Monday Night Raw
February 8th 2021
Raleigh, North Carolina
PNC Arena
HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The opening video for Monday Night Raw starts before we cut to the PNC Arena, showing the entire crowd loudly cheering as Raw is about to begin. Michael Cole and Elias start to hype up the card for tonight, promising we will find out the number one contender for the Women’s Universal title. They also confirm Sami Zayn will take on Humberto Carrillo of the Ungovernables, and Jeff Jarrett will return to action in a WWE ring!
*NEW DAY NEW DAY*
NEW DAY makes their way out getting loud cheers from the live crowd! BIG E lifts his New Day-themed briefcase into the air with KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS walking out behind him. Michael Cole brings up Kofi Kingston getting to fight Samoa Joe for the WWE title at Fastlane and teases the possibility of Big E versus Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania 37. Elias also brings up Woods pinning a former 2-time World Champion in Dolph Ziggler.
Big E grabs a microphone from someone at ringside and walks back to the middle of the ring standing next to his brothers. He welcomes the live crowd and says that 2021 might be the biggest year of his career. He taps the briefcase and says this is his chance to have his own KofiMania moment, doing what his brother did. Kofi smiles and has a microphone of his own saying without these two men next to him, he would have never become WWE Champion in 2019.
He says he will always thank them for helping him break that glass ceiling and knows they will always have his back. Kofi pauses for a moment but before he can speak, Big E stops him. Big E tells Kofi that when he beats Joe at Fastlane, he wants Kofi to know that he doesn’t want anything less than Kofi’s best at WrestleMania 37. Kofi nods as Big E says he doesn’t want to be handed his moment; he wants to earn it by beating one of the best.
The two men share a hug before Big E turns to the live crowd and says he has one other man he needs to address: Bobby Lashley. The crowd gives a mixed reaction for the mention of the All Mighty and Big E says last week he was attacked by Lashley. He tells the crowd he has respect for him as a competitor but he isn’t going to stand for sneak attacks so right now Big E wants to know why and if he is working for the Hurt Business. Loud cheers from the crowd and we don’t have to wait too long for an answer as…
*HURT YOU*
BOBBY LASHLEY WALKS OUT IN A SUIT WITH A MICROPHONE IN HAND! He gets a strong mixed reaction from the live crowd before pointing at Big E in the ring. He tells Big E that last week was just him sending a message to Big E to let him know that they had business with each other. Big E seems confused and tells Bobby that until last week he had no problem with him. Bobby says Big E might be right but Lashley has had a problem with him.
Big E seems even more confused but Bobby makes it clear that every time he has tried to win something, Big E has been there to stop him. Bobby brings up the Money in the Bank ladder match at last year’s WrestleMania where Big E sent him off the ladder and prevented him from getting that briefcase. Bobby then brings up his return from injury at the Royal Rumble and who was it that eliminated him from the match: Big E. Bobby says for him to get to the top, he needs to beat Big E!
Big E responds telling Bobby that if he wants a match all he needs to do is ask for one. Bobby shakes his head saying he needs to send a message and wants to fight Big E at Fastlane! Big E is quick to accept the match but says he has one final question for Bobby Lashley. Big E asks if Bobby Lashley is working for The Hurt Business. Bobby stares at Big E but before he can answer… THE HURT BUSINESS HIT THE RING AND ATTACKS THE NEW DAY LAYING THEM OUT!
SAMOA JOE focuses on attacking Big E in the corner of the ring whilst CEDRIC ALEXANDER and SHELTON BENJAMIN clobber Kofi Kingston in one corner whilst SWERVE STRICKLAND and LIO RUSH beat down Xavier Woods. EJ NDUKA stands next to MVP who directs traffic. MVP turns to Bobby outside the ring and invites him inside to help with the beatdown. Bobby however just stands there looking annoying until…
*GOD SAVE THE QUEEN/END OF DAYS*
WADE BARRETT walks out in a suit with a microphone in hand! He gets cheers from the crowd before telling the Hurt Business to stop or he will find them all right now! The Hurt Business stopped because they knew it would be affecting their bottom line. Wade thanks them and says if they want to fight The New Day, they can do it in the main event. MVP smirks but Barrett makes it clear he will pick who is fighting, making it Samoa Joe, Lio Rush and BOBBY LASHLEY! Lashley looks annoyed and MVP also looks annoyed too as Raw cuts to a commercial break.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, DOLPH ZIGGLER is standing backstage with his bodyguard OMOS! The bodyguard cuts a towering presence standing over his boss Ziggler who tells the camera that he will not stand for the disrespect shown to him as of late. He says at the Rumble he and his bodyguard were embarrassed by an upstart in Keith Lee so now he wants payback. Ziggler issues the challenge for Fastlane and promises to show Keith Lee his place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*UNBROKEN*
THE LINEBACKERS walk out getting a small number of boos as they walk to the ring. Michael Cole and Elias mention that the tag team division is full of teams who want to get their hands on The Hurt Business, saying we are about to see two of them in action now when The Linebackers take on…
*SUBCULTURE*
SUBCULTURE! The crowd cheers for the group as DANI LUNA leads FLASH MORGAN WEBSTER and MARK ANDREWS to the ring, slapping hands with the live crowd. Michael Cole and Elias say this duo has done a good job establishing themselves since coming to Raw from NXT UK. Mark Andrews starts for SubCulture whilst Mojo Rawley starts for The Linebackers.
Match 1: The Linebackers vs SubCulture w/Dani Luna
Match summary: The Linebackers have a size advantage which they use to take control of the match and overwhelm SubCulture in the match, slowing down their high-flying. Mark and Flash though survive the opening flurry and start to take control, working as a team to isolate Mojo Rawley. In the closing stages, Flash takes out Riddick Moss allowing Mark Andrews to hit FALL TO PIECES (Shooting Star Press) for the win!
Winners via pinfall: SubCulture (6:05)
SubCulture gets to their feet and celebrates in the ring, getting decent cheers from the live crowd. The commentary team puts over the performance and mentions they will be looking to get in line for a tag team title shot as Raw goes to a commercial break.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we see THE STREET PROFITS standing there with red cups in hand. MONTEZ FORD it is good to be back but his man has been holding down the fort. ANGELO DAWKINS smiles and tells Montez that he knows his best friend has his back. Montez and Angelo share a hug before turning to the camera telling everyone in the tag team division that they are on notice and they want the smoke!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*PARTY ALL THE TIME*
K2 makes their way out getting cheers from the live crowd but the party girls don’t seem to be in the mood for partying. KATANA CHANCE and KAYDEN CARTER look serious as they walk to the ring. Michael Cole and Elias put over their recent rivalry with Nia Jax and mention Nia laying them both out one more time last week. K2 gets into the ring as Katana grabs a microphone and says that they are normally about partying and having fun but they can’t do that when someone keeps on attacking them.
Kayden chimes in saying they thought they were done with Nia and were happy to take their losses to her fair and square but Nia is nothing if not a bully. The crowd cheers as Katana tells the crowd that the only way to deal with bullies is to take them head-on and stand your ground. Kayden says that means they are calling Nia Jax out for a fight right now! Loud cheers from the live crowd but before long…
*FORCE OF GREATNESS*
NIA JAX MARCHES OUT! Nia gets loud boos from the crowd but she doesn’t care telling the fans to be quiet. She looks at the two women in the ring and tells them she could crush them both right now but why should she? She chuckles to herself as Katana calls her a coward but Nia shakes her head saying she is smart. Nia says she attacked them last week because Katana mocked her as she had her Rumble stolen from her. Boos from the crowd as Katana shrugs.
Katana says Nia Jax was talking trash to her so she talked some trash back but it seems Nia can dish it but she can’t take it! Nia looks angry and promises she can take anything these two can give to her. Katana then responds by issuing a challenge for next week’s Raw: A one-on-one street fight with Nia Jax. Nia smirks and tells Katana she sees what she is doing but promises even if Kayden tries to help save Katana, she will destroy them both next week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we cut to a video promo from KEITH LEE with the NXT title on his shoulder. He says he has heard the challenge from Dolph Ziggler and says he is a busy man, defending his NXT title this Sunday against Kyle O’Riley. He smirks saying that he will accept the challenge from Ziggler because Keith breaks limits and he will destroy Ziggler again. He says he wants the match on one condition, he wants OMOS in the ring on Raw too! Keith tells the crowd they can bask in his glory before we cut back to the ring.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*AMBITIOUS*
HUMBERTO CARRILLO makes his way out flanked by the rest of the Raw branch of THE UNGOVERNABLES: ZELINA VEGA, ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS and ANGEL GARZA! Zelina heads to the commentary desk whilst Andrade and Angel join him at ringside. Michael and Elias welcome her to commentary as she comments tonight, we will see her clients show the world exactly why they are the best in this business!
*WORLDS APART*
SAMI ZAYN makes his way out getting a good pop from the live crowd! He slaps hands with some of the live crowd. CESARO and ILJA DRAGUNOV walk out side by side with Sami Zayn. Zelina is asked how she feels about Sami turning her down to then go ahead and team with Cesaro and Ilja. She says it shows she saw talent but it was someone who would rather hang around losers who care about honour than winners like her clients. Sami steps into the ring across from Humberto as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 2: Sami Zayn w/Cesaro and Ilja Dragunov vs Humberto Carrillo w/Andrade Cien Almas and Angel Garza
Match summary: Sami starts the match off being smart, keeping away from the Cruiserweight’s offense and slowly bringing him down to the mat. Humberto struggles to match the technical ability of Sami who grinds him down on the mat. Zelina sells this as Humberto slowly gets into the match and scouts the weak points in Sami’s offense. Sami is in control of the match whilst Andrade and Angel discuss a plan outside of the ring with Cesaro and Ilja watching on.
Andrade and Angel look like they might get involved but Cesaro and Ilja head over to stop them messing with the match. The referee sees this and tells everyone off outside the ring, allowing Humberto to rake the eyes of Sami and take control of the match. Humberto from here works over Sami whilst showing off his speed and agility in the ring to wear down the former Intercontinental Champion! Zelina is full of praise for Humberto and says this is what happens under her leadership.
Humberto is still in control as we enter the final stages of the match and Sami has to fight back to get in control but he manages to overwhelm Humberto sending him into the corner of the ring with an exploder suplex! Andrade and Angel realize Humberto is in trouble so climb onto the ring apron… BUT CESARO AND ILJA PULL THEM OFF STOPPING THEM! Sami meanwhile hits the HELLUVA KICK and makes the cover on Humberto to pick up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Sami Zayn (11:28)
Sami Zayn gets to his feet and is soon joined by Cesaro and Ilja inside the ring. Andrade and Angel pull Humberto out of the ring, looking to retreat to the back. Zelina is asked for her thoughts on how the match went but she just slams her headset down to storm off. Ilja is quick to grab a microphone from someone at the top of the ramp, issuing a challenge for next week to Andrade! The co-leader of The Ungovernables scowls but accepts the challenge from Ilja before we cut to the back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We see THE MMA HORSEWOMEN members SHAYNA BASZLER and NATALYA walking through the back! The crowd loudly booed the duo with no Jessamyn Duke very noticeably. CATHY KELLEY approaches Shayna and asks for an explanation for such a heinous attack on someone she called her best friend, someone who is currently pregnant. Shayna smirks and tells Cathy it was them taking care of trash. Shayna says for too long they have been held back by Ronda.
Natalya chimes in to say that Ronda mistreated them but also, she was the first to lose her title, opening the door for the Four Horsewomen to get a foothold back. Shayna nods saying she got soft and now she has the chance to retire forever, being a mum whilst they run this women’s division. Shayna says one of them will walk out of the number one contender’s match with the chance to bring Charlotte down and all Ronda can do is watch from her couch at home. The duo ends the promo and walks to the ring as Raw goes on a commercial break.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*ALL HAIL THE QUEEN*
CHARLOTTE FLAIR makes her way out getting loud boos from the live crowd. She shows off her Women’s Universal title before heading straight to the commentary desk, dismissing the crowd as she sits down. Michael Cole and Elias welcome her back to the desk. Charlotte says they are welcome and says she didn’t come here for pleasantries; she came to see who will fall in line before the Queen!
*CALLING YOU OUT*
DANI LUNA makes her way out getting a decent pop from the live crowd. She slaps hands with the fans in attendance and sprints down the entrance ramp. Michael Cole gives credit to Dani for her recent run on Raw with Elias in agreement. Charlotte says the young English superstar has a lot of potential and she would love to snuff it out.
*WE RIOT*
RUBY RIOTT makes her way out next getting boos from the live crowd. She looks to her tag team partner SHOTZI BLACKHEART who is in action later tonight against Liv Morgan and fist bumps her before heading to the ring. Michael Cole and Elias bring up her desperation to finally hold gold in 2021 with Charlotte mocking Ruby saying being a winner just comes easier to some people.
*CHICANE BOYS*
TEGAN NOX makes her way out getting loud cheers from the crowd and she looks to psych herself up. She runs down the entrance ramp and slides into the ring, leaning over the ropes to talk some trash to Charlotte Flair. The Queen remains unfazed and says she will destroy Tegan just like she did her tag team partner Dakota Kai. Michael Cole and Elias say Nox is a talented competitor but is yet to have the singles success Kai has had in WWE (Kai is a former NXT Champion in this Universe).
*THE FURY*
ALEXA BLISS walks out and smugly accepts the boos from the live crowd. She walks with a purpose and glares at Charlotte Flair with the commentary team bringing up their clashes last year over the tag team titles. Charlotte says Alexa Bliss is a former 5-time women’s champion which is impressive to most people but when you are a 9-time Women’s Champion you are on another level.
*NEW FOUNDATION*
NATALYA walks out getting boos from the live crowd. She stands at the top of the entrance ramp and taunts the people in the ring, not wanting to head to the ring just yet. Michael Cole and Elias put over how heinous the actions of Shayna, Natalya and Marina were last week. Charlotte agrees with them saying even with her issues with Becky Lynch for example she would never have done that to The Man whilst pregnant.
*LOYALTY IS EVERYTHING*
SHAYNA BASZLER storms out getting nuclear heat from the live crowd, which she smugly welcomes and taunts the fans to give her some more. Natalya nods looking at her tag team partner before they sprint to the ring. Michael Cole and Elias bring up the long reign as Women’s Universal Champion Shayna had but Charlotte points out she was the one who ended it and she will beat Shayna again if she wins tonight. Shayna and Natalya slide into the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 3: Number one contender’s 6-pack challenge: Alexa Bliss vs Dani Luna vs Natalya vs Ruby Riott vs Shayna Baszler vs Tegan Nox
Match summary: The match starts up at a frantic pace but we soon see The MMA Horsewomen’s plan become clear as Natalya and Shayna work together to take control of the match. Charlotte on commentary notes the strategy and says this has been the MMA Horsewomen’s main plan since they debuted together as a group in 2019. Nox and Dani end up outside the ring and after a little talk the two work together to send the MMA Horsewomen packing for the moment.
Nox and Dani then turn to each other and start to battle, as Michael Cole points out these two being a key part of the UK indie scene. The friendly fight is broken up by Bliss and Riott as the match descends into a bit more of a chaotic affair but the other 4 women during the match start to realize the importance of keeping the MMA Horsewomen from gaining a numbers edge. Charlotte comments about there being no rules in this type of match and that leads Bliss to signal to the back…
MICKIE JAMES RUNS DOWN THE ENTRANCE RAMP! Loud boos from the crowd but Charlotte and the rest of the commentary team point out the fact it is all legal! Mickie James starts to help Alexa Bliss and the goddess takes control of the match… UNTIL DAKOTA KAI COMES OUT AND HELPS TAKE OUT MICKIE JAMES! They brawl into the crowd as the fans cheer on and Dani brawls with Alexa Bliss to the outside of the ring, taking them out of the match. Ruby Riott and Tegan Nox are left to face the MMA Horsewomen until…
*BRUTALITY*
RHEA RIPLEY STORMS OUT! She charges straight forward and goes after Natalya and Shayna taking them down with a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! She grabs Natalya and SENDS HIM OVER INTO THE TIMEKEEPER’S AREA! She then grabs hold of Shayna and HITS THE RIPTIDE OUTSIDE THE RING! Back inside the ring Tegan Nox takes control of the battle with Ruby Riott and hits her with the SHINIEST WIZARD to get the win and advance to Fastlane!
Winner via pinfall: Tegan Nox (13:46)
Tegan Nox gets to her feet and celebrates the victory to the delight of the live crowd, now with the chance to become Women’s Universal Champion at Fastlane. Charlotte says beating the women in the ring is a different feat than beating the Queen. Charlotte puts down the headset as Tegan and Charlotte talk trash to each other whilst Rhea Ripley watches on in the background knowing she will face one of them at WrestleMania 37!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, RHEA RIPLEY is walking through the back when she is stopped by TOM PHILLIPS looking for an interview. He asks her if that was revenge for last week and Rhea smirks, confirming it was. She tells Tom that Shayna wanted to attack her so she just gave her a taste of her own medicine. She finishes up by telling Shayna or Natalya if they have a problem with what she just did, she will be waiting at Fastlane for them! Rhea walks off and it brings the promo to an end!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*WRITTEN IN MY FACE*
SHEAMUS walks out getting loud cheers from the live crowd. He is in a Peaky Blinders-style tweed jacket and plays to the fans on the way to the ring. Michael Cole tells us Sheamus has stated in interviews time and again, that he has one major goal left that he needs to tick off before he retires: becoming Intercontinental Champion! Elias says he was to overcome Swerve Strickland to do it and we have seen how good he is since debuting on Raw. Sheamus climbs over the ropes and stands in the ring with a microphone in hand.
Sheamus tells the crowd he has done a lot in his career, United States Champion, Tag Team Champion, World Champion, WWE Champion, Royal Rumble winner and Mr. Money in the Bank. He smiles as the crowd pops for the run down and Sheamus says he has done it nearly all… except one title remains that he needs: The Intercontinental title! He tells the fans he knows his back isn’t what it used to be and he is getting closer to the end than the beginning.
Sheamus tells the fans that when he spent months on the shelf, watching from the sidelines he considered giving it up. He sighs but tells the fans that he knows that he still has enough left to achieve his final goal! Sheamus then proceeds to tell the crowd he knows how good Swerve Strickland is and calls him a future World Champion. He says he also knows what it is like to be the new hot superstar in the scene making a name for yourself early in your career. Sheamus is about to carry on when…
*BIG PRESSURE*
SWERVE STRICKLAND walks out with a smirk on his face! He is alone but has the Intercontinental title around his waist, walking with a swagger and soaking in the boos. Swerve has a microphone in hand and has an evil cackle to himself as he walks down to the ring. Sheamus asks the champ what’s so fun but Swerve smirks saying that the comparison between them is a mistake. Swerve hops over the ropes and comes face to face with Sheamus showing no fear.
Swerve tells Sheamus that he is no young behind-the-ear kid, he has been grinding his whole life to make it to this point and no one is going to take the glory from him. Sheamus says he wasn’t trying to take anything but Swerve shakes his head showing off the Intercontinental title. He tells Sheamus that trying to take this from him is taking his glory and he will do whatever it takes to put Sheamus down. Sheamus scoffs but Swerve tells him he will cross whatever line he needs to if it means keeping his title.
Sheamus tells Swerve that he will be ready for anything he does but Swerve makes a dig at Sheamus saying like his best friend Drew. This prompts Sheamus TO CLOCK SWERVE IN THE HEAD! Swerve though soon fights back and we get a brawl between the two men. This goes on for a while until a swarm of security comes out to pull them apart and WADE BARRETT comes out with a microphone. He tells the pair of them to stop this now or he will call off the match at Fastlane. Both men stop before Wade says he knows how much his friend likes to fight so he is moving his match forward to right now as…
*I BRING THE DARKNESS (END OF DAYS)*
BARON CORBIN walks out! He gets loud boos from the live crowd and has a smug look on his face. Swerve walks past him and seems to indicate some extra money if he can hurt Sheamus. Corbin shrugs as the commentary team confirms we will get this match after the commercial break!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Match 4: Sheamus vs Baron Corbin
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, Corbin and Sheamus have their match underway whilst Swerve sits on commentary to watch the match. Sheamus and Corbin beat the hell out of each other, with Swerve commenting that Sheamus has a lot of brawn but not a lot of brains like him. As the match starts to reach its closing stages, Sheamus lifts up Corbin and hits the CELTIC CROSS for the 3 count!
Winner via pinfall: Sheamus (7:00)
Sheamus gets to his feet and enjoys the cheers from the live crowd. He winces slightly after the match having taken a beating from Corbin tonight. Swerve on commentary meanwhile takes off his headset and sarcastically applauds Sheamus. Michael Cole and Elias hype up the title match at Fastlane before we cut elsewhere backstage to see…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE NEW DAY hanging out backstage together! BIG E and KOFI KINGSTON are working out in the corner whilst XAVIER WOODS wanders around the room wanting to discuss their game plan if The Hurt Business tries to pull anything in the main event. Big E is happy to take them all on and take them down but Kofi says Woods is right. They need to have a plan for if the Hurt Business gets involved especially if Lashley has joined them. Big E nods and asks Wood to make a few calls as he goes back to working out and Raw goes to a commercial break.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we can see DAKOTA KAI talking to her tag team partner TEGAN NOX, and congratulating her on her win earlier tonight. DANI LUNA joins the pair and wishes her luck against Charlotte. Tegan thanks them both and says he plans to kick Charlotte’s ass after what she did to Dakota at the Royal Rumble. They are however soon interrupted by ALEXA BLISS and MICKE JAMES!
Neither woman is happy and shouts that Dakota Kai should have minded her own business. Kai chimes back that Mickie getting involved in her best friend’s match will always be her business. James squares up to Kai looking for a fight but DANI LUNA steps forward getting in between them. She says why don’t they settle this in the ring next week and she can be an honorary member of Team Kick. Bliss scoffs and says she is on before the duo walks off leaving Team Kick and Dani to go back to hanging out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*TRAP OR TREAT*
Boos ring out from the live crowd as THE HOUSE OF COUTURE walks out onto the entrance ramp. They look at the fans with disgust before heading down the ramp and towards the ring, ready for tag team action. Michael Cole and Elias mention the Women’s tag team champions lined up for an Elimination Chamber match to see who will fight Asuka at WrestleMania 37 but they will need to be ready for a tag team defense as lots of teams are vying for the next shot including…
*X*
THE TWISTED SISTERS! The crowd cheers for the witches with NIKKI CROSS sprinting down the entrance ramp but ISLA DAWN slowly walks behind her. JINNY and AMALE look on with disgust from the ring as the commentary team mentions Isla’s talk of seeing visions of the duo winning the tag team titles this year. Nikki ends up starting for the sisters whilst Jinny sends Amale into the ring to start for her team as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 5: Twisted Sisters vs House of Couture
Match summary: The House of Couture do their best to work together to overwhelm the witches and use cheap tricks to stay ahead but Nikki’s frenzied offense and Isla Dawn’s cold precision prove to be the difference maker as they hit Jinny with BLACK MAGIC to pick up the win!
Winners via pinfall: Twisted Sisters (4:41)
The Twisted Sisters get to their feet and celebrate the victory with a smug smile on their face. The crowd is happy and the commentary team makes sure to point out the roll that The Twisted Sisters have been on as of late. They carry on celebrating in the ring before it is confirmed after the commercial break, we will see Michael Cole’s sit-down interview with Beth Phoenix!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We return from the commercial break to see BETH PHOENIX sitting in front of MICHAEL COLE ready for the interview. He thanks her for agreeing to sit down with him as Beth tells him it was her pleasure as she has a few things she wants to talk about. Michael starts it off with some small talk and asks how the kids are doing. Beth says they are doing great with a big smile on her face and mentions they have also enjoyed seeing their father become Universal Champion on Smackdown.
Michael asks what it means to her and Edge to have won the World title whilst being parents. Beth smiles and says it was a proud moment for her daughters to see both of them at their peak one more time. Michael asks her if she would be coming back full time and she thinks about it for a moment before shaking her head. She says that she meant it when she said 2020 was her last year. She pauses for a moment before saying that however, she has one last piece of business.
Michael Cole says let’s talk about Summerslam and Beth nods though there is some anger in her eyes. She says she could accept losing her career to Shayna, she knew how much of a threat she was. But what she didn’t expect was her best friend to stab her in the back! Beth says she has one thing left to do in WWE and that’s to get her hands on Natalya, promising to not rest until she makes Natalya pay for what she did to her. Michael then thanks Beth for her time and ends the interview.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we can see WADE BARRETT in his office looking at some paperwork after a business night so far before being disturbed by MUSTACHE MOUNTAIN! The British Superstars are still annoyed about how TYLER BATE lost last week thanks to The Hurt Business members Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin.
TRENT SEVEN says they want to get their hands on them and asks for a title match. Wade says there are a lot of teams looking to get their hands on The Hurt Business, so next week, he will make a number one contender’s match for them against SubCulture, with the winners fighting The Hurt Business at Fastlane! Mustache Mountain nods, happy with that outcome, before walking off as we cut back to the ring.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITUS O’NEIL is standing in the ring ready for action as we cut back to the ring prepared to see the Raw return of…
*MY WORLD*
JEFF JARRETT! The legend walks onto the entrance ramp getting cheers from the crowd, in a black trench coat and a black hat with a huge smirk. He is soon joined by HEATH SLATER and RICK BOOGS with Slater being a lot happier about being out here whilst Rick looks wary. Michael Cole and Elias bring up the success Jeff had throughout his career as a multiple-time tag team, Intercontinental, United States and WCW World Champion before he climbs into the ring across from Titus O’Neil as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 6: Jeff Jarrett w/Heath Slater and Rick Boogs vs Titus O’Neil
Match summary: Jeff Jarrett is cocky when he enters the ring and taunts the fans. Rick is clearly unimpressed with this but Heath shrugs. Jeff is in control of the match but still feels the need to cheat which further annoys the live crowd. Jeff Jarrett in the end rakes the eyes of Titus when he shows some fight back and transitions into THE STROKE for the win!
Winner via pinfall: Jeff Jarrett (2:53)
Jeff Jarrett gets to his feet and celebrates the victory with a smug look on his face. Heath runs into the ring and raises his arm whilst Rick shakes his head outside the ring. Michael Cole and Elias puts over the win for Jeff Jarrett but says he has always been known to do whatever it takes to win. Jeff carries on the celebrations as Raw cuts to a commercial break.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*CAN YOU FEEL MY HEART?*
PETE DUNNE walks out getting loud cheers from the crowd as they return from the commercial break. Michael Cole says we saw Pete Dunne return to Raw last week, costing Tommaso Ciampa his match with Big E. Elias says Pete Dunne was out of action due to the eye injury caused by Tommaso Ciampa. Pete Dunne grabs a microphone from someone at ringside and rolls into the ring still looking furious but shockingly starts the promo by calling out Angel Garza!
He tells the fans that Angel Garza thinks he got a lucky escape because Dunne came back and went for Ciampa. Pete shakes his head and says that now he is cleared for action, he will get his submission match Garza promises to break his fingers one more time! The crowd loudly cheers as Dunne paces around the ring before saying now he has that business out of the way that brings him to the mat and costs him two months of his career…
*NO ONE WILL SURVIVE*
TOMMASO CIAMPA WALKS OUT ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP! Ciampa points at Dunne in the ring and tells him he should have focused on Angel instead of looking for trouble with him. Dunne remains unfazed as Ciampa carries on walking to the ring and tells Dunne that what he did to him a few weeks ago wasn’t personal, it was just business. Ciampa steps through the ropes and says now what he does to Dunne will be personal as he took money off his plate!
Ciampa brings up his attack on Drew McIntyre and says that is what happens when you come between his money. He scowls but Pete Dunne says what about the money he makes? Dunne says Ciampa cost him two months he could have been breaking the fingers and arms of anyone who gets in his way! Dunne then tells Ciampa he spoke to Wade and the commissioner has made a match between the two of them official for Fastlane!
Ciampa tells Dunne it is his funeral and Dunn gives a rare smile. Ciampa asks what’s so funny… DUNNE CLOCKS HIM WITH THE MICROPHONE! Ciampa falls back stumbling and Dunne lays into him with a series of punches! The crowd loudly cheers as Dunne wails on Ciampa on the mat. Ciampa soon starts to fight back as the brawl carries on until once again, we can see a bunch of security come out to stop the fight. Both men are still trying to attack each other before we cut to a commercial break.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*I AM A PSYCHO*
SHOTZI BLACKHEART makes her way out getting boos from the live crowd. She insults the fans before heading to the ring ready for action. The commentary team mentions that this match was made after Liv Morgan eliminated Ruby Riott upon her return to the ring at the Royal Rumble and now Shotzi wants revenge on the former Riott Squad member.
*BUBBLEGUM BITCH*
LIV MORGAN makes her way out next getting a decent pop from the live crowd. She sprints to the ring as Michael Cole says he spoke to Liv earlier tonight and she is itching to wrestle on Monday Night Raw once again. Elias says this could be a rough return to the ring for Liv with the mood Shotzi was in last week. Liv climbs over the ropes and stands in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 7: Liv Morgan vs Shotzi Blackheart
Match summary: Liv and Shotzi are aggressive from the start leading to a fiery match as they try to take each other down as quickly as possible. Liv Morgan is in control of the match and Shotzi finds herself outmatched at each turn. In the closing stages, it is all Liv Morgan who gets Shotzi in position to hit her with obLIVion… RUBY RIOTT RUNS OUT AND ATTACKS LIV MORGAN BREAKING THE COVER AND CAUSING A DQ!
Winner via disqualification: Liv Morgan (6:12)
Ruby Riott beats down Liv Morgan before climbing to the top rope and hits WE RIOT from the top! She gets back to her feet and helps the dazed Shotzi Blackheart back to her feet, standing tall over her former best friend as we cut backstage to see…
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE HURT BUSINESS backstage in their locker room. MVP is standing in the middle of the room as SAMOA JOE and LIO RUSH are getting ready for action in the main event that is up next. SWERVE STRICKLAND, SHELTON BENJAMIN, CEDRIC ALEXANDER and EJ NDUKA are all talking to each other when the door to their private locker room opens: IT’S BOBBY LASHLEY! MVP smiles and says the main man is finally here, getting a look from Joe and Swerve in the background.
Bobby looks unimpressed not saying a word as MVP carries on and says he is glad Bobby has seen the vision that MVP… LASHLEY GRABS MVP! Bobby makes it clear that he is not part of the Hurt Business and tonight is just about him proving he belongs at the top. EJ Nduka steps forward but Bobby puts him down before telling them it is time for the main event. Bobby leaves the room and an angry MVP nods to The Hurt Business as they head to the ring and we go to our final commercial break of the night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, Michael Cole confirms that not only will the NXT World Champion take on OMOS on Raw next week but he will also take on Dolph Ziggler at Fastlane. Elias adds if Keith Lee retains his title against Kyle O’Riley at Takeover Down Under, the match at Fastlane will be for the NXT title!
*NEW DAY, NEW WAY*
THE NEW DAY makes their way out first getting cheers from the live crowd. The trio plays to the fans as XAVIER WOODS plays a trombone in the background, KOFI KINGSTON slaps hands with a few kids in the front row and BIG E lifts his New Day-themed Money in the Bank briefcase into the air! The commentary team says The New Day has been one of the best units in WWE for years but The Hurt Business has been a threat like we have yet to see on Raw in recent times.
*HURT YOU*
BOBBY LASHLEY walks out next with a scowl and a serious look on his face getting a strong mixed reaction from the crowd. Cole and Elias talk about what we just saw with Lashley confirming he is not part of The Hurt Business! They wonder though if MVP will look at tonight as a chance to recruit him to the group and make them even more powerful!
*IT’S TIME*
THE HURT BUSINESS marched out getting loud boos from the fans in attendance. SAMOA JOE and LIO RUSH walk with Bobby Lashley to the ring whilst MVP, SWERVE STRICKLAND, SHELTON BENJAMIN, CEDRIC ALEXANDER and EJ NDUKA hang back. Lio Rush noticeably acts friendly with Bobby and Lashley doesn’t dismiss him like he did the rest of The Hurt Business. The commentary team wonders how the presence of the Hurt Business at ringside will play into this match. After a talk, Bobby Lashley makes it clear he will start for his team. Big E looks at his brothers and nods, stepping into the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway.
Main event: The New Day vs Samoa Joe, Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley w/MVP, Swerve Strickland, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander and EJ Nduka
Match summary: Big E and Bobby charge right at each other and have a test of strength in the middle of the ring. Both men are fairly evenly matched with Big E backing up Lashley… JOE TAGS HIMSELF IN! Joe and Bobby share a glare but the WWE Champion makes it clear he wants to step into the ring with Big E. The commentary team teases this being the potential WrestleMania WWE title match and both men battle with each other for a bit before the match starts to descend into a series of rapid tags between the two teams.
The match then takes a turn as The Hurt Business uses the numbers outside the ring to distract the referee allowing them to work over Kofi Kingston. The crowd gets behind the New Day but all the attempts for them to get back in control are either cut off by the men they are facing in this match or help from The Hurt Business outside the ring. Bobby Lashley looks noticeably annoyed with the “help” from outside the ring but puts more focus on getting the job done as the match enters the closing stages.
Kofi escapes from the control and makes the hot tag to bring Woods into the match who starts to run wild. MVP outside the ring signals to his clients but as he does… BRITISH STRONG STYLE, MUSTAFA ALI and SHEAMUS all come out to fight with The Hurt Business members at ringside! No longer do they have the numbers game here and this allows Kofi and Woods to take care of Joe and Lashley leaving Big E to plant Lio Rush with the BOOTY DROP for the win!
Winners via pinfall: The New Day (13:07)
Loud cheers from the live crowd as Big E is joined by Kofi and Woods in celebration. The commentary team makes a note of that being a rare loss for the Hurt Business as a unit but they didn’t have the numbers game here tonight. The Hurt Business retreats up the entrance ramp all looking annoyed whilst the group of babyfaces challenge them to try it again as Raw fades to black.
Confirmed matches for next week:
Number one contender’s match for the World tag team titles:
Mustache Mountain vs SubCulture
Submission match:
Pete Dunne vs Angel Garza
No DQ match:
Nia Jax vs Katana Chance
Singles match:
Ilja Dragunov vs Andrade Cien Almas
Singles match:
Keith Lee vs OMOS
Tag team match:
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James vs Dakota Kai and Dani Luna
Matchcard for Fastlane
February 21st 2021
Atalanta, Georgia
State Farm Arena
DIE BY THE BLADE – BEAST IN BLACK
WWE title match:
Samoa Joe © vs Kofi Kingston
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair © vs Tegan Nox
Intercontinental title match:
Swerve Strickland © vs Sheamus
World tag team titles match:
The Hurt Business © vs Mustache Mountain or SubCulture
Singles match:
Big E vs Bobby Lashley
Singles match:
Keith Lee vs Dolph Ziggler
Singles match:
Tommaso Ciampa vs Pete Dunne
Trios match:
The Ungovernables (Andrade Cien Almas, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo) vs Cesaro, Ilja Dragunov and Sami Zayn
Matchcard for WrestleMania 37 Night 1
March 27th 2021
Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium
AND SO IT WENT – PRETTY RECKLESS
WWE Title match:
Samoa Joe or Kofi Kingston © vs Big E
WWE Women’s title match:
Asuka © vs Xia Li or Bayley or Sasha Banks or Bianca Belair or Sonya Deville or ??? or ???
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ???
Pre-show:
Andre the Giant battle Royal:
TBA
Matchcard for WrestleMania 37 Night 2
March 28th 2021
Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium
AND SO IT WENT – PRETTY RECKLESS
Universal title match:
Aleister Black or Roman Reigns or Kevin Owens or Finn Balor or AJ Styles or Jacob Fatu or ??? © vs Daniel Bryan
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair or Tegan Nox © vs Rhea Ripley
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ???
Pre-show:
Sensational Sherri battle Royal:
TBA
EWR Rating:
64%
