Raw is XXX
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
January 23, 2023
Results from wrestleview.com
“Then. Now. Forever. Together.” The WWE video leads us into the
show.
The iconic chords of Rick Derringer’s “Real American” thunder in the
arena, and the Philadelphia crowd explodes as 2-time WWE Hall of
Famer Hulk Hogan and “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart come out to
the stage.
Hogan says he has something to tell the WWE Universe. Hogan starts
to speak, but his microphone intermittently cuts out. A stagehand
runs out and gives him a new microphone. Hogan puts over Monday
Night Raw before asking the immortal question that’s on everybody’s
mind: “What’cha gonna do when Hulkamania, 30 years of Monday Night
Raw, and the Philadelphia Eagles run wild on you?” The crowd loudly
cheers for the Eagles reference.
A video plays highlighting 30 years of Monday Night Raw.
We go back live into the arena to see a big pyrotechnics display.
The Bloodline holds Tribal Court with Sami Zayn
The crowd erupts once again as the music of The Bloodline hits.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns comes out, along with
“The Wise Man” Paul Heyman, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The
Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn. As The Bloodline makes their way to
the ring, replays are shown of Kevin Owens putting Roman Reigns
through a table on SmackDown. Sami Zayn was late to make the save.
In five days, Roman Reigns will defend the Undisputed WWE Universal
Championship against Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble. The crowd
buzzes and chants after the music stops. Most of the chants are in
support of Sami Zayn. Reigns takes the microphone and says,
“Philadelphia… acknowledge me!”
Reigns wants to get right down to business. Reigns takes a seat at
the head of a table set up in the ring. Sami Zayn sits on one side,
and The Usos sit on the other side. Paul Heyman takes the
microphone, and an “ECW” chant fires up. Heyman says, “Ladies and
gentlemen of the jury, my name is Paul Heyman…” Heyman noticed a few
moments ago that they were chanting three letters that are near and
dear to him. Another LOUD “ECW” chant picks up. Heyman says to
Reigns that ECW is dead, and he wishes the same for Sami Zayn! The
crowd boos him. The Usos sneer at Zayn, and Zayn looks very nervous.
A “Sami” chant picks up. Heyman speaks in Samoan and says Zayn is a
Judas. Zayn is a betrayer of the Island of Relevancy. Zayn has been
in a conspiracy with Kevin Owens since day one. Zayn has been
leading them on to feel good about themselves and how much he
belongs in The Bloodline. Zayn was making them feel like the fans of
the Philadelphia Eagles. They’re going to feel like the fans of the
Philadelphia Eagles after they get conquered by Brock Purdy of the
49ers! The crowd LOUDLY boos this!
Heyman says this is an open-and-shut case. He has exhibits A, B, C,
D, and E. Heyman went all the way down to L, M, N, O, and P. Heyman
has all he needs to show that Zayn is guilty as charged. The
prosecution hereby presents their evidence.
Exhibit A: August 2022 shows Drew McIntyre attacking The Usos while
Sami Zayn runs away in the background.
Exhibit B: August 29, 2022, shows Kevin Owens beating Jey Uso after
Sami Zayn failed to act.
Exhibit C: At Survivor Series, Sami Zayn was seeking individual
glory after winning WarGames.
Exhibit D: On December 23, 2022, Sami Zayn accidentally bumped Roman
Reigns on SmackDown. Heyman calls this assault on The Tribal Chief.
That was an assassination attempt. What next? Will he euthanize
Reigns’ father or castrate his sons? Heyman begs of The Tribal Chief
to find this rat bastard guilty as charged.
Heyman says the prosecution rests its case.
Zayn sadly picks up a microphone and slowly rises to his feet. Zayn
chuckles and says he had a whole defense all lined up and laid out
in his head. The one thing he didn’t count on was how he would
actually feel when he came out here. Watching and listening to Paul
Heyman say all that to his face after every time he’s hugged him,
that hurt so much. Watching him play that video and carefully
crafting it… what does he think he’s doing? Does Heyman actually
think he’s conspiring against The Tribal Chief? How can he possibly
think that? That hurts. After everything that has gone on, the
people see it. They’ve seen it all over the past nine months. The
fact that Zayn would be forced to sit here on trial to defend
himself hurts. Heyman shouts, “Good!” Zayn says his defense is that
he has no defense. Zayn throws the microphone down and takes a seat.
Roman Reigns looks conflicted and grabs a microphone. Reigns wants
to get something straight… Zayn has no defense? Zayn has so much ego
that he doesn’t care about this? This doesn’t mean anything to him?
Reigns gave him opportunity after opportunity and welcomed him into
his family. This is how he repays him? Reigns shouts, “Solo!” and
throws the microphone down. Sikoa approaches Zayn, who isn’t even
trying to defend himself, and goes to hit a Samoan Spike… but Jey
Uso stops him! The crowd erupts.
Jey says he put together his own footage last night.
Defense Exhibit A: June 3, 2022, shows The Usos beating RK-Bro for
the titles with an assist from Sami Zayn on production.
Defense Exhibit B: August 19, 2022, shows Sami Zayn taking a hit
from Drew McIntyre to save Roman Reigns.
Defense Exhibit C: September 9, 2022, shows Sami Zayn saving Solo
Sikoa from being hit with a chair.
Defense Exhibit D: December 9, 2022, shows Sami Zayn helping The
Usos retain the titles.
Defense Exhibit E: Sami Zayn stops the referee from counting a pin
for Kevin Owens over Roman Reigns. Zayn then attacked Owens and laid
him out for Jey Uso to pick up the victory at WarGames.
Zayn looks emotional watching the video. Jey says it’s all right
there on tape for Reigns and the whole world to see. Zayn has taken
so many bullets for him, Reigns, and the whole Bloodline. Zayn is
basically bulletproof. Zayn looks really pleased. Jey didn’t trust
Zayn at first. Jey actually despised him, but Zayn saw the good in
him the whole time and never gave up on him. That’s what families
do. That tape demonstrates loyalty and love to this family. Jey says
he loves Zayn like a brother. Jey tells the crowd to throw ones to
the sky if they want Zayn to stay in The Bloodline. The entire crowd
puts one finger (the index one, of course) in the air to support
Zayn.
Reigns rises to his feet and looks at Zayn. A “Sami Uso” chant fires
up. Reigns says, “As your Tribal Chief and the Head of the Table, I
find you, Sami Zayn, not guilty!” Heyman hangs his head in
frustration and looks up to the sky. Reigns adds a caveat and says,
“…for now.” Reigns tells Zayn to thank Jey Uso because he bought him
some time. Reigns tells Zayn to finish out tonight and make The
Bloodline proud. Reigns then doesn’t want to see Zayn again until
Saturday at the Royal Rumble. Reigns doesn’t want to hear from him.
Zayn will deliver his final test at the Royal Rumble. We’ll see if
Zayn really is The Bloodline or not. Reigns puts the microphone
down. Zayn looks nervously at Reigns. Sikoa sneers at him and leaves
the ring. Jey puts his lei on Zayn and hugs him. Zayn also hugs
Jimmy Uso.
Coming up tonight, Austin Theory will defend the United States
Championship against Bobby Lashley in a No Disqualification Match.
Becky Lynch will also battle Bayley in the first Women’s Steel Cage
Match in 19 years. We’ll also see more WWE Legends.
Coming up next, The Usos will defend the Raw Tag Team Championship
against The Judgment Day.
Raw Tag Team Championship
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) (c’s) w/ Sami Zayn vs. The Judgment Day
(Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio) w/ Finn Bálor and Rhea Ripley
Jimmy Uso will start against Damian Priest. Priest quickly
overpowers Jimmy. Priest sends him into the ropes, but Jimmy hangs
on and sends him out of the ring. Priest gets on the apron, but
Jimmy kicks him in the head. Jimmy goes for a dive, but Priest
moves. Jimmy puts the brakes on in time. Jimmy gets out of the ring,
and Dominik Mysterio gets in his face. Jimmy knocks Mysterio down.
Priest then pounces Jimmy onto the commentary table. Priest gets
Jimmy in the ring and tags Mysterio in. Mysterio connects with a
slingshot senton. Finn Bálor gets a cheap shot in. Mysterio punches
away at Jimmy and tags Priest in. Priest kicks Jimmy in the chest
and sends him into the ropes for a jumping back elbow for a
one-count. Priest applies a modified surfboard stretch.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and
Solo Sikoa are watching this match backstage.
Priest sends Jimmy into the ropes and forearms him in the small of
the back. Priest tries again, but Jimmy takes Priest down with a
lariat.
Jey Uso and Mysterio tag in. Jey hits a pair of clotheslines before
kicking him in the midsection and uppercutting him. Jey hits
Mysterio with a Samoan Drop. Rhea Ripley looks nervous. Jey crushes
Mysterio with a hip attack to the face for a near fall. Mysterio
fights back, but Jey kicks him down. Priest tags in and goes for
South of Heaven. Jimmy blind tags in. The Usos hit Priest with a
double-team spinebuster for a near fall. Priest fights off The Usos
with strikes before avalanching them both in the corner a few times
back and forth. Priest hits Jey with a Broken Arrow. Jey rolls out
of the ring. Priest sets up for a plancha, but Jimmy superkicks him.
Priest answers with a superkick of his own. Priest then CRUSHES The
Usos with a somersault senton to the floor! Priest gets Jimmy in the
ring and hits a big lariat for a near fall.
Priest hits Jimmy with a diving elbow in the corner. Mysterio tags
in. Priest knocks Jey off the apron. The Judgment Day hits Jimmy
with a modified Doomsday Device for a near fall. Rhea Ripley is not
happy with the referee’s count. Priest tags back in and goes for a
Crucifix Powerbomb, but his back gives out. Jey tags in. The Usos
hit Mysterio and Priest with stereo superkicks for a near fall.
Bálor checks on Priest at ringside. Bálor throws Mysterio into the
ring to distract the referee before crotching Jey on the top rope.
The referee catches Bálor in the act and ejects him from ringside!
Bálor flips out!
In the ring, Jey goes for an Uso Splash, but Priest gets the knees
up and covers for a near fall. Jey immediately superkicks Priest and
tags Jimmy in. Jimmy hits an Uso Splash… but Priest kicks out!
Ripley displays a huge sigh of relief. Jimmy hits Priest with a
diving plancha to the floor. Ripley shouts at Kevin Patrick on
commentary.
Jimmy’s ankle appears to be hurt. Jey and Sami Zayn check on him.
The referee quickly calls for medical personnel to come to ringside.
They begin to help Jimmy Uso to the back. WWE Official Adam Pearce
runs out to check on the situation. Pearce says if Jimmy cannot
continue, they will have to forfeit the match and the titles. Sami
Zayn has a solution. One Uso is down. Jimmy Uso is hurt, but Sami
Uso is good to go. Zayn wants to defend the titles with Jey. The
crowd is buzzing. Pearce says he did it for The Judgment Day, so
he’ll do it for Raw XXX. This match will continue with Sami Zayn.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Solo Sikoa are closely watching.
Jey and Zayn get in the ring and brawl with Priest and Mysterio.
Zayn clears the ring and hits Priest and Mysterio with a big
somersault plancha! Zayn’s head hit the commentary table on the
landing. Zayn gets Mysterio in the ring. Priest grabs Zayn’s ankle.
Mysterio rolls Zayn up and gets his feet on the ropes, but Zayn
kicks out! Mysterio mauls Zayn with strikes. Zayn quickly hits
Mysterio with an exploder into the corner. Ripley gets on the apron
to distract the referee. Priest sneaks in and hits Zayn with South
of Heaven. Mysterio covers… but Zayn barely kicks out!
Mysterio knocks Zayn into the ropes and goes for a 619, but Jey
superkicks Mysterio and Priest. Ripley runs in, and Jey stops
himself from superkicking her. Ripley challenges him. Mysterio
dropkicks Jey into the ropes and hits a 619. Mysterio hits Jey with
a Frog Splash and covers, but Zayn breaks up the pin! Priest runs in
and forearms Zayn in the face. Priest charges, but he hits the ring
post shoulder-first when Zayn moves. Mysterio knocks Zayn out of the
ring. Jey lifts Mysterio, but Mysterio slides off. Zayn blind tags
in. Jey superkicks Mysterio. Jey and Zayn hit the 1D for the
victory!
Winners by Pinfall and still Raw Tag Team Champions: The Usos (Jimmy
and Jey Uso [Sami Zayn subbed])
Roman Reigns says Zayn pulled it off tonight, but he doesn’t want to
see him until Saturday. Jey Uso and Sami Zayn celebrate big time in
the ring.
Winners and STILL #WWERAW Tag Team champions, The Usos! #RAWXXX
Baron Corbin and JBL are walking backstage when they bump into The
Godfather. Godfather embraces JBL and asks who his stooge is.
Godfather thinks his name is “Barry Corwin.” Godfather says Corbin
isn’t on the list. JBL wants to speak with the owner. Godfather
knocks on a doorframe with an “APA” logo on it. Ron Simmons walks
out and embraces his old tag team partner, JBL. They slip Simmons
and Godfather two stacks of cash. Corbin and JBL enter into the
poker game. Other WWE Legends are in the room playing poker with
some undercard stars.
Still photos are shown of some historic Raw highlights.
LA Knight is in the ring. Knight says last Friday on SmackDown, Bray
Wyatt brought back the Firefly Funhouse. Knight asks if he’s really
supposed to be scared of a grown man playing with puppets. Knight is
all man. Wyatt is living on past glory. Raw is turning 30 years old
tonight. Legends in the back are living on past glory like Wyatt. If
any single one of those legends has enough tingle in their loins,
he’ll give them a preview of the Pitch Black Match at their expense.
No one responds until…
THE BELL TOLLS! THE CROWD ERUPTS!
The Undertaker’s music begins to play until it transitions to the
music of The American Badass by Kid Rock! The Undertaker comes out
on his motorcycle! Big Evil drives down to the ringside area and
circles the ring, in effect circling his prey.
Undertaker gets in the ring and poses until LA Knight shouts to cut
the music. A LOUD “Undertaker” chant fires up. Before they take this
anywhere, Knight heard what Undertaker said on Joe Rogan about the
locker room being soft. Knight agrees and says Wyatt exemplifies
that. Knight does not. Knight gets in the ring and asks Undertaker
to consider the next headline. LA Knight is going to send The
Undertaker to the undertaker. LA Knight then backs away and says
he’ll give Undertaker a pass. He’ll let Undertaker live to see
retirement, but he wants him to watch the Pitch Black Match. Knight
is the new Lord of Darkness.
The lights go out. A spotlight shows on Knight. A figure holding up
a lantern appears behind Knight and scares him back. We see that it
is Bray Wyatt. Wyatt starts a slow walk to the ring, and Knight
backs up in fear. Knight gets in the ring. The Undertaker sneaks up
behind him and grabs him by the throat. Undertaker applies the
goozle and brings Knight to his knees. Undertaker holds Knight
before throwing him to Wyatt. Wyatt hits Knight with Sister Abigail
before staring at The Undertaker. Undertaker stares at Wyatt and
approaches him before whispering something to him. Undertaker then
leaves the ring and rides off on his motorcycle.
Backstage, Chad Gable, Otis, Diamond Dallas Page, Alundra Blayze,
and Baron Corbin are playing poker. JBL picks up her discarded WWF
Women’s Championship. Gable folds. Blayze has a full house, but DDP
beats her with a straight.
The Steel Cage begins descending above the ring. The first Women’s
Steel Cage Match in 19 years on Raw is ready to take place.
Bayley makes her way to the ring alongside WWE Women’s Tag Team
Champions Dakota Kai and IYO SKY.
-Commercial Break-
Steel Cage Match
Bayley vs. Becky Lynch
As Becky Lynch goes to get into the ring, Dakota Kai and IYO SKY run
down. Lynch tries to fight them off, but they get the better of her.
They launch Lynch into the wall of the cage with a double-team
flapjack before hitting her in the midsection with a chain. They get
Lynch in the ring. Damage CTRL is in the ring with Lynch. They send
her into the cage wall. Kai locks them in the cage with a chain and
a padlock.
WWE Official Adam Pearce runs down and tries to regain order, but he
cannot get in the ring. Bayley and Kai assist Sky with a moonsault
on Lynch. A boltcutter is brought to ringside, and Pearce cuts the
chain to get into the ring. Damage CTRL climbs to the top of the
cage and poses. It doesn’t look like Lynch can compete.
Later tonight, Austin Theory will defend his United States
Championship in a No Disqualification Match against Bobby Lashley.
-Commercial Break-
More photos of some historic moments on Monday Night Raw are shown.
“Are you ready?”
D-Generation X, consisting of Hall of Famers Shawn Michaels, Triple
H, “The Road Dogg” Jesse James, and X-Pac comes out to the ring.
Kurt Angle is tagging along with them and appears to be an honorary
member tonight. Angle participates in the “Suck It” pyro taunt.
The Road Dogg says the more things change, the more they stay the
same. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages…”
Road Dogg goes through his shpiel. As he goes to say, “The Badd Ass
Billy Gunn,” he notices Daddy Ass isn’t there, and in his place is
Kurt Angle. Angle says he always wanted to be in DX and reveals he’s
wearing a DX shirt. Shawn Michaels says Angle will have to pass a
test to get in. Triple H asks if he’s ready. Angle asks if that’s
really the test. Triple H prepares to do the “Let’s get ready to
‘suck it,'” which if you really look at the phrasing is an odd thing
to want to do collectively, but he’s stopped by Imperium!
Imperium gets in the ring. Ludwig Kaiser says DX is filth and
nonsense. WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER says DX is making a
mockery of this precious sport. They are going to kick DX out of
their ring unless they’re going to do something about it. Triple H
gets in his face before saying he’s retired. An “HBK” chant picks
up. HBK says he’s too old and can’t do it. X-Pac says he has a bad
case of shin splints. Road Dogg steps up before saying he won’t
fight him. Triple H calls Road Dogg “Butterbean,” the famous boxer
who knocked out Bart Gunn at WrestleMania 15, which also took place
in Philadelphia. DX huddles and looks at Kurt Angle. Triple H then
puts his arm around Angle and says Angle will fight them. Angle says
he won’t. DX says they’re in a bit of a jam. He wishes there was
someone that would want to fight them.
“BURN IT DOWN!”
Seth “Freakin” Rollins heads to the ring to a big reception! X-Pac
says there’s only one Rollins and three of Imperium. If only there
were a team around to help him face Imperium. The Street Profits
make their way to the ring. Shawn Michaels says they need someone to
make this official. Triple H says this booking decision isn’t easy.
If only there were someone that could come out and make sense of
this situation.
WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long makes his way to the stage and says,
“Hold on a minute, playa!” Long has the perfect idea. Tonight,
Imperium will face The Street Profits and Seth “Freakin” Rollins in
a 6-Man Tag Team Match, playa. HBK says they’ll need someone to keep
this chaos under control. Triple H asks if he means a special
referee. Angle says he has an idea, but Triple H says they’ll be
with him in a second. Angle takes off the DX shirt and reveals a
red, white, and blue referee’s shirt. Triple H makes it official.
HBK says if you’re not down with the 6-Man Tag Team Match, they’ve
got two words for ya: “SUCK IT!”
-Commercial Break-
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler will be on commentary for
the next match.
6-Man Tag Team Match
Imperium (WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, Ludwig Kaiser, and
Giovanni Vinci) vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins and The Street Profits
(Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford)
Special Guest Referee: Kurt Angle
Seth “Freakin” Rollins starts against Giovanni Vinci. Vinci hooks a
side headlock, but Rollins fights out. Rollins kicks and
clotheslines him. Jerry “The King” Lawler mentions he’s wearing the
same jacket he wore on the first Monday Night Raw. Lawler tells
Kevin Patrick the next time he throws out his old clothes, he should
stay in them! Montez Ford tags in and takes it to Vinci. Vinci soon
takes him down with a stiff clothesline. Ludwig Kaiser tags in and
attacks Ford. Kaiser takes it to Ford before Ford fights back with
chops. Angelo Dawkins tags in and slams Ford onto Kaiser. Dawkins
attacks Kaiser and drops him with a right hand. Jerry Lawler wonders
if Kevin Patrick will make it to Raw 31.
Rollins and GUNTHER tag in. Gunther kicks and clubs him. Gunther
drops him on the apron. Rollins avoids a strike on the apron and
knocks him back. Rollins goes for a springboard clothesline, but
Gunther chops him out of midair. Gunther twists the neck and chops
Ford off the apron.
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: Kaiser tags in and chokes
Rollins on the ropes. Kurt Angle admonishes him. Vinci gets a cheap
shot in on Rollins. Kaiser rips at Rollins’ face. Vinci tags in and
crushes Rollins with a backbreaker. Rollins tries to fight him off,
but Vinci knees him. Kaiser tags in. Imperium has Rollins hanging
over the ropes. All three sandwich Rollins with big boots. Imperium
poses. Gunther gets Rollins in the ring and stomps him. Kaiser tags
back in. Kaiser applies a side headlock. Rollins fights him off, but
Kaiser pulls him down by the hair. Kaiser puts the chin lock back
on.
Back from the break, Kaiser cinches in the chin lock. A graphic in
the corner has The Street Profits spelled as “The Street Proifits.”
Rollins fights up and takes Kaiser down. Vinci quickly tags in, but
Rollins escapes the attack. Ford tags in and kicks Vinci back. Ford
hits a pair of clotheslines followed by some wild chops. Vinci
reverses a whip, but Ford clotheslines him down. Vinci avoids an
enzuigiri, but Ford flips through a back suplex. Ford takes Vinci
down and applies an Ankle Lock. Dawkins applies an Ankle Lock to
Kaiser. Angle looks pleased. Vinci desperately tags Gunther in.
Gunther attacks Ford and Dawkins before getting in Angle’s face.
Angle shoves Gunther.
Rollins knocks Gunther out of the ring. Dawkins hits Kaiser with a
somersault plancha! Ford then hits Vinci with a nasty somersault
senton! Rollins sets up for a suicide dive, but Gunther runs in and
takes him down. Gunther boots him back and hits a Powerbomb for a
near fall. Gunther goes for a German Suplex, but Rollins flips
through. Rollins hits Gunther with an enzuigiri and a superkick.
Rollins connects with an Angle Slam on Gunther! Angle smiles widely.
Vinci tags in, as does Ford. Vinci clotheslines Ford. Kaiser sets up
for an Imperium Bomb, but Rollins runs up and hits a superplex
before twisting Kaiser onto Dawkins’ shoulders. Ford and Dawkins hit
a super blockbuster! Gunther runs in, but Rollins hits the WWE
Intercontinental Champion with a Pedigree! Vinci runs in, and
Dawkins hits a spinebuster. Ford hits Vinci with a HUGE Frog Splash.
Rollins then sizes Vinci up and hits a Stomp for the victory!
Winners by Pinfall: Seth “Freakin” Rollins and The Street Profits
The Street Profits and Seth Rollins get the win vs. Imperium!
We go back to the poker game. Baron Corbin defeats “The Million
Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase in poker. Irwin R. Schyster walks up. IRS
reminds Corbin to pay his taxes. IRS puts all the winnings in his
briefcase and gives Corbin a single $100 bill to keep after taxes.
DiBiase shouts, “Everyone has a price!” Ron Simmons walks up and
surveys this sad situation. Simmons looks around, thinking about the
perfect word that can sum up this particular set of circumstances.
JBL, who has spent so much time with Simmons, knows where this is
going, as does everyone else. Simmons has no choice but to dig down
deep into his Hall of Fame soul and deliver the perfect word:
“DAMN!”
Coming up next, we’ll see SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte
Flair.
-Commercial Break-
More photos are shown from some of the great moments in Monday Night
Raw’s history.
Cathy Kelley is backstage with Bobby Lashley. She asks why the match
against Austin Theory became a No Disqualification Match. Lashley
says No DQ means there are no excuses for Theory. Theory can’t get
himself disqualified, and Lashley can’t be suspended for what he’ll
do to him. Lashley says he’d have already defeated Theory if not for
Brock Lesnar. Lashley took care of Lesnar and the stupid suspension.
Now he’s got Theory.
MVP walks up and says he knows Lashley will stay true to his word.
MVP wants to celebrate after he wins. Lashley says he didn’t need
MVP or Omos to become #1 Contender. Tonight, he’ll handle his
business. Lashley walks off. MVP says, “Handle your business.”
“WOO!”
“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair comes out to the stage in a WILD suit.
Flair says we’re celebrating 30 years of Raw. The crowd keeps their
lights shining and keeps The Nature Boy stylin’ and profilin’.
Diamonds are forever and so is Monday Night Raw. WOO! WWE has given
him so much and lets him be successful, but the greatest gift is
getting to watch his daughter succeed and surpass his goals. Flair
is so honored as a father, wrestler, and fan to be here to introduce
the greatest Women’s Champion in the history of WWE, Charlotte
Flair!
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair comes out to the stage
and embraces her father. Charlotte Flair walks down to the ring, and
Ric Flair walks to the back. Corey Graves says there are 30 World
Championships between the two of them and counting.
Charlotte Flair gets in the ring. Flair says it was right here on
Raw where they began to revolutionize Women’s Wrestling. She evolved
from a Diva to a 14-time Women’s Champion. Woo! Flair has faced
names like Ronda Rousey, Nikki and Brie Bella, Asuka, and Rhea
Ripley. Flair is able to call herself the most decorated women’s
athlete of all time. She’s here as the SmackDown Women’s Champion,
but Monday Night Raw will always be her home.
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair makes her way to the ring! An
“EST” chant picks up. Belair says she respects everything Flair has
done for this business, just not here. This is Belair’s show and her
home. She does all she can to make sure Raw is the greatest show on
television.
Sonya Deville’s music hits, and she comes out to the stage. Flair
and Belair look confused. Deville asks if they realize how historic
tonight’s show is. Was it really necessary for Charlotte Flair to
fly her daddy out to give her an introduction on a show no one wants
her on? As for Belair, does she really think people tune in to Raw
to see her? Deville says she used to run this show and has been held
down. Where is her recognition? Flair says she owes Deville for the
cheap shot this past Friday, but this is Belair’s show. Why doesn’t
Belair handle Deville? Belair has no problem with that, and she’ll
make Deville the center of her attention. Deville thinks about it.
We’ll see if this match takes place.
-Commercial Break-
The classic WrestleMania 21 movie commercials are hyped up.
Non-Title Match
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Sonya Deville
Belair easily handles Deville in the early moments of the match.
Belair dropkicks her to the corner and shoulders her. Deville soon
gets the advantage and punches away at Belair’s midsection. Deville
looks into the camera and says this will be Charlotte Flair. Deville
puts Belair in the corner and punches the midsection. Deville hits a
snapmare and goes for a sliding knee, but Belair avoids it. Belair
rolls her up for a one-count. Belair boots Deville back and goes to
the second rope to taunt her. Belair backflips over her and hits a
backbreaker. Belair hits a handspring standing moonsault for a
two-count. Belair whips Deville to the corner, but Deville boots her
back. Belair quickly sends Deville out of the ring. Deville gets on
the apron, but Belair dropkicks her to the floor. Belair boots her
back from the apron and jumps over her. Deville kicks Belair back.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Belair hit a delayed vertical
suplex. Belair goes for a standing moonsault, but Deville gets the
knees up. Deville viciously kicks her down and rolls her up for a
two-count. Belair soon overwhelms her out of nowhere and hits the
KOD for the decisive victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Bianca Belair
Bianca Belair gets the win vs. Sonya Deville.
Bianca Belair says this is a preview of what she’ll do to Alexa
Bliss at the Royal Rumble. Nothing will stop her from leaving as
champion. Alexa Bliss appears on the screen and says she is Belair’s
only obstacle. If everyone could just leave her alone, Belair would
know it. Bliss can rip her face off. She’ll spare Belair’s eyes so
she can see her leave with the Raw Women’s Championship. Belair
sneers in the ring.
Video: Cody Rhodes will return in the 2023 Royal Rumble Match
The United States Championship match is still to come.
-Commercial Break-
John Cena is the featured wrestler on this year’s cover of WWE 2K23.
The Miz is in the ring, and he does not look happy. On the 30th
Anniversary of Monday Night Raw, where is his Miz TV, championship
match, or celebration of all his Raw moments? He is the first-ever
Grand Slam Champion in the history of this company. The crowd starts
buzzing. All of a sudden, Kevin Owens gets in the ring and hits Miz
with a Stunner!
Owens grabs the microphone out of the stunned Miz’s hands. Owens
says Roman Reigns thinks Sami Zayn isn’t guilty, but Reigns is
guilty of holding the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship hostage
for two years. At the Royal Rumble, Owens gives everyone his word
that he will do everything he can to change that and give everyone a
champion they can be proud of. Owens will just keep fighting until
he has nothing left. On Saturday, he’s taking that title from Reigns
or will die trying.
Miz stumbles to his feet, so Owens hits him with another Stunner
that sends him out of the ring. Owens angrily paces around the ring
before storming off.
My wife Victoria, who is currently experiencing early labor
contractions 15-20 minutes apart, won't be happy to see The Miz, her
favorite, get crushed, but I enjoyed this.
The commentators run down the card for the 2023 Royal Rumble.
United States Champion Austin Theory makes his way to the ring.
He’ll face Bobby Lashley in a No Disqualification Match next.
-Commercial Break-
United States Championship – No DQ Match
Austin Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley
The bell rings, and they lock up. Lashley powers Theory to the
corner and punches him down. Theory pops out of the corner and
applies a side headlock. Lashley slams him off and clotheslines him
out of the ring. Lashley goes outside and drives Theory’s head into
the ring post.
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: Lashley drives Theory into the
barricade a few times. Lashley puts him in the ring, but Theory
quickly slides out. Theory tries to escape by crawling under the
ring, but Lashley grabs him. Lashley whips him to the barricade and
poses. Lashley puts Theory in the ring and slowly gets in. Lashley
attacks him in the corner and throws him out of the ring again.
Lashley lifts up the ring apron and goes for a weapon. Theory
attacks him from behind, so Lashley mauls him with elbows to the
skull. Lashley drives him into the barricade and hits a neckbreaker.
Lashley cheesed out on taking the back bump on the floor. Lashley
goes for a weapon, but Theory attacks him. Theory grabs a table,
which seemingly delights the crowd. Theory then puts the table back
under the ring to upset them. Lashley attacks Theory getting in the
ring and whips him to the corner. Lashley charges and connects with
a shoulder.
We come back from the break to see Lashley hit a neckbreaker.
Lashley goes for a delayed vertical suplex. Theory pokes him in the
eye to get out of it and hits a rolling thunder dropkick. Theory
hits a fisherman’s neckbreaker to the knee for a near fall. Theory
punches away at Lashley before leaving the ring. Theory grabs a
steel chair and gets in the ring. Theory smashes the chair on
Lashley’s spine before wedging it between the turnbuckles in the
corner. Theory approaches Lashley. Lashley grabs him by the head and
throws him over the top rope to the apron. Lashley knocks Theory to
the floor. Lashley goes to leave the ring, but Theory sweeps the
feet.
Theory gets Lashley in the ring and goes under the ring for a table.
The crowd cheers in approval as Theory slides the table into the
ring. Theory approaches Lashley, but Lashley applies the Hurt Lock!
Theory fights it, so Lashley rolls him up for a two-count. Lashley
hits a flatliner before sending Theory headfirst into the chair
wedged in the corner. Theory’s shoulder also hit the ring post for
good measure. Lashley sets up the table in the ring and goes outside
to grab Theory. Theory sprays him in the face with a fire
extinguisher and sends him headfirst into the ring steps!
-Commercial Break-
Picture-in-Picture Commercial Break: They show replays of what
Theory just did to Lashley. Theory puts a second table in the ring
and leans it in the corner. Theory grabs the fire extinguisher and
sprays Lashley with it again. Theory poses with the fire
extinguisher before putting Lashley in the ring. Theory goes to
drive Lashley through the table that is leaning in the corner, but
Lashley stops him. Lashley tries to put him through the table, but
Theory avoids it. Theory then throws Lashley out of the ring and
taunts the Philadelphia crowd. Theory goes outside, but Lashley
quickly fights him and puts him back in the ring. Theory dropkicks
Lashley in the knees. Theory goes to the top rope, but Lashley cuts
him off.
We come back from the final break of the evening at 10:57 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time. There are only three more minutes set for Raw
is XXX. Lashley hits Theory with a superplex. We’re in the final two
minutes. Lashley hits Theory with a modified dominator. Lashley
sizes Theory up for a Spear through the table, but Theory kicks him.
Theory lifts him, but Lashley slides off and applies a Hurt Lock.
Theory low blows him. Lashley quickly makes a comeback and hits a
spinebuster through the table!
Brock Lesnar’s music hits! The crowd erupts! Lesnar is the one who
cost Lashley the title months ago. We’re in the final minute of Raw.
Lesnar gets in the ring and hits Lashley with an F5! Lesnar then
grabs Theory and gives him an F5 onto Lashley for the victory! The
show almost immediately goes off the air after.
Winner by Pinfall and still United States Champion: Austin Theory