[intro music playing]
[John Cena] Then.
[Rick Flair] Woooo!
-[glass shattering] -[The Rock] If you smell…
-[bell tolling] -[Cena] Now.
-[Triple H] The king of kings… -[Cena] You can't see me…
[Cena] Forever.
Together.
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ I got a vision I see in my head ♪
♪ A melody buried deep into my soul ♪
♪ They call us crazy, We cuttin' the edge ♪
♪ Decided our stories Are gonna be told ♪
♪ Break the rules, Break the laws ♪
♪ This is the moment we change it all ♪
♪ Yeah, greatness ♪
♪ Yeah, it feels like greatness ♪
♪ Legendary in the makin' ♪
♪ Reach out and we take it ♪
♪ 'Bout to emerge, We on the verge-- ♪
[Corey] What the hell is The Bloodline doing here?
[Kevin] We haven't even started the show.
[Corey] Jimmy and Jey Uso. Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn, The Bloodline are here.
Oh, come on.
[official] No, no. No, no.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Pure carnage. Wreaking havoc again this week.
Hey, check this out. Everybody at home, everybody at home.
The Bloodline is in the building, and we're taking over
-Monday Night Raw… -Let's go.
just like we took over every show last year.
-[Jey] Let's go. -This year still the same.
-2023. -Message from your Tribal Chief.
2023.
This is a message for everybody in the back.
The Bloodline runs this show.
-This is on behalf of the Tribal Chief. -What are they talking about?
You understand that?
[Kevin Owens' music plays]
[crowd cheers]
Hey. Hey.
I see you got your little microphone there, Kev.
Don't open your mouth, and don't say a word.
Listen very carefully,
because in case you can't tell, we're not in a very good mood tonight.
In case you can't tell,
tonight is a hostile takeover of Monday Night Raw by the Bloodline.
Oh, is that right?
It's a hostile takeover by The Bloodline?
[Sami] Listen to me, pal.
We are taking over by any means necessary.
And tonight, people are going to get hurt,
and I want you to know it is because of you.
Because of me?
You know, um…
I could swear I had something to say when I came out here.
That's why I got the microphone,
but after hearing you just now,
all I really want to do is come punch you in the face. So…
[crowd cheers]
[Pearce] Whoa, whoa, whoa. Kevin. No, no.
Kevin, Kevin. Kevin. Enough, Kevin.
Kevin. Enough. Stop. Stop. Stop.
Listen to me. Listen to me.
The Bloodline is not the authority on Raw, I am.
And quite frankly, I've let you guys get away with this for far too long.
Got away with it for far too long, and that goes for Roman too.
So, we're not doing this tonight,
we're not doing this at all in the new year.
You four are going to leave my ring, and you're going to do it peacefully.
Security, if you please, escort The Bloodline from my ring,
and get them out of my building.
[crowd boos]
[Kevin] The Bloodline just kicking off here on Monday Night Raw.
-[Corey] Oh, are we back on? -[Kevin] We are.
[Corey] Solo Sikoa, the heavy hitter, The Enforcer of The Bloodline
laying waste to Adam Pearce's security.
[Kevin] WWE official Adam Pearce just trying to get some control here.
This is madness.
A hostile takeover…
-[Corey] Look at the ferocity… -…according to Zayn.
…in the eyes of Solo Sikoa.
And Kevin Owens wants to fight.
[Kevin] The prized fighter isn't holding back.
-Into the ring he goes. -[Corey] It's four-on-one.
-[Pearce] Let's go. Come on. -[Kevin] Pearce wants security.
He's losing the plot completely here.
-Let's go. -[Corey] We don't need security.
You might as well get Nashville PD out here.
-The locker room has emptied. -[Kevin] Look at this.
-[Corey] Everybody wants revenge. -[Kevin] Shelton Benjamin,
Luke Gallows, Cedric Alexander,
Elias, they're all out there.
The Street Profits.
Mustafa Ali.
[Corey] It is a pier-six brawl to kick off the new year on Monday Night Raw.
[Pearce] No, no, no.
You guys are not getting out of Dodge that easy.
No, no, no.
As a matter of fact, you're not getting out of Dodge at all.
Bloodline, you want to come to work, I think it's time I put you to work.
I hope you've got your boots and your gear
because I'm putting every single one of you in a match tonight,
-and that is official. -[crowd cheers]
[crowd chants] Uce!
Somebody's going to get hurt tonight, Pearce,
and it's going to be because of you now.
What happens next is on your hands.
An absolutely chaotic way to kick off Monday Night Raw.
It's only going to be bigger from here
because up next is the Raw Women's Championship match
where Alexa Bliss will challenge my guest,
the Raw Women's Champion, Bianca Belair.
[crowd cheers]
Bianca, after falling victim to Alexa Bliss' actions two weeks ago,
how is her shifting behavior changed your relationship?
Well, with all due respect, Byron, I am no victim.
And after tonight, I don't want to talk to or about Alexa anymore
because as far as I'm concerned, our relationship is far beyond repair.
Now, she can blame Bray Wyatt all she wants,
but we all know that Alexa is her own person.
She's going to do what she wants, when she wants,
and nobody is going to convince her otherwise.
So, Alexa wanted this match tonight,
well, I want to prove why the Raw Women's Championship belongs with The EST of WWE.
[music]
[Corey] Sounds like the champ is ready, KP.
Yes, certainly. Look, folks, welcome.
Here. This is where our announce desk usually is.
Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves.
I didn't even have a chance to wish you a Happy New Year yet.
I was going to promise a championship night,
here on Monday Night Raw.
We promised to start the new year off with a bang with fireworks,
The Bloodline delivered that, but we are just getting started.
Tonight, Seth "Freakin" Rollins has earned the opportunity
to once again challenge the man who holds the title
that is so coveted on Monday nights.
Austin Theory as the current United States Champion,
Theory defends against Rollins tonight.
[Kevin] When we think about 2022, we think about maybe the best match
arguably the best match of the calendar year
that involved Seth Rollins and that man, Cody Rhodes.
Tonight chapter one, we're going to look at Cody's road to recovery.
[Corey] We heard moments ago the Champion, "The EST of WWE"
Bianca Belair is prepared to defend her Raw Women's Championship
against Alexa Bliss
tonight to kick everything off on Monday Night Raw.
[crosstalk]
Hey. Stop. One at a time. One at a time.
Please, please, one at a time. Please.
Pearce, if you are booking The Bloodline tonight,
it better include the Street Profits.
Adam. Adam, Bloodline is here for me.
Whatever matches you've got in mind, I better be in one of them.
I know everybody wants a piece of The Bloodline,
but there's only four of them tonight and a whole lot more of you.
I don't care. Hey, I don't care about any of that, Pearce.
Listen, I don't care about Sami, I don't care about the Usos,
all I care about is Solo.
That animal smashed me with a guitar, he tried to end my career.
Tonight, I want him, one-on-one. I demand a match.
You know what, no, a fight with Solo, nobody at ringside.
I want a fight.
Well, if nobody objects, then I think I've got the answer to that.
How about you and Solo one-on-one.
We're in Nashville, Music City, USA, in a Music City Street Fight tonight.
-Oh, yes. -[crosstalk]
Hey, and as for the rest of The Bloodline, I'm thinking a Six-Man Tag.
How about Sami and The Usos
against The Street Profits and Kevin Owens?
-[chuckles] -Money, money.
Okay. Okay. Easy money. Easy money.
As for the rest of you, everybody wants to get them.
They've been walking around wielding too much power for too long,
but it's a new year in the WWE
and it's time that we all start acting like it.
Thank you very much, gentlemen.
-That's right. I like way he do-- -[crosstalk]
[music]
[Kevin] We'd like to extend a special thank you to Hardy for "Sold Out,"
an official theme song for WWE's Royal Rumble.
It's from the album "The Mockingbird and The Crow,"
available January 20th on Apple Music and Spotify.
And look who's in the house tonight here in Nashville, Tennessee.
[Corey] Nashville's own, Hardy, big-time WWE fan.
He's got big things coming our way at the Royal Rumble.
Hardy will be performing live, can't wait to check that out,
but Hardy's got the best seat in the house tonight
for the Raw Women's Championship match.
[Kevin] Let's go. It's championship time.
[Alexa Bliss' music plays]
First out, Alexa Bliss, a three-time Raw Women's Champion.
She's fought her way to this position to be here tonight
to take on Bianca Belair,
taking down Nikki Cross and Becky Lynch in a Triple Threat,
then Bayley to win this opportunity tonight against Bianca.
Let's revisit what played out, though,
in an interview with Byron Saxton and Bianca.
I think that maybe you have forgotten
that I was winning championships
way before you even walked through the door.
And I can do it again.
Then come do it then.
Well, ladies, I think we all are very much looking forward
to the championship match between you both.
Thank you for your time tonight.
Thank you.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Saxton] What are you doing, Alexa?
Hey, we need some help.
[Corey] Alexa Bliss certainly with a great deal on her mind.
Highly motivated. You heard Bliss herself say it.
She's done it before, Bliss knows what it means to sit atop the mountain,
but tonight will be no easy task for Miss Bliss.
[Bianca Belair's music plays]
[Kevin] The Tennessee roar for Bianca Belair from Knoxville,
the WWE's Raw Women's Champion
of now 275 days.
[Corey] In those 275 days, what we have witnessed as the WWE Universe
is Bianca Belair's evolution.
She is a superstar who is grown to exist at the pinnacle of this industry.
A proud fighting champion who has shied away from no challenge,
but Belair certainly has her hands full tonight
with a motivated wicked Miss Bliss.
[Kevin] She certainly thought she had an ally,
maybe even a friend in Alexa Bliss.
They were teammates at Survivor Series WarGames, just 37 days ago.
[Corey] The "what have you done for me lately" business
and Alexa still wants that victory.
She can hang her hat on since returning several months back.
-[bell rings] -[announcer] The following contest
scheduled for one fall is for the Raw Women's Championship.
Introducing the challenger, from Columbus, Ohio,
Alexa Bliss.
And her opponent, from Knoxville, Tennessee,
she is the Raw Women's Champion,
Bianca Belair.
[Corey] Ordinarily in these circumstances, I would expect Alexa Bliss
to rely on her past experience, championship experience,
but Bianca Belair has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt week after week,
for months now, there are no holes in the game of the Raw Women's Champion.
Bianca's going to come out of the gate fast, hit Bliss hard
-and try to end this thing quickly. -[bell rings]
[Kevin] Yes, you say that, Corey, as the bell rings,
but how do you prepare for this version of Alexa Bliss?
-Maybe that answers my question. -Just like that, KP.
Let's go! Let's go.
[Kevin] Rapid start from the Raw Women's Champion.
[Corey] Have a little space balls action.
Big uppercut.
[Kevin] Powerful impact from Belair.
[Corey] In the early moments of this matchup,
it looks like Bliss brought a knife to a gun fight.
Belair is just dominating the challenger out of the gate.
[Kevin] How do you expect she'd be feeling?
A vase to the face during an interview with Byron Saxton.
[Corey] Is a vase like a vase?
-Is that how you say it over here? -[Corey] That's right.
[Kevin] Alexa now starting to respond.
[Corey] I don't think Bliss got any of that one.
Dropkick. There goes Belair to the outside.
[Kevin] You think about Alexa Bliss in her WWE career.
We've mentioned three-time Raw Women's Champion.
She goes to the outside.
Caught by Bianca Belair and the power on show from The EST.
[Corey] Bliss fighting desperately, but Belair just too strong.
-[Kevin] Oh, man. -[crowd exclaims]
[Corey] Swinging Bliss like a Louisville slugger.
Can the challenger get back into this one?
[Kevin] Welcome back, folks. Alexa Bliss all over Bianca Belair
the Raw Women's Champion, right now.
Alexa looking to win the title from Belair.
The championship start to the new year.
[Corey] Every time Bliss seems to gain some semblance of an advantage,
The EST shuts the challenger down in short order.
[Kevin] She's been the proud Raw Women's Champion since
WrestleMania of last year.
This arguably the most unpredictable and challenging opponent.
[Corey] Luckily for Belair, there's a lot of tape on Alexa Bliss.
Bliss' exploits and successes in WWE are very well documented
and no doubt Bianca has done her homework prior to this matchup,
and right now just flexing her power and agility.
The EST is feeling it tonight,
and Bliss has been unable to get out of the gates.
[Kevin] Bliss slowly back on her feet, now at pace.
Look at Bianca Belair go. Dropkicks Alexa.
You talked a lot about her evolution, how she continues to grow in WWE,
but Alexis may have the smarts, Alexa Bliss.
[Corey] I don't know if I classify this as smarts, KP.
Bliss is wasting a great deal of time right now.
This is the first time she's had the champion down and potentially out,
and Bliss is showing off for the WWE Universe, now is not the time.
This is what we need to see, aggression, urgency from Bliss.
[Kevin] Kicks to the midsection.
It's been a frantic start to Monday Night Raw here.
[Corey] Curious to see how the injury to Belair's shoulder
will play into this matchup.
Get off the rope, come on. Get off, come on.
One… two… three…
[Kevin] Stern talking to from referee Sean Bennett.
Bianca's head just bouncing off the canvas.
Hook of the leg now, cover for the championship,
and a kick out by Belair.
What would it mean for Alexa Bliss to get back to the mountaintop
and be Raw Women's Champion again?
[Corey] It would be a true return to form.
Once upon a time Alexa Bliss was one of the most feared women in WWE.
She was wicked, she was ruthless,
which is why she was so successful as Champion on multiple occasions.
But right now, Bliss is no match for the power of Belair.
Look at this.
Wow.
Bliss able to escape out the back door.
[Kevin] She does more than that, turns it around, Alexa.
[Corey] Smart, crafty. Cover.
[Kevin] For the victory now and the championship for Alexa Bliss.
Kick out once more by Bianca Belair.
[Corey] If I were Alexa Bliss, I'd utilize more tactics like we just witnessed.
Keep the official occupied,
maybe bend the rules, break the things clean off if you need to,
whatever it takes to become Champion.
[Kevin] Friends not so long ago and you could say the same about
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn coming your way tonight.
KO and The Street Profits against Sami Zayn alongside The Usos.
[Corey] We've got a Music City Street Fight coming our way,
what a way to kick off the new year on Monday Night Raw
with the arrival of The Bloodline
and a Raw Women's Championship match.
[Kevin] Belair fighting, you saw a wry smile on Alexa Bliss now,
and a big slap from Bliss.
[Corey] Bliss with a flurry of offense.
[Kevin] Alexa Bliss now again, cover, for the win.
Once more, kick out by Bianca.
[Corey] Bianca continuing to favor the left side of her face.
I'm not sure if maybe she made contact
with her cheek on the ring post in the collision earlier.
Obviously still giving the champ trouble.
[Kevin] It was a bright start for Bianca Belair,
but Alexa Bliss has really had her number in the last few moments.
[Corey] Bliss wanted the DDT, but The EST not having any of it.
[Kevin] None of it at all and there's that strength again.
[Corey] Superhuman power from the Raw Women's Champion.
[Kevin] Breaking open the back of Alexa Bliss.
Bianca feeling the effects as well, though.
[Corey] The Nashville faithful cheering on the Raw Women's Champion
rallying behind Belair.
[Kevin] This the first of two championship matches tonight
with Austin Theory and Seth Rollins to come, but look at this.
[Corey] It's aggression from the Champion.
Belair's finished playing games.
[Kevin] Picking up the pace now, Bianca Belair.
[Corey] Taking Bliss on a tour de force around the ring.
[Kevin] Looking to break her nose off at the turnbuckle.
Asking for more now.
[crowd cheers]
So powerful Bianca. Is this her moment?
[Corey] Belair with a series of body slams to the challenger, and a third.
Bliss trying her best to stay out of harm's way.
But here comes The EST.
-Hook of the leg. -[Kevin] This could be it.
Bianca Belair to put away Alexa Bliss
who's still alive.
[Corey] For the first time in the matchup,
a look of frustration washing over the face of the Champion.
Perhaps, Belair thought it would be easier than this
to dispose of the challenger tonight.
Bliss still hanging in this.
[Kevin] We are in Royal Rumble season.
Bianca Belair a former Royal Rumble winner back in 2021.
The beginning really of this incredible run for Bianca Belair.
[Corey] Belair attempted to catch herself on the apron.
Bliss kicked her feet out from underneath. Bliss from the apron.
-Nasty landing for both. -[Kevin] Alexa Bliss back on top here.
-[referee] One. Two. -[Corey] The champ's in trouble.
[Kevin] Is Bianca Belair's reign
as the Raw Women's Champion set to come to an end?
It's been all Alexa Bliss during the commercial break.
The EST may be turning things around here a little bit.
[Corey] The Champion able to fight out of the grasp of the challenger.
Bliss with a waist lock applied for the moment.
Oh, big dropkick.
Got the champ right in the chest.
[Kevin] Powerful woman. At that you could hear the impact--
-[Corey] Cover. -[Kevin] For the championship.
Belair kicks out.
Hellacious battle.
[Corey] This is a smart strategy by Bliss.
Maybe Alexa realizes she is not going to overpower Belair,
so the trick is try to wear the Champion down slowly.
This is going to make it tough for Bianca to regain a vertical base.
It's going to make it tough for Bianca to breathe.
[crowd cheers]
Belair makes her way back to her feet.
[Kevin] Oh.
[Corey] Bliss has got to be careful not to break the rules in front of the official.
Would hate to squander a championship opportunity.
Nobody home the second time.
[Kevin] That may leave an opening now for Bianca Belair.
Shoulders down.
Bliss gets away with it for now.
What have you seen from Alexa Bliss tonight?
An aggressive nature here. She knows exactly what's on the line.
-[Corey] Oh, my. -[Kevin] Bianca,
we all know about the strength of Bianca Belair.
-KOD coming our way. -[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Looking to retain.
Alexa has answers.
[Corey] Can the champ put the brakes on once again?
Bianca Belair just too powerful for Bliss tonight.
[Kevin] Backbreaker. Bliss is in agony.
Is this the opening for Bianca Belair?
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Bliss staggers into the corner. The Champion giving chase.
Belair coming back to life in this one.
[crowd cheers]
Big hammer fists to the crown of the challenger's skull.
[crowd] …seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven…
[Kevin] Her home state of Tennessee cheering her own.
-[Corey] Oh, wait. -[Kevin] Look at this. Oh.
Very clever maneuver by Bliss.
That could turn the tides in this one.
This is my championship.
[Corey] Bliss, obviously, distracted. Belair is still down.
The challenger has a golden opportunity right now.
Bliss needs to keep her head in the game.
[Kevin] She's got a championship to win.
Back inside the ring now is Bianca Belair struggling.
She can't get to her feet. Alexa Bliss looking to climb.
[Corey] Perched up top. Bliss could be--
What?
Alexa Bliss needs to keep her focus on the task at hand.
Not on the WWE Universe.
[Kevin] Oh, no.
Oh, man.
Something's corrupted Alexa.
-[Corey] What the hell? -[Kevin] What?
[Corey] Alexa Bliss is attacking the official.
[Kevin] All over the referee, Sean Bennett.
[Corey] Now Bliss turning her attention to Belair.
This is going to cause a disqualification for the challenger.
What the hell's gotten into Bliss?
[Kevin] What just happened?
Face first into the post.
[Corey] Alexa Bliss just cost herself the Raw Women's Championship.
But, right now, Bliss is trying to destroy the Champion.
Alexa Bliss has come unglued before our very eyes.
[Kevin] Corrupted. Now, the callous nature of Alexa Bliss.
[Corey] Bianca Belair launched into the steel ring stairs.
[Kevin] There is no referee in sight.
[Corey] If this continues…
Oh, no, not again. No, Bliss.
Enough is enough.
What the hell?
Alexa Bliss has just decimated the Raw Women's Champion.
Bianca is hurt bad. We need some help out here.
[Kevin] Look at the eyes of Alexa Bliss.
There's no remorse in sight.
[Corey] Belair is hurt.
This isn't good.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
We had a Raw Women's Championship match moments ago.
There was no winner to this match, Corey Graves.
What played out was quite frightening, to be honest with you.
[Corey] We all assumed per her own words
that Alexa Bliss had moved on from her past.
But obviously something is still lingering inside the challenger
that was set free tonight.
Poor Sean Bennett, WWE official, was attacked mid-match,
this is going to force a disqualification for the challenger Alexa Bliss.
But Bliss seemed more concerned with destroying Bianca Belair
than even the Raw Women's Championship.
This was downright difficult to watch.
[Kevin] It certainly was. Face first.
Bianca Belair, the Raw Women's Champion,
was bloodied up after a collision with the steel steps,
and Bliss came back for more.
[Corey] Multiple DDTs on the steel ring stairs
delivered by Alexa Bliss to Bianca Belair.
And Bliss would leave ringside with a look on her face
that appeared to be something of satisfaction.
So many questions need to be answered after what we just witnessed.
No! No!
[Corey] And this was during the break, Bianca's husband Montez Ford
obviously has a big Six-Man Tag Team match later tonight.
Ford came to the aid of Bianca Belair.
This is the type of stuff you don't prepare for.
You hate to see any athlete taken out in this manner.
It was really difficult to watch.
We're being told that Bianca Belair is currently being evaluated.
We wish her the very best indeed.
Now, the final Monday Night Raw of 2022,
we witnessed something that will set up tonight's
United States Championship beautifully.
A war of words between Seth "Freakin" Rollins
and the current champion, Austin Theory.
[music]
The thing about you is
Seth "Freakin" Rollins has seen the mountaintop.
What you fail to realize is that is just the peak, Seth.
And I'm coming for Everest.
I've been to the mountaintop.
I've seen the mountaintop.
No, no.
You got it wrong, kid.
I am the damn mountaintop.
[crowd cheers]
I am Everest.
You know what they say?
The title doesn't make the man.
The man makes the title.
Later that night, Theory would interfere and cost Rollins victory,
which has led us to this point.
Please welcome my guest at this time, United States Champion, Austin Theory.
[crowd boos]
Now, Austin, how confident are you heading to tonight's huge title defense
against Seth "Freakin" Rollins?
Cathy, my confidence is at an all-time high.
Why is that? It's the new year. New year, new me.
That's what everybody says, right? Not me.
2022 was Austin Theory's year and 2023 is going to be my year.
Let's talk about two weeks ago with Seth "Freakin" Rollins
when I got under his skin.
And then he wanted to pick a fight with The Bloodline.
And when he least expected it, I dropped him.
I guess that just clarifies that Seth "Freakin" Rollins is the past.
And me, well, everybody knows I'm The Now.
But I do hold this United States Championship.
But that's not all I hold.
I hold all the cards right here in my hand,
and I'm out playing Seth "Freakin" Rollins on every turn.
That just means that my forever reign is just beginning.
Not too bad for a kid, huh, Seth?
[Corey] Well, the forever reign of Austin Theory is in serious jeopardy tonight
as a highly-motivated former United States Champion,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins challenges "The Now" Austin Theory.
The most coveted prize on Monday nights is up for grabs live tonight on Raw.
Ladies and gentlemen, Elias.
[guitar strumming]
Hello, I am Eias.
[guitar strumming]
We are in Nashville, Music City.
[crowd cheers]
Tonight, I got a Music City Street Fight.
And I plan on smashing this guitar across Solo Sikoa's face.
[crowd cheers]
Tonight, he is going to find out what Hardy knows,
what everyone around the world knows and what you and Nashville know.
That is that WWE stands for--
[crowd yells] Walk with Elias!
I said, WWE stands for--
[crowd yells] Walk with Elias!
Now, you better believe I have come prepared with a song,
a little prefight song to get everybody in the mood.
So, I need y'all to clap your hands.
It goes like this.
[Solo Sikoa's music plays]
Aw, come on!
[Corey] Solo Sikoa not in the mood to be serenaded tonight.
The Enforcer of the Bloodline is here to do business.
[Solo Sikoa's music plays]
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following is a Music City Street Fight.
Making his way to the ring, from Las Vegas, Nevada
weighing in at 250 pounds,
Solo Sikoa.
[Kevin] If you think that Solo Sikoa already looks like he's been in a fight,
well, you're absolutely right, because we kicked off Monday Night Raw.
We haven't even finished the open to the show
and Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline continue to wreak havoc here
at the beginning of 2023.
[Corey] KP, Solo Sikoa hasn't been in a fight yet.
Solo Sikoa was just getting warmed up by destroying half of the roster.
The Enforcer of The Bloodline, look at the fury in his eyes,
the malice in his heart.
The Street Champ is here to take Elias out on behalf of The Tribal Chief
and the entire Bloodline.
This past Friday night on SmackDown is why this is all happening.
Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn were defeated in tag team action
by Kevin Owens and John Cena.
What we are seeing tonight is the fallout.
The Tribal Chief is sending a message to Owens and the entire WWE locker room.
You do not mess with The Bloodline.
[Kevin] Yeah, but if you're Elias right now
and you're looking at Solo Sikoa,
you've been in the squared circle with him before just three weeks ago.
Solo with an emphatic victory on that occasion.
[Corey] Well, you know what the definition of insanity is, don't you, KP?
Trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
-[bell rings] -You ever seen a Music City
-Street Fight, KP? -Can't wait.
[Corey] They're ugly. They're brutal.
They are nasty, particularly when Solo can do whatever he wants.
Solo Sikoa not limited by the traditional rules of a WWE match.
All of this musical accoutrement on the outside of the ring
perfectly legal.
[Kevin] Solo barely moved.
The big body from Elias can't rock The Enforcer.
Solo Sikoa yet to be defeated in one-on-one action
since joining The Bloodline.
[Corey] Listen. Elias is a very, very tough individual.
We've seen what Elias is capable of.
Oh my goodness.
But Solo Sikoa is simply a different breed.
[Kevin] Victories over the likes of "The Bruiser" Sheamus,
"The Big Man" Angelo Dawkins, "The High Flyer" Ricochet.
It doesn't matter what's put in Solo Sikoa's way.
Listen. Elias does have an experienced advantage over Solo Sikoa,
but here we see Solo has complete impunity to do whatever he so desires
from bell to bell to Elias, it's all perfectly legal.
[Kevin] Oh. Wow.
[Corey] And here comes Elias.
[Kevin] Look at the strength on show from Elias now.
[Corey] Solo looking to turn it around.
[Kevin] Oh, man.
[Corey] This is going to get ugly. I'm telling you right now.
I'm going to call my buddy Amigo The Devil,
get him on the line to write a song about this one,
because it is going to be hard to watch.
[Kevin] Does Solo even care about Elias? Is he another victim…
-No. -…lying in his way?
I'll tell you what Solo cares about, KP.
Look at the rear end of Solo's gear.
He is The Street Champ.
This is his milieu.
This is where Solo exists.
Oh-ho, baby.
[Kevin] Solo has Elias scouted again.
You think this is perfectly setup for Elias?
He wanted one on one.
There's no other member of The Bloodline in sight.
Elias has all his musical instruments ready to use them if he wishes so.
[Corey] Perhaps, Elias choreographed his own demise.
That's what we're looking at. That's what we're witnessing right now.
[Kevin] Elias has been continually tormented
and brutalized by The Bloodline.
-[Corey] KP, I've got a fever. -Oh, no.
[Corey] Elias staying into this one.
[Kevin] Elias is looking for that statement victory here, Graves,
since returning to WWE.
Man, this would be one here tonight in Nashville.
[Corey] Credit to Elias for attempting to stand toe-to-toe
with The Enforcer of The Bloodline.
-Uh-oh, look out, Solo. -[crowd cheers]
He's got his weapon.
[Corey] Yikes.
Solo Sikoa just avoided certain disaster.
-Sikoa now soldiering forward. -The hell is wrong with you? Huh?
[Corey] Oh, no, through the drum kit.
[Kevin] Drums everywhere.
Solo Sikoa looks a little rocked here.
This could be Elias' moment to pounce.
[Corey] Oh, ho-ho. Wow.
Solo might be out.
What a win this would be for Elias if he could get it here in Nashville.
[crowd cheers]
We're in Nashville, Tennessee, tonight Monday Night Raw.
We're witnessing a Music City Street Fight.
Elias going to work right now
against The Enforcer of The Bloodline Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] This is a fight that Elias demanded of WWE official Adam Pearce
after The Bloodline attempted to initiate a hostile takeover of Monday Night Raw
to kick off the show.
The Street Champ now with a microphone.
[Kevin] He doesn't plan on talking.
Just battering Elias across the head.
Oh.
This was a match on Elias' terms.
One on one, no Bloodline in sight.
[crowd cheers]
[Corey] I don't think Elias fully understood what he was signing up for.
Oh.
[Kevin] The attack earlier on tonight as we were coming on air,
The Bloodline just decimating the Raw roster.
Solo Sikoa, every bit a part of it.
[Corey] They're up on our entrance stage here now.
Just a reminder, this is falls count anywhere
in this Music City Street Fight.
The only rules are pinfall or submission.
However you obtain that, wherever you obtain that, perfectly legal.
Solo Sikoa is just menacing Elias right now.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] You talk about breakout stars in 2022,
it's hard to look beyond this man, "The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa,
with the impact that he has had since September at Clash at the Castle.
[Corey] Thunderous headbutt rattling Elias.
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] He looks like he's enjoying himself Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] Solo in complete control right now,
because Solo knows full well that the Tribal Chief is looking on.
The Tribal Chief gave the marching orders to The Bloodline.
Tonight, they just need to execute.
Oh.
[Kevin] Is this a way back for Elias?
[Corey] Elias just hit Solo with an electric piano.
-Solo connecting. -[Kevin] Oh, ho. Man
[Corey] Call it goodnight. Elias ain't getting back up after that.
[Kevin] Look at the eyes of Solo.
I don't know if he plans on finishing this right now
or going after Elias for more.
[Corey] Right now, Solo Sikoa is playing with his food.
Take another look at the tremendous impact.
First the turnbuckle.
Then an epic Samoan drop from The Street Champ.
Playing little chopsticks before we end this one.
[Kevin] Tossing Elias to the outside.
You can imagine Roman Reigns watching on.
Is he pleased at what he's seeing from Solo Sikoa?
[Corey] Elias with a tambourine to the side of Solo's face.
[Kevin] Hey, use all the instruments you can get your hands on.
[Corey] It's all legal.
If it's not nailed down, you can use it.
[Kevin] Music City Street Fight.
Elias is back in it.
Has Solo missed his opportunity to see this one through?
-[Corey] Oh, no. Oh, my God. -[Kevin] Wow.
[Corey] I don't know if I've never seen anything like that before.
Look out, Solo.
-[crowd cheers] -[Kevin] He's about to play some tunes
-tunes across Solo's back. -[Corey] Oh, my God.
[crowd cheers]
-[Kevin] Elias now. That could do it. -[Corey] That might do it.
[Kevin] Elias for the victory over Solo Sikoa.
-He kicks out. -[crowd cheers]
[Corey] Solo refusing to be defeated
knowing that the head of the table is looking on.
You can see at the bottom of your screen a medical update.
Bianca Belair currently being evaluated. Receiving medical attention.
We'll do our best to keep you posted as the night progresses.
I have a feeling the EMTs are going to have
a very busy night on their hands.
Even in the wake of this battle, a Music City Street Fight to kick off 2023.
Good night.
[Kevin] Spinning Solo.
Big-time belly-to-belly suplex by The Street Champ.
[Kevin] He's taking his time here again, Sikoa.
[Corey] Look at this.
Sikoa hoisting up Elias and utilizing all of his own bodyweight
to drive the breath out of the troubadour.
Solo lining it up thinking about the end.
[Kevin] How intimidating is this man? Now at pace.
[Corey] Solo face fist into the ring post.
[Kevin] Elias read the danger.
Now, the tambourine across the head.
[Corey] And here comes Elias. I don't know where he's getting it from.
[Kevin] He is motoring.
He's got the energy. He's got the momentum.
Big body of Elias across Solo.
Again for good measure.
[Corey] A series of splashes.
-Big spinebuster. -[Kevin] Elias.
This could be the moment.
This is the opportunity for Elias.
-Trying to damage Solo Sikoa. -[Corey] With a tambourine.
I suddenly have the urge to walk like an Egyptian.
All the way to the outside goes Solo.
[Kevin] Piano in hand.
Elias.
Oh, man.
A battered guitar. He'll use anything he can get his hands on.
[Corey] It's all perfectly legal.
[crowd cheers]
Wait a minute, that's Hardy.
Who the hell told Hardy to give Elias a guitar?
Hardy is here as a guest. Oh. Good.
Good for Elias. Good for Hardy.
[Kevin] Solo read it. Superkick. Elias down and out.
[Corey] Solo is just incensed.
Now taking out his frustrations on--
Where the hell does this guy think he's doing?
[Kevin] Hardy, this may not be the place for you.
[crowd cheers]
There's no disqualifications here.
-[Corey] What is this? -[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Singer, songwriter Hardy is in the ring with "The Enforcer" Solo Sikoa.
-No. -[Corey] What?
[crowd cheers]
-[Kevin] Get out of the ring. -[Corey] Hardy, run.
[Kevin] Get out of the ring.
[Corey] Run as fast as your little legs will take you.
[Kevin] Get out.
[Corey] Go to Memphis. Maybe try Texas.
You're not safe here.
Oh, you don't want that smoke. Oh, God.
Elias out of nowhere.
[Kevin] Solo distracted by Hardy.
Now, this presents an opportunity for Elias.
[Corey] From the top rope with the fragments of a guitar.
-[Kevin] Oh. -[Corey] Samoan spike.
[Kevin] Midair, catches Elias in emphatic fashion.
I'm surprised his head is still on.
[Corey] Solo is happily going to change that.
[Kevin] No.
[Corey] Spinning Solo onto the piano.
-[Kevin] For the victory now. -One… two… three!
-Elias is done. -[bell rings]
[Solo Sikoa's music plays]
Here is your winner, Solo Sikoa.
[Corey] Is there another human being walking God's green Earth
who has an answer for The Street Champ, for The Enforcer of the Bloodline?
Solo is looking for Hardy.
Hardy, if I were you, I'd look into witness protection, my friend.
[Kevin] An opening statement tonight.
[Corey] I hope when Hardy plays at the Royal Rumble,
they put him all the way at the top of the Alamo Dome,
because even there, it may not be safe.
[Solo Sikoa's music plays]
[Kevin] This is the moment that Elias he seizes the guitar from Hardy.
[Corey] I guess Hardy's heart was in the right place.
This was just the dumbest move in the history of mankind.
Let's be honest.
[Kevin] Solo didn't even budge.
[Corey] Let's go throw rocks in the Grand Canyon.
[Kevin] Somehow Hardy escapes. Then this happens.
Samoan spike.
[Corey] I'd be surprised if Elias ever sings again.
Jerry Lee Lewis hasn't destroyed a piano this well.
Solo Sikoa driving Elias,
ending Music City Street Fight
and accomplishing the goal set forth for the night
by none other than The Tribal Chief.
We know what Roman Reigns marching orders were for the entire Bloodline.
A hostile takeover was initiated.
But as The Bloodline continues to show they do what they want,
when they want to who they want.
The Bloodline has a problem
and certainly had one at the end of 2022.
That problem is Kevin Owens.
Owens teaming up with John Cena to devastating effect
when Roman Reigns teamed up with "The Honorary Uce" Sami Zayn.
[music]
[Cole] It is massive main event.
Maybe the match of the year.
The 16-time world Champion, John Cena, has returned
to Friday night SmackDown.
You're embarrassing yourself in front of The Tribal Chief.
[Cole] And Roman Reigns not allowing the tag to happen.
Oh, a superman punch.
John Cena pulling himself up to the apron.
[crowd chants] Cena! Cena!
And here comes The GOAT.
[crowd chants] Cena! Cena!
[crowd cheers]
Double five-knuckle shuffle.
The AA.
Attitude Adjustment to the Champ.
Stunner to Sami. Cover by Owens.
-[bell rings] -KO and Cena win.
[crowd chants] Cena! Cena!
[Kevin] An epic end to the year. That's for sure.
WWE official Adam Pearce saying earlier that The Bloodline has
been wielding far too much power for far too long.
After their attacks earlier on tonight,
this match has become official due to that.
It's Kevin Owens teaming up with The Street Profits
to take on Sami Zayn and The Usos.
And it's next on Monday Night Raw.
[music]
The party may be easing up around the world,
but never here in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee.
We are delighted to be here.
We were here last summer, of course, for the biggest party of the Summer
in July for SummerSlam. I'm delighted to be back on Raw.
[The Usos' music plays]
[Corey] It's about to live up to the nickname Smashville,
because The Ones have arrived.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is a Six-Man Tag Team match
schedule for one fall.
Introducing first, the team of Sami Zayn
and the undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions,
Jimmy and Jey, The Usos.
[Kevin] The Bloodline, one of the most dominant forces
we've ever seen in WWE,
so in control through 2022, yet they end the year
on a negative note, and that is why we've seen the impact
from them here tonight.
Sent back to Monday Night Raw by Roman Reigns,
The Head of the Table.
Destruction would ensue to begin the show.
[Corey] In an effort to mitigate any further destruction,
WWE official Adam Pearce would book every member of The Bloodline
in competition tonight.
We just saw Solo Sikoa succeed, now we see Sami and The Usos.
[Kevin] Royal Rumble is presented by Cricket,
with fast and powerful nationwide 5G coverage,
you can stress less and smile more,
and by the official WWE CreditOne Visa card.
If you want to show off your WWE pride every time you pay,
visit ultimatewwecard.com to see if you prequalify now,
terms apply.
[Corey] Obviously, Sami and The Usos
are all here to do the bidding of The Tribal Chief.
Sami's got to feel like the weight of the world
is on his shoulders, having been the one pinned
Friday night on SmackDown.
[Street Profits' music plays]
[Kevin] And now the opponents, The Street Profits set to team up
with The Prize Fighter, Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Street Profits suffered the wrath of The Bloodline
two weeks ago on Monday Night Raw when The Bloodline ran rampant
for three hours essentially.
Tez Dawkins looking for a measure of revenge, as is this man.
[Kevin Owens' music plays]
[Kevin] The problem on the Island of Relevancy.
[announcer] And their opponent,
the team of The Street Profits and Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Owens and The Profits marching into battle, and here we go.
Not waiting for the bell.
[Kevin] They mean business, The Street Profits and KO.
[Corey] You have to imagine how Montez Ford's feeling right now,
focusing on a Six-Man Tag match like just having seen his wife
decimated just moments ago by Alexa Bliss.
-You don't think I know your tricks? -[bell rings]
[Corey] Montez Ford is a man on a mission, as is Owens and Dawkins,
who is teeing off, piecing up Jimmy Uso in the corner.
[Kevin] Finally, the bell rings, off we go and the only man inside the ring
are jimmy Uso, Angelo Dawkins.
[Corey] The only thing that matters about the bell's
that the match became official.
These six men want to destroy each other. This is personal.
This is about dominance from The Bloodline.
This is about revenge on the other side.
This is about KO and his unending threat to The Head of the Table.
[Kevin] How do you think Roman Reigns is feeling watching on right now
as Angelo Dawkins goes to work?
Big enzuigiri rocks Jimmy Uso.
[Kevin] Cover in a second. This could be over already.
-Early kick out. -I assure you that somewhere
on the Island of Relevancy, The Tribal Chief's feeling a bit
uneasy right now in the opening moments of this one.
Reigns had to be thrilled to watch Solo Sikoa destroy Elias
in that Music City Street Fight,
but right now the work must continue for The Usos and The Honorary Uce.
Tez right on the money.
[Kevin] Montez Ford, you can understand the expression on the face of Montez Ford.
Not too long ago, helping out his wife Bianca Belair,
but right now it's business inside the squared circle.
Tag made for Angelo Dawkins.
[referee counts] One… Two…
[Corey] Reversal by Jimmy Uso.
Big boot right on the--
From behind, Jey Uso with a lethal enzuigiri.
[Kevin] Referee had no idea.
Jey Uso, tag made, in comes Jey.
[Corey] The right-hand man, main event, Jey Uso, reminding Angelo Dawkins
and the whole WWE Universe why we The Ones.
[Kevin] Jey Uso and his brother Jimmy
set for an Undisputed Tag Team Championship match Friday night
on SmackDown against Sheamus and Drew McIntyre.
[Corey] Tag is made, here comes The Honorary Uce.
You would have to imagine that Sami Zayn has to feel like
he's got a great deal to prove tonight to the entire Bloodline.
Not only his partners, but particularly The Tribal Chief
who stood beside Zayn Friday night on SmackDown
and came up short in a battle.
Roman Reigns does not know how to react to losing.
[Kevin] Sami Zayn, of course, still wearing the honorary tag.
He thought he may lose that by now. Has he done enough to lose it?
Roman Reigns is furious right now, because everybody on social media
has been talking about how Reigns was defeated when it was Sami Zayn's fault.
Roman wasn't even in the ring,
but ultimately it falls on The Head of the Table's shoulders.
[Kevin] Sami Zayn, of course, was pinned by Kevin Owens.
-[Corey] Cover here by Jey. -Hook of the leg, shoulders down
and kick out by Angelo Dawkins.
You can't really believe KO when he says he doesn't focus on Sami anymore
after all they've been through, best friends for so long.
[Corey] I believe right now Kevin Owens is focused on one thing
-and one thing only… -Here comes KO
…that is Roman Reigns.
KO will destroy everything in his path
for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship.
Boom.
[Kevin] Massive body from Kevin Owens.
The senton for good measure.
[Corey] Owens now…
-[Kevin] Oh, wow. -…on a mission.
Sami Uso.
Sami, you little bitch.
[Corey] KO with a few choice words to his former best friend.
Oh, look. Montez got to get his head in the game.
It's understandable to be concerned about your loved ones,
no one blames you, but Montez clearly not focusing on the match.
[Kevin] Didn't tag with KO. Now KO in a perilous position,
getting absolutely battered by The Usos.
This is exactly where The Usos wanted KO.
[Corey] Ring is cut in half
and KO just being mugged right now by The Bloodline.
The Bloodline in control.
Can KO and The Profits fight their way back into this?
[Kevin] Welcome back, you're watching Monday Night Raw and a hellacious battle.
Kevin Owens and The Street Profits against Sami Zayn and The Usos.
The Head of the Table, the Undisputed Champion Roman Reigns,
sending The Bloodline once more to Monday Night Raw,
to wreak havoc, to decimate, to destroy anything
and in particular, Kevin Owens.
They have him right where they want him once more.
[Corey] The Bloodline has effectively cut the ring in half,
keeping Owens isolated from Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins,
who are both eager to mix it up in this one.
We know-- Oh, my goodness.
There is no quit in Kevin Owens.
[Kevin] It takes a lot to rock Kevin Owens,
as we saw in the last Raw of 2022
when his partner Seth "Freakin" Rollins had been taken out,
Kevin Owens still managed to defeat The Bloodline and The Usos in particular.
[Corey] Oh, superkick to an unsuspecting Angelo Dawkins.
Again, Montez Ford continues to seem to have trouble focusing
on the match at hand.
Superkick by Owens takes down Jey Uso.
KO desperately needs to make a tag to a fresher partner.
[Kevin] Sami Zayn on the other side, desperate to get in.
KO looking to make the tag to Montez Ford,
but I'm not sure it's going to happen.
[Corey] Tag is made, Ford is legal.
And Montez getting his head back in the game just in time,
making the climb to the top, from the heavens.
[Kevin] Frog splash all over Sami.
All over Jimmy.
Montez Ford is alive and well. Look at him go.
[Corey] Right now The Bloodline may regret waking up Montez Ford
and unleashing what was inside.
Look at Montez go.
[Kevin] Montez now, hook of the leg for the victory.
Sami kicks out at two.
What energy, what an impact from Montez Ford!
[Corey] Take a look at this once again,
Montez propelling himself way up high and down hard on Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn.
Montez is feeling it, nearly ending things.
But look at the top of your screen.
Montez was making the climb yet again, but thwarted by Zayn.
[Kevin] Well read by Sami Zayn.
[Corey] The Honorary Uce looking to get back
in the good graces of the Tribal Chief.
Montez hanging on to the top rope.
[Kevin] Both men in a perilous position.
[Corey] A right hand on the ear of Zayn, and another.
[Kevin] This could be his shot.
Tez, frog splash.
-Hook of the leg. -One… two…
[Corey] Ah! Jey Uso at the last possible second.
[Kevin] Angelo Dawkins with a massive right.
Out goes Jey Uso.
[Corey] Dawkins just uncorked the right on Jey Uso, but AD not done just yet.
[Kevin] Look at the pace.
6'5" and with plenty of power.
Jimmy Uso now sent to the other side courtesy of Ford.
[Corey] Montez feeling some kind of way.
Southwest, take notes.
-[Kevin] Completes the flight. -[Corey] Oh, damn.
-[Kevin] Oh, wow. -[Corey] The Street Champ is back.
The Enforcer of the Bloodline.
[Kevin] Here comes KO.
-[Corey] Owens bringing the fight to Solo. -KO!
[Kevin] It's two-on-one though. The superkick to KO.
He's seeing stars.
[Corey] And yet again The Bloodline proving
they are as deep as they are dangerous.
[Kevin] Montez Ford dealing with Sami Zayn over the far side.
Pushing him back inside the ring.
[Corey] Montez connects with a right.
Helluva kick.
Hope you're watching Roman.
-[Kevin] Hook of the leg. -One… two… three!
-He's got it. -[bell rings]
[Sami Zayn's music plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners, The Usos and Sami Zayn.
[Kevin] You got to wonder what that will do for Sami Zayn
in the eyes of Roman Reigns.
[Corey] You know this was Sami Zayn's goal tonight,
to find his way back into the good graces of The Tribal Chief,
and now it's time to execute the game plan.
[Kevin] This is what they came here for.
The problem on the Island of Relevancy is Kevin Owens.
[Corey] Find the thorn in Roman's side and extract it with extreme prejudice.
That is exactly what's happening.
Oh, no.
[Kevin] KO continues to fight, but four-on-one.
[Corey] What the hell?
Drew McIntyre, Sheamus. Where the hell they come from?
[Kevin] Out of the crowd, The Scottish Warrior, The Celtic Warrior.
[Corey] Evening the numbers game,
McIntyre and Sheamus are on Monday Night Raw
brining the fight to The Bloodline.
[Kevin] Championship match to come on Friday Night SmackDown,
we're getting a taste right now. Big knee.
McIntyre, Glasgow kiss.
[Corey] McIntyre and Sheamus have cleared the ring of The Bloodline.
[indistinct]
-[Sheamus' music plays] -[Corey] The Bloodline won the battle,
but the war is far from over.
Reinforcements from Friday Night SmackDown
in the form of Sheamus and Drew McIntyre saving the day for Owens.
[Sami] Biggest mistake you just made.
[Kevin] What a night here on Monday Night Raw,
and it's only getting better.
We got Dexter Lumis, beware of "The Silent Man,"
in one-on-one action with Chad Gable.
Chad Gable has found himself in tough spots of late,
and now he's got to face Dexter Dexter.
[Corey] If anybody can solve the enigma that is Dexter Lumis,
it's The Master, it is Chad Gable with Four-point-Otis,
The Number One guy in his corner.
It's live, and it's next on Monday Night Raw.
San Antonio, Texas, we are coming for you.
I cannot wait for the Royal Rumble.
Less than four weeks away now at this point.
We are set to see quite the show from San Antonio.
At the Royal Rumble, a Mountain Dew Pitch Black match,
Bray Wyatt, LA Knight.
[Corey] First time ever.
I cannot wait to witness what unfolds in San Antonio
at the Royal Rumble,
and I can't wait for the Royal Rumble, because you know what that means, KP?
-Yes. -We are officially then
on the road to LA, WrestleMania.
-This is my favorite time of year, man. -It certainly is. That's for sure.
I am disappointed though for AJ Styles
who took to social media officially to announce that
he has in fact picked up an injury at a WWE event.
Saying, "Just want you guys to know that I'm okay.
Broken ankle is what I'm dealing with. No surgery.
This just takes some time to recover.
This will be the longest I've ever been out of the ring.
Thanks for the prayers and get well wishes.
[Corey] Always an unfortunate incident suffering an injury
as a WWE superstar, but we're sending our best wishes
to The Phenomenal One. Get back here soon, AJ.
[Alpha Academy's music plays]
[Kevin] Usually that's directed at me.
[Corey] It wasn't directed at me.
[bell rings]
[announcer] The following contest is scheduled for one fall.
Introducing first accompanied to the ring by Otis,
representing Alpha Academy,
Chad Gable.
[Kevin] Chad Gable has a way of landing himself in certain situations.
Of late, we've seen him in a match with AJ Styles.
We saw him mixed it up a little bit with Kurt Angle, a Hall of Famer.
Now, today, he's set to take on Dexter Lumis of all WWE superstars.
Does he have any idea what's coming his way?
[Corey] I don't know if anybody has any idea about anything
as it pertains to Dexter Lumis,
but what I do know about Chad Gable
is people are offended by his high intellect.
People don't like to be told that they're wrong,
and Chad Gable is the living breathing embodiment of you are wrong.
Threatening to some people.
[Kevin] Yes. A lot of people say pound-for-pound,
arguably the strongest WWE superstar there is.
Exhibiting that strength week in, week out on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] Also, potentially the smartest pound-for-pound.
That's a new stat. I just made it up. Put it in a book.
[Kevin] He's got a Christmas tradition where he deadlifts and eating cookies.
He's deadlifting.
And Otis does both simultaneously.
[Dexter Lumis' music plays]
Oh, dear.
[Kevin] Beware the silent man.
[Corey, softly] What is this dude's deal?
[announcer] And his opponent from Recluse, Wyoming,
weighing 239 pounds,
Dexter Lumis.
[Corey] This guy strikes me as something out of skinwalker ranch.
He just makes me uncomfortable.
Everything about Dexter Lumis makes me uncomfortable, especially this.
Who moves like that?
What is that?
[Kevin] For once, I agree with you.
Dexter Lumis,
in the most creepiest way, makes his way inside the square circle.
[Corey] Listen, at the end of the day, we learned that Lumis
is a talented competitor from bell to bell.
Regardless of what goes on or doesn't go on between his ears
for the rest of the day.
[bell rings]
[Kevin] The bell rings, and urgency from Dexter Lumis.
[Corey] Gable was just trying to lure Lumis into a trap.
Maybe not.
[Gabe] What is this guy?
[Kevin] "What is this guy?", says Chad Gable.
[Gabe] No, no, no, oi, oi, oi.
You're not going anywhere.
[indistinct]
Oh, no. You're creepy-- wait a minute.
[Kevin] I'm not sure I've ever seen Chad Gable stunned like that.
Thesz press and rapid right hands from Lumis.
[Kevin] Big body of Dexter Lumis punishing Chad Gable as Otis watches on.
[Corey] Much to the chagrin of The Tree Trunk who just uprooted himself.
Gable now, hanging Lumis across the top rope.
[Kevin] The Olympian Chad Gable now, finally getting a little momentum.
[Corey] Taking control of this match.
As Otis would say, absolute carnage.
[Kevin] Gable now.
Lumis at pace off the ropes.
A Thank Yew!
[Kevin] Otis celebrating a birthday last week,
and Gable gave him a birthday gift by giving him a four-hour gym session.
Allowed him to watch a few horror movies.
[Corey] Sounds like a great friend to me,
and then you got to deal with Dexter Lumis who's like a real-life horror movie.
[Kevin] Dexter Lumis recently losing
in a Winner-Take-All Ladder match with The Miz.
Rolled out of Monday Night Raw a foolish man
to celebrate Christmas with Maurice.
For some reason, I'm not sure it will affect Dexter Lumis in any way.
[Corey] I don't know what does or does not affect Dexter Lumis.
I don't know which way is up as pertains to this guy.
He's unusual, he's very powerful, very dangerous, extremely capable.
[Kevin] Big boot by Lumis.
How do you prepare for a match against Lumis?
[Corey] Therapy. Beautiful Northern Lights suplex.
[Kevin] This could be it for Chad Gable then.
Kick out by Lumis.
[shooshes]
[Corey] Talked to Chad Gable earlier today.
He said he cannot wait to get out of Nashville.
He's sick of having sticky floors every establishment he walks into.
-It disgusts Gable. -Athlete! [indistinct]
[Kevin] Gable quickly back inside.
Look at Dexter Lumis and the power.
[Corey] Elevated uppercut by Lumis.
Bulldog headlock, and Gable's in jeopardy now.
Dexter Lumis demonstrating his quality inside the squared circle.
[Corey] What the hell was that?
I don't know.
[Kevin] Hook of the leg. Shoulders are down.
Lumis now and a kick out by Gable.
[Corey] Otis asking me the same question. I just explained, I don't know
what to make of this offense from Lumis. Other than it's extremely effective.
[Kevin] Lumis was stalking his prey again.
[Corey] Excellent German suplex.
[Kevin] Otis backs away from Dexter Lumis as Chad Gable comes to the outside.
[Corey] Ooh! A knee to the spine of Lumis launches him into the ring posts.
Things are looking up for The Academy.
[Kevin] Notice Gable give Otis the look?
[Corey] Otis might have broken his own arm.
[Kevin] Chad Gable's Number One Guy as he calls him, is hurting,
but back inside we go.
[Corey] He's The Number One-armed guy.
A magistral cradle applied perfectly.
-[Kevin] Wow. Working the left arm. -One… two…
-Counter. -One… two… three!
-[Kevin] He's got it. Wow. -[bell rings]
[Corey] That's a terrible start to the new year.
[announcer] Here's your winner, Dexter Lumis.
[Kevin] How far can this guy go?
Dexter Lumis on Monday Night Raw.
[Corey] After all that happened to him with The Miz
with the victory here tonight.
I don't know what to make of Dexter Lumis.
I'm impressed, but I'm terrified at the same time every time we see him.
Inside Hell in a Cell, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes.
You and I agree on this and we talked about it.
The match of the year in 2022,
although it came at a cost for Cody Rhodes.
And we cannot wait to see him back inside the WWE ring.
[music]
[crowd cheering]
[Cody] Six full years.
That's a heck of a journey.
I didn't think I was coming back.
I feel like coming out at WrestleMania, everybody understood the path.
I'll get another shot at living the first dream I ever had.
[Dusty Rhodes] Get a dream.
Hold onto it and shoot for the sky.
Yes, I cannot physically put that title up into my father's hands.
I cannot bestow it upon "The American Dream," Dusty Rhodes,
but I certainly can put it around the waist
of The American Nightmare.
I feel like at this point, I'm just me.
The American Nightmare is real.
It's an extension of The American Dream.
I stand before you finally ready.
It is a perfect alignment of all the stars.
And I'm going to do it for you.
I'm going to do it for me.
And I am going to do it for "The American Dream," Dusty Rhodes.
[man] Cody Rhodes tore the pectoral muscle right off the bone.
[Cody] I have been doing this since I was 20 years old.
I almost felt bulletproof.
No human being could have kept me from getting in the ring.
It's like oxygen. I needed to be in the ring that night.
[Kevin] We got the first part of Cody Rhodes's journey to recovery
and look who it is. What an end to the year it was
for Bayley and the Tag Champions.
The Role Model with a statement victory over Becky Lynch,
and they're here tonight.
[Bayley's music plays]
[Corey] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw, and what away to kick off 2023.
[announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Bayley
and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky, Damage CTRL.
[Corey] You know, KP, I've never been much for New Years' resolutions,
but this year, my resolution is to be more of a role model like Bayley.
[Kevin] Well, you can certainly understand the dancing and the smiling
from Bayley and the tag champions Iyo and Dakota.
Let's go back a couple of weeks to the final Monday Night Raw of 2022.
It was the first one-on-one meeting
between Becky Lynch and Bayley in almost four years.
Becky Lynch wanted Bayley in solo competition one-on-one.
It would be the Tag Champions that would get involved here.
[Corey] Where Bayley goes, the Tag Champs follow.
Just as Becky Lynch seemed to have solved the problem,
Bayley with one of our television monitors to the face of The Man's skull,
rose plant and a big time W for The Role Model.
[Kevin] Here they are back in Nashville
where it all started for this trio at SummerSlam.
Ding dong. Happy New Years, Trashville.
[crowd boos]
Hey, hey.
You guys should feel proud that you're from a city
where Damage CTRL was born.
Don't you remember a little show called SummerSlam?
Yeah, you're welcome that finally something good came from this place, okay?
Please, please. Don't ruin my night, okay?
Because I can't think about better way to kick off 2023
than right beside my heroes, my best friends,
the Women's Tag Team Champions, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai. [cheers]
That's your champions.
Before we get to the celebration,
you know, I think that we all need to address
the Irish elephant in the room.
Yes.
Yes, I did beat Becky Lynch.
And I'm not saying that it was easy,
because she's one of the best in the whole world,
but it sure as hell was fun. [laughs]
And the best part is that I did it all by myself.
I mean, come on, guys. This is getting unfair.
I'm so damn good. I beat everyone.
I beat Becky. I beat everyone.
[Becky Lynch's music plays]
[crowd cheering]
[Corey] Happy New Year from The Man.
[Kevin] The man of the people has heard enough.
-[Corey] What an ovation. -Shut up, Bayley. You dope.
You're out here talking like you invented the wheel,
but you've just been on a hamster wheel ever since you came back.
It's the same thing week in, week out.
You're a coward and you're a fraud.
Unable to do anything by yourself.
See, that's the thing about you, Bayley, is you feel most comfortable
in somebody else's shadow.
It took you years and years and years to get out of somebody's shadow,
but it only took you one year to put yourself right back there again.
Because the other week, I believe, I referred to the Tag Team Champs
as your lackeys, but that's not the way it is. No, no.
It's the other way around, isn't it?
Because they're doing all the hard work.
They're the ones with the gold, but you're taking all the glory.
Well, ooh!
It's only a matter of time before someone turns on somebody else.
Becky, you shut up, okay?
I know you're just upset, because you lost.
-Plain and simple. -No, no, no.
Bayley, you see, when I lose, I don't get mad, I don't get upset.
I get better.
[crowd cheers]
You did bring up a good point
that this all started back in SummerSlam in nashville.
[crowd cheers]
So, how about you and me end it
right here in Nashville tonight?
[crowd cheers]
[laughs]
That's a big ding-dong. No, no, no. [chuckles]
-Because I've already-- -[crowd boos]
You guys really thought we were going to do this?
-[crowd boos] -Are you serious?
I've already beat you fair and square, Becky.
But you know what? Since it seems that you have this obsession with my girls,
Dakota and Iyo, then you know what?
I think we could fix this problem.
What about I put them in a match against you tonight?
I'll even let you find a partner.
I'm sure they would love to get their hands on you. Ain't that right?
-What do you feel? -Gosh, gee willikers,
I don't have my phone on me, so I can't call anybody.
But what did you say? Two on one?
Yes, that seems about fair. I fancy my chances. Let's go.
[Corey] No. What? Are you kidding me?
It's going to happen, Becky Lynch, the two-on-one handicap match.
This is a bad idea, Becks.
[Kevin] Truly incredible season in Nashville.
-[bell rings] -This match made official
during the commercial break by WWE official Adam Pearce.
Technically, this is a tag team match.
It doesn't really look like it right now, Corey.
[Corey] Neither way bodes well for "The Man", Becky Lynch,
who's going to fight valiantly, but Lynch is outnumbered.
This is essentially a handicap match.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch, not shying away,
not backing down from the challenge of Damage CTRL.
Big boot by Lynch.
[Corey] Listen, if anybody can pull it off, it's Becky Lynch.
This is a woman who headlined WrestleMania and defeated two other women.
The difference was… Oh!
…those two women were competing individually.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch is competing against a cohesive unit
in the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
Plus, you've always got to keep your eye on Bayley on the outside.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch just loves Royal Rumble season as well.
Who could forget her victory in 2019 and that that led to?
[Corey] Oh, big kick rocks Iyo, covered by Lynch.
Yes, hook at the leg, Becky Lynch now.
The kick out by Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Bayley just asked me very politely to convey to the viewers at home
that they were not prepared for this.
Shoulders down.
They, being Iyo and Dakota.
But being fighting champions, being valiant champions,
that's exactly what Dakota and Iyo are doing.
Dakota, going to shut it down here.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch, scouting a danger. Big elbow to Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Big boot to the chest of Dakota and Iyo.
Hip-tossed into her own partner.
From everything Becky Lynch said before the commercial break,
this is about Bayley. Hook at the leg again.
-Her words to the role model were strong. -[crowd chants] Becky!
She called her a coward and a fraud who'd feel most comfortable
in someone else's shadow.
Strong words as Bayley, The Role Model, watches on from ringside.
[Corey] Leg drop by The Man.
Lynch is carrying herself extremely well to this juncture in the matchup.
Oh, very effective all on her own.
Outnumbered, two to one.
Sky, out of the way just in time.
Back elbow from Lynch.
[Kevin] Becky, using the ropes to her advantage,
caught by Iyo Sky who's sent packing.
Now Dakota Kai, attacking.
[Corey] Oh, that's the game changer.
-Dakota, connecting. -Clap about that, boys.
[Kevin] Hook at the leg again.
Lynch kicks out early.
[Corey] As per the request of The Role Model, Bayley.
-[Dakota] Come on, Becky. -Stay out of our business.
We're done.
[Corey] Let's spend a little time talking about the kick,
right on the money, the highly-educated feat of Dakota kai
coming into play at the expense of The Man.
[Kevin] The tag team champions now going to work on "The Man," Becky Lynch.
-[Corey] Did she have just? -Oh, I don't think I hear you.
[Corey] Bayley, beaming with pride right now.
[Kevin] Just wonder when the numbers game
will start to show against Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Oh, it was never a matter of if. It was a matter of when.
This is only Becky Lynch's fault if you really want to get technical.
Lynch was the one out here without a partner
who accepted a tag-team situation.
That's on Becky Lynch, not Damage CTRL.
-Cover. -[Kevin] Cover's going out.
Bumped away by Becky Lynch. Tag made.
Here comes Dakota Kai.
[Corey] This is just an impossible task for Becky Lynch.
These aren't two run-of-the-mill superstars.
These are the reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.
[Kevin] It speaks to the belief of Becky Lynch.
[Corey] A lot of people believe the earth is flat too, KP.
Does that mean it's real? No.
-Cover here by Kai. -[Kevin] Here we go.
Dakota Kai, now looking to put away Becky Lynch who's still alive,
who still wants more.
-Tag made. -[Corey] I'll check my Twitter later
-from all the angry flat-earthers. -[Kevin laughs]
Lynch sent to the outside.
[Kevin] Chance to take a breath. Perhaps not quite.
Iyo Sky, quickly out to grab Becky Lynch.
[Corey] Trust me, KP, there will be no time to breathe,
there will be no time to recover if the champs have anything to do with it.
Because that's what this is about.
This situation, two on one.
[Kevin] It all started, because Bayley said, "I beat Becky all by myself."
[Corey] No, no, Kevin. It all started because Becky Lynch doesn't know
when to leave well enough alone.
Lynch's pride is too big for her own good.
It served her well in the past, but not tonight.
[Kevin] They're teaming up on Becky Lynch. Iyo Sky, back inside now.
-[Corey] Cover here by Iyo. -Cover, Iyo Sky.
Kick out again by Lynch.
Have to admire the resiliency.
[Corey] You should not be surprised by the tenacity of "The Man," Becky Lynch.
-It's what-- Cover here. -[Kevin] Dakota Kai's turn now.
-Kick out once more. -[Michin's music plays]
[Corey] It's what helped Becky. Wait a second, oh.
[Kevin] Michin, makes her way to the ring at pace.
[Corey] What is it? Does Michin want some of Damage CTRL?
Apparently, she's joining Becky Lynch.
-[Kevin] Does Becky Lynch… -[Corey] Does Becky want Michin?
I don't know. Probably not.
Either way, in these circumstances, you take any willing partner you can find.
-[Kevin] Oh, tags in Michin. -[crowd cheers]
Michin now at pace, taking down Iyo Sky.
Becky Lynch assessed the situation, said, "Yeah, I'll take your help."
Michin now making quite the impact on the Tag Team Champions.
[Corey] Michin showing the WWE Universe exactly what The O.C. Sees in her,
why Gallows, Anderson, and Styles roll with Michin.
[Kevin] Oh, Michin, stacking her up now for the victory.
Iyo sky escapes at two.
What is happening?
I didn't know this was an actual tag match.
[Corey] Bayley, a bit confused by the proceedings.
Lynch just dropped Dakota.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch is back in this thing with the help of Michin.
[Corey] Michin and Lynch, back in this one. Can the champs recover?
[crowd cheers]
[Kevin] Welcome back to Monday Night Raw.
We're witnessing tag team action now.
Mia Yim "Michin" coming to the aid of Becky Lynch
against the tag team champions, Dakota kai and Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Scorpion kick by Kai rocks Michin.
[Kevin] Tag made.
[Corey] Nobody in the world was more excited to see Michin than Becky Lynch
who was in dire straits at the hands of the Women's Tag Champions.
Now, it's Michin suffering the wrath of Damage CTRL.
[Kevin] Look at the chemistry on show from the Tag Team Champions.
-[Corey] Cover by sky. -Cover for the victory now.
-The kick out by Michin. -Way to go, way to go.
[Corey] A seamless transition by Iyo, attempting a crossface maneuver.
Michin, very wisely grasping her own hand,
preventing the arm and shoulders from being fully stretched.
[crowd applauds]
[Kevin] The Man of the people
getting the crowd going here in Nashville, Tennessee.
Look at Iyo Sky.
[Corey] Fantastic crossface by Iyo.
Michin, in a world of trouble right now.
[Kevin] Look of concern on the face of Becky Lynch.
Is there a way out for Michin?
[Corey] If there is, Michin better find it soon.
Cover, shoulders down.
Great counter by Michin,
realizes she wasn't going to be able to break the submission on her own,
-so force a pinfall. -[Kevin] Maybe the chance to make
a tag now for Becky Lynch who wants it desperately.
[Corey] A long way to go.
Iyo, a little too fresh.
-[Kevin] Powerful. -[Corey] I believe Dakota made the tag.
The official acknowledged it.
Michin now with a chance to bring in The Man.
But Iyo…
The tag was made. Iyo is going to get herself disqualified.
Michin looking for the neckbreaker there.
[Corey] Dakota Kai in the process of making the tag.
-Oh, wait a second. -[Kevin] There she is.
Brilliant.
[Kevin] Tag made.
-Hello. -Lynch now legal as is Kai.
[Kevin] Face first into the apron. Then the leg drop from Lynch.
A knee right on the cheekbone of Dakota.
[Corey] Face first.
[Kevin] Becky Lynch means business tonight.
[Corey] Very unusual turn of events.
Lynch and Kai are the legal competitors despite both being on the outside.
[Kevin] Just hammering the face of Dakota Kai into the barricade.
Iyo sky's turn.
[crowd chants] Becky!
[Corey] Lynch right now with the fire inside,
bringing the fight to the Women's Tag Team Champions
and now The Man making the climb to the high-rent district.
[Kevin] Throwing the legal competitor back inside the ring.
[Corey] Dropkick connects.
[Kevin] This could be it for Becky Lynch and Michin,
and the kick out by Dakota kai.
[Corey] A testament to the toughness and grit of Dakota kai.
[Kevin] Stunned look on the face of Lynch, in disbelief.
[Corey] Becky bulldozing Dakota into her own corner.
Look at once again at The Man soaring from the top rope.
Dropkick on the mark and now Michin and Lynch,
little tandem offense incoming.
[Kevin] Look at them combined.
We didn't expect this tonight.
[Corey] Double superplex.
[Kevin] Bayley is concerned and rightly so.
Cover, hook of the leg for the victory,
-and look who's there. -[Corey] Iyo keeps this one alive.
[Kevin] But, barely.
[Corey] Take a look at this again.
"Michin" Mia Yim and Becky Lynch working together.
Becky wants the manhandle slam. Shotei rocks The Man.
[Kevin] Dropkick then by Michin.
Sends Iyo Sky flying.
[Corey] Dakota Kai and Michin across the top rope.
Yikes.
[Kevin] Mia Yim now, Michin looking for the victory,
and Bayley's intervention
as Mia Yim, eat defeat.
[Corey] Oh, Michin took her eyes off the prize,
and Lynch has had enough of Bayley.
[Kevin] Relentless in the pursuit of Bayley, but back inside we go.
-[Corey] Over the moonsault. -One… two… three.
-That does it. -[bell rings]
[damage ctrl's music plays]
[announcer] Here are your winners, the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions,
Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky.
[Corey] What's that old saying about chaos being a ladder?
That's exactly what we just saw from Damage CTRL.
Drawing the ire and the attention of "The Man" Becky Lynch,
and who gets the last laugh yet again?
The Role Model and the Tag Champs.
[Kevin] Michin was rolling here late. Certainly was.
[Corey] Head scissors takedown, driving Dakota Kai face-first into the canvas.
Nearly ended it, but Bayley would rear her head and set…
[Kevin] There's the tag that was made in the corner.
As Becky Lynch is just hammering away at Bayley.
[Corey] Mia Yim would hit eat defeat, but in doing so,
opened the door for the over the moonsault
from the genius of the sky.
Another big-time win for the Tag Champs
and Damage CTRL as a whole.
-Welcome to 2023. -[shouting indistinctly]
A huge win here for Damage CTRL tonight
and someone else looking for a huge win in Nashville.
My guest at this time, Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Ha, ha, ha.
Nashville, who's ready to sing tonight?
-[crowd singing Seth Rollins' music] -Mmm. Mmm! Mmm!
2023 already looking a lot like 2022.
The Bloodline here trying to take over my show.
Austin Theory trying to take my spot.
Cathy Kelley, as long as I am breathing, as long as I am bleeding,
breathing, doing it all,
Monday nights belong to me.
In just a few minutes, so will that United States Championship.
Now, Austin Theory, he's going to do everything in his power
to hold on to that title and I dig that, I do, because that's how much
the United States title means.
I dig that.
As good as Austin Theory is, and as good as he's going to be,
there's one thing that he ain't,
and that's me.
Because I am a visionary. I am a revolutionary.
I am Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Party on Broadway tonight.
[Kevin] He certainly showing no signs of it,
but Austin Theory claiming earlier
that he is well and truly under the skin of Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
Saying, "Seth is in the past, everyone knows I am The Now."
It's the United States Championship that's on the line tonight
in our main event on Monday Night Raw.
Austin Theory versus Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
WWE is delighted to be back in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee.
Tonight we're at the home of NHL's Predators at the Bridgestone Arena.
Always a brilliant city. Thrilled to be here tonight.
KP, if you survive tonight on Monday Night Raw,
I'm going to take you out on Broadway
and show how the Nashvillains really do it.
It's a hell of a town. Always a good time to be here.
[announcer] Please welcome multiplatinum Grammy-nominated country music
singer-songwriter Jimmy Allen.
[Kevin] Brilliant to have Jimmy Allen here tonight,
his tracks "Down Home" and "Freedom Was A Highway"
with the official themes of tribute to the troops.
[Corey] Multiplatinum Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter here
to get a view of the action tonight and it has not disappointed.
[Kevin] He certainly had a view of this tonight.
A championship match for the Raw Women's Championship
between Alexa Bliss and Bianca Belair, but this is when things got creepy,
to say the least, Corey Graves.
[Corey] Alexa Bliss having some sort of breakdown.
Something triggering inside little miss Bliss
would cause her to come unglued,
forcing a disqualification by attacking the official,
but it would continue to devolve for The EST,
a downright vicious, ruthless attack from Alexa Bliss
at the expense of the Raw Women's Champion.
[Kevin] She did not want to let up at all.
Alexa Bliss continued to come back for more.
Cut up and bleeding Bianca Belair.
Oh, man!
[Corey] And the exclamation points, multiple DDTs onto the steel ring stairs.
Absolute brutalization, courtesy of little miss Bliss.
[Kevin] And as she was leaving,
the tormented look in the face of Alexa Bliss.
Right now I'm standing by and I'm hoping to get a word with Alexa Bliss,
perhaps get some insight into why she did what she did to Bianca Belair
earlier on tonight on Raw.
Obviously, right now, wanting some alone time,
but actually now is a good time to try to catch her.
Alexa, listen, I'm sorry to interrupt,
but earlier tonight you seem to have completely lost control.
Lost control?
No, I gained control over Bianca's headspace
and now she knows the only threat is really me
and that Raw Women's Championship actually belongs with me.
You know what they say, a great magician never reveals their tricks.
Maybe that's exactly what Bliss is doing.
Maybe Alexa Bliss has been one step ahead of us the whole time.
Corey, we'll never forget on Thanksgiving when Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley
decided to show up at the home of Rey Mysterio.
Well, he did it again. Only this time at Christmas Eve.
We're here for the holidays. For Christmas.
What are you talking about?
This [bleep] is not going to happen again.
-Yo, yo. I'm here for christmas. -[bleep] Get off me, man.
Leave the house. You did this at Thanksgiving.
You're not going to do it to my parents' house.
I came here with open arms trying to celebrate Christmas with the family.
-Exactly. Yeah. -Brought mami here.
-Hi, Rey. -You want to take care of this?
-Let's step outside. Come on. -You want to do this?
-Accept your present. -Come on, hit me.
-I know you want to. -Come on, hit me.
No.
What? What the hell?
What is happening? You're gonna pay for that… You're gonna pay!
Hey, police. Break it up. Hey, hey. What's going on?
-Guys, guys. Hold on. Hold on. -I have been abused.
-Can we just take a second, okay? -This is abuse.
-Look, look, look. -This is abuse.
-I need you to turn around for me. -Whoa.
-Wait, what? -Relax.
-You're kidding. -We're the ones that got abused.
I need you tostay still, ma'am. She got her hands laid on.
This is abuse and you're arresting him. Are you kidding me?
-What the-- No. Dom. -No, no, no, no.
-Don't let them take me. -Dom.
-Do not start this car. -I won't make it in jail.
-Don't let them take me. -No, no.
-Call Finn and Priest. -[officer] Step away.
Stop. No. You don't know what you're doing.
-You're ruining Christmas. -Mami, go call them.
Don't let them take me. I won't make it. I won't make it.
Sadness, it's not a bad thing to feel.
But it's that cold absence of feeling,
that's what prison was like.
You think I'm playing a game?
You think this is a game to me?
I served hard time and I survived.
Prison changes a man, and you guys might think that it's over for me,
but no, I'm just getting started,
and, mami, I'll see you soon.
[continues in Spanish]
[Austin Theory's music plays]
[Corey] Oh, you gone and done it now. Dominik got street cred now.
He's mad-dogging them.
[Kevin] It is time for a championship main event on Monday Night Raw.
And now, the United States Champion, Austin Theory,
makes his way to the ring knowing what's ahead.
[Corey] Not "and now", KP, "The Now".
"Don't talk about the future," says Austin Theory, "I am The Now."
[Corey] According to Theory, his forever reign is just beginning.
Let's be honest, as pertains to WWE,
Austin Theory has mastered the art,
but unfortunately for Austin Theory, Seth Rollins wrote the book.
-[Kevin] There's no question… -You know what time it is.
…Seth Rollins is a master manipulator, but you can be sure
that The Visionary was irate after the final Monday Night Raw of 2022.
A-town down.
Taken out by Austin Theory who blindsided him later on in the night,
but he also had a war of words with Seth Rollins and managed to, it seemed
to many people, get inside the head of Rollins.
[Corey] See, that's where I disagree.
I've known Seth Rollins for many, many years.
Competed against him.
We've been up and down the roads together.
When it comes to the mental part of this business,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins is bulletproof.
Rollins can get in the head or under thes skin of anybody
he so chooses, including Theory.
[Kevin] Rollins saying earlier tonight,
"As long as I am breathing, Monday nights belong to me."
It's been said many times, the United States Champion
is the face of Monday Night Raw.
Who will it be when it's all said and done, Theory or Rollins?
[music]
[Corey] The colossal Bronson Reed.
Look at the size of this guy.
Reed showcasing power, strength.
[man] How on earth do you stop a man like bronson reed?
[man 2] Tsunami.
[Sold Out by Hardy plays]
[Corey] We're going to send a special thank you to Hardy
for his song "Sold Out."
An official theme song of WWE Royal Rumble
where Hardy will perform this song at this year's premium live event,
The Royal Rumble. Thank you again, Hardy.
I hope you enjoy it because I assure you,
Solo Sikoa hasn't forgotten when you did tonight.
[Kevin] I don't think anybody's forgotten what Hardy did earlier on tonight.
I can't wait to see him at the Royal Rumble.
[Seth Rollins' music plays]
Meanwhile, back to the main event of Monday Night Raw.
United States Championship match
and Music City are getting set to sing Seth Rollins' song.
[crowd singing]
[Corey] The drip god himself, Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
sauntering to the ring to challenge Austin Theory,
and the Champion staring stoicly at his challenger, not impressed.
[Kevin] At Birmingham, Alabama, who is going to be the United States Champion,
when we head your way next week?
Tickets available on Ticketmaster.
[crowd singing]
For Seth "Freakin" Rollins, the mind games have been there for all to see.
It was Austin Theory who won the United States championship
in a Triple Threat match against Seth "Freakin" Rollins
and Bobby Lashley.
Rollins continues to label Theory a kid,
something that has not sat well with Theory.
[Corey] You have to realize what Rollins is doing.
Those are the afformentioned mind games.
Get in the kid's head.
Get the kid off of his game and the kid will make mistakes.
-[bell rings] -[announcer] The following contest
scheduled for one fall is for the United States Championship.
Introducing the challenger, from Davenport, Iowa,
weighing in at 225 pounds,
Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[crowd singing]
And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia,
weighing in at 220 pounds,
he is the United States Champion,
Austin Theory.
[crowd boos]
[Kevin] Austin Theory wears the United States title with pride.
It's a championship that's been worn by legends such as Ric Flair,
Steve Austin, John Cena,
and tonight, who will it be?
Seth "Freakin" Rollins or Austin Theory leaving Nashville as Champion?
[Corey] Listen, I have sung the praises of Austin Theory
since he burst onto the scene on Monday Night Raw.
-[bell rings] -Austin Theory is the genuine article,
but Theory is still lacking that one victory.
That epic win that truly solidifies his status in the eyes of the fans.
Doing that tonight at the expense of Rollins
would put Theory exactly where Theory wants to be
and damn, I can't even hear myself think.
[crowd singing]
Rollins conducting his symphony here in Nashville.
Don't be a party pooper, We're in Nashville, baby.
[Corey] Listen, there's no secret to Rollins' game plan tonight.
The veteran is going to try to lull Austin Theory
into a sense of comfort to make a mistake.
He's going to try to let Theory think that the champion's in control,
that everything is going
-according to plan. -That song ain't working now.
But the minute there's an opening, the minute there's an opportunity,
Rollins will exploit it.
[Kevin] Why exactly does "kid" bother Theory so much
when Rollins calls him a kid every single time?
[Corey] Because Austin Theory has declared recently
that he himself is tired of being called The Future, tired of being the young gun.
Austin Theory is The Now.
The onus is on him to prove it.
[Kevin] Seth Rollins off to a fast start.
-Theory goes to the outside. -[crowd singing]
[Corey] Notice how cool and calm Rollins is.
Conducting the orchestra.
The battle hymn in full effect,
and the champ propelled into the barricade.
[Kevin] Having it all his own way so far
in the early goings of this United States championship match.
The experience of Seth "Freakin" Rollins,
now over 10 years at the top here in WWE…
-Oh, come on. -…against Austin Theory.
You have to think about 2022 for Austin Theory,
catapulted to the very top by Mr. McMahon.
-Oh! -[Corey] Rollins with a knee connects
to the Champion.
Theory in trouble on the outside.
We say it all the time, KP, this is a,
"What have you done for me lately?" Business.
Lately, Austin Theory has become United States Champion,
but that's all for naught because Rollins is in complete control.
[Kevin] Theory now in a dangerous position. Rollins going.
Oh, knees to the back of the neck.
Is this to be Seth rollins' night?
Is there any way back for the Champion?
Seth Rollins is just going to town here on Austin Theory.
[Corey] The challenger lighting up the chest of the Champion.
The action has continued throughout the break,
in the ring, out of the ring, around the ring.
These two looking to destroy each other
in the name of the United States championship.
[Kevin] A championship start to the New Year's.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins looks to regain the United States Championship.
From mid-air, knee connects with Theory.
[Corey] Theory wisely positioning himself under the bottom rope,
realizing he can't be pinned or submitted…
-Come on, kid. -…in that particular position.
Champion's advantage always in effect.
Rollins must win by pinfall or submission
to become United States Champion.
And Theory, waiting for his moment. Beautiful.
[Kevin] Rollins down now. Theory may seal the deal here,
may put away Seth Rollins, and a kick out by The Visionary.
[Corey] Again, Theory wasting no time raining down left hands.
Notice how Theory targeted the surgically-repaired neck
of Seth Rollins with a dropkick.
Theory called an audible to his own standard offense
to make it even more effective to Rollins.
Theory is smart.
He may be abrasive, may be borderline obnoxious,
but Theory is wise beyond his years
when it comes to this game.
[Kevin] Rollins now hurting.
You are the past. You hear me? You are the past.
Not you. Not you. I'm on top! Me!
[Kevin] Austin Theory defacing the Seth Rollins posters
-around the arena earlier. -[referee] One… two… three… four!
Saying he's past it, continues to taunt Seth Rollins.
[Corey] Listen, Seth Rollins was in Theory's position not all that long ago.
Austin Theory wants to be at the top of the mountain.
Right now he is… Oh, my God!
…as United States Champion.
But Rollins knows exactly how Theory feels,
trying to make your mark on this business.
You think I'm playing?
Trying to advance your career by any means necessary,
no matter who you need to step on to get there.
[Kevin] Look at the pace that Seth Rollins hits the turnbuckles,
taking the wind out of his sails.
"You'll never be me," says Seth Rollins. You're not at my level.
The Visionary now teeing off on Theory.
[Corey] Nobody believes those words more than Rollins himself.
Rollins believes that he is-- Ooh!
-Cover. -[Kevin] Cover now.
Hook of the leg for Austin Theory.
[Corey] Rollins believes he's the best in the business.
I don't know too many people that would argue,
with the exception of Theory.
[Kevin] Seth Rollins one of two two-time Grand Slam Champions in WWE.
[Corey] Rollins already has a Hall of Fame resume
and still has plenty of tread left on his tires.
But Austin Theory is not the type to sit back and wait for an opportunity.
Austin Theory is about taking the world.
[Kevin] Rollins gasping for air as the WWE Universe watches on,
all on their feet here in Nashville, Tennessee.
[Corey] A jam-packed Bridgestone Arena.
The United States title on the line.
Champion Austin Theory defending against former Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
[Kevin] Rollins is feeling it again.
What an end. What a main event to Monday Night Raw tonight,
and to kick off 2023.
What a start to the new year as we close in on the Royal Rumble,
and Rollins may have just cost himself the match.
[Kevin] A chance here perhaps for Austin Theory to put away
Rollins who kicks out early.
[Corey] Again, no wasted motion from Austin Theory.
Immediately into the rear chin lock.
Theory realizes this isn't going to end the match,
but he's in complete control, and he's slowly wearing Rollins down.
[Keivn] He's wearing him down, but he's also the only one
really who's been doing all the talking in this match so far.
[Corey] Oh, trust me, KP, there is nothing that hurts worse
than being verbally beaten by your opponent
while they're squeezing the breath out of you.
-[Kevin] Miss from Theory. -[Corey] Jawbreaker by Rollins.
[Kevin] Theory again not wasting any time, going back for more,
big kick from Rollins, though.
[Corey] Seth dumped to the outside.
[Kevin] A rough landing from Rollins, connected with our announce desk as well.
[Corey] Oh, Rollins being dribbled face-first
off of the announce desk and kidney-first into the apron.
Now the visionary tossed over the table again
by the United States Champion.
[Kevin] Theory has his United States Championship.
I am the champ.
You will not, not disrespect me.
[Kevin] Can Rollins get back in this?
The stakes absolutely enormous. The atmosphere is palpable.
The prize, the United States Championship,
as Austin Theory looks to retain against Seth "Freakin" Rollins.
-I am the champ! -Aw, you're--
[Corey] This has been a back and forth battle between two very,
very elite superstars.
Neither man able to sustain much of an advantage,
but here comes The Visionary.
Rollins beginning to rock and roll.
[Kevin] You could see Rollins laughing in the face of Theory moments ago,
and now flattening Austin Theory, not once but twice.
[Corey] Austin Theory eager to prove that he is The Now.
That he is exactly where he belongs as United States Champion.
Rollins looking to prove that he's not ready to give that spot up just yet.
[crowd sings]
Here comes Rollins.
[Kevin] Using the crowd as energy here in nashville,
taking out Austin Theory.
Wants him back inside, wants to end this thing now.
[Corey] Rollins looking for the pedigree. Can he get it?
-Theory, Austin. -One… two…
[Kevin] Rollins nearly had it.
[Corey] Theory a step ahead.
Rollins burys a knee.
A back breaker by the challenger.
[Kevin] Hook of the leg now. Seth Rollins for the championship.
Theory kicks out.
How the tide has turned.
Before the commercial break, it was all Austin Theory.
The backbreaker now.
[Corey] Rollins reaching deep into his arsenal,
realizing maybe it's going to take a little more than I expected
to dethrone Austin Theory, but trust me, Rollins will never complain.
Seth "Freakin" Rollins will just continue to put in the work until the job is done.
Rollins now making the climb, all the way to the top,
and Theory shuts him down.
[Kevin] Read the danger. Back up on his feet.
Now taking a climb with Rollins.
[Corey] Now it's Theory with an opportunity to prove himself correct.
Rollins changing course. Thinking about a buckle bomb.
Great power by the Champion, countered by Rollins.
[Kevin] Oh, vicious elbow connects with Rollins.
[Corey] Two evenly-matched superstars in a seasaw battle.
-Shoulders down. -Rollins, he turns it around.
Kick out by Theory.
[Corey] Rollins.
Rollins may have tweaked his knee.
Theory now trying to capitalize
on an extremely rare misstep by Rollins.
Let's see if the knee holds up this time.
[Kevin] Into the corner they go.
[Corey] Theory hanging on for dear life.
Now stepping to the outside of the ropes.
[Kevin] Oh, a big blow there from Austin Theory.
Eyes on the prize now.
[Corey] Theory taking his time to recover on the top turnbuckle.
[Kevin] Rollins at pace. Up he goes alongside Austin Theory.
-Wow. -[Corey] Superplex.
Oh, Theory counters.
-My God, that may do it. -[Kevin] The strength on show.
For the United States Championship and to retain.
And Rollins kicks out.
[Corey] Wow, what a turn of events.
[Kevin] Somehow Seth Rollins kicking out here.
[Corey] Boy, we were concerned perhaps Rollins injured his knee.
That doesn't seem to be the case,
as he executes a classic superplex
from where Rollins generally connects with a falcon arrow.
Theory was one step ahead,
driving Rollins down across his neck, and nearly retaining the title.
[Kevin] What a match we are witnessing for the United States Championship.
Our main event here from Nashville, Tennessee.
Happy New Year, folks.
What a gift this is. Hellacious battle.
[Corey] The champ is making travel plans.
Rollins, were taking a trip A-Town-- No.
-[Kevin] Oh! -[Corey] Wow.
-[Kevin] Vicious kick. -And Rollins answers.
-[Kevin] Returns the favor. -[Corey] Rollins answers again.
Both men are down. The United States title is on the line.
Who can get up first?
[Kevin] As you mentioned, Corey, Rollins just perhaps clutching that knee.
-Austin Theory also down. -[Corey] Casualties of war.
Right now the adrenaline is pumping.
Both man's muscles are aching,
they are burning, their lungs are heavy, their lungs are hot.
Rollins beginning to stir first.
[Kevin] They understand the stakes, United States Championship.
[Corey] It's about the title, but it's about pride.
It's about bragging rights.
It's about being the face of Monday Night Raw.
[Kevin] Both men back on their feet trading blows now.
[Corey] Deliberate strikes.
Both men carefully measuring each shot thrown.
[Kevin] Leaving it all out there.
[Corey] And here comes Rollins.
[Kevin] Kick to the midsection. Theory may have turned this around.
-Oh! -[Corey] Rolling elbow.
And to the base of the neck.
[Kevin] This may be the opportunity.
[Corey] The Visionary has his sights set, one stomp, new champ.
Here we go.
[Kevin] The crowd on their feet, the wry smile from Rollins.
-Wants the stomp, but can't execute. -[Corey] The knee.
Rollins has been trying to fight through the pain, but obviously,
Seth was unable to plant,
his plant leg to deliver the stomp,
Forget this! Forget this! Give me that.
And Theory is going to take a hike.
-[crowd boos] -I am the champ.
[Kevin] Where the hell is he going?
[Corey] On one good leg, Rollins going giving chase.
[Kevin] Into the crowd they go.
"Get back inside," says Seth Rollins.
[Corey] Theory was going to take his title and hightail it out of Nashville.
-[Kevin] Oh. -Superkick.
-Flattens Theory. -[Corey] The champion's down,
Rollins making the climb. From the top rope.
-[Kevin] Seth Rollins on one leg. -[Corey] Frog splash.
Hook of the leg, for the championship.
Kick out by Theory, he kicks ut.
[Corey] How?
How did Theory survive that?
Theory was thinking about using the title, ate a superkick for his troubles,
a one-legged frog splash.
Rollins got it all, but it wasn't enough to seal the deal.
Does Seth have it left?
Does Seth have one final stomp?
[Kevin] You would be a fool to doubt Seth Rollins in a situation like this,
even on one leg.
Hang on a second, Theory may turn it around.
[Corey] Oh, no. The official is down.
Seth's knee buckled.
[Kevin] Clutching his knee once more.
-Rollins, pedigree. -[Corey] Pedigree.
Rollins just needs to make the cover, fight through the pain.
Here comes another official.
[Kevin] Can he get there? He's got there.
Hook of the leg, for the victory, and a kick out by Theory.
[Corey] Unbelievable.
Seth Rollins knows he had this match won, and Seth's own body betrayed him.
What more does he have to do on one leg?
[Corey] Keep your cool, Seth, you don't want to blow this chance.
Fight through the pain, Rollins has target acquired again.
[Kevin] Wants the stomp, can't get there, pushed away by Theory.
-Oh! -[Corey] Damn it.
That's got to hurt.
[Corey] Chop block.
[Kevin] Theory takes out the knee of Rollins.
-He wants to go there. -[Corey] A-town down.
-To retain the championship! -One… two… three!
Is it Austin Theory's? Yes, it is.
-[bell rings] -[Austin Theory's music plays]
[announcer] Here is your winner and still
the United States Champion,
Austin Theory.
[Corey] What a battle.
It's not about how you became Champion, it's how you remain Champion.
It's 2023.
Welcome to the new year. Welcome to The Now. how you remain Champion.