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Monday Night Raw (Taped)
December 28th 2020
Des Moines, Iowa
Wells Fargo arena
HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
December 28th 2020
Des Moines, Iowa
Wells Fargo arena
HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
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*TRAP OR TREAT*
The opening video for Monday Night Raw comes to an end and we cut right to the ring as JINNY is making her way out ahead of the number one contender’s 4-way elimination match at the start of the show. She gets boos from the crowd as Michael Cole and Elias welcome us to the broadcast. They confirm that the winner of the match tonight will fight Charlotte Flair for the Women’s Universal title in two weeks on Raw.
*CALLING YOU OUT*
DANI LUNA walks out next getting a decent pop from the live crowd. She slaps hands with a few kids in the front row and looks fired up as she heads to the ring. Michael Cole calls this the biggest match of hers and Jimmy’s career tonight, both a win away from a Women’s Universal title shot. Elias says he knows the rest of SubCulture will root for her from the backstage area.
*PAPARAZZI*
MELINA gets the red carpet rolled out for her and makes her way out as the paparazzi take pictures of her. She soaks in the cheers from the crowd as Michael Cole brings up the 5 women’s titles she already has and she is looking to become a 6-time champion. Elias says her veteran experience might pay dividends tonight.
*LOYALTY IS EVERYTHING*
SHAYNA BASZLER marches out onto the entrance with one of the WWE Women’s tag team titles around her waist. She has a towel over her neck and is getting loud boos from the crowd. Michael Cole reminds us that she is coming off a loss to Sasha Banks in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight on Smackdown 3 nights ago. Elias says that anger will fuel her as she looks to get her Women’s Universal title back. Shayna hops over the ropes and stands in front of the other 3 women as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 1: Number one contender’s 4-way elimination match: Shayna Baszler vs Dani Luna vs Jinny vs Melina
Match summary: Shayna in the opening stages of the match is limping and struggling on her right leg after the damage done by Charlotte Flair at Starrcade. Jinny takes her little potshots and stays hidden where she can, leaving most of the ring action to the other 3 women. Dani Luna gets to show off her power and tosses around Shayna Baszler keeping her out of the ring. Melina tries to get the match going in her favor but out of nowhere, Jinny pounces hitting the FASHION LINE (Rainmaker)! Jinny hooks the leg and eliminates Melina!
Eliminated via pinfall by Jinny: Melina (6:37)
Jinny tries to be sneaky and slide out of the ring but neither Shayna nor Dani let her escape forcing her back into the ring. Jinny gets a bit of a beating before sliding out of the ring to leave Dani and Shayna alone in the ring. Shayna tries to wear down Dani with a series of submissions. Still, Dani overpowers Shayna, sending her out of the ring! Jinny sneaks into the ring looking to roll up Dani but she kicks out at two! Jinny tries to get away from Dani but she slams her down before LOCKING HER IN THE CATTLE MUTILATION SUBMISSION! Jinny tries to fight out but she is trapped and taps out!
Eliminated via submission by Dani Luna: Jinny (9:54)
Dani drops Jinny to the mat and gets to her feet face-to-face with Shayna Baszler. The commentary team then tells us the match will continue after the commercial break!
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When we return from the commercial break, Shayna has taken control of the match by working over the arms of Dani Luna trying to take away her power game. Dani shows her own experience with submissions by countering Shayna and locking in a bunch of submissions of her own! The two women are evenly matched as Dani Luna is getting more and more of the crowd into her as she pushes Shayna Baszler to the limit even getting CATTLE MUTILATION LOCKED IN!
Shayna is trapped in the lethal submission hold, Dani wrenches back with everything she has and Shayna is in a huge amount of trouble… SHAYNA GETS HER FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! Dani breaks the submission and sighs wondering what she will need to do to secure the win. She goes back on the attack but Shayna pounces on a slight wince… LOCKS IN THE KIRIFUDA CLUTCH! Shayna locks it in tight in the middle of the ring and traps Dani in the middle of the ring… AND SHE HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO TAP OUT!
Eliminated via submission by Shayna Baszler: Dani Luna (18:01)
Winner: Shayna Baszler (18:01)
Winner: Shayna Baszler (18:01)
Shayna holds on for a few seconds before tossing Dani Luna to the mat and gets to her feet, standing tall over Dani Luna as she gloats to the crowd having picked up a big win. Michael Cole gives all the credit in the world to Dani Luna for her performance tonight but in the end, the submissions of Shayna were too much. Elias says Shayna Baszler now has what she wanted and in two weeks, she will have the chance to win back her Women’s Universal title!
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We cut to the backstage area to see Women’s Universal champion CHARLOTTE FLAIR watching on the monitor what just happened. CATHY KELLEY walks up to Charlotte looking for an interview with the Queen. Cathy asks how she feels about fighting Shayna Baszler one more time in two weeks. Charlotte says she has already beaten Shayna Baszler once before and will be happy to put her in her place again. She goes to walk off but stops smirking, telling Cathy that she will if Banks and Bayley don’t beat her to it!
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We cut elsewhere backstage, to see HEATH SLATER and RICK BOOGZ, as Heath is shown reading a letter. Rick is busy working out before looking over Heath's shoulder and asking him about the letter. Heath explains that someone has been sending letters saying they think he is the future of Monday Night Raw. Rick says someone sees what he sees slapping the back of Heath prompting a chuckle from the One Man Band but off-camera we hear loud laughter…
BARON CORBIN walks into the shot with a wicked grin on his face and mocks the pair of them, saying whoever is writing these letters must be delusional. Corbin carries on laughing until Rick gets up and confronts him, saying he may not have been around this past month but he has been watching Raw from home and saw how Corbin has treated his friend. Corbin refuses to back down leading to Boogz challenging him to a match on next week’s Raw which Corbin accepts.
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When we return from the commercial break, THE ONE TWOS are standing backstage with slight smiles. ONEY LORCAN starts by telling the fans they might not seem like it but they do have some respect for their fellow tag team combatants The Street Profits. DANNY BURCH says they were going to issue a challenge for a fight to the pair of them but they heard about Montez’s broken arm.
They take a moment to send their sympathies to the Street Profits but it is one hell of a way to avoid a match with them, getting loud boos from the live crowd. Both chuckle before saying that tonight they will be focused on singles success and making sure one of them wins tonight's battle royale, planning to be the ones to take the WWE title from the Hurt Business, promising to Angelo there too.
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*CHACHALALA*
*CHACHALALA*
FANDANGO makes his way out getting a decent pop from the live crowd and plays to the fans with his moves as TYLER BREEZE walks with him holding their signature selfie stick. Michael Cole says the dancer asked for this match to get revenge on The Hurt Business after Breeze lost to Lio Rush on the Starrcade pre-show. Elias says Fandango has proven himself to also be a dangerous singles competitor in the past and could be a tough challenge for…
*SET IT OFF*
SHELTON BENJAMIN! The veteran walks to the ring with the World tag team title around his waist, being joined by his tag team partner CEDRIC ALEXANDER! Both men get boos from the crowd as they taunt the fans on the way to the ring. Michael Cole says Shelton Benjamin is a multiple-time Intercontinental Champion as well as a former United States Champion. Elias says that’s why a win for Fandango could be so huge tonight. Shelton is now in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 2: Fandango w/Tyler Breeze vs Shelton Benjamin w/Cedric Alexander
Match summary: Fandango struggles in the early stages with the veteran Shelton Benjamin taking control of the match. Cedric talks a bunch of trash outside the ring during the match but Breeze ignores him. As we enter the closing stages Shelton is still in control but Fandango takes him by surprise hitting Shelton Benjamin with a FALCON ARROW for the shock win!
Winner via pinfall: Fandango (6:26)
Fandango gets to his feet and celebrates a big upset win to cheers from the live crowd… CEDRIC ALEXANDER ATTACKS HIM FROM HIM BEHIND! Boos from the live crowd as Tyler Breeze tries to stop the attack… SHELTON LOW BLOWS HIM! The tag team champions beat them down, laying in stiff boots and strikes before planting both men on the mat! The tag team champions lift their tag team titles into the air to boos from the crowd as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, JAMES STORM is sitting in a bar drinking beer by himself. He says losing your drinking buddy, he wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy. He wishes his close friend Bobby the best and promises when they return, they will bring tag team gold to their collection. James says right now he needs to focus on his own goals and his motives. He says tonight he is focusing on earning a shot at the WWE title.
He says 29 men are standing between him and an old friend from his days fighting all over America. He says Samoa Joe is not the only champion he wants to take gold from, next week he gets to show Keith Lee he is already making rookie mistakes. James says he was watching Takeover: Boxing Day and he saw how good Keith was but he ain’t on his level. He challenges Keith to be a man and put the NXT title on the line next week, in honor of his close friend, the greatest NXT Champion ever!
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*BROKEN DREAMS*
*BROKEN DREAMS*
DREW MCINTYRE marches out onto the entrance ramp getting loud cheers from the live crowd. He winces slightly but has a smile on his face as he heads towards the ring. Michael Cole says Drew McIntyre is coming off a rough loss at Starrcade, losing to Samoa Joe in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE title. Elias says Drew will be looking to get back on track and wonders what the Sinister Scotsman's plan going forward will be. Drew grabs a microphone from someone and rolls into the ring before standing in the middle of the ring.
Drew takes a moment before telling the fans that he makes no excuses for what happened at Starrcade. He gave Samoa Joe everything he had that night but Joe was the last man standing. The crowd cheers for the good sportsmanship from Drew. He says he may have issues with how Samoa Joe won it but he beat him fair and square at Starrcade so he is not going to come out here asking or demanding a rematch. Drew shakes his head before telling the crowd that doesn’t mean he is done chasing the WWE title!
The crowd cheers Drew for this line as he tells the fans he needs to earn another match with Samoa Joe another way and that’s why he is entering the Royal Rumble! The crowd loudly cheers as Drew reminds the crowd that he won the match last year, going to WrestleMania 36 and taking the WWE title from Roman Reigns. He plans on going back-to-back and tells Joe to watch his back. Drew drops the microphone posing for the live crowd as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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*SOVIET MARCH*
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*SOVIET MARCH*
ILJA DRAGUNOV marches out getting loud cheers from the crowd after his recent turn to the good side after leaving The Ungovernables. He sprints to the ring full of energy as he paces around waiting for Andrade. Michael Cole says Ilja believes in fighting with honor, something his opponent lacks. Elias says this will be a chance for Ilja to try to avenge his friend Cesaro after he was taken out by Andrade a few weeks ago.
*GANGSTER’S PARADISE*
ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS makes his way onto the stage and is joined by ZELINA VEGA as he gets loud boos from the live crowd. Michael Cole says Andrade is a former Universal Champion and is trying to get back on track since losing his title. Elias says he might be having a rougher time since losing his title at WrestleMania 36 but he is still one of the most dangerous competitors on Raw. Both men are inside the ring across from each other as the referee calls for the bell.
Match 3: Andrade Cien Almas w/Zelina Vega vs Ilja Dragunov
Match summary: Andrade is cocky once the bell rings and mocks the Mad Russian. Big mistake from the Universal Champion as ILJA LAYS IN A SERIES OF HARD CHOPS! He peppers Andrade until his chest turns red and Andrade realizes he is in for a hard fight! Andrade starts to fight back with his own series of hard strikes but Ilja shows his tenacity as he wins the striking exchange. Zelina on the outside shakes her head but shouts something in Spanish which prompts a nod from Andrade.
Andrade looks for a change of tactic going for his lucha skills instead looking to use his speed to take control of the match. The crowd even pops for Andrade’s unique offense as he gets Ilja down to the mat and even does the TRANQUILO POSE IN THE ROPES MOCKING ILJA AGAIN! Ilja keeps his cool but he shakes his head looking to go for a DROPKICK… BUT ANDRADE AVOIDS IT! Ilja lands outside the ring… AS ANDRADE SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES HITTING A TORNADO DDT TO THE RING FLOOR AS RAW GOES TO A COMMERCIAL BREAK!
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When we return from the commercial break, Andrade is in control of the match working over the Mad Russian with a series of submissions and overpowers the Cruiserweight. Ilja though fights through the pain before firing off his insane chops. The crowd is super into the match, with a few “This is awesome” chants as Ilja keeps alive as we approach the closing stages of the match. He lines up Andrade ready to go for TORPEDO MOSCOW… ANDRADE COUNTERS WITH THE SPINNING BACK ELBOW!
Andrade makes the cover but only gets a close 2 count! Andrade is now in control as he looks to get him up for the HAMMERLOCK DDT… ILJA DROPS HIM WITH THE RUSSIAN BOTTOM! Ilja also gets a close two count before running the ropes and HITS THE H-BOMB (Jumping forearm smash to a grounded opponent)! Ilja makes the cover once again 1 2 Andrade kicks out! Ilja shakes his head before pointing to the top rope and climbing to the top rope ready to go for the SUPER H-BOMB…
ZELINA VEGA GRABS HIS FOOT! Ilja turns around and kicks away Zelina Vega… BUT IT ALLOWS ANDRADE TO HIT A ROPE-JUMP ENZUIGIRI! Ilja is stunned and Andrade hits a HAMMERLOCK DDT FROM THE TOP ROPE SPIKING ILJA ON HIS HEAD! Andrade smirks before making the cover 1 2 3 Andrade Cien Almas picks up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (20:34)
Loud boos from the live crowd for the way he had won but Andrade doesn’t care having a smug look on his face as he taunts the live crowd. He looks at Ilja on the mat struggling before signaling to the back… ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO start to sprint down the entrance ramp joining Andrade in the ring, beating down on Ilja 3 on 2 in the middle of the ring. Michael Cole and Elias criticize these actions wondering if there is anyone to help Ilja…
*UPPERCUT OVERTURE (1812)*
CESARO sprints out from the back in a James Bond-style suit and heads straight for the ring! The commentary team brings up that we have not seen Cesaro for nearly 2 months after the attack by the Ungovernables but he is back on Raw for revenge. He gets into the ring and immediately EUROPEAN UPPERCUTS ANGEL GARZA SENDING HIM FROM THE RING! He turns around as Humberto Carrillo tries to charge at him… SWISS DEATH DROPPING THE CRUISERWEIGHT!
Cesaro turns around and comes face to face with ANDRADE… WHO ROLLS OUT OF THE RING TO LOUD BOOS FROM THE CROWD! He heads up the back with Zelina Vega and Angel Garza leaving Humberto Carrillo in the ring. Cesaro grabs Humberto by the legs and points directly at the retreating Andrade outside the ring… CESARO SWING TO HUMBERTO CARRILLO! He spins the Cruiserweight around as Andrade looks on and we cut elsewhere backstage!
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We cut to see an angry ALEXA BLISS standing next to her tag team partner MICKIE JAMES! Alexa says all night she has had to see people hyping up Dani Luna after her fluke win last week. She says people have forgotten she is a 5-time Women’s Champion and need to show them the respect they deserve. Mickie chimes in pointing out she is a 6-time Women’s Champion and maybe she needs to put Dani Luna in her place, challenging the young Brit to a singles match next week on Raw!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see RHEA RIPLEY walking through the back with a cocky smile as TOM PHILLIPS stops her for an interview. She asks Rhea how she is finding her time on Raw since coming over from NXT. She says it has been a blast making Raw her new home and promises to keep on knocking down everyone in her way to that Women’s Universal title. Tom brings up the current champion Charlotte Flair and asks about the tension between them in the last month or so.
Rhea says it is just business as both women want to be the best in this industry and there can only be one Women’s Universal Champion on Raw. She says she wants to beat Charlotte in the middle of the ring whilst others on Raw she is happy to crush into the ground due to their antics and actions. Rhea says she wants to beat Charlotte to avenge her loss to her at Queen of the Ring and now Charlotte is champion, it aligns perfectly with her plan to win the Royal Rumble!
Tom looks to wrap up the interview but they are soon interrupted by NATALYA and JESSAMYN DUKE! Natalya calls her win at Starrcade a fluke and tells Rhea that the Queen of Harts will be winning the rumble, confirming her entry into the match. Rhea scoffs at the suggestion of her win being a fluke and says since Nattie is in her gear why don’t she fight her tonight? Natalya is a bit nervous but tells Rhea she has a match right now… before pointing at Duke and saying she is free tonight. Duke fakes not being scared before the MMA Horsewomen duo walk off as we cut back to the ring.
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*OFF WITH HER HEAD*
*OFF WITH HER HEAD*
DAKOTA KAI makes her way out getting cheers from the crowd. She slaps hands with a few of the fans in the crowd before heading into the ring, joined by her tag team partner TEGAN NOX! Michael Cole says Team Kick came close to becoming WWE Women’s tag team champions at Starrcade but just missed out. Elias says Dakota has proven herself as a singles wrestler being a former NXT Women’s Champion but she is stepping into the ring with…
*NEW FOUNDATION*
NATALYA! She makes her way out onto the entrance ramp, joined by JESSAMYN DUKE as the MMA Horsewomen members walk to the ring with a purpose. Michael Cole says Natalya confirmed just now she is entering the Royal Rumble and she might be a dark horse to win the match due to her experience. Elias says the MMA Horsewomen are looking to get the gold they lost as a group back and it could mean trouble for the rest of the Women’s division. Dakota stands in the ring across from Natalya as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 4: Dakota Kai w/Tegan Nox vs Natalya w/Jessamyn Duke
Match summary: Natalya comes into the match with a gameplan of targeting the legs of Dakota Kai to try to take her kicks away but Kai had it scouted from before the bell. Kai controls the match to the surprise of Natalya who was expecting to be the dominant force in this match. Duke tries to make her presence felt at ringside but Tegan Nox takes care of her allowing Dakota to hit Natalya with the KAI-ROPRACTOR! Kai makes the cover and picks up a big win on Raw!
Winner via pinfall: Dakota Kai (6:30)
Dakota Kai gets to her feet and is joined in her celebrations by Tegan Nox whilst Duke pulls Natalya from the ring and the pair sulk to the back. Michael Cole says Dakota Kai’s performance tonight reminded everyone why she is a former NXT Women’s Champion and a threat in the singles division as well as the tag team division. Elias says we still don’t know who will be Women’s Universal Champion at Royal Rumble but Kai might be putting herself in line for a shot with a few more wins like that.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see THE STREET PROFITS standing next to each other. MONTEZ FORD has his arm in a sling whilst ANGELO DAWKINS has a red cup in one hand as he looks at his partner. Dawkins asks his friend how the arm is holding up and Ford says it ain’t great at the moment but it will heal. Dawkins hugs his friend and they promise the camera when Montez is back, they will become tag team champions and finally hold gold.
Dawkins nods before saying that’s the future, he wants to talk about the present. He says later on tonight, he has the chance to earn a WWE title shot at the Royal Rumble and fight Samoa Joe. He calls it the perfect way to get payback on the Hurt Business after the cheap tricks they pulled to keep the titles around their waist. Dawkins finishes by also bringing up the One Twos running their mouths and says if they want the smoke, he’ll gladly fight Oney Lorcan next week on Raw!
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We then cut to another bar backstage as SHEAMUS is having a pint. He has a slight scowl on his face as he brings up his loss to Joe last week. He blames himself for taking his eyes off the ball but says Swerve reminded him of what he wants the most right now, that Intercontinental title. He says it is the only title he has yet to win in his years in WWE so he wants to end his career off by finally winning it. He tells Swerve he wants to speak to him face-to-face in the ring next week.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see The Miz TV set in the ring and THE MIZ sitting in the middle of the ring with a microphone in his hand as he looks to the live crowd who are cheering for the A-Lister. The Miz plays to the crowd getting cheap pops from the fans before telling them that right now he will be interviewing arguably the greatest trio in WWE history…
*NEW DAY, NEW WAY*
THE NEW DAY! The crowd loudly cheers for BIG E, XAVIER WOODS and KOFI KINGSTON walking onto the entrance ramp, with Big E proudly showing off his New-Day-themed Money in the Bank briefcase. Michael Cole says Big E and Woods are in tonight’s battle royal whilst Kofi has confirmed his entrance into the Royal Rumble. Elias says Big E has talked about cashing in at WrestleMania 37 but wonders what if he wins the WWE title at the Rumble and then fights for the Universal title over the two nights.
The New Day climbed into the ring with each man shaking hands with The Miz before taking a seat across the ring from the former WWE Champion. The Miz welcomes them to the ring before speaking to Big E first asking about his plans to cash in his briefcase at WrestleMania 37. He asks Big E if he has had any doubts over the past 8 months about whether he should cash it in when the champion is weakened as he himself has done. Big E shakes his head and tells Miz he knew when he won this, it was his ticket for a KofiMania moment.
Big E says he saw what his best friend was able to do in the main event of WrestleMania and he wanted to do that himself. He wants to prove he belongs as one of the top stars of Monday Night Raw. Miz counters that he feels Big E is, pointing out his two Intercontinental title reigns, his numerous tag team reigns and big wins over the likes of Andrade throughout the year. Big E smiles but tells Miz until he wins the WWE title at WrestleMania 37, he won’t feel like he has proven that after a series of near misses recently.
Miz wonders if Big E is suffering similar confidence issues to Xavier prompting Woods to chime in. He says Big E doesn’t lack confidence and if anything, Big E gives him confidence. He tells Miz that these two men have helped him with his confidence issues and that’s why he believes he can win tonight’s battle royal. Loud cheers from the crowd bringing a smile to the faces of Kofi and Big E. Miz then turns to Kofi looking to ask the former WWE Champion how he feels knowing he wins the rumble; he might face one of these two men at WrestleMania 37.
Kofi smiles and reminds Miz the winner of the Royal can choose to fight for either the WWE or the Universal title. He says it would be an honor fighting Big E or Woods or even both of them on the grandest stage of them all, but what would be better? Them all holding gold to end WrestleMania 37. Woods and Big E nod in agreement with a loud pop from the live crowd liking the idea as well. The Miz looks to carry on his questions but they are soon interrupted by…
*NO ONE WILL SURVIVE*
TOMMASO CIAMPA! He walks out onto the entrance ramp with a microphone in hand getting loud boos from the live crowd. Miz gets to his feet and makes it clear he is not welcome out here. Ciampa does the Scott Hall spooky fingers taunt before telling Miz he has no problem putting him down one more time. The A-Lister looks ready to leave the ring but Big E puts a hand on his shoulder and walks towards the ropes pointing at Ciampa at the top of the entrance ramp.
Big E tells Ciampa if he wants to fight, he can fight him right now. The former NXT Champion shakes his head telling Big E if they battle it will be on his terms not Big E’s. This brings boos from the crowd but he promises to not only see Big E later tonight but also to see Xavier Woods. Woods steps forward but Kofi keeps him back. Ciampa says he will do whatever it takes to become WWE Champion and that includes beating all of the New Day if he needs to. Ciampa drops the microphone leading to a stare down between him and The New Day as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we returned from the commercial break, we cut to KEITH LEE standing backstage with the NXT World title on show and a slightly smug content look on his face. He starts the promo by giving credit to Damien Priest for his performance at NXT Takeover: Boxing Day and calls him a future star. Keith says he now has attention on the Royal Rumble and becoming the first-ever NXT star to win the Rumble but also his match next week with James Storm!
He says James Storm is someone he watched fighting all over America for years but he always had to bask in the glory of his friend Bobby. Keith smiles slightly before telling James that Bobby is not the greatest NXT Champion ever, he is and that’s why he will put the NXT title on the line on next week’s Raw. He promises to show James Storm why not only he is the NXT Champion but why he is going to win the Royal Rumble. He finishes the promo with a smile and a determined look before we cut back to the ring.
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*GLASGOW CROSS*
*GLASGOW CROSS*
NIKKI CROSS charges out onto the entrance ramp full of wild energy. ISLA DAWN slowly walks onto the entrance ramp following after her with a slight smile on her face whilst the crowd cheers the witchy duo. Michael Cole says Nikki Cross will be looking to get closer to either a women’s title match or a spot in the Royal Rumble. Elias says she ain’t the only one as…
*WE RIOT*
RUBY RIOTT makes her way out! She is soon joined by her tag team partner SHOTZI BLACKHEART as the duo get boos from the live crowd. Michael Cole says 2020 is coming to an end and Ruby has not won a title, something she knows will be pissing her off. Elias talks about Ruby’s determination to finally win gold of some kind coming into this year and wonders if it will drive her even more in 2021. Ruby steps into the ring across from Nikki Cross as the referee rings the bell to get this match underway!
Match 5: Ruby Riott w/Shotzi Blackheart vs Nikki Cross w/Isla Dawn
Match summary: Ruby and Nikki are fairly familiar with each other at this point after their battles throughout the last couple of years on Raw and Smackdown. Ruby rides the wave of the early crazy offense from Nikki Cross and slowly starts to take control of the match as it goes on. Nikki does make a fight back but, in the end, Ruby hits Nikki Cross with the RIOT KICK!
Winner via pinfall: Ruby Riott (7:49)
Ruby Riott gets to her feet with a smile on her face as she stands tall over the laid-out Nikki Cross and has a smile on her face. Shotzi slides into the ring and raises her tag team partner’s hand into the air. Ruby signals she wants gold around her waist as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, SUBCULTURE is standing backstage with DANI LUNA putting an ice pack on her neck. MARK ANDREWS tells Dani that they are both proud of her performance as FLASH MORGAN WEBSTER nods in agreement. Dani thanks the pair of them and tells the camera she knows she will be a champion in WWE one day and promises this is just the start of her career on Monday Night Raw unlike someone talking a bunch of trash: Mickie James.
Dani Luna says she heard the comments Mickie James and Alexa Bliss made about her. She tells the veteran that she will be happy to show her the victory over Alexa Bliss was far from a fluke telling her she will see the veteran next week. Mark and Flas meanwhile turn their attention to tonight’s battle royale knowing that they are underdogs but they both plan on shocking the world and one of them will fight Samoa Joe at the Royal Rumble for the WWE title!
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*LEGENDARY*
*LEGENDARY*
JESSAMYN DUKE walks out onto the entrance ramp getting boos from the crowd, soon followed by NATALYA who is still licking her wounds after losing to Dakota Kai earlier on tonight. The commentary team says the MMA Horsewomen will be hoping Duke can do some damage to…
*BRUTALITY*
RHEA RIPLEY! She gets loud cheers from the crowd and marches straight for the ring looking to destroy. The commentary team points out the force of nature Rhea Ripley has been since coming to Monday Night Raw from NXT and has to be one of the favorites to win the Royal Rumble. Rhea Ripley climbs over the ropes and steps into the ring across the ring from Jessamyn Duke as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.
Match 6: Rhea Ripley vs Jessamyn Duke w/Natalya
Match summary: Rhea takes control of the match and batters Duke from start to finish. Natalya tries to get involved in the closing stages but Rhea easily disposes of her before finishing Duke off with the RIPTIDE!
Winner via pinfall: Rhea Ripley (2:38)
Rhea Ripley gets to her feet and celebrates the victory with a smirk on her face. Natalya grabs Duke and retreats to the back quickly, as the commentary team carries on putting Rhea Ripley over as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see K2 standing with smiles on their faces as they talk about heading to Wade Barrett’s office to see if they can enter the Royal Rumble. The duo is soon stopped by NIA JAX and MIA YIM who mock the duo for thinking they have a chance of being in the rumble. KATANA CHANCE points out Mia Yim hasn’t got a spot in the rumble herself yet leading to the heels challenging K2 to a tag team match next week with Mia saying she will prove why she belongs in the rumble and not them!
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We then cut to the HURT BUSINESS inside their locker room with MVP, SAMOA JOE, CEDRIC ALEXANDER, SHELTON BENJAMIN and EJ NDUKA in fancy suits whilst SWERVE STRICKLAND and LIO RUSH are dressed for in-ring action. MVP looks at the camera and says even after a minor setback, looking directly at Shelton Benjamin when he says, business is booming as always with the main event soon to be another example bringing a smile to Swerve’s face.
Swerve walks over to Samoa Joe who looks unimpressed whilst the Intercontinental Champion has a smirk on his face. He tells Joe he might be seeing him real soon but Joe just responds by telling Swerve it doesn’t matter who wins, whoever he fights he will choke out all the same. Joe even gives Lio Rush a look who puts his hands up and tells Swerve it’s time for them to head to the ring bringing the segment to an end as Raw goes to a final commercial break.
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When we come back from the commercial break the following men are already in the ring: ANGEL GARZA, ANGELO DAWKINS, BARON CORBIN, DANNY BURCH, FLASH MORGAN WEBSTER, HUMBERTO CARRILLO, JAMES STORM, MARK ANDREWS, ONEY LORCAN, PETE DUNNE, RICOCHET, TONY NESE AND TYLER BATE!
*GO HARD*
MUSTAFA ALI makes his way out getting loud cheers from the live crowd. He plays to the fans and slaps hands with the kids in the front row before hopping over the ropes. Michael Cole brings up his recent I Quit match with Dolph Ziggler feeling like a break-out moment for him and Elias says he might have recently lost Cruiserweight gold but Mustafa Ali will be looking to get his hands back on some once again!
*NO ONE WILL SURVIVE*
TOMMASO CIAMPA slowly walks onto the entrance ramp with his signature scowl before heading to the ring with purpose. Michael Cole brings up Ciampa looking to replace his precious Goldie from his time in NXT and the WWE title would be a more than fitting replacement. Elias says Ciampa is ruthless and will do whatever it takes to make it to the WWE title.
*WORLDS APART*
SAMI ZAYN gets loud cheers from the live crowd as he nods to the crowd and sprints to the ring looking fired up. Michael Cole brings up his Intercontinental title reign where he held the title for over 4 months, fighting all challengers that came to him. Elias says it took Sami years to win his first singles gold on Raw or Smackdown but he could be a big threat to Samoa Joe’s WWE title!
*NEW DAY, NEW WAY*
BIG E and XAVIER WOODS make their way out to loud cheers from the live crowd! Big E lifts his New-Day-themed Money in the Bank briefcase into the air before walking to the ring and tapping it. Michael Cole says Big E has had some big wins this year but he has also had some big near misses, losing the King of the Ring final and losing at Survivor Series to the Hurt Business.
*IT'S TIME*
SWERVE STRICKLAND and LIO RUSH make their way out as the final two men in this battle royal! Swerve lifts his Intercontinental title into the air whilst Lio lifts his Cruiserweight title into the air. Michael Cole says The Hurt Business has been a dominant force since forming on Raw and now holds all the male titles on Monday Night Raw. Elias says we saw tension with The Hurt Business and wonders what will happen if Lio Rush or Swerve Strickland wins this match. All 20 men stand in the ring as the bell is called to get this match underway!
Main event: Number one contender’s 20-man battle royal
Entrants: Angel Garza, Angelo Dawkins, Baron Corbin, Big E, Danny Burch, Flash Morgan Webster, Humberto Carrillo, James Storm, Lio Rush, Mark Andrews, Mustafa Ali, Oney Lorcan, Pete Dunne, Ricochet, Sami Zayn, Swerve Strickland, Tommaso Ciampa, Tony Nese, Tyler Bate and Xavier Woods
Entrants: Angel Garza, Angelo Dawkins, Baron Corbin, Big E, Danny Burch, Flash Morgan Webster, Humberto Carrillo, James Storm, Lio Rush, Mark Andrews, Mustafa Ali, Oney Lorcan, Pete Dunne, Ricochet, Sami Zayn, Swerve Strickland, Tommaso Ciampa, Tony Nese, Tyler Bate and Xavier Woods
The match gets underway with everyone breaking off into battles. Big E would pick up the first elimination of the match, tossing Tony Nese over the top rope and out of the match!
Eliminated by Big E: Tony Nese (0:46)
Big E would turn around getting into a fight with Tommaso Ciampa whilst we can see Pete Dunne aggressively going after Angel Garza ahead of next week’s submission match. Swerve Strickland and Lio Rush meanwhile work together, tossing out Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan respectively!
Eliminated by Swerve Strickland: Danny Burch (2:12)
Eliminated by Lio Rush: Oney Lorcan (2:12)
Eliminated by Lio Rush: Oney Lorcan (2:12)
The Hurt Business then comes face to face with SubCulture who start to battle with them. Elsewhere across the ring, Baron Corbin is talking trash to Sami after knocking him down but gets a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT FROM TYLER BATE! Bate then shows off his insane power and LIFTS BARON CORBIN OVER THE TOP ROPE!
Eliminated by Tyler Bate: Baron Corbin (3:22)
Ciampa meanwhile has broken away from Big E and is now battling with Angelo Dawkins. The tag team specialist does his best to take down the former NXT Champion but Ciampa tosses Dawkins out of the ring!
Eliminated by Tommaso Ciampa: Angelo Dawkins (4:19)
Ciampa smirked before coming face to face with Sami Zayn as the two men started to trade blows with one another. The Hurt Business show off their dominance by working together to toss Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster from the ring!
Eliminated by Swerve Strickland: Mark Andrews (5:07)
Eliminated by Lio Rush: Flash Morgan Webster (5:07)
Eliminated by Lio Rush: Flash Morgan Webster (5:07)
Humberto Carrillo looks to go across the ring and help his Ungovernables ally Angel Garza in his battle with Pete Dunne. However, before they can toss him out of the ring, Mustafa Ali picks up an elimination superkicking Humberto over the top rope!
Eliminated by Mustafa Ali: Humberto Carrillo (6:15)
Garza tries to fight back but Dunne grabs hold of him to toss him from the ring as well!
Eliminated by Pete Dunne: Angel Garza (6:23)
Pete Dunne would turn around and CIAMPA WOULD SMASH HIM WITH A BRUTAL KNEE STRIKE! Dunne falls to the mat clutching his eyes in pain as Ciampa battles Ali for a bit. We see some referees talk to Dunne before nodding as Ciampa plants Ali to the mat and grabs Dunne, tossing him out of the match!
Eliminated by Tommaso Ciampa: Pete Dunne (7:17)
Dunne outside the ring is still clutching his eyes as the medical team comes to check on him. Ciampa mocks him in the ring before Ali goes back on the attack, laying into him! Elsewhere in the ring Lio Rush and Swerve Strickland have gotten split up with Swerve battling Sami and Rush battling Tyler Bate. James Storm meanwhile gets Ricochet over the top rope but Ricochet lands on the ring apron. Ricochet looks to leap off the ropes… LAST CALL SUPERKICK FROM JAMES STORM ELIMINATING HIM!
Eliminated by James Storm: Ricochet (9:39)
The crowd pops for the very cool elimination but James Storm looks at the fans with disdain before getting into it with Big E. Ciampa is still battling with Ali whilst Woods rests in the corner of the ring. The Hurt Business work together as they get Sami Zayn and Tyler Bate in trouble… BUT SAMI SENDS SWERVE BACKWARDS WHILST TYLE BATE COUNTERS RUSH AND ROSSES HIM OUT!
Eliminated by Tyler Bate: Lio Rush (11:48)
Bate smiles but Swerve pounces and HITS THE HOUSE CALL TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD SENDING TYLER BATE OUT OF THE RING GETTING LOUD BOOS FROM THE CROWD!
Eliminated by Swerve Strickland: Tyler Bate (11:58)
Swerve smirks to himself as he recovers in the ring resting by the ropes. Ali and Storm are locked in a close battle between the two men whilst Sami recovers in the corner of the ring. Big E and Ciampa are battling by the ropes with Ciampa laying in a series of clubbing blows trying to bring him down but BIG E CATCHES HIM WITH THE BOOTY DROP! He tosses Ciampa over the ropes… BUT CIAMPA HOLDS ON! Big E looks to unhook his hands… BUT SWERVE POUNCES AND ELIMINATES BIG E!
Eliminated by Swerve Strickland: Big E (13:02)
Swerve has a cocky smirk on his face whilst Ciampa looks to get away from him and survive in his own right! Swerve looks to go after him next… BUT WOODS COMES FIRING AND LAYS INTO SWERVE! Woods is looking for payback for Big E but Swerve clocks him with a BACKBREAKER! Swerve grabs Woods and looks to toss him from the ring but Woods fights back to survive! Elsewhere across the ring James Storm goes for a LAST CALL… BUT ALI AVOIDS IT AND DROPKICKS JAMES STORM OUT OF THE RING!
Eliminated by Mustafa Ali: James Storm (14:29)
Ali gets back to his feet but gets clobbered by Ciampa looking to take advantage but Ali has it scouted. Swerve meanwhile as Woods on the ropes and sends him into the corner of the ring… BUT WOODS AVOIDS HIM CAUSING SWERVE TO COLLIDE WITH THE TURNBUCKLE… HELLUVA KICK FROM SAMI ZAYN! Woods then follows up with a DROPKICK SENDING SWERVE OUT OF THE RING!
Eliminated by Xavier Woods: Swerve Strickland (15:30)
We are down to the final four: MUSTAFA ALI, SAMI ZAYN, TOMMASO CIAMPA and XAVIER WOODS! Everyone goes to a separate corner before fighting in the middle of the ring, splitting off into Ali and Sami battling it out whilst Woods goes after Ciampa! The former tag team champion gives a good account of himself but in the end, Ciampa overpowers him and eliminates Woods from the match!
Eliminated by Tommaso Ciampa: Xavier Woods (16:41)
Ciampa looks cocky and has a smug smirk on his face… DOUBLE SUPERKICK FROM ALI AND SAMI ELIMINATING HIM FROM THE MATCH!
Eliminated by Sami Zayn and Mustafa Ali: Tommaso Ciampa (16:47)
And then there were two! Sami and Ali nod at each other showing respect to one another as they battle to try to win this match. Both men show off their skills with Ali being slightly faster than Sami Zayn and getting him over the ropes… BUT HE CAN’T MANAGE TO KNOCK HIM TO THE FLOOR AND SAMI BRINGS HIM ONTO THE RING APRON! The two men battle in a perilous spot BUT SAMI AVOIDS A SUPERKICK AND SWEEPS ALI’S LEG SENDING HIM CRASHING TO THE FLOOR!
Eliminated by Sami Zayn: Mustafa Ali (18:40)
Winner: Sami Zayn (18:40)
Winner: Sami Zayn (18:40)
Sami Zayn rests on the ring apron with a big smile on his face as the crowd goes wild cheering for his victory. Ali sits on the ring floor and slams the mat, knowing he came this close to a WWE title match. Sami hops off the ring apron and offers a hand to Mustafa Ali who accepts it, shaking hands with the veteran. Ali raises his hand into the air as Michael Cole and Elias hype up Sami Zayn until…
*COLISEUM CLASH*
SAMOA JOE WALKS OUT ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP WITH HIS WWE TITLE AROUND HIS WAIST! Joe stands at the top of the entrance ramp getting a mixed reaction from the live crowd as he lifts his WWE title into the air and stares down Sami Zayn as Raw fades to black.
Confirmed matches for next week:
NXT title match:
Keith Lee © vs James Storm
Submission match:
Pete Dunne vs Angel Garza
Singles match:
Baron Corbin vs Rick Boogs
Singles match:
Mickie James vs Dani Luna
Tag team match:
K2 vs Nia Jax and Mia Yim
Confirmed matches for two weeks:
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair © vs Shayna Baszler
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, Drew McIntyre, Keith Lee, Kofi Kingston and 26 entrants
Women’s Royal Rumble match:
Billie Kay, Natalya, Nia Jax, Peyton Royce, Rhea Ripley and 25 other entrants
WWE title match:
Samoa Joe © vs Sami Zayn
And
Bad Bunny will perform his new song: Booker T!
EWR Rating:
63%
NXT title match:
Keith Lee © vs James Storm
Submission match:
Pete Dunne vs Angel Garza
Singles match:
Baron Corbin vs Rick Boogs
Singles match:
Mickie James vs Dani Luna
Tag team match:
K2 vs Nia Jax and Mia Yim
Confirmed matches for two weeks:
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair © vs Shayna Baszler
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, Drew McIntyre, Keith Lee, Kofi Kingston and 26 entrants
Women’s Royal Rumble match:
Billie Kay, Natalya, Nia Jax, Peyton Royce, Rhea Ripley and 25 other entrants
WWE title match:
Samoa Joe © vs Sami Zayn
And
Bad Bunny will perform his new song: Booker T!
EWR Rating:
63%
