[intro music playing]
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
[bell tolling]
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] Welcome to Monday Night RAW!
So excited for this Saturday night's Royal Rumble!
Corey Graves is in the ring for the official weigh-in.
♪ Reach out and we take it ♪
♪ 'Bout to emerge We on the verge ♪
♪ And it feels like greatness ♪
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official weigh-in
for the WWE Championship Match at the Royal Rumble!
Without further ado,
please welcome the challenger,
"The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley!
-["All Mighty" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Jimmy, I have so many goosebumps right now.
I mean, this is the final stop,
the final stop, for this Saturday night.
Are we looking at, once again,
the next WWE Champion in The All Mighty?
[Jimmy] When you look at that physique, when you feel that intensity,
it's hard to doubt it.
[theme song continues]
-[fireworks whistling] -[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] This is a match that Bobby Lashley has yearned for,
has dreamed about,
has salivated at the thought of standing inside the ring
across "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar.
[Jimmy] Also, he is a former WWE Champion.
Byron, what's hungrier than a man who's been there,
who's tasted greatness, who's been to the top,
and is looking up at it now?
He's incredibly motivated.
[Saxton] From his own mouth, Bobby Lashley has said,
"I don't just want this match,
I need this match."
[Jimmy] Well, how can you tell he needs it?
Because of the way he's training. Look at that.
[Saxton] Boxing training, strength and conditioning training.
Right now, you can very well make the point that Bobby Lashley
is pushing himself more than he has ever physically and mentally pushed himself
his entire career.
[Jimmy] Well, he knows what's at stake. His legacy.
[Saxton] A chance to leave…
-[fireworks exploding] -[crowd cheering]
…The Royal Rumble as the man who not only defeated Brock Lesnar,
but as the man who can call himself
WWE Champion.
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] You think there's a lack of focus on The All Mighty at all?
If there's one weakness, it's been that.
And I don't see that at all.
Intensely focused!
[Corey] And next, please welcome
the WWE Champion…
[crowd cheering]
-…Brock-- -[Heyman] Ladies and gentlemen…
[crowd cheering]
Ladies and gentlemen,
my name is…
[all] Paul Heyman!
And Mr. Graves, I'm so tired
of everybody stealing my shtick,
especially when no one does it half as good as I do.
Therefore, about to walk down that aisle
and step on the scales,
your reigning, defending, undisputed
WWE Heavyweight Champion of the world…
[all] Brock Lesnar!
-["Next Big Thing" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] Well, Mike Rome is a great ring announcer.
I'm just saying, Paul Heyman might have that career
when the time comes. What do you think of that?
[Saxton] There's a reason why this has been a dream pairing here in WWE
for nearly two decades between Paul Heyman,
the advocate of the WWE Champion, Brock Lesnar.
[Jimmy] Those aren't the clothes you normally wear to a weigh-in.
[Saxton] Brock Lesnar can wear whatever he wants.
Maybe it's his way of throwing Bobby Lashley off.
Okay, we know what kind of destruction Brock Lesnar is capable of.
[fireworks exploding]
[Jimmy] I think that belt buckle weighs about ten pounds.
Gotta take all that off. It's not easy to do.
[Saxton] Brock Lesnar knows he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone
the moment he steps inside that ring.
[Jimmy] He's been…
can you use the word "dismissive," of Bobby Lashley?
I mean, as crazy as that sounds--
[Saxton] I'll do you one better, not just dismissive, downright disrespectful.
It was Brock Lesnar who stood inside that ring,
he looked at Bobby Lashley…
[Jimmy] I get nervous when Brock Lesnar comes around us.
[Saxton] …he looked at Lashley in the eyes and said,
"I didn't even know who you were."
Had the audacity to call Bobby Lashley,
"Bobby who?"
[Jimmy] Called him "A wannabe Brock Lesnar."
That's what he thinks of the titan standing across him in the ring.
He doesn't look ready for a weigh-in at all!
[Saxton] You can feel the tension.
You can feel the intensity radiating off The All Mighty.
-[Corey] Pardon me. -[crowd cheering]
Pardon me, Mr. Lesnar, but I don't know if that's appropriate attire
for a weigh-in.
Mr. Graves, would you like for me to get naked for you?
[crowd cheering]
How about we just carry on with the weigh-in, please?
[sighs]
Bobby Lashley, as the challenger,
would you please step on the scale first?
[Saxton] We're in very familiar territory for The All Mighty.
[Jimmy] It's stunning every time.
[Saxton] Chiseled physique.
[referee] 273.
[Corey] Bobby Lashley's official weight,
273 pounds!
[crowd booing]
-[Saxton] That is a huge heavyweight 273. -[MVP] See that?
273 pounds of All Mighty killing machine!
273 pounds
of specimen like no other!
Closer to a god than a man!
273 pounds
of bottled lightning
that Brock Lesnar will have to contend with
at the Royal Rumble.
This is it!
The match that we've all been waiting for, it's gonna happen!
The one that so many had written off as impossible.
But The All Mighty, he knew it wasn't impossible.
He knew that this match was inevitable.
273 pounds!
And, actually, after the Royal Rumble,
Bobby Lashley is gonna gain a little weight.
The exact amount of weight
as that WWE championship.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Mister…
Mr. Lesnar, would you mind stepping on the scale?
And I, again, encourage you to maybe remove some of the clothing?
-Would you kindly hold my hat? -Yes, sir.
[Saxton] At least he just took his hat off.
[Jimmy] Took a tenth of a pound, maybe.
[crowd cheering]
The official weight for Brock Lesnar,
286 pounds.
[Jimmy] Even factoring in the clothes, that is a huge heavyweight.
[Lashley] Well, this is pissing me off.
You think this is funny, don't you?
You're acting like a fool because you know
that I'm gonna beat you for that WWE Championship this Saturday.
[crowd booing]
Mark my words,
this will be the shortest title run of your entire career.
[crowd booing]
And that's not a prediction…
that's a spoiler.
Well, who's the comedian now?
-[laughs] Paul, get this. -[Heyman] Yes, sir.
-On Sunday morning… -Yes, sir.
-…hot off the press… -Yes, sir.
…Bobby Lashley beats Brock Lesnar
in the Hurt Lock.
What?
-What? -Ladies and gentlemen,
-we have a new champion! -We do?
The new reigning, defending
WWE Heavyweight Champion of the world…
Bobby…
Who?
-[Jimmy chuckles] -[Saxton] Wow.
[Jimmy] Disrespect right in the face of Bobby Lashley yet again.
[Saxton] I'm telling you, Jimmy,
Brock Lesnar,
he may be looking past the threat of Bobby Lashley,
but he continues to fuel the anger of The All Mighty.
[Jimmy] Or could it be, he's trying to get Bobby Lashley
to be a little bit emotional?
There's got to be some gamesmanship here,
'cause we'll find out Saturday,
we'll see how cool Bobby Lashley is.
[Saxton] There's a phrase that was coined months ago by MVP,
and that phrase is, "An angry Bobby Lashley
is the best Bobby Lashley."
And Brock Lesnar has made Bobby Lashley extremely angry.
Yeah, we'll see how he handles it Saturday.
But one of the reasons the Royal Rumble is so exciting
is because a main event at WrestleMania on the line,
it absolutely changes careers.
Just ask Bianca Belair.
[Saxton] Yeah, Bianca Belair, a history-making performance last year,
-lasting nearly an hour! -[bells rings]
And this was a moment that would completely change the life
of Bianca Belair,
winning the Royal Rumble match and going on to WrestleMania.
And another history-making main event
against "The Boss" Sasha Banks.
And Bianca Belair making good on that performance,
pinning the shoulders of The Boss.
And Bianca Belair, in the main event of WrestleMania,
becoming the SmackDown Women's Champion.
-["Watch Me Shine" playing] -[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] And speak of The EST…
[Saxton] A lot of confidence oozing off that young lady right there.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for the fall.
Introducing first, from Knoxville, Tennessee,
Bianca Belair!
[Saxton] A big question for Bianca Belair is,
can she repeat this Saturday night?
But right now, Bianca Belair is going to turn her attention to Queen Zelina.
Which one of these Superstars will pick up momentum
headed towards the Royal Rumble this Saturday night?
It's Belair against The Queen!
It is next! It is live on RAW!
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW!
And there is cause for celebration.
The beautiful, talented, stunning wife of The Miz,
one half of the most must-see couple on television,
the it-couple, we celebrate Maryse's birthday
live on RAW! Did you guys bring gifts?
[Saxton] You're unbelievably excited. What I'm excited about is,
Damian Priest's remarkable, year-long undefeated streak came to an end
when he was defeated by the devious Kevin Owens.
The stakes are even higher in the rematch,
when Damian Priest defends his United States Championship
against Owens tonight on RAW!
[Corey] Well, it was last week that RK-Bro crashed the graduation ceremony
for the Alpha Academy,
making it clear they want another shot at the RAW Tag Team Title.
Well, get this, the Alpha Academy said, "Okay, you want a shot at our title,
we're gonna test your mental aptitude.
So tonight, Alpha Academy Academic Challenge will be round one,
and they've challenged RK-Bro to a spelling bee?
[Jimmy] Well, The EST of the WWE knows all about the Royal Rumble.
And momentum heading into it, that's what she's looking for tonight.
["Royal Doll" playing]
[Corey] Not gonna be an easy task for the EST tonight by any means.
[announcer] And her opponent
she is one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Queen Zelina!
[Jimmy] They call it the Royal Rumble.
Queen Zelina, she says, "It's fit for a queen. That's me!"
Hear ye! Hear ye!
The Royal Rumble is nigh.
And while the other peasants are picking my fruit out,
it's only fitting that I, Queen Zelina, queen of the people,
will become victorious
and ascend to my throne at WrestleMania,
as I wish.
[Saxton] You think Queen Zelina's ego is bad now,
imagine if somehow, someway,
Queen Zelina actually won the Women's Royal Rumble match.
[Corey] Saxton, Queen Zelina has a completely appropriately-sized ego.
She's The Queen of WWE.
Oh, and by the way, one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
Why wouldn't Queen Zelina be extremely confident?
[Jimmy] You've gotta admit, she has… Whoa!
[Corey] Although, Zelina may be no match for the power of The EST.
[Jimmy] Who just picked her up and set her down…
-to show her physical advantages. -[Corey] Uh-oh.
[Jimmy] Look at this! That's no way to treat The Queen.
[Corey] This is Bianca Belair, making sure The Queen comprehends the fact
that she can basically do whatever she wants right now.
[Jimmy] And look at that smile.
"You may have won the Queen's Crown tournament,
but you can't go toe to toe with me."
That's the message she's sending right now.
[Corey] Belair up and over Queen Zelina.
Tremendous athleticism by the EST! And a dropkick.
Boot right to the chin!
This has gotta be an extreme confidence-boost for Bianca Belair
before the women's Royal Rumble match this coming Saturday,
where Bianca has the chance to make history!
-[all exclaiming] -Great counter by Queen Zelina!
[Saxton] Beautiful transition to the jawbreaker there.
[Corey] Let's take another look at this.
Bianca showing off her power, but the veteran, Queen Zelina,
found her opening and exploited it.
[Saxton] And Zelina completely unleashing on the EST.
[Jimmy] I think she was at a similar disparity against Doudrop
in the finals of the Queen's Crown tournament. She found a way to win there.
[Corey] How can you not appreciate how fiery Queen Zelina is?
She's so tenacious, just continuing to soldier forward,
intent on toppling the EST, chaining her offense together.
[Saxton] It's her attitude that leaves a lot to be desired, Corey.
[Corey] It's confidence, Saxton.
And it's earned confidence.
Each time Queen Zelina steps into the ring,
-she's looking to solidify her legacy. -[Jimmy exclaiming]
[Saxton] Bianca Belair is confident. She's earned the right to be.
But she doesn't talk down to everyone, treat everyone like they're inferior.
[Corey] Big right hand by Bianca Belair.
[Jimmy] That forearm right to the face of Queen Zelina. She's in a precarious spot!
-[Corey] Look at that, the strength… -[Saxton] Oh, no!
[Corey] …by Bianca Belair! The Queen is going for a ride!
[Saxton] Big smile on the face of EST.
Making it look easy!
[Corey] Queen Zelina again with a great escape.
You can't get overconfident
with someone as resourceful as Queen Zelina.
[Jimmy] Has both hooks in on the back. A dangerous place to be!
Looking for the chin!
[Corey] This is brilliant strategy by Queen Zelina.
Zelina knows she cannot overpower Bianca Belair,
so Zelina needs to rely on her experience, her caginess inside the ring.
[Jimmy] And with position, you don't need power.
[Saxton] Belair really trying to dig deep right now.
Gotta find her second wind against Queen Zelina.
[Corey] We know that Bianca is intent on making history
by becoming the first woman to ever win two Women's Royal Rumble matches
this coming Saturday. But Queen Zelina could derail that train here tonight.
Beautiful transition.
-A hurricanrana. Look at that escape! -[Jimmy] Boom!
[Saxton] This is what Bianca Belair wants!
High-flying attacks, physical offense!
[Corey] Oh, Belair is rolling right now.
Queen Zelina in all types of trouble right now.
Hoisting up the Queen!
[Saxton] Quick suplex!
[Corey] Make it twice!
-[Jimmy] Look at this power! -[Saxton] Wow!
[Jimmy] That's making it look easy, gentlemen.
[Corey] Bianca Belair is a special athlete.
[Saxton] Oh! Countered just in time by Queen Zelina!
[Corey] See what I said? Queen Zelina is resourceful! She's tricky!
[Saxton] Here it comes! Code Red! This'll be it!
-Code Red incoming! No. -[Corey] Watch this! Oh, no.
-Change of plans. Change of plans. -[Saxton] Oh, no.
[Jimmy] Can't get the momentum!
[Saxton] Right into the KOD!
Face first goes Queen Zelina to the cover!
-[Corey] Goodbye, Queen! -[Saxton] One! Two! Three!
-And it's over! -[bells rings]
-[crowd cheering] -["Watch Me Shine" playing]
[announcer] Here is your winner, Bianca Belair!
[Corey] It was a disheartening defeat for Queen Zelina,
but the EST was able to overcome the veteran instincts of Queen Zelina,
the resourcefulness of Queen Zelina, with a thunderous KOD!
Able to negate the valiant effort of Queen Zelina.
And Bianca Belair has momentum on her side,
as she looks to capture back-to-back wins in Royal Rumble matches,
which hasn't been accomplished by anyone, male or female.
in 24 years!
[Jimmy] Well, another Superstar looking for momentum now, Kevin Owens.
He got it last week,
but he didn't exactly get it honestly, Corey.
[Corey] He was one-on-one with Damian Priest,
the United States Champion.
Kevin Owens appeared to be a little worse for wear
as this matchup progressed.
But a very brilliant strategy by Kevin Owens
would earn him a stunner and a victory
-over the United States Champion. -[Jimmy] It was a lying Owens
who feigned an injury and lied his way to a victory.
[crowd booing]
-[Patrick] Kevin Owens. -No.
You handled United States Champion Damian Priest
-his first pinfall loss last week. -That's right! You're right.
-His first loss on RAW by pinfall. -Albeit…
-Number one. -…by feigning injury along the way.
-And the question-- -Whoa, whoa, whoa! What?
What do you just say?
"Feigning injury"? Are you saying I'm…
Are you saying I was lying?
Listen to me. Have you ever been in the ring? No, right?
You don't know anything about this.
You know, your opinion is moot.
It's moot.
I'll tell you what happened last week. I wasn't feigning an injury.
You know what I did? I fought through the pain!
That's what I do! Read the shirt! What does it say?
-"Just keep fighting." -That's what I did!
I just kept fighting through the pain.
And now, tonight,
I get a United States Title Match because of that.
And guess what I'm gonna do tonight.
-Read the shirt! -"Just keep fighting."
That's right, I will!
I'm gonna just keep fighting
until I am United States Champion.
[crowd booing]
[Saxton] I actually appreciate Kevin Patrick
asking the hard-hitting questions
and calling Kevin Owens out on lying and feigning an injury.
[Corey] You're appreciating the wrong Kevin, Byron.
Kevin Owens is the first person to defeat this man!
["Rise for the Night" playing]
[Jimmy] That's right. United States Champion Damian Priest on fire,
undefeated in singles matches.
Has been disqualified. Never pinned, one, two, three,
until last next week.
[Saxton] And it's gonna be crucial to see
how Priest is able to respond here tonight
after seeing his undefeated streak end at the hands of Kevin Owens.
Well, Priest will have his chance.
Priest defends his United States Championship against Kevin Owens.
That match is next, and it is live here on RAW!
["Rise for the Night" continues]
[Corey] Well, ladies and gentlemen, this Saturday night, WWE Royal Rumble
is delivered with DoorDash, and presented by Cricket,
everything you want, including the price.
[Jimmy] And there's the United States Champion,
Damian Priest.
Doesn't look like he's particularly stressed about the results of last week.
Maybe he should be against Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Kevin Owens will surely turn up the heat
on the United States Champion tonight.
And we know when it comes to Kevin Owens, everything is on the table.
Every dirty trick, every underhanded tactic.
Kevin Owens will do anything he has to do to win.
[Jimmy] But what makes tonight different is the United States Championship
on the line for Kevin Owens,
headed into Royal Rumble this Saturday in St. Louis.
How much would he love to be separated from the pack
by being the new US Champion? What'll that do for his confidence?
[Corey] Kevin Owens has gigantic plans
that include himself headlining WrestleMania.
Which is why Kevin Owens will join this star-studded field
in the Men's Over-The-Top 30-Man Royal Rumble match.
And Kevin Owens would love
to make the long walk to the ring as the brand-new United States Champion.
[announcer] The following contest, scheduled for one fall,
is for the United States Championship!
[crowd cheering]
Introducing the challenger from Marieville, Quebec, Canada,
weighing in at 266 pounds,
Kevin Owens!
[crowd booing]
And his opponent, from New York City,
weighing in at 249 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Damian Priest!
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] I think this match is gonna be crucial for the mental space
of Damian Priest.
How do you respond now knowing that this is the man
who ended your undefeated streak, albeit controversially.
But this is the man who kind of stunted that momentum last week a little bit
that you've had for the last year here in WWE.
[Corey] Listen, Kevin Owens may have an adversarial… Uh-oh!
Looking for the stunner out of the gate.
…an adversarial relationship with the truth,
but you cannot deny what Owens is capable of from bell to bell.
[Saxton] And, gentlemen, there's another way to look at it,
which is, you don't cry wolf for a reason.
If Kevin Owens thinks Damian Priest is gonna slow down
'cause he's hurt this time, you're out of your mind.
[Corey] You have to ask yourself, will we see the Damian side
-of Damian Priest show up tonight? -[Saxton] Exactly!
[Corey] And is Kevin Owens prepared for that?
We've seen that Kevin Owens will stop at nothing to obtain what he wants.
Maybe Kevin, I don't know if it's wise,
wants to draw the Damian side out.
[Saxton laughing] I would not suggest that at all, Corey.
[Corey] But Damian Priest has had that under control the last two weeks.
Controlled against Dolph Ziggler.
-Boom! -[Saxton] Oh!
[Corey] Great back elbow by Owens. And a senton!
[Jimmy] And that is a hurt Damian Priest. To the cover!
Hooking the leg!
Out right before three.
[Corey] Kevin Owens knows the prestige that comes
with being United States Champion.
A former United States Champion in his own right.
[Jimmy] And there are very few competitors in WWE
as proficient at manipulating their opponents' emotions
like Kevin Owens.
And clear the deck! Cannonball!
-Oh, no! -[Saxton] Oh, no! No!
Priest has other plans!
[Jimmy] Great escape By Kevin Owens!
[Saxton] Another thing he's come underestimated for is his veteran savvy.
Just like this, getting a break at the right time.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Corey] But he's not offering any quarter to the challenger,
and Owens wisely stepping away.
Wants the superkick!
Priest was a step ahead!
[Jimmy] Not listening to the protests of Kevin Owens!
"I'm not slowing down this time."
[Saxton] Hard into the barricade goes Kevin Owens.
[Jimmy] Yeah, we're seeing a more ruthless Damian Priest than we did last week.
[Corey] Oh, superkick by Owens and the champion's down on the outside.
Kevin Owens knows he cannot win the United States Championship
via countout. Oh!
[Jimmy] Oh! Senton right into the knees of Damian Priest!
[Saxton] My goodness!
-And now, Priest with Owens! -[Corey] Oh!
[Jimmy] Chokeslam on the apron!
-The United States Title's on the line! -[screaming]
[Jimmy] Welcome back! The United States Championship on the line!
Damian Priest, Kevin Owens,
they've been demolishing one another in the ring,
outside of the ring!
[Corey] Priest now looking for the Broken Arrow.
Potentially great escape by Owens, swinging wildly!
And Priest rings the challenger's bell.
[Saxton] They have both been studying! Look at this! Might be over!
Shoulders down!
Oh!
Resilience, still, from Kevin Owens!
[Corey] Damian Priest reaching deep into his arsenal
in an attempt to retain his coveted United States Championship.
Owens has fought valiantly to this point, but Priest has had an answer.
[Jimmy] This is what this match has been about.
It's been counters and attacks. They have done their homework.
They've studied each other well, you can tell.
[Corey] Absolutely. Priest had to know in the back of his mind,
he was gonna be pushed to the limit, as was Kevin Owens, as well.
-[Saxton] Oh! -[Corey] Oh, the headbutt.
The champion, now teetering now off the middle ropes.
[Saxton] One thing you don't wanna get into with Kevin Owens
is a headbutting contest.
-Look at that! -[Corey] Owens also deceptively agile!
Boom! DDT off the top rope!
Owens isn't finished yet. Looking for a little insurance.
He lands this, it's over.
[Saxton] You're absolutely right!
-[Corey] Big frog splash! -[Saxton] We've got a new champion!
[crowd] One! Two!
-[all exclaiming] -[Jimmy] I don't believe it!
[Saxton] At the last possible second!
[Jimmy] And neither does this crowd here in Ohio. They're stunned.
[Corey] Everyone around the world watching with their jaws on the floor.
[Jimmy] I felt that under my feet when Kevin Owens landed.
[Corey] Owens now double-checking with the official.
[Jimmy] Owens in disbelief. Understandably so.
All of Kevin Owens' 270 pounds
crashing down across the US Champion!
But, now, Owens smells blood in the water.
[Saxton] Damian Priest said, "I wanna be a fighting champion."
He is in a fight tonight!
[Corey] Is this fight on the verge of ending now?
Kevin was thinking about the Pop-Up Powerbomb.
Big Boot from Priest connects.
He's hoisting up--
[Jimmy] Sending him to the moon and face down!
-[Saxton] Whoa! My God! -[Jimmy] For the cover!
-Hook of the leg! -[crowd] One! Two!
Oh, just in time again by Kevin Owens!
[Saxton] Close call on the other side now. Perhaps a little frustration
for the United States champion.
[Corey] Let's take another look at Damian Priest
nearly taking Owens' head clean off with the kick.
But not enough to end this United States Title fight.
[Jimmy] Damian Priest had to know this isn't going to be easy.
-[Corey] Owens is hurt. -[Saxton] Look at this. No.
[Jimmy] Yeah, yeah. We saw this last week.
[Corey] It was his knee last week.
This is a dangerous game,
-and Damian Priest showing no mercy! -[Jimmy] He's not playing this week!
He's not playing the game this week.
[Corey] Damian Priest wants to win this match,
he's willing to do whatever it takes.
-Owens may have dislocated his elbow or… -[grunting]
…torn his triceps.
Owens is a tough human being. It's always "Fight!"
[Saxton] Obviously, Priest is convinced that Kevin Owens isn't hurt.
-[Jimmy] He's moving fine now! -[Saxton] There you go.
[Jimmy] From behind, to the roll up! Shoulders down!
Has a head full of tights and it still isn't enough.
-Stunner. -[Corey] No.
[Saxton] Same way that Owens beat Priest last week.
-[Corey] Owens turned inside out! -[Jimmy] Uh-oh, gentlemen.
[Saxton] Oh, look at the eyes. Look at the eyes of Damian Priest!
[Corey] This does not bode well for the challenger, Kevin Owens.
[Jimmy] Damian is here, ladies and gentlemen.
One! Two! Three!
[Jimmy] He's got five seconds to let go of that rope.
[Corey] The official putting himself in harm's way,
reminding Priest that he only has till a count of five disqualification.
[Saxton] Priest has gotta be careful here!
[Corey] Champion's advantage dictates that, if there is a disqualification,
Priest retains!
[Jimmy] Yeah, but is that retaining the right way? I don't think so.
[Corey] There's no right way. It's about retaining!
-Look at these elbows over and over! -[bell rings]
The official had no choice.
[Saxton] Priest just snapped.
[crowd booing]
[Jimmy] Absolutely lost it.
He retains his title, but another loss to Kevin Owens.
[announcer] Here is your winner through disqualification,
-Kevin Owens! -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] It may not feel like it at the moment,
but another win for Kevin Owens
-as we march-- -[announcer] However,
still your United States Champion,
Damian Priest!
[Corey] Damian Priest.
That was a coward's way to retain a title, if you ask me.
Damian Priest has got to be feeling
like his United States Championship reign is on shaky ground.
Dare I say, it may even be on the verge of disintegration.
Speaking of disintegration,
the former Tag Team Champions
disintegrated in a big way.
Of course, you're referring to the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
Former, and it just got worse.
Not just "almost."
Because we've been telling you for weeks now
that if you stuck with an "almost-superhero,"
you'd never be more than an almost-threat.
[Corey] The Women's Tag Team champions would continue their shade-throwing.
[Jimmy] The match never even got started here
between Nikki A.S.H. and her former friend,
former tag team partner, Rhea Ripley.
A complete ambush by Nikki.
[Corey] A side of Nikki A.S.H. we have never seen before.
[crowd booing]
Next-level brutality raining down on Rhea Ripley.
["Spirit To Win" playing]
I have a score to settle with Nikki A.S.H.
But the one thing that's consuming my mind right now is the Royal Rumble.
This Saturday, it's every woman for herself.
So, I'm gonna win at any cost.
It's gonna be an absolute nightmare for the other 29 women
when I win the Royal Rumble and get to move on to WrestleMania.
Call me crazy, but this year is gonna be my year.
As reigning 24/7 Champion,
I'm ready any time, at any place.
And this Saturday, I'm gonna continue riding that wave
and winning the Royal Rumble.
Everyone has seen me go from a girl just happy to be here,
living her dream,
to the girl that took the RAW Women's Champion to her limit.
Everyone saw me nearly become champ. [chuckles]
Well, at the Royal Rumble, there's no "nearly."
I'm gonna win the Royal Rumble match,
and I'm going to WrestleMania to become your new women's champion.
[chuckles] Watch me.
♪ This is my brutality ♪
[Corey] You hear the motivations.
30 women with the exact same goal.
♪ This is my ♪
The question here, as we see Rhea Ripley,
is she in the right frame of mind?
-[fireworks exploding] -[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a six-woman tag team match
scheduled for one fall!
Introducing first, from Adelaide, South Australia,
Rhea Ripley!
[Corey] We just saw with Damian Priest,
the problems with controlling your emotions.
The question is, in a six-woman tag team match,
can Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H.
control their emotions and knock them into a rival?
We'll find out on RAW, next.
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW and the intense look
in the eyes of Rhea Ripley.
She's ready to go to war, gentlemen.
[Corey] Ready to impart her former brutality upon her opponents.
[announcer] And her tag team partners, first from Cleveland, Ohio,
she is the 24/7 Champion,
Dana Brooke!
[Jimmy] We talk a lot about momentum, gentlemen.
I think Dana Brooke has it this year as 24/7 Champion.
Little note too, remember,
24/7 Championship rules suspended during this match.
But she's as hot as anyone in the division right now heading into Royal Rumble.
[Corey] And you can say the same thing about this young lady.
[announcer] Next, from Elmwood Park, New Jersey,
Liv Morgan!
[Saxton] Liv Morgan, tremendous self-belief,
especially over how she pushed Becky Lynch
in the last couple of weeks for the RAW Women's Championship.
[Corey] Listen, we all know when "almost" counts,
horseshoes and hand grenades,
and it certainly doesn't count in the Royal Rumble match.
-["Watch Me" playing] -[crowd cheering]
You were out of control out there!
When a referee tells you to do something, you listen.
You could get suspended,
fined,
maybe even worse.
So, get it under control. Do you understand me?
[Jimmy] You're not controlling your emotions, gentlemen.
[Corey] United States Champion on thin ice with management.
That's gonna cost Damian Priest big money, in my opinion.
-[Saxton] Oh, wait a minute, guys! -[Corey] Here we go.
[announcer] First, she's one half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
the most beautiful woman in all of WWE,
Carmella!
[Corey] There is a standing ovation
for the arrival of the most beautiful woman in all of WWE!
[Saxton] A standing ovation from who, besides yourself?
[Corey] I'm the only person in the arena that matters.
[announcer] First, from the Pacific Islands,
Tamina!
[Jimmy] How about the experience factor saying, "Nobody meaner than Tamina."
Spirit and attitude make her dangerous.
["Spirit To Win" playing]
[Corey] I'm still trying to understand this one.
[announcer] And making her way to the ring, almost a superhero,
Nikki A.S.H.
[Jimmy] Explain it to me, Corey, Carmella loves denigrating Nikki A.S.H.
How are they gonna work together in this tag team match?
[Corey] The enemy of my enemy is my ally.
It's quite simple, Jimmy, it's all about building momentum,
because this Saturday night in the women's Royal Rumble match,
it will be every woman for themselves.
Tonight, it's three-on-three.
But look at this stacked field!
I've been here too long.
And that WrestleMania main event, it's mine.
And any witch that tries to stop me… [scoffs]
she's not gonna like it.
With a face like this, who would ever wanna toss me out?
After I win the Royal Rumble,
I'm gonna be the most beautiful woman at WrestleMania.
Heroes sometimes have to do messy things that regular people won't.
Adversity has made me stronger.
And that's how your favorite superhero will win the Royal Rumble,
and go on to make WrestleMania super!
[Corey] I really think, when it comes to mask-wearing,
Nikki A.S.H. should take some advice from Carmella.
Because, let's be honest,
people are coming from all around the globe
to St. Louis, Missouri, The Dome at America's Center, for the Royal Rumble,
where you can be in the same structure as the most beautiful woman in all of WWE.
Who wouldn't want that?
[Jimmy] What is wrong with your brain, Corey?
[Corey] Look at Carmella. She looks like something out of a bridal show.
Just so angelic and pristine.
[Saxton] As Tamina is teeing off on Dana Brooke.
-Let's get back to the action! -[Corey] I love seeing Tamina beat people.
[Saxton] Doing a good job right now on the 24/7 champion.
[Corey] Tamina will beat you up.
I'm not gonna argue with you at that point, Saxton.
[Saxton] Listen, are we going to expect Carmella to wear that mask
this Saturday night in the Royal Rumble?
[Corey] If you've got 29 other people
trying to destroy your moneymaker, absolutely!
[Saxton] Oh, dropkick from Rhea Ripley!
And f I were Carmella, I'd wear two masks.
-This is what I was wondering about. -[Corey] Oh, my! That's exactly why!
[Jimmy] Can Rhea Ripley stay focused on the task at hand,
or will she go after Nikki A.S.H. which she just did?
[Corey] Tamina trying to avoid contact and Rhea Ripley got her anyway.
[Saxton] Think about this, Rhea Ripley
nearly won the Royal Rumble match last year.
She was eliminated by Bianca Belair. You think that hasn't sat on her heart--
[Corey] Saxton, you nearly had ,a date once, but you're still single.
We don't care about what almost happened. Let's talk about facts.
Let's talk about what Rhea Ripley has done.
And maybe Rhea's got a chance, but the entire world is watching
to hope and pray that Carmella wins the women's Royal Rumble match.
-Could you imagine-- -[Jimmy] To the cover!
[Corey] Oh, just in time!
That's what a real superhero does.
[Jimmy] Maybe half a second. She saved that one.
[Corey] Nikki A.S.H. now going after Liv Morgan!
[Jimmy] On the attack!
And in comes Dana Brooke with a dropkick!
[Corey] Dana eats a back elbow from Tamina. And here comes Carmella!
[Jimmy] Mask and all, she is legal.
[Saxton] Walking horror film.
-[Corey] What did you call her? -[Saxton] You heard me.
[Carmella shouting indistinctly]
[Jimmy] I don't know if she wants to do this to Rhea Ripley.
[Saxton] Bad choice, Carmella. Real bad choice.
-[Corey] Oh, no! -[Jimmy] Oh, yes!
But it's on the legs, not the face. Will we see the tap from Carmella?
-There it is! -[Saxton laughing]
-[bell ringing] -Upside down! She's had enough.
[announcer] Here are your winners, by submission,
Dana Brooke, Liv Morgan, and Rhea Ripley!
[Corey] All I have to say is, thank goodness Carmella's face is okay.
[Saxton] All I have to say is, how about the focus?
-You questioned it, Jimmy, of Ripley. -[Jimmy] I did.
[Saxton] This is an emphatic response of someone--
-[Jimmy] Oh! -[Corey] What were you saying, Saxton?
[Jimmy] Nikki A.S.H. hit-and-run!
-[Saxton] Just attacked her from behind! -[laughing]
There's nowhere to run at Royal Rumble, however.
[Corey] Nikki A.S.H. better hope she doesn't end up in the ring
at the same time with Rhea Ripley in the Royal Rumble match.
[Jimmy] She looks ready to rip her limb from limb.
Last week, the Alpha Academy, they showed being a Superstar in the WWE
just isn't about brawn.
[Corey] How did you say "limb from limb" and not make a Learning Tree reference.
Expect pure carnage to anyone who messes with our championships!
We ain't stopping, and we ain't never gonna stop!
-["Hey Bro" playing] -[crowd cheering]
-[Corey] The party got crashed. -[Riddle] What's up, bros?
A rematch?
-That sounds like a pretty sick idea. -[Saxton laughing]
We're gonna give you your rematch,
under one condition.
You have to prove your mental aptitude
in an Alpha Academy Academic Challenge!
Whoa! So, like, an academic challenge, like Billy Madison?
Whoa!
Big O, stay up there. Don't do it.
[crowd cheering]
[Saxton] Talking about mental aptitude, it was at this moment
that Randy Orton would outsmart Chad Gable!
And Riddle would take out Otis in the process.
-We accept! -[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Not sure if RK-Bro
truly comprehends what they're getting themselves into.
But I'm kinda curious about this spelling bee.
["Shoooosh" playing]
[Jimmy] Well, Alpha Academy,
Chad Gable's 4.0,
his master's degree, he's so proud of it.
He even calls him Four-Point-Otis.
Their Academic Challenge, we don't know what's gonna be in there.
[Corey] And it's the Alpha Academy Academic Challenge for RK-Bro!
It's round one.
That's right. That is not a misprint.
It is a spelling bee, when we come back, from Alpha Academy.
Can the RK-Bro pass the test?
[Corey] It's Monday Night RAW and there is cause for celebration,
as we are all lucky enough to celebrate
with the beautiful, talented, matriarch of the it-couple,
we celebrate Maryse's birthday live on Monday Night RAW!
[Saxton] You act like you're getting gifts here, Corey.
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Alpha Academy Academic Challenge!
This first event this evening will determine if RK-Bro
can earn a RAW Tag Team Championship rematch
against the Alpha Academy.
And their mental aptitude will certainly be put to the test.
Without further ado, let me please welcome
the RAW Tag Team Champions, the Alpha Academy!
[crowd booing]
-Thank you! -New best friend here!
A fine, fine introduction, Kevin,
but a terrible explanation of tonight's events.
So, allow me to put it in a way
that even the mindless morons of Ohio can comprehend.
[crowd booing]
[clears throat] Shoosh. Shoosh.
See, tonight is the first
in a triad of events over the coming weeks.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
[Corey] Chad Gable and Otis not used to being disrespected like that.
Shoosh!
A triad of events. And from the looks of it,
vocabulary isn't your strong suit.
So, I'll let you know that triad means three!
That's three events over the coming weeks, everybody.
Now, these events will prove that I'm not only an Olympian,
But I'm a genius with a master's degree
that did it with an immaculate 4.0 GPA!
Thank you!
-[crowd booing] -[Corey] That deserves applause.
Not you guys, too. Please. Ohio, don't boo education.
Trust me, if anybody needs it, it's you.
[crowd chanting] You suck! You suck! You suck!
[chuckles] That's cute. That's cute.
They're also gonna prove that my protégé,
my prized pupil, Otis,
has not only the brawn,
but the brains the size of a tree trunk
when we decimate RK-Bro
into mental submission.
Thank you!
-[Corey] The size of Otis is massive! -Otis, I'm so proud of you.
Lastly, allow me to use my platform here tonight
to officially announce that the Alpha Academy, Otis and Master Gable,
have officially declared for the Royal Rumble match.
Yeah!
[Corey] Good luck tossing Otis over the top rope.
Are you kidding me? You're asking a lot of the ropes.
And you better believe one of us is winning,
and you're gonna be looking at the Alpha Academy
headlining WrestleMania.
-[crowd booing] -For the Academy!
-[Corey] That would be great for the… -[Gable] Thank you!
We're taking over this place!
And now, for their adversaries for this Academic Challenge,
ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the former RAW Tag Team Champions,
RK-Bro!
-[crowd cheering] -["Talk To Me" playing]
[Saxton] You know, I gotta admit, I was a little surprised
when Randy Orton accepted this Academic Challenge.
But I'm pretty pumped about this. I'm having flashbacks to the fourth grade.
[Corey] Listen, Otis is much more intelligent than he may appear.
Riddle, on the other hand, you can judge this book by the cover.
[Saxton] I think Riddle's gonna surprise you, Corey.
[Corey] Listen, Riddle can't do math without a letter scale, okay.
It's just not the dude's DNA.
Randy Orton, highly intelligent competitor.
Riddle, double tough human being,
but he spends most of his life in the state of Ohio,
minus the O.
[Saxton] I will attest that, but I will say,
RK-Bro has had a week to prepare him, Corey,
a week to prepare themselves for this spelling bee,
and I think RK-Bro will actually shock the Alpha Academy.
[Corey] In terms of intelligence, you need only look this far,
who are the champions, and who are the challengers?
The possession of the Championships speaks volumes.
[Saxton] Yeah, that's a good point. Of course, this is RK-Bro's path
to potentially regaining the RAW Tag Team Title.
[Jimmy] You have to admit, they are well motivated.
[Corey] If Riddle's not careful, he'll get his scooter license revoked.
[Saxton] That'll never happen.
[Corey] Chad Gable pointed out, this is the first of three events
in which the mental aptitude of RK-Bro will be challenged.
[Jimmy] Despite appearances, looks like RK-Bro ready to go!
I don't know if they've been studying, but they seem confident.
Now, gentlemen, the first event
of the Academic Challenge is a spelling bee this evening.
And it's important to note that tonight's winners
will get to choose next week's challenge.
We shall start with the champions, the Alpha Academy.
And first up for the Alpha Academy is Otis.
[crowd booing]
[Corey] Can't wait to see the big fella flex his brain.
Otis, the word you must spell is "Emmental."
Emmental.
Can you use it in a sentence?
Yes. It's a form of Swiss cheese with holes in it.
Oh, yeah. Yeah, got it.
E-M-M-E-N-T-A-L, Emmental!
-[Corey] Wow. Okay -[bell rings]
-That is correct! -[Corey] All right.
[Saxton] That was tough. I don't know if I'd have known that one.
-[Corey] I'm impressed. -[Otis] I knew it!
-I taught him everything he knows! -We already won! We already won!
And now for the challengers, RK-Bro. First up is Riddle.
-[Saxton] Come on, Riddle! -[Corey] Riddle's
-number two in more ways than one. -[Saxton] Show 'em what you got!
Riddle, the word you must spell is "Calibration."
Cal-bro-tion?
No, no. "Calibration."
Can you use that in a sentence?
A simple calibration procedure is used to set up the system
for individual implantation.
[Riddle] Hmm.
Can you put that into letters for me?
[crowd laughing]
Riddle, you must spell "Calibration."
Calibration…
Oh, like when I calibrate my scale when I'm weighing stuff.
-Like ounces, grams-- -Riddle! Riddle! Please, please, please!
Just spell the word. "Calibration."
Calibration.
C-A-L
I-B-R-A
T-I-O-N. Calibration.
[bell rings]
-[Corey] There you go. -[Patrick] That is correct!
[Saxton] Calibration! Wonderful!
-Wonderful. -That is correct.
And now, back across to the Alpha Academy, Chad Gable!
[crowd booing]
[Corey] This is gonna be a layup.
[Jimmy] This is a valedictorian we're talking about.
The master!
The word you must spell, "Disillusion."
[laughing] Kev!
Oh, baby! I thought you were gonna give me a challenge here tonight.
I was looking forward to this. You know what?
For the sake of sportsmanship, why don't you go ahead,
give me the definish.
-Sure. Disappointment resulting-- -Shoosh!
I know the definition!
You're looking at Mr. 4.0, baby! I don't need it.
[crowd booing]
Disillusion!
The disbandment of a group
-or an organization. -[Patrick] No, Chad--
Shoosh!
I said I know the word.
D-I-S-S-O-L-U-T-I-O-N. Dissolution.
Thank you!
-[Corey] Uh, no! -[Saxton] That's the wrong word.
-[buzzing] -No, no, no!
[Patrick] That is incorrect.
What?
-[Patrick] Incorrect. -That's impossible!
You spelled "Dissolution," when I clearly said "Disillusion."
-Unfortunately, you were incorrect. -Is this a joke?
Is this a joke? I spelled the word right! You said the word wrong!
What the hell is that accent anyway?
We should have got a proper host for this! I spelled the word right!
-[crowd booing] -Incorrect.
-[Corey] Gable doesn't speak Irish. -[Saxton] What a major fail for him.
Hey, Chad, what do you say you do me a favor and you take a freaking seat,
please!
-[crowd cheering] -All right, all right, all right.
Kev. Kev. Give me my word, please.
-Get this over with. -[Corey] Still time for more than one.
[Patrick] Randy Orton, for the win for RK-Bro,
your word happens to be one of the most commonly misspelled words
in the English language.
The word, Randy, is "Dumbbell."
You got this! You got this, Randy!
[crowd murmuring]
-[Saxton] You got this, Randy. -[Patrick] Would you like a definition?
Uh, no, no, no. I think I'm good.
Uh… [clears throat]
Dumbbell. D-U-M-B
-B-E-L-L. -[Saxton] Yeah!
[bell rings]
-Correct! -[Saxton] We have a winner!
[Jimmy laughing]
Are you kidding me? "Dumbbell"?
Dumbbell was his word? His partner is a freaking dumbbell!
He looks at a dumbbell all day long!
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Shut your mouth!
Shut your mouth, please! You know what? As a matter of fact,
Ohio, how about I shut up Chad Gable's mouth for him?
[crowd cheering]
I got you one better, Ohio! How about one-on-one,
Chad Gable versus Randy Orton,
right here, right now?
-[Saxton] Ooh, I wanna see that! -[Jimmy] He looks ready to go!
And… And, clearly, you are the most unintelligent man in the ring,
so let me spell out for you
how, exactly, Gable, I'm gonna beat you right here tonight in Ohio
with the three most destructive letters in sports entertainment!
Everybody with me!
[all] R-K-O!
[Jimmy] They can spell it in Ohio! No trouble with that!
[Saxton] The Apex Predator, also the Apex Speller!
Randy Orton to go one-on-one with Chad Gable!
[Corey] Gable came out here to spell, not compete!
This is ridiculous!
[Jimmy] Randy Orton ready to take on Chad Gable
after the academic test didn't quite work out in Alpha Academy's favor.
[Saxton] How embarrassed does Chad Gable have to feel right now?
All week, bragging about testing the mental attitude of RK-Bro.
We got this major spelling bee, and Chad Gable loses for his team.
[Jimmy] And they didn't just lose. Two-nothing!
Otis kind of garbled the ending of his word. Officially, two-nothing.
[Corey] These judges are biased in Ohio.
But right now, The Viper in complete control of the valedictorian,
for the moment.
[Jimmy] It's easy to forget, we talk about being a valedictorian,
we talk about the 4.0.
But Chad Gable, a technician in the ring.
Olympian. Nothing he can't do in there.
[Corey] And he's got the Tree Trunk on the outside, Four-Point-Otis,
the number one guy.
Otis's neck is the size of most men's waist.
[Saxton] And just imagine, if there's a point
this Saturday night in the Royal Rumble match,
when you have both a Chad Gable and Otis in that match at the same time,
what kind of damage those two could do together?
[Jimmy] Randy Orton already in the Royal Rumble
this Saturday in St. Louis.
[Corey] Of course we can't forget Orton's number two on the outside,
his former RAW Tag Team Championship partner, Riddle.
[Saxton] You just love saying that "Former," Corey.
[Corey] There is number two for multiple reasons, Byron.
And Riddle did it voluntarily, I didn't just make it up!
[Jimmy] Chad Gable working the left arm of Randy Orton.
Very tactical, very technical.
[Corey] Listen, Gable is a competitor who has a healthy respect
for what Randy Orton is capable of.
We're talking about a 14-time World Heavyweight Champion.
Gable, he's in for a rough night.
But that said, Gable can truly solidify his status here on Monday Night RAW
by picking up an individual win over Randy Orton.
[Jimmy] Royal Rumble, everyone wants momentum.
You wanna be the one hitting it on a streak, not off a loss.
Both these Superstars know that.
[Saxton] Again, tag team alliances aside,
when it comes to the Royal Rumble match this Saturday,
yeah, you may see temporary alliances,
but it's still every man for themselves.
If it comes down to, say, a Randy Orton and a Riddle, listen,
Randy Orton's gonna try to toss out his tag team partner,
-and vice versa. -[Corey] It's friend versus friend,
foe versus foe.
And that suits Randy Orton perfectly. Up until Riddle--
[Jimmy] Beautiful arm drag throw across the ring.
Let's make it two!
[Corey] Before Riddle came into the fold, Orton has done most of his best work solo.
[Saxton] Not many people would argue.
Obviously, Randy Orton's had a Hall of Fame career, Corey.
But the tag team with Riddle, it was an unexpected partnership,
but it's actually been very healthy for both these men's careers.
[Jimmy] Chad Gable as well, underestimated one-on-one.
[Corey] Orton a two-time Royal Rumble match winner,
no stranger to the chaotic confines of the Royal Rumble match.
[Jimmy] Using his size advantage against Gable.
Gable, look at that athleticism!
-Went to the well one too many times-- -[Corey] Oh!
-[Jimmy] Thinking RKO! -[Corey] Gable saw it coming.
Great maneuver by The Valedictorian, one half of the RAW Tag Team Champions.
Chad Gable is now reconvening, re-strategizing on the outside
with his number one guy.
-That is brilliant. -You cannot RKO this neck!
[Jimmy] Run into the better part of valor,
you'll be out of that ring in a hurry.
[Corey] Gable looks a little shook.
[Jimmy] His head takes up the whole frame.
That guy is a giant.
And remember, when they lost the title, it was Randy Orton pinned by Otis.
Randy Orton hasn't forgot that embarrassment.
He wants to get this one back.
[Corey] Beautiful athleticism by Gable,
technically working his way out of the hole!
-[Jimmy] Beautiful toe-hold trip. -[Corey] One-upmanship on Randy Orton.
[Jimmy] Oh, now it's Randy Orton's turn to roll out.
[Corey] Chad Gable is the real deal, reminding Orton, "I was just that close."
Gable certainly giving Randy Orton something to think about here.
And Orton, the veteran, realizing,
"Okay, maybe I bit off a little more than I could chew."
[Saxton] I don't think that's the case. I just think it's a healthy respect,
Corey, from Randy Orton to Chad Gable.
[Corey] When have you ever known Randy Orton
to have a healthy respect for anybody?
[Saxton] Uh, his tag team partner, Riddle?
[Jimmy] That one took a while, as well, let's not forget that, gentlemen.
[Corey] Trying to make a point, Jimmy. Stop talking.
[Jimmy] You gotta earn the respect of the Apex Predator.
[Corey] Right now, Chad Gable is beating respect into the Apex Predator.
[Jimmy] That's exactly what he's doing.
[Corey] Over and over, just teeing off.
[Saxton] Oh, took a little too much time to brag.
[Corey] Here comes the receipt from Randy Orton
And now he's got a master's degree in eating uppercuts.
Oh!
Gable locked in the corner.
[Jimmy] Randy using that size advantage! It's like running into a brick wall.
[Corey] And once again, Gable wisely rolling to the outside,
looking to regain his composure, but--
-[Jimmy] Here comes the Apex Predator! -[Saxton] No reprieve given!
[Corey] Look out!
[all exclaiming]
[Jimmy] Absolutely destroying our commentary table!
[Corey] Forget the table! What about Gable's spine?
[Jimmy] Oh!
[Saxton] Gable's spine has gotta be radiating in pain right now.
Take another look.
Randy Orton with his preferred weapon of destruction.
[Corey] And Orton now chucking Gable back to the inside.
The Viper looking to finish the job!
Has got him stunned. Can he get it over with?
-[Jimmy] Otis on the apron! -[Corey] Oh, my God!
[Saxton] Oh, but the distraction, just what Chad Gable needed!
Attacking the knee of Randy Orton. Now, Randy's in trouble!
[Corey] Gable's sense of urgency, right now, wasting no time!
-Beautiful! -[Jimmy] Moonsault off the top!
-[Corey] That's gonna do it! -[Jimmy] Two!
Kick-out just in time for Randy Orton!
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW from our destroyed commentary tables.
Randy Orton versus Chad Gable.
An incredibly technical, vicious match.
[Corey] The viciousness continued throughout the break.
But right now, Chad Gable in control. As we take a look at this.
Randy Orton driving Gable's spine first onto our announced table.
But Gable has recovered and regained control of The Viper.
[Saxton] I'm surprised Gable's even standing right now,
let alone in control of Randy Orton.
[Jimmy] Randy Orton, though, favoring that left knee.
He was attacked over and over again during the break.
Look at him right here. He's favoring it big time.
[Corey] It's brilliant strategy by Chad Gable.
Identify a weakness and exploit it.
That is exactly what Gable is doing masterfully.
And this also took place during the break.
Chad Gable, turning the tables, pun heavily intended,
and driving The Viper into our announce table.
And that is why, right now, Chad Gable is firmly in control
of the 14-time World Heavyweight Champion.
[Jimmy] Oh! I was about to say, one big move from Chad Gable,
but the big moves from Randy Orton!
[Corey] I could barely see the ring. Otis is standing--
[Jimmy] Apex Predator! Look at that,
the height he got with Chad Gable!
[Saxton] Bad leg and all, this is how quickly
Randy Orton can change the complexion of the match.
[crowd chanting] RKO! RKO!
[Jimmy] If he's gonna turn it around, it's gotta be now!
[Saxton] Orton from behind Chad Gable, waist lock applied.
Orton able to hold on to the top rope.
[Jimmy] Who's got a little bit left?
-Oh! -[Corey] Backbreaker by Orton!
[Jimmy] What veteran can summon the energy,
the intensity for one more big move?
That might be the difference.
[Corey] Classic Randy Orton offensive backbreaker
to Chad Gable. Slowed Gable down for the moment.
And it could get worse!
[Jimmy] Has him right where he wants him, halfway out!
[Saxton] We talked about classic Randy Orton,
doesn't get any more classic than this.
[Corey] It does not, gentlemen!
That's gotta be it,
if Orton can execute the cover.
But I think Gable may have been inflicted a little too much damage.
-Orton is hurt right now. -[Jimmy] And he's still suffering.
Just has to get Chad Gable flat and hook the leg, and it might be over!
But trying to walk off the pain.
[Corey] Walk off the pain and make some travel plans, Jimmy.
[Jimmy] He said he would deliver it!
-[Saxton] He's headed to that place! -[Jimmy] That's right!
You want a spelling bee? I got three letters for you.
[Corey] Wait a minute.
-Riddle! -[Jimmy] No! Oh!
[Corey] Good God, man!
-That is terrifying! -[Jimmy] Backslide!
[Corey] He's gonna do it!
-Oh! -[Jimmy] Oh, just in time!
-[Corey] Orton! -[Jimmy] Snap bodyslam!
[Corey] But Orton still unable to execute a cover.
Randy Orton is hurt.
Orton is feeling the effects of the beating inflicted by Chad Gable.
[Jimmy] This is the second time he's had Gable dead to rights
and not able to get the cover.
[Corey] Let's take a look at what went down outside of the ring.
Riddle looking to come to the aid of Orton,
instead met the Tree Trunk.
Ridiculous power from Four-Point-Otis,
making sure the coast is clear for the master, Chad Gable.
[Saxton] In the meantime, Randy Orton trying to will himself on.
[Corey] How can you not be impressed with Four-Point-Otis?
[Jimmy] Yeah, we've had an incredible match!
[Corey] I think we should give Otis extra credit for this, guys.
-[Saxton] Guys. -[Corey] Yes?
[Saxton] No, no, no!
[Jimmy] A fake and stomp, and look at that beautiful counter!
-[Corey] Oh, my! -[Saxton] In the center of the ring.
[Corey] Gable just avoided complete disaster
and may be moments away from making the Apex Predator submit!
[Jimmy] Wrenching on the ankle and the knee at the same time!
-[Saxton] How much more? -[Corey] Oh, he's flat! This might be it!
[Saxton] How much can Orton take?
-[Corey] Orton's… What the hell? -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Saxton] Riddle with a scooter!
[Jimmy] Right to the back of Otis!
[Saxton] Riddle's great equalizer against Otis!
But the match is still going on, guys!
[Jimmy] Forward roll right into the turnbuckle!
-RKO! -[all cheering]
Lays out Chad Gable to the cover!
Oh, my God, a win out of nowhere for the Apex Predator!
[announcer] Randy Orton!
[Corey] Oh!
[Saxton] Corey, you talked about being impressed with Otis.
How can you not be impressed with the performance… Oh!
[Corey] What, like when Riddle committed felonious assault with a scooter?
That's vehicular assault!
[Saxton] Let's focus on what happened inside the ring.
Randy Orton able to counter the ankle lock
and, on one leg, delivered the RKO
to pin the shoulders of Chad Gable.
[Corey] Riddle thrilled, but that belongs to the resilience of Randy Orton.
Congratulations, Randy!
But now that we've won the spelling bee,
we get to choose the next Academic Challenge.
And I'm thinking we go old school,
and bring it back to gym class.
[crowd cheering]
And what better way to show your physical prowess
than a good old-fashioned scooter race?
-[crowd cheering] -[Saxton] Ooh! I like it.
[Corey] I don't know if that's conducive to Otis's body type.
[Saxton] Well…
[Corey] Do they even make scooters big enough for Otis?
[Saxton] Otis better find one big enough.
We got ourselves a scooter race next week, guys!
[Corey] We need to put Otis on a flatbed or something.
[Jimmy] Testing the strength of those scooter wheels, yeah.
[Corey] A toboggan? I mean, something. A scooter's not gonna support Otis.
[Saxton] So, can we pretty much chalk up another victory for RK-Bro next week?
It might be, but we are so excited for St. Louis
and the Royal Rumble this Saturday.
But it's only the start of an amazing year.
It's the kickoff to the Road to WrestleMania.
And nobody knows about the Road to WrestleMania
quite like the man who stole the show last year,
Bad Bunny!
Bad Bunny is about to embark on a tour of a whole different kind.
I am talking about the World's Hottest Tour,
touring all of the biggest, baddest, most iconic stadiums around the globe!
It all kicks off August 5th.
You do not wanna miss out.
Head to worldshottesttour.com,
find the tour date closest to you.
Tickets go on sale this coming Friday at noon Eastern.
Again, worldsottesttour.com, featuring Bad Bunny.
Do not miss it!
But a WWE Superstar who's been taking a trip of a different kind.
I'm talking about Alexa Bliss.
How do you feel when I say the word "Trust"?
-Lilly. -How about "Friend"?
-Lilly. -"Home"?
-Lilly. -"Doll".
-Lilly. -"Imaginary".
Okay. Our time is up.
[Corey] Alexa Bliss' Journey Back to RAW.
We check in on the disturbed Alexa Bliss and her progress
as she continues to work her way back to RAW, next.
Alexa, I think we're actually making progress.
Hmm.
Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?
Sure.
When was the very first time that you met Lilly?
Oh! [chuckles] Lilly.
Well, Lilly's been around my whole life.
She's always been there. Any time I was looked down on,
treated unfairly, made fun of, Lilly was my friend.
You know, I actually met Lilly when I was six years old.
Can you believe it?
I remember, one time I was at school, on the playground,
and these two teenage girls,
they always just kept picking on me because of the way I looked.
And I do have to say, I did look pretty funny
because I used to wear glasses.
Anyway. So, I was playing on the monkey bars one day,
and these girls came and shoved me off,
and I went unconscious.
And when I woke up and came to…
there she was.
Lilly.
Cute little button eyes, and pink and yellow hair,
her cute little overalls, her stitching, and oh…
I'm sorry, am I rambling?
-Is our time up? -No, no, no. Not at all.
Okay, anyway. So, that day when I met Lilly,
we went and got ice cream, we played on the monkey bars,
we slid down the slide.
Lilly said the girls didn't return and I haven't seen them again.
She said, "Don't worry about that."
And then, we had a whole bunch of candy and we ate a bunch of gumdrops
and stuck 'em in our mouth as fast as we could.
You know that game where you stick marshmallows in your mouth and you…
Yeah, we all deal with mental pressure in different ways.
Someone who's been under a lot of pressure from Mr. McMahon
has been Austin Theory.
Dealt with it pretty well last week, though.
[Corey] You can say that again. Dealing with Finn Bálor.
It seemed as though Bálor was closing in on victory.
But Austin Theory would defy the odds
and live up to the blue chip reputation he continues to build
week after week.
A decisive victory over the first ever Universal Champion.
[Saxton] But the victory wasn't enough for Theory.
It was about sending a message to Finn Bálor
and sending a message, I'm sure,
to his mentor, the chairman, Mr. McMahon!
[Corey] I have no doubt Mr. McMahon was pleased with what he witnessed.
And the entire Universe
was able to enjoy and share in Austin Theory's colossal moment.
All of them. Look at this, it's a series. This is like a work of art.
We should put this in a museum.
[Jimmy] Yeah, well, the lesson from Mr. McMahon continued earlier today.
I bet you feel very good as of late. All those selfies and whatever.
All the selfies? Look at that one!
-Not that one. -[Theory] Okay.
You know, it did feel pretty good destroying Finn Bálor last week,
just like you asked. And this Saturday,
it's the Royal Rumble.
I'm gonna win the Royal Rumble.
And then, I get to face the champion of my choosing
in the main event of WrestleMania!
-Wow! -Yeah.
-That's amazing. -[Theory] It's exciting.
And if it's not too much to ask, you know, a later number is always better.
Maybe a 26?
Maybe you could give me a 27?
Hey, maybe a 29.
Why would you think
I would have any influence over that at all?
Right now, what you should be concerned about is your opponent tonight.
-[Theory] Okay. -Okay.
Yeah.
AJ Styles.
-You mean former WWE Champion… -[Vince] That's the guy.
-United States Champion… -[Vince] Mmm-hmm.
Intercontinental Champion, Grand Slam Champion,
future first ballot Hall of Famer
-AJ Styles? -Without a doubt. That AJ Styles.
Okay.
-[Vince] All right. -Yeah.
All right. Sounds good.
Hang on a second. [clears throat]
-You forgot this. -Thank you.
Uh…
you better bring back a really good selfie.
Yes, sir.
[Corey] Well, you always listen to the boss.
[Jimmy] That is true. But one person who doesn't wanna be on that selfie
is The Phenomenal One himself.
[Corey] AJ Styles has experienced it before.
I guarantee you, he does not wanna go through that again
at the hands of Austin Theory.
-[fireworks exploding] -[crowd cheering]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, from Gainesville, Georgia,
weighing in at 218 pounds,
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles!
[Jimmy] Austin Theory had his accomplishments memorized.
He respects this man, and he better.
[Corey] AJ Styles has spent his life carving out a legacy
in the sports entertainment industry.
And AJ Styles would rather drop dead
than have anybody make their name at The Phenomenal One's expense.
[Saxton] I was watching the reaction of Austin Theory, guys.
I think Austin Theory is actually a little worried
-about his chances of defeating AJ Styles. -[Corey] No, no.
Austin Theory received his marching orders from the boss.
Now, it just remains to be seen if Austin Theory can finish the job.
[Jimmy] Well, that's what we're about to find out.
"The Phenomenal One" AJ Styles versus the blue chip, Austin Theory.
Can he impress Mr. McMahon? We'll find out on RAW, next!
[traditional Indian music playing]
[man] The eyes of a lion tell its story.
A story of pride.
A story of strength.
A story of brutality.
But if you ever lock eyes with a lion,
it's already too late.
["Roar" playing]
[Jimmy] From one fearsome predator to another.
But Austin Theory, not the only man trying to make a name for himself
at the expense of AJ Styles.
[Corey] This is two weeks ago here on Monday Night RAW.
AJ Styles versus Austin Theory, one-on-one.
And just when it seemed AJ was about to seal the deal,
a surprise from NXT 2.0.
Grayson Waller would arrive and wreak havoc on AJ Styles.
Grayson Waller looking to make a name for himself at AJ's expense.
[Saxton] And this speaks to the absurd priorities of Austin Theory.
He just lost the match by disqualification,
but, oh, "Hey, man, let me get my selfie in with AJ Styles."
[Corey] Quite the social media presence…
[announcer] And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
Austin Theory!
[Saxton] You love the selfies. This guy takes a good one.
[Corey] Austin Theory has a fantastic Instagram page.
I usually try to like everything he posts at least twice.
Because Austin Theory made the declaration to Mr. McMahon himself
that, this coming Saturday night,
Austin Theory will be the man
who outlasts 29 other top-tier Superstars
in the men's Royal Rumble Match.
Of course, the winner of that match up
with an express ticket to the main event at WrestleMania.
[Jimmy] And when I look at that field, he may be the dark horse.
The young hungry, talented competitor who can go far,
-maybe win the whole thing. -[Corey] There's many competitors,
and one of them is in the ring right now in AJ Styles,
who will also be in the Royal Rumble match.
[Jimmy] And here it comes. A solo shot, pre-match.
[Saxton] A waste of time. You're gonna like that, Corey?
[Corey] Of course, I am!
You know how you know Austin Theory is talented?
He doesn't even use filters on his selfies.
[Saxton] You clearly have a lot of time on your hands, Corey.
[bell rings]
[Jimmy] Viewers might recall, it was the Royal Rumble match
where AJ Styles actually made his WWE debut.
[Corey] And look at the power of Austin Theory.
That's one thing AJ Styles does not wanna do, is lock up
and test strength with Austin Theory.
I admire the bravado of Austin Theory.
Yes, Austin Theory may lack the experience
that AJ Styles has, but everyone has to start somewhere.
And if you are talking about raw talent with all of the tools,
you've gotta talk about Austin Theory.
[Saxton] I firmly agree with you, Corey, but I will say this…
[Corey] Look at the pigs on that dude's arm!
[Saxton] He's in good shape, I give him credit.
But Mr. McMahon's marching orders,
"Make sure you bring back a good selfie with AJ Styles,"
does that somehow, maybe, take mental precedence
over the game plan of Austin Theory?
Could he just focus on getting a selfie?
[Corey] No, Saxton. This is why you've never won anything.
It was motivation from Mr. McMahon.
And if there's someone on Earth that Mr. McMahon can't motivate,
I don't wanna know!
Austin Theory is out here to get the job done--
-[Jimmy] Uh-oh! -[Saxton] Shoulders down!
[Corey] And it's the equivalent of bringing home a rack of antlers
after you hunt something down.
[Jimmy] Shoulders down again!
[Corey] Austin Theory selfies are trophies.
[Jimmy] Another roll-up!
-[Corey] Another close call! -[all exclaim]
[Jimmy] Beautiful dropkick right to the chin of Austin Theory!
[Saxton] Pinpoint accuracy by The Phenomenal One.
[Corey] Listen, make no mistake about it,
I mean no disrespect whatsoever toward AJ--
[Jimmy] Over-the-top-rope crossbody!
[Corey] I just think this is a point in AJ Styles' career
where he's gonna realize,
"There are young, hungry lions nipping at my heels.
It's time to do something about it or get out of the way."
[Saxton] Styles right here, right on the mark!
And to your point, Corey, Styles has already experienced it.
He experienced it with Grayson Waller at NXT 2.0.
He went to NXT 2.0, taught Waller a lesson.
He understands there's always someone nipping at you,
always that next young talent looking to take your place.
[Jimmy] One thing about AJ Styles, he's used to being the brash one
he's used to being the one with the bravado,
getting under his opponents' skin.
You have to wonder if AJ Styles sees a little bit of himself
in Austin Theory.
[Corey] Oh, my goodness! Big left hand from Theory.
[Saxton] There's a saying, "If you met you in real life, would you like you?"
[Jimmy] We're starting to figure that out.
[Corey] If you're Saxton, the answer is unanimously "No".
[Saxton] What?
-[Corey] Beautiful maneuver! -[Jimmy] Great counter!
[Corey] It's very difficult to outsmart a veteran like AJ Styles,
but that's exactly what Austin Theory just did.
[Jimmy] Remember his match with Big E for the WWE championship.
-[Corey] Oh, wow! -[Jimmy] Austin Theory
almost took the title that night.
-[Corey] This could do it right here! -[Jimmy] Shoulders down! Hook of the leg!
[Corey] Smart move by Styles, getting the shoulder up as fast as possible.
This is how Austin turned it around.
AJ Styles got lackadaisical for a half a second,
and Austin Theory made The Phenomenal One pay.
[Jimmy] We talk about the peaks on the biceps of Austin Theory.
It sucks when they're up against your chin, Corey.
[Corey] I'm sure it does. I don't have any interest
in Austin Theory's biceps around my chin, Jimmy.
But right now, I'm enjoying Austin Theory with his biceps around AJ Styles,
trying to slow The Phenomenal One down.
AJ Styles desperately trying to create some sort of separation.
-Oh! -[Saxton] Right on cue.
[Jimmy] The advantage AJ Styles just might have
is in the viciousness department. He's been around for a long time.
[Corey] It's the experience in AJ Styles.
I mean, he's a Rhodes Scholar as far as sports entertainment goes,
There is no situation that AJ Styles has not found himself in.
-Big time knee right across the forehead! -[Jimmy] Look how high he got!
-To the cover! -One!
-Two! -[Jimmy] Oh! Kick-out at "Two"!
[Saxton] You think about just the last month or so for the career of AJ Styles.
The split with Omos, who felt like he no longer needed Styles.
We talked about the Grayson Waller issue. Now, Austin Theory.
AJ Styles, believe me, has a chip on his shoulder right now.
[Jimmy] And you know what, Byron--
-[Corey] Oh! -[Jimmy] Snap suplex!
-To the cover again! -One! Two!
[Corey] You're right, Byron. Styles is a guy
who's forgotten more about this business
than Austin Theory has learned thus far.
But AJ Styles has been so busy putting out little fires everywhere
that AJ's full attention hasn't been on the task at hand.
[Jimmy] Oh, right over the top rope!
[Corey] Theory bought himself some valuable time to recover.
[Jimmy] Taking a second, trying to recompose himself.
Now, on the attack again!
[Corey] And this is what I like about Theory.
This is the time to turn up the aggression.
This is the time to find the next gear.
[Jimmy] He has shown smarts
we usually don't see until quite a few years on Monday Night RAW.
In the big leagues, Theory has really performed
above his experience level.
[Corey] Completely agree.
[Jimmy] Oh, my goodness! Did you hear the impact?
[Corey] I think AJ might have cracked a rib.
-[Jimmy] Right over the turnbuckle. -How does that feel?
[Corey] And a hammer fist from Theory.
Let's take another look, and listen, above all
-[clattering] -[Styles groaning]
[Corey] AJ Styles, sternum first into the top turnbuckle.
That'll definitely drive all the wind out of your body.
And as I mentioned, perhaps crack a rib or two.
[Jimmy] He is not backing off.
[Corey] Theory's certainly carrying himself, at this juncture,
like it's only a matter of time before he puts AJ Styles away.
-AJ begs to differ. -[Jimmy] Forearm right to the chin.
[Corey] And one thunderous forearm just made Austin Theory weak in the knees.
[Jimmy] What you can't do is take your eyes off the ball
when it comes to AJ Styles.
Great counter to the suplex!
Styles trying to gather himself. Theory still…
wobbly legs. But now, muscling up the frame of AJ Styles.
[Jimmy] Both of these Superstars want momentum
heading into Royal Rumble, St. Louis on Saturday.
Who will have it? That's the huge question.
Both in danger right now.
[Corey] Austin Theory potentially wanted a superplex.
AJ Styles able to fight Theory off!
-Good God! -[Jimmy] The height on that dropkick!
-Right to the guts, flooring AJ Styles. -[Saxton] Wow!
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Austin Theory versus AJ Styles
here at Monday Night RAW.
And we thought we'd get a great match.
I think this one has exceeded expectations.
[Saxton] Without question, Jimmy. It has been
quite the battle between Styles and Austin Theory.
But how about the incredible ups that we saw from Austin Theory
-just moments ago? -[Corey] How about the backbreaker
-Theory just delivered? -[Jimmy] This has gotta be it!
Not quite yet!
[Corey] Styles able to slip out the back door.
Let's take another look at this.
We talk about all the tools. Here's the power of Austin Theory.
Nearly broke AJ Styles clean in half with a backbreaker,
and nearly ended this one.
But Styles survives.
[Jimmy] And if you guys ask me,
Austin Theory's inflated ego is an incredibly valuable asset
thus far in his career.
Austin Theory makes bold claims,
and backs them up.
Austin Theory makes promises to Mr. McMahon,
and delivers.
That's what's motivating Theory to be great,
which is why you cannot bet against Austin Theory this Saturday night
in the Royal Rumble match.
[Saxton] It does seem like his confidence,
thus far, has helped him, you gotta admit that.
[Corey] To your point, a lot of times, with a young Superstar,
if they can't put their opponent away, you may see more frustration.
From Austin Theory, you've seen that attitude of,
"Okay, I'm gonna continue to show you how good I am."
[Jimmy] Oh! Big right hand from Styles.
But he is not going down easy.
The veteran says, "I know how to keep my place on this--"
[all exclaiming]
He won't keep it for long taking shots like that!
[Corey] Cover by Theory.
[Jimmy] Trying to get it over with. Hook in the leg!
[Corey] Kick-out just in time by AJ Styles!
AJ Styles, absolutely launched into the stratosphere
by Austin Theory.
It's not the fall that hurts,
it's the sudden stop at the end.
-[Jimmy] Look, AJ Styles… -I'm phenomenal!
[Jimmy] …a veteran with a ton of pride. He can only take so much.
Starting to wear down in the ring.
[Saxton] And once again, a moment ago, you saw that devious smile
on the face of Austin Theory when AJ Styles kicked out.
[Jimmy] Oh! Vicious stomp!
[Saxton] Kinda muttered the words, "All right, Styles.
I'm gonna continue to push you and punish you!"
[Jimmy] Oh! Looking to get it over with, with the elbow, and no!
AJ Styles rolling out just in time.
[Saxton] Still some fight left in AJ Styles. The question is,
-how much fight is left in AJ Styles? -[Corey] And how about the guts
and the will of Austin Theory, continuing to soldier forward?
-Beautiful! -[Jimmy] Oh!
-[Corey] Inverted DDT by Styles! -[Jimmy] What a turnaround for AJ Styles!
[Saxton] The same could be said for AJ Styles, Corey.
Right now, it's anyone's match.
Take another look.
AJ Styles doing what Styles does best,
shocking his opponent
and changing the course of the matchup.
[Jimmy] Every time you count one of these Superstars out, there is more to give.
Oh!
[Saxton] You can feel a new level of resolve right now from AJ Styles.
[Corey] AJ just tapped into another gear.
This blitz of strikes!
[Jimmy] Oh, just leveled Austin Theory yet again!
[Saxton] Theory dared Styles,
"Show me what you got! Show me what you have left!"
Well, right now, Styles is answering the call.
[Jimmy] Oh! Suplex to the neckbreaker!
-[Corey] Sliding forearm drops Theory! -[Jimmy] That's gotta be it!
-[referee] Two! -Oh!
Just in time!
Barely getting that shoulder up, is Austin Theory.
[Corey] You have to wonder, this deep into the matchup,
did AJ Styles expect this?
Did AJ Styles expect this sort of battle from Austin Theory tonight?
[Saxton] I'm sure Styles has watched the career of Austin Theory closely,
but I think there might be a little bit of surprise, Corey,
that Austin Theory is still in this.
[Corey] Theory, well placed elbow.
-[all exclaiming] -[Jimmy] Ow! That one was even better!
Belly-to-back suplex, into the cover by Theory!
[Saxton] Got him down again!
Almost three, but AJ Styles, just enough!
[Corey] What a matchup!
Both of these athletes giving it everything they have.
And, now, this is where we find out what Austin Theory is made of.
You can see Theory trying to breathe,
trying to calm and compose himself.
[Jimmy] With his attitude, he's easy to overlook.
I think AJ Styles thought, "With his bravado, his brashness,
I'll smack him in the mouth and he'll quit."
-That has not been the case in this match! -[Corey] Another jawbreaker by Styles.
Staggers Theory back to the corner.
-Here comes AJ! -[Jimmy] Oh!
Kick right to the chin!
-[Corey] Whoa! Unbelievable! -[Saxton] Good grief!
[Jimmy] Gotta be it! Shoulders down!
-[Saxton] It is-- -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Corey] Wow! Let's take another look at this.
This has to be seen to believe!
From his feet, a standing Blockbuster!
That's a move that usually needs to be delivered from the second or third rope!
Austin Theory just did it from a vertical base!
[Jimmy] And he can't believe it's not over.
[Saxton] Jaw-dropping athleticism by Austin Theory.
But the story here, Styles still will not quit,
will not stay down!
[Corey] Austin Theory continuing to pour on the offense.
Styles absorbing everything his body will allow.
[Jimmy] If you wanna win over AJ Styles, you have to rip it out of him!
And we have to see, is Austin Theory willing to do that?
I think, "Yes!"
[Saxton] Theory about to up the ante here looking for a superplex.
-But AJ Styles-- -[Corey] Styles escapes!
[Jimmy] Oh! Beautiful escape by AJ Styles!
Theory again with an elbow right to the bridge of AJ's nose!
-Hoisted up-- -[Saxton] Oh. No. Countered by Styles.
-[Jimmy] A Pele Kick over the top! -[Corey] Oh, no!
Theory is down. AJ with valuable moments to recover.
[Jimmy] Eyes wide shut, gentlemen.
Austin Theory does not know where he is, thanks to this.
[Corey] The Pele Kick right behind the ear of Austin Theory.
[Saxton] Resourcefulness is a massive understatement
when you talk about AJ Styles.
What an incredible matchup we are witnessing here tonight.
-[Corey] It could be about to end. Oh, no! -[Jimmy] Beautiful counter!
[Corey] AJ thought about the Styles Clash.
-[Jimmy] Thinking ATL, but no! -[Corey] Calf Crusher!
[Jimmy] Got it!
[Corey] This has gotta be it! Austin Theory cannot survive this!
AJ cranking with--
[Jimmy] To the rope with AJ Styles.
You're right. I thought this was done, Corey.
[Corey] Great wherewithal
-from Austin Theory. -[Jimmy] Veteran!
[Corey] You're absolutely right. That was a veteran move.
I am telling you right now, this kid's got something.
Austin Theory has a bright future!
[Jimmy] Uh-oh.
Brilliant! Protect yourself at all times.
[Saxton] Oh, look at Styles! Look at Styles!
[Jimmy] Thinking Phenomenal Fore-- Look at that counter!
Straight to the cover!
Right to the ropes!
[Corey] Great job by the official.
[Jimmy] Not getting away with that one.
[Corey] Theory tried to steal this one. Austin Theory got a little carried away.
Take another look at this. AJ wanted the Phenomenal Forearm.
It was simple, but extremely effective.
And if Theory had not gotten caught with his feet on the rope,
this one might be over.
[Saxton] Theory might've been thinking about the ATL.
Now Styles, all alone on the apron for the second time!
-Will this one be successful? -[Corey] Locked and loaded!
Phenomenal Forearm!
-To the cover. Hook of the leg! -[crowd] One! Two! Three!
-[bell rings] -[Corey] Beautiful win for AJ Styles!
[announcer] Here's your winner, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles!
[Saxton] I need to catch my breath!
[Corey] That, my friends, was a hell of a match!
[Jimmy] They are standing here in Ohio, as they should,
because of moves like this.
[Saxton] An absolute classic.
But this was perfectly delivered!
The Phenomenal Forearm.
After a grueling battle
between Austin Theory and AJ Styles,
it is Styles who gets the W!
[Corey] And Austin Theory can wake up tomorrow
and be proud of the effort he put forth.
Austin Theory pushed AJ Styles to the limit.
But tonight, AJ Styles said,
"Not so fast, kid."
[Saxton] I guess Austin Theory won't be bringing back a good selfie
for Mr. McMahon.
[Corey] We were talking about Theory looking to make a name for himself.
The same holds true in the RAW Women's Division,
as this Saturday night at the Royal Rumble,
Doudrop will have an opportunity to become RAW Women's Champion
as she goes one-on-one with Becky Lynch.
We'll hear from both competitors in moments, tonight.
["Ballin'" playing]
[Jimmy] We wanna send a special thanks to Logic for Ballin',
an official theme song for this Saturday night's Royal Rumble.
It's from the album YS Collection, Vol. 1,
available right now on Apple Music and Spotify.
Welcome, WWE Universe.
We're all looking forward to not just the music,
but the matches coming up Saturday in St. Louis.
One we're all looking forward to,
the RAW Women's Championship on the line.
The champ, "Big Time" Becky Lynch
versus the challenger, Doudrop.
This one has been a long time coming.
Both of these ladies now joining us, the champ and the challenger.
Let's start with you, the challenger, Doudrop.
Now, this match has been a long time coming.
You have basically run over the wrestling division
in order to get here for this opportunity--
Um, no, no, no!
No, no, no, no, no, no!
Is this your first time?
No, we will start with me because I am the champ,
and the champ will go first, okay?
And let me start with a story,
a story about a wee lass named Doudrop.
And when she first got her start across the pond,
who did she idolize? Me.
Who did she dream of one day facing? Me.
Go on, tell him. Tell him, Doudrop, how I paved the way for the likes of you.
And then, as the groundbreaker that I am, I get you in this match.
And I suppose people would be asking,
"Why would anybody in their right mind
choose somebody who could clearly outpower them,
who could clearly break all of their bones with one slam to the mat?"
But maybe… maybe that is the answer.
Maybe I'm not in my right mind,
and maybe that's more interesting.
Or…
maybe I am that confident in how damn good I am.
Or maybe I am that generous of a person
to grant an opportunity to a fellow Celt like you, Doudrop.
Or maybe, it's that--
Or maybe you handpicked me because you're desperate.
Maybe because, ever since you returned, you've been ducking and diving,
scrambling and just struggling to hold onto that Championship.
And maybe you thought, "I know!
Let's put the new girl in, and that will be an easy victory."
But, Becky, the only easy thing about this match
is how easy it's gonna be for me to break every single one of your ribs.
[chuckling]
Hmm, you know what I didn't hear there, Doudrop?
Where's the "Thank you"?
"Thank you, Becky, for giving me the biggest match of my career.
Thank you, Becky, for giving me my first title match in WWE.
Thank you, Becky, for paving the way for the likes of me.
Thank you, Becky, for giving me a match at one of the biggest events of the year."
No, if you had just said "Thank you," when I got you into this match,
instead, you waited for me to walk over, extend my hand,
of course, I had to slap you across the face!
And then, being the bigger person that I am,
I say, "I'll lead you to victory the following week.
I'll lead you to victory."
And what do you do?
When I had the match won, you splashed me, dropped me, left me lying.
Okay. Okay, I didn't see that one coming.
But at the Royal Rumble, you're in for a rude awakening
when you step in the ring with the Van Goat
and I beat you to stay the RAW Women's Champion.
Is that you done?
Sorry, it's just, when you start that whiny, nagging thing that you do,
I have to zone out 'cause it makes me really angry. [laughs]
Listen, I'll show you some gratitude
when you show me some respect, huh?
But, no, you won't do that, will you?
'Cause you're just gonna keep nagging and whining 'cause that's what you do.
You're no GOAT, Becky.
You're just a sad little lamb that's on the way to the slaughter.
And the abattoir is The Dome in St. Louis.
And the new RAW Women's Champion is gonna be Doudrop.
Before me, you were just a name to fill out the roster, okay?
Know your place!
-Know my place? -It was dead space,
-and that's why you were in it. -Mmm-mmm.
Oh, what are you gonna do? Are you gonna run?
Well, you can't run from the truth.
You can't run from the truth, and you can't run from this fight.
I have been the RAW Women's Champion for nearly three years.
Nobody's been able to beat me for this title for nearly three years--
Know my place, huh? I'm telling you…
[both grunting]
-[man] Hey! Hey! Hey! -[indistinct shouting]
-Back it up! -[shouting continues]
My place is here!
My place is standing! My place is standing!
Royal Rumble getting started a little bit early.
I cannot wait to watch Doudrop and Becky Lynch throw down
for the RAW Women's championship this Saturday night.
Well, one thing I'm looking forward to this Saturday
the Men's Royal Rumble. What gets you ready for a crowded ring?
How about an eight-man tag match?
[Corey] Last week, it was The Mysterios and The Dirty Dawgs
and The Street Profits,
Commander Azeez and Apollo Crews,
all eight men leaving it all in the ring.
But what went down after the match
had a few people asking some questions.
[Saxton] A little reminder, it's gonna be every man
for themselves in the Royal Rumble match.
The Mysterios letting The Street Profits know,
"We could eliminate you."
And then, Rey Mysterio letting his son, Dominik know,
he could face the same fate.
Well, we showed you the WWE 2K22 trailer a few moments ago.
How about the cover Superstar?
None other than Rey Mysterio
on the cover of WWE 2K22,
coinciding with Rey's 20-year anniversary of his debut.
And speaking of Rey Mysterio,
Rey and Dominik getting set here for action tonight.
Excuse me, Rey Mysterio. Congratulations on becoming WWE 2K22 cover Superstar.
What does it mean to be amongst the ranks of other cover Superstars,
like Stone Cold, The Rock, John Cena, and The Undertaker?
Sarah, this is such a dope moment.
You have no idea the honor it is for me
to be able to represent mi raza through the cover of 2K.
You know, most Superstars spend their career chasing achievements,
whether it's main-eventing at WrestleMania or entering the Hall of Fame,
being on the cover of WWE 2K is no different.
Especially 'cause the game is so fire!
Although, the one thing that would make me feel prouder
is to be able to see my son one day on that cover.
Now you're talking, jefe.
I mean, I used to play these games when I was a kid, man.
And I know I have to create my own legacy to do it.
And that legacy starts on Saturday, when I win the Royal Rumble.
Whoa.
Okay, but that means you would have to throw your pops over the top rope,
and you're not gonna do that, right?
After that little stunt you pulled last week,
bro, you're gonna be the first to go.
[laughing] He's cray. You got jokes. You're playing, right?
You are playing, right?
He's just playing. He's always being a kid. He's silly. Come on!
[Jimmy] Every man for himself, right?
[Corey] Every father and son for himself, too.
[Jimmy] Every family member for themselves.
-You can think of some more, right, Corey? -[Corey] I mean, I could.
-I can't do your job for you-- -[Jimmy] But guess what, Corey.
It's smoke season!
[Corey] You are the only man on Earth
who can somehow make The Street Profits less cool.
[Jimmy] I don't like that. It hurts my feelings.
[Corey] It's 'cause it's true.
[Jimmy] They are always trying to catch the Solo Cup,
and that's what makes us appreciate them. Come on!
[Saxton] Raining red Solo Cups in the Buckeye State!
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a tag team match
scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first, at a combined weight of 492 pounds,
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins,
The Street Profits!
[Jimmy] Man, are they in sync or what?
And they are going to need to be in sync tonight.
The Street Profits versus Rey and Dominik Mysterio.
Do you like creativity with your tag team matchups?
'Cause you're gonna get it.
The Street Profits versus The Mysterios,
leading up to a Royal Rumble,
Monday Night RAW, next!
[Kofi] WWE is proud to partner with UNICEF USA.
Together, we're empowering children to make a difference in the world…
…and in their own communities through UNICEF Kid Power.
UNICEF Kid Power features free interactive brain break videos for classrooms.
Students complete these fun dance, yoga, and educational videos.
When they do, they unlock lifesaving nutrition
for malnourished children globally.
[upbeat music playing]
[Saxton] Well, ladies and gentlemen, for the fourth year in a row,
WWE and UNICEF Kid Power are teaming up to celebrate schools and educators
making a positive difference in their communities
during these challenging times.
Sign up your classroom for UNICEF Kid Power
at unicefkidpower.org/WWE
to enter for a chance to win.
[Jimmy] And ready to take on The Street Profits,
you see the masks, you know that's only one name,
Rey Mysterio.
[announcer] And their opponents, from San Diego, California,
Dominik and Rey Mysterio!
[Corey] The first ever father-son duo to capture tag team gold in WWE.
Rey's already got a Hall of Fame resume.
Dominik looking to follow in his father's massive footsteps.
[Jimmy] Well, all have the opportunity.
The Street Profits and The Mysterios have all been announced
as entrants into the 2022 Royal Rumble match,
where it's every man for themselves, remember that.
[Saxton] And history has shown that the Royal Rumble match
has been very kind to Rey Mysterio.
You may recall, Rey Mysterio won the Royal Rumble one year,
after entering at number two!
[Corey] Rey Mysterio reminding Dominik just last week,
you have to keep your head on a swivel,
eyes in the back of your head, all of those other clichés,
because 29 other Superstars
are intent on throwing you over the top rope
with both feet hitting the floor,
and punching their tickets to WrestleMania.
[Jimmy] Let's be honest, the bigger the name, the bigger the targets.
-[crowd cheering] -And listen to this crowd.
Rey Mysterio, a huge name.
[Corey] Absolutely. Well-deserved respect for an incredible career,
a Hall of Fame career for Rey Mysterio.
[bell rings]
[Saxton] Of course, on the flip side, The Street Profits, for the first time,
entering the Royal Rumble match.
I'll be very interested to see how Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins
fare in that environment.
[Corey] You think, if Dominik Mysterio eliminated his father,
Rey would ground him from playing 2K22?
Hurricanrana to get things started. That's certainly possible.
Yeah, no video games for him, but I think it'd be worth it.
The creative offense of Dominik Mysterio!
[Saxton] Dominik got a taste of the Royal Rumble last year.
Only lasted a couple of minutes, but he said it just…
it gave him the confidence to be able to maybe adjust his mindset
-coming into this year's event. -[Corey] Angelo…
[Jimmy] Shoulders down!
[Corey] …adjusted Dominik's teeth with that back elbow.
You see Montez Ford on the outside shouting instructions
to his tag team partner, Angelo Dawkins.
What a formidable duo The Street Profits have proven to be
in their time here in WWE.
[Jimmy] Unbelievable athleticism, unbelievable teamwork.
-[Corey] Oh, whoa! -[Jimmy] They are fast! They're explosive!
[Corey] The same can be said for The Mysterios.
-Dominik Mysterio picking up speed now! -[Jimmy] Uh-oh!
Look at this, between the legs of his dad!
-On the offense! Crossbody… -[Corey] Wow!
[Jimmy] …on Montez Ford!
[all exclaiming]
[Corey] Great save by Dominik, just avoiding disaster!
But can he save him from this?
-Good God, man! -[Jimmy] Over the top! Montez Ford!
Laying out both of the Mysterios!
[crowd cheering]
[Jimmy] Welcome back to Monday Night RAW,
and a tag team battle between The Street Profits
and The Mysterios, Rey and Dominik.
And right now,
Angelo Dawkins taking all of the energy out of Dominik Mysterio.
[Saxton] You know, these two teams were partners
last week. There's been a bit of a rivalry
between the Mysterios and The Street Profits.
You may recall the RK-Bronament, where The Street Profits…
[all exclaiming]
-…defeated the Mysterios. -[Jimmy] That might be it! Cover!
Oh. Kick-out by Dominik. But, man, what a shot!
[Corey] Let's look at what went down before the break.
No, that is not, in fact, Kal-El!
Montez Ford also possesses the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
That was ridiculous!
Period! Point blank!
But right now, Angelo Dawkins has done a masterful job
of cutting the ring in half,
keeping Dominik Mysterio far, far away from Rey in the corner.
[Jimmy] They always tell you, if you're bigger, fight bigger.
If you're stronger, fight stronger.
And right now, what Angelo Dawkins is doing,
he's a bigger, stronger man, he's making Dominik feel it.
[Corey] Dominik trying to reach, trying to inch closer
to Rey Mysterio, his father, to make the tag.
But Dawkins trying to reposition Dominik.
[Jimmy] To your point, Byron, about the rivalry between these two teams
-heading into Royal Rumble… -[Corey] Nobody home for Dawkins.
[Jimmy] That's right. There are no teams.
Everyone's in it for themselves. Oh!
Beautiful job! The Tornado DDT for Dominik!
[Corey] Yeah, Dominik, a long ways away from Rey Mysterio.
But Angelo Dawkins, equally in need of a tag right now.
Montez Ford is fired up and ready to go!
So is Rey Mysterio!
Who's gonna make it first?
[Jimmy] Right now, it's The Street Profits!
[Corey] Simultaneous tags!
[Jimmy] Both making the tag at the same time!
[Corey] Whoa. Nice! Montez trying to counter No.
-[all exclaiming] -The veteran always figures out a way!
[Jimmy] Hurricanrana right at the end!
[Saxton] Rey catching himself, landing on the apron now,
now ascending to the top rope!
[Corey] Vertical senton takes down Ford!
[Jimmy] Look at the speed of Rey Mysterio!
-Sky high! -[Corey] Whoa!
[Jimmy] Wow!
[Corey] Montez looking to slow it down by splashing into the cover.
-[referee] One! Two! -[Jimmy] Oh!
Kicking out just in time!
[Corey] Montez Ford with a spectacular flurry of offense.
Let's look at this. This is what stopped Rey Mysterio's momentum in a big way.
Launched to the sky, face first.
But now, Rey trying to fight his way back into this matchup for his team.
[Jimmy] Speaking of team, a little teamwork,
right into the hurricanrana!
-[Saxton] Oh, no. -[Jimmy] Oh, yes!
[Saxton] Perhaps a redo from last week.
[Corey] Great move by Dawkins on the outside!
[Jimmy] Preventing the double 619.
Beautiful trip on Montez Ford!
[Saxton] All right, a singular one is just as good.
[Jimmy] 6… Whoa!
Montez Ford, a step ahead!
[Saxton] Very well scouted by Ford, who's now trying to--
-Oh, no, no, no! -[Jimmy] How does Rey do it?
How? How?
To the fall! Beautiful job by Rey Mysterio!
[announcer] Here are your winners, The Mysterios!
[Corey] We saw it on multiple occasions in this matchup.
Obviously, The Street Profits,
Montez Ford in particular, did his homework,
and tried numerous times to counter Rey,
even going so far
as getting on his Ja Morant stuff right there!
I mean, that's superhuman hops from Montez Ford!
He tried multiple times to counter Rey's classic offense
but, somehow, Rey Mysterio always found a way.
And in the end, Rey picks up a big W for himself and his son
just days before Royal Rumble this Saturday night.
[Saxton] This is exactly the kind of mental momentum you want
-if you are the Mysterios looking ahead-- -[Jimmy] Oh! Oh!
-Just like this! -[Corey] Oh, no!
-Oh, Rey counters again! -[Saxton laughing] I love it!
-[Jimmy] Old man still has some tricks! -[Saxton] I love it.
[Corey] Don't say that too loud, Jimmy. You might get--
Oh! Montez now!
[Saxton] Uh, Montez, look out!
[Jimmy] Look at the height on that throw!
-I had you! I had you! -[Jimmy] One man remains!
[all exclaiming]
The Dirty Dawgs!
[Corey] Ziggler and Roode, The Dirty Dawgs!
Former RAW Tag Team Champions,
obviously staking their claim
in the Royal Rumble match this Saturday.
[Saxton] Perhaps we're gonna have to shift who has that mental momentum now.
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode!
-[Jimmy] Uh-oh! -[Saxton] Here we go!
[Corey] It's getting crowded in a hurry, and there's only six of 'em!
[Jimmy] Imagine 24 other Superstars in the same ring!
[Saxton] Just a small sample size
of what we're gonna see at the Royal Rumble.
[Jimmy] Yeah, but is that the teamwork we're gonna see Saturday in St. Louis?
[Corey] I doubt it very much, Jimmy, because Saturday in St. Louis,
it's every man for themselves!
[Saxton] Oh, my God! I love the Royal Rumble, guys. I cannot wait!
[Corey] You can't trust anybody but yourself,
because at stake,
the main event of WrestleMania.
Who wants it most?
30 men! One ring! One match! One winner!
♪ What you gonna do When they come for you ♪
Well, here's a man with a golden opportunity,
quite literally, this Saturday night,
"The Visionary" Seth Rollins,
who will challenge the head of the table,
Roman Reigns, for the Universal Title.
We hear from Seth, next.
Tonight, we're here for one reason, and one reason only,
to celebrate the longest reigning
Universal Champion ever!
508 consecutive days!
[Roman] Acknowledge me.
[crowd cheering]
You're not responsible for any of your own success.
The Usos, they're the cornerstones
of your bloodline.
Just like in The Shield, The Usos are your pedestal.
How about tonight,
I find a partner, I take on The Usos,
and when I beat them, they're barred from ringside
during our title match at the Rumble?
[crowd cheering]
Hell yeah! Challenge accepted!
[tense instrumental music]
[Roman] When you lose tonight,
that means you lose your match at the Royal Rumble.
[Michael] The stakes are so high in our main event tonight!
[Pat] Seth has opportunity in his eyes.
[Michael] Rollins understands he needs a win
to keep his Universal Championship opportunity intact!
[dramatic instrumental music]
And, now, he has The Usos right where he wants 'em!
Wait a minute! Reigns with a Superman Punch!
[bell ringing]
Roman realized Seth was gonna get the victory, and Roman Reigns struck!
Rollins wins!
That means The Usos are barred from ringside
for the Rollins-Reigns match!
[Pat] Roman Reigns is gonna have to do it alone!
The GOAT versus Seth "Freakin" Rollins at Royal Rumble!
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
-[chuckling] -[crowd cheering]
Seth, with The Usos now barred from ringside,
you will go one-on-one with Roman Reigns
for the Universal Title at the Royal Rumble.
Ooh, it sounds good. It sounds good. And you know what?
I like you a little bit, so I'm gonna give you a little inside information.
That conversation was never about The Usos anyway.
It was never about anybody else. It has been, always will be…
about Roman and Seth, Seth and Roman.
And now, we go one-on-one at the Royal Rumble
for the Universal Title.
And historically speaking, I like my odds.
See, I know I can beat Roman Reigns, because I've done it. But guess what?
Roman Reigns also knows that I've got his number.
And, look, he likes people to think very, very highly of him.
But I'm the only one who can put him in his place.
So, you know what? I think I'll take one more trip to SmackDown
this Friday before the Royal Rumble because… [sucks teeth]
unlike Roman,
I like to deliver my messages in person.
I'll see you Friday, brother. [laughs maniacally]
["Ballin'" playing]
[Corey] Rollins may show up on Friday,
but it's Saturday night we are talking about.
The Universal Champion on the line!
The Usos have been barred from ringside.
It is the longest reigning Universal Champion in history,
Roman Reigns, versus the former Universal Champion,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins!
[Jimmy] And one thing about that match, familiarity breeds contempt.
Will that also be the case in the Women's Royal Rumble match?
So many of these Superstars, familiar with one another.
Nikki A.S.H.
Rhea Ripley! Carmella! Calm down, Corey.
Queen Zelina!
Bianca Belair! Can she duplicate the success she had last year?
[Saxton] How about the Men's Royal Rumble match?
All the Superstars, and the likes of Johnny Knoxville,
Kevin Owens, Randy Orton!
One of these Superstars will punch their ticket
to a championship match in the main event of WrestleMania.
[Jimmy] They had a confrontation tonight, but they will settle it on Saturday.
The RAW Women's Championship on the line.
The champ, "Big Time" Becky Lynch,
versus the upstart challenger, Doudrop!
It is about physicality versus the veteran experience of the champion.
[Corey] And we will witness a mixed tag team match!
It's the It Couple, Miz and Maryse,
versus the Grit Couple,
WWE Hall of Famers Edge and his wife, Beth Phoenix,
this Saturday night!
[Saxton] It is a match that "The All Mighty" Bobby Lashley
has asked for, has yearned for, has begged for,
and Lashley finally gets his chance
to challenge "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar
for the WWE Championship
this Saturday night at the Royal Rumble
live on the WWE Network on Peacock!
With all the drama heading our way Saturday,
what could be more dramatic?
-[Corey] I think you meant "romantic". -[Saxton groans]
I think you meant "Exciting! Exhilarating! Stupendous!"
See, I could do it and I don't even have a book in front of me.
[Saxton] Couldn't they do this at Dave and Buster's?
Does this really have to be a public display, a public celebration?
[Corey] Miz would never set foot in that trough!
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The Miz!
[Corey] Well, in the wake of the Royal Rumble,
you have to wonder what Monday Night RAW will look like.
Will Miz be bathing in Bengal tears?
That remains to be seen.
But I wonder, what's in the box?
What's in that box?
Look at the cake, the balloons!
My God! I've never been so excited for someone else's birthday!
[Saxton] First, a wedding vow renewal,
and now we have to sit through Maryse's birthday celebration.
It just gets better and better and better, courtesy of The Miz.
[Jimmy] Well, we'll find out what it's all about!
That's right. Maryse's birthday celebration, courtesy of the Miz.
It's on RAW, and it's next!
[Corey] I bet it's expensive.
["I Came To Play" playing]
What a beautiful photo.
[Saxton] Ladies and gentlemen, following RAW tonight,
we invite you to join us on the WWE Network on Peacock
for RAW Talk. And look at the special guest!
A man who knows a little something about winning Royal Rumbles.
A man who won back-to-back Royal Rumbles!
None other than the WWE Hall of Famer himself,
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels!
[Jimmy] We transition from a legend to a man who is a legend,
certainly in his own mind.
[Corey] I think we should have gone from The Heartbreak Kid
to someone who fills the hearts of the WWE Universe with love and romance!
[Jimmy] I don't know if that's going to be on the table
this Saturday in St. Louis.
Edge and Beth Phoenix versus Miz and Maryse.
Mixed tag team match!
And after that stunt that The Miz and Maryse pulled last week,
they're gonna have a rough night this Saturday night,
courtesy of The Grit Couple.
Welcome to Maryse's birthday extravaganza!
[crowd cheering]
It's a celebration!
Tonight, we celebrate my wife's birthday.
This Saturday at the Royal Rumble, we celebrate the It Couple.
defeating the Grit Couple!
[crowd booing]
So, without further ado,
please help me welcome the birthday girl herself.
Ladies and gentlemen, a woman who is more gorgeous than you,
sexier than you,
more intelligent than you,
more brilliant than you!
Ladies and gentlemen, get up out of your seats for my wife,
Maryse!
["Pourquoi?" playing]
[Saxton] Can't believe he's dancing, too.
[Corey] It's what you do at parties, Saxton!
[Saxton] This is a party I actually don't wanna be part of.
[Corey] Then go home! Go home!
-Stand up-- -[Saxton] I gotta go.
-[Corey] It's Maryse's birthday! -[Saxton] If I stand up, I will go home.
[Corey] Good! Good. That's, I think, the best scenario for all of us involved.
[Saxton] Why don't you sit down? You look ridiculous!
[Corey] Because I have respect!
This is a beautiful young woman's birthday!
It should be celebrated. It's an extravaganza, Saxton!
[Jimmy] I see they hired plenty of security.
You see 'em lined up in front of the ring here.
Wonder what that's for.
[Corey] Um, to secure things, Jimmy.
[Saxton] Oh, because The Miz knows, and Maryse knows,
they have so many enemies.
[Corey] There are probably seven figures worth of gifts in that ring right now.
Easily!
[crowd cheering]
Maryse, I think I speak for everyone here
when I say,
open your first gift!
-[drumroll playing] -[Saxton] Oh, there's a drumroll, too.
-[Corey] Wow! -[Saxton] What the…
-Oh, my God! [giggles] -Yes.
I am your Prince Charming, and you are my princess.
[Saxton] Oh, my God.
Michael, you did it.
Oh, my God!
You've managed to…
You've managed to make me feel even more special
than the day I had my children!
[crowd booing]
You've…
You make me feel more special than when you got me that pink, um…
-You know the pink car? -The Rolls-Royce?
[Maryse] Yeah, that one. That one.
Um, more special than when you got me that $500,000 ring.
It was a little bit more expensive than that.
But no expense was spared, Maryse.
I bought top-of-the-line security to make sure
that there are no intruders during this celebration. Your celebration!
I made the security look at the ceiling to make sure there's no Brood bath.
There will be no Edge! There will be no Beth!
So, I think that I speak for all of us when I say,
open your second gift!
[Corey] How can it get better? That's an original Schamberger.
-I can't believe it. -[Saxton] How can it get worse?
-[Jimmy] Hamburger? -[drumroll]
[Corey] You know nothing of art, Jimmy.
[gasps]
It's beautiful!
Not as beautiful as you, my love.
And it says "No Limit," because there is no limit
to what our love can do.
[Corey] I thought it was a Master P reference.
[Saxton] Or a bad episode of Kermit and Oscar.
[Corey] This is so romantic.
Okay, um…
I want that one, the big one.
I want the big one.
I actually don't know why that one is here.
I… I didn't get you that. I thought maybe you got me a gift.
[Maryse] Mmm, it's my birthday, Michael.
But, wait…
You… you didn't get me that gift?
-No. -[Saxton] Uh-oh.
If I didn't get you that gift, and you didn't get me that gift…
-[Saxton] Uh-oh. -…then what is in that gift?
[Saxton] Uh-oh.
[Corey] What's in the box?
Security, get up here! Now! Now! Now! Open that!
[Jimmy] The answer to that is never good.
[Corey] This guy is gonna have trouble securing a toilet.
-[The Miz laughing] -Oh!
You see that? You see that?
What? You all thought that, uh…
we were gonna have a giant, big, humongous box
that could fit a person in it, and we would not know what's inside it?
That right there,
that right there is the brick
that Maryse knocked sense into Beth with,
demonstrating that we will always be one step ahead of Edge and Beth.
Don't believe us?
Take a look at what happened last week.
The match at Royal Rumble, it has to be canceled.
We should be on the same team. We shouldn't be fighting.
Our mixed tag team match at the Royal Rumble
is not off.
Why don't we give them a little preview right now?
[Saxton] We would find out there was a deeper plan at play here.
First of all, we were told The Miz wasn't in the building.
And, thankfully, Edge was able to fend off the attack.
Then, watch what happens here.
Beth Phoenix distracted. [grunts]
You can actually hear it. You can hear the impact of that purse
striking Beth Phoenix. And then, we would later find out
what was inside all along. A brick.
It was deplorable and it was disgusting by the It Couple.
[Corey] It's a brick and Beth's drowning slowly.
[crowd booing]
Ladies and gentlemen,
I think it is all time for everyone to get up out of their seats,
stand up.
Stand up, everyone!
-[Corey] Come on, guys. -Stand up. Yes. Stand up, everyone.
-Stand up, everyone! -[Saxton] I'm standing right here, Corey.
And I want you all to sing at the top of your lungs,
Happy Birthday to my wife. In the count of three!
[Corey clearing throat]
[Saxton] Don't sing, Corey. Just…
One!
[crowd booing]
Do not boo!
[booing intensifies]
This is a birthday celebration!
You will stand up and you will sing at the top of your lungs to my wife.
In three seconds!
-[booing continues] -One!
Two!
Three! Hit it!
["Happy Birthday" playing]
♪ Birthday to you ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you ♪
[Saxton] Oh, make it stop!
♪ Happy birthday, dear Maryse ♪
["Metalingus" playing]
-[crowd cheering] -[Jimmy] Oh!
[Saxton] Thank goodness! Much better music playing now!
That was torture!
Oh! We've got some intruders, Miz!
[Corey] If that wasn't torture, this is about to be!
[Edge] You know…
Cut the music!
Mike, Maryse, you've been real clever throughout this whole thing. Yeah.
But you know what? Being clever is not gonna help you this Saturday.
All this security, not gonna help you this Saturday.
Because you've done stepped in it.
You got a pissed off Rated-R Superstar
and an extremely pissed off Glamazon.
And we're gonna come down there and show all of you right now,
that is not a good thing for you.
-[crowd cheering] -[Saxton] Miz, you better run!
Maryse, you better get outta there.
-'Cause both of you about to get whooped! -[Corey] Uh-oh!
[Jimmy] Security is worth what they've paid for it!
-Three down! One to go! -[Corey] Look at the guns on The Glamazon!
[Jimmy] Oh! Beautiful body slam!
[Saxton] How much did Miz pay for this security?
[Jimmy] Too much! Too much, Byron!
-Oh! -[Corey] Someone save the painting!
[screaming]
[Saxton] The Grit Couple is obliterating
-the line of defense! -[Corey] They've spoilt Maryse's birthday!
[Saxton] Where are they going?
-[crowd cheering] -Good!
[Jimmy] Kiss those gifts goodbye, gentlemen!
[all exclaiming]
[Corey] This is completely uncalled for!
[Saxton] You know, I'm glad The Miz and Maryse have to sit back
and just watch this!
-[Corey] Hart Attack! -[Saxton laughing]
[Jimmy] Getting a little preview of what might happen…
[all exclaiming]
[Corey] What?
[Jimmy] …from Royal Rumble this Saturday in St. Louis!
[Saxton] Oh, my goodness!
Someone better say a prayer for the It Couple.
[Jimmy] The Grit Couple laying out the field!
[Corey] Someone better say a prayer for the schlub in the corner!
[crowd cheering]
Don't you dare! Don't you dare!
-Don't you dare! -[Corey] Oh, no.
[Jimmy] Oh, yes.
Get him! I paid you a lot of money!
Don't ruin my cake! Don't ruin my cake!
-[Saxton] Oh, yes! -[Jimmy] Oh, yes!
[Saxton] I hope you enjoyed that cake, Miz!
[Jimmy] Powerbomb! And cake is toast!
[Saxton] Just a sign of things to come this Saturday night!
Miz, Maryse,
are you ready for the Grit Couple?
[Jimmy] And it's a powerful team, Beth Phoenix and the Rated-R Superstar!
Miz and Maryse had better be ready come Saturday in St. Louis!
[Corey] This Saturday night, the Royal Rumble
streaming live, WWE Network on Peacock!