WWE Raw
Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Cody Rhodes and CM Punk were shown arriving to the arena separately.
Seth Rollins Promo
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins came out to a huge reaction. Rollins was wearing a knee brace and was limping to the ring. The crowd sang Rollins theme as he stood inside the ring. Rollins took off his glasses. Rollins was holding back tears. Rollins spoke about it being a long seven days. Rollins said he appreciated the crowd cheering. Rollins spoke about defening the title against Jinder Mahal. The crowd booed. Rollins said its was okay because he beat Mahal.
Rollins spoke about doing a moonsualt which tweaked his leg. Rollins noted he finished the match and beat Mahal. Rollins recalled stating earlier in the night that he gets better and stronger with each title defense and he felt like a bit of a liar. Rollins said he might miss WrestleMania. The crowd chanted “NO!” Rollins spoke about having a MRI. Rollins said he got the results back in the middle of the week and it wasn’t great. Rollins said he has a grade two tear of his MCL and torn meniscus. Rollins said doctors are telling him that it will be a three or four month recovery time with surgery. Rollins said if it was up to him he would be in the ring next week. Rollins said that he was taking things day by day and week by week.
Seth Rollins & Gunther Promo
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther came out with Ludwig Kaiser & Giovani Vinci. Rollins said he has no time. Gunther said Kaiser and Vinci have a match against New Day. Gunther noted Rollins should be worried about him. Gunther noted Rollins has been avoiding him. Gunther spoke about Rollins being the workforce champion. Gunther spoke about Rollins bringing dignity, honour and respect to a championship. Gunther said just like him. Rollins said it kinda pulls on his heartstring that seeing Rollins like this. Gunther said he hates hearing Rollins might miss WrestleMania.
Rollins said he doesn’t care what the doctor say. Rollins said he will work as hard as possible. Rollins said he would walk into WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins said he would do everything to walk out WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther said he respects what Rollins said. Gunther said he’s going to win the Royal Rumble. Gunther said he’s going to challenge Rollins for the World Title. Gunther said he’s going to go after Rollins leg and back. Gunther said he will be World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins smiled. Rollins told Gunther to remember who he’s coming after. Gunther told Rollins that he better remember who is coming after him.
They shook hands. Gunther left the ring. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods appeared from the crowd attacking Kaiser and Vinci at ringside. Both teams brawled inside the ring. Kofi and Woods cleared the ring. They went to commercial break.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Rollins was just tremendous here as you could just see in his eyes how much it sucks for him to be injured. I’m totally fine with Rollins not having to vacant the World Heavyweight Title. Rollins has been a fighting champion and has had great matches. I’m fine with Rollins not wanting to vacant because he could like have a WrestleMania main event match this year. The plans seems like for Rollins to take time off and rehab his injury to get in the best condition possible as close as to WrestleMania. I thought Gunther’s promo was great as he such a great commanding voice that just demands your attention. The way Gunther has been showcased and his promo showed believability that he has a chance to win the Royal Rumble match. This was a great tease for a big Gunther and Rollins match.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovani Vinci) ended in a Double Count Out
Vinci took control early catching Kofi with a running crossbody. Kofi responded nailing Vinci with a reverse dropkick. Kofi and Woods stomped away at Vinci in the corner. Vinci responded running Woods into their corner. Kaiser took control backdropping Woods onto the ring apron. Woods got Kofi the hot tag as they retuned from break. Kofi ran wild delivering topes to both Kaiser and Vinci. Woods rocked Kaiser and Vinci with a wrecking ball dropkick. Both teams continued brawling around ringside. Both teams got counted out. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a good showing from both teams. I liked how both team worked an aggressive style instead of having just a standard tag team match.
New Day and Imperium had a huge brawl after the match. Both teams brawled into the crowd. Woods brawled with Kaiser on an equipment crate. Kaiser and Vinci went for a double suplex on Kofi but Woods made the save. Kofi and Woods delivered stereo tackles as Kaiser and Vinci went crashing through tables.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — They had a great post-match brawl to make up for the match having no finish. The table spot looked great and was well shot. They are likely keeping the program going and that’s reason for the no finish.
Cody Rhodes is this year’s cover superstar for WWE 2K24 standard edition. Rhea Ripley & Bianca Belair are the cover superstars for WWE 2K24 Deluxe Version. There’s also a Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition as well. They aired a WWE 2K24 commercial.
They aired a highlight package hyping the Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest main event.
Judgment Day was inside their clubhouse. Rhea Ripley said Damian Priest wants to go around and fight everyone. Ripley told Priest she spoke to Adam Pearce. Ripley said Pearce announced Finn Balor and Priest will defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles against Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa next week on Raw. Ripley told Priest that McIntyre should be least of his concern. Priest noted he’s not trying to fight everyone. Balor’s reaction was awesome just smiling while everything was happening. Priest noted he’s not the one walking around with a big head because they are on the cover of 2K. Priest noted he doesn’t go inside Pearce office to make matches for Judgment Day. Priest told Ripley to stop going in Pearce office. Priest said he’s going to handle McIntyre. Priest left. Ripley told Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh that DIY should’ve been taken care of long time ago. Balor kept repeating everything Ripley said. Ripley asked Balor if things were funny? Balor said it was kinda funny. Ripley told Balor he will be ringside for Dominik and McDonagh’s match. Ripley said it’s been a while since she saw Balor’s vicious side. Balor said he will show vicious.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri backstage. Dupri noted Valhalla isn’t ready for Nile. The Creed Brothers appeared and hyped Nile up. Nile told The Creed Brothers she got this.
Ivy Nile (w/Maxxine Dupri) def. Valhalla
Nikki Cross was shown watching on the ring apron. Valhalla took control rocking Nile with a running forearm on the floor. Nile battled back catching Valhalla with an enzuigiri. Nile made a comeback hitting a hurricanrana. Valhalla responded catching Nile with a popup headbutt. Valhalla tried to get her foot on the ropes but couldn’t the first time. Valhalla went for a leverage pin but Dupri stopped her. Dupri’s acting went a bit overboard. Nile battled back ramming Valhalla onto the turnbuckle. Nile connected with a flying bulldog for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — They kept the match short and that’s probably for the best. The match itself was just there. A good showing from Nile who looked strong in the win.
Jey Uso approached Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods backstage. Jackie Redmond attacked New Day about Imperium. Woods was upset people don’t look at New Day like they aren’t 12x WWE Tag Team Champions. Woods said New Day are the best tag team. Kofi said people thought New Day weren’t serious because of the pancakes, unicorns and Booty-O. Kofi noted they showed what happened when New Day can be serious. Kofi noted Jey wasn’t the only one who wants to win a single’s title. Kofi challenged Gunther to an WWE Intercontinental Title match on Raw next week. Kofi and Woods left. Jey said YEET. (Damage CTRL were walking in the background.)
(Amin’s Thoughts) — New Day’s comedic act is fun but has gotten kinda stale. This was nice to see both Kofi and Woods drop the comedy and deliver a serious promo.
Becky Lynch / Bayley / Nia Jax Promo
Nia Jax came out next to loud boos. Jax said she squashed Rhea Ripley when she met her for the first time. Jax spoke about squashing Becky Lynch in their first match. Jax mocked Becky and Ripley wanting to face each other at WrestleMania. The crowd chanted “What!” Jax said she knows Becky and Ripley can’t win.
Becky Lynch came out to a big reaction. Becky told Jax to shut up. Becky said Jax has something new to finally talk about. Becky spoke about having a target on her back. Becky said Jax has the biggest target in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Becky said nobody likes Jax. Becky wondered what she would like more. Becky said winning the Women’s Royal Rumble for the second time or seeing Jax lose.
Bayley came out next. Bayley said both Becky and Jax would lose. Bayley said she was looking for Rhea Ripley. Bayley said this was better seeing her two old pals. Bayley told Jax long time no see. Bayley said she’s winning the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Bayley said she’s going to point to the WrestleMania sign. Bayley said 2024 would be the year off.
Bayley paused as she shoved Becky into Jax. A brawl broke out as Becky rocked Jax with strikes. Becky caught Bayley with a Manhandle Slam. Jax tossed Becky to the floor. Jax gave Becky a running leg drop. Becky looked concerned outside the ring. Jax smiled.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — They presented Nia Jax as the favourite to win the Women’s Royal Rumble by having her easily toss Becky to the floor. Becky’s reaction on the floor was excellent showing some concern heading into the match. I’m sticking with my prediction Becky or Bayley will win the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Whoever doesn’t will win the Women’s Elimination Chamber to get their respective championship match at WrestleMania.
Royal Rumble number video package.
Becky Lynch was walking backstage looking very gloomy. Rhea Ripley appeared. Ripley told Becky she should make some other plans for WrestleMania.
Dominik Mysterio (w/Finn Balor & JD McDonagh) def. The Miz
Huge chants of “We Want R-Truth!” Miz took control rocking Dominik with a huge lariat. Dominik responded sending Miz to the floor. Dominik distracted the referee. Balor rocked Miz with a right hand. Dominik connected with a tope to Miz on the floor. Dominik connected with a slingshot senton for a near fall. Miz battled back rocking Dominik with a running clothesline. McDonagh distracted Miz. Dominik took advantage catching Miz against the ropes. Miz made a comeback catching Dominik with a neck breaker for two. Miz caught Balor with a slingshot dropkick. Miz followed catching McDonagh with a hurricanrana on the floor. Miz connected with a springboard crossbody to Dominik for two. Miz rocked Dominik with YES Kicks. Miz called for Skull Crushing Finale but Dominik broke free. Dominik went for the 619 but Miz ducked. McDonagh distracted the referee. Balor decked Miz with an object. Dominik took control hitting a 619. Dominik followed with a Frog Splash for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — I gotta say seeing Miz play babyface and doing high spots in matches is fun to see. The match itself was good as Dominik and Miz worked well together. The distraction finish actually worked because it was Balor’s assistance which helped Dominik get the win. That was key after the Judgment Day’s backstage segment.
Judgment Day attacked Miz after the match. Balor rocked Miz with grounded strikes. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa ran down to make the save. Miz gave McDonagh a Skull Crushing Finale. Gargano and Ciampa called for Meet In The Middle. Balor save McDonagh.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — It was bummer to see DIY not get any sort of babyface reaction for the save. Gargano and Ciampa will be fine because they will get over by having great matches. I’m sure next week’s Undisputed WWE Tag Team Title match between DIY and Judgment Day will be great.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Damian Priest backstage. Priest congratulated Dominik on his win. The crowd cheered as R-Truth appeared. R-Truth wanted to hand Priest his cut for the Judgment Day. R-Truth told Priest they needed to do something about McDonagh. Priest told R-Truth tonight’s not the time. R-Truth said later on and left. Priest spoke about McIntyre being the man when everyone was struggling. Priest noted when everything was back McIntyre couldn’t beat either Roman Reigns or Gunther. Priet said because of McIntyre’s jealousy he can’t be champion. Priest said whether he cashes in Money in the Bank or wins the Royal Rumble. Priest said he will be champion at WrestleMania. (A nice tease.) Priest said McIntyre will receive his punishment. Nice reference.
Bronson Reed said he’s well aware that Jey Uso wants to be single’s champion in 2024. Reed said he’s wants to be champion as well. Reed said his path will Jey will cross. Reed said the sooner the better. Reed said nothing is going to stop him from being champion. Reed challenged Jey to a match next week on Raw. Reed said he’s going to make an example of Jey.
Ivar def. Chad Gable
Chad Gable received a solid reaction from the crowd. Gable started quickly catching Ivar with a rolling kick. Ivar responded catching Gable with a modified Tour Of The Islands coming off the ropes. Gable responded rocking Ivar with combination strikes. Gable connected with a swinging neck breaker. Gable connected with a flying head butt for two. Gable went for a German Suplex but Ivar blocked. Ivar went for a suplex but Gable countered catching him against the ropes. Gable tumbled to the floor. Ivar connected with a Super Splash from the ring apron to the floor. Gable caught Ivar with a Super T-Bone Suplex returning from break. Gable connected with a head scissors sending Ivar to the floor. Ivar went for a spin kick but Gable ducked. Gable sent Ivar back into the ring. Ivar caught Gable entering the ring with a Tiger Driver for two. Gable responded catching Ivar in a Victory Roll. Gable went for an ankle lock but Ivar broke free. Ivar caught Gable charging with a seated senton. Ivar connected with a flying leg drop for two. Ivar went for a spin kick but Gable countered into an ankle lock. Ivar grabbed the ropes to force a break. Ivar responded catching Gable with a sit-out spinebuster for two. Ivar went for a flying moonsault but Gable moved. Gable planted Ivar with a bridging German Suplex for a close two count to a great reaction. Ivar stopped Gable from climbing the ropes. Ivar went for a superplex. Gable countered hitting a Super German Suplex. Gable went for a flying moonsault. Valhalla stood on the ring steps which distracted Gable. Ivar took advantage planting Gable with a powerbomb. Ivar delivered a flying moonsault for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a great back-and-forth action packed match. It’s been really fun getting to watch Ivar get a chance to shine as a single’s wrestler. Ivar needed the win after taking that fluke loss to Akira Tozawa last week. Chad Gable is the one of most talented wrestlers on the WWE roster. It’s been a bummer seeing Gable not do much as a single’s wrestler after having the great series of matches with Gunther for the Intercontinental Title. The distraction finish with Valhalla distracting Gable by standing on the ring steps was lame. They protected Gable with the distraction finish. I would like to see a rematch where Gable gets the clean win over Ivar. That would lead to Gable getting a single’s run so he can go back to wanting to win the Intercontinental Title.
Cody Rhodes & CM Punk Promo
Cody Rhodes came out to a huge reaction and a great firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder and louder every week. CM Punk came out next to a huge reaction. Cody and Punk shook hands. The crowd was split as they were big chants for Punk. There were big chants for Cody.
Punk said they should take a moment to enjoy this before they start. Punk said he and Cody took very different paths to get here. Punk said Saturday night everything changes. Punk said he hopes he and Cody are still friends on Sunday. Punk said for them to enjoy this moment. The crowd was split chanting for Cody and Punk. Cody asked the crowd and Punk what he wanted to talk about?
Punk smiled and thought about something. Huge chants of Punk from the crowd. Punk held his hand up to silence the crowd. Punk said he wanted to talk about Cody’s father “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. The crowd gasped. Punk recalled telling a story when Dusty called him about sending Cody to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) to begin his journey as a professional wrestler. WWE’s former developmental system before NXT.
Punk recalled Dusty to keep an eye on Cody for him. Punk said he wasn’t sure if he was right for the job at that point. Punk said when Dusty asks for a favour, you say yes. Punk said it wasn’t a hard job because Cody didn’t get into any kind of trouble. Punk said he watched Cody go from being a preliminary wrestler to becoming a bonafide main eventer. Punk said it might sound a little condescending coming from him but he’s proud of him. Punk said he’s bringing this story because he feels like he’s breaking a promise. Punk said he’s going to be looking for Cody in the Royal Rumble. Punk said he would punch Cody in the face and win the Royal Rumble. Punk said he would go onto main event WrestleMania. There were some mixed boos.
Cody spoke about how a number of people in the WWE office (Triple H, Michael Hayes, Bruce Pritchard) and Paul Heyman (A tease) see him as Dusty Rhodes son. Cody said it’s a very large shadow. Cody said he’s done everything in his power since the first time he left WWE to be the light in the shadow. Cody said he showed up to OVW with no experience being a nepotism hire. Cody spoke about Punk making a name for himself on the independent scene for 10 years. Cody said Punk treated him like a peer. Cody said it’s bitter sweet because they are no friends in the Royal Rumble.
Punk asked Cody about Sunday morning. Punk wondered if Cody could separate business from personal. Punk wondered if Cody could do the same? Punk said the business is personal to Cody. Punk said Cody is the son of one of the most legendary professional wrestlers. Punk said he didn’t have a famous dad. Punk spoke about having to fight and claw to where he got. Punk said he didn’t see Cody as a nepotism hire, he saw the burden of Cody’s last name. Punk congratulated Cody and told him that he’s done it with flying colours. Punk put over Dusty for being a legend. Cody and Punk went over some lines from a famous Dusty promo. Punk said he didn’t have a famous father. Punk said his father was blue collar and an electrician, which he said makes it ironic. Punk said “I’m more of the American Dream than you are.” The crowd gasped at this line.
Cody said, “Okay, American Dream, here’s what I want to talk about.” Cody said, “let’s talk about the Pipe Bomb.” Punk removed the WWE logo from the microphone and tossed it ringside. The crowd cheered this. Cody said Punk inspired a revolution. Cody noted to count him as one of them. Cody noted Punk left. Cody said Punk really left. Cody said Punk didn’t pass the torch. Cody said Punk dropped the torch. Cody said Punk didn’t care who picked up the torch. Cody said Punk knows who picked it up? Cody said he did. The crowd cheered. Cody said that where Punk talked, he actually walked it. Cody said “What’s actually ironic, that makes me more CM Punk than you.” The crowd gasped at this line.
Punk removed his jacket and said it’s starting to get hot in here. Punk repeated the line about Cody being more CM Punk than him. Cody and Punk got face to face. Punk said to allow him to give him the Full Road to WrestleMania CM Punk experience. Punk said Cody has carried the company for two years and they gave him the video game cover. Punk congratulated Cody for being the cover superstar and noted it’s on sale soon. The crowd cheered. Punk said that just as Cody was about to cross the finish line and finish his story. Punk said a much bigger superstar who hasn’t come around in a very long time has showed up to take it away from him. Punk said he was talking about him as the bigger superstar. (This was great. They gave a nod to The Rock’s appearance on WWE Raw Day 1 teasing a match with Roman Reigns.)
Cody said Punk was looking out for him again. Cody said Dusty was his best friend. Cody spoke about Dusty regularly quoting a John Wayne line. Cody recalled one of the quotes. Cody said “ Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” Cody said he has only one direction to go. Cody said that direction is forward. Cody said that’s going through Punk at the Royal Rumble.
Cody dropped the mic. Cody went to leave the ring but bumped Punk on the way out. Punk pulled Cody back. Cody and Punk went nose to nose. They had an intense stare down. The crowd was split chanting for both Cody and Punk. Cody and Punk both looked into the crowd. Cody and Punk said stuff off mic. They both exited opposite sides of the ring. Cody and Punk both stared at each other from opposite sides of the ring. Punk approached the commentary team. Punk put his hands around Wade Barrett and encouraged him to punk him to win the Royal Rumble.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was the highlight of the show. This was tremendous stuff. Punk was excellent here as he first said great things about Cody from knowing him in OVW to becoming the superstars he is in WWE. The American Dream line was a good on as Punk mentioned his dad wasn’t famous but Cody’s dad was a legendary respected wrestler. Cody coming back turning letting his actions speaking saying he did everything what Punk said in the Pipe Bomb promo. Punk’s comeback mentioning a bigger star coming back to take the spot was excellent. They teased with The Rock but Punk mentioned his name. Punk giving his experience how Rock got both WrestleMania 28 main event spots without saying Rock’s name. The stare down was excellent as you want to see Cody and Punk have a match. The men’s Royal Rumble feels like a really huge match. This promo right here made you want to see the Royal Rumble match.
Micheal Cole threw to a video on Hulk Hogan winning the WWF Title 40 years ago at MSG. They aired soundbites of Hogan talking about Cody and Seth and Punk and Bayley and Becky. He spoke about the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches. Hogan mentioned you never know who might show up. Hogan said “You never know, I might have one more in me.”
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark def. Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Katana Chance and Kayden Carter were watching ringside. LeRae shined early catching Baszler with a series of arm drags. Stark tagged herself into the match. LeRae connected with a ropewalk hurricanrana sending Stark onto Baszler on the floor in a nice spot. Hartwell caught Stark with a spinebuster. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven were watching backstage. LeRae connected with a Codebreaker/Senton combo to Baszler and Hartwell for a two count. Stark tagged into the match. Baszler went for a Kirifuda Clutch. LeRae reversed into a reverse rollup. Baszler rocked LeRae with Z360 for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a good match with both teams getting a chance to shine. Another good showing from Baszler and Stark as they made for a solid team.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Katana Chance & Kayden Carter had a stare down with Baszler and Stark after the match. Asuka and Kairi Sane appeared as they attacked Carter and Chance. Asuka and Sane celebrated with Dakota Kai.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — There was the other reason for having Damage CTRL on the show to showcase Asuka and Sane heading into their WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match on SmackDown. I would like to see Asuka and Sane win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Asuka and Sane winning plays into the bigger story with Damage CTRL having the titles.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Drew McIntyre backstage. McIntyre noted he had nothing to say to Cody and Punk. McIntyre said he said everything to Cody and Punk’s face. McIntyre said he heard what Priest said earlier. McIntyre noted things weren’t 100% right in WWE and the world when he was champion. McIntyre said he’s sick of people putting a negative spin on what he achieved during that time. McIntyre said he stepped up and was a hero they needed. McIntyre noted he beat AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and Goldberg who he beat during that time as champion. McIntyre noted that’s the proudest he’s been as champion. McIntyre told Priest he’s not ready to be champion. McIntyre said Priest isn’t physically and mentally ready. McIntyre that’s there’s only room for one chosen one. McIntyre said you’re looking at him.
Bayley was backstage with Asuka, Kairi Sane and Dakota Kai. Natalya and Tegan Nox weren’t pleased Damage CTRL were on Raw. Adam Pearce appeared and told them to stop arguing. Pearce noted he invited Bayley to Raw to promote the Royal Rumble’s and Women’s Tag Team Title match for SmackDown. Kai noted if Pearce has a program he should speak to Nick Aldis. Pearce noted if Aldis was tired of looking at himself in the mirror he would do that. Bayley told Pearce on Asuka and Sane win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Title he should get to use to seeing them more. Damage CTRL left.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I liked how Pearce explained why Damage CTRL who are on SmackDown made an appearance on Raw.
Pearce was approached by Jinder Mahal, Veer and Sanga backstage. Mahal spoke about being the most talked about superstar in 2024. Mahal said he went face to face with The Rock. Mahal took credit for injuring Rollins. Pearce said they could talk in his office. Pearce said he needs a drink.
They aired a second WWE Royal Rumble by the numbers video.
Drew McIntyre def. Damian Priest
McIntyre received a strong heel reaction. McIntyre and Priest began exchanging big strikes. McIntyre caught Priest charging sending him flying with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. Priest responded running McIntyre into the ring post. Priest took control sending McIntyre crashing with a Broken Arrow onto the announcers table. Priest rocked McIntyre with a lariat for two. McIntyre and Priest connected with stereo boots for a double down. McIntyre made his comeback sending Priest flying with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. McIntyre followed hitting a neck breaker. McIntyre called for the Claymore Kick but Priest moved. McIntyre planted Priest with a spinebuster for two. Priest caught McIntyre with an elevated flatliner for two. McIntyre responded nailing Priest with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre went for dive but Priest moved. Priest caught McIntyre with a Broken Arrow for two. Priest connected with a springboard Tope Con Hilo to the floor. The crowd buzzed as R-Truth made his way ringside. R-Truth wanted to give Priest his cut for the merchandise sales. Priest showed R-Truth to the floor. Priest went for a springboard but McIntyre intercepted him with a Future Shock DDT. McIntyre called for the Claymore Kick. Priest stood on the ring apron asking Priest for the password? McIntyre decked R-Truth with a right hand. Money went flying around the ring. Priest caught McIntyre with the South of Heaven. The referee was distracted with R-Truth. Priest sent R-Truth to the floor. McIntyre took advantage hitting a Claymore Kick for the win. (Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a good hard hitting action packed match as both McIntyre and Priest worked great together. McIntyre has been showcased on top of the card teasing program with both Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. McIntyre needed the win to showcase him as one of the favourites to win the Men’s Royal Rumble match. I like the comedy R-Truth and his silliness he brings in the backstage segments with Judgment Day. R-Truth’s comedy doesn’t work when it happening during main event matches. I’m guessing R-Truth’s continued involvement will lead to Priest splitting away from Judgment Day. Priest had a strong showing as he and McIntyre worked a good match. The finish with R-Truth’s involvement didn’t make Priest look good.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
The big takeaway from the show was Seth Rollins injury update as he will work his through the injury to defend the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. The main goal was to build the Royal Rumble show. Cody Rhodes/CM Punk promo was excellent as the Men’s Royal Rumble match feels like a big match. They got over what they wanted by presenting Nia Jax as the favourite going into the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Chad Gable and Ivar had a great match that’s worth checking out. The main event was good but R-Truth’s comedy brought it down a notch. Overall, this was a solid episode of Raw. They hit all the right notes on the important stuff. I’m looking forward to watching Royal Rumble which should be a great show.
