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Turmoil surrounded the wrestling industry in the wee hours of 2023. Vince McMahon forced his return to WWE and vowed to sell the company. Fans and talent alike wondered what this would mean for the creative direction of the company, which had seen an improvement in the product since Triple H’s takeover. Led by Roman Reigns and the Bloodline and the return of talent scorned by Vince McMahon, WWE was entering a new age. A new age that would start at the Royal Rumble.
Rumors swirled around the wrestling industry. Would Vince’s guys still be welcomed in a Triple H controlled WWE? What of talent that Triple H holds dear but are no longer with the company? Unrest began to settle in all areas of the industry, from WWE to NJPW.
The rumor mill began to churn:
- WWE is looking to buy out contracts of talent they wish to acquire from AEW and NJPW.
- Some WWE talent have asked for their release from the company.
- WWE will be holding a draft sometime soon as Triple H finalizes his brand rosters.
- WWE will be returning to Branded PPVs, with a new “Big 5” being dual-branded. Wrestlemania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank.
Days before the Rumble, Triple H would hold a press conference. He promised that HE is in absolute creative control of the company. He announced that the brands would become more separate than they currently are, with the exception of the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Roman Reigns and the Usos will also not be brand-locked as long as they hold their respective titles. Triple H then confirmed a WWE Draft, held on the January 30th and February 3rd editions of Raw and Smackdown. When asked about the talent, he said that there would be changes, but that nothing has been announced as of yet. He will not comment on the rumors of potential contract buyouts.
Hours later, WWE sent a press release naming multiple main roster stars who have been either released or sent to NXT.
(If they do not appear on the Roster page, then they have either been released or sent to NXT).
I will not be writing NXT, but may be using call-ups in the future.
=====
General Manager: Shawn Michaels
Commentary: Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves
Backstage: Byron Saxton
Ring Announcer: Mike Rome
Roster:
Mens:
Women:
Tag Teams and Factions:
Akira Tozawa
Asuka
The Bloodline
(Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman)
AJ Styles
B-Fab
Hit-Row
(Ashante Adonis, Top Dolla, B-Fab)
Ashante Adonis
Bayley
Hurt Business
(MVP, Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, Omos)
Austin Theory
Billie Kay
Judgment Day
(Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley)
Baron Corbin
Charlotte Flair
Legado del Fantasma
(Santos Escobar, Cruz del Toro, Joaquin Wilde)
Braun Strowman
Carmella
The OC
(AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows)
Bron Breakker
Dakota Kai
Cedric Alexander
Dana Brooke
Damage CTRL
(Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, and Cora Jade)
Cruz del Toro
Ember Moon
The IIconics (Peyton Royce and Billie Kay)
Damian Priest
Emma
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler
Dominik Mysterio
Iyo Sky
Emma and Dana Brooke
Finn Balor
Liv Morgan
Jey Uso
Mia Yim
Jimmy Uso
Naomi
Joaquin Wilde
Nikki Cross
Johnny Gargano
Peyton Royce
Karl Anderson
Rhea Ripley
Kevin Owens
Ronda Rousey
LA Knight
Shayna Baszler
Luke Gallows
Tegan Nox
MVP
Zelina Vega
Mustafa Ali
Omos
Ricochet
Roman Reigns
Sami Zayn
Santos Escobar
Shelton Benjamin
Solo Sikoa
Top Dolla
=====
General Manager: Stephanie McMahon
Commentary: Michael Cole and Pat McAfee
Backstage: Kayla Braxton
Ring Announcer: Samantha Irvin
Angel
Alba Fyre
Alpha Academy
(Chad Gable and Otis)
Angelo Dawkins
Alexa Bliss
Brawling Brutes
(Ridge Holland and Butch)
Big E - currently injured
Becky Lynch
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus
Bray Wyatt
Bianca Belair
Los Lotharios
(Angel and Humberto)
Brock Lesnar
Candice LeRae
The New Day
(Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E)
Bobby Lashley
Gigi Dolan
The Street Profits
(Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)
Current day BTB sounds good to me. I don't follow to much these days, but I make sure to watch the Rumble and the week of shows leading up to the Rumble every year. This should definitely stand out as something different which is always a plus. Does look like a BIG card considering both Rumble matches will go approx an hour each. Certainly interested in seeing how different your results are to what actually happens in real life.
Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens Round Two Roman Reigns will defend his title against one of his most prominent rivals, Kevin Owens. The Head of the Table has been dealing with a potential insurgency within the Bloodline. Kevin Owens' former best friend, Sami Zayn, was been apart of the Bloodline for months as an "Honorary Uce", until he named Sami Uso on last week's Raw. Roman was challenged by Kevin Owens to bar the Bloodline from ringside, arguing that he needs to prove that he can win by himself. Roman agreed, partially to prove himself, and partially to keep Sami Zayn out of the picture.
Sami Zayn Fills In Triple H announced on Friday that the Smackdown Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament Finals would be merged into a Triple Threat Tag Team Championship Ladder Match at the Royal Rumble. He thought the Bloodline needed to be punished for their interference in various matches in recent weeks. With Jimmy Uso's injury on Monday, Sami Zayn will fill in for the injured Uce and will take flight alongside Jey Uso against Imperium and Drew Mcintyre and Sheamus.
The Mystery of Uncle Howdy Bray Wyatt is scheduled for a Pitch Black match against LA Knight and Bianca Belair will defend her Raw Championship against Alexa Bliss. These matches are shrouded in questions. Who is Uncle Howdy? And more importantly, what does he want? Perhaps we will see if Uncle Howdy shows his cards in San Antonio.
30 Goes In, 1 Comes Out One of the biggest events of the year is the 30-man Royal Rumble Match, and both the Men's and Women's Rumbles this year are star studded. The likes of Cody Rhodes, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Seth 'Freakin' Rollins, Rhea Ripley, and Bobby Lashley have been announced, but that's only half the fun. Rumors are swirling that the Rock himself may be in town, alongside theorized returns like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Beth Phoenix, and Matt Cardona. There's also the possibility of Triple H buying out AEW, ROH, and NJPW contracts of formerly released superstars. Some names that have been thrown around here are Cesaro, Aleister Black, Rusev, Ember Moon, and Samoa Joe. Any of these names are sure to garner a massive reaction in Triple H's WWE.
This is probably going to be a long show, largely because of the Rumbles. So I have a question for you guys, would you like me to post it all at once, or break it into two different parts? Let me know which you guys will prefer!
It depends if you have issues formatting it. I've sometimes had to post long shows in two parts for that reason and one of mine that I had to do that was the Rumble
The Royal Rumble January 28th, 2023
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
A video package begins with a shot of a child watching in awe in the stands.
Voiceover
Every kid’s dream: to main event Wrestlemania.
The Wrestlemania sign flashes. We see highlights of different Wrestlemania main events throughout the years: Hogan slams Andre; The Rock vs Stone Cold; Seth Rollins’ Heist; Daniel Bryan and the YES movement.
Voiceover
There are many ways to get there, but none more iconic than the Royal Rumble.
Different highlights of the Royal Rumble play now, including a Kane elimination from his monstrous history; Mick Foley coming out as three different characters; Drew McIntyre eliminating Brock Lesnar.
Voiceover
30 men and women enter. Only one will stand tall.
Multiple shots of different superstars running to the ring in the Rumble.
Voiceover
Tonight, it’s about honor.
Rey Mysterio celebrates his Royal Rumble win.
Voiceover
It’s about glory.
Edge celebrates his recent Rumble win..
Voiceover
It’s about history.
Jim Duggan wins the first ever Royal Rumble. We then get shots of multiple other Rumble winners celebrating. Stone Cold, Becky Lynch, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Asuka, Brock Lesnar
Voiceover
It’s about fulfilling your dream.
Quick shot of Cody Rhodes staring in an empty arena looking up at a rising Wrestlemania sign above the arena. Multiple highlights play at once, in a grid of the history of the Royal Rumble.
Voiceover
Tonight is the night. Let’s get ready to Rumble.
The Royal Rumble logo emerges as “Sold Out” by Hardy plays us into an electric stadium.
Michael Cole
Welcome, everyone, to the Royal Rumble and the first stop on the Road to Wrestlemania!
“Fight” rings out over the speakers to a huge cheer from the crowd. Kevin Owens walks backstage and straight down to the ring. All business. With it being a Smackdown match, Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are on the call.
Michael Cole
Two years ago at this very event, Kevin Owens was moments away from dethroning Roman Reigns. Tonight, he’ll get a second chance at the Head of the Table!
“Head of the Table” plays as Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman marches out of the tunnel. Paul hands Roman his titles, and Roman heads to the ring alone.
Michael Cole
If you missed last night’s Friday Night Smackdown, Roman Reigns will be doing this alone after Kevin Owens called out his ability to win on his own.
Wade Barrett
Roman has called off his dogs tonight, but he’ll still be ready for anything KO throws at him.
Match 1: Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns (c) for the WWE Undisputed Championship
San Antonio is electric for the Bloodline and Kevin Owens, and the two put on a show for them. It starts out hot, with Roman immediately going for a Spear on KO, who dodges it, and grabs Roman on the rebound for a Pop Up Powerbomb. Roman kicks out at 1! It’s going to take A LOT to keep him down for three seconds. The two spar for a while, trading multiple blows to each other. Neither superstar really held any kind of momentum, until KO gets him outside of the ring and hits him with a Pop Up Powerbomb straight to the ring apron! Roman was in no hurry to get up, knowing that he’ll retain with a countout, but also possibly just playing mind games with Kevin Owens. KO has to break the count by entering the ring and sliding back out, where he’s met with a Superman Punch! He throws KO back in the ring and gets ready for a Spear. KO dodges it again and hits him with a Stunner! He’s done it! He goes for the count:
1… 2…
Sami Zayn grabs KO’s foot and pulls him out of the ring to break the count. Milliseconds before, Roman’s shoulder lifted up. He would’ve kicked out of the count! KO, furious, demolishes Sami. KO hates the idea of it, but he’s given Sami every chance. He clears off the announce table and grabs Sami. He goes to powerbomb him through it, but Roman spears him while he holds Sami above him! The three collapse on the ground together. Roman gets up and sends KO back into the ring. KO stands up as Roman gets in, and Roman goes for a Superman Punch. KO dodges it and kicks Roman in the gut to begin the stunner. Roman counters it and sends KO into the ropes and hits him with a SPEAR on the rebound.
1. 2. 3.!
Roman Reigns def. Sami Zayn to retain the WWE Undisputed Championship (17:21)
The rest of the Bloodline comes out to celebrate with Roman, who has no time for that nonsense. He stares down Sami, who remains at ringside.
Roman
One more chance, Sami. Don’t screw it up.
The Bloodline head backstage without Sami, who knows he’s messed up.
A video package plays showcasing the history of Alexa Bliss and Bianca Belair's feud, with the addition of the mysterious Uncle Howdy. Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves have the call.
Match 2: Alexa Bliss vs Bianca Belair (c) for the Raw Women's Championship
Alexa Bliss takes the early control in this match. She wants that title, but there’s something else here as well. Throughout the match, flashes of a firefly pop up and the lights blink. Bianca gets frustrated, but Alexa promises she knows nothing about it. The two continue sparring, as Bianca starts to gain momentum. She lifts Alexa up to prepare for a KOD, when the lights go out, with the exception of a white light from the tunnel. The silhouette of Uncle Howdy fills the entryway. A voice shouts over the speakers.
Uncle Howdy
Alexa… I’m here.
The lights come on and Uncle Howdy is standing in the middle of the ring with Bianca and Alexa on either side of him. He looks at Alexa, and then hits Bianca with a Sister Abigail. Alexa gets defensive but Uncle Howdy motions to Bianca. Alexa cautiously moves past him and pins Bianca for the three count.
Alexa Bliss def. Bianca Belair to become the NEW Raw Women’s Champion (9:23)
Alexa sits in the middle of the ring, terrified. Terrified of what would happen if she let's him in.
We go backstage to Bray Wyatt having a conversation with Triple H. He isn’t happy.
Triple H
You interfered in the Raw Women’s Championship. This isn’t going to fly in my WWE. There’s going to be consequences to your actions.
Bray Wyatt
I am not involved with Uncle Howdy! I don’t know what he wants, or what he has to do with Alexa!
Triple H
You’ve given me no reason to trust you, Bray. No one understands who you are or what you want. I’m sorry. I know you the fans wanted to see you back in the ring tonight, and I’m going to have a fight on my hands with Mountain Dew, but the Pitch Black match is being ruled a forfeit in favor of LA Knight. He’ll have a spot in the Rumble, but you need to go home, before you do something you’ll regret.
Bray is furious, but heeds Triple H's advice and walks out.
Back in the ring, Samantha Irvin introduces our next match: The Women's Rumble Match! She explains the rules that we all know, and "Nah Nah" hits. Liv Morgan is the first entrant into the Women's Royal Rumble. Michael Cole and Corey Graves are on commentary.
Michael Cole Asuka, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Ronda Rousey have all won Royal Rumbles. Liv Morgan will have to go the distance to join the those iconic women in the annals of WWE history!
Raquel Rodriguez is next up, a tough test for the fan favorite Liv Morgan
Michael Cole But she'll have to do it against this woman, who beat Liv Morgan on Smackdown just a few weeks ago.
Match 3: The Women’s Royal Rumble Match
#1 - Liv Morgan and #2 - Raquel Rodriguez start off the match. Raquel overpowers Liv early, but can’t eliminate her before #3 - Zelina Vega comes out. Zelina ignores Raquel and starts to target Liv alongside Rodriguez. They beat down on her until #4 Tegan Nox comes in and knocks out Zelina Vega. This gives Tegan and Liv enough of a window to get some offense in on Raquel, and they get her over the ropes just as #5 - Bayley’s music gets played.
Raquel Rodriguez eliminated by Liv Morgan (1) and Tegan Nox (1)
Bayley makes her way down to ring irate that she has to come out here this early. She demands to speak with Triple H after the match. Liv turns her attention to Zelina, but Tegan waits on Bayley. She might blame Bayley a bit for how her friend Dakota Kai has turned out. Bayley takes her time, and by the time she hits the ring, it’s time for #6 - Katana Chance! The NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion comes out to a big ovation. San Antonio loves a call-up! She hits the ring and takes aim at Zelina. Liv uses this as a chance to fall back and regroup until #7 - Mia Yim. Mia rushes down to the ring and makes an immediate impact, attacking Katana and nearly eliminating Katana. Liv tassels with Zelina, Bayley with Tegan, and Mia with Katana until #8 - Rhea Ripley storms to the ring. She hits hard and immediately takes out Zelina Vega.
Zelina Vega eliminated by Rhea Ripley (1)
Katana’s chance is short-lived as she’s thrown out by the rampaging Rhea.
Katana Chance eliminated by Rhea Ripley (2)
With the ring thinned out a bit, Rhea goes to find her next target. Waiting for her in the middle of the ring is Mia. The two brawl through the next countdown, revealing #9 - Cora Jade!
Cora rushes to the ring while Mia and Rhea beat down on each other. She stares down with Bayley, but the two start beating down on Tegan. Bayley hits her with a Bayley-to-Belly and hands her off to Cora for the elimination. Almost as if it was a test.
Tegan Nox eliminated by Cora Jade (1)
#10 - Candice LeRae is next. She runs in, bypassing Bayley and Cora, who seem to be strategizing in the corner of the ring. She lunges at Rhea Ripley. Her and Mia almost knock her off of her feet but Rhea fights it off. The countdown starts back up and it's #11 - Dana Brooke. She hits the ring and starts fighting off Bayley and Cora, but it’s too much. She quickly gets overpowered and eliminated.
Dana Brooke eliminated by Bayley (1) and Cora Jade (2)
Before the next countdown, Rhea has also neutralized Candice, who’s resting under the ropes, and tosses Mia Yim out of the ring.
Mia Yim eliminated by Rhea Ripley (3)
The countdown begins and when it ends, Bad Reputation starts up. #12 - Ronda Rousey is in the Rumble and has a point to prove. The attention of everyone has turned to her, and she mauls through one-by-one. She gets Candice LeRae out and starts to work on chipping Rhea Ripley down.
Candice LeRae eliminated by Ronda Rousey (1)
Rhea is able to be the first person to get a hit in on Ronda. Liv has reentered the match and is taking on Bayley and Cora. She neutralizes Cora and starts to wail on Bayley. She staggers Bayley by the ropes and hits an ObLIVion on her. She picks her up and goes to toss her out, but Cora sacrifices herself to pull Bayley back in.
Cora Jade is eliminated by Liv Morgan (2)
Bayley looks on at Cora and smiles. Test passed. No more time for admiration, she gets hit in the back by Liv, who starts to wear her down with the ropes. #13 - Tamina comes out. She gets met in the ring by Liv, who gets tossed to the side. Bayley steps up to her and meets the same fate. Ronda staggers her with a punch to the back of the head, and Rhea targets her front. The two team up and push her over the rope.
Tamina eliminated by Rhea Ripley (4) and Ronda Rousey (2)
Ronda and Rhea take a breather, stare at each other, and then start pounding at each other again. #14 - Iyo Sky is next, much to Bayley’s delight. She exclaims “You’re all screwed now!”. Mia comes in and knocks around Liv before attempting to toss her over the ropes. Liv catches herself and grabs Iyo with her legs, attempting to pull her over. Bayley watches and tries to free Iyo while Rhea and Ronda keep going at it. #15 - Asuka marks the halfway point to a thunderous reaction. Asuka comes in and attacks Bayley and Iyo. But is quickly overpowered when Ronda also joins the fray. Rhea isn’t enough to help and the five tussle in the center of the ring. #16 Dakota Kai comes in, meaning all three members of Damage CTRL are active in the Royal Rumble! Rhea, Liv, Ronda, and Asuka realize this and turn their attention to the group. The trio gets bounced by the quartet of women. When the countdown ends, a familiar voice screams ICONIC and #17 - PEYTON ROYCE has returned to WWE! The women in the ring are shocked, and partially annoyed. She takes her time getting to the ring, as she pesters the ringside audience. Meanwhile in the ring, Damage CTRL continues holding off Rhea and Ronda, and Liv and Asuka take a breather. Peyton is still jarring with people at ringside when #18 - Valhalla comes out and forces her into the ring. Peyton quickly gets up as Valhalla slides in and knocks her out with a right fist. She lets out a quick cheer until Ronda comes up behind and tries to throw her over the ropes, but Peyton counters and NEARLY ELIMINATES RONDA ROUSEY. #19 - Nikki Cross comes sprinting out to the ring and quickly gets taken out by a clothesline from Rhea. At this point the ring is crowded with ten women. Bayley has been in the ring for twenty minutes now and her frustration has boiled over. She gets up and “addresses” the women’s division.
Bayley
Listen here you chumps. This is ridiculous. An outrage! I’ve carried this division since the pandemic started and I’ve gotten NOTHING out of it and I am TIRED of it.
The countdown begins.
Bayley
No, no, no. I am talking right now. Dakota, Iyo, take care of this.
Bayley continues on her tirade as Dakota and Iyo ready for battle. #20 - Shayna Baszler’s music hits and their demeanor suddenly changes. Bayley shuts up and tries to rally her troops. Ronda grabs Bayley from behind and throws her over, but Bayley carefully avoids elimination by landing on the apron and rolling back inside. Shayna Baszler rushes in and, along with Ronda, eliminates the rest of Damage CTRL.
Dakota Kai and Iyo Skye eliminated by Shayna Baszler (1) and Ronda Rousey (3)
Kai and Sky are besides themselves. Bayley regroups with them at ringside and orders them back in the ring. The three get back in the ring and lay waste to Ronda and Shayna. The other women clear the way for their massive brawl in the center of the ring. Bayley takes advantage and eliminates both Ronda and Shayna with the help of Dakota and Iyo.
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler eliminated by Bayley (3)
Bayley talks trash to the eliminated former MMA stars when Rhea Ripley grabs her from behind and throws her over.
Bayley eliminated by Rhea Ripley (5)
Bayley sits up, dazed from the fall. Shayna and Ronda come into frame behind her, and they start beating her down! Dakota and Iyo come to Bayley’s aid. The five women’s brawl spills out into the crowd and out of camera-sight. Meanwhile the countdown has begun to reveal the next competitor. Again, a familiar voice screams ICONIC and the crowd erupts for the return of #21 - Billie Kay! Billie Kay rushes to the ring and takes Liv and Nikki out of the equation before Valhalla turns her focus to her. Before she can strike, Peyton Royce grabs her from behind and throws her out.
Valhalla eliminated by Peyton Royce (1)
Peyton Royce turns around and finds Billie Kay in the center of the ring smiling. The two hug to an uproar from the fans! Then Billie Kay suddenly tosses Peyton over the ropes!
Peyton Royce eliminated by Billie Kay (1)
Peyton is stunned! Her best friend just threw her over the ring. Billie apologizes in the ring. It’s every woman for themselves! Then Asuka throws her over as well. Peyton tries to save her before she hits the ground but can’t.
Billie Kay eliminated by Asuka (1)
Peyton and Billie look at each other, unsure if they should be happy or angry. They shrug it off and hug again! They leave to the back together. During the warm embrace, Rhea got another elimination, unceremoniously tossing Nikki Cross over the ropes.
Nikki Cross eliminated by Rhea Ripley (6)
#22 - Emma trots her way down to the ring before getting set upon by Asuka. The ring has thinned out greatly in the last few minutes. Rhea targets Liv while Asuka and Emma go at it until the next contestant. #23 - Brandi Rhodes! Her husband Cody Rhodes has announced his return later tonight, but now Brandi is getting in the mix!
Michael Cole
We hate to interrupt this match, but we’ve got to go to picture-in-picture of something happening backstage right now!
Backstage, Damage CTRL is still brawling with Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey. Ronda bodyslams Dakota through a nearby table and Shayna knocks out Iyo by throwing her headfirst into some storage crates. The two take aim at Bayley, but Bayley is saved by Cora Jade! The duo fight off Ronda and Shayna just enough to get them to retreat. Bayley and Cora go to check on the downed Kai and Sky.
The next entrant is #24 - Xia Li, followed by a huge surprise! #25 - Naomi! Her first appearance in a WWE ring since May! The crowd is buzzing with excitement. Could that mean someone else? The next elimination also comes from Rhea Ripley, who powerbombs Emma over the top rope.
Emma eliminated by Rhea Ripley (7)
Rhea has now tied her personal record for eliminations in a match. She is feeling it! One more elimination and she will tie the Royal Rumble record for eliminations in a match by a woman! She sets her sights on the inexperienced Brandi Rhodes. An easy target. Not exactly. Brandi puts up a fight, gets Rhea over the top rope and nearly gets an elimination! Rhea holds on by a finger before Asuka grabs Brandi by the trunks and throws her over.
Brandi Rhodes eliminated by Asuka (2)
Asuka continues the job that Brandi started and tries to knock her off the apron. Rhea hits a counter, picks her up, and slings her over the ropes. She’s falling to the ground, when she grabs Rhea by the arm and pulls her down with her!
Asuka (3) and Rhea Ripley (8) eliminated each other
Meanwhile in the ring, Liv Morgan throws Xia Li out of the ring.
Xia Li eliminated by Liv Morgan (3)
Liv and Naomi are all alone in the ring, resting in opposite corners. The two kind of look at each other, then silently agree for a minor breather until the next opponent comes out. #26 - Bianca Belair comes out with a fury. Heated from losing her title earlier in the night, she attacks both Liv and Naomi, alternating strikes. She lets out a scream in center-ring and the crowd eats it up. They’re loving her energy! She grabs Naomi in a hold as #27 - ROXANNE PEREZ is announced! The NXT Women’s Champion is at the Royal Rumble! She runs out and meets Bianca face-to-face in the ring, and the two start going at each other. Meanwhile, Liv and Naomi’s truce has come to an end as well. #28 - Lacey Evans. Lacey comes out and immediately targets Liv, who has now spent almost forty minutes in the match! The struggle for Liv continues as she barely has the strength to continue. #29 - Becky Lynch comes out and the clear favorite clears the ring. She eliminates Lacey after dodging one of her Woman’s Rights.
Lacey Evans eliminated by Becky Lynch (1)
The crowd is ready for the final entrant. Who is it? Sky’s the Limit hits and the roof flies off of the building #30 - Sasha Banks is back! Less than a month after debuting with New Japan Pro Wrestling, the Boss is back in a WWE Ring! Triple H makes his first major move of the new year! Banks soaks in the reception at the top of the ramp before sprinting down the ring. She hits Lacey with a clothesline, knocks Roxanne off of her feet. She suddenly stops when she turns around and sees Naomi. The two share a quick smile before Sasha starts hitting her. Naomi starts going after her and hits her with a Bankrupt! Sasha grabs her and throws her over the ropes.
Naomi eliminated by Sasha Banks (1)
Naomi and Sasha stare each other down. Roxanne grabs Sasha from behind and hits her with a Prodigy! The NXT Champion makes her first major splash in WWE by taking down Sasha Banks! Her moment doesn’t last long, as Liv takes advantage and tosses her over the ropes.
Roxanne Perez eliminated by Liv Morgan (4)
The final four is set: Liv Morgan, the Iron Woman of this year’s Royal Rumble; Bianca Belair, who just lost her Raw Women’s Champion just an hour ago; Becky Lynch, the face of the women’s division and possibly of the company; and Sasha Banks, finally back in WWE after walking out on Vince McMahon over six months ago. Each occupies a corner of the ring. Becky looks at Liv and gives her some words of encouragement. Becky puts her hands up as a timeout of sorts.
Becky Lynch
She shakes Liv’s hand. I’m proud of ya. Ya came in at number one and are still standing here. Great job, lad.
Turning her attention to Bianca:
Becky Lynch
And you’ve got some fight in ya. Took a beating from Alexa and Howdy earlier ta’ nite and still fighting.
She turns to Sasha.
Becky Lynch
I’ve got something to say to ya. You’ll hear it soon enough.
Becky lunges and Sasha and the ball up throwing fists at each other. Looks like there may be some bad blood here. Becky eventually hits her with a Becksploder. She picks her up and tosses her over the ropes, but Sasha lands on the apron. "Welcome back!" Becky shouts, as she rebounds off the ropes to knock Banks off of the apron with a forearm. But Sasha ducks, pulling the top rope down with her and sending Becky flying over!
Becky Lynch eliminated by Sasha Banks (2)
Sasha is back in WWE and making statements, eliminating the favorite from the match. Becky Lynch is furious. Sasha laughs in the ring and waves her goodbye as Becky walks back up the ramp. She goes to continue business but gets hit by a KOD from Bianca! Bianca and gets thrown over the top rope. Unknown to Bianca, Sasha catches herself and rolls back into the ring, clearing herself. Sasha then rolls out of the ring, leaving just Liv and Bianca. The two have a solid back-and-forth, but something snaps in Bianca. She hits Liv with a KOD and tries to throw her over but Liv counters! She throws Bianca into the ropes and hits her with a ObLIVion! Liv tries to get up and finish the job, but she falls to the mat. Bianca ends up getting up first and looks around the ring. She thinks it’s just her and Liv! She climbs up to the top rope. She’s going for a 450 splash! She hits the rope, but Sasha runs in and knocks her over!
Bianca Belair eliminated by Sasha Banks (3)
It’s just Sasha and Liv now. #1 against #30. Banks is about to make a Statement, as she locks Liv in a Banks Statement. She doesn’t care about winning, just punishing her opponent. This is a Sasha Banks that we’ve not seen in a long time! Liv taps but to no avail. Banks keeps the hold locked in. One of the ringsides refs yells at her to break the hold, to just end it. Banks breaks it. Picks Liv up and goes to toss her over the ring. Liv counters again! Sending Banks over! Liv collapses in the ring, thinking she’s won it. But Banks held on! Her feet dangling inches above the floor! She flips back into the ring, grabs Liv by the hair, and throws her over!
Liv Morgan eliminated by Sasha Banks (4)
Sasha Banks wins the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble (52:48)
Sasha doesn't hold the usual celebration that a Royal Rumble winner would. Instead, she pulls Liv back in the ring and continues to pummel her. She puts her back in the Banks Statement. Liv immediately taps. Refs and officials are piling in to separate the two, but Banks fights them off and locks in another Banks Statement. Liv’s body begins to go limp, when Becky Lynch’s music hits! Becky runs out and the two clash in the middle of the ring. Sasha again gets the upper hand, and is only stopped when Triple H runs out and grabs her by the waist, pulling her back. Hunter yells out "I didn’t bring you back for this! Calm down!". Hunter drags her backstage as Becky checks on Liv.
A video replay from earlier in the night shows Sami Zayn defying Roman Reigns’ orders.
We go backstage to Jey Uso, hyping himself up as he walks to the tunnel, and Sami Zayn, slinking behind him. Jey stops Sami.
Jey Uso
Look Uce, you messed up. You gotta walk past that. Focus up. We got a title to defend. He said you have one more chance. Can’t mess this up. For your sake.
Sami Zayn
I know, I know. It’s just… God, he’s going to kill me. After everything he’s done to me. Why couldn’t I just let it be.
Jey
Hey. You thought you were doing the right thing for the Bloodline. For the family. You know why? Cause you *are* family now, Uce. Otherwise you wouldn’t be walking out here and defending my title. Hey. Our title.
Sami listens to what Jey says, hoping to find some sort of optimism that he’s not going to die at the hands of the Head of the Table.
Jey
I’ll talk to him for you. Trust me. I got you.
Sami
And I got you, Uce.
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor hits as Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, and Giovanni Vinci stand proud at the top of the ramp. Gunther gives them a quick word of advice and sends them on their way, departing to the back. Sheamus and Drew McIntyre come out next, to a big reaction. They’re ready for a fight. Next, Jey Uso and Sami Zayn make their way out to the ring. Sami is solemn, but focused.
Match 4: Smackdown Tag Team Championship
Bodies were flying in this match. Big spots included Jey Uso diving into Sheamus through the announce table from the top of the ladder; a Blue Thunder Bomb to Drew McIntyre onto a ladder; a Brogue Kick to Giovanni through the hole in one of the ladders. With Ludwig and Giovanni incapacitated outside of the ring, and Sheamus and Jey lie broken in half on the rubble of the announce table, Sami has his chance! He climbs the ladder but Drew rushes up the ladder to meet him. Sami punches him, and Drew falls off of the ladder onto the ring. Sami reaches up, when Roman Reigns walks out of the tunnel, flanked by Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman.. Sami looks at him for a second, then starts reaching for the belts again. He almost has them! But Drew pushes the ladder down! Sami falls straight through to a ladder that was propped up as a table between the ring and the barrier! He is out cold, on top of the ladder that has been broken in half. The ladder rebounds off of the ropes and Drew props it back up, climbs it, and unhooks the belts to become New Champions!
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus def Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) and the Usos (Jey Uso and Sami Zayn) to become NEW Smackdown Tag Team Champions (18:21).
Sheamus and Drew celebrate in the ring as Roman, Solo, and Paul slowly make their way to the ring. The newly crowned Champions and Imperium, aware of what might be coming, quickly leave the ring to leave Roman to his work.
Sami slowly starts to come to, as Jey checks on him. Roman makes his way to Sami, and helps him up. Sami thinks he’s safe.
Roman
I gave you one more chance. You blew it.
He throws Sami into Solo’s grasp, and Solo hits him with a Samoan Spike! He rolls Sami into the ring. Sami tries to stand, but is met with a spear. He tries again, using all of his might to get up and defend himself. Roman orders Solo and Jey to lift Sami up. Solo grabs him, but Jey hesitates! Jey helps lift him up and Roman delivers another spear to Sami! Sami lays lifeless in the center of the ring, an Uso no more. The Bloodline leaves the ring. Jey gives one last sad glance at Sami.
Backstage, a group of Tag Teams are gathered around the Royal Rumble Entrant Number Machine. The Street Profits, The OC, The Hurt Business, and Los Lothariosexpress anger that there names will not be called, while the likes of The New Day and Judgment Day will. Triple H comes by to address them.
Triple H
I understand your frustration. I do. Hearing your music hit during the Royal Rumble is one of the best things you can experience. I do have some good news, though. I just got off the phone with the new GM of Monday Night Raw, and he will be holding a #1 contenders gauntlet match in two weeks. You just gotta hope you get drafted to Raw.
This gets the tag teams excited, and then they begin to get tense.
We're back in the arena as Charlotte Flair enters the ring. Sonya Deville awaits her there.
Samantha Irvin
The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is for the Smackdown Women’s Championship!
Samantha introduces the challenger, Sonya Deville, who taunts the crowd. She then introduces the Smackdown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair! The bell rings.
Match 5: Charlotte Flair (c) vs Sonya Deville for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
This match was never even really close. Charlotte came out strong out of the gate, unleashing weeks of frustration onto Sonya. Sonya started to gain momentum but was quickly put to bed. Sonya ended up tapping out to the Figure Eight.
Charlotte Flair def Sonya Deville to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship (6:21)
After the crowd gets a breather, a small video package plays advertising the WWE Draft during the 1/30 Monday Night Raw and 2/3 Friday Night Smackdown.
Mike Rome stands in the center of the ring. As he begins to speak, the crowd begins to roar with excitement. It's time for the Royal Rumble! Michael Cole and Corey Graves are again on the cross-branded commentary. Cole and Graves hype up the match, particularly the return of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.
Main Event: Men’s Royal Rumble Match
#1 - Rey Mysterio emerges from the tunnel. He skips along the barriers, giving love to his fans, as Michael Cole reminds everyone that Rey Mysterio has gone the distance. The crowd boos as #2 - Dominik Mysterio makes his way to the ring. The two have a tense moment before the bell rings. Rey tries to reason with Dominik, tries to wish him luck, and goes to shake his hand. Dominik throws it aside and knees him in the gut. The two toss punches at each other until Dom grabs Rey and throws him into the ropes, setting him up for a 619! Rey dodges out of it, and then tosses him into the ropes for the same. Dom catches the kick, brings him in for a slam but Rey counters and lands on his legs. The crowd lets out a cheer as Rey gives him a proud smile. The countdown begins and the two start to grapple around the ropes.
#3 - Johnny Gargano is next, and meets Dom in the ring with a quick punch to the face and the two wrestle around in the ring. When Johnny gets Dom to the ropes and attempts to throw him over, Rey comes to the rescue! Dom is stunned as Rey now makes some exchanges with Gargano. #4 - Elias makes his way out to the ring with his guitar. Dom meets him in the center of the ring, but Elias kicks him in the gut and goes to bash the guitar to Dom’s back, but Rey pushes Dom out of the way and takes the shot himself.
It’s time for #5 - LA Knight. LA had his match against Bray Wyatt canceled earlier tonight, so he’s ready for a fight. Naturally however, he comes out with a mic and cuts a promo on his way to the ring. He taunts the competitors in the ring and the crowd. The crowd eats it up, mimicking his every "YEAH!" He gets to the ring and keeps talking. He insults Elias, who lunges at him to try to shut him up. LA Knight dodges it and eliminates Elias.
Elias eliminated by LA Knight (1)
The lights go out. It’s Pitch Black. A white light shines through one of the tunnels in the stands, and Uncle Howdy stands in the doorway. The lights come back on, and Uncle Howdy stands in the ring! He hits LA Knight with a Sister Abigail! The lights go off, and when they come back on, Uncle Howdy is nowhere to be seen. The men in the ring are frozen, until Gargano picks LA Knight up and throws him over as the next countdown begins.
LA Knight eliminated by Johnny Gargano (1)
#6 - Ricochet is next, and he and Rey share a few fun flips and moves until Dominik hits Rey with a clothesline. The men grapple around until #7 - Kofi Kingston comes out. Kofi bounces around the ring, hitting everyone, before hitting Dom with a SOS and attempting to eliminate him. Kofi then gets hit by Rey and gets put in the position for a 619. Rey bounces of the ropes and it connects! Kofi lies back in the ring and Rey goes for a West Coast Pop. As he hops onto the rope, Dominik pushes him off! Rey hits the ground hard.
Rey Mysterio is eliminated by Dominik Mysterio (1)
Dominik laughs as the countdown begins for #8 - Finn Balor. Dom has reinforcements, as his fellow Judgment Day member makes his way to the ring. He stops just before the ring and focuses on Rey instead. He beats on the veteran until the next countdown begins. Finn and Dom are relieved when #9 - Damian Priest comes running out. Priest also beats down on Rey. They place the bottom steps on the floor and Finn hits Rey in the head with the top set. Rey falls backwards onto the steps and Finn climbs to the ring apron, and jumps off to hit Rey with a Coup de Grace on the steps as Dom watches on. A group of officials come out to try to get control and they force Finn and Damian into the ring. They come in hard and the three immediately gang up on the downed Kofi. But Kofi’s got reinforcements himself as #10 - Xavier Woods comes out. He fights off Dom and Priest and Kofi regathers to take on Finn. It's a brawl between Judgment Day and the New Day in the middle of the Rumble. The fight comes to a halt as the next competitor #11 - Omos slowly marches his way to the ring. The active members in the ring begin to strategize for when Omos gets in, but they all get overpowered once he climbs in. He tosses Ricochet out of the ring.
Ricochet eliminated by Omos (1)
Omos finally gets knocked off of his feet by a team-up of Judgment Day and New Day. Omos defiantly gets back up and throws Priest and Finn back into separate corners. Dom takes a look at Omos and backs away, regrouping with his team members. Omos fights off punches from Xavier and Kofi. He picks up Xavier and throws him over the ropes.
Xavier Woods eliminated by Omos (2)
Omos tosses Kofi over the ropes, but Kofi catches himself. Standing on the ring apron, facing the ring, Omos bounces off the ropes and lunges at Kofi through the middle ropes. Kofi jumps up and lands on Omos as he hangs out from the middle rope. Damian Priest then comes and pushes Kofi off but he lands with one foot on the steel steps! He begins to lose his balance, but Xavier grabs his other foot and pulls it down onto the top set of steps that sits a couple of feet away. Kofi is now doing the splits on the two sets of steps and has yet to be eliminated. Xavier helps him to his feet. Omos watches from the ring, giving Johnny Gargano a chance to spill him over the ropes!
Omos eliminated by Johnny Gargano (2)
Knowing Omos is on the floor, Kofi quickly jumps onto the ring apron, dodges a quick strike from Gargano, and climbs back into the ring, escaping elimination! Things are about to get interesting as #12 - Edge comes out with a fury. He’s not been seen since Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley attacked him last October. Edge slides in the ring and immediately hits spears on Damian and Finn. He goes to spear Dominik, but stops. Who the hell are you? Edge asks. Dominik cornily replies Your worst nightmare. He takes a shot at Edge but the Rated R Superstar dodges it and hits him with a spear. He then tosses all three of the Judgment Day over! Vengeance!
Finn Balor eliminated by Edge (1)
Damian Priest eliminated by Edge (2)
Dominik Mysterio eliminated by Edge (3)
The Judgment Day are furious at ringside, as Edge taunts them from the ring. #13 - Seth Rollins is next, and he and Edge exchange grapples. Edge hits Seth with a hard punch and goes to rebound off the ropes for a spear. Seth recovers and leaps over Edge, hitting him with a Curb Stomp! Edge goes over the ropes but he lands on the apron, clinging on to the bottom rope. #14 - Braun Strowman is next. He comes in and clears house, the usual for big men like Braun. He’s standing alone in the ring when #15 - Gunther enters. He gets face-to-face with Braun, not backing down. The two exchange chops, until the Intercontinental Champion gains the advantage, hitting him with consecutive shots and knocking him off of his feet. He works to send Braun over the ropes but is unsuccessful. The screen goes black-and-white as #16 - Karrion Kross comes out to the ring, heeding advice from Scarlett at the top of the ramp. He makes his way to the ring and starts helping Gunther with Braun. He’s joined by Kofi and Gargano, as Edge and Seth continue working each other in the corner. The team almost gets him over, but Braun fights back and knocks them all off. He’s standing on the ring apron, about to get in, when Edge comes in out of nowhere and hits him with a spear!
Braun Strowman eliminated by Edge (4)
#17 - Santos Escobar makes his Royal Rumble debut. He rushes in the ring, climbs to the top rope, and hits Kofi with a cross body. He does a springboard moonsault on Kofi and goes to send him over, but is hit by a big boot from Karrion Kross. After a small tussle, Kross lifts Santos and powerbombs him over the ropes.
Santos Escobar eliminated by Karrion Kross (1)
As the next countdown begins, Kross also hits Kofi with a Doomsday Saito, finishing Kofi and throwing him over. No special elimination gimmick here. Kross is on a rampage.
Kofi Kingston eliminated by Karrion Kross (2)
#18 - Baron Corbin comes to the ring, laughing at Kofi as he walks back to the back. Baron jumps in the ring and gets set upon by Kross. Corbin fights him off and knocks him into the corner. Gargano lunges at Corbin but is hit by a Deep Six instead. Corbin tries to throw Gargano over but he hangs on. #19 - Austin Theory is next. He taunts his way down to the ring, pointing to each superstar and throwing insults their way. Corbin meets him in the ring and the two exchange blows before Gunther grabs Corbin and throws him out when he least expects it.
Baron Corbin eliminated by Gunther (1)
Theory escapes out of view as Gunther stands in the ring, face-to-face again with a different powerhouse. This time, it’s Karrion Kross. The crowd buzzes with this matchup as the two exchange blows. The momentum of the scuffle increases as the crowd gets rowdier. The two end up in the corner where Gunther repeatedly hits Kross with chops. Kross’ chest turns red when he flips Gunther into the corner and connects with consecutive punches to Gunther. The countdown begins for Number 20, and the reveal is met with disdain as it is #20 - The Gobbledy Gooker! Michael Cole is beside himself while Corey Graves laughs uncontrollably. The giant Turkey dances at the top of the ramp and slowly starts to make his way to the ring. As he takes his first steps, he’s knocked down by BRON BREAKKER! The NXT Champion has taken out the Gobbledy Gooker and is now making his way to the ring as #20 - Bron Breakker comes out with a chip on his shoulder. He hits the ring and meets everyone in the ring with a fist. He slams Gargano, who again narrowly avoids elimination when Breakker tries to throw him over. Theory is the first to get a hit on Bron, but is met with destruction as Bron hits him with a Spear. The countdown for Number 21 starts and the crowd erupts when it’s revealed to be #21 - EZEKIEL! Elias’ younger brother makes his Royal Rumble debut. He comes out hyping the crowd. He hits the ring and does some damage to Gargano, Edge, and Seth, before Bron realizes he’s had enough of the nonsense. He continues his rampage with a powerslam to Ezekiel and throws him out.
Ezekiel eliminated by Bron Breakker (1)
As he looks down on Ezekiel, slowly getting up from the floor, Theory tries to take a shot at him, but only hits a stone statue. Bron turns around, and Theory pleads for his life. Bron grabs Theory and suplexes him over the rope.
Austin Theory eliminated by Bron Breakker (2)
The nonsense would continue as #22 - Chad Gable comes out, shooshing the audience. He slides in the ring, looks at Bron and gives him a long and powerful “shoosh”. Bron laughs and throws a punch, but Gable avoids it and hits Bron with a suplex, and then another one, and then another one! Gable is showing some fight! He gets too aggressive though and tries another one, that is countered and turned into a powerslam. Gable is then casually tossed over the ropes by Bron.
Chad Gable is eliminated by Bron Breakker (3)
The crowd starts to countdown, but each number is met with a “shoosh” by Gable, who’s leaving to the locker room. No amount of shooshing would quiet the crowd after the next combatant is revealed to be #23 - RUSEV!! The fan favorite, cast aside by Vince McMahon and Tony Khan has returned to Triple H’s WWE, and the fans are loving it! He comes in and performs a series of Mackha Kicks and Bulplexes on the remaining entrants. The next entrant wouldn’t make it any easier for those in the ring, as #24 - Bobby Lashley comes down to the ring. He and Rusev hit each other hard. By the time Lashley gets to the ring, it needs a good thinning out. Karrion Kross and ten minute fight spills over the ropes onto the ring apron, where they are both eliminated by Edge and Seth, respectively.
Karrion Kross eliminated by Edge (5)
Gunther eliminated by Seth Rollins (1)
When the two come to, they continue their brawl. Kross tosses Gunther into the crowd and they fight into the crowd. Kross finds a production table and decides that he doesn’t want it there anymore, and powerbombs Gunther through it! There’s no time for a break for the audience as the next entrant is the returning #25 - AJ Styles! Making his first appearance of the year, the Phenomenal One starts off quick, hitting Seth with a Phenomenal Forearm and catching a spear from Edge and countering it into a Styles Clash! He eliminates Edge shortly after.
Edge eliminated by AJ Styles (1)
Gargano’s night ends after Lashley slams him out of the ring, ending his 33+ minute performance.
Johnny Gargano eliminated by Bobby Lashley (1)
The roof blows off of the Alamodome when the next entrant is revealed as #26 - SAMI ZAYN! After eating two beatdowns from the Bloodline tonight, Sami Zayn somehow hobbles his way out to the ring. He’s taped and bandaged up, and limps into the ring, immediately taking a shot from Rusev. The Bulgarian Brute continues beating on Sami, but Sami fights him off and knocks him to his feet, as the crowd roars, fully behind Sami. He props Rusev up in the corner and hits him with a Helluva Kick! He turns around and sees Seth in the perfect position and hits him with a Helluva kick as well! Everything stops when the next countdown ends:
IF YA SMELL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN’
Is it him?! Is it the Rock! The crowd is going crazy, the active entrants are scrambling. The cheers quickly turn to deafening boos as #27 - The Miz comes waltzing out of the tunnel instead of the Rock. He hits the ring, and is immediately met by Bobby Lashley, who throws him out of the ring almost immediately. The crowd eats up the comeuppance!
The Miz is eliminated by Bobby Lashley (2)
The cheers pour in even louders when #28 - CODY RHODES makes his already announced return since tearing his pec last year. Cody enters the ring hot, targeting Seth and eventually hitting him with a Cross Rhodes. He goes to toss Seth over but Rusev stops him, punching him in the back. This only unleashes Cody’s wrath. Cody throws over Rusev, ending his return night.
Rusev is eliminated by Cody Rhodes (1)
Sami Zayn targets AJ Styles in the corner of the ring, but is shaken by the next entrant. #29 - Solo Sikoa, Roman’s enforcer, meets him in the ring. He comes down to the ring, sights set on Sami. Solo squares up to Sami, who cowers down and tries to talk him down.
Sami Zayn
I was just trying to help Roman, to help the Bloodline. I swear. I can prove myself again. I’ll do whatever it takes.
Michael Cole questions how Sami can still be loyal to the Bloodline after everything that’s happened today. Solo steps toward Sami but is instead attacked by Bron. He pummels Solo, but Sami pulls him off. Sami takes a powerslam for his action, before Solo tosses Bron out of the ring, ending his debut.
Bron Breakker eliminated by Solo Sikoa (1)
Solo then starts attacking Sami until #30 - Brock Lesnar comes out! The crowd boos loudly, hoping for someone, anyone other than Lesnar would get #30. Brock stalks his way to the ring, with Bobby Lashley awaiting him in the ring. Brock slides in and Lashley hits him with a spear! Brock bounces off of it, staggered. Lashley hits him with another Spear! And then a final spear before tossing Brock out of the ring, much to the pleasure of the crowd!
Brock Lesnar eliminated by Bobby Lashley (3)
Bobby Lashley is feeling it in the ring! Using the energy, he drops Solo, Cody, Seth, and AJ with Spears. He picks AJ just and throws him over the ropes. AJ catches himself and tries to hit a Phenomenal Forearm on Lashley, but is met with a spear! Lashley then tosses AJ out of the ring.
AJ Styles eliminated by Bobby Lashley (4)
As AJ hits the floor, Brock Lesnar re-enters the ring and hits Lashley with a spear, followed by two F-5s. He leaves Lashley laying in the ring, as Sami and Solo finish him up and toss him over the ropes.
Bobby Lashley eliminated by Sami Zayn (1) and Solo Sikoa (2)
This leaves our final four: Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa, who have had a minor alliance as of now; and Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The last man that Cody Rhodes has seen in a wrestling ring. Sami tries to get Solo to target Cody and Seth, who are staring each other down as the crowd rains down cheers. Sami says "For the Bloodline?" Solo nods and the two attacks Cody and Seth, who fight back. After a few minutes of back and forth action, the crowd erupts at something off screen. It’s ROMAN REIGNS rushing to the ring, flanked by the Usos. Cody and Seth are suddenly united by a common enemy, and they team up to stomp Roman down as he slides into the ring. The hobbled Usos jump in the ring to fight them off, but Cody and Seth fight off the invaders, removing them from the ring. Cody encourages Seth to go for a curb stomp as Roman gets up. Seth hits it! But Cody catches him as he comes down and hits him with a Cross Rhodes before throwing him out!
Seth Rollins eliminated by Cody Rhodes (2)
Seth is beside himself, as Cody smiles down at him. Cody gets the last laugh! Roman slowly starts to stir, but Cody grabs him for a Cross Rhodes. Roman squirms out of the hold, rebounds off of the ropes and hits him with a spear! Cody rolls out of the ring. Roman is now face-to-face with Sami and Solo. Sami pleads his case. He’s going to win the Rumble for Roman and the Bloodline. To ensure that Roman has Wrestlemania off. Roman says he can’t trust Sami, and spears him. TWICE. Sami lays motionless in the ring. Solo and Jimmy lift him up for one final spear, but Jey gets in the way.
Jey Uso
Listen to him, man. After everything he’s done for you. He’s put his body on the line for you. For me. For us. He’s one of us man.
Roman looks at Sami, who nods his head, "Give me another chance." By now, Cody has recovered and breaks up the party. He gets Solo over the ropes, but Solo holds on. He stands up on the ring apron, but Cody doesn’t realize it. NEITHER DOES ROMAN! Roman goes to spear Cody, who dives out of the way. Roman dives DIRECTLY INTO SOLO, eliminating him from the Rumble!
Solo Sikoa eliminated
It’s just Sami and Cody now in the ring! Roman lies on top of Solo at ringside. The Usos tell Sami to go! Cody gets up and is in perfect position for a Helluva Kick, but Cody slimes out the way, but straight into a SUPERKICK from the Usos! Sami gets behind him and hits a Blue Thunder Bomb on him. He whips him into the ropes and finally connects on the Helluva kick!He then tosses Cody over the ropes to win the Royal Rumble!
Cody Rhodes eliminated by Sami Zayn (2) -
Sami Zayn wins the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble (1:06:10)
Sami Zayn collapses and covers his face, hiding his tears. The Usos climb on top of him, celebrating his win. They lift him up and carry him around the ring. Roman watches from ringside, conflicted. Sami cries with joy and makes one small glance at the Wrestlemania sign hanging over the 50,000+ at the Alamodome.
Tonight's Monday Night Raw will see the Men's Division Draft. Raw and Smackdown will have their General Managers revealed and will first draft Champions to their brand, before going through and picking members from the Men's Division to represent their shows. Throughout the night, the brands will pit their picks against each other for advantages in the draft. First will be Gunther vs Austin Theory to determine who gets the first non-champion pick, and who will get an extra pick in the second round. The main event will be a contest between three of Smackdown's picks vs three of Raw's picks to determine who picks first in the Women's portion of the draft on Friday Night Smackdown.
Bloodline Backlash
The Bloodline had a memorable Rumble, one they'll never soon forget. Roman Reigns seems to have turned his back on Sami Zayn, after he disrupted Roman's match with Kevin Owens and lost the Smackdown Tag Team Titles to Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. Sami tried to redeem himself by entering into the Royal Rumble and eventually winning it, despite Roman Reigns doing everything in his power to stop him. Jey Uso stepped in to save Sami from Roman's wrath. What will the Head of the Table have to say about this act of insubordination?
Til I See You Again
With the draft looming, it's possible that some of the rivalries that have been budding the past few weeks may be performing on different nights. Will Becky Lynch get the last laugh against Bayley and Damage CTRL? Will Edge take out the Judgment Day after his return in the Rumble? Will Bianca Belair get her rematch for the Raw Women's Championship?
Royal Returns and Debuts
The Royal Rumble saw multiple superstars return from injury or debut on the main roster. Among these were Roxanne Perez, Bron Breakker, Rusev, and the IIconics. Which of these names will be permanently added to the Raw and Smackdown rosters through the WWE Draft, and are there more surprises in store?
Confirmed Match Card:
Austin Theory vs Gunther
(First Pick and Extra in the Men's Draft)
Three Smackdown Stars vs Three Raw Stars (First Pick in the Women's Draft)
This was one of the BTB's i've had my eye on since joining the forum. I loved your Rumble results especially Sami winning the rumble. I'm curious as to how you will progress perhaps the greatest story told by WWE. Lots of avenues you can go. Obviously can't wait for the wwe draft as it gives you time to set up your rosters how you like heading into Wrestlemania season. Good luck and will definitely be reading this.
This was one of the BTB's i've had my eye on since joining the forum. I loved your Rumble results especially Sami winning the rumble. I'm curious as to how you will progress perhaps the greatest story told by WWE. Lots of avenues you can go. Obviously can't wait for the wwe draft as it gives you time to set up your rosters how you like heading into Wrestlemania season. Good luck and will definitely be reading this.
Thanks for the read! I was really bummed out after watching the IRL Rumble, because nothing I can do is going to top how they closed that show. But I'm going to try my hardest to tell an even better story! Hope you enjoy! Raw will be going up sometime today.
Monday Night Raw January 30th
BOK Center | Tulsa, OK
We are welcomed to Monday Night Raw by a video package recapping last night's incredible Royal Rumble, starting with Alexa Bliss' win over Bianca Belair and Charlotte's win over Sonya Deville. We then watch Sasha Bank's return, and her elimination and subsequent beatdown of Liv Morgan, and Becky Lynch rushing out to put a stop to it.
The package then moves to recap the Bloodline's night. Roman retains his WWE Undisputed Championship, but Sami Zayn was given one final ultimatum after his disobedience. Sami then failed to finish the deal in the Smackdown Tag Team Championship, costing the Bloodline gold. Despite an assault by Solo Sikoa and the Head of the Table, Sami's resiliency prevailed as he went on to win the Royal Rumble, overcoming both Cody Rhodes AND Roman Reigns. Sami was held high by the Usos, who came to his defense earlier in the match.
As the package ends, "The Game" hits the speakers and Triple H walks out the top of the ramp. On each side of him is a podium: one labeled Smackdown and one labeled Raw. He walks past the podiums and into the ring. He welcomes us to the first ever Monday Night Raw of the new era. He begins by announcing the creation of two different championships, the Women’s Intercontinental and Women’s United States Championship.
Before he introduces the new General Managers of Raw and Smackdown, he introduces the rules of the draft. Tonight’s draft will be men only, and they will draft the women’s rosters on Smackdown. Before the draft, each faction was asked to enter their names in the pool together. If a faction wants to stay together, they would have entered the draft together. The first round of the draft, which will begin now, will be Championships only, with the Champion coming with them.
Triple H then announces the GM of Raw. “Sexy Boy” gets drowned out by a massive cheer, as Triple H’s right hand man of NXT, Shawn Michaels, has made his way to the main roster! He fills the spot behind the Raw podium, as Stephanie McMahon is announced as Smackdown’s General Manager. And with that, the draft begins:
Raw selects the WWE Universal Championship
Smackdown selects the WWE Heavyweight Championship
Smackdown selects the Intercontinental Championship and Gunther, along with Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci
Raw selects the United States Championship and Austin Theory
Raw selects the Raw Tag Team Championships and The Usos, alongside Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa.
Smackdown selects the Smackdown Tag Team Championship and Drew McIntyre and Sheamus
Smackdown selects the Raw Women’s Champion and Alexa Bliss (to be renamed the Smackdown Women’s Championship)
Raw selects the Smackdown Women’s Championship and Charlotte Flair (to be renamed the Raw Women’s Championship)
With the first round finished, Triple H announces the first match, with the winning brand receiving the first pick and an extra pick in the next round of drafting. He also announces that the main event will be a Smackdown vs Raw 6-Man Tag Team Match to determine the #1 pick in Friday’s draft.
Match 1: Austin Theory vs Gunther
Theory tries to avoid as much contact as he can at the beginning of the match, frustrating Gunther. Theory escapes one of Gunther’s holds and squirms out of the ring for a “breather”. While at ringside, he starts exchanging words with a fan, when Gunther grabs him, turns him around, and chops him right in the chest. Theory’s worst nightmare! Gunther gets him back in the ring and controls the match for the next couple of minutes. Gunther gets a bit complacent, maybe cocky, and allows Theory to gain momentum. Theory goes for an ATL and HITS it! He pins Gunther, but he breaks out at 2!
Theory, frustrated, decides to just get his belt and head backstage. “This isn’t worth it”, he mouths. As he walks up to the ring, Bron Breakker steps out of the tunnel and walks towards him. Bron eliminated Theory last night in the Royal Rumble. Austin turns tail and runs back into the ring, and is immediately met by Gunther, who hits him with a powerbomb! He pins Theory, but Theory finds it in him to kick out! Gunther turns to Bron and tells him to leave, that “you have no business here”. Theory rolls Gunther up, who quickly kicks out, but is met with a superkick! Gunther gets put in the fireman’s carry for the ATL, but Gunther escapes and gives Theory a devastating chop to the chest before hitting him with a Last Symphony to earn the win for Smackdown!
Backstage, The Bloodline sits in a private room. They sit in front of a TV, as a video from Sami Zayn begins to play.
Sami Zayn
Hey, guys. Thanks again for giving this to the Tribal Chief, Jey. I appreciate it. Roman, I just wanted to apologize again for what happened on Saturday. I thought you needed my help, but I see now that I should have let you do your thing. My actions did nothing but prolong the inevitable and inconvenience you, and I’m sorry.
The Head of the Table stares on, intently watching the video message. Jey Uso and Paul Heyman closely examine Roman’s reaction.
Sami Zayn
Jimmy, Jey. I also need to profusely apologize to you. I fought like hell, but didn’t fight hard enough. You lost your Smackdown Titles because of me, and I’m going to do my best to get you a rematch now that Jimmy’s in fighting shape. And I’ll be there by your side, if Roman will have me. I won’t be bothering you this week. Trips gave me the week off to recover from the beating you gave me yesterday. No hard feelings, though! I deserved it.
Sami gives a sly chuckle and then winces in pain.
Sami Zayn
Oh, and Roman. Don’t worry about Wrestlemania. I’m going to talk to Triple H and renounce my Main Event spot. Hopefully I’ll see you boys next week.
The video ends and Roman shakes his head. Jey speaks up.
Jey Uso
See man, he’s sorry. He wants to help so bad. He’s all in on us, Uce. He’s been all in for months. He took a beating like no one I’ve ever seen. From you! And he’s here apologizing to you!
Roman doesn’t respond, just stares blankly ahead.
Jey Uso
The kid goes and wins the freaking Royal Rumble… For you! And you cast him aside. You leave him out of the Bloodline in the draft pool? After all the bullets he’s taken from you? After all the…
Roman has had enough. He stands up, and that’s enough to shut up the rebellious Tag Champion.
Roman Reigns
Sami Zayn, is not Bloodline. He’s not family. He’s not from the Island of Relevancy. And he never will be. The question is, are you? If you were, you would know not to raise your voice at your Tribal Chief.
Jey Uso is silent. Fearful of what this behemoth may do to him, of what he has done to him in the past. What he’s done to his brother.
Roman Reigns
We have a match tonight. You’re going home though. Solo’s filling in for you tonight. Go home.
Those last words rung hard inside Jey’s head. He walks out of the room after exchanging a glance with Jimmy.
Shawn Michaels and Stephanie McMahon return to the stage for Round 2 of the WWE Draft. In this Round, Smackdown starts first and gets an extra pick, thanks to Gunther’s victory. They draft:
Smackdown selects Seth Rollins
Raw selects Sami Zayn
Smackdown selects Cody Rhodes
Raw selects The OC (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson)
Smackdown selects Bobby Lashley
Raw selects Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, and Rhea Ripley)
Smackdown selects Edge
Raw selects Kevin Owens
Smackdown selects Bray Wyatt
Despite having one less pick, Raw comes away with a steal in this portion of the draft.
Becky Lynch finds Shawn Michaels backstage, as he flips through various papers.
Becky Lynch
Hey, Shawn. Do you have a second?
Shawn looks at his papers and shrugs.
Shawn Michaels
No, not like the future of this brand depends on my next few decisions.
Becky Lynch
Thanks. Knew I could talk to ya! Listen, I’m sure you’ve seen mine and Bayley's, uh, interactions over the past few weeks. Last week, I was supposed ta end it, but she sic’d her henchmen on me and got the match canceled. Do you think you could give me a shot at her tonight?
Shawn Michaels
What’s stopping them from doing the same thing tonight?
Becky laughs.
Becky Lynch
Well let’s say I found someone who also has it out for Bayley and her cronies.
Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler come into view.
Ronda Rousey
We may not like Becky, but we’ve got some unfinished business with Damage CTRL.
Shawn chuckles, and thinks about it for a second.
Shawn Michaels
Well now, that’s got to be the Main Event, right? But Hunter’s already set it. You know what? This is my show now. I’ll deal with Hunter. You’ve got your match. Tonight. In the Main Event!
The three women smile as the crowd roars after the announcement is made.
We cut back to the ring, where Judgment Day awaits. They’re not happy.
Finn Balor
Last night was supposed to be one of the most magical nights of our lives. The night that the Judgment Day wins both the Men’s AND the Women’s Royal Rumble.
Dominik Mysterio
Yeah, Mami here had that thing in the bag before that psychopath showed up!
Finn Balor
There was no shortage of psychopaths in San Antonio last night. My night was ruined by the Rated AARP Superstar.
Damian Priest
OUR night was ruined, Finn. But yeah, Edge came in like the madman he is, and caught us off guard!
Rhea Ripley
But all of that’s behind us. Edge is the past. WE ARE THE PRESENT. We’re here to announce that Monday Night Raw is OUR SHOW. So everyone on the roster, from top to bottom, needs to prepare for us. We’re coming.
“You Think You Know Me” sounds as Edge comes billowing out of the smoky stage. He’s dressed for action.
Edge
Hey, guys. Didn’t you miss me?
Edge addresses both the crowd, and the Judgment Day
Edge
Last year at Extreme Rules, you guys turned you back on me, and that hurt. I hand picked you, Damian and Rhea, and you spat in my face. That really hurt. But it can’t hurt as much as it will when you realize that you guys would be NOTHING if I hadn’t pulled you from the bottom of the card. You cast me aside and rallied behind Finn Balor. You’re nothing to him but a stepping stool, just as I was for you. So Finn, since this may be the last time I see you in a while, my good friend Shawn has given me a match against you tonight.
Judgment Day seems confused.
Dominik Mysterio
I think all the years of head damage may have made it hard for you to count, or maybe you’re just too old to see, but it’s four against one right now. What makes you think we’re going to let you get to Finn?
Edge
Well there’s someone that I believe you have a history with, who also wants to stake their claim for Monday Night Raw.
“Phenomenal” starts to play and AJ Styles and The OC come out to back up Edge.
Match 2: Edge w/ the OC vs Finn Balor w/ Judgment Day
As the match begins, Finn yells “I’m gonna take it easy on you, Old Man!” Edge shakes off the insult and the two exchange holds. The stalemate ends when Finn pushes Edge into the corner turnbuckle, Edge rebounds and goes for a spear, but Finn steps aside. Edge and Finn laugh. They’re having fun. Edge says, “you’re good. I knew that.” And the two continue to grapple. Meanwhile, AJ Styles is exchanging words and insults with Damian Priest. These insults eventually get Damian and AJ face-to-face. This distracts Finn and Edge rolls him up. Finn breaks out but Edge has rebounded off the ropes and is lunging at Finn, but Finn drops to the ground and sends Edge flying through the ropes onto AJ.
Karl Anderson checks on him, and helps him get up and into the ring. Edge makes it back in and is immediately hit with a Sling Blade! Finn goes for the count but falls short with a two-count. Finn climbs to the top rope for a Coup de Grace but Edge rolls out of the way. Finn does a barrel roll upon impact, and is grabbed by Edge and sent shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. The Rated-R Superstar stalks his prey in the corner of the ring. He runs at Finn, who is knocked to the ground by Rhea, who grabs him by the feet from ringside. Edge remembers this maneuver from earlier in the match, and stops himself from flying into the turnbuckle. He drops down and connects with an elbow to Finn. He goes for a pin but Finn kicks out. Edge continues to wear down on Finn for a few minutes, until Finn breaks free from a crossface by raking Edge’s eyes while Dom distracted the ref. Finn gains the momentum now and hits Edge with a series of moves. He positions Edge against the turnbuckle and charges at him. He leaves his feet for a dropkick, but Edge dodges it, rebounds against the ropes and connects with a spear! He goes for a pin, but Rhea Ripley has hopped on the ring apron to argue with the ref. The ref has had enough of this. He points to ALL SIX ringside members and EJECTS them! The Judgment Day freaks out at ringside, horrified by the actions of the clearly prejudiced official. The OC pulls the Judgment Day off the ring apron and they begin to brawl.
Back in the ring, Edge is refocused. Finn begins to stand up, and Edge goes for the spear. Finn doesn’t dodge this time, but he’s still ready for it. He punches Edge before he can connect, staggering him. Finn gets him and connects with a 1916! He goes for a pin, but Edge kicks out! He gets up and goes up to the top rope. He leaps off but IS MET BY A SPEAR! Edge can’t get on top of him in time though, as Finn rolls out of the ring as Edge reaches for him. Edge reaches him and grabs him by the head, but Finn falls down, forcing Edge’s neck into the bottom rope. Finn tiredly climbs up to the rope, and hits Edge with a Coup de Grace! 1. 2. 3!
Backstage, Alexa Bliss catches Stephanie McMahon on her way to the arena.
Alexa Bliss
Listen, I know you’re busy, but I want to thank you for drafting me. It really means a lot.
Stephanie McMahon
You’re welcome, Alexa. But I’ve got to go out to make the next picks.
Alexa Bliss
I know so I’ll be quick! I hate thinking about how I won this championship. Give me a chance to prove myself. I want to rematch Bianca Belair on Friday. I need to prove to the WWE Universe… to myself… that I can do it without Uncle Howdy.
Stephanie ponders it for a second.
Stephanie McMahon
Okay. You’ve got yourself a match. We have a contingency plan against Uncle Howdy anyway.
After a commercial break, we come back to Shawn Michaels and Stephanie McMahon conducting Round 3 of the WWE Draft. Raw picks first this time around.
Raw selects Braun Strowman
Smackdown selects Rusev
Raw selects Johnny Gargano
Smackdown selects Karrion Kross
Raw selects Ricochet
Smackdown selects The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods)
Raw selects Bron Breakker
Smackdown selects The Miz
Shawn Michaels is seen talking to Triple H backstage.
Shawn Michaels
You’ve got to trust me on this Hunter. This is going to steal the show. It’s got to be the main event.
Triple H
It is your show. But I don’t like you undermining me.
Shawn Michaels
After you see what they do tonight, heck you know what these two can do. You’re going to love it.
Bron Breakker walks by. Shawn nudges Triple H with his elbow, as if to say “Watch This”
Shawn Michaels
Hey, Bron. Congrats on getting selected. You proved yourself last night for sure. I know that you’re eyeing Austin Theory and his United States championship, but you’re not there yet. I scheduled you in a match tonight. You win that one, and you’ll make a big leap here in the big leagues.
Bron listens, and then walks away without saying a word.
Back in the ring, Mike Rome announces the stipulation of the next match: the winner gets the first pick in the Women’s Draft on Friday Night Smackdown!
Match 3: Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashey vs. The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso) w/ Paul Heyman
Lots of excitement in this star studded match. Smackdown picked their three top stars, and Raw picked perhaps the most dominant faction in WWE history. The match begins with Cody and Seth having some words about who will be going first, until Bobby Lashley settles the deal for them. Roman starts off for the Raw team and the two behemoths go at it, trading powerslams and suplexes. Reigns hits Lashley with a Superman punch! But Lashley falls back into the corner and gets tagged by Cody, who is immediately slapped on the back by Seth. Seth cackles and gets in the ring. He grapples around with Roman but Roman gains the upper hand. He whips Seth into the ring and tags in Jimmy. They perform a double team move that leaves Seth on the ground. As he writhes on the ground, Jimmy tries to do a springboard moonsault off the ropes and misses. The first of Jimmy’s mistakes tonight. Seth gains control again and drags Jimmy to the Smackdown corner of the ring. He goes to tag in Cody, but switches to Lashley at the last second. Lashley comes in and slams Jimmy real quick. For the next couple of minutes, Lashley beats up on Jimmy. Lashley gets Jimmy up and puts him a Hurt Lock! Jimmy goes limp, but before the ref can rule the match over, Roman comes into the ring and hits a spear on Lashley through Jimmy! Cody and Seth come in, which results in Solo coming in, and the match has descended into a brawl! The ref tries to get control as we go to a commercial break.
When we return, Lashley is back in the ring with control over Jimmy. The other competitors are in their legal positions now. Lashley picks up Jimmy for a suplex, but Jimmy lands on his feet! Lashley turns around, but bam! Gets hit by a superkick. This brings Lashley to his feet. Jimmy tries to crawl to tag in Solo, the closest to him, but Lashley gets back up and grabs him instead. As soon as Lashley gets Jimmy to his feet, Jimmy hits him with an enziguri and is able to tag in Solo! Solo comes charging in and takes down Lashley with three quick shoulder tackles. He gets Lashley up and quickly hits him with a Samoan Spike! Lashley is down, Solo goes for the pin but it’s not enough. Solo puts him in a submission hold, but Lashley slowly gets out of it. He tosses Solo towards the rope and grabs him for a spinebuster on the rebound! Both men are down and are climbing towards their partners. Lashley wants Cody and Solo wants Roman! Lashley tags Cody in but as Solo lunges for Roman, Seth pulls him off of the apron onto the floor! Cody pulls Solo away from the corner, grabs him and hits him with a Cross Rhodes! 1. 2. 3? No! Jimmy breaks up the count as the ref’s hand was coming down. The match continues! Cody gets up and throws Jimmy out of the ring. He gets Solo in position for another Cross Rhodes, but Solo breaks out and Cody is met with a Spear by Roman Reigns, who is then met by another Spear by Bobby Lashley! There are four lifeless bodies in the ring! Seth and Jimmy are back in their corners now. Cody and Solo slowly crawl towards them as Lashley gets Roman and throws him out of the ring. Those two continue fighting outside of the ring. Lashley clears the announce table and picks Reigns up to powerbomb him through it, but Jey comes out of the crowd and starts to attack Lashley!
In the ring, Jimmy and Seth are tagged in. Jimmy, feeling the momentum from outside. Hits Seth with consecutive clotheslines. Seth gets up and counters a move by Jimmy, and now he has the momentum. A few moves later, Seth has Jimmy set-up for a Pedigree, but Jimmy squirms out of it and hits Seth with a Superkick! Seth staggers around, and is met by a SECOND SUPERKICK! This brings Seth down flat on his back in the center of the ring. Jimmy climbs up to the top rope. He looks over at ringside, where Roman, Solo, and Jey are still brawling with Lashley and Cody. Jimmy then refocuses and leaps for a Splash, but Seth rolls out of the way! He gets straight up and hits Jimmy with a CURB STOMP! 1. 2. 3!
Winners: Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, and Bobby Lashley via Pinfall (10:54)
After the brawl, Roman and the Bloodline meet in the middle of the ring. He scolds Jimmy and Jey for “going too soft” and “colluding with the enemy”. He tells them to be better, or there will be no place on the Island of Relevancy for them.
We come back from commercials and are already back in the ring for Bron Breakker’s debut match! He has no idea who it’s against though. “BRAUNNNNN” roars through the speakers as "The Monster Among Men" Braun Strowman makes his way to the ring.
Match 4: Bron Breakker vs Braun Strowman
This is a battle between two powerhouses. Bron is quickly sent to his feet by Braun, who welcomes him to the main roster. After a couple of minutes of a beatdown, Bron counters a powerslam from Braun and pushes him into the corner turnbuckle. This gives him just enough of a window of opportunity to capitalize on. He rushes towards Braun who slides out of the way and pushes Bron shoulder first into the turnbuckle. Bron withers in pain on the ground while Braun starts hitting him with big boots to the chest. Bron catches one of the boots, and rolls over, bringing Braun to his knees. Bron gets up, still holding on to the foot, and brings down an elbow on it. His best way of winning is to make sure Braun can’t stand. He has to be the Brain in this battle of Brawn (heh, wordplay). With his window widening, he takes control of the match. Braun gets a counter and tries to pick Bron up for his finishing Powerslam, but the pressure on his foot causes him to buckle. Bron grabs him, picks him up, and hits him with a slam. The strength required to pick Braun Strowman up as easily as he just did is astounding. He gets him back up. The NXT Champion looks around at the audience, taking it in, and then hits him with the military press powerslam, getting the three-count and picking up his first victory!
We go backstage, where Stephanie and Shawn hold the last round of the WWE Men’s Draft:
Smackdown selects The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)
Raw selects The Hurt Business (MVP, Omos, Shelton Benjamin, and Cedric Alexander)
Smackdown selects Rey Mysterio
Raw selects LA Knight
Smackdown selects Shinsuke Nakamura
Raw selects Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Cruz del Toro, and Joaquin Wilde)
Smackdown selects Los Lotharios (Angel and Garza)
Raw selects Baron Corbin
Smackdown selects Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis)
Raw selects Hit Row (Ashante Adonis, Top Dolla, and B-Fab)
That concludes the Men’s Portion of the WWE Draft. Other free agents will be signed by each brand, and be reflected on the Official Roster Page (which will be created after the Draft).
Back from commercial break, and Mauro Ranallo announces the card for next week’s Monday Night Raw! Starting off with a Tag Team #1 Contenders Gauntlet Match to determine who will face The Usos at Elimination Chamber. This match will include Hit-Row, The Hurt Business, Legado del Fantasma, Judgment Day, and the OC! Shawn Michaels also sent word to the announce team that they will hold three matches next week, and the winners of those matches will compete for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship the following week. We will learn of who will be competing in those matches after Friday’s draft.
But now, it’s time for the main event! A video package plays, highlighting the history of Becky and Bayley, from their time as the Horsewomen, all the way to Damage CTRL’s beatdown last week in the cage. Can Becky get her revenge tonight, before potentially being split up in the Draft?
Main Event: Becky Lynch vs. Bayley (Steel Cage Match)
Becky Lynch is followed to the ring by Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler, an uneasy alliance among the women have been formed out of a mutual grudge against Bayley and Damage CTRL. Becky glances at the cage before entering through the door. She tests the mesh walls while Damage CTRL slowly analyzes and gameplans on their way to the ring. They keep a watchful eye on Rousey and Baszler, as Bayley enters the steel structure.
The bell rings, and Becky tackles Bayley and starts pounding her with fists. Bayley flips her and repays the favor. Becky’s able to deflect one of her punches, and then catches the next, and immediately turns it into a Dis-Arm-Her! Bayley screeches in pain and reaches for the ropes, but that won’t matter in this hellish cage. Bayley almost gives in, but contorts her body to give enough leverage to send Becky flying headfirst through the ropes, into the cage. Bayley has a small opening to start climbing, but Becky jumps up and catches her as she balances on the top rope. Becky grabs her by the hair and slings her back! Becky starts working on her arm, hitting it with various holds and kicks. Bayley reaches for help from Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky, but are still separated by the cage. Iyo has the idea of climbing the cage to help Bayley, but is prevented by Rousey and Baszler. The two begin to fight on the outside of the ring. Becky is distracted by the scuffle, and Bayley takes advantage of it with a quick roll-up that gets a two count. As Becky gets up, Bayley quickly sets her back down with a quick DDT. Rousey, Baszler, Kai, and Sky get split up outside the ring by security and referees.
Bayley again starts climbing the cage, making it a bit farther before Becky grabs her and positions her for a powerbomb, but Bayley counters it into a hurricanrana! The crowd goes crazy for the high risk maneuver, and begins to boo as Bayley immediately climbs the cage again. She gets near the top before she notices Ronda Rousey outside, begging her to climb down. Now stuck between a rock and a hard place, she decides that Becky is the best option here. She makes her way down, but Becky rolls her up for a two count. The two go back and forth for a few minutes. Meanwhile, outside the cage, Bayley’s partners are trying to find any way to help her. Iyo starts to climb and gets the attention of Shayna and Ronda, as Dakota slips in a KENDO STICK through one of the holes in the cage. Bayley lifts the stick above her head and sends it crashing into Becky’s torso! She repeatedly hits the Lass Kicker with the kendo stick!
As punishment for her action, Dakota Kai is sent into the crowd by Ronda Rousey. The two brawl through the crowd and into backstage. Meanwhile, Iyo has gained the upper hand on Baszler. She lays her on the announce table and begins to climb the cage. She stops midway up and launches herself back, MOONSAULTING ONTO SHAYNA! The two are paralyzed on top of the rubble of the announce table.
With Becky incapacitated and the brutes outside the ring distracted by her cohorts, Bayley starts to climb again. She gets to the top, but Becky gets back to her feet and grabs her feet before she can fully get over the cage. Bayley climbs down, and the two fight as they balance on the top rope. Becky hits Bayley, who returns the favor. Finally, Bayley grabs Becky and jumps back into the ring, hitting her with a Bayley-to-Belly from the top rope! Bayley goes for a pin, but it gets to 2.99! Becky kicks out at the last millisecond. A “This Is Awesome” chant erupts from crowd. Bayley looks around and sees Iyo’s lifeless husk at ringside; Dakota is nowhere to be seen. She turns around and something snaps. She could easily climb out, but she doesn’t want to. She doesn’t want to win. She wants to inflict as much damage as possible onto her former friend. She grabs the Kendo Stick and sends it down onto Becky. Hit after hit, Becky is rolling in pain. Bayley goes for one more hit, but BECKY CATCHES THE STICK! She stands up, holding it, and pulls it out of Bayley’s hands. She starts pounding Bayley with the stick, knocking her off of her feet. She grabs Bayley’s arm, and USES THE KENDO STICK FOR A MODIFIED DISARM-HER! Bayley taps out!
Friday Night Smackdown February 3rd, 2023 Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Greenville, South Carolina
WWE Women’s Draft
Smackdown will have the first pick of the Women’s roster when the draft returns on Friday Night. Expect Smackdown to be looking at names like Becky Lynch, Royal Rumble winner Sasha Banks, or Royal Rumble Ironwoman Liv Morgan. Prominent Superstars like Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley are not eligible to be drafted, as they have already been picked by a brand through the Champions Draft or as part of a faction.
Smackdown Women’s Championship Match
Alexa Bliss feels like her championship is unearned after Uncle Howdy interfered in her match against Bianca Belair at the Royal Rumble. She asked Stephanie McMahon for a rematch to prove herself to the WWE Universe, and Stephanie granted it! Alexa Bliss vs Bianca Belair for the Smackdown Women’s Championship has been set for Friday Night Smackdown!
Cody Rhodes Address
After his return in the Royal Rumble Match, Cody Rhodes will address the WWE Universe. What does the “American Nightmare” have to say? Will he call out Seth Rollins, who punished his torn pec in their Hell in a Cell match last year? Or will his attention be on Roman Reigns, who perhaps cost him his Royal Rumble glory?
Women’s United States Championship Match
Another championship will be on the line on Friday Night. After the draft is complete, Stephanie McMahon will pick four superstars to compete in a Fatal-Four-Way Match for the Women’s United State Championship.
Friday Night Smackdown February 3rd, 2023 Bon Secours Wellness Arena | Greenville, South Carolina
Friday Night Smackdown is Live in Greenville, South Carolina for the WWE Women’s Draft! Smackdown commentator Michael Cole, now joined once again by Pat McAfee, welcomes us to Smackdown and runs down the highlights of the night. Cody Rhodes, fresh off of his Royal Rumble Debut, will deliver a speech to the WWE Universe; The Smackdown Women’s Championship will be defended in our opening match; and the Women’s United States Championship will be decided in our Main Event, which will be a Six Woman Elimination Match!
Starting the show, however, is the first leg of the Women’s draft. Smackdown GM Stephanie McMahonand Raw GM Shawn Michaelscome out to the stage to make their first picks:
Smackdown selects Sasha Banks
Raw selects Liv Morgan
Smackdown selects Becky Lynch
Raw selects Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky… AND CORA JADE)
Bayley included Cora Jade as a part of Damage CTRL in the Draft Pool!
Smackdown selects Bianca Belair
Raw selects the team of Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler
Smackdown selects the team of Katana Chance and Kayden Carter
The NXT Women Tag Team Champions are coming to Friday Night!
Raw selects Asuka
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With that last pick, Stephanie McMahon introduces our first match of the night, as “The Evil Is Mine” plays and the Smackdown Women’s Champion, Alexa Bliss, makes her way to the ring! She’s followed by Bianca Belair, who comes to the ring with a purpose. There’s no dancing around or playing with her hair. She means business.
Match 1: Alexa Bliss (c) vs Bianca Belair (Smackdown Women’s Championship)
Before the match, there’s a moment where Alexa apologizes for the interruption. The rematch starts off almost the exact opposite of the original match at the Royal Rumble, with Bianca taking early control. She’s showing a ferocity seldom shown by the EST of WWE. Her strength and shows up early as Alexa spends most of the first few minutes on the mat. Bianca hits Alexa with a fallaway Powerbomb, but Alexa kicks out. She follows the move with a quick roll up, but it’s reversed by Bianca and followed with another roll up. Alexa kicks Bianca off of her and sends her flying headfirst through the ropes and out into ringside. The lights turn off and a white light shines out of the tunnel, with Uncle Howdy’s silhouette shining through. Alexa screams out at the specter and says she needs to do this herself. The lights abruptly turn back on and Alexa hops out of the ring, but eats a big boot from Bianca!
After a quick commercial break, we’re back in the ring and Alexa has control. She’s whittling down Bianca with a chokehold in the center of the ring. Bianca fights out of it but Alexa flips the hold, then falls backwards for a DDT! She goes for a pin: 1. 2. No! Bianca kicks out. Bliss climbs up to the top rope and goes for a Twisted Bliss, but Bianca kicks out her knees! She rolls Alexa up: 1. 2. No! Alexa kicks out at the last second! Bianca deadlifts Alexa, reminding the WWE Universe that she is the strongEST, and casually flips her over her head, preparing for a KOD. But Alexa breaks out of it. As her feet hit the floor, the light go off again! A montage of very unsettling images appear on the video screen, followed by the voice of Uncle Howdy saying “Don’t you want my help? Don’t cast me aside. I can’t handle that again”.
Alexa is stunned in the middle of the ring, and Bianca takes advantage of it. Bianca lifts Alexa up and hits her with a KOD! She goes for the pin! We’re going to have a new champion! NO! Alexa kicks out at two and a half! Bianca can’t believe it. She gets up and picks Alexa up again, but Alexa breaks out of the hold and pushes her into the turnbuckle. Alexa tries to pull her back for a roll up, but Bianca holds on to the turnbuckle. But Alexa is already standing up as Bianca turns around and gets hit with a devastating drop kick. Bianca falls down and Alexa climbs up the rope. She’s looking for the Twisted Bliss again, but as she reaches the top rope, the lights go out again. Uncle Howdy’s voice comes back, “I will not be thrown away. I will not be. You are nothing without me, Alexa. NOTHING!” A red light shines over the ring, revealing Uncle Howdy holding Alexa Bliss for a Sister Abigail. He goes to kiss her forehead, when the lights go off again. A sinister laugh sounds through the darkness. The house lights return and BRAY WYATT IS NOW HOLDING UNCLE HOWDY FOR A SISTER ABIGAIL! Alexa is distracted, so Bianca tries to pick her up again, but Alexa squirms out of it and gets Bianca ready FOR A SISTER ABIGAIL! BRAY AND ALEXA HIT THEIR MOVES AT THE SAME TIME. 1…. 2… 3….
Winner: Alexa Bliss by pinfall (9:57)
After the match, Howdy lays motionless. Alexa tells Bray to see who it is. Bray walks towards him, but the lights flash again, and then he’s gone. The crowd murmurs as Bray and Alexa look at each other in the ring, knowing the fight is not done.
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Backstage,Drew McIntyre and Sheamus are conversing backstage. They’re trying to come up with a new tag team name to replace Banger Bros because “someone upstairs said they couldn’t use it”. They begin joking about other sexually charged tag team names. They then begin to suggest names based on their heritage, much to the others' dissent. They begin slapping each other’s chests, until they are quieted by a “SHOOOOOSH”. Chad Gable appears and is pretty upset.
Chad Gable
Guys, I have to say, I have an immense amount of respect for your careers as professional wrestlers, but whatever this is, is unacceptable. *The Banger Bros*? Really? You guys didn’t think that through too much did you?
Sheamus
So you’re saying you recognize the trademark issue there?
Chad Gable
That’s not what this is about! This isn’t about me. This is about YOU, not taking your jobs seriously. That kind of behavior can leave an impression on young up-and-comers.
Drew McIntyre
Young up-and-comer? You?
Gable shakes his head, andOtiswalks onto the screen to a large pop from the crowd.
Chad Gable
My student Otis here saw you over there laughing about and goofing off, and I’m concerned that he may try to mimic your unprofessionalism.
Sheamus
You mean the dude that does the worm in the middle of the ring is afraid that we’ll be unprofessional?
Chad Gable
The difference here is that I have faith that Otis will get it done. So much faith that next week, we’re hosting tryouts. That’s right, Alpha Academy is expanding! And I’m making Otis a coach!
Otis freaks out! It’s news to him!
Drew McIntyre
Wait a second, you don’t think we get it done? We may be back here joking around, but we ALWAYS show up in the ring. And if you’re so confident, we’ll show you why you shouldn’t be.
=====
Karrion Kross appears in a dark room, with Scarlett at a table full of tarot cards.
Karrion Kross
A fickle thing, Destiny is. You see, it’s never set, though many of us may believe we are destined for great things. But our destiny is only what we make of it. On Saturday, I was sure that my destiny was to outlast 29 other men and punch my ticket to Wrestlemania. But destiny laughed in my face. When I entered that Rumble match, I saw something, someone who disgusted me.
Scarlett flips a tarot card over to reveal Gunther.
Karrion Kross
I returned to WWE six months ago, and in that time I have only known one Intercontinental Champion. Gunther. Another man who sets his own destiny. I had a great amount of respect for Gunther, until I set foot with him in the ring on Saturday. I realized that this man had been handed everything to him on a silver platter. I have fought for six months to make destiny my bitch, but you’ve only taken a shortcut.
The camera focuses solely on Kross, in his black-and-white universe.
Karrion Kross
Next Friday, you’ll become the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of the millennium, and I intend to stop that reign. My destiny is to end yours. Your time is up, Gunther. Tick tock.
=====
Match 2: Drew McIntyre and Sheamus vs Alpha Academy
Cracks begin to show early for the Smackdown Tag Team Champions as Drew and Sheamus are still trying to nail down their chemistry. They don’t even have a team name yet! Gable capitalizes on their miscommunications and controls most of the early match, using his speed and size to outmaneuver and outspeed Drew. He whittles down Drew’s ankle throughout the puts him in an Ankle lock! Sheamus breaks it with a Brogue kick though! Drew is on the other side of the ring, and Gable lands right underneath Otis, who tags himself in and continues the beatdown of Drew. McIntyre eventually breaks free of a hold and LIFTS OTIS UP, but buckles under the pressure of his ankle and they both fall to the ground. Drew starts to crawl towards Sheamus but is stopped by Otis, who grabs him by the ankle and then falls on his leg, bringing his whole weight onto Drew’s leg. Otis tries to put him in an ankle lock, but Drew is able to turn around and kick him back with his other foot.
They both make tags and Sheamus and Gable rush towards each other. Sheamus goes for a clothesline but Gable swings underneath, grabs him by the stomach, and hits a suplex. He holds on and does another one, and then a third one. Angle style! Gable goes for a pin but Sheamus kicks out at 2. Gable then starts to whittle down Sheamus’ ankle. He gets him in ankle lock but Sheamus makes it to the rope for the rope break. Gable gets Sheamus back up and, with his back facing Drew McIntyre’s corner, gets ready to suplex Sheamus. Drew comes in and goes to strike Gable’s back, but Otis yells “DUCK!”. Gable ducks and Drew socks Sheamus in the back of the head! Otis comes in and fights off Drew as Gable and Sheamus continue to go at it in the corner. Gable hits Sheamus with a suplex, but grabs Sheamus’ ankle in mid air and turns it into a ankle lock! Drew runs in the ring and tries to hit Gable with a Claymore, but Gable ducks! In the moment of distraction, Sheamus rolls Gable up and gets the three count.
Winners: Drew McIntyre and Sheamus via pinfall (8:21)
Shawn Michaels and Stephanie McMahon return to the stage for Round 2 of the Women’s Draft. Raw gets the first pick this go around.
Raw selects Carmella
Smackdown selects Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolan and Jacy Jayne)
Toxic Attraction are coming to Smackdown before their NXT Women’s Championship match on Saturday at NXT Vengeance Day! Will they bring the Title with them?
Raw selects The IIconics (Peyton Royce and Billie Kay)
Smackdown selects Lacey Evans
Raw selects Naomi
Smackdown selects Candice LeRae
Raw selects Ember Moon
Another surprise entrant! Ember Moon is coming back to the WWE!
Smackdown selects Raquel Rodriguez
=====
We go backstage where Kayla Braxton is shrouded in the shadow of Bobby Lashley.
Kayla Braxton
What was your reaction when you were selected by Stephanie McMahon earlier this week?
Bobby Lashley
Honestly, it felt great. I would’ve been happy anywhere, cause I would’ve been on top anywhere. But Smackdown is my home. It’s where I debuted. But like I said, I’m on top here. We’ve got some incredible talent here. Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Gunther… But none of them compare to me. And soon, they’ll all know it.
Kayla Braxton
Which of those names would you most like to…
Kayla is interrupted when a freight train runs over Bobby Lashley! Wait, it’s BROCK LESNAR! Brock has been after Bobby Lashley since last October, and the hatred between these two only intensified with their encounter at the Royal Rumble!
Brock grabs Bobby and hits him with an F-5. And then another F-5. Brock fought off officials and security to deliver ANOTHER F-5. Brock laughs as he looks at the destruction he’s unleashed.
Brock Lesnar
See you next week, Bob!
Kayla, stunned, sends it back to Michael Cole.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee send their best wishes to Bobby Lashley before hyping up what’s still to come tonight, including a promo from Cody Rhodes coming up next!
=====
Wrestling has more than one royal family.
Cody Rhodes comes out to a massive pop, possibly the biggest of the night. He’s dressed in a nice suit, so he’s not ready for a fight. He grabs a microphone as a “Cody” chant breaks out.
Cody Rhodes
Oh, man. It is great to be back on Friday Night Smackdown!
Cheap pop from a maestro on the mic.
Cody Rhodes
I wish I was in better spirits, though. On Saturday… Well let me start back at the beginning. Last year, as I’m sure you all remember, I gave possibly the most emotional speech of my life. I vowed that I would do something that my father was never able to achieve, that is to win the WWE Championship. I was well on my way, working up the ladder, when disaster struck. I tore a pectoral muscle. This devastated me. You know, I’m not exactly the youngest buck in the locker room.
The crowd reacts to the sly reference.
Cody Rhodes
I wasn’t sure if I would ever wrestle again, or at least at the level that I have to be at to do what I want to do. Hell, I still don’t know if I’m there. But Saturday showed me that I’m damn near close!
His passion earns a roar of cheers from the crowd.
Cody Rhodes
What Sami endured on Saturday, while still winning the Royal Rumble was nothing short of spectacular. But I was a Roman Reigns spear away from winning the damn thing. Congratulations, Sami. Give him hell.
“Sami! Sami!” chant quietly spills out from the crowd. Cody lets the chant go out of respect for the Rumble winner.
Cody Rhodes
But now that comes to me. I have no clear path to the WWE Championship. I have no clear path to Wrestlemania. So I think about what my father would tell me if he were with me right now. He’d tell me to fight like hell every opportunity I get, and it’d come to me soon. So by God, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll work my way up until it’s only me and Roman Reigns left!
BURN IT DOWNNNN
Seth Rollins dances out to a massive ovation and orchestrates the chorus of his entrance music. He makes his way to the ring, and immediately lets out his infamous cackle.
Seth Rollins
Cody, Cody, Cody. I like you. I do. But you come out here talking about seizing every opportunity and fighting like hell, but when have you ever done that? All your failed gimmicks, you’ve never fought through. You’ve just moved on from them. And when you failed your first time in WWE, you left to start your own company. When you failed there, you came crawling back. What will you do when you fail again?
Cody Rhodes
Everything you said… is true. But what you don’t understand is that everything that I’ve done has led me to this moment. Led me to Hell in a Cell… with you. Speaking of that, I know you’ve turned a corner since then, but I don’t forget things too easily. I think I owe you something for that one.
Cody takes his suit jacket off and shoves his face into Seth’s. The crowd wants this so bad! But they’ll have to wait, as “Welcome to the Queendom” plays, bringing out Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie McMahon
Hey, hey, calm down boys. Calm down. I know you guys have a lot of history together, and you’ll get your shot at each other, just not tonight. Because next week, you guys will compete one-on-one to see who will take on Roman Reigns for the WWE Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber!
Oh boy! Uncasville, Connecticut is in for a show next week! Cody and Seth smile at each other. They shake hands, signifying that they’ll put everything to bed next week.
=====
The New Day, holding their NXT Tag Team Championships are backstage in catering when Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, holding their NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships approach.
Kofi Kingston
Well lookie here! We got ourselves a little Champions Summit!
Xavier Woods
Welcome, welcome, to our humble abode.
Xavier motions around, then realizes that he needs to correct himself.
Xavier Woods
Not catering, but Smackdown in general. We’ve owned Smackdown for how long?
Kofi Kingston
Who knows?
Katana and Kayden begin to “Who? Who?” alongside Woods and Kingston.
Kofi Kingston
Yeah, we knew we liked you.
Xavier Woods
What can we do ya for?
Kayden Carter
Well to be honest, this is our first night on the main roster. We just wanted a little bit of advice. We know how you’ve taken the tag team division in NXT under your wing, and was wondering if we could get some help here, since this is a whole different beast than NXT.
Xavier Woods
My friend Kofi here can give you some advice here. *whispers* He’s been here awhile!
Kofi takes great exception to this!
Kofi Kingston
You’ve been wrestling longer than me! Anyway, here’s what you need to do…
The Champions Summit is interrupted by the laughing and squealing from Toxic Attraction.
Gigi Dolan
Look who followed us all the way up to the main roster? Little Katana and Kayden.
Jacy Jayne
I guess they just love us too much and couldn’t stand to be away from us.
Katana Chance
Um, I debuted on Saturday. And we got drafted before you? If anything, you followed us.
Kofi butts in.
Kofi Kingston
Excuse me, excuse me. I suggest that we have a small Champions Huddle!
Xavier Woods
And sorry Toxic Attraction, but you don’t seem to have any gold to get in. One second please.
The four Tag Team Champions huddle, while also occasionally laughing at the gold-less pairing.
Jacy Jayne
I’ll have gold after tomorrow.
Gigi Dolan
What? I’ll have gold after tomorrow!
Before an argument can break out between the two women competing against Roxanne Perez tomorrow, the Champions Huddle breaks.
Kayden Carter
Toxic Attraction. We want a match tonight.
Jacy Jayne
We can’t compete tonight. We have to get ready for Vengeance Day tomorrow!
Katana Chance
So do we, but we’re not one to run from a fight.
Chance and Carter walk away, leaving just the New Day and Toxic Attraction.
Xavier Woods
So what’s it gonna be?
The duo laughs as Toxic Attraction storms off, preparing for a match.
=====
Match 3: Katana Chance and Kayden Carter vs Toxic Attraction
This match never has a chance to get started, as all four women are attacked by Damage CTRL shortly after the bell rings. It seems that Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky are trying to limit the amount of future potential challengers. They decimate the four women before Stephanie and Shawn can come out with security and separate them.
The GMs of Raw and Smackdown hold the Final Round of the Draft backstage:
Raw selects the team of Dana Brooke and Emma?
Dana Brooke and Emma are reuniting as a recognized Tag Team?!
Smackdown selects Natalya
Raw selects Nikki Cross
Smackdown selects Sonya Deville
Raw selects Tegan Nox
Smackdown selects Tamina
That concludes the WWE Draft! After a few select free agents are signed after the show, the official brand rosters will be set!
=====
Backstage,Edge and Rusev have a tense encounter.
Rusev
Not much has changed around here? Seems like I’ll be on top in no time.
Edge
Things are different here now, bud. They don’t have a lot of use for stereotypical anti-american bad guy schtick that you’re used to.
Rusev
Trust me. They’ll have use for me. I can show you if you want.
Edge
Anytime, brute. Anytime.
=====
With the rosters finalized, the six women in this main event are Becky Lynch, Candice LeRae, Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez, Natalya, and Sonya Deville.
Becky Lynch’s music hits, but Becky Lynch is no where to be seen. We suddenly get video footage of Becky Lynch getting attacked by Sasha Banks backstage. The fight spills out into the parking lot. Sasha slams Becky ONTO A CAR WINDSHIELD, nearly going through it! Sasha runs away as security comes to break up the two. Stephanie McMahon calls for medical assistance, and then calls someone on her cell phone.
Stephanie McMahon
Can you fill in tonight?
=====
Back from commercial break, Michael Cole confirms the tentative card for next week’s Smackdown!
Cody Rhodes vs Seth Rollins (#1 Contenders Match) Edge vs Rusev
Karrion Kross vs Gunther (Intercontinental Championship Match)
Alpha Academy Tryouts
=====
Main Event: Woman’s United States Championship Six-Pack Elimination Challenge
We are back in the ring. The five women impatiently wait in the ring for the mystery sixth competitor. It’s revealed to be ALBA FYRE! Another NXT star makes her way to the ring for her main roster debut! With all six women in, the bell rings. Alba goes after Candice; Sonya after Lacey; and Raquel after Nattie. Sonya, Lacey, Raquel, and Nattie eventually spill out of the ring, leaving Alba and Candice in the ring alone. The two start throwing elbows at each other, with Candice eventually overpowering Alba. Candice controls this bout for a couple of minutes while the action is outside. Raquel casually drapes Natalya over the barrier and hits her with a running knee. Raquel picks Nattie up and throws her back in the ring. Nattie shoots up as Raquel is getting in the ring, and Nattie is able to get her in a Sharpshooter! Meanwhile, Sonya is back in the ring now and gets Natalya in a Kimura lock! Sonya has a Kimura locked in Natalya, who still has a sharpshooter on Raquel. Natalya taps out from the Kimura!
Natalya eliminated by submission
And Sonya had her shoulders down for three seconds!
Sonya Deville eliminated by pinfall
Raquel gets free from the hold as Natalya and Sonya leave the battleground. Raquel slowly gets up, feeling the effects of the sharpshooter. But is immediately hit by a WOMAN’S RIGHT FROM LACEY. Lacey goes for a pin, but is hit by a Swanton Bomb from Alba Fyre! She pins Lacey!
Lacey Evans eliminated by pinfall
And goes to pin Raquel, but Raquel rolls her up. 1. 2… Kick out! Raquel has survived a beating this last minute but is somehow still alive! The three remaining women are now each getting to their feet, knowing that history is on the line! The three women clash at each other, trying to prove themselves to the WWE Universe! Alba would like a win in her first match; Raquel needs to show the world she’s a capable superstar; Candice wants to prove that she’s more than Johnny Gargano’s wife! Who will be the first ever Women’s United States Champion?!
Raquel gets the best of Candice, slamming her to the ground. She rolls over into the corner as Raqeul does the same to Alba. As Raquel works on Alba, Candice climbs up the ropes. She gets Raquel’s attention, lunges at her, and hits her with a diving DDT. While Candice and Raquel are down, Alba climbs the turnbuckle to go for another swanton bomb. Candice gets up and grabs her before she can get in position. The two fight up top before Candice punches Alba, who falls backwards onto the floor! Raquel is still down on the floor so Candice turns her back on her to go for a moonsault. Raquel catches her, and quickly spikes her to the ground. 1. 2. No! Candice kicks out! Raquel tries to get her up, but Alba is back in the ring and tries to roll Raquel up. 1. 2. No! Another kickout. Raquel sits up but is immediately met by a knee to the face. Alba helps her up and lays her on the corner turnbuckle. She charges at her, hitting her with her full force. She goes back to the center of the ring and charges again but is met with a fierce clothesline from Rodriguez! Who is then met with a dropkick from Candice! With Raquel and Alba’s body nearby each other, Candice drags Alba’s body on top of Raquel’s. The ref begins to pin, before Candice stops him. She goes to hit her La Quebrada, but Alba rolls over at the last second! Raquel gets the brunt of it. 1. 2. 3! Raquel is gone!
Raquel Rodriguez eliminated by pinfall
Alba is quick to capitalize and rolls Candice up. 1, 2, no! Candice kicks out. Alba doesn’t know what to do. She gets Candice back to her feet and positions her for a Gori Bomb! Goes for the pin! 1. 2. 3! No! Candice kicked out! Alba was sure she got the three count, but Candice kicked out a 2.9! Alba, knowing she needs to end this soon, goes to finish this. She climbs up for a Swanton Bomb, but Candice catches her as she climbs. She sets Alba on her shoulders in an Electric Chair position, walks out the middle of the ring and drops her back! She goes for a pin, but it’s a quick kick out. Candice springboards off the turnbuckle again, but Alba gets her knees up! She rolls Candice into a pin but it’s another kickout! She gets Candice up and straps her behind her back for one last Gori Bomb, but Candice breaks free and rolls her up! Alba kicks out and immediately hits Candice with a Superkick! This time, she doesn’t go for the pin, but to the top rope instead. She’s looking for a Swanton Bomb! She jumps, and Candice just barely slides out of the way. She grabs her arm and puts her in the Mrs. Gargano Escape! Will Alba tap!? She does! New Champion! Candice LeRae makes history!
Winner, and NEW Women’s United States Champion: Candice LeRae!
Akira Tozawa, Mustafa Ali, and Tegan Nox have signed exclusive free agent deals with Monday Night Raw.The Brawling Brutes (Butch and Ridge Holland), Dexter Lumis, Elias, Ezekiel, and the Viking Raiders (Erik, Ivar, and Valhalla) have signed with Friday Night Smackdown.
Though he didn’t put his name in the draft pool, Brock Lesnar made a statement on Friday Night Smackdown by attacking Bobby Lashley. WWE can confirm that Brock Lesnar signed a lucrative deal with the blue brand after the show.
NXT’s Alba Fyre’s name was also not called during the WWE Draft, until she was needed to fill in for Becky Lynch following Sasha Bank’s attack. The NXT superstar had a standout performance in her debut match, nearly gaining the Women’s United States Championship as well. We’ve since confirmed that Stephanie McMahon had already signed her to an exclusive deal with Smackdown prior to Friday’s show.
NXT Vengeance Day Results
NXT Vengeance was a largely disappointing night for the main roster call-ups. NXT Women’s Championship hopefuls Gigi Dolan and Jacy Jayne fell short, while Katana Chance and Kayden Carter were attacked by Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai, costing them their championships.
Not all would fare poorly, as Bron Breakker would retain his NXT Championship against Grayson Waller in a steel cage,
=====
Monday Night Raw February 6th, 2023
Major Match for Elimination Chamber
Raw General Manager Shawn Michaels has teased a major bombshell announcement for Elimination Chamber. With Roman Reigns already set to defend his championship against either Cody Rhodes or Seth Rollins at the PLE, what could Shawn Michaels have up his sleeve?
Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Last week, it was announced that three matches would take place. The winners of these three matches would participate in a Triple Threat Match for the vacant Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The matches have been confirmed to be Asuka vs Nikki Cross; Carmella vs Naomi; and Rhea Ripley vs Ember Moon.
Raw Tag Team Gauntlet Match
The OC and Judgment Day will have to overcome each other if they want to compete against the Usos at Elimination Chamber. They will join Hit-Row, The Hurt Business, and Legado del Fantasma in a gauntlet match to determine the #1 Contender for the Raw Tag Team Championship!
Monday Night Raw February 6th, 2023 Amway Center | Orlando, Florida
We are welcomed to Monday Night Raw by “Sexy Boy”. Shawn Michaels awaits in the middle of the ring, with a microphone in hand.
Shawn Michaels
Orlando Florida! Welcome to the new Monday Night Raw! Last week, we started the new era out with a bang. But tonight, I take full control of the show. My rosters are set, but I still have a vacant championship. So tonight, Asuka, Nikki Cross, Naomi, Carmella, Rhea Ripley, and the returning Ember Moon will compete for a spot in a Triple Threat Match that will decide the first ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion next week!
A graphic appears on the video screen revealing Asuka vs Nikki Cross; Naomi vs Carmella; and Rhea Ripley vs Ember Moon.
Shawn Michaels
Tonight we will also be holding qualifying matches for the WWE Universal Championship Elimination Chamber Match! The first match tonight will be Johnny Gargano vs Baron Corbin and that match starts —
“Head of the Table” plays as Roman Reigns walks out from backstage. By his side areSolo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Paul Heyman.Sami Zayn and Jey Uso walk behind him, at a distance. Roman takes no time to bask in the crowd, walking straight to the ring.
Roman Reigns
I’ve had to listen to these idiots in the crowd whine for so many years, so my hearing may not be what it used to be, but did you say “WWE Universal Championship”?
Shawn Michaels proudly nods his head, in defiance of the Tribal Chief.
Roman Reigns
I don’t know if you watch the other show, but I’m already defending my Championship that night.
Shawn Michaels
Well, I was going to discuss this with you before the show, but it seems that you hate showing up on time. To be honest, I’m surprised you’re here right now. But I’ve got word from the higher ups that you are to defend both championships from now on. Something about each network wanting their own station. I would say I tried to fight it, but I don’t like you.
Roman Reigns
Oh you don’t like me?
Roman looks at Solo and laughs. He also finally notices that Sami Zayn is out there with him. He stares at him, and smiles. He turns around and SUPERMAN PUNCHES Shawn Michaels! Solo then pounces on him, nailing him with swift punches to the face. Jimmy, Jey, and Sami watch on, not getting involved. Roman orders Jimmy and Jey to get him. They hesitate, but pick him up and prop him up in the turnbuckle. Roman turns to Sami, and orders him to Helluva Kick him.
Roman Reigns
Prove your worth to me, or you’ll end up like him.
Sami walks to the opposite turnbuckle, and then takes off towards Shawn and hits him with a Helluva Kick. Shawn collapses to the ring, and Sami and Roman do not take their eyes off each other. Sami, Jey, and Jimmy start to leave the ring, when “Rebel Heart” plays. Johnny Gargano comes rushing out, and Roman, Solo, and Paul also leave the ring. Johnny checks on Shawn as we go to commercial break.
=====
Match 1: Johnny Gargano vs Baron Corbin (Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match)
Baron Corbin makes his way to the ring alongside his mentor, JBL. Corbin taunts Gargano on his way to the ring, telling him that he’s worthless and has no right to be anywhere near the WWE Universal Championship. Gargano, in no mood to play games, charges out of the ring and hits Baron with a suicide dive before the match even starts.
After a commercial break, the match has officially started and Gargano is in control. He keeps Corbin off of his feet with swift kicks and moves.Gargano whips Corbin into the ropes, who baseball slides under the ring and quickly climbs back in. Gargano isn’t fooled like many are by this move, and ducks from Corbin’s clothesline. Corbin turns around, but his face meets boot from a Gargano pele kick. Gargano goes for a pin, but JBL places Corbin’s foot on the rope. Gargano starts to fuss at JBL, and gets rolled up by Corbin! 1. 2. Kick out! Gargano gets out of the pin and immediately strikes Corbin’s chin with a superkick. Gargano runs the rope, but JBL grabs his foot and he face plants into the ringmat. Corbin takes advantage of this and gets Gargano on his feet. He is immediately set back down by a devastating clothesline. Corbin goes for the pin but Gargano kicks out at 2. He tries to pick Gargano back up, but Gargano kicks him in the head, giving him enough time to get to his feet. He runs the ropes again but Corbin picks him up for a Deep Six. In the swirling of the move though, Gargano got Corbin’s head between his legs and hurricanrana’d him into the ring post. Corbin went crashing shoulder first into the turnbuckle and fell outside the ring. Gargano climbed onto the ringpost and was going to dive onto Corbin, but JBL got in front of him. A chant of “Do It!” started up. Gargano shrugged his shoulders, and lept off with a cross body to JBL to a huge ovation from the crowd.
Gargano grabs Corbin and throws him back in the ring. Corbin lunges at him while he stands on the ring apron, but he’s met with a kick to the head. He staggers. Gargano springboards off of the top rope but Corbin catches him for a End of Days! During the move, Gargano grabs his arm and gets him in a GARGANO ESCAPE! CORBIN TAPS!
Johnny Gargano
All of my life, I’ve dealt with bullies. I dealt with them in the indies, I’ve dealt with them in NXT, and I’m still dealing with them now. I’ve even had a history of bullying myself. Not something I’m particularly proud of. I vowed to myself that I would never go down that path again. Next Sunday, in Montreal, I will take care of Roman Reigns, the Tribal Bully.
Judgment Day interrupts Johnny’s speech, much to the dislike of the Orlando crowd.
Finn Balor
Oh, shut up you bunch of retired rich slobs.
Rhea Ripley
Everyone knows Florida is just the swampy asshole of America.
Dominik Mysterio
Hey, Johnny. That’s called bullying. It happens naturally when you’re better than everyone else.
Damian Priest
And we are just better than everyone else. Especially better than you.
Finn Balor
And that’s why when I beat that redneck bastard tonight in my Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match, I’ll join you in that deathtrap. And I’ll be sure to make sure you never have worry about bullies again.
Judgment Day jumps onto the ring apron. Johnny is ready for a fight! They start to get in the ring, but The OC comes to the rescue! Johnny slides out while the two groups clash in the center of the ring. The fight spills out throughout the arena. Finn and AJ fight at ringside, while Anderson and Gallows lead Priest and Dom into the crowd. Rhea and Mia brawl in the ring. “Rise from the Ashes” plays andEmber Moonmakes her WWE return! This distracts Rhea just enough for Mia to hit her with a Seoul Food before scurrying out of the ring.
Michael Cole
It’s pure pandemonium in here as the OC and Judgment Day continue their way throughout the Amway Center. But Rhea Ripley has her match against Ember Moon next!
=====
Match 2: Rhea Ripley vs Ember Moon
A dominant performance from Ember Moon early in the match, due to the weakened state that Mia Yim’s Seoul Food put Rhea in. It looked like it was going to be an easy win for the returning superstar. She goes for the Eclipse, but Rhea delivers a drop kick to the back of Ember’s head as she comes down! Rhea goes for the first pinfall of the match, but Ember kicks out at two! The momentum has shifted to Rhea’s favor!
The next couple of minutes are Rhea absolutely punishing Ember Moon, primarily targeting her legs before trying to lock in a Prism Trap. Ember counters and rolls Rhea up. 2 count! Ember gets up and tries to kick Rhea in the head, but Rhea rolls out of the ring instead. At ringside now is Dominik Mysterio, who checks on his Mami and tries to give some advice. Dom sees Ember charging through the ring and pushes Rhea out of the way, taking a suicide dive from Ember. Rhea grabs Ember and throws her back in the ring. She goes for a Riptide, but Ember grabs Rhea’s head as she falls and counters it into a MINI-ECLIPSE! Ember goes for the pin but doesn’t get it, as drags Ember out of the ring.
Ember attacks Dominik outside, bringing Rhea’s full anger upon her. Rhea goes off and hits her with a Riptide at ringside. She tosses Ember back in the ring, but has a split second of hesitation while she checks on her Dom Dom. By the time she gets back in the ring, Ember is up and grabs her for a scoop slam piledriver! Ember climbs to the top rope, and as Rhea is getting to her feet, hits her with an Eclipse! 1. 2. 3!
Byron Saxton
Here I am with the United States Champion, Austin Theory. Austin, Bron Breakker seems to be coming after your title. What would –
Austin Theory
I know what you’re going to say Byron. You’re going to ask me what I would say to Bron if he was here tonight? Well he’s not. He’s too busy fighting with the puppies at Full Sail to come play with the big dogs. If he ever shows back up here, I’ll give him an opportunity at my championship.
As Austin rambles on, Bron Breakker walks into view behind him.
Austin Theory
Hell, I’d even put my title on the line.
Bron Breakker
Let’s go then!
Austin jumps like he was shot.
Austin Theory
I would love to! But this crowd here doesn’t deserve to watch me do my thing. So tell you what, bruiser. You beat me next week, and I will give you a title match.
Bron Breakker
Music to my ears.
=====
Back in the ring, Charlotte Flair graces Orlando with her presence.
Charlotte Flair
Monday Night Raw, your Queen has arrived! My purpose here today is to determine my next challenger. Sonya Deville, as persistent as she was, was not up to the task. I’m hopeful that someone here is worthy of being my opponent.
“We Got the Rage” sounds asBayleycomes out with Cora Jade. As they come to the ring, a quick video replays showing Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky attacking KC Squared during NXT Vengeance Day, costing them their titles. Cole says that the two have been suspended without pay for tonight’s show due to their actions.
Bayley
Oh, Charlotte. I’ve missed you!
Bayley goes for a hug, but The Queen shoots her down.
Charlotte Flair
Bayley? What do you think you’re doing here?
Bayley
I’m accepting your challenge. I’m clearly the most qualified woman on this roster, and I should be Raw Women’s Champion.
Charlotte laughs.
Charlotte Flair
I don’t think so, babe. Last week, you tapped out?
Bayley is irate! She starts listing all of the reasons that it doesn’t count, such as the Kendo Stick and Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler. Much like Beetlejuice, Shayna and Ronda come walking out of the tunnel.
Ronda Rousey
Hey, Bayley. You think you’re deserving of my title? No, no. no. That is my championship.
Charlotte Flair
This is a little better. Rousey’s given me hell plenty of times in the past.
She looks at Shayna.
Charlotte Flair
We’ve not fought in a hot minute.
The crowd buzzes with the prospect of Charlotte vs Shayna. When Liv Morgan’s music hits. Charlotte smiles.
Liv Morgan
Last time I checked, I outlasted all three of you in the Royal Rumble. As far as I’m concerned, I’m the #1 Contender.
Charlotte Flair
Now this is more like it! Liv, you’ve earned my respect. I want to see what you’ve got, and I’m sure Montreal will want to see it as well. I want you at Elimination Chamber!
Liv looks on from the stage as Bayley, Ronda, and Shayna argue with the outcome. The complaints bounce off of Charlotte, who walks backstage, staring down Liv as she goes.
=====
Match 3: Carmella vs Naomi
Naomi’s first single match back in the company is enough to keep the crowd in this one, but it’s a pretty straight forward and uneventful match. Carmella shuts down anytime Naomi got any kind of momentum, much to the chagrin of the crowd.
In the waning minutes of the match, Carmella, feeling cocky, loses her focus. Naomi hits her with a drop kick to the head, knocking her out of the ring. The crowd starts to cheer as the momentum has shifted. Naomi springboards from the top rope and hits Mella with a flying cross body! Naomi gets Carmella in and goes for a Rear View, but Carmella dodges it, lodging Naomi in the ropes. Carmella grabs her head and sends her down for a Mella Buster! It’s over!
The way Carmella dominated the match and the returning fan favorite got her a fair amount of heat.
=====
Backstage, MVP stands in front of a golden backdrop that reads “Hurt Business”, similar to what you’d see at a press conference or red carpet.
MVP
Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, Omos… All of these outstanding competitors are products of Montel Vontavious Porter. The OC, Judgment Day, Legado del Fantasma… They’ll see tonight. But it’s time for MVP to have his turn. Next week, I will qualify for the Elimination Chamber after defeating “The Monster Among Men”. Braun, I have my own Monster.
Omos comes into frame.
MVP
And next week, we’re putting the Hurt Business back on the map.
=====
We go to Shawn Michaelsin his office, who has an ice pack against his chin. The Judgment Day walk in.
Damian Priest
What do you want with us? We have matches to prepare for.
Shawn Michaels
I know you do, and that’s why I’ve called you here. I’ve called you both here.
The OC walk in now, upset to see their rivals.
Karl Anderson
What are these jackweeds doing here?
Shawn Michaels
Well, your little feud has already affected the outcomes of multiple matches on my shows. It stops now. You’re going to settle whatever this is in the ring, tonight! If anything fishy happens during the Tag Team Gauntlet Match before or after you are scheduled to participate in it, and I will disqualify either Finn or AJ, or both, from their Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match tonight.
The two teams are upset, but get coached by Finn and AJ, who understand the ramifications.
Shawn Michaels
But you better get out there. That match starts next.
=====
Match 4: #1 Contenders Tag Team Gauntlet Match
The match kicks off with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows against Ashante Adonis and Top Dolla, accompanied to the ring by B-Fab. Ashante takes some hits from Karl Anderson to begin the match, before tagging in Top Dolla and taking control. A hot tag to Luke Gallow would spell disaster for Hit-Row, though. With The OC easily picking up a pin from a Magic Killer.
The OC def. Hit Row;
This one is much more closely contested. Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander come out and put on a strong performance. They’re speed and athleticism is too much for the OC, as they nearly get the pin with a T-Bone Suplex from Shelton to Anderson, who kicks out at two. The crowd helps Karl break free from a submission move, and gets the tag into Luke! Luke charges in, hitting two clotheslines before dodging a dropkick and hitting Shelton with a powerbomb. Cedric breaks up the pin, so Luke throws him out of the ring. Shelton tries to roll up but Anderson kicks his back to break the pin. The OC hit a Magic Killer on Shelton, and Karl grabs onto Cedric, preventing him from breaking the pin.
The OC def. The Hurt Business;
The Judgment Day come out next, consisting of Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, and Rhea Ripley. Finn Balor is nowhere to be seen. The ref has to regain control when both teams go at it from the start.
As we come back from a commercial break, the ref has regained control. Damian Priest and Karl Anderson are the legal men. Damian beats up on Anderson, until Anderson can get a counter and hit Damian with a backbreaker. With both men on the ground, they both start going for their tag partners. Priest connects with Dominik and Anderson lunges towards Gallows. But he’s not there! Rhea Ripley pulled him off of the ring apron! Rhea gets admonished by the ref, who tells her she has one more chance. “It won’t happen again. Promise!” she says as she laughs. Dom has control of the match now, continuing the beatdown on Anderson. Dominik stands Anderson up and hits a hurricanrana, sending Anderson against the second rope. In perfect 619 position. Dominik taunts the crowd yelling “this is how you do a real 619!” He runs the ropes and goes to hit Anderson, who catches the kick! He positions Dominik with his back on the second rope, and sends him upwards, jolting his neck with the top rope! Dom coughs as he tries to breathe. Anderson shows no remorse. He tags Gallows in and the team performs a Boot of Doom. Gallows goes for a pin, but Rhea pulls Dominik out of it, saving him.
The ref has had enough of Rhea’s interference, and he ejects her. The crowd loves it as Rhea throws the most comical fit of the night. In the chaos, however, Finn sneaks in from the crowd and gets in the ring behind Gallows and Anderson, who are standing in the ring watching the debacle unfold. He gets to his knees and hits them with a double low blow! With them incapacitated, Dominik hits Gallows with a 619 and Damian hits Anderson with a South of Heaven. Damian gets the ref's attention as Dominik pins Gallows. 1. 2. 3.
The OC def. Judgment Day;
With the OC out, there’s only one team standing between Judgment Day and The Usos: new Raw draftees Legado del Fantasma. It’s Cruz del Toro and Joaquin Wilde, accompanied by Santos Escobar.
Early on, this match is a fast and high flying affair. LDF hits all of kind of flips to Dominik, who tries to match their speed but can’t. Dom is able to tag in Priest, who slows the match down considerably. Priest controls the pace of the match by keeping Cruz on the mat and out of the air through a series of slams and holds. He wears down del Toro. Priest gets a bit overzealous when he tries to go for an early South of Heaven, but Cruz kicks his way out of it and hits Priest with a DDT. Cruz tries to tag in Joaquin, but Dominik runs across the ring and knocks Wilde off of the apron. Priest goes for another chokeslam, but Cruz gets away and rolls under the ropes to regroup with Wilde at ringside. Dominik takes off in the ring and goes for a suicide dive, but SANTOS PUSHES CRUZ AND WILDE OUT OF THE WAY! He takes the full brunt of the Suicide Dive. Wilde gets in the ring, avoids a quick clothesline from Priest and hits him with a From Lust to Dust! Cruz climbs the ropes and hits a 450 SPLASH! LDF ARE GOING TO WIN! Cruz goes for the pin. Dominik tries to get in the ring to break it, but his legs are being held by Santos and Zelina Vega! 1. 2. 3! LDF are going to Elimination Chamber!
Backstage, AJ Styles tends toKarl Anderson and Luke Gallows.
AJ Styles
I know you guys are upset. I am too. That was your match, and they screwed you out of it. But I’m going to handle business against Finn Balor tonight, and shut them up for good. I just need you guys to stay back here tonight. I can handle anything they throw at me.
=====
LA Knight
Lemme talk to ya, Orlando!
LA Knight, making his Monday Night Raw debut, standing in the center of the ring.
LA Knight
I’m not gonna lie, I came out here to introduce myself to the Monday Night Raw audience. Or at least the few of ya who have the attention span to make it this far in the show. But on my way down here, I realized that you fat, swamp dwelling inbreds don’t deserve to know my name. But I guarantee you that everyone in that locker room will know who I am. After I beat Ricochet next week and earn my spot in the Elimination Chamber match, I’ll go on to win that and show you idiots what a real star looks like with gold around his waist. YEAH!
Ricochet takes exception to LA Knight’s introduction.
Ricochet
For those of you who don’t know, this fine gentleman standing in the ring is LA Knight. He wasn’t good enough to make it in the big boy leagues, so he had to spend some time over on the other brand. Now he’s here on the A show and thinks that he can talk to you guys this way? That he can talk to me this way? Nope. I ain’t gonna wait til next week to make you give me the respect we deserve.
Ricochet charges the ring but LA Knight scrambles out and scampers back towards backstage. The two exchange words, including LA Knight yelling “These people don’t deserve to see me wrestle!”
=====
Backstage, Sami Zayn says goodbye as Roman Reigns and the rest of the Bloodlineleave in SUVs. Kevin Owens approaches as the SUVs pull out of the garage.
Sami Zayn
What do you want, Kevin?
Kevin Owens
I’m checking on you. I’m worried about you, man.
Sami Zayn
You don’t have to worry about me. Worry about someone who gives a damn about you.
Kevin Owens
I do care about you, damn it. I love you, man. After everything we’ve done to each other, all the hell we’ve put each other through, we’re still family. Not them.
Sami Zayn
They took me in. They trust me when you’ve only ever doubted me.
Kevin Owens
They trust you? They left you. Roman Reigns destroyed you just eight nights ago! That’s not a family, Sami. They left you without you!
Sami takes it in, considering what KO is saying.
Sami Zayn
They left, because I have business to take care of with Shawn Michaels. Now, please excuse me.
=====
We get a replay of Ember Moon and Carmella winning from earlier in the night, leading into our penultimate match.
Match 5: Asuka vs Nikki Cross
This was a statement match from the Empress of Tomorrow. Nikki Cross never stood a chance, and taps out to the Asuka Lock minutes into the match.
After the match, Asuka delivers a short promo, but with a precise message.
Asuka
Ember, Carmella… ASUKA IS HERE!
With the whole women’s locker room on notice, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match is set for next week: Asuka vs Ember Moon vs Carmella!
=====
Mauro Ranallo
We’ve had a star studded night full of entertaining matches, but we have a *show* for you next week! United States Champion Austin Theory will take on Bron Breakker. If Breakker wins, he will earn a US Title Shot! The final competitors in the Elimination Chamber will be revealed next week, with matches such as LA Knight vs Ricochet, and MVP vs Braun Strowman.
Corey Graves
That’s nothing compared to this one. Easy Women’s Intercontinental Championship favorite Carmella will take on Asuka and Ember Moon in a Triple Threat Match to crown the first ever Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Mauro Ranallo
And looking ahead: A week from Saturday is the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event. On the Raw side of things, we can confirm that Charlotte Flair will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Liv Morgan; Raw Tag Team Champions The Usos will defend their titles against Legado del Fantasma; and, this just coming in from Shawn Michaels himself, Sami Zayn will take on Kevin Owens in a one-on-one grudge match.
Corey Graves
We also know that Roman Reigns and Johnny Gargano will be locked in the Elimination Chamber with four other men. One of them will be decided next!
=====
Match 6: Finn Balor vs AJ Styles
The bell rings and a technical showcase begins. AJ gets Finn in a quick chokehold, but Finn grapples him down to the floor and places him in a chokehold himself. They both stand to their feet and Finn whips AJ into the ropes. He jumps over a tackle attempt and tries a drop kick to AJ, but AJ slides underneath it and out of the ring. AJ composes himself for a bit as Finn begins to run the ropes in the ring. He leaves his feet for a suicide dive, but sees that AJ has moved out of the way and catches himself before flying through the ropes. He taunts AJ, telling him to get back in the ring. AJ climbs to the ring apron, and kicks Finn in the head as Finn tries to grab him. AJ springboards from the ropes and tries to hit a Phenomenal Forearm, but Finn rolls away. He gets back to his feet quick and charges at AJ, going for a slingblade. He hits the Sling, but AJ pushes him off before the move can complete. The fast paced action and reversals get the fans to their feet.
A few minutes goes by and the match is essentially a draw at this point. No man has really gotten the better of either one yet. Finn hits AJ with the drop kick into the turnbuckle to set him up for a Coup de Grace. Finn climbs up the ropes but is caught by AJ, who works his way up top with him. The two trade punches as the crowd chants “Yes!” and “No!” while they go. AJ gets the last one on Finn, who FALLS OFF OF THE TURNBUCKLE ONTO THE GROUND. AJ sees his moment to inflict some damage onto Finn, and leaps off of the turnbuckle. But FINN MOVES OUT OF THE WAY. He climbs up on the ring apron and hits a COUP DE GRACE onto AJ! The ref begins to count. 1. 2. 3. 4. AJ hasn’t moved. 5. 6. 7. 8. AJ finally starts to stir. 9. He’s on his feet. 10. NO! AJ just gets into the ring before the 10 count. The match will continue!
Finn immediately stomps a weakened AJ when he gets in the ring. He gets AJ up and goes for a 1916, but AJ wraps his foot around Finn’s and counters it. He brings Finn down to the ground and locks in a calf crusher! Finn is in agonizing pain! He reaches and reaches for the ropes and he gets them! AJ breaks the hold, but immediately gets Finn up for a Styles Clash! AJ goes for a pin but Finn rolls out of the ring! The savvy Finn Balor has narrowly avoided certain defeat. Finn gets to his feet, but AJ TAKES FLIGHT. HE HITS FINN WITH A PHENOMENAL FOREARM FROM THE RING TO RINGSIDE. Finn crashes to the ground. AJ gets up as the ref begins to count for a countout. AJ rolls in the ring, and then back out, wanting to earn his win. As soon as his feet hit the floor, he’s grabbed by Finn with a 1916! Both men are down. The ref starts to count, but both men are up by four. AJ hits Finn with a devastating right forearm, and lays him on the announce table. AJ rolls back in the ring to break the count, makes his way up to the turnbuckle. He hypes up and examines the crowd, looks over at Finn, still lying on the table. And AJ leaps. He CRASHES ONTO FINN AND THE ANNOUNCE TABLE COLLAPSES. Neither men are moving. 1. 2. 3. 4. No one is budging. 5. 6. 7. Are they dead? 8. 9. Yep, they’re dead. 10. Countout.
As the two competitors lay lifeless on the announce table, Mike Rome is seen talking to someone through a headset.
Mike Rome
After discussion among WWE officials: Finn Balor and AJ Styles have both qualified for the Elimination Chamber Match!
The show goes off air as the Match Card Graphic is updated to show Roman Reigns, Johnny Gargano, AJ Styles, and Finn Balor in the Elimination Chamber Match.
=====
Current Elimination Chamber Card:
WWE Universal Championship Elimination Chamber Match:
Roman Reigns (c) vs Johnny Gargano vs AJ Styles vs Finn Balor vs ??? vs ???
WWE Heavyweight Championship Match
Roman Reigns (c) vs Cody Rhodes or Seth Rollins
Raw Women's Championship Match
Charlotte Flair (c) vs Liv Morgan
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
The Usos (c) vs Legado Del Fantasma
