WWE Raw Day 1 Review: The Rock Returns & Wants To Sit At The Head Of The Table

WWE Raw “Day 1”
Pechanga Arena, San Diego, California

WWE Raw opening played. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett stood inside the ring. They wished everyone a Happy New Year and welcomed us to WWE Raw. Cole hyped the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre. Barrett hyped Rhea Ripley will defend the Women’s World Title match against Ivy Nile. They also confirmed Triple H’s big announcement about a former WWE Champion appearing on Raw. The crowd cheered as they hyped Cody Rhodes will be appearing live to address Shinsuke Nakamura. 

They aired a highlight packaging hyping the Becky Lynch and Nia Jax rivalry. 

Nia Jax def. Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch received a huge reaction from the crowd. Becky went for a Manhandle Slam but Jaxblocked. Jax caught Becky with a scoop slam coming off the ropes. Jax took control hitting a running splash in the corner. Becky battled back rocking Jax with strikes. Becky connected with a running neck snap for a near fall. Becky caught Jax with Diamond Dust. Becky connected with a Woo Dropkick sending Jax launching Jax into the turnbuckle. Becky connected with a missile dropkick for a two count. Becky caught Jax with a Molly-Go-Round for a two count as they retuned from break. Jax stopped Becky’s momentum draping her against the ropes. Jax went for a leg drop but Becky moved. Becky moved as Jax punched the ring spot. Becky moved as Jax crashed into the barricade. Becky went for a count-out win. Jax made it back into the ring. Becky delivered a flying leg drop for a two count. Becky applied the Dis-Arm-Her but Jax countered into a rollup for a near fall. Becky applied an arm bar. Jax countered hitting a Sit-Out Powerbomb for a two count. Jax called for the Annihilator but Becky stopped her. Becky went for a Super Manhandle Slam but Jax blocked. Jax delivered an avalanche Samoan Drop but Becky kicked out for a great two count. Becky battled back rocking Jax with strikes against the ropes. Becky went for draping leg drop but Jax caught her with a right hand. Jax delivered the Annihilator for the win. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) I would say this was easily one of Jax’s best matches on WWE TV. There was just so much drama in this match especially with the near falls leading to the finish. I really liked the layout with Jax’s right hand lead to the finish of the match. This was a really strong showcase for Jax giving her a clean win over Becky. This is also a strong way to present Jax as one of the favourite in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Becky was just tremendous here showing such great fire always fighting. They could now tell the comeback story with Becky coming back stronger getting her revenge by eliminating Jax from the Women’s Royal Rumble match. I’m pretty sure Becky will get win back over Jax before heading into her big WrestleMania match.

The camera zoomed on Becky who was bleeding from the mouth. 

They aired a recap of Shinsuke Nakamura reading “The American Nightmare before Christmas.” This followed by Cody Rhodes brawling with Nakamura. 

Cody Rhodes Promo 

Cody Rhodes received a huge reaction and firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder and louder. Huge Cody chants from the crowd. Cody asked the crowd what they wanted to talk about? He welcomed the crowd to a special Day 1 episode of Raw. Cody spoke about where he would like to be in 2024. Cody spoke about being stuck. Cody said he’s stuck on Shinsuke Nakamura. Cody called Nakamura formidable competitor. He spoke about excepting something more sophisticated. Cody said he’s not stuck because Nakamura called out his family. Cody said that comes with the territory. Cody said he’s not stuck that Nakamura blew mist into the his face. Cody said he fought well while having mist. Cody said he’s stuck because this should be over. Huge chants of Cody from the crowd. Cody gave Nakamura a chance to finish this tonight. 

Shinsuke Nakamara appeared on the screen. Nakamura spoke in Japanese as they showed English subtitles. Nakamura said, “I never thought it would be so easy to get into your head and become the author of your final chapter. I whispered the plot into your ear. Pushed your character to the brink. Pushed your character to the brink page-by-page. I have blinded you so you cannot see the ending. But your story does not end tonight. The crowd booed. Nakamura said, “I want to give The American Nightmare one more week to dream. I become what you could never be. I finish your story. Then I close your book.” Nakamura blew mist into the camera. They showed Cody standing inside the ring. Nakamura’s music played. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) The production behind these Nakamura’s vignette’s are awesome presenting him like a comic book villain. I would hope they continue this Nakamura push and presentation of these vignette after this Cody program is wrapped up. Cody’s delivery was tremendous as he got me interested wanting to see the Nakamura rematch on Raw. The crowds are still very solidly behind Cody because they want to see him finish his story and become WWE Champion. They really do need to get this program with Nakamura wrapped up. 

They hyped CM Punk returns to WWE Raw next week. 

Jey Uso & Kofi Kingston def. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) 

Kofi Kingston came out receiving a good babyface reaction. Jey Uso came out next receiving a huge reaction. Barrett congratulated Gunther on the birth of his new son as Imperium made their entrance. Kofi shined early catching Vinci with a standing splash for a near fall. Vinci stooped Kofi catching him with a running crossbody. Kofi battled back catching Kaiser with a reverse missile dropkick. Kofi went for a dive but Vinci yanked him to the mat. Kaiser and Vinci rocked Kaiser with a stereo dropkick combo. Kofi caught Vinci flying off the ropes with a dropkick. Vinci took a big bump looking like he landed on back of his head. Kofi tags Jey. Vinci couldn’t get up. The doctor checks on Vinci. The bell rings and the match is over. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) I was glad to see WWE do the right thing here by stopping the match and checking on Vinci. Hopefully, Vinci injury isn’t serious and has a speedy recovery. The match was good till the point of the injury happened. 

The crowd cheered as Vinci was about to walk away after the match. 

They aired highlights from the WWE Live Holiday Tour. They hyped WWE setting records for the Maddison Square Garden show highlighted by CM Punk’s return. 

They aired an Ivy Nile highlight package. 

The Creed Brothers and Alpha Academy were hyping up Ivy Nile backstage. 

MizTV with Judgment Day 

The Miz wished everyone Happy New Year and welcomed everyone to WWE Raw. Miz had his own speculation about a former WWE Champion appearing on the show. Miz turned his attention to Judgment Day and called them to the ring. Judgment Day’s music played but nobody came out. The music played as R-Truth came out. Miz asked R-Truth where’s everyone else? R-Truth said they were all behind him. Miz asks R-Truth if he’s seeing invincible people again? R-Truth wondered if Little Jimmy was here? Miz told R-Truth to have a seat. R-Truth first wants the crowd to All Rise for Judgment Day. The crowd began to rise. Miz wondered what R-Truth does for Judgment Day? R-Truth said he was doing PR work and administrative work for Judgement Day. 

The crowd booed as Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh came out. McDonagh said R-Truth wasn’t part of Judgement Day. The crowd booed as Dominik went to speak. R-Truth said McDonagh wasn’t in Judgment Day. R-Truth noted he beat McDonagh in a Losers Leaves Judgment Day match. Miz noted R-Truth was right. The crowd booed as Dominik tried to speak. Miz said he couldn’t hear anything because there were 20,000 people inside the building booing. Dominik made fun of Miz for having a bad 2023. Miz spoke about making moments that will last a lifetime. Miz spoke about remembering Dominik being spanked by Rey Mysterio. Miz brought up how Dominik got whopped around the country by CM Punk. 

The crowd booed as Dominik tried to speak. Dominik and McDonagh challenged Miz & R-Truth. The crowd cheered as Miz asked if they wanted to see a tag team match. R-Truth wasn’t sure what team he would be on. R-Truth wondered if he was on Miz’s team to turn on him. McDonagh went for a cheap shot. Miz saw it coming as he clotheslined McDonagh to the floor. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) R-Truth coming out for MizTV thinking he’s part of Judgment Day was well done. The crowd reaction to Dominik when he tried to speak made this segment even more better. This was a pretty entertaining segment leading to Miz and R-Truth reuniting for a tag match. 

Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) vs. Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) 

Miz rocked McDonagh with a running boot. R-Truth tagged in nailing McDonagh with a corkscrew elbow. R-Truth connected with a Stinger Splash to McDonagh for a two count. McDonagh stopped R-Truth yanking him to the mat. Dominik rocked R-Truth with a 619. They retuned from break rocking McDonagh with a running clothesline. Miz connected with a springboard crossbody for a two count. McDonagh battled back rocking Miz with a head butt. McDonagh tagged in R-Truth who stood in Judgment Day’s corner. McDonagh held Miz up. Miz ducked as R-Truth rocked McDonagh with a right hand. R-Truth showed McDonagh right into a Skull Crushing Finale from Miz for the win. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a fun tag team match. Dominik and McDonagh are basically in the Jimmy Uso for the Bloodline where they could take pins in tag team match and it won’t hurt the Judgment Day stable at all. Miz and R-Truth are so great together and it would be nice to see them have more tag matches together. 

New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Kayden Carter & Katana Chance were partying inside a club. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven appeared wanting a rematch for the titles. Carter and Chance said they will be fighting champions. They tossed a drink into Green’s face. Carter and Chance partied. 

They aired a Rhea Ripley highlight package. 

Rhea Ripley [c] def. Ivy Nile – WWE Women’s World Championship Match 

Rhea Ripley received a great reaction from the crowd. Nile went to place Ripley on her shoulders who broke free. Ripley charged into a boot. Nile connected with a flying crossbody for a near fall. Ripley stopped Nile’s momentum catching her with a mid kick. Nile responded catching Ripley with a head scissors. Ripley went for a running boot but Nile caught her. Nile deadlifted Ripley and slammed her to the mat. Ripley had a look of concern as she rolled to the floor. Ripley took cover over Nile placing her in a seated wrist lock as they returned from break. Nile battled back catching Ripley with a German suplex on the floor. Nile made a comeback rocking Ripley with combination kicks. Nile caught Ripley with a modified Rough Ryder for a near fall. Nile caught Ripley with a Satellite DDT for a two count. Nile went for a gut wrench suplex but Ripley blocked. Nile charged into a Ripley head butt. Ripley connected with a missile dropkick for a two count. Ripley called for RipTide but Nile broke free. Nile rocked Ripley with a hook kick. Ripley connected with a gut wrench suplex for a two count. Ripley battled back rocking Ripley with a lariat. Ripley planted Nile with a wheelbarrow face buster for a two count. Ripley went for a superplex but Nile blocked. Nile went for a Sunset Bomb but Ripley blocked. Nile rammed Ripley onto the turnbuckle. Nile connected with an avalanche German suplex for a two count. This is Awesome chants. Nile went for a dive but Ripley caught her with a head butt. Ripley rocked Nile with a knee strike. Ripley connected with RipTide for the win to retain the title. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a good match. There was some clunkiness in the early going. The action really picked up as the match kept going. A nice showing from Nile as she looked good in her first single’s match on Raw. I thought Ripley was great selling making all of Nile’s moves looks strong. A strong showing for Ripley showcasing her a dominant champion.

Jinder Mahal Promo

Samantha Irvin introduced the former WWE Champion. The music played as former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal came out. Mahal was disappointed that we were disappointed for expecting someone else. Mahal said he was a past and future WWE Champion. Mahal said there were 50 WWE Champion. Mahal claimed at the top of the list. Mahal said what’s disappointing is what’s happened to the United States of America. Mahal called it disgusting. Mahal asked if they feel united. He mocked the USA chant. He spoke in Punjabi. Mahal said the people are united they booed the National Anthem in Punjabi. Mahal spoke about people like The Iron Sheik who also exposed America. Mahal claimed the fans booed him because he speaks and looks different. Mahal spoke in Punjabi again. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) It’s tiresome seeing WWE still having the foreign heel onscreen character who explains the crowd doesn’t like because he looks and speaks a different language. I thought Mahal delivery was good and sounded good in his promo. This was a clever way to get Mahal who’s a former WWE Champion on Raw.

The Rock Returns To WWE Raw 

The music played as THE ROCK came out to a huge reaction. Huge Rocky chants from the crowd. Rock said Mahal is in trouble tonight. Rock said Mahal isn’t the Iron Sheik. The crowd cheered as Rock noted he and the fans loved The Iron Sheik. Rock impersonated Mahal noting if the Sheik was here this is what he would say” who is this no good jabroni bastard.” The crowd cheered. Mahal mocked The Rock for being The People’s Champion. Mahal said Rock should be disgusted to represent these people. Rock said he’s proud to be the People’s Champion and America. Rock did his classic catchphrase as the crowd cheered. 

Rock said the people don’t boo Mahal because he looks different and speaks Punjabi. Rock looked up and spoke to the Sheik. Rock said the crowd boo Mahal because “you’re the biggest a**hole walking God’s green earth.” Huge Rocky chants. Rock spoke about Mahal having an angry face. Rock said Mahal has a raging a**hole face. Rock said nobody likes Mahal and he’s not funny. Rock compared Mahal to being in Baywatch. Mahal responded saying he hasn’t watched Baywatch. That was a good line. Rock noted nobody watched Baywatch either. Rock asked Mahal again if he watched Baywatch? Rock cut Mahal off saying “It doesn’t matter if Mahal watched Baywatch.” The crowd cheered. 

Rock took issue with Mahal making fun of USA. The crowd booed but then chanted USA. Rock said it’s not a joke that Mahal can grab a microphone and run the country down because it’s called freedom of speech. Rock said he can’t do it without freedom of consequence from The Rock. Mahal said he’s the Modern Day Maharaja. Rock said he knows that. Rock said Mahal is now The Day 1 Douchebag. The crowd began chanting that. 

That gave Rock an idea as he was going to show Mahal how to unify a crowd. Rock said half side of the arena will chant Day 1. The other half will chant Douchebag. The crowd kept chanting and chanting. Rock began smiling seeing how long the crowd was going for. Rock held his arm up for the crowd to stop the chant. Rock called that fun. Rock said he was sing Mahal a part of the National Anthem. Rock sang: “And the rocket’s red glare, San Diego’s aware that you’re jacked as hell, but your balls still aren’t there. You’re an angry toxic douchebag, who clearly has no class, so you left The Rock no choice but to whoop your candy ass.” 

Mahal attacked Rock with strikes in the corner. Rock made a comeback rocking Mahal with strikes. Rock delivered a spinebuster. The crowd went completely nuts as Rock delivered the People’s Elbow. Huge Rocky chants. Rock wished everyone Happy New Year. Rock noted he’s feeling hungry. Rock said he’s going to get something to eat. Rock asked the crowd if he should sit in a booth? Rock asked should he sit in bar? The crowd cheered. Rock noted he likes the bar. Rock asked should he sit at the Head of the Table? The crowd went completely nuts for that line. The reference to Roman Reigns? Rock told the crowd he loved them and that’s what he thought. Rock said “If You Smell What The Rock Is Cooking?” Rock’s music played. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) Rock has incredible charisma and the way he the ability to get the crowd to react to everything he say still continues to amaze. It’s always fun seeing Rock deliver his signature moves on WWE TV. There was something really newsworthy coming from this segment which came at the very end. The line about Rock wanting to sit at the Head of the Table. That’s the first tease on WWE TV of a possible match between Rock and Roman Reigns. The question what happens now and when does this match actually take place? Is there a real possibility Rock and Roman Reigns happens at Perth, Australia for the Elimination Chamber show? Could there be a scenario where Rock appears at Elimination Chamber and challenges Reigns to a WrestleMania match? The biggest match WWE can do right now is Rock vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. There’s another big question is what happens with Cody Rhodes and his rematch with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania? I would also like to see Cody Rhodes be part of that match with Rock and Roman Reigns. I could see a scenario where Roman Reigns defends the Undisputed WWE Title against Cody Rhodes and Rock in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania. The goal should be to give Cody Rhodes his moment and have him win the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania. WWE has been showcasing Cody Rhodes as the face of the company. The Road to WrestleMania just got much more interesting. 

Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark def. Natalya & Tegan Nox 

Natalya shined early catching Stark with a slingshot buster. Baszler tagged into the match rocking Natalya with a knee strike for a two count. Natalya tagged Nox into the match as they retuned from break. Nox ran wild rocking Stark with a running uppercut. Nox planted Baszler with a face buster. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell were watching backstage. Nox connected with a corner cannonball. Nox connected with a Molly-go-Round for a two count. Baszler battled back catching Nox with a hook kick. Baszler planted Nox with a German suplex. Stark followed with Z360 for the win. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a fine tag team match. A strong showing from Baszler and Stark as they looked great in the win. 

They aired a great highlight package hyping the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre. 

Seth Rollins [c] def. Drew McIntyre – WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match 

Drew McIntyre received a strong a heel reaction and firework display. Seth Rollins received a big reaction from the crowd. The crowd sang along to Rollins theme. Rollins wasted no time rocking McIntyre with strikes right away. Rollins used McIntyre sending him to the floor. Rollins leaped off the ring steps catching McIntyre with a flying forearm. McIntyre responded dropping Rollins onto the announcers table. McIntyre went for a reverse Alabama Slam but Rollins held onto the ropes. Rollins went for a dive. McIntyre caught Rollins and launched him with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. McIntyre and Rollins exchanged chops as they retuned from break. McIntyre caught Rollins with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two count. McIntyre went for a Super White Noice but Rollins blocked. Rollins responded catching McIntyre with a hurricanrana. Rollins moved as McIntyre charged into the ring post. Rollins connected with a Tope Con Hilo to the floor. Rollins connected with a Satellite DDT. Rollins followed hitting a frog splash for a two count. Rollins went for a springboard moonsault but McIntyre moved. McIntyre went to climb the ropes. Rollins caught McIntyre with a leaping superplex. Rollins maintained control on the landing. McIntyre countered hitting a Falcon Arrow for a two count. McIntyre and Rollins exchange strikes on the ropes as they returned from break. McIntyre connected with a Super White Noice for a two count. McIntyre and Rollins exchanged strikes. Rollins went for a Curb Stomp but McIntyre moved. McIntyre caught Rollins with a Future Shock DDT. McIntyre went for a Claymore Kick. Rollins caught McIntyre with a sit-out powerbomb for a two count. Rollins went for a Phoenix Splash but McIntyre moved. McIntyre went for a Claymore Kick but Rollins ducked. Rollins connected with a Pedigree but McIntyre kicked out for a great two count. The crowd cheered as Damian Priest’s music played. Priest came out with Dominik Mysterio and a referee. Priest whacked Rollins with the Money in the Bank briefcase. McIntyre delivered a Claymore Kick sending the Money in the Bank briefcase flying into the Priest. McIntyre sent Dominik flying with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. McIntyre delivered a Claymore Kick. The referee counted but Rollins had his foot on the ropes. McIntyre launched Rollins into the ropes. McIntyre cleared the announcers table. Rollins delivered a Pedigree to McIntyre onto the announcers table. Rollins delivered a Curb Stomp for the win to retain the title. 

(Amin’s Thoughts) This was a really good match. Lots of great action as both McIntyre and Rollins worked a great match. There were some great near falls leading to the finish. The Claymore Kick leading to Rollins placing his foot on the ropes was a tremendous spot as they teased McIntyre was so close to winning the World Title. I really liked the idea going with a Money in the Bank cash-in tease on the first Raw of the New Year. It was interesting to note Dominik came out with Priest for the cash-in. I would thought Finn Bálor coming out would’ve made more sense because he and Priest are Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Dominik coming out could be a way to tease more dissension within Judgment Day. I could see McIntyre getting his rematch at Royal Rumble after Dominik and Priest got involved. Overall, a great match.

Overall Thoughts

The big news coming out of show was the first tease on WWE TV of The Rock and Roman Reigns match happening. There is still so much time before WrestleMania. It remains to be seen if or when the Rock and Reigns match actually happens. I thought McIntyre and Rollins had a very good match. Becky and Jax also had a strong match. Overall, this was a good episode of Raw. WWE did a great job starting the year with a bang.