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.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are in the ring to start tonight's show. Jimmy says that they are here to celebrate the longest-reigning Universal Champion ever: Roman Reigns, who has held it for 508 consecutive days. Roman Reigns heads to the ring, then we see a highlight package of Roman's reign. Before Roman can saying, however, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up. Rollins asks what kind of party it would be without him, then says Roman's reign will come to an end and reiterates that Roman is not accountable for his own success, as everything has been handed to him, and that Roman took that statement so poorly he sent The Usos at him. He also says that The Usos should be celebrated for being the longest-reigning SmackDown Tag Team Champions and being the cornerstones of Roman's success, calling them "Roman's pedestals." Roman says Rollins makes the same excuses and asks if John Cena wrote his promo before telling him that their match at Royal Rumble will be one-on-one, but Rollins says he does not trust Roman's word. He proposes that he finds a tag team partner and take on The Usos, and that if the The Usos lose tonight, they are barred from ringside at Royal Rumble. Jey Uso accepts the challenge, saying nobody will team up with Rollins, but Kevin Owens shows up. Roman says it is not final until he says to, and says that if Rollins wants to be a betting man, then he will raise the stake by saying that if Rollins and Owens lose, then Rollins loses his Royal Rumble match and he will go on vacation until WrestleMania. Rollins accepts the stipulation.
Before the next match, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss brag about their wins against Sir Kofi Kingston, and Moss says without King Woods, Kofi is like "a disembodied hand." He also says that if Kofi started a Garth Brooks cover band, he would sing "Friends In No Places." When Kofi Kingston heads to the ring, he is accompanied by Big E.
Sir Kofi Kingston beats Madcap Moss. After the match, Big E hits Madcap Moss with the Big Ending when Happy Corbin tries to get into the ring.
Country music artist Jimmie Allen is seen in the front row, and Summer Rae is also seen in the crowd before the next match.
Aliyah beats Natalya by disqualification after Natalya refuses to let Aliyah out of the corner. After the match, Natalya attacks Aliyah again, but Xia Li shows up, confronts Natalya and easily overpowers her.
The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Los Lotharios (Angel and Humberto).
Before the next match, WWE official Sonya Deville makes herself the referee.
Charlotte Flair beats Naomi in a WWE SmackDown Women's Championship Contender's Match after Sonya Deville refuses to count a pinfall for Naomi after Naomi boots Charlotte into her as Charlotte goes for the Figure Four. Charlotte hits Naomi with a chop block afterwards, and Sonya immediately calls for the bell when Charlotte goes for the Figure Four again despite Naomi not tapping out.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Kevin Owens and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Owens says if it were not for The Usos, he would be the longest-reigning Universal Champion of all time, and The Usos trying to do that to Rollins tears him up inside. Rollins says the stakes are high, but the risk is worth the reward, and that one-on-one, he knows he can beat Roman Reigns.
Kid Rock is seen in the front row.
It's time for another edition of In-Zayn. Sami Zayn mentions Johnny Knoxville's testing of self-defense weapons on himself, then says he will test a few things to prove that what Knoxville can do, he can do better. The first thing Sami Zayn tests on himself is a cattle prod, and he zaps himself in the leg with the lowest setting. Sami then brings it up a level and points it at his chest, and after he zaps himself again, Knoxville shows up. Knoxville says that Sami is making a mockery of what he's done and that something seems off about the cattle prod. When he takes the cattle prod, he realizes it is legit, but it is not on. Knoxville turns the cattle prod on, then zaps Sami Zayn and helps him up before tossing him out of the ring again.
Backstage, Adam Pearce talks with Eric Bischoff when Sonya Deville shows up. Pearce says that Sonya's problems with Naomi is affecting her leadership, and that Naomi and Sonya will have a match next week.
We see a trailer for WWE 2K22.
Sheamus - now with Ridge Holland at his side again - beats Ricochet.
Backstage, Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs meet Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett compliments Rick Boogs on his guitar playing.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and Kevin Owens beats The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) by disqualification after Roman Reigns shows up and hits Rollins with a Superman Punch. As per pre-match stipulation, The Usos are banned from ringside at Royal Rumble. (Had Rollins lost, he would have lost his match for the Universal Championship at Royal Rumble.)
Jordynne Grace retains the Impact Digital Media Championship against Lady Frost. After the match, Matt Cardona shows up and has a staredown with Jordynne where he points at the Digital Media Championship and leaves.
Mickie James guests on commentary for the next match.
Tasha Steelz beats Chelsea Green. After the match, Tasha Steelz congratulates Mickie James on retaining the Knockouts Championship at Hard To Kill and being done with playing with Barbie dolls, because she is from the wrong side of the street and they are about to get dirty. Tasha warns Mickie that when they have their date, she will send Mickie back to "Crapsville, Virginia" and to her son as a failure. Savannah Evans nearly stands in Mickie's way, but Tasha lets Mickie into the ring so they can have a staredown. The staredown soon turns into a brawl where Mickie nearly hits Tasha with a DDT before Savannah steps in so she and Tasha can gang up on her. Suddenly, Chelsea Green hits Savannah with a missile drop kick, and Tasha eats the Mick Kick.
Backstage, Gia Miller interviews Matt Cardona. Cardona says he came here to be World Champion, which he nearly won, and says there are other titles and that he created the Digital Media division. He then states he is challenging Jordynne Grace for the Digital Media title.
We see a video package of Charlie Haas' time in Ring Of Honor.
The Influence (Tenille Dashwood and Madison Rayne) beat Decay (Rosemary and Havok). Before the match, Kaleb with a K distracts Rosemary as she enters the ring, and this allows The Influence to send Rosemary into the ring post, injuring her. Rosemary is declared medically ineligible to compete, but Havok is still able to compete, and the match is made a two-on-one handicap match as Kaleb with a K guests on commentary for the match.
We hear from The IInspiration (Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee). Jessica McKay says that they know The Influence (Tenille Dashwood and Madison Rayne) way too well to fall for their "divide and conquer" tactics, and Cassie Lee says that they know Tenille way to well and know her as a selfish woman, and that the lights are too bright for The Influence. They ask Madison Rayne how she knows that Tenille Dashwood will be there for her when it mattes most when she retires every year. Cassie Lee says The Influence are trying to walk in their shoes and that the shoes are three times their size.
We get a special sneak peek of the upcoming movie "The King's Daughter."
We see a vignette for "The Quintessential Diva," who is coming soon.
Backstage, Speedball" Mike Bailey is met by "Inevitable" Ace Austin and Madman Fulton. Austin asks Bailey to meet with them in their locker room, saying that they got started on the wrong foot and that it is important to make the right kind of friends. Suddenly, John E. Bravo shows up looking for Brunhilda and leaves, then Austin gives Bailey his card, saying he knows where to find him.
Brian Myers guests on commentary for the next match.
W. Morrissey beats The Learning Tree (VSK and "Outlandish" Zicky Dice) in a two-on-one handicap match. After the match, Morrissey tells Moose that he told him that he would not stop until he got a World title shot, and that if Moose will not find him, he will find Moose. Morrissey then heads to the back, where he is stopped by Scott D'Amore, who tells him that Moose is not here and that he will face him when it matters. Suddenly, a backstage worker tells Scott D'Amore that there is an urgent issue and that they have been trying to reach him on his headset. D'Amore listens through his headset and finds out something awful has happened.
Backstage, Scott D'Amore meets with the Ring of Honor renegades (Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, PCO, Vincent, Maria Kanellis-Bennett), who have tickets for the show. D'Amore tells them that they have an open door policy and they do not need tickets, as they will watch Jonathan Gresham from the skybox and then leave. He has security escort them to their seats.
Jonathan Gresham retains the ROH World Championship against Steve Maclin after both men use all their rope breaks and Gresham uses the ropes for leverage on the Figure Four to pin Maclin. During the match, the Ring of Honor renegades (Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, PCO, Vincent, Maria Kanellis-Bennett) watch from the balcony and leave after the match is over.
This week's Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week is Sarita and Taylor Wilde vs. The Beautiful People (Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky) to decide the inaugural TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions from No Surrender 2009.
Backstage, the Ring of Honor renegades (Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, PCO, Vincent, Maria Kanellis-Bennett) leave the building, and PCO scares the security detail on the way out.
"The Big LG" Doc Gallows and Joe Doering beat Heath and Rhino after Deaner hits Heath with the flag from ringside.
Chris Sabin guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Walking Weapon" Josh Alexander beats Charlie Haas with a grapevined ankle lock. As both men show a sign of respect after the match, the Ring of Honor renegades run into the ring and attack both men. Sabin dives into the ring to help out, but the renegades still have the number advantage until Rich Swann and Willie Mack run in to even the odds. Heath and Rhino also run in, but the renegades do not run until Eddie Edwards chases them out with a Kendo stick. The renegades then show up on the balcony, and Maria Kanellis-Bennett says they used to believe in honor, but that changed. She says that "change is upon us," and that this is "Honor No More."
In footage from earlier this week, Sam Gradwell goes to great lengths to find a tag team partner for his tag team match against Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley). In footage from earlier today, Gradwell gives Kenny Williams an earful when Williams calls everything "preposterous." Before the match begins, it is revealed that Gradwell's partner for the match is Saxon Huxley.
Pretty Deadly (Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley) beat Sam Gradwell and Saxon Huxley after Kenny Williams attacks Huxley, distracting Gradwell and allowing Pretty Deadly to hit Spilled Milk for the win.
We hear from Jinny, who says that Amale calls herself "the French Hope" and that she can see straight through her, mentioning that she had a very successful career outside of WWE. She says she does not exploit her past to get sympathy or pity, and that the fans pity her when she shows up because she is just like them: nothing. She also says that the people boo her because she is everything Amale and the fans wish they were, and when they step into the ring, all of Amale's hope will be destroyed.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang) and Die Familie (Teoman, Rohan Raja, Charlie Dempsey). Both teams will square off next week.
We hear from Blair Davenport. She says she is a product of her environment and what her lineage made her to be, and that she was thought that anyone who isn't a Davenport is an enemy. She says that she can be hated, ostracized and rejected all she wants as long as she is feared, and says Meiko Satomura should be scared of her and how cold she can become. Blair says she is the rightful heir to the NXT UK Women's Championship, and that enemies of the heir should beware.
Isla Dawn beats Emilia McKenzie, then returns Emilia McKenzie's watch to her.
We hear from Amale, who says Jinny has completely misunderstood the message she was trying to make about representation and that she has not forgotten where she comes from. She says that she is hope and that hope never dies.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Ilja Dragunov and Jordan Devlin. Both men will be in an Empty Arena Match for the NXT UK Championship next week.
Noam Dar retains the NXT UK Heritage Cup Championship against A-Kid with one fall apiece (1-1). Noam Dar scores the first fall with the Nova Roller with 1:25 (one minute, twenty-five seconds) left in Round 3. A-Kid scores the second fall with 0:26 (twenty-six seconds) left in Round 4 (and causes Sha Samuels to lose his mother's and grandmother's houses when the 11-1 odds of Noam Dar winning in the fourth round work against him).
Jon Moxley shows up for the first time since early October to start tonight's show. After chewing out a heckler in the audience for yelling "Boo! Get this drunken piece of trash out of the ring!", Moxley talks about a bad dream he had on a plane where he was beaten up and a black cloud was above him asking him if he had the nerve to think he made an out. He says that everyone carry scars on the inside and that people try to cover them up or pretend they do not happen, and says people should be proud of those scars, as they make people who they are. Moxley says there are plenty of people who doubt him or want to write him off, and to those people, he says they can shove it up their ass. He says he does not run from demons; he just beats the shit out of them. Moxley thanks those who have supported him through thick and thin, then says that he is going to grab the world of professional wrestling by the balls and do whatever he wants, for he is truly free. He says he has been to Hell and that it has been very liberating, then says nobody can put him through more hell than he has already been through and says that if people thought he was dangerous now, then he is thirsty and all he drinks is blood.
Backstage, we hear from MJF and Wardlow. MJF says that instead of taking the loss on the chin, Punk took the easy way out against Wardlow. He apologizes to Wardlow - whose birthday is today - then docks his pay for putting his hands on him, saying the money will go back up if he can qualify for the World title picture. He then says that Shawn Spears will get the job done against CM Punk tonight and that he will be there to call all the action.
Adam Cole and Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. beat Best Friends (Orange Cassidy and Kris Statlander) after Orange Cassidy inadvertently puts Britt Baker through a table and Cole hits Orange Cassidy with a low blow.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Chris Jericho, Santana and Ortiz. Jericho says he does not care about Eddie Kingston, but Ortiz stops him to say that he and Santana, and Santana says Eddie may have a point about him. Santana says that maybe they should focus more on himself and Ortiz than on him after he asks Jericho when he truly last had their back.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Adam Cole, who takes the microphone from Alex and tells him to leave before saying he has done everything he could to Orange Cassidy for being a thorn in his side before challenging him to a Lights Out Match next week. He says he cannot stand looking at Orange Cassidy any longer and that he plans to end his career.
We see a video package for CM Punk vs. Shawn Spears, which is coming up next.
CM Punk beats Shawn Spears with a single GTS shortly after MJF guests on commentary for the match. After the match, MJF tries to sneak up on Punk, but Punk catches him out and grabs him by the scarf. MJF ducks out of his scarf and runs away.
Backstage, Billy Gunn meets with Christian Cage for a shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championships. Christian says his sons have talent, but when the lights are brightest, he cannot get that win. He tells Billy to make a statement, and then they can talk. When Billy grabs him, Christian pushes his arm away only to be attacked from behind by Austin and Colten Gunn, and Austin says "Statement made."
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring, which has a giant ladder in it. Cody says he is reminded from the last match of CM Punk's "Pipebomb" promo, then says that Punk laid out a roadmap of things that were taboo at the time, such as working with other companies and teaming with The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson). He says that Punk would eventually do these things in AEW in what would be "the comeback of the decade," yet in his absence, somebody did do every one of those things: him. Cody says he held every grain of that revolution in his hands and people cheered, and says he will not turn heel because people cheered when he needed them the most. On the subject of "The Forbidden Door," he was the one who built it, then says that in the two weeks he was gone, The Young Bucks nearly started the Wednesday Night Wars all over again, Ricky Starks started a fight with Jay Lethal, and Brody King had the balls to show up. Cody also mentions the TNT Championship title picture, saying there are no "secondary belts" in AEW and yet they have a secondary TNT Champion, and announces that the undisputed TNT Champion will be determined in a ladder match.
Tony Schiavone interviews John Silver, Anna Jay, "Smart' Mark Sterling and Jade Cargill. Anna Jay has challenged Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship. Sterling says he and Jade are thrilled to accept this challenge. John Silver says Anna Jay will win the TBS Championship, and Anna Jay says she will do anything it takes to win a match before asking Jade if she is willing to do the same.
The Kings of the Black Throne (Malakai Black and Brody King) beat The Varsity Blonds (Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman Jr.). After the match, Malakai Black asks that the members of The House of Black rise before PAC shows up on the video screen to state that he has found a new vision and purpose, and that he sees Malakai as just the same as every other cretin in AEW: self-obsessed and power-hungry. PAC says that he will not bow down and call Malakai Black "master," then says he will leave a mark with him as he pulls down his blindfold.
We see a video package regarding the return of Lance Archer.
Backstage, Brandon Cutler records a video message for Trent Barretta and Rocky Romero. Romero challenges The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) to a match against a re-united Roppongi Vice.
Lance Archer beats Frankie Kazarian. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews Dan Lambert. Lambert takes the microphone and mocks "Hangman" Adam Page for his age and saying he is not mentally or physically prepared for Archer. Archer says "Enough of this cowboy bullshit," then says he is going to show what he will do to Adam Page by tossing Kazarian out of the ring before attempting a choke slam into a chair. Adam Page shows up and has a staredown with Archer before slapping him in the face. Both men exchange blows and Adam Page hits him with a cowboy boot, then Page clotheslines Archer out of the ring.
Backstage, Alex Marvez interviews Dante Martin, Lee Moriarty and Matt Sydal. Dante says that Sydal has been like a brother to him and that he has his and Moriarty's backs. Moriarty says they will do the same for him. We then hear from Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs. Starks tells Dante that nobody is his friends and that he is all alone. Hobbs tells Dante to get someone who will watch him everywhere, because Team Taz builds assassins.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews Kris Statlander and Red Velvet. Suddenly, "Legit" Leyla Hirsch trash talks Kris Statlander for losing tonight at and Rampage and costing her and Red Velvet thousands of dollars. Red Velvet says it was miscommunication, but when she turns around, Leyla attacks her before attacking Statlander.
Serena Deeb beats Skye Blue with the Serenity Lock.
We hear from Dan Lambert and The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and "All Ego" Ethan Page). Ethan Page tells Jon Moxley not to let his fashion fool him, because he is up to the task for a challenge, as he has been climbing up the ranks while he was away.
We see a video package for Hook.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone interviews The Hardy Family Office. Hardy says he has sold 51% of the group to Andrade el Idolo and that he will maintain the majority of seats as CEO while Andrade becomes President. He also says that the HFO will be the "AHFO," and Andrade makes it known that he is trying to recruit Darby Allin.
We see black-and-white footage of Anthony Bowens as Darby Allin and some guy dressed up as Sting running into Bowens with a car before being hit with a baseball bat by "Platinum" Max Caster.
Sting and Darby Allin beat The Acclaimed ("Platinum" Max Caster and Anthony Bowens. Before the match begins, The Acclaimed attack Darby Allin and Sting before wrapping a chair around Darby's neck and sending him into the ring post, causing Darby to suffer an injury and be taken to the back, effectively making the match a two-on-one handicap match for a time. Darby eventually comes back after sailing over the crowd and knocking Caster off the ring steps with a flying shoulder tackle.
LA Knight shows up at the arena. He tells Andre Chase and Bodhi Hayward to keep an eye on the ring for a teachable moment, then wishes Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen luck tonight before heading to the ring. Knight calls Grayson Waller out so he can finish what he started last week, but Grayson Waller fails to show. Knight says that week after week, Grayson says that as much as the people say he sucks, he fears the name of the man who will drop him on his head. He says that Grayson Waller failed to get the job done against him, then Grayson finally shows up with a manila envelope in his hands. Grayson Waller says it is a restraining order that states that LA Knight cannot touch him, and says that there is nothing he would like more than beating him in the ring after all he has done; however, his lawyer advised him to file a restraining order. LA Knight takes a look at the restraining order, which states that Knight will be arrested immediately if he comes within 50 feet of him. Knight says that while he may have a restraining order him, he does not have one against Dexter Lumis. Lumis crawls out from underneath the ring and sneaks up behind Grayson Waller before attempting Silence. Knight tells Grayson he can either lift the restraining order or get choked out by Lumis; either way, he is getting his ass kicked.
Grayson Waller beats Dexter Lumis after a man in a blue suit throws Dexter Lumis into the ring post behind the referee's back. Grayson acknowledges the man after the match. After the replay, Grayson calls the man his "insurance policy." (The man in the blue suit is actually Saurav, who has not been seen in NXT in quite some time.)
In footage from this past weekend, Walter confronts Malcolm Bivens as he calls Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel) "a bunch of bitches" and presses him against a set of lockers. Roderick Strong shows up and tells Walter to put him down, then tells Walter that he is not afraid of him. Walter tells Strong he should be scared.
We take a quick look at the teams in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic this year.
Backstage, MSK (Nash Carter and Wes Lee) look forward to the next match as well as their match with Jacket Time next week, then take Matt Riddle's advice to heart before Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza) show up to tell them that they will end their chances at the Dusty Cup.
The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) beat Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen to advance in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
We hear from Dante Chen, who talks about his debut as well as a leg injury that has put him out of action while his peers have seen success. He then says that his father, who saw his debut match, passed away two months ago. He says that he has many more matches for his father and the whole country of Singapore to represent, and today, he is back and ready to compete. Dante Chen is coming up next.
Backstage, Walter congratulates Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel on representing Imperium to the best of their ability. He then says today is the day that they start their mission of dominating NXT with a win over Roderick Strong.
Dante Chen vs. Guru Raaj ends with Duke Hudson showing up and attacking both men.
Backstage, Joe Gacy tells Harland that it could have been them in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, then says he is not angry, just disappointed. As he thinks that times like these are times of growth and opportunity, Odyssey Jones asks Gacy if he believes what he says while on crutches. When asked, Jones says he will be back in a couple of weeks. Gacy then helps him with the door before telling Harland that having the strength to face negativity instead of allowing it to spread like wildfire is a true measure of progress.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Bron Breakker, who says that being NXT Champion has set in and that he is ready. He says Santos Escobar is a great competitor and former champion, but everyone is gunning for him now. Elektra Lopez shows up, but Bron Breakker says he is not interested in anything she wants. Santos Escobar says Bron may be champion, but he cannot hold the brand on his shoulders, and that the NXT Championship looks better around his waist. Bron tells Escobar to give him a reason why he should kick his ass right now, but Escobar tells him he will learn that things will be done on his time.
Tony D'Angelo is in the ring with a black casket to celebrate the career of "Petey Poppins" aka Pete Dunne. He says Pete Dunne did not listen to anyone and that he needed to learn a lesson the hard way. He says that his cousin taught him to handle his business by any means necessary, then says this is a closed casket ceremony after what he did to Pete Dunne with a crowbar. Tony says he cannot mourn forever and has moved on to bigger and better things, then says it is time to add some more gold to his collection with the North American Championship. Suddenly, Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams show up on the balcony. Tony says he has his own "boys" and that the three of them are just teammates, and Carmelo says the North American title is his business. Carmelo tells Tony to keep the title out of his mouth or else he will have a closed casket ceremony as well. Suddenly, Cameron Grimes shows up. Cameron Grimes tells Tony to go to the back of the line before addressing Carmelo Hayes, then Carmelo and Trick propose that Tony and Cameron face each other with the winner facing Carmelo. Tony D'Angelo goes for a cheap shot as Cameron Grimes says he will fight anybody, but Cameron ducks it and hits Tony with the picture of Pete Dunne.
Backstage, Josh Briggs tells Brooks Jensen that men are made by handling obstacles, then Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter show up and propose they have some drinks. Wendy Choo is seen watching them from above, and says that Jensen likes Kayden. Jensen tries to explain himself, but Kayden tells him to hit the showers and Briggs says "Less is more."
We hear from Valentina Feroz and Yulisa Leon, who talk about their last two months as a tag team and their athletic backgrounds, and say that they fight and play hard and want the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships. Afterwards, they are interviewed by McKenzie Mitchell, and soon met by Dakota Kai, who advises them that nothing divides friendships more than success. Yulisa and Valentina have none of this, and Dakota Kai says she will see about this later tonight.
Ivy Nile beats Kay Lee Ray with a Sunset Flip following the distraction by Mandy Rose. After the match, Mandy Rose and Kay Lee Ray brawl. Jacy Jayne and Gigi Dolin soon show up to assist Mandy, but as the three of them gang up on Kay Lee Ray, Indi Hartwell and Persia Pirotta show up to even the numbers game.
It is revealed that Harland has attacked an injured Odyssey Jones as he leaves with Joe Gacy backstage.
We hear from Sarray, who says that her first year in NXT did not go as expected and went back to Japan to regroup. She then found the necklace her grandmother gave her, and remembered who she was. She says that she is returning to NXT with a new passion and energy.
Malik Blade and Edris Enofe beat Legado del Fantasma (Joquin Wilde and Raul Mendoza) to advance in the men's Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic after Santos Escobar trips Malik Blade from the outside and gets ejected from ringside. When Escobar argues with the referee, Bron Breakker shows up and carries him away, and Malik Blade and Edris Enofe win off the distraction.
We hear from Malcolm Bivens, who says that Diamond Mine are two for two and will become three for three when Roderick Strong wipes the mat with Walter. He says the mat is a revenue generator, not something sacred, and that it belongs to Diamond Mine.
We hear from Solo Sikoa, who says that Boa took it to the next level last week. He says that if Boa wants to use some ancestral powers, he will find out he is not the only one with warriors for ancestors or the only one with war paint, for next week, they will go to war.
Dakota Kai beats Yulisa Leon. After the match, Dakota Kai tries to attack Valentina Feroz, but Yulisa Leon makes the save.
Backstage, McKenzie Mitchell interviews Raquel Gonzalez, who says that she does not make excuses and that she is still coming for the NXT Women's Championship. Cora Jade shows up and asks Raquel if she wants to be a back-to-back Dusty Cup winner. Raquel tells Jade that she has no title because of her, and tells her not to get in her way again before saying "thanks but no thanks." Jade says she will convince Raquel after Raquel leaves.
Backstage, Malik Blade and Edris Enofe celebrate their victory tonight when Bron Breakker shows up and says it was all them before wishing them luck in the next round.
Walter beats Roderick Strong. After the match, Walter takes the microphone and says "The winner of the match...is Gunther!" Afterwards, Diamond Mine (Roderick Strong, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed) and Imperium (Walter, Fabian Aichner, Marcel Barthel) brawl in the ring.
Adam Cole beats Kaun. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews Cole, who takes the microphone and tells Schiavone to get out of the ring. He says Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. is the greatest Women's World Champion in AEW history and that he is undefeated in competition as well as the best new signing any company has ever seen. He says that together, they are unstoppable, and as hard as a Kris Statlander or Orange Cassidy could try to be top players, they will be nothing more than laughingstocks and should be embarassed for themselves, then says that they will embarrass them because he and Britt Baker are just getting started and there is nothing anybody can do about it.
The Gunn Club (Austin and Colten Gunn) beat Bison XL and Larintiz X.
"Legit" Leyla Hirsch beats Katalina Perez.
Lance Archer beats Liam Cross.
The Varsity Blonds (Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman Jr.) beat The Skulk (Liam Gray and Adrian Alanis). After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews The Varsity Blonds. Garrison says he is sick of the mind games, and that this Wednesday, they will beat Brody King and Malakai Black. Pillman says that if King and Black want violence, then they are not afraid of a little violence.
Red Velvet beats Vipress.
Skye Blue beats Robyn Renegade.
Anna Jay beats Tiffany Nieves with the Queenslayer.
Daniel Garcia beats Anthony Greene by submission. After the match, Tony Schiavone interviews 2point0 (Jeff Parker and Matt Lee) and Garcia. Parker says they have a lot of problems with a lot of people, and Lee asks Chris Jericho if he remembers what they did to him six weeks ago, saying it was for having a big mouth and that he is going to get worse for costing Garcia the World title. Garcia says that if you hang with a rat, you're a rat, too, and he is coming for The Inner Circle as well as the TNT Championship, saying that he is tired of having competitive matches and wants gold around his waist.
Bear Country (Bear Boulder and Bear Bronson) beat Brandon Bullock and Jameson Ryan.
Best Friends (Orange Cassidy and Wheeler Yuta) beat The Wingmen ("Pretty" Peter Avalon and JD Drake).
Becky Lynch heads to the ring to start tonight's show. She says that with two weeks until Royal Rumble, the Raw women's division has never been hotter and it is all because of her. Becky says it is so hot that Superstars from the past are also showing up at the women's Royal Rumble, saying they need her because she makes stars. Becky says that while people were not clamoring for it, she got Doudrop a title shot and made Doudrop better before beating her, then admits that she loves Doudrop's tenacity before saying that someone like her will never be a champion while she is in the company. Doudrop shows up and says she got the title shot on herself, then tells Becky to stay out of her way, but as Becky tells her that she got her that title shot last week and can win again if she just follows her lead, Bianca Belair shows up. Bianca says Becky may see herself as the "greatest of all time," but you cannot spell "greatest" without "EST," and that she is "the EST." She also says Doudrop is only facing Becky because Becky is afraid of her. She then says that Becky has only bought herself some time, as she is entering the women's Royal Rumble and winning to to main event WrestleMania again. Suddenly, Liv Morgan shows up. Liv says she and Bianca may be a tag team tonight, she is also entering the women's Royal Rumble and winning it. She then says that for this to happen, she has to outlast Bianca. Suddenly, Doudrop snores, then demands a referee so they can have their match.
Becky Lynch and Doudrop beat Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan after squashing Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan with a low cross body. After the match, Doudrop hits Becky with a Banzai Drop.
Backstage, Reggie and Dana Brooke ask Edge and Beth Phoenix for advice in Reggie's match, to which Edge says he has no chance but wishes him luck anyway. Beth tells Dana that she is happy to see her wear gold after busting her butt in WWE for years. Edge and Dana then meet Damian Priest, who picks Edge's brain about the Royal Rumble match. Edge says cardio and continuing to do what he does is the most important thing. Suddenly, Beth Phoenix gets a note from Maryse, who wants to meet her face-to-face. After Edge tells Beth that he has her back and they both leave, Kevin Owens shows up and tells Damian Priest that they look forward to their match tonight. Damian refuses to believe him, but Owens insists he looks forward to a good, clean match.
Elimination Chamber is live on Peacock and WWE Network on February 19th from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guest is Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Owens thanks Rollins for accepting the invitation to his show, then admits he admires Rollins so much as well as the suits that he wears before giving him kudos for berating Roman Reigns by telling him he was the man who set the table. Rollins says that Roman is rattled and scared of him, saying that he is playing chess while Roman is playing checkers and that taking the Universal Championship and turning it back from blue to red will be like taking candy from a baby. Rollins says that he can get rid of Brock Lesnar and also get rid of Bobby Lashley tonight. Owens then announces that he is officially declaring himself for the men's Royal Rumble match this year. Owens then says that when he wins, he and Rollins will give everyone the greatest WrestleMania main event of all time. Suddenly, Damian Priest shows up. Damian Priest calls Rollins and Owens "delusional idiots" and says nobody believes that Rollins can beat Roman at Royal Rumble and that nobody believes Owens will win the men's Royal Rumble match before telling them not to wake his dark side up. He also announces that he has gotten with WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville, and that his and Owens' match starts right now.
Veer Mahaan is coming to Raw.
Kevin Owens beats Damian Priest after feigning a knee injury, ending Damian Priest's undefeated streak on the main roster.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Nikki A.S.H., who says that she stands on her own and that Rhea Ripley should be down and out after last week, saying she is the one who broke up their team and flushed their friendship down the toilet. She says that she is the closest the people of Tulsa, Oklahoma have to a hero, and says that "almost superheroes" have to do things normal people do not understand and that Rhea will realize she needs someone like her whether she realizes it or not.
Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) show up for their graduation ceremony. After mocking the intelligence of the fans in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chad Gable celebrates Otis passing his final exam by beating RK-Bro and earning the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships, and says it is his honor to present Otis with an Alpha Academy diploma. Otis says Chad Gable has helped him reach his full potential, then warns the rest of the locker room to expect pure carnage if they mess with them. Suddenly, Matt Riddle shows up, also in a cap and gown. Riddle says he had to make a very special speech when he got here, and as he reads a speech he wrote on a piece of paper at the breakfast buffet, Gable wants to know why Riddle is here. When Gable says Riddle is here for a rematch, Gable says Riddle cannot define the rematch before Riddle unintentionally proves him right before saying it is a good idea. Gable says he will give Riddle a chance at a rematch if he and Randy Orton can beat them in a series of academic tests. When Riddle entertains the idea, Otis rips off his cap and gown and confronts Riddle, then Orton shows up and hits Gable with an RKO. Riddle attacks Otis from behind, then Orton puts on Otis' cap and gown before telling Alpha Academy "We accept."
Backstage, Austin Theory meets with Vince McMahon, who wants Austin to beat Finn Balor and then beat him up, or else he will beat Austin Theory up and send the resulting selfie to Austin Theory's mom.
WWE acknowledges Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Austin Theory beats Finn Balor. After the match, Austin Theory proceeds to beat Finn Balor up again and hits him with another ATL.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Rhea Ripley, who says that she never intended to break up her friendship with Nikki A.S.H., but Nikki made up her mind, and if Nikki thinks her the villain, then she is more delusional than she thought. Tonight, she is going to show Nikki exactly who she is.
Before the next match, Carmella and Queen Zelina show up. Carmella says everything they predicted about Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. came true, and Zelina fancies herself as Rhea's godmother after giving Rhea Ripley a bit of a push. Carmella says Rhea Ripley was an "almost threat" with an "almost superhero," then Zelina says Rhea Ripley will find someone else to leech off of as she does not have what it takes to be champion on her own. Nikki A.S.H. attacks Rhea Ripley before the bell can ring, and she slams Rhea Ripley into the ring steps.
Backstage, Dana and Reggie come up with strategies against Omos as R-Truth, Tamina, Akira Tozawa and a referee eat popcorn and watch.
Omos beats Reggie. During the match, Akira Tozawa, R-Truth and Tamina run into the ring, but Omos tosses Tozawa and Truth out before staring down Tamina. Reggie dives at Omos, but Omos hits him with a choke bomb for the win.
Maryse heads to the ring. Maryse says that The Miz is not here and has a very big mouth that agrees to things without his permission, and asks "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix to head to the ring so they can talk. Beth shows up with Edge, and Maryse says she wants their match at Royal Rumble cancelled, saying nobody wants it and that she and Beth have been through a lot together and have paved the way for today's female Superstars, and that they should be on the same team. Beth tells Maryse to shut up, saying she and the fans are not buying it and that Maryse is taking acting lessons from The Miz. She says their match is not off, because she is not passing up teaming up with Edge in a match or Glam Slamming Maryse through the canvas. Beth then proposes they give the fans a preview, then gets in the ring with Maryse before The Miz shows up. Edge beats up Miz, but Maryse hits Beth with her purse before running off. Miz and Maryse run to the stage, where Maryse reveals she had a brick in her purse.
Backstage, we hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). They declare that they will be tossing bodies in the men's Royal Rumble match when Rey and Dominik Mysterio show up happy to be part of their team tonight and to be part of the men's Royal Rumble.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio The Dirty Dawgs (Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode), Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez in an eight-man tag match. After the match, Rey and Dominik Mysterio toss The Street Profits over the top rope before Rey does the same to Dominik.
We see a video package for Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews The Miz and Maryse. The Miz brags about Maryse sending Beth Phoenix to a local medical facility, then says he will throw the most extravangant birthday party for Maryse before the two of them make out.
We see Alexa Bliss with a therapist again. The therapist does word association with Alexa, and every word is answered with the word "Lilly" until the word "imaginary" is reached. An angry Alexa stands up, and the therapist leaves. Alexa then sits back down.
Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins ends with The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander) pulling Lashley out of the ring and attacking him. Lashley gets the last word with a double suplex on The Hurt Business before sending both of them into the ring post and Spearing Shelton Benjamin through the barricade. Meanwhile, The Usos show up from out of the crowd and superkick Rollins in the ring.
This week on Raw Talk: Matt Riddle! Rhea Ripley! Omos!
