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.
Lince Dorado beats Aerostar and Joaquin Wilde in a Triple Threat Match after Lince counters a top rope hurricanrana into a Sunset Flip for the pin and the win.
Backstage, The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) attack Murder Clown until Psycho Clown and Pagano come to his aid.
In footage from earlier today, Dorian Roldan tells his mother, AAA President Marisela Pena, that they are losing out on opportunities and that they had the most important moment of AAA in their hands with El Hijo del Vikingo entering WrestleMania as Intercontinental Champion until it did not happen thanks to Mini Vikingo. He says that AAA left a lot of money on the table without WrestleMania exposure, and says that things have been chaotic as there has been no leadership or clear vision. Roldan wants to be named as an associate in the family business as well as General Manager of AAA, as he has the vision, education and the leadership to take AAA to the next level. Marisela Pena says that it has been a tough year and that Dorian Roldan has had to make some difficult choices, ans tells him to give her a week to think about it.
Mr. Iguana and Lola Vice retain the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships against Dinamico and La Hiedra.
We see Mexican wrestling influencers' reactions to what happened between El Grande Americano I and El Grande Americano II last week.
Backstage, we hear from El Grande Americano II. He says that his words from Rey de Reyes came from the heart and were not out of obligation, then tells the person he is talking to that he is a two-time Mega Champion who has also won the Rey de Reyes Tournament. We then find out that he is talking to Texano Jr., who says that El Grande Americano II has a point, but his accolades are fleeting and lost to time and the love of the fans is forever. El Grande Americano II admits he was not here when the legends started it, but now, it is his responsibility to defend it, and it would be an honor to team with Texano Jr. to defend what Texano Jr. and the legends have built. Texano Jr. says he sees how the fans love El Grande Americano II, and he respects that, as it is not easy to get respect in Mexico. He also states that accepting a mask vs. mask match is a Mexican tradition and is also worthy of respect. Texano Jr. says it is time they team up. El Grande Americano II says they will do this for AAA and for Mexico.
Ivar beats Psycho Clown. During the match, Psycho Clown inadvertently drop kicks Ivar into the referee, sandwiching the referee in the corner. Psycho Clown then hits the Psycho Driver on Ivar, but the referee is down. Erik shows up, and he and Ivar overpower Psycho Clown before Erik revives the referee so that Ivar can get the pin and the win. After the match, Pagano shows up too late to save Psycho Clown as The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) leave the ring, then Pagano and Psycho Clown head to the back, with Psycho Clown getting angry with Pagano. Backstage, both men start shoving each other, and Pagano tells Psycho Clown to be careful of what he is accusing him of. Both men walk away from each other, then Psycho Clown finds Murder Clown laid out on the floor. He then finds a black bandana with a bunch of skulls on it, and comes to the conclusion that Pagano is responsible.
Dragon Lee retains the WWE Speed Championship against Ivar following a counter into a crucifix bomb to end the ninth men's tournament. This is Dragon Lee's second successful title defense.
Next Wednesday: The fourth women's tournament begins with Sol Ruca vs. Katana Chance!
Trick Williams heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Trick says he has a lot of people he would like to thank, then thanks Ilja Dragunov for pushing him to levels he did not think possible and for everything he has done for his career as well as NXT before telling him to do his thing on Raw. He says that this is now the "Whoop That Era," and that records will continue to be broken and that history will continue to be made before Lash Legend shows up. Lash, who is holding a manila envelope, congratulates Trick before proclaiming him the hottest Superstar in NXT, but Trick says he has not forgotten her slapping him in the face and says that Lash wants a taste now that he is champion. After some candy bar-related banter (and chants), Lash says Trick is not focused and has his head in the the clouds. Lash then addresses the contents of the manila envelope and tells him to enjoy his title reign, as it will all soon come crashing down and things will get really hot.
Gigi Dolin and Arianna Grace are at restaurant. As Arianne tries to explain the art of fine dining, Gigi mentions the top matches for tonight's show.
Oba Femi retains the NXT North American Championship against Ivar. After the match, Wes Lee shows up from out of the crowd for the first time in months and stares down Oba Femi in the middle of the ring.
Backstage, Thea Hail is fired up for her match, and tells Fallon Henley not to let Jaida Parker get in her head before the match begins.
Thea Hail beats Jacy Jayne with a Kimura Lock after Fallon Henley takes the bullet when Jasmyn Nyx gets involved on the outside. After the match, Fallon Henley attacks Thea Hail.
We see Tyson Dupont's strength and Tyriek Igwe's brains on full display before their Wednesday night debut.
Natalya and Karmen Petrovic get ready for tonight's NXT Underground match.
The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe.
Backstage, General Manager Ava has a big announcement.
We see a video package about the NXT picks from the WWE Draft and the future of NXT.
General Manager Ava is in the ring. Ava says nothing makes her prouder than when NXT talent make their way to Raw and SmackDown, and while they will be missed, NXT must move forward. She then asks who will take their place. She announces that the first-ever NXT North American Women's Champion at Battleground, and that the first champion will be crowned in a Ladder Match. Starting next week, there will be a combine of twelve competitors, and the winning six will compete for the North American Women's title. As she says that NXT has the best women's division and that Battleground will prove it, Jaida Parker shows up and says she is the next history-maker, and she will decimate everyone else in the locker room and holding the title before Sol Ruca shows up. Sol Ruca says she will be at the top of the combine leaderboard and the top of the ladder at Battleground before Arianna Grace shows up and proposes alternative means only to be interrupted by "Michin" Mia Yim. Michin says she has some unfinished business in NXT, and ever since Ava announced the new women's title, the title has been the talk of WWE, and she wants in. Arianna Grace is honored to meet her, but Michin punches her out when Arianna says she is disqualified. The rest of the women's locker room empties out from the back and brawls in the ring.
Backstage, Nathan Frazer and Axiom are met by The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), who says that while tonight's match will hurt, Frazer and Axiom will prove they belong, as they have the heart that The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) do not have.
Lola Vice and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler get ready for tonight's NXT Underground match.
Ridge Holland beats Shawn Spears. Strange images are seen on-screen during the match.
Backstage, Roxanne Perez wants to know why she was not drafted in the WWE Draft, then blames General Manager Ava and her "weird" vendetta against her. Ava says that she called her to her office for something else, but Roxanne is not having it.
Backstage, Josh Briggs sarcastically thanks Ivar for softening Oba Femi up, but Ivar says he is not done with Oba Femi yet. Wes Lee shows up and gives both men their kudos before saying it is time to throw his hat in the ring. Briggs says this is not five months ago and tells him to pack his bags and leave, but Wes says he is not leaving. Briggs says it will be seen if Wes' back has really healed before he leaves, and Ivar reiterates that he is not done with Oba.
Backstage, Paul Ellering tells WWE that it is living on borrowed time and that The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Akam, Rezar) is coming for all the titles. He says that SmackDown was just the beginning, and tells NXT to get ready.
We hear from The D'Angelo Family (Tony D'Angelo, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Arianna Rizzo, Luca Crusifino). Tony D'Angelo wants to be ready for a Heritage Cup Match against No Quarter Catch Crew (Charlie Dempsey, Damon Kemp, Myles Borne).
Nathan Frazer and Axiom retain the NXT Tag Team Championships against The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) after New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne) give Frazer and Axiom a hand as the referee is preoccupied with ejecting Karrion Kross and Scarlett from ringside for getting involved in the match.
Backstage in the trainer's room, Thea Hail wonders why Fallon Henley turned on her. Ridge Holland shows up and says nobody can be trusted in his business, and when Andre Chase asks him if he is all right, Ridge says that he will try to do things the right way.
Backstage, we hear from Meta-Four (Noam Dar, Oro Mensah, Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson). Noam Dar says that if Trick Williams wants to know the truth, he can guest on Supernova Sessions and they will reveal all. Meanwhile, Kelani Jordan tries to talk sense into Fallon Henley, who says that it is time to put herself first.
Backstage, Malik Blade meets with Edris Enofé regarding the mirror breaking incident, and Malik is convinced that Edris has seven years bad luck. Brinley Reece shows up with black kittens. Edris is disgusted with the hypocrisy displayed and leaves.
Lola Vice beats Natalya in an NXT Underground Match. During the match, Natalya has Lola in the Sharpshooter when "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler chokes out Karmen Petrovic from behind with a Kirifuda Clutch. Natalya lets go of the hold and goes after Shayna, but that allows Lola to knock Natalya out with a backfist, allowing her to win by knockout.
Backstage, General Manager Ava tells Roxanne Perez that next week, she will be defending the NXT Women's Championship against Chelsea Green, who says that Ava is better than the other two General Managers and that the NXT Women's Championship will look good in her jewelry box. Roxanne gets peeved and leaves, and Chelsea says she will like it in NXT.
Rhea Ripley shows up with her right arm in a sling to start tonight's show. General Manager Adam Pearce is also in the ring. Rhea announces that she is injured and that she will be on the shelf for a few months, and that she must vacate the Women's World Championship. This leads to "Bullshit!" chants by the crowd, which Rhea acknowledges. Rhea states that the Women's World Championship means more than anything in her life, then lays the belt down on the mat before the fans chant "Thank You Mami!" before blaming all of this of Liv Morgan's revenge tour. She says she would have had respect for Liv Morgan if she only faced her, but she had to blindside her. She also says that she would dropped Liv where she stood, and warns whoever wins the title that when she comes back, she is coming back for blood. She also says that she will have to be put in jail after what she does to Liv Morgan, who shows up with multiple members of security trying to stop her. Rhea wants a piece of Liv, but security also stops her. After Liv leaves, Rhea headbutts a security guard.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley meets with The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh). They all have a group hug, and Damian Priest says that Rhea will make Liv Morgan pay and become more bad-ass than she is now when she returns. Rhea tells the group to stay on top.
In his first match since last August, Sheamus beats Ivar.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque heads to the ring. WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque heads to the ring. General Manager Adam Pearce is also in the ring, and so it a table with what looks like a new championship belt draped under a black mantle. Triple H says it is hard to believe that the greatest Wrestlemania of all time was only eight days ago and that kingdoms fell, nightmares began and whole new era started. Adam Pearce says that a new era started for the tag team division, and that Raw and SmackDown deserve titles worthy of that new era. Pearce then introduces The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) to the ring. After R-Truth does the splits for the fans, Triple H says "What's up?" to R-Truth and congratulates The Awesome Truth for making history at WrestleMania, and that R-Truth having his WrestleMania moment was awesome. He then says that this is a new era, and in order to represent the tag team titles in a new era, they need championships that represent that era. The WWE Raw Tag Team Championships are now renamed the World Tag Team Championships, and now have new championship belts, which are uncovered. An astonished R-Truth says he has seen plenty of magic tricks, but not one like that, then says he knows a good magician when he sees one and thinks that Triple H made the titles pop out of thin air. The Miz says Triple H is not a magician, but R-Truth says that is what a magician would see. He then mentions that he does not trust magicians after what happened to Lil' Jimmy, and asks what else Triple H is hiding. The Miz explains to R-Truth that this is what they wanted and that they are taking the titles to new heights. When he is told that Triple H is in front of him, R-Truth is convinced Triple H is Tommaso Ciampa. When The Miz explains R-Truth everything again, this time in French, he suddenly gets it. The old Raw tag titles are replaced with the new World Tag Team titles, then Triple H wishes Pearce luck before leaving. Pearce then says that opponents are needed for the World tag titles, and that a Triple Threat Match to decide them will happen right now.
The Awesome Truth watch the next match from ringside. A random QR code pops up from out of nowhere as The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) makes their entrance.
#DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) in a Triple Threat Match to decide #1 contenders for the World Tag Team Championships.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre is smiling and laughing before kicking the TV down after a replay of what happened to him last week.
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell beat Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri after Indi distracts the referee, keeping the referee from seeing Ivy tag in and allowing Indi to hit Maxxine with a big boot before placing Candice on top of her.
We see a video package chronicling Damian Priest's road to the World Heavyweight Championship.
Backstage, Damian Priest reminds the rest of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) that they still run WWE. He tells Dominik Mysterio to take care of Andrade and JD McDonagh to have Dominik's back. When Finn says he and Priest should be focused on getting the tag team titles back, Priest says he should be focused on teaching Jey Uso the meaning of the word "loss" while he focuses on Backlash.
In footage from earlier today, Jackie Redmond interviews Chad Gable. Gable says that the Intercontinental Championship means everything to him and is vindication for everything that has happened to him, and he plans to win tonight against Sami Zayn like he won at the Olympics. He says that by training with Sami, he has learned Sami's weaknesses, and he plans to take advantage of them tonight.
Andrade beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. After the match, JD McDonagh attacks Andrade, and Dominik joins in. Suddenly, Ricochet runs into the ring and makes the save for Andrade.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "Main Event" Jey Uso. He says that to mess with The Bloodline is to go down a deep, dark, dangerous road, then says he needs to focus on Finn Balor tonight.
Chelsea Green and Piper Niven beat Katana Chance and Kayden Carter.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Liv Morgan. Liv Morgan says that everyone is mad at her for injuring Rhea Ripley, and asks where the sympathy for her was when Rhea injured her. She says this is karma and that Rhea got what she deserved, and that her revenge tour has only just begun and will end with her as World Champion.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. He thanks General Manager Adam Pearce for allowing him to be on Raw even though he is a SmackDown Superstar, and says that he is not going anywhere. He says that WrestleMania 40 cannot be reflected on forever when there is a contender to be found to defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against at Backlash, but there is a man who he can talk about briefly. Cody then brings up Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and his help leading up and during WrestleMania 40, thanking Rollins for his help as he watches from home. After a "Thank You Seth!" chant and addressing The Rock, saying that he has more that one last match left in him and addressing The Rock's claims that he would make him bleed again. He says The Rock may be right, but nothing he does will stop the fact that if he bleeds, The Rock will bleed with him. Cody then addresses the introduction of Tama Tonga last week on SmackDown and how Roman Reigns was nowhere in sight before bringing in someone who knows The Bloodline well: "Main Event" Jey Uso. Jey Uso heads to the ring, and Cody states that Jey Uso is #1 contender for the World title and that Raw is about to be his. He says Jey helped him finish his story, then asks to have his back like Jey had his against The Judgment Day in Jey's match tonight. Jey says that he appreciates it, but says that he has to do it on his and that he has to be himself. Cody says that he understands, and wishes Jey luck. Before he leaves, Cody tells Jey "Until we Yeet again."
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Nia Jax, who says that there are two types of people in this world: those who care for Rhea Ripley and those who want revenge against her. She says she is among neither and that Rhea was hers before WrestleMania, just like Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch. She then focuses on the WWE Draft, then says that she may face somebody she has never faced before. Nia then says there are two types of people in this world: those who fear her and those who learn to fear her. She then says that World Women's title is hers.
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Finn Balor. After the match, Damian Priest shows up and has a staredown with Jey Uso in the middle of the ring. Suddenly, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh attack Jey Uso from behind, and Finn Balor joins in while Damian Priest looks on. Jey Uso soon fights back and flees through the crowd. Jey Uso soon fights back and flees through the crowd. He then makes his way through the concourse, much to the delight of the fans, then sees Sami Zayn, who is looking up. Sami talks about how he saw his first WWE show in tonight's venue, then says he is walking through the front door to defend the Intercontinental Championship. He then makes his way through the concourse through the crowd to the ring.
Backstage before the next match, "Big" Bronson Reed tells Chad Gable that regardless of who wins between himself and Sami Zayn will not be Intercontinental Champion for long, for they will have to answer to him.
Sami Zayn retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable. After the match, Sami hugs Gable in a sign of respect, and as Sami celebrates with his wife in the front, Gable grabs him for a German suplex and attacks him at ringside. Gable then puts the ankle lock on Sami from the top rope, and referees demand that Gable let go of the hold as the show ends.
This week on Raw Talk: #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)...and R-Truth! Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell! Chelsea Green and Piper Niven!
The Rock heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He says that he made "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes bleed as he rammed his head into a bus and split his head wide open, and there was blood all over his hand; he then wiped it on his belt as promised and that the only thing missing on the belt is Cody's mother's tears. The Rock says he did what he said he would do and that the "Cody crybabies" were so upset, yet he laughed because there were grown adults crying that he beat him like a dog. The Rock admits that there were some reactions that made him stop in his tracks, and the two shown are of small children. He then says it breaks his heart, then tells the parents of young children that he is about to drop some gospel. The Rock says that right now, professional wrestling is cool, as he has made the ratings skyrocket and the fans have set the record for the largest gate in the history of Monday Night Raw: 15,546 people. The Rock then declares that blood was shed, WrestleMania is five days out, and he has come back to Brooklyn, New York. He then says he did not come alone, and The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa) heads to the ring. He talks about his biography on A&E last night and states that he puts family above all, as he has always felt that way and how he has always operated, and he has come here to acknowledge his family. He threatens to leave when the crowd continues to chant "Yeet!" and apologizes to The Rock for the fans' distraction as he tries to put his family over, then thanks The Rock for making this the easiest WrestleMania of his life. Roman says he and The Rock will smash Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin"" Rollins, then they will have their way with Cody with the title on the line. He also proclaims that The Rock went above and beyond by making Cody bleed. He says he did not need The Rock to do that, but it felt good to see him do it, and for that, he thanks The Rock again for putting family above all just like he does and setting an example only he can set. Roman says Cody is not fit for leadership and is "a politician" who is just happy to be here, saying Cody was doing nothing until he saw what he was doing. Rollins shows up through the crowd, and says The Bloodline is dumber than he thought if they believed he would get in the ring, and tells them to fight the whole city of Brooklyn to get to him. He says that they crossed a line last week and that the time for talk is over, as he is ready for a fight tonight and the fans deserve the biggest main event of all time. Rollins also says that if The Rock thinks all of this is because of him, then he can put his money where his mouth is and face him tonight. After saying that "old DJ" doesn't have the balls and that Roman seems to have grown a set as of late, he says he is also more than happy to face him tonight, then lets Roman and The Rock pick who faces him and even pick the stipulation. The Rock tells Rollins that he beat Cody's brains in so far that he has brain damage and that he does not want any of that, then says he will fight neither of them; however, they always have a plan. Solo Sikoa then tells Rollins that he is not facing Roman or The Rock tonight; instead, he is facing him. Rollins says Solo "has the biggest bag in The Bloodline" and accepts Solo's challenge, then The Rock says it will be "Bloodline Rules."
We see footage from The MMA Hour where Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch have an on-set confrontation.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Becky Lynch, who says she is here to finish what she started and that she will be in the ring later if Rhea Ripley cares to answer the call.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) in an eight-man tag match.
Backstage, The Rock, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman watch Solo Sikoa as they say he is ready. Roman makes the decision to leave the arena, saying he has to write his speech for Paul Heyman's Hall of Fame induction, which Heyman confirms on camera.
In footage from the Performance Center, Chad Gable gets Sami Zayn prepared for his WrestleMania match with Gunther. It gets to the point where Sami is exhausted, and Gable tells him that his hunger is gone. Sami says he is afraid of seeing the disappointment and tears in his family's face much like Gable saw it in his daughter's, and Gable tells Sami that he had to tell him what he needed to hear, as he is at his best when people doubt him. Gable says they need to prove the doubters wrong together, and this time, Sami works harder than ever before. This time, Sami is able to counter Gable's sleeper hold.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) meet, and Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Humberto, Angel, Elektra Lopez) show up. Priest tells Dominik that their presence in the clubhouse is too much before he makes a call, and Rhea tells Dominik to communicate with her next time. Dominik introduces Legado del Fantasma to The Judgment Day before they and Dominik play darts.
Sami Zayn vs. "Big" Bronson Reed ends in a no-contest. During the match, Gunther shows up and drags Chad Gable onto the stage, and when Sami checks on Gable, Gunther attacks him. As Gunther walks away, however, Sami wills himself back up, much to the frustration of Gunther, who hits Sami with the Intercontinental Championship.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso runs into Lil Wayne, and asks him to show up at WrestleMania. Lil Wayne says he will be there to perform his new song.
Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri beat Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell after Maxxine drop kicks Indi into Candice after Candice shoves Ivy off the top rope. After the match, Candice chews Indi out, saying she cost them the match.
Backstage, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins is met by "Main Event" Jey Uso, who tells him that he has his back tonight. Rollins says he appreciates it.
We look back at Bret "The Hit Man" Hart vs. Owen Hart at WrestleMania 10, courtesy of Natalya and Snickers.
It is announced that Lia Miavia will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
We see Drew McIntyre near a casket in a funeral home as CM Punk's voice can be heard, who says CM Punk is no match for him in Philly and that the world lost out on seeing "an out-of-shape has-been" main event WrestleMania after Punk's body failed him more than it did at UFC. He says that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins is broken and has one foot in the grave, and deserves all the beating coming his way and having the casket close on his championship reign after he takes him out back and puts him down once and for all.
Ricochet beats Ivar after lifting Ivar up for a fallaway slam prior to the top rope 630.
Backstage, Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Humberto, Angel, Elektra Lopez) and The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) are still at The Judgment Day's clubhouse. When Damian Priest asks why Ricochet has not been handled yet, JD McDonagh says he will take care of him in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Dominik says that he has a back-up plan in case that doesn't work: Andrade, who shows up and is introduced to Legado del Fantasma. Dominik says that if Andrade can take care of Ricochet, he will become a full-fledged member of The Judgment Day. Rhea then heads to the ring.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring. Becky says she is here for a fight and that she started one earlier, and that she and Rhea Ripley can settle things right now before calling Rhea out. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up, then calls security out, saying he cannot jeopardize one of the biggest WrestleMania matches of all time. He then respectfully asks Becky to leave the ring, then Rhea shows up. Pearce tells Rhea to save it for WrestleMania, then Rhea throws the Women's World Championship at Pearce, runs through security and brawls with Becky. Security eventually separates both women after Becky dives onto Rhea on the outside.
We hear from Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane). Dakota Kai says they will prove to Naomi, Bayley, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair that they are the most dominant faction at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 40 is five days away!
Backstage, security is still trying to hold Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley. Dominik gets Rhea out of dodge while Becky is ejected from the building.
Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane) beat Zoey Stark, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Tegan Nox in a six-woman tag match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says he has only got one gear and it is "pedal to the metal and empty the tank," then says he always has a Plan B. He then runs into Drew McIntyre, who smiles at him before Rollins tells him "I ain't dead yet." McIntyre yells "Yet!" as Rollins heads to the ring.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. Solo Sikoa in a Bloodline Rules Match ends in a no-contest. During the match, Jimmy Uso shows up after Rollins puts Solo through a table and hits him with The Stomp and attacks Rollins, then "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up and brawls with Jimmy to the back. Jey is soon attacked by The Rock, who heads to the ring before "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and brawls with The Rock. Roman Reigns soon shows up from the crowd and attacks Cody. Back in the ring, Rollins receives a Superman Punch while Cody receives a Spear, then both The Rock and Roman attack Cody and Rollins with a blue weight belt, with Solo Sikoa joining in near the end.
This week on Raw Talk: Gunther! The Judgement Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh)! Drew McIntyre!
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody admits that The Rock's involvement in the road to WrestleMania is a stinging distraction. He tells The Rock not to talk about his dog Pharoah again, and mentions The Rock bashing his fans and dancing around his challenge by posing one of his own in a 21-minute Instagram video. Cody mentions The Rock saying that the fans want Cody to face him, not Roman Reigns, which led to the "We Want Cody" chants and the "Cody Crybabies" meme, and has posed a challenge involving his friend: Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who shows up. Cody says that Rollins has offered to have his back against The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa) and to be there as things move forward while having to face Drew McIntyre as he himself did not know if he would even be at WrestleMania. He says that he fully understands if Rollins want to focus on Drew McIntyre and does not want to have his back against The Rock and Roman Reigns as a unified force, and Rollins says that while he appreciates the out, he will take care of McIntyre. He says that there are some things bigger than them and that taking down The Bloodline is the biggest thing they can, as not only Cody's story needs to be finished, but his story as well. He talks about how he and Roman Reigns showed up ten years ago to take the power from the top, and while he wants to give the power back to the fans, Roman wants to keep the power for himself. He says that they are close to Roman having absolute power with The Rock in The Bloodline, then states that he is over The Rock. He says that The Rock has not been "The Rock" or The People's Champion for a long time and has come up with a new nickname for him: "Diarrhea Dwayne." He says that everything that has come out of The Rock's mouth as of late has the consistency of "wet baby poop," and the crowd agrees, especially with The Rock claiming he can make the World Heavyweight Championship go away with a snap of his fingers. Rollins dares The Rock to make this happen, then addresses The Rock's claim that he made professional wrestling cool again, saying he hasn't been cool in twenty years. Rollins then mentions that he has received "100% medical clearance" and declares that he is back and ready to go, and this Friday, he will be at SmackDown to confront The Bloodline. He then says he has Cody's back in this fight, and asks Cody if he has his. Cody says he has a message for The Rock. Cody says it has been a long time since he has been handed something, then says he is not the same as The Rock and that he will be coming to SmackDown alongside Rollins and he will give him his very clear and obvious answer for what is happening at WrestleMania.
Gunther beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio with the powerbomb followed by the Boston Crab.
Backstage, Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Iyo Sky) is confronted by General Manager Adam Pearce, who does not want them to cause trouble tonight. Dakota Kai says they will be scouting the competition due to "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark running their mouths. Suddenly, Shinsuke Nakamura shows up, wanting to talk regarding the Intercontinental Championship. Gunther says he will have an announcement regarding Gunther's next challenge, and tells Nakamura to meet him in his office.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark beat Katana Chance and Kayden Carter. Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Iyo Sky) is seen watching from ringside during the match. After the match, Dakota Kai congratulates Shayna and Zoey on their match before mentioning their tag team match against The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) next week, saying that they will leave them crying like they did Bayley. Baszler snatches the microphone and says it is about time, and says they will see them next week.
Backstage, the rest of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, JD McDonagh) tell "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio that they will make things right with Gunther, and Damian Priest puts JD McDonagh in charge of facing him. Suddenly, Andrade shows up, and Andrade wishes Dominik Mysterio good luck before he leaves.
Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax ends in a no-contest after Liv Morgan attacks Nia on the outside. After the match, Becky and Liv argue, then Nia decimates both women.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce meets with Ricochet regarding the Intercontinental Championship. Pearce tells him he has a plan regarding the title, then Ricochet leaves. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, JD McDonagh) then shows up wanting a title shot against Gunther for JD McDonagh.
Backstage, Becky Lynch confronts Liv Morgan, and says they can fight about things next week. Liv accepts Becky's challenge, then leaves. Rhea Ripley then shows up and laughs at Becky before walking away.
General Manager Adam Pearce announces that six men - Sami Zayn, Ricochet, Shinsuke Nakamura, "Big" Bronson Reed, JD McDonagh and Chad Gable - will compete in a Gauntlet Match next week to find out who will face Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania.
Andrade beats Apollo Crews.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says that he knew a path to WrestleMania would present himself, and that next week's gauntlet match stands between him and the most dominant champion ever. He says that this is the path and it is do or die, then Ivar and Valhalla show up. Valhalla says it is pathetic that Sami is part of the gauntlet match while Ivar is not, and Ivar says it is time to put an end to Sami's delusions, as he knows that he can beat Gunther and that the both of them know Sami can't. Sami says he knows he can beat Ivar, and Ivar can meet him in the ring tonight to prove him wrong. Ivar tells Sami he will not make it to next week.
In memory of Paul "Butcher" Vachon, 1937 - 2024.
Backstage, Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell are talking. Indi says they will get their chance, but Candice says there may not be a next time for them. Natalya agrees, and she then tells Tegan Nox that it is time for them to forget their manners and regroup. They leave, then Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri show up. Maxxine says Candice LeRae will come out on top, but Candice LeRae says she does not need a pity party from someone who has had only three matche sand cannot lace her boots. Candice storms off, and Indi apologizes and says she will talk to Candice.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Damian Priest) beat Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci).
Paul Heyman is the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says Seth "Freakin'" Rollins has not listened to anything he has had to say because Rollins is "a spotlight junkie" and has to be part of something hot instead of focusing on what is important. He says he does this tot he detriment of his body and mind, and says that he will put Rollins down at WrestleMania because the World Heavyweight Championship deserves so much better than him. He then brings up "Main Event" Jey Uso, saying he only wanted an apology from him, then decides to be the better man and says he is sorry because he knows how much Jey needs his victory when he knows Jey Uso will not be able to defeat him.
Backstage, Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Iyo Sky) is met by Rhea Ripley. Rhea looks at Iyo Sky and tells her to stay out of her territory, but Iyo simply scoffs at her.
Sami Zayn beats Ivar. Before the match, Valhalla puts her antlers on Michael Cole's head, causing the fans to chant for Michael. After the match, Sami is attacked from out of nowhere by "Big" Bronson Reed, who then goes up top for the Tsunami.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Gunther. Gunther says Dominik Mysterio spoke a big game and stepped up, but he did not question the outcome. As for all the potential challengers he has, he says he has elevated the Intercontinental Championship to heights it has never seen before and that while he is flattered by everyone who wants to face him, he will outclass them all. Suddenly, Chad Gable shows up and says he is sick of Gunther's condescending smile and cannot get past him making his daughter cry and insulting him as a father. He says next week's Gauntlet Match is a path to redemption, and that he will take his title while he also takes his smile and puts one on his daughter's face. He says that for him, the Gauntlet Match means more. Gunther simply laughs and walks away.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso says he has seen Drew McIntyre do nothing buy cry and complain and want an apology from him. Jey says he is sorry that McIntyre will "get this work," and that McIntyre will find out that "Jey don't play."
Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), Xavier Woods and R-Truth play WWE 2K24 before the street date as The Miz watches. R-Truth still thinks #DIY are D-Generation X (Triple H and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels), and The Miz proposes that they need to hit The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Damian Priest) where it hurts and take their tag team titles.
We see a photo of Michael Cole wearing Valhalla's antlers.
Drew McIntyre beats "Main Event" Jey Uso. During the match, Solo Sikoa shows up, but "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and brawls with Solo, taking their brawl into the crowd. Jey starts fighting back against McIntyre, but as he goes to the top rope, Jimmy Uso shows up, distracting Jey. This allows McIntyre to hit the Claymore Kick for the win. After the match, Jimmy slinks into the ring with a metal folding chair, but Seth "Freakin'" Rollins runs past Drew McIntyre to take out Jimmy. McIntyre gets back in the ring and hits Rollins with a Claymore. McIntyre warns Rollins to do the right thing and focus on him to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: Ricochet! JD McDonagh! Nia Jax!
Drew McIntyre beats "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes after Jimmy Uso distracts Cody and Solo Sikoa hits Cody from behind with a Samoan Spike from the ring apron.
We hear from Andrade, who says that the did not have a choice when it came to being a third-generation wrestler and that this is his destiny. He says everyone around him had many expectations, and now, he has realized all he achieved. He says that he belongs in WWE, and that his era has begun. We then see the words "Andrade el Idolo" on the screen.
Backstage in the trainer's room, General Manager Adam Pearce meets with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. After Cody says that he is fine, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up briefly.
Raquel Rodriguez - who returns to action from injury tonight - last eliminates Chelsea Green - who lies hiding in wait to win - to win the Last Chance Battle Royal to qualify for the women's Elimination Chamber match. Also during the match, Zelina Vega and Elektra Lopez go at it on the ramp and brawl their way to the back after the both of them are eliminated.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso says the wait is over and that he will bring down the empire and end Gunther's Intercontinental Championship reign.
Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax are interviewed simultaneously in separate rooms. Rhea says she has worked for and wanted the moment to compete in Australia as a WWE Superstar, and when she first showed up, she was not comfortable in her own skin and almost considered quitting until she reminded herself of who she was. She says she wanted to prove her doubters wrong, not to fit in and be like everyone else. Nia Jax says she is twice Rhea's size and has triple the talent, and when she squashes Rhea in her homeland, "Mami will go home crying to her mommy." Rhea tells Nia Jax that she will crumble when everyone cheers for her and that her momentum will crumble to nothing when her nightmares come true. Rhea then leaves.
It is announced that Raw is coming to Netflix in January 2025 as members of Netflix staff are seen in the front row.
We see Jackie Redmond interview R-Truth in footage from earlier today. R-Truth says that when he first met The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh), their smiles lit up the room, and it was like John Cena first putting on a pair of jean shorts. He says that Damian Priest broke his heart and has not cried so hard since the finale to This Is Us. He says this must be how Ginuwine wrote Pony, then says he has new friends in The Miz and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), and that they will prove that you can't keep him down tonight.
It is announced that UFC and WWE have announced a five-year live event partnership with Anaheim’s Honda Center. Under the partnership, UFC and WWE will each bring three shows a year to the arena through 2028.
UFC lightweight fighter Michael Chandler is in the front row. He calls himself the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet, then says that a man from Ireland has made him wait for too long before telling Conor McGregor to return to the Octagon.
We hear from Chad Gable, who says that Ivar has tried to pick Alpha Academy apart and that enough is enough. Tonight, it is about him. We hear from Ivar, who says that the gods demand pain, punishment and a glorious and inevitable end to their feud and that he accepts Gable's challenge. He says that the gods have chosen their path, and that it goes straight through Gable.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) beat The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) in an eight-man tag team match.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says he has to hit the pause button regarding Drew McIntyre due to how he gets fixated with someone and cannot move forward. He says that he must be able to take the path to WrestleMania when it presents itself. He says he did not get this far without trusting his gut feeling and that he is a contender who will become a champion at WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring. Becky admits that there are not a lot of new things for her in WWE except for the hat she is wearing, then says she has to win in the Elimination Chamber to face Rhea Ripley for the World Women's Championship. She says that she and Rhea have danced around each other for some time save for the occasional staredown and that they will eventually throw down, and while Rhea has been front and center with The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) she has hidden in plain sight as Rhea's biggest threat. Becky says that at this moment, she is the best that she has ever been, but on the flipside, so has everyone else. She says that in five days, she will be in the Elimination Chamber with five of WWE's most promising stars. She says she has nothing against her competitors even though she has beaten most of them, and is about to say that she has worked too hard to fail when Liv Morgan shows up. Liv Morgan says she is a big fan of the hat, but not as much of a fan of Becky's explanation for why she has to win, as this is about her revenge and redemption against Rhea Ripley after Rhea injured her while she was at her best. She says that she was the very last person to defeat Rhea Ripley when Raquel Rodriguez shows up, and says that while both Becky and Liv make great points, anybody could be champion after Saturday. Naomi shows up and says she came back to WWE with a whole new purpose, as she made her name in and out of WWE, and she wants to climb back to the top as it is where she belongs. Tiffany Stratton shows up and says that while Naomi made another name for herself, she left an empty space, and she became the center of the universe. She says nobody cares about the past, which is all she sees in the ring. As Tiffany declares that she is the future, Bianca Belair shows up and says Tiffany has no idea what running her mouth will get her before stating she has won the Elimination Chamber match before and will win it again. Tiffany says Bianca is "so last year," and says she peaked last year, but Bianca tells Tiffany she barely even goes here. Liv confronts Tiffany only for Tiffany to shove her, starting a brawl. Nia Jax suddenly shows up and lays everyone out.
We hear from Gunther, who says that tonight is the greatest night in "Main Event" Jey Uso's career when he wins his first singles title in WWE, then reminds Jey that he is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time and tells Jey that he does not belong in the main event and will have to keep on dreaming.
We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura. He tells Sami Zayn that fighters fight, not whine to everyone to try and get a spotlight. He then says he will give Sami a spotlight, then says that if he thinks he is an underdog, he will make sure he stays that way by defeating him again and dragging him down to the bottom so he can bask in everyone's sympathy. He says he will show the fans that their contender is a pretender, and if he wants any more of him, he can get it anytime, anywhere.
Undefeated professional boxer "King" Callum Walsh is seen in the crowd.
Chad Gable beats Ivar with an ankle lock after Ivar kicks out of the top rope moonsault.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says Cody Rhodes has been on the roll of a lifetime in the last two years and that he and Roman Reigns are the only two people to pin him. As for The Bloodline (Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa) helping him, their involvement does not taint his win and that he will soon win the Elimination Chamber match because he is the workhorse of WWE and a future world champion.
We hear from The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods). Xavier Woods says that after "Main Event" Jey Uso becomes Intercontinental Champion, it is their turn. Kofi Kingston says Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) did not get the job done and that they targeted them for weeks, and that it is not over until they say it is over. He says that next week, it is no rules, and Xavier Woods says that next week's match is a Street Fight.
Professional bull rider John Crimber is seen in the crowd.
Gunther retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against "Main Event" Jey Uso following the distraction from Jimmy Uso, who repeatedly rings the bell from behind the timekeeper's area. Jimmy takes Jey out, but Gunther is able to get the knees up to block the Uso Splash and pin Jey to retain. After the match, Jimmy Uso attacks Jey and tells him that no matter how big he gets, he will always be the big brother. Jimmy then goes for the Uso Splash and hits Jey with it. Jimmy soon hits Jey with another Uso Splash to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh)! Raquel Rodriguez! Chad Gable!
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and "Main Event" Jey Uso beat Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) in a six-man tag match.
We hear from Andrade, who says that he loves this business and has been a champion many times, especially when he came to WWE. He says titles were not enough, and he had to leave three years ago to remember who he was. Now, he is back, and he knows his direction is clear.
Bobby Lashley beats "Big" Bronson Reed to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match.
We see some post-show footage from last week's show where Sami Zayn makes the save for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
In footage from earlier today, Jackie Redmond interviews Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn says that there is a feeling of embarrassment from coming up short in one's goals, but that feeling is always overtaken by an unwavering belief in one's self. He says he has to believe in himself because nobody else will, and says that he will become a champion. Even though it is not a easy path, he will walk it. Suddenly, Shinsuke Nakamura shows up on the TitanTron and asks what is wrong with Sami, saying he has had the moments and the glory but wants people's sympathy just like "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. He says he would love to see Sami's true side in the ring to night, but tells him not to let his true emotions tonight, for he will not tolerate it as heis chance his gone. He then says he will pick up Sami's warsoul tonight and carry forward.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody talks about how he is now in the main event of WrestleMania 40 against Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, and that he is only able to say that because of the fans. Cody says that the fans made their voices heard about it for a full week by spreading the word however they would, with the word being "We want Cody." Cody admits he does not know how to repay the fans, then looks at the WrestleMania sign and says he does not want to get emotional because he would come off as "a crybaby." This leads to "Rocky sucks" chants, and as everyone said they wanted him, the most famous human being alive did not want to hear it. We see footage of The Rock on The Pat McAfee making fun of some of Cody's fans as he tells them to shut up and enjoy the ride he will give them. After making fun of The Rock's "McNuggets" line, he says that while The Rock is good at a lot of things, one thing The Rock does not do well is listen, especially after he slapped him in the face in public. He says that The Rock's energy was not the people's energy, but of malevolence, and calls his alliance with Roman Reigns "the perfect storm." Cody says that The Rock slapped him in the face, and warns The Rock that he will hit him back. Suddenly, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins says he understands Cody's decision, and says there are millions of people around the world who want Cody to finish his story. He says that since the decision is now made, Cody needs to finish his story for himself, his father, for him and for the fans. Rollins says that if Cody does not beat Roman for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, it will be very dark on the other side of WrestleMania, as Roman will get more power and leverage and shows up and defend his championship less. He says the glass ceiling will be thicker and the brass rings will be higher, and that this is the last real chance to take back the title and give the power back to the people. Rollins says that Cody was screwed out of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship last year and could not get the job done, but he fought his way back. He says the deck is stacked against him just the same, but the bar has been raised thanks to The Rock. Rollins then tells Cody that he does not have to fight this battle alone, and when Cody said he wanted to take everything away from Roman Reigns, he felt that and had to step up at the Kickoff media event. He says he is sick and tired of "entitled, selfish pricks" thinking they can do whatever they want and get away with it. He also admits that the man Roman Reigns is now is partly his fault after teaching Roman everything he knew. Rollins says he could never imagine Roman being the monster he is now, and that he now has two heads due to having someone on his side as selfish and entitled as he is, but when it comes to fighting The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso) and The Rock, there is only one man on Earth who is suited to be Cody's shield. He says that man was once an architect but is now a visionary and revolutionary, and it is him.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "Main Event" Jey Uso and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods). Upon finding out that Gunther has to defend the Intercontinental Championship against Jey Uso, Jey celebrates their win and predicts there will be another big win next week. The New Day also give Jey credit where credit is due for slapping Gunther in the face, then the three of them plug Jey Uso's new sunglasses on WWE Shop.
Liv Morgan beats Zoey Stark to qualify for the women's Elimination Chamber match.
Backstage, Damian Priest tells R-Truth that the joke is over and that R-Truth has never been part of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh), with every beating being just a beating and that tonight is an execution. He tells R-Truth once and for all that he is not part of the crew.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce tells R-Truth that his match is right now as R-Truth tries to call The Miz for help.
JD McDonagh beats R-Truth. After the match, Finn Balor charges at R-Truth, but R-Truth avoids him and fights back. He confronts Damian Priest, but when he turns around to punch McDonagh, Priest punches R-Truth, and The Judgment Day gangs up on R-Truth until #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) run into the ring with chairs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) retreat.
Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes thanks Sami Zayn for his help last week, then tells Sami that he believes in him and that so do the fans.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring. She says that the road to WrestleMania has been crazy and that she loves the business, and talks about how she stepped into a wrestling ring for the first time at fifteen years old and has been obsessed ever since. She says that obsession has been great most of the time and that it is the reason she is in front of the fans, and the reason why a woman who failed gym class became the first woman to ever main event WrestleMania. She says it is how she met her husband and had her daughter, then says that obsession is why she has missed birthdays, weddings, and her own father's funeral. She also says she had to explain things about her job to her three-year-old daughter. Becky says she has never been more obsessed with this and more obsessed with winning back the title she held for two years, and that she is going face-to-face with one of the most dominant champions the business has ever seen. She says she knows the fans love Rhea Ripley and that they think nobody can beat her, then says she is not just anyone and that Rhea has never faced anyone like her. Becky says that whether the fans love or hate her or Rhea, she wants to make a toast to the journey to WrestleMania. She gets a drink from the crowd and has everyone in the crowd raise theirs as well to toast Rhea's last few weeks as champion. As Becky takes a swig, Nia Jax shows up. She says she knows she and Becky have had their differences, but she has something to say to her and would like to get in the ring with her. Nia gets in the ring and says she has so much respect for her and says that if her mom was half the mother that Becky was, she would be so lucky. Nia hopes that she could use the example that Becky is and tells Becky that she will win that match at Elimination Chamber and that with that passion and drive for her daughter, there is nothing that will stop her. She then says nothing will stop her from beating Rhea Ripley and become Women's World Champion, and that at WrestleMania, it will be Becky versus her. Suddenly, Rhea Ripley shows up. Rhea Ripley gets in the ring and fights Nia. Nia nearly whips Rhea into Becky, and Becky stops Rhea only for the two of them to be pancaked by Nia. Nia punches Rhea out, then Becky knocks Nia out of the ring. As Becky and Rhea have a staredown, Rhea boots Nia off the ring apron, then tells Nia she is going to have to kill her.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says all he has done is give the fans what they want, and goes on to call Seth "Freakin'" Rollins selfish for wanting "The American Nightmae" Cody Rhodes to fight him. He says that he is the underdog and that he had to beat "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles to qualify for the Elimination Chamber and says that he is doing things the right way, then tells Cody Rhodes to get out of their match next week or else he will not see WrestleMania.
Backstage, R-Truth thanks #DIY (Johnny Gargano and for the help, but calls them "D-Generation X", Gargano "Shawn Michaels" and Ciampa "Triple H" beforehand.
LA Knight beats Ivar to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match after the distraction from Valhalla backfires.
Backstage, Sami Zayn sees Drew McIntyre, who tells him to keep his name out of his mouth and his nose out of his business. Sami tells McIntyre that he is in his way, and McIntyre steps aside before Sami walks by.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce, Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae are met by Chelsea Green regarding an upcoming battle royal, and says WrestleMania 40 cannot be the biggest WrestleMania of all time without her when Pearce says he has not made a decision yet as to who will be in the battle royal. Indi tells Chelsea that not everything is about her and that she is fighting for an opportunity to wrestle in front of her family. Chelsea says she is a champion and should not be "considered" and demands a one-on-one match with someone like "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark instead of a battle royal. Baszler and Stark shows up, and Baszler says she cannot wait to tear Chelsea apart next week. Chelsea is livid.
Shinsuke Nakamura beats Sami Zayn following the distraction by Drew McIntyre. After the match, McIntyre attacks Sami Zayn, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes runs in to the ring and brawls with McIntyre, hitting him with the Cody Cutter. Nakamura slides into the ring and falls victim to the Cross Rhodes.
This week on Raw Talk: LA Knight! Bobby Lashley, B-Fab and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)! Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae!
WWE acknowledges Martin Luther King Jr. Day to start tonight's show.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. As Cody states that the Royal Rumble is right around the corner, Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. McIntyre says he and Cody have yet to catch up with him, and tells Cody that he is proud of him and how far he has come, and also mentions their brief history as The Dashing Ones and their time away from WWE before they came back. McIntyre mentions his last match before he returned to WWE - which was with Cody - and how Cody told him he would be a future world champion, which he would do twice. He says that Cody will become the first in his family to become a world champion in WWE. He says that Cody will finish his story, but not before he finishes his. Cody says they have both declared for the men's Royal Rumble and that there are others who could win, and that nobody can be counted out. McIntyre tells Cody to be himself, and that he does not need the three-pieces suits, big words, or the fake smile, and says that if anyone has a problem with the real Cody, he can knock them on their arses. Cody says that what he does is not an act, and while he and McIntyre have taken similar paths, he is grateful for his opportunities and his circumstance while McIntyre complains about his. McIntyre asks that if this is "the real Cody," then he wants to know why Cody brought "Main Event" Jey Uso back to Raw. He tells Cody that he is in his way and that he will eat him alive, and at WrestleMania, the story belongs to him. Cody says it is all about "ifs" with McIntyre and that McIntyre wants that for him, but when he focuses on his story, he looks at his opponent and the fans. He then asks who won between them in their last match together before he leaves the ring.
Backstage, Damian Priest meets with R-Truth regarding selling their merchandise in the parking lot. R-Truth hands Priest his cut, which is a lot of money. Priest then tells R-Truth not to tag in during his match.
#DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beat The Judgment Day ("Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh).
In backstage footage, Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell talk with General Manager Adam Pearce when Chelsea Green and Piper Niven show up and Chelsea complains about the officiating in her most recent match, stating that she pinned Kayden Carter. Pearce refuses to have it with Chelsea, then puts Chelsea and Piper in a match with Indi and Candice.
We see a vignette for Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell, who state that they will become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions in 2024.
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell beat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
We see a vignette for Nia Jax.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley heads to the ring to address the women's division. Damian Priest shows up and says he has addresses Drew McIntyre to General Manager Adam Pearce, then mentions that R-Truth is "earning for the crew," much to JD McDonagh's chagrin.
Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser head to the ring. Gunther says that the Royal Rumble is two weeks away and that he can feel and smell the desperation, and since they are in Arkansas, he can smell excrement, too. With everyone wanting to main event WrestleMania, Gunther reminds everyone that he nearly won the Royal Rumble last year and lasted longer than anyone in the past, and proclaims that this year, he will win it and main event WrestleMania. Gunther then addresses Ludwig, saying that Ludwig showed grit, confidence, courage and a nasty side that he has always wanted to show him. Gunther then congratulates Ludwig and hugs him. Suddenly, Xavier Woods shows up. Woods says he and Ludwig have a problem after Ludwig dropped Kofi Kingston's head into the ring steps and says that Ludwig is the reason Kofi is not here tonight. Woods says he will extract his pound of flesh from Ludwig tonight, and asks if Ludwig needs Gunther's permission. Ludwig says that what he did to Kofi last week is nothing compared to what he will do to Woods tonight, and that he will take his head as well as he accepts the challenge. Ludwig and Woods brawl, and Woods quickly gets the upper hand on Ludwig before a referee shows up and makes the match official.
Ludwig Kaiser beats Xavier Woods by disqualification after Xavier Woods hits Ludwig Kaiser with one of the chairs from the announce table. After the match, Woods grabs a metal folding chair, but Kaiser kicks it into Woods' head with an enzuigiri. Afterwards, Kaiser tries to kick Woods' head into the ring steps, but Woods gets up and hits Kaiser with a knee bfore grabbing the ring steps and throwing it at Kaiser's head. Kaiser avoids the steps and runs away through the crowd.
Backstage, we hear from "Big" Bronson Reed, who says that there is a man right now holding a championship who does not realize that sooner or later, it will belong to him.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Xavier Woods when Ludwig Kaiser attacks Woods. "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up and shoves Kaiser off Woods, and referees restore order before things get worse.
Akira Tozawa beats Ivar with a top rope Sunset Flip Powerbomb following the distraction by Maxxine Dupri. After the match, Valhalla attacks Maxxine Dupri, and Ivar boots Tozawa in the face. After Valhalla headbutts Maxxine, Ivar hits Tozawa with a top rope moonsault.
Backstage, Ivy Nile tells The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) and Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa) that she will talk to General Manager Adam Pearce regarding Valhalla. Afterwards, Chad Gable congratulates Akira Tozawa on the win before calling Ivar's post-match actions those of a coward. He says that Gable will be the one to teach Ivar the difference between a coward and an Alpha.
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring. Rhea says she is tired of people like Nia Jax running their mouth and saying the women's division is theirs, then says the division and the Women's World title is hers. She tells any potential Royal Rumble winners to choose her if they want to waste their WrestleMania and to go pick someone else, for she is always on top. Suddenly, Becky Lynch shows up. Becky notes the similarities between her and Rhea's careers, then says that she won the main event of WrestleMania while Rhea did not. She says that one of them has the strength of a bear, but the other has the heart of a lion. Becky admits a voice keeps her awake at night and tells her that Rhea might be better than her, but she has to prove that she is that, and to do that, she must win the Royal Rumble and take the Women's World Championship from her. Rhea says that there is one person who wants Becky to win the Royal Rumble more than Becky, and that is her. She then tells Becky she will see her at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says he has been World Heavyweight Champion now for over 200 days, and with every successful defense, he gets stronger, and he must continue to be a fighting champion in order to take the title to WrestleMania. He says that he and Jinder Mahal have history and that this is not the same Jinder that he beat to become the very first NXT Champion, and he would not have it any other way.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Damian Priest) beat The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth) after R-Truth is reluctant to fight Damian Priest.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Jinder Mahal. Jinder says he needs absolute clarity. He says that twelve years in the making have been narrowed down to one night and that he must beat Seth "Freakin'" Rollins to become World Heavyweight Champion.
We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura. He says that last week, he could not cause the damage he desired, which made him angry and left him hungry. He tells "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes to keep an eye open, because their story has not ended and that he now turns his hunger towards the Royal Rumble. He says a hungry Shinsuke is a dangerous Shinsuke and that he will feast on the dreams of twenty-nine other men.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark beat Tegan Nox and Natalya with a submission hold from Shayna to Natalya.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins retains the World Heavyweight Championship against Jinder Mahal despite inteference attempts by Indus Sher (Veer and Sanga) that involve putting Jinder's foot near the bottom rope on a pinfall attempt and Veer hitting Rollins with the Money In The Bank Briefcase from the outside. During the match, Damian Priest shows up with the Money In The Bank Brifcase to watch from ringside, and later in the match, Drew McIntyre shows up from out in the crowd to brawl with Priest, and the two of them brawl their way to the back.
This week on Raw Talk: Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell (and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark)! Diamond Mine (Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile)! Ludwig Kaiser!
Drew McIntyre is in the ring to start tonight's show. Drew is furious that he is not World Heavyweight Champion, and has realized that he is holding himself back. He says he needs to get his priorities and step away from WWE for a while. He addresses Damian Priest, asking him why he could not wait until he was champion, as he screwed him as well as himself. Drew says he might as well leave for nine years and come back to a hero's welcome when CM Punk shows up. CM Punk says that he is known for talking and not Drew McIntyre, then says that since he has returned, talking is all Drew has done. He then allows Drew to say whatever he has to say to him to his face. Drew congratulates CM Punk on his returns, then admits everyone in the back has a running bet on whether CM Punk will crash and burn. He says that he only cares what Punk does to him personally. Drew says that he was in a dark place when CM Punk was the locker room leader over a decade ago, but Punk saw him as a threat. He says Randy Orton could not help him because he had his own demon, then goes on to call CM Punk a demon and "a self-serving succubus." He says that when he was fired, he eventually figured it out, and now he is Punk's leader. Punk says he has called himself many things, but leader is not one of them. He also talks about how Drew followed his lead on his return, then says that Drew is somehow mad about it. CM Punk then says he "is Satan" when pushed, and that he is a nice guy until it is time not to be and that it is time to win the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania. Drew says they have a problem, as he won the Royal Rumble and headlined WrestleMania while stepping up while the world shut down, and states that CM Punk would have run off while he stepped up. He then says he will do it again, and this time, it will be for himself. Punk says things are getting spicy and that he will leave before Drew punches his teeth out. He says the only person who can get in his way is him and that he got out of his own way a long time ago, and because he is such a nice guy, he will toss Drew out last.
Before the next match, Tommaso Ciampa says that it is a long road for him and Johnny Gargano and that they must fight for what they want. He says that this is "must-win" and not "can't lose," and that they will become the next tag team champions.
Tommaso Ciampa beats Finn Balor after Johnny Gargano grabs Finn Balor's foot from the outside.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Becky Lynch. Becky says she was hoping Nia Jax would break her nose and put her in the hospital again, and while Nia busted her mouth open, she got back up and declared for the women's Royal Rumble. She says that either Nia is weaker or she is stronger. She says that since one never ended the other, this is not the end and only the beginning.
Kofi Kingston vs. Ludwig Kaiser ends in a double count-out. After the match, both men brawl, and Kaiser throws a commentary table chair at Kofi and knocks him out before ultimately drop kicking Kofi's head into the ring steps.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Ludwig Kaiser, who says Kofi Kingston had it coming after he was left holding the entire weight of Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci), and after Kofi took Giovanni Vinci's head, he took Kofi's.
Michael Cole interviews Nia Jax in the ring. Nia says she is a new Nia Jax and is more focused than ever, and says it would really be shocking if she broke Michael Cole's face. She then says she is focused on running through the Royal Rumble and becoming a champion. As Nia says there is no man or woman who can stop her as she mentions both Rhea Ripley and Io Sky, Rhea Ripley suddenly shows up. Rhea says everyone knows Nia likes to talk a big game, then reminds Nia that she eliminated her from the Royal Rumble last year. She then says that while beating Becky Lynch is an accomplishment, Becky is "no Rhea bloody Ripley." She then tells Nia that she does not own the women's division and warns her that if she does win the Royal Rumble, it is best that she keep her name out of her mouth. Nia tells Rhea she may be the most dominant women's champion in history, then reminds her that she put her on her ass when she came back and that she is not champion because Rhea does not want to face her. Nia then tells Rhea that when she wins the women's Royal Rumble, she will choose her.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody is suddenly attacked from behind by Shinsuke Nakamura, and officials quickly have to stop the attack.
Katana Chance and Kayden Carter retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
It is announced that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura later tonight is now a street fight.
We see video footage of R-Truth, who says that he dreamed of being in The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) since he was a baby and that his dream came true. He says that with JD McDonagh gone, The Judgment Day is a real family, and that they are here for anyone if they want to talk. Backstage, Damian Priest says that he will end "the R-Truth joke" when the time comes. Finn Balor says #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) will need CPR and MRIs, and Rhea says she will take care of Nia Jax. JD McDonagh says he will take care of The Miz tonight.
The Miz beats JD McDonagh after The Miz drop kicks McDonagh into "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio from inside the ring. After the match, R-Truth celebrates with The Miz in the ring. Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley) gets more irritated with R-Truth.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins says that he has never taken a world title into WrestleMania and has never been the headline or marquee match, and says that this is going to change because this is his year. He says he has worked too hard and too long and that he took a title that did not exist a year ago and made it the most important title in the industry the way he said he would do it, then asks who he will beat at WrestleMania. As he talks about how the Raw roster is loaded from top to bottom, Jinder Mahal suddenly shows up and heads to the ring. Jinder says he was more of a revolutionary in five minutes than Seth was in five years and that Seth is only here to entertain clowns and push degeneracy before calling Portland, Oregon a degenerate city. He also says that Seth is not a role model and and overlooks tenured, decorated champions like him, and for the first time, he finally has his attention. Seth agrees that Jinder has been overlooked, then says it was on purpose and that Jinder was forgotten until The Rock put his balls in a vice. He then gives kudos to Jinder for showing back up before confronting him for getting in his face. He says that if Jinder does not want to be overlooked, all he has to do is take a swing. Jinder refuses, but when Seth calls him "Same old Jinder" and turns his back, Jinder hits him from behind. Jinder fights back and goes for the Khalass, and Seth strikes back, with Jinder geting away before Seth can hit him with The Stomp.
Ivar beats Otis.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews "Main Event" Jey Uso. Jey says he will get his first WWE singles title this year, then "Big" Bronson Reed shows up and tells him that he is not the only one with plans and warns him not to get in the way.
We see a video package for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a street fight.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Shinsuke Nakamura in a street fight after going for a Kinshasa and going through a table.
This week on Raw Talk: The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth)! Jinder Mahal! Katana Chance and Kayden Carter!
