WWE Raw
Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
The show opened with Cody Rhodes who was smiling backstage arriving to the arena. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett hyped the Cody vs. Shinsuke Nakamura as the main event for Raw.
Drew McIntyre Promo
Drew McIntyre was standing inside the ring. McIntyre noted last week’s match being all or nothing. McIntyre noted he had the match won after delivering a Claymore Kick to Seth Rollins. McIntyre spoke about having such a deep cover which led to Rollins placing his foot on the ropes. McIntyre noted maybe he’s been holding himself back. McIntyre noted he needs to get his priorities right and step away from WWE for a while. The crowd booed this. McIntyre noted he didn’t lose and Rollins didn’t win. McIntyre brought up how Damian Priest tried to cash in the Money in the Bank. McIntyre noted Priest should’ve waited till after he won the World Heavyweight Title. McIntyre noted Priest screwed him and Priest himself. The crowd cheered this. McIntyre spoke about his programs he’s been having with Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Damian Priest and Jey Uso being moved to Raw. McIntyre brought up Cody having magical political powers. McIntyre brought up CM Punk’s return to WWE to wide open arms. McIntyre claimed he should leave for nine years and then return to WWE and get a hero’s reception like Punk.
Amin’s Thoughts: Drew McIntyre continues to be one of my favourite character on WWE TV. McIntyre’s delivery and promo was tremendous as he actually got the crowd to cheer for while playing subtle heel/babyface at the same time.
Drew McIntyre & CM Punk Promo
The crowd cheered as CM Punk came out to a huge reaction. Punk noted we are in Piper Country. Punk was disappointed McIntyre wasn’t wearing a quilt. Punk spoke about Rowdy Rowdy Piper being a legend. Punk noted Piper was known for talking. Punk noted he’s known for talking. Punk wondered if McIntyre was known for talking? Punk noted McIntyre has been taking since he’s back. Punk noted McIntyre can say what he wants to his face. The crowd cheered as Punk laid on the turnbuckle. This was funny. Huge CM Punk chants.
McIntyre congratulated Punk for still being in WWE for over a month. McIntyre claimed he had bet with some people in the locker room wondering how long Punk will last? McIntyre noted he didn’t care what Punk said outside the company claiming he was bitter and wanted some attention. McIntyre said he cares abut what Punk does to him personally. He said he knows the real CM Punk. McIntyre brought up as Punk was a World Champion and noted was a leader. McIntyre noted he needed a leader at that time. McIntyre noted he just has some obstacles in his way that he will kick down. McIntyre spoke about going through personal issues back then and needed a leader to tell him everything was going to be okay. McIntyre noted Punk sees him a threat. McIntyre spoke about speaking to Randy Orton who had his own demons. McIntyre brought up Punk being straight edge. McIntyre called Punk a demon. McIntyre said he figured it out after leaving the first time. McIntyre told Punk after being gone for nine he’s his leader now. He called Punk “kid.” McIntyre sat on the turnbuckle.
Punk said he called himself a lot of things during his time in WWE but not a leader. Punk noted if McIntyre wanted help he can pledge allegiance to the Straight Edge Society and they can shave his head. Punk wondered who did McIntyre watch leave the company? Punk brought up how McIntyre won the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania. Punk wondered why McIntyre is upset because he came back to win the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania. Punk said he’s not a demon. Punk said he’s Satan himself when pushed. Punk said he’s a real nice guy when he’s not time to be. Punk noted he’s not here to be a nice guy. Punk said he’s not here to make friends. Punk said he’s here to win the Royal Rumble. Punk said he’s here to main event WrestleMania. The crowd cheered.
McIntyre noted he won the Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania something Punk hasn’t done. McIntyre noted those WWE Title weren’t for him. McIntyre spoke about being the face of the WWE when they needed a leader during the pandemic. McIntyre claimed Punk would’ve left too. McIntyre claimed Punk leave when things get tough. McIntyre noted he’s entering the Royal Rumble match as well. Mcintye noted he’s going to win the Royal Rumble and WWE World Heavyweight Title for himself.
Punk noted it’s getting spicy in here. Punk noted he’s a nice guy so he’s going to leave as they were teasing a brawl. Punk noted it’s only himself who can stop himself from accomplishing his goals. Punk noted he got out of his own way a long time ago. Punk noted McIntyre, Rollins and even Cody Rhodes can’t stop him from winning the Royal Rumble. Punk noted he’s going to eliminate McIntyre last in the Royal Rumble.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was tremendous and the highlight of the show. McIntyre just continues to shine on the mic going back-and-forth with Punk. It’s really interesting they are bringing up Punk not being liked backstage but storyline wise. This was really interesting how Punk laid out the Royal Rumble finish. They are heavily teasing Punk is favourite to win the Royal Rumble. I could see a scenario where McIntyre cost Punk which opens things up for Cody Rhodes to win the Royal Rumble. This was great as they are building to McIntyre and Punk which feels like another big match.
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa were walking backstage. Ciampa spoke about how he made his wrestling debut 19 years ago. He spoke about him and Gargano fighting about what they want. Ciampa noted this was must win. Ciampa noted DIY’s resolution was to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
Tommaso Ciampa (w/Johnny Gargano) def. Finn Bálor (w/Damian Priest) — Balor took control early rocking Ciampa with strikes. Balor rocked Ciampa with a basement dropkick for a near fall. Ciampa responded catching Balor with mounted strikes. Ciampa chased Balor around the ring. Priest stood in Ciampa’s way. Priest caused a distraction. Balor took advantage hitting a running forearm sending Ciampa crashing into the announcers table. Ciampa made a comeback catching Balor with a reverse DDT for a two count. Balor responded catching Ciampa with a stomp. Ciampa caught Balor charging with a knee strike. Ciampa connected with a Project Ciampa for a two count. Balor caught Ciampa charging with a slingblade. Balor took back control hitting a Woo dropkick. Balor called for Coup De Grace but Ciampa moved. Ciamap called for Fairytale Ending. Priest tried to cause a distraction but Gargano stopped him. Priest went for a Razor’s Edge but Gargano escaped. Ciampa rocked Priest with a flying knee strike. Balor went for suplex as Ciampa stood on the ring apron. Gargano grabbed hold onto Balor’s leg. Ciampa fell onto Balor for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) This was a good action packed match as both Balor and Ciampa worked well together. I liked the finish with the babyface in DIY outsmarting Judgment Day to get the win. I would like to see Ciampa & Gargano get some more wins together if they are next to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. This was still nice to see Ciampa get a win over Balor who’s a top star on Raw.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Becky Lynch backstage. Becky tried to image what Nia Jax would do if her punch connected. Becky spoke about Jax busting her mouth open. Becky noted she got back up and declared herself for the Royal Rumble match. Becky spoke about last time winning the Women’s Royal Rumble and headlining WrestleMania. Becky noted she didn’t end Jax. Becky noted Jax didn’t end her either. Becky noted they might be just getting started.
Amin’s Thoughts: I liked the layout of the promo. Becky spoke about how she came back stronger after she got punched by Jax. Becky spoke about wanting to come back stronger after getting punched by Jax again. I could see this leading to Becky getting her revenge by eliminating Jax and likely winning the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Becky continues to great wanting you to see her get the better of Jax.
Kofi Kingston vs. Ludwig Kaiser ended in a Double Count-Out — Kaiser took control early rocking Kofi with mounded strikes. The crowd popped as Kofi battled back rocking Kaiser with big strikes. Kaiser stopped Kofi draping him onto the turnbuckle. Kaiser took control hitting a corner dropkick. Kofi made a comeback catching Kaiser with a springboard crossbody. Kofi used Kaiser’s momentum sending him to the floor. Kofi went for a dive but Kaiser caught him with a right hand. Kaiser rocked Kofi with a PK. Kaiser went for a dive but Kofi got his boots up. Kofi connected with a Nestea Plunge on the floor. Kaiser responded running Kofi into the ring post. Kaiser went for a running uppercut but Kofi moved. Kaiser crashed into the barricade. Kaiser stopped Kofi from getting back into the ring for the double count-out. (Amin’s Thoughts) I liked the layout as Kaiser and Kofi worked a grudge match and not have a traditional wrestling match after Giovanni’s Vinci accidental injury last week. The finish was dull but looks like they are seeming to set up a stipulation match.
Kofi rocked Kaiser with strikes after the match. Kaiser responded raking Kofi in the eyes. Kofi used Kaiser’s momentum backdropping him onto the announcers table. WWE officials tried to hold Kofi back. The crowd chanted “Let Them Fight!” Kaiser tossed an announcers chair into Kofi’s face. Kaiser delivered a running dropkick to Kofi into the ring steps. The crowd booed as Kaiser was sent to the back.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a solid brawl as they likely leading to a stipulation match. A great showing from Kaiser here showing a more aggressive and vicious side.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Ludwig Kaiser backstage. Kaiser told Jackie it was Kofi’s fault what happened to him. Kaiser noted how he’s the only member of Imperium on Raw. Kaiser spoke about getting revenge on Kofi for injuring Vinci.
Rhea Ripley & Nia Jax Promo
Michael Cole was inside the ring as he called Jax for an in-ring interview. Jax noted she’s not shocked about her win. Jax mocked breaking Becky Lynch face again. Jax teased breaking Cole’s face. Jax noted she’s more focused on winning the Women’s Royal Rumble match and challenging for the Women’s Title at WrestleMania. Jax said no man or woman can stop her.
WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley came out to a huge reaction. Huge ‘Mami’ chants from the crowd. Ripley spoke about eliminating Jax in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Ripley noted Becky isn’t here. Ripley noted Jax doesn’t own this division. Ripley told Jax to keep her name out of her mouth if she wins the Royal Rumble.
Jax said Ripley might be the most dominant champion in the division. Jax noted she put Ripley down when she returned to WWE. Jax claimed Ripley is scared to face her. Jax claimed she’s gonna win the Women’s Royal Rumble and face Ripley. Jax told Ripley she will see her soon. Jax’s music played as she left the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts: The crowd treated Rhea Ripley as a superstar. Ripley is going to become a huge superstar when the time comes to split away from Judgement Day. Jax delivered a good promo as she came off a credible challenger for Ripley. They want to you believe Jax is favoured to win the Women’s Royal Rumble after beating Becky last week on Raw. I still see Becky being the one to eliminate Jax in the Women’s Royal Rumble. They also teased a Jax and Ripley match from this promo segment. WWE had a huge stadium show is Australia show before WrestleMania. I could definitely see Ripley defending the Women’s World Title in her home country against Jax as the Elimination Chamber show in Australia.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Cody Rhodes backstage. Cody noted this issue with Nakamura should already be over. Nakamura appeared attacking Cody backstage. WWE officials appeared pulling Cody and Nakamura apart.
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance [c] def. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles — WWE Women’s locker room were watching backstage. Chance caught Green with a double stomp for a near fall. Carter and Chance called for After Party but Niven made the save. Niven took control rocking Chance with a cannonball for a two count. Niven went for a running cannonball but Chance moved out of the way. Carter ran wild rocking Green with a superkick for a two count. Carter rocked Green with a running boot. Carter connected with a slingshot leg drop for a two count. Chance caught Green with a Super Hurricanrana in a great spot for a two count. Chance went for an assisted moonsault but Green got her knees up. Green responded catching Chance with a Rough Rider for a two count. Green and Niven delivered a Codebreaker/running senton combo but Chance made the save. Chance pulled Carter out of the way. Niven delivered a Vader Bomb to Green. Chance caught Niven with a flying Codebreaker. Chance and Carter delivered the Keg Stand for the win to retain the titles. (Amin’s Thoughts) This was a fun action packed tag team match with both teams getting a chance to shine. I really liked how they showed the rest of division watching with interest backstage as they trying to put some focus into the WWE Women’s Tag Team Division. My guess is Asuka and Kairi Sane will likely beat Carter and Chance for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title for the story they are telling with Damage CTRL on SmackDown. This was a really good showing from Carter and Chance as they looked great in the win. Carter and Chance are really fun to watch together. I would like to see Carter and Chance get more matches on TV as they make for a great team.
They aired a R-Truth vignette who spoke being born in Charlotte, North Carolina on a cold January morning. R-Truth spoke about the doctor holding him in his arms. R-Truth noted he told the doctor he was going to be in Judgment Day. They aired a hilarious picture of little kids dressed as Judgment Day. R-Truth spoke about going through lots with Judgment Day. They showed R-Truth popping up for Judgement Day’s greatest momentum including Ripley winning the Women’s Royal Rumble and Damian Priest winning Money in the Bank.. They aired a still photo of Judgment Day holding all the titles including R-Truth holding the 24/7 Title. They showed clips of R-Truth beating McDonagh with the stipulation that the loser isn’t part of Judgement Day. He named all members of Judgment Day including “Nick Mysterio” who he never met. They aired a photo of Judgment Day with R-Truth (without McDonagh) R-Truth said Judgement Day is about Live, Laugh and Love.
Amin’s Thoughts: R-Truth was so awesome here and this highlight package was fantastic. R-Truth is giving vibes like when Sami Zayn was part of Bloodline.
Judgement Day (without R-Truth) were inside their clubhouse. Priest found the vignette funny. Priest noted he will handle R-Truth when the time comes. Ripley noted Balor and Priest have their hands full with DIY. Balor went on a rant on DIY. Priest was upset why Judgment Day didn’t handle Drew McIntyre last week when he wanted to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. Ripley noted Priest should worry about making enemies with McIntyre. Priest questioned why Ripley was making an enemy of Jax. Ripley said she will handle it. Ripley told McDonagh to take care of The Miz in their match. McDonagh left with Dominik Mysterio.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was pretty notable as Priest was really the only one in Judgment Day who found R-Truth’s vignette funny. That’s something to keep an eye on going forward with R-Truth wanting to be part of Judgement Day. They are also slowly continuing to build tension within Judgement Day with Ripley and Priest going back-and-forth.
The Miz def. JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio) — The crowd cheered as R-Truth made his way ringside for the match. The crowd cheered as Miz pointed in R-Truth direction while booing in Dominik and McDonagh’s direction. Miz rocked McDonagh with YES Kicks. Miz caught McDonagh with a neck breaker for a near fall. The crowd booed as Dominik caused a distraction. This led to McDonagh taking advantage in the match. McDonagh connected with a slingshot corkscrew for a two count. McDonagh connected with a float suplex for a two count. Miz made a comeback rocking McDonagh with corner strikes. Miz rocked McDonagh with YES Kicks. Miz caught McDonagh with a shin breaker. Miz applied a Figure-4-Leg Lock Leg but McDonagh grabbed the ropes. McDonagh rolled to the floor. Miz delivered a slingshot dropkick sending McDonagh into Dominik. Miz connected with Skull Crushing Finale for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) This was fine match. R-Truth comedic at ringside with Judgment Day made this match more fun to watch. I’m actually curious to see where this leads with R-Truth who’s friendly with Miz but wants to be aligned with Judgment Day. I’m wondering if this leads to Miz and R-Truth being the ones to take the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles off Judgment Day.
Judgement Day were inside their clubhouse upset of McDonagh’s loss. Ripley told Balor and Priest this can’t keep happening. Ripley noted she’s going to talk to Adam Pearce about Judgement Day’s plan for next week. Priest noted they will tell Dominik and McDonagh when they arrive.
Seth Rollins & Jinder Mahal Promo
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins came out next to a huge reaction. The crowd sang along to Rollins theme song. Rollins did his catchphrase. Rollins spoke about being in the homestretch to the Royal Rumble. Rollins spoke about WrestleMania approaching. Rollins brought up his WrestleMania highlights. Rollins about not taking a World Title into WrestleMania. Rollins noted that changes because it’s his year. He spoke about making the World Title the most importing title in the industry. Rollins asked the crowd whose he’s going to beat at WrestleMania. The crowd lightly broke into a CM Punk chant. Rollins said “In his dream.”
The music played as Jinder Mahal came out to no reaction. Rollins couldn’t believe Mahal came out. Mahal claimed he was a revolutionary in five minutes then he was in the last five years. Mahal cut a promo on the city of Portland. Mahal spoke about Rollins throwing temper tantrums when things doesn’t go Rollins way. Mahal noted Rollins gives opportunities except for him. Mahal spoke about beating Randy Orton. Mahal said the disrespect will not be tolerated. Mahal noted he has Rollins attention.
Rollins noted the fans and people have been ignoring Mahal on purpose. He respects Mahal for coming back to Raw after getting fried by The Rock last week on Raw. Rollins was upset that Mahal came out this week on Raw and interrupted him. Rollins dropped the World Heavyweight Title and dared Mahal to hit him. Mahal just stared at him. Rollins turned his back. Mahal attacked Rollins from behind. Rollins made a comeback rocking Mahal with strikes. Rollins called for the Curb Stomp but Mahal left the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts: This came outta nowhere. I did not expect we would get Mahal and Rollins promo segment building to a possible match. They really can’t be doing Rollins and Mahal for the World Heavyweight Title at the Royal Rumble right? This right here is the perfect example of what happens when you don’t have to sell PPV buys. This is also what happens when the Royal Rumble is the biggest interest in wrestling fans eyes and not the undercard matches even if they are World Title matches.
Ivar (w/Valhalla) def. Otis (w/Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri) — Otis shined early rocking Ivar with a back elbow. Ivar stopped Otis catching him with a seated senton. Ivar went for a springboard but Otis caught him with a Worlds Strongest Slam for a two count in a great spot. Ivar stopped Otis from climbing the ropes. Ivar planted Otis with a sit-out powerbomb for a two count. Ivar went for a spin kick but Otis ducked. The crowd popped as Otis connected with the caterpillar for a two count. Ivar responded rocking Otis with a huge spin kick. Ivar climbed the ropes hitting a flying moonsault for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) These types of matches are always fun seeing two big guys have a good hard-hitting match. A good showing from Ivar and Otis as they worked well together for the time given. Really nice to see Ivar getting more focus as a single’s star on Raw and picking up wins with Erik out of action due to injury.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Jey Uso backstage. Jackie wished Jey a Happy New Year. Jey told Jackie he’s going to get his first single’s title in 2024. Bronson Reed appeared noting Jey isn’t the only one who’s going to be a single’s champion in 2024. Reed warned Jey to not get in his way.
They aired a Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura highlight package.
Cody Rhodes def. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Street Fight — Cody Rhodes got a huge babyface reaction and a nice firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder and louder. Huge Cody chants as the match began. Cody started quickly rocking Nakamura with strikes. They brawled around ringside. Cody whacked Nakamura with a water bottle. The crowd chanted for tables. Nakamura rolled out of the ring. Nakamura responded whacking Cody with a broom. Nakamura took control whacking Cody with a kendo stick. Cody avoided a knee drop as they returned from break. Cody whacked Nakamura with a kendo stick. Nakamura moved as Cody whacked the turnbuckle with a kendo stick. Nakamura took back control hitting a running knee strike for a two count. Cody battled back catching Nakamura with a snap powerslam. Cody connected with a Disaster Kick for a two count. The crowd went wild as Cody brought out a table. Nakamura stopped Cody whacking him with nunchucks. Nakamura sent Cody over the announcers table. Cody caught Nakamura with a right hand flying off the barricade. Huge Cody chants from the crowd. Cody grabbed a chair. Cody ducked as Nakamura blew mist into the timekeeper’s face. Cody asked someone to help check on the timekeeper. This led to Nakamura whacking Cody with a chair. Cody and Nakamura exchanged big strikes. Cody rocked Nakamura with a Bionic Elbow. The crowd cheered as Cody set up a table. Nakamura responded rocking Cody with a head butt. Nakamura connected with a flying double stomp sending Cody crashing through the table for a two count. The crowd cheered as Nakamura brought out another table. Nakamura caught Cody with a sliding German Suplex. Nakamura connected with a flying knee strike for two. Nakamura called for Kinshasa but Cody caught him with a superkick. Cody connected with a Pedigree for a two count. Cody planted Nakamura with Cody Cutter for another two count. The crowd cheered as Cody roared. Nakamura caught Cody with a spin kick. Cody moved as Nakamura went crashing through a table. Cody connected with Cross Rhodes for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) This was really good as Cody and Nakamura worked a PLE quality match on Raw. A really good match with lots of great action. I was pleased to see Nakamura have a really strong showing as got tons of shine. I would like to see Nakamura still get showcased on Raw as he and Cody worked a really fun TV program. A really strong showing from Cody who was just tremendous working a great babyface match as the crowd were completely behind his comeback. A great win for Cody right on time to heat him back up heading into the Royal Rumble match.
Cody celebrated on the ropes after the win. Michael Cole on commentary wondered if Cody can become just the forth person to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches. The show came to a close.
Amin’s Thoughts: That’s a great story to tell with Cody winning back-to-back Royal Rumble on his road back to challenging for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at WrestleMania. They could also go with Cody winning his first Elimination Chamber match to get his match at WrestleMania.
Overall Thoughts
The goal of this show was to hype the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches. You can also see they are also setting matches up for the Elimination Chamber show which is another WWE stadium show. They announced Drew McIntyre to add more star power for the Men’s Rumble match. They also teased a big McIntyre and Punk match. They’ve also put focus on Women’s Royal Rumble with Becky and Nia Jax promos. They’ve also teased a Rhea Ripley and Jax match possibly for the Elimination Chamber show. When it comes to wrestling, Cody Rhodes and Shinsuke Nakamura had the best match on the show. The rest of show was mixed with some good promos and matches. Overall, this was a solid episode of Raw. Not a must-see Raw but a good show. WWE continues to build towards the Royal Rumble.
