WWE Raw
Simmons Bank Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas
The show opened with a really nice Dr. Martin Luther King video package.
Michael Cole welcomed everyone to WWE Raw. They showed a camera shot snow pilled up outside the arena. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins was arriving to the arena with his adorable daughter in his arms. Jinder Mahal arrived in an SUV elsewhere in the building. They had a new WWE Raw set which looked cool.
Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre Promo
Cody Rhodes came out to a huge reaction and nice 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? Cody said there’s a Collin Raye song in Little Rock. He mentioned his wife (Brandi Rhodes) really likes the song and gave her a shout out. Cody noted he could talk about beating Shinsuke Nakamura or the reason why he came back to WWE. Cody spoke about the Royal Rumble being right around the corner.
The music played as Drew McIntyre came out to a big mixed reaction. McIntyre asked Cody what he wanted to talk about? McIntyre spoke about Cody returning to WWE but they haven’t had a chance to talk. McIntyre spoke about him and Cody growing up together in WWE. McIntyre told Cody he’s proud of him. McIntyre brought up when he and Cody were WWE Tag Team Champions. He asked Cody if he remembered their team name? Cody said it was “The Dashing Ones.”
McIntyre joked that it’s hard to believe they didn’t get to the top with that name. McIntyre noted they didn’t to get to the top because they don’t have the perspective they have now. McIntyre spoke about him and Cody having to leave WWE the first time to get their heads on straight. McIntyre noted he and Cody weren’t any ordinary wrestlers outside WWE. McIntyre said he and Cody set the stage to what it likes to become so undeniable that WWE calls you back. The crowd cheered.
McIntyre asked Cody if he remembered the match he had before coming back to WWE? McIntyre asked Cody if he remembers what Cody told him after the match. McIntyre said Cody told him he would be a future World Champion. McIntyre spoke about becoming World Champion twice. McIntyre told Cody it doesn’t matter who comes back. McIntyre told Cody to keep his head down and keep doing what he’s doing. McIntyre said Cody would be the first one in his family to become World Champion. The crowd cheered. McIntyre said Cody would finish his story. McIntyre said he would finish his story first.
Cody spoke about both him and McIntyre declaring for the Royal Rumble. Cody said McIntyre could win and mentioned Jey Uso could win. Cody also mentioned CM Punk could win. There was a light chant for CM Punk. Cody spoke about him and McIntyre both winning the Royal Rumble match. McIntyre noted he would like to give Cody some advice since he followed in his footsteps. McIntyre noted didn’t have to wear the suits and smile all the time. McIntyre said he did the same things because he felt like he had to be a leader. McIntyre told Cody to be himself.
Cody spoke about this not being an act. Cody said he smiles when he comes out because this is what he loves. Cody said he appreciates the opportunities he made for himself. Cody noted he and McIntyre are similar. Cody noted he’s thankful for his second change. Cody noted McIntyre complained about his. McIntyre wondered why Cody brought Jey Uso over to Raw? McIntyre said he likes Cody but wished he wasn’t a kiss ass at times. McIntyre noted he would’ve been World Heavyweight Champion if Damian Priest didn’t cash in his Money in the Bank contract during his match. McIntyre said the WrestleMania story belongs to him.
Cody spoke about McIntyre using the word “if” a lot. Cody noted he talks about finishing the story, he looks at himself and then pointed at the fans. The crowd cheered this. Cody said if McIntyre wants to settle this at the Royal Rumble. Cody said he will give McIntyre something else to complain about. Cody mentioned how McIntyre brought up their last match before McIntyre returned to WWE. Cody asked McIntyre. Who Won? Cody dropped the mic and left the ring. Cody’s music played. McIntyre had an angry scowl on his face.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a tremendous opening segment. Drew McIntyre has been one of my favourite on-screen character to watch. McIntyre’s character progression going back-and-forth between babyface and heel has been great. McIntyre mentioning Cody will finish his story but not before he finishes his story first was a such a great line for his character. Cody was just tremendous as you can believe everything he says from his words. Seeing the crowds in the arena fully supporting Cody who plays the sincere babyface who doesn’t break has been great to see. They’ve done a really great job creating so many different stories building towards the Royal Rumble match.
Damian Priest approached R-Truth backstage. Priest told R-Truth he was a funny guy but wondered why he was selling Judgment Day merchandise in the parking lot. Priest noted the rest of Judgment Day aren’t happy. R-Truth mentioned something but Priest cut him off. Priest told R-Truth they got to get serious here. R-Truth handed Priest a stack of cash. R-Truth noted that everyone is gonna get their cut. R-Truth wondered if Nick & Tom Mysterio are okay? Priest told R-Truth to not be loud about it. Priest told R-Truth to not tag into the match. R-Truth noted he got this and winked. R-Truth gave Priest a shirt as he walked off.
DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) def. Judgement Day (Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) — Gargano and McDonagh began with some nice mat wrestling. Gargano shined early catching McDonagh with a hurricanrana. Gargano went for a dive but Dominik pulled the ropes down sending him to the floor. This led to Ciampa hitting a slingshot plancha to Dominik on the floor. Gargano followed hitting a tope launching McDonagh onto the announcers table. Ciampa went for a running clothesline as he and McDonagh collided into each other. The referee checked on McDonagh. This led to Dominik giving Gargano a cheap shot. Dominik and McDonagh took control working over Gargano in their corner. Gargano battled back nailing Dominik with a rolling kick. Gargano got Ciampa the tag. McDonagh distracted the referee as the referee didn’t see the tag. Gargano caught Dominik with a slingshot spear. McDonagh yanked Ciampa off the ring apron stopping him from making a tag. Ciampa ran wild rocking Dominik and McDonagh with a double clothesline as they returned from break. Ciampa planted McDonagh with a reverse DDT for two. Ciampa called for Fairytale Ending but McDonagh broke free. Ciampa and Gargano delivered a double backdrop suplex combo to Dominik but McDonagh made the save. The action broke down with everyone hitting a big move. This Is Awesome chant. McDonagh caught Ciampa with a Spanish Fly. McDonagh followed with a flying moonsault but Gargano made the save. Dominik went for a 619 but Gargano blocked. McDonagh called for Devlin’s Slide but Ciampa countered into a DDT. Ciampa and Gargano rocked McDonagh with Meet In The Middle for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a really good action packed tag team match. I really liked the layout as Dominik and McDonagh played tremendous heels continuously stopping Ciampa from getting the hot tag. This was a really good showing from Ciampa and Gargano as it was the great wrestling matches which got DIY over as a team on NXT and will get them over on the main roster. This win for Ciampa and Gargano should get them closer to challenging for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles.
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell were speaking to Adam Pearce in his office. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven appeared. Green complained about the referee during their WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match last week on Raw. Pearce noted he didn’t like how Green was speaking. Pearce noted LeRae and Hartwell were looking for some competition. Hartwell accepted the match. Hartwell noted the referee counted right. Green accepted the match.
Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell vignette aired where they spoke about winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles in 2024. LeRae spoke about her and Hartwell being NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion. Hartwell said they are going to prove the doubters wrong. LeRae said they are going to do things our way.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a good vignette with LeRae and Hartwell focusing on their success in NXT. They spoke about having a rocky start on Raw but are now focused on winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell def. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven — Niven took control early planting Hartwell with a shoulder breaker. Niven followed knocking LeRae off the ring apron. Hartwell went for a running boot but Green sent her to the floor in an awkward spot. Hartwell responded yanking Green onto the ring apron. Niven went for a Vader Bomb but Harwell moved. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance were watching backstage. LeRae ran wild delivering a pair of step-up sentons to Niven. There was a cool spot as LeRae delivered a Codebreaker/senton combo to Green and Niven. Hartwell delivered an assisted splash to LeRae onto Niven but Green made the save. Hartwell planted Green with a spinebuster. Niven planted Hartwell with a spinning slam. Green tagged into the match. Niven went for a sliding splash but Hartwell moved. Green went for an Unprettier on Hartwell. LeRae tagged into the match. LeRae connected with an assisted Lionsault for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — There were some miscommunication spots and the finish looked off as well. The overall match itself was fine as both team got a chance to a shine. I like how they are putting more focus into the women’s tag team division by giving more matches on TV. This was a good win for LeRae and Hartwell to build them up as challengers for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Nia Jax vignette aired showing her destroying her competition. Jax said nobody is beating her at the Royal Rumble.
Judgment Day was inside their clubhouse. Rhea Ripley noted she going to go address her division. Ripley saw Priest coming into the clubhouse. Ripley left. Finn Balor wondered Priest has been? Priest noted he’s the only one who has an issue with McIntyre so he spoke to Pearce. Priest asked if they had questions? McDonagh wondered why they aren’t beating up R-Truth? Priest told McDonagh to focus on his match so it doesn’t happen again. Balor wondered if Priest was defending R-Truth? McDonagh wondered what R-Truth brings? Priest noted R-Truth earns for Judgment Day as he showed the stack of cash. Priest said that his cut. Priest told them to find R-Truth. McDonagh wondered if he was getting a cut. Priest showed a Judgment Day shirt without McDonagh’s name on it. Priest told Balor to focus on their match. Balor and Priest bumped fists.
Gunther Promo
Ludwig Kaiser did his awesome introduction for the WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther. The crowd was popping for Gunther who was taken by surprise. Gunther spoke about being two weeks away from the Royal Rumble. Gunther spoke about Arkansas smelling. Gunther spoke about entering the Rumble last year at Number One. Gunther noted he came so close to winning last year. The crowd chanted for Cody. Gunther noted he lasted longer than anyone. Gunther said as the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion he was going to enter the Royal Rumble and headline WrestleMania.
Gunther turned his attention to Kaiser to see what he’s been doing. They aired a highlight of Kaiser taking out Kofi Kingston last week. Gunther noted he was proud of what Kaiser did last week. Gunther and Kaiser shared a hug.
The New Day’s music played as Xavier Woods returned. Woods noted he has a problem with Kaiser. Woods noted Kaiser is the reason Kofi isn’t here. Woods noted he is here. Woods challenged Kaiser to a match. Woods wondered if kaiser would accept the match or does his ask his daddy (Gunther) for permission? Gunther handed Kaiser the mic. The crowd chanted Who’s Your Daddy?” Kaiser wondered why Woods would challenge him after what he did to Kofi. Kaiser warned Woods what would happen to him. Kaiser accepted the match. A brawl broke out as Woods delivering a flying clothesline to Kaiser on the floor.
Amin’s Thoughts — A really strong promo Gunther who has such an incredible presence and came off a huge star. They are really adding more star power with Gunther being added to the Royal Rumble match. My guess is whoever eliminates Gunther will likely challenge him for the WWE Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania. Nice to see Xavier Woods back on WWE TV. Woods promo was great giving reason for wanting a match with Kaiser for what he did to Kofi Kingston.
Ludwig Kaiser def. Xavier Woods via Disqualification — Kaiser and Woods exchanged strikes. Kaiser took control mounting Woods with grounded strikes. Woods responded catching Kaiser with a running crossbody for a near fall. Kaiser stopped Woods nailing him with a European uppercut for a near fall. Kaiser maintained control catching Woods with a chop block. Woods responded rocking Kaiser with a running forearm. Woods went for a slingshot but Kaiser stopped him. Kaiser took back control running Woods into the ring post. Woods battled back catching Kaiser with a slingshot DDT for a double down. Kaiser and Woods exchanged huge strikes. Woods fired up stomping away at Kaiser in the corner. Woods connected with a slingshot dropkick launching Kaiser over the announcers table. Kaiser went to launch an announcers chair but Woods ducked. Woods attacked Kaiser with the announcers chair for the DQ.
Amin’s Thoughts — Kaiser and Woods were having a good hard hitting match till the finish. This was similar to the NJPW Battle in the Valley match between Eddie Kingston and Gabe Kidd. Kidd and Kingston were also having a really good hard hitting match till the bad finish. I thought this finish was better because Woods lost his cool after Kaiser tried to hurt him like he did with Kingston for storyline. The other difference is this was a TV match didn’t happen on a PLE.
Woods grabbed a chair after the match. Kaiser connected with an enzuigiri sending a chair into Woods face. Kaiser went for a running dropkick but Woods saw it coming. Woods went to ram the ring steps but Kaiser ducked. Kaiser ran through the crowd. The crowd cheered as Woods music played.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a good post-match brawl as they are likely setting up a rematch with a stipulation. This was a nice welcoming change for Woods showing more aggression and stepping away from the New Day comedy act. I’m really curious to see where this angle between Imperium and New Day is leading? It would be awesome if this leads to Big E returning from his injury to face Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania.
Bronson Reed gave warning to everyone holding a championship in WWE. Reed saying sooner or later he’s going to become champion in 2024.
Byron Saxton interviewed Xavier Woods backstage. Ludwig Kaiser appeared jumping Woods from behind. Jey Uso appeared to make the save.
Highlight package hyping the WWE World Heavyweight Title match between Seth Rollins vs. Jinder Mahal
Akira Tozawa (w/Maxinne Dupri) def. Ivar (w/Valhalla) — Ivar took control early rocking Tozawa with a running boot. Tozawa battled back rocking Ivar with a series of combination kicks. Tozawa caught Ivar with a popup DDT. The crowd popped as Tozawa ripped off his shirt. Ivar responded planing Ivar with a spinning slam. Ivar went to climb the ropes. Maxxine stood on the ring apron which distracted Ivar. This gave Tozawa the opening catching Ivar with a Sunset Bomb. Tozawa applied a stack cover for the surprise win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a short but fun action packed match. Tozawa looked awesome here taking some great bumps making Ivar’s spots look really impressive. This was a nice moment seeing Tozawa get a win over Ivar. I would like if this win leads to something bigger for Tozawa on WWE TV.
Valhalla jumped Maxxine and Tozawa after the match. Ivar rocked Tozawa with a spin kick. Valhalla rocked Maxxine with a popup head butt. Ivar delivered a flying moonsault to Tozawa.
Amin’s Thoughts — I’m really not a fan when WWE gives someone there heat back right away after taking a loss. I understand it here because Ivar has been getting a solid push on Raw as a single’s star. That does question why he took the pin in the match. The angle was strong to likely set up a possible mixed-tag team match.
They aired recap of Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre opening promo segment. They showed CM Punk’s Instagram post of wanting to have a chat with Cody next week on Raw.
Alpha Academy and The Creed Brothers were backstage checking on Akira Tozawa. Ivy Nile appeared noted she will speak to Pearce so Valhalla can pay for this. The Creed Bothers left with Nile. Chad Gable noted he was proud of Tozawa and is close to graduating from the Alpha Academy. Gable called Ivar’s work someone of a coward. Gable noted he’s going to teach Ivar a lesson next week.
Amin’s Thoughts — A nice chance of tone with Gable’s promo showing a more intense and serious side. Let’s see if next week beings the start of a Gable single’s run.
Becky Lynch & Rhea Ripley Promo
WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley came out to a great reaction. Mami chants form the crowd. Ripley said she’s sick and tired of people like Nia Jax running their mouth claiming this is their division. Ripley said this is her division. Ripley held up the Women’s World Title saying it’s her championship. This got a nice reaction from the crowd. Ripley gave a warning to whoever wins the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Ripley said if they want to waste their WrestleMania match they should choose her. Ripley said if they don’t want to waste their WrestleMania match they should face someone else. Ripley said Mami’s always on top. The crowd cheered.
Becky Lynch came out to a huge reaction. Becky and Ripley circled each other around the ring. Becky said here we stand. Becky said two different people with two same journeys. Becky said they are two people from foreign lands to becoming the very best. Becky said both tried to figure it out. Becky said both went from being afterthoughts at WrestleMania to becoming the faces of the industry.
Becky said there’s a difference. Becky said one of them went onto main event WrestleMania. Becky said the other didn’t. Becky said the other difference is that one of them has a natural ability and a finesse that is unmatched. Becky said the other has the heart of a lion and a relentlessness and determination that is unmatched. Becky said they are the best to ever do it. Becky said she keeps hearing voices that keeps her awake. Becky said the voices said “I think you might be better than me.” Ripley smirked.
Becky said she needs to prove Ripley is not by taking the WWE Women’s World Title from her. Becky said she needs to win the Women’s Royal Rumble and point at the WrestleMania sign. Becky said she needs declare that at WrestleMania it will be Mami vs. The Man. Ripley said there’s one more person that wants to see Becky win the Women’s Royal Rumble. Ripley said that’s her. Ripley said she will see Becky at WrestleMania. Ripley’s music played. Ripley locked eyes with Lynch as she left the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts — The interaction between Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley had the special feeling of a WrestleMania match you really want to see. Becky winning either the Women’s Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber match to earn her way to challenging Ripley for the Women’s World Title is the way to go at WrestleMania. This was awesome.
Jackie Redmond interviewed WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins backstage. Rollins said it was freezing cold in Little Rock. Rollins welcomed everyone to Monday Night Rollins. Jackie noted it’s cold and we could see Rollins breath. He spoke about being WWE World Heavyweight Champion for over 200 days. Rollins said he wanted to be a fighting champion. Rollins said this wasn’t his first dance Jinder Mahal. Rollins said this Mahal isn’t the one who he beat to become the first NXT Champion. Rollins said this Mahal is a former WWE Champion. Rollins saiid this was the best version of Mahal and deserving Mahal. Rollins said he wouldn’t have it any other way. Rollins led the crowd in his catchphrase.
Amin’s Thoughts — I liked Rollins explanation for wanting the match to show he’s the workhorse champion. Rollins saying Mahal is a deserving challenge was a stretch.
The Miz made his entrance. Judgment Day made their entrance. R-Truth walked behind them which was funny. R-Truth dropped a stack of cash. R-Truth handed the stack of cash to Balor. R-Truth handed Dominik his cut. McDonagh wanted his cut. R-Truth told McDonagh he’s not a member of Judgment Day. Miz asked R-Truth what was going on?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Judgement Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) (w/Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) def. Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) in a Non-Title Match — R-Truth rocked Balor with a right hand. R-Truth realized what he did and apologized. The crowd chanted “Let’s Go R-Truth” Balor tagged Priest into the match. R-Truth caught Priest with a jaw breaker. Balor tagged back into the match. R-Truth nailed Balor with an enzuigiri. Miz ran wild rocking Balor and Priest with strikes. Miz caught Balor with a lung blower for two. R-Truth rocked Balor with a Scissors Kick. Priest rocked Miz with a Hook Kick. R-Truth teased hitting Priest. Priest asked R-Truth if he’s part of Judgment Day? Balor caught R-Truth with a rollup for near fall. R-Truth rocked Balor with a leg lariat. Priest seen enough as he gave R-Truth the South of Heaven. Balor covered R-Truth for the win.
Amin’s Thoughts — R-Truth’s reactions made this match fun to watch. We just saw DIY defeat Judgment Day’s secondary team in a great tag match. Balor and Priest couldn’t be treated as credible champions if they lost a comedy tag team. This was good seeing Balor and Priest win as champions. The match itself was fine.
Jinder Mahal was meditating backstage. Jackie Redmond appeared asked Mahal his thoughts on challenging for the World Heavyweight Title. Mahal spoke about having a seven-year drought. Mahal spoke about whispers pouring in that’s he’s the most talked about star in 2024. Mahal said it’s 12 years in the making narrowed down to one night. Mahal said about being the most talked about star of 2024. He spoke about everyone being unified when he beats Rollins and becomes World Heavyweight Champion. There were some cheers in the background.
Shinsuke Nakamura vignette aired with English subtitles. Last week, Nakamura said he couldn’t cause the damage he desired…which made him angry. Nakamura said it left him hungry. Nakamura said Cody should keep an eye open because the story doesn’t end until he says so. Nakamura said he turns his hunger towards the Royal Rumble. He said a hungry Shinsuke is a dangerous Shinsuke. Nakamura said 29 men are hoping to make it to the top. Nakamura said he would feast on the 29 men. Nakamura said he would feast on their dreams.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was nice to see they are still putting shine on Nakamura. This was a nice followup promo with Nakamura now focusing on the Royal Rumble but still keeping the program with Cody Rhodes open.
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark def. Natalya & Tegan Nox — Stark shined early rocking Nox with a superkick. Baszler and Nox delivered a neck breaker/stomp combo for a near fall. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance were watching backstage. Baszler rocked Nox with a rising knee strike but Natalya made the save. Nox battled back launching Baszler off the ropes. Nox caught Baszler with a flying crossbody. Natalya ran wild planting Stark with a suplex. Natalya sent Stark flying with a German Suplex. Natalya went for a Discus Clothesline but Stark rolled thought in a nice spot. Stark called for Z360 but Natalya escaped. Natalya went for the Sharpshooter but Stark broke free. Baszler and Nox both tagged in. Natalya rocked Baszler with a Discus Lariat. Nox followed with a PK for two. Natalya and Nox called for their finish but Stark made the save. Baszler caught Natalya in the Kiridufa Clutch for the submission win.
Amin’s Thoughts — This was a solid match as both team got a chance to shine. A strong win and showing from Baszler and Stark as they make for a fun team to watch. I’m really liking how they are putting focus building more more than just one team to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Seth Rollins [c] def. Jinder Mahal (w/Indus Sher) to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Title — Jinder Mahal came out with Veer and Sanga of Indus Sher. Seth Rollins received a great reaction. The crowd sang along to Rollins theme. Mahal took control early planting Rollins with a scoop slam. Rollins battled calling for a Curb Stomp but Mahal moved. Rollins went for a Pedigree but Mahal countered by backdropping Rollins onto the ring apron. Wade Barrett on commentary brought up people on social media were trying to Hinder Jinder. The action moved to the floor as Rollins ran Mahal into the ring post. Rollins taunted Veer and Sanga. The crowd buzzed as Damian Priest appeared holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. Mahal took control rocking Rollins with knee strikes. Mahal applied an abdominal stretch but Rollins broke free. The crowd chanted for Rollins as he and Mahal exchanged strikes. Rollins battled back connecting with a flying crossbody for two. Rollins delivered a springboard senton, followed up with a Lionsault for a two count. Rollins sold his knee after making the cover. Mahal went for a suplex but Rollins countered into a Falcon Arrow. Rollins delivered a Pedigree but solid his knee. Indus Sher placed Mahal’s foot on the ropes. Rollins delivered a flying crossbody to Indus Sher on the floor. Rollins went for a frog splash but Mahal moved. Priest considered cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase. The crowd buzzed as Drew McIntyre appeared from the crowd. McIntyre and Priest brawled to the back. Indus Sher distracted the referee. Mahal took advantage hitting a Gut Buster but Rollins kicked out to a big reaction. Veer distracted the referee. Sanga handed Mahal a chair. The referee took the chair away. Veer rocked Rollins with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Mahal delivered the Khallas but Rollins kicked out for another great reaction. The referee sent Veer and Sanga to the back. Mahal called for the Khallas but Rollins broke free. Rollins connected with the Curb Stomp for the win to retain the title.
Amin’s Thoughts — This match was on the lower level of Seth Rollins title defences. I still enjoyed watching the match. WWE did what they could to make fans think Mahal could possibly win the World Heavyweight Title two weeks before the Royal Rumble by having Indus Sher ringside. They also had Damian Priest ringside teasing a Money in the Bank cash-in. Mahal hitting the Khallas after Rollins got hit with the Money in the Bank briefcase was a great spot. This was a good showing for Rollins presenting him as the workhorse champion.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
The big focus was WWE placing Jinder Mahal in a World Title match just two week’s before the Royal Rumble. That led to a standard World Title main event match. Your enjoyment of the show will likely depend on how interested you were in the match. The rest of the show was solid. There was some good stuff with Gunther declaring for the Royal Rumble match. Cody and McIntyre’s promo was great as the Men’s Royal Rumble feels like a big match. They also started the WrestleMania build with Becky and Ripley’s promo. The wrestling matches on the show was good but nothing really stood out in terms of must see. This was a solid episode of Raw as we are moving closer and closer towards the Royal Rumble.
