WWE Raw opened with CM Punk driving into the arena, jumping out, and coming to the ring from a promo. Punk explained how after beating Seth Rollins on Raw last week, he is done with Rollins. Punk would start talking about WrestleMania and John Cena, before announcing himself as a Royal Rumble participant. He would request his music, only for Seth Rollins’ music to hit.
Rollins came to the ring, but not in his usual jovial mood. Seth removed his sunglasses to reveal his black eye. He explained how last week was the worst loss of his career, but he shows up when times get tough, unlike CM Punk. Rollins’ new goal is to win the Royal Rumble, sticking it to Punk.
Drew McIntyre came to the top of the entrance ramp to interrupt the two. Punk would quickly remind him how their last match went, advising him not to take a step closer. McIntyre was there for Rollins, explaining how he is just like Punk, but without the self-realization. Drew ended the segment by declaring for the Royal Rumble.
The first match featured Chad Gamble versus the best luchador the general manager could find, and a not-so-well-kept secret, Penta. For the hype and talent in the ring, the match was boring and uneventful. There was an entertaining exchange, starting with a chop exchange, and finishing with a high spot from Penta. Penta would debut his WWE finisher, the Penta Driver, a scoop-handle piledriver, a good WWE version of his typical finisher, the package piledriver.
Sheamus versus Ludwig Kaiser was the next match. These two have an ongoing rivalry, with some of the most physical matches. Both men would bring the physicality once again, along with great reversals. Kaiser got cocky, trying to use Sheamus’ finisher against him. Sheamus saw it coming, reversing it into a Brogue Kick of his own for the victory. Bron Breakker came face to face with Sheamus after the match, pushing him before WWE officials arrived. Sheamus will challenge Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship on Main Event.
The World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther, had a promo in the ring. Jey Uso didn’t allow him to get too far before interrupting to a huge pop from the crowd. Uso challenged him for his title, this Saturday on Main Event. Gunther explained how he has beaten Uso multiple times, and “Main Event” is not a nickname for him, it’s where he belongs. Unbothered, Gunther accepted the challenge from what he referred to as “a great tag-team wrestler”.
The inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship was on the line on Raw. Lyra Valkyria and Dakota Kai made it to this, the finals of the Women’s Intercontinental tournament. Lyra started strong, including an impactful suplex from the apron to the floor. Both women executed great reversals and power moves, resulting in numerous believable false finishes. After being reversed on her first attempt, Valkyria hit her finisher, Nightwing, to become the first-ever WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion. These women delivered a championship-caliber match on Raw.
The Miz and Sami Zayn faced off next. High paced match with smooth reversals and false finishes both ways. Zayn would win by hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb after a Helluva Kick. Other than being relatively short, they put on an entertaining show.
The new Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley, came to the ring for a celebration but was quickly interrupted by Nia Jax. Jax declared for the Royal Rumble, issuing a warning to Rhea Ripley and Tiffany Stratton. Jax got into it with Bayley, who was there “as a fan” in her hometown. Ripley and Bayley came out on top in the two-on-one brawl.
The main event was a street fight between Damian Priest and Finn Balor. The former faction mates and tag team champions, find themselves loading the ring with weapons before their match. Balor had the upper hand early, blindsiding Priest from behind while he was looking up the entrance ramp. Priest got the kendo stick from him, and the two were swinging wildly.
Fighting their way into the crowd, amongst other things, the two exchanged brutal garbage can shots. Making their way up the steps, they would set up a spot in the audience with a massive drop. Priest used his Falcon Arrow to drive Balor from the top of the ramp, down through a setup of equipment.
Finn Balor was on a stretcher after the commercial break, but Priest wasn’t having it. After disposing of the other members of The Judgment Day, Priest attacked Balor, sliding him off the stretcher, back into the ring. Just when it appeared Priest had Balor set up for a chokeslam, Judgment Day ended that plan. The street fight continued, and so did the three-on-one attack.
War Raiders ran to even the odds, leaving Balor and Priest one-on-one in the ring. Balor delivered numerous loud, stiff, chair shots. Balor sat Priest in a chair, putting another one over his head. Priest reversed into a South of Heaven chokeslam, leading to a tense false finish. After taking turns going through a table, Priest pulled out the victory.
WWE Raw delivered a historic inaugural champion, personal storylines, hardcore moments, and more. Everything is unfolding as we head toward Royal Rumble.
Howe Fresh
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