WWE 2k23: Playing the Game

[Dawn]

Who is ''Matt Ba''?

[Pipers Pit]

Thanks for catching that, should have been Matt Bailey.  Graphic is fixed.

[Kimberly]

 

2024 is here and Raw will kick off the new year hot with a special WWE Day 1 edition of Raw. Here are the confirmed matches: 
 

Finn Balor vs John Cena - World Heavyweight Championship

Lita vs Becky Lynch - Women's World Championship

Carlito vs Big E - Intercontinental Championship

The New Day vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn - World Tag Team Championship 

Shinsuke Nakamura vs Damian Priest - No Disqualification Match

Don't miss Raw, LIVE on USA!

[Dawn]

John Cena
Becky Lynch
Big E
New Day
Damian Priest

[StanMiguel]

John Cena - World Heavyweight Championship

Becky Lynch - Women's World Championship

Big E - Intercontinental Championship

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn - World Tag Team Championship 

Shinsuke Nakamura - No Disqualification Match

[Kimberly]

 

January Week 1

Delta Center

Salt Lake City, UT

 

 

 

Raw Managing Director Stephanie McMahon comes out to the ring. She welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw and to Day 1 and says Happy New Year! She sells the crowd on all the big matches they’ll see tonight. Before she can end her promo…..

 

 

Ronda Rousey comes out and asks Stephanie if her new contract is ready. She’s called all week, she’s texted, she even went on X among the trolls and sent a DM but she hasn’t heard back so here she is, ready to sign.

 

Stephanie is not amused and leans in, privately telling Ronda that this is not the time, but the mic picks it up. Stephanie begins to turn and Ronda grabs her by the arm, saying that she’s waited long enough. Stephanie yanks her arm away and asks Ronda who the hell she thinks she is.  Ronda smirks and says ‘your biggest star’ before leaving the ring, shoulder blocking Steph out of the way on the way to the ropes.  

 

As we go to commercial, Stephanie is steaming.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

 

A replay of the opening of the show is shown following the commercial break.

 

 

THE NEW DAY VS KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN ©

 

The match begins with back and forth action with both teams getting to control equal amounts of time. The Champs slowly begin taking control, using legal double teams and Woods is getting worn out.

 

Kofi gets the crowd to feed in with their energy and Woods makes the hot tag. Kofi flies around and turns the match around, getting a series of two counts on Owens. Woods gets back in and the New Day begins building momentum. Now it’s Zayn appealing to the fans and they answer his call as well.

 

Owens fights off both members of the New Day, crotching Woods on the top rope facing away and Woods falls back hanging upside down.  Owens hits a running cannonball and tags in Zayn. Sami softens up Woods a little more before hitting the Heluva Kick for the victory.

 

RESULT: KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN RETAIN THE WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Drew McIntyre and Rex Steiner are backstage talking about winning the Royal Rumble. Their friendly banter takes a serious turn when the subject comes up about what happens when it comes down to the both of them. The tension is palpable.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

NO DISQUALIFICATION

DAMIAN PRIEST VS SHINSUKE NAKAMURA

 

Nakamura goes on a strong style tear off the bat, kicking the hell out of Priest and striking him repeatedly. Priest goes to the outside to recoup and Nakamura slingshots himself over the ropes but Priest catches him and rams him spine-first into the post.

Now it’s Priest’s turn to dish out punishment and he takes advantage of the no DQ rule, hitting Nakamura with the steel stairs. He rolls Shinsuke back in the ring and continues the attack. This goes according to plan until Nakamura digs deep and challenges Priest to ‘come on!’ Priest angrily charges him but Nakamura lays a kick to the midsection stopping him in his tracks followed by a standing enziguri. Priest drops to a knee and Nakamura sizes him up for a Kinshasa.

 

 

Dominik Mysterio runs down and gets on the apron, distracting Nakamura and giving Priest time to recover. When Shinsuke turns and goes for his finisher, Priest pops up, grabs him by the throat and chokeslams him. Wasting little time, Priest lifts Nakamura up and hits the Razor’s Edge for the win.

 

RESULT: DAMIAN PRIEST WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Priest and Dominik head back up the aisle very pleased with themselves. The Judgment Day have started 1-0. Graves questions if Balor will make it a clean sweep.

 

 

 

Carlito is warming up at Gorilla when Maria Kanellis walks past. He stops her and says that he’s about to have the most important match of his career, but he wants to make something right. She looks suspicious but he offers his hand. He says a long time ago he wasn’t very…cool…to her and he’s sorry about that. 

 

She seems taken aback but shakes his hand. Maria says that really means a lot to her and she wishes him good luck. He seems relieved to have gotten this off his chest and heads through the curtain. It’s Carlito and Big E for the Intercontinental Championship…next!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

CARLITO VS BIG E ©

 

The challenger begins the match hot, backing Big E into the corner with chops and punches. He climbs up to deliver the old fashioned 10 punches but Big E cuts it off at three and runs him across the ring, crushing him in the corner.

 

Big E shows off his power by putting his veteran challenger through several suplexes and backbreakers but Carlito kicks out of several pin attempts. Big E runs into a boot in the corner and when he staggers away, Carlito hits the Backstabber.

 

1

 

2

 

Kickout!

 

Big E builds a comeback as Carlito frantically tries to hit another finisher, but the champion keeps his back away from Carlito. When the moment arrives, Big E scoops up his challenger and hits the Big Ending for a hard fought title defense.

 

RESULT: BIG E RETAINS THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Cody Rhodes is backstage, and turns to address the camera. He says that the Miz and Bronson Reed did their absolute best to end his story, hell, they almost ended his career. But he’s here, he’s breathing, and he damn sure isn’t done with either of them. But never let it be said that Cody isn’t generous. He’s so generous, he’s going to give Bronson Reed another bite at the apple. Next week, here on Raw, it’ll be the two of them in the ring. See you then, big man.

COMMERCIAL BREAK.

 

As we return from commercial, Rhea Ripley has joined the announcers at ringside, and will be part of the commentary for the Women’s World Championship match. The Announcers remind us that Rhea Ripley will meet the Women’s World Champion at the Royal Rumble.

 

 

LITA VS BECKY LYNCH ©

 

The match begins with a handshake, which Rhea trashes on commentary. The early going is an even match as both feel each other out. Becky does not seem as aggressive as she normally is, a point Mami brings up several times.

 

That begins to change when Becky turns to argue with Rhea and Lita nearly scores a win with a school boy. Becky buckles down and begins to take over, hitting a fall away slam and Lita rolls out of the ring near the announcers.Becky follows Lita to the outside and they brawl a little as Rhea continues to taunt Becky about not being able to get the job done. It clearly gets to Becky and the more Rhea talks, the more brutal Becky gets.

 

She rams Lita shoulder-first into the stairs. She then takes Lita’s arm and wraps it around the post in a hammerlock. Becky isn’t showing any friendly nature now. She rolls Lita back into the ring and the Hall of Famer is begging off, holding her arm but Becky is in the zone and continues her attacks. She lays Lita out with a Manhandle Slam and is looking at Rhea when she suddenly breaks off the pin at the count of two and quickly locks in the DisarmHer which causes Lita to quickly tap.

 

RESULT: BECKY LYNCH RETAINS THE WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

Becky holds up her title as Rhea walks up the stairs and enters the ring. The two of them go face to face with Becky giving her Royal Rumble challenger a focused stare and Mami just smirking, but her eyes are burning a hole through the champ. The Women’s World Championship is set - Rhea Ripley gets her chance at revenge. Its Mami vs The Man at the Royal Rumble!!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

 

 

 

In the back World Heavyweight Champion John Cena is warming up in a hallway ahead of tonight's title defense. Cena suddenly stops doing squats when he sees someone walking to him....

 

 

Maria Kanellis smiles and waves to the champ. Cena says it has been a very long time since they've seen each other and tells Maria that she looks better than ever. Maria smiles at the flirting and says some things never change...

 

Cena looks confused and Maria says "the champ is still here and still lookin good". She then kisses him on the cheek and says good luck before walking away.  Has Maria set her sights on John Cena?

COMMERCIAL BREAK

FINN BALOR VS JOHN CENA ©

 

There is a modicum of respect between these two as they circle each other before locking up. Cena’s strength is the story early on, but Balor has the speed advantage and it isn’t long before he uses that to put Cena on the defense.

 

Balor presses his advantage focusing on Cena’s back and also hitting some cheap shots to the throat. But every time there is a pinfall, Cena kicks out. Balor is getting frustrated and goes to the top for a cross body but Cena catches him and rolls backwards, popping up and hoisting Balor onto his shoulder delivering an Attitude Adjustment. He goes for the cover.

 

1

 

2

 

Balor’s leg is on the rope!

 

Cena is disappointed and when he goes to pick Balor up, he’s suckered into a small package for a very close two count. They continue to battle and it’s even until Balor blatantly pokes Cena in the eye and drops him with a slingblade. Balor goes to the top but Cena gets up and Balor jumps over him.  When Balor turns on a dime and charges Cena, he’s scooped up and planted in the middle of the ring with another AA.  There’s no rope to save him this time.

 

RESULT: JOHN CENA RETAINS THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The Judgment Day are beating the hell out of Cena without hesitation. This goes on several minutes until…..

 

 

Seth Freakin Rollins hits the ring and makes an immediate impact, taking on the entire Judgment Day. 

 

He superkicks Priest!

 

He superkicks Mysterio!

 

He superkicks Balor!

 

He superkicks Cena!!!

 

In his flurry of action, Rollins hadn’t seen Cena getting up and has floored the champ.  As the Judgment Day collect themselves outside, Rollins looks down at Cena with a frustrated remorse as the show goes off the air.

 

Happy New Year and good Night from Salt Lake City!

 

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

 

 

January Week 1

Desert Diamond Arena

Glendale, AZ

 

 

 

The show begins with Zelina Vega, Iyo Sky, and Michin in the midst of a loud argument with Bayley, Naomi, and Tamina. Just as it looks like it will turn physical Sonya DeVille shows up and stands between them. She says she will not allow them to waste a fight backstage because they can do it in the ring tonight!  

 

 

THEA HAIL VS SHAYNA BASZLER

 

Thea Hail is a ball of energy and it takes Baszler a few minutes to counter her attacks. When Shayna does figure it out, Thea’s in trouble and it shows as Baszler stretches and grinds her down, before slapping on the Kirifuda Clutch for the win.

 

RESULT: SHAYNA BASZLER WINS BY SUBMISSION

 

  

 

Kelly Kinkaid is standing by with Piper Niven. Niven says that she is entering the Royal Rumble and make no mistake, she will win it. Kinkaid asks about what happens if she runs into one of her friends during the match and Niven responds with a scoff, ‘what friends?’

 

 

 

 

LIV MORGAN VS VALHALLA

 

Valhalla beats the hell out of Liv for several minutes, taking great pride in the punishment, but Liv keeps kicking out of pinfalls. Valhalla goes to the top but Liv intercepts her and launches her down to the mat.  Valhalla begins to get up and is met with Liv who nails ObLIVion for the win.

 

RESULT:  LIV MORGAN WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

A vignette is shown to hype Smackdown’s New Years Revolution and the Submission Match we’ll see between Charlotte Flair and Cora Jade for the WWE Women’s Championship.

 

 

BAYLEY, NAOMI AND TAMINA VS MICHIN, IYO SKY AND ZELINA VEGA

 

Quick pacing in this match that sees all six women get in by the end. The Tribal Trio, as Bayley tells Michael Cole to call them, dominate the beginning but the faces make a comeback and Naomi looks to be in trouble as Iyo goes to the top for her moonsault but Bayley had made a blind tag and when Iyo soars, Bayley pulls Naomi out of the way. Bayley quickly hits the Rose Plant for the win.

 

RESULT:  BAYLEY, NAOMI AND TAMINA WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Mami is alone backstage as she smiles into the camera. She says that at long last we know who she will beat for the Women’s World Championship at the Royal Rumble and she could not be happier that it’s Becky Lynch. Becky took something from her, she stole a part of Rhea’s soul and she will take it back at the Royal Rumble by any means necessary.

 

The show ends with Ripley’s smile fading and her intense stare.

[Pipers Pit]

[Pipers Pit]

NEW YEAR--SAME ACTION

 

To kickoff 2024, Smackdown is proud to present New Years Revolution, LIVE on Fox!

 

In action:

Bianca Belair vs Asuka

 

AJ Styles vs Carmelo Hayes

 

WWE Women’s Championship [Submission Match]

Cora Jade vs Charlotte Flair ©

 

WWE Tag Team Championship

Pete Dunne and Ilja Dragunov vs The Usos

 

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship

Keith Lee vs Roman Reigns ©

 

All this and more, this Friday Night*

 

*Show will be posted on Wednesday!

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

 

The Bloodline is shown arriving ‘earlier today’. Everyone looks tense as they enter the building.

 

 

 

 

January Week 1

Ball Arena

Denver, CO

 

ILJA DRAGUNOV AND PETE DUNNE VS THE USOS

 

The show begins with the WWE Tag Team Championship match already under way and the Usos are getting the better of it as they seamlessly move in and out of the ring, isolating Dunne in their corner.

 

Dunn fights back, hitting a series of forearm smashes on both Jimmy and Jey before making the tag to Dragunov. Ilja is a ball of non stop energy, attacking both Usos before focusing in Jey who is legal. When Jimmy tries to get involved, Dunne returns to the ring and clotheslines him over the top, before following with a springboard catapult leap. As this is happening, Dragunov is setting up for Torpedo Moscow but at the last second, Jey pulls the referee in front. With an opening presented, two more men join the action.

 

 

Sheamus and Ridge Holland come down to ringside and immediately attack Dunne, running him fast first into the post. This allows Jimmy to help his brother. Together they overwhelm Dragunov, knocking him flat with a double superkick then hitting a double splash off the top. Jimmy wakes the ref who makes the count.

 

RESULT:  THE USOS WIN THE WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The Usos grab their titles and embrace as more than a few people in the crowd hold up their fingers in celebration. The Usos have brought more gold to the Bloodline!

 

 

 

Iyo Sky is backstage. She says when she wins the Royal Rumble and goes to WrestleMania she will show everyone why they call her the Genius of the Sky.

 

 

 

The WWE Women’s Champion walks out and slowly spins to show off her robe. She gives the crowd a big WOOOOOOOOO when….

 

Cora Jade flies out from the back with a chair and smashes it across Charlotte’s back. Cora begins wearing out the chair, slamming it down on Charlotte again and again. Barrett mentions this is completely legal and on top of that the match hasn’t even begun yet.

 

Officials force Cora away and she goes to the ring, taunting Charlotte and waiting for her to get up.

 

 

SUBMISSION MATCH

CORA JADE VS CHARLOTTE FLAIR ©

 

Charlotte is already hurt and Cora wastes no time in continuing her attacks. She reaches under the ring and pulls out a kendo stick.  Rolling back in, she uses it across Charlotte’s back until it frays and cracks.

 

Cora puts Charlotte in a STF but Charlotte reaches the ropes. Cora berates her, continuing to focus on attacks on the champion’s back. She turns her attention to the crowd and that opening is a disaster for her.  When she turns back to Charlotte she’s met with a heavy chop across the chest, then several more. 

 

Charlotte is up and with anger in her eyes. She begins to show her younger challenger why they call her the Queen. Cora is overwhelmed by Flair, and Charlotte then begins to focus on Jade’s left knee. Charlotte puts Jade in the Figure eight but Cora reaches the rope. When the referee tells Charlotte to break it, she screams at him that it’s anything goes. He can’t argue that, and Cora realizes that not only did she not have to break the STF earlier but she’s dead to rights. She tries to hang on, but has to submit.

 

RESULT:  CHARLOTTE FLAIR RETAINS THE WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

The camera sees Rey Mysterio walking backstage. He stops in front of Adam Pearce’s office before knocking and walking in.

 

 

 

We go to the Bloodline Lounge where the victorious Usos walk in with their new WWE Tag Team Championship titles. Roman stands, and motions for them to approach. They do and he hugs them both. Some of the earlier tension is gone and he tells them how proud he is of them. Heyman stands in the back, beaming next to a stoic Solo.

 

 

AJ STYLES VS CARMELO HAYES

 

Before the match we see a quick pre-recorded video where Styles tells Gallows and Anderson to stay in the back, he wants to deal with Hayes himself. AJ cheap shots Carmelo just before the bell rings and holds the advantage for several minutes. 

 

Carmelo stuns Styles with a standing enziguri and then begins to show off his own skills, hitting AJ with a flurry of offense from several angles. With AJ stunned, Carmelo goes to the top and hits Nothing but Net, but Styles rolls out of the ring. 

 

Hayes goes to the outside to throw him back in but AJ reverses it into the stairs. He pushes Carmelo back in, but only gets a two count.  AJ goes to the apron and readies for the Phenomenal Forearm. When he soars, Carmelo ducks and rolls. AJ lands on his feet and runs at his opponent but Hayes stops him with a side kick to the stomach. He then grabs AJ and hits the HIMplex for the win. 

 

RESULT:  CARMELO HAYES WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Bobby Lashley is pacing backstage when he turns to the camera. He says that 2024 will be the year the Almighty gets back on track and it starts with Logan Paul. He’s been waltzing around with the United States Championship….Lashley’s United States Championship. That ends next week and Lashley says he can’t wait to hear Paul begging for mercy when he puts him in the Hurt Lock!

 

 

 

A video recap of all the attacks and mind games that Asuka has perpetrated on Bianca Belair over the last months. Bianca finally gets her chance at ending this nightmare….next!

 

 

ASUKA W/ JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS VS BIANCA BELAIR

 

Asuka tries to ambush Bianca before the bell but the EST is ready and blocks it. She begins taking the fight to Asuka, showing off her power advantage. Roberts on the outside, watches carefully as his Empress of Darkness is thrown around the ring.

 

But Asuka has been playing possum and when Bianca lets her guard down for a moment, Asuka jabs her in the throat. Bianca is sidelined whole Asukla begins to pick her apart with strikes and kicks, at one point ripping at her eyes.

 

Asuka tries to apply the Asuka Lock but Bianca fights her off, swinging around behind her and nailing a big german suplex. Asuka and Bianca are both somewhat dazed, and at this point, Roberts reaches under the ring and pulls out a writhing green sack, shoving it into the ring.  Bianca crawls forward, her vision finally clearing as she nears it. She recoils in fear, right into the Asuka Lock.  

 

Bianca is fading but the crowd wakes her up and she rolls, slowly standing with Asuka on her back.  She runs backwards, smashing Asuka into the corner three times before Asuka releases her. Bianca swirls around and clotheslines her into the corner before turning Asuka around and delivering the KOD for the win.  

 

RESULT:  BIANCA BELAIR WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Bianca climbs the corner and swings her ponytail around as the crowd cheers. She has vanquished Asuka after months of torment!

 

 

 

Kayla Braxton catches Paul Heyman outside the Bloodline Lounge. She asks him how Roman Reigns is preparing for Keith Lee tonight and Heyman plays it off, saying that the Tribal Chief doesn’t prepare for anyone, everyone prepares for him and thus far they’ve all failed. Frankly, Keith Lee should be furious at the incompetent Managing Director Adam Pearce for forcing him into a guaranteed loss with millions of eyes on him.

 

Heyman begins to walk away but stops, turning back to Kayla before telling her that tonight the Bloodline will leave no doubt.

 

 

 

 

KEITH LEE VS ROMAN REIGNS © W/ PAUL HEYMAN

 

Lee and Reigns approach each other face to face before they begin trading punches. Lee gets the better and whips Reigns over the ropes to the outside. Heyman looks concerned as Roman gets up partly shocked and partly angry. 

 

Roman reenters the ring and suckers Lee into a kick to the stomach, another drops him to a knee, and then Reigns begins to hammer down right hand. The champion is in control as he measures Keith for several elbows to the back of the head. Now the Tribal Chief begins to talk down to Lee but he gets cut off when Lee grabs him by the throat and delivers a choke slam.

 

1

 

2

 

Roman kicks out.  

 

 

Jey and Jimmy come down to ringside and begin distracting Lee. He finally has enough of this and rolls to the outside. They try a double superkick but he catches each of their feet in his hands.before lifting their legs onto his shoulders and delivering a double power bomb. The crowd pops big for it, but when he turns around right into a Superman Punch. 

 

Roman gets Lee back into the ring and goes for a pin but Lee kicks out.  Roman readies for a spear but when he hits Lee, Keith catches him in a front facelock which is turned into a standing sleeper.  Roman is flailing and accidentally strikes the ref who’s kneeling to check on him.  

 

Roman slowly begins to stop fighting as Heyman screams encouragement.

 

Solo Sikoa jumps the barrier and slides into the ring behind Lee, jabbing him with three straight Samoan Spikes to get him to release the hold on Reigns, who drops like a rock. Lee turns and begins trading right hands with Solo who is eventually clotheslined over the top. Lee shakes his head several times, clearing his mind from the spikes. Roman is up and Lee turns right into a Superman Punch, then another, then another, and finally a spear which puts him down for the three count.

RESULT:  ROMAN REIGNS RETAINS THE UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL

 

 

 

The Bloodline isn’t done yet. As the Usos and Solo hit the ring and continue their attacks on Lee, with Roman directing traffic. They roll Lee to the outside and clear the announcer’s table. Jimmy, Jey, and Solo help lift him onto Roman’s Shoulders as they deliver a Shield bomb through the table. 

 

As the show ends, the Bloodline stands tall and more united than ever.

[Pipers Pit]

 

[Kimberly]

 

The Man to Kick Off Raw

The Women's World Championship match for the Royal Rumble is as the Women's World Champion was decided last week on Raw. Following a Fatal Fourway two weeks ago that declared WWE Hall of Famer, Lita the #1 contender, last week on Raw Lita met the Women's World Champion, Becky Lynch in an epic encounter to kick off 2024. 

Following a back and forth match where both champion and challenger nearly won the contest, in the end it was Becky Lynch forcing Lita to tap out to the Dis-Arm-Her. As a result, the Women's World Championship match for the Royal Rumble would be set: "Mami" Rhea Ripley will challenge The Man Becky Lynch in a Wrestlemania headlining worthy Women's World Championship Match. 

And now WWE.com has learned that the Champ will kick off Raw. What will Becky Lynch have to say now that she is headed toward Rhea Ripley? Find out Monday.

 Don't miss Raw LIVE this Monday on USA!

[Kimberly]

 

 

A video recap of last week is shown, focusing on the interactions of Stephanie McMahon and Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley, and finally Seth Freakin Rollins superkicking John Cena.

 

 

 

 

 

January Week 2

Paycom Center

Oklahoma City, OK

 

 

 

The Women’s World Champion comes down to the ring. She says that Rhea Ripley keeps saying this is what she wanted. She wanted Becky to be the champion walking into the Royal Rumble. Well, they say be careful what you ask for because you just might get it. Rhea is one of the best in the business, she takes nothing from her. But Becky is THE best and she knows it because of this title she has on her shoulder.

 

Rhea seems to forget what happened the last time they went one on one at Payback. That’s where Becky showed she was better and history will repeat itself at the Royal Rumble in a few weeks and then what will Rhea’s excuse be? Is she going to cry to Stephanie McMahon for another shot?  Or will she finally come to the realization that she may be Mami, but I am the Man and when I come around to St. Petersburg, this title ain’t going anywhere!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

KATANA CHANCE AND KAYDEN CARTER VS RONDA ROUSEY AND SHAYNA BASZLER

 

Chance and Carter are one of the smoothest tag teams in the women’s division but they can’t match the ferocity of Rousey and Baszler. Ronda and Shayna pick them apart, but Rousey goes above and beyond, nearly being disqualified several times. She finally locks in her arm bar on Carter and gets the win.

 

RESULT: RONDA ROUSEY AND SHAYNA BASZLER WIN BY SUBMISSION

 

 

 

The bell is ringing, but Ronda won’t release the hold. Carter is screaming and Chance is trying to pry Ronda off. Shayna is watching, seemingly even surprised at Ronda. Shayna joins in and eventually they get Carter free.  Ronda pops up and gives Shayna a confused look as to why she helped them before leaving the ring, and Shayna trails her to the back.

 

 

 

Byron Saxton is standing by with the Miz and Bronson Reed. The Miz takes over the interview saying that Cody Rhodes is either a glutton for suffering or the dumbest man alive. He asked for Bronson Reed to end his career tonight. But don’t worry, Cody’s story will still be finished. You can read it in tomorrow’s obituaries!

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

RICOCHET VS LUDWIG KAISER W/GIOVANNI VINCI

 

Ricochet takes a beating early, but he rebounds, literally and figuratively, and begins finding his groove as he ramps up the speed and energy. Vinci gets on the apron and gets knocked off into the announcer’s table. Kaiser tries to take advantage but Ricochet matrixes a roundhouse punch and hits a codebreaker. He goes to the top and hits an astounding 630 Senton for the win.

 

RESULT:  RICOCHET WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Kaiser and Vinci jump Ricochet after the match and are putting the boots to him when…

 

 

Wes Lee comes sprinting down the aisle. He slides in and immediately makes an impact, drop kicking Vinci over the top, then ducking a clothesline from Kaiser, before hitting a jumping spinning forearm which sends him to the outside. Lee helps Ricochet up as the former Imperium members lick their wounds up the aisle.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

ALPHA ACADEMY VS THE VIKING RAIDERS

 

Otis and Ivar have a very interesting power struggle to begin the match and Gable provides an incredible german suplex, however the power and ruthlessness of the Viking Raiders ends up taking over and they deliver a double powerslam to Gable for the win.

 

RESULT: THE VIKING RAIDERS WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Drew Gulak is backstage, about to sign the paperwork to enter the Royal Rumble. Orton walks past and asks what it is, and when Gulak tells him, Orton attacks. He slams Gulak’s head off the table and then beats him down, before ripping up the papers. He walks away, quipping that Drew’s been eliminated.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

 

The New Day celebrate down to the ring. Big E says there is a feeling that is flowing through the New Day, through the crowd, through the home audience, and through the WWE Universe because the darkness which shrouded the Intercontinental Championship has dispersed. Now is the era of positivity! 

 

Woods and Kofi discuss how they are still in shock of the miracle before them and they’ve said it before but they want to say it in front of this sold out crowd, how thankful and proud they are of Big E. There is a moment of genuine love between these friends as they group hug until we hear a stern voice coming from the back.

 

 

Gunther walks out with a mic but he stays at ringside. He says what he’s witnessing makes him sick to his stomach. A once proud title being held by a man who doesn’t belong in the ring and certainly doesn’t deserve to be called the Intercontinental Champion. He got lucky. So lucky that he ought to go spend all his money like the rest of these worthless people in Oklahoma on a powerball ticket. But make no mistake, that title belongs to the Ring General and it is time for him to get his rematch.

 

Big E says any place, any time, which suits Gunther, who challenges him for next week here on Raw. Big E accepts quickly and the segment ends with a staredown.

 

 

 

We go to Liv Morgan in her dressing room. She says for weeks she’s felt like a loser. Especially when it comes to Zoey Stark. But you’re only a loser if you give up. She doesn’t know when or where but she’ll get her pride back against Zoey. But until then, there’s a little thing called the Royal Rumble coming up and Liv will not only be in it, she’ll win it. 

 

“Watch me.”

COMMERCIAL BREAK

RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ VS EMMA

 

Emma does her best to put the larger and more powerful woman down quickly but the longer the match goes, the more Raquel’s strength comes into play and she ends it with a big Tejana Bomb.

 

RESULT: RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Corey Graves welcomes Maria for an interview at the opening of the aisle. He asks her if she’s settled on a new client. She says she has with a big smile. She says after long last she has found her man, but before Graves can ask who she says  he will find out like everyone else….at the Royal Rumble. She plants a kiss on his cheek and goes to the back.

 

 

COMMERCIAL BREAK

BRONSON REED W/THE MIZ VS CODY RHODES

 

Reed attempts to attack Rhodes before the bell but Cody was ready for it and the American Nightmare starts off hot, peppering the big man with everything he can throw at him but Reed absorbs it and then grabs Cody, launching him across the ring. Reed goes on the attack, pounding Rhodes from corner to corner but every time he goes for a pin Cody kicks out.

 

The Miz takes some cheap shots when the referee isn’t looking and Reed hits a running elbow which gets a two and a half count. Miz shouts encouragement, telling his protege it’s time for the tsunami. Reed climbs to the top but Rhodes gets up and stops him cold. Cody climbs up to meet him and delivers a ring shaking superplex. He covers Reed but it’s only for a two count.

 

Cody gets up, feeding off the crowd and as Reed begins to stand, Cody hooks him and delivers CrossRhodes. He hooks the leg and gets the win.

 

RESULT: CODY RHODES WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Cody climbs the ropes, celebrating his win but after a moment we cut to the back where a camera man is running through the hallways and he stops when he comes across the reason.

 

 

Seth Freakin Rollins and John Cena are nose to nose with a host of officials trying to separate them. Cena asks if Rollins wants to take another cheap shot while Seth says it was all an accident. Cena says we’ll see about that at the Rumble! They’re separated with both men continuing to lob verbal jabs as the show ends.

Good Night from Oklahoma City!

[Pipers Pit]

[Pipers Pit]

[Pipers Pit]

And Still…..

Last week at New Years Revolution, the Tribal Chief defended his Undisputed Universal WWE Championship against Keith Lee before the entire Bloodline put him through the announcer’s table. The Bloodline will open this week’s show and it’s being said Roman Reigns has an important announcement. What’s on the mind of the Head of the Table?

Last week we saw the Brawling Brutes cost Pete Dunne and Ilja Dragunov the WWE Tag Team Championship. After months of tension, it explodes this week when the four meet in tag action. Given how hard each of these men hit, will there be anything, or anyone, left?

Bianca Belair, Solo Sikoa, and LA Knight will all be in action as well!

All this and more, this Friday night, LIVE on FOX!

[Pipers Pit]

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

 

In a video labeled ‘earlier today’ we see the Brawling Brutes running into Ilja Dragunov and Pete Dunne in the parking lot area and it doesn’t take long before they’re at each other and it takes a horde of officials to pull them apart and off of the cars. They’ll meet in action again tonight!

 

 

 

 

January Week 2

Smoothie King Arena

New Orleans, LA

 

 

 

 

The full Bloodline comes to the ring and Roman is all smiles. Following Heyman’s introduction he takes the mic demanding to be acknowledged.  He says being in New Orleans is fitting because he’s in a party mood. Last week Adam Pearce threw a challenge in his way and he did what he always does. He put them down and he continued his record setting title reign. 

 

So now comes the big announcement. The next thing on the horizon is WrestleMania. He doesn’t care about the Royal Rumble so he’s not even going to show up. As a matter of fact you won’t see the Tribal Chief until Wrest…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rey Mysterio comes out to the crowd’s delight. He says he has not forgotten what the Bloodline tried to do, trying to take his mark…his honor. But he knows Roman has no honor. He holds a belt that Rey himself held. That Eddie Guerrerro held. That the greatest champions in the world have held…and none of them would skip the Royal Rumble. None would run and hide to extend a title reign that has more days missed than matches fought.

 

Roman is incensed but Rey says he has a way for Roman to redeem himself in the eyes of the WWE Universe. Put that title on the line at the Royal Rumble and leave his Bloodline in the back and defend that title like a real champion and a real man.

 

Now Roman is ready to explode. He tells Rey that he’ll see him at the Royal Rumble and he’ll do it on his own but Rey better be ready for the last match of his career because Roman’s not coming to defend his title, he’s coming to make the great Rey Mysterio….acknowledge him.”

 

As the segment ends, Rey is nodding with a grin as Heyman and the Bloodline behind Roman look concerned.

 

 

A replay is shown of Rey Mysterio interrupting Roman Reigns and challenging him for the Royal Rumble.

 

 

THE BRAWLING BRUTES VS ILJA DRAGUNOV AND PETE DUNNE

 

These four men don’t like each other as seen earlier. Their parking lot war continues in the ring and they do not hold back. By the time the match reaches the halfway point, the chests of all four are beet red.

 

As the match goes on, Dunne and Dragunov begin pulling away, especially against Holland who can’t withstand their combined attacks.  Dunne takes out Sheamus with a suicide dive and Ilja hits Torpedo Moscow for a hard fought win.

 

RESULT:  ILJA DRAGUNOV AND PETE DUNNE WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

We go to Adam Pearce in his office with Pat McAfee and United States Champion Logan Paul berating him about Bobby Lashley’s challenge and their appear. He finally stands and shouts them down to shut them up. Collecting himself, he says the Board has agreed with them and says Bobby Lashley will not get a title shot this week.

 

McAfee and Paul celebrate but they slowly stop and look back at Pearce. He says he’s not done. Logan Paul will defend that United States Championship against Bobby Lashley next week….inside a steel cage.

 

Paul is shocked into silence and McAfee can barely find the words before they both quickly leave.  Cole and Barrett put over what a huge match that is for Smackdown next week.

 

 

Backstage, Bayley is on cloud nine saying with the three “Bloodline” girls in the Royal Rumble it’s almost a guarantee that one of them will win it. Naomi and Tamina just watch her until she tells them she’ll see them later and hurries off.

 

Tamina looks exasperated. “When are you gonna tell her?”

 

Naomi shakes her head. “I will….I will.”

 

 

ZELINA VEGA VS CORA JADE

 

A good match which sees both get equal offense. Cora is fighting with a chip on her shoulder following her loss to Charlotte Flair and continuously flirts with breaking the referee’s five count until she just doesn’t care anymore and keeps choking Zelina on the rope causing a disqualification.

 

RESULT: ZELINA VEGA WINS BY DISQUALIFICATION

 

 

But Cora’s not done. She collects a chair from ringside and jabs it into Zelina’s head.  Zelina is dazed and Cora follows up with a russian leg sweep back onto the chair. Finally she wraps it around Zelina’s right foot and goes to the second rope, intent on jumping off and breaking her ankle……

 

 

Iyo Sky runs down to the ring and Cora ditches to the outside. She yells at Iyo to mind her own business but the Genius of the Sky isn’t going anywhere and helps her friend.

 

 

 

Backstage, the Street Profits are sitting in silence, both looking very troubled. Finally Montez says he doesn’t have the answer. They were champs, they were top of the mountain and now….now they’ve lost their way.

 

Dawkins nods in agreement but says the one thing he knows, is that the only path back up that mountain is together. Montex and he share a very complicated handshake and seem to be back on the same page.

 

 

CEDRIC ALEXANDER VS LA KNIGHT

 

Cedric and Knight have an open match and there are moments where Knight looks to be in trouble, but he recovers and brawls his way back into control of the match. Cedric attempts a desperate enziguri but Knight ducks, and when Cedric gets up quick he’s met with some Blunt Force Trauma.

 

RESULT: LA KNIGHT WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

As Knight celebrates with his fans, Karrion Kross and Scarlett appear on the tron. Kross informs Knight that his time is running out and the clock strikes zero at the Royal Rumble. One way or another, Kross will ensure that Knight has a very bad night….Yeah.

 

 

 

In the Bloodline Lounge, Reigns is furious, saying Mysterio tried to upstage him and put him on the spot. He’s angrily pacing as everyone watches when he stops and calls Solo over. He tells his enforcer that he has a match next and he wants EVERYONE to see what happens when the Tribal Chief is angry. And he wants Solo to do it on his own…no Bloodline allowed.

 

Solo tells Roman his will shall be done and leaves.

 

 

IKEMEN JIRO VS SOLO SIKOA

 

Solo was given a mission by the Tribal Chief and he delivers in spades. Sikoa dominates the match, showing off both his power and his viciousness. He ends it with a devastating Samoan Spike.

 

RESULT:  SOLO SIKOA WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Solo no sooner gets up off Jiro, then the crowd pops and Keith Lee comes running down the aisle and gets in the ring.  They collide and begin beating the hell out of each other.  Lee absorbs a tremendous amount of damage before slinging Solo into the corner and giving it as good as he got before clotheslining Solo over the top. With no Bloodline to get involved, Solo wildly stares at Lee as we go to break.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHIN VS LACEY EVANS VS BIANCA BELAIR

 

Lacey is nobody’s friend in this one and she pays the price early as Bianca and Michin double team her in the first few minutes before they dump her out and turn their attention on one another. Lacey, to her credit, hangs out at ringside allowing them to wear each other out and choosing her time to reenter the ring.

 

Lacey waits until Michin has her back turned and then attacks, focusing on her neck and then knocking Bianca to the outside. Lacey continues to focus on Michin, hitting a neckbreaker but Michin kicks out. Lacey backs up, sizing Michin up for the Cobra Clutch when Bianca slides back in and scoops her up for the KOD. Michin gets up and charges but Bianca kicks her in the chest, knocking her back into the corner and then drops Lacey with the KOD for the win.

 

RESULT: BIANCA BELAIR WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

After the match Bianca gets a mic and invites Charlotte to come into the ring which the Champion does, with a smirk. Bianca says that she’s made it clear for months that she wants a shot at that title, she’s wanted one since Charlotte tricked her into giving up her shot at Asuka. And what did Charlotte tell her?  Earn a shot. Well she will earn it because she WILL win the Royal Rumble and then at WrestleMania, Charlotte won’t be able to duck her anymore.

 

They’re face to face as Charlotte raises her title in the air and as the show ends any sort of friendliness between them is clearly gone.

[Pipers Pit]

 

[Kimberly]

GUNTHER's Rematch is Finally Here

For a year and a half, GUNTHER dominated WWE as Intercontinental Champion. One by one, day by day and week by week, men stepped up to try to dethrone The Ring General. One by one, each men were brutalized, chopped and defeated en route to the greatest Intercontinental Championship reign of all time...until Big E returned. 

The scene was Chicago Illinois, the month was November 2023 and the event was Survivor Series. On this night, GUNTHER would hold an open challenge in full anticipation of his historic run continuing. What transpired instead was a moment that few who watched would ever forget. Big E returned to WWE and answered the call of The Champ. And the greatest Intercontinental Championship reign came to it's end. 

Now, it is time for the rematch: Intercontinental Champion Big E will step into the ring with the former challenger in an epic match for the Intercontinental Championship. Will The Ring General reign supreme once again? Or will the comeback story of Big E lead to an unforgettable reign of it's own. 

The Intercontinental Championship rematch is this Monday on Raw. Be there to witness history. 

 Don't miss Raw LIVE this Monday on USA!

[Kimberly]

 

January Week 3

Rupp Arena

Lexington, KY

 

 

Seth Freakin Rollins opens the show. He says he needs to come out here and set the record straight about what happened two weeks ago. He did not mean to superkick John Cena. If he wanted Cena to be hurt, he would have allowed those jackals to do their dirty work.

 

He needs to be the World Heavyweight Champion again but he wouldn’t do it that way. He doesn’t take the cheap way out like the Judg…

 

 

 

 

Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio come out and act offended at what Rollins is saying. There is some back and forth until Dom grabs the mic to MASSIVE booing from the crowd. Finally hes able to talk over them and says Seth Rollins doesn’t have to worry about Royal Rumble because he’ll end that fantasy here tonight.

 

Seth accepts and we have our main event, but don’t go anywhere. After the break we have the Survivor Series rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. The Ring General seeks to reclaim his title against Big E!

 

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

Gunther is at Gorilla. He says he will reclaim his Intercontinental Championship and will make it clear to everyone that what happened at Survivor Series was a fluke, an aberration. He is the Ring General…and this…is war! 

 

 

GUNTHER VS BIG E ©

 

Champion and challenger go at one another in a fierce physical battle which is the epitome of big meaty men slapping meat. Suplex for suplex, punch for punch, they’re not giving one another an inch to breathe.

 

Gunther’s conditioning begins paying off for him and Big E shows he still has some rust on him. Gunther punishes him, but Big E keeps kicking out, Gunther presses and opens himself up for a mistake. Big E ducks a clothesline and hits a belly to belly, which Gunther kicks out at two.

 

Big E keeps it rolling, getting the Ring General on wobbly legs before scooping him up for the Big Ending, but Gunther slips out and rolls out of the ring. Big E has the crowd chanting and clapping along, feeling the energy. A frustrated Gunther collects a chair and returns to the ring. Big E is still clapping, his back to his challenger, and Gunther smashes him with the chair.

 

RESULT: BIG E WINS BY DISQUALIFICATION

 

 

 

Gunther is a man possessed. He stomps Big E in the head twice before the New Day run down to the ring but he overwhelms them, dropping Kofi with a heavy chop, then hitting Woods with a lariat. With all three down he collects the chair, smashing them all over the back in order. 

 

He then turns to Big E, putting the chair around his head. Gunther berates him, saying he’s going back to that wheelchair! The Ring General moves to the second rope….

 

 

 

Cody sprints down to the ring, ducking one of Gunther’s chops, and firing back three big rights, then a clothesline sending Gunther to the floor. 

 

The crowd is electric as Cody ensures that Gunther won’t return to the ring as the New Day regroup.

 

 

 

Randy Orton is talking with old friend Shelton Benjamin. Shelton says they’ve been around a long time but he feels like he’s in the best shape of his life and this year will be the year he wins the Royal Rumble and main events WrestleMania. Orton says stranger things have happened and offers his hand. Shelton shakes it…..then Orton yanks him in for an RKO onto the floor. Orton pops up smiling down at Shelton. 

 

“There’s always next year.”

COMMERCIAL BREAK

RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ AND LIV MORGAN VS EMMA AND CHELSEA GREEN

 

Raquel and Liv are in control from the opening bell, working over Chelsea whose selling and mannerisms have the crowd enjoying her punishment. She finally makes a tag and Emma equals things out for a moment. That’s when we’re joined at ringside.

 

 

Zoey Stark comes down the aisle and Liv jumps off the apron to confront her. They’re trash talking each other and meanwhile Emma and Chelsea double team Raquel in the ring who has nobody to tag. Liv doesn’t turn around until the bell rings and when she sees they’ve lost she’s heartbroken. Zoey is already gone but she did her job.

 

RESULT:  EMMA AND CHELSEA GREEN WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Backstage, four teams are arguing about who’s the best and who should get the next shot at the World Tag Team Championship.

 

 

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn walk up on it and interject. Owens asks Zayn if they’re busy in two weeks,and Sami says they have nothing going on. Owens says the four teams ought to fight next week and then the following week he and Sami will punch them in the mouth. Everyone wins. All of them agree to the plan with unsettled tension amongst them.

 

 

 

We cut to the back where Stephanie McMahon is assuredly walking down the corridors until she finds Ronda Rousey warming up. Stephanie tells her that Ronda’s recent actions have left her no choice. She is suspended for two weeks and that means she will not be in the Royal Rumble. 

 

Ronda shoots up off the floor and gets in Stephanie’s face but the Managing Director doesn’t flinch. She tells Ronda she needs to leave the building immediately. Ronda fights every urge to do what she’s thinking and takes a step back, grabbing her bag, and walks away.

 

When she’s gone, Stephanie lets out a breath she didn’t even know she was holding.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

A replay of Stephanie McMahon suspending Ronda Rousey moments ago is shown. We then cut to a live scene of Ronda storming out of the building, extremely pissed off.

 

 

RICOCHET AND WES LEE VS LUDWIG KAISER AND GIOVANNI VINCI

 

Kaiser and Vinci are no match for the impressive debut of this new team who bring nothing but non stop action and high flying energy. Ricochet and Lee overwhelm their opponents and score the win following Ricochet’s 630 Senton.

 

RESULT: RICOCHET AND WES LEE WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Lita, her arm in a sling, is talking to Trish Stratus. When Trish asks about Lita’s arm, Lita says she was medically cleared for the Rumble and Trish gives her a hug, telling her that the other twenty-eight women are in for some…extreme Stratusfaction.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

PIPER NIVEN VS CANDICE LARAE

 

Piper wins a quick and decisive victory when he avalanches Candice in the corner just as the bell rings.  Candice crumples to the mat, where Piper hits a running splash for the win.

 

RESULT:  PIPER NIVENS WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

We go to a vignette promising the debut of Lyra Valkyria in two weeks on RAW. In it, Valkyria says she grew idolizing all of the great women in the WWE but she’s here now and all the little girls around the world will be idolizing her instead.

 

 

We go to a series of live promos backstage from Shinsuke Nakamura, Sonya DeVille, Damian Priest, and Nikki Cross saying why each of them are going to win the Royal Rumble.

 

COMMERCIAL BREAK

DOMINIK MYSTERIO VS SETH ROLLINS

 

Dominik is very talented especially for his age but Rollins is on fire to begin the match. He wears Dom out from one corner to the other but Dom takes over when Rollins gets a little too confidant and risks a knee drop off the second rope. Dom presses his advantage, focusing on the leg to the point Rollins is having a hard time putting pressure on it.

 

One legged, Rollins fights back, hitting a lackluster Pedigree for a two count. Rollins goes for a vertical suplex but his leg falters and Dom slips out and hits a standing neckbreaker. He covers but Seth kicks out. Dom goes to the top, shimmying like Uncle Eddie but when he flies off, Rollins puts the knees up and rolls Dom into a small package for the win.

 

RESULT: SETH ROLLINS WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Balor and Priest hit the ring and the Judgment Day is all over Rollins who hurt himself by bringing up his knees.. Priest picks him up as Balor and Mysterio get in some free cheap shots before Priest delivers a Razor’s Edge. All hope looks lost when the crowd begins to pop.

 

 

World Heavyweight Champion John Cena runs down the aisle but he stops at ringside. Judgment Day are waiting for him but Cena looks from them to Rollins and back, before shaking his head and walking back the way he came. 

 

Judgment Day can’t believe their luck and turn back to Rollins to attack him more. As the show ends the announcers question if John Cena is still the hero he says he is and if there will be anything left of Seth Rollins in two weeks at the Royal Rumble.

 

Good night from Lexington!

[Pipers Pit]

[Pipers Pit]

Nowhere to Run

After being given a one week reprieve, United States Champion Logan Paul will have to step into the confines of a steel cage and defend his title versus Bobby Lashley. The Brand is still protesting but we have been told by Smackdown Managing Director Adam Pearce that the match will be this week’s main event whether Paul likes it or not. Will the Influencer be able to outflank the Almighty?

In other action:

The Nigerian Giant Omos

AOP vs The Rough Riders

Iyo Sky vs Naomi

 

All this and more, this Friday night, LIVE on FOX!

[Pipers Pit]

 

 

 

A video recap of last week in which Rey Mysterio challenged Roman Reigns for the Royal Rumble and the Tribal Chief accepted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January Week 3

Spectrum Center

Charlotte, NC

 

We go live backstage where Karrion Kross is perched over a bloody LA Knight. Kross wipes his hand over Knight’s bloody forehead and then smears it on his own chest. He and Scarlett walk away as medical staff attend to Knight.

 

 

 

In his office, Adam Pearce is with Paul Heyman. Pearce tells Heyman that next week we’ll have the official contract signing between Mysterio and Reigns and there will be no Bloodline or LWO present.

 

Heyman agrees but tells Pearce the devil is always in the details.

 

 

ROUGH RIDERS VS AOP W/WILLIAM REGAL

 

The Rough Riders start hot and surprise AOP with a fast flurry but once Akam and Rezar gain the upper hand it’s all but over. They pummel their opponents, and end it with the Last Chapter on Storm. 

 

RESULT: AOP WIN BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Cora Jade is backstage. She turns to the camera and says she always thought Iyo Sky was smarter than to stick her nose in the business of Cora Jade. But apparently she thought wrong. Last week Iyo proved that she should be called the dummy of the sky because no genius would do what she did. But that’s okay. Because we have the Royal Rumble coming up and if their paths cross, Iyo is going to fly…right over that top rope.

 

 

 

Kayla Braxton is with Keith Lee. She asks him about last week and he says that Solo Sikoa thought he’d get away with costing Lee the Undisputed Championship. But Lee says he has a long memory and he will not rest until he gets his hands on Solo again. A count out victory doesn’t give him satisfaction. Now if Solo will stop running, he’ll learn why they call Lee Limitless.

 

 

BAYLEY VS GIGI DOLIN

 

Gigi fights like a woman possessed, taking several high risks which pay off….until they don’t and she misses a springboard moonsault. Bayley recovers and uses her veteran skills to take Gigi apart, focusing on her neck and back. Dolin starts to make a comeback, but Bayley shuts it down with a knee to the guy and a Roseplant.

 

RESULT: BAYLEY WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

We see the Brand in their locker room through an open door. They appear to be strategizing about Logan Paul’s steel cage match tonight. Grayson Waller notices the camera and slams the door shut.

 

 

 

We’re taken to the Snake Pit. Jake Roberts casually strokes the water in a bubbling well as Asuka appears to be picking spiders off a web.

 

Roberts says that people mistakenly think Asuka’s darkness is ebbing because of the match with Bianca Belair. Far from it, the darkness grows. Asuka changed Bianca, changed her soul, and that’s all one can really ask for, isn’t it? The Royal Rumble draws near, dozens of souls yearned to be changed by the evil which runs through her veins. The Empress of Darkness accepts the challenge.

 

 

JUDE LONDON VS OMOS W/MVP

 

Omos just stares down at his opponent who is throwing everything he has into strikes and attacks. Finally, Omos brings a clubbing right forearm down on his, knocking him flat. From there the Nigerian Giant plays with his food while showing off his amazing strength before he ends the match with a huge chokeslam.

 

RESULT: OMOS WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Kayla is standing by with WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. Charlotte says she’s looking forward to the Royal Rumble and hopes that whoever wins, is smart enough to choose her for the REAL main event of WrestleMania.

 

Kayla asks about Bianca Belair winning it, and Charlotte scoffs, saying twenty-nine other women beg to differ before walking off.

 

 

 

The LWO is backstage and Rey reiterates to his friends that he will go out there next week alone and look Roman Reigns in the eyes when they sign that contract. None of them trust the Bloodline to stay out of it, but they say they will abide by his wishes.

 

 

NAOMI VS IYO SKY

 

This is a very good match between evenly matched opponents. Iyo likes to fly and Naomi tries to ground her. Iyo is getting the better of it, until the action spills to the outside. Iyo rolls Naomi back in but as she’s about to climb onto the apron, we see a fire extinguisher swipe out from under the ring right into Iyo’s ankle. The referee is busy with Naomi and doesn’t see who emerges.

 

 

Cora Jade crawls out from the ring and grabs Iyo, who’s down holding her ankle and rolls her back in the ring before ducking down again. Naomi sizes up Iyo and hits the Rear View for the win.

 

RESULT: NAOMI WINS BY PINFALL

 

 

 

Kross and Scarlett are walking backstage, headed to their car when LA Knight, his head heavily bangaed, flies into the scene, blasting Kross from behind. Kross, caught off guard, gets his head slammed into the hood of his car, once….twice….the crowd counts along as if Knight is using the car like a turnbuckle. 

 

Scarlett is screaming and when he drops Kross, Knight turns to her and tells her when her old man wakes up, tell’em who put him to sleep….YEAH!. 

 

 

 

 

STEEL CAGE MATCH

BOBBY LASHLEY VS LOGAN PAUL © W/PAT MCAFEE

 

Lashley throws Paul around in the early going and there is nothing that McAfee at ringside can do about it. Paul gets a small opening when he stuns Lashley with a kick to the head and tries to climb out of the cage, but Lashley catches him and delivers a german suplex from the second rope.McAfee is panicking and begins waving to the back.

 

 

Austin Theory and Grayson Waller rum down and begin climbing the cage. Lashley knocks them down but the distraction allows Paul to regroup and he chop blocks Lashley’s right knee. With Lashley down, Theory and Waller climb in and now all three of them are beating down the challenger, something Barrett reminds us is completely legal.

 

Lashley fights back, knocking everyone down and puts Paul in the Hurt Lock. McAfee looks under the ring and pulls out a kendo stick, slipping it into the cage through the fencing. Waller whacks Lashley across the back and he releases Paul. Lashley turns around and is scooped up by Theory who delivers A-Town Down. Waller and Theory pick up Lashley and allow Waller to hit his Down Under DDT. With Lashley on his back, Paul goes to the top and hits an impressive frog splash. He covers Lashley as Theory and Waller dogpile for the three count.

 

RESULT: LOGAN PAUL RETAINS THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP BY PINFALL]

 

 

 

The OC continue their attack on Lashley as Waller and Theory use zip ties to bind Lashley’s wrists to the cage over the ropes. Paul wields the kendo stick, taking his time in striking Lashley’s back over and over as McAfee taunts him. When Paul isn’t hitting Lashley, Theory or Waller are punching to kicking him in the ribs. 

 

Lashley drops to his knees, and the Brand celebrates to the crowd’s boos, but then the boos turn to cheers as Lashley begins to force himself back to his feet, inviting another group beatdown. It’s taken four men to handle the Almighty but Wade Barrett warns, when those ties are broken and Lashley is free, the Brand will have a lot of trouble on their hands.

[Pipers Pit]