WWE Raw Review: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn, Fallout From Elimination Chamber
WWE Raw
SAP Center in San Jose, California
Michael Cole welcomed us to WWE Raw. They showed a drone shot high above Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. WrestleMania XL takes place in 40 days. We saw WWE Superstars Drew McIntyre and Becky Lynch arriving separately. We saw an WWE Elimination Chamber highlight package.
Becky Lynch & Rhea Ripley Promo
The crowd booed as Dominik Mysterio was standing inside the crowd. Dominik introduced the WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley who got a huge reaction. They showed a graphic for Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley for WrestleMania XL. Ripley welcomed us to Monday Night Mami. Huge Mami chants. Ripley spoke about walking in and walking out of her home country as Women’s World Champion. Ripley spoke about Nia Jax being her biggest challenge. She said it doesn’t matter because even though she’s from Down Under, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Mami is always on top.
Becky Lynch came out to a huge reaction. Huge Becky chants from the crowd. Becky said she’s come around to WrestleMania to fight Ripley. Becky congratulated Ripley on her night. Becky said they both had a great night. Becky said she won the Women’s Elimination Chamber. Becky spoke about Ripley beating Nia Jax in front of her families. Becky said Ripley family doesn’t have to fly over to see Ripley lose at WrestleMania. The fans booed this. The crowd booed as Dominik went to speak. Dominik told Becky nobody speaks to Mami like that. Becky told Dominik to shut his mouth. Becky said Ripley has been the face of WWE. she has been the heart and soul of it. Lynch said The Man can do it all, including beating Ripley. Lynch tossed the mic down.
Ripley asked Becky are you done? Ripley told Becky to not disrespect Dominik again. Ripley congratulated Becky on winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber. Ripley told Becky to stop disappointing her and approach her level. Ripley told Becky that’s there’s a great woman behind every great man. Ripley said she won’t be behind Becky because Mami is always on top. Ripley left the ring with Dominik
Nia Jax appeared attacking Becky Lynch from behind. Jax delivered a leg drop to Becky. Jax taunted Ripley at ringside. Jax gave Becky a second leg drop. Ripley walked to the back with Dominik. Jax went for the Annihilator. WWE officials came out holding Jax back.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I’m really looking forward to seeing how they build the Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley WrestleMania match. Rhea Ripley just looks like a superstar and has such a likeable presence. I’m thinking they brought Dominik to add more heat so more fans can get behind Becky Lynch. The promos between Becky and Ripley were good as they both looked like huge stars. A strong angle for Nia Jax to get her heat back after losing at Elimination Chamber. Becky will beat Nia on an upcoming week on Raw before challenging Ripley at WrestleMania.
They hyped The Rock’s appearance for WWE SmackDown which is sold out in Glendale, Arizona.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Nia Jax backstage. Jax said Becky doesn’t deserve to go to WrestleMania. Jax said she beat Becky clean. Jackie asked Jax about her match with Liv Morgan. Jax said she’s going to 10x times worse to Liv what she did to Becky.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn got a strong babyface reaction. Shinsuke Nakamura got a strong heel reaction. They are showing the WWE 2K24 ratings for all the superstars in the matches which is cool. Sami shined early catching Nakamura with a Flying Moonsault from the barricade to the floor. They showed an awesome camera shot heading from the entrance ramp to the ring as they retuned from break. Nakamura took rocking Sami with a pair of running knees strikes for two. Sami responded rocking Nakamura with a lariat. Sami planted Nakamura with a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Sami connected with a Tornado DDT as Nakamura rolled to the floor. Sami went for a dive but Nakamura caught him with a knee strikes. Nakamura took back control planting Sami with a face buster onto the ring apron. Nakamura and Sami exchanged strikes as they returned from break. Nakamura named Sami with a spin kick. Sami caught Nakamura charging with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Nakamura caught Sami charging with a knee strike. Nakamura connected with a flying knee strike for a two count. Nakamura rocked Sami with a flying knee strike onto the barricade. They teased a count out but Sami made it back into the ring. Nakamura connected with a sliding knee strike but Sami placed his foot on the ropes. Nakamaura called for a Kinshasa but Sami moved out of the way. Sami rocked Nakamaura with a reverse Helluva Kick. Sami connected with a second Helluva Kick for the win.
WINNER: Sami Zayn
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a really good back and forth action packed match. A really good showing from both Nakamura and Sami as they work great together. It’s been great seeing Nakamura get a chance to shine on Raw. I would like to see Nakamura get a WrestleMania match. A much needed win for Sami if they are going to get him into the Intercontinental Championship picture at WrestleMania.
We saw a highlight package hyping the Street Fight between New Day vs. Imperium. We saw Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods arriving to the show earlier in the day.
Michael Cole spoke about the WWE 2K24 DLC package. Pat McAfee, Jade Cargill, Kairi Sane, Mr. Perfect, DDP and among other will be part of the DLC package. We saw a clip of CM Punk saying 2K heard the fans and he will part of the WWE 2K24 DLC package.
Chelsea Green made her entrance. Green said she would have won the Last Chance Battle Royal and won the Elimination Chamber match had Adam Pearce not added Raquel Rodriguez. Green said she’s the star and people wanted her. She mock Rodriguez flying all the way to Australia and losing. Green made sure of the San Jose Sharks which got lots of lots of boos. Green said she was going to show Rodriguez is just as big a loser.
Chelsea Green vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Raquel Rodriguez got a solid babyface reaction. Green slapped Rodriguez across the face. That was a mistake as Rodriguez rocked Green with a reverse lariat. Rodriguez sent Green flying with a pair of fallaway slams. Rodriguez delivered a Tejana Bomb for the win.
WINNER: Raquel Rodriguez
(Amin’s Thoughts) — A quick showcase for Rodriguez as she looked great in the win.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn backstage. Sami spoke about thinking about his match with Nakamura all week. Sami said that win showed that he’s a contender. Sami said if the WrestleMania path doesn’t come to him. Sami said he will find his path to WrestleMania. Sami paused as he saw Ludwig Kaiser. Jackie left. Kaiser looked at Sami with disgust and walked away. Giovanni Vinci walked away. The crowd cheered as WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther appeared. Gunther laughed at Sami. Gunther walked Sami. Sami smiled as seemed to find his WrestleMania path.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a nice tease of Gunther vs. Sami Zayn for WrestleMania.
Cathy Kelly who was looking lovely interviewed Cody Rhodes backstage. Cody spoke about his challenge to The Rock. Cody spoke about facing Grayson Waller. Cody asked Cathy if she liked Austin Theory and Waller? Cathy made a funny face. Cody recalled bringing Jey Uso to Raw and then challenging The Rock the times he appeared on Waller’s show. Cody said this time he’s giving Waller his first main event on Raw.
Gunther Promo
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther came out with Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. Gunther gloated about beating Jey Uso last week on Raw. Gunther spoke about being the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental Champion. Gunther said he actually felt the title slipping away from him last week. Gunther said he got lucky. Gunther said nobody’s perfect but he’s very very close. Gunther brought up his WrestleMania match. Gunther brought up suggestions from fans. Gunther named Sami Zayn and Chad Gable who got big reaction. Gunther mentioned The Miz which didn’t a great reaction. The fans went wild as Gunther mentioned R-Truth’s name.
The Judgment Day music played as Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh made their entrance. Priest said they don’t sweat Gunther. Priest did acknowledge Gunther has had a dominant run as WWE Intercontinental Champion. Priest said Gunther’s run was only second to Judgment Day’s run. Priest said Judgment Day intends to add more gold at WrestleMania and includes the WWE Intercontinental Title.
Gunther said that since Priest wasn’t cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Gunther wondered who would challenge him. Gunther mentioned Finn Balor. Gunther then said or “that one with the big head right there” reference to JD McDonagh. Dominik stepped in front of Priest. Gunther smiled as Dominik went face-to-face with him. The crowd booed as Dominik declared that the Intercontinental Title belongs to the Judgment Day. Gunther softly pushed Dominik. Priest was held back by rest of Judgment Day. The fans chanted “let them fight.” Priest took off his jacket. Gunther held up the WWE Intercontinental Title. Judgment Day exited the ring.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Gunther’s reaction to Dominik stepping up to him was awesome. A pretty interesting segment as they teased a possible multi man match with Gunther for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania.
We saw Finn Balor. Damian Priest. Dominik and McDonagh walking backstage. Rhea Ripley asking Dominik “Of all people, Gunther?” Dominik told Ripley he got this. Ripley told Dominik he better. Ripley walked away. Balor told Dominik to go sooth that over with Ripley. Dominik bumped into Andrade backstage. Dominik told Andrade “Long time, no see.” Dominik told Andrade he will see him around. Andrade said he’s going to meet Adam Pearce to determine his first opponent.
Street Fight
The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci)
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods came out to a big reaction. Kofi and Woods wore San Jose Sharks hockey jersey and jeans with padding. The match began with both teams brawling on the entrance arena. Kofi and Woods whacked Kaiser and Vinci with trombones. The fans cheered as Kofi and Woods brought out a table. Kofi connected with a Tope Con Hilo onto Kaiser and Vinci on the floor. Both teams brawled in the crowd as they retuned from break. Kaiser teased bringing out a table. The fans booed as Kaiser pulled the table back underneath the ring. Kaiser whacked Woods with a chair. Kaiser and Vinci rocked Woods with a combo dropkick with a chair. Kofi appeared delivered a flying crossbody onto Kaiser and Vinci. Kofi connected with a Boom Drop to Vinci. Kaiser and Vinci took back control rocking Woods with kendo strikes. Kofi tossed an announcer’s chair onto Kaiser’s face as they returned from break. Kofi and Woods whacked Kaiser with kendo sticks. Kofi and Woods screamed for some tables. The fans loudly chanted for tables. Woods delivered a flying elbow drop sending Vinci crashing through a table on the floor. That spot looked awesome. Kofi and Woods delivered a combo elbow drop to Vinci. Kaiser pulled the referee to the floor. The fans chanted “This Is Awesome!” Kofi and Woods called for Big E’s Super Big Ending. Vinci showed Kofi sending him crashing through a table on the floor. Vinci nailed Woods with a kendo stick. Kaiser ran Woods into a chair placed between the turnbuckles. Kaiser rolled up Woods grabbing his jeans belt for the win.
WINNERS: Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was such a fun action packed match. A tremendous showing from both Imperium and New Day as they work a great match. New Day are an established team so the loss doesn’t hurt them. This was a great win for Kaiser and Vinci as they could be setting them up as challenges for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles after the segment with Judgment Day.
We saw a Grayson Waller highlight package.
Adam Pearce was on the phone with Bronson Reed. Pearce said he would take what Reed said under consideration. Pearce congratulated Reed for being a new father. Chad Gable appeared wearing a suit with no tie. Pearce congratulated Gable on his win over Ivar. Gable told Pearce people will coming to him wanting to challenge Gunther at WrestleMania. Gable told Pearce he had a reason of his own. Gable said he’s not coming here just a competitor but as a father. Gable said he was so close to beating Gunther. Gable said Gunther reduced his daughter to tears. Gable said Gunther called him a terrible father. Gable said his reasons are honest. Gable said for everyone else it’s a championship. Gable told Pearce this means more. Gable and Pearce shook hands.
Micheal Cole showed a picture he posted on X of Pat McAfee speaking to Gunther before Raw. McAfee last stood on the announcer’s table and joined the crowd in Jey Uso’s entrance.
We saw a pre-match interview of Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark. Baszler told Asuka and Kairi Sane to watch their match on Raw. Baszler said the only escape the Kabuki Warriors will have is tapping when she and Stark take the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark
LeRae shined early rocking Baszler with an enzuigiri. LeRae connected with a flying cannonball to Stark on the floor. LeRae went for a slingshot DDT but Baszler caught her. Baszler took control rocking LeRae with a knee strikes. Stark planted LeRae with an overhead Dragon suplex for a two count. LeRae responded catching Stark with a Codebreaker. Hartwell ran wild planting Stark with a Spinebuster. Baszler tagged herself into the match. Baszler caught Hartwell in the Kirifuda Clutch for the submission win.
WINNERS: Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark
(Amin’s Thoughts) — A strong showcase match for Baszler and Stark as they looked great in the win.
We saw a very happy Drew McIntyre who was smiling as he was making his way to the ring.
We saw R-Truth sitting inside the Judgement Day clubhouse. Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa and The Miz appeared. Miz called Gargano and Ciampa by Triple H and Shawn Michaels . R-Truth said he was sitting remembering the good times. Miz said they had a plan to go against Judgment Day. Ciampa told R-Truth “Are You Ready?” R-Truth thought they were recreating D-Generation X. R-Truth called them by ReGeneration X. R-Truth took the TV monitor and left with everyone.
Drew McIntyre & Seth Rollins Promo
Drew McIntyre came out to a strong heel reaction. McIntyre said “We did it.” The fans cheered. McIntyre said you don’t achieve success alone. McIntyre thanked everyone for praying for him to win. McIntyre said he’s now challenging Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. This got mixed reaction with lots of cheers. McIntyre said he’s feeling jet lagged. McIntyre spoke about starting the Elimination Chamber match and said he got hurt. McIntyre said he got his ear drum blown out. McIntyre said he had an incident after the match. McIntyre said he spoke to the doctor. McIntyre brought up how the doctor said he might miss WrestleMania. The fans booed. McIntyre said “Who do you think I am. CM Punk? Noting is going to stop me making Mania!” The crowd gasped as McIntyre sat cross-legged in the middle of ring. McIntyre said it hurt Punk to not be part of Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania. McIntyre said he thought about Punk after the match. McIntyre said Punk is straight edge and doesn’t drink. McIntyre said he drank twice as much to celebrate for both of them. McIntyre smiled. McIntyre called Seth Rollins to the ring.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins came out to a big reaction. The fans sang along to Rollins song. McIntyre pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Rollins welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins. Rollins congratulated McIntyre on winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber and getting his way back to the World Title match at WrestleMania. Rollins said McIntyre now has an opportunity to do something he wanted to do since 2020 which is win the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania in front of fans. Rollins said he was standing in McIntyre’s way.
McIntyre said he wanted Rollins to be 100% heading into the WrestleMania match. McIntyre questioned why Rollins was getting involved in someone else’s battle with The Bloodline. McIntyre told Rollins that if he pisses off The Bloodline. McIntyre said they will cost him the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. McIntyre told Rollins to back off. Rollins told McIntyre that he respects what he said, but some risks are worth taking. Rollins said he’s thought about all of the negative outcomes and McIntyre might be right. Rollins said it might be an easy night for McIntyre at WrestleMania. Rollins asked McIntyre “But what if you’re wrong?”
Rollins told McIntyre there are some risks are worth taking. Rollins said he’s been selfish in his career and his life. Rollins said he thought winning the World Title would fill that void. Rollins said he still feels empty inside. Rollins said it wasn’t under he had his daughter that he realized everything isn’t about him. He said that taking down The Bloodline is bigger than both of them. Rollins said if they don’t take down The Bloodline, it’s only a matter of time before The Bloodline comes for the World Heavyweight Title. Rollins brought up if his back and knee are healthy they can rip apart The Bloodline. Rollins said if they can do that it would be just them for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Rollins told McIntyre “May the best man win.” Rollin told McIntyre “Some risks are worth taking.” Rollins left the ring.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Drew McIntyre was just tremendous here taking all the digs he can at CM Punk when the chance comes. There’s an awesome readymade program when CM Punk returns and goes after McIntyre. Rollins delivery was great. I would like if Rollins makes appearance on SmackDown to build the WrestleMania with The Rock and Roman Reigns if they are going in the tag team direction. They should keep the World Title build between McIntyre and Rollins separately on Raw.
Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax
Liv wasted no time attacking Jax right away. Liv went for a Hurricanrana but Jax countered into a Samoan Drop. Jax rocked Liv with a running splash in the corner. Jax followed with a running hip attack. Jax placed Liv in a Stretch Muffler. Jax swung Liv into the turnbuckle. Jax went for an apron leg drop but Liv moved out of the way. Liv battled back catching Jax with a flying crossbody on the floor. They aired replay of Jax swinging Liv into the turnbuckle as they returned from break. Liv made a comeback rocking Jax with a missile dropkick. Liv caught Jax with a flying Codebreaker for a two count. Jax responded rocking Liv with a head butt. Liv moved as Jax charged into the ring post. Jax caught Liv flying off the ring apron. Jax sent Liv crashing into the ring apron. Becky Lynch appeared rocking Jax with a flying forearm off the barricade for the DQ.
WINNER: Nia Jax via DQ
- Becky repeatedly slammed Jax’s face onto the announcer’s table. Becky sent Jax into the ring. Becky shoved Jax to the floor. The fans cheered as Becky’s music played. The camera panned to Liv who looked displeased.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a fine match as Liv and Jax worked well together. Liv is such a great wrestler and looks like a star. It was nice to see Liv didn’t take the loss here. I didn’t mind the DQ as Jax shouldn’t lose before facing Becky Lynch. A good post-match angle setting up Becky and Nia for Raw. Liv’s reaction after the match was interesting possibly teasing a heel turn.
Cathy Kelly interviewed Grayson Waller and Austin Theory backstage. Waller spoke about Cody disrespecting him in his home country and attacking Theory. Paul Heyman was shown walking in the background. Waller said he did everything to try to protect Theory. Theory gave Waller a skeptical look.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were on their announcers desk. They sent out their condolences to the family of Ole Anderson who passed away earlier in the day. The showed a graphic for Ole Anderson.
Becky Lynch pleaded with Adam Pearce to giver her a match with Jax. Pearce made the match for next week. Liv Morgan appeared. Liv told Becky not everything has to be about her. Liv stormed away.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Jey Uso backstage. Jey told Jackie he had to keep on being himself to get back into the title picture. Jey said when he gets close to the title one of his enemies or even family members costing him the titles. Drew McIntyre appeared. McIntyre said he’s riding high but said he can relate to what Jey is going through. McIntyre told Jey he deserved this from the bottom of his heart. Jey attacked McIntyre. A brawl broke out. WWE officials pulled Jey and McIntyre apart.
Cody Rhodes vs. Grayson Waller (w/Austin Theory)
Cody Rhodes came out to a huge reaction and a nice firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder and louder. Huge Cody chants to start the match. Waller took control early rocking Cody with strikes. Cody battled back plating Waller with a stalling suplex. Cody followed delivered a running clothesline sending Waller to the floor. Michael Cole noted he got breaking news that Paul Heyman was backstage at Raw. Waller took back control catching Cody with a rolling flatliner for a two count. Cody battled back rocking Waller with a disaster kick for a two count. Austin Theory stood on the ring apron. Cody caught Theory with a tope launching him over the announcer’s table. Waller rocked Cody with a running clothesline. Waller called for rolling flatliner but Cody escaped. Cody made a comeback planting Waller with a Cody Cutter. Cody delivered a Cross Rhodes for the win.
WINNER: Cody Rhodes
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This didn’t feel like a Raw main event match. It was nice to see Waller get a chance to work a Raw main event. A strong showcase for Cody as he looked great in the win. The fans loved Cody as he felt like a superstar Michael Cole mentioning Paul Heyman told you we were getting a post-match angle.
Cody Rhodes & Paul Heyman Promo
The fans cheered as Cody celebrated his win. Paul Heyman came out on the entrance ramp with three men dressed in black. The crowd booed as Heyman went to do his introduction. Cody said he didn’t care what Heyman’s name is. Cody told Heyman if The Bloodline is here tell them to come and get him. Heyman told Cody to calm down. Heyman said The Bloodline wasn’t here. Heyman said the three men are his friends from the NYPD. He went to say they are off-duty but then said they were actually suspended.
Heyman understands why Cody is upset after The Rock slapped him. Heyman told Cody to take The Rock’s name out of his mouth. Heyman brought up how he and Cody were crying inside the ring a year ago. Heyman pleaded with Cody to withdraw his challenge to The Rock. Heyman said “Or else.”
Cody took a seat on a chair and asked or else what. Cody asked Heyman if he knows why he hasn’t trashed The Rock? Cody said that he and everyone were fans of The Rock. Cody said every meal in his home was determined by tickets sold and no one sold more than The Rock. Cody said he is done being nice. Cody told Heyman to tell The Bloodline to come and get him.
Heyman told Cody he had a better idea. The three men stood on the ring apron. Heyman asked Cody if he could enter the ring. Cody said no. The three men entered the ring. Heyman stood on the ring apron.Cody said they would take everyone down whoever stepped inside the ring. Heyman assumed Cody wouldn’t attack him. Heyman went to enter the ring. Cody told Heyman he thought wrong.
Cody took out the three men wearing black. Cody tossed a chair into someone’s face. Cody laid one out with a Cross Rhodes. Heyman grabbed his phone. Heyman said “Call Roman Reigns!” Heyman grabbed his other phone. Heyman said “Call The Rock!” Cody told Heyman to call them. Cody said he is now hunting for The Bloodline. Cody attacked the three men wearing black. Michael Cole hyped The Rock’s appearance for SmackDown. Cody’s music played as he stood on the turnbuckle. The show ended.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — The post-match angle didn’t really do much for me. The angle was there to hype The Rock’s appearance for SmackDown to see if he will accept Cody’s challenge. Cody was great on the mic delivering a fiery promo. Cody saying he’s hunting The Bloodline teased he will be on SmackDown as well with The Rock.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This was a solid episode of Raw. There were some fun wrestling matches. You can see they are slowly starting the build for the key WrestleMania. The post-match angle was good to hype The Rock’s appearance on SmackDown. They also set up two big matches with Drew/Jey and Becky/Jax for next week. Overall, a good episode of Raw. There were some good stuff as we move closer on the Road to WrestleMania.
