WWE Raw
Honda Center in Anaheim, California
Michael Cole welcomed us to WWE Raw. Jey Uso was shown arriving to the arena earlier in the day. Judgment Day was also arriving earlier in the day.
We saw a Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre highlight package. This was the opening match on the show.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre came out to a strong heel reaction. Cody Rhodes got a huge reaction. Cody got an awesome firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder. Huge Cody chants to start the match. This felt like a big match. They showed Cody and McIntyre WWE 2K24 ratings. Cody was 93 and McIntyre was 89. McIntyre took control early mounting Cody with grounded strikes. Cody responded using McIntyre’s momentum sending him to the floor. Cody took control catching McIntyre with a Dragon Screw against the ropes. Cody applied a Figure-4-Leg Lock. McIntyre reversed the hold as Cody grabbed the ropes. McIntyre caught Cody with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a two count as they returned from break. McIntyre rocked Cody with chops who no-solid it. McIntyre responded kicking at Cody’s knees. Cody battled back catching McIntyre with a running bulldog. Cody followed hitting a powerslam. Cody connected with a disaster kick for a two count. Cody connected with a Cody Cutter but McIntyre kicked out at two. Cody called for Cross Rhodes but McIntyre broke free. Cody rocked McIntyre with a Bionic Elbow as they returned from break. McIntyre responded catching Cody with a Spinebuster for a two count. McIntyre followed hitting a Sit-Out Powerbomb for a two count. The fans chanted This Is Awesome. McIntyre called for Claymore Kick but Cody caught him with a Superkick. Cody called for a Pedigree but McIntyre blocked. McIntyre called for Future Shock DDT. Cody countered hitting a Pedigree. Cody called for Cody Cutter but McIntyre caught him with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre connected with a Future Shock DDT for a two count. Cody stopped McIntyre from climbing the ropes. Cody caught McIntyre with a Superplex. Cody followed hitting a Super Cody Cutter but McIntyre kicked out for a great two count. The fans cheered as Cody pointed at the WrestleMania sign. The crowd booed as Jimmy Uso ran down. Cody knocked Jimmy off the ring apron. The fans cheered as Cody called for Cross Rhodes. Solo Sikoa appeared rocking Cody with a Samoan Spike. McIntyre delivered a Claymore Kick for the win.
WINNER: Drew McIntyre
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This had a big match feeling. This was a great back and forth action packed match as both Cody and McIntyre worked great together. I thought they would’ve went with a Dusty Finish when they announced the match for Raw. Cody rarely loses on WWE TV so this felt like a big deal. This loss further’s Cody’s story of needing help after The Bloodline costed him another match. This was another big win for McIntyre building more momentum who should win the Men’s Elimination Chamber and challenge for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania.
We saw a highlight package hyping the WWE Intercontinental Championship match between Gunther vs. Jey Uso.
We saw an Andrade highlight package. Andrade said he was a third generation lucha. Andrade spoke about his grandfather, and father being wrestlers. Andrade smiled when saying his wife is a wrestler. Andrade spoke about his family, friends and coaches having many expectations. Andrade said he won’t let that stop him. Andrade said he controls his destiry. Andrade said his destiny is here in WWE. He said the destiny of Andrade El Idolo has begun.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was another great highlight package as Andrade came off as a big time star.
Pat McAfee showed through his telestrator graphics how Solo Sikoa costed Cody his match against Drew McIntyre.
Cody was being checked out in the medical office. Adam Pearce appeared telling Cody he kicked Jimmy and Solo out of the arena. Pearce said Jimmy and Sikoa will be paying a big fine. Pearce asked Cody if he needed anything. Cody said he’s fine. WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins appeared. Rollins took off his glasses. Cody and Rollins had a stare down. Rollins padded Cody’s leg as he left in approval.
Last Chance Women’s Battle Royal Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
The participants included Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, Zelina Vega, Zelina Vega, Electra Lopez, Katana Chance, Michin, Chelsea Green, Ivy Nile, Maxxine Dupri, B-Fab, Alba Fyre, Island Dawn, Valhalla, Tegan Nox Natalya, Indi Hartwell, Candice LeRae and Xia Li. Raquel Rodriguez made her return to a great reaction. Valhalla eliminated Dupri. Rodriguez eliminated Valhalla and Xia Li. Rodriguez nailed Dawn with a big boot to eliminate her. Nox saved Natalya from elimination. Natalya eliminated Nox. Stark nailed B-Fab with a Superkick. Baszler and Stark eliminated B-Fab. The crowd booed as Lopez eliminated Vega. Michin eliminated Lopez. Vega brawled with Lopez outside the ring. Green eliminated LeRae. Baszler eliminated Hartwell. Baszler eliminated Chance. Fyre went for a Tornado DDT but Rodriguez eliminated her. Rodriguez went for a Powerbomb but Natalya countered into a head scissors. Ivy Nile eliminated Natalya. Nile rocked Baszler with combination kick. Baszler and Stark eliminated Nile. Michin sent Stark flying with a German Suplex. Baszler and Stark worked together to eliminate Michin. Baszler went for a knee strike but Baszler caught her. Rodriguez eliminated Baszler. Baszler saved Stark from getting eliminated. Rodriguez eliminated Stark with a big boot. Rodriguez eliminated Green to win the battle royal.
WINNER: Raquel Rodriguez
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a pretty standard battle royal. I did like how they presented Baszler and Stark as strong team having them work together. I was fine with Jade Cargill not being part of the match. Cargill has superstar potential and could become one of WWE biggest stars. It would make sense for Cargill to not be part of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match if she’s not going to win. It was nice to see Rodriguez make her return. Rodriguez isn’t going to win but she could have a great showing being the powerhouse in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match.
Jey Uso was backstage. Jey said the wait is over. Jey said he will end the reign of Gunther’s WWE Intercontinental Title reign. YEET.
Rhea Ripley / Nia Jax Interview
They had a split screen interview with WWE Women’s’ World Champion Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax. Cole asked Ripley if she had butterflies heading into the her home country. Ripley said she worked for this. She said the last time she competed there was seven years ago. She recalled not being comfortable in her own skin when she started with WWE and she tried to please everyone. Ripley said she wanted to quit and then reminded herself of who she was.
Jax mocked Ripley’s story saying it was so cute. Jax said she’s twice Ripley’s size and has triple her talent. Jax said she would squash Ripley again and make her go home to cry to her mother. Ripley said Jax will tremble when she hears everyone chanting for Mami. Ripley said Jax’s nightmares will become reality when she realizes that she’s just not good enough. Ripley said she would see Jax in Perth. Ripley removed her microphone and left. Jax looked angrily into the camera.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a solid segment. Jax was good here playing such an unlikable heel. Ripley was really good showing great intensity in the promo. The reaction for Ripley in her home country when she beats Jax is going to be incredible.
Micheal Cole gave a shout out to the folks from Netflix who were seated behind the commentary table. They stood up and applauded. They showed a graphic that Raw is coming to Netflix in January 2025.
Jackie Redmond was backstage as she hyped her interview with R-Truth earlier in the day. Jackie and R-Truth walked in the rain. They played some gloomy music in the background. R-Truth said when he first met Judgment Day it was special. R-Truth said it was just like the time John Cena tried on jean shorts. Truth also spoke about Damian Priest breaking his heart. Truth said he hasn’t cried this much since the finale of “This Is Us”. Jackie asked Truth if he would ever be able to let anyone in again? R-Truth said he had new friends in Triple H and Shawn Michaels. They showed an image of R-Truth with Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. The graphic said “not” Triple H and Shawn Michaels. That was funny. R-Truth made a heart symbol and walked away.
They showed a really cool drone shot of camera entering the arena. Samantha Irvin introduced UFC Lightweight Fighter Michael Chandler who got a big reaction. He called himself the most entertaining fighter in the UFC. Chandler called out Conor McGregor to a UFC Fight. This got a big reaction. They cut to commentary. McAfee said he hopes this fights happen.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — I would expect to see more of this between WWE and UFC going forward to help hype each others’s shows. Chandler was treated like a star and the challenge to McGregor got a big reaction. That drone shot of the camera looked really cool. I’m really liking how WWE is trying new stuff in production to make the shows feel more fresh.
Chad Gable was alone backstage. Gable delivered a serious promo saying Ivar and Valhalla had a mission to tear down the Alpha Academy. Gable said it’s WrestleMania season and it’s time to get serious. Gable said he will leave his crew in the back. Gable told Ivar to leave his crew in the back as well.
Ivar delivered a quick promo speaking about vanquishing all members of the Alpha Academy. Ivar said he accepts Gable’s challenge for single’s competition.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh) vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa), R-Truth & The Miz
R-Truth got a great reaction. DIY got a solid babyface reaction. Judgment Day came out to a strong heel reaction. A brawl quickly broke out between both teams. DIY, R-Truth and Miz did the DX cross chop. Ciampa and Gargano rocked Balor with combination strikes as they returned from break. Balor responded running Gargano into the Judgment Day corner. Priest took control rocking Gargano with a huge lariat. Balor placed Gargano in a side headlock. R-Truth ran wild planting McDonagh with a Blue Thunder Bomb. R-Truth followed with a Five Knuckle Shuffle. R-Truth called for Attitude Adjustment but Priest tagged in. Priest launched R-Truth into the ring post. Ciampa ran wild after the break rocking Balor and McDonagh with a double clothesline. Ciampa planted McDonagh with Willow Bell’s DDT. Ciampa followed hitting a Corkscrew Hilo to Priest on the floor. Ciampa caught Balor with a Reverse DDT but McDonagh made the save. Gargano caught McDonagh with a slingshot spear. Dominik nailed Gargano with a superkick. Miz rocked Dominik with a big boot. Balor caught Miz with a Slingblade. Balor and Ciampa connected with stereo crossbody. This Is Awesome chants. R-Truth rocked Priest with a corkscrew elbow. R-Truth nailed Priest with a scissors kick. The fans chanted R-Truth. R-Truth connected with Mic Check for a two count. DIY and Miz delivered stereo plancha to Judgment Day on the floor. R-Truth went for dive but Priest stopped him. Priest went for South of Heaven but R-Truth countered with a victory roll for a two count. Priest caught R-Truth with South of Heaven for the win.
WINNERS: Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a really fun action packed match with everyone getting a chance to shine. The fans were completely behind R-Truth as they really him to get to win. I was fine with Priest winning since he’s still holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. There’s really putting time into the story with R-Truth and Judgment Day. I could see R-Truth getting his moment when he and The Miz beat Judgment Day and win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania.
We saw a highlight package of The Rock joining The Bloodline on SmackDown.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn backstage. Sami said he’s been thinking about what’s going on. Sami said he needs to hit the pause button with Drew McIntyre. Sami said he’s been down the road with obsession. Sami said it’s WrestleMania season and said he knows there’s a path. Sami said he knows there’s a path for him to get to WrestleMania and do something history. Sami said he’s a contender and will be a champion.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Could this lead to Sami Zayn challenging Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania? Or could Sami make his way to SmackDown where Kevin Owens is and maybe go after the WWE United States Title? The key word is champion but didn’t specifically say what championship.
Women’s Elimination Chamber Promo Segment
Becky Lynch came out to a big reaction. Huge Becky chants. Becky spoke about Anaheim being an amazing crowd. Becky spoke about doing some amazing things in her career. Becky said there’s not a lot of new things. Becky said the hat is wearing is new. Becky asked the crowd if they liked the hat? The fans cheered. Becky said the hat stays. Becky said she’s entering the Elimination Chamber for the first time in her career and will try to earn the right to face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. Becky said she and Ripley will eventually collide and it will be the fight of their lives. Becky said she and Ripley both live for what they do. Becky said Ripley has been riding a wave of momentum and mentioned she’s been propped up by Judgment Day. Becky said she’s the biggest threat to Ripley’s title. Becky said she’s the best she’s ever been. Huge Becky chants. Becky said everyone else inside the chamber is the best they’ve ever been as well. Becky said she enters the Elimination Chamber against the five of the company’s most promising stars. She went over the names. Becky said she’s has nothing against the most of them. Becky mentioned Tiffany is kinda annoying. Becky mentioned she’s beaten the most of them but not inside the Elimination Chamber with WrestleMania hanging in the balance.
Liv Morgan came out to a solid reaction. Liv said she’s a fan of the hat. Liv said she was not a fan of listening to Becky explain why she should face Ripley at WrestleMania. Liv said she doesn’t care who the best is. Liv said it’s about her revenge, her redemption and her life. Liv mentioned she and Ripley were partners. Liv mentioned she found great success with her new partner Raquel Rodriguez. Liv blamed Ripley for costing her and Rodriguez the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Liv blamed Ripley for injuring her the week later. Liv reminded us she was the last person to beat Ripley.
Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance and said both women made good points, but they were all about Ripley. She brought up the possibility that Nia Jax could beat Ripley. Rodriguez entered the ring and said she’s the only woman who is big enough and strong enough to face Ripley or Jax.
Naomi came out next to a great reaction. Becky welcomed Naomi back. Naomi said “Thank you, my Man.” Naomi entered the ring. Naomi said she didn’t come back just to come back. She said her has goals inside and outside the ring and this go around is big for her. She said she was there to climb her way to the top.
Tiffany Stratton came out next. Tiffany got a strong heel reaction. Tiffany said it’s Tiffy Time. Stratton said that while Naomi was out trying to make another name for herself. “Naomi said “And did.” Tiffany said Naomi left an empty space. Tiffany said she only cares about being the centre of the universe. Tiffany said nobody cares about the past. Tiffany said that’s all she sees when she looks at them. Tiffany said she’s the future.
Bianca Belair came out to a huge reaction looking amazing. Belair said Stratton might be new in WWE and explains why she doesn’t seem to know what running her mouth will get her. Belair said she is the EST and has been at the tippy top for a very long time. Belair entered the ring and said she’s done something that none of her Chamber opponents have done. Belair said she’s won a past Women’s Elimination Chamber match. Belair said she would pin them all if she has to. Belair said you can’t spell WrestleMania without EST.
Tiffany said Belair was so last year. Belair went to address Tiffany. Liv then addressed Tiffany. This led to Tiffany rocking Liv with a forearm smash. A brawl broke out. The fans booed as Nia Jax entered the ring. Jax took out all the Women’s Elimination Chamber participants.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — Becky was great once again on the mic wanting fans to see her face Ripley at WrestleMania. This was your standard segment with all the Women’s Elimination Chamber participants coming out for a promo which led to a brawl. They have done a good job building up Jax as strong challenger for Ripley. Jax coming out and destroying all the Women’s Elimination Chamber match was an interesting way to go.
Gunther delivered a promo. Gunther said tonight was the biggest night of Jey Uso’s illustrious career. Gunther said Jey could win his first single’s championship in WWE. Gunther said he’s the Ring General. Gunther said he’s the greatest and longest reigning WWE Intercontinental Championship of all-time. Gunther said he would make it clear that Jey doesn’t belong in the main event. Gunther told Jey he will have to keep on dreaming.
We saw a Shinsuke Nakamura promo in Japanese with English subtitles. Nakamura said “Sami Zayn. You want to be a contender? First of all…fighters fight. True fighters don’t whine to everyone and try to get a spotlight. You want a spotlight? I’ll give you one. If you think you’re an underdog, I’ll make sure you stay that way. By defeating you again…By dragging you to the very bottom. Then, you bask in everyone’s sympathy. But I will show them that their contender…is a pretender. You want more Shinsuke. Anytime…Anywhere.”
They showed “King” Callum Walsh who’s an undefeated professional boxer ringside.
Chad Gable vs. Ivar
Ivar took control early rocking Gable with a running boot. Gable responded catching Ivar with a rolling kick. Gable followed hitting a flying crossbody to Ivar on the floor. Ivar quickly took back dropping Gable onto the barricade. Ivar planted Gable with a Powerbomb onto the barricade. Gable caught Ivar with a super hip toss off the turnbuckle for a two count as they retuned from break. Ivar took back control catching Gable with a Tiger Bomb for a two count. Ivar went for a Tiger Driver but Gable countered into a Sunset Bomb for a two count. Gable went for an ankle lock but Ivar broke free. Gable connected with a Cactus Clothesline sending Ivar to the floor. Ivar responded shoving Gable into the led board. Ivar called for a sliding crossbody but Gable moved. Gable called for a German Suplex but Ivar blocked. Ivar nailed Gable with a spin kick. Ivar connected with a flying seated senton to Gable for a two count. Ivar called for a Doom Sault but Gable moved. Gable made a comeback planting Ivar with a German Suplex which got a big reaction. Gable delivered a Flying Moonsault but Ivar kicked out for a great two count. Gable placed Ivar in an ankle lock for the submission win.
WINNER: Chad Gable
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a solid match as Gable and Ivar worked great together. Gable is such a talented wrestler as he came off looking like a star in the win who’s ready to breakout.
They showed the different start times for the WWE Elimination Chamber PLE show.
Cathy Kelly interviewed Drew McIntyre backstage. McIntyre thanked Cathy for congratulating him over his victory over Cody Rhodes. McIntyre said Cody has been riding a wave of momentum. McIntyre was happy he was just the second person to pin Cody. McIntyre called himself the savour of WrestleMania. Cathy asked McIntyre if the win feels tainted after The Bloodline helped him? McIntyre said no. McIntyre said he heard people calling him a hypocrite. McIntyre said he wanted to attack the Bloodline when he saw them onsite. Mcintye said he can’t think like that. McIntyre said he’s not selfish. McIntyre said he’s doing this for the World Title, for Raw and the fans. McIntyre said he would win the Elimination Chamber match. McIntyre said he’s going to go on to WrestleMania because he is the true workhorse of WWE. McIntyre said he’s future World Heavyweight Champion.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were backstage. Woods said Jey would win the WWE Intercontinental Title. Woods said next week’s its his and Kofi’s turn. Kofi said Imperium tried to end his career. Kofi said they didn’t get the job done. Kofi said Imperium put them in a state of mind they didn’t want to be in. Woods said they’ve been doing this for a decade. Kofi said there’s a reason why teams target them. Kofi said said it’s because they are the industry standard when it comes to tag team wrestling. Kofi said there’s no better team than the New Day. Kofi said it’s not over until they say it’s over. Woods said they have a surprise for Imperium. Kingston said there would be no rules. Woods and Kingston picked up kendo sticks. Kofi and Woods said they would face Imperium next week on Raw in a Street Fight.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — New Day are one of the most beloved WWE babyface teams. This was cool seeing both Kofi and Woods show more of a serious side. I thought both Kofi and Woods delivered strong promos showing great fire wanting fans to see the Street Fight with Imperium which they have been building.
John Crimber who’s a professional Bull Rider was shown in the crowd.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Gunther [c] vs. Jey Uso
Gunther received a strong heel reaction. Gunther made his entrance as they were going over the matches for next week Raw. Jey Uso came out to a big reaction. McAfee stood on the announcer’s table joining in on Jey’s pose with the crowd. There was a funny momentum as Gunther looked at McAfee who stopped. Gunther took control early rocking Jey with huge chops. Gunther planned his boot onto Jey’s face. Gunther backdropped Jey onto the barricade. Gunther followed backdropping Jey onto the ring apron. Jey battled back catching Gunther with a jumping kick as they returned from break. Jey went for a dive but Gunthe caught him with a chop. Gunther went for a Powerbomb but Jey blocked. Jey responded planting Gunther with a Samoan Drop onto the announcer’s table. Gunther caught Jey charging with a Woo Dropkick. Gunther connected with a Stack Powerbomb for a two count. Jey went for a Superkick but Gunther blocked. Gunther rocked Jey with a lariat for a two count. Gunther applied a Boston Crab but Jey grabbed the ropes. Jey used Gunther’s momentum sending him to the floor. Jey followed hitting a tope to the floor. Gunther and Jey exchanged strikes as they returned from break. The crowd chanted YEET as Jey rocked Gunther with a strike. Gunther quickly responded rocking Jey with huge chops. Gunther grabbed Jey and taunted him. Gunther went for a Powerbomb but Jey escaped. Jey rocked Gunther with a spear for a good two count. Gunther stopped Jey from climbing the ropes. Gunther launched Jey with a Super Headlock Suplex. Gunther delivered a Super Splash but Jey kicked out at two. Gunther and Jey exchanged strikes. Jey caught Gunther with a spear coming off the ropes. Jey caught Gunther with a second spear on the ring apron. Jey connected with a third spear on the floor. Jey caught Gunther with a running tackle. Jey connected with an Uno Splash to Gunther. Jey covered Gunther. The crowd booed as Jimmy Uso was ringing the bell at ringside. WWE security went to send Jimmy away. Jey rocked Gunther with a Superkick. Jey delivered a tope onto Jimmy and the security guards. Jey went for an Uso Splash but Gunther got his knees up. Gunther applied a rollup to win and retain the title.
WINNER: Gunther retained the WWE Intercontinental Title
Jimmy rocked Jey with a Superkick after the match. Jimmy told Jey he’s always the big brother. The crowd booed loudly. Jimmy delivered an Uso Splash to Jey. Jimmy pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Jimmy delivered a second Uso Splash to Jey. Jimmy did the Bloodline sign. The show ended.
(Amin’s Thoughts) — This was a really good action packed match. They have done such a terrific job making Gunther titles matches feel like a big deal. Gunther was just tremendous here as he always brings out of the best in his opponents. Gunther shouldn’t be losing the title this close to WrestleMania. A great showing from Jey Uso working a strong main event level match. I didn’t mind the distraction finish because it puts more heat on Jimmy costing Jey from winning his first single’s WWE title. The closing angle was strong to begin the build for Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso at WrestleMania.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
A really strong episode of Raw. The opening and closing matches felt like PPV quality matches we saw on TV. The best part was everything on the show felt like it actually mattered. There was strong build for the Elimination Chamber show. They also started the strong push for Jey vs. Jimmy Uso for WrestleMania. Overall, a very good episode of Raw. We should get a more clear picture for the WrestleMania card coming out of the Elimination Chamber show. The Road to WrestleMania is starting to really heat up.
