee Young then interviews Sami Zayn, who has watched the finish from backstage. Sami Zayn says his friendship with Kevin Owens is not over, but he has been overlooked and that it is his time to be champion. By WrestleMania, he plans to be known as the WWE Champion.
Commissioner Stephanie McMahon shows up to start tonight's show. It is also mentioned that Jonathan Coachman has returned to WWE and is on commentary tonight. Stephanie says that this week has been an historic week in WWE, with the 25th anniversary of Raw and 25 more years being kicked off tonight. She then mentions the very first women's Royal Rumble Match as well as the debut of Ronda Rousey. Stephanie then says that tonight is all about Asuka. Asuka shows up, and Stephanie congratulates her on her historic win. Stephanie then announces that Alexa Bliss will be defending the Raw Women's Championship in the first-ever women's Elimination Chamber match in four weeks. Asuka thanks Stephanie, then thanks the fans. She then says something in Japanese, then says she will become the champion because no one is ready for her. Suddenly, Sasha Banks shows up. Sasha says last night was a dream come true, and the women got to main event Royal Rumble yet again. She shared the ring with 29 other women, one of them being Asuka. She congratulates Asuka on her victory and going on to WrestleMania. However, last night, she proved she could go the distance, and says she is ready for her and ready for her tonight. Stephanie makes the match official for tonight without any hesitation.
Braun Strowman beats Kane in a Last Man Standing match to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber Match after toppling the entire stage platform that the announce table is on top of on top of Kane.
After the match, referees, officials and EMTs all have to check on Kane. Braun Strowman returns, and Corey Graves interviews Braun, asking what he just did. Braun says he did his job, and if General Manager Kurt Angle wanted Last Man Standing, then that is what he did.
It is announced that Kane has been taken to a local medical facility and is having trouble breathing. We see a live shot backstage of Kane being transported towards an ambulance.
Backstage, Braun Strowman is confronted by General Manager Kurt Angle, who tells him he cannot put others in danger like this. Braun says Kurt is right, and then says he is right he didn't do more. He says he did what he was told, and he will be last man standing at Elimination Chamber and at WrestleMania.
Elias is now in the ring. He plays guitar, then asks the crowd who wants to walk with him. Elias then says he does not care who walks with him, as he sings for himself and likes the sound of his voice. He admits he was disappointed at being eliminated from the men's Royal Rumble Match by John Cena, but says Cena will get what is coming to him. He then says Elimination Chamber is on the horizon as well as the Universal Championship before saying that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias." Before he can do that, he has to beat Matt Hardy tonight. He also has WrestleMania on his mind, and he plays guitar while singing a song about WrestleMania. The song is interrupted by Matt Hardy.
Elias beats Matt Hardy to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber Match after Bray Wyatt's entrance distracts Matt Hardy, who looks around for Bray. Bray is nowhere to be found as Elias hits the big boot for the win. After the match, Bray Wyatt is seen laughing on the TitanTron.
We see an Instagram video from The Miz, who says that Roman Reigns is owed an Intercontinental Championship. He says he will get respect and a standing ovation after he retains the title much like how Tom Brady will get it when he beats the Eagles.
This week on Mixed Match Challenge: Sami Zayn and Becky Lynch vs. Braun Strowman and Alexa Bliss!
The Miz retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Roman Reigns thanks to the distraction and interference of Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel.
The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) beat Heath Slater and Rhyno. Charly Caruso interviews The Revival after the match. They are not surprised that the fans are too busy chanting "ECW" to get over themselves to learn from the past like they do instead of live in it.
WrestleMania 34 is 69 days away!
It is announced that The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
We see an Instagram video from Finn Balor, who fought for 57 minutes and 38 seconds in the men's Royal Rumble match. Now he has to step up to John Cena - who cost him the Royal Rumble Match - to step over him and enter the men's Elimination Chamber Match.
Renee Young interviews Sasha Banks. Sasha says she has waited for the opportunity to break Asuka's undefeated streak for a long time. Asuka may have made history last night, but tonight, it is her turn.
Asuka beats Sasha Banks with the Asuka Lock.
We see an Instagram video from John Cena, who says that he let the Royal Rumble Match slip through his fingers. If he can get into the men's Elimination Chamber Match, he can prove he's just getting started.
Sheamus and Cesaro retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships against Apollo Crews and Titus O'Neil.
It is announced that Kane has crawled his way out of a local medical facility and has not been seen since.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) show up before the next match as part of Finn Balor's entrance.
John Cena beats Finn Balor to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber Match.
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens make fun of the potential questions they will have to answer under the #AskSamiKO hashtag inside the Social Media Lounge in the locker room.
Alexa Bliss is interviewed at the kick-off panel. She says that she cannot tell if people are in awe of her or are eyeing the Raw Women's Championship. She does not care who her WrestleMania opponent is, but she would prefer Nia Jax or Asuka; the former for a dream match and the latter so she can be prepared for the return match. She says there is a reason why she is the goddess of WWE, and regardless of who her opponent is, it will be their honor to lose to her at WrestleMania.
In the locker room, Jason Jordan meets up with Seth Rollins. Jordan tells Seth it is an honor to be his partner, and that his father, Raw General Manager Kurt Angle, knew what he was doing. He says that together, they will break Sheamus and Cesaro once and for all. Suddenly, Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin show up, and Chad Gable calls Jason Jordan a "daddy's boy." It ends up being a joke statement, and Jordan, Gable and Benjamin catch up on things as Seth Rollins leave the locker room. They congratulate each other, but Chad Gable tells Jason Jordan he still cannot make it on his own. Jordan says that being a tag team champion is still better that what Gable and Benjamin has been doing.
We look back at the very first Royal Rumble Match in 1988.
Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado beat TJP, Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. During the match, it is announced that the General Manager of 205 Live will be revealed this Tuesday on the WWE Network.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are still talking about the questions they are getting under the #AskSamiKO hashtag in the locker room.
Charlotte Flair is interviewed at the kick-off panel. She wants to face Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella or Sasha Banks (even though Nikki Bella is not advertised for the women's Royal Rumble Match), and says it does not matter who she faces at WrestleMania. She also says she wants to break Asuka's undefeated streak if she selects her as her opponent despite the two of them being on different brands.
We look back at the 1992 Royal Rumble Match.
Royal Rumble, by the numbers.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn answer fan questions on Twitter from the locker room instead of the Social Media Lounge, where they make fun of some fan questions for misspellings. If either of them get the pinfall, they will be WWE co-champions. When asked if they have "a straightly" for tonight, they do not have one. They have a strategy, but they will not reveal it in front of anybody right now, much less "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Throughout the Q&A session, Kevin and Sami - along with Jerry "The King" Lawler - make fun of Peter Rosenburg, whom Kevin and Sami refuse to answer questions from. It is also mentioned that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship will be the first match on the main card, and Kevin Owens looks at some tweets from Quebec before speaking in French.
We look back at the 1995 Royal Rumble Match.
The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) beat Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) with a chop block followed by an inside cradle to Anderson.
Alundra Blayze (aka Madusa) guests on the kick-off panel. She says she would have loved to have been in a women's Royal Rumble match during her career, and thanks the women of not only before and during her time but also the women of today for breaking the glass ceiling and making this possible. She would like to get in the ring with Asuka and break her streak if she could. As for who she thinks she will win the women's Royal Rumble Match, she thinks Nia Jax has a chance of winning. During the interview, she and JBL yell at each other due to Alundra Blayze taking so long to answer.
We look back at the 1998 Royal Rumble Match.
Bobby Roode shows up. Roode says that tonight is all about the numbers, as we are going from 30 down to one. At the United States title tournament, it went from eight down to one, and the one was glorious. He says Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is full of tradition and he plans to keep tradition alive. He then issues an open challenge for the United States Championship, and it is answered by Mojo Rawley.
Bobby Roode retains the WWE United States Championship against Mojo Rawley.
We look back at the 2008 Royal Rumble Match.
"The Nature Boy" Rick Flair is interviewed on the kick-off panel. He does not know who will win the men's Royal Rumble Match, and says that it was everyone in the ring that made his 1992 Royal Rumble win so special. He says that the Royal Rumble match is a special opportunity for anyone who gets into the match. As for tonight's main event between Braun Strowman, Kane and Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship, he loves what all three men have been doing in the ring, but admits he would never want to be on the bad side of Brock Lesnar, whom he predicts will win.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Sytles retains the WWE Championship against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a 2-on-1 handicap match.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are seen arguing with SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon. Owens says Sami did not tag him in, and when told if he saw what happened, Shane says "yep." The referee's decision in their match is final. Kevin Owens' scream is cut off before the next match begins.
Before the next match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) talk about their two-out-of-three match against Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin. They say they stay ready so they don't get ready, and say that Gable and Benjamin cannot be prepared for them, for they have nothing to lose.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin with two straight pinfalls to retain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships in a 2-on-1 handicap match. The first fall happens after a series of superkicks to Gable; the second fall is a surprise inside cradle to Shelton Benjamin shortly after Shelton tags himself into the match.
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler guests on commentary for the next match.
#14 "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura last eliminates #28 Roman Reigns to win the 2018 men's Royal Rumble. After the match, Renee Young interviews Nakamura, who simply shouts "AJ Styles!" when asked who he wants to face at WrestleMania 34.
During the match:
Baron Corbin is the first person to eliminate someone by eliminating Rhyno, but he is soon tossed out by Finn Balor. He drags Balor out through the bottom rope and throws him into the barricade, then drags Rusev out from under the bottom rope and hits him with End of Days. Referees and officials have to force Corbin to the back, and Heath Slater shows up as this is going on. When this happens, Corbin lays Slater out on the ramp, and Slater is hilariously kept from entering the ring by subsequent entrants into the men's Royal Rumble Match. When Sheamus shows up at #11, Slater finally gets in the ring and eliminates Sheamus in record time with a single clothesline.
Elias shows up at #6. He plays guitar on the way to the ring, then performs in the ring. He performs until the #7 entrant - the NXT Champion, Andrade "Cien" Almas - shows up. He gets eliminated by John Cena.
NXT continued to bring in new entries. Andrade "Cien" Almas entered at #7, and Adam Cole entered at #23. Almas is eliminated after nearly 29 minutes after falling - both figuratively and literally - into an RKO by Randy Orton, and Adam Cole is eliminated by surprise entrant Rey Mysterio.
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger almost enters at #10, but he is attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, the latter of whom inserts himself into the match. He gets eliminated by "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura.
Kofi Kingston is saved when one foot hits the floor and the other lands on Xavier Woods when he is tossed out by Jinder Mahal. Big E puts a plate of pancakes on the floor, and Big E keeps one floor on that. Kofi then hops around one on one foot a la Jerry "The King" Lawler, but Jinder Mahal keeps him from re-entering. Big E and Xavier Woods have to launch him back into the ring, where he eliminated Jinder before being eliminated by Andrade "Cien" Almas.
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt eliminate each other.
The Hurricane makes a guest appearance at #21, but he gets eliminated by John Cena when attempting the choke slam spot again. He almost slips on The New Day's (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) pancakes on the way out.
Rey Mysterio makes a surprise appearance at #27, his first WWE appearance since the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 30, and almost immediately eliminates Adam Cole. He is eliminated by Finn Balor and denied a spot in the final four.
Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns work together to eliminate The Miz with a double-team powerbomb into Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel at ringside. Roman then tosses Seth out of the ring.
Dolph Ziggler makes a surprise appearance at #30, his first since abdicating the WWE United States Championship and supposedly leaving the WWE. He gets eliminated by Finn Balor after "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura almost tosses Ziggler over the top rope.
Rusev
Finn Balor
Rhyno
Baron Corbin
Heath Slater
Elias
Andrade "Cien" Almas
Bray Wyatt
Big E
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger
Sheamus
Xavier Woods
Apollo Crews
"The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura
Cesaro
Kofi Kingston
Jinder Mahal
Seth Rollins
Matt Hardy
John Cena
The Hurricane
Aiden English
Adam Cole
Randy Orton
Titus O'Neil
The Miz
Rey Mysterio
Roman Reigns
Goldust
Dolph Ziggler
Royal Rumble 2019 is coming to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on January 27, 2019!
SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan and Commissioner Shane McMahon are seen celebrating near Raw General Manager Kurt Angle and Commissioner Shane McMahon. Stephanie and Angle say the rest of the night is going to be incredible. Stephanie says that tonight is about making history, and that they will all be surprised tonight.
We see highlights from the "KFC Colonel Rumble," which is won by "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair.
Sheamus and Cesaro beat Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan to win the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships for the fourth time. Early in the match, Jason Jordan is thrown hard into the ring post, and it takes so much out of Jason Jordan that Seth Rollins has to fight the whole match on his own. When Jason Jordan is able to get back into the match, he cannot even go, and he has to tag Seth back in. It proves too much for Seth, who has no idea what is going on before he gets pinned.
Brock Lesnar rertains the WWE Universal Championship against Kane and Braun Strowman in a destructive Triple Threat Match.
Elimination Chamber is coming to WWE Network and pay-per-view on February 25th.
Maria Menounos is the special guest ring announcer and Raw Commissioner/WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon the special guest commentary for the next match. Raw Women's Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women's Champion sit at ringside to watch the next match.
#25 Asuka last eliminates #27 Nikki Bella to win the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble. After the match, she is met by Raw Women's Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair. Suddenly, MMA fighter Ronda Rousey suddenly shows up to "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and points at the WrestleMania sign. She then tries to shake hands with Asuka. Asuka swats her hand away, then Rousey points at the sign again before heading to the commentary table to shake hands with WWE CBO/Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon. She then leaves. Before the show goes off the air, Michael Cole announces that there is breaking news concerning Ronda Rousey on social media. That breaking news is a report by ESPN's SportsCenter that Ronda Rousey has signed a full-time contract with WWE.
During the match:
A lot of past female Superstars are seen in the match. Lita makes a surprise appearance at #5. She eliminates Mandy Rose and Tamina, but is eliminated by Becky Lynch after she eliminates Tamina. Torrie Wilson enters at #9, and eliminates Dana Brooke, but is eliminated by Sonya Deville. Molly Holly enters at #12 and eliminates Sarah Logan, but is eliminated by Michelle McCool. Michelle McCool enters at #14 and gets four eliminations, but is eliminated by Natalya. Vickie Guerrero shows up at #16 and screams at everyone with a microphone, screaming "Excuse me!", but she is eliminated by everyone else in the ring almost immediately. When Carmella shows up afterwards, Vickie attacks her with the Money In The Bank briefcase out of spite. Kelly Kelly shows up at #18, but is eliminated by Nia Jax. Jacqueline appears at #21, but is also eliminated by Nia Jax. Beth Phoenix shows up at #24, but she is slapped by Natalya and tossed out by her during their brief reunion. Trish Stratus shows up at #30, and not only eliminates Mickie James and Natalya, she is part of the effort to eliminate Nia Jax successfully. She is eliminated by Sasha Banks.
Naomi is tossed out by Nia Jax, but she lands on the barricade, not the floor. She walks on the barricade like a tightrope, then uses a chair that special guest ring announcer Maria Menounos is sitting in to walk on her hands to the steel steps, which she firmly plants her feet on. She gets back in the ring only to be tossed over the top rope and onto the floor by Nia Jax.
NXT also sees an entry. Ember Moon shows up at #23, despite a banged-up arm from last night's match against "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, but she is eliminated by Asuka after Asuka uses her hurt left arm against her.
Brie Bella returns to the ring for the first time in a few years at #28. She is eliminated after being forearmed off the apron by her sister Nikki Bella near the end.
Punishment Martinez beats Dobbs. After the match, Dalton Castle and The Boys shows up, and Dalton Castle stares down with Punishment Martinez. Martinez tries to punch him, but Castle quickly gets the upper hand and suplexes him out of the ring. Martinez gets on the apron, then gets back down and walks away.
Coast To Coast (LSG and Shaheem Ali) say they will put it all on the line tonight against War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe), and says it is do or die tonight.
Caprice Coleman guests on commentary for the next match.
Coast To Coast (LSG and Shaheem Ali) beat War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe) in a well-received match with a schoolboy pin on Raymond Rowe from Shaheem Ali after Ali kicks out of Fallout, giving Coast To Coast an upset win and allowing them to stay together as a tag team. Both teams shake hands after the match, then War Machine raises Coast To Coast's hands.
The Beer City Bruiser says that "The Last Real Man" Silas Young's reign as ROH World Television Champion has inspired him to find a tag team partner to win the ROH World Tag Team Championships with, and tells Brian Milonis that he is "a diamond in a haystack." Milonis says he could not think of a better way to splash into Ring of Honor than with the Bruiser. Bruiser says that the two biggest guys in ROH are now making the biggest tag team.
Bully Ray shows up. He says that Final Battle was his final battle. He says that it is said that before you die, your life flashes before you, and after he lost that night, he felt like his blood was being poured over his face, and he smiled as his career flashed before his eyes; however, he feels like he had a pretty good career. He knew that taking off the boots that are in his hands was the right thing to do, and he put his boots in the center of the ring in his hometown in New York City. He talks about how New York City was where he was born, but as a professional wrestler, he was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In October of 1995, in this very building, Bubba Ray Dudley was born, and says that this is the ring, the city and the arena he should leave his boots in. He thanks the fans for everything, and God for thinking about him. He says that he is Bully Ray, and that it has been his honor. He then lays his wrestling boots in the center of the ring, and he is joined by the ROH locker room as the crowd chants "Thank you, Bubba!" Jay Lethal takes the microphone and says he has known him for a long time, and if this is the last time he will see him, he has to get something off his chest: when the locker room heard he was coming to ROH, they did not know what to think as there were some rumors about him, some good, some not so good and some bad ones. When he got here, they had their guard up, but then something amazing happened: Bubba Ray went above and beyond to help everybody in the locker room from the top guys all the way down to the guys starting out at the dojo. He watched him at the end of every Ring of Honor show make himself available to everyone in order to help them without pushing his views on everyone else. He says Bully Ray put the company first, and the best part about it is that he came here by choice and was inspired by what was going on in ROH. Jay Lethal says Bully Ray represents what ROH is all about, and while the locker room has only been around a fraction of the time Bully Ray has, Bully Ray helped everyone, even after doing things in and for the wrestling business that the locker room have only dreamed of. Jay Lethal then goes on to call Bully Ray a legend, and while it pains the locker room to see him go, the door is always open for him, and on behalf of the entire company, he thanks Bully and hugs him.
Deonna Purrazzo, Kelly Klein, Karen Q, Jenny Rose, "The Exotic Goddess Mandy Leon, Sumie Sakai, Brandi Rhodes, "Bonesaw" Jessie Brooks, and some new faces - HZK, Hana Kimura, Kagetsu and Mayu Iwatani - will be competing in the tournament to decide the inaugural ROH Women Of Honor Champion in two weeks starting in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan) guest on commentary with Taven on the commentary headset.
SoCal Uncensored ("The Almighty" Christopher Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian, Scorpio Sky) beat Bullet Club ("The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, ""The Villain" Marty Scurll, Hangman" Adam Page).
Rivalry of the Year: Aleister Black vs. Velveteen Dream
Velveteen Dream accepts the award and thanks God, then Velveteen Dream says he is the closest to the light that NXT has. Tonight, he guarantees that he will knock out Kassius Ohno in 30 seconds, and the doubters will join "all the others."
Male Competitor of the Year: Aleister Black
Aleister Black takes the award and says that he set out to do something different, unique and unconventional. He says this award proves that he has become successful. It is also announced that Aleister has won Breakout Star of the Year.
Female Competitor of the Year: Asuka
Asuka accepts the award, and says that winning the Women's Royal Rumble match is in her future. She also says that nobody is ready for her.
Match of the Year: Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne, WWE UK Championship Match, NXT TakeOver: Chicago
Tyler Bate accepts the award, saying it is a tremendous and prestigious award. He thanks the fans, and hopes he and Pete Dunne can square off one more time and maybe win Match of the Year again. Meanwhile, Pete Dunne is interviewed on the kick-off panel, and says he is willing to take on all comers as he represents the UK scene.
Overall Competitor of the Year: Asuka
The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) after O'Reilly counters the Super Collider by hitting a hurricanrana on Rezar, sending him into Akam before getting the pin.
War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe) are seen in the front row, where it is announced that they will become part of NXT's tag team division.
A woman walks around Velveteen Dream, who takes a mouthguard off a pillow held by a large, muscular man and puts it on before heading into the ring before the next match.
Velveteen Dream beats Kassius Ohno. During the beginning of the match, Velveteen Dream manages to knock Ohno out in less than 30 seconds, but Ohno gets back up and hits him with a forearm that knocks the mouth guard out of Velveteen Dream's mouth.
Maria Menounos - who will be the special guest ring announcer for the first-ever women's Royal Rumble Match tomorrow night - is seen in the front row.
Johnny Gargano's family is in attendance in the locker room.
Ember Moon retains the NXT Women's Championship against "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler despite suffering an injured left arm when she pins Baszler's shoulders to the mat for a successful pinfall attempt as Baszler has her in an arm bar. After the match, Baszler attacks Ember Moon from behind and puts her in a Karafuda Clutch. Referees and officials have to pull her off, and Baszler re-applies the hold. The hold is only broken when Baszler lets go a second time.
Trevor "Ricochet" Mann is seen in the front row.
Aleister Black beats Adam Cole in an Extreme Rules Match. During the match, Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish attack Aleister Black at ringside, and are about to put him through the commentary table when SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, Killian Dain) show up and take O'Reilly and Fish out. Black wins it with Black Mass as Adam Cole is about to hit him with a steel chair following a double knee strike through the commentary table by Black.
Triple H will be live on Facebook Live after NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia.
Ethan Carter III - fresh out of Impact Wrestling - is seen in the front row.
A mariachi band with all members wearing luchador masks play Andrade "Cien" Almas to the ring. Andrade "Cien" Almas is seen wearing his original mask on the way to the ring.
Andrade "Cien" Almas retains the NXT Championship against Johnny Gargano in a very well-received match. During the match, Zelina Vega gets involved, and Johnny Gargano's wife Candice LeRae jumps the barricade and goes after Zelina, beating her up and chasing her into the stands. It takes a double knee strike into the ring post and an a draping Hammerlock DDT for Almas to retain the title. After the match, Candice LeRae checks on Johnny Gargano, who gets a standing ovation. When they head to the back, Johnny Gargano is blasted in the back with a crutch by Tommaso Ciampa, who has not been seen in months.
Goldust beats Curt Hawkins. During the match, Curt Hawkins seems to concede to Goldust, but when Goldust goes for the pin, he goes for an inside cradle. He only gets a two-count.
Kalisto and Gran Metalik beat "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher and TJP.
"Reborn" Matt Sydal beats Ethan Carter III in a match with no judges and no rounds to become the Impact Grand Champion!
The GWN Flashback Moment of the Week is America's Most Wanted ("The Cowboy" James Storm and "Wildcat" Chris Harris) beating Triple X (Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper) in Six Sides of Steel to force Triple X to break up for good at Turning Point 2004.
Laurel Van Ness retains the Impact Knockouts Championship against Allie. During the match, Laurel Van Ness elbows Allie into the referee, temporarily knocking the referee down so that she can hit Allie with the Knockouts Championship.
Moose beats Lashley after Moose sends him into KM, who is standing on the apron. Dan Lambert leaps into the ring just before the pinfall, and he is confronted by Moose before Lashley pulls him out. Afterwards, Dan Lambert yells at Lashley, saying the loss is his fault even as KM was trying to help. Lashley hits KM with a Spear when he stands behind him, then tosses Dan Lambert into the ring. Moose sets up a table that was pulled out from underneath the ring and sets it up in the corner, and Lashley Spears Lambert through the table. Jon Hartman, who is still wearing bandages and a neck break from all his previous beatings at the hands of Moose, gets beat up again, this time by Moose and Lashleyu. Lashley and Moose then shake hands.
The Pluto TV rewind of the week is Samoa Joe beating AJ Styles for the TNA X Division Championship.
In Tokyo, Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH, Taiji Ishimori retains the Impact X Division Championship against Andrew Everett. Everett raises Ishimori's hand after the match.
Eli Drake retains the Impact Global Championship against Johnny Impact and Alberto El Patron in Six Sides of Steel after Chris Adonis catches Johnny Impact on the way down, keeping Johnny's feet from touching the floor before Eli Drake's can.
Mike, Alexa Bliss, Maryse and Nia Jax play some basketball at Mike and Maryse's house.
Nattie meets Brie and Nikki backstage at SmackDown Live. Brie talks about how Bryan has been diagnosed with vertigo before they could move to their new home in Port Townsend, Washington for the summer. Nattie refers them to Annie, who helped Nattie's parents move house. Brie cannot drive due to breastfeeding while Bryan cannot drive due to the vertigo, and Brie considers this option.
At Lana and Rusev's house, Rusev has an issue with the way Lana dresses and has been ever since they were house-hunting in Bulgaria, and asks her to change her shirt.
In Pensacola, Florida, Trinity and Jon Uso take a staycation at a local spa and resort, but Trinity's stomach is not in the best of shape. Trinity wants to nap on the bed, but Jon wants to do something nice for her.
Mike and Maryse head to the A Christmas Story house in Cleveland, Ohio to cut some promos that re-enact the movie of the same name. Mike's parents are also part of the fun. Mike mentions having to do filming for MTV before coming to Raw. Maryse feels she and Mike need to take a step back and take care of priorities.
In San Diego, California, Brie and Bryan are preparing for the big move to Port Townsend, Washington. Donna and Annie, two of Nattie's family friends, show up in an recreational vehicle. Brie feels unsure about the trip, but Bryan is willing to make the most of it.
In Pensacola, Florida, massage therapists come to Trinity and Jon Uso's room. Trinity is tense from trying to hold everything in due to her stomach issues, and as Jon and Trinity get massaged, Trinity accidentally lets a little gas loose. Jon hears it.
In San Diego, California, Brie and Nikki are at Birdiebee headquarters to do an interview for Forbes Magazine. Brie is excited for the move. Nikki is then at Brie and Bryan's place, where she meets Annie and Donna. Brie and Bryan head into the recreational vehicle as Nikki leaves to get ready for Dancing With The Stars. During the ride, Birdie throws up, and Brie and Bryan have to clean her up. During the road trip, Brie and Bryan realize that Donna and Annie are indeed friends of Nattie after a few minutes of getting to know them.
Brie and Bryan In Pensacola, Florida, Trinity tries not to tell Jon Uso that she is having stomach issues as she feels Jon will tease her and she will not hear the end of it, but now the vacation is taking a turn for the worse because of them.
On Brie and Bryan's RV trip, Donna has to lay down on the floor due to her fear of mountains. Brie and Bryan realize that this RV trip will not be easy, especially since Birdie has not been able to sleep. Brie wants to a plane to Washington. When Brie and Bryan have a conversation about their love life, Annie gets involved, much to the chagrin of Brie.
Lana sees Rusev mowing their lawn in his underwear, and Lana thinks Rusev is doing this to get back at her for her choice of clothing. Lana thinks this is hilarious and tries to get a picture of Rusev.
At Mike and Maryse's house, Mike returns home. Maryse tells Mike that she is pregnant. Mike is elated about the news.
On the RV trip, Brie feels that the road trip is a mistake, especially since Birdie has not been able to nap since the start of the trip. She asks Annie if she and Donna would be offended if she and Bryan took a flight to Washington. Annie tells her to do what she has to do. She and Brie leave the RV to take a flight to Washington.
In Pensacola, Florida, Trinity tries to salvage her staycation with Jon Uso with some romantic roleplay. Jon Uso dresses as a football player while Trinity dresses as a cheerleader.
Brie and Bryan make it to Port Townsend, Washington. Brie admits the RV trip was not the road trip she and Bryan hoped for, but she is glad to be in Washington right now.
At SmackDown Live in Richmond, Virginia, Lana sees Rusev in his underwear again while Carmella tells Nattie some dirty jokes.
At Rusev and Lana's house, Rusev's best friend Diego shows up. Rusev is barbecuing steak naked, and he tries to push Lana's buttons by telling her to wear something more decent even though he is nude. Lana is not having it.
Mike and Maryse are in Los Angeles, California to see the doctor to get an ultrasound of the baby. The due date for the baby is April 6th, which is two days before WrestleMania. Maryse wonders if Mike will be there when the baby is born, as is Mike himself. For now, they concentrate on the excitement of the news.
The show starts with the Velveteen Dream experience. Velveteen Dream says everyone dreams of being NXT Champion one day, and that everyone experiences different paths. He says that Johnny Gargano dreams one day of becoming NXT Champion. He does not doubt that he is the Superstar to do it, but with a choice between him and Gargano, that will not happen yet. While Gargano's experience has been full of doubt, his has been pure, and Gargano's experience will one day soon be over.
No Way Jose - in his first match in months - beats Cezar Bononi.
We see a video package documenting what has led to Aleister Black vs. Adam Cole in an Extreme Rules Match at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia.
Bianca Belair beats LaToya Allsop.
We see Percy Watson's sit-down interview with Ember Moon and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. When asked why she called Baszler out, Ember Moon says Baszler is nothing more than a bully who has no scruples and will hurt anybody to get to the top. Baszler says it has never been about hurting any one woman, and says you have to stir up water to catch fish. Baszler says Ember Moon is the big fish in the little pond, and Ember Moon says she is that because she has never taken shortcuts and has responsibilities towards the Women's Division. She says if Baszler ever becomes champ, she will get a taste of that, but it won't happen. Baszler congratulates Ember Moon on becoming champion, but says nobody cares about the path she herself has taken, as she has worked as hard as Ember Moon. After NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, Ember Moon will know she is walking away with her dreams. Baszler doesn't care about what the fans think of who she is or how she got here, and that they will just have to get used to it.
We see part two of "Who Is TM61?" This part mentions TM61's (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) arrival in NXT. Thorne talks about his injury in his solo match against Roderick Strong, as well as TM61's match against The Authors of Pain in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, and Shane Thorne's recovery from injury. TM61 will return to in-ring action next week.
The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) destroy Chase Brown and Damian Smith before their match can even begin. Rezar then gets on the microphone and tells The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly) that what happened to Brown and Smith will happen to them. Akam says at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia, it will be The Undisputed Era's turn. After this, Brown and Smith fall victim to the Super Collider.
Next week: Nikki Cross vs. Lacey Evans!
Johnny Gargano beats Velveteen Dream to become #1 contender for the NXT Championship and face Andrade "Cien" Almas for the title at NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia. After the match, Zelina Vega and Andrade "Cien" Almas show up. Almas lifts the title up in front of Gargano, then hands it to Zelina Vega before trying to get a cheap shot on Gargano. They both brawl, but Almas gets the upper hand. Gargano gets back up after being sent out of the ring, and hits an enziguri and a slingshot DDT before Almas can hit him with the NXT Championship. Gargano then picks the NXT Championship up off the mat and looks at it, then lifts it up above a downed Almas to end the show.
SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan announces that Enzo Amore has abdicated the WWE Cruiserweight Championship and that he is no longer on 205 Live. He then announces that next week, a General Manager for 205 Live will be named, and that person will handle the title situation. (In reality, Enzo Amore has been released from his contract on the afternoon of this episode's broadcast due to recent accusations of rape. He was suspended the day before, but he is released from his contract on this day. As a result, the Cruiserweight title is now vacated.)
Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado beat TJP, Ariya Daivari and "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese. After the match, TJP chews Nese and Daivari out. Nese and Daivari shove TJP to the mat and leave.
We hear from Drew Gulak. He supports having a new General Manager for 205 Live, but he wants someone who has the same values as him who will turn 205 Live into a Drewtopia.
Hideo Itami beats "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher.
Akira Tozawa says he could make for a good General Manager, then tries to fire someone and walk like Vince McMahon.
Cedric Alexander beats Mustafa Ali. Both men show respect after the match.
Carmella and Big E are competing for Kaboom! (a charity whose aim is to bring play in everyday spaces to kids everywhere by means of community play spaces), while Asuka and The Mix are competing for Rescue Dogs Rock (which provides home and medical care to rescue dogs).
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle and SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan thank the WWE Universe for showing their support for WWE Mixed Match Challenge.
The Miz and Asuka beat Carmella and Big E with an arm bar to Carmella. During the match, referee Mike Chioda is clearly heard saying "Asuka's going over," accidentally giving away the results of the finish of the match.
Next week: Braun Strowman and Alexa Bliss vs. Sami Zayn and Becky Lynch!
Renee Young interviews The Miz and Asuka. Asuka says something in Japanese, then The Miz says Asuka has learned more on how to be a champion from him than anyone in her entire life. He says he is an inspiration, and that she has learned how to be a winner from him. Miz says they dominated their match tonight, and they will dominate the rest of Mixed Match Challenge.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up to start tonight's show. Owens says it is time to pay attention, as he and Sami Zayn are the future of WWE and not "a parade of retirees" like we saw last night. He then tells the crowd to give it up for their new co-WWE Champion, Sami Zayn. In return, Sami Zayn asks the crowd to give it up for Kevin Owens. Owens says the Yep Movement is more than one syllable, but standing up to tyranny no matter the odds. Kevin Owens mentions their 3-on-2 handicap match from a few weeks ago, and that they proved that "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles has no chance of walking out with the WWE Championship, as they are the absolute best competitors on SmackDown Live. If they can win a 3-on-2 handicap match, then AJ Styles has no shot at retaining the WWE Championship. Sami Zayn tells Styles that at Royal Rumble, they will beat him and take his championship, and they are going to become the first ever co-WWE Champions. After that happens, they will hurt him. Owens and Sami then start a "Yep!" chant. AJ Styles then arrives, and responds to all of their claims of what they will do at Royal Rumble with "Nope." Styles then says they have been annoying people with their movement for months now, but Owens and Sami tell him that after Royal Rumble, he will have to get used to it from absolutely everywhere. Styles tells them to shut their "yep-holes" for a second, and while they have the advantage, they are not facing anyone; they are facing someone phenomenal. If there is fight left in his body, he will make sure they will never be co-WWE Champions. He says this isn't "The Kami Show," this is SmackDown Live and "the house that AJ Styles built." Owens tells Styles he is phenomenal, but also predictable. Sami says he called Styles walking in with a "macho tough guy act." Owens then says Styles acts like he has a chance of beating them, which makes him ignorant. He then says ignorance is the language of Washington, DC. Sami adds that it was ignorance that got Styles in this situation in the first place, and he and Owens show the footage of how Styles got himself into the 2-on-1 handicap match for the WWE Championship. Owens says those words were supposed to be empty words, but when General Manager Daniel Bryan took him up on that offer, he tried to weasel his way out of it. Sami says he is forced to be true to his word thanks to Daniel Bryan, and asks if Styles will be true to his word this time. Styles asks what they are talking about, and they show footage of Styles from two weeks ago saying he will face them both in the same night if he has to. Owens asks if he will weasel his way out of if he will be a man, then proposes they do that just that, with Styles facing Owens one-on-one followed by Styles facing Sami one-on-one immediately after. Daniel Bryan shows up, and says enough is enough. He says Sami and Owens are right about being two of the best to ever step foot in the ring as well as how difficult it is to win a handicap match, but he has the utmost faith in Styles. Styles asks Daniel Bryan not to advocate for him, especially since he doesn't know "if he is in bed with these dirtbags." Styles says that if Owens and Sami think they can beat him back-to-back in matches, they can find out tonight. But he will not beat them; he will hurt them.
Backstage, General Manager Daniel Bryan meets with Commissioner Shane McMahon. Shane questions Daniel putting "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles in back-to-back matches, but Daniel says Styles has nothing to prove and that he wasn't going to sanction anything. Shane questions his honesty, but Daniel Bryan shoots straight with him. Daniel then asks Shane is he is doubting Styles' ability, but Shane says it is not Styles' ability that he is questioning.
Chad Gable beats Jey Uso.
Renee Young interviews "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura. When asked how he will outlast 29 other men in the Royal Rumble match, he says he will give everyone a knee to the face. Suddenly, Baron Corbin shows up. Corbin says Nakamura is nothing but hype, but that is okay, because he does not care about the fans, who pay his bills. He says his resume speaks volumes, and he will add to it when he wins the Royal Rumble Match. He is not hype; he is results. When Corbin asks Nakamura what he has done, Nakamura says it is not what he has done, but what he will do at the men's Royal Rumble Match. He then says to Corbin "Let's rumble!"
"The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger announces that he will be entering the Royal Rumble Match, and says that this year will be nothing less than a perfect ten.
Naomi beats Liv Morgan. During the match, Natalya, Lana and Carmella suddenly show up to watch the match from ringside, as does Becky Lynch. After the match, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan attack Naomi, but Becky Lynch gets in the ring to even the odds. Suddenly, everyone else around the ring gets in and fights one another in a preview of the women's Royal Rumble Match. Naomi and Becky Lynch are the last two standing, but before they can go at it with each other, Charlotte Flair shows up. Charlotte admits Becky trying to toss Naomi out of the ring was fierce, as it is every woman for himself on Sunday. She says alliances and teams don't matter when you're trying to face her at WrestleMania, then wishes good luck to everyone, especially the winner.
Asuka and The Miz vs. Carmella and Big E will take place this week on Mixed Match Challenge.
"The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura beats Baron Corbin by disqualification when he falls victim to an RKO out of nowhere by Randy Orton. After the match, Orton hits Corbin with an RKO.
We see a video package of Raw 25.
Before the next match, Big E talks about being part of Raw 25, and Kofi says they will become part of history again on Sunday when they enter the men's Royal Rumble Match. Xavier Woods says that their partner tonight, Bobby Roode, made history when he defeated two men to become the WWE United States Champion. Roode then shows up. Roode thanks The New Day ( for the introduction, and says he could not see a better place to debut as US Champ than in Washington, DC. His goal is to be the best United States Champion in history. He says it is no easy task, but his reign as WWE United States Champion is going to be absolutely glorious...as opposed to stupendous, delicious or exuberant.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and Bobby Roode beat Rusev, Aiden English and Jinder Mahal.
Before the next match, Commissioner Shane McMahon shows up and tells Sami Zayn that he is barred from ringside for the next match. If he approaches the ring tonight, he will lose his opportunity at the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble and he will be fired on the spot. Shane also tells Kevin Owens that the same applies to him during Sami Zayn's match. After asking if it will be the last thing they ever do on SmackDown Live if they do, he says "Yep."
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles quickly beats Kevin Owens with the Calf Crusher after Owens hurts his left leg running into the corner. After the match, Sami Zayn rushes into the ring and attacks Styles. The referee demands that Sami Zayn stop, but Sami keeps stomping a downed Styles. He then grabs Styles out of the ring from ringside and sends Styles into the steel steps as General Manager Daniel Bryan and Commissioner Shane McMahon watch backstage. After the commercial break, AJ says he can still go, and the next match starts.
Sami Zayn beats "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. At ringside, referee Charles Robinson and a WWE doctor checks on Kevin Owens during the match. Later on in the match, he is checked on by EMTs. General Manager Daniel Bryan and Commissioner Shane McMahon are also seen watching the match backstage. During the match, Styles attacks a downed Owens near the aisle to ensure that he does not get involved in the match. Later on, Styles gets out of the ring and topples the gurney that Kevin Ownes is on top of. When he gets back in, Sami Zayn hits Styles with the Helluva Kick followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb for the win.
Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler are at the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York.
Charly Caruso is standing in front of a door with an "APA Protection" sign on it. She then introduces The Acolytes Protection Agency (Ron Simmons and JBL), who have protected a lot of people and made a lot of money. They reminisce about their most famous celebrity clients as well as getting people to knock on the door, and JBL proposes they re-open for one night. JBL then tells Ron he locked them out, and Ron finds out he does not have a key to the door, either. They asks Charly Caruso to watch the door to make sure people knock and to make sure nobody steals their empty beer cans.
We look back at the opening moment of the very first episode of Raw, when Bobby "The Brain" Heenan tries to get in the Manhattan Center.
We look back on September 28, 1998, when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin rode a zamboni to a ring and got Vince McMahon.
We see a WWE.com exclusive interview with Roman Reigns, who says that he was born to reign. He says The Miz runs his mouth on social media, but he will represent his family on Raw 25 just like his family did on the first-ever episode when Yokozuna squashed Koko B. Ware.
The Miz announces he will be in the men's Royal Rumble match, and he will be winning the Intercontinental Championship and putting it where it belongs: in the main event of WrestleMania.
We look back on January 4, 1999, when Mick Foley aka Mankind won his first WWE Championship.
We look back on July 15, 2002, when Eric Bischoff became General Manager of Raw and debuted in WWE for the very first time. Eric Bischoff is then interviewed at the pre-show panel.
We hear from Bayley, who comes across Trish Stratus backstage.
We look back on December 6, 2004, when Lita beat Trish Stratus for the WWE Women's Championship in one of the WWE's greatest women's matches ever.
We look back on the first episode of Raw, when The Undertaker faced Damien Demento, as well as the countless Raw memories that The Undertaker has provided.
We hear from The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods), who profess their love for Raw.
We look back on August 9, 1999, when Chris Jericho debuted in WWE.
We look back on April 27, 1998, when D-Generation X (Triple H, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) head from Hampton, Virginia to Norfolk, Virginia to try to invade World Championship Wrestling.
We look back on June 2, 2014, when Seth Rollins turned on Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns and broke up The Shield.
We look back on April 2, 2012, when Brock Lensar returned to the WWE after an eight-year absence.
We see The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) take on Triple H and Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon in a lip sync battle on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The show starts in the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, where we are welcomed by Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler. We then head to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, commentary is back at ringside for one night only.
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and SmackDown Live Commissioner welcome everyone in the Barclays Center to the show. On behalf of the McMahon family, Shane thanks everyone who has stepped between the ropes for the last 25 years to make Raw the success that it is. He also thanks the unsung heroes - all the employees in the back - who make the show what it is. He also thanks the fans for making Raw a big success. We then see a video package of the last 25 years of Raw. Stephanie then thanks everyone for 25 years, and say they are just getting started. She then says we have one person to truly thank for all this and had the vision and determination to make it all possible: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Vince McMahon shows up, and he is rained down with "Thank you, Vince!" chants. He does not normally pat himself on the back for his own achievements, and he does not smell the roses for long, but tonight, he will smell the roses, and they smell good. Before Vince leaves after telling everyone to enjoy the show, he is presented with a commemorative plaque for 25 years of Raw. Vince says the plaque feels a little cheap, "but then again, we are here in Brooklyn." Vince then says plaque is what each and every person has in their teeth and arteries, and he shows that he is not at all impressed with the commemorative plaque. He then says he has one person to thank in the entire world for this, and Vince is immediately called an "asshole" by the crowd for it. He thanks himself, as he was the only person who did it, but before he can go any further, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up and has a conversation with Vince. Stephanie gets out of the ring, but Vince and Shane stay in the ring. Vince tells Austin that he looks great, but that nature has not been as kind to him, and that he is a senior citizen, that Shane is in his prime and that Shane is so good he can fly from one side of the ring to the other. Austin responds by hitting Shane with a Stone Coldd Stunner. Vince says "I don't blame you; he had it coming" as he carries two Miller Lites in his hand. He offers one of the cans to Austin, then they toast. Vince drinks the beer, then hugs Austin. Austin raises Vince's hand, and they both hug. Vince stops. He has the feeling he is about to be hit with a Stone Cold Stunner. They toast one more time, then Vince eats a Stunner. Shane gets up and toasts with Austin, then Austin gives him
Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mickie James and Asuka beat Nia Jax, Alicia Fox, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville with a Banks Statement to Alicia Fox. After the match, Asuka turns on her teammates and tosses the out of the ring Royal Rumble style.
General Manager Kurt Angle is talking to one of the referees. He says Braun Strowman, Kane and Brock Lesnar will be in the ring at the same time and he cannot afford another incident. Suddenly, Jonathan Coachman shows up. Coachman says he is honored to be here and reunite with a lot of old friends. Harvey Wippleman and The Brooklyn Brawler show up, as does Teddy Long, who starts dancing. Suddenly, Brother Love shows up, and says he loves everybody in the room. The Boogeyman then shows up with worms in his mouth, and he hands some to Coachman.
We head to the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York as we look back on The Undertaker's countless Raw moments.
At the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, The Undertaker returns. For the first time since WrestleMania, The Undertaker steps into a WWE ring. He says the carnage began on this sacred ground of evil 25 years ago. For 25 years, he has been digging holes, and any person who dared step foot into the dark side got buried. He has taken legends and ripped them off their pedestals, and thrown them into the cold, dark earth. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin answered to the Reaper, as did Mick Foley. Even his own flesh and blood Kane had to answer. He says they all tried, and they all failed. Now, on this sacred ground, he declares for all those who have fallen that it is truly time to rest in peace.
Backstage, Heath Slater and Rhyno are seeing playing poker with The Acolytes Protection Agency (Ron Simmons and JBL). Once again, JBL and Ron Simmons are as good at poker as ever. Suddenly, someone lays money on the table. That someone is "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. He asks "Well, boys...what's your price?" before joining in. He is also seen holding the Million Dollar Championship on his shoulder.
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, we see some of the greatest General Managers in Raw history - John Laurinaitis, William Regal, Eric Bischoff and Daniel Bryan - appear on the stage. The Miztourage (The Miz, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel) then shows up, and The Miz stares down with Daniel Bryan on his way to the ring.
The Miz beats Roman Reigns to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion for the eighth time, making him the second man to do so after Chris Jericho. During the match, The Miz removes the turnbuckle pad in one corner as Roman fights off Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel at ringside, which the referee - who eventually tosses Bo and Axel out - is focused on at the time. Later on in the match, The Miz sends Roman Reigns into the exposed turnbuckle to win the title for the eighth time.
Jeff Hardy, MVP and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are now in The Acolytes Protection Agency's (Ron Simmons and JBL) poker game.
Christian is now in the ring to host The Peep Show. Tonight's guests are Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins. It is announced that Edge cannot be here to prior obligations. Seth gets cheers when he speaks, but when Jason Jordan speaks, he gets booed out of the building. He calls it an honor to be in Christian's presence, then thanks General Manager Kurt Angle for making everything possible, and says that his father does not suck. Suddenly, Sheamus and Cesaro show up. Sheamus tells Jason Jordan to slow down, as he has it all wrong. He says all the legends have been wanting their autographs, as they do not set the bar, they are the bar. He also says the same legends and Superstars expect him and Cesaro to take back the Raw tag team titles, and thanked them in advance for doing so. Cesaro tells Jason that Angle doesn't suck; Jason sucks. Sheamus and Cesaro start a Kurt Angle-style "You suck" chant, but Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins fight them off. Jordan holds Cesaro back, but Cesaro dodges out of the way and Seth knees Jason in the face.
Charly Caruso interviews Alexa Bliss. Bliss says she is not just a champion; she is a goddess. Suddenly, Charlotte Flair shows up, and says the only reason Alexa is champion on Raw is because she is on SmackDown Live, and she doubts she will be champion after WrestleMania. She says Alexa does not have what it takes to be champion, and to be the woman, you've got to be the woman. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair shows up and says Charlotte Flair will be champion forever.
We look back at Edge's career on Raw courtesy of Carl's Jr and Hardee's.
Titus O'Neil, Natalya, Dana Brooke and Apollo Crews are in The Acolytes Protection Agency's (Ron Simmons and JBL) poker game.
At the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, Bray Wyatt beats Matt Hardy.
Some of the greatest WWE female Superstars of the last 25 years - The Bella Twins, Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Lilian Garcia, Jacqueline, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool, Terri Runnels, Maria Kanellis, and Trish Stratus - appear on stage.
Backstage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Elias runs into Chris Jericho. Chris Jericho notices Elias' scarf, then pulls out his own guitar and sings a song about Elias making The List because he is a stupid idiot. He then puts Elias on The List for stealing his scarf idea.
The top of the Empire State Building in New York City is lit in red tonight to celebrate 25 years of Raw.
Elias is now in the ring. He plays guitar, then asks who wants to walk with him. Elias says it took the WWE 25 years to find him, and after 25 years, they got it right. He then says that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias." He says Royal Rumble will be great, but tonight is full of celebrities, and he has a song just for the occasion. Elias threatens to leave before he can play the song after the crowd calls him a stupid idiot, but changes his mind after mentioning that Jimmy Fallon is in the front row. Elias makes fun of some WWE legends, including Chris Jericho and The Rock. When he makes fun of John Cena, saying that Cena is like Brooklyn, New York because neither of them have balls, however, Cena shows up. John Cena mentions Brooklyn has balls and points at a beach ball in the stands. It gets confiscated, then the security guard who does it gets called an asshole. Elias tells John Cena to shut up, as nobody wants to hear Cena and everybody came to hear him, and he ruined it. Cena tells Elias to do something about it. Elias tells Cena that is not how it works when Cena dares him to throw the first punch, and says he does not take orders from him or "any of these Brooklyn scumbags." Elias teases leaving the ring, but Cena and Elias go at it only for Cena to hit the moves of doom.Elias escapes the Attitude Adjustment, however, and hits Cena with a low blow. He then grabs his guitar and smashes it into Cena's back, then hits Drift Away.
The New Day are now in The Acolytes Protection Agency's (Ron Simmons and JBL) poker game. Heath Slater is accused of cheating by Dana Brooke, and cards fall out of his shirt. Heath wants to fight, but JBL tells him to take the fight to the back. "The Million dollar Man" Ted DiBiase wins it all with a Royal Flush, and Ron Simmons says "Damn!"
The Ippolito Family is the winner of the Carl's Jr. Seat Upgrade.
Backstage, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry meets The Godfather and Olivia. The Godfather mentions Mark Henry's "Sexual Chocolate" past, then we find out Olivia is The Godfather's wife.
Titus O'Neil and Apollo Crews vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno ends when the match gets out of control and the match is stopped. All of a sudden, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) show up, wanting to take on both teams at oce. Both teams get out of the ring, but The Dudleys want to take on both teams at once. Heath Slater gets tossed into the ring by all three other men, and he falls victim to What's Up. The Dudleys then pull up a table, and nobody else from the match even stops them. Heath Slater then takes a Dudley Death Drop through the table.
Charly Caruso interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Styles says he has arranged someone to do the interview with him, and that someone is revealed to be "Mean" Gene Okerlund. Okerlund then interviews Styles, who says Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are full of themselves and think they will walk out co-WWE Champions at Royal Rumble. He will not let that happen, as he will hit them hard and fast.
At The Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, D-Generation X re-unites. Triple H and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels make their way to the ring. Shawn says it's been 25 years, and people have asked him what his favorite Raw moment is. However, he cannot remember 25 minutes ago. He mentions moments that can't be mentioned on TV. Shawn then says he used to be the boss of DX, but now Triple H is the boss of everything and he can't do anything anymore. After Shawn plugs the WWE Network, Triple H talks about how it all started in the Manhattan Center 25 years ago. Triple H then says the fans lit the spark that created what is here now. 20 years ago, he and Shawn started DX, heading to the ring with "Ravishing" Rick Rude and Chyna, doing and saying whatever they wanted to. He says DX has always been at the forefront of this, whether it was driving a tank to WCW's door or being here for the 25th anniversary of Raw, they came here, because the Manhattan Center is home. He then says DX will be at the forefront for 25 more years, and says he and Shawn did not come alone. The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) then show up. After their classic entrance, they bring out X-Pac. The crowd chants "1-2-3!" He says this is a DX reunion, but they can't have a celebration without Razor Ramon, who shows up. After the commercial break, Razor Ramon says everyone knows you can't have a party on Raw without him. He has been watching the show from both locations, and he says everyone can agree that tonight is just too sweet. All of a sudden, Finn Balor, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson show up. Everyone "too sweets" each other, and as Billy Gunn is about to speak, The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) show up, as does a referee.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder). After the match, Scott Dawson puts his hands on Razor Ramon. X-Pac hits Dawson with the X Factor, then "Road Dogg" Jesse James hits his trademark jabs before Billy Gunn hits him with the Fameasser. Wilder gets Sweet Chin Music followed by a Pedigree from "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and Triple H, respectively. Finn Balor then gets the coup de grace on Dash Wilder with the Coup De Grace, and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn says "If you're not down with that, we've got two words for you: suck it!"
Back at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, General Manager Kurt Angle shows up with a host of WWE Legends and Superstars. Angle talks about the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble. Braun Strowman is the first person to be brought out, followed by Kane and Brock Lesnar. Superstars begin to fill the ring as Kane makes his way to the ring, creating a human wall between Kane and Strowman. Paul Heyman then shows up to introduce Lesnar. Heyman says Lesnar is ready for a fight, not for a nostalgia trip, and tells the crowd that Lesnar is relevant. As Superstars empty the ring to head Lesnar off at the pass, Strowman and Kane go at it, and Lesnar makes his way to the ring. Lesnar takes Kane out with an F5, but Strowman tosses Lesnar around like he is a child. Strowman then breaks down the announce table and drives Lesnar through it with a running powerslam.
