Monday Night Raw
February 1st 2021
St Louis, Missouri
Scottrade Center
We start Monday Night Raw with a recap video that highlights everything that went down at the Royal Rumble. The video shows both Rumble matches and the winners, plus Charlotte Flair and Samoa Joe retaining their titles. We focus on Charlotte’s heel turn before the video ends with Rhea Ripley and Daniel Bryan’s victory celebrations.
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HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
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We cut to the commentary team at ringside, who welcome us to the show and hype up the card for tonight. Michael Cole and Elias go into full hype mode as they tell us that in the main event, Mr Money in the Bank Big E will take on Tommaso Ciampa, and we will hear from Rhea Ripley after her win in the Royal Rumble last night. Elias says the Road to WrestleMania begins now…
*FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES*
DANIEL BRYAN makes his way out getting huge cheers from the live crowd and starts to lead the crowd in a series of “YES” chants to the delight of the live crowd. Michael Cole and Elias put over the performance of Bryan, entering the match from number 1 and lasting for 63 minutes breaking the record for length of time inside a Royal Rumble. They also talk about how rare it is to see a Smackdown superstar on Raw as Bryan grabs a microphone and enters the ring.
Bryan takes a moment to play to fans enjoying the cheers from the live crowd with a big smile on his face. Once the chants die down, he jokes about being ready to go for another hour for these fans if they need it! The crowd starts a one-more-hour chant and Bryan in his typical humble smile laughs along. He says he came to Raw tonight to make a decision because as the winner of the 2021 Royal Rumble, he can choose which World title he fights for at WrestleMania 37!
He takes a moment to walk around the ring as he lists the 3 champions at the top of the three brands: Samoa Joe, Aleister Black and Keith Lee. He starts with the NXT Champion, mentioning he lasted over 50 minutes last night and puts over how impressive he truly is. He next cuts to Aleister Black and puts over the names he has beaten plus mentions he has never held the Universal title. He comes to Samoa Joe last saying he is very familiar with how tough Joe is from his time in Ring of Honour.
He says he knows how vicious Joe is, how powerful the WWE Champion is and he thinks he might be one of the few who knows as many submissions as him. Bryan gives a little chuckle but says there is one person he would need to consider before picking who he fights at WrestleMania: Mr. Money in the Bank Big E! Loud cheers for the ever-popular Big E as Bryan says he needs to know how Big E is using his briefcase. He waits in the ring and it’s not long until…
*NEW DAY NEW WAY*
THE NEW DAY makes their way out next getting loud cheers from the live crowd. BIG E leads the way holding up his New Day-themed Money in the Bank briefcase. KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS flank their close friend on the way to the ring. Each member of the New Day looks wary of Daniel Bryan as they enter the ring. Kofi Kingston makes it clear they are not too fond of Bryan due to their past at WrestleMania 35!
Daniel Bryan holds a hand up and admits Kofi has every right to be angry at him for everything he said and put Kofi through on his way to his KofiMania moment. Kofi nods not disagreeing with Bryan as he carries on saying he has been listening to Big E ever since he won the Money in the Bank briefcase and he knows that Big E wants his KofiMania moment. Big E nods not having said a word yet as he looks at Bryan who makes it clear he wants to know who Big E is going for so he can prepare.
Big E chuckles and wonders if Bryan is scared of a B+ player but Bryan smirks saying he ain’t looking at any, shocking The New Day! Bryan says he was wrong when talking about Kofi and the rest of them, saying they gave him battles that few others have and if he has to go to war with one of them again, he wants to know. Woods steps forward and asks if Bryan is buttering them up but Bryan quickly cuts him off and tells Woods that he wouldn’t say it if he didn’t mean it!
The New Day looked shocked as Bryan made it clear that if Big E wants to fight him, he can but he is going after the Universal title, the one he has yet to win! The crowd cheers loudly excited to see Daniel Bryan versus Aleister Black! Bryan leaves the ring but Big E shouts to him halfway up the entrance ramp. He thanks Bryan for his words and shows respect to him for his performance but makes it clear to Bryan that he is going for Samoa Joe and the WWE title at WrestleMania 37!
Bryan nods showing respect to Big E before he heads backstage to leave The New Day in the ring. Big E thanks the fans for their backing and says last night he knows he was this close to winning but he knows he can do it. He lifts his briefcase into the air and says he is making it official now: he will be fighting the WWE Champion at WrestleMania 37 whether it is Samoa Joe or anyone else, he is getting his KofiMania moment because he knows he is good en…
*COLISEUM CLASH*
SAMOA JOE marches out getting loud boos from the crowd as he cuts off the New Day in a crisp suit with his WWE title around his waist with a smug look on his face. Big E looks ready for a fight but Joe tells him to relax, he is dressed nicely and even though he could destroy all 3 of the New Day at once, he is here to talk. Big E scowls whilst Kofi and Woods keep an eye out in case of any sneak attacks from the Hurt Business. Samoa Joe gets to the ring and climbs inside joining Big E.
Joe tells Big E that Bryan wanted to know if Big E was stupid or smart because if he was smart, he would take his chance against both Bryan and Black! The crowd boos but Joe makes it clear he plans of having this title taken from his cold dead hands! Big E steps forward as Joe tells him he can cash that in right now and save everyone’s time seeing what is going to happen. Kofi steps forward and tells Joe to back off now, promising Big E will have his moment.
Joe asks what makes him so confident and Kofi says he has known Big E for years. He tells Joe that every member of the New Day is equal. Joe agrees with that statement saying he has crushed Woods and Big E in the King of the Ring tournament but he never got the chance to crush Kofi! The crowd boos but Joe points at Kofi and tells him he has 9 weeks until WrestleMania 37 so is issuing a challenge to Kofi for Fastlane, offering to put the WWE title on the line with the winner going to WrestleMania to fight Big E!
Kofi looks unsure about whether to accept the challenge and Joe needles him wondering why he is not jumping to get back the title he lost to Roman Reigns! Big E steps in and says Kofi will fight him next week. Kofi turns to his best friend and points out that could mean them one versus one at WrestleMania and Big E nods saying there is no one he would rather share the honor of his WrestleMania title match. Joe makes a joke about Big E wanting an easy fight… BIG E CLOCK JOE IN THE JAW! Joe rolls out of the ring angry at first but smirks, having struck a nerve as we cut to a commercial break.
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*COMBATIVE*
THE ONE TWOS make their way out getting boos from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break. We cut to an insert promo from them where they say they are better than the Street Profits and promise to put Montez Ford back on the injury shelf. They wait in the ring before…
*BRING THE SWAG*
THE STREET PROFITS make their way out getting loud cheers from the live crowd. MONTEZ FORD plays to the crowd with a smile on his face happy to be back in the ring and chinks his red cup with some of the ones the fans have in the crowd. ANGELO DAWKINS is much more serious before leading the way to the ring for tag team action. Dawkins starts for the Profits whilst Danny Burch starts for the One Twos!
Match 1: The Street Profits vs The One Twos
Match summary: The Street Profits show they have not missed a step in the ring and work well together, catching the One Twos out on several occasions in the ring. The One Twos give them a good fight but in the end, MONTEZ HITS FROM THE HEAVENS ON DANNY BURCH to give The Street Profits the win on their return as a team!
Winners via pinfall: The Street Profits (5:51)
The Street Profits get to their feet and celebrate with the live crowd who are loudly behind the duo. The commentary team says a few more wins like that and they might be back on track for another tag team titles shot. The celebrations carry on in the ring as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see BOBBY LASHLEY entering the arena in a crisp suit getting a loud pop from the live crowd. He walks through the back with a suitcase when CATHY KELLEY stops him for an interview. She welcomes him back to Monday Night Raw and asks how it feels to be back in action after several months away from the ring. Bobby says when he went down with an injury, he felt lost and wasn’t sure where his career was going.
He says the injury gave him time to think about what was next and who might be able to help him in the future. Cathy asks Bobby if that involves MVP who was trying to recruit him before injury. Bobby stays silent for a few seconds not responding until LIO RUSH walks into the shot with his Cruiserweight title. He offers Bobby a hand but the big man just looks at him. Lio says it is cool before showing off his title and saying he has some business to discuss with Bobby. The all-mighty shakes his head and says the only business he has is with Big E ending the interview.
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*WORLDS APART*
SAMI ZAYN walks out getting a decent pop from the live crowd but he doesn’t look too happy on his way to the ring. He slaps the hands of a few of the fans at ringside as the commentary brings up the tough loss last night to Samoa Joe, with the WWE Champion running through him on his way to victory. Zayn climbs into the ring and looks at the fans in the crowd before saying sorry for his performance last night getting some boos from the live crowd.
He holds his hands up and tells the fans that they can disagree but Sami knows he can do better and he feels he did not give a good enough performance against Samoa Joe. He gives the WWE Champion full credit for beating him last night, saying Joe was the better man. He sighs before telling the crowd that this is a setback but not the end of his rise to the top! Sami tells the fans that he is going back to the drawing board and next time he earns a World title shot he plans to win. Sami is about to carry on when…
*COAT OF ARMS*
THE UNGOVERNABLES walk out! Loud boos from the crowd as ZELINA VEGA leads the way with ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS, ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO following her towards the ring. Sami looks on suspicious of their intentions but Zelina says she comes in peace as she wants to help Sami. He looks wary but she climbs into the ring and says she knows how good Sami is. She says she watched him for years and was a huge fan of his NXT Championship reign calling it the 2nd best on behind Andrade’s!
The crowd boos with Sami rolling his eyes whilst Andrade applauds himself with a smug look on his face. She tells Sami that under his guidance he can get another shot at Samoa Joe or maybe Aleister Black on Smackdown, molding him into a future champion. Sami smirks, asking Zelina if that includes bowing down to Andrade. The crowd cheers that jibe as El Idolo steps forward but Zelina stops him. Sami tells Zelina he appreciates the offer but he is his own man.
Sami tells Zelina he only has one man in the WWE he feels teaming with full time and that’s Kevin Owens. Zelina shakes her head as the crowd cheers with the leader of the Ungovernables saying Sami should reconsider before Andrade steps forward and points at Sami aggressively. He tells Sami he should know his place and he should consider himself lucky to be offered a spot in the Ungovernables. Sami asks if that is a threat and Andrade steps forward as…
*UPPERCUT OVERTURE (1812)*
CESARO walks out joined by his close friend and ally in recent times ILJA DRAGUNOV! The crowd cheers for both men as they walk to the ring with a purpose and Cesaro points at the Ungovernables in the ring. He says this proves exactly why he left the group because Sami Zayn is a man of honor and skill yet Andrade thinks he is beneath him. Cesaro shakes his head as he enters the ring with Ilja by his side standing next to Sami who looks at him wary.
Cesaro asks the crowd if they have heard of NXT getting a cheap pop from the fans. He brings up the history of fighting Sami down in NXT and says he knows he is a worthy fighter. Sami nods accepting the respect as the Mad Russian llja looks to chime in. He tells Sami a warrior falls down but a true warrior gets back up and he tells him he will get back up. The crowd loudly cheers as Sami nods appreciating the kind words before Angel Garza takes the microphone!
He says Cesaro can preach about honor and respect but this is why the Ungovernables put him on the injury shelf once and they will do it again! Cesaro steps forward for a fight but Sami stops him. He turns to The Ungovernables and tells them that he has heard what they have had to say… TELLING THEM HE WANTS TO TEAM WITH CESARO AND ILJA AT FASTLANE! Loud cheers from the crowd as Andrade looks ready to attack but Zelina stops him. She tells Sami he will pay for this but The Ungovernables leave, with Sami talking to his newfound tag team partners ahead of Fastlane!
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When we return from the commercial break, TOM PHILLIPS is standing ready for an interview and introduces his guest at this time LIV MORGAN! She has a big smile on her face and Tom welcomes her back to Raw after a long time off injured. Liv says it is good to be back and promises to get her career back on track after a rough 2020. Before Tom can ask any more questions, they are cut off by SHOTZI BLACKHEART!
Shotzi is angry and asks Liv why she tossed Ruby out of the Rumble. Liv naturally is confused by this question and tells Shotzi it is every woman for themselves, telling her she owes no loyalty to Ruby after what she did to her in the past. Shotzi says that Ruby is the reason Liv even made it to Raw and Smackdown before challenging her to a match next week. Liv tells Shotzi she is on and brings the interview to an end.
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*DO I*
JAMES STORM makes his way out getting boos from the crowd and the cowboy does not seem in a good mood tonight. Michael Cole and Elias bring up his performance in the Rumble, with him being quickly eliminated from the match by Daniel Bryan. He paces in the ring looking to get back on track but he has a hard time tonight as he faces…
*HURT YOU*
BOBBY LASHLEY! The crowd gives him a decent pop with a few boos as he walks to the ring with purpose. The commentary brings up MVP offering Bobby the chance to join the Hurt Business before he got injured so you have to wonder if he will rejoin them. He steps into the ring and glares at James Storm whilst the referee calls for the bell!
Match 2: Bobby Lashley vs James Storm
Match summary: Bobby towers over James Storm who tries to be sneaky in the opening stages but Bobby overpowers him and starts to toss him around the ring with ease. Storm is struggling to survive and needs to rake the eyes of Bobby just to stand a chance in this match. James Storm gets a few hope spots in this match but Bobby Lashley rides the wave before trapping James Storm in a FULL NELSON SHOULDER LOCK AND JAMES STORM TAPS OUT!
Winner via submission: Bobby Lashley (5:33)
Bobby Lashley holds on for an extra few seconds before tossing the lifeless body of James Storm to the mat and lifting his arms in the air celebrating the victory on his return to Raw. He soaks in the cheers as the commentary team brings up his performance tonight and says he is a threat to the entire roster heading into WrestleMania 37! Bobby Lashley heads towards the ropes and off-mic talks trash to the camera saying Big E needs to focus on him as they have business to discuss before we cut backstage to see…
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HEATH SLATER and RICK BOOGS hanging out backstage talking to each other. Both men have a smile on their faces until the door opens and JEFF JARRETT walks into the room in a black trench coat with a black hat. Heath shares a hug with Jeff Jarrett as Rick Boogs looks on, very confused before Heath Slater confirms that Jeff Jarrett has been the one sending him the letters and says he sees him as a future star in this business!
Jeff puts his arm around Heath and tells him he sees a lot of himself in him, saying under his guidance he will get Heath Slater to the top. Rick looks wary and Jeff picks up on that as he reassures him telling Rick he only has good intentions, wanting to help both of them make it to the top. He tells Rick that next week he will have his first match on Raw in over 20 years and will show them how it is done!
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*ALL HAIL THE QUEEN*
Loud boos from the live crowd as Women’s Universal Champion CHARLOTTE FLAIR makes her way out. She is dressed in a fancy dress and heels with a smug look on her face, showing off her Woman’s title on the way to the ring. Michael Cole mentions Dakota Kai is not here tonight after the damage done by Charlotte Flair last night. Elias points out Charlotte has always been out for herself, it’s just recently there was a bigger enemy in the women’s division with the MMA Horsewomen floating around the Raw and Smackdown Women’s division.
Charlotte Flair stands in the middle of the ring and looks at the booing fans with a smug self-assured smirk on her face and says this feels normal, chuckling to herself. She asks the fans why they are surprised because she has never lied about who she is. Charlotte holds the Women’s Universal title aloft in the air and tells the live crowd that is what truly matters to her. She says she saved the Women’s division from the MMA Horsewomen but it is her division to save.
She says that she has run this division since the moment she stepped foot on Raw and will till the day she retires. The crowd boos loudly but she reminds the fans that she is a 9-time Women’s Champion for a reason. Charlotte says what she did to Dakota wasn’t personal but she had outlived her usefulness to the Queen so she made sure to take her out and move on to her next challenger. The crowd boos Charlotte even louder but they are soon interrupted by…
*CHICANE BOYS*
TGEAN NOX SPRINTING TO THE RING! She runs out with a kendo stick in hand and slides into the ring swinging for her former ally but Charlotte leaves the ring fleeing up the entrance ramp! Tegan grabs the microphone that Charlotte had dropped to the mat and points at the Women’s Universal champion telling her she is going to kick her ass for what she did to Dakota Kai! She keeps it short and sweet as the two women stare each other down as the show goes to a commercial break.
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Returning from the commercial break, we see WADE BARRETT standing in his office. He tells the live crowd he has signed off on Samoa Joe vs Kofi Kingston for the WWE title at Fastlane and would like to take a moment to congratulate Rhea Ripley on winning the Royal Rumble. He smiles saying that her versus Charlotte is not a lock because The Queen will be defending her Women’s Universal title against the winner of a 6-pack challenge next week at Fastlane. He tells the crowd that the women entering are the 6 women who lasted the longest from Raw in the Rumble minus Ripley confirming it will be: Shayna Baszler, Ruby Riott, Dani Luna, Natalya, Tegan Nox and Alexa Bliss fighting next week!
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*HERE TO SHOW THE WORLD*
DOLPH ZIGGLER makes his way out to the ring getting boos from the crowd. He is flanked by his bodyguard OMOS who cuts an imposing presence but neither man looks to be in a good mood. Michael Cole brings up Ziggler’s rapid elimination at the hands of Keith Lee and the NXT Champion manages to slam OMOS to the mat with ease! Elias says he knows that won’t sit well with Ziggler as he paces around the ring waiting for…
*PLAY MY ASS OFF*
XAVIER WOODS! He walks to the ring, with a smile on his face and is joined by his best friends BIG E and KOFI KINGSTON! They hype up Woods as he walks to the ring with the commentary team mentioning that Woods has been struggling with his confidence issues but that pep talk from Daniel Bryan won’t hurt him going into tonight. Ziggler talks trash to Dolph whilst The New Day keeps an eye on OMOS and the referee calls for the bell to get the match started!
Match 3: Dolph Ziggler w/OMOS vs Xavier Woods w/Big E and Kofi Kingston
Match summary: In the first few minutes of the match, Ziggler looks to wear down and work over Woods on the mat but Xavier manages to counter him at every turn angering Ziggler. He rolls to the outside and talks to his bodyguard looking to get back into the match but Woods doesn’t let up going after him. OMOS moves into the way looking to protect Ziggler… BUT BIG E STEPS AROUND AND BLOCKS HIS PATH! They have a face off but Ziggler uses that to sneak attack Woods!
Ziggler takes control of the match to the disdain of the live crowd who wills Woods on wanting him to get the win over the former World Champion. Ziggler is cocky throughout his attacks on Woods and this costs him as Woods starts to make a fight back! Ziggler knows he is in trouble as OMOS tries to get involved but KOFI HITS A TROUBLE IN PARADISE BY LEAPING OFF THE APRON TO DO IT… AND BIG E HOISTS HIM UP SLAMMING HIM WITH A JACKHAMMER! Woods then catches Ziggler with a DDT INTO A SHINING WIZARD TO PICK UP THE WIN!
Winner via pinfall: Xavier Woods (10:19)
Woods gets to his feet and is joined inside the ring by the rest of the New Day who lift him above their shoulders to celebrate a huge victory tonight! Michael Cole puts over how big a win like that is for Woods, pinning a former World Champion and a recent Cruiserweight Champion. The New Day celebrates in the ring some more whilst Dolph Ziggler heads to the back furious, with his bodyguard trailing behind him.
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We return from the commercial break and immediately cut backstage… AS DREW MCINTYRE IS SHOWN BEING ATTACKED WITH A LEAD PIPE BY TOMMASO CIMAPA! We can see Drew is BLEEDING as the former NXT Champion brutally beats him down. We finally see security appear as they pull him away and break up the assault but the damage has been done with the medical team checking on the Sinister Scotsman before we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.
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Michael Cole calls the attack a vicious and vile assault from Ciampa yet again. Elias brings up the injuries he has caused to superstars on the roster including The Miz and Pete Dunne who is still out of action. He wonders if Ciampa could do something similar to Big E in tonight’s main event before…
*IT'S TIME*
THE HURT BUSINESS makes their way out! The crowd boos the imposing group who all walk out onto the ring wearing their signature fancy suits. MVP leads the way with the WWE Champion SAMOA JOE, Intercontinental Champion SWERVE STRICKLAND, Cruiserweight Champion LIO RUSH, World tag team champions CEDRIC ALEXANDER AND SHELTON BENJAMIN and EJ NDUKA! Lio Rush still has a face mask on after his recent broken nose.
Michael Cole says The Hurt Business’s domination on Monday Night Raw has been something else with the group holding all of the titles on the male roster. Elias says Swerve Strickland also had a stand-out performance in the Royal Rumble making it to the final 3 in his first-ever Royal Rumble. The group makes it into the ring, standing as a united front behind MVP who starts the promo by telling the live crowd that they are in the Hurt Business and business is booming!
The crowd doesn’t like it and MVP says they can be angry about the truth all they want. The Hurt Business runs Monday Night Raw and holds all the gold. MVP says last night was a good night for the Hurt Business as Joe retained his WWE title and showed why he is the most dominant man on the planet. Joe takes the microphone for a moment and tells the live crowd that Sami was just another person step up to him and get knocked back down!
Samoa Joe says Kofi Kingston is next and he plans to show Big E what happens when you have dreams: they get crushed under the weight of the real world! The crowd boos before Joe passes the microphone back to MVP who says it was not only Joe who had a stand-out performance and turns to Swerve who has a cocky smirk on his face. MVP says Swerve showed exactly why he is the future of this business and talks about making the final 3, tossing out Mr. Money in the Bank!
Joe looks on a bit unimpressed with the boasting from Swerve but the self-proclaimed mogul carries on saying he now has business to attend to with his title! He says he has heard who has one thing left he needs to do, one title he needs to hold more than any other! Swerve raises the Intercontinental title into the air promising he has no plans of letting go of his gold! He tells the crowd he spoke to Wade and he will do what Joe has promised to do, crushing Sheamus’s dreams once and for all!
MVP takes back the microphone and says that last week also saw Shelton and Cedric defend their tag team titles proving they are the best team in the WWE and tonight after being cleared by the doctors Lio will keep the Cruiserweight title in The Hurt Business. Lio takes the microphone and has a small whine about not being fully healed but promises that will make it even better when he beats…
*INAUGURAL*
TYLER BATE WALKS OUT! He gets a decent pop from the live crowd shortly after being joined by TRENT SEVEN! Mustache Mountain is united as they walk to the ring and we get word from the commentary team that the Cruiserweight title will be happening right now. MVP says a few words to Swerve, Joe and Nduka sending them to the back but MVP, Shelton and Cedric stay at ringside with Lio Rush whilst we head into the commercial break.
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Match 4: Cruiserweight title match: Lio Rush © w/he Hurt Business vs Tyler Bate w/ Trent Seven
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, Lio Rush is in control of the match working at a fast pace and looking to overwhelm Tyler Bate who has a power advantage over Lio. The commentary team notes that Lio is still wearing the mask to protect his recently broken nose. MVP claps and cheers for Lio Rush from outside the ring with the tag team champions talking trash to Trent Seven. Seven keeps his cool as he doesn’t want to affect Tyler Bate’s title match.
Tyler Bate starts to take control of the match and tosses Lio Rush around the ring, showing off his superior power compared to his fellow Cruiserweight. Lio is in danger and the Hurt Business knows this so MVP has a few words with the tag team champions and sends them around the ring. Trent points is ready to fight them whilst MVP distracts the referee but it is a ruse to allow RUSH TO TAKE OFF HIS MASK AND SMASH BATE WITH IT! Loud boos from the crowd as Rush heads to the corner of the ring and hits RUSH HOUR! He hooks the leg and Lio Rush retains his Cruiserweight title!
Winner via pinfall and still Cruiserweight Champion: Lio Rush (12:42)
Lio Rush gets to his feet and quickly scrambles to put his mask back on, further pissing off the live crowd. Shelton and Cedric stop distracting Trent as they slide into the ring to join MVP and Rush in their celebrations. The commentary team points out that the Hurt Business have been dominant but they also have bent the rules when they have needed to make sure they stay on top. Trent checks on Tyler Bate in the ring and Mustache Mountain looks annoyed as we cut to the backstage area to see…
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MUSTAFA ALI watching the match backstage! He is soon approached by CATHY KELLEY who asks him what his thoughts are on the title match he just watched. He gives Lio Rush credit for his ability but remembers beating him last year for the Cruiserweight title and says he has needed the help of The Hurt Business to make it this far. He tells Cathy he hasn’t forgotten about Lio and will be taking back his Cruiserweight title very soon!
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*BRUTALITY*
A loud pop from the live crowd as Raw starts its 3rd hour and the Women’s Royal Rumble RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out getting a huge pop from the fans in attendance. Michael Cole and Elias point out she managed to tie her own elimination record during her performance in the Royal Rumble, saying she might be one of the most dominant women we have ever seen in that match type. Rhea gets into the ring and is passed a microphone as she wanders around the ring.
She points at the fact the ring is empty and doesn’t have any balloons or anything like that to celebrate her victory because she doesn’t need anything like that. She said ever since she came to Monday Night Raw, she said she was going to win the Royal Rumble and that nothing could stop her. Last night she proved in the middle of that ring that this is now her brand and she has one target: The Women’s Universal title! The crowd cheers happily as she is staying on Raw as Rhea continues.
Rhea Ripley says she has two major black marks on her record in 2020. She brings up losing the NXT Women’s title to Io Shirai! A few of the crowd cheers for the NXT superstar as Rhea nods before telling the fans that she knows she will meet her again. The second was losing to Charlotte at Queen of the Ring. She says she hopes Charlotte makes it to WrestleMania 37 as champion because she wants her win back! The crowd loudly cheers for Rhea who is about to carry on…
*KILL ‘EM ALL*
THE MMA HORSEWOMEN walk out onto the top of the entrance ramp! NATALYA and JESSAMYN DUKE stand there staring down a confused Rhea Ripley as neither woman says a word… SHAYNA BASZLER SNEAKS INTO THE RING AND CHOP BLOCKS RHEA RIPLEY! The Nightmare’s knee buckles and she falls to a kneeling position allowing Shayna to lock her in the KIRIFUDA CLUTCH! She starts to choke her out with Natalya and Jessamyn heading straight to the ring to join in on the attack.
Rhea was trying to fight out of the hold but the boots from Natalya and Duke stopped her from escaping the hold! Rhea is choked out with Shayna dropping her to the mat before looking down to grab the microphone, soaking in the boos from the live crowd. Shayna tells the crowd and Rhea that Charlotte is not making it to WrestleMania 37 as champion because she plans to take her title back from her and will do this to Rhea at Mania if she gets in her way, tossing the microphone down to end the promo.
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When we return from the commercial break, THE MMA HORSEWOMEN are walking through the back when TOM PHILLIPS stops them for an interview. He asks them why they attacked Rhea Ripley and Shayna says they needed to send a message to the roster to remind them where they stand. She tells Tom that next week she earns what should be hers, a rematch with Charlotte, and will take back her title at Fastlane. Tom then asks Natalya about Beth returning at the Rumble and eliminating her. Natalya just ignores the question and walks away bringing the interview to an end.
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*TRAP OR TREAT*
JINNY makes her way out getting loud boos from the live crowd and she doesn’t look happy. She is joined by her tag team partner AMALE whilst the commentary team fills us in on the war of words between Jinny and her opponent Katana Chance on social media about her Royal Rumble performance. They mention as well that Jinny only lasted a few seconds and it will sting someone with as much pride as her.
*AMERICAN MADE*
KATANA CHANCE makes her way out next getting a decent pop from the live crowd. KAYDEN CARTER joins her tag team partner on the way to the ring and the party girls play to the crowd. The commentary team talks about Katana showing off her high-flying skills in the Rumble have a decent showing. Katana leaps into the ring and mocks Jinny again before the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 5: Katana Chance w/Kayden Carter vs Jinny w/Amale
Match summary: Katana starts off like a house of fire and tries to overwhelm Jinny with speed. The crafty fashionista uses cheap tricks to get back into the match and tries to steal the victory but Katana stays alive! Jinny gets frustrated but in the closing stages, Katana counters a roll-up from Jinny and KEEPS IT IN PLACE FOR THE 3 COUNT!
Winner via pinfall: Katana Chance (5:30)
Jinny kicks out just after the 3 count but it is too late and Katana picks up a big win on Monday Night Raw. Jinny goes to argue with the referee but Katana celebrates her win with Kayden Carter. The commentary team gives Katana credit for her performance tonight and says more wins like that could see her in title contention.
*FORCE OF GREATNESS*
NIA JAX storms out with a face like thunder getting boos from the live crowd. Jinny is still angry but wisely signals for Amale to leave through the crowd and avoid Nia Jax. Kayden Carter tries to dive out of the ring onto Nia… NIA SCOOPS HER UP AND SLAMS HER DOWN TO THE FLOOR WITH A THUD! Katana leaves the ring and has some more success…
BUT NIA TURNS THE TIDES AND OVERPOWERS HER TO SLAM HER ONTO THE RINGSIDE BARRICADE! Nia looks like doing more damage but is soon stopped as security appears. She scowls and shakes her head before walking away as K2 has been left destroyed by Nia Jax. The commentary team wonders what prompted that assault from Nia Jax but that remains unanswered as we cut to a commercial break.
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We return from the commercial break to see THE HOUSE OF COUTURE walking through the back. JINNY shouts at AMALE saying they need to find referees who can actually do their job correctly! They are soon cut off by THE TWISTED SISTERS with NIKKI CROSS having a big smile on her face. ISLA DAWN smirks and tells them that time has not been on their side. Jinny tells Isla to watch her tongue but she just smirks and tells them she is looking forward to seeing them next week, leaving the House standing there furious.
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SHEAMUS is next shown coming out of the gym when CATHY KELLEY approaches him looking for an interview. She asks him if he heard the news from Swerve Strickland earlier tonight. Sheamus nods saying he did and now he has his full focus on fighting Swerve at Fastlane. He tells Cathy that he knows his career could end any time after his back injury so he will fight with everything that he has left to take that Intercontinental title from the hands of Swerve Strickland! BARON CORBIN walks into the shot and laughs at Sheamus.
The Celtic Warrior asks him if there is something funny but Corbin holds his hands up saying he heard what Sheamus was saying and is sick of the sob story. He says if Sheamus was going to do it, he would have by now. Sheamus smirked and said he found that funny, coming from someone who has won far fewer titles than he has. Corbin scowls as Sheamus twists the knife, bringing up that he actually managed to cash in Money in the Bank and tells Corbin he’ll speak to Wade about getting a warm-up match with him next week.
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*PAPARAZZI*
MELINA makes her way out with the red carpet laid out for her while PIPER NIVEN flanks her tag team partner. The veteran looks determined and can be seen saying a few words to Piper on the way to the ring. The commentary team notes that Melina will be looking to get back on track after some recent losses on Monday Night Raw.
*WE RIOT*
RUBY RIOTT walks out getting loud boos from the crowd. She is joined by her tag team partner SHOTZI BLACKHEART on the way to the ring, as the commentary team mentions Shotzi having a problem with Liv Morgan taking Ruby out of the Rumble. They also mention Ruby having the chance to earn a Women’s Universal title match as Fastlane. Once both women are in the ring, the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 6: Ruby Riott w/Shotzi Blackheart vs Melina w/Piper Niven
Match summary: Ruby comes into this match as aggressive as ever and Melina struggles to deal with it. Shotzi at a couple of points offers to help but Ruby makes it clear she wants to handle this business alone. Piper stays out of the match as well and even though Melina gives it her best shot to fight back, Ruby hits THE RIOT KICK to pick up a win on Monday Night Raw.
Winner via pinfall: Ruby Riott (6:43)
Ruby gets to her feet and scowls as she looks at the live crowd booing her, but it can’t be denied she earned the victory tonight. Shotzi joins her in the ring and the pair of them do a belt motion signalling they have their sights set on gold. The commentary team points out more wins like that should put them in line for titles as we cut to the back to see…
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TOMMASO CIAMPA walking through the back with a scowl on his face, dressed for tonight’s main event. He is stopped by TOM PHILIPS who asks him why he attacked Drew McIntyre earlier tonight. Ciampa scoffs and says that is a stupid question. He tells the interviewer that Drew took money off his table when he threw him out of the Rumble so Ciampa returned the favor. He smirks before telling Tom if he takes out Big E tonight, he might get his WrestleMania 37 main event after all.
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When we return from the final commercial break of the night, we cut to Michael Cole and Elias on commentary who informs us that Sami Zayn versus Humberto Carrillo has been added to the show but we will also see Michael Cole have a sit-down interview with Beth Phoenix after she returned at the Royal Rumble eliminating her former best friend, Natalya!
*NO ONE WILL SURVIVE*
TOMMASO CIAMPA walks out getting loud boos from the crowd. The psycho even plays to it and starts to taunt them, promising as he walks to the ring that he will take out Big E and spoil his WrestleMania plans too! Michael Cole brings up a medical update saying Drew had to go to a local medical facility Elias says we might not see Drew for a few weeks after that brutal assault from Ciampa.
*FEEL THE POWER*
BIG E walks to the ring with purpose, the New Day-themed Money in the Bank briefcase on show before being followed by KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS! The New Day members behind Big E play to the fans to get them hyped up whilst Big E marches with purpose ready for a fight. The commentary team mentions every match being important for Big E to keep momentum heading into WrestleMania 37. He joins Ciampa in the ring and now the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Main event: Big E w/Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods vs Tommaso Ciampa
Match summary: Early on in the match, Ciampa looks to slowly grind down Big E and wear him down, but Big E has a size advantage that Ciampa is struggling to overcome, getting sent further back. Big E uses his size to control the match and tosses Ciampa around the ring with ease. The fans cheer loudly, but Ciampa is able to use Big E’s friendship against him, tricking the referee into thinking they attacked him and getting them kicked from ringside!
Big E takes his anger for this call on Ciampa and lays into him but his attacks lack focus allowing Ciampa to pounce and take control of the match. As we head over the middle stretch and into the final stages of the match Ciampa has taken control but cannot put away Big E who refuses to stay down. Ciampa gets desperate and rips off the turnbuckle pad, the referee falls for it allowing Ciampa to grab the briefcase ready to hit Big E in the skull with it…
*CAN YOU FEEL MY HEART?*
PETE DUNNE WALKS OUT ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP! Ciampa is shocked for a second but it gives Big E the chance to knock him down! Big E then grabs Ciampa and kicks his own briefcase from the ring hitting the BOOTY DROP! Big E isn’t done and wants to make sure he stays down lifting Ciampa up and hitting him with the JACKHAMMER for the win!
Winner via pinfall: Big E (10:19)
Big E gets to his feet with a smile on his face and celebrates to the delight of the crowd. Pete Dunne at the top of the entrance ramp himself can’t help but let out a small smile before running down the entrance ramp and sliding into the ring attacking Ciampa. He lays in a series of punches as they end up outside the ring. Pete Dunne is laying into him as Big E carries on his celebration in the ring… BOBBY LASHLEY LAYS HIM OUT! Boos ring out from the live crowd as Lashley stands tall over Big E whilst Dunne brawls with Ciampa to end Monday night Raw!
Confirmed matches for next week:
Number one contender’s 6-pack challenge match:
Alexa Bliss vs Dani Luna vs Natalya vs Ruby Riott vs Shayna Baszler vs Tegan Nox
Singles match:
Sami Zayn vs Humberto Carrilo
Singles match:
Sheamus vs Baron Corbin
Singles match:
Liv Morgan vs Shotzi Blackheart
Singles match:
Jeff Jarrett vs ???
Tag team match:
Twisted Sisters vs House of Couture
Matchcard for Fastlane
February 21st 2021
Atalanta, Georgia
State Farm Arena
DIE BY THE BLADE – BEAST IN BLACK
WWE title match:
Samoa Joe © vs Kofi Kingston
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair © vs Alexa Bliss or Dani Luna or Natalya or Ruby Riott or Shayna Baszler or Tegan Nox
Intercontinental title match:
Swerve Strickland © vs Sheamus
Trios match:
The Ungovernables (Andrade Cien Almas, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo) vs Cesaro, Ilja Dragunov and Sami Zayn
Matchcard for WrestleMania 37 Night 1
March 27th 2021
Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium
AND SO IT WENT – PRETTY RECKLESS
WWE Title match:
Samoa Joe or Kofi Kingston © vs Big E
WWE Women’s title match:
Asuka © vs ???
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ???
Pre-show:
Andre the Giant battle Royal:
TBA
Matchcard for WrestleMania 37 Night 2
March 28th 2021
Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium
AND SO IT WENT – PRETTY RECKLESS
Universal title match:
Aleister Black © vs Daniel Bryan
Women’s Universal title match:
Charlotte Flair or Alexa Bliss or Dani Luna or Natalya or Ruby Riott or Shayna Baszler or Tegan Nox © vs Rhea Ripley
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ??? vs ???
Pre-show:
Sensational Sherri Battle Royal:
TBA
EWR Rating:
70%
