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.
Cedric Alexander beats Moose with a hurricanrana into a sit-down pin. After the match, both men shake hands, and Moose briefly raises Cedric's hand.
Mike Santana heads to the ring. Santana plays a message from his father before his father passed away, telling him that he earned the main event, deserves the main event and belongs in the main event. He then talks about how he came back almost two years ago and made a statement about how he was coming for the top spot, and since then, he put action behind those words. Santana also states that whenever he fell, he picked himself back up, and it led him to last week's show when he stood with "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and was told he held the keys to TNA. He also gives respect where it is due to Frankie Kazarian after their Texas Death Match at Genesis, then states that he has a bigger target on his back than ever. He says his back is against the wall, but it is where he is most at home. Santana admits that everyone told him he would never be "the guy," but he now stands as "the guy" because he earned his way here, he deserves to be here and he belongs here.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Order 4 (Mustafa Ali, Jason Hotch, John Skyler, Tasha Steelz, Special Agent Zero). Mustafa Ali says that The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) are sheep, not "GOATs," and says that he will be the fans' shepherd and will prove it tonight just like he did against Elijah.
Chris Van Vliet is seen in the front row.
Before the next match, The Personal Concierge George Iceman says the only thing he is excited about in New Mexico is leaving it. He says that the town of Albuquerque sucks and that it is full of thieves and illiterates before introducing The Elegance Brand (Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance, Mr. Elegance).
Indi Harwtell beats M by Elegance with a stack-up pin. After the match, Heather by Elegance attacks Indi from behind, with M joining in. Ash by Elegance steps in and stops the attack, saying they are better than that, but M pushes Ash. As Ash dares the rest of The Elegance Brand to attack her, The Angel Warriors (Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Lee) show up and stand with Ash and Indi, but it is all a plot for Ash to blindside Lei Ying Lee and hit her with a DDT.
As per the Bioflex Injury Report: Elijah is cleared despite re-aggravating his torn tricep injury at Genesis. Frankie Kazarian is out following multiple injuries during last week's Texas Death Match, including a broken hand from earlier this month following his TNA World Championship defense against Bear Bronson. The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) are banged up and bruised after their match with The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch) at Genesis, but they are cleared and medically approved to continue in competition.
Backstage, The Elegance Brand (The Personal Concierge, (Ash by Elegance, Heather by Elegance, M by Elegance, Mr. Elegance) celebrate Ash by Elegance's plan going as intended, with The Personal Concierge proclaiming that Ash is part of "the comeback club," which is deserving of a comeback party.
Eric Young, Steve Maclin, Trey Miguel and Eddie Edwards claim briefcases in the Feast or Fired Match. Before the match, it is revealed that Trey Miguel has returned to TNA. Eric Young takes Briefcase #1 after The Home Town Man initally grabs it only for Eric Young to unmask him before he can leave the ring, and leaves with both the briefcase and his mask. Steve Maclin claims Briefcase #2. Trey Miguel claims Briefcase #4 after hitting a German suplex out of the Tree of Woe position. Eddie Edwards claims Briefcase #3 after outsmarting AJ Francis after Brian Myers takes out everyone on the outside.
Backstage, Mike Santana is met by "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth. Nemeth tells Santana that he will need to watch his back after Feast or Fired, then tells him that he is thinking with his heart and not his head and that emotional champions do not last long. When Nemeth says that he will call his shot and take his title, this leads to a brawl that is quickly broken up by referees.
Backstage, BDE is playing video games with friends when "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth suddenly shows up and calls everyone in the room soft after nobody saw his brawl with Santana. He also calls BDE "an experiment," and BDE says he earned his way into TNA. Nemeth says that real life is not social media. BDE then challenges Nemeth to a match next week, and Nemeth accepts.
Elayna Black shows up and introduces herself, then says she is the only one that everyone needs to pay attention to in the Knockouts Division as well as the only one to get one million views on TNA socials in twenty-four hours. She also says she is the only one who makes consistently makes headlines and is consistently the only one that matters no matter what she does or says, and after her debut next week, she will be the only one next in line for the Knockouts title. Elayna then proclaims that whether the fans like it or not, they are living in "the age of Elayna."
Backstage, Arianna Grace meets with Director of Authority Santino Marella and apologizes to Santino for hurting him, saying she thought she was hurt and that they had an amazing relationship before begging for forgiveness. Santino forgives Arianna.
Jeff Hardy beats Mustafa Ali following the distraction by Elijah.
Backstage, we hear from The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch). Vincent says that Genesis "felt beautiful," then he and Dutch state that greatness is not a destination, but a door you stand in front of. Vincent then wants to know just how great The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) can become.
The System (Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Brian Myers, Moose, JDC) head to the ring. JDC thanks the fans for the beautiful send-off at Genesis, and that he and his family have nothing but love for the TNA fans. He then says tonight is not about him, but the future of The System and his replacement. JDC says that he has hand-picked his replacement, and that he and the fans have a lot of respect for him, calling him the future of the business. JDC's replacement in The System is none other than Bear Bronson, who heads to the ring. Eddie hits JDC with a low blow, then Bear Bronson attacks Moose while Brian Myers joins in. Cedric Alexander shows up with a metal folding chair and chases Eddie, Bear Bronson and Myers off, but he hits Moose in the back. Eddie then says that he is replacing not one member, but two, and since Moose cannot trust The System, he cannot beat it. This leads to "Fuck The System" chants as JDC and Moose are laid out, and everyone except Alisha celebrates, as Alisha checks on JDC and Moose as the show ends.
Before the next match, "Smart" Mark Sterling talks about how he has not been attacked since 128 days ago when his bicep was ripped to the bone thanks to Story Denali. He then says that if the Dallas Cowboys had even one athlete the caliber of The Premier Athletes (Tony Nese, Ariya Daivari, Story Denali), then they would have made the playoffs instead of watching from the sidelines like the fan. He then gives the fans the chance to tell The Premier Athletes that they rule only to be told they suck.
Adam Priest and "The Dynamite Kid" Tommy Billington beat The Premier Atheletes (Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari) after Priest rolls up Nese. After the match, The Swirl ("Vanilla Baby" Blake Christian and "Big Shotty" Lee Johnson) and Jay Lethal attack Billington and Priest, with The Premier Athletes joining in. Lee Johnson and Jay Lethal put Billington and Priest in stereo Figure Four Leg Locks before they and Blake Christian go further on the attack while The Premier Athletes leave.
Satnam Singh beats Josiah Jean and Dante Leon in a two-on-one handicap match.
Cru (Lio Rush and Action Andretti) beat Alec Price and Jordan Oliver.
Dalton Castle and The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) beat Auzzy, Hitt and Gino Medina in a six-man tag match.
We hear from "The Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo, who says that being part of Madison Rayne's last match means more than she can put into words. She says she has work to do in creating her legacy as the very first ROH Pure Women's Champion, then issues an open challenge to anyone anywhere, as she is a fighting champion by design and excellence is required.
"Taiga Style" Lee Moriarty beats "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard by submission with the Border City Stretch in an ROH Pure Championship Proving Ground Match. After the match, the rest of Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, "The Captain" Shawn Dean, "Bad News and Tattoos" Carlie Bravo, Trish Adora) go on the attack on Matt Menard just before he can shake hands. Shane Taylor Promotions - including the mystery girl - retreat when Skyflight (Scorpio Sky, Darius Martin, Dante Martin, Zayda Steel) rush to the ring. All the while, Moriarty is disappointed that the attack occured.
Tony Schiavone interviews Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega in the ring to start tonight's show. Ospreay thanks Omega for joining him in the ring tonight, then things have changed since Omega was gone and that he is no longer involved in The Don Callis Family. He also tells Omega that he has come back at a bad time. Ospreay says he is trying to get the World title from Jon Moxley, but Callis' family keeps getting in his way. Omega mentions their last match and how Ospreay nearly killed him with Don Callis' help to prove he was better than him. He says that Ospreay was not better than him then or now, and that it took diverticulitis nearly killing him to get people to notice him, and tells Ospreay that he will never someone like him. Suddenly, Don Callis shows up, and when Omega charges at him, Konosuke Takeshita attacks him. Kyle Fletcher shows up and joins in, and he and Fletcher go at it in the ring. Takeshita clocks Ospreay from behind, and Omega hits Takeshita with a Dragon Suplex. Fletcher hits Omega with a thrust kick as he goes for a tope suicida on Omega, then Takeshita and Fletcher get the upper hand in the brawl. Murder Machine soon shows up. Ospreay and Lance Archer brawl in the crowd, while Omega has to deal with Takeshita and Brian Cage as the entire brawl makes its way into the concourse. Ospreay and Omega climb up the stands and a lighting truss, respectively, and both of them take to the air to take out The Don Callis Family. Both men then climb on the truss together to celebrate, and Omega tells Callis he will put his family six feet under. He tells Ospreay he should have trusted him from the beginning, then challenges Fletcher and Takeshita to ta tag team match with him and Ospreay at Grand Slam Australia.
We see a video package for PAC.
Backstage, we hear from Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir. Moxley says Adam Copeland is in a different world than the one he left where opponents are more dangerous and Copeland's neck is hanging on by a thread. He says he gave Darby Allin his death wish and that Copeland might get one, too, and if that happens, he will not lose sleep. Moxley says he does not have time for sleep or "relics from the past," as he is focused on the future.
MVP guests on commentary for the next match.
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) beat Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) to become the AEW World Tag Team Champions!
We hear from "The Glamour" Mariah May, who says that she is the most disrespected champion in AEW history despite the heights she has brought the AEW Women's World Championship, and says that she has been rewarded with another title match with Toni Storm. She says she will play Toni Storm's game and scramble her brains again, and prove that nobody deserves her.
Backstage, Renee Paquette interviews Toni Storm when Harley Cameron shows up and wishes her good luck. Toni says there's no reason for Harley not to have a match at Grand Slam Australia, and the rest of their conversation ends up being covered in Aussie dialect.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Jeff Jarrett when Karen Jarrett has a word with Jeff. She tells Jeff that "getting in the mud" with MJF is not who he is, but Jeff tells Karen Jarrett he has this. Jeff Jarrett then heads to the ring. He talks about a tag team match early in his career when he and his opponents throw both physical and verbal barbs, and how afterwards, Jerry "The King" Lawler told him not to get in the gutter with his opponents. He says that is good to be back home to remember things like this and that MJF will find out who "The Last Outlaw" is, and that they will settle this Southern-style, take him out to the woodshed and beat his ass. Jarrett then talks about how the fans has inspired him in the last year and giving him the gift of a 57-year-old man believing he can be AEW World Champion, then calls out Jon Moxley. Jarrett is attacked from behind by Claudio Castagnoli, who tells him that nobody gets to Moxley without getting to him first before warning Jarrett to stay out of The Death Riders' (Moxley, Claudio, PAC, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir) business. As Claudio leaves, Jarrett tells Claudio he will have to kill him to stop him, and makes Claudio put his money where his mouth is. Claudio says beating him lifeless is an interesting proposition and that he will see him next week.
Swerve Strickland beats AR Fox after Ricochet shows up with his pair of golden scissors only to be chased to the back with a pipe by Prince Nana. After the match, Ricochet shows up on the video screen, who says that next week, Swerve will hear everything he has to say before revealing that he has Prince Nana held hostage. He says this may be Swerve's house, but he is the new landlord and rent is due.
We hear from The Learning Tree ("The Learning Tree" Chris Jericho, "The Redwood" Big Bill, "The Bad Apple" Bryan Keith) backstage. Chris Jericho says this week is a little more somber after last week's loss, and Big Bill says that failures are signposts on the road to success, much to Jericho's disappointment. Jericho says learning moments only work when one actually learns, then he and Bryan Keith ask what Big Bill do after Jericho blames Powerhouse Hobbs for their loss. Big Bill says Hobbs may have won, but he did not beat him because he is the biggest man in the business. He says he will be coming to find Hobbs.
MJF shows up before the next match and tells the wrestler waiting on his opponent - Tyler Shoop - to get out of the ring, which he does. MJF tells Jeff Jarrett that he deserves to give the fans as well as himself an apology after his actions last week. MJF says he wanted to help Jarrett not because he believed in him, but because he was the easiest to manipulate and beat, and says that Jarrett thinking that he will become the next AEW World Champion without him proves he is as senile as he looks. He says that if he isn't after Claudio Castagnoli beats his brains in next week, he will be. MJF then tells Jeff Jarrett that the wrestling business as well as the fans do not love him anymore, as he is about to find out that he is better off making a deal with the Devil instead of defying him.
"Hangman" Adam Pearce quickly beats Tyler Shoop. After the match, Christopher Daniels shows up in a neck brace, and when Hangman gets in his face, Daniels says he did not want to fight him and that he regrets doing so. He says approaching him was like pouring gasoline on a fire and that he let his insecurities get the best of him and make him accept the most violent match against the most violent man. He says he regrets getting in a Texas Death Match with Hangman, as his doctors have advised him to never wrestle again after the damage done to his neck from that match as well as over the years. He tells Hangman "You win," and that this is goodbye, and hopes that Hangman can be happy.
Jamie Hayter beats Julia Hart after countering Hartless with the Faith Breaker followed by the Hayterade. After the match, Jamie Hayter says she has a heavy respect for women like Julia Hart who do what they want to do, then says they have both one won match and that if Julia wants a rubber match, she has it.
Backstage, Powerhouse Hobbs tells "The Redwood" Big Bill that he does not have to look hard for him next week, as he will be waiting for him in the parking lot.
Backstage, we hear from Prince Nana and Swerve Strickland. Strickland tells Ricochet he will need his scissors to come at him, and that in two weeks, he will finally get his hands on him. Swerve then says that he might get his hands on Ricochet sooner than that.
We hear from Brody King, Buddy Matthews and Julia Hart. Brody says they had a voice to guide them, and that it was once deafening but is now silent. Buddy and Julia Hart both say that they are on their own and that it is just them. Brody says it is just them and violence, and that when they bark, they bark together.
Adam Copeland beats PAC. After the match, it is revealed that the rest of The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Marina Shafir) are holding FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and The Rock 'n Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson), and Claudio hits Ricky Morton with a Con-Chair-To. The Death Riders soon show up and surround the ring, then gang up on Copeland until "Switchblade" Jay White shows up and fights his way to the ring. Moxley goes for Blade Runner on Moxley, but Yuta hits him with a low blow. The numbers game catches up to Switchblade, who is held back as Moxley puts Copeland in the bulldog choke.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins is seen clearly wearing a knee brace over his pants as he welcomes everyone to the show. He says it has been a long week and appreciates the support, then mentions how he injured his left knee during a moonsault as he defended the World title against Jinder Mahal. After the match, when he went to the back, it set in that he would be gone for a long time, and he felt like a bit of a liar saying that all his successful title defenses only made him stronger. Rollins states that he was afraid that he would miss WrestleMania, causing a "No!" chant in the crowd, and that he has had his knee looked at and that he has a tear in his MCL and a partially torn meniscus, which means he may be gone for three to four months. He says that if it were up to him, he would be stomping people's heads next week, but he does not know what the future holds and he is taking this day by day and week by week. Suddenly, Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) shows up. Rollins tells Gunther to get things over with when Gunther gets in the ring, but Gunther says Vinci and Kaiser have The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) later and that Rollins should concentrate on him. He says they have avoided each other for some time, then says that Rollins has been in a tough spot and a workhorse champion from the beginning who has fought honestly and has brought respect and honor to a championship. He says that Rollins has become a champion everyone can be proud of just like him, and that it pulls on his heartstrings to see Rollins like this saying he may not be at WrestleMania. Rollins says Imperium should have let him finish, as he says he does not give a damn what the doctors tell him or how hard he has to rehab and push his knee, for he will keep his promise and take the title into WrestleMania. He also says he will do everything in his power to walk out of WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther says this is great, as he thought everyone would see Rollins fall, but now, he admires and respects him as he would do the same thing in his position. Gunther also says that Rollins reminds him of himself, and says from one great champion to another that he will win the men's Royal Rumble on Sunday and choose Rollins as his opponent for WrestleMania. He also says that he will target his knee, back and everything that is not 100% and become World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins appreciates Gunther's honesty, but tells him to remember who he is coming after. Gunther tells Rollins to remember who is coming after him, then both men shake hands. As Gunther leaves the ring, The New Day jump over the barricade and attack Vinci and Kaiser at ringside.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) ends in a double count-out as both teams brawl on the outside. At one point in the brawl, Woods has to stop Kaiser from hitting Kofi with a metal folding chair. The brawl ends with The New Day shoving Imperium off the top of a set of large equipment crates down through a nearby wooden table.
WWE 2K24 is officially announced on-air, complete with all three covers and the game's first trailer.
We see a video package for Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest later tonight.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) meet. Rhea Ripley hopes that Drew McIntyre is the least of their worries, but Damian Priest takes offense to Rhea making matches for The Judgment Day and accuses her of having a big head after becoming a cover athlete for WWE 2K24, especially after Rhea tells him that he and Finn Balor will defending the undisputed tag titles against #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) next week. Priest leaves to clear his head, and Rhea tells Finn Balor to accompany Dominik and McDonagh for their match.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri. Maxxine says Valhalla is not ready for Ivy Nile as The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) show up, and Ivy Nile is ready to get in the ring.
Ivy Nile beats Valhalla with a top rope bulldog known as "The Pitbull."
Backstage, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) are met by "Main Event" Jey Uso, then Jackie Redmond interviews The New Day. Woods say they are tired of people walking into WWE and not taking them seriously, and Kofi says that they can get down when the time is right despite their image. Kofi says that they took out the henchmen and want the big boss, and he wants Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship next week. Meanwhile, Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane) are seen in the background.
Nia Jax heads to the ring. Nia talks about how she squashed Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch for the first time and squashed them, then says that Rhea and Becky do not want to face her. She says that she will kill both of their WrestleMania dreams when Becky shows up. Becky tells Nia to shut up, then says she knows that she has a big target on her chest and that Nia has an even bigger one because the whole locker room does not like her. She says that she does know what she will enjoy more: winning the Royal Rumble for a second time, or watching Nia lose. Suddenly, Bayley shows up. Bayley says Becky and Nia are going to lose, then says she was looking for Rhea Ripley but could not help herself and make it clear that she will win the Royal Rumble before shoving Becky into Nia only for Nia to beat her up. This starts a three-way brawl where Becky hits Bayley with the Manhandle Slam only for Nia to toss Becky out of the ring and hit Bayley with a big leg drop.
We see a video package of Royal Rumble stats, by the numbers.
Backstage, Becky Lynch meets Rhea Ripley, who tells Becky that she should have other plans for WrestleMania.
"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio beats The Miz following JD McDonagh distracting the ref so that Finn Balor can hit Miz with a cheap shot. After the match, Finn Balor attacks The Miz, then #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) show up and clean house so that Miz can hit McDonagh with a Skull Crushing Finale. #DIY go for Meet In The Middle on McDonagh, but Finn Balor makes the save.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Damian Priest, who congratulates Dominik Mysterio for handling business before R-Truth shows up and hands Priest some money. Priest reminds R-Truth that this is not the right time, and R-Truth leaves before Drew McIntyre, who was one "the man" but cannot beat anyone anymore and wants to make sure he does not become champion. Priest says that he will become champion, and as far as McIntyre goes, he will receive his punishment tonight.
We hear from "Big" Bronson Reed, who says that he is fully aware of "Main Event" Jey Uso wanting to be a singles champion, and that he intends to do so, too. He says their paths will cross, and the sooner, the better, for nothing will stand in his way. He challenges Jey to a match next week so he can make an example out of him.
Ivar beats Chad Gable following the distraction by Valhalla.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Soon after this, CM Punk heads to the ring. CM Punk admits that he and Cody have taken different paths to get here. He says things will change on Saturday and that he hopes they are still friends on Sunday, and tells Cody that they should enjoy this moment. When Cody asks Punk what he wants to talk about, Punk wants to talk about Dusty Rhodes, and mentions how Dusty called him to tell him Cody was heading to Ohio Valley Wrestling to start becoming a wrestler and asked him to keep an eye on Cody. He says that when Dusty asks you for a favor, you say yes, and he stayed out of Cody's way and Cody never got into any trouble their contemporaries did, and Cody grew from a perennial competitor into a main event championship caliber Superstar. Punk says he is proud of Cody, and says he brings this up because on Sunday, he will feel like he is breaking a promise. He says that he will be looking out for him and will throw him over the top rope on Saturday, for he will win the Royal Rumble and go to WrestleMania. Cody tells Punk that he is not alone in that feeling, as he has worked with countless legends, luminaries and dignitaries in the business who cannot help but see his father in him, and that he has done all in his power to be the light in his father's shadow and be his own man. Cody says that he was at Ohio Valley Wrestler as "a nepotism hire," and while Punk could have treated him poorly, they became the best of friends. He then says that there are no friends in the Royal Rumble. Punk then asks about Sunday morning, as he can separate business from personal, and asks if Cody can do the same, as Cody grew up in the business as the son of one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. He also admits that he did not have a famous father in wrestling and say Cody as Cody and knew he had a burden in his last name, and that Cody has gotten to where he is now with flying colors. Punk says that despite their different paths, he and Cody have the same goal. He then says it is ironic that he is more of the American Dream than Cody is due to his own father being a blue-collar electrician. Cody then talks about "The Pipe Bomb," and Punk tosses the microphone cube off his microphone before Cody talks about how he sat on the stage and cut that promo, and says he was inspired by The Pipe Bomb only for Punk to "really leave" WWE. He says that Punk dropped the torch on the way out and that he picked it up and did everything that Punk talked about, which makes him "more CM Punk than [CM Punk]." Punk takes off his jacket and tells Cody that he has carried WWE on his back for two years and has become the WWE 2K24 cover star, and just when he is about to reach the top, he is here to take it away from him. Cody says Punk is looking out for him again, and while Punk talked about The American Dream, he was his best friend and said that "Courage is about being scared to death but saddling up anyway." He says he must go forward - and through Punk - and win the Royal Rumble. As Cody leaves, Punk grabs Cody and pulls him towards himself, leading to an intense staredown between the two men in the middle of the ring. Both men eventually back off and leave the ring from opposite ends before Cody heads to the back.
We see a video package of WWE and Hulk Hogan acknowledging the birth of Hulkamania 40 years ago, with Hulk Hogan saying he may have one more match left in him.
Katana Chance and Kayden Carter watch the next match from ringside.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark beat Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae. After the match, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter have a staredown with Baszler and Zoey in the middle of the ring, but they are attacked from behind by The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane).
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says he had everything he had to say to CM Punk and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, but he has heard what Damian Priest has had to say. He says that things were not all right in the world when he was champion, but he stepped up and brightened everyone's lives up. He says that Damian Priest is not ready to become a world champion, and that he is the only "Chosen One."
Backstage, Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane) is confronted by Natalya and Tegan Nox for their actions. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and tells them to save it for the Royal Rumble, then tells Bayley he did not invite her here to go into business for herself. Bayley tells Pearce to get used to seeing them when Asuka and Kairi win the tag team titles. Damage CTRL leave, then Pearce runs into Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher (Veer and Sanga), who want to talk business. After this, Pearce says he needs a drink.
We see more Royal Rumble statistics.
Drew McIntyre beats Damian Priest after R-Truth shows up to hand Priest the stack of money from earlier. Priest finally gets fed up with R-Truth and beats him up, and that allows McIntyre to hit the Claymore Kick for the win.
This week on Raw Talk: Gunther! "Main Event" Jey Uso! "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark!
This week's episode is a preview episode for the Red Carpet Rumble.
We look back on the feud between Charles "R-Three" Cassus and "Pretty" Peter Avalon.
We got a closer look at Clark Connors with a match on UWN Primetime Live against Danny Limelight.
Backstage, Jeremy McPete interviews Clark Connors. He says that he knows Danny Limelight has changed his ways and has become the United World Champion, but he is coming for him and the world title. In the meantime, he has been watching what Jacob Austin Young has been doing on NJPW Strong and that it is time to teach him some strong style.
We get a closer look at Kevin Martenson.
Backstage, Jeremy McPete interviews Kevin Martenson, who says that the 16-year journey - minus the four years where he was kidnapped, cloned, became an intergalactic police officer and returned to Earth - is finally over - and that it feels pretty good.
We look back at Guy Cool's near-win in the Red Carpet Rumble.
We see Mega Run perform "Tractor Beam," the official theme for the Red Carpet Rumble.
We hear from some of the participants of the Grind City Rumble.
#30 Austin Lane last eliminates #25 Uncle Mikey to win the 2022 Grind City Rumble. Austin Lane raises Uncle Mikey's hand as "The GunShow" Brett Michaels watches from the ring. Brett Michaels then has a staredown with Austin Lane before shaking his hand. During the match:
The Posse (Simon and Lil Chris) show up while still suspended. After #8 Jordynne Grace eliminates #6 "Big Swole" Justin Cole, The Yung GOATs (Zay Washington and Aaron Roberts) rush in and brawl with The Posse until referees break up the proceedings.
#13 Martin is eliminated by #8 Jordynne Grace and #11 Thunder Rosa as quickly as he shows up, much like #9 Kross and #10 Jay Smooth before him.
#14 Skyler eliminates #8 Jordynne Grace and #11 Thunder Rosa after Jordynne and Thunder Rosa eliminate #7 "The Mad Esthetician" Amber Rodriguez when Skyler makes it clear she is not allying herself with her. She then proceeds to hold her own again #15 Action Jackson and #16 Carter Matthews until #17 "Casanova" Colton Cage knocks her off the ring apron for slapping him and eliminates her.
#20 Big Ace returns from injury for the first time in month after #19 Big Jack hits #16 Carter Matthews and #19 Chris Hayes with a double clothesline, and teams up with Big Jack. All four men are eliminated by #21 Meklakov.
#22 Brad Skimahorn briefly guests on commentary, saying that he and #23 Briar Skimahorn are not jealous of #25 Uncle Mikey's fame and that Uncle Mikey "just doesn't listen" before Briar Skimahorn shows up.
#28 Matt shows up for the first time in months to fight #27 K-Toomer, but K-Toomer soon eliminates him.
Austin Lane makes his return from injury at #30. He last eliminates #25 Uncle Mikey to win the match.
It is announced that Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher will replace Desmond Troy and Ashante "Thee" Adonis in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic following Adonis' injury at the hands of Karrion Kross.
The Way (Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell) beat Gigi Dolin and Cora Gray to advance in the women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. (Gigi Dolin is formerly known as Priscilla Kelly, while Cora Gray is formerly known as Elayna Black. Both women are recent WWE signings.)
This Wednesday on NXT: Raquel Gonzales and Dakota Kai vs. Jessi Kamea and Aliyah in the women's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic!
Timothy Thatcher and Tommaso Ciampa beat Ariya Daivari and "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese to advance in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman head to the ring to start tonight's show. Roman says Kevin Owens will not be sending him a message because he will not be here tonight, because he said so. He also says Owens and Adam Pearce did not outsmart him, as that kind of thinking is beneath him and that Pearce is scared. He says that he does not miss an appearance and that he puts in a work, and that it took his health being at risk during a pandemic to cause him to miss an appearance. Roman then mocks Pearce again for mentioning his own injuries and says his back hurts from carrying WWE for years. Pearce shows up, saying Roman and Heyman have gone too far and out of control, but Roman says Pearce is out of control for putting Owens back in the main event and favoring him and has the audacity to mention his own injuries when he is standing next to him. Roman says that his injuries have never stopped him from reaching him the top, and says that Pearce never made it to the top of WWE because he is weak. Heyman laughs, but Pearce tells him that while he will take this from Roman, he will not take it from him. Roman tells Heyman that Pearce has disrespected him and in turn disrespected Roman and tells Heyman to put Pearce in his place, and when Heyman says he will whup his ass before proposing a match between him and Pearce after saying that a verbal agreement is legal and binding in the state of Florida. Pearce shakes his hand, and tells him his challenge - and verbal agreement - is accepted.
Sami Zayn handcuffs himself to the barricade and carries a "#JusticeForSami" sign while his documentary camera crew records what is going on. After the commercial break, Sami Zayn says he is entering the men's Royal Rumble Match before proclaiming that he was screwed out of the Intercontinental Championship last week. He is then interrupted by Charlotte Flair and Asuka.
Charlotte Flair and Asuka beat The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan) after Billie Kay's distraction attempts backfire.
Backstage, Billie Kay apologizes to The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan), then tells them that she has gotten them into the women's Royal Rumble Match. Ruby Riott says The Riott Squad was better when it was just the two of them, then she and Liv Morgan leave.
Daniel Bryan heads to the ring. Daniel says he is excited for the Royal Rumble and says that the many things and feelings about it makes him feel alive despite the risks and uncertainties, as the winner gets to main event WrestleMania. Daniel says he is proud of his career and has accomplished a lot, but he has never won a Royal Rumble match. Suddenly, Cesaro shows up. Cesaro says he thought he beat some sense into Daniel, but Daniel is talking about winning the Royal Rumble match. He tells Daniel that he is winning the Royal Rumble, not Daniel, and Daniel proposes they put the microphones down and fight. Cesaro says no and says that he is tired of proving himself doing the same thing over and over again, then issues an open challenge to anyone else who has declared for the men's Royal Rumble match. Dolph Ziggler shows up and says he has been in a lot of Royal Rumbles and that he can go all night long, and aside from himself and Robert Roode, nobody can go toe to toe with him except Cesaro. Ziggler says he wants to win the Royal Rumble and get paid, and tells Cesaro to consider his challenge accepted.
Daniel Bryan guests on commentary for the next match.
Cesaro beats Dolph Ziggler.
Sasha Banks beats a very acrobatic Reginald with the Banks Statement.
Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Roman Reigns that he is brilliant and that they got Adam Pearce, but Roman tells Heyman that he wanted him to tear Pearce apart verbally and not physically, and tells him to be a man and handle his business. Heyman is shocked.
Apollo Crews beats Big E by disqualification after Sami Zayn - who has been handcuffed to the barricade all show - un-cuffs himself and hits Apollo with a Helluva Kic. Big E retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship. After the match, Big E also gets a Helluva Kick and says that he is the true Intercontinental Champion.
It is announced that Roman Reigns has left the arena. We then hear from Kevin Owens, who says that he could not enter the arena because Roman Reigns pulled some strings so he could not enter. Owens tells Roman there will be no more strings to pull at Royal Rumble when they settle things once and for all. He tells Roman that he cannot stop fighting, as Roman has yet to beat him like he claims he has while Owens has strong family members - both alive and deceased - to fight for.
Backstage, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) are carrying a fruit basket when they see Sonya Deville. Before they give her the fruit basket, they ask for a SmackDown tag team title rematch. Sonya Deville then mentions that Montez Ford is still recovering from a leg injury, and tells The Street Profits to take some time off and keep doing their funny segments before getting back in the game.
Michael Cole introduces Bianca Belair and Bayley for Bayley's Ultimate Obstacle Course. Bayley takes the microphone and briefly explains the rules and layout. Bayley then goes first. Bayley goes around the ramps rather than over them, but she beats the course in 1:12 (one minute, twelve seconds). Bayley then makes the course harder on Bianca, making the hurdles bigger. Bianca then finds out she has to lift Otis for the Fireman's Carry instead of Chad Gabe, and Bayley plays defense at the basketball course only to fail miserably. Bianca wins with 17 seconds to go. After the competition, Bayley hits Bianca in the gut with the basketball and attacks her before throwing her into the basketball hoop.
Backstage, Dominik Mysterio tells his father Rey Mysterio that he's got things handled in his match with King Corbin tonight. Rey says they will do things Dominik's way, but if things don't go well, Dominik will be listening to him next time.
King Corbin beats Dominik Mysterio.
Before the next match, Paul Heyman trips on his way up the ring steps. He then says "Card subject to change," then Roman Reigns shows up to fight Adam Pearce. As Roman attacks Pearce, a man in a black hoodie shows up and attacks Roman. This is Kevin Owens, and Roman and Owens fight. Their fight ends up in the ring, where Owens counters a superman Punch with a Stunner. Officials show up to try in vain to keep Owens away from Roman, but Owens keeps attacking Roman and hits him with another Stunner. Owens then puts Roman through the announce table with a pop-up powerbomb to end the show.
Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) beat The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly) to advance to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic following the distraction by Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel, Alexander Wolfe), who are seen on the balcony above the announce table.
We hear from Shotzi Blackheart, who says that she takes care of business and that predictability is not in her vocabulary. She says that she will beat "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler tonight.
Toni Storm beats Io Shirai by disqualification following an attack from Bianca Belair. Afterwards, Rhea Ripley shows up and fights Belair, then gets drop kicked by Shirai, who also fends off Belair before hitting the both of them with a Asia moonsault to the outside. Storm then hits Shirai with a tope suicida. Toni Storm then notices and holds the NXT Women's Championship before holding it upwards.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong). Adam Cole says that The Undisputed Era must focus on Keith Lee so that Roderick Strong can retain the North American title, and that Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel, Alexander Wolfe) will pay.
We hear from Ilja Dragunov, who says that he is driven to beat Finn Balor, and prove that he is invincible and that he will not miss.
Finn Balor beats Joaquin Wilde.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews "The Queen of Spades" Shayn Baszler, who says that Shotzi Blackheart ended her own career before it even started last week. She says that Rhea Ripley may be a nightmare, but nightmares eventually give way to reality, and the reality is that she will go through the women's roster to become a three-time champion, starting with Shotzi.
We see a vignette for #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Shotzi Blackheart with the Kirifuda Clutch. After the match, Baszler keeps the hold on Shotzi a little bit longer before finally letting go.
We see a video package for Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai, which takes place next week.
We see a vignette for Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven).
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Angel Garza, who says that he will beat whoever is put in front of him at Worlds Collide as he says that the cruiserweight division is his house.
Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle beat Imperium (Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel) to advance to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. After the match, Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) show up. Gibson tells Dunne that he is the most selfish person to come out of NXT UK, for every time they have tried to take the next step in their careers, he is a roadblock. Next week, they will take him out and take the Dusty Cup back to Liverpool, England. Matt Riddle says he stopped concentrating after Gibson mentioned "manipulating a joint," and after a "Riddle's gonna smoke you" chant from the fans, Dunne says that everyone who steps in the ring with him has lost and that Grizzled Young Veterans will be no different when they walk away with the Dusty Cup.
Despite constant distractions and interference attempts by the rest of The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Kyle O'Reilly), Keith Lee beats Roderick Strong to become the NXT North American Champion! After the match, Imperium show up, get in the ring and brawl with The Undisputed Era. Security runs in to stop the brawl as the show ends.
Kenny Omega and "Hangman" Adam Page beat SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky) to become the AEW World Tag Team Champions! The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) celebrate with Page and Omega after the match.
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. beats Priscilla Kelly with the Lockjaw. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews Baker, who immediately says that AEW is Schiavone's meal ticket after working as "a shitty barista" at Starbucks, then says that she is the smart, educated and "the hottest woman on the boat." The show cuts to a commercial break shortly afterwards.
The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Santana, Ortiz) beat Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy, Marko Stunt) after Luchasaurus fights Jake Hager all the way to the back.
MJF beats "The Bad Boy" Joey Janela. During the match, "Superbad" Joey Janela and Penelope Ford kiss on stage, distracting Janela and giving MJF the win. After the match, MJF says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is a poet and a real lyricists in "a world full of mumble rappers," then says that he is a chapter in Cody's book as well as "the last goddamn one." Suddenly, Cody shows up, and MJF mocks Cody as he reminds him that he cannot lay a finger on him until Revolution, then gives him the microphone jokingly. Cody admits that he cannot touch MJF, then says "they" can. "They" are The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), who superkick MJF before throwing him into the pool.
Tony Schiavone interviews "Hangman" Adam Page and Kenny Omega. Omega says he and Page did something special tonight and Page says he did what he came to do tonight. Omega says he has not forgotten about PAC, and says that he will get his rubber match even though the tag team titles are a priority. The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) show up to congratulate them, and Page mockingly mentions that he is surprised that they won the tag team titles before The Young Bucks did, much to the chagrin of everyone else.
Next week, Darby Allin and Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Santana, Ortiz)! Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) vs. The Butcher and The Blade! "Superbad" Kip Sabian" vs. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes! The number one contender for the AEW World Championship speaks!
Chris Jericho guests on commentary for the next match.
Jon Moxley beats PAC to become #1 contender for the AEW World Championship.
Humberto Carrillo beats Gran Metalik. Both men show respect after the match.
Backstage, General Manager Drake Maverick talks with Drew Gulak and "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher regarding Humberto Carrillo, saying Carrillo has a huge upside. Gulak leaves upset, while Gallagher just leaves. Afterwards, "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese shows up wanting a rematch with Noam Dar. Drake says he will consider it, but Noam Dar keeps talking about his upset victory, and if Drake won't grant it, he will have to find his own opportunity.
We hear from Akira Tozawa, who says he came to America to make a name for himself, and that he will become a two-time Cruiserweight Champion.
Backstage, Lince Dorado and Kalisto talk about 2019, and Lince says the Cruiserweight Championship will take The Lucha House Party (Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik) to the next level. Kalisto says he will show his opponents that he is a threat and that The Lucha House Party will show the power of lucha.
Backstage before the next match, Kayla Braxton interviews Hideo Itami. Ariya Daivari says Hideo is the only person in the next match who has not been Cruiserweight Champion, which only makes him more hungry and more dangerous. Also, Buddy Murphy guests on commentary for the next match.
Hideo Itami beats Kalisto and Akira Tozawa in a Triple Threat Match. During the match, Buddy Murphy leaves the announce table and attacks all three men, but Kalisto and Tozawa fight back and lay Buddy Murphy out.
Becky Lynch shows up to start tonight's show. Becky says there is nothing she likes more than being in the ring and fighting, she has something to say. She says it wasn't long ago that people weren't paying attention to her; now she has everyone's attention front and center telling her what she should be doing. Becky says the only thing she should be doing is main eventing WrestleMania and smacking the heads of anyone in her way. That journey starts at Royal Rumble, and while Asuka is one of the best of the world, she is better. She claims that Asuka never beat her for the title, and that this is eating Asuka up tells her all she needs to know, as everyone has been warming themselves under the fire she lit. On Sunday, she is breaking the Empress and taking her title back. Suddenly, Asuka shows up. Becky and Asuka have a stare down, then Charlotte Flair shows up. Charlotte says that as much as she is enjoying this and looking forward to their match, she cannot wait to win the women's Royal Rumble Match and think about which women's title to take. She also mentions she has beaten both Asuka and Becky. As Charlotte mentions that she has dominated the women's division, Asuka goes after Becky from behind, starting a brawl between the two women that has referees and officials quickly moving in and breaking up as Charlotte casually walks away.
Backstage, the brawl between Asuka and Becky Lynch continues after the commercial break, and both women are separated.
Mandy Rose beats Naomi following the distraction by Sonya Deville.
We hear from Rey Mysterio, who talks about his epic Royal Rumble victory before saying he will repeat history on Sunday. Tonight, however, is about respect. He had respect for Andrade until Zelina Vega interfered last week, but now Zelina is banned from ringside. Tonight, if Andrade wants his respect, he will have to earn it.
Cesaro beats The Miz following a cheap shot behind the referee's back by Sheamus. After the match, Shane McMahon hits Cesaro with a flurry of offense, then breaks down the announce table. He goes for a top rope elbow to the table, but Sheamus pushes him off the top and shoves Miz out of the ring before Brogue Kicking Shane. As Sheamus and Cesaro take the boots to Shane, The Miz covers Shane. Sheamus and Cesaro respond by hamming Miz with punches before slamming Shane into Miz and through the announce table. EMTs check on Shane and The Miz as Sheamus and Cesaro leave.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up to moderate the final face-to-face confrontation between "The New" Daniel Bryan and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles before their WWE Championship match at Royal Rumble. After stating that The Miz and Shane McMahon vs. The Bar for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships will be quite the match at Royal Rumble, he then focuses on the WWE Championship match. McMahon introduces Styles first, followed by Daniel Bryan. When Daniel Bryan shows up, he refuses to enter the ring, as he refuses to fall for a trap and step into the ring with a sociopath. He says he is too embarrassed to step into the ring with Styles, whom he says will create an ignorant, impotent future as WWE Champion. He says that Styles uses his power to get fame and money while he uses his for the greater good, and Styles asks if the greater good means talking like a jackass. Daniel Bryan says that Styles has proved his point, saying the people want him to be champion as he makes them jump and cheer, but not think or feel guilty about their actions. He then says he does not care about that, as he is the planet's champion, not the people's. He says the planet needs him, not Styles, as the planet needs him as its voice. Styles says the planet would be screaming at Daniel to shut up right now. He says that Daniel Bryan hopped on a plane to get here just like he did, and proceeds to call him fickle. Styles then says Daniel is not embarrassed to step in the ring with him; instead, he is afraid. Styles tells Daniel that he is afraid of what he will do to him at Royal Rumble before taking his title, and that Daniel has corrupted his morals for the WWE Championship. He then asks what will happens when he takes the title, and says he will have nothing left. Daniel is about to quote Carl Sagan when Vince tells him to get in the ring, but Daniel tells Vince he doesn't want to listen to him because he and the baby boomer generation are "the parasites of the world." Daniel goes on about how Vince's generation takes and takes only to give nothing in return and how he and his generation have placated everyone else to the point where Styles is a hero, but Vince tells him to get in the ring again. Styles then tells Vince that if it is a face-to-face confrontation that he wants, it doesn't necessarily have to happen in the ring. Styles confronts Daniel outside the ring, then proceeds to beat him up and goes for the Phenomenal Forearm. Daniel uses Vince as a human shield, then hits Styles with the running knee before leaving.
Backstage, R-Truth and Carmella talk about the upcoming men's Royal Rumble. After R-Truth leaves, Carmella runs into Charlotte Flair and gives her some advice before saying nobody will get through her after telling her that the women's Royal Rumble Match is like a tornado and that Charlotte's head will be on a swivel. Charlotte tells Carmella that she has the right to be confident, but despite not being in a Royal Rumble Match before, she is confident that she will win and tells Carmella that she is the tornado, not the Women's Royal Rumble.
Samoa Joe beats Mustafa Ali with the Coaquina Clutch.
Backstage, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) watch some footage of narrow Kofi Kingston Royal Rumble elimination escapes when Kayla Braxton interviews them and asks if they will eliminate each other.After joking that Tony Chimel will be the next to ask them, Chimel actually shows up and tries to ask them only to be told to go away. The New Day reply that when one of them wins the men's Royal Rumble, they all do. Kofi Kingston then ponders if he will be able to narrowly escape elimination this year, then Big E and Xavier Woods tell him to keep his head up. Kofi then gets an idea, but refuses to reveal it.
Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade in a two-out-of-three falls match with Zelina Vega banned from ringside ends with Samoa Joe showing up and attacking both men. Andrade wins the first fall on a top rope sit-out powerbomb, and Rey wins the second fall on a Code Red. Joe closes the show with a Coaquina Clutch to Rey before telling the fans he was here to make a statement, and states that he will do this to all the other competitors in the men's Royal Rumble. Suddenly, he is hit with an RKO outta nowhere by Randy Orton..
Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler are at the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York.
Charly Caruso is standing in front of a door with an "APA Protection" sign on it. She then introduces The Acolytes Protection Agency (Ron Simmons and JBL), who have protected a lot of people and made a lot of money. They reminisce about their most famous celebrity clients as well as getting people to knock on the door, and JBL proposes they re-open for one night. JBL then tells Ron he locked them out, and Ron finds out he does not have a key to the door, either. They asks Charly Caruso to watch the door to make sure people knock and to make sure nobody steals their empty beer cans.
We look back at the opening moment of the very first episode of Raw, when Bobby "The Brain" Heenan tries to get in the Manhattan Center.
We look back on September 28, 1998, when "Stone Cold" Steve Austin rode a zamboni to a ring and got Vince McMahon.
We see a WWE.com exclusive interview with Roman Reigns, who says that he was born to reign. He says The Miz runs his mouth on social media, but he will represent his family on Raw 25 just like his family did on the first-ever episode when Yokozuna squashed Koko B. Ware.
The Miz announces he will be in the men's Royal Rumble match, and he will be winning the Intercontinental Championship and putting it where it belongs: in the main event of WrestleMania.
We look back on January 4, 1999, when Mick Foley aka Mankind won his first WWE Championship.
We look back on July 15, 2002, when Eric Bischoff became General Manager of Raw and debuted in WWE for the very first time. Eric Bischoff is then interviewed at the pre-show panel.
We hear from Bayley, who comes across Trish Stratus backstage.
We look back on December 6, 2004, when Lita beat Trish Stratus for the WWE Women's Championship in one of the WWE's greatest women's matches ever.
We look back on the first episode of Raw, when The Undertaker faced Damien Demento, as well as the countless Raw memories that The Undertaker has provided.
We hear from The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods), who profess their love for Raw.
We look back on August 9, 1999, when Chris Jericho debuted in WWE.
We look back on April 27, 1998, when D-Generation X (Triple H, Chyna, X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) head from Hampton, Virginia to Norfolk, Virginia to try to invade World Championship Wrestling.
We look back on June 2, 2014, when Seth Rollins turned on Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns and broke up The Shield.
We look back on April 2, 2012, when Brock Lensar returned to the WWE after an eight-year absence.
We see The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) take on Triple H and Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon in a lip sync battle on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The show starts in the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, where we are welcomed by Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler. We then head to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, commentary is back at ringside for one night only.
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and SmackDown Live Commissioner welcome everyone in the Barclays Center to the show. On behalf of the McMahon family, Shane thanks everyone who has stepped between the ropes for the last 25 years to make Raw the success that it is. He also thanks the unsung heroes - all the employees in the back - who make the show what it is. He also thanks the fans for making Raw a big success. We then see a video package of the last 25 years of Raw. Stephanie then thanks everyone for 25 years, and say they are just getting started. She then says we have one person to truly thank for all this and had the vision and determination to make it all possible: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Vince McMahon shows up, and he is rained down with "Thank you, Vince!" chants. He does not normally pat himself on the back for his own achievements, and he does not smell the roses for long, but tonight, he will smell the roses, and they smell good. Before Vince leaves after telling everyone to enjoy the show, he is presented with a commemorative plaque for 25 years of Raw. Vince says the plaque feels a little cheap, "but then again, we are here in Brooklyn." Vince then says plaque is what each and every person has in their teeth and arteries, and he shows that he is not at all impressed with the commemorative plaque. He then says he has one person to thank in the entire world for this, and Vince is immediately called an "asshole" by the crowd for it. He thanks himself, as he was the only person who did it, but before he can go any further, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin shows up and has a conversation with Vince. Stephanie gets out of the ring, but Vince and Shane stay in the ring. Vince tells Austin that he looks great, but that nature has not been as kind to him, and that he is a senior citizen, that Shane is in his prime and that Shane is so good he can fly from one side of the ring to the other. Austin responds by hitting Shane with a Stone Coldd Stunner. Vince says "I don't blame you; he had it coming" as he carries two Miller Lites in his hand. He offers one of the cans to Austin, then they toast. Vince drinks the beer, then hugs Austin. Austin raises Vince's hand, and they both hug. Vince stops. He has the feeling he is about to be hit with a Stone Cold Stunner. They toast one more time, then Vince eats a Stunner. Shane gets up and toasts with Austin, then Austin gives him
Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mickie James and Asuka beat Nia Jax, Alicia Fox, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville with a Banks Statement to Alicia Fox. After the match, Asuka turns on her teammates and tosses the out of the ring Royal Rumble style.
General Manager Kurt Angle is talking to one of the referees. He says Braun Strowman, Kane and Brock Lesnar will be in the ring at the same time and he cannot afford another incident. Suddenly, Jonathan Coachman shows up. Coachman says he is honored to be here and reunite with a lot of old friends. Harvey Wippleman and The Brooklyn Brawler show up, as does Teddy Long, who starts dancing. Suddenly, Brother Love shows up, and says he loves everybody in the room. The Boogeyman then shows up with worms in his mouth, and he hands some to Coachman.
We head to the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York as we look back on The Undertaker's countless Raw moments.
At the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, The Undertaker returns. For the first time since WrestleMania, The Undertaker steps into a WWE ring. He says the carnage began on this sacred ground of evil 25 years ago. For 25 years, he has been digging holes, and any person who dared step foot into the dark side got buried. He has taken legends and ripped them off their pedestals, and thrown them into the cold, dark earth. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin answered to the Reaper, as did Mick Foley. Even his own flesh and blood Kane had to answer. He says they all tried, and they all failed. Now, on this sacred ground, he declares for all those who have fallen that it is truly time to rest in peace.
Backstage, Heath Slater and Rhyno are seeing playing poker with The Acolytes Protection Agency (Ron Simmons and JBL). Once again, JBL and Ron Simmons are as good at poker as ever. Suddenly, someone lays money on the table. That someone is "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. He asks "Well, boys...what's your price?" before joining in. He is also seen holding the Million Dollar Championship on his shoulder.
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, we see some of the greatest General Managers in Raw history - John Laurinaitis, William Regal, Eric Bischoff and Daniel Bryan - appear on the stage. The Miztourage (The Miz, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel) then shows up, and The Miz stares down with Daniel Bryan on his way to the ring.
The Miz beats Roman Reigns to become the WWE Intercontinental Champion for the eighth time, making him the second man to do so after Chris Jericho. During the match, The Miz removes the turnbuckle pad in one corner as Roman fights off Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel at ringside, which the referee - who eventually tosses Bo and Axel out - is focused on at the time. Later on in the match, The Miz sends Roman Reigns into the exposed turnbuckle to win the title for the eighth time.
Jeff Hardy, MVP and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are now in The Acolytes Protection Agency's (Ron Simmons and JBL) poker game.
Christian is now in the ring to host The Peep Show. Tonight's guests are Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins. It is announced that Edge cannot be here to prior obligations. Seth gets cheers when he speaks, but when Jason Jordan speaks, he gets booed out of the building. He calls it an honor to be in Christian's presence, then thanks General Manager Kurt Angle for making everything possible, and says that his father does not suck. Suddenly, Sheamus and Cesaro show up. Sheamus tells Jason Jordan to slow down, as he has it all wrong. He says all the legends have been wanting their autographs, as they do not set the bar, they are the bar. He also says the same legends and Superstars expect him and Cesaro to take back the Raw tag team titles, and thanked them in advance for doing so. Cesaro tells Jason that Angle doesn't suck; Jason sucks. Sheamus and Cesaro start a Kurt Angle-style "You suck" chant, but Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins fight them off. Jordan holds Cesaro back, but Cesaro dodges out of the way and Seth knees Jason in the face.
Charly Caruso interviews Alexa Bliss. Bliss says she is not just a champion; she is a goddess. Suddenly, Charlotte Flair shows up, and says the only reason Alexa is champion on Raw is because she is on SmackDown Live, and she doubts she will be champion after WrestleMania. She says Alexa does not have what it takes to be champion, and to be the woman, you've got to be the woman. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair shows up and says Charlotte Flair will be champion forever.
We look back at Edge's career on Raw courtesy of Carl's Jr and Hardee's.
Titus O'Neil, Natalya, Dana Brooke and Apollo Crews are in The Acolytes Protection Agency's (Ron Simmons and JBL) poker game.
At the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, Bray Wyatt beats Matt Hardy.
Some of the greatest WWE female Superstars of the last 25 years - The Bella Twins, Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Lilian Garcia, Jacqueline, Torrie Wilson, Michelle McCool, Terri Runnels, Maria Kanellis, and Trish Stratus - appear on stage.
Backstage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Elias runs into Chris Jericho. Chris Jericho notices Elias' scarf, then pulls out his own guitar and sings a song about Elias making The List because he is a stupid idiot. He then puts Elias on The List for stealing his scarf idea.
The top of the Empire State Building in New York City is lit in red tonight to celebrate 25 years of Raw.
Elias is now in the ring. He plays guitar, then asks who wants to walk with him. Elias says it took the WWE 25 years to find him, and after 25 years, they got it right. He then says that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias." He says Royal Rumble will be great, but tonight is full of celebrities, and he has a song just for the occasion. Elias threatens to leave before he can play the song after the crowd calls him a stupid idiot, but changes his mind after mentioning that Jimmy Fallon is in the front row. Elias makes fun of some WWE legends, including Chris Jericho and The Rock. When he makes fun of John Cena, saying that Cena is like Brooklyn, New York because neither of them have balls, however, Cena shows up. John Cena mentions Brooklyn has balls and points at a beach ball in the stands. It gets confiscated, then the security guard who does it gets called an asshole. Elias tells John Cena to shut up, as nobody wants to hear Cena and everybody came to hear him, and he ruined it. Cena tells Elias to do something about it. Elias tells Cena that is not how it works when Cena dares him to throw the first punch, and says he does not take orders from him or "any of these Brooklyn scumbags." Elias teases leaving the ring, but Cena and Elias go at it only for Cena to hit the moves of doom.Elias escapes the Attitude Adjustment, however, and hits Cena with a low blow. He then grabs his guitar and smashes it into Cena's back, then hits Drift Away.
The New Day are now in The Acolytes Protection Agency's (Ron Simmons and JBL) poker game. Heath Slater is accused of cheating by Dana Brooke, and cards fall out of his shirt. Heath wants to fight, but JBL tells him to take the fight to the back. "The Million dollar Man" Ted DiBiase wins it all with a Royal Flush, and Ron Simmons says "Damn!"
The Ippolito Family is the winner of the Carl's Jr. Seat Upgrade.
Backstage, "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry meets The Godfather and Olivia. The Godfather mentions Mark Henry's "Sexual Chocolate" past, then we find out Olivia is The Godfather's wife.
Titus O'Neil and Apollo Crews vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno ends when the match gets out of control and the match is stopped. All of a sudden, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley) show up, wanting to take on both teams at oce. Both teams get out of the ring, but The Dudleys want to take on both teams at once. Heath Slater gets tossed into the ring by all three other men, and he falls victim to What's Up. The Dudleys then pull up a table, and nobody else from the match even stops them. Heath Slater then takes a Dudley Death Drop through the table.
Charly Caruso interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Styles says he has arranged someone to do the interview with him, and that someone is revealed to be "Mean" Gene Okerlund. Okerlund then interviews Styles, who says Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are full of themselves and think they will walk out co-WWE Champions at Royal Rumble. He will not let that happen, as he will hit them hard and fast.
At The Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan, New York, D-Generation X re-unites. Triple H and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels make their way to the ring. Shawn says it's been 25 years, and people have asked him what his favorite Raw moment is. However, he cannot remember 25 minutes ago. He mentions moments that can't be mentioned on TV. Shawn then says he used to be the boss of DX, but now Triple H is the boss of everything and he can't do anything anymore. After Shawn plugs the WWE Network, Triple H talks about how it all started in the Manhattan Center 25 years ago. Triple H then says the fans lit the spark that created what is here now. 20 years ago, he and Shawn started DX, heading to the ring with "Ravishing" Rick Rude and Chyna, doing and saying whatever they wanted to. He says DX has always been at the forefront of this, whether it was driving a tank to WCW's door or being here for the 25th anniversary of Raw, they came here, because the Manhattan Center is home. He then says DX will be at the forefront for 25 more years, and says he and Shawn did not come alone. The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) then show up. After their classic entrance, they bring out X-Pac. The crowd chants "1-2-3!" He says this is a DX reunion, but they can't have a celebration without Razor Ramon, who shows up. After the commercial break, Razor Ramon says everyone knows you can't have a party on Raw without him. He has been watching the show from both locations, and he says everyone can agree that tonight is just too sweet. All of a sudden, Finn Balor, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson show up. Everyone "too sweets" each other, and as Billy Gunn is about to speak, The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson) show up, as does a referee.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder). After the match, Scott Dawson puts his hands on Razor Ramon. X-Pac hits Dawson with the X Factor, then "Road Dogg" Jesse James hits his trademark jabs before Billy Gunn hits him with the Fameasser. Wilder gets Sweet Chin Music followed by a Pedigree from "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and Triple H, respectively. Finn Balor then gets the coup de grace on Dash Wilder with the Coup De Grace, and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn says "If you're not down with that, we've got two words for you: suck it!"
Back at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, General Manager Kurt Angle shows up with a host of WWE Legends and Superstars. Angle talks about the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Universal Championship at Royal Rumble. Braun Strowman is the first person to be brought out, followed by Kane and Brock Lesnar. Superstars begin to fill the ring as Kane makes his way to the ring, creating a human wall between Kane and Strowman. Paul Heyman then shows up to introduce Lesnar. Heyman says Lesnar is ready for a fight, not for a nostalgia trip, and tells the crowd that Lesnar is relevant. As Superstars empty the ring to head Lesnar off at the pass, Strowman and Kane go at it, and Lesnar makes his way to the ring. Lesnar takes Kane out with an F5, but Strowman tosses Lesnar around like he is a child. Strowman then breaks down the announce table and drives Lesnar through it with a running powerslam.
The show starts with Daniel Bryan. He could talk about the Royal Rumble, The Authority, Sting or even himself, but instead, he's going to talk about how John Cena brough Ryback, Dolph Ziggler and Erick Rowan back. They're glad to be back. Soon after, Kane, Big Show, Seth Rollins and J&J Security (Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble) show up. Ziggler challenges Rollins to a fight, Rollins makes fun of D-Bry's fitness DVD joke from Raw, Rollins proclaims he'll be World Heavweight champ, and Brock Lesnar destroying Rollins, Kane and Big Show becomes a running gag. Kane then makes some Royal Rumble qualifying matches: one between Ryback and Rusev, one between Erick Rowan and Luke Harper (during the break after this) and one between Ziggler and Bad News Barrett, which happens next. Ziggler, Ryback and Rowan must each win their matches if they want to participate in the Royal Rumble match.
Dolph Ziggler beats Bad News Barrett and qualifies for the Royal Rumble match.
Renee Young interviews Roman Reigns. Reigns calls Big Show "a little, insecure man trapped in the body of a giant" and reminds everyone that Andre the Giant didn't have to tell people he was a giant every week. Reigns also plans to win the Royal Rumble match this Sunday night.
Fandango gets a good number for the Royal Rumble match. Dean Ambrose does too...by switching numbers behind Fandango's back as he kisses Rosa Mendes.
Ryback beats Rusev by count-out to qualify for the Royal Rumble match. After the match, Rusev attacks Ryback, but Ryback sends him fleeing.
Paige and Natalya guest on commentary for the next match.
Brie Bella beats Naomi.
Goldust and Stardust get their numbers for the Royal Rumble match.
Luke Harper beats Erick Rowan to keep Rowan from qualifying for the Royal Rumble match.
Damien Mizdow apologizes to The Miz for mimicking X-Pac last night, even though he acknowledges the WWE Universe loved it and cheered. Miz tells him he's a stunt double, and that nobody cheers for him. As he leaves to get another coffee. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up to ask him if he would go over the rope along with The Miz if Miz were eliminated in the Royal Rumble match.
Daniel Bryan beats Kane in a no-disqualification to stay in the Royal Rumble match. After the match, Big Show attacks D-Bry, and Big Show, Kane and J&J Security (Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) all beat him up. Dolph Ziggler, Ryback and Erick Rowan make the save, but the locker room heels rush into the ring only to be joined moments later by the locker room faces. The WWE Universe gets a preview of what is to come this Sunday night.
