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.
Kyoki beats Kit Wilson after Kit Wilson inadvertently knocks The Miz off the ring apron. After the match, The Miz tries to hit Kyoki with the Skull Crushing Finale, but Kyoki is able to counter it, and Shinsuke Nakamura gets in the ring and hits Miz with the Kinshasa.
Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) beats The Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro).
"All Ego" Ethan Page beats Joe Hendry after nearly sending Hendry into referee Jessika Carr before going for a schoolkid pin and grabbing the tights.
General Manager Adam Pearce and WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque are in the ring to start tonight's show as the Cell comes down. Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) are escorted to the ring for the official weigh-in for their match. Oba comes out first, followed by Lesnar and Heyman. Oba steps on the scale for his weigh-in first, and weighs in at 302 lbs. Lesnar and Heyman then arrive and make their way to the Cell for Lesnar's weigh-in. When Lesnar's police escort enters the Cell, however, Lesnar locks the Cell door, trapping Oba Femi in the Cell. Heyman announces there is a slight change of plans, as allowing Lesnar in the Cell is not a very good idea. Heyman calls Brock Lensar the most non-PG, most successful and most violent individual in the history of combat sports before telling Oba Femi that he is an underdog going into his Hell in a Cell match with Lesnar. Heyman says that Oba Femi will not beat Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell, then says that Lesnar stepped on a scale backstage and weighed in at 303 lbs. Lesnar then lays the key to the Cell on the floor to taunt Oba Femi, then tells Oba "I'll see you at SummerSlam, bitch!" As Lesnar and Heyman leave, Oba Femi takes his anger out on all of the police officers in the ring and attacks them. (Some of the police officers escoring Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar are played by indepedent wrestlers Lucas Riley, Dom Kubrick and Mathias.)
We look at "Chapter VI: Surprise," which chronicles Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble 2022 and their hatred for each other at the time.
The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jacob Fatu) are seen arriving to the arena in two black SUV's.
WBC Welterweight World Champion Ryan Garcia is seen in the front row.
The Vision (Bron Breakker and Austin Theory) beats Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) after Logan Paul distracts the referee, allowing Theory to get the knees up to block Tozawa's top rope senton. After the match, The Vision continue to attack Tozawa, but Otis makes the save and stops Breakker from hitting another Spear. Maxxine distracts Otis as Otis goes up top, and Breakker and Theory powerbomb Otis out of the corner for a Bron Breakker Spear. On the way out, Theory grabs a metal folding chair and smacks Otis' head against the ring post with it.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews LA Knight. Knight says he is paranoid, as everything he has said would happen has happened, and at SummerSlam, he will be doing some fighting and putting The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso, "Main Event" Jey Uso, Jacob Fatu) in a hole.
We hear from Raquel Rodriguez and Sol Ruca. Raquel says that Sol Ruca will not get lucky again and will not let the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship slip through her fingers. Sol Ruca says she knows what she is getting into and that Raquel will throw everything at her, but she has beaten her once and she will beat her again.
Comedian Fluffy, Hot Ones: Extra Heat host Sean Evans, All the Smoke Podcast host Matt Barnes, and "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart are seen in the crowd.
We see a video package of Chad Gable's road to SummerSlam.
We hear from Iyo Sky, who says that she has been in Liv Morgan's head since Queen of the Ring and that Liv is not as strong as she thinks she is. She says that Liv is not the greatest challenge of all time, which she has been in the presence of great champions and wrestlers that Liv pales in comparison to. Iyo says that Liv's arrogance will be her downfall and that Liv is scared to lose. She says she will prove Liv wrong again and face her for the World Women's Championship at SummerSlam, stating that she has beaten her once and she will do it again.
Je'Von Evans beats Rusev after escaping the Accolade twice.
We look at "Chapter VII: Old Ghosts," which chronicles what happened between Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
Joe Hendry and Danhausen perform a concert in the ring regarding their feud with The Judgment Day ("Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh). The Minihausens join in to dance and play tambourine, and "The Clipperhausens" (really the Los Angeles Clippers dance team) dance at ringside. WBC Welterweight Champion Ryan Garcia jumps the line and joins the ringside dancers before playing guitar in the ring. When Joe Hendry turns his back after noticing Garcia, Garcia hits Hendry from behind with the guitar before JD McDonagh and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio show up and lay out Danhausen. Dominik and McDonagh celebrate with Ryan Garcia.
We hear from Penta. He says that he is glad Chad Gable changed, but forgiveness does not erase the past and winning the International Championship will not earn him redemption.
Actor Harry Jowsey, actor and TV host Mario Lopez, actor and rapper O'Shea Jackson Jr., and actor Ashton Kutcher are seen in the crowd.
We see another vignette for Big Cass, who will return to WWE next week.
"All Ego" Ethan Page beats Rey Mysterio after blocking the 619 with the ring skirt.
We hear from Liv Morgan, who says that Iyo Sky does not understand who she is facing at SummerSlam. Liv says that everyone overlooked and underestimated her on her way to the top, and that she will do whatever it takes to stay there. She says she does not care about what people think; only the Women's World Championship, which means she has to care about Iyo. She says that Iyo is not in her head and that she is stronger than Iyo thinks she is.
Backstage, it is revealed that Danhausen and the Minihausens have been laid out in Danhausen's laboratory. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and tells Danhausen to give the money back to "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh, and Danhausen tells Pearce to put it on a pole for a match. Pearce makes a Human Monies on a Pole Match official for SummerSlam.
The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) head to the ring. Jey Uso warns LA Knight, Royce Keys and Solo Sikoa with a warning shot, then Solo Sikoa shows up out of the crowd and mocks them, saying The Usos started this by running back to Roman Reigns and that "the real Bloodline" had him in it. After Solo says that The Usos have no chance at SummerSlam, Jimmy says that Solo is just playing games before telling him to "run the play or else." Solo asks why he would come back to the family when he and everyone else loves where he is at, and tells The Usos that Roman Reigns can kiss his ass, then LA Knight shows up. LA Knight says his heart does not feel for The Usos' family drama and hopes that maybe they could patch it up before they pay penances for what they did to him and Royce Keys. He says that the talking is done, and he will see them at SummerSlam. Knight turns to leave, then turns around, takes off his jacket, and says he could walk down the aisle so that he and Solo Sikoa can stomp The Usos right now. Solo soon joins Knight in the ring, starting a tag team brawl that only escalates when Jacob Fatu shows up. Royce Keys soon arrives to even the numbers game, then brawls with Jacob Fatu. Jacob soon locks the Tongan Death Grip on Royce Keys before Solo breaks the hold and hits Jacob with the Samoan Spike. Knight hits Jacob with the BFT, and he, Solo and Royce stand tall in the ring.
We see a video package of a brief history of the Hell in a Cell Match.
Raquel Rodriguez beats Sol Ruca to become the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship! During the match, Roxanne Perez runs out to the ring and is taken out by Sol Ruca. Liv Morgan shows up and yanks at Sol Ruca from the outside behind the referee's back, and that allows Raquel to hit a big boot. Iyo Sky shows up and goes at it with Liv Morgan, hitting her with the Bullet Train Attack into the ring post. Sol Ruca then goes for the Soul Snatcher on Raquel only to be yanked down by Roxanne, and Raquel hits the Tejana Bomb for the pin, the win and the championship.
We see "Chapter VIII: The Grandest Stage," which chronicles Seth "Freakin'" Rollins' World Heavyweight Championship win at WrestleMania 41.
Roman Reigns heads to the ring. Before the fans can acknowledge Reigns, however, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up and heads to the ring. Rollins demands that the fans acknowledge him, and Reigns calls him an asshole. Rollins says that this is how he gets his, as some other people get things handed to them while people like him have to grind to survive. He admits that Reigns is everything he says he is and everything WWE wanted him to be, and while Reigns has an edge over him in so many departments, he will never be better than him at professional wrestling. Rollins says that when it comes to what goes on in the ring, he owns Reigns, and when it comes to what goes on inside Reigns' head, he owns Reigns there, too. He says that Reigns can call him an asshole, but he cannot call him a liar, and SummerSlam will not be any different. He says that Reigns can need to beat him all he wants, but he will not stand a chance. Reigns states that he is "the only true Superstar" and "the only true champion" around here, and that he meant it when he said that he needed to beat Rollins, and says that the whole industry needs him to beat Rollins. Rollins says it is funny what they need and that Reigns needs this so badly, then addresses Reigns needing his family to be there to see Reigns beat him as well as how he cashed in on him at WrestleMania 31 and sent him and his family home in tears. He then hopes that Reigns' family is there on Sunday so he can see them cry again after finding out that their father is a fraud, a loser and "forever Seth Rollins' bitch." Reigns punches Rollins in the face and attacks him. Reigns soon hits Rollins with the Superman Punch followed by the Spear, then grabs a metal folding chair and tries to hit Rollins with it only for Rollins to recover and hit Reigns with The Stomp.
Note: The winners of all four of tonight's matches have already been announced as being in the Ladder Match against Penta for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 42. It should be noted that when these matches took place, they were not announced live to the audience as qualifying matches of any kind. This is only mentioned on commentary during the show as well as in the show's post-production.
Dragon Lee beats Grayson Waller in a WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match qualifier.
JD McDonagh beats Akira Tozawa in a WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match qualifier.
Je'Von Evans beats Rayo Americano in a WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match qualifier.
Rusev beats Otis by submission with the Accolade in a WWE Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match qualifier.
Becky Lynch finds out that AJ Lee is in the building backstage.
It is announced that Bron Breakker has been injured while training and has successfully undergone surgery, and that Bron Breakker will be out indefinitely.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Becky is absolutely furious as she states there is only so much disrespect that she can take, and that she came out here to announces that the corruption would be overthrown at Royal Rumble, but she has found out that AJ Lee is here tonight. AJ Lee shows up, much to Becky's annoyance, and says she is here to support Maxxine Dupri and hang out in catering, but Becky calls AJ Lee a little chihuahua who keeps barking and ruining her life. AJ Lee remembers the two times she beat Becky Lynch and cost her her title against Maxxine Dupri, but Becky is about to snap as she wonders what it will take to get rid of AJ Lee before challenging her to a match at Elimination Chamber. AJ Lee thinks that Becky is either having a nervous breakdown or actually wants to go one-on-one with her, then finds it flattering and mentions she has not been in a singles match in over a decade. AJ Lee then wonders if that will make her lucky or better if she beats Becky, then realizes that would make her #1 contender for the Women's Intercontinental Championship, which causes Becky to repeatedly say "No!" AJ Lee then says she will go back to Chicago, Illinois, stating "No title, no match." Becky relents, then says that if AJ thought she was held down by the man before she left, then she has no idea what she is in for.
The Usos (Jimmy and "Main Event" Jey Uso) retain the World Tag Team Championships against Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa). After the match, Byron Saxton interviews The Usos. Jey says Alpha Academy held it down tonight, and Jimmy says they will remain the best tag team in the game on the road to WrestleMania. He then wants Jey to qualify for and win the Elimination Chamber match, then go back to being the main event.
Liv Morgan and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio head to the ring. Dominik gives Liv some flowers and Valentine's Day candies, and Liv tells Dominik that she will give him his gift later before declaring herself the greatest Women's Champion and Royal Rumble winner of all time. She says that she put Jade Cargill and Stephanie Vaquer on notice and claims that they are scared of her, because they know that whoever she picks will lose their title at WrestleMania. Dominik is about to speak when Vaquer shows up and heads to the ring, then tells Liv that she talks too much before addressing her in Spanish. Dominik refuses to repeat what Vaquer said to Liv before responding. Vaquer says that Dominik said he is a little bitch, then Liv says Vaquer is not capable of filling her "Hot girls love Dominik Mysterio" shirt. Vaquer says that she hopes Liv picks her so she can kick her ass, but Liv says she is going to take her time before calling her a "puta." An angry Vaquer responds by slapping Dominik.
We hear from Rhea Ripley, Ivy Nile and Lyra Valkyria before their Elimination Chamber qualifier match happening tonight.
Rhea Ripley beats Lyra Valkyria and Ivy Nile in a women's Elimination Chamber qualifier after Lyra hits Ivy Nile with Nightwing only for Rhea to save the match with a running knee and hit Riptide on Lyra.
Backstage, Liv Morgan and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio meet with Raquel Rodriguez when they all notice Finn Balor. Dominik tells Finn that things will be better soon with JD McDonagh returning, but Finn says he is not done with CM Punk and the World Heavyweight Championship, and that he is tired of being an afterthought.
Michael Cole is about to interview CM Punk in the ring when Finn Balor shows up, takes the microphone and says that everyone has forgotten about what he did to CM Punk two weeks. He says that Punk is hurt because he hurt him, and that he will not let Roman Reigns take advantage of his kill, much like how Roman Reigns took advantage of the top rope when he had him beat. Finn says he is tired of being an afterthought and being pushed around, and he wants Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber, saying that Punk beat him on his own turf and that he will beat Punk on his. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up with security and tells Finn Balor that he is too late and that the World Heavyweight Championship is already spoken for, and tells him to leave or else he will send security after him. CM Punk shows up and chases Finn out of the ring after Pearce tries to reason with him. Punk says that Finn is the first thought and that he deserves an ass beating instead of a title shot, then dares him to get in the ring. Finn tells Punk to put his title on the line so he can finish what he started two weeks ago, and Punk says they can do this right now or at Elimination Chamber. Pearce refuses, but Punk tells him to give him what he wants or else he will chase Finn and knock his teeth down his throat. Pearce refuses, but Punk tells him to give him what he wants or else he will chase Finn and knock his teeth down his throat. Pearce relents and makes the match official for the World Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber. Finn is escorted away through the crowd, then Punk lets Michael Cole go with the interview. Michael Cole asks Punk why he would jeopardize the main event of WrestleMania like he just did, but Punk says he is building and chasing greatness by being a fighting champion. He says that chasing greatness comes with the responsibility of proving that he is the best in the world, and that he is brave enough to know that without risk, there is no reward, and he is brave enough to put it all on the line for the fans every Monday night. Punk knows it could happen any night at any city, but he does his best to make sure it does not happen. He then says he does not believe Roman Reigns when Roman says he hates him, and that he really hates being unable to stop what Punk is building. Punk then proclaims that WrestleMania will end with him still holding the World Heavyweight Championship.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce is met by The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory). Paul Heyman considers Pearce an adversary more worthy than he anticipated, then puts what happened to Bron Breakker at Royal Rumble on Pearce. Pearce says that Bron Breakker is one of the keys to the future and that nobody wants Breakker back faster than him, then mentions Austin Theory's qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber and tells the rest of The Vision not to get involved in it. Heyman asks if this is a threat or a declarative statement. Pearce says this is a threat, and as The Vision leave, Logan Paul boldly asks Pearce what he will do if they get involved. He then states that this is a rhetorical question, and "Big" Bronson Reed has to hold Logan back. Bronson tells Logan that Pearce is his problem now, not Logan's.
Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri ends in a no-contest after Nattie gives Maxxine so much of a beatdown that Maxxine can barely protect herself. After the match, Nattie puts Maxxine Dupri in a Sharpshooter on the announce table before AJ Lee shows up and chases Nattie away. As AJ Lee and officials help Maxxine to the back, AJ Lee is suddenly attacked from behind by Becky Lynch.
We hear from LA Knight, who looks forward to beating Penta and Austin Theory to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match.
Je'Von Evans tag team partner is revealed to be El Grande Americano I.
Je'Von Evans and El Grande Americano I beat Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano) despite El Grande Americano II shoving El Grande Americano I off the top rope, which only leads to Bravo Americano going for a splash only to fly right into an OG Cutter by Je'Von Evans. After the match, El Grande Americano II attacks Je'Von Evans from behind before attacking El Grande Americano I and trying to unmask him. El Grande Americano I knocks El Grande Americano II and goes for his mask, but Rayo Americano saves El Grande Americano II by pulling him out of the ring.
We hear from LA Knight, Penta and Austin Theory before their Elimination Chamber qualifier.
We see a vignette for Oba Femi. Oba Femi says that people fear change and that change is inevitable. He says that those who do not adapt will perish, then says that the change that was coming is now here and that it has sent Oba Femi.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews a guffawing Gunther, who says he could not care less about Dragon Lee and is focused on WrestleMania. He says his road should have started when he retired Goldberg, but instead, it starts next week. He says the result will be the same and that he will walk out of WrestleMania as a world champion.
LA Knight beats Austin Theory and Penta in a men's Elimination Chamber qualifier. During the match, Logan Paul and "Big" Bronson Reed show up and attack LA Knight, with Bronson hitting Knight with a Tsunami as Logan Paul distracts the referee. As General Manager Adam Pearce shows up with security and forces Bronson and Logan to the back, Theory hits The Stomp on Knight, then goes for the pinfall only to be pulled out of the ring by Penta. Penta fends off Theory on the outside only to get launched into the announce table back first, then a man clad in all black superkicks Theory before hitting Theory with The Stomp, tossing Theory back into the ring and fleeing through the crowd while Logan Paul gives chase. Theory gets up, but so does Knight, and Knight hits Theory with the BFT for the win and to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match.
In Loving Memory of Jim Shank, January 28, 1966 - February 6, 2026. (Jim Shank was a production team member for WWE during the Attitude Era, and held the role of technical operations manager before his untimely passing last Friday following a long battle with colorectal cancer.)
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He brings up Gunther's claim that he will end his WWE career at Royal Rumble, then proclaims that he is not going anywhere. He also make it clear that 2026 will be the year that he retires. Styles says he wants to enjoy retirement along with the fans, especially when John Cena took all of 2025 to say goodbye to do the same, and mentions that there are a lot of people he would love to wrestle one more time. He also mentions that he wants to be world champion one more time. Styles then states that Gunther may be good, but he is not phenomenal. Suddenly, CM Punk shows up and heads to the ring. Punk mentions his twenty-plus year history with Styles and states that there is nothing but respect between them, then wants to know what Styles is doing putting his career on the line against Gunther, especially when the two of them still have a lot of moments to make. He also tells Styles that he has watched his career during their friendship and feels that the stakes are just too high. Styles takes this as Punk thinking he cannot beat Gunther, but Punk says he knows Styles can beat Gunther. Punk says that if Royal Rumble does not go Styles' way, then the two of then cannot square off in a WWE ring. Styles, admitting that he knows that Punk is not coming across in a such a way, says that Punk is being disrespectful, but Punk says he is more selfish than anything. Styles says he can beat Gunther, and he knows that he can Punk. Punk says that if Styles loses, the world will never know for sure, and that leaves him at a loss as to what to do. Styles proposes that they face each other tonight, and if he beats Punk tonight, he will be #1 contender for the World Heavyweight Championship if he beats Gunther at Royal Rumble. Punk says that he promised to be a fighting champion, and if they are going to do this tonight, they are going to do this for the championship. He then accepts Styles' challenge for tonight with the title on the line. Both men then shake hands.
Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer beat The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez) in a six-woman tag match.
Backstage, Finn Balor catches up to CM Punk. He says that even though he did not win last week, he was still part of the most important night of his career. Finn thanks Punk, then says there are not a lot of men like them left. He proposes that Finn leave The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez), as he will not do much hanging with "trash" like "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, and tells him to win the Royal Rumble.
Triple H is revealed to be the cover athlete for WWE 2K26's deluxe edition.
The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) heads to the ring. Paul Heyman introduces The Vision, including Bron Breakker, who will be speaking with General Manager Adam Pearce regarding his suspension. Heyman mentions that Pearce put his hands on Breakker first, which he calls conduct becoming an executive in WWE, and claims that Pearce planted the brass knuckles that he took away from The Vision in last week's match so that Rey Mysterio could use them. He then states that the table has been set and that The Vision welcomes Pearce's presence. Pearce heads to the ring, and Bronson has to hold Breakker back. Pearce says he is not here to make excuses or apologize for wearing his heart on his sleeves, then admits that things got out of hand. He apologizes for putting his hands on Breakker first and states that this will not happen again. He also announces that Breakker is no longer suspended and is in the men's Royal Rumble Match. Heyman thanks Pearce and offers to shake Pearce's hand, then puts Logan Paul, Bronson Reed and Austin Theory in the Rumble as well. He also gives Theory a chance at redemption against Rey Mysterio after last week's match, and makes it official tonight. The match then takes place right now.
Austin Theory beats Rey Mysterio with a curb stomp after Mysterio drop kicks Logan on the outside as Logan Paul and "Big" Bronson Reed brawl with Dragon Lee and Penta on the outside. After the match, Bron Breakker goes on the attack, and Logan Paul hits the knockout punch on Dragon Lee so that Breakker can hit Dragon Lee with a Spear. Logan then hits Dragon Lee with the Paul from Grace before Penta also eats a Spear. Bronson Reed then gets Penta in position for a Tsunami and hits it. Breakker then hits Penta with another Spear.
We hear from Natalya, who says that she made Maxxine Dupri, but Maxxine failed her. She states that Maxxine believed that she could roll like a legend because she rolled with a legend. Natalya states that she is a whole new person and that when she is done with Maxxine, she is coming for it all. She says that Natalya elevates, but "Nattie" decimates.
Backstage, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria confront Raquel Rodriguez for yelling for General Manager Adam Pearce as Bayley is on the phone, and that allows Stephanie Vaquer to attack Raquel before Pearce and other officials show up to break the brawl up.
In footage from earlier today, Michael Cole interviews Gunther. Gunther says he has nothing to gain if he beats "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, but now that he can beat him for his career, he has something phenomenal to gain. He says he is sick of all the "old-timers" overstaying their welcome and chasing one moment after another, proclaiming that those moments belong to him, and that he is not interesting in Styles taking away moments that belong to him. He also states that Michael Cole falls into that category as well and asks Cole how long he will stick around to chase another moment, then says he could end his career right now. Instead, he wants Michael Cole to call his match with AJ Styles at Royal Rumble and proclaim that Styles' career is over. Gunther laughs and says it is going to be great and memorable.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce is met by Finn Balor, who declares for the men's Royal Rumble. Pearce says the men's Rumble is full, but Balor still wants in. Pearce does not budge, and Finn says this is not over. Finn then runs into Liv Morgan, who is infuriated by Punk's recent words to Finn. Finn says that this is not straightforward and that he needs to figure this out.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barns is seen in the front row.
"Main Event" Jey Uso watches the next match from ringside.
Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) beat American Made (Julius and Brutus Creed), Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano) and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) in a Fatal 4-Way tag team match to become #1 contenders for the World Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Becky Lynch. Becky mocks Jackie's Toronto Maple Leafs jacket and acknowledges that she knows where Natalya is coming from, then declares for the women's Royal Rumble. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kair Sane) show up, and Kairi Sane says Becky is not ready for Asuka, but Becky says she has beaten Asuka before, and blames The Kabuki Warriors for their WarGames loss. Asuka tells Becky she will see her in the Royal Rumble.
Backstage, Je'Von Evans hopes to see AJ Styles on WWE's upcoming world tour before wishing him luck against Gunther.
Backstage, Stephanie Vaquer meets with General Manager Adam Pearce, stating she wants a fight with Raquel Rodriguez. Pearce gives it to her next week in the form of a Philadelphia Street Fight.
Backstage, The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory) come up with a plan regarding the men's Royal Rumble match. Logan Paul says they should enter the match with one vision, and that nobody can stop them. He says that one of them must leave as the winner of the Royal Rumble, and states it should be Bron Breakker.
Oba Femi will be in the men's Royal Rumble match.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship ends with Finn Balor attacking Punk as he has Styles in the corner. CM Punk retains the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, Finn Balor drop kicks CM Punk into the barricade, then gets him back into the ring for the Coup de Grace. Finn eventually hits Punk with it three times to end the show.
Before the next match, Kit Wilson says there is an ever-growing problem of toxicity in the locker room, then says that Berlin, Germany is worse. He calls the football, the men and the food toxic, then says that Germany is toxic. As he points at everyone and calls them toxic, Ilja Dragunov shows up for the next match.
Ilja Dragunov beats Kit Wilson. After the match, Dragunov speaks to the Berlin crowd in German.
Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) beat American Made (Julius and Brutus Creed).
A-Town Down Under (Grayson Theory and Austin Theory) beats Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) after Austin Theory sends Otis into Tozawa head-first in order to grab Tozawa and hit him with A-Town Down.
Lyra Valkyria beats Alba Fyre after getting the knees up for the Swanton Bomb before hitting Nightwing for the win.
Gunther makes his way to the ring to start tonight's show. Jackie Redmond interviews Gunther in the ring, asking about what happened last week following a video replay of Gunther's failed backstage attack on Damien Priest. Before Gunther can say anything, Damien Priest heads to the ring and demands Gunther talk about how easy it will be for him to win at Survivor Series, but Gunther stays silent. Before Gunther can say anything, Damien Priest heads to the ring and demands Gunther talk about how easy it will be for him to win at Survivor Series, but Gunther stays silent. He says they both know that the old Gunther is not back and that Gunther used to have an incredible aura and has had a lot of accomplishments, but he cannot talk because he has never dealt with a problem like him. Priest then states that at Survivor Series, "this problem is taking that championship" before asking what will happen to Gunther when he loses to a guy from the street. Priest then allows Gunther to speak again when Gunther approaches him, and Gunther puts the microphone to his mouth before putting it down, pretending to walk away and then hitting Priest with a cheap shot. Gunther then goes for a ground and pound on Priest before tossing him out of the ring and attacking him further. Referees show up as Priest fight back to restore order, and Priest puts Gunther through the announce table with the Razor's Edge. Priest then stands over Gunther while holding up the World Heavyweight Championship.
Backstage, Bianca Belair is met by Naomi, who finds out that Jade Cargill is banged up and that the two of them will go after who took her out. Naomi then says they need to find a new fifth member, but Iyo Sky shows up and recommends Kairi Sane. Bianca is unsure about Kairi, given their history, and Naomi recommends Bayley. Bianca is also unsure about Bayley, also given their history, and the three of them argue until Rhea Ripley shows up and says whoever gets chosen should carry their weight and stay out of their way, and says she could care who less who their new fifth person is. Bianca says she will figure this out, then leaves.
American Made (Julius and Brutus Creed) beat The Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee) in a tornado tag team match after Brutus turned the mask on Rey's head around, blinding him so that Julius can win with a schoolkid pin.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan) and Raquel Rodriguez talk Survivor Series. R-Truth shows up to hide from Pete Dunne, but when Finn tells him to get out of their clubhouse, R-Truth says Thanksgiving is off, then leaves. Finn then tells The Judgment Day that even though they have not been doing well, their teamwork is still going to keep them on top. He says that while there are no leaders in The Judgment Day, when everyone listens to him, they are all one big, successful, happy family.
Ludwig Kaiser beats Bron Breakker by disqualification when he is attacked from behind by Sheamus. After the match, Sheamus continues to attack Ludwig Kaiser, then Bron Breakker confronts him. Officials and security show up to restore order, but they end up having to break up the ensuing brawl. After the commercial break, Ludwig Kaiser, Bron Breakker and Sheamus are still fighting, with officials and security still trying to restore order. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and says that if they all want to fight, they can fight for the Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn and The Usos ("Main Event" Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso). Sami says he is shocked and that they were ready to fight in WarGames five-on-four, and says that CM Punk is a complicated guy and that Roman Reigns and Punk will sit down and talk on Friday. He says he wants to trust Punk, then says the real question is whether or not Roman Reigns' Bloodline (Roman, Jey, Jimmy, Sami) can trust him. Jimmy says it is okay to cool trust him because The Wiseman said so, then Jey Uso says he is going to beat Jacob Fatu and get the advantage before going to war on Saturday.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) retain the World Tag Team Championships against The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) after Carlito and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio get involved - and taken out - only for Finn Balor to neutralize Ivar behind the ref's back when Ivar goes up top for the Doomsault.
We see a vignette celebrating the tenth anniversary of The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods), who will get their own 10-year celebration on next week's show. Backstage, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods look back on their ten years of accomplishments before heading to the ring.
Vanessa Hudgens is seen in the crowd.
Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) after The New Day argue again. After the match, Xavier Woods gets angry with Kofi Kingston and leaves, and Kofi and Woods argue on the way to the back. Kofi finally tells Woods that he and Big E never let Woods call the shots because he is reckless, but Woods says he took risks to make Kofi WWE Champion because he was too terried to become one. Kofi says he was a Hall of Famer when they met and asked him to join because of that, and reminds Woods he has not won a singles championship by himself and that he has never been a world champion because he has not been good enough, and it is not his fault. Woods brings up Kofi losing the WWE Championship to Brock Lesnar in six seconds after he finally won it. Both men then sarcastically say they will see each other at the anniversary.
Backstage, The Miz tells Karrion Kross that The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) are here. Scarlett stays behind while Kross, Miz, Akam and Rezar head out, but Scarlett sees Nikki Cross in the mirror.
Backstage, The Miz and The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam, Rezar) find out Scarlett has been attacked, and Scarlett tells Kross that it was Nikki Cross. The words "Everyone has something to lose" is written in lipstick on the nearby mirror.
In footage from earlier tonight, General Manager Adam Pearce reveals a new championship for Raw: the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship. Pearce says that the women have proven to him time and again that they are the real workhorses of the WWE and that it is time for something new for the women to shoot for. He then announces that the first champion will be crowned in a tournament.
Backstage, Nia Jax meets up with the rest of her WarGames team (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Candice LeRae, Tiffany Stratton), saying that WarGames is over and that she is going to squash Bianca Belair to start WarGames with a five-to-three advantage.
We hear from Solo Sikoa's Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu) and "Big" Bronson Reed. Solo Sikoa gives Paul Heyman credit for coming back with a fifth man in CM Punk, then says this will be Roman Reigns' best shot and that Jacob Fatu will give his Bloodline the advantage going into WarGames. He says that even if Roman were to have a hundred man, he would still not have an advantage, as he acknowledges his own Bloodline over Roman's.
Bianca Belair beats Nia Jax to gain the advantage for her team in the Women's WarGames Advantage Match after Bayley shows up and trips Nia Jax down from the middle rope behind the referee's back as Nia goes for the count-out victory.
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rhea says she is not done with Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez and that this will not end until she wins back the Women's World Championship. She then calls them out to whup their asses if they are done running. Tiffany Stratton shows up instead, and delivers a message from Nia Jax: stay out of her business, or else she will have a big problem. Rhea says she does not have time for this, and says she either gets her hands on Liv and Morgan or she can welcome her to Raw "the Rhea Ripley way." As they argue, they are attacked by Liv and Raquel. Liv smacks the Money In The Bank Briefcase across Tiffany's back before she and Raquel stand tall.
We see a vignette for Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane) vs. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley meets with General Manager Adam Pearce, and states that she wants Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez tonight. Pearce allows it, but tells Rhea that she must have a tag team partner, and when Rhea wonders who will even tag with her, Tiffany Stratton shows up. Pearce asks "What about her?" Rhea says "Fine." Tiffany asks "What does that mean?" Pearce says "You will figure it out."
Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson are seen in the crowd before the next match.
Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill retain the WWE Women's Tag Tem Championships against Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane) after Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson - who trade words with Bianca on the outside - grab Iyo by the hair and punch her in the face.
Backstage, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh meet with General Manager Adam Pearce. Finn finds out that he not only gets no rematch with Damian Priest, but that a tournament has been made to find new #1 contenders for the World Tag Team Championships. Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio and Carlito meet with Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, and after Finn leaves, Carlito and McDonagh are introduced to Raquel Rodriguez, much to the delight of Carlito.
We see another vignette for American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile). Chad Gable defines "greatness" before declaring that American Made is it. Brutus Creed agrees, and Ivy Nile says the locker room has a chance to get their teeth kicked in. Julius says they are sick and tired of "entitled degenerates" looking for hand-outs. Gable says America and the fans need a hero and that they are hero, and that they will show what it means to be "American Made."
We see a vignette for Bron Breakker, who says that he turned his back on "Main Event" Jey Uso because Jey walked into the biggest lottery of his life when they faced off for the Intercontinental Championship, and out of respect, he shook his hand and congratulated him only for Jey to throw it back in his face and refuse to respect him. He says that they are not the same, as he is not carrying on his family name like Jey is, and if Jey wants to do things on his own, then he will take an ass whupping on his own when he comes back for the Intercontinental Championship.
In footage from last Saturday, General Manager Adam Pearce holds a meeting with "Big" Bronson Reed. Bronson wants to get down to business, but Pearce chastises him for how he treated the referees during the Last Monster Standing Match. Bronson apologizes if his actions crossed a line, but in a match like that, no one can stop him, and that he would have won had it not been for Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Bronson says he did all this to get to the main event, and that he wants the spotlight and the one-on-one match with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, stating that there will be no trouble if he gets it. Pearce says that if they are on the same page, then he will talk to Rollins. Bronson says Pearce is a smarter negotiator than he thought he was.
Ivar and Erik return from injury for the next match, now known as "The War Raiders."
The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) to advance in the World Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders' Tournament.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce meets with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, telling him that he has only had six matches this year and that he has not been healthy for any of them. Rollins says he knows what he signed up for and that he knows why Bronson Reed is doing what he is doing. He then says that he is at the top of the food chain and that Bronson has forgotten that, and that he has beaten the best of the best. He says he must have the match with Bronson, but at the same time, the best version of himself is needed.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. He says that to see where you are going, you must see where you have been, and he is proud to be in a city with a rich professional wrestling history in St. Louis, Missouri. He then says there has been more recent history, as not too long ago, something genuinely changed his life for the better, as it was where "We Want Cody" was heard for the first time. Cody thanks the fans of St. Louis very much for the support, then Gunther heads to the ring. Gunther says that he usually trash talks his opponent, but he has nothing negative to say about Cody, as the current wrestling boom has been built off Cody's back, as he has been everywhere and has been "the quarterback of this operation." He says there is not many people he respects in WWE, but Cody is one of the people he respects. Gunther then mentions that Cody loves to be everybody's darling, and because of that, Kevin Owens has realized that "everyone's friend" is "no one's real friend." Gunther then states that he expects the best version of Cody. Cody takes this as his greatest weakness being his greatest strength, and says that he has seen what happens when Gunther throws everything from his arsenal at his opponents and they keep coming back: he gets uncomfortable, and he breaks. Cody admits that he has respect for Gunther, but Gunther is in deep water and his feet have only touched the bottom of the pool. Gunther says that this is "spoken like a secondary champion," and Cody says that while Gunther has become a frightening beast, he has already slain a frightening beast. Cody and Gunther shake hands, and Gunther says "Good luck to me...the champion."
In backstage footage from after last week's show, Xavier Woods has been unhappy with the lack of success that he has had as of late.
We hear from Dragon Lee, who talks about his career in WWE so far, and says that while it has not always been easy, he becomes better with every setback, and he becomes more capable of surpassing his greatest expectation and proves that he belongs and is destined to fly. We then see Dragon Lee sprout computer generated dragon wings before his eyes glow and he flies off.
Bron Breakker beats Kofi Kingston. After the match, Bron Breakker is about to attack Kofi Kingston again when Xavier Woods runs in and makes the save. Bron Breakker leaves, but then rushes back in the ring and attacks Xavier Woods. All of a sudden, "Main Event" Jey Uso runs into the ring and fights off Bron Breakker, and Breakker pretends to retreat. He checks on Kofi and Woods, then Breakker gets back on the ring apron and Jey superkicks him off it.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley is met by Damian Priest. Rhea says she has this match, and says it is Tiffany Stratton's time to stand on the ring apron and look pretty. She then asks Priest if she has thought about what they have talked about, and Priest says he has thought about it. Rhea says they have destroyed The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan) multiple times, and that it is time to get back to the World title. Priest says that as long as she has beef with The Judgment Day, so does he, and that he has her back. He then agrees it is time to get back the World title.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso opens a door and finds Jimmy Uso. Jimmy says "Got a second?" Jey looks around, then leaves.
R-Truth beats The Miz after The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Akam, Rezar, Paul Ellering) shows up, distracting Miz and allowing R-Truth to win with a schoolkid pin. After the match, R-Truth hugs Miz and the referee, then leaves the ring and fistbumps Karrion Kross only for Kross to command The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) to throw R-Truth back in the ring so that Miz can hit R-Truth with the Skull Crushing Finale. At the beginning of the match, a brief message by The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) can be seen.
Backstage, Jimmy Uso is looking for "Main Event" Jey Uso. He eventually finds him. Jimmy asks Jey to hear him out, but Jey tells him no and tells him to get out of his face.
Rhea Ripley and Tiffany Stratton beat Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez by disqualification after Nia Jax suddenly shows up and attacks Rhea and Raquel as Rhea is about to hit Raquel with a Riptide on the outside and Tiffany is about to hiv Liv Morgan with a Prettiest Moonsault Ever. After the match, Rhea attacks Nia, but Liv hits Rhea from behind with a chop block. Nia grabs Liv and attacks her, but Raquel and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio pull Liv out of the ring before Nia can hit the A-Nia-Lator.
