Monday Night Raw
December 21st 2020
Des Moines, Iowa
Wells Fargo arena
HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
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Monday Night Raw opens with a video package running through the events at Starrcade before we cut to the commentary of Michael Cole and Elias! The pair welcome us to the show and discuss the fallout of Starrcade before saying the Road to WrestleMania begins tonight with the Royal Rumble the next stop on the Raw side of things! We also get confirmation that Sheamus will be fighting WWE Champion Samoa Joe in the main event. The commentary team wonders if Sheamus can pull off a shock win with Joe one night removed from a last-man-standing match with Drew McIntyre.
*ALL HAIL THE QUEEN*
A loud mixed reaction from the live crowd but it is mostly cheers for the 9-time Women’s Champion CHARLOTTE FLAIR! She proudly lifts the Women’s Universal title in the air with her left arm while her right arm is still bandaged up after the war with Shayna Baszler last night. Michael Cole and Elias give Charlotte credit for fighting through the pain to find a way to win back the Women’s title and also credit her own legacy at an event associated with her father. Charlotte steps into the ring putting the Women’s title on her shoulder, looking at the crowd.
She tells the crowd that she knows they have not always been fond of her and most of her time on Raw and Smackdown they have hated her. She pauses for a moment before smiling as she thanks the crowd for their support last night and her victory over Shayna is her favorite moment in her career getting a huge pop from the crowd. The crowd is loudly behind her. She looks at her right arm and says she is suffering from it now, with a slight chuckle.
She tells the fans that she has been focused on the war with the MMA Horsewomen and bringing them down for the last 6 months. She brings up them breaking her arm and making her miss Summerslam, winning the tag team titles with Sasha Banks and winning inside War Games. She tells Sasha and Bayley she wishes them luck in taking the final gold from the MMA Horsewomen but now the Queen is ready to take her seat atop the throne of the Women’s division when she is interrupted by…
*LOYALTY IS EVERYTHING*
SHAYNA BASZLER! She is not alone as she is flanked by NATALYA and JESSAMYN DUKE! Shayna and Natalya each have one of the WWE Women’s tag team titles around their waist, the last remaining titles in their possession. Shayna steps forward and points at Charlotte saying she can celebrate the victory all she wants but she got lucky last night. The crowd is quick to boo Shayna but Natalya tells them to be quiet only further winding the crowd up.
Shayna brings up it being Starrcade and that was the only reason Charlotte was able to fight through the pain. Charlotte tells Shayna she is ready to fight her any time, any place. Shayna smirks pointing at her arm asking if she is sure but Charlotte points at the tape around the right leg of Shayna angering the former Champion. She tells Charlotte if she ain’t getting a rematch tonight, she’ll just force Charlotte to vacate the title instead… AND DROPS THE MICROPHONE LEADING THE MMA HORSEWOMEN TO THE RING! Charlotte is ready for a fight but the numbers game soon overwhelms her until…
*CAFFEINE*
TEAM KICK sprints down the entrance ramp and slide into the ring helping Charlotte! TEGAN NOX and DAKOTA KAI help fend off Natalya and Jessamyn Duke in the ring whilst Charlotte brawls with Shayna. This brawl goes on for a little bit until…
*BRUTALITY*
RHEA RIPLEY walks onto the entrance ramp getting loud cheers! She takes a few moments to do her signature stomp before walking down the entrance ramp. She climbs over the ropes and TAKES OUT SHAYNA WITH A BIG BOOT! Shayna falls to the floor whilst Team Kick sends Duke and Natalya out of the ring! The MMA Horsewomen look furious outside the ring but retreat to the back leaving the faces in the ring. Charlotte lifts her Women’s Universal title into the air with Rhea eyeing up the title. Charlotte notices leading to a stare-down but Team Kick keeps the peace as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, CHARLOTTE FLAIR, RHEA RIPLEY and TEAM KICK are shown walking through the back. DAKOTA KAI and TEGAN NOX are all smiles but there is clear tension between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley with the Queen asking Rhea what took her so long to get to the ring. Rhea scoffs at that question and tells Charlotte she was debating whether it was worth helping her. She then points at Team Kick saying she came out to help them not her. Charlotte rolls her eyes but Rhea taps the title prompting Charlotte to pull it back sharply. Rhea tells Charlotte to keep an eye on it as she intends to see her at WrestleMania, walking off and leaving Charlotte standing there furious.
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*MAGIC CARPET RIDE*
ARIYA DAIVARI walks out getting some boos from the live crowd. He snarls at the crowd before hopping over the ropes as he taunts the fans and waits for the first of his tag team partners to enter the ring.
*SHER (LION)*
JINDER MAHAL marches out getting loud boos from the crowd and he is flanked by the SINGH BROTHERS! The commentary team brings up Jinder being a former WWE and United States Champion, mocking his former tag team partner Heath Slater’s lack of singles success in WWE.
*I BRING THE DARKNESS (END OF DAYS)*
BARON CORBIN marches out getting loud boos from the crowd. He is still in his signature waistcoat and taunts the fans as he heads down the entrance ramp. The commentary says Corbin has been teasing and mocking Heath Slater lately, leading to this trios match being made tonight. He stands in the ring beside his tag team partners as they wait for their opponents.
*MORE THAN ONE MAN*
HEATH SLATER makes his way out getting a decent pop from the live crowd. He plays to the live crowd as the commentary team wonders who is sending Heath Slater these letters. The speculation carries on as we wait for…
*SUBCULTURE*
SUBCULTURE! They get a decent pop from the live crowd as FLASH MORGAN WEBSTER and MARK ANDREWS lead the way, followed by their close friend DANI LUNA! Michael Cole mentions the duo agreed to back up Heath after hearing the comments the 3 men in the ring had made. Elias says SubCulture is looking to get back on track in the tag division and a win tonight helps with that. After a brief talk, Flash starts for the babyface team while Jinder Mahal starts for the heel team and the referee calls for the bell to get the opening match underway!
Match 1: SubCulture and Heath Slater w/Dani Luna vs Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal and Ariya Daivari w/The Singh Brothers
Match summary: SubCulture uses their speed and fast pace to keep control of the match, overcoming the power that Corbin and Mahal bring to the match. Heath also gets a good showing, with the crowd giving him a decent reaction for his performances here. In the end, SubCulture dives through the ropes and takes out Baron Corbin/Jinder Mahal leaving Heath alone in the ring with Ariya Daivari hitting him with E-MINOR for the win!
Winners via pinfall: SubCulture and Heath Slater (5:57)
Heath Slater is joined in the ring by SubCulture with Dani Luna raising Heath’s hand after their victory tonight. Michael Cole says we might have seen a bit of the potential the person writing those letters has seen in Heath whilst Elias wonders if this will get Baron Corbin to back off from Slater. The bad guys slowly retreat up the entrance ramp whilst the celebrations carry on and Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the inside of WADE BARRETT’S OFFICE! He is filling in some paperwork when SHAYNA BASZLER confronts him and demands a rematch with Charlotte Flair tonight. Barrett refuses pointing out that not only is Charlotte not cleared for action after last night but neither is she. Shayna says she doesn’t care what the doctor says, she wants her title back and says she is owed a rematch after holding it for 6 months!
Wade Barrett shakes his head pointing out the antics of the MMA Horsewomen and the amount of headaches their reign has caused them. Natalya looks to chime in saying that they have taken the women’s division to new heights but Wade says Shayna can earn her rematch if she wants. Shayna looks angry but nods at her lackeys signifying they should stay quiet. He tells them there will be 3 qualifying matches through the night leading to a 4-way elimination match to decide who will fight Charlotte Flair in 3 weeks! Shayna promises to finish what she started at Starrcade before storming off as Wade goes back to business.
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*BRING THE SWAG*
Loud cheers from the live crowd as THE STREET PROFITS make their way out. Neither man looks happy coming off a rough loss at Starrcade and Michael points out Cedric hooked the tights to steal the win for The Hurt Business! Elias says The Street Profits keep coming this close to becoming tag team champions but something gets in their way each time. Michael Cole brings up the injuries both have suffered throughout the years as well before we cut to the ring with both men holding microphones.
Montez repeats what the commentary team had said and talks about coming this close to holding the tag team titles but once again they were cheated out of them. Dawkins says Cedric pulled on his tights and cheated them out of the titles as they knew it was the only way to stop them! The crowd agrees with the fired-up Street Profits as they carry on and call out the Hurt Business wanting a rematch tonight, right here on Raw. They wait a few moments before they are interrupted by…
*COMBATIVE*
THE ONE TWOS?!? Boos from the crowd hoping that it was going to be the World tag team champions but ONEY LORCAN and DANNY BURCH stand on the entrance ramp with scowls on their face, pointing at the Street Profits in the ring. Oney says the Street Profits did what they always do, they came up short but instead of being men and getting to the back of the line they have come out here to complain and beg for another title shot. Ford counters back saying they aren’t begging for nothing.
Danny takes the microphone and says that you lost so you need to earn another title shot instead of making teams like us wait even longer to get what we deserve. The crowd boos as Montez Ford tells them they can cut ahead of them in line once they get some hair! A decent pop for the slightly lame insult but it works in pissing off the One Twos. They tell the Street Profits to watch their mouth but instead, get dared to enter the ring! The One Twos tells the Street Profits they will do this on their terms and walk off to boos from the crowd leaving The Street Profits annoyed.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see TOMMASO CIAMPA sitting down on a steel chair leaning on the back of it with his arms crossed and a smug look on his face. He tells the camera that last night he defeated Kofi and showed that he belongs at the top of the WWE. He points out he has been making a habit of beating former WWE Champions after the beating he gave the Miz but now he has his sights on the WWE title. He finishes the promo telling the camera that Big E would be smart to stay out of his way.
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*CALLING YOU OUT*
DANI LUNA makes her way out for the 2nd time tonight getting decent cheers from the crowd. She slaps hands with a few of the fans in the front row as the commentary team says she saw her close friends SubCulture pick up the win and wonders if she will do the same.
*THE FURY*
ALEXA BLISS marches out onto the entrance with a scowl on her face getting boos from the live crowd. Michael Cole says he is getting word from Wade Barrett that he has banned all seconds from ringside for these matches. Elias says that might explain Alexa’s mood as she walks to the ring. Bliss steps inside as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 2: Alexa Bliss vs Dani Luna
Match summary: Alexa Bliss tries to come at Dani Luna aggressively, maybe underestimating the British superstar but she soon is made to regret it as Dani overpowers Alexa Bliss with ease and shows off her power game tossing the smaller Alexa Bliss around with ease. Bliss as the match goes on gets frustrated and pissed off at being shown by Dani Luna, resorting to an eye rake to take control of the match and work over the limbs of Dani.
Dani struggles on the mat as the 5-time Women’s Champion puts the pressure on her. Dani once again shows off her power and breaks out of the submissions. Bliss gets desperate as she is finding herself outmatched and overpowered heading up after taking down Luna. She heads to the top rope and dives off… DANI LUNA CATCHES HER IN MID-AIR AND HITS HER WITH LUNA LANDING (Fireman’s carry into a powerbomb)! Luna hooks the leg and picks up the huge win on Raw!
Winner via pinfall: Dani Luna (9:49)
A pretty decent pop from the fans as Dani Luna gets back to her feet and celebrates the victory tonight over Alexa Bliss, earning herself a spot in the number-one contender’s match next week. Michael Cole gives Dani Luna a lot of credit saying she proved herself as a force in the Women’s division tonight while Alexa Bliss throws a tantrum at ringside, having not expected this to happen!
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*LIMITLESS*
KEITH LEE makes his way out to start the 2nd hour getting a loud pop from the live crowd, having been a more prominent fixture on the red brand since the King of the Ring tournament. He lifts his NXT title into the air with the commentary team hyping up NXT Takeover Boxing Day in Madison Square Garden where he will defend the title against Damien Priest. Both put over the challenge awaiting Keith Lee but wonder why he is out here tonight.
He stands in the ring and looks at the crowd with a smile on his face, with the title over his shoulder and a microphone in his hand. He tells the crowd it is great to be in Des Moines getting a cheap pop from the crowd. He says before he gets down to business he wants the crowd to stop and take a moment of their time to bask in his glory! He lifts the NXT title into the air and the crowd goes wild basking it in. He smiles and thanks the fans for indulging him.
Keith says he will be defending his NXT title in 5 nights in Madison Square Garden against a man he respects: Damien Priest. The crowd gives a small pop for Damien with them not knowing who he is just yet. Keith says his full focus is on keeping the NXT title around his waist but he always has his eyes on the future and wants to become a double champion one more time. The crowd is intrigued as Keith Lee smiles and says that’s what brings him to the ring tonight.
He says he has spoken to William Regal and Wade Barrett who have agreed to allow him to enter the Royal Rumble match! A loud pop from the live crowd as the 3rd entrant into the match is confirmed. Keith has a smirk on his face as he tells the crowd he has always dreamed of entering and winning the Royal Rumble. He talks about the two men confirmed in the match already: Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston. He says both have been inspirations to how he should conduct himself and act but before he can say another word…
*DO I*
JAMES STORM walks out onto the entrance getting boos from the crowd. Michael Cole reminds us that James Storm and Humberto Carrillo were traded to Raw in a deal with Smackdown for Noam Dar and Kenny Wiliams. He has a microphone in his hand as he points at Keith Lee in the ring. He tells the crowd he has just come to Monday Night Raw because he needs a new place to drink whilst his partner is on the shelf but already he can see what’s wrong with this place.
He points at Keith Lee telling him this is not his turf and he needs to leave his show right now. Keith just scoffs in response but James is not happy walking towards the ring. Keith Lee tells Storm that he has no intention of leaving and if James wants him to leave he is going to have to make him. James scoffs and points at Keith walking to the ring before shaking his head and walking off. James says he will deal with Keith on his terms, not his ending the promo.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see WADE BARRETT standing in his office once again. He looks at the camera and says we are 6 weeks away from the Royal Rumble but he wants to get down to business and confirm who will be fighting Samoa Joe for the WWE title at the event. He says that whilst Drew is his friend, it is time for someone new to get their chance and that’s why in next week’s main event we will have a 20-man battle royal to find out who fights Samoa Joe at Royal Rumble containing only people who have never held the World, Universal or WWE title. The graphic then appears on the screen confirming the following names:
Angel Garza, Baron Corbin, Big E, Danny Burch, Flash Morgan Webster, Humberto Carrillo, James Storm, Lio Rush, Mark Andrews, Montez Ford, Mustafa Ali, Oney Lorcan, Pete Dunne, Ricochet, Sami Zayn, Swerve Strickland, Tommaso Ciampa, Tony Nese, Tyler Bate and Xavier Woods
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*WHATEVER IT TAKES*
AMALE makes her way out to the ring getting boos from the crowd. The French hope looks at the crowd with disdain before heading to the ring, ready for action. Michael Cole and Elias mention that Amale feels she is above the common people and will be looking to prove it tonight.
*PAPARAZZI*
MELINA has the red carpet rolled out for her and walks to the ring with a purpose. She gets a decent pop from the live crowd before walking to the ring with purpose. Michael Cole and Elias put over the legend, saying she still wants to become a Women’s Champion for a 6th time. Both women enter the ring and the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway.
Match 3: Melina vs Amale
Match summary: Amale is very cocky and looks to show up the veteran in this match but Melina keeps her cool. Amale soon realizes she might be in over her depth as Melina takes control of the match and puts the French Hope away hitting her with THE PRIMAL SCREAM!
Winner via pinfall: Melina (5:23)
Melina gets to her feet and celebrates the victory with a smile on her face, a step closer to becoming a 6-time Women’s Champion. Michael Cole and Elias put over her veteran experience plus the fact her tag team partner Piper Niven has a qualifying match herself later on tonight, potentially giving them an advantage in the match later on tonight.
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We return from the commercial break and see BREEZANGO hanging around after a photoshoot. TYLER BREEZE looks a little down after losing his Cruiserweight title match to Lio Rush at the PPV. FANDANGO looks to get his spirits up and says this is not over with the Hurt Business. He issues a challenge to any member of the Hurt Business on next week’s Raw. He promises that now they hold all of the gold, they will be a target for them until Breezango finally holds gold.
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We then cut to THE NEW DAY locker room backstage with BIG E, KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS looking directly at the camera. Big E says last night might have been the greatest night of his career, beating the legend that is Goldberg. He talks about watching him as a child and taking inspiration from the legend. He lifts the New-Day-themed Money in the Bank briefcase into the air and says he feels even more confident about cashing this in at WrestleMania 37 to become a World Champion.
Xavier Woods chimes in and says he might even get a world title match before WrestleMania, bringing up the battle royal both men are in next week. Woods says he knows Big E is capable of winning it but Kofi reminds him that Woods is in it too and could win himself. Woods seems unsure but Kofi says if Woods were to win next week and Kofi won the Rumble, we could even have a New Day triple threat. Both the other two men nod, liking the sound of them hugging each other as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see MUSTAFA ALI sitting backstage. He smiles at the camera saying he did what he promised and shows that once again, Ziggler quits when the going gets tough. Ali tells the camera that is enough about him now though because he is moving on and has his sights on not just getting his Cruiserweight title back from Lio Rush but getting a chance at the WWE title. He brings up missing out on his shots two years ago due to injury but now? He is better than he has ever been and knows the weight of being a champion so plans to be the heart of Monday Night Raw.
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*TRAP OR TREAT*
JINNY walks out getting loud boos from the crowd. She looks at the fans with disgust before climbing inside the ropes waiting for her opponent. The commentary team brings up the fact that Jinny is even more arrogant and snooty than her tag team partner Amale. Jinny online before the show says she wants to bring a touch of class and gold to the house of couture but to do this she needs to overcome…
*THE CULLING*
PIPER NIVEN! The Scot walks to the ring with a smile on her face as the crowd cheers for her. She even slaps hands with a few of the fans in the front row before climbing into the ring and coming face-to-face with Jinny. The commentary team brings up their history over the years and is familiar with each other during their time wrestling in the UK. The referee once both women are in the ring calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 4: Jinny vs Piper Niven
Match summary: Jinny is very overmatched in this match, with Piper using her size and power to dominate the match, tossing her around with ease. Jinny tries to go for the legs of Piper but once again Piper overcomes this by kicking her away. Jinny is in trouble and Piper looks in total control, playing to the crowd before climbing up top as she goes for the SCOT DROP… JINNY GETS HER KNEES UP AND ROLLS UP PIPER… HOLDING THE ROPES… AND GETS THE 3 COUNT!
Winner via pinfall: Jinny (5:51)
Piper kicks out just after the 3 but Jinny has stolen the victory tonight and earns the last spot in the number one contender’s match next week! She rolls out of the ring not even waiting for the referee to raise her hand and gloats outside the ring. Piper argues with the referee saying she pulled her tights but Jinny outside the ring mocks her doing a crybaby taunt. Piper has to be calmed down by the referee as we cut to a commercial break.
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*IT’S TIME*
THE HURT BUSINESS makes their way out in fancy suits soaking in the boos from the live crowd. MVP stands in front with E.J. NDUKA by his side, backing him up, and then behind him are his clients draped in gold: SAMOA JOE (WWE), SWERVE STRICKLAND (IC), LIO RUSH (CRUISERWEIGHT), SHELTON BENJAMIN AND CERDIC ALEXANDER (WORLD TAG TEAM). We also see a bunch of gorgeous women hanging off the sides of them, with Nduka and Swerve paying the most attention to them as they head to the ring.
Michael Cole says The Hurt Business has been like a force we have not seen in years, taking over the men’s division on Monday Night Raw and now they hold all of the gold on Raw in the men’s division. Elias says that whilst they have worked as a unit to dominate the red brand, they have also proved they can do it alone, especially Samoa Joe and Swerve Strickland. The Hurt Business climbs into the ring taking a seat on the luxury set as MVP grabs the microphone and looks to address the live crowd.
MVP starts the promo by telling everyone that when he makes a promise, he makes sure to follow through on it and as you can see, business has never been better. All of the Hurt Business have smiles on their faces looking at their gold (and in Nduka's case the woman next to him). MVP says when he approached each of these men, he made the promise that he would deliver them gold and he has done just that. He says now begins their domination at the top of Monday Night Raw.
MVP says that this is the start of a dynasty and the Hurt Business will run Monday Night Raw for months to come. Samoa Joe walks up to MVP asking for the microphone which MVP is happy to give to him. Joe gives Drew McIntyre credit for his attempt to bring him down last night but he says the WWE title is going to have to be taken from these cold dead hands! The crowd gives the legend a mixed reaction but the majority do boo Samoa Joe here.
He promises whoever wins the battle royal is in for a world of hurt and pain if they step into the ring with him. That comment gets some looks from Rush and Swerve in the background, all of whom are in the battle royal next week. Rush grabs a microphone of his own saying that Joe might have him or Swerve in the match but Joe doesn’t back down saying he will crush them all the same saying it is just business. MVP looks a little worried as Swerve gets up with a microphone of his own.
Swerve and Joe come face to face and there is tension between both men. Joe has a scowl on his face but Swerve smirks on his face as he stares down Samoa Joe. Swerve shows 0 fear as he tells Joe that if he wins the battle royal, he will make sure to keep the gold in the Hurt Business, tapping it on Joe’s shoulder! Joe looks to move forward but MVP stops him and tells Swerve to take a seat. Swerve shrugs and heads back to the seats as MVP plays damage control.
MVP says when you have top stars like The Hurt Business, they all want to be on top. Joe nods but is still glaring at Swerve Strickland who just has a smug smirk on his face. MVP looks at Joe and tells him to show that fire when he batters Sheamus in tonight’s main event. Joe nods as MVP wraps the promo up by telling Fandango he heard his challenge and Shelton Benjamin will be happy to put you in your place. He wraps the promo up saying they are in the Hurt Business and business is booming!
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When we return from the commercial break, THE BRIAN KENDRICK is already waiting in the ring for his opponent who is…
*WORLDS APART*
SAMI ZAYN! He looks a bit upset having come off losing the Intercontinental title last night to Swerve Strickland. He still slaps hands with some of the fans and fires them up en route to the ring. Michael Cole says Sami will be looking to get back on track after his loss last night. Elias says Brian Kendrick will be looking to pounce and take advantage of Sami maybe being off his game tonight. Both men are in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 5: Sami Zayn vs The Brian Kendrick
Match summary: Sami wouldn’t allow Brian to take advantage of anything during this match, taking total control of the match and defeating Kendrick with the BLUE THUNDER BOMB!
Winner via pinfall: Sami Zayn (2:22)
The crowd loudly cheers as Sami Zayn returns to his feet celebrating his victory on tonight’s Raw. Michael Cole and Elias give Sami credit for putting the loss to Swerve behind him quickly tonight on Raw. Sami doesn’t spend too long celebrating as he calls to someone at ringside to pass him a microphone. Sami thanks the fans for always supporting him which gets a loud cheap pop from the crowd. Sami smiles but tells the fans he is sorry for letting them down last night.
The crowd is unhappy at that, making it clear Sami did not but the former IC Champion shakes his head. He tells the fans he held the Intercontinental title for 5 months and was proud to be a fighting champion. He gives Swerve credit for being the better man last night but he is not done with the Hurt Business. He says next week he is in the battle royal for the chance to fight Samoa Joe for the WWE title at the Royal Rumble. He says he has faced giants before and overcome them, promising that one day he will be a World Champion!
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After the previous promo comes to an end, we cut to a red brick wall which means it is time to hear from BRITISH STRONG STYLE! PETE DUNNE, TYLER BATE and TRENT SEVEN stand in a Peaky Blinders style jacket as Trent goes through the usual introduction for the group. He speaks about this being the biggest time of the year in the WWE and the time where stars can be made. Bate has a big smile on his face whilst Pete Dunne looks unimpressed sitting back and letting Trent speak. Trent turns to Pete and asks him what he is focused on. Pete is blunt and says breaking Angel’s fingers.
He tells Trent that in 2 weeks he will be fighting Angel Garza in a submission match! Bate says whilst Dunne has his eyes on that, he wants Cruiserweight gold promising to come after Lio Rush. Trent says there is almost the small matter of the battle royal next week with the winner getting Samoa Joe at the Royal Rumble, wanting both men to play nice. Bate and Dunne refuse to promise anything, stating that the best man will win and share a fist bump as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, NIA JAX stands in front of the camera with a smug smirk on her face. She tells the camera that she has been overlooked as usual but she has had enough of it. She tells the fans that there is no one more dominant than her so she is entering the Women’s Royal Rumble! She brings up being able to dominate men when she entered the Men’s Rumble two years ago and this year she will win the Women’s Royal Rumble, promising to prove to Rhea she is the real dominant force on Raw and that Survivor Series was a fluke.
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*SOVIET MARCH*
A decent pop from the live crowd as ILJA DRAGUNOV makes his way out with a microphone in hand. The commentary team brings up his recent departure from The Ungovernables, turning against them due to the actions towards his friend Cesaro who has not been seen since a brutal attack by the group on Raw about a month ago. Ilja slides into the ring and paces around it before making it clear he does not like to talk nor is he a patient man so he will make this brief.
He was part of a group of people without honor. Men who would cheat to get ahead but Cesaro and I are not men who live that way. We love to fight and we should have left the Ungovernables a long time ago. Ilja says he joined them to give his family more money back home but now it is time for him to fight the right way and get his money so he demands Andrade get out here right now. The crowd cheers loudly wanting to see a fight and they don’t have to wait too long…
*GANGSTA’S PARADISE*
ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS MAKES HIS WAY OUT WITH A MICROPHONE! He is in a fancy white suit and sunglasses as he smugly looks at Ilja. The Russian is slightly suspicious due to Andrade being alone and asks where Zelina plus the rest are. Andrade says he has come out here to speak mano a mano with Ilja. The Russian remains suspicious as Andrade stops halfway down the entrance ramp saying he just came to talk but Ilja says he came here for a fight.
Andrade shakes his head and smiles telling Ilja that is not how he does business. He tells Ilja he is a star and that fighting is worth a lot of money so he is not giving it to these fans unannounced for free! He tells Ilja if he wants to fight him it will be next week on Raw. Ilja shouts that he accepts the challenge as Andrade smirks saying there was one more condition… ANGEL GARZA AND HUMBERTO CARRILLO SLIDE INTO THE RING BEHIND HIM!
Andrade says Ilja has to make it to next week and THE TWO COUSINS ATTACK HIM! Loud boos from the crowd as the Cruiserweights lay a two-man beating on Ilja on the mat. Andrade has a wicked smirk on his face as he slowly takes off his suit jacket… BUT ILJA IS STARTING TO FIGHT BACK! He clobbers Angel and Humberto with hard strikes including a headbutt to Angel rocking him. The crowd is behind him… ANDRADE CATCHES HIM WITH A WICKED SPINNING BACK ELBOW! Andrade grabs the prone body of Ilja ready to do more damage until…
*LOVE IS BLINDNESS*
BRITISH STRONG STYLE runs down the entrance ramp and heads straight to the ring, fighting off Andrade, Angel and Carrillo! PETE DUNNE is especially aggressive in his attack on Angel Garza and teases snapping his fingers… ZELINA VEGA APPEARS TO PULL HIM FROM THE RING! Andrade and Humberto also roll out of the ring, retreating to the back now the numbers are not in their favor. TRENT SEVEN and TYLER BATE check on Ilja Dragunov whilst Dunne dares them to come back as we cut to a commercial break.
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*PARTY ALL THE TIME*
K2 makes their way out once we return from the commercial break, getting a decent pop from the live crowd. KATANA CHANCE and KAYDEN CARTER party with the fans on the way to the ring, pumping up the live crowd as they wait for their opponents tonight…
*SEVERED HEAD*
WE RIOTTS! The tag team makes their way out getting a decent number of boos from the live crowd. Neither RUBY RIOTT nor SHOTZI BLACKHEART look to be in a good mood as they step into the ring. The commentary team points out the entire women’s division is looking to prove themselves ahead of the Royal Rumble. Shotzi starts for her team whilst Kayden starts for hers as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 6: K2 vs We Riotts
Match summary: K2 wrestles this match at a fast pace right from the start of the match. We Riotts try to ground the duo in the early stages of the match but the agility of the party girls is hard for them to keep up with. As the match reaches the closing stages, Ruby finally finds a way to isolate Kayden Carter and they work over her in the corner. Katana tries to help her friend but is cut off leading to Ruby hitting Kayden with WE RIOT! Ruby makes the cover and gives her team the win!
Winners via pinfall: We Riotts (6:39)
Ruby Riott gets to her feet and celebrates the victory over K2 having potentially put themselves in line for a future Women’s tag team title shot in the New Year. Katana checks on her teammate whilst We Riotts head to the back to carry on their celebrations later tonight.
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We cut backstage to see SHEAMUS walking to the ring ahead of tonight’s main event. He is stopped by CATHY KELLEY looking for an interview. Sheamus has a smile on his face happy to speak to her as she asks how Drew is doing after last night. He says the fella is a bit beaten up but he will be back on Monday Night Raw next week to confirm what’s next for him. Cathy then brings him to tonight’s main event and if Sheamus is going into the match looking for revenge for Drew. Sheamus says kicking Joe’s ass to make up for Drew losing last night sounds fun but Drew wouldn’t want that. He lost fair and square so I’m fighting Joe for my own benefit.
He points out that if he pins Joe tonight he would be in line for a future WWE title shot. Cathy says that his plan down the road as Sheamus smirks and says his main goal at the moment is the one title he has never won: The Intercontinental title. He says he wants to win that title once before his career wraps up and angering the Hurt Business might put him in line for it. Sheamus walks off ending the interview and the commentary team confirms that the main event is going to take place next!
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Ad break
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the commentary team first of all who confirms Keith Lee versus James Storm will be taking place on Monday Night Raw in two weeks. They speculate if Keith Lee will walk into the match as NXT Champion or if Damien Priest will defeat him at NXT Takeover Boxing Day.
*WRITTEN IN MY FACE*
SHEAMUS walks out onto the entrance ramp getting a loud pop from the live crowd. He slaps hands with a few of the fans after beating his chest in the usual fashion before walking to the ring. Michael Cole reminds us this is a WrestleMania 36 rematch with these two colliding then and Samoa Joe picking up the victory. Elias says it was the start of the career run Samoa Joe has been on, could Sheamus be the one to bring that run of form to an end?
*COLISEUM CLASH*
SAMOA JOE marches out onto the entrance ramp next getting a mixed reaction from the live crowd. It is mostly booing as he lifts his WWE title into the air before being joined by MVP and SWERVE STRICKLAND! MVP walks to the ring with Samoa Joe whilst Swerve Strickland in his crisp suit takes a seat on commentary. They ask why he is out here and Swerve says he heard Sheamus’s comments, lifting up his Intercontinental title up saying he is always scouting the competition. Sheamus noticeably eyes up Swerve outside the ring before turning to Samoa Joe inside the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Main event: Samoa Joe w/MVP vs Sheamus
Match summary: Joe and Sheamus start the match off clobbering each other with hard strikes. Each man shows off why they are known for power, evenly matched in the opening stages. Swerve comments on both men being more focused on power than skill and it’s good to see how Joe fights up close once again, referencing his victory over Joe earlier this year. Michael Cole and Elias both ask if there is tension with The Hurt Business but Swerve just chuckles evilly saying he is just having some competitive fun.
Back in the ring, Samoa Joe starts to take control by switching tactics and going for submissions instead of trying to overpower the Celtic Warrior. Joe targets the back of Sheamus, something the commentary team mentions he has had surgery on within the last couple of years, and wears down Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior tries to overpower Joe and escape but Joe cuts him off each time, staying in total control of the match. Swerve watches on commentary with a smirk giving props to his partner for how vicious he is.
Heading towards the closing stages of the match, Sheamus has started to make a fight back getting off the BEATS OF BODHRAN! He brings Joe into the ring and shows off his power hitting THE CELTIC CROSS TO JOE! He gets a close 2 count so heads to the corner to line him up… BUT SWERVE LEAVES COMMENTARY AND DISTRACTS SHEAMUS! He tells Sheamus this is what he wants as The Celtic Warrior shakes his head before turning back to Joe… BUT THE MOMENT DISTRACTION WAS ENOUGH FOR JOE TO POUNCE AND GET HIM UP FOR THE MUSCLEBUSTER! Joe hooks the leg 1 2 3 Samoa Joe wins!
Winner via pinfall: Samoa Joe (15:08)
Samoa Joe gets to his feet with a smug look on his face as he looks at Swerve Strickland outside the ring. Swerve takes the WWE title and slides into the ring, passing it to Joe as he raises his hand in the air. Joe doesn’t trust Swerve but he focuses on celebrating the victory with MVP joining his two clients in the middle of the ring. The commentary team teases a potential all Hurt Business clash in the coming weeks whilst an angry Sheamus looks on and Raw fades to black.
Confirmed matches for next week:
Main event: 20-man battle royal number one contender’s match for the WWE title:
Entrants: Angel Garza, Baron Corbin, Big E, Danny Burch, Flash Morgan Webster, Humberto Carrillo, James Storm, Lio Rush, Mark Andrews, Montez Ford, Mustafa Ali, Oney Lorcan, Pete Dunne, Ricochet, Sami Zayn, Swerve Strickland, Tommaso Ciampa, Tony Nese, Tyler Bate and Xavier Woods
Number one contender’s fatal 4-way match for the Women’s Universal title:
Shayna Baszler vs Dani Luna vs Melina vs Jinny
Singles match:
Andrade Cien Almas vs Ilja Dragunov
Singles match:
Fandango vs Shelton Benjamin
Confirmed matches for two weeks:
Submission match:
Pete Dunne vs Angel Garza
Singles match:
Keith Lee vs James Storm
Confirmed matches for three weeks:
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair © vs Shayna Baszler or Dani Luna or Melina or Jinny
Matchcard for Royal Rumble
January 31st 2021
St Louis, Missouri
The Dome at Americans Center
EVA UNDER FIRE – I WILL FIGHT
Men’s Royal Rumble match:
Daniel Bryan, Keith Lee, Kofi Kingston and 27 entrants
Women’s Royal Rumble match:
Nia Jax, Rhea Ripley and 28 other entrants
WWE title match:
Samoa Joe vs ???
And
Bad Bunny will perform his new song: Booker T!
EWR Rating:
68%
