Monday Night Raw
January 4th 2021
Brooklyn, New York
Barclays Centre
HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
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*WORLDS APART*
The first Monday Night Raw of 2021 begins with the number one contender for the WWE title SAMI ZAYN making his way out to the ring getting loud cheers from the live crowd. The commentary team of Michael Cole and Elias welcome us to the show. They hype up the main event which will see Keith Lee defend his NXT World title against James Storm but to start the show we are going to hear from Sami Zayn! They confirm he won last week’s battle royal to earn the WWE title shot at the Royal Rumble as the Underdog from the Underground hops into the ring!
Sami takes a moment before speaking to the live crowd. He tells the fans that 2020 was a great year for him. He says it was rough missing out on WrestleMania but he got revenge on Randy Orton making sure he paid for what he did to him. Cheers from the live crowd as Sami brings up the biggest achievement for him: winning the Intercontinental title, his first singles gold since NXT! He says the moment he beat John Morrison, it felt like he was arriving as a singles competitor after years away.
He talks about loving his best friend Kevin but sometimes feels defined by him. He says winning the tag team titles showed he could win gold and while he lost to Swerve Strickland at Starrcade, he knows he can beat Samoa Joe! Cheers from the live crowd as Sami says Samoa Joe is one of the most dominant superstars the WWE has seen and puts over his wins over Brock Lesnar, John Cena and Drew McIntyre but he knows he can overcome the odds and defeat…
*COLISEUM CLASH*
SAMOA JOE INTERRUPTS WALKING ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP! He gets a loud mixed reaction from the live crowd standing at the top of the entrance ramp in a crisp suit. Sami Zayn shows no fear in the ring and welcomes him to join him inside but Joe declines. Joe says for Sami’s benefit, he is going to remain at the top of the entrance ramp because he wants to give Sami 4 weeks to prepare for the biggest beating he is ever going to receive in his life!
Loud boos from the live crowd as Joe smirks at the crowd and tells them they might not like it but they need to accept it, promising that Sami would have to take this title from his cold dead hands! Sami chuckles saying he plans on doing what he needs to take that title and references Joe taking years like him to get gold on Raw. Joe scowls and tells Sami they are nothing alike, with Joe pointing out his dominant reign as United States Champion in 2019.
Joe says he crushed everyone in his way while Sami Zayn just survived his challengers. Sami says he won in each of those battles, overcoming self-proclaimed legends and anyone willing to fight him. He tells Joe that he is willing to put his body on the line to become a World Champion as it is something he has dreamed of all of his life. Joe finishes the promo by saying he will be glad to crush the dreams of Sami Zayn and choke the life out of him!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see DANI LUNA leaving WADE BARRETT’S OFFICE before being stopped by CATHY KELLEY who is looking for an interview! She asks what Dani was talking to Wade Barrett about and with a smile on her face, she confirms she will be entering the Royal Rumble. She says she plans to keep up her momentum and earn the Women’s Universal title shot she missed out on last week but this time at WrestleMania 37!
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*FORCE OF GREATNESS*
NIA JAX walks out onto the entrance ramp getting boos from the live crowd before walking to the ring with purpose. Michael Cole brings up her entrance into the Royal Rumble and wonders who will be able to eliminate her from the match. Elias says her missing a year of action means she missed last year’s match and it will be a new threat for the entire field.
*NUMBER ONE*
MIA YIM gets a decent number of boos from the live crowd as she walks to the ring with a cocky attitude and talks trash to the fans. Michael Cole says she will be looking to impress Wade Barrett and get one of the Raw spots in the Royal Rumble. Elias says winning this match would go a long way to impressing the commissioner for the brand.
*PARTY ALL THE TIME*
K2 make their way out onto the entrance ramp getting decent cheers from the fans. KATANA CHANCE and KAYDEN CARTER slap hands with a few of the kids in the front row, having a big smile on their faces. Michael Cole and Elias both agree that either woman entering the Royal Rumble would be a big deal at this early stage of their career plus they have the advantage coming into this match as they are used to teaming up. Kayden starts for K2 whilst Mia Yim starts for her team as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 1: K2 vs Nia Jax and Mia Yim
Match summary: The match is a battle between the two game plans as K2 tries to use their pace to overwhelm the unusual duo whilst Mia Yim tries to use her partner’s power to get them out of dodge and pick up the win. In the closing stages, K2 keeps Mia Yim isolated in the ring and doesn’t let Nia get a tag to come back into the match allowing Katana Chance to hit Mia Yim with a 450 SPLASH FOR THE WIN!
Winners via pinfall: K2 (5:25)
Carter jumps into the ring and celebrates with Katana Chance, with the duo having picked up a big win on Raw and maybe giving one of them a spot in the Royal Rumble. Nia Jax fumes on the ring apron as the commentary team puts over the game plan of K2 being the difference of this match, showing the strengths of being an established team in a tag team match. Mia Yim gets back to her feet looking annoyed at the loss… NIA JAX ATTACKS HER FROM BEHIND!
Mia Yim falls to the mat as the crowd cheers for a moment… UNTIL NIA JAX WIPES OUT K2 AS WELL! She lays a beating on the two party girls as well as her tag team partner tonight, clearly not happy about the loss ahead of the rumble. She lays each of them out with a POWERSLAM before standing tall after throwing them all out of the ring. The commentary team wonders if this is a sign of things to come in the Royal Rumble in four weeks!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see JAMES STORM arriving at the arena with a cowboy hat and a suitcase, with a crate of beer resting on top of it. He is stopped for an interview by TOM PHILLIPS who asks how he is feeling ahead of his main event match tonight for the NXT title. James’s smirking tells Tom that the main event is where he belongs and that’s what he has been telling people when his tag partner Bobby Roode was by his side and he’ll say it twice as loud now.
Tom Phillips asks how he has prepared for tonight’s main event. James Storm says he is saving the beer and celebrations for when he wins the NXT title but he has made sure he is stocked up early, promising to even bring some beer to ringside to celebrate there and then. Tom finishes up the interview by asking James Storm if the rumor of him being picked for the Rumble is true. Storm smirks and says it is, telling Tom he will be walking into the match as NXT Champion!
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MUSTAFA ALI is then shown walking through an alleyway in a hoodie with a serious look on his face. He says this is the second time he has felt this close to an opportunity at the WWE title. He gives Sami Zayn credit and says if there was a man he was going to lose to, it was at least a worthy one in Sami. He says the last time this happened it was another worthy man who got his spot, Kofi Kingston as he brings up the injury that took him out of the Elimination Chamber and started Kofimania!
He remembers those days and his rivalry at the time with one Samoa Joe! He takes a moment smiling and says Joe like him, has come a long way since then. Both winning gold and making a name for themselves. He says he beat Joe in those days and he knows he is capable of doing it again. He informs us that he will be entering the Royal Rumble as he knows how to bring down the Hurt Business and not only does he want his Cruiserweight title back but he also wants the WWE title as well!
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When we return from the commercial break, PIPER NIVEN and MELINA are walking through the backstage area chatting to each other when they bump into the HOUSE OF COUTURE! JINNY and AMALE give the pair a dirty look prompting Piper to ask what their problem is. Jinny looks them up and down saying for starters their outfits are awful. Amale chimes in to say it is the typical fashion common American trash would wear. Piper rolls her eyes and reminds the pair she is Scottish.
Melina steps forward and tells Jinny she hasn’t forgotten what happened last week in the number one contender’s match. Jinny chimes in saying she would be happy to beat her like she beat her tag team partner. Both teams look like coming to blows when WADE BARRETT appears and tells them to stop fighting. He tells both teams he is still making up his mind on which Raw superstars will enter the Rumble but says it will be Piper vs Amale and Melina vs Jinny, asking the superstars to impress him if they want a spot in the match.
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We then cut to BREEZANGO standing backstage with a rare serious expression on their face. FANDANGO speaks first telling the camera that they are sick of The Hurt Business thinking this is their show to run and do as they please. TYLER BREEZE says they might be pretty but they are not afraid to get in a fight and promises they are not done trying to take gold from the Hurt Business. Breezango made it clear that they are coming for the World tag team titles and they intend on finally breaking their duck when it comes to being champions.
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*COMBATIVE*
ONEY LORCAN makes his way out getting boos from the live crowd. He has a scowl on his face as he walks to the ring, looking all business tonight. He is flanked by his tag team partner DANNY BURCH on the way to the ring as well. The commentary team confirms this match was made per the request of Angelo Dawkins after they taunted his tag team partner Montez Ford’s recent broken arm.
*BRING THE SWAG*
ANGELO DAWKINS gets a decent pop from the live crowd and even brings out a few red cups, passing them to fans in the crowd as he tries to psyche them up. Michael Cole says Angelo Dawkins is not known for his singles exploits but he has a chance to prove himself tonight against a game Oney Lorcan. Elias says he will need to watch for Danny on the outside. Both men are in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 2: Angelo Dawkins vs Oney Lorcan w/Danny Burch
Match summary: Angelo comes into this match with a size advantage but Oney is more experienced with singles matches. He uses his strikes and chops to wear down Dawkins and keeps away from his power game in this match. Danny watches from ringside, taunting Dawkins in the ring but he stays out of the match confident Oney will be able to put away Dawkins. However, Dawkins survives the offense of Oney Lorcan and puts him away with THE SILENCER (Spinning neckbreaker)!
Winner via pinfall: Angelo Dawkins (7:25)
Angelo Dawkins gets to his feet as Danny Burch looks furious outside the ring. The commentary team puts this over as a big win for Angelo Dawkins and proves he can hang in the ring just like his tag team partner Montez Ford. Danny Burch pulls Oney Lorcan out of the ring and retreats up the entrance ramp talking trash whilst Dawkins carries on his celebrations in the ring.
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*LOYALTY IS EVERYTHING*
SHAYNA BASZLER makes her way out onto the entrance ramp getting loud boos from the live crowd and for the first time since June 8th 2020, she is without any gold around her waist. She has a scowl on her face and is followed by a bit more of a timid-looking NATALYA and JESSAMYN DUKE! Michael Cole fills in those who missed the New Year’s Revolution PPV that the Boss ‘N’ Connection as a team won the tag team titles for the third time last night with Banks and Bayley in their own rights becoming 4-time champions.
Elias says Shayna Baszler looked angry last night and doesn’t think she has calmed down since then. She climbs into the ring and snatches the microphone from a stagehand starting the promo by saying she wants to address last night. She reminds the crowd that she was not pinned last night and it was Ronda’s fault they lost the tag team titles! That gets some looks from Natalya and Jessamyn Duke behind her as Shayna blames Ronda for being in the wrong position and that’s what cost them the tag team titles!
Shayna tells the crowd that due to them being on different brands, they have been told by Wade Barrett, Shawn Michaels and William Regal they will not be getting a rematch for their titles getting loud cheers from the crowd prompting a scowl from Shayna. She says they are trying to hold the MMA Horsewomen back because they know how dangerous we are! She says that it is fine because when she gets back her Women’s Universal title and Ronda becomes WWE Women’s Champion again, they will no longer be able to deny us. Loud boos from the crowd as Shayna looks to carry on…
*ALL HAIL THE QUEEN*
CHARLOTTE FLAIR WALKS OUT WITH A MICROPHONE IN HAND! She gets a loud pop as she is at the top of the entrance ramp looking at Shayna Baszler. She tells Shayna that this title is going nowhere and no one loves gold more than a Flair. Shayna points at Charlotte promising she will break every limb Charlotte has to take back that title but Charlotte says she will fight with everything she has to make sure this title stays out of Shayna’s hands. The crowd is loudly behind the Queen but Shayna promises to break her and if they fought 100 times, she would win 99 out of them calling Starrcade a fluke.
Charlotte smirks and seems to have an idea due to that statement. She tells Shayna that she believes that, why don’t they add a stipulation to next week’s match? Shayna says she will beat Charlotte in whatever match she wants and Charlotte challenges her to an hour-long Ironwoman match! Loud cheers from the crowd as Shayna in the ring accepts and promises that by the end of the hour, every limb on Charlotte’s body will be broken. Charlotte counters saying she is her father’s daughter and no one can do an Ironwoman match like a Flair!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see CATHY KELLEY standing ready for an interview and introducing her guest at this time: KEITH LEE! He has the NXT title over his shoulder and a smug smirk on his face as Cathy asks how he is feeling ahead of the main event. Keith gives James Storm credit calling him an experienced veteran who has wrestled for years but has always been in his partner’s shadow. He tells Storm he has some bad news for him promising he will now be in his shadow instead.
Cathy says Keith Lee must be feeling confident about his match tonight and he nods, telling her that he is limitless and there is a reason he has been NXT Champion for 6 months. She then changes the subject to the Royal Rumble as she wonders if he has a plan for it. Keith shakes his head but says he wants to add a title to his other shoulder once again and says whilst the Rumble is full of top stars, all of them will bask in his glory bringing the interview to an end!
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We next cut to WADE BARRETT’S office and we can see DAKOTA KAI and RUBY RIOTT standing in front of his desk. He thanks them for coming to see him and tells them that they will be fighting on next week’s Raw in a number one contender’s match with the winner fighting either Charlotte Flair or Shayna Baszler for the Women’s Universal title at the Royal Rumble. Both women smile and talk a bit of trash to each other with Ruby finishing the promo and reminding us of the fact she has never won gold in WWE!
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We cut to the ring as TONY NESE is shown waiting in the ring for his opponent with a smile on his face but that soon fades when he sees it is…
*BROKEN DREAMS*
DREW MCINTYRE! A loud pop from the live crowd as Drew McIntyre marches down the ramp and the former WWE Champion heads straight to the ring. Michael Cole says we heard Drew McIntyre declare himself for the Royal Rumble to get another crack at Samoa Joe and he has to be considered one of the favorites! Elias makes it clear he would not want to get on Drew’s bad side or cross paths with him in the rumble if he were to enter. Drew stands in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 3: Drew McIntyre vs Tony Nese
Match summary: Drew McIntyre doesn’t even let Tony Nese get a single move off and batters the Cruiserweight, picking up the win with the FUTURESHOCK DDT!
Winner via pinfall: Drew McIntyre (1:30)
Loud cheers from the live crowd as Drew gets back to his feet and the commentary team goes over how dominant the victory was. Drew McIntyre signals to someone at ringside for a microphone which is passed to him. He has a smile on his face and keeps it short as he tells the fans that he is getting back on track and that Samoa Joe better keep that title warm for him because Drew intends to win the Royal Rumble again! He throws the microphone down and stands tall in the ring as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to inside the NEW DAY LOCKER with BIG E, KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS standing together as a unit. Big E has the New-Day-themed briefcase on show before telling the camera that they might not have won last week’s battle royal but he still has this, slapping the briefcase. He tells the camera that’s not all because Kofi is not the only member of the New Day entering the Royal Rumble.
Woods chimes in to confirm that not only is Big E entering the Royal Rumble but so is he and says he wants his Kofimania moment just like Big E. Kofi also mentions that Woods tossed a champion out last night and Woods smiles telling Swerve Strickland that he knows he can be a champion, issuing a challenge for his Intercontinental title! Big E wraps the promo up by telling Tommaso Ciampa that he is not finished with him and his sneak attacks promising to see him soon.
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*COAT OF ARMS*
ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO walk out onto the entrance ramp getting boos from the live crowd as they head to the ring. Michael Cole confirms that Zelina Vega and Andrade Cien Almas have taken the week off so these two are here alone. Elias says we were meant to be seeing Pete Dunne versus Angel Garza in a submission match tonight but due to an injury Dunne picked up at the hands of Tommaso Ciampa, he is out of action for the next month and will miss the Royal Rumble!
Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo climb into the ring with them each grabbing a microphone. Humberto confirms what Michael Cole said and says their leaders are taking a week off to come up with a plan to deal with the ingrates Cesaro and Ilja Dragunov. Angel chimes in saying those two did not understand their place and what a beautiful woman like Zelina can guide them to. He brings up his Cruiserweight title reign plus the gold all of them had won including Nakamura and Dijakovic on Smackdown Live!
Angel says that’s not why he is out here tonight, wagging his finger with a cocky smirk on his face. He tells the crowd that he came out here ready for his fight with Pete Dunne but hasn’t seen him all day. Loud boos from the crowd who know that Pete Dunne is injured and that’s why he is running scared. Humberto joins in with the mocking and tells the crowd that Dunne is scared of his cousin, knowing he would get his fingers broken in return. They look to carry on until…
*MUSTACHE MOUNTAIN*
MUSTACHE MOUNTAIN make their way out! A decent pop from the live crowd as the tag team and allies of Pete Dunne as part of British Strong Style walk out with a microphone. TRENT SEVEN says he knows these two don’t have the brains within the Ungovernables group but they know Pete Dunne would be here to kick both of their asses if he was not injured. TYLER BATE tells the pair they will be happy to take his place and kick their ass tonight as they drop their microphones heading for the ring. The Ungovernables leave the ring not backing down but before they can collide…
*GOD SAVE THE QUEEN/END OF DAYS*
WADE BARRETT! The commissioner for Monday Night Raw comes onto the entrance ramp with a smile on his face. He thanks all four men as he has been struggling to think of a replacement match for Angel after Pete’s injury but they have given him an idea as he makes a tag team match between the two teams for right now and brings out a referee as Raw goes to a commercial break!
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Match 4: The Ungovernables vs Mustache Mountain
Match summary: As we return from the commercial break, the match is underway with the Ungovernables controlling the match. The commentary team mentions the cousins are not used to teaming with each other but being family they are familiar with one another as they work over Trent Seven. Trent escapes and makes the tag to bring Tyler Bate back into the match and is on fire taking down both his fellow Cruiserweights. He sends Angel Garza out of the ring before turning his attention to Carrillo planting him with the TYLER DRIVER 97 and making the cover to pick up the win!
Winners via pinfall: Mustache Mountain (10:39)
Mustache Mountain gets to their feet as they celebrate the victory tonight over The Ungovernables. The commentary team puts over the performance from them, especially Tyler Bate and also brings up him tossing Lio Rush from the battle royal last week. Tyler Bate also makes his intentions clear as he signals to the camera, he is coming for the Cruiserweight title as we cut backstage to see…
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THE HURT BUSINESS! We see MVP standing in a crisp suit with the rest of the Hurt Business: SAMOA JOE, SWERVE STRICKLAND, LIO RUSH, CEDRIC ALEXANDER, SHELTON BENJAMIN and EJ NDUKA all standing behind him with all the male titles on Raw on show, showing the power the group holds over Monday Night Raw! MVP says when you have power and you run things, everyone wants your throne! He says they have enemies from all sides coming for them.
Samoa Joe steps forward saying that might be the case but it just means more victims for them to destroy and keep the business booming, lifting his WWE title in the air. Lio Rush chimes in saying he saw Tyler Bate and says if he wants a shot at the Cruiserweight title, he will take him on. Cedric mocks Breezango and tells the pair of them there is a reason neither of them has won gold, promising to keep their duck going. The camera focuses on Swerve who has a smirk on his face and says he wants to address his business in the ring, walking off as EJ Nduka follows him whilst Raw goes on a commercial break.
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*BIG PRESSURE*
SWERVE STRICKLAND makes his way out getting loud boos from the crowd, flanked by EJ NDUKA! Swerve has the Intercontinental title on his shoulder and is still in a crisp suit as the duo walks to the ring. Elias mentions that Swerve has become a hunted man ever since winning that title with both Sheamus and Xavier Woods making claims about wanting shots at that title. Michael Cole wonders how Swerve will respond, reminding the crowd he has only been pinned once since joining Monday Night Raw!
Swerve Strickland climbs into the ring and is passed a microphone by EJ Nduka with the big man smiling. Swerve has a smirk as he looks at the live crowd. He listens to the loud boos from the fans and jokes he is a popular man. He knows that multiple people want this title, lifting the Intercontinental title into the air and says this is the title that shows who the true workhorse in a company is. He tells the crowd that holding this means you are the hardest worker on the roster and the future.
He places the title back on his shoulder and carries on. He tells the fans there would be something wrong if people were not after him and the rest of the Hurt Business. That’s why he came out to this ring to discuss business as he heard last week one man wants to speak to him face to face: Sheamus. A loud pop at the mention of the Celtic Warrior as Swerve runs down his accolades and comments there is one title he hasn’t won: lifting his Intercontinental title into the air. He looks to carry on until…
*WRITTEN IN MY FACE*
SHEAMUS WALKS OUT! The Celtic Warrior stands on the entrance ramp and beats his chest shouting his signature Fella before walking to the ring. Swerve has a smirk on his face as EJ Nduka stands next to him with his arms folded, cutting an imposing presence. Sheamus gets to the ring apron and climbs into the ring, joining them inside the ring. Swerve still has a smirk on his face offering a hand to Sheamus but the Celtic Warrior says no offense but he doesn’t trust Swerve.
The champion chuckles and holds his hands up saying he can’t blame him for not trusting him because he wouldn’t either. Sheamus says he didn’t come out here to talk about respect or friendship. He came out here because Swerve has the one title he wants more than any other, pointing at the Intercontinental title around his waist. Sheamus says the back injury he had in 2019 nearly ended his career and he knows that at any moment it might come to an end so he wants no regrets!
He challenges Swerve to put his title on the line against him tonight. The crowd loudly cheers for that idea as Swerve thinks for a moment before declining to loud boos from the fans. He tells Sheamus he is a busy man, confirming that he is entering the Royal Rumble but he also has a man who he feels is worthy of a title shot first. Swerve says Xavier Woods is first in line but says maybe Sheamus can earn a title shot soon and leaves the ring, followed by EJ Nduka as he gets boos from the live crowd.
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to RHEA RIPLEY who is standing in front of a chain link fence with a smug smile on her face. She looks at the camera and says these last few months since she came to Raw, she has had fun taking down the competition. She says that the Royal Rumble is where she proves herself to be the most dominant force on the roster and brings up her breaking the elimination record during last year’s match. She finishes the promo telling us we haven’t seen anything yet!
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*SOLID GROUND*
RICK BOOGS makes his way out getting cheers but it is a very small amount from the live crowd. He is joined by his tag team partner HEATH SLATER who tries to hype his friend up for this match. The commentary team reminds us of the fact this match was made after Baron Corbin mocked the letters Heath has been getting and Rick wasn’t going to stand for it.
*I BRING THE DARKNESS*
BARON CORBIN walks out with a smug grin on his face getting loud boos from the live crowd. Michael Cole wonders if Rick Boogs is back to 100% after being punted in the skull by Randy Orton. Elias though cannot hide his disdain for Baron Corbin as the two men trade words by the commentary desk. Corbin heads into the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 5: Rick Boogs w/Heath Slater vs Baron Corbin
Match summary: Rick Boogs tries to keep up with the more experienced Baron Corbin during this match but it is clear he is shaking off some ring rust. Corbin taunts the fans and Heath Slate before putting away Rick Boogs with the END OF DAYS!
Winner via pinfall: Baron Corbin (4:15)
Baron Corbin gets to his feet and soaks in the boos from the live crowd. He considers doing more damage to Rick on the mat but Heath runs into the ring with a kendo stick to chase him off. Heath checks on his partner Rick to make sure he is OK as Corbin backs off, celebrating another victory on Raw tonight.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see CESARO standing backstage with his close friend ILJA DRAGUNOV! Cesaro says he knew Andrade would take the night off because he is a coward, scared of what Cesaro will do to him when he finally gets his hands on him. Ilja is fired up and says for too long they fought with men who had no honor, who acted like cowards but now it is time they make them pay and bring the Ungovernables down. Cesaro nods promising to see all of them next week.
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We then cut to inside the locker room as TEAM KICK is hanging out with each other. DAKOTA KAI has a smile on her face as TEGAN NOX says she is going to kill it and kick Ruby’s ass on the way to a Women’s Universal title shot. Kai says she is looking forward to the match and the chance to fight for the Women’s Universal title. Tegan then says she has some news of her own as she tells Dakota Kai that she is entering the Royal Rumble. Dakota jokes about them fighting each other at WrestleMania 37 as CHARLOTTE FLAIR WALKS IN!
She has a bit of a frown on her face as she looks at her allies the last few months and clutches her Women’s Universal title a bit tighter. She tells the pair that if they come for her title, she has no problem reminding her allies who the Queen is. Dakota senses some tension and changes the subject to next week as she promises to have Charlotte’s back next week to stop any interference from the MMA Horsewomen. The Queen nods saying she appreciates before coldly walking out of the room.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see TOMMASO CIAMPA sitting on a steel chair leaning on the back as he looks at the camera with an angry scowl. He tells us that he should be fighting for the WWE title at the Royal Rumble, not Sami Zayn. He claims his loss only came down to Ali and Sami realizing they needed to team up to take him down because neither of them could do it alone. He shakes his head calling himself a wanted man on all sides.
He tells Big E that he should be focusing on claiming gold but maybe if he did, Ciampa might view him as being worthy of his time. He smirks before telling the camera that’s where his focus is because he is entering the Royal Rumble. He promises to do whatever it takes, with Pete Dunne being an example of what he will do to win. He finishes the promo by telling us Mustafa Ali is next on the hit list and will make him pay for teamwork with Sami last week!
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*CALLING YOU OUT*
DANI LUNA makes her way out to the ring, joined at the top of the entrance ramp by the rest of SUBCULTURE who wishes her luck before heading to the back. She gets decent cheers from the crowd having impressed on last week’s Raw in the number one contender’s match. Michael Cole says it was a breakout performance for the British superstar last week and she will look to keep that momentum tonight. Elias says wins are key en route to the Royal Rumble as she waits in the ring for…
*OBSESSION*
MICKIE JAMES! She is not alone, joined by her tag team partner ALEXA BLISS as the duo get boos from the live crowd. Michael Cole says he has heard from Wade Barrett that both these women will be in the Royal Rumble. Elias puts them both over as multiple-time former Women’s Champions and they will be a threat to anyone who tries to stop them in the Royal Rumble. Mickie James now steps into the ring with Dani, giving her a look of disgust as the referee calls for the bell to start the match!
Match 6: Dani Luna vs Mickie James w/Alexa Bliss
Match summary: Mickie James doesn’t show much respect to the young Brit and it soon hurts her as Dani controls the match, easily overpowering the veteran and tossing her around the ring. Bliss watches on from ringside looking annoyed as Mickie tries to fight back against Dani but she cannot get a foothold in the match. In the closing stages, Mickie fakes an injury allowing BLISS TO CLOCK DANI LUNA WITH HER LOADED GLOVE! Dani stumbles back and Mickie hits the MICKIE-DT! She makes the cover and picks up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Mickie James (5:40)
Mickie James gets to her feet with a smirk on her face and rolls out of the ring, celebrating with Alexa Bliss. Michael Cole says Mickie is a crafty veteran and you have to watch out for her tricks any time you step into the ring with her. Elias says you have to give Alexa Bliss a big assist and wonders how dangerous these two could be if they are in the ring at the same time in four weeks. Dani Luna gets to her feet and glares at the duo as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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We come back from the final commercial break of the night, we cut to an angry PETE DUNNE with a graphic saying last week. He has a patch over his eye, sitting on one of the benches in the trainer room. He says the doctors have told him he will be out of action for a month and miss the Royal Rumble. He says he will keep this short and sweet. Angel, I will break your fingers when I am back. He then says "Tommaso Ciampa?”. You will pay for this, pointing at his eye before we cut to the ring for the main event!
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*DO I*
JAMES STORM walks onto the entrance ramp getting boos from the crowd. He has his cowboy hat on his head and a beer bottle in hand as he takes a swing before carrying on to the ring. Michael Cole says this is a big opportunity for James Storm tonight to win his first gold in WWE. Elias says he spoke to Storm and heard from him he has been speaking to Bobby Roode for advice, with his injured tag team partner being a former NXT Champion.
*LIMITLESS*
KEITH LEE makes his way out getting a loud pop from the live crowd! He stands there soaking in the reaction from the live crowd and lifts his NXT title into the air. Michael Cole says Keith Lee has been making a name for himself on Raw and NXT, holding the NXT title for half a year now whilst making semi-finals of King of the Ring only losing to the WWE Champion Samoa Joe. Elias says Keith has proven himself to break limits and it wouldn’t shock me if he is the first-ever NXT superstar to win the Royal Rumble! Keith stands in the ring across the ring from James Storm as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Main event: NXT title match: Keith Lee © vs James Storm
Match summary: Keith Lee has a confident swagger whilst James Storm is very mouthy in the opening stages of the match. James goes on the attack and is aggressive early on in this match but struggles to even take Keith Lee off his feet as the NXT Champion dominates the match. James tries to go for the standard strategy of taking down the big man by chopping down their legs and bringing them to the mat but Keith overpowers him and EVEN SHOWS OFF HIS AGILITY POUNCING JAMES STORM OVER THE ROPES!
James Storm gets frustrated and he doesn’t gain a foothold in the match before KEITH LEE DIVES OVER THE TOP ROPES WIPING HIM OUT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING! Keith Lee stays in control and rolls James Storm back into the ring, showing off his flashy offense that only he can do. James Storm starts to fight back in the middle portion of the match but nothing he can do will put away the NXT Champion who is too powerful for him to keep down!
As we enter the closing stages, James Storm hits the LAST CALL SUPERKICK but Keith Lee kicks out at 2! James Storm looks to the corner of the ring and starts to mess with the turnbuckle pad, tossing it to the mat. The referee obviously catches him and goes to fix it, allowing Storm to grab HIS BEER BOTTLE! He looks to swing it at Keith… BUT HE CATCHES IT AND CRUSHES IT IN HIS HAND! James looks shocked as Keith hits a headbutt BEFORE DROPPING HIM WITH THE SPIRIT BOMB! Keith makes the cover and retains his NXT title!
Winner via pinfall and still NXT Champion: Keith Lee (12:46)
Keith Lee gets to his feet and holds the NXT title in the air to loud cheers from the crowd. Michael Cole puts over the feats that Keith showed in the ring whilst Elias focuses on his crushing that beer bottle like it was nothing. Both men agree that anyone trying to toss Keith Lee out of the Royal Rumble is going to have a hard time as Raw comes to a close with Keith Lee standing tall in the ring with the NXT title above his head!
Confirmed matches for next week:
Women’s Universal title Iron Woman match:
Charlotte Flair © vs Shayna Baszler
Women’s Universal title number one contender’s match:
Dakota Kai vs Ruby Riott
Singles match:
Tommaso Ciampa vs Mustafa Ali
Singles match:
Piper Niven vs Amale
Singles match:
Melina vs 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:
Big E, Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Dominik Dijakovic, Drew McIntyre, James Storm, Keith Lee, Kofi Kingston, Mustafa Ali, Shinsuke Nakamura, Swerve Strickland, Tommaso Ciampa, Xavier Woods and 17 entrants
Women’s Royal Rumble match:
Alexa Bliss, Billie Kay, Dani Luna, Deonna Purrazzo, Franky Monet, Mickie James, Natalya, Nia Jax, Peyton Royce, Rhea Ripley, Tegan Nox and 19 other entrants
WWE title match:
Samoa Joe © vs Sami Zayn
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair or Shayna Baszler © vs Dakota Kai or Ruby Riott
WWE Women’s title match:
Asuka © vs Taynara Conti
And
Bad Bunny will perform his new song: Booker T!
EWR Rating:
67%
