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.
Io Shirai and Kairi Sane beat Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir.
In backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, Johnny Gargano says he promised the people a match of the year, and he delivered. He also promised he would win, and he did that, too. He is now North American Champion, and winning feels great.
In backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, Bianca Belair says "undefeated" is a mindset and that she will take the Women's title from "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. She also addresses comments made about her by Sam Roberts on the kick-off, saying that she took Baszler to her limit and that Sam Roberts can kiss her ass.
In backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, War Raiders (Hanson and Rowe) say that they did what they said they would do. The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Relly, Roderick Strong) may have earned their respect, but their era has ended and War Raiders' reign starts now.
In backstage footage from NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, Matt Riddle says tonight is not about the victory; instead, it's about making a point and breaking Kassius Ohno. He plans to break anyone else who plans to test him like Ohno did.
We see footage of a brawl then ensues between Velveteen Dream, Aleister Black, Ricochet, Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa after the cameras stopped rolling at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix. It it then announced at the Royal Rumble kick-off that the team of Dream, Aleister and Ricochet and the team Cole, Gargano and Ciampa will face off in Halftime Heat on WWE Network during the Super Bowl halftime show this Sunday.
Next week: Johnny Gargano!
The Forgotten Sons (Steve Culter and Wesley Blake) beat Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) following the involvement of Jaxson Ryker in the match.
"Bomber" Dave Mastiff beats "The Primate" Jay Melrose.
We see a vignette for Xia Brookside, who will be in action next week.
Zack Gibson and James Drake show up. Gibson says that for a very long time, he and Drake said "soon" were focused on one goal while everyone was focused on everything else. He says that they were focused on their goal when they stole the show at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, and they are now the first-ever NXT UK Tag Team Champions. Gibson says the fans will not take the moment away from them, and that they will call them "grizzled young veterans" and tag team champions. He says that the tag team titles will soon be the most important in NXT UK. Assistant to the NXT UK General Manager Sid Scala shows up, and tells them they will not be short of challengers. At Worlds Collide, NXT UK will soon show why they are the hottest up-and-coming brand in sports entertainment. He announces that General Manager Johnny Saint has found the perfect team to be their first challengers: Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. The match will take place soon on NXT UK. Scala asks Gibson and Drake not to let the brand down.
Next week: Ligero vs. Mark Andrews!
Walter beats Jack Starz in his NXT UK debut.
We see some post-match footage where Joe Coffey mouths off at Walter. Afterwards, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel approach him and tell him that if he needs friends, they've got his back. Walter walks away and Aichner almost goes after him, but Barthel stops Aichner.
Jinny beats Kasey Owens.
In footage from earlier today, Rhea Ripley barges in on General Manager Johnny Saint and Assistant Sid Scala and says she is the best of both the UK and America before demanding a rematch for the NXT Women's Championship at Worlds Collide. The match is now official and will take place in three weeks.
Next week: Mark Coffey vs. Walter!
Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven and Tyler Bate) beat Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel.
Maria Kanellis guests on commentary for the next match.
Kalisto beats Mike Kanellis with a schoolkid pin.
We hear from Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher, who welcome Humberto Carrillo to 205 Live and offer to volunteer their guidance to him in his next match as part of their plans for a better 205 Live. We then hear from Ariya Daivari, who says that Buddy Murphy is running around like he owns the place while Hideo Itami made his name by systematically destroying opponents. He says that Hideo will prove himself by destroying Akira Tozawa tonight, then Hideo speaks in Japanese.
We see footage from earlier today where "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese and Noam Dar brawl in the parking lot until officials - and Buddy Murphy - pull Nese off of Noam Dar. We then go backstage, where Kayla Braxton announces that Noam Dar has not suffered any injury and that "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese has been suspended. Buddy Murphy shows up, reacts to Nese's suspension, then wants to know who his next challenger is so he can knock them down.
Akira Tozawa beats Hideo Itami after Hideo Itami accidentally drop kicks Ariya Daivari in the face. After the match, Ariya Daivari helps Hideo Itami up, then levels him with a clothesline.
Becky Lynch shows up to start tonight's show. She admits that a lot has happened in the last few days, and last night, she showed up on Raw and could not resist looking "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey in the eyes and confirming just how different they really are. She admits that Royal Rumble did not go her way at first, but she does not crumble when she loses and she won the women's Royal Rumble Match on one good leg. Becky says she is proud of coming from nothing and all of the heads she has slapped off to get to where she is today, and especially proud of working from last year's pre-show to this year's main event for WrestleMania, and nobody handed any of it to her. She says that the main thing she saw when she looked in Ronda's eyes was doubt, and she promises to break her arm in front of the world. She says that if Ronda doesn't believe that yet, she will be carried out knowing it. Suddenly, Charlotte Flair shows up. She congratulates Becky on her recent success, and says that Becky grew into "The Man" from lessons learned from The Queen, saying that she brought her to the main event and is so happy she could do it for her. Becky punches Charlotte in the face and leaves. Charlotte takes offense to this and attacks Becky on the ramp. This starts a brawl, and referees and officials rush in to break it up. Becky's leg is hurt again, but Becky still wants to go despite both women being forcefully separated.
Before the next match, R-Truth says that he got jacked up thanks to Nia Jax at the men's Royal Rumble Match. Carmella says she and R-Truth worked hard for their #30 spots, and R-Truth he could have won had it not been for Nia Jax. R-Truth says that he, the fans and even the McMahons know it, and because of that, he has a shot at the United States title right now.
R-Truth unexpectedly beats Shinsuke Nakamura with an inside cradle to win the WWE United States Championship for a second time, R-Truth's first championship in almost seven years and his first since he was WWE Tag Team Champions with Kofi Kingston, even though whether or not Nakamura kicked out before three and whether both of his shoulders were up is left up in the air. After the match, Rusev and Lana shows up, and Rusev says this is not right, saying he went for the title because it deserved than Nakamura. He also says it deserves better than R-Truth, and proposes they have a title match right now. Lana and Carmella have an argument, and Carmella shoves Lana down. This leads to a staredown between Rusev and R-Truth where both men push each other, and Truth puts the United States title on the line for another United States title match.
R-Truth retains the WWE United States Championship against Rusev with a roll-up. After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura runs in and attacks R-Truth from behind, then Rusev stomps on R-Truth before Nakamura and Rusev both take the boots to him. They both take turns holding up R-Truth for a Machka Kick followed by a Kinshasa.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Becky Lynch, who leaves the arena without having a medical team examining her. Becky says she is no longer spending time on the shelf before driving off.
Backstage, a trainer checks on R-Truth.
Before the next match, Zelina Vega shows up and tells Rey Mysterio that she knows he is responsible for banning her from ringside in last week's match against Andrade, and asks if she is so much of a distraction that he cannot focus. She says that Andrade is head and shoulders above the rest, especially Rey. Suddenly, Rey is blindsided by Andrade, who insultingly hits Rey with Three Amigos. Rey escapes the third suplex, but Andrade blocks the 619. Andrade then comes out on top in the brawl with a Hammerlock DDT.
Backstage, Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) confront Rusev on his actions from earlier. Rusev tells them to mind their business, but Anderson tells Rusev that he and Shinsuke Nakamura deserve each other and challenges them to a tag team match. Nakamura shows up and accepts the challenge. Rusev tells Nakamura he will team with him one time, and to not screw him over.
Backstage, The Miz tells Shane McMahon that the SmackDown tag team titles are celebration enough, but Shane tells him that he will enjoy the championship celebration he has in store for him.
We see footage of Paige and The Rock at the premiere of Fighting With My Family at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. The movie is premiering in select theaters on February 14th and everywhere February 22nd.
The Miz and Shane McMahon show up for their championship celebration. Miz asks Shane where the surprise is, saying that the fans are ready to party with the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Shane says there is no need for extravagance, as he has something big in mind. After making his dreams of becoming a tag team champion come true, he has concluded that there is only one thing he can do for Miz. He admits they have been on quite the journey, then shows a video package of their road to tag team gold. After the video package, Shane introduces the one driving force behind everything The Miz has done in WWE is The Miz's own dad, who shows up. George tells Miz that he loves him and he is very proud of him, and father and son hug in the center of the ring. Shane says it is one thing to win the tag team titles, but it is another thing entirely to defend them. He then announces that a new team to challenge will be decided in a Four Corners Elimination Tag Team Match, which starts right now.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville, who announces that they are declaring for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at Elimination Chamber. Mandy Rose then announces it is not always easy being her, and says that anybody will knock her down any chance they get, especially Naomi. We then see footage from Tough Enough 2015, and says Naomi called her weak. Sonya Deville says that there's more to it than that, and says that Naomi made Mandy sad and angry after the cameras stop rolling. Mandy says the emotional distress caused her to develop a complex that cost her her relationship with a boyfriend, so she went after Naomi's relationship with Jimmy Uso. She says that it is not over between her and Naomi, and when she and Sonya become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Naomi will be the last thing on her mind.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E), The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) and Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) to face The Miz and Shane McMahon for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Elimination Chamber.
"The New" Daniel Bryan knocks the burger out of a backstage worker's hands as he heads to the ring.
"The New" Daniel Bryan shows up. He says that the fans, their children and their children's children won because he won at Royal Rumble, for a victory for him is a victory for every sentient being on planet Earth, for he is the planet's champion. He says he does not expect the fans to understand, as they do not know what winning feels like. He then announces that he has found everyone who finds truth in everything he says and showed up at Royal Rumble for the greater good: Erick Rowan, whom he brings out. He says that Rowan's hands may be dirty, but he reads Chaucer every night and is a man of the earth and his intellectual peer who can see through "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and the fans. Daniel then admits that even Styles is right sometimes, and has implied that he is a hypocrite. Daniel says he is a hypocrite because he carries around the WWE Championship. He calls for a trash can to be brought into the ring, and calls the WWE Championship a symbol of excellence as well as a symbol of excess. As the fans chant "Recycle!", he says it is gaudy, made of cheap labor and tied to the skin of a cow whose life was taken from her. He gives that cow a name: Daisy. Daniel says that Daisy had the ability to feel immense joy, which she never experience much in her life, and feel insufferable pain, which she did feel. Daniel says that Daisy was forced to give her life for the WWE Championship, which he and Rowan stand against. He tosses the title in the trash, and says the championship is trash. He then says that when he became WWE Champion, he wanted to change the world, and to do that, he must create new symbols. Rowan produces a black bag and produces a fabric and wood WWE Championship. Daniel calls this the new symbol of excellence and the new WWE Championship, and says it is made out of 100% sustainable, organic hemp and naturally fallen oak. Suddenly, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles shows up. Styles tells Daniels he wasn't going to just let him throw the WWE Championship in the trash, then asks him if he smoked his own prototype. He also calls Rowan the biggest insurance policy he has ever seen. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up.
After the commercial break, Jeff Hardy is in the ring. Mustafa Ali shows up as well, followed by Samoa Joe. Joe says he is here to put a champion to sleep, and says he has defeated everyone before telling Mustafa Ali he put him to sleep and mentioning "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles' wife Wendy. At this point, "The New" Daniel Bryan has left the ring, and as everyone brawls, he says that he will be champion forever and he will not take any of them on. Triple H shows up on the TitanTron and says he is right, and that he will defend against them all in the Elimination Chamber. As everyone brawls around the ring and into the crowd, Daniel Bryan and Rowan beat a hasty retreat.
Seth Rollins shows up to start tonight's show. He says that last week, he said he would outlast 29 other men because of his heart and determination, and tonight, he stands in the ring as the winner of the men's Royal Rumble Match, heading to WrestleMania. He says that he promised himself that he was not going to do it, but he is going to do it anyway, and he points at the WrestleMania sign. Rollins says that while other kids wanted to be astronauts or athletes, he just wanted to go to WrestleMania, and that winning the Royal Rumble Match is just the beginning. He has a decision to make, and while one road to WrestleMania takes him to long-time friend "The New" Daniel Bryan, the other takes him to Suplex City and Brock Lesnar. Rollins says he will take some time to think about his decision, then WWE COO Triple H shows up. Triple H congratulates Seth Rollins on winning the men's Royal Rumble Match, and says a year ago, he told him to bring back Seth Rollins. He tells Rollins that he has stepped up to that challenge, and he is proud of him. He tells Rollins that he has a decision to make, and while Becky Lynch has to make her decision as to which title she wants to go for on SmackDown Live, Rollins must make his decision tonight. He gives him until the end of the show, when both Lesnar and Bryan will be here. Rollins admits this will be one of the hardest decisions he has ever made in his life, but before he can say much else, Dean Ambrose shows up. Dean Ambrose says he is disgusted by Triple H and Rollins, saying that Triple H never believed in either of them while he always believed in Rollins. Triple H tells Ambrose he is a backstabber, but Ambrose tells him the conversation doesn't concern him. Triple H says everything in the ring concerns him, then Ambrose calls Rollins a "suck-up" and "a pure kiss-ass." He wishes him the best of luck in taking a championship, and reminds Rollins that he has always had his back. He then demands that Triple H make a match between himself and Rollins. Triple H leaves, but Ambrose asks Triple H if he needs permission from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon first. The fans chant "Yes, he does!" then Triple H asks for a referee. The match is on.
Seth Rollins beats Dean Ambrose.
After the commercial break, Dean Ambrose is sitting in a steel chair. He is about to speak when Nia Jax and Tamina show up. Dean and Nia stare down, then Dean notices Tamina. As soon as he turns towards her, Nia forearms Dean from behind, knocking him out of the ring. Referees have to keep Dean from getting back in the ring.
Nia Jax and Tamina beat Alexa Bliss and Mickie James to qualify for the Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
In footage from earlier today, Kurt Angle says he wants a match with Baron Corbin due to what Corbin has done to him in the past few months. He says the only person who should be worried tonight is Corbin.
Before the next match, Baron Corbin tells Kurt Angle that he used to be good and that he thinks that he has one last great match left it in, then says the fans will not be there when he beats and humiliates him. Angle punches him in the face, starting the match early.
Baron Corbin beats Kurt Angle. After the match, Corbin hits End of Days on Angle.
Backstage, Heath Slater, Rhyno, Apollo Crews, Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic), Sasha Banks and Bayley congratulate Finn Balor on a well-attempted try at beating Brock Lesnar last night.
Finn Balor shows up. Last night, Brock Lesnar beat him and beat him again, and he has no excuses about this. He says he has never seen power and speed like that in Lesnar, and tonight, he is hurt. However, he refuses to stand with his head hung low; instead, he is holding it high. Lesnar might have beaten him last night, but he made him believe. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush show up, and Lio Rush says it is amazing that "a twerp" like Finn Balor got a shot at the Universal Championship. He then says he nearly beat Lesnar, but he would not stand a chance against Lashley. Lio Rush says that Lashley is bigger, stronger and faster than Lesnar will ever be, and that the beating Finn got last night is nothing compared to what Lashley would do to him. Finn Balor says he lasted longer against Lesnar than Lashley lasted in the Royal Rumble, and Lashley kicks Finn in the gut before beating him up.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) beat Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews "The New" Daniel Bryan, who is with Erick Rowan. Daniel Bryan says he would have beaten "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, and as for Seth Rollins, he will not wait until WrestleMania to end Rollins' WrestleMania hopes.
WWE is teaming up with UNICEF Kid Power to get more children to care about the world about them and therapeutic food to children in need around the world.
Elias is in the ring. He plays guitar, then asks who wants to walk with him. He says that he has tested the fans, but the fans have let him down, and they need to be better. He says the fans should be on their feet and giving him a standing ovation. Elias there should be wild cheering and Elias signs across the globe, as they are in the presence not only of Elias, but of greatness. He then says it is too late, and the fans chant "We're not worthy!" Elias tells the fans that they are indeed not worthy, and says that his songs are for him and that he has one right now. Before he can perform it, Jeff Jarrett shows up. Jarrett tells Elias that if he thinks he is going to come out to the ring and have a concert for himself after smashing a guitar on him, then he has a problem not with the fans, but with him. All of a sudden, "Road Dogg" Jesse James shows up and tells Elias that if he wants to perform himself, then he can play with himself on his own time. As for him and Jarrett, they want to perform for everybody. They then perform a duet of "With My Baby Tonight." However, as Road Dogg walks around the ring, Elias hits Road Dogg with a guitar shot to the back before going after Jarrett. However, as Road Dogg walks around the ring, Elias hits Road Dogg with a guitar shot to the back before going after Jarrett. Jarrett soon gets the upper hand and fights back, but Elias hits a cheap shot and smashes a guitar on Jarrett's back.
Backstage, Natalya is met by Dana Brooke, who tells Natalya that she will not let her down, and that she is better than Natalya's original pick, Ember Moon. Natalya says they should focus on trying their hardest, but Dana says she's not just better than Ember; she's better than Natalya. They both then head to the ring.
We hear from Mojo Rawley, who blames someone for everything happening to him. We then find out he is looking at a mirror, blaming himself for everything, and says that it all ends now. He says everyone will soon see who he really is.
The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan) beat Natalya and Dana Brooke to qualify for the Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey shows up. She says that if you cannot dream big, ridiculous dreams, then there is no point in dreaming. Last year, he stepped into the ring for the women's Royal Rumble, and a year later, she is Raw Women's Champion. Last night, Sasha Banks gave her the fight of her life and says that she has more desire than any other competitor she has ever faced. She thanks Sasha Banks for that, then says she knows Becky Lynch is watching. She knows that Becky Lynch has a choice to make, then Bayley shows up. Bayley admits she is not Becky Lynch, but agrees that Sasha gave Ronda the fight of her life. She says that if Ronda is ready for a fight, then so is she, and tells her to put the title on the line against a former champion.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship with an armbar after launching Bayley off the top rope. Bayley and Ronda shake hands after the match, then Becky Lynch shows up. Becky tells Ronda she would find a way back to her again, and for over a year, she has been hearing a lot about her, but on the last time she came to her show, she dropped her in the ring and Ronda never looked for her to prove she was the baddest. She then tells Ronda she has been looking for her to prove she is not, and after winning the women's Royal Rumble Match, she doesn't need much time to think. She elects to face Ronda for the WWE Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania. Becky then promises to break Ronda's mystique, take her title and kick her ass in front of the whole world, and Ronda responds by telling Becky she wants to beat the best version of Becky that has every existed. She also says she can re-break Becky's face faster than she can say "Nia Jax," and that she can kill her with her bare hands without breaking a sweat if she wanted to. She also says she has been a household name for a decade. Ronda then says that she owns any ring that she steps in and the ground beneath her feet, and that she will own Becky at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Seth Rollins is met by Braun Strowman, who shakes his hand, tells Rollins that he earned his victory, and tells him to make the right choice and make it count at WrestleMania.
Ten-year-old Ryan Wright's wish to meet Sasha Banks, Seth Rollins and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey at the Make-A-Wish Foundation is granted.
Braun Strowman beats Drew McIntyre by disqualification after he is attacked by Baron Corbin. Braun Strowman fights back, but Drew McIntyre turns the tables on him and hits a Claymore. Strowman still gets up, and McIntyre and Corbin work together to try to lay him out, eventually powerbombing him on some steel steps.
Next week: Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Alicia Fox and Nikki Cross in a qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships!
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up. Heyman says that this should be the easiest decision of Seth Rollins' life, as it easy to make decisions when you have no options and Rollins should challenge "The New" Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship for his own good. He says that nobody - not even Seth Rollins - wants to get into a fight with Brock Lesnar, as it takes a special kind of being to withstand the beating that Lesnar can deliver, especially at WrestleMania. Rollins shows up and immediately has a staredown with Lesnar. Rollins then brawls with Lesnar, who soon responds with an F5 that lays out Rollins. Lesnar then picks Rollins back up for a second F5, followed by a third, a fourth and a fifth, with the fifth directly on the WWE Universal Championship. Rollins then asks Lesnar if that's all he's got, and Lesnar responds with a sixth F5 to end the show.
Brie and Bryan head to a restaurant. Nikki shows up, and announces that she is not moving to Los Angeles, saying that the move did not feel right and that she is staying in San Diego, California for the time being. Brie mentions that this will make their comeback easier.
Nikki shows up at Brie and Bryan's house in a red Ferrari, which she is test driving. Brie is surprised that Nikki is even driving this, as she has been spending a lot of money lately, and thinks that Brie might be having a mid-life crisis.
At a WWE live event in Rochester, New York, Brie and Nikki show up for their first live event in more than three years, where they tag with Ember Moon in a match against The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan). Brie and Nikki are more than happy to be in the ring again. After the match, Brie and Nikki talk with Bryan and Birdie on the phone backstage.
Nikki and Kathy meet at Nicole's new beach house in San Diego, California, where everyone immediately recognizes Nikki, much to Kathy's concern.
Nikki and Kathy drive around San Diego, California, and Nikki talks about her single life. Nikki mentions her former Dancing With The Stars dance partner Artem Chigvintsev, and that she has hooked up with him.
At Nikki's beach house , Brie, Nikki and Kathy have a bottle of wine, and Nikki gives Brie a tour of the beach house, which costs $20,000 a month. Brie thinks this is a cry for help from Nikki.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Brie has a big teddy bear for Birdie, but all it does is make Birdie cry. Brie and Bryan are afraid that they are creating a sense of abandonment in Birdie from the two of them being on the road.
Brie and Nikki meet with Paul and Stephen, old friends of theirs who also do their hair, in a cigar lounge. Brie finds it weird that Nikki is smoking cigars and drinking whiskey and rum at noon, but she goes along with it. Nikki mentions that she wants to get a tattoo, and Brie mentions that Nikki has been living it up big as of late. Paul and Stephen don't see what the problem is, but Brie isn't convinced.
At Brie and Bryan's house, a child development specialist comes to visit. Kathy also sits it. Brie and Bryan find out that they don't have anything to worry about, as they won't have to worry about abandonment issues until Birdie is able to speak.
At Nikki's beach house, Kathy - who is concerned for Nikki's security - shows up with tools such as a knife and a baseball bat. Nikki thinks this is a bit much as she plans for a block party.
At Brie and Bryan's house, Brie and Bryan spend some time with Birdie before going back on the road.
In Baltimore, Maryland, Brie and Bryan are at SmackDown Live for a comeback storyline with The Miz and Maryse. Even though it was hard to leave Birdie for a period of time, being in the WWE proves why she has to be a strong mother for Birdie.
At Nikki's beach house, neighbors start showing up for the block party. Brie finds this out of the ordinary, since Brie usually has small groups that usually involve people she knows. Kathy says it is great to see Nikki is living a freer life, but she and Brie want to make sure that Brie is safe. Despite the large amount of people that show up, the block party is a success. Brie admits that she may have symptoms of a "quarter-life crisis," she has a new level of freedom that she has not experience in some time and she is just trying to have fun with and experience that freedom. Brie admires how Nikki is living her life, at is the first time in a long time, Nikki really feels free.
A week later in Los Angeles, Nikki meets Artem for lunch, and the two of them catch up on things.
Bonus clip: Nikki tries to make a "new Brie."
Bonus clip: Brie and Nikki get started on their comeback.
It is announced that John Cena will not be in the men's Royal Rumble match due to injury, and that Braun Strowman will be in the men's Royal Rumble match.
Backstage, Mandy Rose says she looks perfect and that she went after Jimmy Uso to drive Naomi crazy. She also says tonight is the perfect night to open doors in her career, and that all it takes is one match. Sonya Deville says that everyone has an opportunity to hair up and square up in the Women's Royal Rumble, and Mandy Rose says there is at one woman who has her back...until she doesn't.
Kayla Braxton interviews 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick, who says he is looking forward to the Cruiserweight Championship match and that he has been given an unorthodox opportunity for tag team gold. Rezar has been placed in a match where he must tag with Scott Dawson of The Revival (Dawson and Dash Wilder) replacing the now-injured Akam, and if they win it, both AOP (Akam and Rezar) and The Revival will be in line for a Raw tag team title shot.
In footage from earlier today, Alexa Bliss says she is medically clear and entering the Royal Rumble, and that she is coming for a championship after she wins.
We hear from Samoa Joe, who says that Mustafa Ali was right when he said his eyes do not lie. Joe says that he is a vicious man who will stop at nothing to defeat all of his opponents in the men's Royal Rumble match, a match that he was built for.
We see footage from earlier today where "The New" Daniel Bryan, in an empty arena, where the people will come, see him defend the WWE Championship against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, and then leave after trying to leave their empty lives. He then brings up - and shows - the Chase Field Royal Rumble Burger, saying everyone should be ashamed of this, saying it will do nothing to fill their empty lives. He also says the people try to live vicariously through AJ Styles, and says that this too will not fill their empty lives. As he drops the burger, he says that if an AJ Styles victory is their last hope, then he cannot wait to destroy it. He stomps on the burger and walks away.
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable beat Rezar and Scott Dawson. (Had Rezar and Dawson won, both AOP (Akam and Rezar) and The Revival (Dawson and Dash Wilder) would have earned opportunities at the Raw Tag Team Championships.)
Shinsuke Nakamura beats Rusev to win the WWE United States Championship for the second time. During the match, Nakamura removes a turnbuckle cover, and Lana gets on the apron to get the referee to catch him. Rusev tries to attack Nakamura from behind, but Nakamura moves out of the way and Rusev knocks Lana off the apron instead. Nakamura then nails the Kinshasa to the back of Rusev's neck for the win and the title.
We hear from Nikki Cross, who says that tonight, bodies will fly in the women's Royal Rumble match and nobody will know what is going on except for her. Tonight, she will win the women's Royal Rumble match because chaos always wins.
We see footage of a brawl that took place at Gorilla position after NXT TakeOver: Phoenix between Velveteen Dream, Ricochet, Aleister Black, Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano and and Adam Cole. It is then announced that Velveteen Dream, Ricochet and Aleister Black will face Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole in a six-man tag team match during the Super Bowl halftime show on WWE Network next Sunday.
Buddy Murphy retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Hideo Itami, Kalisto and Akira Tozawa.
We hear from Drew McIntyre, who says that there are so many men who say they are willing to do whatever it takes to win the Royal Rumble, and that many of them have lied and yet the fans still listened. He asks where Dolph Ziggler, John Cena, The Shield and Kurt Angle have been as of late, then says that him winning the men's Royal Rumble match and the Universal title are both certainties, as he is king of the Raw jungle.
Asuka retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Becky Lynch with an Asuka Lock converted into a Muta Lock.
The Miz and Shane McMahon beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) to become the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions!
48,193 people are in the arena for tonight's event.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Sasha Banks, who says that her emotion, passion and desire are the key to her success. She says that she has earned her WWE accomplishments, and that "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey has never been in the ring with someone like her. Sasha says she plans to prove she is the best in the world when she makes Ronda tap out.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Sasha Banks.
Elimination Chamber is live on WWE Network on February 17th!
Before the Women's Royal Rumble Match, Lacey Evans says that everyone will witness history. She introduces herself, and says she is here to clean up the Women's division.
Becky Lynch last eliminates #13 Charlotte - despite not officially being a part of the match - to win the women's Royal Rumble after taking the place of #28 Lana, who is unable to compete after suffering an injured ankle earlier in the show and being attacked by #29 Nia Jax. During the match:
Lacey Evans from NXT enters at #1. She is eliminated by Charlotte Flair.
Natalya enters at #2, and lasts the longest at 55 minutes, 58 seconds (55:58).
Liv Morgan is not only the first woman eliminated, but she is eliminated in mere seconds by Natalya.
Billie Kay enters at #7, and refuses to get into the ring until Peyton Royce shows up. She get thrown into the ring before Peyton Royce enters at #9. Both of them end up getting eliminated at the same time by Lacey Evans.
Xia Li from the Mae Young Classic enters at #11. She is eliminated by Charlotte Flair.
Kairi Sane from NXT enters at #14. She is eliminated by Ruby Riott.
Naomi enters at #15 and eliminates Mandy Rose. Mandy almost eliminates her in return, but Naomi keeps her feet off the floor, walks the guardrail and leaps onto the steel steps to save herself. This is short-lived after Mandy Rose pushes her into the ring post, knocking her off the steps and eliminating her.
Candice LeRae from NXT enters at #16. She is eliminated by Ruby Riott.
Kacy Catanzaro from the Mae Young Classic enters at #19. She avoids elimination at the hands of Dana Brooke by walking on her hands and wrapping her legs around the ring post to get back into the ring, but she is thrown over the top rope and eliminated by Rhea Ripley.
Zelina Vega, who enters at #20, shows up with a claw and mask similar to Vega's (Balrog's) from Street Fighter. She is eliminated by Rhea Ripley after hiding in the ring only to be met by Hornswoggle, who chases her into the ring.
Io Shirai from NXT enters at #23, and fends off The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan) when they lay their hands on an eliminated Kairi Sane. She is eliminated by Nia Jax.
Rhea Ripley from NXT UK enters at #24. She is eliminated by Bayley after scoring three eliminations.
Lana, who enters at #28, enters with an injured ankle. When Nia Jax enters at #29, she attacks Lana on sight, taking her out of the match. Shortly afterwards, Becky Lynch shows up and tells officials that if Lana cannot enter the match, she will take her place. Becky Lynch then enters the match with the officials' say-so. She goes on to eliminate Charlotte Flair last to win the women's Royal Rumble match.
Lacey Evans
Natalya
Mandy Rose
Liv Morgan
Mickie James
Ember Moon
Billie Kay
Nikki Cross
Peyton Royce
Tamina
Xia Li
Sarah Logan
Charlotte Flair
Kairi Sane
Maria Kanellis
Naomi
Candice LeRae
Alicia Fox
Kacy Catanzaro
Zelina Vega
Ruby Riott
Dana Brooke
Io Shirai
Rhea Ripley
Sonya Deville
Alexa Bliss
Bayley
Becky Lynch (replacing Lana)
Nia Jax
Carmella
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) announce the "Crunch With A Punch" sweepstakes from Golden Crisp cereal, where the winner earns tickets to Fastlane and breakfast with The New Day.
"The New" Daniel Bryan retains the WWE Championship against "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. During the match, Erick Rowan - who hasn't been seen in months - shows up to watch from ringside. When the referee is inadvertently knocked out, Rowan gets in the ring and choke slams Styles, allowing Daniel Bryan to retain the title. After the match, Rowan and Daniel Bryan double-team Styles for a running knee.
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal Championship with the Kimura Lock after kicking out of the Coup De Grace, despite being run stomach-first into the corner of the announce table twice. After the match, Lesnar hits Finn Balor with three German suplexes and an F5.
Before the next match, Elias says that while he has drawn #1 and the deck is stacked against him, he will eliminate 29 other men and win the men's Royal Rumble Match. Elias is about to perform when he is interrupted by WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett, who enters at #2. (With this entrance, this is the first time Jarrett has competed in a WWE ring since Unforgiven 1999.) He considers it an honor to be interrupted by Jarrett, and says that Jarrett is here to perform a duet with him. Elias decides to go with the duet, then asks Jarrett to spell his name again. When he does, Elias hits Jarrett with a cheap shot to start the men's Royal Rumble.
#10 Seth Rollins last eliminates #27 Braun Strowman with a Stomp on the apron to win the men's Royal Rumble Match. During the match:
WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett enters at #2. He is eliminated by Elias after having a guitar smashed into his back.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle enters at #4. He is eliminated by Shinsuke Nakamura.
Johnny Gargano from NXT enters at #6. He is eliminated by Dean Ambrose.
When Titus O'Neil enters at #11, he notices Curt Hawkins hiding under the ring and dives under the ring to chase after him. This leads to Hawkins quickly eliminating him only to be eliminated afterwards by Samoa Joe.
Kofi Kingston enters at #12. In typical Kofi fashion, Kofi rolls on his shoulders to the ring while keeping his feet on the apron to get back in the ring. Later, Xavier Woods grabs Kofi Kingston to keep Kofi's feet from hitting the floor as soon as he shows up to save Kofi again. They are then simultaneously eliminated by Drew McIntyre.
No Way Jose enters at #15 and is eliminated as quickly as he shows up. Drew McIntyre then shows up at #16 and headbutts and attacks No Way Jose's conga line.
Pete Dunne from NXT UK enters at #17. He is eliminated by Drew McIntyre.
Aleister Black from NXT enters at #21. He eliminates Dean Ambrose, but is eliminated by Baron Corbin.
Bobby Lashley enters at #26 and is quickly eliminated by Seth Rollins. In response, Lashley and Lio Rush break down a commentary table to put Rollins through it.
When R-Truth enters at #30, he is suddenly attacked and taken out of the match by Nia Jax, who immediately decides to take his place in the match and become the fourth woman to take part in the men's Royal Rumble match. She eliminates Mustafa Ali, but falls victim to a superkick from Dolph Ziggler, a 619 from Rey Mysterio and an RKO from Randy Orton. Rey and Orton then toss Nia out, then a drop kick from Rey finally sends her falling off the apron.
Nick Aldis and Kamile guest on commentary for the next match.
Juice Robinson beats "The Darewolf" PJ Black by disqualification after PJ Black pushes referee Paul Turner into the corner to knock Robinson off the top. After the match, Black punches Paul Turner out, then confronts Nick Aldis, who calls Black an embarrassment to professional wrestling and the NWA. Kamile stands between Black and Aldis before things get worse.
We see footage from during the commercial break where Juice Robinson, who says that he did not come to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to win via disqualification, and says the ROH fans will be seeing a lot more of him in the company in 2019, as there will be new life breathed into ROH and everyone will be "damn happy about it."
We hear from The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan, Vinny Marseglia). O'Ryan says "The Villain" Marty Scurll has more friends that he thought he might have had and is now forming an enterprise. He then says there are no enterprises allowed in The Kingdom. Matt Taven asks Scurll what they do to newcomers around here, and Vinny Marseglia says that while PCO has said he is not human, he has seen him bleed.
Caprice Coleman guests on commentary for the next match.
Shane Taylor beats Mike Law with one punch followed by Greetings From 216. After the match, Taylor says that nobody paid him to take out "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels and that he chose to do it himself. He then says he is just getting started.
Next week: Eli Isom vs. "The Last Real Man" Silas Young to determine the #1 contender for the ROH World Television Championship!
Colt Cabana interviews Flip Gordon in the ring. Gordon says that for the last eight months, he was dealing with a bully, and at Final Battle, he made him quit. He says "Mission accomplished," then says he is on to his next mission: cashing in his shot at the ROH World Championship. Suddenly, Kenny King shows up, and says that in the new Ring of Honor, mediocre dude after mediocre dude shows up and cries because they want to be champion. He tells him and a few others to put their title shots as well as the Philadelphia Eagles' chances of entering the Super Bowl into the garbage, and says that he was the last man on Earth to pin Jay Lethal. After a few replays of the victory that is zoomed in to hide the fact that he used the ring ropes for leverage, he says that he got screwed out of his championship opportunity. Kenny then says he can see through Gordon and calls him a phony after how badly Bully Ray beat him up in the past as well as calling Gordon "a punk-ass weekend warrior who was only brave enough to join the reserves."
Before the next match, Matt Taven asks Villain Enterprises ("The Villain" Marty Scurll, Brody King, PCO) why they think they deserve a shot at the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships, as they have never even teamed up in ROH and have yet to beat anybody. He tells Villain Enterprises that they should earn their shots, then gives them the opportunity to prove themselves and climb the ladder to a title shot. He then announces that they have secured a shot who are unbeatable and undefeated: Shinobi Shadow Squad (Cheeseburger, Eli Isom, Ryan Nova).
Villain Enterprises ("The Villain" Marty Scurll, Brody King, PCO) beats Shinobi Shadow Squad (Cheeseburger, Eli Isom, Ryan Nova).
We hear from Bully Ray, who is sitting in front of a fire outside as he pours lighter fluid on it and looks back at his "I Quit" Match with Flip Gordon from Final Battle. Bully Ray says he never said that he quit.
Nikos Rikos retains the WrestlePro Silver Championship against Talon.
Team Espana (Jos A and Jos B) retains the WrestlePro Tag Team Championships against The Breakfast Club (CPA and Kip Stevens) after the distraction by Wally.
Matt McIntosh beats TJ Crawford and Rich Swann in a three-way match.
"The Smoke Show" Scarlett Bordeaux beats Corinne Mink.
Moose beats Craig Steele with a low blow after nearly sending Steele into the referee.
The Heavenly Bodies (Desirable Dustin and Gigolo Justin) beat KM and Fallah Bahh after Gigolo Justin puts his on the ropes for leverage.
Pat Buck beats Bobby Wayward with a single leg Boston Crab.
Dan Maff beats Kongo Kong.
Chris Payne retains the WrestlePro Gold Championship against Mario Bokara and CAQ after Bokara grabs some powder only to have it sent back into his own face by CAQ.
Before the next match, Eli Drake teases cutting a pre-match promo, then says "Nah."
NXT Match of the Year 2018: Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade "Cien" Almas for the NXT Championship, NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia
NXT Male Competitor of the Year 2018: Tommaso Ciampa
NXT Female Competitor of the Year 2018: Kairi Sane
NXT Tag Team of the Year 2018: The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong)
NXT Overall Competitor of the Year 2018: Kairi Sane
War Raiders (Hanson and Rowe) beat The Undisputed Era (Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong) to become the NXT Tag Team Champions!
Pete Dunne and Toni Storm are seen in the crowd.
Matt Riddle beats Kassius Ohno by submission following multiple elbow shots to the head.
The Worlds Collide tournament, featuring Superstars from NXT, 205 Live and NXT UK - streams on WWE Network next Saturday at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific!
Johnny Gargano beats Ricochet to become the NXT North American Champion after a Slingshot DDT following a brainbuster on exposed concrete floor.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler retains the NXT Women's Championship against Bianca Belair with the Kirafuda Clutch in an intense match following attempted interference by Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke after the referee is inadvertently knocked out, handing Belair her first-ever NXT loss and bringing a two-year undefeated streak to an end.
Velveteen Dream is seen in the front row.
Tommaso Ciampa retains the NXT Championship against Aleister Black after four Fairytale Endings. After the match, Johnny Gargano shows up and celebrates with Gargano.
Rich Swann beats El Hijo del Vikingo. After the match, oVe shows up. Sami Callihan congratulates Swann on his win, and mentions that outside of the ring, the two of them are friends and that Swann is like a little brother to him. Callihan offers the oVe shirt - and a place in the oVe family - to Rich Swann once again. Swann tries to walk away, but Callihan says all of this was possible because he saved him. He says that if it weren't for him, Swann would be dead on the side of the road in Baltimore, Maryland and he would not even be able to take care of his family, whom Callihan mentions by name, angering Swann. Callihan tells Swann that oVe is his real family, and tells him to step up and join them. Swann says the shirt is the right size, but it is not the right fit. He shoves the shirt back at Callihan, then walks away as Callihan tells him to think about it.
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviews Killer Kross, who says he always feels highly homicidal, and tonight is the night that Johnny Impact's legacy dies and his begins, as he gets stronger while Johnny gets weaker. He says that Johnny doesn't know how to hurt him, and that he will choke him out fast. Moose says that "The Machine" Brian Cage won't be here tonight due to problems with customs officials, then Kross tells Johnny to bring a neck brace.
Brace For Impact premieres on Twitch at 7 PM Eastern/6 PM Central on February 2nd!
Backstage, Melissa Santos interviews Jordynne Grace, who says she and Kiera Hogan have trained hard for Allie and Su Yung. Kiera says Allie is a shell of what she used to be, and that they will be prepared for anything they throw at them. Before Kiera can say anything about Rosemary, a message pops up on the screen saying "The darkness will take you. This is not your fight."
Taya Valkyrie beats Keyra by submission. After the match, Josh Mathews interviews Taya, who is happy to be back in Mexico, which has a special place in her heart as it made her who she is today. She says that Homecoming was supposed to be a special night for her and Johnny Impact, but Killer Kross ruined it. She says that Kross will get his, and says that Tessa Blanchard had her suspension coming. Taya tells Tessa that when she comes back, she will be waiting not just for her, but for everyone else in the back.
Backstage, Rich Swann says what Sami Callihan said is true, but that there is a whole lot more to the story.
We hear from The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz), who talk about their matches tonight before Zachary Wentz suddenly starts speaking in Spanish about their match with the Desi Hit Squad. Subtitles show up as he does this, breaking the fourth wall.
We see footage of "The Smoke Show" Scarlett Bordeaux working out in the gym before eating a banana. It is then announced that Scarlett's televised in-ring debut will take place in three weeks.
The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz) beat The Desi Hit Squad (Rohit Raju and Raj Singh).
Melissa Santos interviews Johnny Impact, who says that seeing Taya return made him think about how much of a tough woman she is as well as how badly he wants to get his hands on Killer Kross for putting her in the hospital. He says that Kross is skilled, but all people will remember about his is how much of a piece of garbage he is. Right now, he is focused on Kross, and if Moose will be at ringside, that means he won't be hiding during the match. Tonight, he will take a piece of garbage to the Slamtown dump.
At The Latin-American Xchange (Konnan, Santana, Ortiz) clubhouse, Konnan tells Santana that his remarks towards The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) has the potential to get him in trouble, and that he has two new guys - Taurus and Daga - who he wants to put in action on both teams in six-man action next week.
Trey Miguel beats Ethan Page.
Backstage, Eli Drake meets with Eddie Edwards. He says that he may have touched a nerve, but in three weeks, they are on the same side in Team Impact vs. Team AAA, and wants the old Eddie. Eddie says he does not appreciate what Eli is doing. Eli tells him that he has set up a tag team match with the two of them against The Rascalz for next week, and tells him to leave the Kendo stick at home.
Next week: The Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Fenix) and Taurus vs. The Latin-American Xchange (Santana and Ortiz) and Daga! Jordynne Grace and Kiera Hogan vs. Su Yung and Allie! Psycho Clown vs. Fallah Bahh!
Killer Kross vs. Johnny Impact for the Impact World Championship ends with "The Machine" Brian Cage showing up and attacking both men. Johnny Impact retains the Impact World Championship. After the match, Cage and Johnny fend off Kross and Moose, then go at it with each other. Kross and Moose jump back in to make it a tag team brawl, but Johnny and Cage get the upper hand before having a stare down to end the show.
Velveteen Dream shows up to start tonight's show. He says that he has a little sparkle in his eye and something special in his sights, and that he waits for no man. That sparkle is one of championship gold; more specifically, the North American Championship. Before Velveteen Dream can get done talking, Adam Cole and Bobby Fish show up. Cole says 2019 will be the year of The Undisputed Era (Cole, Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong) , as they will take all the championship gold NXT has to offer. While Kyle O'Reilly and Roderick Strong have the tag team titles, he and Fish have no gold to speak off. Cole says that will change, and that Velveteen Dream can continue to "dream on." Fish says that Velveteen Dream should be ashamed of aspiring for championship gold, and tells him that he should learn to live in reality, for 2019 will continue to be The Undisputed Era's era. Velveteen Dream says he is ready to dispute that claim, but only if that is okay with Cole. Fish charges at Dream only to be tossed out of the ring, and the same thing happens to Cole before Velveteen Dream slides out of the ring.
We see a video package for Bianca Belair vs. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix.
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch beat Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel.
We see a video package for Aleister Black vs. Tommaso Ciampa for the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix.
Kairi Sane and Io Shirai beat Amber Nova and Tanea Brooks. (Tanea Brooks is perhaps best known as Rebel from TNA/Impact Wrestling.)
In footage from moments ago, Kairi Sane says she and Io Shirai will take care of business together. Shirai says nobody can stand them. Suddenly, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir show up and welcome them back. They tell Kairi and Shirai to enjoy their time in NXT while they can, for they will soon send them back out at sea.
Velveteen Dream beats Bobby Fish despite damage deal to his left leg during the match as well as interference by Adam Cole.
Next week: Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs. The Forgotten Sons (Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake)! Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir vs. Kairi Sane and Io Shirai!
Ricochet shows up. Two weeks ago, Johnny Gargano talked about being better, then blindsided him with a superkick. The way he sees it, 2019's Johnny Gargano is the same as last year's, and that he just showed his true colors: a deceitful liar who cares only about himself. Meanwhile, he showed his true colors last year by winning the NXT North American Championship and proving that he is something Gargano is not: a champion. Gargano shows up, and says that Ricochet is trying to use his emotions against him. He says that he has a plan, then tries to brawl with Ricochet. Ricochet gets the upper hand, but is blinsided by Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano then notices Ciampa, and both men stare down before Ciampa backs down and stays in the ring to let Gargano wail on Ricochet at ringside. Suddenly, Aleister Black shows up and attacks Tommaso Ciampa in the ring. Gargano gets in the ring and attacks Aleister from behind before superkicking him. Gargano and Ciampa then look at each other before Ciampa proceeds to pound on Aleister, then Gargano goes back to work on Ricochet when Ricochet gets back in the ring. They then lay Ricochet and Aleister out before staring at each other again, then they both leave the ring. They then look at each other again outside of the ring as they both make their way to the back. Ciampa then extends his hand, but Candice LeRae jumps in between them and tells Gargano that they are not going through this again.
Pete Dunne shows up to start tonight's show. Dunne says that at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, everyone made history. He says it all started in Blackpool two years ago and much has changed, but one thing has remained the same: he is still United Kingdom Champion. Suddenly, Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) shows up, and Joe Coffey proclaims that UK TakeOver changed nothing. He claims that NXT UK is still his kingdom, and that he is thinking of new strategies to make the United Kingdom title his. Joe Coffey tells Dunne to enjoy the UK title while he still can, as it will soon be his. He then says that anyone who has a problem can go to the back of the line, then the lights go out. Walter's entrance hits, and Walter is standing on the stage. When Walter gets in the ring, Mark Coffey and Wolfgang have to hold Joe Coffey back. Gallus then pretends to leave only to rush back in the ring, then Walter and Dunne fight Gallus off. Dunne then finds Walter looking at him, then looking at the United Kingdom Championship. Both men then stare down, then Walter leaves.
Assistant to the NXT UK General Manager Sid Scala announces that NXT UK will be in Phoenix, Arizona for the Worlds Collide tournament, and that not only will NXT UK win and prove they are the best brand, but that three episodes of NXT UK will be taped there. Suddenly, Zack Gibson and James Drake show up. Scala congratulates them on their tag team title win, but Gibson considers Scala's sudden asking of questions to be patronizing and that they will talk when they are good and ready.
Nina Samuels beats Lana Austin.
In footage from NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, Radzi interviews Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven). Moustache Mountain admits they came up short, but even when they lose, they get back up, keep fighting and focus on their goal: the NXT UK Tag Team Championships.
In footage from NXT UK TakeOver; Blackpool, Radzi interviews Toni Storm, who says that she loves NXT UK and will do everything in her power to build it up along with the women's division. She admits the Mae Young Classic made her into a more dangerous person, but also a better person and a champion.
Eddie Dennis beats Jamie Ahmed.
Next weeK: Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) vs. Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel!
Jordan Devlin vs. "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" Travis Banks ends in a double count-out. After the match, both men continue to brawl at ringside and into the crowd.
Humberto Carrillo beats Gran Metalik. Both men show respect after the match.
Backstage, General Manager Drake Maverick talks with Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher regarding Humberto Carrillo, saying Carrillo has a huge upside. Gulak leaves upset, while Gallagher just leaves. Afterwards, "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese shows up wanting a rematch with Noam Dar. Drake says he will consider it, but Noam Dar keeps talking about his upset victory, and if Drake won't grant it, he will have to find his own opportunity.
We hear from Akira Tozawa, who says he came to America to make a name for himself, and that he will become a two-time Cruiserweight Champion.
Backstage, Lince Dorado and Kalisto talk about 2019, and Lince says the Cruiserweight Championship will take The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik) to the next level. Kalisto says he will show his opponents that he is a threat and that The Lucha House Party will show the power of lucha.
Backstage before the next match, Kayla Braxton interviews Hideo Itami. Ariya Daivari says Hideo is the only person in the next match who has not been Cruiserweight Champion, which only makes him more hungry and more dangerous. Also, Buddy Murphy guests on commentary for the next match.
Hideo Itami beats Kalisto and Akira Tozawa in a Triple Threat Match. During the match, Buddy Murphy leaves the announce table and attacks all three men, but Kalisto and Tozawa fight back and lay Buddy Murphy out.
Becky Lynch shows up to start tonight's show. Becky says there is nothing she likes more than being in the ring and fighting, she has something to say. She says it wasn't long ago that people weren't paying attention to her; now she has everyone's attention front and center telling her what she should be doing. Becky says the only thing she should be doing is main eventing WrestleMania and smacking the heads of anyone in her way. That journey starts at Royal Rumble, and while Asuka is one of the best of the world, she is better. She claims that Asuka never beat her for the title, and that this is eating Asuka up tells her all she needs to know, as everyone has been warming themselves under the fire she lit. On Sunday, she is breaking the Empress and taking her title back. Suddenly, Asuka shows up. Becky and Asuka have a stare down, then Charlotte Flair shows up. Charlotte says that as much as she is enjoying this and looking forward to their match, she cannot wait to win the women's Royal Rumble Match and think about which women's title to take. She also mentions she has beaten both Asuka and Becky. As Charlotte mentions that she has dominated the women's division, Asuka goes after Becky from behind, starting a brawl between the two women that has referees and officials quickly moving in and breaking up as Charlotte casually walks away.
Backstage, the brawl between Asuka and Becky Lynch continues after the commercial break, and both women are separated.
Mandy Rose beats Naomi following the distraction by Sonya Deville.
We hear from Rey Mysterio, who talks about his epic Royal Rumble victory before saying he will repeat history on Sunday. Tonight, however, is about respect. He had respect for Andrade until Zelina Vega interfered last week, but now Zelina is banned from ringside. Tonight, if Andrade wants his respect, he will have to earn it.
Cesaro beats The Miz following a cheap shot behind the referee's back by Sheamus. After the match, Shane McMahon hits Cesaro with a flurry of offense, then breaks down the announce table. He goes for a top rope elbow to the table, but Sheamus pushes him off the top and shoves Miz out of the ring before Brogue Kicking Shane. As Sheamus and Cesaro take the boots to Shane, The Miz covers Shane. Sheamus and Cesaro respond by hamming Miz with punches before slamming Shane into Miz and through the announce table. EMTs check on Shane and The Miz as Sheamus and Cesaro leave.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up to moderate the final face-to-face confrontation between "The New" Daniel Bryan and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles before their WWE Championship match at Royal Rumble. After stating that The Miz and Shane McMahon vs. The Bar for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships will be quite the match at Royal Rumble, he then focuses on the WWE Championship match. McMahon introduces Styles first, followed by Daniel Bryan. When Daniel Bryan shows up, he refuses to enter the ring, as he refuses to fall for a trap and step into the ring with a sociopath. He says he is too embarrassed to step into the ring with Styles, whom he says will create an ignorant, impotent future as WWE Champion. He says that Styles uses his power to get fame and money while he uses his for the greater good, and Styles asks if the greater good means talking like a jackass. Daniel Bryan says that Styles has proved his point, saying the people want him to be champion as he makes them jump and cheer, but not think or feel guilty about their actions. He then says he does not care about that, as he is the planet's champion, not the people's. He says the planet needs him, not Styles, as the planet needs him as its voice. Styles says the planet would be screaming at Daniel to shut up right now. He says that Daniel Bryan hopped on a plane to get here just like he did, and proceeds to call him fickle. Styles then says Daniel is not embarrassed to step in the ring with him; instead, he is afraid. Styles tells Daniel that he is afraid of what he will do to him at Royal Rumble before taking his title, and that Daniel has corrupted his morals for the WWE Championship. He then asks what will happens when he takes the title, and says he will have nothing left. Daniel is about to quote Carl Sagan when Vince tells him to get in the ring, but Daniel tells Vince he doesn't want to listen to him because he and the baby boomer generation are "the parasites of the world." Daniel goes on about how Vince's generation takes and takes only to give nothing in return and how he and his generation have placated everyone else to the point where Styles is a hero, but Vince tells him to get in the ring again. Styles then tells Vince that if it is a face-to-face confrontation that he wants, it doesn't necessarily have to happen in the ring. Styles confronts Daniel outside the ring, then proceeds to beat him up and goes for the Phenomenal Forearm. Daniel uses Vince as a human shield, then hits Styles with the running knee before leaving.
Backstage, R-Truth and Carmella talk about the upcoming men's Royal Rumble. After R-Truth leaves, Carmella runs into Charlotte Flair and gives her some advice before saying nobody will get through her after telling her that the women's Royal Rumble Match is like a tornado and that Charlotte's head will be on a swivel. Charlotte tells Carmella that she has the right to be confident, but despite not being in a Royal Rumble Match before, she is confident that she will win and tells Carmella that she is the tornado, not the Women's Royal Rumble.
Samoa Joe beats Mustafa Ali with the Coaquina Clutch.
Backstage, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) watch some footage of narrow Kofi Kingston Royal Rumble elimination escapes when Kayla Braxton interviews them and asks if they will eliminate each other.After joking that Tony Chimel will be the next to ask them, Chimel actually shows up and tries to ask them only to be told to go away. The New Day reply that when one of them wins the men's Royal Rumble, they all do. Kofi Kingston then ponders if he will be able to narrowly escape elimination this year, then Big E and Xavier Woods tell him to keep his head up. Kofi then gets an idea, but refuses to reveal it.
Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade in a two-out-of-three falls match with Zelina Vega banned from ringside ends with Samoa Joe showing up and attacking both men. Andrade wins the first fall on a top rope sit-out powerbomb, and Rey wins the second fall on a Code Red. Joe closes the show with a Coaquina Clutch to Rey before telling the fans he was here to make a statement, and states that he will do this to all the other competitors in the men's Royal Rumble. Suddenly, he is hit with an RKO outta nowhere by Randy Orton..
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up to start tonight's show. Heyman mentions Finn Balor pinning John Cena and getting the opportunity to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship last week, and says this was no fluke and that there was no controversy. He says that Finn Balor seized the moment to the point that John Cena took the microphone and said he believed in him, and that so did the fans. Heyman says he believes in Finn Balor, as well, and says that Finn's career is seizing of moments. He says Royal Rumble is yet another moment for Finn Balor, who believes that he will become the WWE Universal Champion, and while Finn's voice is "the voice that matters," his is "the voice that martyrs." Heyman promises that Lesnar will turn Finn Balor into a martyr who is sacrificed for the sin of making the people believe he can beat Lesnar and take the Universal title, saying even miracles fear Brock Lesnar. He says that at Royal Rumble, when Lesnar puts the ridiculous notion that Finn Balor belongs in the ring with him to bed, Finn will be on his back saying he believes in Brock Lesnar. Suddenly, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up and compliments Heyman on his promoting skills, then brings up the Biblical parable of David and Goliath and compares Finn Balor to David. He says that if any fan in the world believes Finn Balor can beat Brock Lesnar, they believe in fairy tales. Suddenly, Brock Strowman shows up. Vince asks Strowman what he is doing as Lesnar gets up close to Strowman as if to taunt him. Vince has to tell Lesnar to stop playing with him, then Strowman blames his troubles from last week on Baron Corbin. He then says that Monday ended up being lucky for Lesnar as well, and if Lesnar still has the WWE Universal Championship after Royal Rumble, he will rip him apart like one of Vince's limousines. Finn Balor then shows up and talks about his big win from last week, saying he earned his title shot, and while Vince doesn't believe he can win, he and the fans do, and at Royal Rumble, he will beat Lesnar and reclaim the Universal Championship. Strowman says he knows he can beat Lesnar, and while he doesn't know if Finn Balor, he'd "damn well better." Finn tells Strowman to stay out of his business, as he will soon do something Strowman has never done. Finn Balor then tells Vince he got the story mixed up, saying that the people laughed in David's face because they didn't know who he was or what he was capable, and Goliath fell face down into dirt. He then says nobody was laughing then. Vince asks Heyman and Lesnar to stay at ringside for the next match: Finn Balor vs. Braun Strowman.
Finn Balor beats Braun Strowman by disqualification. Brock Lesnar gets on the apron and stares down Strowman from the apron, but Finn yanks him off and drop kicks him into the steel post before getting back in the ring and hitting Lesnar with a tope con hiro. Strowman chases Finn around the ring and hits Sling Blade before drop kicking Lesnar, once from inside the ring and again on the outside into the barricade. Strowman then grabs Finn out of the ring and tosses him in from the apron, but Finn avoids Strowman's onslaught and hits the Coup De Grace. Lesnar then gets in the ring and hits Finn with an F5, ending the match.
Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush show up. Rush says that Lashley is not only better than Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, but everyone else in the locker room. He says they are not here for open challenges, saying they are "for kids," and that Lashley is a professional fighter. He says that he and Lashley do this for the money, not the fun, then Lashley stands on the podium in the center of the ring so Lio Rush can place the Intercontinental Championship around Lashley's waist. Lashley is about to start posing when Apollo Crews shows up. Apollo congratulates Lashley on winning the Intercontinental title, then says that while Lashley is a stud, people paid to see him compete, not pose. He then challenges Lashley to a match. Lio Rush says Apollo is not even in his league, and proposes that if Apollo can beat Lashley in a pose-off, he can get a match. Apollo says he doesn't know how to pose, and Rush says Apollo doesn't know how to be a champion, either. Apollo takes Lio Rush up on the pose-off challenge. Lashley goes first, followed by Apollo. As both men take turns, it becomes obvious that Apollo has a more positive reaction from the crowd. This does not sit well with Lio Rush, and he and Lashley try to get a cheap shot only to be upended by Apollo.
Bobby Lashley beats Apollo Crews with a Spear as Apollo has Lio Rush in a military press. After the match, Seth Rollins shows up and stares down with Lashley in the ring before entering the ring for his match with Drew McIntyre.
Seth Rollins is in the ring. He says that we can learn a lot from Martin Luther King, Jr., and quotes him, saying that the measure of a man is where he stands in the face of challenge and controversy. He says it was not long ago that he had two titles and two brothers by his side, but now he has no titles and a broken family. He says we must focus on what we have, not what we don't, and he still has his first and last love: wrestling. Rollins says that as long as he has a ring under his feet, a microphone in his hand and a fire in his heart, he will win the men's Royal Rumble match. He admits that winning the match is a long shot, but he does not give a damn, for his whole life is a long shot, and while he is not as big and powerful as Drew McIntyre or Bobby Lashley and from a Midwestern town with working class roots, the ring is the only reason he is not doing anything else in his life. He says that wrestling is ingrained in his soul, and while it is a long shot, he will prevail at the men's Royal Rumble. Drew McIntyre shows up and tells Rollins he will kick his head off and beat him tonight, but after hearing what he has said, he says he will not stand idly by while Rollins lies to himself and the people, as Rollins will not win the men's Royal Rumble. He says that Rollins will lose due to his wrestling style, and said that if you took Rollins' heart and put it in a 6'5" terminator, you would get Drew McIntyre. Drew then says he hopes and prays that they are in the ring together at the men's Royal Rumble so he can look up at him as it is announced that Rollins is eliminated and that McIntyre is the winner of the men's Royal Rumble match.
Seth Rollins beats Drew McIntyre with a surprise schoolkid pin.
Backstage, The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) state their case to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon for another opportunity at the Raw tag team titles with a decent referee. Curt Hawkins shows up wanting another match, but Vince tells him he has lost too much and proposes that Hawkins be the ref for The Revival's match.
Backstage, we hear from Dean Ambrose, who mentions Seth Rollins' pre-match stage before saying that Martin Luther King Jr. once said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere. He says he cannot wait to see Bobby Lashley and Seth Rollins in the men's Royal Rumble match so he can hurt them and send them over the top rope in revenge for costing him the Intercontinental Championship. He says that 2018 was not his year after he ran himself into the ground, and says that the men's Royal Rumble will be his shining moment. He says that come Sunday, justice will be served.
The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado) beat Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers (Samir and Sunil Singh).
We see a vignette for EC3, then go backstage and see EC3 pose in a mirror. Dana Brooke is seen talking to him as Elias heads to the ring.
Elias is in the ring. He plays guitar, then says 2019 will be an incredible year. He says that there will be many rivers to cross and mountains to climb after the men's Royal Rumble, the truth that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias" will bring everyone back home. Elias then announces that tonight, he has written a song that might be his finest yet. Before he can perform it, however, Baron Corbin interrupts and tells Elias to stop talking. He then tells the crowd to shut up only to get booed, and says Elias almost got him killed when he ratted him out to Braun Strowman. He asks the crowd what is wrong with them when they cheer upon hearing this, and the crowd tells Corbin that he sucks. Corbin counters by saying that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was right when he said there were hillbillies in the crowd, then tells Elias he is going to put him in his place. Elias tells Corbin he is no longer General Manager of Raw, and proceeds to play a song. Corbin tells his sound guy Lance to kill Corbin's microphone, and Corbin can no longer be heard as Elias tells Corbin he has a front row seat to an Elias concert. Elias proceeds to mock Corbin through song, saying that nobody cares about Corbin and that Corbin got fired. Corbin runs into the ring, but quickly rolls back out when Elias swings his guitar at him.
Baron Corbin beats Elias.
It's time for A Moment Of Bliss. Alexa Bliss announces the participants for this year's women's Royal Rumble. She then introduces tonight's guest, Nia Jax. Nia shows up and asks who Nia will pick if she wins this year's women's Royal Rumble match. Before Nia can answer, Ember Moon shows up and snatches the microphone out of Nia's hand, saying she is tired of waiting for an invitation that would never come to say that she will win the women's Royal Rumble. Alicia Fox shows up, takes the microphone and says she will win the Royal Rumble match. Mickie James shows up and makes the same claim. As all four women fight over the microphone, other women shows up. Alexa stands on the chair and says enough is enough. She says that this is her show, and if her show turns into a brawl, they will make themselves look stupid and ruin her reputation as a talk show host. Alexa telss everyone to calm down, but the brawl happens on the stage anyway. Referees quickly move into place to try to separate everyone. The brawl then spills its way backstage, then Alexa says that everyone in the women's Royal Rumble match is passionate before announcing that she will be in the match itself. Suddenly, Lacey Evans shows up and takes the microphone. She calls the women's division "a bunch of nasty, classless little girls" before stating that the winner of the women's Royal Rumble will not be "a sawed-off, girly runt." Lacey Evans, who calls herself a classy, sophisticated lady, proclaims that she will win the women's Royal Rumble match.
We hear from Titus O'Neil, who says that he is going to win the men's Royal Rumble as a backstage worker walks past in comical fashion.
Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) beat The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) in their main roster debut.
Bobby Roode and Chad Gable retain The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) after special guest referee Curt Hawkins sees every breaking of the rules and refuses to allow The Revival to win via dirty tricks. After the match, The Revival attack Curt Hawkins. Zack Ryder runs out from backstage and fends off The Revival to make the save for Hawkins. Ryder helps Hawkins up and stands side-by-side with his former tag team partner.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, who says that she doesn't owe Sasha Banks anything, much less an apology. She says there is a big difference between a boss and a champion, and on Sunday, The Boss will answer to the champ.
Before the next match, Sasha Banks asks "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey who she says she is, and says she earned her accomplishment while Ronda was handed everything. She says the world knows she is a worthy competitor, and that she will make her tap out Sunday. This touches a nerve with Ronda, and Natalya, Bayley and the referee all have to keep Ronda and Sasha from tearing each other apart before the bell rings.
Sasha Banks and Bayley beat "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Natalya with a Banks Statement to Natalya.
