Main event:
Heath Slater defeated Titus O’Neil via pinfall (4::53)
Xia Li defeated Charli Evans via pinfall (6:55)
The Good Brothers defeated The B-Team via pinfall (3:15)
The One Twos defeated Lince Dorado and Fandango via pinfall (9:46)
Main event: Alexa Bliss and Mickie James defeated K2 via pinfall (8:16)
Monday Night Raw
March 22nd 2021
San Jose, California
SAP Center
HOUSE OF MEMORIES – PANIC AT THE DISCO
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Monday Night Raw’s opening video ends, and we cut to the commentary team at ringside. They welcomed us to the show and reminded us that it was WrestleMania week! They hype up the show, including the main event confrontation between The New Day and The Hurt Business! They are about to go through the other matches on the show, but are cut off super quickly as…
*SOVIET MARCH*
ILJA DRAGUNOV STORMS OUT! He has a wild-eyed look in his eyes and sprints down the entrance ramp before sliding into the ring, ready for a fight as he points towards the backstage area, wanting Andrade out here right now. Elias says Ilja asked for this match, wanting revenge for his close friend Cesaro. Michael Cole wonders if this is a good idea with Ilja entering Money in the Bank this Sunday.
*GANGSTER’S PARADISE*
ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS walks out with a smug smirk on his face. He takes his time walking out, joined by his manager ZELINA VEGA! She hypes him up on the way to the ring as Michael Cole mentions that last year, Andrade was walking into WrestleMania 36 as Universal Champion. Elias says he is still one of the best superstars in the WWE and still a top contender. Both men stand in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this fight underway!
Match 1: Andrade Cien Almas w/Zelina Vega vs Ilja Dragunov
Match summary: Andrade is cocky but soon gets the smirk wiped off his face as Ilja lays into him with a series of hard strikes and chops, overwhelming the former Universal Champion! Ilja is laying into Andrade and overwhelms him, leading to Zelina Vega giving him instructions at ringside. Andrade gets back into the ring and starts to use his power advantage to control the match, working over the Cruiserweight and taunting the crowd watching as he does it!
Andrade is in control of the match, but Ilja shows he is more than able to hang with a former World Champion and mounts a bit of a fight back against Andrade, even taking control of the match. He ends up hitting him with TORPEDO MOSCOW, getting a very close two count before signalling he is ready to go for the H-BOMB! Zelina looks worried and signals to the crowd… AS ANGEL GARZA AND HUMBERTO CARRILLO RUN OUT, ATTACKING ILJA FOR THE DQ!
Winner via disqualification: Ilja Dragunov (9:29)
The boos ring out as the cousins lay into Ilja with a series of punches and kicks looking to stop the Mad Russian in his tracks. They drag him up ready to double-team him… BUT HE STARTS TO FIGHT BACK, FENDING THEM OFF! They stumble away from him as it looks like he is going to lay them out… SPINNING BACK ELBOW FROM ANDRADE! Ilja gets dropped and falls to the mat as Andrade looks to recover and looks furious. He drags Ilja up, ready to hit him with a HAMMERLOCK DDT…
*UPPERCUT OVERTURE (1812)*
CESARO SPRINTS OUT WITH A STEEL CHAIR IN HAND! Andrade shouts instructions to Angel and Humberto, who roll out of the ring looking to take on Cesaro… BUT HE SMASHES THEM WITH THE CHAIR! Angel and Humberto fall to the floor outside the ring before Cesaro slides inside swinging for Andrade… BUT HE DROPS ILJA AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING, FLEEING THROUGH THE CROWD! Boos from the fans in attendance as Cesaro asks for a microphone!
He calls Andrade a coward before ranting at him in German! The crowd still loudly cheers for Cesaro, who says that for those who did not understand what he just said, it was a spoiler for what he is going to do to Andrade this Sunday. He is finally going to get him in the middle of the ring alone with no excuse. Then he is going to overpower him, out wrestle him, and show him what a true wrestler looks like! Cesaro drops the microphone and stands tall in the ring as Andrade carries on his retreat, and Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see THE NEW DAY walking through the back with big smiles on their faces as CATHY KELLEY stops them for an interview with them. BIG E welcomes her with a big smile and says they always have time to speak to her. Cathy smiles and thanks the trio before asking how they are feeling ahead of potentially the biggest night in the New Day’s history. KOFI KINGSTON says they are fired up because they know it will be their greatest night.
XAVIER WOODS says all of his issues last year have led to this moment and on Saturday, he will finally become a singles champion for the first time in his career. They are about to carry on with the interview when they are interrupted by an angry ZELINA VEGA with ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO behind her. She tells them to get out of her way as she has something to say. They look annoyed as Zelina tells everyone that her clients are going to get back the World tag team titles this Sunday.
Big E steps forward and tells the group that they should get their own interview time instead of interrupting theirs. Angel steps in Big E’s face, saying they will do what they want because they can’t be controlled and mocks the group, saying they know how hard it is to win gold, saying The New Day will lose on Saturday. Kofi scoffs and tells them to back up their words later in the ring tonight. Humberto points at Xavier Woods picking him and Angel says he will beat a former World Champion later on tonight.
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We then cut elsewhere backstage as we can see RHEA RIPLEY stretching her right leg and winces in pain whilst TEAM KICK trains with her. TEGAN NOX tells Rhea they can do the heavy lifting for her if needed tonight but Rhea shakes her head saying they have their own title match to focus on. DAKOTA KAI says they can help Rhea and focus on that prompting someone in the background to ask if they are sure. The camera pans over to show THE BOSS ‘N’ HUG CONNECTION WALKING INTO THE ROOM!
The WWE Women’s tag team champions have their titles in hand with a slight smile on each of their faces. BAYLEY says they will make sure all of them are 100% for WrestleMania because they want to fight the best teams in the world. SASHA BANKS is in agreement, saying they don’t want any excuse when they collide at WrestleMania 37 because they intend to take the longest title reign away from Team Kick. Both teams are face to face as Team Kick is about to say something…
BETH PHOENIX WALKS INTO THE ROOM! The legend and Queen of the Ring looks at the 5 women in front of her before saying she has come back with one purpose in mind: kicking Natalya’s ass! She says she will be focused on that and the rest; she will leave it to them. Rhea walks up to Beth as they have a bit of a stare down before Rhea smirks, telling Beth she has got it. They share a nod and the women go back to preparing for their match later tonight as Raw goes on a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see JEFF JARRETT standing next to HEATH SLATER! Jeff is dressed in his last outlaw outfit, ala all black, whilst Heath Slater has changed his look to match the Hall of Famer. Jeff says that last week, Heath had a choice to make, but it was an easy one for him to make. He brings up his accolades over the years: 4x World Champion, 3x United States Champion, 6x Intercontinental Champion, 1x Tag Team Champion and 1x European Champion!
He says that it is not even covering what he has done elsewhere and how much gold he has won throughout his entire career. He points at Heath, asking why he would listen to a loser like Rick Boogs, who has done nothing in his career. Heath says his career has felt stagnant for years and he needs to do what’s best for his kids. He says he is a 4x tag team champion and it is time for him to become a 5-time declaring for tag team warfare. He then finishes the promo, promising to show Boogs what he learned later on tonight!
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*I AM A PSYCHO*
SHOTZI BLACKHEART makes her way out getting boos from the live crowd, trash-talking the fans all the way to the ring. She is joined by her tag team partner RUBY RIOTT, who shakes her head, not being a fan of Shotzi’s actions. Michael Cole says Shotzi will be looking to prove a point tonight ahead of her entrance into the Sensational Sherri Battle Royal. Elias says Ruby might be having regrets about her actions in the past as we wait for…
*BUBBLEGUM BITCH*
LIV MORGAN! She gets a loud pop from the fans before sprinting to the ring, slapping hands with the fans at ringside before getting into the ring right in Shotzi’s face. Michael Cole says Liv has been on a bit of a roll since coming back at this year’s Royal Rumble. Elias calls her a dark horse to win the Money in the Bank briefcase and maybe win her first gold in WWE in 2021. The referee gets the two women to separate from each other before calling for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 2: Liv Morgan vs Shotzi Blackheart w/Ruby Riott
Match summary: Both women scrap with each other in the middle of the ring and don’t ease up on each other, throwing hands at each other. Liv Morgan takes control of the match and even makes a point to look at Ruby Riott outside the ring. Her former best friend makes it clear she has no intention of getting involved in the match and just hangs out by the commentary desk, refusing to do anything… BUT LIV DISTRACTS HER AND SHOTZI TAKES ADVANTAGE!
Shotzi gets cocky whilst she is in control but she makes sure to savour every moment of it, grinding down on poor Liv who struggles to fight back. Blackheart tries to take her down, but everything she does, Liv manages to kick out and stay alive! Blackheart shouts to Ruby and demands her help her win, BUT RUBY SAYS NO AND TELLS SHOTZI TO DO IT HERSELF! Shotzi carries on arguing, allowing Liv to recover… AND HITS obLIVin!!! Liv makes the cover and picks up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Liv Morgan (7:02)
Liv Morgan gets to her feet with a smile on his face and celebrates the victory tonight as Ruby Riott applauds the victory. Michael Cole puts over her performance tonight, with Elias saying Shotzi was too focused on Ruby Riott outside the ring. Liv looks to Ruby outside the ring, questioning if she wants to do something, but Ruby shakes her head, making it clear she has no beef with Liv. Morgan looks confused… SHOTZI CHEAP SHOTS HER FROM BEHIND!
The crowd loudly boos Shotzi for her actions as she carries on the beatdown in the middle of the ring… UNTIL RUBY RIOTT ENTERS THE RING AND STOPS HER! Shotzi gets in Ruby’s face as the two women argue with each other, leaving Liv down in the ring, shocked by this argument. The We Riotts carry on the argument as Liv Morgan shakes her head and chooses to peace out, leaving them in the ring as Monday Night Raw goes on a commercial break.
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*SOLID GROUND*
RICK BOOGS makes his way out getting a small pop from the live crowd. He tries to fire them up with a bit of air guitar before heading to the ring. Elias says he spoke to Rick earlier tonight and whilst he is focused on revenge today, this Saturday he will enter the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. Michael Cole says Rick has every right to be angry due to his friend turning on him last week.
*MORE THAN ONE MAN*
HEATH SLATER gets boos from the live crowd as he walks out joined by his new mentor JEFF JARRETT! The boos get even louder once the Last Outlaw walks out as they taunt the crowd and Rick Boogs. Michael Cole says Heath Slater is a former tag team champion and has had success before. Elias points out that Jeff Jarrett has had success that Heath Slater can only dream of. Heath steps into the ring across from Rick as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 3: Heath Slater w/Jeff Jarrett vs Rick Boogs
Match summary: Heath spends the first couple of minutes playing keep away from Rick Boogs and avoiding his attacks. Rick is annoyed and chases after him, going to the outside of the ring… WITH JEFF JARRETT CUTTING HIM OFF TO LOUD BOOS FROM THE CROWD! This distraction gets Heath Slater in control of the match, and he even survives a comeback from Rick Boogs, distracting the referee long enough for Jarrett to smash BOOGS WITH A GUITAR THROUGH THE ROPES! Heath quickly follows up, hitting E-MINOR for the win!
Winner via pinfall: Heath Slater (5:04)
Jeff Jarrett makes sure to dispose of the pieces of the guitar so the referee does not see it. Heath Slater gives Jeff Jarrett a hug and smugly celebrates his first victory on Monday Night Raw in a long time. The commentary team put them over as a lethal threat to every team in the tag team warfare match as they carry on the celebrations in the ring before we cut backstage to see…
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BARON CORBIN STANDING THERE WITH A SMUG SMIRK ON HIS FACE! He tells the camera that it feels good to compete in the ring, wondering if Elias remembers what that is like. We quickly cut back to the commentary team at ringside with Elias looking annoyed. Corbin says he is entering the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and plans to become the first-ever two-time winner. Corbin finishes the promo making another joke about Elias’s career as we get an image of an angry Elias before Raw’s first hour comes to an end.
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*I WON’T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME*
STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN makes his way out to a humongous pop from the live crowd to start the 2nd hour of Monday Night Raw! Michael Cole says this Sunday in Texas, we get to see Stone Cold Steve Austin return to the ring for the first time in years when he fights John Cena. Elias says Stone Cold might have a bit of ring rust, but he is one of the best to ever step into a WWE ring and is arguably the greatest WWE superstar of all time. Stone Cold steps into the ring, doing his taunt on all 4 corners before returning to the middle of the ring.
Stone Cold holds his hand out and catches a beer before taking a drink and asking the crowd to give him a “HELL YEAH”! The crowd does what Stone Cold says and joins in with him. Stone Cold says he enjoys being back in front of these people and says he considered coming back sooner. He smiles as he looks at the live crowd saying when he came back, he wanted to be the same ass kicker he has always been and that whoever he stepped into the ring with needed to be worthy of an ass kicking!
Stone Cold says he was preparing to fight that snake Randy Orton but that son of a bitch has gone into hiding! The crowd loudly cheers as Austin finishes his beer and tosses it to the side before demanding another beer from someone else. He grabs it and opens the beer before drinking it as he carries on his promo. He says now, instead, he gets Orton’s career rival, John Cena! The crowd loudly cheers for Cena, which prompts a slight smile from Austin.
Austin comments that people have not always loved Cena like he loved them, and Austin finds that funny. He takes another sip of his beer and says he never asked for the love of the people. He was happy doing whatever he wanted and kicking ass on the way to win the World title. Austin then starts listing the names of the people whom he has beaten up over the years, getting loud WHAT chants throughout that he plays to. Austin finishes it up by saying he wants John Cena to make his way out, and he doesn’t have to wait long as…
*THE TIME IS NOW*
JOHN CENA MAKES HIS WAY OUT, GETTING LOUD CHEERS FROM THE LIVE CROWD! He soaks in the reaction from the fans before sprinting to the ring with a smile on his face, standing across the ring from the fellow legend. Stone Cole and Cena stare each other down, soaking in the reaction from the live crowd for about 30 seconds. After the crowd starts to die down a little bit, John Cena raises his microphone, telling Stone Cold, he is right here, so what does the legend want to say.
Stone Cold gets in his face and says he was always watching at home when he retired from the business looking to see who would take his throne. Stone Cold looks Cena up and down before saying this is what replaced me? Austin makes it clear he is not going to compare Cena to a cereal but he could not think of more of a corporate sellout than the man in front of him. Cena scoffs but Stone Cold carries on saying no wonder the fans turned on you!
Stone Cold says the fans may cheer him now, but that’s because all the kids who grew up watching him are now all that is left in the crowd. Cena asks Austin if he is done and Austin says he is not before tossing his can to the side, asking for another beer. He gets tossed one from ringside before opening his can and standing in front of John Cena. Austin says now he is done taking a sip of his beer, and Cena responds by KNOCKING THE BEER OUT OF HIS HAND!
Stone Cold looks furious and gets right in Cena’s face, but the 16-time World Champion refuses to back down, standing right in front of Stone Cold! He says that Stone Cold might be viewed as the greatest of all time, but when he took his ball and went home, someone needed to put this company on their back! Cena points at his back before telling Austin he had help to take WWE to the heights it reached; he did it basically alone and was the sole face of the company!
Stone Cold stays quiet, looking right at Cena with an angry glare as John says he could just walk off like Austin is because he left the company in a better place than he found it, but he loves these fans too much. Austin chuckles, which catches Cena off-guard as Austin tells Cena he sticks around for one reason: he wants that 17th World title. Cena stops in his tracks with no response as Austin tells Cena he knows that without that title, no one would ever view him as the greatest. The war of words is about to escalate when…
*SHER (LION)*
JINDER MAHAL COMES OUT, JOINED BY THE SINGH BROTHERS! He has a smirk on his face as Cena and Austin both turn to the entrance ramp, looking furious to be interrupted by Jinder Mahal once again. Jinder tells the crowd they should be cheering for him stopping this nostalgia fest but the crowd boos even louder. SUNIL SINGH tells the fans to be quiet, but that doesn’t help. SAMIR SINGH is ready to chime in, but John Cena says they have 10 seconds to leave if they know what is good for them!
Jinder takes back the microphone and mocks them, saying that they are here to show the world what will happen when all 3 of them enter the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. They surround the ring as Cena gives Austin a look… AND THEY START FIGHTING ALL 3 OFF! The faces take control of the brawl in quick fashion as CENA HITS A DOUBLE AA TO THE SINGH BROTHERS WHILST AUSTIN HITS A STUNNER ON JINDER! The crowd goes wild for the move… CENA GRABS AUSTIN AND HITS AN AA! A loud mixed reaction from the crowd as Cena does the “You can’t see me” taunt to end the segment.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see THE MMA HORSEWOMEN training in their locker room. MARINA SHAFIR and NATALYA are grappling in the middle of the room practicing their submission whilst SHAYNA BASZLER looks on deep in thought. We hear a knock on the door as Shayna tells whoever it is to come in and we can see NAOMI walk into the room with NIA JAX and TAMINA by her side. Naomi has a smug look on her face coming as she looks at Shayna!
Naomi says the title looks good around her waist, as Shayna tells Naomi not to get any ideas. She holds her hands up, saying she has her own plans when she wins the Money in the Bank briefcase, promising that she has her eyes on the WWE Women’s title and Asuka. Nia chimes in to say that if Naomi had her eyes on Shayna’s title, she wouldn’t be helping her tonight. Tamina just responds with a nod as Shafir and Natalya finish their warm-up, standing next to their leader, who grips her Women’s Universal title tightly.
Shayna tells the trio that tonight, they will follow her lead and the main goal is to take out the right leg of Rhea. Naomi smirks, saying as long as the money is good, she will do what she is told for now. There is clear tension between the two groups as Natalya says that Beth will learn tonight what she is in for at WrestleMania, whilst Nia looks to Tamina and wonders if tonight is the night to show why they should be tag team champions. The former Samoan Slaughterhouse members nod as the groups seem aligned before we cut back to the ring.
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*MAGIC CARPET RIDE*
ARIYA DAIVARI makes his way out getting boos from the live crowd on the way to the ring. He dismisses the boos on the way to the ring as the commentary team mentions the Cruiserweight this Saturday will be looking to cause a massive upset and walk as the winner of the Andre the Giant Battle royal.
*UNBROKEN*
THE LINEBACKERS make their way out next getting boos from the live crowd. MOJO RAWLEY and RIDDICK MOSS ignore the fans on the way to the ring, looking a bit pissed off. Michael Cole brings up the fact that Mojo knows how to win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, having done it before. Elias says this time he even has a partner by his side as he tries to do it in Riddick Moss.
*GO HARD*
MUSTAFA ALI makes his way out first for his team, getting a good pop from the live crowd. The two-time Cruiserweight Champion poses at the top of the entrance ramp before heading to the bottom of the ramp, staring down his opponents tonight. Michael Cole says Ali has spent most of the last two years in the Cruiserweights, but now he will have a big size disadvantage. Elias says Ali will need to use all of his smarts if he is to walk out this Sunday at Mr. Money in the Bank.
*WORLDS APART*
SAMI ZAYN gets a loud pop from the live crowd as he exits. He plays to the fans and is fired up ahead of a big night for him at WrestleMania 37. He gets to the bottom of the entrance ramp and shares a fist bump with Ali. Michael Cole says they are allies tonight, but it is every man for himself on Sunday. Elias says both men will have that in the back of their minds going into this encounter.
*HURT YOU*
BOBBY LASHLEY makes his way out last of the 3, getting a good reaction from the live crowd. He is all business as he walks to the ring and meets his allies, not bothering with any of the pleasantries. Michael Cole says Lashley was fingertips away from winning the Money in the Bank briefcase last year, as Elias says there is no Big E to stop him this time. Lashley demands that he start the match, which gets a shrug from Zayn and Ali. On the other team, Riddick Moss chooses to start as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 4: Bobby Lashley, Mustafa Ali and Sami Zayn vs The Linebackers and Ariya Daivari
Match summary: The Money in the Bank competitors dominate most of the match especially Lashley as the speed and power combination of their team proves too much for Daivari and The Linebackers to handle. In the end, Ali and Sami dive out of the ring to wipe out the Linebackers whilst Lashley hits a SPEAR on Daivari to pick up the victory for his team!
Winners via pinfall: Bobby Lashley, Mustafa Ali and Sami Zayn (4:39)
The crowd cheers in response to the face's victory tonight as Bobby Lashley stands stoically in the ring. Sami Zayn and Mustafa Ali slide back into the ring as they celebrate a bit more pronounced. Michael Cole says they worked well together tonight, but this Sunday, wonders who will walk out of the match with the briefcase. Elias says his money is on Lashley to do it this time as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see BREEZANGO doing a fashion shoot. Both TYLER BREEZE and FANDANGO are posing for pictures with a smile on their face when they are interrupted by LUCHA HOUSE PARTY who photobomb the pictures and have a bit of fun. We cut to the photographer who is a bit annoyed but Breeze puts his hands up calming the situation down. Fandango raises an eyebrow as KALISTO says they were just having a little fun.
LINCE DORADO says they wanted to be the first to tell the duo that they are entering tag team warfare and will be hosting a party when they become tag team champions. Breezango smirked slightly, saying that’s funny because they were planning their own after-party when they become tag team champions. Kalisto nods and says hey, this is healthy competition before offering a hand to the duo. They accept and the two tag teams show respect to each other as we cut back to the ring.
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*LOVE IS BLINDNESS*
BRITISH STRONG STYLE members PETE DUNNE and TYLER BATE make their way out, getting cheers from the live crowd. Tyler has a smile on his face and waves to the crowd whilst Pete stands next to him looking a lot more serious. Michael Cole says British Strong Style will be out for revenge after what happened to Trent at the hands of The Hurt Business. Elias says they will need to have their heads on a swivel with the number of teams in the tag team warfare match.
*BRING THE SWAG*
THE STREET PROFITS make their way out, getting a loud pop from the live crowd as MONTEZ FORD and ANGELO DAWKINS lift their red cups into the air with a smile on their face. Michael Cole says these two have been chasing tag team gold for years, but keep falling just short. Elias tells us Sunday could be a make-or-break night for this duo because how many times can they fall short before it becomes clear they are not championship material?
*IT'S TIME*
THE HURT BUSINESS march out with a serious look on their face as MVP stands in front of his clients: Cruiserweight Champion: LIO RUSH, World tag team Champions: SHELTON BENJAMIN and CEDRIC ALEXANDER, plus their enforcer EJ NDUKA! Michael Cole says The Hurt Business has dominated Monday Night Raw, but they go into WrestleMania where everyone is after them. Elias says when you are at the top, everyone wants your spot, so you need to be ready for a fight!
Match 5: The Hurt Business (Lio Rush, Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin and EJ Nduka) vs The Street Profits, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate
Match summary: Early on, we can see British Strong Style working well with the Street Profits and take control of the match, with both teams having an axe to grind. The commentary team also points out how close Tyler Bate came to beating Lio Rush for his Cruiserweight title. As the match turns around, it is thanks to the teamwork of Cedric and Shelton, who are now becoming a very experienced unit together, holding the tag belts for around 5 months.
They isolate Angelo Dawkins and work over him on the mat, with the commentary talking about fans online speculating that he is the one holding back Montez in the tag team. Angelo eventually breaks free of the work in the corner of the ring and MONTEZ MAKES THE HOT TAG RUNNING WILD! The faces keep the momentum up and The Hurt Business are struggling as Dawkins is back in the ring… SHELTON USES THE TITLE BELT ON HIM AS MVP DISTRACTS THE REFEREE! Shelton makes the cover as the rest of the group stands guard and PICKS UP THE WIN FOR HIS TEAM!
Winners via pinfall: The Hurt Business (10:19)
The boos ring out from the live crowd but The Hurt Business do not care, doing whatever they need to do to remain on top. The quartet stands in the ring as British Strong Style looks frustrated outside the ring. Michael Cole says this is what The Hurt Business will do, and they will work together to make sure business remains booming. Elias says The Street Profits can’t be happy with another loss, and outside the ring, we can see Montez Ford checking on his best friend as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to THE MIZ standing backstage in a suit with a smile on his face. He tells the fans that 2021 has not been a great year for him and that goes in contrast to the rest of his career. He says this Saturday he will get back on track when he wins the Andre the Giant battle Royal, saying at last year’s WrestleMania he walked out as Intercontinental Champion and this year he’ll walk out with a shot at getting his belt back!
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*NO ONE WILL SURVIVE*
TOMMASO CIAMPA gets loud boos from the live crowd as he slowly walks out in street clothes. He takes his time before taking a seat at the commentary desk next to Michael Cole and Elias. They welcome him to the desk as Ciampa says he just wanted to come out here and watch Drew up close ahead of Saturday.
*DO I*
JAMES STORM gets boos from the live crowd as the angry cowboy walks out onto the entrance ramp, looking at the booing crowd before heading towards the ring. Michael Cole confirms James Storm will be entering the Andre the Giant Battle Royal this Saturday, looking to earn an Intercontinental title! Elias rates him as one of the favourites to win the match, leading to a joke from Ciampa saying James is because he has other business to attend to.
*BROKEN DREAMS*
DREW MCINTYRE marches out, getting loud cheers from the live crowd as he walks to the ring with a scowl on his face. He doesn’t head to the ring straight away, instead going towards the commentary desk, threatening Ciampa. He just smirks and tells Drew he isn’t going to be able to do anything. Drew knows this and turns around… SUPERKICK FROM JAMES STORM! A cheap shot, and the cowboy tells the referee to call for the bell, which he shakes his head as he does!
Match 6: Drew McIntyre vs James Storm
Match summary: Drew is caught off-guard and Storm looks to press the advantage by going for quick covers but the former WWE Champion stays alive in the match. Ciampa is full of insults on commentary and mocks him but Drew shows his power to take control of the match as he starts to toss Storm around. The commentary team ask if Ciampa has any fear about fighting Drew but he remains cocky. Drew hits Storm with the FUTURESHOCK DDT before pointing at Ciampa outside the ring… AND THEN HITS THE CLAYMORE FOR THE WIN!
Winner via pinfall: Drew McIntyre (5:28)
Drew gets to his feet as the commentary team puts over the impressive victory tonight, where he dominated James Storm even after a beating throughout the match. Ciampa says there is a difference between doing that to someone like Storm and a true sports-entertainer like him. Drew, though, is not done and asks someone at ringside for a microphone. We can see James Storm sulk off in the background as Drew points at Ciampa outside the ring, telling him he is not ready for what comes next.
Drew says that many men have tried to do what he has done, take a shortcut and attack whoever they can find backstage to get the spotlight on them. Ciampa smirks and off-mic mocks them as Drew says you can hide behind the excuse of doing everything you do to help your family, but that’s not the truth. Drew shakes his head and says Ciampa is desperate to make it to the top, where Drew is. Ciampa doesn’t react as Drew promises to give Ciampa a beating this Saturday and drops the microphone down as the segment comes to a close!
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*AMAZING (HEEL REMIX)*
NAOMI walks out joined by TAMINA as both women look at the crowd with disdain on the way to the ring getting boos from the live crowd as they start the 3rd hour of WrestleMania. Michael Cole says normally we would see these two on SmackDown, but as agreed by the commissioners, they are here tonight to help their cousin Nia Jax. Elias brings up Tamina and Nia Jax’s history as a tag team, making it a tough challenge for their opponents tonight.
*FORCE OF GREATNESS*
NIA JAX stomps out getting loud boos from the live crowd. She stands at the top of the entrance ramp with a smirk before heading to the ring and joining her fellow family members. Michael Cole says Nia Jax could walk out of WrestleMania this Saturday with the Money in the Bank briefcase, making her a threat to either Rhea Ripley or Shayna Baszler. Elias points out she made her return at last year’s WrestleMania, winning the Sensational Sherri Battle Royal and could make it two years in a row with a victory.
*KILL ‘EM ALL*
THE MMA HORSEWOMEN step onto the entrance ramp with SHAYNA BASZLER front and centre, lifting her Women’s Universal title into the air. She is flanked by her tag team partner’s NATALYA and MARINA SHAFIR, as the trio head to the ring, still with some unease between them and their tag team partners. Michael Cole says both trios will want to take over the women’s division. Elias wonders if the teams can co-exist in this match or if the money being paid to the Bloodline isn’t enough.
*CAFFEINE*
TEAM KICK makes their way out next, getting a loud pop from the live crowd as the number one contenders to the WWE Women’s tag team titles high-five some of the fans by the top of the entrance ramp. TEGAN NOX looks fired-up whilst DAKOTA KAI seems to be a lot calmer currently. Michael Cole says this duo holds the record for the longest tag team reign by two women since the title was created. Elias wonders if they will be able to coexist with the champs tonight.
*GLAMAZON*
BETH PHOENIX makes her way out, getting a loud pop from the live crowd. She doesn’t seem like she wants to wait for the rest, heading towards the ring ready to fight Natalya right now… BUT TEAK KICK PULL HER BACK! They have a few words with their tag team partner tonight, who waits with them for the moment. Michael Cole says Beth lost her career thanks to Natalya at Summerslam last year, with Elias saying Beth has one goal: to destroy Natalya!
*TURN THE SKY UP*
THE BOSS ‘N’ HUG CONNECTION makes their way out, getting a loud pop from the live crowd. The tag team champions lift their tag team titles into the air, soaking in the cheers before BAYLEY and SASHA BANKS have a few words with their tag team partners tonight. Michael Cole credits these two women as the reason the tag team titles exist, with Elias adding they will be looking to keep the titles past WrestleMania and break Team Kick’s record for length of time as tag team champions.
*BRUTALITY*
The Royal Rumble winner RHEA RIPLEY marches out getting loud cheers from the live crowd and stomps her foot in typical fashion before marching to the ring with a purpose, leading her tag team partners to the ring. Michael Cole says Rhea Ripley is going into Sunday with a knee injury on her right leg, thanks to Shayna Baszler. Elias brings up Shayna being a submission specialist and this being a huge hindrance going into WrestleMania. Once in the ring, Beth demands to start daring Natalya to fight her, but Nattie refuses, instead sending Marina into the ring!
Match 7: Rhea Ripley, Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, Beth Phoenix and Team Kick vs The MMA Horsewomen, Nia Jax, Naomi and Tamina
Match summary: Beth comes right at Marina, who tries to grapple her down to the mat, but Beth easily overpowers Marina and tosses her back towards the Horsewomen corner, daring Natalya to tag into the match! Natalya shakes her head and shouts to Nia Jax. She sighs and tags in as she comes face to face with the legend! Nia Jax and Beth battle power-wise with the legend finding this a rare occasion, she is overpowered and is forced back to her corner… RHEA RIPLEY TAGS IN!
Rhea Ripley steps into the ring and walks with a limp, gritting her teeth as she fights through the pain. Nia Jax smirks and points at the leg, mocking Rhea Ripley… WHO RESPONDS BY CLOCKING HER IN THE JAW! Rhea lays into her and Nia is forced to retreat, bringing the Women’s Universal Champion SHAYNA BASZLER INTO THE MATCH! The crowd cheers loudly as we get a little bit of a WrestleMania preview as Shayna goes after the leg… BUT RHEA FIGHTS HER OFF!
Rhea Ripley wants to stay in the match but instead chooses to tag out, bringing Sasha Banks into the match. The two women face off and the match descends into a flurry of tags with everyone on each team getting time in the ring to show off ahead of WrestleMania. The match carries on at a fast pace with both teams evenly matched, but the MMA Horsewomen and Bloodline take control by isolating Bayley and working her over in the corner!
Bayley is in a bit of trouble but refuses to give in easily and looks to escape to the corner of the ring, making the tag to RHEA RIPLEY as we enter the closing stages of the match! She starts to run wild and takes control of the match as she has Natalya in trouble… AND TAGS IN BETH PHOENIX! Beth smiles now she can finally get her hands on Natalya and lifts her up for the GLAM SLAM… NIA JAX MAKES THE SAVE AS THE MATCH FULLY BREAKS DOWN!
We can see the referee struggle to keep control, leading to a messy brawl between all 12 women in the match. Shayna tries to do some damage to the right leg outside the ring, BUT RHEA OVERPOWERS HER AND SLAMS HER ONTO THE BARRICADE! Elsewhere, Natalya squirms to the corner and TAMINA TAGS IN! It looks like a potential two-on-one, but DAKOTA KAI HELPS TAKE HER DOWN AND IN THE CHAOS, BETH SLAMS TAMINA DOWN WITH THE GLAM SLAM FOR THE WIN!
Winners via pinfall: Rhea Ripley, Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, Beth Phoenix and Team Kick (14:14)
The crowd loudly cheers as the collection of faces work together to overcome the combination of the MMA Horsewomen and The Bloodline to win tonight. Michael Cole says we've got a WrestleMania 37 preview tonight and we can see for ourselves how competitive the Women’s division is right now. Elias says the tag champions and their challengers worked together tonight but can’t wait for them to collide this Sunday. We cut back to the ring as Team Kick passed the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection their tag team titles, leading to a stare down between them whilst Beth and Rhea celebrated to end the segment.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see SHEAMUS backstage sitting at a bar and winces slightly, still feeling the effects of the barroom brawl with Tommaso Ciampa last week. He is joined at the bar by TOM PHILLIPS, looking for an interview with the Celtic Warrior. He asks Sheamus how he is feeling after his fight with Ciampa last week. He takes a sip of his drink before saying he is feeling sore and in a lot of pain. He gives Ciampa credit, saying the fella can fight.
Sheamus says Ciampa is an asshole but he is a tough asshole. He smirks slightly though telling Tom that he knows Drew is going to kick his ass Saturday night whilst he is going to win the Andre the Giant Battle royal. Tom asks how much winning the Intercontinental title would mean to him, but before Sheamus can say a word, he is interrupted by DOLPH ZIGGLER laughing to himself, bringing up the fact that he has won the title already. He turns to his bodyguard, OMOS and says he can even show him the version on his wall sometime.
OMOS doesn’t react as Sheamus says if they are here to declare for the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, he’ll be glad to kick their ass Saturday as well. Ziggler shakes his head, saying he is about giving back and showing OMOS the ropes, declaring that the best way for them to do that is by becoming World tag team champions, so they are entering tag team warfare. Sheamus gets up and wishes OMOS luck. Ziggler says they don’t need it, but Sheamus makes it clear he was wishing it to OMOS for having to put up with Ziggler.
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We then cut to inside THE HURT BUSINESS’S LOCKER ROOM! We can see SHELTON BENJAMIN, CEDRIC ALEXANDER, LIO RUSH and EJ NDUKA cooling down after their match earlier tonight whilst SAMOA JOE sits deep in thought across the room. The door opens as MVP enters the room with SWERVE STRICKLAND by his side. Joe gets to his feet and asks where Swerve has been all night. Swerve doesn’t back down, getting up close to Joe and says he had some personal business to take care of.
Joe asks what that is, but Swerve says it wasn’t his business to find out. Joe and Swerve look like they might be about to come to blows, but MVP steps in between them to defuse the situation. MVP makes it clear there is no fighting, especially ahead of the main event, where they need to be a united front. Swerve then shouts that includes Lio, prompting the Cruiserweight Champion to get up and confront the Intercontinental Champion, saying he didn’t see him helping out earlier tonight… nor did he see Joe helping either!
Joe looks down at Lio and thinks he was a man who could take care of business, or does he need someone like Lashley in his corner? Rush is unsure how to react to that, but MVP says that is enough from everyone. He says the sniping at each other is doing them no favors and is not how to conduct business. Lio nods, followed by Joe, with Swerve noticeably taking longer to get on board. He says they can discuss this after WrestleMania, but he needs them to focus on the task this weekend and make sure that they keep business booming.
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to THE STREET PROFITS walking through the backstage area looking upset. CATHY KELLEY approaches them looking for an interview, but ANGELO DAWKINS says not now. MONTEZ FORD agrees and politely asks Cathy for the microphone, which she gives him. Montez thanks her before turning back to the camera, saying for the last few years, they have been getting knocked down but each time they get back up.
Montez though wonders how many times they can get back up. Angelo takes the microphone and says he hears the comments. He knows everyone thinks he holds Montez back, and once again tonight, he got pinned when Montez didn’t. Angelo looks frustrated as Montez tries to reassure him, but he shakes his head before carrying on. He tells us that this Sunday they have to become tag team champions because he can’t keep being the weak link. Montez calls after Dawkins and looks worried for his friend before we cut back to the ring!
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We see JESSAMYN DUKE standing in the ring for the first time since she was taken out by her former MMA Horsewomen allies. She stands in the ring waiting for her opponent as Michael Cole confirms she will be entering the Sensational Sherri Battle royal…
*THE CULLING*
PIPER NIVEN walks onto the entrance ramp, getting loud cheers from the live crowd. She is joined by her tag team partner and mentor, MELINA. Over the last few months, MELINA and the duo head to the ring! Michael Cole says Piper’s size might seem like a disadvantage in a ladder match, but asks if anyone would be able to take her down. Elias is in agreement and says Piper has shown she has more than just power in her arsenal as well. Piper stands across from Duke as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!
Match 8: Piper Niven w/Melina vs Jessamyn Duke
Match summary: Piper just dominates the match from start to finish, with Duke not even getting a chance to fight back. Piper has a bit of fun playing to the crowd before finishing off Duke with the SCOT DROP!
Winner via pinfall: Piper Niven (1:00)
Piper gets back to her feet and is joined inside the ring by Melina, who lifts her arm in the air. Both women then point at the WrestleMania 37 sign as the commentary team wonders if both of them will win their respective matches this weekend before we cut backstage to see…
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ALEXA BLISS and MICKIE JAMES are standing backstage with smug looks on their faces. Bliss brings up the accolades they have, pointing out they have combined 11 Women’s World title reigns. James says they are veterans of this division and that everyone in the Sensational Sherri Battle royal should watch out because one of them is winning. Alexa smirks before saying it doesn’t matter how big or tough you are, they are taking the Women’s Universal title from whoever walks out of WrestleMania with it!
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*REDEMPTION*
THE UNGOVERNABLES members ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO make their way out to boos from the live crowd, flanked by their co-leaders ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS and ZELINA VEGA! Michael Cole on commentary says he has heard word from backstage that Zelina was able to convince Wade Barrett to send Cesaro and Ilja Dragunov home so they cannot get involved in this match! Elias says it is probably a wise call because no way Cesaro would wait till Sunday to get his hands on Andrade.
*NEW DAY, NEW WAY*
THE NEW DAY makes their way out, getting loud cheers from the live crowd. BIG E leads the way, but is not dressed for action with KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS stepping into the ring for The New Day tonight. Michael Cole says it shows The New Day’s spirit to fight days before arguably some of the biggest matches of their career. Elias points out that this Saturday, we could see all of The New Day holding singles gold at the same time for the first time ever. Once in the ring, Kofi starts for his team whilst Angel starts for The Ungovernables!
Match 9: The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) w/Big E vs The Ungovernables (Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo) w/Andrade Cien Almas and Zelina Vega
Match summary: The match starts off at a fast pace with Garza and Humberto looking to prove they belong in title contention themselves. The commentary team points out that a pinfall on either of these men might put them in line for a title shot against either of them after WrestleMania 37 if they win. The New Day starts to take control, but thanks to a distraction from Vega… ANDRADE GETS A CHEAP SHOT ON WOODS, ALLOWING GARZA TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE MATCH!
The Ungovernables start to work over Xavier Woods in the corner of the ring and get loud boos from the live crowd. Big E makes it clear he will make Andrade pay if he tries to get involved again. Woods eventually fights out of the work being done by The Ungovernables and heads to the corner of the ring as KOFI KINGSTON RUNS WILD! Andrade tries to get involved, but BIG E TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A JACKHAMMER OUTSIDE THE RING! Woods takes care of Humberto and Kofi hits Angel Garza with TROUBLE IN PARADISE for the win!
Winners via pinfall: The New Day (9:14)
The crowd goes wild with cheers, happy to see The New Day gain momentum ahead of WrestleMania 37. The Ungovernables sulk to the back as they lick their wounds after their loss tonight. Michael Cole says when it comes to working as a unit no one does it better than The New Day. Elias points out that they will have to go it alone this Sunday before promising after the commercial break we will have a final showdown between The New Day and The Hurt Business ahead of WrestleMania!
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When we return from the commercial break, THE NEW DAY are still standing in the ring with each other holding a microphone in their hands. BIG E starts speaking again as he thanks the fans for their support, but this Saturday, he has the biggest match of his career. He wants to take a moment to speak to the fans and his brothers. He looks at his fellow New Day members and makes it clear that without them, he would have never gotten to this point.
He tells them that without The New Day, he might have given this up years ago because, like Kofi, he was considering calling it a day early because he lost his love for this. KOFI KINGSTON nods along before Big E tells XAVIER WOODS that his idea to create The New Day, and thanks to his creation, they are going to create history this Saturday when all 3 of them walk into WrestleMania with gold. The crowd goes wild as Woods says he has a few words of his own to say, but before he can speak…
*IT’S TIME*
THE HURT BUSINESS MARCHES OUT! The crowd loudly boos the group as MVP leads out the three champions The New Day will be fighting this Friday: WWE Champion SAMOA JOE, Intercontinental Champion SWERVE STRICKLAND and Cruiserweight Champion LIO RUSH! The New Day remain on guard and look out to the crowd in case of a sneak attack from the rest of The Hurt Business, but MVP puts a hand up to say they are just going to talk business tonight!
Samoa Joe says he wants no excuses this Saturday when he grabs hold of Big E’s neck and lets the fans watch his dreams fade from his eyes. Big E looks angry but stays quiet as The Hurt Business enters the ring and Swerve looks to chime in himself. He locks eyes with Kofi and tells him that his win 2 years ago was an inspiration to people watching at home. Swerve says watching Kofi gave him the motivation to do what he did, but not just one moment, to become the face of the company.
Joe and Big E noticeably side-eye Swerve who says he will be at the top and he will thank Kofi for the inspiration, once he is in the retirement home after he is done with him. The crowd loudly boos that line as Xavier Woods steps forward saying that is enough! He says he has had enough of being cut off, enough of being looked down on and enough of being underestimated by people! He points at The Hurt Business before coming face to face with Lio Rush!
Woods says he knows people are looking past him, and Rush is too. Lio shakes his head, saying he looks past no one because he knows how good he is. Lio carries on saying he is a 26-year-old piece of gold and Woods is good, he is better. The crowd boos as Rush looks smug but Woods shakes his head saying he knows how good he is and he knows that he is worthy of being a champion because there are no weak links in the New Day. They make each other better and their friendship is why they have been so successful!
Woods says being in the New Day has made all of them stronger… SAMOA JOE CUTS HIM OFF! Joe makes it clear that their strength in numbers is why they will fall apart from each other. Samoa Joe promises that the reason they will win is because they don’t care about friendship; they care about business. Big E gets in his face and promises that he will take care of business, saying his last year has been building to this moment and New Day will stand atop Raw together! They throw the microphones down as we get a final stare down between the two trios as Raw fades to black!
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 © vs Big E
WWE Women’s title match:
Asuka © vs Taynara Conti
Intercontinental title match:
Swerve Strickland © vs Kofi Kingston
WWE tag team titles match:
The Usos © vs Edge and Rey Mysterio
Cruiserweight title match:
Lio Rush © vs Xavier Woods
Hell in a Cell match:
Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
Nia Jax vs Carmella vs Liv Morgan vs Ember Moon vs Ruby Riott vs Millie McKenzie vs Piper Niven vs Naomi
Grudge match:
Drew McIntyre vs Tommaso Ciampa
Tag team match:
Bad Bunny and Damian Priest vs Logan Paul and Noam Dar
Grudge match:
Beth Phoenix vs Natalya
Pre-show:
Andre the Giant Battle Royal (Winner gets an Intercontinental, United States or North American title shot):
Confirmed participants: Aiden English, Akam, Apollo Crews, Ariya Daivari, Baron Corbin, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, Daniel Garcia, Epico, Gran Metalik, James Storm, Jeff Hardy, Jinder Mahal, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows, Mansoor, Mojo Rawley, Nathan Frazer, Otis Dozovic, Primo, Rezar, Rick Boogs, Riddick Moss, Samir Singh, Sheamus, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sunil Singh, The Miz
Matchcard for WrestleMania 37 Night 2
March 28th 2021
Arlington, Texas
AT&T Stadium
AND SO IT WENT – PRETTY RECKLESS
Universal title match:
Roman Reigns © vs Daniel Bryan
Women’s Universal title match:
Shayna Baszler © vs Rhea Ripley
United States title match:
Chad Gable © vs Jacob Fatu
World tag team titles tag team warfare match:
The Hurt Business © vs The Street Profits vs British Strong Style vs The Ungovernables vs Jeff Jarrett and Heath Slater vs Breezeango vs Lucha House Party vs Dolph Ziggler and OMOS
Women’s tag team titles match:
Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection © vs Team Kick
Loser leaves The O.C:
AJ Styles vs Finn Balor
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match:
Ilja Dragunov vs Matt Riddle vs Bobby Lashley vs Buddy Murphy vs Sami Zayn vs Dominik Dijakovic vs Mustafa Ali vs Kevin Owens
Dream match:
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs John Cena
Tag team match:
Vanessa Hudgens and Bianca Belair vs The House of Couture
Grudge match:
Andrade Cien Almas vs Cesaro
Pre-show:
Sensational Sherri Battle Royal (Winner gets a Women’s WWE, Universal or NXT title shot):
Confirmed participants: Alexa Bliss, Billie Kay, Charli Evans, Franky Monet, Io Shirai, Jessamyn Duke, Marina Shafir, Mickie James, Melina, Shotzi Blackheart, Tamina, Zoey Stark
EWR Rating:
64%
